Not much to say...

Sorry folks, this is up later than usual, but between work, the fact that I missed today's games, and the fact that I'm still pretty much gutted after watching the U.S. yesterday, means I don't have much to say (for once)...

Thanks to all of you who have submitted comments yesterday, some interesting points and counterpoints made.

As you can imagine, the press has been brutal on both the U.S. players and Bruce Arena, and rightfully so. However, when Eric Wynalda goes on ESPN and calls Arena "fat," which he did on at least 2 occasions today (as I've been told by multiple people), then that crosses the line just a bit. The criticism yesterday from Eric was professional; today's was personal and has no place in the sports world. What's the difference between what he called Arena and what Ozzie Guillen called sports columnist Jay Mariotti earlier in the week? Regardless, Eric's been busting Bruce's chops ever since Arena didn't take Eric's "chosen one, " Taylor Twellman, to Germany. Seriously, what would Twellman have brought to the table? Anyway, maybe Eric and Bruce will square off in a cage match, with the proceeds going to the U.S. Soccer Foundation. I'll pay top-dollar for it...

As for today's games, France actually found their offense, but it's a little late for them, I believe. Since Switzerland won the group by beating South Korea, the French will now play a rested and very motivated Spanish team in the round of 16. Switzerland will play the Ukraine, who rebounded nicely from their first game disaster against Spain to place 2nd in the group. Hats off to Tunisia and South Korea for playing so hard and so well in this tournament. you did your country proud (unlike another group of supposed "contenders")...

Okay, so here we go w/ the final 2 matchups in the round of 16:

Switzerland/Ukraine - I have to admit I was surprised by the Swiss, who's defense was suspect coming into this tournament, but have yet to allow a goal. They match up pretty evenly with Ukraine, but once again, I've gotta go with my man, Shevchenko, to get his team through. This is the type of game where your superstar makes a difference. Switzerland, while solid and cohesive, don't have anyone who can match Shevchenko or Rebrov.

Prediction - Ukraine 2 - Switzerland 1

Spain/France - I think this will be the best game of the next round. You have the historic underachievers in Spain trying to escape the ghosts of the past, while Les Bleus are trying to recapture the ghosts from their past for at least another game or two. Will Zidane actually play with some energy, of which we saw nothing in his first 2 games? Can Henry continue his spectacular form? Even if the answer to both questions is "yes," I don't think it'll be enough to win. Spain has too many weapons on offense, and their defense is severely underestimated. They also have this guy in goal named Casillas who doesn't make the kinds of mistakes his counterpart, Barthez, makes on the other end of the field.

Prediction - Spain 3 - France 2 (OT)

So, of the 16 teams remaining, I correctly picked 13. Not too shabby, eh? I only missed the U.S., Costa Rica, and South Korea.

See you back here tomorrow!