Now that the World Cup teams have been filtered down to 8 one of the things that everyone is talking about is the strength of the South American contingent. Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are all through. The World cup betting odds shows strong support for a South American nation lifting the 2010 trophy on the 11th July. Brazil are favourites to win to win at 5/2, Argentina are 4/1, Uruguay are 14/1 and Paraguay are 50/1. Could this year’s final be an all South American affair? It might just happen – but first let’s look at the quarters and who each team will be facing.
The first quarter final will be between the Netherlands and Brazil. The Netherlands, unlike many other European sides (Italy, England, France) who were touted as possible winners of the competition have played well to reach this stage and will certainly be no pushover but the free-scoring Brazilians, who have scored 8 goals so far, probably have the firepower to go through.
Friday will also see Uruguay take on the Ghana, who knocked out the USA. The Black Stars are the sole remaining African nation in the competition and will be looking to continue their triumphant campaign against the 2 time winners of the competition. Uruguay are evens to win the game with the Ghanaians quoted at 11/4. This match promises to be one of the most entertaining of the quarters to watch with two attack-minded teams going head to head.
On Saturday Cape Town will host the clash between Argentina and Germany. On paper this really has got to be one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament with the prospect of goals aplenty with the likes of Higuain, Tevez, Messi, Klose, and Podolski playing. Inexperience may prove to be a weak spot for this youthful German side which may explain why Maradona’s men are 6/5 to win the game. Can’t wait to see how this one pans out.
The final quarter final will be between Paraguay and Spain and for this game Paraguay are certainly considered the underdogs even though they have topped Group F and then beat Japan (on penalties) to get this far. Spain are quoted by online betting web sites as 2/1 on to go on the semis and they are second favourites to win the competition outright. Of all the South American teams still in the competition it looks like Paraquay have the biggest hurdle to overcome to progress but this World Cup has seen some big surprises so maybe the shocks aren’t over yet.
