ARGENTINA vs. GERMANY - July 3rd, 10:00am (ET), ABC
A highly anticipated matchup between world powers Argentina and Germany gives fans another tremendous game to watch in the quarterfinals. Neither of these teams needs any extra motivation to prepare for this battle, but there will be plenty of bulletin-board material for either coach to use. Players from both teams have exchanged detrimental words about their opponent.

"We have to concentrate on our own game. They are temperamental, we'll see how they deal with defeat on Saturday," Germany captain Philipp Lahm said of Argentina. "They are impulsive, temperamental and they don't know how to lose."

German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger then was quoted as saying the Argentines "have no respect," and that they "try to influence the referees."

Argentina responded to these comments in different ways. During an interview yesterday, Argentine head coach Diego Maradona put on a poor German accent as to mock his opponent, and said, "What's the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervous?"

Striker Carlos Tevez says he was "more afraid of Mexico than Germany,” even after beating the Mexicans 3-1 in the last round.

Defender Martin Demichelis, though, did not take part in the bashing of his opponent. "I can speak for one hour about Schweinsteiger's comments but I'm not going to pay any attention. The response will be on the field.”

On the field, this match is going to be a great one. Both teams are arguably playing even better than was expected. Germany has overcome an injury to captain Michael Ballack to use their youth, speed, and skill in an impressive showing. Argentina, meanwhile, has played every man on their 23-man roster in at least one game, and are loaded with skilled players that can put on a show with the ball.

For Germany, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller are young, emerging superstars in the midfield that are playing as well as any duo in the tournament. Team these two skilled players with powerful strikers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, and the German attack is a lot to handle. With a goal last game against England, Miroslav Klose moved into 4th place on the all-time World Cup goals list. The veteran striker simply has a nose for the net and finds way to score at the most crucial times.

Argentina, though, has just as much offensive firepower. Lionel Messi is yet to score in the World Cup, but the world’s best player has been dominant in the midfield. Messi has attempted the most shots of any player in the tournament, including the most shots on target. A goal is likely going to come eventually; Germany is just hoping it doesn’t happen against them.

Gonzalo Higuain has had better luck finding the back of the net. The young Argentine striker has 4 goals in the tournament. Carlos Tevez has 3 goals himself, forming a supremely talented striker tandem.

Both teams benefitted from questionable officiating in the round of 16. Germany beat England 4-1, but the result could have been very different had Frank Lampard’s chip shot in the 45th minute counted for a goal as it should have. Lampard’s shot, as replays have shown for the past week, obviously cleared the goalline and should have counted for an England equalizer. Germany took advantage of the non-goal to demoralize England in the 2nd half to win the game easily, 4-1.

Argentina was awarded a goal against Mexico that should have never counted, when Carlos Tevez was clearly offsides for the first goal of the game. In a game that finished 3-1, that goal was crucial to the outcome of the contest.

Let’s hope for a match on Saturday that does not get marred by poor officiating. Is that too much to ask?

Argentina and Germany are ready to do battle. Expect nothing but a hotly-contested, physical match with much extracurricular activity and plenty of scoring chances.

KEY ABSENCES:
Both teams are at full strength and free from injuries, although midfielder Jonas Gutierrez will sit this game out for Argentina with a yellow card suspension.

PREDICTION:
This will be a great match, filled with attacks and counter-attacks all night. Don’t expect either team to play conservatively. In the end, though, I think Argentina will get the best of the style of play. I like ARGENTINA to win, 3-1, thanks to a couple of early goals and the ability to shut down the German come-from-behind effort. Argentina moves on.

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SPAIN vs. PARAGUAY - July 3rd, 2:30pm (ET), ABC
In the one game with a clear favorite and underdog, Spain is expected to end the quarterfinal round with a win over Paraguay. But don’t write off the Paraguayans just yet. The South American squad is looking to continue the continent’s run of dominant performances at the World Cup.

Paraguay will employ a defensive gameplan, looking to contain the Spanish attack and try to capitalize on counter-attack opportunities. They’ve been watching plenty of tape of Switzerland’s 1-0 win over Spain in its first game of group play. The shocking loss by the Spanish seems a long time ago, as the favored side has dominated in its last 3 matches. Still, though, expect Paraguay to come out with the confidence to win.

"It's going to be a good match where you will see two types of football," Paraguay’s goalie Justo Villar said. "One side trying to attack skillfully while we try to stop them and then try to take advantage of our chances."

Paraguay knows its task, but is it possible to execute?

Spain is the #2 ranked team in FIFA’s rankings, and was considered the favorite of the entire field to win the tournament. Despite the early loss to Switzerland, Spain is rounding into form at the right time and certainly looks like a team primed to take home the World Cup trophy.

David Villa has been the star of the offensive attack, with 4 goals in 4 games. His striking counterpart Fernando Torres has looked far short of 100 percent as he competes just three months removed from knee surgery. Torres is expected to start on Saturday, but could be pulled for a sub early if he does not look fit.

Iniesta and Xavi are playing their typical clinical distributing games, and the defense is doing its job, led by veteran center back Puyol. Sergio Ramos is the right back that can produce on offense like an attacking mid. He scored a goal for Spain last game.

Overall, Spain is the more talented team. They have stars in all phases of the game, and can strike at any given moment with a furious offensive attack. They will undoubtedly dominant possession of the ball in the game. Paraguay’s task will be to stay patient and disciplined, keep the Spanish off the scoreboard early, and look to pick their spots on the attack.

A well-organized gameplan could put Paraguay in line for an upset. They have enough skilled players to make some plays with the ball. They must take advantage of their chances.

Will we see our only true upset of the quarterfinals, or will Spain cruise to the semis with an easy victory?

KEY ABSENCES:
Productive midfielder Victor Caceras will be out for Paraguay with 2 yellow cards. The Spanish side is at full strength.

PREDICTION:
I think Paraguay will hang in this game for awhile, and might give Spanish fans some very nervous moments as they nearly score first on way to a 0-0 halftime result. But in the second half, Spain breaks through with a couple of goals and hangs on easily for the win. SPAIN wins, 2-0.