Predictions: Quarterfinals, day 2

Argentina vs Germany, 10 a.m. ET

Both sides have played some of the most flowing football here, although each side's backline has looked shaky (Manuel Neuer, in goal for Germany, has been outstanding). They can score, each with nine goals in four matches, a tournament best (one of Argentina's 10 on the board was an own goal, by South Korea). Four years ago, Germany dumped a similarly attractive-looking Argentina out at this same stage, on penalties. Revenge time for the Albicelestes against a counter-attacking Mannschaft who with their youthful quality look well-set for the next two World Cups.

Chris's prediction: Argentina 3, Germany 2
Cathal's prediction: Argentina 3, Germany 3 aet (Argentina wins on penalties)

Paraguay vs Spain, 2:30 p.m. ET

Spain has arrived right on schedule. Fernando Torres, we're not so sure. Torres has been the one question mark this tournament, but it likely won't matter here against a Paraguay team into the quarterfinals for the first time. But they have scored just three goals in four games, lowest of any quarterfinalist, and that lack of production will hurt against a classy side that will play keep-away. Andres Iniesta is having an MVP-candidate tournament, and David Villa has been lethal. Advantage Spain.

Chris's prediction: Spain 2, Paraguay 0
Cathal's prediction: Spain 3, Paraguay 0

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.

The Temple of Jabulani

JOHANNESBURG

At the World Cup, you try to get away from the zombie walk of endless matches by breaking up the routine. So this morning we went off to Sandton Convention Centre, a 15-minute drive turned to half an hour by the traffic, and the traffic-dodgers, lanes and traffic cones being little more than an inconvenience here.

It was “Penalty day” at World Football House, adidas' central HQ that might as well be called the Temple of Jabulani, with one wall racked with balls - balls attached via wires, in case anyone had a feeling to pinch one. On the wall are some truly hideous renderings of the tournament's key players. And players. Hey, former TFC almost-charter member Andrew Boyens was up there as the New Zealand rep. The Diego Forlan looked like Richard Simmons.

The press conference that brought us there was attended by a number of press shoving their way in – standard operating procedure at the World Cup media centres when the waitlist tickets are divvied out – then heading up to the podium beforehand to have their friends take pictures of them with the Golden Glove and the Jabulani.

After a short power-point demo - a Chinese journo in front of me scribbling down all the stats flashing by on the screen - it was show time for an “all-important” press conference, according to the emcee. Then they came on – Petr Cech of Chelsea/Czech Republic, former Argentina 'keeper Sergio Goycochea, and former Germany hothead/divisive egomaniac Oliver Kahn.

Most of the room clapped them on in their three-stripes kit. They clapped when Gocochea upbraided journalists - them, in other words - for referring to the penalty shootout as a lottery or Russian roulette. “There is only good luck and bad luck,” he said, and Chinese guy scribbed some more and nodded his head. Good luck, bad luck - isn't that was a lottery is?

It was pretty much a dud, in other words, and with the laboriousness of it all extended by the need to translate everything, we cut out early. We didn't even wait for the Khan to go off. He looked like he'd just stumbled out of bed and could use a shave and a couple Advil, actually. Just like me, actually.

Predictions: Day 12

France (0-1-1 W-D-L) vs South Africa (0-1-1), 10 a.m. ET

This French team, more midnight Folies Bergere show than vintage Les Bleus, has almost left town, a few days after Nicolas Anelka. And after their mutiny at training on Sunday, will they show up here? Both sides need goals, and a victory by either Mexico or Uruguay in their game, to keep their hopes alive. Bafana Bafana gets 'keeper Khune back. A moral victory? France look ripe for the picking.

Prediction: France 1, South Africa 3

Mexico (1-1-0) vs Uruguay (1-1-0), 10 a.m. ET

Uruguay's Diego Forlan has been one of the best players at this tournament so far. Mexico has been one of the more pleasing sides here, loaded with young talent, but forward Carlos Vela is likely to miss out with an injury. Uruguay gets promising young (21) midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro back. A draw puts them both through, with Uruguay holding the edge on goal differential. Sounds about right.

Prediction: Mexico 1, Uruguay 1

Greece (1-0-1) vs Argentina (2-0-0), 2:30 p.m. ET

Argentina is cruising, while Greece grabbed some life with a comeback win over South Korea. Don't expect a letup, with a win guaranteeing top spot in the group – it would be a “sin” to rest Lionel Messi, said coach Diego Maradona. Messi hasn't scored yet, but has been all over the place. That should end today. Greece will fight hard, but on form and at this stage this Argentina and especially Messi looks irresistible.

Prediction: Greece 1, Argentina 2

Nigeria (0-0-2) vs South Korea (1-0-1), 2:30 p.m. ET

Nigeria have been a big disappointment – even their fans' green and white painted chickens have been refused entry to the stadiums here - while South Korea's bright start was erased by a masterclass lesson from Argentina. Still, the Super Eagles are alive and can advance with a win, and an Argentine win. They'll miss suspended midfielder Sani Kaita, sent off in their last. Koreans are slight favourites on the odds board; this is a tough one to figure out but we'll go with a mild upset.

Prediction: Nigeria 1, South Korea 0