More Second Round Previews

Portugal-Holland

This matchup has the potential to be an open, end-to-end affair with lots of goals. Both teams come in to the second round with potent strike forces which havent scored as many goals as expected, so there will be nerves on both sides. Portugal come into this match having dominated their group without playing at their best whilst the Dutch are coming off that fabulous, closely contested draw with red-hot Argentina. Both teams have versatile attacking midfielders and superb finishers upfront. Figo, Ronaldo and Simao form possibly the most dynamic attacking midfield trio in the tournament with the Brazilian convert Deco directing play from behind. Simao might actually miss out on starting if coach Scolari chooses to go with the extra anchorman to supplement an untested Portuguese defence. The Dutch will continue with their settled line-up of Robben and van Persie supporting van Nistelrooy, and the holding trio of Cocu, Sneijder and van Bommel. van der Vaart is a possible started instead of van Bommel if van Basten chooses to begin the match with a bang and try to force Portugal on the defensive early. Holland have a score to settle with Portugal (and most major footballing nations, as they tend to lose at critical stages of virtually every tournament) after a disappointing semifinal loss in Euro 2004. For Portugal, they will want to disprove the perennial underachievers tag they have earnt through years of failure, rather like neighbours and fierce rivals the Spaniards. They certainly have the team to do it; this match will probably be decided by how well the Dutch midfield trio contain Deco, Figo and co. I'm tipping a 2-1 Portugal victory.

Brazil-Ghana

A highly anticipated clash between the Brazil of Africa and the genuine article. I'm looking forward to a fast-paced attacking game which will have plenty of goals. Ghana lack the quality to really threaten Brazil, but they can probably score a goal or two. Brazil should win comfortably as they prepare for a much tougher clash against France or Spain. A 4-2 scoreline would be fair to both teams I think, though the Black Stars will disagree. Along with the Socceroos, the Ghanaians have been the surprise packets of this tournament, and they will be relishing this opportunity to take on the best; in the same way the Australians took on Brazil. The last of the African teams will be eliminated, but not in disgrace, far from it. They challenged Italy, defeated the 2nd ranked Czechs and 5th ranked Americans. Go the Black Stars!!!

Australia-Italy

The one we've all been waiting for. There are three scenarios I can envision for this one:

1. The Italians revert to catenaccio and just sit back and give us the ball. This way, Australia will have the lions share of possession and plenty of time on the ball so they can excecute all the tactics that Hiddink has devised to break the Italian defence. This will be Australia's best chance of progressing, but dont underestimate the Italians. If the score is 0-0 after 70-75 minutes, then the master divers, del Piero and Inzaghi, will enter the fray. They will throw themselves in the 20 yard box in an effort to score a penalty. Dont laugh, this is no joke. These guys are GOOD at what they do. Inzaghi is the best "simulator" I've seen. We've already seen Shevchenko produce the perfect dive to steal all three points from Tunisia; Inzaghi will be itching for the opportunity to outdo the Ukrainian.

2. The Italians will play at the level we all know they're capable of. They did this for bits of the Ghana match and ended up beating them 2-0. The amount of talent in this Italian side is so immense that Australia will be blown away in this scenario. Fortunately, the Italians historically been crippled by an inordinate fear of committing too many men forward and not having enough defenders to cover in the case of a turnover. So the likelihood of this scenario is comfortingly low.

3. Something completely unexpected transpires, like in the USA-Italy match which no-one could have predicted.

Australia will approach this one as they've approached all their matches, with controlled agression and plenty of confidence. It will be interesting to see who starts with Emerton suspended. I hope that Hiddink continues with a back three and a packed midfield in anticipation of territorial and possessional advantage. Sterjovski on the right would be a very good choice because the only real weakness (if you could call it that) in the Italian defence is on the wings. Kewell on the left, if he is fit, is a foregone conclusion. He will once more hold the key as Viduka, Bresciano and Cahill in the centre will be smothered by the fast-closing Italian defence. The scariest scenario for the Australian defence is if Luca Toni partners Gilardino upfront with Totti and Pirlo playing supporting roles rather like Kaka and Ronaldinho for Brazil. Luckily, Pirlo has been sequestered in a deep role by his coach, but if he is released to run up the field, he will be a handful. I dont want to make any predictions for this one, but it is undoubtedly a winnable match for both teams. Italy will see this match as an easy ticket to the quarters where their opponents will be a deliciously weak Switzerland or Ukraine...