World Cup 2010: Images of the teams preparing for the quarter-finals

Brazil will face Holland in the first quarter-final on Friday afternoon. These two sides have met at the World Cup on three previous occasions. Holland will fondly remember their 2-0 win in the group stage in 1974 which led them to the final. Brazil triumphed 3-2 in the quarter-finals of 1994 and again in 1998 when, after a 1-1 draw in the semi-final, they won through on penalties
Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Cheeky little Robinho seems to be enjoying himself
Photograph: Koen Van Weel/EPA

And the Dutch are in positive mood, too. Here, Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben and Mark van Bommel are seen celebrating during a training session at the Gelvandale Stadium in Port Elizabeth
Photograph: Frank Augstein/AP

The 7.30pm kick-off will pit Uruguay against Africa's last remaining representatives, Ghana
Photograph: Fernando Vergara/AP

Uruguay, twice winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, have not reached the semi-finals in 40 years. Ghana, meanwhile, could become the first African side ever to reach the last four
Photograph: Gerry Penny/EPA

Diego Maradona's Argentina will play Germany on Saturday. Here, Juan Veron takes a pop at goal during practice - a moment nicely captured with a slow shutter speed
Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Speaking of Maradona, he's out there too, taking long-range shots, bouncing the ball on his shoulders, wrestling with his players ... not quite the Fabio Capello school of management
Photograph: Ricardo Mazalan/AP

Paraguay face the European Champions, Spain, who beat Portugal in the last round. Here, Paraguay's forward Lucas Barrios heads the ball during a game of head tennis
Photograph: Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images

One team who won't be taking part in the quarter-finals is Japan. But that didn't stop them from receiving a huge welcome home as they landed at Kansai International Airport in Izumisano
Photograph: AP