I 6/15 02:30 GERMANY v PARAGUAY
Sogwipo

J 6/15 07:30 DENMARK v ENGLAND
Niigata

K 6/16 02:30 SWEDEN v SENEGAL
Oita

L 6/16 07:30 SPAIN v IRELAND
Suwon

M 6/17 02:30 MEXICO v UNITED STATES
Chonju

N 6/17 07:30 BRAZIL v BELGIUM
Kobe

O 6/18 02:30 JAPAN v TURKEY
Miyaki

P 6/18 07:30 SOUTH KOREA v ITALY
Taejon

All times listed are Eastern

it is the Sweetest 16, and we are down to the single-elimination portion of World Cup 2002.

Here are my power rankings:
1) Brazil: 3-0 first round, shakey defense may or may not become a problem
2) Germany: 2-0-1, looking capable of dismantling anyone
3) Spain: 3-0, very little trouble in not-so-tough group
4) Sweden: 1-0-2, won the group of death... over Argentina... what else to say?
5) Denmark: 1-0-2, ousted France, playing very positive football
6) Mexico: 2-0-1: they seem to be playing with a lot of confidence
7) England: 1-0-2; haven't exactly looked like world beaters, but there here out of group of death
8) Japan: 2-0-1: not the toughest group, but this is a solid side
9) Korea: 2-0-1: I still doubt their skill level, but their energy is tremendous
10) Ireland: 1-0-2: playing with heart and passion
11) Belgium: 1-0-2: Wilmots is a star, playing solid -- but not great...a tough team to beat
12) Italy: 1-1-1: The slow starters a fortunate to get through... seem to be "playing possum."
13) Senegal: 1-0-2: played splendid first 2.5 games, exposed in 2nd half vs. Uruguay and nearly blew it
14) Turkey: 1-1-1: through on a tiebreaker, this is still a dangerous side
15) Paraguay: 1-1-1: in almost by default, or so it seems... can play great attacking ball
16) USA: 1-1-1: BEEP BEEP BEEP... that's the sound of the USA backing in...but they're HERE!

Some notes:
Of all the teams, I expect Italy to climb the most. They could be, and probably should be, near or at the top of this list. Like Argentina and France, they were stymied by lackluster play. Unlike Argentina or France, they managed to squeak through.

My favorite to win it all at this point is definitely Brazil, despite the fact they don't seem to tale playing defense all that seriously. The best way to put it is if you were to find yourself down 2-0 to Germany or England, I would say it is almost impossible to come back. Down 2-0 to Brazil, the door is still open.

On the subject of Brazil, it is funny that so many people counted them and Germany out... particularly Germany. Of course, they had cause to, but it just seems like when the Cup rolls around, they can just step it up.

Before the tournament, I posted a long-winded prediction. It's time to make the changes for the picks I got wrong, my original pick is listed first, followed by changes and comments:

1st E vs. 2nd B
Match I: Germany beats Paraguay
got this one right!



1st A vs. 2nd F
Match J: England beats France (whew� what a game!)
Well, England will face a tough test from Denmark, but I have to see them through


1st F vs. 2nd A
Match K: Argentine beats Denmark
Hmmm, this became Sweden vs Senegal, and Sweden should roll.


1st B vs. 2nd E
Match L: Cameroon beats Spain (don�t underestimate African sides� Spain always chokes)
oops! I understestimated the Irish... but I don't seem them getting by Spain.


1st G vs. 2nd D
Match M: USA beats Mexico (I�d love to see this one� call me a hopeless dreamer)
Well, this one Does happen!!! Woo-Hoo. Should I stick with the USA? Not if they don't step up and start playing much better. Mexico just looked Solid in thier group. Damn, should I go with my heart or with my head?

1st C vs. 2nd H
Match N: Brazil beats Belgium
you bet they do!


1st H vs. 2nd C
Match O: Turkey beats Japan (Turkey is surprise team of tournament)
I'm going to stick with this pick. I don't know why... call me crazy

1st D vs. 2nd G
Match P: Italy beats Portugal (unless Figo gets rejuvanated)
...except its Korea going through. I just think Italy will be too much for the incredibly energetic Koreans

Quarterfinals
same deal, my original pick first, with changes and comments:

J vs N
England beats Brazil (I told you I had a hunch)
HA!!!! Not any more. Brazil all the way.


I vs M
Germany beats USA (what I�ve give for the opposite result)
either it's Our Boys or Mexico... whatever the case, Germany wins


L vs P
Italy beats Cameroon (good run for the Lions)
But it'll be Spain vs. Italy. Wow, what a matchup this could be. I think Spain's time has come.

K vs O
Argentina beats Turkey
Oh boy!. Sweden takes to spot, and beats Turkey.

Semifinals


Argentina beats England (this would be a titanic showdown!)
NOPE! it's Brazil over Sweden (the two met in the semi's in '94)


Italy beats Germany
Germany will beat Spain in a great showdown


Final
Argentina (don�t cry for me!)
BRAZIL!!!!