Spain and Portugal fight it out for the final slot of the World Cup quarter-final as Japan take on Paraguay earlier on Tuesday. The all-European clash is the match of the day though, and probably the toughest tie in the round of 16. The winner of the Cape Town showdown is strongly tipped to make it to the final, knowing that potential opponents are not of the same caliber. Spain-based Cristiano Ronaldo is Portugal's main man, but Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has a higher rate for his opponents. "Portugal are a great team and they're about more than just Cristiano Ronaldo," said the former Real Madrid boss. "Yes it's true that Cristiano is one of their best players, but we mustn't forget that the Portuguese are the only team that still haven't conceded a goal at this World Cup. "That proves that they're a solid unit and not just a collection of individuals." Portugal came out of the group of death without conceding, yet manager Carlos Queiroz promises better results in South Africa. "We're ready to take on anybody. We've already played in critical games during qualifying and now we have another all-or-nothing match at a World Cup," he said. That's why we're ready to give everything we've got on the pitch with only one aim in mind: staying in the World Cup. Portugal's best is still to come,"
Portugal regain the services of midfielder Deco who missed the last two group games with a hip injury. But Spain are likely to be without midfielder Xabi Alonso due to an ankle problem, with Javi Martinez his expected deputy. Paraguay vs. Japan After impressing in the group stage, Paraguay or Japan will make history on Tuesday by reaching their best-ever World Cup rank. From this perspective, Japan coach Takeshi Okada knows what a victory would mean for his nation. "For the football community of Japan, it would be very bright, wonderful news and encouraging if we advanced," said Okada. "Japan's aim of becoming one of the world-class teams would be one step closer if we can qualify for the last eight for the first time. "The World Cup is a very good measurement to estimate the level of a nation at this time and we've come so far, not only to our credit, but to the credit of footballing community of Japan as a whole." Paraguay have midfielder Victor Caceres suspended as Japan are expected to name the same side for the fourth game in a row.
