By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

We are now down to the last eight of the World Cup with four teams from the South American continent, three sides from Europe and a sole African representative.

After two days of non-World Cup action, I bet the thing on every local football fan’s mind will be the tantalizing clash between football giants Holland and Brazil. Two similar footballing styles will come head-to-head — Holland’s “Total Football” vs Brazil’s “Samba Football”.

Meanwhile, the entire African continent will be keeping their eyes on Ghana as they bid to keep the African flag flying when they take on 1930 champions Uruguay.

Holland vs Brazil
Kenneth Says: 1-1 draw, Holland win on penalties
The difference between both teams is not huge, and are only separated by three FIFA rankings. However in terms of World Cup pedigree, Brazil are five-time winners while Holland’s best achievements are finishing runners-up in 1974 and 1978. That should be enough motivation for the Oranje in attempting to topple the Samba boys.

With both teams deploying a pragmatic approach of late, do not expect an avalanche of goals as the free-flowing football will only come in sporadic moments. My gut feeling tells me the match will go down to the dreaded penalty shootout, with Robinho missing the crucial penalty (Komano-style) to gift Holland the victory.

Les Says: 1-0 to Brazil
Brazil and Holland have come this far but all most folks can talk about is how ‘unBrazil’ and ‘unHolland’ they both are respectively. Every time Brazil play, most folks are hoping for four magical goals but Holland are tough defensively. So one goal will separate the two sides. But I will be glad to be proven wrong.

Erwin Says: 0-0 draw, Brazil win 2-0 in extra time
11 of the previous 24 quarter-final matches have gone into extra-time, averaging nearly two per World Cup. This one will too, but will definitely serve up something better than what Paraguay and Japan did on Tuesday night, when the worldwide amnesia rate plummeted.

It’s the quarter-final stage, and if you haven’t showed up to win yet, you won’t. Holland have not really displayed what they are fully capable of and against the sternest of tests in Brazil, they will find it difficult to get into their groove, even with Arjen Robben back in the lineup.

Brazil will be held goalless in 90 minutes, but will get a goal early in the extra period. With the Dutch pouring forward to save their campaign, the five-time champions will get another on the break, moving a step closer to their sixth title.

Uruguay vs Ghana
Kenneth Says: 1-1 draw, Uruguay 2-1 Extra Time
With the whole continent behind them, Ghana should have enough motivation to beat Uruguay. However, since the opening 0-0 draw with France, Uruguay have shown a more ruthless approach by deploying three forwards upfront – Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani. It has since paid dividends with Suarez peaking at the right moment.

Ghana’s fearless attacking football will see them battle to a draw at the end of 90 minutes, but the guile of the South Americans should prove too much for them in extra time.

Les Says: Uruguay to win 3-0
Apart from their game with the Americans, Ghana have struggled to win. I don’t think Uruguay will be so generous in defence. They’ve only let in one goal in the whole tournament which came in their 2-1 over South Korea in the last 16. In fact, Uruguay are potent going forward. This is the end of the road for the Ghanaians.

Erwin Says: Uruguay to win 2-1
Uruguay were pegged back by the South Koreans for most part of the second half in their Round of 16 tie, and Ghana can draw strength from that. However, with the weight of the entire continent on their shoulders, even the speedy Ghanaians might trip up a little.

Forlan, Suarez and company will get the goals for Uruguay, while Ghana will be mentioned in the same breath as Cameroon and Senegal – African teams which have progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals, but no further.

More News on Holland vs Brazil
Holland winger Eljero Elia does not fear Brazil defender Maicon
World Cup 2010: Holland vs Brazil promo
Previous Encounter in 1998 World Cup: Brazil 4-2 Holland
Previous Encounter in 1994 World Cup: Brazil 3-2 Holland
Previous Encounter in 1974 World Cup: Holland 2-0 Brazil

More News on Uruguay vs Ghana
Previous Encounter in 2009 U-20 World Cup: Uruguay 2-2 Ghana

2010 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final Fixtures

SGP DATE/DAYSGP TIMECOUNTRY ACOUNTRY B
Jul 2, Fri10pmHolland 2Brazil 1
Jul 3, Sat2.30amUruguay 1 (4)Ghana 1 (2)
Jul 3, Sat10pmArgentina 0Germany 4
Jul 4, Sun2.30amParaguay 0Spain 1

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

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