2010 FIFA World Cup – Paraguay vs. Japan Picks & Predictions

Paraguay-Japan Pick

The Round of 16 is set to come to an end on Tuesday with the first of two games in the 2010 World Cup featuring Paraguay against Japan.

Bet the 2010 World Cup
Paraguay was the winner of Group F while Japan was the runner-up in Group E.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made USA the favorites to win with a betting line of +130 while Ghana comes in at +200. A regulation draw has a money line of +220.

Paraguay was the surprise winner of its group thanks to a 2-0 win over Slovakia and the collapse of the defending Cup champions, Italy. Defense has been a big factor for Paraguay, as it has allowed just 1 goal in three games. While the defense has been stout, the offense could use a little more fire power, which it may need against Japan.

The Japanese team seems to have gotten better with each game. Despite a 1-0 loss to Holland, the team played tough against the strong Dutch team. Japan followed the loss with an impressive 3-1 win over Denmark which sealed its spot in the tournament. Japan actually finished with more Cup points than Paraguay in group play.

This is a match where we believe an upset could take place. Japan opened the World Cup as a long shot, but it made it through a tougher group than Paraguay did. With Paraguay struggling to score and Japan seemingly at its best right now, we like the money line Japan is getting in a low-scoring contest.

Our World Cup Free Pick for this matchup is: JAPAN +260 and UNDER 2.5

World Cup Match Results
PARAGUAY

Draw with Italy, 1-1 on June 14

Win over Slovakia, 2-0 on June 20

Draw with New Zealand, 0-0 on June 24

JAPAN

Win over Cameroon, 1-0 on June 14

Loss to Holland, 1-0 on June 19

Win over Denmark, 3-1 on June 24

World Cup Player Stats
PARAGUAY

Antolin Alcaraz – 1 goal

Cristian Riveros – 1 goal