 There are just two places remaining in the last eight as we go in to the final day of the first knock-out phase - and what a day we have in store.
First up, it’s one we’ve been waiting for as the boys from Brazil are back in action and still on the trail of a sixth World Cup win.
The World champions take on a Ghana side devastated by the loss of Michael Essien. The Chelsea man’s suspension could not have come at a worse time for the tournament’s remaining African nation. Essien played such a big part to help them progress in their final group game against the USA, he must be having nightmares about being forced to watch from the stand.
It promises to be a parade of talent from Brazil today after quietly going about their business in the group stages.
Back home, Ronaldo was slaughtered by his countrymen for being out of shape and out of form, but I kept faith and backed him to be the top scorer in the competition.
I got about 7-1 at the time, and just wish I’d kept my powder dry, because after the first two games he went out even further. The two goals he scored against Japan have seen the bookies slash those odds and, if Brazil continue to progress, there is still a good chance he could claim the Golden Boot.
One of the players we were all looking forward to seeing on the biggest stage again was Ronaldinho. After another fantastic season with Barcelona, you wouldn’t have bet against him setting the World Cup alight. While it has happened so far, Ronaldinho is too good a player for that to continue.
The rest of the side has looked solid and I’ve been particularly impressed with Lucio at the back; the way he’s playing, I can’t see a way through for Ghana.
Credit to the Ghanaians for getting this far, but it’s got to be Brazil to win 2-0 today with Ronaldo bagging the first.
There is sure to be just as much interest in this evening’s action, as two of football’s heavyweights go toe-to-toe, with one heading for the canvas.
Spain have played oh so well in the group stages and Fernando Torres is looking every inch a player worthy of his £30million price-tag. In midfield, Xabi Alonso has been pulling the strings, just as he does for Liverpool, and Luis Aragones’ side have been a joy to watch.
France have flattered to deceive so far, but you just know they can turn on the style when they need to. With a player like Thierry Henry in the side you can never underestimate the threat of the 1998 tournament winners.
This is perhaps the most difficult game of the competition to call so far and I’m going to have to settle for the score draw in 90 minutes.
I’ve got a feeling France could edge it either during extra-time or penalties, but the safe bet is for the honours to be even in normal time.
That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow.
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