And Then There Were Eight - Little Boy Blue's World Cup Diary

Of the thirty-two nations who stripped for action in South Africa, many more in hope than expectation, we have eight left standing and, if I take the liberty of removing Ghana and Paraguay from the equation, six of the eight remaining teams will genuinely fancy their chances of winning the thing.  Lets hope they have the bottle top go for it, rather than adopt the cowardly Greek/Swiss/Italian/Portuguese approach of sitting back and hoping their opponents make an error, and that we see some entertaining, fiercely competitive quarter-finals.   Holland and Brazil are the first to get down to business and this is a match which has 'the beautiful game' tattooed all over it.  The wonderful skills and flair of the Brazilians are always a joy to behold but, if any European nation is capable of outplaying the South American masters, the Dutch must surely merit a mention.  Both sides have played well within themselves thus far so it would be great if each could press the other into producing that wee bit more to make it a game well worth seeing.   For the sake of the spectacle, I reckon it would be a good thing if Holland scored first.  Doubts have been expressed about the Dutch defence and, if staring at the possibility of elimination, Brazil will definitely test them.  If, however, the Brazilians strike first it could be curtains for the Oranjemen because, where they once had a soft centre defensively, Dunga's team has a mean 'made at Inter Milan' back line which is inclined to give nothing away.  Or could be magic of Van Persie or Robben unlock the door?  We shall see.   Carrying the hopes of all Africa, Ghana will certainly be up for it against Uruguay and, having impressed in the group games and again when knocking out the Americans, an African win wouldn't be too big a surprise.  But Uruguay have steadily grown into the tournament and, having overcome the not insignificant burden of seeing off the host nation, they should just about nick this one, although they might need an extra-half hour to book their semi-final ticket.   Diego Maradona and Argentina have taken the World Cup by storm and are now many an astute observer's tip to go all the way and lift the trophy.  It says it all about the talent available to Maradona that Messi has been somewhat overshadowed by Higuain and Tevez and that we have yet to see the best of Milito.  If all the component parts click together, as I suspect they are about to do shortly, it can only mean trouble for Saturday's opponents Germany.   Having so ruthlessly disposed of England, the Germans will be brimming over with confidence but they know they must step up to an even higher level again in Cape Town.  Getting the ball and keeping it will be a major problem so much will depend on how Bastian Schweinsteiger imposes himself on the game in midfield.  Winning the ball and moving it around quickly will be the key and it will be fascinating to check out how Mesut Ozil copes with competing in such exalted company.   This is another tie which could require extra-time but, in terms of sheer footballing takent, Argentina have the edge.  But who would dare write off German resilience?   Spain should win quite comfortably against Paraguay at Ellis Park.  It has been a good World Cup for the South American nations but surely Paraguay have exceeded all expectations by reaching the last eight.  It may well be that they have already used up their full quota of luck to get this far and, with Spain slowly but surely beginning to look the part, the European challenge could lie with them and them alone on Saturday night.   So for me its Brazil v Uruguay and Argentina v Spain in the semis, with my tip for a Brazil v Argentina final (first expressed here on June 6) still alive and kicking.   Tomorrow: Brazil v Holland, Ghana v Uruguay