FIFA World Cup 2010 Super Soccer Tuesday Parguay v Japan:Spain v Portugal

The Match’s

Paraguay-Japan, Tshwane/Pretoria, 16.00 (local time)
Spain-Portugal, Cape Town, 20.30 (local time)

Today see’s the last 4 teams playing for a place in the quarter final’s and a mixed bag it is but none that don’t deserve to be here.

The first match see’s Paraguay and Japan meet and this match will provide a first occasion which ever nation wins since neither team have ever made it to the quarter finals of a FIFA World Cup in the past. Paraguay were instrumental in usurping Italy from the copmpetition in their group and Japan performed well in an equally tough group.

“With their pace and agility, Japan are a team hard to play against. They have players who can change the direction of a game so we have to come out very focused and keep running throughout the game,” Roque Santa Cruz, Paraguay forward.

‘Paraguay’s defence is compactly organised. They have physical strength but are also good on the ball. I think they will be difficult opponents,” Yuki Abe, Japan midfielder.

The second match of the day see’s neighbour nations Spain and Portugal fight it out for a place in the quarter finals. With both teams sporting near fully fit squads and holding 2nd and 3rd place FIFA/Coca Cola world ranking status between them this looks set to be an explosive match.

After an initial glitch against the Swiss Spain prevailed and topped their group to be here thus avoiding meeting Brazil one of the other favorites to win the tournament. Portugal battled through a tough group surviving a meeting with Brazil and pulling of an impressive 7-0 defeat against Korea.
With 33 previous international and european meeting’s Spain hold the lead in winning match’s with 15 to Portugals 5, this will be the first time the teams have met in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

“Portugal are a great team and they’re about more than just Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes it’s true that Cristiano is one of their best players, but we mustn’t forget that the Portuguese are the only team that still haven’t conceded a goal at this World Cup. That proves that they’re a solid unit and not just a collection of individuals. Their game is based around defensive solidity, pace and counter-attacking, as well as having very skilful players. I foresee a very difficult game, like they all will be for the rest of the competition. Only the best teams are left in it now,” Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.

“We’re ready to take on anybody. We’ve already played in critical games during qualifying and now we have another all-or-nothing match at a World Cup. That’s why we’re ready to give everything we’ve got on the pitch with only one aim in mind: staying in the World Cup. Portugal’s best is still to come,” Carlos Queiroz, Portugal coach.