After starting with 32 teams in the World Cup, we are now down to just eight teams.
The Netherlands, Brazil, Uruguay, Ghana, Argentina, Germany, Paraguay, and Spain.
As we have seen in this World Cup, the South American influence is incredible. Four of the five teams that qualified for the World Cup 2010 from South America have made it into the quarters, and they have combined to score 30 goals and give up just eight. The one South American team that didnt make it into the quarter-finals, Chile, was knocked out of the Cup by Brazil in the round of 16.
Brazil vs. The Netherlands: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth. July 2, 10:00AM ET ESPN
This is arguably the most anticipated game of this round, with two teams who truly know how to play football facing off against each other. Both teams have excellent offensive firepower, and while Holland is a bit suspect in the defense, the same cant be said for the Brazilians. Lucio and Juan have been huge anchors for them, and the Brazilians will rely on them to keep Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie, and Arjen Robben off the scoreboard.
Uruguay vs. Ghana: Soccer City, Johannesburg. July 2, 2:30PM ET ESPN
In an intriguing matchup between two teams not expected to make it this far, the surprising Uruguayans will try and beat the collective spirit of Africa and take out Ghana. Both sides have done well to stay compact at the back, and score timely goals to beat their opponents. Will Kevin-Prince Boateng have another excellent performance for the Black Stars, or will the dynamic duo of Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan push the South Americans onwards?
Argentina vs. Germany: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town. July 3, 10:00AM ET ABC
Argentina and Germany have scored a combined 19 goals in this World Cup, and facing each other will definitely bring plenty of offense to a screen near you. The "magician" Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez look to slide past the tough Europeans, but the young German team knows no bounds, and if they play with confidence, they can beat anyone.
Paraguay vs. Spain: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg. July 3, 2:30PM ET ABC
Spain looks to keep moving on their march to win a second major trophy in two years when they face Paraguay. The Spaniards outlasted Portugal, but should face a different test in the energetic and fit Paraguayan side, that plays 90 minutes as hard as they can, and know that they can push any team until they break. Roque Santa Cruz and Edgar Baretto look to stave off attack after attack from David Villa and co.
