After two depressing days without soccer, the sweet hum of vuvuzelas brought me back to life.

• You don't need me to tell you that diving and rolling around on the ground is terrible sportsmanship and pathetic to watch.  So, allow me to paint the other side of the picture.  Arjen Robben was too good for Michel Bastos.  He dribbled circles around him every time they were locked up one-on-one.  Bastos fouled him four times in the first 35 minutes of the game clearing sending a message as instructed by his coach that we'll hack you down before we let you play exciting football.  That is equally despicable.  Robben, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the like are the magicians of this sport.  They should be protected by the referee.  We don't watch to see cynical tackles.  Bastos should've been booked for a second yellow and the resulting red and Felipe Melo obviously earned his straight red for taking out his frustrations on Robben, who was just too good for Brazil.
• Can you imagine if the Yankees decided to build their team around small ball talent and not homerun hitters?  What if the Lakers played four corners offense?  That's 2010 Brazil.  I picked Dunga and his men knowing that they were not playing the flashy brand of soccer for which they are famous, but I'm glad it bit them.  We NEED Brazil to be Brazil.  We want imagination not two holding midfielders.  We want creativity not route one football.  This squad didn't have an attacking dribbler like Robben or a creative passer like Wesley Sneijder.  Hopefully, they'll put on a show for us as the 2014 hosts.
• If the Netherlands win the World Cup, Wesley Sneijder should win the FIFA Player of the Year award.  He was the maestro for Inter Milan during their Champions League winning campaign and now he's lifted the Dutch to rarified air.  While they were certainly lucky on the first goal, it was nice to see a player that can hit a dangerous cross with his off foot.  What a concept!
• Dirk Kuyt was the "Man of the Match" though.  He deserved a goal at the end after putting in another energetic and understated shift.  He beat Fabiano to the near post to flick on the game-winning assist.  And, he kept Maicon pinned back in his own end until Brazil was behind and desperate. 
• Kaka, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Lionel Messi have combined to score zero goals in this tournament.  Landon Donovan netted three.  As he said, "I wish I had their paychecks."  Honestly, the World Cup is a small sample size with often mismatched talent, which is another reason why you should also watch club football.
• The national team landscape has changed though.  Brazil and Holland used to be known for "total football" and their neighbors Argentina and Germany were characterized by toughness.  In this tournament, they have been complete opposites.
• I hammer Serena Williams whenever I get the chance, but I will give her credit for righting her career when it looked like she was over it a few years ago.  She was distracted by modeling, acting and fashion and let her game and body fall apart.  While she only cares about major tournaments, she is about to win her 13th and she's outlasted the rest of her golden generation (Martina Hingis, Anna Kournikova, Venus, etc.).
• NBA GMs have lost their collective minds.  A max contract for Rudy Gay?!?  He's a 20 point, 5 rebound guy, who cannot create offense for anyone but himself.  $32 million for Drew Gooden?!?  He is about to play for his 9th team in eight years.  I would say that qualifies as a journeyman.  Darko Milicic gets a four-year, $20 million deal from David Kahn and the T'Wolves.  Was Chris Mihm not available?  Somebody take Kahn's keys away from him, he's clearly drunk.
• The Knicks are going to get blanked.  They might be able to re-sign David Lee and keep together last year's championship team.  Maybe Donnie Walsh will re-acquire Nate Robinson.  I've honestly hit the point where I'd be thrilled if they got Joe Johnson for a max contract.  I call that rock bottom.
• Phil Jackson could not resist the symmetry of completing four trilogies.  I can't blame him.  He's never missed out on a three-peat bid.
• Richard Jefferson must've HATED playing in San Antonio.  He'll never sniff $15 million per year again.
• I would've paid good money to be in the board room for Mikhail Prokhorov's pitch to LeBron James.  Between the accent, the outlandish promises (which he can deliver on) and the subtle Russian mafia undertones, it had to be better than Godfather III.
• The Red Sox are giving the '09 Mets a run for the money.  Last weekend, they lost Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz and Victor Martinez in consecutive games.  Yesterday, Jason Varitek went down.  This list of names is actually on the Red Sox active roster: Scott Atchison, Dustin Richardson, Gustavo Molina, Eric Patterson, Darnell McDonald and Daniel Nava.  Have I mentioned that they are also the hottest team in baseball?  They were terrible in April when they were healthy.  Bizarre.
• Party Down was cancelled, which proves Americans continue to hate comedy and originality, but they f***in' love vampires.

Wesley Sneijder and the Dutch crashed the "South American" World Cup.

Who's gonna win this thing?  Sizing up the contenders 1-8...

1.) Brazil (MooreSports chances: 40%)

Goals: 8

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Lucio

Case for...

They have the best back four plus goalie in the tournament.  Maicon sizzled in a shot (or cross) to open up North Korea, while Lucio and Juan have held down Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Humberto Suazo.  Up front, Luis Fabiano continues to be the most efficient national team striker in the world.  He is not overloaded with chances, but he makes them count.

And against...

They have shown only glimpses of the champagne football that we expect out of the "Samba Kings".  Where is the creativity in midfield?  Kaka and Robinho need to play to their reputations because they don't have any help on the bench.

Verdict

They are still my pick to win.  This team struggles unlocking defenses that sit back and soak up pressure since they don't have the magic of a Ronaldinho or the pace and power of a Ronaldo.  To that end, Holland are a great matchup.  The Dutch want to possess and attack, which is a game Brazil will happily play with anyone.  If they make the Final, they'll hope for a similarly aggressive side like Argentina or Germany. 

Two potential pitfalls: Uruguay and Spain.  Like Portugal, Uruguay can park the buses in front of their own goal and hope for a piece of genius on the counterattack from Diego Forlan or Luis Suarez.  Brazil have looked better than Spain, but the Spanish always win the possession battle, which will be an uncomfortable feeling for Dunga's side.

Pick: Winner

2.) Spain (MooreSports chances: 20%)

Goals: 5

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - David Villa

Case for...

They have not hit peak form, but they are in a comfortable part of the draw.  Gerard Pique has led a solid back four that's only given up goals on a keeper mistake and a deflected shot.  Going forward, David Villa has been the best player in the tournament to this point.

And against...

Iker Casillas continues to be the most overrated goalie in the world.  In a tournament plagued by goalkeeping errors, he could be their undoing.  With the ball, they have no width.  Andres Iniesta looks uncomfortable playing out of position on the left, while Sergio Ramos has been the only consistent contributor on the right pushing up from his fullback position.  Fernando Torres should be a sub on this team.

Verdict

They should handle Paraguay, who will sit back like Portugal did.  Then, they'll play the Germany/Argentina winner.  If they fall behind in the semis, they could be in trouble because Villa is their only goal scoring threat right now.  However, they can frustrate either team by controlling the ball, which will expose Germany and Argentina's tendency to waste chances.  In a potential showdown Final, Brazil's efficiency will be the difference.

Pick: Runner-up

3.) Argentina (MooreSports Chances: 10%)

Goals: 10

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Lionel Messi

Case for...

They have been the most dynamic team in the tournament so far.  The three-headed attack of Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain are the most potent strike force in the tournament.  Yes, Messi has not scored, but he's put the ball on a tee for Higuain to net four times. 

And against...

They have not been in a fight yet.  They've stormed to early leads and celebrated easy victories, but that all ends with Germany.  Diego Maradona will have to organize his squad to avoid the counterattacking gaps that exposed England against the young Germans.  We will find out a lot more about their back five on Saturday.

Verdict

They can win this tournament.  If the midfield can continue supplying the ball to Messi, he will carve out scoring chances against any defense.  However, Argentina's lack of midfield talent will be exposed by Spain, who can cut off that supply line to Messi. 

Pick: Semifinals

4.) Germany (MooreSports chances: 10%)

Goals: 9

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Mesut Ozil

Case for...

They have a roster loaded with explosive, young talent.  When they get flying with Ozil, Thomas Mueller and Lucas Podolski, they look more Brazilian than Brazil.  On the surprising side, no-name goalie Manuel Neuer was impressive against England.

And against...

Young teams are inconsistent.  They've been outstanding in two games and average in two games.  The Germans were undone by a card happy ref against Serbia and went unpunished by a more inspired Ghanaian side. 

Verdict

Do they want this quarterfinal as much as Argentina?  Maradona will have his unit ready to battle.  While the Germans are usually described as ruthless, this squad is much prettier.  They'll get a taste of their own blood and come back as Europe's best in 2014.

Pick: Quarterfinals

5.) Holland (MooreSports chances: 8%)

Goals: 7

Goals Against: 2

MVP (so far) - Wesley Sneijder

Case for...

Arjen Robben is back and looks healthy.  He was the only missing ingredient from a workmanlike, but flare-less squad during the group stage.  Like Brazil, they have taken a much more pragmatic approach to this tournament, subjugating beauty in favor of results. 

And against...

Robin Van Persie is a weakness.  If you get chances to punish Brazil, you have to take them and Van Persie is too wasteful to lead the line for a World Cup winner.  In the back, they've been better than expected, but let's see how they handle Fabiano, Kaka and Robinho.

Verdict

They can beat Brazil.  Sneijder and Robben will be the two most creative players on the field plus Dirk Kuyt is an exceptional big game player who will pounce on any defensive mistakes.  They are one player away.  If they had Ruud Van Nistelrooy in his prime, the Dutch would be favorites to make the Final, but they're short one goal poacher.

Pick: Quarterfinals

6.) Uruguay (MooreSports chances: 7%)

Goals: 6

Goals Against: 1

MVP (so far) - Diego Lugano

Case for...

They have given up just one goal in four games against credible attacking sides.  When they want to sit back and soak up pressure, they can make the game pretty boring, but they always have the ability to punish opponents with Forlan and Suarez, who are both in peak form.

And against...

The road to the Final likely runs through Brazil.  Will they be in awe of the kings of their continent or will they attack them like they have every other opponent in this Cup?  They are a relentless, physical side, but they need to be the bully.

Verdict

They are a legitimate dark horse to win this thing.  If the Netherlands knock out Brazil, I'd take Uruguay to the Final, but they'll be too intimidated to play their game against the world's best.

Pick: Semifinals

7.) Ghana (MooreSports chances: 2.5%)

Goals: 4

Goals Against: 3

MVP (so far) - Asamoah Gyan

Case for...

They have the momentum of a continent behind them, which seemed to freshen their legs in extra time against the United States.  Athletically, they are probably the best team remaining.  While soccer is a skill and endurance game, Gyan's speed and power was the difference on the game-winner.

And against...

They were lucky to make it out of the group phase.  They have the skill to create chances, but only Gyan seems like a capable finisher.  They can beat Uruguay, but they'll be outclassed by the Brazil/Holland winner.

Verdict

No African team has ever made it to a World Cup semi, so it would be fitting if Ghana accomplished the feat on African soil.  While I could see the positive mojo carrying the day, I cannot pick an obviously weaker side.

Pick: Quarterfinals

8.) Paraguay (MooreSports chances: 2.5%)

Goals: 3

Goals Against: 1

MVP (so far) - Paulo Da Silva

Case for...

They have given up just one goal this tournament and frustrated talented teams like Italy, Slovakia and Japan.  While they've gotten nothing out of their strikers, Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios are capable players. 

And against...

They were given the easiest draw to get to this point.  They have not scored in two games and they cannot expect to blank Spain. 

Verdict

They'll lose a boring 1-0 game to Spain.

Pick: Quarterfinals

David Villa has been the star of the tournament, but will he get enough scoring help to beat the best?

One day late, but Happy Father's Day to my pops, who bred and cultivated my love of sports.  On second thought, maybe I should be pissed at him for that.

• Pebble Beach deserved to raise the 2010 U.S. Open trophy.  The golf course tamed the field with mysterious greens and uncompromising hazards.  While I did not pick the winner correctly, I wrote in this space that even par would get it done, which it did for Graham McDowell.  He avoided the big score that plagued most of the leaderboard, especially his playing partner Dustin Johnson, who gave us one of the great Sunday meltdowns in golf history.
• Tiger Woods has become the anti-Tiger.  He is the opposite of everything he once was.  This version chokes on Sunday thanks to a weak mental game that keeps him from making adjustments and compounds mistakes with bigger mistakes.  Nevertheless, the real Tiger is still in there.  How many golfers can play as badly as he did for three of the four days and still earn a top five?  Woods and Phil Mickelson. 
• European golf is better than American golf right now.  Woods and Mickelson might be #1 and #2 in the world rankings, but the Euros bring more contenders into every major than the red, white and blue.
• I love the French.  Like TNT, they know drama.  The soccer version of the French revolution is probably a much bigger story around the world than in France, where they've made indifference an art form.  As for the footballers, things have gone downhill ever since Zinedine Zidane tried to drive his head through an Italian's chest.  Since then, they were non-factors in the Euro Cup, cheated their way into South Africa and protested against their own manager. 
• Speaking of cheating, when will FIFA and the other organizational bodies crack down on the fakers?  In the moment, the refs are fooled by acting jobs (we'll get to that problem next), but if Kaka is suspended a game for throwing a phantom elbow, the Ivorian should be banned at least a game for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• We need to change the question about instant replay.  The old question: Should we have instant replay in sports?  The new question: How should we implement instant replay in sports?  We already have instant replay.  I see it.  You see it.  The media sees it.  Together, we currently use it to embarrass the referees for being terrible at their jobs.  How could he not see that was a dive?  How could he call that pitch a strike?  How did he not see that ball hit the rim?  Ironically, refs and umps are the ones fighting technology when all it would do is save them the anguish that Jim Joyce and the moron from Mali had to go through.
• England's worst fears are being realized in this World Cup.  The Three Lions came in with doubts over fitness, speed and goalkeeping.  In two games, they've missed crucial players due to injury.  They have no pace.  And, Robert Green told you everything you need to know about their issues in goal.  By the way, this was supposed to be the best England team in 40 years.
• As a solutions oriented guy, I would lean on Peter Crouch against Slovenia.  The gangly striker forces England to play boring, straightforward football, but his presence will lead to at least one goal.  They need a result and they're leaning too much on Wayne Rooney, who is out of form and maybe injured.
• Brazil is impossible not to like.  In all sports, we root against the favorite unless they are our team, but you cannot help but enjoy watching the Brazilians in action.  They play like you wish your team played.
• I have been so disappointed by the amount of so-called world class strikers who are one-footed, which is why I enjoy the work of Luis Fabiano.  The Brazilian hitman scored two goals yesterday, one with his left and one with his right.  He took both so sweetly that I have no idea, which side is dominant.
• Along with Fabiano, my five favorite players from this World Cup so far have been, Alexis Sanchez from Chile, Diego Forlan from Uruguay, Gio Dos Santos from Mexico and Elijero Elia from the Netherlands.
• Roy Halladay has gone soft in the National League.  In his three starts against the American League, he has given up 17 runs (15 earned) in 19.2 innings.  After a roaring start to the season, Philly is just 2-6 in Halladay's last eight starts.
• Wimbledon begins today, which means my DVR is now loaded with early morning sports, so I'm trying to report my opinions to you and avoid other media coverage at the same time (at least you know my thoughts are original).  As for the annual lawn tennis exhibition, I'll take Andy Roddick, who is overdue, and Venus Williams, the classy sister.

Maybe Roddick winning is wishful thinking, but more Brooklyn Decker is certainly worth a coin in the fountain.

The immortal words of Kobe Bryant will loom large in LA tonight and hopefully resonate in South Africa.

• I'm starting to buy the ball controversy.  The quality of play has been horrific.  In most cases, the culprit is a heavy touch.  The Adidas creation is flying and floating like a beach ball.  We're on pace for 98 goals for the entire tournament, which would be the lowest in a 64-game World Cup by a wide margin (previous low: 147).
• Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi is very much a LeBron vs. Kobe argument.  Ronaldo is more flashy and versatile.  Messi is more steely and efficient.  While Ronaldo has more team success than LeBron, he still gets the temperament questions that dog James.  As far as national teams go this time around, Ronaldo is playing with the Cavs and Messi gets the Lakers, except Diego Maradona is the coaching equivalent of Isiah Thomas not Phil Jackson.  If Portugal is going to advance, Ronaldo will have to produce magic like he almost did in the 10th minute today.
• In an hour or so, Brazil will battle North Korea.  No matter what happens, the North Korean newspapers will have their boys as 11-1 winners if the Dear Leader has anything to say about it.  On a side note, if Kim Jong Il is such a good athlete, which his golf score suggests, shouldn't he be starting at striker today? 
• Two positive notes for the Americans: One, Germany is the only team that's been impressive so far, so take heart that the U.S. played results driven football like all the rest of the top nations.  And two, it's been a goalie's tournament so far, which is the only position at which the Americans are elite.
• The NFL is in a strange place financially.  This is an uncapped year, which we expected would lead to free spending.  On the contrary, team execs are using this special circumstance as an opportunity to get cheap with their top young talents like Titans RB Chris Johnson and Jets CB Darrelle Revis.  While the players have the leverage of holding out, the prospect of a lockout next year could lead GMs to call their bluff.  Are these young players going to risk sitting out two seasons without pay?  I don't think so.
• Why would someone like Vince Young go to a strip club?  When you are the richest man in a room, go to another room.  Look around Vince!  You're sitting next to some fat dude, who is spending his last dollar for the faintest touch of a mildly attractive woman's skin.  That ain't your scene VY! 
• Somebody call Dr. Drew because Kansas, Kansas St., Missouri and Baylor just got abused.  With Dan Beebe on his knees, the Big 12 was saved despite the defections of Colorado and Nebraska.  However, the power of Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M has never been stronger.  Basically, they get all the money and the other teams get the honor of losing to them once a year.  Sign me up!
• Total fouls called in this year's NBA Finals by game: 54 (1), 58 (2), 47 (3), 44 (4), 45 (5).  In Los Angeles, the refs called it tight, which favors the finesse Lakers.  In Boston, they let them play a little more, which favored the Celtics.  Will they revert back to their whistle happy ways in Staples?  I hope not, but I'd bet the house on 10+ free throw attempts for Bryant tonight.
• What do the Lakers have going right now?  Kobe is in top gear, but that's it.  Pau Gasol will play better coming home.  Derek Fisher has made three or fewer shots in every game save for his Game 3 explosion.  Lamar Odom's game-high for this Finals is 12.  Ron Artest is 8/33 since a solid Game 1 performance.  Andrew Bynum combined for eight points and four rebounds in the last two after three excellent games. 
• On the contrary, Paul Pierce seems to have solved Ron Artest and/or his shooting woes.  Rajon Rondo is still too quick for anyone on the Lakers.  Kevin Garnett has been surprisingly consistent in this series.  The bench is confident.  Ray Allen has been a dud, but Boston has many more dimensions. 
• The Lakers need 20/10 from Gasol, an efficient 30 from Kobe and a third man to step up.  And oh yeah, they need to protect their rim without Bynum assuming he cannot jump for the third straight game.
• All signs point to the Celtics, but as I said yesterday, the 2-3-2 format can be tricky that way. 

The Celtics have Kobe outnumbered right now.

(Note: If you're interested in my thoughts on the USC sanctions and Pac-10 expansion, please follow me on Twitter (MooreSports).  I'll expand on both subjects in this space tomorrow.)

Second Round

England (Group C Winner) vs. Serbia (Group D Runner-up)

The Three Lions downfall will be lack of speed and possession.  Serbia cannot expose them on either count.

Pick: England

South Africa (Group A Winner) vs. South Korea (Group B Runner-up)

Like South Korea in '02, the home crowd will carry the home team to the quarterfinals.

Pick: South Africa

Brazil (Group G Winner) vs. Chile (Group H Runner-up)

Chile is dangerous, but Brazil is determined.  Experience will win the day.

Pick: Brazil

Netherlands (Group E Winner) vs. Paraguay (Group F Runner-up)

The Dutch have too much class for Paraguay.

Pick: Netherlands

Argentina (Group B Winner) vs. Mexico (Group A Runner-up)

Mexico has zero elite strikers, while Argentina has five. 

Pick: Argentina

Germany (Group D Winner) vs. USA (Group C Runner-up)

Sports karma...  Revenge for the missed hand ball in '02.

Pick: USA

Spain (Group H Winner) vs. Portugal (Group G Runner-up)

A border rivalry pits team vs. individual. 

Pick: Spain

Italy (Group F Winner) vs. Cameroon (Group E Runner-up)

The champions go down to Africa's best.

Pick: Cameroon

Quarterfinals

England vs. South Africa

The hosts miracle run ends at the hands of the mighty Brits.

Pick: England

Brazil vs. Netherlands

Both sides play beautiful football, but depth favors the Samba Kings.

Pick: Brazil

Argentina vs. USA

The Americans back four will be torn to shreds by the Gauchos limitless pace and skill.

Pick: Argentina

Spain vs. Cameroon

Could we see the upset of the tournament?  Possibly, but I'm not going there.

Pick: Spain

Semifinals

England vs. Brazil

The Brazilians are too fast and technically sound for the English.

Pick: Brazil

Argentina vs. Spain

Spain are too strong in the center of the park for Argentina.

Pick: Spain

Final

Brazil vs. Spain

The dream final. 

Pick: Brazil

Golden Ball (MVP) - Lucio, Brazil

Golden Boot (Top Scorer) - Luis Fabiano, Brazil

Dunga led a defensive Brazil to a 1994 World Cup win, now he'll do it as a manager around his center back, Lucio.

1. Brazil (Prediction: 9 points)

FIFA Ranking: 1

MVP - Lucio, Defender

This is not your father's Brazil.  There is no Pele.  There is no Romario.  There is not even a Ronaldinho.  Kaka is their most heralded offensive player, but he's more substance over style.  Dunga has built THIS Brazil around the best back four and goalie in their country's rich history.  Lucio leads the way.  The towering center back is considered the best defender in the world.  While he will lead from the back, he can be devastating going forward.  He is Brazilian after all.

Golden Boot - Luis Fabiano

He's my pick to win the tournament's golden boot.  The Seville striker is not considered an elite club goal scorer, but his strike rate for the national team since Dunga put him back in the side has been remarkable.  Unlike Robinho who has a bigger name, Fabiano is a clinical finisher.  Just ask the U.S....

Outlook

I'll make my official predictions Thursday, but the Brazilians are hard to go against.  Dunga understands the concept of team over individual.  He also has the luxury of an endless supply of talent, so he can pick some skillful individuals to fit into that team concept.  Lucio and Maicon are two extraordinary defenders.  Julio Cesar is solid in net, which is a traditional weakness.  Fabiano, Kaka and Nilmar will generate enough goals.  Spain looks like the only team that can beat them on their day.  However, they won't overwhelm teams like in year's past.

2. Portugal (4 points)

FIFA Ranking: 3

MVP - Cristiano Ronaldo, Striker

He is considered a midfielder by some, but he'll be asked to score or create the goals for Portugal.  Somehow, someway, he is under the radar going into South Africa.  Two years ago, he was far and away the best player in the world.  Since then, he's made a high profile move to Real Madrid, but the goals never stopped coming.  Everything he does is flashy, but you cannot dismiss the innumerable ways that he can change a game.  While Lionel Messi is more efficient, Ronaldo's skills are more diverse.  He has also had great success leading Portugal to a Euro Final and a World Cup semi.

Golden Boot - Liedson

Ronaldo will likely tally the most goals, but Liedson will benefit from all the space he provides.  Ronaldo did not score a single goal for Portugal during qualification, so others will have to step up or the Ronaldo show will end in the group stage.

Outlook

Most consider this the "group of death", but really it is just the best first round battle between the Ivory Coast and Portugal.  North Korea will be the whipping boy, but they'll play a huge role.  If Portugal and Ivory Coast draw their first game and Brazil beats them both, goal difference will decide who goes through.  Portugal has the talent to put a number on North Korea, so I'll take them to advance.

3. Ivory Coast (Prediction: 4 points)

FIFA Ranking: 27

MVP - Kolo Toure, Defender

The Toure brothers are key to the Ivory Coast's cause now that the goals are not likely to flow freely without Didier Drogba.  Kolo and Yaya Toure are elite club players.  The former will be expected to keep a tight back four with help from Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue.  The latter will look to break up play with fellow ball winner Didier Zokora from Seville.  If they can stymie high-flying Portugal in game one, they'll advance.

Golden Boot - Solomon Kalou

The Chelsea man plays his club football with Drogba, so maybe he has learned something from Africa's best player.  He certainly has never showed consistent form in England.  Kalou will need help from the rhythmically named Aruna Dindane and Gervinho. 

Outlook

Most experts considered the Ivory Coast Africa's best hope before the Drogba injury.  I would have had them advancing, but I still think Cameroon is more organized.  Nevertheless, the Drogba injury is a death knell for any serious hopes of contention.  They can get out of the group with an opening match upset over Portugal.  Otherwise, they'll be three and done.

4. North Korea (Prediction: 0 points)

FIFA Ranking: 105

MVP - Jong Tae-Se, Striker

They call him the Asian Wayne Rooney.  That's about all I know.

Golden Boot - Hong Yong-Jo

North Korea's captain is the only player from their squad who plays outside of the country.  He'll partner Asian Rooney up front.  If they can score a goal or two, they'll get a draw with somebody.  In qualifying, they only gave up 5 goals in 14 matches.

Outlook

If you have a human rights mind, they should not even be allowed to participate in this World Cup.  However, they'll be the ones getting abused in South Africa.  They'll play a tight, organized formation, so the scores should not be embarrassing, but they still might be given their opponents.  Dictator Kim Jong-Il claims he shot a world record 38-under par the first time he played golf including 11 holes-in-one, so anything is possible in North Korea I guess.

This is a group for the cover boys.

Now I'm moving, so we're sticking with the one-a-day plan until Wednesday when I will inundate your google readers multiple times daily.

• I'd say U.S. vs. Brazil lived up to the advanced hype.  The casual fans got their goals, the patriots saw their national team battle Brazil until the dying seconds and the soccer afficionados saw quality win out in the end.  If you were ever wondering where Brazil gets its reputation, it's because they can spin a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win without making it look miraculous.
• The counter-attack that led up to the Americans second goal was the best offensive movement I have ever seen from a U.S. side.  They looked like Arsenal or the Phoenix Suns in the way that they ran a fast break up the field and then Landon Donovan took his goal SO sweetly!  Truly world-class from a team that usually plays ugly soccer.
• When you play soccer as a kid and really up through high school, fullbacks are the worst two players on the team.  But at the highest level, they separate good teams from great teams.  All great teams see the same defensive strategy, pack it in the box and create a defensive shell.  The easiest way to break that down is to bring fullbacks forward and even out the numbers.  Brazil's Maicon tortured the U.S. from his right fullback position, but the Americans created their first goal on a great cross by Jonathan Spector, their right-sided defender.  Again, positive steps.
• In case you're curious, Tim Howard is our best player...by a lot.
• The Confed Cup is not the World Cup, but that was Brazil's best team and it was a Cup Final.  I'm calling that a moral victory, but credit to the U.S. players, they played to win the trophy.
• Mariano Rivera earned his 500th save last night.  He is not only the greatest relief pitcher ever, he is probably the best clean pitcher of his era.  Maybe Randy Johnson, but I would place Pedro Martinez (assuming he was clean) over "The Big Unit".  But Rivera was much more consistent than Martinez and he enjoyed greater postseason success. It's probably apples and oranges, but Rivera's consistent dominance will always be hard to put into perspective.  He is 39 and there are some signs of aging as he's given up more homeruns this season than any year since 2001 (the ballpark hasn't helped).  But he has 39 strikeouts and only three walks.  That's a 13/1 K/BB ratio (Papelbon's is 2.06/1, Nathan is 11.1/1). 
• Trevor Hoffman has 71 more saves than Rivera, but he has closed games for four more seasons.  Mo would have him beat, but only by a few if they were on equal ground.  Ironically, both closers have pitched for almost two decades with one real pitch, Mariano's cutter and Hoffman's power change-up.
• The Braves need a "Moneyball" hitting instructor.  They swing at everything.  However, if you look at the numbers, "Chipper" Jones is another guy that was completely overshadowed by the 'roided up sluggers of his era.  He's a first-ballot hall of famer that should be celebrated alongside Derek Jeter as the best clean all-around infielders of their generation.
• Torii Hunter was a huge pick-up for the Angels.  He gives them an edge and a leadership quality that was previously lacking.  Basically, he fills the gaps in Vladimir Guerrero's game and personality.  Mike Scioscia's club is ready to run and hide with the AL West.  If they can avoid Boston, they are a threat to make the World Series, but the Red Sox just own them.
• If Scott Kazmir comes back healthy, the Yankees will regret not burying the Rays in the Wild Card when they had the chance.
• Mock the Mets if you want to (I certainly enjoy it), but no team would win many games without their 2nd-4th best hitters.  Their lineup is David Wright and....anybody...'roid-less Gary Sheffield...anybody else...Bueller.
• A surprise-free Wimbledon so far but there are big showdowns to come.  I have a bad feeling about Andy Roddick today.  He's facing an enigmatic talent named Tomas Berdych, who has decided to play well this week.