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 H Preview

Rounding out the opening stages, reigning European Champions Spain like what they find in Group H. Chile, Honduras and Switizerland will serve as mere speed bumps, but those sides are focused on second place and a trip of their own to the knockout round. Who goes through? Let's take a look.

Spain erased their reputation as big tournament chokers by winning Euro 2008. Will the confidence of that win lead them to victory in South Africa? Only West Germany in 1972-74 followed up a European title with a World Cup win. But better than history, Spain has some of the game's top stars on its side, including Fernando Torres and David Villa. What they don't have is a completely healthy squad with Torres, Cesc Fabregas, and Xavi all dealing with injuries. Spain hopes the easy draw affords them an opportunity to get healthy before the second round.

Overshadowed by the bigger names in South America, Chile finished only a point behind Brazil in qualifying, winning 10 of 18 matches. The youthful roster gives La Roja its most competitive squad since hosting the 1962 World Cup. Chile play an attack-oriented style, centered around top scorer Humberto Suazo. Defense and goalkeeping are shaky areas, so look for some high-scoring affairs.

On the flip side, goals may be in short supply where Switzerland is involved. The Swiss didn't concede a goal in 2006, reaching the round of 16. But they scored only four times, bowing out in a shootout loss to Ukraine. Alexander Frei, the nation's all-time leading scorer, is the point man who Switzerland will rely on for goals. Had the Swiss been drawn in a tougher qualifying group, results like their 2-1 loss to Luexembourg would have kept them at home. But now, under Champions League-wining manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, they are eyeing the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

I can't imagine any side more thrilled about qualifying for the World Cup than Honduras. This radio call from the last round of CONCACAF qualifying captures the emotions of a team headed to the tournament for the first time since 1982. Similar broadcasts from South Africa are unlikely. Tottenham's Wilson Palacios and Wigan's Maynor Figueroa bring big game Premier League experience to the roster. Edging Chile and Switzerland for second isn't unthinkable, but Honduras have exceeded expectations just by reaching this stage.

Prediction: Anything less than a 3-0-0 trip for Spain would be surprising, but a tricky fixture against either Portugal or Ivory Coast likely awaits them in the round of 16. Look for Chile's emerging stars to tip the Swiss for the second slot, likely earning them a chance to make history against continental rivals Brazil.