World Cup Semi-Finals Predictions
Monday, July 5, 2010
After a few days off, the World Cup returns tomorrow with a ferocity that no other sporting event can rival. Over the weekend we saw Germany systematically annihilate Argentina by 4 goals to none and Spain get lucky against Paraguay. Neither of those results should have been surprising to anyone, unless you are a Messi-faithful, in which case you failed to see the problems in the Argentine squad that were not exposed earlier because they hadn't faced a side as organized and disciplined as the Germans. Without further adu here are my predictions for the semi final showdowns.
Netherlands v Uruguay
Prediction: Netherlands 3-1 Uruguay
Why: The Netherlands have been my pick to win the entire tournament and everyone did not believe me. A few posts back I mentioned my friend saying that history did not favor them, but I think that issue no longer applies and here's why. They have earned their stripes: they defeated Brazil fair and square. The Brazilians have shown the most quality as a squad so far in my opinion and the Netherlands found a way to come back from an early deficit to beat them. They succeeded in tiring out the Brazilians (which was a very intelligent tactical move by van Marwijk) and made them lose their shape and composure towards the end of the game. That was fun to watch.
As far as Uruguay is concerned, much responsibility will be placed on Diego Forlan's shoulders since Suarez's "Hand of God" in the QF against Ghana sees him performing a Hudini disappearing act in the Semi's. Suarez has 3 of the 8 goals scored by Uruguay in the entire tournament. That's one hell of a loss for them. The Dutch on the other hand don't have a "go-to" striker and share the responsibility pretty evenly. This goes to show a more composed approach to the game that has been successful so far with the Oranje winning every single game they have played so far. However, Heitinga will have to keep tabs on Forlan the entire game and Van Bommel will be key in the middle of the park.
Spain v Germany
Prediction: Germany 3-2 Spain
Why: This will be a test of tactics and discipline. Whoever can be the most composed and the most disciplined will win this game. I presume this will be the Germans because they have been very consistent in their sonning of teams in this World Cup. Spain has also been very impressive, but too much goal-scoring responsibility has been placed on David Villa's shoulders. I believe that Germany will have no problems keeping tabs on the striker. Germany has managed to amass 13 goals in 5 matches, averaging out to 2.6 goals a game. Spain has only scored 6 goals so far with David Villa being responsible for 5 and Iniesta for the other one. Hardly the showing of a complete squad. If you have watched Spain play, only the goal against Portugal was a result of great one-two passing between Iniesta, Xavi and finally Villa. The others have been moments of sheer brilliance from Villa. At this stage in the World Cup, and in this era of futbol, great teams tend to be more successful than individual players (if you get me). David Villa can not single-handedly beat Germany. Thus, I'm touting the Germans to win this one. Keep your eye out for the Kloser to shut the door on Spain's hopes for their first World Cup.
So it looks like we will be witnessing an all European final once again. I'll predict the final once I see the Semi's, but I'm still sticking with the Netherlands to go all the way even though Germany is very teasing.
What are your predictions? I presume that at this stage in the tournament it is almost impossible to be wrong if you've been keeping up with the tournament.
Enjoy the games tomorrow and the next day. Thanks for reading and please follow us on twitter @LiveBrtheFutbol.
Uruguay vs. Netherlands
I have the Netherlands beating Uruguay 2-0 the absence of Luis Suarez will be greatly felt and I don't think Forlan can carry this team by himself even though he is the play maker. The Netherlands will also be missing two important players but I think they will prevail unless they're cockiness doesn't get the best of them.
Germany vs. Spain
I know I'm probably alone on this one but I don't think this game will be as easy for Germany as most people think. I know they have scored four goals in their last two games but both England and Argentina had defense issues. For most of the first have Argentina had better ball possession but the team overall looked lost and didn't have a game plan. Spain on the other hand has a very solid defense and they control they're ball possession very well. Choosing a winner on this one will be difficult but I will have Spain winning 1-0 with a goal from none other than Torres who manages to show up in big games.
Let's see what Paul the octopus agrees with me tomorrow though.
The Netherlands have a point to prove so i'm guessing they ll come out gunning. 3 goals in the first half. with Forlan pulling one or two back for Uruguay and 1 more late goal from the Netherlands. so i'm guessing NED 4 - Uru 1 or 2.
Ger 2 or 3 - ESP 0
Netherlands vs. Uruguay...
I can say is that it was divine intervention that led Uruguay to the finals. If Uruguay should play the same way they played against Ghana, they will surely lose to the Dutch. The Dutch haven't truly impressed me this World Cup at all, but looking at their history and the players on the team, I have to fancy the Dutch's chances in winning this game. In order for the Dutch to pull off this win they would have to shut Forlan and Suarez down, while also destroying Uruguay on the counter- attack like the Ghanaians did. In order for Uruguay to win, they would have to pray.
Outcome: Dutch 3 - Uruguay 1
Germany vs. Spain
What does Germany and Uruguay have in common... Ghana. Both teams barely made it out of the games vs. Ghana. Germany has only grown stronger from the W obtained by beating Ghana, we have seen them dominate against the English and blow through Argentina, and I doubt they'd stop. I fancy Germany's chances in this game. Spain has been carried through this tournament by one player alone...David Villa. The German defense is sure to know this, and will make life for him quite difficult in this game. The other strikers...meaning Fernando Torres, is yet to prove himself in this tournament. Is this his game? Maybe, that is if Head Coach, Vicente del Bosque, doesn't bench him. The Germans are the Kings of the counter- attack, and I see them destroying the Spanish defense.
Outcome: Germany 4 - Spain 1
Finals.... well let that time. I have my pick for the WC holder already.
Uruguay vs Netherlands-
I also have the Netherlands advancing to the finals with a 2-0 over Uruguay. I don't think that Forlan will be able to carry the the team with Suarez to take some pressure off. The only reason in which I see that Uruguay can pull the upset is if history repeats itself and the Dutch come into this game cocky as their used to being after winning big games. Coach van Marwijk spoke about this and said that he has talked to their players so I believe this won't be an issue.
Germany vs. Spain-
La Mara-Villa vs. The Kloser one has carried his team until now and one is one the verge of making history. I think I may stand alone on this but I don’t see Germany having a easy game vs. the Spainiards let alone score four goals like in their previous knock-out matches. I also have Spain pulling the shocker of the Semi-Finals and sending Germany home. Yes Germany has been playing very good futbol the last two games but we also have to acknowledge that the England team wasn’t as good as it was hyped up to be and Argentina had a very weak defense. Spain like to play beautiful futbol and they like to control ball possession which I think will hurt Germany a lot. We saw that Argentina had more ball possession but as I stated earlier nothing was working for Argentina. I think this will be a re-match or Eurocup08 and Fernando Torres will score as he always finds a way to score in big games.
Uruguay vs Netherlands-
I also have the Netherlands advancing to the finals with a 2-0 over Uruguay. I don't think that Forlan will be able to carry the the team with Suarez to take some pressure off. The only reason in which I see that Uruguay can pull the upset is if history repeats itself and the Dutch come into this game cocky as their used to being after winning big games. Coach van Marwijk spoke about this and said that he has talked to their players so I believe this won't be an issue.
Germany vs. Spain-
La Mara-Villa vs. The Kloser one has carried his team until now and one is one the verge of making history. I think I may stand alone on this but I don’t see Germany having a easy game vs. the Spainiards let alone score four goals like in their previous knock-out matches. I also have Spain pulling the shocker of the Semi-Finals and sending Germany home. Yes Germany has been playing very good futbol the last two games but we also have to acknowledge that the England team wasn’t as good as it was hyped up to be and Argentina had a very weak defense. Spain like to play beautiful futbol and they like to control ball possession which I think will hurt Germany a lot. We saw that Argentina had more ball possession but as I stated earlier nothing was working for Argentina. I think this will be a re-match or Eurocup08 and Fernando Torres will score as he always finds a way to score in big games.
Peace. Love. Futbol.
Uruguay vs Netherlands-
I also have the Netherlands advancing to the finals with a 2-0 over Uruguay. I don't think that Forlan will be able to carry the the team with Suarez to take some pressure off. The only reason in which I see that Uruguay can pull the upset is if history repeats itself and the Dutch come into this game cocky as their used to... See More being after winning big games. Coach van Marwijk spoke about this and said that he has talked to their players so I believe this won't be an issue.
Germany vs. Spain-
La Mara-Villa vs. The Kloser one has carried his team until now and one is one the verge of making history. I think I may stand alone on this but I don’t see Germany having a easy game vs. the Spainiards let alone score four goals like in their previous knock-out matches. I also have Spain pulling the shocker of the Semi-Finals and sending Germany home. Yes Germany has been playing very good futbol the last two games but we also have to acknowledge that the England team wasn’t as good as it was hyped up to be and Argentina had a very weak defense. Spain like to play beautiful futbol and they like to control ball possession which I think will hurt Germany a lot. We saw that Argentina had more ball possession but as I stated earlier nothing was working for Argentina. I think this will be a re-match or Eurocup08 and Fernando Torres will score as he always finds a way to score in big games.
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