The last 8

For the first time in almost a month, I get two nights of sleep without having to set the alarm at 2:30 a.m. shortly before knocking off at past 12 midnight to catch the action in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

From 32, there are now only eight teams remaining and the quarterfinals will start tomorrow yet.

Games tomorrow will pit inaugural World Cup champion Uruguay against the remaining hope of the African continent – Ghana. The other match will be between five-time champion Brazil and Netherlands, which is considered by some as the tournament’s dark horse.

The winners of the two matches will face off in the semi finals on July 6.

On the other side of the draw, Argentina battles Germany on Saturday while Paraguay meets Spain.

The winners will clash in the semi finals on July 7.

It seems that Brazil has the easy route to the final. The biggest stumbling block could be Netherlands, but once they make it through the quarterfinals, I believe that Brazil will be fighting for a sixth title this year.

On of the other side, the winner of the battle between Argentina and Brazil would be the most likely semi finalist. 

I am not saying that Paraguay and Spain are not strong enough, but these two teams haven’t really impressed the fans much in the tournament.

In the battle between Argentina and Brazil, I choose Argentina to win, but don’t count on this too much as I seem to be favoring the side for sentimental reasons.

The Germans have proven a class apart with their 4-1 dumping of England, but then Argentina has played so much better than the overhyped English side and remains a favorite for the title.

This World Cup has once again shown us why football is a sport that many people all over the world love. You really can’t tell how a game will finish based on the team rosters and previous performance.

A Brazil-Argentina final would be very interesting, so would a Brazil-Germany final, but let’s not count the others out yet.

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I love hot bread and my carbohydrate intake would probably make many dieters freak out.

On my way to office yesterday (yes we work even during holidays), I passed by the bakery of a large supermarket and asked for the freshly cooked bread. I was told they had Elorde, so I ordered some to take to work.

I got curious so I asked the woman at the cash register if she knew as to why the bread was named as such. Her smile told me that she had no idea why the bread is called such.

This bread, which is shaped like boxing gloves, was named after Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde of Bogo, Cebu, who was the country’s ring icon long before Manny Pacquiao.

Next time, you order Elorde, think of the former champ and the honor he brought our country. One more thing, he did not try to seek public office unlike Pacquiao.

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MILESTONES: A mistah is not a mere classmate, but he’s like your brother. Today is the birthday of my mistah, who truly epitomizes the meaning of the word – Lt. Col. Michael Santos of the Philippine Army.

The same goes to Imee Kua and Security Bank and also to Stephen Villamor, who is happy to see his brother from the Apo fraternity inducted into office as the country’s vice president yesterday.

Advance birthday greetings to those celebrating tomorrow like Jully Venus Cuizon, my cousin-in-law Alex Manigsaca, Bobby Lloren, and Jefre Arong.

More power to all of you!