The Odd One Out...

So we're almost at the Quarter-final stage of the 2010 World Cup, currently being played-out in South Africa.

England are out (boohoo), the USA went down to the last African Nation (Ghana), both finalists from the tournament in '06 fell embarassingly short and four previous champions have made it to the last 8.

Most surprising of these elite teams is Uruguay - winners in the inaugrual 1930 competition and then again in 1950. The year of Uruguay's second victory was remarkable for the absence of the banned Germany (who had found themselves involved in something of a scuffle on the international scene). Since that year of non-participation, the Germans have reached the last eight every single time. They go into their clash with Argentina (one of 3 undeniably salivating contests) a young and vibrant team, capable of pulling what many pre-tournament detractors would describe as an upset.

Diego Maradona's Argentina are good, but are they grounded enough to go the distance? This writer thinks not - Germany, if they play with half the pluck and guile, not to mention rampant opportunism, that sunk the English they will find themselves in the Semi finals yet again.

Assuming things go to form, Paraguay will find either Spain or Portugal (the only team yet to concede a goal in this World Cup) waiting for them in the last 8.

I lke Portugal to undo the Spanish and batter Paraguay to set-up a rematch of the third place play-off of '06 that saw them finish in fourth.

Brazil take on the Dutch in what promises to be a fire-cracker of a clash. I want to Dutch to win very, very badly, but can't help but feel that Brazil - despite shipping a goal to N. Korea and another to an injury-hit Ivory Coast side - have an air of inevitability about them. But Six stars on one badge is just a little silly.

Much better it be three for Uruguay, who have the easiest route to the Semis and are thus the odd one out...

Diego Forlan's men should beat Ghana to play either their South American rivals (whose gameplan they understand better than anybody) or the Dutch who, by this point are usually stoned enough to think that pressing the big red do-not-push-me-I'm-the-self-destruct-button button, is a good idea.

And that would leave Uruguay in the final to play...

I kind of hope Germany, but I wouldn't begrudge the Argie-bargies a bit of luck, nor either Iberian team.

Not long to go now. Buckle up!


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