The knock-out stage is off to a flying start now, after Argentina nipped a very game Mexico, 2-1 in extra time.

When Mexico scored first just six minutes in, you had a feeling this was going to be a good one. When Argentina answered just four minutes later, it was game on. Despite several chances on both sides, the defenses held and it took an amazing strike by Maxi Rodriguez in extra time to decide it.

That’s the thing about Argentina. They have dangerous players all over the pitch. So many, they can’t get them all on it at the same time.

Mexico surprised me. It was the best I’ve seen them play. Argentina wasn’t caught looking past them, they played well themselves. It was just a great match all-around. A fine demonstration why this is the greatest sporting event on the planet.

I’m sure Germany would have preferred Mexico to pull it out, but they have to be pleased Argentina was taken to the limit. It’ll be easier to slow that offense down if they’re still dragging a bit from this match. Argentina has a deep squad, though. I expect they’ll be ready to go in the quarters.

I have no idea what it’s going to take. Germany keep winning, as practically everyone expects, but I’m still not sold. Another clean sheet, but I’m still not buying it. Sweden looked more inept offensively (and defensively), particularly Henrik Larsson, than I expected, but is it them or Germany? I still don’t believe Germany has anything in the back. Maybe I just don’t want to see.

It turned out to be an easy 2-0 win for the Fatherland after the two goals in about 10 minutes by Lukas Podolski.

An inexplicable red card, putting Sweden a man down didn’t help. Larsson missing a penalty didn’t help. Sweden not bothering to mark anyone didn’t help. It might have helped a bit if Ibrahimovic, Ljungberg, Mellberg–or anyone but the keeper would have bothered to get off the bus today.

Germany was the better team all day and deserved the win. There’s no doubting what they can do offensively. Can they stop Argentina? I haven’t thought they’d be able to stop a single team yet, but they keep managing.