World cup is beautifully poised, isn’t it? My predictions have been fairly decent. I’ve got quite a few things right – France got eliminated in group league stage, Japan got to the second round ahead of Denmark & Cameroon (one of you said you’ll eat your hat if this happened), Chile made it to the second round, Brazil and Argentina are going strong. I’ve got 5 out the final 8 teams right. The teams that failed me were England, Mexico and Italy. But in this topsy-turvy world cup, I thought my predictions have been pretty decent.

I had said that Brazil would beat Netherlands in the quarterfinals and it would be a fairly easy win for Brazil. Also, I had said that Argentina would beat Germany in the quarterfinals. I’m still holding on to those predictions. Anyway, let’s look at all those four quarterfinal matches to make some quick crystal balling:

Brazil vs Netherlands

Nothing’s changed. I still think Brazil would overwhelm Netherlands. Brazil are having a brilliant world cup. They have been nothing short of brilliant. There’s a widespread feeling that this Brazilian does not have flair etc. I don’t buy into that. The way I see it, they are playing brilliant football with some devastating moves. So far, in this world, they have played the best football. What makes them a very strong favourite is the fact that they have a very good and pacy defenders and a top class goal keeper at the back. Also look how they peaking at the right time in this world cup.

Netherlands have done reasonably well but they really have not been tested so far. I have my doubts about this Dutch defence coping with the quality of Brazilian attack. I don’t see them holding the Brazilian attack goalless for 90 minutes. On the other hand, the Brazilian defence can hold the Dutch attack. Arjen Robben certainly would do good to retain his respect for Lucio and Julio Cesar after the champions league final. As far as this quarterfinal match goes, I think this would be an easy win for Brazil. The joy of Brazilian football is back!

Uruguay vs Ghana

This is anybody’s match. Whoever could hold the nerves better could win it. I have a feeling that Uruguay could edge this contest. All through this tournament, I’ve seen that the African teams are bit mentally and psychologically weaker. They seem to drop their shoulders bit too early, become too desperate and deviate from their tactics. Ghana’s goals and chances have come primarily due to individual efforts rather than team work and smart open play. If Uruguay had keep the Ghana striker quiet, that would mean Uruguay winning half the battle.

Diego Forlan is the key. I can’t see him not scoring in this match. It’s for this man, Diego Forlan, I want Uruguay to win this match. He’s given it all for his team. He and Suarez together are very difficult to contain. I would be happy for Michael Essien if Ghana wins but Uruguay do have the edge on an overall basis.

Germany vs Argentina

Germany have been attacking very well. Their midfield and forwards seem to play like they all play for the same club all these years. They can test any defence and Argentina’s defence have been a bit suspect. Germany are certainly finding the net, twice or more. Probably, this is the match where Maradona would repent for not having brought Zanetti and Cambiasso along with him. On the other hand, even Germany’s defence is equally suspect. Look at the Matthew Upson goal to see how poorly Germany can defend in a world cup match.

This Argentina team has been lauded for how their ‘scintillating’ performances and they keep cutting down on the odds after every match. Honestly, I’ve not been too impressed with them. I’m yet to see one brilliant goal from team play from this Argentina team. All their goals have been from set pieces, individual efforts, off sides etc. If they can win the world cup this way, good for them. But I think the way they have played so far indicate that they aren’t so special and they are a bit overrated in this world cup. The way they have played until now, there is not enough width in their style of play and Messi is playing a bit deeper than usual. I think Germany would find this comfortable to negotiate.

Germany may not attack Argentina as freely as they did against the other teams. The Argentina forwards have got pace, skill and power in abundance. This is a cracker of a match. This would be the toughest prediction of this world cup. All said, I do think Argentina would nick this one.

Paraguay vs Spain

As per my original predictions, I expected Spain to get knocked out in the quarterfinal stage. That’s because I thought they would face Italy here. Do I still think Spain would get knocked out to Paraguay? Not really but this is not a walk over for Spain. I know that, like Argentina, Spain are being hailed as a top favourites because of the football they have played in this world cup. That puzzles me. Yes, they have made a billion passes and had a million shots but despite having David Villa and Torres, I think they lack the cutting edge. They cannot forever depend on David Villa. Even that goal against Portugal was an offside goal. No one wants to talk about that because Spain are a critics favourite.

While Spain do have lots of possession, their conversion ratio from possession to goal threats is low. When I say goal threat, I’m talking about real goal threats and not just shots on goal. Paraguay are not rabbits. I’m sure they will give it their best shot but I think Spain would still go through. But I won’t surprised if Paraguay completes the fourth South American slot in the semi finals in this world cup.

So, predictions aside, what do I want to see? I want all South American teams to progress and a classic Brazil vs Argentina final and Brazil as deserving world champions. Enjoy your world cup, it’s not gonna last too long!