Quarter Stage (Day One)

After nearly three weeks of constant soccer, now it's down to the last 8 teams to the quarter this weekend. In these two days off, let's take a look at the predictions and try to figure out which team deserves thumbs up from Liga Fantasi.

HOLLAND VS BRAZIL

These two gigantic teams always present entertaining soccer games and both have sailed through each group with high skills. So it’s a bit of shame that they have to face each others, that two cagey accomplished world sides meet in what could easily be called an early-final. Whatever happens, hope that result-oriented football will become a classic. They have met nine times with Brazil winning three, losing two and drawing four. The Selecao may have slight advantage on paper, but The Flying Dutchmen is still sharp to be aside fully at this stage.

What this one needs is a goal in the first 15 minutes to open things up. Holland holds a different prospect with Robben back in the side and they have been solid without being too amazing. The Orange defenses could be struggled by the likes of Robinho and Kaka, while the Brazilian defenders stay back themselves to hold off the threat of Robin van Persie and Kuyt. It won't be easy so I reckon the atmosphere at this game will be tight and hard. The duel of Kaka against Van Bommel, also Sneijder versus Lucio would be the key to flow the inspiration. With both teams boasting stars with such attacking prowess on show, this could be fun before the red card probably showed off to ruin the party. This Brazil squad has won both the Copa America 2007 and Confederations Cup 2009 under Dunga as a massive experience of winning big international matches. So the Dutch needs more challenge to prove the power of total football still relevant for big soccer events. Expect on Fabiano or Sneijder to continue their fantastic form, we like to see plenty of goals as both teams aim for the semis. Five times winner against a king without a crown, would it be a good time for Orange?

MY ORACLE :

Clockwork Orange to dance over the Samba : 2 – 1

URUGUAY VS GHANA

The last African will face the crushers from South America with these two relatively underdogs arrived bursting with energy to keep standing around. Only few have put these two sides in the next level but both overturned with some wonderful finishing they are here on the knock out stage. Although not being the most glamorous quarter-final but Ghana certainly will have a lot of African interest as the only hope from the hosting continent to made history by reaching the semis. Also interesting to see how Uruguay handles pure physical strength of the Africans and claims back the spirit as the former of two-time world champions.

Uruguay features the tournament with impressive unit and best strike pairing Forland and Suarez, while Ghana has been the fairytale of this competition to count on an all-action midfield to control the attack. The Black Stars have not been the most exciting but they have physical win to fight, by looking out to awesome Prince Boateng and Gyan who scored cracking-goals to break American hearts. To play with heart would love to see Ghana go marching on the Vuvuzelas, however defender Mensah and midfielder Andre Ayew will miss the game due to suspensions, so their chances will be badly reduced. The Uruguayans have arguably been the best striking tandem in the tournament so far with five goals between them. If these two strikers can keep hitting the net and goalkeeper Muslera continues his fine, La Celeste will be hard to beat as they've only let in one goal in four games. Both teams have never met before, and Ghana's dramatic victory over the USA looks too tempting. But some fireworks will be ready to burst Uruguay's sky to celebrate the final result with the odds.

MY ORACLE :

Uruguay advances on penalties after an absorbing 2 - 2 tie.