On behalf of American soccer fans everywhere, I'd like to thank the South Koreans for their 1-0 win. It's the least they could do for us keeping them out from under the communist bootheel 50 years ago.

The round of 16 is now set, and to many people's surprise, the US is in. I wasn't as surprised, as I had them picked to get to this round, but I will say this is not the route I figured they'd take. You figure they go 1-1-1, and it's a loss to Portugal, a tie with Poland or the Koreans, and a win over the other (personally figured win over the Koreans, tie the Poles).

Then again, I underestimated both hosts, as I didn't have either of them going through. I know, a host nation has never failed to go through, but in this case I thought I had an argument, seeing as neither country had ever won a World Cup game. What I failed to take into account was (a) the amount of preparation both countries put in to developing their teams, especially Japan, whose J-League started around the time of MLS, and (b) the intense support of the home fans, creating a real home field advantage.

OK, so we've got 16 teams left. Here's my take on the round:

US v. Mexico There may be no team the US knows better than Mexico, and vice versa. Constant clashes in CONCACAF play and a favored friendly match-up, there will be no secrets from either team.

The first key for the US is to put Jeff Agoos on a plane headed in any direction away from the stadium. The US player with the most caps before playing a World Cup game, Agoos has done nothing to show that he deserved to get off the bench. His "highlights" include:

* The own goal scored for Portugal
* Letting Seol loose to score the equalizer for South Korea
* Poor marking that allowed his man to score Poland's second goal

Agoos met Bruce Arena (the US coach) in high school, played for him at Virginia, and has been a member of the national team since before Arena's arrival. One hopes this doesn't further cloud Arena's judgment in setting the lineup against Mexico.

The Mexicans have had a great tournament, beating Ecuador and Croatia and drawing the Italians. I'm not sure where the US will attack them. The US never plays Mexico well, but that's usually because we're playing them in Mexico or a Mexico-friendly venue (someone got smart and put Mexico's visit to the US for World Cup qualifying in Columbus, Ohio. In March. US wins, 2-0).

I'm guessing that Mexico will win thanks to a greater talent pool, but it won't be easy. 1-0 or 2-1, perhaps even a little OT or PKs if the US can pick itself up of the floor and come up with a game plan to contain Mexico's attack.

Germany v. Paraguay Germany played very un-German soccer in the run up to the tournament. Qualifying was a chore, and there didn't seem to be anyone on their side who struck fear in the hearts of opponents.

Then they beat the Saudis 8-0 and it's like old times.

Paraguay is a good team with a very good goaltender. They showed some heart in getting this far, scoring three second half goals against Slovenia to take the second spot. They've also showed some dodgy play, both in their tie with South Africa (which Chilavert missed) and loss to Spain. Perhaps they've found their stride, but it's a fair question to ask which Paraguay will show up.

Germany wins 2-0.

Denmark v. England A personal quandry here. I like Denmark. Want to visit there. If descriptions of the national character are accurate, I think I identify with the Danes.

Then, there's Sarah. Her mom's English. She's lived in England. She likes things that are boiled within an inch of their life. She likes the Spice Girls, one of whom is married to English captain David Beckham.

And I can't root for a tie anymore.

The Danes were the surprise winner of their group, which included France. They weren't even a solid second place choice, sharing that honor with Uruguay. But they played no-nonsense, limited mistake soccer to get to the top.

The English worked a little penaly magic against Argentina to get here, drawing against Nigeria and Sweden. They've looked pretty good, but haven't quite put it all together. Beckham's injured foot has put him in more of a support role to Michael Owen. Which is fine, given Owen's level of play so far.

Which may be the difference here. Denmark doesn't have a big-play guy, and if both team play with their tendency to draw, it's going to be a big play that'll turn things. The Three Lions go through 1-0.

Sweden v. Senegal Sweden won the Group of Death, probably the least favored choice to do so at tournament's beginning. Senegal is the surprise of the tournament, qualifying past France and Uruguay with players not well known- until now.

For reasons I can't articulate, given that I've not really seen either team play, I think Senegal's magic ends here. 2-1 Sweden, who has too much experience to let Cinderella get the best of them.

Ireland v. Spain This could be the most entertaining match of the round. Spain has shown real flair, and hasn't displayed the tendency they've developed over the last decade or so to underwhelm despite being deep. Ireland has opened up their offense, no longer happy with playing for the tie on all occasions. They still tie a lot (drew with Germany and Cameroon), but now it's due to their skill level, not their game plan.

On paper, Spain should win this game. In reality, it's just about time for them to start sucking wind. Ireland may be well positioned to steal a game here, especially if they can score first. Either Spain will win 3-1 or lose 1-0. I'm going with the boys in green for this one.

Brazil v. Belgium Brazil's rocky road in qualifying kept them out of the limelight during the opening round, but now that they're here and Argentina, France, and Portugal aren't, they're the presumptive favorites. Especially playing a Belgian side which would have gotten knocked out if they were in any other group. Brazil wins comfortably, 4-1.

Japan v. Turkey Turkey goes through in their first Cup appearance since 1950. Japan makes it through for their first time. Turkey finished second to Brazil in their group, and played them very well. They've not looked anywhere near that good since.

Japan is playing well, but perhaps got an easy group (the one with Belgium, Russia, and Tunisia). Home crowd carries them through here, though. 2-1.

South Korea v. Italy South Korea looked impressive in every game they played. They have a huge, vocal following.

The Italians started slow, and needed help from Ecuador to get here. Outside of Christian Vieri, no one's looked that impressive.

So why am I picking the Italians? History. This is familiar ground for them. The Koreans, not so much. I see this in the same light as the US-Brazil match from 1994, an over-achieving host playing soccer royalty. I'm thinking this game goes to PKs, with Italy winning 4-3.

Oh, and happy trails to Scotty Bowman. I suppose nine Stanley Cups are enough.