Kids, here we are with the final Round of 16 matches as Paraguay battles Japan, and then Spain will take on Portugal in the late match. I will be providing a live commentary of that match, so be sure to come back at 2:00 p.m. EST. It should be a fascinating round of games. Onto the picks!
Day 19
Paraguay - Japan
Keisuke Honda has carried Japan thus far and will be expected to shoulder the load for Japan in their match-up against Paraguay. Both teams have exceeded expectations and with the opportunity to go to the quarter-finals I assume both teams will be nervous and defensive to start the match. Paraguay will line-up in a 4-3-3 while attacking from the flanks and using a holding midfielder for defensive purposes. Roque Santa Cruz has yet to score for Paraguay and it will either be hit or miss for him and the squad. If he manages to score, I expect Paraguay to advance, however, Takeshi Okada has fooled me once, and I am sticking with this fearless manager.
Paraguay - Japan (0-1)
Spain - Portugal
Here we go with the best game of the Round of 16 on tap for this afternoon. Spain, after their initial scare from Switzerland, managed to finish top of their group and avoid Brazil until the final. Xabi Alonso is the major injury doubt for Spain and Javi Martinez has been tipped to start in his place. However, I would start Cesc Fabregas for a more attacking line-up against Portugal. Portugal have played very well in the tournament so far, not allowing a single goal but also only scoring in one of their games, as they have played two dour 0-0 draws. For Portugal to succeed, they need to have Cristiano in the mood along with support from either Danny, Tiago or Simao. This game has the potential to be wide-open, but I see a defensive game that will be tense and tight.
Spain - Portugal (2-0)
OVERALL RECORD
29-25
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