Well, two out of three. In fact, what happened in the round of 16 was that every group winner beat the runner-up from another group. (A vs. B, C vs. D, E vs, F, G vs, H). Belgium beat the United States, despite a record breaking 16 saves by the Yanks' only hero Tim Howard, but the Belgians scored two in the 30 minute extra time to win 2-1. It was obvious the better team won, though it was heartbreaking for me as a fan of the men's team and as a prognosticator.
Good luck to the Belgians in their next match, though I think they will find Argentina has more offensive firepower than the United States.
What the heck. I'll go out on a limb again and predict the winners for the next two days. France, Brazil, Argentina and Costa Rica. If I get it right, I'm the Amazing Predicto and if I screw up, some fan from a wronged team can say. "Damn that Hubbard and his kiss of death!"
Results on Sunday.
I'd like to extend part of your prediction. If they do eliminate the Netherlands, the Ticos will end up finishing fourth. That would put them in the same surprising position as Croatia in 1998; Turkey and South Korea in 2002; and Uruguay four years ago.
ReplyDeleteAs for the USMNT, it can now claim to be the best national team in the English-speaking world. That's not worth so much these days, but it is progress.