Special Edition: The Golden Nuggets World Cup 2010 - Quarter Finals

By Sports Magician

BRAZIL v HOLLAND FRIDAY JULY 2ND 15.00 (GMT)

Counter attack meets counter attack on Friday to begin the last eight of the 2010 World Cup. The difference between the sides going forward is minimal, if anything, the Dutch may possess the more dynamic combination of forwards. It's at the back where the cracks appear in the Dutch team and they haven't been sufficiently tested at the World Cup or in qualification. Statistically it would seem Holland have a great backline, but that just isn't the case. Brazil will cause their defence plenty of trouble, both on the break and at set-pieces.

PICK: 4*BRAZIL TO SCORE MORE THAN 1.5 GOALS @ 2.20 (BOYLESPORTS)

URUGUAY v GHANA FRIDAY JULY 2ND 19.30 (GMT)

Many will expect this to be a low scoring affair, and it's hard to argue against that being the case. However, Ghana have been opened up at times during the tournament, but their opponents have been forgiving in front of goal. Uruguay - through Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani are unlikely to be as wasteful when given the opportunity. Ghana will miss Jonathan Mensah in the centre of defence, who has partnered namesake John at the back. Jonathan broke into the side thanks to an injury to Isaac Vorsah and has filled in admirably. Ghana have done very well to reach this stage of the tournament, but a tough and smart Uruguay side, allied with that added class upfront can move on to the last four.

PICK: 3*URUGUAY TO SCORE MORE THAN 1.5 GOALS @ 2.63 (BOYLESPORTS)

ARGENTINA v GERMANY SATURDAY JULY 3RD 15.00 (GMT)

Once again the Golden Nuggets will be looking towards the over 1.5 goals market for the expected victor in this re-match from the 2006 World Cup. Four years ago Argentina outplayed Germany but were dumped out of the competition on penalties, revenge is certainly on the mind for a number of the Argentina squad in South Africa. Both teams know that their weakness is in defence and that is where Argentina can hurt Germany in a manner that England were completely incapable of doing so. Argentina provide so much movement going forward that the German defence will not be able to play man to man. It has been speculated that Argentina will draft in Jonas Gutierrez in place of Angel Di Maria, to counter German attacks on the flanks. Even so, Argentina have so much quality going forward that chances will not be at a premium for Diego Maradona's side.

The two sides met a few months ago in Germany, where Argentina prevailed 1-0, in what should have been a 2 or 3-0 win. Germany have improved since then, and so have Argentina. The prospect for a very entertaining encounter is there, but with so much on the line, there is sure to be a certain degree of caution. Argentina have been scoring for fun in South Africa and the German defence are not secure enough to stop that from continuing.

PICK: 4*ARGENTINA TO SCORE MORE THAN 1.5 GOALS @ 2.40 (SPORTINGBET)

SPAIN v PARAGUAY SATURDAY JULY 3RD 19.30 (GMT)

Paraguay have done outstandingly well to reach the last eight of the World Cup despite the absence of their best player - Salvador Cabanas. How many other sides can honestly claim they would have reached as far without the one player that makes them tick? Imagine England without Wayne Rooney, they might not even have made it out of the second round? Oh...

Paraguay's journey is likely to come to an end on Saturday, they are very well drilled and defensively solid, but without Cabanas they lack the invention and creativity needed to trouble Spain. The Spanish haven't hit the heights they did during Euro 2008 but they are still alive and could explode at any moment. David Villa has been on fire, as usual, and that has been much needed since Fernando Torres is so woefully lacking match sharpness. Spain should go on to the last four, and do so by virtue of a clean sheet.

PICK: 2*SPAIN BEAT PARAGUAY TO NIL @ 2.10 (BET 365)

Sports Magician