Other than the recent fade of complaining about the new advanced technology of the J'abulani and the criminal element of the refereeing, this edition of the 2010 version has bore four delectable games for the futbol mad palette.
Uruguay v. Ghana; Both Uruguay and Ghana have played well to find their way to the last eight, Uruguay's journey started off well (enough) with a scoreless draw with a minnow of a team in France. Eternal problems caused for the French to play lat and Uruguay politely took a point home. A 3-0 stroll through hosts, S. Africa gave them them the momentum to beat Mexico by a single gol to put them through the first knock out round. Relying on the legs and mental toughness of forward Diego Forlan, and a stingy midfield the "Celeste," continued their form by beating a very worthy opponent in S. Korea. For me this will always be a classic match because of the contrast of footballing philosophies. Speed versus "gambeta." Ghana will show them some of the same, and being the last African Nation in the tournament, I'm sure they will put up a fight rather than fizzle out. Surprised that Ghana is here? Especially without Michael Essien, the hard as a rock Chelsea man who also delivers gols. Maybe we should be surprised, or maybe their group was bit easier, Serbia played well beating Germany to bounce back from the Ghanaian defeat. In 2006 edition they where Serbia & Montenegro and in '98 they were Yugoslavia, so they played well considering their chances weren't all in their favor. And Germany, well let's face it, they're as fortunate as Ghana to be in the quarter-finals. The game against the U.S. was their stiffest competition, and they went through on two lapses by the U.S. defence. They yet to face a traditional powerhouse on a good day. I expect this match to be wide open play near the first half hour.
Brasil v. Holland; This is going to be a spectacular match for the neutral, one would hope to see a lot of trickery on and off the ball, with loads of pace being set for ninety minutes plus. Both Brasil and Holland have mirrored each other in this tournament, being apart of two decent groups neither of them have really exploded on the scene as we all would have expected to seen from them. Their last matches between Slovakia and Chile respectively were nothing short of warm up tests for the two mundial veterans. Chile lost their way and Slovakia never found it, well until it was too late. This will be the first time either of the two (Brasil or Holland), will have any competition in this tournament. Some counties like Portugal and Cote d'ivoire, never really showed up for the grand ball, playing flat and stagnate and never catching up to the speed of the tournament.
Paraguy v. Espana; Well Spain is another example for a "sleeping giant," they were on the other end of the win coumn in their opening match with Switzerland. But,bounced back to take away full points from Honduras and Chile to secure the group. Portugal seemed as if their strategy never saw the day of light and just rolled over. One thing that really upset me about Portugal was the lack of intesity and team morale. Captan Cristiano scowled at teamates if mistakes were made and Pepe never seemed to be too bothere by dropping out of the biggest tournament in the world, smiling and laughing as he hugged his Real mates goodbye. Paraguay, in contrast have had a fairytale tourney, with only five points to win their group, it was more than enough to convince them that the impossible was within reach. To draw against the holders was essential to the belief of reaching the knockout rounds, and then they got there, they never withered and patientl playe out Japan and scored a perfect five out of five penalties to advance against Spain.
Argentina v. Germany; The German squad found their way to the quarters through winning an easy goup, contained with minnow Australia, Serbia and second place Ghana. Germany is also suffering from displaying lack luste futbol, England was the only exception but, to be fair, England never really planted their feet deep in the African soil. Argentina will cause all sorts of problems for the German midfield and defense. You can be sure that Maradona is hyping up the likes of "Pipa, and the Pulga," to exact revenge from Italia '90, where he feltthat the cup was robbed from him and the rest of the squad. Argentina have been a terror, and have yet reached fifth gear. The only thing lacking from Maradona's brilliant start is a gol from magnificently magical Messi. Truly one of the few team to shine game in and game out. This match up is a true classic and will be a feast for the eye.
"no importa k cancha juguemos,
a la Argentina la sigo donde va
vamos Argentina vamos a ganar
vamos Argentina cada ves te quiero mas."
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