The Quarters - II




Argentina Argentina v Germany Germany

Date and Time : 3rd July 16:00
Venue : Cape Town

This is the anticipated match of the World Cup uptil now. Both, Germany and Argentina, have played champagne football in their matches to date. Germany has pace and quality in their attack with veteran Miroslav Klose at the front. Rising stars Ozil and Muller have performed brilliantly in this World Cup and were particularly outstanding in the 4-1 demolition of England. Germany have been very organized and lethal in their counter attacks and that will prove very difficult for Argentina to handle. Argentina, on the other hand, have largely been dependent on Messi and Tevez to provide flair in their attacks. It should be noted that even though Messi has still not scored at this World Cup, he has been Argentina's best player in the tournament. That goes to show how well he has performed and has the ability to take Argentina to World Cup glory. Also, speaking on the lighter side of the game, Argentina's coach Diego Maradona is having a ball at this World Cup and is sometimes more entertaining than the matches. This will be the 19th meeting between these two sides. Argentina have won 8, Germany 5, with 5 draws and Argentina scoring 25 goals while Germany with 24. In their last meeting in March 2010, Argentina won 1-0 thanks to a Higuain strike.


FP Prediction:

If Messi plays at his best, then there is no stopping Argentina. With Tevez also supporting him very well and adding bit of his magic too, the Argentinian attack is powerful. Germany have pace in their counter attacks. Ozil, Muller and Klose were lethal against England and they would love to repeat their performances under a Maradona inspired Argentina team. Both teams have shown that their defences are not unbreakable with frailties in each ones defence. So we expect a close contest and the winner likely to be decided on penalties.


Argentina 1-1 Germany




Paraguay Paraguay v Spain Spain

Date and Time : 3th July 20:30
Venue : Johannesburg

Paraguay battle Spain in the last quarter final of the World Cup to face either Germany or Argentina in the semi-finals. Spain, previously have only reached once in the semi-finals of a World Cup. And that year, they finished fourth. While this summer's achievement is the best ever in Paraguay's history. Spain are no longer considered as the 'under-achievers' after their EURO 2008 triumph. They have started to show in recent matches how well they are capable of demolishing opponent defences. With Paraguay having conceded only 1 goal in this World Cup, it will be a nice match-up between these two teams. Fernando Torres still has not scored in the tournament. So, he will be looking to up his level of finishing. This will be the 4th meeting between these 2 sides with Spain winning 1 and 2 draws before. Paraguay are still to win against Spain.


FP Prediction:

Needless to say, Spain are strong favourites for this match. But it would be foolish to dismiss Paraguay who secured a 1-1 draw against world-champions Italy in the group stages. Spain have the edge as they have more quality players in their side. But going by the performance they gave against Portugal, we think they will be in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Paraguay 0 - 2 Spain



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