Stuart Dye: Just eight teams remain

Is Mesut Ozil the new Lionel Messi? Photos / AP

Just eight teams remain. Here's what will happen:

Uruguay v Ghana:

The quarter final tie that no-one predicted at the start of the tournament. The South Americans will be on top for most of this match but just won't be able to find a goal against the last Africans standing in the competition. Up will pop Gyan to steal it in the last 10 minutes. 1-0 Ghana.

Netherlands v Brazil:

The Dutch will score early, exploiting Brazil's suspect defence. But that will be as good as it gets for the Europeans. The men in yellow will produce a marvellous second half prompting a rush to the betting office to see what odds are left on them leaving with the trophy. 3-1 Brazil.

Germany v Argentina:

This edges out the previous game as the tie of the round. If you only watch one quarter final, make it this one. A see-sawing game with the advantage swinging from one side to the other. It'll be the Germans who win it though and everyone will be left debating whether Mesut Ozil is the new Lionel Messi. Maradona will do something mad. 3-2 Germany.

Paraguay v Spain

A wonderful performance from Paraguay has got them to the quarter finals for the first time in World Cup history, but the road ends here. Spain, with their passing as cultured as a thesis on humour as subversion in the works of Homer, will romp home. 3-0 Spain.