One quarter of humanity.

That's how many people watch the World Cup. I just filled out my bracket, which is far more intensive than the NCAA tournament as you have to predict scores in the group stages in order to determine who moves on based on goal differential, beyond the points for wins and draws. Anyway, my bracket is crap, but I'll give it to you anyway.

Nothing terribly shocking in the group stage, except that Ecuador wins all three matches and takes Group A over Germany, who barely squeaks past Poland by a goal. In Group B, Sweden as well goes undefeated, with England making it out of group stage (just in time to get Wayne Rooney back). Argentina and Holland tie at seven points apiece, but the Argentines use their extra firepower to take the top slot in Group C. Portugal (my sentimental pick due to the greatest uniforms I've ever seen) carries Group D, with Mexico also making it to the Round of 16. I think the USA, despite many doubts (most of them credible), will indeed manage to get out of the group over the Czech Republic thanks to a win over Ghana in the final group game; Italy scores a barrage to sail into the knockout stage. Brasil, of course, also gets a clean sheet and allows only one goal, to Japan, who capitalize on the weakness of the group to take second in Group F. For the second straight Cup, France will falter in group play with Korea and the Swiss going through within a point of each other. And in Group H, Spain takes a lacklustre grouping for a spin, and Ukraine beats out Tunisia on the differential.

That sets up the Round of 16, as follows: England over Ecuador; Argentina over Mexico; Sweden over Germany; Portugal over Holland; Italy over Japan; Korea over Ukraine; Brasil over the USA; and Spain over Switzerland. In the quarterfinals, Argentina adds to the heated fiery hellish inferno of a rivalry by beating England; Portugal overcomes Sweden in a goal-fest; Italy finally chooses to clamp down in route to beating Korea; and Spain's run comes to an end against Brasil.

The semi-finals will see Argentina dispatch Italy, and Brasil, barely, sees off their colonial masters, as Portugal exposes chinks in the gleaming armor. Portugal rebounds to defeat Italy in the third-place game, while Argentina, in an absolute delight of a final (much unlike four years ago), matches Brasil blow for blow, talent for talent and wins the Cup, their third.


Sadly, I will be in class while most of this happens. Do enjoy it all for me.