Japan’s Keisuke Honda had a field day
against Denmark on Thursday, helping his team to score three goals,
despite only needing a draw to go through from Group E. However, the
Blue Samurai might have bigger problems when it comes to breaking
down Paraguay.
Gerardo Martino’s team only conceded
one goal during their Group F matches and that was an
uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Justo Villar. Aside from
that, Paulo Da Silva and Julio Caceres have been dealing with
everything thrown at them and we should note that the south Americans
were good at keeping clean sheets in qualifying.
It’s a marvellous opportunity for one
of these teams to reach the quarter finals and, with the stakes being
so high, it all points to a low-scoring contest. Only Japan’s final
match against the Danes yielded any more than two goals and none of
Oscar Cardozo, Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios have troubled the
opposition net just yet.
PREDICTION:
UNDER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.50 with bet365
Power Rating
Squad (3/5)
This is a remarkably well-balanced squad who have proved they can punch above their weight. Much will depend on confidence within the camp.
Squad (2/5)
Quite simply does not have the standard of players required to progress very far in a difficult group in a World Cup. A lot depends on Nakamura and Honda.
Coach (3/5)
He rarely makes headlines but Martino has proved to be one of the most effective managers Paraguay have had in years.
Coach (2/5)
Okada is renowned in Japan as a tactician and with better players he might be an effective manager but there are doubts to how much confidence his own football association have in him.
Attack (3.5/5)
At their best, Paraguay have a very dangerous array of midfielders and forwards.
Attack (1.5/5)
This is not a team that is likely to score goals. In France they managed one; in Germany it was two. Three in South Africa will be an achievement.
Defence (2.5/5)
Were Chilavert at his peak, then Paraguay would go into the tournament with a bit more confidence but the back four did the job in qualification.
Defence (3/5)
Good, solid and well organised and in the shape of Tulio and Nakasawa it contains two of Japan’s most impressive footballers.