Friday On My Mind

Did you watch the BBC2 comedy series Big Train where they had the International Blinking Championships, commentary by Barry Davies? Well this is the footballing equivalent. Which team has the cojones or huevos (is that right Span?) and will go out and win the semi-final place rather than wait for it to come to them.

Argentina have been the team of the tournament for me, because they have played with the right mindset and spirit, look how they came back against Mexico, yes Heinze should have been sent off but that may be their bit of luck for this year. Maxi Rodriguez has been my player of the tournament, not just for his part in two of the best goals but also because he seems to be everywhere, which is a sign of confidence.

Germany have had the luck of the draw and as host nation you could expect that, Poland, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Sweden are hardly the four most difficult teams to beat are they? They've also had nearly a week to rest and if they start at a high tempo I think they can give Argentina a good run for their money. I think the midfield area will decide the match, if Argentina can by-pass Frings and Schweinsteiger then any two from Crespo, Saviola, Messi or Tevez will be too good for the German centre backs Mertesacker and Metzelder. If Germany take control of the midfield they will win.

Italy v Ukraine is the match of the penalty winners, Italy with the dubious one and Ukraine beating Switzerland in the shoot-out. Italy look too strong on paper and if they come to the game with their heads right then I think they could score two or three goals, Shevchenko will be playing up front alone again and I think the back four of Italy will keep him quiet.