The World Cup in South Africa has been quite a journey so far. The 1st knockout round has finished and the deserving teams have qualified for the quarter finals of the tournament. Now is the moment when one bad performance might cost a country their dream, one bad moment, one mistake and its all over.



Date and Time: 2nd July 19:30
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay - Port Elizabeth



This is a match up between 2 sides who have been in very good form at the World Cup. The Brazilians are more balanced and strong compared to the Dutch. But the Dutch counter attacks is what the Brazilians will be afraid of. The attack quartet of Van Persie, Kuyt, Robben and Sneijder has been good until now. But they haven't stepped up a gear still as the Spanish players have. They still have to reach their best. While Brazil have played very well in their matches until now. They have got the job done in every match and in style. The Dutch are on a 23-match unbeaten run while Brazil have lost only once in their last 30 matches. This is the 10th meeting between these 2 sides, of which, Brazil has won 3, Netherlands 2 and remaining 4 draws. It will be a close contest for sure. But one thing is certain. Both the teams have come here to win, not to entertain. Both the teams will play cautiously and will look to grab any opportunities that come their way.

FP Prediction:

Although the Dutch are playing good football, the Brazilians under a 'winning metality' coach Dunga will be the victors at the end of the match.




Date and Time: 3rd July 00:00
Venue: Johannesburg


This match will be a close fought battle between two nations who would create history if they won the match. No African team ever has reached the semi-finals of a World Cup. And Uruguay, if they win, would play their 1st ever semi-final after 40 years. Uruguay have conceded only once in the World Cup and netted 7 times. Their confidence is sky high and will be looking to book their place in the semi finals. Ghana, meanwhile, have already done better than their previous World Cup having bowed out in the 1st knockout round in WC 2006. They are the only African nation to qualify past the group stages consecutively in 2 World Cups. There are not much expectations from the Ghana team. So the players will be playing with no pressure.




FP Prediction:

The Uruguay team is definitely better than Ghana when it comes to attacking. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been sensational uptil now. Ghana will have to be very disciplined if they are to stop these stars. A small margin to separate these teams.