The lowest profile last 16 match at World Cup 2010 but a fascinating encounter nonetheless and I expect both teams to attack from the outset.
Paraguay and Japan know that going all the way in South Africa is highly unlikely, especially with Spain likely last eight opponents, but I don’t expect either to sit back and I’m surprised the odds compilers don’t anticipate there to be goals.
Paraguay topped Group F ahead of Slovakia, with Italy shock first round casualties, and could even afford to draw their final match with New Zealand.
That drab, goalless affair was no surprise however, given Paraguay knew that qualification was all but guaranteed before kick-off, and I’m anticipating plenty more action now that things have got serious once again
Paraguay manager Gerardo Martino must chose between Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios to partner Oscar Cardozo in attack but there was a lot to like about Paraguay’s opening1-1 draw with Italy, and subsequent defeat of Slovakia, and whoever he chooses should pose a threat.
With the South American sides proving so tough to beat at these finals it is no surprise to see Paraguay installed as short priced favourites for Tuesday afternoon’s clash but Japan, buoyed by two wins already in South Africa, will be no pushovers and should not be underestimated.
I was sceptical about Japan’s chances of success in World Cup 2010 but an opening win over Cameroon was followed up by a 3-1 win over Denmark and they were also not disgraced in defeat to the impressive Dutch.
Possessing goal threats in the shape of Keisuke Honda, Daisuke Endo and Shinji Okazaki, I see both sides finding the net and we have already seen plenty of goalmouth action in the knockout stages so far.
Only USA versus Ghana has failed to produce the minimum number of goals required to land this particular wager and I expect the overall trend to continue in what shoudl be another exciting match.
3pts Back Over 2.50 Goals (Paraguay vs. Japan) @ 2.63 (Ladbrokes)