The 2010 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four – and certainly not a quartet that many were expecting, what with Brazil bowing out in the quarterfinals, plus teams like Italy and France not even making it to the second round. It’s time for the World Cup Semifinals.
Here we are – with Uruguay, Netherlands, Germany and Spain as the four countries left standing.
The Wife Hates Sports presents a preview of the World Cup’s semifinals. Here are a few thoughts, predictions, stats and reasons each team will win. On top of that, we outline the reasons the other teams will fall short.
2010 FIFA World Cup Semifinals Preview
Uruguay
How They Got Here:
1 – Uruguay 0, France 0
2 – Uruguay 3, South Africa 0
3 – Uruguay 1, Mexico 0
4 – Uruguay 2, South Korea 1 (2nd Round)
5 – Uruguay 1 (4), Ghana 1 (2) (Quarterfinals)
Why They’ll Win
– This is a team that has faced a lot of adversity and found ways to win – including clutch penalty kick situations, as in its quarterfinal win versus Ghana.
– The defense has only allowed two goals in five World Cup games, including three shutouts during group play.
Why They Won’t Win
– Luis Suarez, one of the team’s top offensive players, will not play in the semifinal game after an intentional goal-saving handball near the end of extra time versus Ghana.
– They could be mentally and physically exhausted after the rollercoaster ride in the quarterfinals – and have had to play extra time compared to their Dutch opponents.
– There will be too much weight on Diego Forlan to carry the offense with Suarez out in the semifinals. Other than these two, no other on Uruguay has more than 3 shots on goal in the entire World Cup.
KP’s Final Thoughts
It already feels like Uruguay is living on borrowed time after the gift-wrapped win against Ghana. They now face a red-hot Netherlands team that knocked out Brazil and is undefeated in the World Cup. The dream ends here. Predicted finish: 4th place
Netherlands
How They Got Here:
1 – Netherlands 2, Denmark 0
2 – Netherlands 1, Japan 0
3 – Netherlands 2, Cameroon 1
4 – Netherlands 2, Slovakia 1 (2nd Round)
5 – Netherlands 2, Brazil 1 (Quarterfinals)
Why They’ll Win
– The Dutch were already able to come back from a one-goal deficit in the second half against top-ranked Brazil during the quarterfinals. What other proof do you want?
– They are undefeated in the World Cup, have a tremendous amount of balance – and if their injured starters can play at or near 100% – nothing will stop them.
Why They Won’t Win
– Two Dutch starters – Robin van Persie and Joris Mathijsen – are not 100%, and their injuries may keep them off the field in the semifinals.
– Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has had to make the least number of saves of the remaining teams – and could be a hair rusty heading into stiffer competition.
KP’s Final Thoughts
The Dutch – coming off an emotional comeback win over Brazil – are playing hurt. While there should be enough in the tank to knock off Uruguay, the nagging injuries will mean a hit on depth. In the end, that keeps them from hoisting the trophy. Predicted Finish: 2nd place
Germany
How They Got Here:
1 – Germany 4, Australia 0
2 – Serbia 1, Germany 0
3 – Germany 1, Ghana 0
4 – Germany 4, England 1 (2nd Round)
5 – Germany 4, Argentina 0 (Quarterfinals)
Why They’ll Win
– The German offense has been hard for opponents to stop – including three 4-goal games and 8 goals during the elimination rounds.
– The Germans have two major goal scoring threats on offense, Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose – who each have four goals in the World Cup.
Why They Won’t Win
– Not having Thomas Muller in the semifinal (after a very questionable yellow card due to an unintentional handball) will hurt Germany’s offense and depth.
– Spain will throw a lot of new looks and offensive opportunities at Germany’s defense – specifically with a large volume of crosses (Spain leads the World Cup with 155 crosses)
KP’s Final Thoughts
Germany is a very disciplined team, rarely making any blunders on defense, while also having a relentless attack on offense. If they were able to get by Spain in the semis, Muller would return for the final game – pushing them to a World Cup title. Predicted finish: 1st place
Spain
How They Got Here:
1 – Switzerland 1, Spain 0
2 – Spain 2, Honduras 0
3 – Spain 2, Chile 1
4 – Spain 1, Portugal 0
5 – Spain 1, Paraguay 0
Why They’ll Win
– The Spaniards don’t just have talent on offense, but on the defensive side – as Spain has only allowed two goals in five World Cup games.
– In five games, David Villa has 5 goals, 22 shots, 11 shots on goal and 1 assist – in what has been one of the best (and most unstoppable) performances of the World Cup
– Spain leads the World Cup in corner kicks – with 41. They’ll need opportunities like this to try and keep up with the German offense.
Why They Won’t Win
– Fernando Torres has only 2 shots on goal in 4 games started – and most opponents have managed to keep his game in check throughout the World Cup.
– Sometimes, it’s a country’s will to find a way to win – and Spain has never finished any better than 4th place (in 1950) in the World Cup. They’ve had lapses in this year’s World Cup, losing to Switzerland and dropping a goal to a 10-man Chilean team.
KP’s Final Thoughts
Spain is the 2nd ranked team according to the FIFA world rankings and considered the favorite by many heading into the World Cup. But facing a red-hot and very disciplined German team will prove to be too much, even for this talented group. Predicted finish: 3rd place
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Four: Uruguay, Netherlands, Germany and Spain
GREG–
Yeah I’ll admit, I was pretty surprised at how much Germany dominated Argentina. I really thought that was going to be right up there as one of the best games… alongside of Netherlands-Brazil and Portugal-Spain.
I do think Spain will keep their offense more in check, especially with Muller not in the game… but who else is going to step up besides Villa?
By the way, are we the only ones left paying attention in this country? I kid…
I can’t really argue with the picks. With these pairings it could go either way in both games. We really see the final in Germany-Spain. Don’t forget about the Euro 2008 1-0 victory KP! We might see a similar result here.
Spain dominated the Swiss. They gave up a goal on pretty much the lone dream of an opportunity and left 3 or 4 on the table at the other end. It easily could have gone 2-0 or 3-0 for them so I wouldn’t hold that against Spain. The Chile goal was meaningless and came off a deflection so I’m not sweating that.
The hope for Spain is to frustrate Germany because let’s face it right now they seem to score at will. When/if the 1st goal does not come pressure mounts. Uruguay is playing for not just OT, but another PK. They are going to defend, defend, defend.
Actually can’t wait for 3rd place game. With this ball heck it might be 4-3, 5-4, 6-5?