Spain VS Paraguay: World Cup Prediction

Odds: Spain (-190), Paraguay (+761), Draw (+302); Over/under (2)

Both Spain and Paraguay have advanced with tight defenses, rendering opposing teams all but hopeless on the offensive end. Spain has won 3 straight since their opening World Cup match against Switzerland where they lost 1-0. Paraguay has played brilliant defensively, giving up just 1 goal throughout the world cup, to Italy in the opening game.

Paraguay’s offense hasn’t impressed, with just 3 goals in the tournament that resulted in 3 draws in 4 games. They needed penalty kicks to stumble past Japan, and I’m not so sure they’ll get the nod in a penalty kick situation against the talented Spaniards.

After surprising everyone and falling to Switzerland in their first game of the World Cup, Spain has really turned it around. Shutting out Honduras 2-0, flying past Chile 2-1, then ousting a very good Portugal team in the Round of 16. It was a close game but David Villa’s impressive rebound shot in the 63rd minute hit the back of the net was all Spain needed to get the victory. What the 1-0 score won’t tell you is how Spain controlled the possession. How they outshot Portugal 19-9. They had twice as many corner kicks and 5 fewer fouls. Yes, the Spaniards have been very impressive.

When it comes right down to it, I don’t see Paraguay having enough firepower to outplay Spain, so they’ll need a top-notch goal and maybe a little luck to stun one of the tournament favorites. Spain’s defense is too strong, and unlike Paraguay, the Spaniards still attack on the offensive end. It would surprise me if Spain didn’t control this game throughout. I’ll take Spain.

Spain (-190)