World Cup Today: Knockout round Day 3

Johnny's got limited time but luckily not limited enthusiasm for today's matches.

Brazil vs Mexico
No work is getting done in the tri-state (el-Tri state?) between 10-12 today as two very very popular teams around these parts clash. Johnny would imagine the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark was up all night before this one.

It's be easier to think Mexico was going to give Brazil a run today if they hadn't looked so BAD vs Sweden (3-0 loss) in the group stage. They'd been playing so well, it looked like a completely different team than had won the first two matches including against Germany, though that win looks tempered now with Germanys crash out. So, has Mexico righted the ship? Can they take on an unconvincing side that still has five stars over their team crest.? To win Mexico will have to do the unthinkable, challenge Brazil to a horse race. Marcelo, a player who always seems to have a hand in Brazil's goals and a steadying hand on the till at others, is on the bench to start. Neymar Jr. seems to have physical issues beyond what is being reported. If Brazil is going to win, Coutinho is going to have to be the big player for Brazil. He'll have to pick up the slack. A lot is being asked of him. Can Mexico's Chicarito have an impact? He does it in two ways, on the attack and being the conscience of the team on the pitch, pulling them forward and leading by example.

Johnny's thinking upset here, he truly is, he thinks Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa keeps it close and Mexico win late. Upset special!

Mexico 2
Brazil 1

Belgium vs Japan
A mismatch on paper but Belgium should not expect to throw their jerseys on the field and win. Sure Hazard and Lukaku should run riot through and over the Japanese defenses. However Japan is a ball possession team. Belgium isn't going to always have the ball and will probably see 20% less possession than they usually do meaning they'll have to take advantage of their opportunities. Teams like Japan that don't beat themselves with rash play and stupid challenges are very tough come knockout stages. In order to win Japan must score first. They can't chase this game around or they'll be ripped apart by Hazard's incisive passing. Johnny thinks this one starts slowly but over the full 90 minutes Belgium's class will carry them through,

Belgium 2
Japan 0

World Cup Today -- Day 13

So, we have our first knockout rounds set; Brazil will play Chile in what promises to be an offensive showing while Mexico, so strong in making it out of Group A, lands The Netherlands. Ouch. More on this game on the weekend.

We'll have two more groups find out just who their top two sides will be playing by 6pm this evening. England who has already been eliminated will play group winner Costa Rica at noon. Costa Rica can actually rest players against England. Who had that happening? Italy and Uruguay play a match to the death game today with the Azzurre the winner of all ties. Uruguay has to win to go through and yes, they well could. Still it's hard to pick against Italy who only need a tie today. In another group finale Greece who has no hopes plays the Ivory Coast who can advance should things break their way. Japan and Columbia will be playing later with Columbia already having won the group (and looked really good in doing so). Japan needs points, period.

Costa Rica vs England noon
Uruguay vs Italy noon

Ivory Coast vs Greece 4pm
Japan vs Columbia 4pm

World Cup Today -- Day 8

What an amazing tournament this has been. More goals at this point than any World Cup since 1958 and isn't that what Americans supposedly hate about soccer, no scoring? Hats off to all the managers who have decided to unleash their teams rather than playing it safe. Also, before one laughs off Spain's crash and burn let's take a moment to realize how they changed this game. They may be the reason we're seeing so much scoring with their tiki-taka, ball possession, move it forward game. Since 2008 Spain has been the best in the world and proved it at the Euro 2008 and 2012 sandwiching a World Cup win in 2010. A tip of the cap to Spain might be a better send-off than a snicker or a derisive snort. But back to today. Columbia plays the Ivory Coast in a very important game and none bigger than The Three Lions of England who play a survival match against La Celeste of Uruguay, both losers in their opening matches. Ypsilanti Michigan, named after Greek General Demetrius Ypsilanti, will no doubt be cheering hard for Greece at 6pm. Today's matches:

Columbia vs Ivory Coast noon
England vs Uruguay 3pm
Japan vs Greece 6pm

How you can help our friends in Japan

Whenever a dire situation hits anywhere in the world, the only hope some people have is that somehow, some way the cavalry will come. Now is such a time for the good people of Japan. In all of his years Johnny has never seen such a dire situation as the one going on in Japan. We know a lot of our readers feel the same way and sitting on the couch watching the coverage on teevee or reading about it online can lead to a great deal of frustration. Well Jersey City Desk readers, here's how you can saddle up and join the global cavalry:

ABC News has 7 high tech ways you can help.

CNN Money has a list of the most important things you can give as well as those that while well intentioned might not be the best way to go.

Of course there is always the Red Cross, always on the front lines for helping disaster victims.

The Japanese word for thanks is 'domo arigato' and Johnny thanks you in advance for anything you can do.