Paraguay started off in impressive fashion against Italy before conceding an equaliser and hanging on for a point. They looked good against Slovakia but then drew 0-0 with minnows New Zealand. Their second round match was turgid to say the least as that encounter with Japan seemed destined for penalties from the first 20 minutes. It finished 0-0 but Paraguay held their nerve, dispatching all five spot kicks to triumph 5-3. Their big concern is the fact that Lucas Barrios, Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo have fluffed their lines during this World Cup. None of Paraguay’s forward line have scored so far in South Africa.
Spain’s Fernando Torres has also been poor by his world class standards in this tournament, the difference between Spain and Paraguay however is the fact that David Villa has been magnificent scoring four in four games so far. Barcelona’s new recruit has looked awe-inspiring at times as his work rate has matched his goalscoring ability. The Spanish started poorly but have slowly gained a head of steam. Against Portugal, they met a side who had conceded just one goal in their last 12 games yet Spain showed poise and class to eventually break them down. They then held onto the ball and the lead in a display of masterful passing.
Paraguay are $8.50 to produce a massive upset and win in 90 minutes with the draw at $4.10. Expect the Paraguayans to play in a similar manner to Portugal as they have not conceded a goal since the opening match against Italy. It could be argued that they will frustrate Spain in the same way as Switzerland did but Spain showed that they have found some form and it is likely that they will find a way through the rigid South American side’s defence. Spain look safe to make it through to the semi-finals at $1.50 as pass masters like Xavi and Xabi Alonso show class and patience to provide Villa with chances that he will finish.
Verdict: Spain continue to improve and move ominously into the semi-final