FIFA Globe Cup 2010 Round of 16 Preview Japan Vs Paraguay Pretoria is the venue with the round of 16 clash

h in between the sole Asian survivor, Japan, and Paraguay, on Tuesday. While Paraguay strolled via group F, only needing a draw in their last game against New Zealand to qualify, Japan had been made to fight every step of the way in group E. They prevailed over a powerful Denmark in their final group game to cement their spot in the knock out stage. It would be the first entry into the quarter-final of the World Cup for either team that wins. Paraguay drew against Italy in their first group match, followed by a win against Slovakia, each matches characterised by discipline and organization. Paraguay have changed their game strategy depending on who their rivals are. Their game has been a mix of possession, short passing and movement. In the Slovakia match, Manager Gerardo Martino opted for attack, with 3 strikers in Santa Cruz, Barrios and Valdez. Vera and Riveros scored to give them a 2-0 win. In contrast, against Italy, Paraguay chose to soak up the pressure in defence, and made counter attacks whenever feasible. Paraguay owe much credit to midfielder Enrique Vera whose creativity and energy in assisting his forwards has created a huge difference. Paulo Da Silva and Julio Caceres have been brilliant within the back line, with only a soiltary objective conceded. Against New Zealand, an out of form Roque Santa Cruz who has been out of form, regained some momentum. Claudio Rodriguez has also created a positive contribution. Paraguays flexibilty in their game strategy is an asset and could come into play against Japan. They'll appear for an early lead and pressurize the Japanese back-line. Japan' strategy to close out the rival forwards with an organized back line didnt work against Holland and they lost 1-0. But against denmark in their last group match, Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo exemplified Japans resoluteness and scored off free kicks to make sure their place within the round of 16. The Japanese have relied on discipline and hard function to do the basics right. Hondas hold up play has been admirable even though his finishing needs enhancing. Endo has been inspiring in midfield, with Tanaka and Nakazawa solid in defence. Daisuke Matsui has been extremely creative as a right winger. For Paraguay, Roque Santa Cruz is a key player, slowly coming into his own, although he is yet to score. Nevertheless, his job cut out, against an organised Japanese defence. Japan will rely on dead ball specialist Keisuke Honda, to assist them go the additional mile in this crucial encounter. No modifications are most likely in the Paraguay eleven that played against New Zealand, with strikers, Santa Cruz, Valdez and Barrios, and Vera in midfield, assisted by Riveros. The defence will probably be manned by Alcaraz and Da Silva whilst the wings will probably be the domains of Morel and Bonet. Japan are also not likely to create any alter with Hasabe in midfield, to assist the forwards, Nakazawa and Tanako leading the defence alongside Nagatomo and Komano,

on the flanks. This may be a game of contrasting styles, with Paraguay attacking and Japan defending. Whwere Japan have lacked is in creativity, especially within the final third, and that could prove the vital difference in whata match thats likely to tilt within the South Americans' favour. By on the best manga