My predictions and explanations:
Uruguay vs South Korea - Not a prediction because the match already occured.
Argentina vs Mexico - I didn't think Diego's Argentina would be that good because of their poor performances and almost not qualifying during the qualifiers, but held together by Lionel's play-making abilities, I'm confident that Argentina SHOULD win, but it is highly possible that Mexico could shock. In fact, if it happens, I wouldn't be surprised. Dos Santos could help lead Mexico to a win. To be fair we've seen that the Argentina's defending is very shakey at times. If Mexico can exploit that then who knows, but obviously Argentina's attack is far superior to Mexico's. But we shall see. I'll give Argentina the narrow edge.
Ghana vs USA - Not a prediction because the match already occured.
England vs Germany - Germany will win, nightmare draw for England, just shows you how important winning the group was. Germany just really matches up well against England. Ozil's precision passing along the midfield will burden England for sure. They will have problems containing Germany in the midfield with no true and internationally tested holding midfielder. Schweini will have a key role again and he has been massive this season. Although, the game could really go either way. For some reason I think that England (as always) will end up losing in a penalty shoot-out. Unfortunately for England happens all the time.
Netherlands vs Slovakia - Holland, who usually start in great form, were slow starters but are one of the rare teams to have won all their group games at the time being. They face Slovakia who surprised many, if not the whole world, by knocking out Italy. Of course Holland has better players and should win this. However it won't be the first time the Dutch slipped up against lesser opposition, especially when one of the big guns is in the next game, they sometimes overlook the task at hand (e.g. Denmark '92 and Russia '08).
Paraguay vs Japan - Kind of a close call..These teams are very equal in my eyes. But it's time for a South American team to go home. :P I think Japan will edge it out either 2-1, 1-0, or from a free kick (they've been amazing at those this World Cup). Possibly a penalty win.
Brazil vs Chile - Brazil will frustrate the very aggressive Chileans. Brazil plays a very relaxed style of football at time and Chile is always on the attack. Brazilian midfield and defense will frustrate them, and I can see Brazil edging out 2-0 with goals from Luis Fabiano and Robinho.
Spain vs Portugal - On paper, Spain SHOULD bury Portugal in this game, but I really want Spain to go home and Portugal to come out with a big upset and wipe that grin off all of the people that like Spain's face. As much as I don't like Cristiano Ronaldo, I dislike the Spanish national team more. -.- Portugal's defence has not been breached so far, it will be interesting to see how they cope with David Villa. Spain's Torres is SOOOO out of form. Since his injuries, he's put on weight and has gotten a whole lot slower. I think Cesc Fabregras would be more effective than Fernando. Quieroz is a good coach. If he can pack up the midfield like he did against Brazil, and i suspect he was preparing himself and his team for the Spain game, than i wouldn't put it past them to beat us. Spain already play with 4 central midfielders, who all seem to get in each other's way at times, they'll struggle with players like Pepe/ Tiago throwing themselves at every single opportunity in a narrow midfield area. I think Del Bosque will start Torres, just to keep the Portuguese defenders busy, mentally at least, and stick Villa on the left again where he can cut inside.
With Ronaldo on the break, Portugal are very dangerous, especially with Pique's lack of pace. [Albiol] SHOULD be good against him but he's almost never in position.
[EDIT]: Meant to say Albiol not Alves....
