FIFA World Cup Soccer 2010: Quarterfinal Line-up
It started with three teams vying for the ultimate prize in World Cup football and just over two weeks later, it’s down to only eight. There have been some shock exits along the way but the quarterfinal line-up in South Africa 2010 is dazzling and has some mouth watering clashes.
Here’s a review of the quarterfinals.
Friday 2nd July – Netherlands vs. Brazil, Port Elizabeth
Netherlands and Brazil kick-start the last eight stage of the FIFA World Cup after a rest of two days on July the 2nd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The world could not have asked for a better match to start the second phase of the knock-out stage. Van Marvijk’s Netherlands is up against Dunga’s Selecao in a thriller. This year’s Brazil may not be the all-flare, all-guns blazing team that everyone is so used to, but this time around, they have method and thought to their game which is still mighty effective. Netherlands on the other hand have a shrewd manager in Van Marwijk, who is a veteran in football and knows a thing or two about football. Although it’s not a clash that he would have preferred at this stage of the tournament but he will not fear the five-time World Champions at all. Brace yourself for some fireworks.
Friday 2nd July – Uruguay vs. Ghana, Johannesburg
Half of the teams that have made it into the second round of knock-out stages hold a South American nationality. This fact alone is a glaring testament as to how good the South Americans have performed at this year’s World Cup. The second clash will take place between the African flag bearers, Ghana in an all or nothing clash against Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay. Ghana will play without their midfield maestro Michael Essien. They won’t look like the same team but they are still alive in the tournament and a clash with two time world champions Uruguay will not in still any fear in their hearts. They will feel that they have a very good chance of making it into the last four for the first time in their history and no one can argue with that. Uruguay on the other hand have impressed immensely throughout the tournament and their front men Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan have set the world stage alight with some mesmeric football. Uruguay will be looking forwards to carry their form into the penultimate stage of the tournament.
Saturday 3rd July – Argentina vs. Germany, Cape Town
This arguably is the clash of the tournament so far with Diego Maradona’s Argentina taking on Joachim Loew’s Germany. Both sides have been super impressive in the tournament so far and have played some slick attacking football, dismantling their oppositions with effortless ease. Although Germany suffered a hick up in the tournament against Serbia but it was only a minor blip and perhaps a wakeup call for them. Argentina on the other hand has won all their matches in the tournament so far and with Messi, Tevez and Higuain leading their attack, they have the best attacking line-up in this tournament. They can prove to be a handful for any defence in the world let alone the Germans.
Saturday 3rd July - Paraguay vs. Spain, Johannesburg
Ellis Park in Johannesburg will host two contrasting opponents in the last quarterfinal of this World cup with pre-tournament favourites taking on an un-fancied Paraguay. But after reaching this far in the tournament, Paraguay will not fear anyone and will feel they have a chance of making it to the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. Spain on the other hand are a team that makes the audiences fall in love with football all over again with their accurate passing and with David Villa in such hot form, Paraguay may just be steamrolled.
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