Analysis:

Undoubtedly, Paraguay will start this match as the huge favourites here to progress to the last eight of the World Cup. But this will not be clear cut for the South Americans.

And if going by the performance of both teams having just scored seven between them and conceded three so far in the finals, there will not be an avalanche of goals in this match.

The Japanese have caused some surprises so far, impressing in wins over Cameroon and Denmark and only narrowly losing out to Holland. Meanwhile, Paraguay topped their group in convincing fashion and showed how strong they were but this will be an entirely different opposition here.

Paraguay have been tough opponents even though they have not played the exciting football of the Chileans or had the star quality in Luis Suarez or Diego Forlan that Uruguay has. The only goal they conceded was with Italy who are not out of the Tournament.

Their firepower upfront is not that great as it showed in the goalless draw with New Zealand. They do have a lot of options upfront with the likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios, Nelson Valdez and Oscar Cardozo to choose from.

Martino was unhappy with his forwards' poor showing in front of goal, and they may find it tough to penetrate the Japanese in this match, as they had trouble breaking down a poor Slovakia when they were beaten 2-0.

Paraguay are likely to use their physical advantage against the Japanese here today. But they must do better upfront if they are to make it to the last eight.

Japan on the other hand are a busy, hard-working, organised and disciplined side and with the likes of Keisuke Honda has proved to be one of the most impressive players of this World Cup so far, leading the line well and scoring a stunning long-range free kick against Denmark.

Interestingly this is the first time that the team from the rising sun has made the last 16 of the finals outside of their nation, after reaching the same stage when they hosted the 2002 competition, but they will have to do what no other Asian side has done in the history of the World Cup and beat a South American opposition.

They were not given much of a chance in this World Cup but the performance of Honda, Yasuhito Endo and Tulio Tanaka has changed all that now. They will have to battle really hard if they are to get past the physical South Americans though.

With regards to the team news, manager Takeshi Okada will likely field the same team after he has managed to avoid any injuries or suspension to his team. He will be boosted by the news that centre-back Tanaka should be fit to play after recovering from a back injury despite training on his own since the 3-1 win over Denmark.

Meanwhile, Paraguay will be without Victor Ceceres who is suspended following two bookings in the group stage with Carlos Bonet likely to come into the side for him. Antolin Alcaraz missed their encounter with New Zealand with a minor injury but should return in time for Tuesday's game and could start for Paraguay.

Take Japan to battle for a draw in the 90 minutes.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Draw 0-0 or 1-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Go for this match to end in a draw.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Japan +1/2 here.