Predictions: Day 17

 

Germany vs. England, 10 a.m. ET

For once, everyone wants to mention the war. The one in ’66. All sorts of hackneyed history being dredged up over this one, but it’s difficult to overestimate the excitement here over this one. England stumbled into the second round, after seeming to find a hint of their form in their final match against Slovenia. Germany have looked vulnerable as well. Plus, they may be without midfield engine Bastian Schweinsteiger, who’s nursing an injury. You just know this one is coming down to penalties.

Prediction: England 2, Germany 2 (England win on penalties)

Argentina vs. Mexico, 2:30 p.m. ET

History, recent and ancient, are both on Argentina’s side today. The blue-and-whites have only lost 2 of 20 encounters with Mexico. Their last victory came at this same point four years ago. Mexico have looked uneven here – imperious in victory over France, overmatched by Uruguay. Meanwhile, Argentina have swept aside all they’ve met. The up-to-this-point player of the tournament, Lionel Messi, looks poised for a goal-scoring breakthrough. If that happens, Mexico are sunk.

Prediction: Argentina 3, Mexico 1

- C.K.; pic by C.Y.

Comments

[gumpster]

What's that translation and meaning of that t-shirt message? Such a coincidence with today's missed goal!

[Craig]

Whatever Young.

England got destroyed, and it wasn't by a missed call. Rooney is no place close to a gamer, and he's done, and to be honest, the whole squad is tired and old and slow.

Germany looked like a team of Superstars against these schleps.

[Jason]

So much for your prediction

[cyoung]

The translation: "It was not a goal", from a T-shirt picked up in Germany four years ago, and pulled out today to mark the day. They still remember, as many of us of a certain vintage do. Wonder what the next shirt says.

[Carla]

'pic by C.Y.'

...I'm still trying to figure out how you took this picture of yourself. :-/