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Home >> Sports
UPDATED: 15:54, June 19, 2006
The last 16 preview
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Today I am here to make a preview about the last 16 teams in this World Cup.

Brazil: 3-0 in group matchup. Kaka and Ronaldinho will carry the main offense.

Argentina: No one expected such a big outburst from them. Netherlands game will not make a big difference as to what position they play in. They are going to rest quite a few players in the Netherlands play for the England or Germany duel in the quarterfinals.

Germany: 3-0 in group matchup. Strong and robust while playing with home advantage, they will slightly edge over Ecuador with a back to back win.

England: 3-0 in group matchup. They will prove to be an elite after group stage.

Italy: The tie with USA slows them down, but a win over Czech will boost their chances of ranking the top 5.

Netherlands: One goal advantage over Serbia and a tough 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. If Holland could crush Argentina then they really would become one of the challengers of the tournament.

France: Will advance with a 1-1-1 record. Henry will pull out a goal against Togo and Korea and help out by beating Switzerland.

Spain: Breezy cruise, easy group. Was Ukraine a tough opponent? Spain sure hopes so.

Portugal: Though with a bunch of superstars, many think they are overrated, Mexico game is huge for them.

Sweden: The crash with England will be very critical for them. Flunk or advance, all rest on this match.

Australia: With the legendary coach Guus Hiddink, Australia is a team that can not be underestimated in this World Cup. They will be the biggest black horse and make it further than the group play.

USA: Will be through with a win against Ghana. The Italians will help them out so eventually the Americans will advance.

Mexico: The love-love tie with the tiny Angola who ranked 60th internationally is a huge blow and the big reason why Mexico will rank low in the group.

Ecuador: Amazing 2-0 over Poland and Costa Rica (5-0 goal differential). The matchup against host Germany will decide which one is the group leader.

South Korea: The only Asian team that will advance to the second round. The game against France will prove that they deserve to move on.

Ukraine: Will make a comeback with a 2-1 in group play and advance. But they stop here.

By Zhenyu Li, sports writer for PD online
The article represents the writer's view only


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