FIFA World Cup 2010 - Round of 16 match preview Japan vs Paraguay
Japan take on Paraguay in the final leg the knockout stage in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. They, probably, are the only 2 teams in the last 16 who are not really tipped to go all the way. Japan is in unfamiliar territory as they have never been to the knockout rounds of the world cup, while Paraguay has been here before.
Paraguay were placed in a group with the defending champions Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia. At the start of the tournament they were believed to have enough quality to make it from that group alongside Italy. In their first game they showed immense composure and determination to hold out the world champions and fought with them blow for blow, the match ended 1-1 but many believed with better work up front they would have been able to win the match. Next up was Slovakia and the South Americans really got into their own, playing the silky one touch football they are known for and a one sided 2 nil win almost assured their place in the final 16. In the final match a 0-0 draw was enough for them to qualify as Italy were handed a massive 3-1 defeat by Slovakia.
Japan, on the other hand, have impressed one and all by their organised and well choreographed football. Japan came up against the spirited Cameroon team in the first game, but the natural flair of Africans was well tamed by the proper game plan of Japan. They won the first match 1-0. Next up was Netherland and even though for most of the match Netherlands dominated the possession, Japan did not play into their hands and stuck to their game losing by just one goal. At last the final game was where they really came out and played some beautiful football. Denmark was at the mercy of Asians as they toyed with them throughout eventually winning 3-1 to book their place in the final 16.
For Paraguay the main man has to be Roque Santa Cruz, the front man is always at the centre of all their plans. Even though he has not been able to get his name on the score-sheet he has been more then threatening at the goalmouth. Nelson Valdez his strike partner has been impressive in the world cup, his ability to make runs into the 6 yard box and awareness of being in the right place at the right time is sure to test out any defence. But the main threat for Paraguay has come from the midfield in this world cup so far; Cristian Riveros has been their best player by far and already has scored one goal from midfield. Riveros has immense control on the ball and dictates the game from centre of the field.
For Japan Keisuke Honda has looked head and shoulders above the rest, the creative genius in the midfield has been phenomenal in the world cup. Already with 2 goals he has been at the heart of every single move Japan has made. He is blessed with lightening quick feet, stupendous skill, and can dazzle his way past defenders at will. Nakamura is another man from midfield to be watched by Paraguay. Nakamura is one of the few players from his country along with Honda to be playing in European clubs. Nakamura had a great stint with Scottish club Celtic, he is also known as the Beckham of Japan with his curling free kicks, he can be more then handy on the set pieces.
The winner of the match will come up against Portugal or Spain neither of which is an ideal prospect for both teams, but still a place in final 8 of the world cup would be a big achievement.
There is clearly no favourite in this match and it will be the flair of Paraguay versus the well choreographed game plan of Japan.
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