by Luiz Bravim

Created on: July 01, 2010

Africa’s first World Cup will long be remembered for its fantastic upsets. A modest bet on European minnow Switzerland edging Spain 1-0 would have netted unthinkable returns. The reigning European champions were not only expected to win every game, but to do so in convincing fashion. Before June 11, who could imagine the reigning World Cup finalists from Germany would be eliminated in the group stage? The early demise of Italy and France sent clear signals that this would be a very different tournament than 2006.

Prior to the opening game, Brazil, Argentina and Spain were billed as co-favorites to win it all. Despite persistent unpredictability in South Africa, each made it through the quarterfinals and is expected to move on. Brazil faces a tough Dutch team which has ground out results without the flair of total football pioneered in the 1970s by Ajax club and the Netherlands national teams. The Clockwork Orange easily won Group E and followed up by eliminating Slovakia in the second round. They are unfortunate to play Brazil, which boast the tournament’s top defense. Offensive juggernauts Kaka, Robinho, and Luis Fabiano make this a uniquely dual-threat team dangerous even on their worst day.

Despite centering the team around Leo Messi; currently the world’s number one, Argentina has found most of the publicity surrounding their erratic coach. Legendary Diego Maradona scored 91 goals for the Albiceleste, played in four World Cups and won the 1986 edition as captain. Prolific honors and talent did not lend itself to victories during CONMEBOL qualification, where Argentina struggled to a fourth place finish behind Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. Maradona’s fancied squad will face a mighty test as the Germans have performed well, minus a fluke 1-0 loss to Serbia. The Germans are a young team, even less experienced due to the injury of long-time captain Michael Ballack. The Argentines will gain invaluable confidence going into the semifinals should they dispatch Germany in Cape Town.

Spain’s starting XI are composed almost entirely of Real Madrid and Barcelona players. This team of all-stars has lost just twice in more than 50 games. They are facing the weakest quarter-finalist in Paraguay, a team that needed penalty kicks to best Japan. The Spaniards understand well the perils of overconfidence from their humbling loss to the Swiss in the first round. With Iker Casillas is goal, Alonso-Iniesta in midfield, and the Torres-Villa duo at the top, this team can take anyone down when clicking.

The three contenders offer contrasting styles: Brazil’s technical efficiency, Argentina’s potent attack and Spain’s artistic passing. History is on the side of Brazil, a balanced, well-coached side that won South American qualifying and the 2009 Confederations Cup. As always, everything depends on key players turning it on in clutch moments. Immortality belongs to the victor. For any of the super-talented trio, defeat will yield great pain-and astonishment at what might have been.

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