1. South Africa vs. Canada
After a lackluster performance against one of the hosts in their first game South Africa turned it around and achieved the feat of getting to the knockout stage for the first time in its history. They have momentum on their side. And they get an opponent in Canada that missed a big opportunity to win its group and stay in Vancouver in front of their home crowd for its first knockout game in its history.
Other than smacking around a Qatar side that went down to nine men in the second half in their game Canada hasn't really left its mark against any meaningful competition. An uninspiring draw against a bad Bosnia team and a sound defeat at the hands of a beatable Swiss squad does not inspire confidence moving forward. They lack the players to compete at this level. With injuries piling up, a manager out of his depth, and its star striker known for disappearing in big games, Canada still has a lot to prove.
As far as the game goes, I'm expecting fireworks and a lot of goals on Sunday. Matchups involving bad teams with genuine belief they can win produce some of the best games in tournament football.
I'm going with South Africa to take this one in L.A.
Final score: South Africa wins 3-2 in extra time.
2. Brazil vs. Japan
Drawing against Morocco was a positive result for Brazil in its first game. Two of the tournament's favourites were getting their feet wet and were more than happy to get a draw.
Brazil followed that up with back to back 3-0 scorelines against Haiti and Scotland. All these games were scrimmages for Brazil. No sweat football. The tournament for Brazil starts now and the first challenger, Japan, is also undefeated.
Japan's defense is resolute, and it's goal scoring prowess was evident last October when it beat Brazil 3-2 in a friendly. I think we'll see the same scoreline but in reverse.
Brazil is clicking at the right time, and it has a superstar forward that Japan won't be able to contain.
Final score: Brazil beats Japan 3-2 in regulation.
3. Netherlands vs. Morocco
It's a shame these two great teams are going to meet this early in the competition. They're two of my favourite teams to watch play right now. Both have balanced teams with few weaknesses, and a couple of superstars in key positions. I really can't separate them on paper. This is a gut decision. I think the physicality of the Dutch will be too much for Morocco.
This Moroccan team will probably aim for penalties and play a defensive game because they won't be able to keep up with the Netherlands attack if they choose to open it up. Holland has scored 10 goals in this tournament, which ranks first alongside Germany.
I believe the Netherlands will continue putting up the goals. Morocco will put up a worthy fight, but it won't be enough.
Final score: Netherlands wins 3-1.
4. USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
I'll keep this one short and sweet. No analysis needed. No background. No stats. Bosnia emerged from the weakest group in World Cup history. In a 32-team World Cup it would have been grouped. America got a very lucky break here. FIFA wants the hosts to have a lovely time this summer. This is a warm up match for the USA. Their tournament will begin in the round of 16.
Final score: USA wins 3-0.
To be updated as teams advance and matches become official. . . . .
