Down to the final four….

Netherlands v. Uruguay

It’s not unexpected that the Dutch would be vying for a place in the final at this year’s cup, but I doubt many would have picked Uruguay to be there, yet both teams are deserving.  Neither has lost a game in this tournament – a run that will end for one of these teams today (aren’t you glad you read this blog for all my key insight?).  The Dutch are the clear favorite coming in – they’ve bested the world number 1 (which I remind you I predicted) and did so in convincing style, while the Uruguayans needed a miracle turn of events at the end of their last game to make it this far. 

Netherlands will be fielding almost the same team that beat Brazil, save for one missing starter, while Uruguay will be out four starters, two to injury and two to suspension, including striker/wannabe goalie Suarez, who made the save that will go on to haunt Ghana for years to come.  I’ve enjoyed watching a charming Uruguay run in this cup, that was until Suarez boasted about now owning ‘the hand of God’ (a reference to Maradona’s famous goal v. England) – I hope he can enjoy that moment as he watches his team’s World Cup run comes to an end.  Despite being a force in this year’s contest Diego Forlan will not be able to do it all himself.

FINAL – Netherlands 2 Uruguay 0
FLEAROY where are you?
MR. ERICA is busy working his voodoo for a Spain win tomorrow

WOW – I hesitate to say it but can today’s games top the intensity and drama of yesterday?  I doubt it – world number 1 goes down in flames (sorry Stapley) and the poor Ghanan team failed to penalty kick their way into the semis at the end of extra time, and then of course in the shootout.  Having said that we have another massive match up this morning as Argentina faces Germany and later Spain faces Paraguay:

Argentina v. Germany

Argentina has been the most consistent team in the Cup so far, and with the departure of Brazil must be deemed as the favorites.  Germany has shown dominating play in some matches and disappointing play in others, making them the most IN-consistent team of the tourney.  If the German team that lost to Serbia is the one that shows in Cape Town today they’re finished.  I don’t think we’ll see that team today.  Germany has looked good and with youngster Oezil controlling the middle and Lamb the veteran playing some of his best footy at the back Germany stands a great chance at upsetting the Argentinians.  There’s word that striker Podolski took an injury in training yesterday but he should still be fit enough for the starting 11.  It has to trouble the Germans that Lionel Messi has yet to hit the scoresheet, as odds are he will do so before the Argentine run is over.  Do I see him scoring today?  Well yes, yes I do.  This game goes long…..

FINAL – Germany 2 Argentina 3
FLEAROY – ARG 2 GER 2  Germany wins on kicks
MR. ERICA is back in Canada but too scared about Spain.  Still.

Spain v. Paraguay

Spain has to be thankful not to be playing on the other side of the table today, as I am sure they would be heading home if they were up against either of Germany or Argentina.  They should fair well against Paraguay, as the South American side has been less than impressive in their last two matches, including a quarter-final shootout against a worthy Japanese team.  Torres has been showing improvement as matches go on though he’s still not full match fit, while Villa is cementing his reputation as a world class striker.  This game will be played on a tilted field.

FINAL – Spain 2 Paraguay 0
FLEAROY – PAR 0 SPAIN 2
MR. ERICA – is too scared to send his picks, but he would be picking Spain.

Down to the quarter-finals today – the first match is the best, and I have an interesting pick in that game:

Brazil v Netherlands

Brazil is the better team – more depth at every position, refined skill, and they know what it takes to win the big games.  The Dutch are the Dutch – they’re perennial contenders and consistent pretenders when it comes to crunch time.  You’d think with that synopsis I’d be picking Brazil, but I had a dream that the Dutch win it all so I am going with that.

FINAL – Netherlands 3 Brazil 2 (extra time stunner of a goal sends Brazil samba-ing home) NOTE DO NOT BET BASED ON THIS PREDICTION
FLEAROY – Brazil 2 Holland 0  Dutch get smoked by the Brazilian Kush
MR. ERICA – has gone missing

Uruguay v Ghana

Does the African love train end here?  My head says ya, my gut says ya, but I want to see Ghana move on.  I’ll hope and I’ll pray but Uruguay lives to play another day:

FINAL – Uruguay 2 Ghana 1
FLEAROY – Uruguay 2 Ghana 0  African run is over, Forlan hits them with two.
MR. ERICA – is chicken to send in his other picks, since he’s fearing a Spain defeat v Paraguay tomorrow