Wow, in the last 24 hours I've gotten hits from the UK, the USA, New Zealand, South Africa and Singapore. They all Googled search terms like "world cup match predictions".
Many of these surfers will no doubt have been less than impressed by my recent prediction record. After starting the World Cup off very well, I've gone into a slump in the last few days. However, I'm sure I'll improve now that the knock-out rounds are starting and there'll be no more draws. On with the predictions!
Round of Sixteen Predictions
June 24
Germany vs Sweden - The hosts look like a runaway freight train and the feisty Swedes won't be able to stop them. Winner: Germany
Argentina vs Mexico - Mexico has had a good World Cup and should be able to give Argentina a fight, but I give this one to the more talented Argentinians. Winner: Argentina
June 25
England vs Ecuador - England hasn't looked impressive at all but Ecuador have overachieved to even make it this far. My gut tells me that England will pull out a win here and then bow out in the quarterfinals (as is their custom). Winner: England
Netherlands vs Portugal - This is a tough one to call since these are two very talented teams. I give the edge to the Dutch because they're battle-hardened from having had a tougher group than Portugal. Winner: Netherlands
June 26
Italy vs Australia - The Aussies have annoyed me throughout the tournament with their cheap, dirty style of play. The Italians are chronic underachievers in big tournaments, so they're vulnerable to being upset somewhere along the line, but I don't think it'll be no-talent Australia that knocks them out. Winner: Italy
Switzerland vs Ukraine - This one is interesting. The Swiss have a rock-solid defence, but Ukraine has possibly the best striker in the world in Andriy Shevchenko. It's a tough call, but I'll go with Switzerland on the theory that a good defence usually trumps a good offence. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see this one go to penalty shots. Winner: Switzerland
June 27
Brazil vs Ghana - Ghana earned a lot of respect by beating the Czechs and the Americans in the group stage, but I don't think they'll be any match for Brazil. Winner: Brazil
Spain vs France - This should be a great game between two very talented but unpredictable teams. France have struggled so far in the tournament while Spain look to be on a hot streak so, on that basis, I'm picking Spain. Winner: Spain
Latest Prediction Results
June 22
Italy over Czech Republic, I predicted a draw (23-18)
Ghana over USA, I said the USA would win (23-19)
Brazil over Japan, I called it (24-19)
Croatia drew Australia, I called it (25-19)
June 23
Spain over Saudi Arabia, I called it (26-19)
Ukraine over Tunisia, I predicted a draw (26-20)
France over Togo, I called it (27-20)
Switzerland over South Korea, I predicted a draw (27-21)