FIFA World Cup 2010: Semi-finals
Netherlands V Uruguay
Many would have not expected both the teams to make it so far but the two have indeed done an outstanding job reaching the semifinals despite being dark horses. Netherlands are playing their first World Cup semi-final since 1998 and their coach Bert Van Marjwik should be appreciated for maintaining peace in the Dutch camp. The previous years had seen a lot of disharmony and even recently in the second round win over Slovakia van Persie seemed to be unhappy after being substituted and media claimed that he was angry because he felt Sneijder sould have been taken off. But both the players denied that stating the team is united and Sneijder did score the two goals which helped them beat Brazil. Brazil, one of the tournament favorites had to go home early and certainly no one can call this Dutch team as underdogs. They will be without de Jong and van der Weil, both being suspended. Uruguay meanwhile are the only South American team left. They were lucky enough to be in the semi-final with help of a blatant handball save by Suarez. They played well, they were good against Ghana, but still its not good that a team qualifies in unfair ways. The last time Uruguay reached semi-finals was back in 1970 and reaching this stage this time when teams like Brazil and Argentina are knocked is highly commendable. Suarez and Fucile are suspended while Lodeiro is out with broken foot and their captain Lugano is doubtful with an injury. All Netherlands might have to do is to keep an eye on Diego Forlan.
This World Cup has been unpredictable but I have been supporting Netherlands from the beginning and I expect the Oranje to beat Uruguay.
Germany v Spain
This could have been a final and it is a replay of the Euro 08 final. So far Germany have been the team that has been winning matches in a very convincing manner barring their defeat to Serbia in group stages. Scoring 4 goals against England and Argentina is no joke. It was like a slap on Maradona\’s face after all his comments before the quarter-final. They were simply outstanding and disciplined. Among all the other teams, it is Germany that has faced and will be facing strongest opponents in each of the knockout matches. Low has to make only one change in his line-up as Muller is suspended. Spain have not yet played at their best. They had to work really hard to beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals. Thanks to brilliant goal keeping by their captain Casillas and yet another Villa goal they are playing their first semi-final in their World Cup history. There is speculation that Torres will be dropped to the bench and either Llorente will start in his place or Fabregas might be introduced into the midfield with Villa moving up front. One thing that baffles me is why does Del Bosque start with Busquets. That really affects the attacking football that Spain play. But they must be appreciated for their patient build up. Their defenders must remember that Germany ave thrashed England and Argentina, and they must hold themselves tight to maintain clean sheet until they score. There is also this myth that Germans shouldn’t be allowed to score the first goal and if they do Spain will be out for sure. This could indeed be true and Spain cant afford to let that happen. Back in Euro 08, Torres scored his only goal of the tournament and that goal handed Spain their first trophy since 1964. This time however it remains uncertain whether Torres will start but may be Villa will.
Both were tournament favorites but Germany are favorites for this match. If I were to pick a winner, I would choose Spain for their patience, experienced players, the fact that they have never been in a World Cup final and since this World Cup started I have been dreaming of Spain V Netherlands finals.
