This is it -- some big contests in World Cup "football" today. In the morning, the USA, Ghana, and the Czech Republic all jockey for a single seat in the upcoming round of 16 (or "Stage 2," as it's officially known). Two of those three will likely be playing their last World Cup matches at 7 a.m. -- we just don't know which two. (There's a small possibility that two of those three could advance, with Italy dropping out, but to me that seems highly unlikely.)

At noon, Australia and Croatia battle it out, with Croatia needing a win to pass the Aussies for a round of 16 berth. There's even a chance that Japan could steal it from either of them, but alas, Japan will be meeting Brazil, who are already sure to advance out of that group, and overdue for a blowout to boot.

Eight teams have already been eliminated, and eight are already on their way to the next round. By 2:00 this afternoon, there will be a dozen of each. On Friday, the last four dropouts and last four advancers are determined, and then a famliar single-elimination tournament format promptly takes over. We'll have a little pool on this blog after the last Friday match (entries due Saturday morning at 10) to see who can best predict the outcomes of the 16 matches then remaining. Can somebody suggest a suitable, modest, prize?

For now, though, it's go USA, go Italy!

UPDATE, 2:42 a.m.: BTW, beerdrinker is in Germany, taking in the Cup festivities and no doubt living up to his internet moniker! Prost!