So, just when we all thought that Jürgen Klinsmann was poised to take over the United States National Team when Bob Bradley's contract expired, this happened: @ussoccer: U.S. Soccer has agreed to a contract extension with #USMNT head coach Bob Bradley through the end of 2014. I cannot describe my hatred of this better than The Other Brain did in his response: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Look, Bob Bradley is not a bad coach. He managed to advance us out of the group stage and into the knockout round. Is this a bad result? No. Should it be expected every time from now on. Hopefully. Should we get farther than this? Yes. Can we do it with Bob Bradley as our coach? Absolutely not. Let's review how the 2010 World Cup went for the USMNT. Game 1 vs. England featured the luckiest draw possible, as Green let in the worst goal of the tournament via a howler and the USA drew with England. Slovenia featured some of the worst officiating any of us has ever seen, and the US drew with Slovenia 2-2. Algeria featured a last ditch attack that saw Landon Donovan become a hero in this country as the US escaped Algeria and the group with a 1-0 win. Then what happened? The US crashed and burned vs. Ghana, losing 2-1 a.e.t. While grumbling about Bradley's ineptitude involving selecting starting lineups had been quashed after the group stage, it came back in full force after the Ghana fiasco. Starting Clark may very well have cost the US the Ghana game. Starting Findley and Clark may have been some of the dumbest moves of the tournament.

Now compare Klinsmann to Bradley. Jürgen Klinsmann played in Europe from 1981-1997 for notable sides such as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich,and Tottenham Hotspur. He won the World Cup in 1990 as a player with West Germany, and guided them to a 3rd place finish in 2006 as a manager, when they were not predicted to do well at all. He then became manager of Bayern in 2008, posting a record of 16-7-6 in the Bundesliga, which is not really that great for a club of Bayern's caliber, and was sacked roughly 3/4 of the way through the season. Even though his tenure at Bayern was cut short and was disappointing, he still has much more experience and isn't as likely to make as questionable decisions as Bradley has. Even more important, Klinsmann is an outsider who knows how to play against the best countries in the world. He has a proven track record of success in the international scene and could have expanded soccer even more in the US.

In short, US Soccer has really messed up and screwed up a great opportunity to expand soccer in this country over the coming years and develop a better team. Now we must all hope that Bob Bradley suddenly realizes how to create a starting lineup and not leave us all kicking ourselves after yet another blunder. And hey, I can think of one bright side to us keeping Bradley: We didn't hire Raymond Domenech, and Bradley doesn't select his lineups based on astrology. Oh, and we aren't in a whole world of trouble like the French Football Federation is. At least we have that going for us. /rant

I apologize for distracting you from the new season. We now return you to originally scheduled programming.

EDIT: I would like to point out that some idiot on ESPN.com posted 6 reasons why this is the right choice. The article can be found here. In response, I would like to point out the following things. 1. It is DIE Mannschaft, not DER. Please, if you're going to use team nicknames, GET THEM RIGHT. Also, his claim about turning the German team into fancypants is just idiotic. Look where it got them this time! 2. He's done it before. So? There have been several other coaches that have done it before, and two of them flamed out badly, Domenech, and Bruce Arena, who led the disastrous 2006 campaign in Germany. Yes, it could work, but most of the time it doesn't. And let's face it, the US needs a new coach. 3. Come back and honestly tell me that CONCACAF is a daunting environment for qualifying. Sure, and while we're at it, UEFA would be a cakewalk for the USA to qualify. The only team that gives us trouble every time is Mexico. Next. 4. If he understood his material, he wouldn't have started Clark or Findley more than one game. Also, I'm pretty sure I've seen teams demolish others on style. For reference, go watch a Barcelona game. 5. Yes, we've gotten results under Bradley. We also got results under Bruce Arena in 2002, and look how that worked the next time around. 6. Congratulations, this may be the only point I can't argue, but just because he meshes well with his players doesn't mean he can coach as well as others. I will now begin the campaign for Klinsmann in 2018!

So we've reached the end, which undoubtedly mean joyous celebration from MMW and Hulk, and sadness from the rest of the universe. Anyways, both games look enticing, with the final looking like it will be a classic.

Final: Spain vs. Netherlands

Note: This is the first time that there has been a back to back European final game, as well as the first time two teams who have never won will meet in the final since 1978 (Argentina vs Netherlands).

Netherlands: Never won (Runner up in 1974 and 1978)
Spain: Never won (Never made it past quarterfinals)

The Netherlands come in with two of the best players in the world in Robben and Sneijder, while Spain has arguably the best midfield and the best passing game in the world. Spain will most likely do what they did against Germany and try and break down the defense through heavy possession, finally getting a chance to score. They will not face as staunch a defense as they did against Germany, as the Dutch have been prone to collapse and are extremely vulnerable in the center. The Dutch will have to be extremely effective counterattacking and need to convert almost every opportunity that comes their way. This should be a fast paced and extremely exciting final.

Prediction: Netherlands win 2-1

3rd Place: Uruguay vs. Germany

Not much to say here, as Mueller returns, while Klose may or may not play for Germany. Suarez returns for Uruguay, which will help them a lot. Germany still has a ton of firepower up front and should prevail in the end over Uruguay's defensive style of play that involves a lot of counterattacking. These two teams should be able to go out in style.

Prediction: Germany wins 3-1

Prediction Record: 10-4

After the Dutch shocked Brazil, Uruguay's amazing streak of luck, the German beatdown of Argentina, and the Spanish near miss against Paraguay, we have arrived at the semifinal stage.

Netherlands vs. Uruguay

Once again, the Dutch need Arjen Robben to distract defenders with his absolutely lethal left foot, which will allow others, such as Wesley Sneijder, to come in and take advantage, which is exactly what happened against Brazil. Diego Forlan must play even better than he has already for Uruguay, as Luis Suarez is suspended for this game as a result of his memorable hand ball that saved Uruguay against Ghana. Uruguay is a good defensive team, while the Dutch have been prone in the center of their defense; however, the loss of Suarez will definitely impact Uruguay.

Prediction: Holland wins 2-1

Germany vs. Spain
Game to watch

When they last met: Euro 2008 Final, Spain won 1-0.

The Germans have not had a dull encounter during the knockout stage, and this game is no exception. After manhandling both England and Argentina, the Germans will look to continue their potent attack against Spain. Spain knocked off Paraguay in a thriller that saw two PK's missed in the span of about 90 seconds. Spain features the top scorer in the tournament, David Villa, who has 5 goals. Germany's Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose each have 4, but Mueller will be suspended for this match because of an accumulation of yellow cards. Look for a highly entertaining game that could well be the best game of the tournament so far.

Prediction: Germany wins 2-1

Prediction record: 9-3

Now that the second round is complete, I will quickly preview the quarterfinals:

Uruguay vs. Ghana
Uruguay knocked off South Korea 2-1, while Ghana edged the USA 2-1 in extra time. Look for a low scoring game with a lot of defense. Once again, look out for Forlan for Uruguay. Ghana will fight hard, and it is Africa's last hope for glory in this World Cup.

Prediction: Uruguay wins 2-1

Brazil vs. Netherlands
Game to watch #1
Arjen Robben returned and helped the Netherlands dominate Slovakia, while the Brazilians dominated as usual against Chile. Look for the Brazilians to attempt to shut down Robben's left foot, which was costly for the Slovaks. Kaka will eventually break out of his shell at some point, boosint Brazil's firepower. Look for a high scoring affair and note the somewhat suspect Dutch defense.

Prediction: Brazil wins 3-2

Argentina vs. Germany
Game to watch #2
Germany absolutely dominated England, save for a 15 minute span, with the help of a bad call, while Argentina was the beneficiary of some sloppy officiating and a Mexican implosion. Messi still has not scored in this tournament, and now would be a great time for him to break out. Don't count out Teves for Argentina as well. Germany's three headed monster of Podolski, Mueller, and Klose continues to torment opponents and shows no signs of slowing down, unless it runs into another card happy ref. Look for an entertaining affair that will probably come down to defense.

Prediction: Germany wins 2-1

Spain vs. Paraguay
Paraguay knocked off Japan in penalties while Spain dispatched Portugal 1-0. Barring a Swiss style upset, Spain should not have much trouble dispatching Paraguay. Look for Villa to continue his scoring streak.

Prediction: Spain wins 3-1
Prediction record: 6-2 (through one round)

So the World Cup has made it to the knockout stage, where it gets even more exciting than what we've already seen. We've had shockers (Italy out), outstanding games (USA vs. Slovenia/Algeria), and absolute snooze fests (Brazil/Portugal) combined with the typical pathetic performance (France). Here is a preview of what is to come (sorry, I know some teams better than others, so some previews might be extremely long/short):

June 26th games:

USA vs. Ghana:
After making their run to the Round of 16 by giving almost everyone in the US a massive heart attack several times over, the US will try to get revenge for their defeat to Ghana in Germany in 2006. Ghana is a strong team that held its own against Germany, and also defeated Serbia. The USA needs to actually get something in the net early and not get screwed by the refs in the process. Look for ratings records to be broken on ABC this weekend. Prediction: USA wins 2-1.

Uruguay vs South Korea:
Two words: Diego Forlan. If he's on, Uruguay should move on without too much trouble. If he's off, they are in trouble. South Korea is no pushover, but I still think that Uruguay will come out on top. If you are a US fan, root like crazy for the Koreans, as Forlan would run circles around US defenders. Prediction: Uruguay wins 1-0.

June 27th games:

Argentina vs. Mexico:
Will Maradona finally jump onto a building celebrating something? Seriously, this guy is a ton of fun to watch as a manager. The fact that he's shorter than everyone else on the pitch definitely helps. Anyways, will this be the game that Messi finally scores? Will Higuain continue his goal scoring touch? This will be a fun game to watch no matter what. All the Argentinians need to do is prove that they are not the South American versions of Spain and not choke. Prediction: Argentina wins 2-1.

Germany vs. England
Game to watch #1
First and foremost, Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubtful for this match because of an injury, which is a major blow to Germany's midfield. Anyways, England's play overall has been extremely suspect, and they probably should not have advanced. Germany is the less experienced of the two sides, but England still have to get out of their slump. Rooney got better later in the Slovenia game, but still has yet to score. Note that Germany and England absolutely hate each other (England especially), so this is always a good rivalry. Note to people who hate the English, mention any PK to an English fan to watch them suffer a seizure. Prediction: Germany wins 2-1.

June 28th games:

Netherlands vs. Slovakia:
The Dutch also have a tendency to choke on this stage, but have not shown any signs of slowing down at the moment. With Robben back in the lineup, they should be even more lethal and should move on to face off against Brazil in an epic showdown. Slovakia have had an amazing run, including stunning Italy, but likely will be no match for the Dutch firepower. Prediction: Netherlands wins 2-0

Brazil vs. Chile
It's Brazil and the knockout stage, surprise surprise. Brazil handled the Group of Death well and made it to a game that they should (and probably will) win. Chile made it through by knocking of Switzerland and Honduras, and playing Spain reasonably well. The Samba Kings will most likely revert to old form and just have fun with Chile by the end of it. Prediction: Brazil wins 3-1

June 29th games:

Spain vs. Portugal:
Game to watch #2
No matter the outcome, you can expect one to declare war on the other by the time this match is complete. Spain feature arguably the most potent and beautiful style of play by any team in the tournament. Portugal has the second best player in the tournament in Ronaldo, and he could probably be the best if he didn't play like an Italian and flop so much. This match also features two teams that tend to choke during the World Cup, namely Spain. No matter what, this match will be a beauty to watch and could potentially be the most entertaining match of either the second round or the entire knockout stage. Prediction: Portugal wins 2-1 in a stunner

Paraguay vs. Japan
Japan might be the most surprising addition to the knockout stage, and if they aren't then it is Slovakia. Japan knocked off Denmark to move ahead, while Paraguay took care of business against New Zealand (i.e. draw and let Slovakia stun Italy). Japan has surprised many people, but might have finally run out of gas against a Paraguay side that has not shown many kinks (one howler against Italy comes to mind...). Prediction: Paraguay wins 1-0.

So, after two sets of games completed, we currently stand with a mass of confusion in most groups, and a couple of groups that have one side advancing. For the sake of clarity, I will split up this post into each group and explain how each team can advance into the knockout round.

Group A: No one has advanced or been eliminated

Both Mexico and Uruguay can advance with a draw or a win. A draw means that both sides advance, while a win means that one side advances while the other waits to see how the goal differential is played out in the France/South Africa match. South Africa and France can advance with a win over the other, a loss by one of the other two, and making up the goal differential between themselves and the other team. If France advances, consider it an act of divine intervention or something equivalent after what happened to them this weekend.

Who should advance: Uruguay and Mexico.

Group B: No one has advanced or been eliminated

Argentina can advance with just a draw. Argentina can also be eliminated with a loss to Greece that consists of them getting crushed and losing their goal difference tiebreaker. South Korea and Greece need draws to advance, with either side scoring more goals than the other (Greece needs to score two more goals than South Korea in the final match to advance, while South Korea needs zero with Greece only scoring one). Nigeria needs a win and a lot of help from Argentina.

Who should advance: Argentina and South Korea

Group C: No one has advanced or been eliminated

See Seth's post for advancement possibilities

Who should advance: Slovenia and the USA

Group D: No one has advanced or been eliminated

This is an extremely confusing scenario, as Ghana has 4 points, Germany and Serbia have 3, and Australia has 1. Ghana needs at least a draw to advance. Germany needs a draw to advance, with either Serbia and Australia drawing, or Australia winning, and neither side making up the goal differential. Serbia needs a draw and either a Germany or Ghana loss while making up the goal differential, and Australia needs a win with either a Germany or Ghana loss and also needs to make up the goal differential. In other words, quite confusing.

Who should advance: Germany and Serbia

Group E: Netherlands have advanced, Cameroon has been eliminated

Japan and Denmark go head to head to decide this one. Draw or win for Japan means advancing, win for Denmark means advancing.

Who should advance: Denmark

Group F: No one has advanced or been eliminated

After Italy was stunned, and nearly upset, by New Zealand, things got much more interesting. Paraguay needs a draw to advance, while maintaining its goal difference advantage. New Zealand can advance with a win or a draw, with Italy drawing to Slovakia and New Zealand scoring more goals overall. Italy needs the same thing, except New Zealand losing to Paraguay and Italy at least drawing would see Italy advance. Slovakia needs a win over Italy and a New Zealand loss or draw.

Who should advance: Paraguay and Italy

Group G: Brazil has advanced, North Korea has been eliminated

Basically put, Cote d'Ivoire needs a miracle to advance. They need a Portugal loss combined with at least an 8 goal thrashing of North Korea to advance. Portugal advances with a draw.

Who should advance: Portugal

Group H: No one has advanced or been eliminated

Chile needs a draw with Spain to advance. Spain needs a draw and either a Switzerland draw or loss to advance, with the Swiss not making up the goal difference. Switzerland needs a draw and a Spain loss to advance, or a win to advance and making up the goal difference in the process, while scoring more goals than Spain overall. Honduras needs a win over Switzerland and a Spain loss combined with making up the goal differential in order to advance. Note that if Spain and Switzerland both win, it comes down to goal differential overall, then to total goals, and then to head to head record. This could get quite confusing.

Who should advance: Chile and Spain

Second series of games notes:

Germany was screwed by a card happy ref. Also, Lukas Podolski missed the first PK for Germany since 1982.

The US got it even worse than Germany when a goal was called back for no apparent reason.

North Korea finally imploded, and Portugal could be fun to watch if they can beat up on teams that are actually good.

Brazil is dominate as always, while Italy looks to be in a load of trouble.

France sucks, what else is new?

This is a comprehensive list of the ways that every team in Group C can advance, for those interested (Tie-breaking procedures can be found here):

World Cup:

Ok, so through one set of games in each group we've had some absolute stunners (Switzerland beating Spain, Japan beating Cameroon, Brazil not destroying North Korea), some very good matches (England-USA, German domination of Australia), and a lot of excitement in the rest. Here's my take on the tournament so far.

Germany look like the favorites at the moment after Spain's collapse and Brazil getting held at bay by North Korea. Of course, one needs to see the Germans play someone else than Australia before actually saying that Germany is the outright favorite.

England's goalkeeping will be a question mark throughout the tournament after the howler by Green. Wayne Rooney was held in check well during the US game and will need to find a way to get hot.

North Korea is not a pushover after holding Brazil to a 2-1 loss. This game could have been much worse, but North Korea played excellent defense during the game.

The Italians still dive at every opportunity, as does Cristiano Ronaldo.

The US is a decent team that has a legitimate shot at qualifying and potentially advancing past the first knockout round (assuming that they do not draw Germany).

Spain continues to choke on the international stage (sorry, 2008 won't help you here).

As obnoxious as the vuvuzela is, it, in my opinion, is better to listen to it than completely take out the crowd noise.

UEFA:

The "Special One" has departed for Real Madrid (as many of you probably know by now), which means that Inter's chances of repeating in the Champions League are not very high. Real will most likely do what they do every year and acquire a couple of players for an inflated transfer fee, considering Mourinho will want his players with him. Rafael van der Vaart has been rumored to be leaving Real, possibly to Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Manchester United has a lot of debt and it will be interesting to see how that affects their transfer budget. Barcelona and Arsenal continue their duel over Cesc Fabregas, and Barcelona have also acquired David Villa from Valencia. Bayern Munich has terminated Luca Toni's contract and he is headed for Genoa. Champions League play starts on June 29th (game times have not yet been announced).

Match of the Titans (Yes, that is what this is called):

The new owner of the Pontiac Silverdome has announced that AC Milan and Panathinaikos have agreed to play a friendly at the Silverdome on August 6th at 8:00 PM (ET). AC Milan finished third in Serie A last season, while Panathinaikos won the Super League Greece. This should be a fun match-up to watch, even if Italian soccer is not the most exciting brand. Tickets range from $29.95 to $150 and can be found here. Note: The price jumps from $35 for the upper level to $65 at the ends in the lower level. H/T MGoJen for alerting me (and the rest of mgoblog) to this.