AP Community: June 2010

The Quarter Finals are soon upon us (starting July 2nd)... and what a Round of 16 it's been!

Some disappointments, some cheers, and even a penalty shoot-out! (DoH!)

To those teams that made it this far, "Congratulations!",

To those that are departing... "Thanks for the entertainment. You're a credit to your countries, and I hope you're recognized as such."

To my favourites that were eliminated on the first and last day of the Round of 16... "Blame Mikey!"

There was a lot of hard fought battles, with South American countries clearly with the advantage...

4 South America, 3 Europe, 1 Africa...

As a fan of World Competitions, I was hoping there would be more representatives from other areas... better luck next time.

Uruguay went undefeated during the Group stage, drawing only once to France. La Celeste looks to Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan to continue it's winning streak.

Ghana has tasted Win, Loss and Draw during the group stage, but as the last representatives of Africa, Black Stars' Kevin Prince Boateng, and Asamoah Gyan hope to keep the crowds cheering.

Argentina left the group stage in dust winning all their games. La Albiceleste isn't just about Maradona and Messi... Higuain, Tevez... there whole team is a threat.

Germany may have the second youngest team, but looks to its energetic youthful star studded line-up of Lahm, Klose, Mueller, Boateng... and too many others to name for another run for the cup, especially after coming SO close time and time again. (2nd 2002, 3rd 2006, 2nd 2008 Euro).

Netherlands have often been accused of lacking a "Super Star"... the one singular force driving the team... If you ask me, The Oranje don't need one. Attacks can come from any side, although none of the Group Stage matches have been over-powering, I'm sure they'll put up a good fight.

Brazil is the team all other teams feared to compete against. A Seleção may not have advanced with the same record as Netherlands, but with Kaka back in the line-up leading Fabiano, Robinho, and Maicon (to name a few), Netherlands will have their hands full.

Paraguay... winners of "Easy Block 2" (Group F, not to be confused with "Easy Block 1", Group C), and victors of the first shoot-out of the cup. (DoH!)

Spain as the 2008 Euro Cup Champions, La Roja were the heavy favourite (before Brazil). David Villa has woken up and has been playing rather consistent taking out the high scoring Portugal to advance to the Quarter Finals.

Quarter-Final action starts in July... check your local listings for times and availability.