Portugal/Netherlands 
My Pick: Portugal
The game between Portugal and Holland promises to be the most exciting game in the round of 16 and more so because there is virtually nothing to choose in between the two teams. Both are teams gifted with attacking talent and both do have their chinks in defence.
Portugal were in elite company as they completed their group assignments with a 100% win record. The other teams which did this were Germany, Brazil and Spain. Their 'B' team defeated Mexico 2-1 in their last group game, which gives you an indication of the depth of their squad. Five of their first team regulars including PSG striker Pauleta, Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barca medio Deco, who did not play against Mexico, will be back for this crunch game. Luis Felipe Scolari, who won the trophy with Brazil in 2002 knows all what it takes to become a superpower at the international level and the Portuguese team have improved immensely under his tutelage. They were European runners up to Greece at home in 2004 and qualified for Germany without losing a game. Their back four doesn't have superstars, but conceded just one goal in the group stages. They will have their work cut out against a Dutch team full of people who can turn the game in their direction with delightful strokes of magic.
Holland finished second to Argentina only on goal difference in the Group of Death. They had two hard fought one goal margin wins over Serbia and the Ivory Coast and then drew goalless against Argentina in a game where Van Basten preferred to protect his carded men. Marco Van Basten's team will find the going tough against the fluent Portuguese midfield. But as they say "when the going gets tough,the tough gets going". It's time for Van Basten's youngsters to get going then... Dirk Kuyt may start ahead of Ruud Van Nistelrooy. The key man for the Dutch will be as usual Arjen Robben. Although he has been accused of being selfish by teammate Robin Van Persie, one has to admit that watching Robben at his individual best is a sight many would not like to miss. He can run rings around the defence and can make the best of defenders look like fools.
My verdict:
Portugal have qualified for the second round for the first time since 1966.They have a master tactician in charge in the form of Luis Felipe Scolari.
Holland have great World Cup pedigree and are considered as the best team never to have won a World Cup. I expect this game to be a tight game which could go to extra
time and penalties. If any team wins it, the margin will not be very great, and I fancy Portugal to come out winners at the end of a hard fought battle.
