It's hard to imagine anyone beating Argentina right now. They look dangerous. They settled for a draw today against Holland, b/c they didn't need to win... I would like to see those two sides compete when a win is the only way to go through.

I think Argentina beats Mexico 3-1 and then plays England in the Quarterfinals! Then maybe Brazil? They've got a tough road to the final.

It would be interesting to see what would be the outcome too see argentina play holland when it really mattered. Right now it looks as if these two teams are the top two in the world cup. Either one of these teams looks as if they have everything needed to win the world cup. Being a United States fan, i just hope good football is played through-out the rest of the cup, and that the refs dont get carried away thowing players off the pitch. One of these teams is going to win the cup! And i just have a feeling holland might get their first.

Well i have been inpressed with two teams and that Spain, and Portugal. Well the last game Spain played was with Tunsia. They were down 1-0 until the 71 min and came back and scored 3 goals in about 12mins period. Even with their skill level up top with F. Torres. I think maybe this is Spain year to be the blackhorse to win. But their still the top teams like Brazil, Argentina, England, And the host team Germany.
That my picks but its up to the players to play for what they have been waiting for the entire life to do. To win the World Cup.

I have also been impressed with Holland's cohesiveness and organization throughout the defensive end and into the midfield. Their shape and dicipline is excellent. They are capable, but I question their attacking form going into the knockout rounds and coming up against a top team. Robben is phenomenal going forward, but sometimes to the detriment of team play when he gets too caught up in beating players himself. The service their front players have seen thus far, has been less than they'll need in the coming rounds. Van Persie did not look sharp against Argentina, etc. With a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro, 2-1 over Ivory Coast and 0-0 with Argentina, they just haven't shown any dominant performances they way some of the other teams have (Spain, Argentina, Germany). That said, defensive shape goes a long way in the World Cup. You can't lose if the other team can't score, and the orange have only conceded once thus far.

Argentina, Spain and Germany look like the biggest dangers to Brazil right now for my money.

Brazil's official hot now. They ran over Japan in the second half

I think we all know Brazil is going to take the WC. Actually it depends how much they want it. Because if you've noticed Brazil hasn't played up to their potential. If they decide to play their game, then they will take the WC.

So far watching the commentating by the American Sportscasters (former us national team members) has been appauling. I get so tired of hearing the has beens criticize the play of top players in the world such as Beckam and Ronaldo. These people making comments such as where has Ronaldo been, he's over weight, he can't move around is ridiculous. How about Ronoldo in the match against Japan? These commentators only wish they were as good as Ronaldo is now when they themselves were in there prime. So please keep your opinions to yourself and let the Americans watch the games enjoyably or we will watch the retakes on Telemundo.

the commentators on espn have really been bad. in englands opener they called england germany. called beckham - Micheal Beckham and in another game they talked about the champions league final between Chelsea and Barcelona. it wasnt till much later that he corrected himself and said Arsenal. Im also dissapointed in the lack of critiscm that has come Bruce Arenas way. The commentators have talked about a lack of heart on the players part, but have yet to really question why so many players were out of position. Why was Donovan not in midfield? why did beasley play on the right side in the opener? Reyna has been more of a playmaker for opposing teams yet not till he is injured does Dempsey come on and he scores. Where was Eddie Johnson? he played great in the opener but then we never see him again. Arena should question himself before doubting his side next time.

Well, you knew Brazil was going to turn it on right at the end of group play and gear up for the knockout rounds, it's their typical pattern. They go through the group like a cat toying with a mouse for it's own amusement before tiring of the game and finishing it off. Once they advance, they know it's no longer play time and they get down to business.

Ghana deserve to be in the second round, earning their place in the 16 with grit, dicipline and some attractive football but be ready for Brazil to really start showing their class.

Italy got the job done against the Czech's, but could have been more forceful against a team that was injury-laden going in and ended up a man down.

Spain has 3 wins in three games. Despite the history, they look dangerous. Of course they could face France in the second and choke. That is, if France even makes it to the second round.

Bruce Arena needs to retire. The game has evolved way too fast to keep his style of play in motion. Several players on the team should go with him. When Pele hit 35 didn't he come to America and retire his boots in the NASL? The US has thousands of young talented players to choose from. Players with great speed. The speed of the game is leaving behind most of the current US players. How about John Harkes for National Team Coach?

i agree with spain. if anyone has the firepower to beat brazil, its going to be them. i honestly wanted england to win it all, but with all their injury problems they have a hard road ahead. it is a tragedy that michael owen is hurt once again. i think they are going to put gerrard up top if they need to. i dont get why they chose that 17 year old striker and not jermaine defoe. he has much more experience.

Spain, Germany and Argentina are still the teams that look best equipped to challenge Brazil.

I was surprised to see Argentina struggle with Mexico, but I also questioned the line up they used. With Messi and Tevez being in such good form, I wouldn't have waited to bring them in so late in the game.

England are still struggling to find form, and I agree with Steve that injuries and their choice of reserve strikers is coming back to haunt them.

As for the US, funny James should mention Harkes. He's already coaching at the junior level and has made no mistake about his aspirations. I loved Harkes as a player and had the pleasure of meeting him once when he was still playing in the premiership. I was impressed both with his willingness to talk to a bunch of college players for a good 40 minutes after an exhausting training session, and with his display of leadership in the company of European players he was playing with at the time.

I can't say a bad thing about him, but what I will say is that I think it's time the US does what the rest of the World does and bring in a big name from Europe that has proven the ability to take an aspiring nation to the next level. But I will leave that discussion for another post (expect it soon).

Do you have more great artclies like this one?