After the Yank's Gotterdamerung Comes Tue''s Day

Now that the Yanks have been Judged, and Damned, it is onto a fresh set of three games at this Best of All Possible World Cups [in honor of Herr Liebniz, as interpreted by Voltaire].
South Korea vs Togo. This Korean team does not have quite the quality of its 2002 version [nor, of course, the advantages of fiercely partisan crowds and strangely accomodating officialdom], but it does have something the Yanks never showed today: a pride in the game, a fierce will to do one's utmost, to play as if life itself might be at stake [watch Park, for example. Let's just say he is no Damarcus Beasley or Eddie Lewis]. For that reason, or at least primarily that reason, I pick them over Togo. Togo is actually quite talented, and has players that at the youth level vied for the world championships, but they have trained very poorly and are torn apart by squabbles over monies and the politics of the nation's FA. They may, may not, actually have their manager present, as he quit/or maybe did not quit/or wtf we shall see if he quit or not. A mess they be. Prediction: Korea 2- Togo 0

France vs. Switzerland. I like the Swiss. They are a very determined and brave team. If you doubt me, just relive the events of that last match, to qualify, played in Istanbul in all its full Turkic splendor and friendliness. I don't like the French team very much, a shell of the magnificent 1998 team. Zinedine Zidane is, or rather was, one of the great midfield generals of all time. Barthez was once a great keeper. Warriors they once were, and young...but no more. Now ZZ claims the Angel Gibreel speaks to him at night, and Barthez has little left but his baldness. Henry is excellent, but he will have to try much by himself, for Cisse was unfortunately injured. The French however are very very lucky, for this group is one of the easiest in this WC. Against Switzerland, I think they will give their all, and then seek to coast against Korea and Togo. Still, I see a tie. Prediction: France 2-Switzerland 2.

Brazil vs. Croatia: Who needs to say anything about Os Brasilheiros? As for Croatia, tough chippy defensively, chaotic but capable of most dangerous flair in offense. Do NOT expect some 1-0 monstrosity. This game should be highscoring and much fun to watch. Prediction: Brasil 4- Croatia 2.