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Today, the fun begins . . . and begins to come to an end.

With the World Cup quarterfinals on their way, I think that every game is up for grabs. Here are my thoughts about the matchups:

Friday, June 30, 11am: Germany vs. Argentina
I’m pulling for Argentina here. They’ve played some of the best ball of the cup, but Germany has the home-field advantage — something that can’t be discounted. Germany has a solid team; is it solid enough to stop Argentina’s magical passing game? I don’t think so, but it will be close. This may turn out to be the best match of the tournament.

My pick (holding my hands in the air): Argentina

Friday, June 30, 3pm: Italy vs. Ukraine
Italy will be weighed down by both injuries and emotional trauma, but they seem to make it through one way or another. I’m still angry about the Italian flop at the end of the Australia game, but it’s hard to see how the Ukrainians will be able to pull this one out; they’re up against the greatest thespians in the world.

My pick (holding my nose): Italy

Saturday July 1, 11am: England vs Portugal
If Portugal weren’t battered by injuries and red cards, I’d pick them to pick England apart. But Portugal could come out flat after their wild Round of 16 match against the Netherlands. England, meanwhile, has been utterly unimpressive throughout the tournament, but could get its act together. Tough call — this one could go either way.

My pick (holding my finger in the wind): Portugal England Portugal

Saturday July 1, 3pm: Brazil vs. France
Now, this one is interesting. France put on an impressive show against Spain, while Brazil has improved in every game of the tournament. Brazil is favored strongly, but don’t count out the French.

My pick (holding my fifth glass of pastis): France

Wait — did I really just pick France to beat Brazil? Yes, yes, I did!

Please don’t remind me of that on Sunday morning.

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