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1. ARGENTINA

Any team that has Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi on the bench has to be the best team in the World Cup.

It's too bad they play Germany in the quarters, because this match should be the final.

2. GERMANY

The Germans can score, defend, and the home-field advantage certainly helps. France won in 1998, South Korea made it to the semis in 2002, and Germany is poised to do likewise.

3. BRAZIL

Even an underperforming Brazil team is better than almost every team in the world. Ronaldinho has been quietly effective

4. Portugal

They are living up to their reputation. Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the best players in Europe. The foul-fest against Holland was ugly, but this team has the look of a semifinalist.

5. ITALY

The Italian lineup is lethal. Luca Toni is terrific, and Francesco Totti is regaining his confidence.

6. ENGLAND

The English team is in the quarters despite itself. Wayne Rooney looked like his usual self in the second half of that match, which is promising for the quarters.

7. FRANCE

Brazil might be too much for the aging French team to handle, but it figures to be a fun match.

8. UKRAINE

Ukraine is playing with great spirit and if anyone knows how to play the Italians, it's their star man Sheva, who spent the past seven years in Serie A with AC Milan.[[In-content Ad]]

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