Eight teams have emerged from the vuvuleza-induced delirium that is the 19th edition of the World Cup. Here is where they stand:
Argentina
The Diego Maradona-led Argentineans are playing with purpose. How long that will last depends largely on the portly boss’ ability to keep his charges - and himself - from imploding and losing focus against a physically-imposing German side. The exploits of Gonzalo Huguain (four goals) and Carlos Tevez (two goals) have overshadowed incumbent talisman Lionel Messi, who has yet to bag a goal despite launching 17 attempts on net. Messi is a hard man to keep down, which makes a trip to the semifinals - if not the finals -- highly likely.
Brazil
If not majestically breathtaking, the Selecao have been ruthlessly efficiently. Dunga’s men have mowed down opponents in group and knockout phases with authority, despite their mercurial midfield genius Kaka in vapor lock. Brazil’s chances to win the World Cup are looking good thanks to the stellar play of Luis Fabiano and Robinho. Midfielder Ramires will miss Friday’s sumptuous quarterfinal against Netherlands due to a yellow card accumulation while midfielders Felipe Melo (ankle), Elano (ankle) and Julio Baptista (knee) are questionable having missed Monday’s Round-16 victory over Chile due to injury.
Germany
The Teutonic Titans’ one-sided 4-1 Round-of-16 result against England may deceive as Frank Lampard’s disregarded goal would have changed the tenor of that match. The team’s youthful zeal coupled with Thomas Mueller (three goals) and Miroslav Klose’s (two goals) deadly finishing has made Germany a tough team to shut down. But the 1-0 loss to Serbia in group play suggests Die Mannschaft can be bottled up and could falter when pitted against a savvy opponent. Striker Cacau (abdominal muscle) is doubtful for the tussle with Argentina. Otherwise Joachim Loew has full contingent heading into Saturday’s quarterfinal match with Argentina.
Ghana
With the weight of the African continent already on their collective shoulders, the Black Stars face the prospect of being without leading scorer Asamoah Gyan (ankle) and Kevin Prince Boateng (hamstring) for its quarterfinal clash with favoured Uruguay (though reports have Gyan saying he will play). With inspirational leader Michael Essian already gone, the team’s lack of depth will only be magnified. Ghana’s faint hopes of advancing to the semis rest on the return of centerback Issac Vorsah (knee), who missed the team’s previous three matches and the largely untested reserves on a 32nd FIFA ranked squad.
Netherlands
The chronic World Cup underachievers are relishing their underdog role as crafty Arjen Robben regains his form as one of the world’s best wingers and midfielder Wesley Sneijder continues to grab key goals. Bert van Marwijk’s forces are on a record 23-game unbeaten run after Monday’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the Round of 16. A potential balloon popper is the team's vulnerability down the middle, which Slovakia exposed repeatedly only to be repelled by unheralded Dutch netminder Maarten Stekelenburg. Brazil’s deadly strike tandem of Luis Fabiano and Robinho will not be as forgiving.
Paraguay
La Albirroja proved their meteoric qualification run in the difficult South American group was no fluke. A dearth of goals - the team has the least amount of tallies (3) among the final eight - is troublesome. The 11-men-behind-the-ball approach will only take Gerardo Martino’s crew so far, as more sophisticated teams, notably Spain, are more likely to slice through such a stolid tactical approach.
Spain
After a shock 1-0 setback to the Swiss, Spain regained their form. Notable in the La Roja’s three-game run is the ability to grind out results against dour defending schemes. Defensively, Vicente de Bosque’s forces have restricted opponents to nine shots on target in four matches. At the front, talisman David Villa has accounted for four of the team’s five goals in the competition, which has made strike partner Fernando Torres’ sublime talents superfluous. Torres will have to make his mark if the European champions are to carry home the trophy.
Uruguay
Los Charruas are a team that knows its limitations and has learned how to exceed them. The strike force of Luis Suarez (three goals) and Diego Forlan (two goals) has garnered the most attention, but the Uruguayans have only yielded one goal (to South Korea) in four matches while shutting out France, Mexico and South Africa. Credit also goes to the midfield stewards Alvaro Pereira, Diego Perez and Alvaro Fernandez.