World Cup quarter-final previews -- Argentina vs Germany; Paraguay vs Spain

Last night, Holland upset Brazil 2-1 while Uruguay were lucky to beat Ghana 4-2 on penalty kicks after it finished 1-1 in extra time.

Today, the quarter-final action continues with two games — Argentina vs Germany, and Paraguay vs Spain.

Argentina vs Germany
Les Says: Germany to win 3-2
If you are a neutral, you must enjoy the new Germany on show. For a long time to come, football fans will always talk about their 4-1 dismemberment of the English. The Germans have scored nine goals so far.

If the Germans score first tonight, they might freak the Argentinians out because Maradona’s men have never had to come from a goal down in this World Cup.

The Germans will have chances to score if they can pound the relatively weak Argentinian defence while the Argentinians will thrive if they can keep possession and tire the Germans out.

With Messi and Higuain in the forward line, no one can imagine that Argentina will not score. They have put in 10 goals so far.

So expect a high-scoring game tonight.

Kenneth Says: 2-2 Draw, Argentina win on penalties
These two sides have lit up the World Cup with their frightening attacking talent, with Argentina scoring 10 goals to-date while Germany scored 9.

There is already a war of words between both set of players and coaches, notably between Bastian Schweinsteiger and Diego Maradona, with the fire still simmering from their last encounter four years ago at the same stage.

Expect fireworks with tackles flying in, a red card, Maradona being his usual animated self and possibly getting himself sent off and lastly a penalty shootout.

With the Argentinians falling to the Germans from the spot the last time round, this should be the perfect opportunity for Maradona’s boys to avenge their 2006 defeat.

Erwin Says: 1-1 Draw, Argentina win 2-1 in extra time
Most football fans here would probably back Argentina to win the game. Half of them, being England supporters, want revenge for ‘their’ comprehensive 4-1 loss to Germany in the previous round. The other half, being anti-England fans (i.e followers of teams which actually play football), want a South American win after last night’s tragic defeat by Brazil to Holland, whose players went to ground far too easily.

Argentina will break new ground tonight. They will concede the opening goal for the first time in this World Cup, but will come back to win in extra time with Lionel Messi’s long-overdue first goal of the tournament.

But old habits will die hard. It’s obvious these two teams don’t really like each other. Tackles will fly, words exchanged, players falling over like sacks of potatoes at the slightest touch, and if they are in the mood, there might even be a full-scale fracas like what transpired four years ago at the same stage.

Paraguay vs Spain
Les Says: Spain to win 3-0
Spain are showing they are masters of possession but not penetration. The Spanish have scored only five goals so far.

Paraguay themselves have only scored three goals in South Africa, their last game being the tedious 0-0 last-16 game against Japan which they won on penalty kicks.

If Spain score early enough to calm themselves, we may be in for a treat. If it goes on for long without a goal, Paraguay will only be thinking one thing — penalty kicks.

Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

Kenneth Says: 1-0 to Spain
No, Spain won’t steamroll past Paraguay. Since their opening 0-1 defeat to Switzerland, Spain have decided to ditch their brand of pretty football which is pleasing on the eye but does not necessarily get the goals they want (ala Arsenal). Their wins thereafter have been achieved with workhorse-like performances and moments of brilliance from chief striker David Villa.

We should see Fernando Torres being dropped today which leaves Villa to feed on scraps upfront. However with Villa’s quality, we should see another goal from him tonight.

I do not foresee the South Americans scoring, as they have only scored three goals to-date, all coming from defenders and midfielders. Despite playing with three forwards — Lucas Barrios, Roque Santa Cruz and Haedo Valdez — Spain’s defence should be able to snuff out their goalscoring chances.

Erwin Says: 1-0 to Spain
If Paraguay couldn’t even afford to be adventurous against a team like Japan, we can imagine how they will set up their stall against the European champions. Go and paint your wall, then watch it dry. Or look at your toenails grow. They will be more interesting than sitting through this match.

The only reason to be awake at 2.30am to watch this tie is the chance to catch Paraguay fan Larissa Riquelme on television camera grabs.

Spain will eventually win this one and proceed to the last four, and ending Paraguay’s dream of winning the World Cup, as well as the prospect of seeing Riquelme dance naked, something she has promised to do if her team wins the big prize.

More on Argentina vs Germany
Previous Encounter in 2010 Friendly: Germany 0-1 Argentina
Previous Encounter in 2006 World Cup Quarter-Final: Germany 5-3 Argentina
Previous Encounter in 1990 World Cup Final: Germany 1-0 Argentina
Fight after 2006 Quarter-Final between Germany and Argentina
Bastian Schweinsteiger accuses Argentina a lack of respect
BBC Sport: A clash of styles
Goal.com: Argentina vs Germany: The Key Battles
Will Messi break his goalscoring duck?
New York Times: Set for Showdown