After fifty-six matches only one of the eight original seeds has failed to come through. Or is it two? I'm not sure if Mexico or Portugal was the seed in Group D.
Friday
Germany :: Argentina
ESPN & Univision @ 10a; ESPN Classic @ 4p
Germany have rolled over Costa Rica, Poland, Ecuador and Sweden. Now they are in a real match. Argentina have battled past Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro, Netherlands, and Mexico. Either team could win without calling it an upset.
My guess: Germany 2 - 3 Argentina GER 1(4) - 1(2) ARG
Italy :: Ukraine
ESPN2 & Univision @ 2p; Galavision @ 4:30p
Ukraine have made a great world cup debut. Fought through to be the least likely of the teams in the quarterfinals. They don't play physical enough football to take Italy out.
My guess: Italy 2 - 0 Ukraine ITA 3 - 0 UKR
Saturday
England :: Portugal
ABC & Univision @ 10a
England won their group and beat Ecuador, but still have their fans bemoaning their dull play. They say Lampard is not getting his head in the game, or Sven is unable to manage, or they have no strikers. Portugal have lost key midfielder Deco after the sixteen caution, four ejection match with Netherlands. Cristiano Ronaldo wants to have a lot of impact, he will have the opportunity here though he may have to win his own balls.
My guess: England 2 - 1 Portugal ENG 0(1) - 0(3) POR
Brazil :: France
ESPN & Univision @ 2p; Galavision @ 4:30p; ESPN @ 7p
France pulled the big upset of the round of sixteen when they knocked out Spain who cruised through group H. Was that the last bit of energy they had or are they just now showing their hand? Brazil have easily dismissed their inferior competition so far. Some say they've played down to their opponents instead of showing the wild skills and flair they normally favor. Perhaps then France will push them to more brilliant play.
My Guess: Brazil 2 - 0 France BRA 0 - 1 FRA