Day 2 Knockout Round Predictions

1-0 BABY! We are officially above .500 in the knockout rounds. Maybe there really is some soccer knowledge hiding in here after all (I can thank the Carolina Ascent and Bethesda Soccer Club for that). 

Three games today, three chances to keep the hot streak alive. Let's go 4-0.

Brazil vs Japan

The fact that this is a Round of 32 game is both sad and amazing. These are two teams that many people expected to make deep runs, but only one will survive the opening knockout match. 

Japan has become one of the most dangerous teams in international soccer because of its organization, discipline, and ability to punish mistakes. They won't be intimidated by Brazil and will make life difficult for stretches of this match.

Still, Brazil simply has too much quality. Their attack is filled with players who can change a game in a single moment, and I think that talent eventually proves to be the difference. Plus, the last time the World Cup was hosted in the United States, Brazil lifted the trophy. Maybe history is about to repeat itself.

Brazil 3, Japan 1

Germany vs Paraguay Besides the first game, Paraguay has looked really good. A team known for its defensive discipline came into the World Cup after allowing just 10 goals during qualifying. Then they ran into the United States and gave up four (USA PRIDE). Since then, they've settled back into their identity, conceding just one goal over their next two matches.

The problem is that Germany is one of the most complete teams left in the tournament. They're patient in possession, dangerous on set pieces, and rarely give opponents easy chances. Paraguay will make this physical and frustrating, but I don't think they'll have enough going forward to pull off the upset.

Germany 2, Paraguay 0

Netherlands vs Morocco 

The Orange Wave is back.

Dutch supporters are some of the best in the world, and there's nothing quite like seeing thousands of fans dressed head-to-toe in orange flood the streets before kickoff. The atmosphere they create is incredible, and it always feels like the Netherlands has a home crowd no matter where they play.

Unfortunately for those fans, I think their World Cup run comes to an end tonight.

Morocco has proven over the past several years that it belongs among the world's elite. They're one of the toughest teams in the tournament to break down defensively, and they're deadly when they get the chance to counterattack. The Netherlands will likely control possession, but Morocco has shown time and time again that they don't mind playing without the ball.

I think the Orange Wave will bring the energy, but Morocco will weather the storm before finding the decisive goal in a tight, tactical battle.

Morocco 2, Netherlands 1

Yesterday’s record:1-0

Overall record:1-0