One of the great things about the World Cup is it encourages nerdish fantasies and romantic daydreaming, what-ifs and definitely maybes. It's like being 13 again, only without the grade-one step or the costly addiction to Biactol.
New permutations and possibilities suggest themselves daily. But right now, when the placings for the knockout stages harden from liquid to solid is the most exciting time of all.
Like everyone else, I'm playing guessing games: probably Brazil and Spain in one quarter-final, possibly Argentina v Germany and England v Holland in two others. And the final quarter? Well, that's where it gets really interesting.
In Fifa language, it's between E1 v F2 and G1 v H2. Or, in layman's terms, possibly Ghana playing Australia for the right to face Switzerland or Ukraine for a semi-final place.
Possible? Sure. Probable? Too early to say. But from a betting point of view, these outsiders are worth backing for the last four - especially as the draw will really open up if Italy don't beat the Czech Republic tomorrow and France fail to top Group G.
What price Guus Hiddink reaching his third semi-final in a row with Australia? It's not impossible given a favourable draw and more thunderous performances like the one against Brazil.
Naturally, today's Gazetta dello Sport disagrees. Its front page plots a different route: Italy to get past the Czechs, followed by Australia, then Switzerland or Ukraine.
If they're right about tomorrow's match, the 12-1 on Italy to win the World Cup may yet be a good price.
