First of all today, apologies for no post yesterday. I actually had to partake in activities other than watching or writing about the World Cup yesterday, which was a dreadful irritance but couldn't really be helped. Although to be honest, yesterday's matches didn't provoke a great deal of excitement or debate. I'm sure no one who watched Ukraine v Tunisia would be the slightest bit interested in reading any more about it, and I think this may well be a candidate for the World Cup's biggest shitefest so far. Ukraine did the absolute bare minimum necessary to win the game, and it would have served them right if they had been caught out. As for Spain, already through, played all the reserves, and picked up the most routine of routine 1-0 wins. Two teams clearly trying to save what they have for when it matters most you may say, but it's possible that both may have underestimated the benefits of gathering momentum. Ukraine and Spain may find themselves beginning the last sixteen from a standing start, and it'll be interesting to see how they get on as both their opponents may be hitting the ground running.

This could certainly apply to the Swiss, who have gradually got better with each game. Switzerland are in fact the only team to get through the group stage without conceding a single goal, which is certainly not a statistic to ignore. Their style is very reminiscent of Greece in Euro 2004, and while they may not be good news to those of us who like a spot of goalmouth action now and again, we know that it also means they should not be written off. They had a bit of luck to help them through against the Koreans, who fans really did deserve a place in the final never mind the last sixteen, when the referee decided to allow a goal which had been flagged offside, causing the Korean defence to stop. The referee was technically correct as the pass deflected off a Korean, meaning Frei was onside, but he really needed to be up with play to make such an overrule. By the time he had arrived on the scene to inform the Koreans of his decision, it was far too late for them to react. A rather harsh way for South Korea to go, but then again they really didn't look like equalising against that miserly Swiss rearguard.

All of which let in the French, who just about took advantage and, unfortunately, rescued themselves from severe ridicule the world over. Damn. I still think they're miles short of what's required, and despite the fact that everyone will now predict a galvanised French team turning up in the knockout stage, I think they could be in for a caning if Spanish confidence holds out for another match.

So here we are then, about to embark on what we will no doubt be told far too many times today is the 'business end' of the World Cup. What that means is, here come the penalty shoot outs! Hurrah! You can't beat a penalty shoot as long as it doesn't involve your team. It's not so much the tension, or watching the relief of the winning side manifest itself in a mass pile up in the goalmouth that makes penalties great. The real joy of spot-kicks is the abject, despondent, misery felt by the unlucky losers. Tears stream down faces, consoling arms are aggresively rejected, fans just stare into space for hours after the rest of the stadium has left to go and watch the next game. Moments like this, which should be so private, brought to a mass audience of millions by compassionless cameramen. Wonderful, glorious, and delicious.

A quick preview and a couple of guesses are in order I think, as we are about to get cracking.

Germany v Sweden.
Very close this one I think. Sweden are very strong defensively, and Klose and co haven't had too much to beat so far. Klose is a canny character though, and he and Ballack might just be the difference, as they are both big match players. Sweden also seem to be struggling to score when England's defence isn't around, so I would be surprised to see them win in normal time. Every chance of a 0-0 or 1-1 here though, and the home crowd might just need all their persuasive powers to convince their men that they can force their way past the yellow and blue barricades.

Germany - just. Could well be in extra-time.

Argentina v Mexico.
Mexico are an odd team, and will probably point to regular victories over Argentina and Brazil at home over the years to give them hope. In this situation though, class usually comes out to play. Mexico may well create some chances, and it'll be crucial to this game whether or not they can take them, and they will need to be absolutely ruthless. No signs of that so far. Argentina will certainly carve out plenty themselves, and you have to think that they won't be so wasteful.

Argentina comfortably - about 3-1 I reckon.

Enjoy!