Latin Lovin'

So, we're down to the final 8. And four of them are from South America. They have been the only teams to set this World Cup alive so far.

Uruguay have seen off the challenge of a languid France and look the most likely of the Latin American countries to make it through to the semi-finals as they face Ghana.

Diego Maradona's Argentina have been thoroughly impressive. Their front three remain unstoppable, with Gonzalo Higuain surely in pole position to collect the Golden Boot. And their football has been beautiful - Carlos Tevez's first against Mexico might have been offside but there was no doubt about his second and Argentina's third. That was the best strike in this tournament thus far.

Paraguay have been ruthless, sending the 2008 World Champions crashing out of the competition at the group stage. And today holding their nerve to edge past Japan on the dreaded penalty shoot out.

And finally, Brazil, who have been as strong at the back as they are skillful going forward. Dunga's men have struck the perfect balance - and it was summed up perfectly by Robinho's goal against Chile, following a driving run by Ramires. Described, very eloquently on ITV's coverage as "steel and silver".

The question is why have the South American teams profited whilst most of the European sides have faltered?

Some answer must surely lay with the qualification process. England's toughest opponent in the qualifiers was Croatia, and they looked a shadow of the side that ended Steve McClaren's reign at Wembley. South American sides play 18 matches in trying to make it to the finals. And those games are against other serious contenders for the overall title. Top European sides only tend to face each other in friendlies - which normally take place in the middle of the season and none of the players are anywhere close to full tilt.

So, what is the solution? With so many nations taking part in the qualification process in UEFA, the only way forward may be a two tier system where the 'smaller' teams must qualify through a first round before facing those 'larger' nations. This idea doesn't sit easy with some people because they believe the likes of San Marino relish the games against England, Germany etc. But, realistically, are they ever going to beat any of the European powers? No.

Competition breeds success - it's a commonly used adage in sport. And one UEFA may want to consider if they want more accomplishment from European teams in future World Cups.