Predictions: First round of quarter-finals

Here's a look at the matchups for the first round of World Cup quarter-finals, which get underway Friday July 2.

Brazil vs. Netherlands, 10 a.m. ET, Port Elizabeth

Thus far, the most anticipated games here – Germany/England; Spain/Portugal – haven’t provided much pop. Two cagey and deeply accomplished world sides meet in what could easily be a final. Both sides have looked purposeful, rather than free-flowing, and they’ve reaped the benefits of that. Let’s hope that result-oriented football hits a wall today. What this one needs is a goal in the first 15 minutes to open things up. If that happens, we’re looking at a classic.

C.K.: Netherlands 3, Brazil 2 (after extra time)
C.Y.: Brazil 1, Netherlands 0

Ghana vs. Uruguay, 2:30 p.m. ET, Johannesburg – Ellis Park

Africa’s team vs. South America’s new outsider crush. While many big names came here to stand around and not be counted, these two relative minnows arrived bursting with energy. Uruguay feature the tournament’s best strike pairing – Diego Forland and Luis Suarez. Ghana count on an all-action midfield to control the attack. Provided neither side seizes up under the pressure, there’s little to separate them. But Ghana now have a whole continent – and Nelson Mandela – willing them forward. That’s a formidable obstacle.

C.K.: Ghana 2, Uruguay 0
C.Y.: Ghana 1, Uruguay 1 (Ghana win on penalties)

Comments

[Nas]

No way Ghana beats Uruguay. When Uruguay turns it on, they usually win.

Also, how was the England-Germany game not one of the tournament's best? Brazil-Portugal was awful but the former game will also go down as one of this tournament's most memorable games for obvious reasons!

[Alex]

Uruguay will beat Ghana for tradiction, better players and pride

[Anna]

Diego Forlan, no D

[Max Fireman]

Uruguay needs more credit. They have made it this far and have conceded only one goal. They should roll past africa's last hope.

[andrew]

How can you say Uruguay is a minnow when they have the most international titles in the 20th century?
Uruguay 1 Ghana O

[Da Commish]

Predictions sound spot-on!

[Michael]

England vs. Germany didn't provide much pop? are you kidding me? This game was end-to-end with a bunch of goals, a bunch of opportunities and Germany on a constant counterattack...plus some controversy. Obviously you don't have a good appreciation of the game (perhaps you were cheering for England).
I watched Invictus but I'll have to say...Mandela won't help Ghana; Uruguay wins 2-0.

[Molly]

Well kinda true. Ghana did win if not for Suarez cheating.