World Cup 2010: Round of 16 Previews- June 28

Holland vs. Slovakia
The second of three all-European second round matches pits Group E winners Holland against Group F runners-up Slovakia. Holland were one of only two 3-0 teams in the group stages, besting Denmark, Japan and Cameroon. The Slovaks had only one point after two matches following a draw with New Zealand and a loss to Paraguay. But they upset Italy in their final match to take second.

The Dutch may not always get along, but when Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie are scoring goals, everyone's happy. The return of Arjen Robben gives Bert van Marwijk's troops added fire power. Slovakia's defense will be under constant pressure, and they'll look to Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to neutralize club teammate Dirk Kuyt and the rest of the Netherlands offense.

Holland are the more potent side here and Slovakia's defense has been far from bullet proof. Those two factors add up to a Dutch victory.

Prediction: Holland 2, Slovakia 0

Brazil vs. Chile
For the first time in this World Cup we will see a South American team eliminated as Brazil face continental rivals Chile. Brazil was efficient in their trip through Group G, defeating North Korea and Ivory Coast before locking up the top spot with a scoreless draw against Portugal. Chile jumped out to a 2-0 start by topping Honduras and Switzerland before a loss to Spain dropped them to second.

A rested Kaka is back for Brazil after he was absurdly sent off against the Ivory Coast. With Luis Fabiano and Elano each scoring twice in Group G play, Brazil have no shortage of attacking options.

Chile's punishment for their rugged play against Spain was yellow card suspensions for starting defenders Gary Medel and Wando Ponce. With an inexperienced backline in front of him, goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will need to steal the match for Chile.

Chile actually won more matches than Brazil in South American qualifying, but none of those victories came in two meetings with the five-time champs. That trend continues in South Africa.

Prediction: Brazil 3, Chile 0

World Cup 2010: Breaking Down the Groups- Part 2

Well, I didn't exactly set the world on fire with my first set of picks (although I did get USA and England right). Here's hoping for better luck in part two of my group stage breakdown, taking a look at Groups E-H.

Group E
Standings: Holland- 6 points, +3 goal differential; Japan- 3 pts., E; Denmark- 3 pts. -1; Cameroon- 0 pts., -2
Match-ups: Holland vs. Cameroon; Japan vs. Denmark
The situation: Having both posted wins over Cameroon, Japan and Denmark face-off for second-place. While Denmark are the sharper side, Japan have the advantage of advancing with a draw. Barring a highly unlikely set of scores, Holland will top the group regardless of their match with Cameroon.
Prediction: The only group to advance two European teams will see Holland take first, followed by Denmark.

Group F
Standings: Paraguay- 4 pts., +2; Italy- 2 pts., E; New Zealand- 2 pts., E; Slovakia- 1 pt., -2
Match-ups: Paraguay vs. New Zealand; Italy vs. Slovakia
The situation: Despite a pair of lackluster draws, Italy need to only a win in their final match to move on to the knockout phases. But their struggles have allowed Paraguay to seize control of the group; a win over New Zealand will see the South American outfit claim the top spot, and a tie sees them through as well.
Prediction: The Kiwis magic runs out as Paraguay takes first, followed by Italy. The results mean Holland face Italy in the Round of 16.

Group G
Standings: Brazil- 6 pts., +3; Portugal- 4 pts., +7; Ivory Coast- 1 pt., -2; North Korea- 0 pts., -8
Match-ups: Brazil vs. Portugal; Ivory Coast vs. North Korea
The situation: While not technically eliminated, there's no way Ivory Coast are making up nine goals on Portugal. So with Brazil and Portugal assured of going through, it should lead to an open, entertaining match to determine group supremacy. Even with Kaka suspended following an absurd sending off, the world's top ranked team have shown no indication that they'll drop a match here.
Prediction: Brazil stay unbeaten, with Portugal taking second.

Group H
Standings: Chile- 6 pts., +2; Spain- 3 pts., +1; Switzerland- 3 pts., E; Honduras- 0 pts., -3
Match-ups: Chile vs. Spain; Switzerland vs. Honduras
The situation: Chile may sit a top the group with six points, but their position is far from safe. Their failure to improve on a 1-0 scoreline against a weak Honduras side and a Swiss squad that played a man down for much of the match may be their undoing with the goal differential tiebreaker. With Spain and Switzerland both favored, we may see three teams finish with six points. The odd men out would be the first team ever not to reach the knockout stages with five or more points.
Prediction: A win for Spain puts them top of the group, setting up an all-Iberian showdown with Portugal. The punchless Swiss can only manage a draw against Honduras and Chile takes second.

World Cup 2010: Group F Preview

You won't hear any complaints coming out of the defending champs' camp, as the Italians have been paired with unfancied New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia. While the Azzurri should advance, the battle is on for the second sport in the round of 16. Here's my take on Group F.

Italy will look to recapture the magic of their 2006 title run quite literally, with a roster heavy on World Cup veterans. Among the returning talent is goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who allowed only an own goal and a penalty kick four years ago. Captain Fabio Cannavaro is no spring chicken at age 36, and a 2-1 friendly loss to Mexico last week re-inforced the sentiment that this side has jumped the shark. But with no major threats looming in the group, Italy will hope to conserve some energy for the knockout rounds, where they'll need it against stiffer competition.

For the first time since the early '90s break-up of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia has advanced to the World Cup. Offensive-minded midfielder Marek Hamsik, coming off a 12-goal campaign with Serie A Napoli, is the biggest scoring threat. Rugged Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel marshalls the back line. In a country best known for hockey, the Slovaks will bring a similar rugged mentality to the World Cup.

Somewhat quietly, Paraguay has reached the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time. The South American outfit actually won more games in qualifying than Argentina or Brazil. With Roque Santa Cruz a shell of his former self and gun violence knocking Salvador Cabanas out of the tournament, the Albirroja will rely on Benfica big man Oscar Cardozo to put the ball in the net. Their match against Slovakia will be the group's key fixture.

Under the category of "just happy to be here," New Zealand are the longest of long shots. The nation did advance to the final of the biggest sporting event ever held in South Africa. Unfortunately that was the Rugby World Cup. If the All Whites employ the go for broke style they showed in a 4-3 loss to Italy in last year's Confederations Cup, their matches should at least be entertaining. The offensive catalyst is striker Shane Smeltz.

Prediction: Aging Italy takes first, but not without a challenge from Paraguay and Slovakia. Slovakia have been the better side of late, so I'll slot them into the second slot.