Paraguay will be attempting to reach the semi finals for the first time in team history while Spain is aiming to at least equal their best ever finish of fourth place at a World Cup when the two meet in a quarterfinal clash at Johannesburg on July 3
Spain had to win their last Group H game against Chile to make the playoffs after losing to Switzerland 1-0 and beating Honduras 2-0. They beat Chile 2-1 and the three points and goal difference put them in first place with six points. They then looked impressive in their 1-0 playoff match against Portugal and seem to be peaking at the right time.
Paraguay drew reigning World Cup champions Italy 1-1 and then beat Slovakia 2-0 before drawing New Zealand 0-0 for five points and top place in Group F. They then beat Japan 5-3 in a penalty shootout in their playoff game after a goalless 120 minutes to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
For all the scoring power Paraguay has with forwards Oscar Cardozo, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz, and Rodolfo Gamarra in the squad, they don’t attack enough though. This will be fatal against Spain because if they fall behind as the Spanish are masters at ball possession, as shown against Portugal. Their chances may be few and far between, so Paraguay has to make the best of them. If they do happen to get the lead, it’s possible they could hang on for a victory, but if they sit back and wait for chances instead of trying to create them, they could be waiting all night.
Spanish striker David Villa is on fire at the moment with four goals in the tournament so far and that’s a good thing for Spain as his partner Fernando Torres is stone cold. Torres was taken off against Portugal and replaced by Fernando Llorente who played well for the rest of the game. It shouldn’t shock fans if Llorente starts against Paraguay and they still have midfielder Cesc Fabregas who can score goals if needed as a substitute.
The Spanish defence is solid with Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, and Sergio Ramos, and keeper Iker Casillas has been there when called upon for the most part, but he still doesn’t look like the Casillas of old. Spain looked off form in the group stage, but owned the ball against Portugal, so it looks like Paraguay is meeting them at the wrong time.
Spain vs Paraguay Odds and Predictions
The two teams have met just three times in the past with Spain winning once and the other two ending in draws. Spain has a habit of underachieving in the World Cup, so it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they get knocked out here. But going on the form of the two teams at the moment they should take this game 2-0.
