Quick predictions

With the top 16 settled, here are my predictions for the teams making the final four.

Ghana to beat South Korea to reach top 4.
England defeats Germany and Argentina to reach s-finals.
Brazil edges Netherlands in q-finals.
Spain smoothly through to s-finals.

The 2nd prediction is very close, and I am choosing England like in a 51-49 tilt over Argentina. And 55-45 over Germany.

Spain and Brazil are both starting not very strong, but this could be favourable for them to peak at the right time. But in fact, none of the teams except Argentina can be said to be peaking. But the arduous path means that England, Germany and Argentina will have to fight hard to get to the s-finals.

And as much as I like the Netherlands team lineup, I have more confidence and faith in Brazil to pull it off, with their newly developed defensive strength useful against the hot Dutch attack.

England will need to improve tremendously, and the only way they can match my prediction is to possess a very strong defence and be clinical in finishing. The defence is especially needed against quality opposition from the industrious and united Germans to the Messi-led Argentine scintillating attack. Argentina have the odds in their favour, and I won't be surprised if they are the ones into the s-finals.

Let's see how it goes. Argentina seems very strong, and if they are clinical and didn't pick too early (we shall observe), then they should get to the final.