Holland against Brazil is, without doubt, the pick of the last eight matches and this should make for excellent viewing.
Having battled with Spain and then Argentina for favouritism since things got underway, a 3-0 thumping of Chile in the second round confirmed Brazil as the team to beat in South Africa and I was really impressed with them in that win.
There was never any question that Brazil would be a threat going forward at these finals, with Luis Fabiano, Kaka and Robinho to call upon, but the five-time winners have looked supreme in defence too and it is going to take an almighty display to topple them.
Right back Maicon, in particular, has just about everything you could wish for in the modern footballer while further forward in midfield I was really taken by the rampaging Ramires, deputising for Felipe Melo, in that win over their South American rivals.
Brazil face a Dutch side that will certainly be no pushovers but while the Europeans possess plenty of ability in attack, with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben supporting Robin van Persie, Brazil’s strength and power is tipped to be the deciding factor in a clash of two of the very best sides on show so far.
Brazil are now 3.50 chances across the board to lift the trophy and at this stage of the tournament I couldn’t put anybody getting involved.
There is profit to be made beforehand however and 90 minutes should be enough for them to get the better of Friday’s opponents.
With Uruguay or Ghana, who play on Friday evening, awaiting in the semi-final, the incentive for the victors is huge and the 1.95 about Brazil in the Match Odds will do for me.
They should take this en route to the final on July 11th and it will surely be one to savour with any one of Spain, Argentina or Germany probable opponents.
3pts Back Brazil (vs. Holland) @ 1.95 (Paddy Power)