World Cup, Quarterfinal Preview

Six of the previous winners in the tournament, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, England, France and Italy) have advanced to the quarterfinal stage and will be joined by Portugal and the Ukraine. Most of these matches will likely be hard fought, and are difficult to call. The cheese has refrained from making predictions (except for noting correctly that the US wouldn't get out of their group), but now this shit's for real yo! So let's start looking like an idiot

Match #1 -- Germany v. Argentina
This is a really REALLY tough one to call. Argentina has the second deepest roster (behind the Brazillians) in the tournament, and looked particularly good in group play. Mexico took them to overtime, though, and only the probable goal of the tournament saw them through. Still, they are quite a force. On the other hand, the German squad (widely panned as sub-par before the tournament) has looked quite good, even beautiful. This isn't the dour, defense/efficient minded team of tournaments past. They actually like to score, and play a high-tempo game. But, that's what happens when you have two young and fearless strikers who seem to be peaking. Plus, the German's have home field advantage, which can never be underestimated. Against anyone else, the cheese would pick Agentina, but in this match the edge looks to be in the German's favor.
Predicted result -- Germany 3 - Argentina 2

Match #2 -- Italy v. Ukraine
Here is a matchup of two surprise teams; the Ukraines because they made it this far, the Italians because they haven't yet killed someone on the pitch. The Ukraines have a bunch of guys and Shevchenko. Yes, he is one of the best strikers in the world, but Italy have an actual team. The cheese cannot imagine any concievable situation that would see the Ukraine best Italy. Certainly, what with quantum physics and all, it's possible in some alternate universe somewhere, but not this one. Plus, Italy is going to pound this team into the ground, even if they end up playing with 9 men again.
Predicted result -- Italy 3 - Ukraine 1

Match #3 -- England v. Portugal
It is no secret that England is the cheese' team of choice. And while the cheese is trying to look at this game objectively, this match-up alone makes that difficult. Here is a game between two teams who have a history of choking at the quarter and semi final level. Were it England and any of the other six team left, the cheese would have to pick against England. Same goes for Portugal. But this game can't end in a tie. Portugal have looked the better side thus far (but so did Spain going into their match with France), but England haven't yet played cohesive football. This match, the cheese believes, may come down to how well (or poorly) England coach Ericsson picks his starting side/uses his subs. England have only played one solid team thus far (Sweden) and a late goal saw them end with a draw. Portugal will miss Deco, and Cristiano Ronaldo is an injury concern.
Predicted result -- England 4 - Portual 3 (decided on penalties)

Match #4 -- Brazil v. France
It still does not make sense that France is playing this game and not Spain. Yes Spain has never made it out of a quarterfinal, but still, they looked nearly unstoppable in group play, even coming back from a second half defecit. But most of this France team has won both a World and Euro Cup, and they know this might be their last hurrah. They straight outplayed Spain in the second half and might looked poised for an upset in the quarters. Too bad, that is, that they're playing Brazil. This is a rematch from the 98 final, and not just in name as many of the players from both sides played in that game. Brazil haven't looked very convincing overall. Ghana outplayed them in the round of 16 but couldn't finish. Brazil scored three goals on only seven shots. That won't happen against a competant and veteran French defense, but maybe Brazil will finally lift their game now that they'll be playing a tough side. The cheese would love to see one more game of magic from Zidane, but he probably doesn't have it in him.
Predicted result -- Brazil 3 - France 1