And we’re down to 8!

An exciting World Cup has been flying by, filled with controversial calls and some unexpected score lines. A few upsets in the group stage round led to wild matchups in the knockout bracket.

On one side of the bracket, we saw two top-5 teams face off in the round of 16, as Spain took down Portugal. On the other side of the bracket, we had a full section of surprise teams matched up that has led to a Ghana-Uruguay quarterfinal. On Friday, one of those nations will shockingly advance to the semi-finals when they face off at 2:30 PM (Eastern Time).

The Final 8 is a major accomplishment for the teams that still remain. But the next game is their most important one. In the semi-finals, all card tallies are wiped clean and each team can send their best healthy squad of 11 to lay it all out on the line for a chance to bring home the immortal World Cup championship trophy.

Here’s a breakdown of the two quarterfinals games that will take place on Friday. For Saturday's games, check out my other article (http://numonefan.com/locker_room/view/372). Here's Friday:

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NETHERLANDS vs. BRAZIL - July 2nd, 10:00am (ET), ESPN
This game represents one of the two outstanding quarterfinal matchups, along with Argentina-Germany. Holland and Brazil are both top-5 world powers that have dominated their competition thus far. Both teams are undefeated in the World Cup, although Brazil did finish with a draw against Portugal (when they had already clinched a bid to the knockout stage).

The Netherlands have not been as dominant in their victories as some supporters would like. In the group stage, they beat Denmark 2-0, followed by a 1-0 victory over Japan and 2-1 win against Cameroon. They took down Slovakia 2-1 in the round of 16. Is it a problem that the team has not looked particularly unstoppable?

"We want to play beautifully, but it doesn't always work," midfielder Mark van Bommel said. "The bottom line is we qualified for the quarterfinals. We know what we're doing."

I’d have to agree with Van Bommel. Four wins are four wins, no matter how you break it down. And in no game was there any real fear that they were going to lose. They will have to step up their game against Brazil, but the potential for more is certainly there. Star winger and veteran leader Arjen Robben is finally healthy. He started his first Cup game against Slovakia in the knockout round and scored in the 18th minute. His tremendous playmaking ability and one-on-one skills will be crucial in this match.

The roster is there to make this win happen for the Dutch, especially offensively. Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt have been playing their attacking roles perfectly. Robin van Persie has been a minor disappointment thus far, but can explode on goal at any moment. Eljero Elia has been a super substitute that brings great pace and energy when he comes into the game. Combine all these weapons with superb goalkeeping from Marten Stekelenberg and a very satisfactory team defense, and Holland has a chance to pull out this win.

As for Brazil, we know all about their history and greatness at the World Cup. The 5-time champions are in prime position to take home a 6th. The Brazilians have a slightly different approach this time around than they have had in the past. Gone are the days of fancy individual play and spectacular skill moves down the field to create scoring chances. Head coach Dunga has emphasized a more traditional style, with two defensive midfielders and a balanced offensive attack based on ball movement and timely attacks.

The style has been working perfectly. Brazil’s organized attack frustrates opponents and makes them over-commit on the offensive end to try to break through. Just when their opponents make a push forward, the Brazilians strike. The squad is still loaded with talented players that can explode on the offensive end, as well as skilled defenders that can aid on the attack.

Superstar midfielder Kaka looked less than 100 perfect in the first 2 group stage games before he missed game 3 against Portugal because of a red card suspension. He is yet to find his groove, but appears primed for big things on Friday.

Luis Fabiano has led the team with 3 goals thus far, and he has 13 goals in his last 13 matches for Brazil. He simply knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. Skilled winger Robinho is the man most responsible for keeping the pretty ball skills of Brazilian tradition alive, and his skills have translated to great success thus far. The back line of defense has been tremendous, as has goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

All in all, this is a star-studded matchup between two powerhouse teams that are playing at their peak. Brazil might be the pre-match favorite, but they know how difficult this match is going to be.

"We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to play against," Dunga said.

"It's a world football classic," said Robinho.

This one can go either way. It’s going to be a spectacular game to watch.

KEY ABSENCES:
Brazil will be without three key midfielders that have all started at least one game in this World Cup. Attacking mid and goal-scorer Elano is out with an ankle injury. Holding defensive mid Felipe Melo is also doubtful with an ankle sprain. And Ramires, a speedy outside mid, is suspended from two yellow cards.

The Netherlands squad is at full strength with no injured or suspended players.

PREDICTION:
I anticipated this quarterfinal matchup in my predictions column before the tournament. I had Netherlands winning the game before and will again stick with the Dutch to win. It’s going to be a fantastic game to watch, both teams will get on the scoresheet several times, but NETHERLANDS wins, 3-2.

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URUGUAY vs. GHANA - July 2nd, 2:30pm (ET), ESPN
Unfortunately, this match will be devoted a slight less of a preview than the previous one. But that doesn’t diminish its importance in any way.

Uruguay are 2-time World Cup Champions, but haven’t won it since 1950. This is their first quarterfinal appearance since 1970. They are one of four South American teams still remaining in the tournament. The continent has been dominant in the World Cup, and Uruguay is hoping to continue the trend by giving South America a team in the semi-finals. Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil all have the opportunity, as well.

Their opponents, though, will be feeling all the love on Friday. Ghana is the only African team remaining in this tournament played in South Africa, and the entire continent is behind the Black Stars as they attempt to become the first African country to reach a World Cup semi-final. Ghana had never even qualified for a World Cup until 2006, and they’re making this remarkable run in 2010 without their best player. Defensive midfield stopper Michael Essien has been sidelined all tournament with a knee injury. Ghana’s success is certainly the biggest surprise of the World Cup.

Both teams enter this game with a hot striker. Uruguay’s Luis Suarez scored twice in their round of 16 win over South Korea. Suarez has 3 total goals in the tournament, and is riding an emotional high to great success on the pitch.

"We have been dreaming since this tournament started," Suarez said. "Some teams start out as favorites. My side is ready to fight hard for wonderful things. We have to live the emotions and what we are feeling in every match."

Uruguay will actually be the slight favorite in this match. Ghana, though, has their own dominant striker. Asamoah Gyan has 3 goals in the World Cup, including the game-winner against the United States last game. Gyan scored in the 3rd minute of extra time against the USA, and proves to be one of the top players at the World Cup, despite not receiving a whole lot of attention before the competition. Now he’s getting all the attention, as is his Ghana squad.

"We've made everybody proud," Gyan said. "Not Ghana alone, but all of Africa."

In order to continue to make their continent proud, Ghana must overcome a couple of suspensions while trying to hold down Uruguay’s dynamic striking combination of Suarez and Diego Forlan.

KEY ABSENCES:
Andre Ayew and Jonathan Mensah will both be out for Ghana with yellow card suspensions. Ayew is one the team’s best midfielders, and Mensah is the captain of the defense.

Uruguay will be without starting defender Diego Godin, who suffered a thigh injury in their last match.

PREDICTION:
This will be a very close game that takes an extra 30 minutes to settle. I wouldn’t be shocked if this one went to penalty kicks. Before that happens, though, I see Africa’s heroes putting away a late goal giving the win to GHANA, 2-1 in extra time.