World Cup Quarter Finals Preview

Uruguay vs. Ghana

Two teams that admirably made it from the group stage despite not being favorites.

Uruguay came first after the disastrous campaign form France and after beating Mexico in the final group match. Their second round match against South Korea was far from impressive but they still got the job done. It’s a team that does not possess the glamour of neighbors Argentina and Brazil but is still solid physically and mentally.

Ghana carries the hope of Africa after a hugely disappointing campaign for the continent hosting the World Cup. Their display against Germany was very impressive despite losing. But their biggest moment so far was definitely beating a very organized and tough USA team.

Prediction:

There are two very contrasting teams. Uruguay play “dull” tactical hit and run football while Ghana is all about speed and explosiveness. Yet Ghana’s poor decision making at the final third sometimes and like most African teams, their tendency to leave holes in their defense will likely cost them against a Uruguay side that has a lethal trident of Suarez, Cavani, and especially the brilliant Forlan.

Uruguay is likely to win this one.

Paraguay vs. Spain

The clash of the opposite styles: build plays vs. destroy plays, imagination vs. discipline, skill vs. ruthlessness.

Paraguay has built their reputation as a team tough to break. They can hit you with a goal from a dead ball and defend it with their lives. If not then they will be very happy to drag you to penalties. The perfect case of modern football where organization is above talent and discipline is more important than creativity.

Spain has not exactly set the World Cup on fire like they were expected to do. Looking beyond the Switzerland upset, the team struggled against Chile and Portugal. In both occasions they could have easily conceded first. But they did not, and they went to win without playing at their best. And these are exactly the characteristics of champions. Moreover, their dominating display in the second half against Portugal was just joy to watch.

Prediction:

David Villa is firing at all cylinders while it’s easier to draw a smile on Del Bosque's face than to get the ball away from Xavi, Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso. Torres has disappointed so far and Paraguay better pray El Nino won’t wake up this time around. Paraguay will throw bodies behind the ball and will be busy chasing the ball and trying to break Spain’s passing game. Paraguay barely made it against Japan and you feel really they do not have the talent to go any further, not against Spain anyway.

Spain is likely to go through.

Netherlands vs. Brazil

A World Cup classic that has always delivered memorable moments.

Netherlands are – as always – blessed with some of the most talented players in the world. They have performed rather steadily so far. They have not been able to live to their reputation of playing total and entertaining football. But this could be for their best. For once the team is trying to be effective rather than flashy and this is the essence of modern football – sadly but truly.

Talking about effectiveness, Brazil is the most effective team in the world. They have the best defense in the world starting from their goal keeper all the way to their holding midfielders. Yet their counter attack game is scary; it takes them 4 touches to create a goal scoring opportunity and this is a team that rarely misses.

Prediction:

Kaka, Robinho, and Fabiano vs. Robben, Schneider, and Van Persie. You can even throw in Van Der Vaart, Kuyt, and Huntelaar to complete the attacking firepower of the Dutch. But sadly for them, comparisons stop here. They have no answer to Brazil ruthless midfield and defense. As always, this game promises to be a classic but Holland – despite their individual brilliance – likely to be suffocated at the final third and punished by the brilliant Brazilian attacking trio.

Brazil is likely to win this one.

Argentina vs. Germany

A mouth watering clash that promises to be the best match of the tournament so far.

Diego Maradona has stolen the spotlight from all players in this World Cup, even from his own: Lionel Messi. Argentina has turned into a totally unpredictable side under Maradona. Their starting 11 seems to change based on each opponent they are facing, yet the common is always the same: they rely on their attacking talent to finish matches.

Germany is still flying high following the demolision of their arch-rivals England. This is the first German generation – since that of 1990 – that actually has talent and flair in addition to their trademark accurate functioning. Their defense however is not as solid as it’s used to be.

Prediction:

Messi, Tevez, Higuain and those alternatives on the bench can cause Germany constant headache, while Podolski, Ozil, Muller, and Klose can be too tough to handle for Argentina defense. But in this game – especially in this game – a lot of tactical analysis can be drawn that goes far beyond the fire power of each team. Such analysis will be worthy of a separate writing, but in short I see this match in two different views depending on Diego Maradona’s approach:

In my article “Argentina Midfield Shuffle” I elaborated on how Maradona must change his midfield if he is to stand any chance defeating Germany. If Argentina and Germany play the same formations that defeated Mexico and England respectively, then I see Germany as an almost certain winner of this one as Argentina will surrender midfield to the Germans and will be punished badly by their accuracy and speed.

If however Maradona does the changes and organizes his midfield then I think Argentina will come on top as Germany will struggle to dominate the midfield and Lionel Messi – with Javier Pastore – could be too hot to handle.