Paraguay Vs Spain: Brief Preview

Johannesburg(E): Spain will clash against Paraguay in the Quarter-finals today in Johannesburg in a bid to book a place in the last four.

The two teams play contrasting football, with the Spanish side committed to possession-based, attacking game, and the South Americans on the other hand are very firm with their defense, having conceded just one goal on their way to topping Group F and eliminating Japan on penalties in the second round.

However, the problem for Paraguay lies in their forward line with their star-striker Roque Santa Cruz not scored a single goal yet. And on the side, Villa for the Spanish seems to be carrying a golden boot with him, has 4 goals to his credit and has shaped the Spanish attack to be real dangerous ahead of the clash.

Spain outplayed Portugal, in a fascinating game with their mid-field holding more than 60 per cent possession in the match. Torres showed some signs of spark but he is yet to register a goal and find his form. Iniesta, Xavi and Villa have been prodigious for the Spanish side. Their defense have not been bad either, with Puyol leading the pack. They have let-in just 2 goals until now.

The team that comes out on top will be making history. In the last eight for the fifth time, Spain have never reached the semi-finals, although they did finish fourth at Brazil 1950 when the Trophy was decided by a four-team final group phase. As for La Albirroja they ave already broken new ground and are intent on venturing further.

Players to Watch out for:

Spain: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Xavi

Paraguay: Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios

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