I wouldn't dismiss Argentina. They played poorly, but save for Belgium, all of their opponents were very defensive teams. Having to face Netherlands may paradoxically be good news for them.
Stats before France/GermanyExcept that I guess it was 50/50 whether France or Germany would make it.
France : 3 victories, 1 draw, 10 goals scored, 2 conceded
Germany: 3 victories, 1 draw, 9 goals scored, 3 conceded
It's difficult to have closer teams.
Indeed. I wondered several times if it wouldn't be better now to have a second group phase rather than knockouts. Until 1990 finals and semi-finals were great games, then only quarter-finals. Since 2002, only the round of 16 produces interesting games in the knockout phase. 1982 had a 2nd round group phase, and it had 2,81 goals per match. Granted, there was New Zealand and Salvador, but why not.It's interesting how the group phase had multiple upsets (especially Spain getting kicked out, but also England, Portugal, Italy...), whereas the elimination phase so far has been very predictable.
On a related subjetc, I think allowing 24 rather than 16 teams in the next Euro is a mistake for me. With best 3rd again able to qualify, defensive teams will once again have an advantage. sigh.
EDIT: Fun fact: Costa Rica becomes member of the Club of countries knocked out of a World Cup with a clean sheet (i.e. no defeat).