Here is my thoughts on the last of the 4 Quarter-Finals this weekend. I have covered both of these teams in a previous blog so I will try and add a bit of info on some of the squad players that might well feature too.
Spain v Paraguay, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Saturday 2nd June
Defence
Paraguay are a compact and experienced team in defence who are more bothered about not conceding than they are about marauding upfield and helping the attack. This is no bad thing as 1 goal concede so far will testify. They always looked resolute against Japan and never looked very likely to be carved open. At centre half it should be Da Silva of Sunderland and Claudio Morel. Both are experienced defenders, although we may see Caceres restored to the line-up after missing out through injury in the Japan game. The youngest member of Paraguay's defenders at the World Cup is Antonin Alcaraz at 27, so experience shouldn't be a problem. Saying that though, pace might!
For Spain it will be the usual suspects unless injury strikes. We will see Barcelona's pairing of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol at centre half. Pique has looked a bit of a liability at times so far and will need to be better if Spain are to go on and the lift the cup. Puyol is the leader of the team and a symbol of Catalonia and Spain, he might be getting on, but he provides leadership for this team. My man of the match in the Portugal game would have been Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid at right-back. With Portugal lacking somewhat in attack Ramos supported he attack at every opprtunity and was brilliant. At left back we have the new Rivaldo, Joan Capdevilla, my villain of the tournament. There is little I hate more in the game than cheating, diving and trying to get opposition players booked/sent off. This despicable man did all 3 in one against Portugal, and whilst those cheating swine earnt it, I was not impressed one bit. The only change I could envisage would be Alvaro Arbreloa possibly coming in at left-back for his reliability.
The Paraguayan defence will have to have the game of their lives to contain this Spanish attack, and in particular the in-form David Villa. I can't see them doing it myself.
Midfield
Like a lot of modern teams Paraguay play a 4-3-3. This has Nestor Ortigoza or Edgar Barreto anchoring, both of whom are very reliable defensive players unlikely to be found near the oppositions penalty area. The impressive Cristian Riveros, who will be playing for Sunderland next year, will be with the experienced Enrique Vera in the centre. Riveros has impressed me with his astute passing and tactical awareness and looks likely to be a Premier League success.
Spain have the masters of tiki-taka football in the middle, Xavi and Iniesta. These 2 are almost one player really with an almost 6th sense understanding of where the other will be. Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona play slightly behind. Busquets is a poor-man's Mascherano in my opinion, and anyone who read my last post will understand that's far from a compliment! He is Spain's weak link for me witha horrible touch and tendency to give away freekicks. Alonso is a great passer over any distance, long and short, and is a deep-lying playmaker for Spain in the Andrea Pirlo mold. It's a system designed to get the ball and then never lose it, and this is often the case!
I can see Paraguay having a horrible time trying to get moves going in midfield. Spain are quick to press and if Paraguay lose the ball it could be 10 minutes before they see it again.
Attack
Spain have Iniesta helping out in attack, but the main 2 protagonists are David Villa and Fernando Torres. Villa has proven himself to be the top striker in world football again at this tournament. He might not have been at Europe's biggest clubs so far, but he has always got goals and that's most important. Torres on the other hand has been woeful so far! Looking well short of fitness and form, Spain improved markedly when Fernando Llorente of Bilbao came on against Portugal. I doubt whether Spain will drop Torres though, but I do expect to see Llorente again if Torres is misfiring.
Paraguay will have a 3 pronged attack of Roque Santa Cruz, Hector Valdez and Lucas Barrios. Oscar Cardozo may start and will definitely feature at some point. Cardozo has the best scoring record of them, but the other 3 are favourites of the manager Gerardo Martino. I don't see it myself though. I think they will need the physical presence of Cardozo to cause Spain problems. Whilst the others are good players, I don't think they have enough to trouble Spain.
I see Spain's attack giving the Paraguayan defence a torrid time. Villa is in great form at the moment and I think it's a matter of time before Spain really open someone up. Sadly I think Paraguay might be that team.
Betting
I would handicap Spain in this one and expect them to cover a 1 goal handicap at 6/4 with various firms. I would have them to keep a clean sheet too at Evens at Boylesports with the stipulation Spain win too. I would again back David Villa for first goal too at 11/4 with William Hill.
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