Paraguay V Japan
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Japan counter quickly, with the ball falling to Matsui who unleashes a shot on goal that cannons back off the crossbar. The shot is followed up but goes out for a goal kick.
Second Half: Well worked throw from Paraguay crossed in for a free header, shot straight at the keeper, Japan able to counter but their play fizzles to nothing after a cross that is too powerful goes over everybody and out for a throw. Sums up the game well, as counter attack followed counter attack
Extra Time First Half: Lots of chances fall for Paraguay, starting with Valdez being denied by a great save ball half cleared, shot is deflected, a cross comes in again but the header goes wide.
Extra Time Second Half: Japan able to launch a good counter through Honda, Tamada & Nakazawa link up well on the left, the final ball is hit too far for Nakamura to latch onto
Onto Penalties: Cardozo takes a calm soft penalty into the bottom left hand corner, bluffing out the Japanese keeper, to win the shootout for Paraguay 5-3
Why it went to Penalties: Both sides were determined to not lose this match more than actually win it, with both sides having a solid defense there was always a sense it would go to penalties, which really offered us the only drama in the match.

Spain V Portugal
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Ronaldo shoots powerfully from a free kick, straight at Casillas, who thumbles it. The Portuguese can’t get on the rebound & Spain clear.
Second Half: Some great passing movement from Spain, Iniesta sends a good through ball to Villa just inside the box on the right, his shot is saved but Villa jumps on the rebound sneaking it in off the crossbar.
Why Spain won: They neutralized Ronaldo, who just looked like a spectator today, eventually getting booed by the crowd for a tame effort towards the end. Add to that the fact that they were just a lot more clinical than the Portuguese, dominating the shot statistic, with a high percentage on target.

So the 2nd round is wrapped up, we now have a few days off before the quarter finals:
Netherlands V Brazil – Jul 2 9am ESPN
Uruguay V Ghana – Jul 2 1.30pm ESPN
Argentina V Germany – Jul 3 9am ABC
Paraguay V Spain – Jul 3 1.30pm ABC

So with that I’ll be taking a break and be back to preview the quarterfinals on Thursday, try and enjoy two days without the World Cup, perhaps catch up with family members you’ve neglected the last few weeks, maybe even go outside.