The Group Stage is over, the dust has settled and now we can see how things are shaping up.

Some dust made it through, as usual, but we’d want it no other way.

There are several teams just lucky to still be in, and a couple good teams that aren’t playing well yet.

I’m looking forward to the Germany/Sweden match. I’m not convinced the Germans actually have a defense yet, but I’m keeping an open mind. Whatever happens, I don’t see either team beating Argentina, who will get past Mexico. The Argentines have been the class of the tournament so far, and their match against Italy in the semis will be fabulous.

Unless Italy implodes, they get past Australia without breaking a sweat. I don’t care who is coaching Oz, everyone knows what the Italians are going to do and what they need to do to stop them. Doing it is another matter. Only Italy beats Italy on this side of the bracket. The Swiss and Ukraines are fortunate to be there. One will be lucky to move on. Matters little. The Italians beat either of them in a walk. Whoever it is, look for them to try the US method, and draw Italy into an alley fight. It won’t work this time.

It’ll just be a privilege to witness the Italy/Argentina match. I’d hate to call it, but if pressed I’ll stick with the Italians to get through. Mainly, hoping the Argentines peaked too soon, and the match being in Europe, the reasons. The teams are about even.

On the other side. England probably finds a way to get past Ecuador, but are finished after that. Portugal/Holland should be a great match and whoever makes it out of that, outscores England in the quarters. I’ll pick Portugal over The Netherlands, but only by a whisker.

Brazil could put their ‘C’ team out against Ghana and go through.

The Spain/France match is interesting. Somebody has to win. France should, but Spain will. Then the Spaniards will give Brazil its first real match of the tournament. I think Spain has a chance to steal that one. It’s been a bit too easy for Brazil.

That leaves Spain and Portugal battling it out for the right to play Italy in the final. That’ll be another great match. Too close to call. Natural rivals. Perfect. I’ll go with Portugal to nick it from Spain, probably with penalty kicks.

The party will be in Roma on July 9th, after Luca Toni’s hat trick. Italy wins in a classic final, and the champagne washes out some of the bad taste from the match fixing scandal back home.

Or not. Whatever happens, it’s going to be brilliant. Let’s enjoy the show.

There are still a couple matches to be played today, but I’m ready for the real games to begin. The first two matches today were snoozefests. I can barely remember who played. France is yet to go, with a fair chance of being eliminated. That always brightens the day.

But, bring on Round 2. The weekend is shaping up to be a good one.

We finally get to see if Germany has really found the answer in defense or it’s all been smoke and mirrors. Sweden has enough firepower to properly test them. That could be a shoot-out.

I’m personally always pleased when Mexico gets knocked-out, and Argentina will do that for me tomorrow. I’m not sure why I hate the Mexican football team so much. I like the country well enough. The food, the migrant workers, I think I even like the tequila if I remember right–but the memory is hazy on that. But, I do not like the football team. Adios muchachos.

On Sunday, the Owen-less England are given another match to get their offense going. I’m not sure where they’re going to find it, but they need to find a goal against Ecuador. Might be time for Rooney to get going. Hopefully, Ecuador’s witchdoctor has gone home by now. England has seen more than enough doctors lately.

Then Portugal/Holland. The news there is one of these underachievers is actually going to advance. Both are playing well enough, and this could be a cracker. Both also tend to do more fighting/bickering/finger-pointing among thesmselves than is necessary. I like both teams here, so I’m happy either way. Just entertain me.