That is the message from the teams leading the way towards the final eight in the competition. The biggest surprise of the lot is Uruguay, a team which struggled to get past Costa Rica to qualify for the finals. Yet still, they have produced a quality of football which all the big-named countries must not ignore. Its not only the guile of Forlan and Suarez, but it's a team of well prepared players with ultra focus, coming good at the right time. Their main ingredient is consistency and there was no game which their opponents did not extract the best out of them. Don't rule them out of any combat because their present form implies that they have much left in them.
Some may wish to claim that the same is the case with Ghana. But I beg to differ. They have gotten through their group on a limb and its only in their match against the USA that they were able to score goals other than penalties. They possess two fine players in Annan and Inkoun, the type of skill and work rate that many of the more advanced teams could use. Both Boateng and Ayew have the necessary potential, but tend to be part-time workers during the game. The tournament needs the African nation to remain in the competition, but they must earn it. Victory against the USA was one which they deserved, but it was not a game that lent itself to much more than moderate skill quality.
And then merry old England, the team that promised so much and produced so little. Well, they were clobbered by Germany in a manner that may well shake up the coaching staff which is presently headed by Fabio Capello. Germany walked through the English defense as they were not there. Challenges for fifty-fifty balls were often won by the Germans and not even the debatable goal which I thought had gone over the line, would have changed the result. The European battle did not have the spark which was expected and apart from a few orchestrated goals by Germany, the opponents who are awaiting the winner of this game could be rubbing their hands eagerly.
Not so with Argentina who started their Mexico encounter as though it was a coaching clinic. The debatable first goal caused the Mexicans to allow their disgust to affect their performance, and while they matched their more illustrious opponents stride for stride in the early minutes, what appeared to be a mistake by the officials, turned off the Mexicans while Argentina moved into full gear. Higuain got a gift from the Mexican defender Osorio and all seemed lost. However the Mexicans returned after the interval and played some excellent football which was marshalled by the young promising star Geovani dos Santos. They did not only have more of the ball in the half, but created some fine opportunities, one of which saw the most recent Manchester United. Signing Hernandez, showing his extraordinary penetrative ability by his quick turn, swift movement with the ball, ending with a super strike.
However, the highlight of the match was the absolutely wonderfully struck right footer from thirty five metres by Carlos Teves, a goal which should send shockwaves through the bodies of Germany, Argentina's next opponent. So the big guns are rearing for battle from this point and much is expected from them. Brazil has to prove their worth against a vastly improved Chile. This could expose the present form of the Brazilians and they may even have to go to extra time for their result. The Europeans Slovakia and Netherlands will also be interesting. The dutch have the skill, the Slovaks are able to utilise strategy very well and often reduce the effectiveness of better teams than themselves. If you doubt me, ask Italy, who are now nesting before their TV sets after their disappointing display of Football.