QUARTER FINALS PREVIEWS IN BRIEF

NETHERLANDS v BRAZIL

4.50 1.90

Rather generous odds for Holland I would have thought, although it is a UK betting agency that the odds come from.

Brazil have married steel and skill much to their countrymen's disgust, but Dunga cares little. They have been ruthless in the last third, and with Kaka not even anywhere near his best, a slight shift in gears could find the Dutch in trouble. Their best defence will be in attack with Robben, RVP, Kuyt and playmaker Sneijder eager to lift the tempo of what has been a sluggish campaign so far.

Brazil to win 3-1 after 60 minutes of arm wrestling. If GIlberto and Ramires close down Sneijder early, it could be an easier night than expected for the Selecao.

URUGUAY v GHANA

2.10 4.00

By far the most romantic of the quarters, with Africa's only remaining hope against a Uruguayan team that has grown with each game. Luis Suarez has emerged as a highlight player ahead of the much marketed Rooney and Ronaldo, and with Forlan, Mensah and co will have a busy night on their hands.

Expect Asamoah Gyan to score again but in vain as Uruguay win 2-1 in extra time.

ARGENTINA v GERMANY

2.30 3.25

Definitely the most potential for spite of the four games, with early words being flung in both directions. Germany claims that Argentina has disrespected all opponents in their arrogant play thus far, as well as for influencing the referee. How this can occur 2 days out I am unsure. The Argentina camp in reply has accused the Germans of being..well, German. Maradona was sopping in his own tears after the 1990 final, and has never forgiven nor forgotten.

History and bragadoccio aside, the game will be decided on who can muzzle the opposition's key men the best. I suspect that Messi will be untouchable, with a young German team deploying 2 at a time while Tevez and Higuain lap up the space. Argentina 2-0 and the Germans out at the time they deserved with a young team with a bright future. If Joachim Loew is to leave, the catwalks of Milan and Paris will endure a football fashionista revival, even if the first incarnation was a brief and obscure one.

SPAIN v PARAGUAY

1.50 7.50

Hopefully not but more than likely the most defensive of the round given Paraguay's history. David Villa has outshone Torres, Ronaldo and Rooney with his eye for goal. Sergio Ramos has been the best full back at the World Cup, and the defence has been solid with Pique, Puyol and Casillas only conceding 2 goals. Paraguay will hope Spain receives a dose of either gastro, stagefright, or both as they try to make their first ever semi final.

Spain 3-0 with Torres finally breaking his duck.

If the above prognostications were to go to plan and they won't, we would have:

ARGENTINA v SPAIN

BRAZIL v URUGUAY

Need to sit down methinks.

GP