World Cup Preview: Semi-Finals

The quarterfinals continued some of the unexpected action of this World Cup. One of the heavy favors unraveled in the second half against the Netherlands and fell to them 1-2. Also shocking was the way in which Germany dismantled Argentina 4-0 and made one of the better teams this year look like an also-ran. Spain continued their slow and steady pace and got their one necessary goal to continue on. Possibly the big moment for many Africans was the handball by Luis Suarez that saved the game for Uruguay and set up a game winning penalty kick by Asamoah Gyan. Gyan missed the kick and Ghana fell in penalty kicks. Now we are left with Uruguay against the Netherlands and Germany against Spain. After 60 games, my record stands at 39-21. These semi-final matchups look like good games on paper and should give us two great teams for the final game.

Semi-finals

Uruguay vs Netherlands: Uruguay has not been this far in 40 years and has not won in 60 years. While the Netherlands are looking to make their third final and possibly finally win the World Cup after coming up short in 1974 and 1978. The Dutch will continue to rest their offense in Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, who have come up big thus far. Sneijder is in the running for the golden boot as one of the top goal scorers this World Cup. The style of the Dutch as been smooth and timely while also showing the ability to grind out a game. As we have seen, Uruguay plays a much more attack style Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez leading the way as the catalyst for this team. Forlan, like Sneijder, has been one of the top scorers. Of note is the fact that Suarez will be out for this game due to the red card he received in the Ghana game. John Heitinga for the Dutch will be of crucial importance for his team as he will be asked to be the main stopper against the Uruguayan offense. Also, Diego Perez will most likely be the main attacker asked to fill in for Suarez's absence. Both will come in with confidence from their respective wins. But in what might have been a tough for Uruguay looks tougher with a couple key guys out. The Dutch have to play smart and if they do; they should find themselves in the final game. PREDICTION: URUGUAY 1, NETHERLANDS 2

Germany vs Spain: This is a great game between two European powers who met 2 years ago in the European finals with Spain coming up victorious 1-0. Germany has enjoyed a lot of World Cup success while Spain's history is quite the opposite. Spain, however, entered as a favorite and is in the midst of their best World Cup. Germany has used a dominating style as they scored 8 goals against England and Argentina. Spain has used defense and a wear you down style to win close games. Germany might be tested by Spain's keep away style and the team that allows their pace to dominate will have the advantage. The midfield for Spain has continuously set the table for David Villa to score that one needed goal and become one of the top goal scorers this year. Germany will be without one of their young stars, Thomas Mueller. Mueller is only 20, but has been one of the top scorers this year and his absence will force Germany to reshuffle their strategy. Villa draws much of the attention, but Xavi is one of their unheralded stars who sets the table for Villa to shine. He dictates a lot of the middle of the field. Mesut Ozil is another young star for Germany and he will have to evaluate his game further to make up for Mueller's absence in addition to a couple others stepping up. Miroslave Klose is also on the cusp of setting the World Cup career goals record and has had timely and well-placed goals thus far. Spain's style has broken down teams so far and they have rebounded nicely since that early loss to Switzerland. There does not seem to be too much that separates these two squads. Germany will be slowed down, but they have looked better well-rounded. PREDICTION: GERMANY 2, SPAIN 1

After 60 games, two teams will emerge for the right to play for the World Cup crown. As I see it, the Netherlands and Germany look like those two. But Uruguay and Spain will not go without a fight. Germany and Uruguay have claimed the ultimate prize while the Netherlands and Spain are still searching for their first. Should be good ones!