Predictions for Matches 2 and 3: Match 2:England 1-1 Ecuador, with ecuador sealing the game with the winner in extra time. With key striker (some may beg to differ) Michael Owen out for 5 months after injuring his cruciate knee ligament, only 3 strikers remain in the England squad - Peter Crouch, Wayne Rooney, and the young and probably inexperienced Theo Walcott. How far England will progress will depend on them to a large extent, and in my opinion, I'm sorry, but I don't think they will be able to progress beyond the second round. Rooney is not in top shape, Crouch is constantly misfiring, and Walcott has not be tested yet. These make me really concerned about how they're gonna deliver the goods (ie. goals) England desparately need. And Ecuador will not be easy to beat. As seen in the group stages, they were able to defeat Costa Rica and Poland convincingly and only lost to a far more superior host, Germany. But as long as the English do not underestimate their opponents, a draw will still be likely. But a victory? Wait another four years, England. Match 3:Argentina 2-1 Mexico. Likely to be an entertaining game. Both sides have a strong attacking flair, coupled with relatively solid defences (though Mexico's defence isn't that convincing so far). Argentina is on top form after that 6-0 thrashing of Serbia & Montenegro and rested many of their key players against the Netherlands, yet were still able to fight to a goal-less draw. This clearly illustrates the depth of the squad. I believe Mexico will fight to the end though, as in their past encounters, but Argentina will still prevail by 1 goal at most.