Schweinsteiger warns teammates

JOHANNESBURG (AP):

The World Cup finally paused for breath yesterday with their first rest day, giving the eight remaining teams two days to focus on quarter-final preparations.

European champions Spain are hitting form in time for Saturday's match against Paraguay after David Villa's fourth goal of the tournament eliminated Portugal, and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger warned his team-mates not to be provoked by Argentina when the teams meet at the weekend.

But Brazil's focus may have been knocked by news of a problem ahead of their crunch game against the Netherlands.

Elano was diagnosed with an ankle injury that could rule him out of the rest of the monthlong tournament, even if Brazil make it all the way to the July 11 final.

Tough tackle

Elano scored a goal in each of Brazil's first two matches but the midfielder's right ankle was damaged in a tough tackle during the second of those against Ivory Coast.

Otherwise, things are going well for Brazil.

The team finally showed more than a couple of glimpses of their flowing football in their 3-0 win over Chile on Monday, with Kaka and Luis Fabiano continuing to team up perfectly in attack - just as they did when they played for Brazilian club Sao Paulo before becoming stars in Europe.

Luis Fabiano has scored three goals in four matches in South Africa, two of them after passes from Kaka.

Germany coach Joachim Loew called Argentina favourites to win the World Cup after the South Americans' strong attacking showing so far, with that status possibly boosted by news that Germany forward Cacau is unlikely to recover from a thigh injury in time to play on Saturday.

But Schweinsteiger is thinking as much about his team's mental preparations as the physical ones.

Schweinsteiger accused the Argentines of showing no respect for opponents or referees, and urged his teammates not to be provoked.

Germany eliminated Argentina on penalties four years ago at the same stage and there were chaotic scenes after the shoot-out with both sides exchanging punches and kicks in a fracas that included team officials from both benches.