Potential 2nd Round Match-Ups

I know most people want to see the big teams get through and meet in the latter stages, but which of the possible 2nd Rd ties most interest you. Depending on who finishes 1st and 2nd, we could be looking at ties like:

France-Argentina
England-Germany
Netherlands-Italy
Portugal-Spain
Brazil-Chile
Brazil-Spain

The latter, on the one hand it would be a shame if they met so early, but it could also open up the tournament. One of the favourites out in the 2nd rd

I think we could well see Brazil v Spain and England v Germany. Holland v italy would not do it for me one bit ditto france v argentina.

You warrant a detailed response to this Debbie, So. Here. We. Go.

France-Argentina - 6/10 - two teams that are expected to underperform at the world cup. Big names in both the squads but this match up wouldn't get me juices flowing as much as some of the other ties.

England-Germany - 10/10 - both teams are in the 'behind spain and brazil' bracket. There's history between these two both on and off the pitch as well. It would be an epic knock out game.

Netherlands-Italy - 7/10 - I like Holland and I'm excited about watching them at this world cup. I don't like Italy, and their football makes my eyes bleed. Because of Holland though I'm guiving this a 7. Robben and RVP should lift this game for the neutral viewer.
Portugal-Spain - 8/10 - The Iberian derby. Spain would undoubtedly be favourites for this but with players like Ronaldo and Quaresma, Portugal could spring a surprise.

Brazil-Chile - 8/10 - Chile are certainly a dark horse at this tournament. Their ultra atacking style should make an interesting match up against this relatively dour Brazilian side.

Brazil-Spain - 8/10 - Well… it’s the two favourites, but I wouldn't expect an especially good game between these two. It would certainly open up the tourament if one were to get knocked out though.

Quaresma?

He meant Nani i hope

I think Netherlands-Italy would be quite tasty. Should be a good contrast of styles.

Portugal-Spain might have a bit of spice to it, rather like a Holland-Germany game - can the little neighbours punch above their weight.

And England-Germany, while it would be very nervewracking (esp if it went to ET ), would be a great tie. On paper this would be a good chance for brave England to get one back over the dastardly Germans, but when it comes to the actual tournament, there will be a lot of hype/nerves/etc to deal with.


Those are my three picks - Euro clashes, to be sure, but it will make the tournament interesting if a few of the big Euro names go out early. I think a good QF mix would be 3/4 Euro teams, 2/3 S Americans and 2 African teams

debaser wrote:I think Netherlands-Italy would be quite tasty. Should be a good contrast of styles.

After the last EC we don't fear Italy anymore.....and therein lies probably the danger

These boards will explode if there's an England-Germany matchup, so because of that it'll trump any other match.

I think Brazil are hugely overrated, so I don't expect much from them against Spain.

Portugal doesn't seem to have "it" at the moment, but the talent is undeniably there. So I wouldn't want to miss Portugal - Spain, but wouldn't really expect anything else other than a Spain win.

France - Argentina has to be my second favorite : buckets of talent and two imbecile managers, should make for a great match