Messi has been having good matches.... and Im hoping his goal(s) will come soon.

I have to say that Im scared with Mexico.... they are wanting revenge for the 2006 Elimination and since they are the huge underdogs in the match, they have nothing to lose... that is very dangerous for Argentina, especially since the entire World expects La Seleccion to glide through to the QFs.

Unless Argentina can score an early goal in the first 10-15 minutes, I think Im looking at losing various fingernails in this match.... and I pray that Romero has a big game because if the defense continues to have its usual blunders, I think the Mexicans will not be as forgiving as our previous opponents.

Mexico is kind of a scary team. They struggled early in qualifying but have really put it together towards the end and in the run up the Cup. It certainly will be an interesting match.

There will be some fascinating Round of 16 matches if Spain can get through (hard to believe a team in that group might not advance with 6 points). England v Germany will be a ton of fun to watch and Brazil/Portugal v Spain if it happens.

The US definitely have a kind draw but I still don't hold out a lot of hope given that we could have easily given up yet another early goal. Ghana will make us pay for that if it continues, although at least this year we seem to have the firepower to make it up.

I'm glad someone else is happy to see Italy gone. Their "acting like they've been shot everytime they get a bump" attitude and boring style of play is why so many people in this country hate the sport. It's actually quite disgraceful for a team that should be loaded with talent like Germany, Argentina, Brazil., etc.

I was surprised to see Mexico not win their last match..... but yes, they can be dangerous.

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Ghana vs. Uruguay is the first QF match....

Oddly enough for a Scotsman I think England will beat Germany tomorrow. :eek:

It'll be interesting to see how Argentina get on with Mexico....their first real test in the tournament so far. I have no doubts that they'll win...Messi to score as well.

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Hiddy-- I also think Rooney & Co. will advance.... but Im hoping it will take extra time and penalties... :D

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On the Arg vs Mex, I think that leaving Veron on the bench is a good move, the team slows down with him on the field.

The Argentina/Germany game will be fascinating to watch given both teams are playing great offensively and the defenses can be burned rather easily at times.

Only 3 more wins until Maradonna is able to make good on his promise :eek:

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An overall poor collective performance from Argentina, aside from Tevez and Higuain.... the defense is a paper tiger - Diego will have to find a way to beef up the last line if he wants to have a chance against the Krauts.

I was also concerned about Romero´s performance... I think he should have had more of an effort in Mexico´s only play action chance (which ended up in goal). With the deficiencies of the Argentine defense, Romero will have to have an impressive showing against Germany... they are a very tall and strong offense which will make us suffer, especialy with corner kicks. I pray that Diego and his coaching team emphasize this during the almost full week they have to practice.

On a final note, DiMaria needs to be benched.... he is a great player but he reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo.... nothing ever comes from him on the pitch.

Diego needs to take a few etiquette classes from Mr. Aguirre, the Mexican Head Coach. Aguirre is a true gentleman and a Sportsman... he took the defeat in a very gracious manner.

What worries me is that Diego does not seem to be fit to graciously handle victories (his press conference behaviour yesterday clearly showed this)... if I extrapolate to what he would be like in defeat.... :eek:

Well we might get a chance to see that reaction in defeat on Friday. Although Argentina has the firepower offensively and for the most part have looked as good as anyone in the tournament, I think the Germans are playing as well as any team right now and those young kids don't seem to let anything phase them.

As much as I'd like to see Germany win (I lived in Germany and learned to play soccer there so they're my #2 team behind the US) I wouldn't be disappointed if Argentina advance.

My thoughts entirely.

The score flattered Argentina and if Mexico had scored first - they were unlucky not to - it would have been a different game. I missed the German - England game but the scoreline suggests Argentina could go out in the next round.

Also missed todays Brasil game but my tip to lift the cup seem to be warming up nicely.

Yes.... I think the chances are pretty much 50/50.... the bookies had it close right after the Argentina match, I have to see what the latest odd are - but Im guessing that neither team is paying much more than its opponent.

Im afraid I have to agree with you.... :p

Argentina did not only not impress, but it must also be said that the horrible linesman did give us a huge present with the 1-0 score by Tevez..... then, the second goal was a gift from Mexico. While Im very happy that Tevez has finally scored, and his 2nd goal was amazing.... Im not sure that Tevez on his own will be able to lift Argentina to the needed level.... Messi has to have a huge game me thinks... and also Romero will have to save 4 or 5 important chances to demoralize the German strikers... else, its going to be a tough uphill battle.

Although it's the final score that counts....so who cares how badly they played. :D