Japan Pay The Penalty While Spain March Past Neighbours

Game 55: Paraguay 0-0 Japan (Paraguay win 5-3 on penalties)

This game was a poor one. Both teams didn't manage to string good attacks and the game was largely in midfield and for most part, it was a scrappy game. In truth, Japan were just not good enough when going forward but their defence was more than decent. Paraguay were expected to easily win but their attacking play left much to be desired but at least they maintained their solid defensive play. With not much goalmouth action, the game was to be decided on penalties and Yuichi's Komano's miss in the shootout was enough to see the South Americans through. Paraguay would have to play much better in the quarter finals if they want to keep their dream alive. Man of the Match: Marcus Tulio Tanaka (the Japanese centre-back kept the Paraguayan strikers at bay with some well-times tackles and constantly winning headers against them)

Game 56: Spain 1-0 Portugal

This was a hard-fought win for Spain. They did control the possession and Portugal were relying a lot on counter attacks. In truth, Portugal looked very dangerous when they went forward on the counter attack but Spain defended just about well enough to avoid conceding. Upfront Spain were at their usual best with David Villa, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi connecting well with each other and it was Villa who got the decisive goal and Spain deservedly go through. Cristiano Ronaldo was largely anonymous again and I just wonder whether he can actually perform at the biggest stage in football or not because it seems to me that he was nowhere near the level of performance that Lionel Messi has shown in this World Cup and doesn't even belong in the top 3 players in the world. Spain meet Paraguay in the quarter finals which should be easy enough based on the performance of both teams so far. Man of the Match: David Villa (once again showed his predatory skills and his movement with and without the ball was generally good and caused a lot of trouble for his opponents)