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Only little Uruguay survives after Spain defeated Paraguay 1-0 today. Here's the WSJ's 1 July account of why Uruguay continues on to the semi-finals.
"Rooting for Uruguay requires no rationalizations. This is not a country ruled by some exploitative oligarchy or military junta. In a region known for governmental chaos, and vast gulfs between rich and poor, Uruguay has long been largely a stable, middle-class democracy with a 97% literacy rate."
AND: "On the field, Uruguay doesn't try to imitate South America's soccer royalty, Brazil and Argentina, whose pinball passing can make the game look like ballet with a ball. Rather, Uruguay embraces the national culture of the garra charrua—the courageous, fighting Indian Spirit that never gives up—which plays into its David vs. Goliath view of the world. Its players are rugged, broad-shouldered and punishing to play."
