Quarter-final 4: Spain 1-0 Paraguay

In readiness for a game in which both sides were bidding to go further than they had ever gone before Paraguay made a massive six changes, probably a record number of changes between a second-round match and a quarter-final. Most changes were made in the attacking third with Cruz, Benitez and Barrios being consigned to the bench.

Spain were not themselves in this game though this could be at least partially attributed to Paraguay forcing them to play poorly. Spain's fluid passing game appeared to have been replaced by disjointed passing and a team that couldn't get a proper stranglehold on the game. Not that Paraguay could either in what was a tense, difficult battle for both sides in which, if anything Paraguay were slightly better on the overall balance of play.

Paraguay were indeed unlucky not to be ahead at half-time after Valdez scored on the 40 minute mark, only for it to be ruled offside. The decision was touch and go. Valdez appeared to be just onside but Cardozo (who the ball drifted over on it's way to Valdez) appeared to be offside. The question of course is whether Cardozo was interfering with play, and with the lack of clarity of the law as it stands both interpretations are legitimate. Paraguay could so easily have been ahead.

The match had a bizarre turn of events during the second half. Pique wrestled Cardozo to the ground in the box, conceding a penalty. Cardozo's penalty was a reasonable effort but Casillas pulled off an excellent save, and he did very well to hold onto the ball in the process. Second's later it was Spain's turn to be awarded a penalty, Alcarez adjudged to have bundled Villa over in the box in what was an incredibly harsh decision. Alonso duly converted only for Batres to order a retake for encroachment. It was technically correct with one or two players feet a couple of inches into the box. It was almost as if Batres realised he had made the wrong call initially to award the penalty and was trying to prevent them from scoring it. Villar saved the penalty and scrambled the ball away to safety. In the process he made a clear trip on a Spaniard with his arms but no penalty was given.

The game was finally decided with around 7 minutes to go. It was a lovely move by Spain. Iniesta skilfully set up Pedro after a classic delightful Xavi flick. Pedro's excellent shot was thwarted by the post but Villa scored the rebound, albeit this also coming off the post. They deserved a goal for the move but they barely deserved the win. Paraguay had done a great job of preventing Spain from playing in the manner they are accustomed and for that deserve a lot of credit. It really could have gone either way. The Guatemalan ref left a fair bit to be desired also, it has to be said.

Quarter-final 3: Germany 4-0 Argentina

Argentina came into this game having scored 10 goals in four matches against Germany's 9 but it was Germany who were quick out of the blocks with a goal after only three minutes, Mueller applying the headed flick past an unconvincing Romero courtesy of a Schweinsteiger cross. It was the quickest goal of World Cup 2010 and Germany's 200th world cup goal. German fans need not have worried that Argentina had a whole 87 minutes to respond as instead it proved a catalyst for a rampant German side to destroy Argentina in a fantastic display of football. Argentina with high expectations of avenging their quarter-final loss four years previously against the same opposition, were instead blown away.

The likes of Messi and Tevez found it difficult to get into the game, showing just the odd flash of what they are capable of. Germany on the other hand were composed and creative. The slick passing and movement of their whole front six was something to behold and Schweinsteiger, despite not getting on the scoresheet had his best performance thus far in what was probably a man of the match display.

Germany should have had their second goal mid-way through the first half as Mueller sprinted away down the right, beautifully squared to Klose, but he was wasteful, blasting over. Argentina threatened sporadically but any decent looking opportunity was thwarted by Neuer and when they did get the ball over the line they threw their arms up in frustration that it was ruled out for offside. Replays showed four Argentines were very much offside.

It took until half-way through the second half for Germany to get their second goal. Klose opened his account with a tap in after a sweeping move that cast the Argentine defence adrift. The third came only six minutes after when Schweinsteiger embarked on a brilliant solo run, setting up Friedrich for an easy goal - only his first in 77 internationals. Germany completed the rout with a fourth seconds before the end, Oezil's measured cross nicely finished by Klose.

Argentina had been reduced to purely long range shooting in the second half, their defence throughout had been completely shown up in their first real test of the World Cup. Germany won their second consecutive game with four goals and were ultimately completely superior in this game. The only negative for them was a yellow card for Mueller ruling him out of the semi-final. Maradona cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines.

Quarter-final 2: Ghana 1-1 Uruguay, Uruguay win on penalties.

This was a quality match between two well balanced teams. Uruguay produced the better openings during much of the first half, Ghana having their impressive goalkeeper Kingson to thank on a number of occasions, including one that simply smacked straight off his forehead. But as the half wore on Ghana were the ones forcing the pace - the best of which saw Boateng go off on a mazy run, ending with a nice inside pass to Gyan, who should have done better with the shot. Well, either that or Vorsah's header from a corner, which was powered just wide.

As the match drifted to half-time the game suddenly sparked into life. Muntari received the ball in space, a long way from goal. Uruguay, seemingly unaware of the danger and probably thinking about the half-time break themselves, switched off for a moment and Muntari unleashed a venomous swerving drive that put them a goal to the good, with what proved to be the last kick of the half. Muntari had almost been sent home for being a disruptive influence but had been drafted into the side due to the absence of the suspended Ayew. And how he had rewarded Rajevac.

The lead wasn't to last long however. Not long after the start of the second half Uruguay were awarded a free-kick after Pantsil had scythed down a rampaging Fucile. Forlan converted a quality free-kick that (as the Jabulani ball is wont to do) deceived Kingson in the air. Questions should be asked of Kingson's positioning but ultimately the scores were level.

The second half involved much to-ing and fro-ing. Chances were created and spurned on both sides and it was an engaging game that could easily have gone either way. Appiah's experience was introduced in place of Inkoom and Muntari gave way for the exciting young striker Adiyiah. For Uruguay Abreu (whose goal had qualified them for the World Cup) was given a run in place of Cavani. Both sides pressed for the advantage that would negate the need for extra-time but it wasn't to be.

Extra-time involved a number of mistakes as both sets of players were clearly fatigued, indeed for Ghana it was their second game in a row that went to extra-time. But try as both sets of players might any reasonable chances were fluffed and a penalty shoot-out seemed likely.

Then in injury-time in extra-time Ghana were awarded a free kick. The ball was floated in and two shots were sent goalwards, Appiah's first was legitimately blocked on the line, then the follow up header was going in only for Suarez to save it with his hands. The referee had no option but to give him a red card and award a penalty. With the last kick of the game Gyan had the opportunity to send Ghana into the semi-finals and make the whole of Africa happy. He had scored two from the spot in the group stages but this time, with all the pressure on him, he crashed the ball into the crossbar and Uruguay had a life-line.

Uruguay were to be the first team to take penalty kicks - Forlan putting the first one in with ease. Next up was Gyan, whose heart must have been racing after his penalty miss at the end of extra-time. He showed great courage and determination and smashed it into the top right hand corner, as he hoped against hope that his side could win the shoot-out and avenge his miss. Both countries slotted their second penalty. Then Uruguay converted their 3rd and Mensah with a terrible penalty missed for Ghana. Uruguay gave them an opportunity to get back in it as Pereira blasted over but Adiyiah also had his penalty saved. Abreu could send Uruguay into the semis if he scored his penalty - and he did. It was a cheeky dink straight down the middle to send Uruguay into their first semi-final since 1970, and a semi-final spot still eluded the African nations. The only sour note for Uruguay was that Suarez and Fucile would be suspended for the semi, and Lugano would likely not be fit.

Gyan was inconsolable. He was sobbing and sobbing and sobbing in what were heartbreaking pictures.

Quarter-final 1: Netherlands 2-1 Brazil

The quarter-finals kicked off with a clash to relish, a repeat of the '98 semi-final (which was decided on penalties). And if ever there was one in this World Cup, it was (as an old cliche goes) a 'game of two halves'.

The first half saw Brazil take a deserved 1-0 lead into half-time. After thinking they had taken an 8th minute lead courtesy of a Robinho finish only to have it correctly ruled out for offside they had it in the net legitimately only two minutes later. On this occasion the 35 year old Ooijer, currently without a club and playing as a replacement for Mathijsen who had injured his knee in the build-up, failed to implement the offside trap alongside his team-mates and so allowed Robinho to collect a quality through ball from Melo for a well finished opening goal.

Brazil continued to create chances. Juan shot just over the bar after a good cross from Alves. Then Robinho had a brilliant run down the left flank gliding past challenges as if they weren't there before losing his balance, but still managing to square the ball to Fabiano, who back flicked it on to Kaka, who attempted a very good curling shot from just outside the area - forcing Stekelenburg into an excellent save. Just before the half finished Maicon hit a powerful shot after a strong run, only for it to crash into the side netting. It wasn't as if the Netherlands had had zero chances in the first half, but they really were nothing to write home about.

Early in the second half Brazil would rue their profligacy as the Netherlands drew level. Sneijder picked up the ball deep on the right flank and crossed in a quality ball with his left foot - only for it to glance off Melo's head and into the back of the net. It was possibly more Cesar's fault than Melo's though as he came out to claim the ball and missed it. However you interpret it, it was ugly stuff at the back by Brazil. Sneijder has been credited with the goal, no doubt as the ball was on target before it brushed Melo's head anyway.

This was the tonic the Dutch needed and suddenly it was them in the ascendancy. It was an ascendancy they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Although having said that the next good chance did fall to Brazil after Ooijer's deflected clearance found Kaka on the edge of the box. He attempted to place the ball majestically into the top right hand corner but instead it drifted harmlessly wide.

Then the Dutch took the lead in a way I would describe as beautiful simplicity. Robben sent in a good corner kick, Kuyt flicked it on with his head and Sneijder scored with a simple but effective header. The flick on was crucial but there must be questions asked of the Brazilian defence.

It soon went from bad to worse for Brazil as they lost the plot. A few reckless challenges were flying in and it suddenly seemed like a distinct possibility that they would end up with a man sent off. And sure enough they did only minutes after Holland's second goal.

Robben was having an excellent game twisting and turning on the wing. Bastos had been having a torrid time with him and after picking up a yellow card early on was lucky to remain on the pitch as he tripped Robben repeatedly and on occasion it was quite blatant. Robben forced Dunga's hand to replace him with Gilberto. And it was Robben who was the victim when Melo was sent off. After he made an innocuous foul on Robben he stupidly stamped on his calf to earn a deserved red card. For a long time I have considered Robben as a bit of a diver and a faker but in my opinion, in this game, he didn't behave in this way. Every time he went down it was a foul, sure he might have exaggerated a couple just slightly but it wasn't anything like some of the antics I've seen him display.

Brazil proved they are distinctly average under pressure. In the remaining twenty minutes or so they did not create much. They did almost score when Kuyt had to expertly clear off the line but that moment was definitely the exception rather than the norm. And then on the break Sneijder should have completed his hat-trick after being set up by Robin van Persie, but his shot wasn't good enough and it was thus saved by Cesar.

Not that it mattered to the result. The Dutch had a famous win over Brazil, and what's more, on the balance of play, I believe they deserved it. The only sour note for them was the yellow cards for van der Wiel and De Jong which ruled them out of the semi-final.

Preview of Quarter-final 4: Spain v Paraguay

Neither Spain nor Paraguay have ever won the World Cup or ever really come close. For Spain this is very surprising considering the quality they have often had at their disposal. But for this generation there is the suggestion that these players have what it takes, particularly after finally breaking their major tournament duck by winning Euro 2008. If they do manage to get past Paraguay they will face a repeat of the Euro 2008 final against Germany. Paraguay have a worse world cup record than Spain having just reached the quarter-finals for the first time ever. They will be hoping that in this game they can write another wonderful chapter in their history. This Paraguay side are considered the best they have ever produced and progressing to the semi-finals would not be as far-fetched as it sounds.

The Spanish game is based on possession and lots of it. They pass the ball around beautifully, mesmerically and with sublime ease. There is not a team in the world better at keeping possession. They have a midfield to die for in Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets - a midfield that doesn't even have enough room for the brilliant Cesc Fabregas. They are very used to working together and they all have their own specific qualities that complement each other well. Villa up front is in top form having scored four out of Spain's five World Cup 2010 goals. Pique and Puyol are an experienced centre-back pairing and Ramos provides a good attacking option from right-back as well as being solid in defence. Capdevila is probably the weakest player in the team at left-back. Casillas is one of the world's best keepers. The man likely to partner Villa in attack is Torres but he has looked rusty all tournament. Llorente impressed in his cameo against Portugal but I don't expect him to start in this game.

Paraguay are a defensive unit. They have only conceded one goal all tournament (in the first game against Italy). Centre-back Alcarez looks particularly strong and he even scored a goal against Italy. They also play with deep central midfielders who break up the play effectively. Vera, Riveros and Caceras are more than just extra defenders however - Vera and Riveros both scored excellently finished goals against Slovakia. Paraguay have had some problems keeping possession so (especially given my comments re Spain) I would expect Spain to dominate this area of the game. But with Santa Cruz and Barrios up front Spain must still be wary. They may not be Cabanas but they are very capable. I expect Paraguay to adopt a defensive approach to this game though not as badly as Switzerland did against Spain. They would be more than happy with penalties I imagine.

It's hard to see Spain not progressing but a Paraguay win wouldn't be as big a shock as some would contend. They finished second in South American qualifying and I expect La Albirroja may not be as easy for La Roja to get past as it might appear on paper.

Preview of Quarter-final 3: Germany v Argentina

This is always one of the biggest games in world football given the past footballing history between the two countries. This is a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup final as well as the quarter-final in 2006. in 1986 Argentina won a classic 3-2, in 1990 Germany won 1-0 as a bad tempered Argentina had two men sent off. And in 2006 Germany won on penalties, with a fight or on-field brawl occurring straight afterwards.

There is a lot of bad blood between Germany and Argentina and there has been a lot of things said by both camps in the lead up to this match. Bastian Schweinsteiger (with some validity) has accused Argentina of a lack of respect in the way they harrass referees for decisions. To which Maradona responded: "Bastian, are you nervous?" Phillip Lahm has said that Argentina are bad losers. Tevez said that Argentina were more afraid of Mexico than Germany. Whatever happens tonight there will be no love lost between the two sides and don't be surprised (especially if Argentina lose) if there is another brawl. And also don't be surprised if there are a few aggressive fouls and maybe a few cards!

Both sides have been in great form this World Cup. Argentina have scored the most goals (10 in four games) and Germany are just one behind. Argentina have the irresistable attacking forces of the likes of Messi, Higuain and Tevez and Germany have the equally exciting Oezil and Mueller at the ready. Many questioned Maradona's managerial ability but the mercurial Argentinian seems to have decided on what he considers to be his best line-up and his close bonding with his players appears to be working. His tactics are also generally good. The German squad are the second youngest at the World Cup and are hungry, playing without fear.

Expectations: A fiesty match with a fair few goals is a good bet. Both teams have greater strengths in attack and the odd weakness in defence. There are 8 players going into the game on a yellow card but no-one is suspended for this game.

Quotes: "This is why I'm in coaching in the first place, for games like this, against teams like England and Argentina,'' Low said. ``I don't have to be overly emotional in my pep talk to my team because they are extremely motivated and absolutely hot to play this match. We can't wait to get out there.''

Maradona, asked what he would tell his team, replied: "I will tell them they've got to leave their life on the pitch. There is an entire country behind them, so excited, and they are depending on this team to get up in the morning with a smile on their faces.''

With 5 titles between them La Albiceleste and Die Nationalmannschaft could serve up a classic - we'll have to wait and see.

Preview of Quarter-final 2: Ghana v Uruguay

This is Africa versus South America in the first ever World Cup clash between these two nations. In fact I understand that they have never played each other before. The Black Stars against La Celeste. It's a quarter-final which, to be honest, practically nobody would have picked pre World Cup 2010. Uruguay of course are past world cup winners in 1930 and 1950. Since a semi-final appearance in 1970 this is the first time they have progressed beyond the second round. Ghana have already gone further than they ever have before, having reached the second round in their first appearance in 2006. They have joined the African nations Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) in having reached a world cup quarter-final and are hoping to become the first African team to reach the semis by beating Uruguay.

Coming into this game Uruguay have scored 6 goals in World Cup 2010 and conceded 1. Ghana have scored 4 and conceded 3. Uruguay have had 3 wins and a draw, Ghana have had 2 wins (one of them courtesy of extra-time), 1 draw and a loss. Having said all this Ghana did have a tough Group D to navigate. Uruguay's form is all the more impressive since they only finished 5th in South American qualifying and had to rely on beating Costa Rica in a playoff to get to South Africa.Both sides are strong defensively so this could be a tight game. Having said that it could well be the attacking players who decide the game. Uruguay have the potent Suarez and Forlan up front as well as the unheralded Cavani who has been playing well. Ghana operate with a lone striker in Gyan - and if Ghana are to win, they will very likely need at least one goal from him.

Team news: Uruguay's defender Godin has been ruled out meaning a start for Victorino. Fernandez will replace Pereira which appears to be a tactical switch. Ghana have had a couple of injury concerns in Gyan and Boateng but both appear to have won the race to be fit. Vorsah has recovered from injury and so he looks set to replace Jonathan Mensah. Ayew is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament against the USA (and his appeal to FIFA failed). This is a massive blow as Ayew has been one of the stars of World Cup 2010. Muntari who was almost sent home after a row with manager Milovan Rajevac has been picked in his place.

This will be an interesting clash of styles and a massive stage for the two teams to get acquainted. Ghana will have the whole of Africa behind them but the captivating prize of a spot in the last four will not be decided on popularity.

Preview of Quarter-final 1: Netherlands v Brazil

It's The Oranje versus Selecao. It's Europe versus South America. It's arguably the best team never to have won a World Cup against the country with the most under their belt. It's two footballing mad nations who both have fantastic teams and a lot of history.

Traditionally both teams are associated with flamboyant, flair football. For Holland this is embodied by the term 'total football' which describes the panache and excitement of teams of the past. It got them to two finals in the seventies but it never got them the World Cup crown. Brazil are synonymous with a samba style. A graceful attacking beautiful football. Unlike the Dutch this is an approach that has worked for them in the past.

Yet both Holland and Brazil have adopted a far more pragmatic style at this World Cup. They still have players who can show devastating skills and produce the spectacular but they are prevented total freedom of expression by the formations employed and the general approach of their managers. The Dutch like to play with a 4-2-3-1 that stifles opposition possession. With two very good defensive midfielders in De Jong and van Bommel it allows the front four (four of Robben, van Persie, Sneijder, Kuyt and van der Waart) to look for goals. The attack-minded players are also good at tracking back and doing defensive work, particularly Kuyt. Holland haven't really come to life or put their foot on the gas as yet. They have got the results without demonstrating the real ability of their front players. Robben who is just back from injury should add more impetus. The centre of defence is where their biggest worry lies. The Dutch haven't properly been tested yet, Brazil will be a stern test.

Brazil have an excellent defence. It is an unusual thing to focus on about Brazil but their manager Dunga, a defensive midfielder by trade, has really focused on getting the defence right as he sees it as the key to their success. They are hard to breakdown at the back and Juan has been very strong in the centre of their defence. He and Lucio have a formidable partenrship and we cannot forget their quality fullbacks Maicon and Bastos. Further up the field Brazil have a lot of pace and creativity. Kaka and Robinho are simply superb and Fabiano is a deadly goalscorer. They do have a couple of injury/suspension problems. Elano is out with injury and Ramires is suspended. Melo is coming back from injury and may not be ready. In which case both Alves and Josue may start. It will certainly be a blow to their midfield so their replacements will have to step up.

The last time these two sides faced each other in a major finals was the semi-finals of World Cup '98. The match finished 1-1 thanks to a late Kluivert equaliser. Brazil ended up winning on penalties. What odds another penalty shoot-out in what is an epic quarter-final clash.