Filed under: FIFA World Cup, US Soccer, U.S. Men’s National Team
The world’s biggest stage deserves the world’s best coverage. With that maxim in mind, the Soccer FanHouse crew is offering up a series of World Cup 2010 Roundtable Previews. Sound the horn! This time, we tackle the most anticipated matchups — some that will happen, some we’re pining for.
Kevin Blackistone — The game for everyone to see, including futbol novices, is the opener, especially if Mandela makes it out. He’s in frail health. The entire reason for these games is his heroism. His appearance will be like Muhammad Ali at the ‘96 Olympics in Atlanta 100-fold.
Brian Straus — Spain’s round of 16 game. La Furia Roja should breeze through the first round. Their reward will be a second-round date with Brazil, Portugal or the Ivory Coast, at which point Spain’s championship credentials and aspirations will be severely tested. Don’t be seduced by their 2008 European title — Spain has a rich history of World Cup failure and has advanced to the final four only once.
Michael Cardillo — Unless there’s a major upset, it’s had to envision a scenario where the Netherlands and Brazil aren’t playing each other in the first quarterfinal match on July 2 in Port Elizabeth. If this matchup indeed goes down, we’re looking at perhaps the tournament winner. It’ll be interesting, too, since the Dutch this year have a lot more individual flair and skill than Dunga’s well-drilled and disciplined Brazil.
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Many look back and historically rate the Dutch as the best team at the 1998 World Cup in France, but they were knocked out by Brazil in the semifinals in penalties. Consider this hypothetical as belated revenge.
It’s a shame these two couldn’t have found their ways into different ends of the brackets.
As for a locked-in group-stage game, Portugal vs. Brazil on June 25 in Durban is the best of the bunch.
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