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The group stage is over. Long and boring at times but hard fought nevertheless. Controversial, for sure.
The Round of 16 is over. Short and full of action, full of heartbreak and glory. More controversy followed and fans from England and Mexico are blaming FIFA for the early exit, in some ways rightfully so. Blown calls cost both teams momentum in the round of 16 games and they both ended up losing those games. Were they beaten by better teams? Yes, but one can never predict what could have happened if Lampard’s goal had been allowed or if Argentina’s was erased because of the missed offside call.
With the round of 16 completed it is time to turn the page and focus on the quarterfinals. On Friday Brazil plays Netherlands in the early game, while Uruguay faces off against the U.S. nemesis Ghana. Saturday’s games include the mouth-watering affair between Argentina and Germany, and in the late game European champions Spain entertain Paraguay. Here is a preview of Friday’s games:
NETHERLANDS – BRAZIL (9 a.m. CT, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)
It’s the five time champions Brazil against the Dutch machine that has yet to click on all cylinders. Brazil has gotten better as the tournament has gone on and are coming in this match extremely confident following their 3:0 thrashing of Chile. 
The defense appears to be the best remaining in the tournament (especially since Portugal’s exit at the hands of Spain) and the likes of Kaka (pictured left), Luis Fabiano and Robinho are finally hitting their stride. This is bad news for the rest of the teams and in particular Holland, who are winning but not in stylish fashion.
The Dutch are full of talent and belief. The fact that they haven’t played up to their potential but won every game thus far speaks of the talent available on the “Oranje” squad. The passing of Wesley Sneijder, the yet-to-be-seen scoring prowess of Robin Van Persie and the return of Arjen Robben all contributes to the strength of the Dutch. When Holland plays like they are capable of, even the mighty Brazil might find it hard to stop them. One thing is for sure: It will be an entertaining match and there should be goals.
PREDICTION: Brazil 2 – Netherlands 1
URUGUAY – GHANA (1:30 p.m. CT, Soccer City Stadium – Johannesburg)
The two surprise quarter-finalists meet with a gigantic chance to advance to a World Cup semi finals. Uruguay has not gone to the semis in over 50 years while Ghana are hoping to be the first ever African team to advance to the semi finals. Since the tournament is taking place on the African continent it would be a great story if an African team makes it into the semis.
Uruguay has been impressive. They started off slow in the stalemate against France but have improved in every game since. The trio of Suarez, Forlan and Cavani has been very effective and will present major problems for the Ghanaian defense. In a tournament dominated by South American teams, Uruguay has flown under the radar, however, a win against Ghana will get everyone’s attention.
The African heart is still beating and Ghana hopes to continue its awesome display on Friday against Uruguay. Following the win against U.S., 
the Black Stars hope that their best player Asamoah Gyan (pictured right) is fit enough for the games against Uruguay. The Ghanaian team is strong, quick and will certainly not fear the South American opponents, at least not this South American opponent. The problem with Ghana is that their buildup is great but they have missed many goal scoring chances in the group stage. I believe that changes in this game.
PREDICTION: Ghana 3 – Uruguay 2 (after extra time)
My predictions are usually way off (for some reason), however, I do believe I may get lucky with these two picks. Anyone cares to disagree, please let me know.