I've been doing some crystal ball gazing with the help of my world cup wallchart and an over-active imagination and here are a few random thoughts:
England must beat Sweden in order to avoid a quarter-final against Argentina. If we do win the group the chances are that our QF opponents will be between Portugal or Holland (what a cracking second round match that will be).
The lower quarter of the draw (winner E, RU F, winner G, RU H) seems to be much the weakest (on current form). Chances are that one of Italy, Croatia or France will make it to the semi (probably against Argentina).
It's in Spain's interest therefore not to win their group which will send them into Brazil's quarter but instead to be runners-up and be in the weak quarter above. As they've already tonked their nearest rivals in the group this is pretty unlikely.
Holland are probably the team to feel most sorry for. They're next 4 matches could easily be Argentina, Portugal, England, Brazil (then Argentina again!).
Anyhow I'm going to stick my neck out and make some calls.
QF's will be: (bit boring I realise)
Germany v Argentina
Italy v France
England v Holland
Brazil v Spain
SF's will be: (no longer boring!)
Argentina v Italy
Holland v Spain
Final
Argentina v Spain
I know that Italy are looking wretched but I can't see who's going to beat them in their part of the draw. As for Brazil, I think that Spain are one of the few teams with the ability to beat them. Spain are the perennial WC under-achievers and I think it's time they stepped up to the plate.
England must beat Sweden in order to avoid a quarter-final against Argentina. If we do win the group the chances are that our QF opponents will be between Portugal or Holland (what a cracking second round match that will be).
The lower quarter of the draw (winner E, RU F, winner G, RU H) seems to be much the weakest (on current form). Chances are that one of Italy, Croatia or France will make it to the semi (probably against Argentina).
It's in Spain's interest therefore not to win their group which will send them into Brazil's quarter but instead to be runners-up and be in the weak quarter above. As they've already tonked their nearest rivals in the group this is pretty unlikely.
Holland are probably the team to feel most sorry for. They're next 4 matches could easily be Argentina, Portugal, England, Brazil (then Argentina again!).
Anyhow I'm going to stick my neck out and make some calls.
QF's will be: (bit boring I realise)
Germany v Argentina
Italy v France
England v Holland
Brazil v Spain
SF's will be: (no longer boring!)
Argentina v Italy
Holland v Spain
Final
Argentina v Spain
I know that Italy are looking wretched but I can't see who's going to beat them in their part of the draw. As for Brazil, I think that Spain are one of the few teams with the ability to beat them. Spain are the perennial WC under-achievers and I think it's time they stepped up to the plate.