The eve of the Semi-Finals is upon us with both matches pitting former champions against nations striving for their first title. If the quarter final games are anything to go by, we are in for a hell of a ride.
Uruguay ($4) v Netherlands ($1.33)
The two time champions take on the two time finalists in this clash of continents. Uruguay, the sole South American representative takes on the kings of the European lowlands in the Netherlands. We should say straight out that this is likely to be a cagey affair with both teams probably playing not to lose rather than to win. Both sides have been fairly pragmatic in their set up at the tournament so far and have looked to defend well and attack on the counter. Uruguay’s depth will be tested with star striker Luis Suarez suspended following one of the all-time great World Cup saves in the quarter final. Too bad he is not a goaltender. They also may lose Captain Diego Lugano (note the capitalised C) too injury .The Dutch will be close to full strength following the return of Joris Mathisjen. Given that, it is hard to go past the Netherlands here. Uruguay has had a dream run to the semis meeting South Korea and Ghana, while the Netherlands took out the mighty Brazil in the quarters.
The Falcon Says – Uruguay’s golden run stops here – the Dutch by a couple.
Germany ($2.04) v Spain ($1.94)
Two European powerhouses (and formally bastions of European fascism) meet in a titanic clash. The three time champions in Germany up against the current European champions Spain. The pace and skill of the counter attacking Germans against the precision tight passing of the Spaniards….mouth watering. If you hadn’t fallen in love with the Germans following their 4 goal demolitions of Australia and England than surely you must have after they tore apart a previously unbeaten Argentina in the quarter finals. Sure Argentina’s tactical play was inept but I doubt the world has seen a better display of counter attacking football at the World Cup in quite some time. In contrast, the Spaniards have been workman like at best at the tournament so far, grinding out 1-0 wins in both their knockout games so far. The question is whether Germany have actually been tested yet and whether Spain will be able to dominate possession and deny the German’s the time and space they have used to counter attack their previous opponents. Germany’s loss of Mueller is a negative, but their bevy of attacking stars should more than make up for his absence.
The Falcon Says – Get on the German bandwagon before it is too late and cheer them all the way to the final. If there is a brand of football that deserves to win a world championship this is it!!!
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
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