World Cup Match Preview: Paraguay vs Japan

29 June 2010 15:00:00 BSTLoftus Versfeld Stadium, PretoriaReferee: Frank de Bleeckere (Belgium)

Japan and Paraguay lock horns for a first ever place in the quarter finals for either country in the World Cup. Not a particularly high-profile round of 16 clash but it will create history for whichever team manages to win. Both Japan and Paraguay have exceeded many pundits expectations with their key qualities being their well-rounded squads. Japan and Paraguay have both comprehensively shown that they are capable of mixing it up with the best.

Form Guide:

Paraguay:

New Zealand 0-0 Paraguay (World Cup)

Paraguay 2-0 Slovakia (World Cup)

Italy 1-1 Paraguay (World Cup)

Greece 2-0 Paraguay

Ivory Coast 2-2 Paraguay

Japan:

Denmark 1-3 Japan (World Cup)

Japan 0-1 Netherlands (World Cup)

Cameroon 0-1 Japan (World Cup)

Ivory Coast 2-0 Japan

Japan 2-1 England

Paraguay:

Probable Line-Up{4-3-3}: Villar, Bonet, Alcaraz, Da Silva, Morel, Vera, Barreto, Riveros, Barrios, Valdez, Santa Cruz.

Paraguay surprised many by finishing top of their group but anyone who saw those matches will be in no doubt about the quality of this national side. Paraguay have ability to mix it up and that is the key for the South American side. Paraguay played their first match against Italy. Paraguay were defensively well organised, they gave away very little space and cleared the ball effectively while looking to hit their opponents on the break to earn a thoroughly deserved 1-1 draw. Paraguay in the next match showcased their attacking intent as they blanked Slovakia 2-0 to establish Paraguay as firm favourites to make it out of the group. With qualification virtually assured Paraguay drew 0-0 with New Zealand and secured the top spot.

Paraguay will head into this encounter with confidence knowing very well that they possess all the necessary weapons to deal with the Japan side. Paraguay ‘s Roque Santa Cruz will be looking to finally get his name on the scoresheet and do some real damage to the Japan side. He looks rusty, but his qualities for Paraguay cannot be denied. A win will see Paraguay take on either Portugal or Spain in the quarter-finals.

Japan:

Probable Line-Up{4-5-1}: Kawashima; Komano, Nakazawa, Tulio, Nagatomo, Matsui, Abe, Hasebe, Endo, Okubo, Honda

Japan look to be a cohesive unit

Japan had a tough time progressing out of their group but nonetheless produced the goods when it mattered. Japan played their first match against a poor Cameroon side and gained a vital 1-0 win. Japan played their next encounter was against group heavyweights Netherlands. Japan gave a disciplined defensive performance but the European nation was too good for them as they slumped to a 0-1 defeat. In the all important final game, Keisuke Honda took the Danes to the cleaners as his stunning free kicks made all the difference.

Japan are a well drilled, hard working and effective unit which do not just give away any goals. Japan stick to the basics and carry them out effectively. Undoubtedly their star player has been Keisuke Honda and with him in the side, Japan will be a real danger from dead ball situations.

Prediction: Both Japan and Paraguay have so far effectively managed to punch above their weight at the World Cup and taken advantage of some poor football from their group stage oppositions. Paraguay overall have looked a better, more cohesive unit and should manage to overcome Japan by a narrow margin.

Predicted Scoreline: Paraguay 2-1 Japan