Then there were 16

The World Cup round of 16 is set, and the matchups couldn't look any better.

Not only do we have the revenge plots of USA-Ghana, Germany-England and Argentina-Mexico, we also have a couple of backyard rivalries in Brazil-Chile and Spain-Portugal. I can't say I'll be on the edge of my seat for Uruguay-South Korea, Netherlands-Slovakia or Paraguay-Japan, but I'll be somewhere on my seat.

I didn't do so hot on my picks for the group stage, only getting 9 out of 16. The African nations killed my percentage. I expected most of them would show up for the first World Cup on African soil, and with the exception of Ghana, they did not.

Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and host nation South Africa were all disappointing, although South Africa deserves a little nod because they played above their talent level. The other three have no excuse. Here are my awards for the first half of the tournament:

Best goal: Obviously, the most exciting goal was Landon Donovan's strike against Algeria. But purely on skill, Honda's goal for Japan against Denmark from about 35 yards out was incredible. It was a rocket with absolutely no spin. With so many players kicking the ball into the stands this World Cup, I'm giving him the vote.

Tuck your tail award: It's stunning that both teams from the 2006 final, Italy and France, were not only eliminated, they finished last in their groups. That just doesn't happen. I expected France to flop, but Italy too? It's a good thing for the Cup. Who wants to see the same teams every time in the final games?

Best stat: The South American teams made it through the group stage with one loss in 15 matches.

Worst call: No brainer -- the phantom foul that cost the US a goal against Slovenia.

Best call: Finally, in the Brazil-Portugal game, a referee gave a yellow card to a player for taking a dive in the penalty box. Bravo. It should've been red. That'll get the players' attention for acting like they've been assassinated.

Most surprising team: Uruguay played very well, not conceding a goal and looking like a dangerous team that the US might face if the Americans get past Ghana. I'll give a hat tip to Japan as well.

Worst team: France deserves this award by a landslide. But honestly, only one team looked like they had no business even being on the field at this Cup and that was North Korea. After looking competitive against Brazil, the North Koreans finished the tournament giving up 10 straight goals and getting zero. I bet Kim-Jong is feeling pretty Il.

Best field player: Oh, it's hard to pick just one. Spain's David Villa had 3 goals, Uruguay's Diego Forlan was deft, USA's Landon Donovan was clutch.

Best goalkeeper: Oh, it's hard to pick just one. New Zealand's Mark Paston and Swiss goalie Diego Benaglio were both fantastic. But they're both going home. I'll be a homer and give it to Tim Howard. He could be the difference for the US going forward.

Worst gaff: It'd be easy to give this to England's goalkeeper Rob Green for looking like a third-grade shortstop against the US. But at least England made it through. Nigeria's Yakubu missed the easiest goal I've probably ever seen at the World Cup, and it cost his team advancement.

Overachiever award: How about those Kiwis!! Too bad New Zealand couldn't move on, but they did themselves and their small country proud.

As for the round of 16, my grain-of-salt predictions:

Uruguay vs South Korea: South Korea is a surprisingly tough bunch, but good luck scoring against Uruguay. Uruguay does just enough to win 1-0.

US vs Ghana: The US needs to be patient in this game. The chances will come against a Ghanian defense that is prone to mistakes. But Ghana's attacking players are fast. Think defense first, then counterattack. US wins 2-1.

Germany vs England: An old-fashioned European bloodbath. Somebody will be playing with 10 by the end. Germany's offense has a little more punch. Deutschland gewinnt 1-0.

Argentina vs Mexico: Should be a feisty game. The cards could be flying. Argentina's a bit better. They win 3-2.

Netherlands vs Slovakia: The Dutch swept through the group stage with 3 wins. I don't see Slovakia stopping the streak. 3-1 Holland.

Brazil vs Chile: You want offense? You got it. Chile attacks the goal like a pit bull tears into a steak. Brazil looks more elegant and polished, like maybe a Weimaraner. 4-2 Brazil.

Paraguay vs Japan: Paraguay will be favored, but I'm calling for the upset here. Japan's Keisuke Honda is a stud. They don't even need Toyota or Nissan. Japan 2-1.

Spain vs Portugal: The Iberian clash. Not only are these guys neighbors, but they have a similar history in the World Cup of falling short when it counts. Spanish striker David Villa puts the ball in the back of the net while Portuguese striker Cristiano Renaldo prefers the side of the net. Spain 2-1.

Mostly importantly, you better be somewhere in front of a TV at 2pm ET tomorrow! Go USA!