Quarter Stage (Day Two)

ARGENTINA VS GERMANY

Again, another two gigantic teams are representing two big continents with huge soccer tradition each and styles in match day two. They don't always play entertaining business soccer as usual but also both have massive records to win the biggest event more than once. After sailed through each group with high skills, there'll probably be the biggest quarterfinal clash of 2010 edition. They have met each other 18 times previously with La Albiceleste winning eight, losing five and drawing five, with the last duel at the quarterfinal stage in Germany 2006 when the host won 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

Only in weeks ago some people seem to question Maradonna as a right coach, but he shows his passion for the game foremost his country and it spreads in team's progress. Theatrically he hugs all his players with his two huge diamond earrings in left ear, it takes part of big dramas while Argentinians enchanted throughout its group. Getting nine points then handled Mexico and earn 100% result with the most goals scored 10 including a hattrick from Higuain who has been one of top scorer so far. On the other hand, Germany has been up and down after incredible perform in beating Australia but suffered a hiccup after losing 0-1 to Serbia. Having said that Mannschaft is always good when none thinks they will well perform, so England must be fooled by that in play-off.

The Deutsch plays some fantastic football as solid team and haven't really depended on any particular player. With senior Klose also Podolski and Schweinsteiger, they leads the young panzer but inexperienced when compared to Argentina. On paper, the most favorites are Argentina gaining legions of their style of offensive football. But anything can happen on the field based on their previous dates as well. Germany came back from a goal down to clinch victory, so Maradona's men no need further motivation to make amends for 4 years ago. The first goal could be crucial then it looks La Albiceleste will grab more than two goals afterwards.

MY ORACLE :

This time for a replay of .. 1986 with adjustment 4 - 2.

PARAGUAY VS SPAIN

Finally the last of the quarter sees another South American nation try to take on reigning European champions 2008. Paraguay clearly underdogs who have reached this level for the very first time in team history but they will be under very little pressure. So La Albirroja can muster from this experience as a huge bonus while Spain is aiming to equal their best ever finish of fourth place at a World Cup at least. Both have met just three times before with the Spanish won once and the rest ended in ties. La Furia Roja always has main problem becoming a solid team and lack of consistency in the past, also has the habit of underachieving in the big events. So it wouldn't be a huge shock if they get knocked out from this World Cup, but The Red One gets much progress after winning recent Euro cup.

Spain started the tournament slowly but has looked better after been tested by losing 1-0 to Swiss and takes recovery in all latest matches. But to be honest, with the presence of so much talent in all departments, the Spanish played worse as the same squad in two years when compared to Argentina, Holland also Germany up to now. Then they looked impressive to beat Portugal in the way back to business to stay peak at the right time. With a side which boasts some of the best players in football including Barcelona and Real Madrid boys, now they are on track as one of the favorites in the big party and have not been disappointed so far.

As one of top scorer, David Villa is on fire from the moment with four goals in three successive matches, that's a good song for Spain while his partner Fernando Torres gets stone cold after long injuries. He will once again be the troubleshooter to handle Paraguay that will look for defend in numbers and wait for counter attacks. But the likes of Xavi and Iniesta will also have to perform much better and the defenses are solid with Puyol to Casillas who have been there when being called upon for the most part. They will not repeat the mistakes they made earlier and drive the rhythm as a master at ball possession as shown 61% to 39% against Christian Ronaldo's gangs. Paraguay just conceded one goal so far but only has scored three to get the quarters after a rather dull game with Japan. They need more to create passing and shooting ability in order to show "some respects" to football. If only laid back and pray for miracles instead of trying to win something, they can't wait all night to the end of the road.

MY ORACLE :

La Albirroja bulldozed with 0 - 4.

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It's S'painful ..

History seems was not on La Roja's side that they never advanced past the World Cup quarterfinals since its best finish of fourth in 1950. In the past two World Cups, Spain has won all six of its group-stage matches and they have to show for it is a quarter loss to South Korea in 2002. With lauded expectations in this World Cup, Spain has developed a reputation over the years for being the most dominant team in group stage, then falling flat on its face once the knockout round arrives.

The fact that no team has ever lost its opening match and gone on to become champion despite German (1982), Argentina (1990) and Italy (1994) almost did it. It would be a bit unsettling for Spain and most other favorite's teams at this year's World Cup. Spain had lost only once in last 49 matches coming into the party, with a Euro 2008 victory earned along the way. But that sole defeat also came in a similar manner in South Africa, they were stunned by the United States in last year's Confederations Cup.

Same old story, Spain becomes the latest Euro champ to stumble in its opening World Cup game. There were only two of the last nine reigning Euro champions have managed a victory in their opening match at the World Cup, France in 1986 and Germany in 1998. Let's hope their loss may be a good sign for Spanish and fans to make it better. For years, the team has wasted its best performances in the group stage, only to come up small under pressure for the next battle.

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South Africa 2010 – Group H:

The main fact:
A group which is graced by the presence.

CHILE

Coach : Marcelo Bielsa

Appearances : 7

Best Result : Third Place 1962

FIFA Rank : 18th

Key : Alexis Sanchez, Humberto Suazo.

Considering Chile have not qualified for the World Cup since France 1998, they look good in patches during qualifying campaign finished in second place behind Brazil. Highlights included victory over Argentina and Colombia, the Chilean are one of the most intriguing sides at the tournament. In 2007 they sealed third at the U-20 World Cup and many of that side now make up a hungry solid team as one of the youngest squad with an average age around 23. Such as the talented Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez is the cream of a 21-year-old who already has 26 caps and 8 international goals to his name, the question will be on his ability to fight in Africa. If the young Chileans have problems adapting, then the doughty Swiss could take advantage. Otherwise, they will simply have too much quality and aggressiveness to qualify in second place. They will play with sharp passing to pressure the opposition in their half of the field, and matchup with Honduras will likely to be the key as they play Spain in the final game of the group.

HONDURAS

Coach - Reinaldo Rueda

Appearances : 1

Best Result : First Round 1982

FIFA Rank : 38th

Key : Wilson Palacios, David Suazo.

Honduras is making their second World Cup appearance since 1982, with a little chance of making to the round 16 if everything goes right on the day. Half of their squad plays in top level European leagues and they won't be intimidated by any team in this group. While they looks better than the others like New Zealand and North Korea, the Los Catrachos will certainly not look out for a place against any team in this event. Led by 36-year-old Carlos Pavon who scored seven goals in qualifying, he will be aided by Tottenham's Palacios, Genoa's Suazo, and Julio Leon of Italy's Torino. Yes, their problem is age, starting eleven mostly over 30. Obviously they will face a tough task to overcome the talent attack of Spain and Chile also the organization of Switzerland.

SPAIN

Coach : Vicente del Bosque

Appearances : 12

Best Result : Fourth place, 1950

FIFA Rank : 2nd

Key : Casillas, Xavi, David Villa.

There is simply way that the Spanish will win this group, and the Euro champions are considered the favorite to win the cup. Just like Holland, Spain is one of the best teams that never win world cup. Nowadays, it is no doubt the Spanish is absolutely superior to everyone with stars all over the field and many on the bench as well. There is quality oozing through their squad and La Roja have a wonderful chance to win their first ever World Cup. Their defense is reasonably solid with the best goalkeeper in the world Iker Casillas. With the attacking offense, their midfield and front line is the best in the world right now. Qualification was a breeze, a 100% record and an average of almost three goals a game. However, the Spaniards has consistently underachieved in championship play and was exposed by the United States as vulnerable to the counterattack in the 2009 Confederations Cup. They have to prove their improvement by facing one of Ivory Coast or Portugal in the round of 16, then Brazil in the last perfect final.

SWITZERLAND

Coach : Ottmar Hitzfeld

Appearances : 8

Best Result : Quarterfinals 1934, 1938, 1954

FIFA Rank : 24th

Key : Tranquillo Barnetta, Philippe Senderos, Alexander Frei.

The Swiss hasn't finished better than round of 16 since the 1950's, now they're making their ninth World Cup final appearance or second in a row. Switzerland can be summed up by saying they're an extremely average side who is qualified from an average group. They recovered well from a humiliating home defeat to that footballing giant known as Luxembourg to win their group ahead of Greece, losing only once in 10 matches. Under Ottmar Hitzfeld the senior side has raised eyebrows, so they are a good team but not so deep. They have talent across the board but main challenge is they get easily injured or suspensions may occur. For this reason, even they have a chance of making the knockout stages but logically they would fall short.

PREDICTION :

This group is graced by the presence of Spain as well as Chile, Switzerland, and Honduras. While it may be hard to predict which two sides will qualify, there would be no doubt about the group winner. The only way Spain doesn't win is because they choke, but we never hear about it.

Chile could be the only team in this group to steal first from the Spaniards, but that means beating them and the world cup might be over. Honduras pegged as the underdog, but Carlos Pavon and David Suazo are going to be a scoring force. Switzerland is one of the weakest teams from Europe in this party, apparently they are going to miss Frei for at least one match, so hard to expect them standing up to Chile. So, it comes down to the Honduras vs Chile, whoever the winner will finish second in the group. Let's hope than expect to see young Chileans' adventurous '3 - 3 - 1 - 3' formation with Sanchez making fools of defenders and Suazo banging all the ball home.

MY ORACLE :

Spain (9), Chile (4), Honduras (3), Switzerland (1).

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