Observations, Predictions and Pitfalls for the 2010 World Cup (Pt 3):

1. Who advances from the groups?
Group (1st, 2nd)
A. France, Mexico
B. Argentina, South Korea
C. England, Slovenia
D. Germany, Serbia
E. Holland, Cameroon
F. Italy, Paraguay
G. Brazil, Portugal
H. Spain, Honduras

2. Why so few African teams advancing? Historically, an African team does not advance in the next Cup it plays in, but at least one African team advances. That means pick South Africa, Algeria or Cameroon to advance. I choose the best of those 3 although South Africa is tempting. But betting against Mexico not advancing from group play is like not picking Duke to the Sweet 16. The host nation has always advanced, but I would not hold my breath.

3. Why Honduras? Honduras, Chile and Switzerland will all lose to Spain and then will all tie each other for a 2-point logjam. Honduras advances on goal differential thanks to a Carlos Pavon goal scored on Spain and will be the only goal scored on Spain in group play. Besides, at least 1 CONCACAF team has to advance and if Mexico and the US do not, then VIVA HONDURAS!

4. Beauty matches in Round of 16:

• Argentina vs. Mexico
• Spain vs. Portugal

5. Beauty matches in the Quarterfinals (all of them – these all look like championship matches!):

• France vs. England
• Holland vs. Brazil
• Argentina vs. Germany
• Italy vs. Spain
• Fantasy Quarterfinal Match: Mexico vs. US – if the US beats Germany and Mexico beats Argentina. But, it is fantasy. One may happen, but not both.

6. My Semi-Final Matches:

• England vs. Brazil
• Argentina vs. Spain

7. My Pick for the Final:

• England vs. Argentina