Pierre Boisrond has followed soccer and the World Cup
closely for many years and also writes for other websites. We at PWC are proud to have him as
a columnist. He will share his views about the past, present and future of
the World Cup.
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Preview of semifinals; URU v NED & GER v SPA
Uruguay vs Netherlands
The Netherlands are clearly the favorite to win this game. However the Uruguayans are not going to make it easy for them. The key of the game for Holland will remain on how Sneijder, Van Persie, and Robben can link upfront to pierce the Uruguayan defense. Holland eliminated Brazil in the tournament despite playing a terrible first half against the “ Auriverde Selecao.” If the Dutch can fire on all cylinders they will have a chance to earn a spot in the final. The Dutch should have the incentive to get into the world cup final game because it is a very good chance for them to win their first ever world cup. The key for the Dutch is to not get frustrated by the Uruguayan defense. They need to be very patient with Uruguay and also make sure to make the game difficult for the talented Diego Forlan.
On the other hand, the Uruguyans know they are the only hope of the American Continent and they should put their best effort to put themselves in the final game. The “Celeste” team knows what is a world cup final. Their last one was in 1950. Of course, the pundits did not think Uruguay to make it that far and they have made it fine. Against Ghana, it appears that Uruguay was about to be sent to Montevideo, but somehow the “ hand of God and the hand of the Virgin Mary” as the Uruguayans see it keep them in the tournament. Call it lucky or whatever one might think it is, the Uruguayans under the order of Maestro Oscar Tabarez and the conductor Diego Forlan will do whatever it takes to get Uruguay to the World Cup Finals. Uruguay are not here to hand the Dutch the joy to participate in this World Cup final. As a matter of fact, in terms of luck, the advantage is for Uruguay. And one can expect Forlan to find a way to guide his team to the Big Dance and he knows that Suarez won’t be with him on the field; but what he knows best is that the spirit of Suarez will accompany him against the Dutch and all he really needs is for his defense to keep faith and he’ll do the Job against the Dutch.
We shall find out later today whether or not Uruguay or Holland will be in the final. Both teams had some luck in their quarter final luck, but the luck of Uruguay is celestial, it is a Divine luck. Will it be Forlan or will it be Sneijder? Soon, we shall know.
Prediction: Uruguay to win 2-1
Germany vs Spain
Germany and Spain are arguably the best teams that left in the tournament. The German Internationals are a force to be reckoned with. After spanking England 4-1 and demolishing Argentina 4-0, the Germans know nothing is impossible and their main objective is to inflict some pain on the Spaniards. However, I don’t think the Spaniards will fall into the traps of the Germans . After seeing the England’s massacre and the Argentina’s massacre, I don’t think Del Bosque will like to see the Spain’s massacre. He has enough evidence to show his players. Spain have exceptional talented players and I expected them to control the midfield and to stop the German submarine. If the Spaniards can do that and make sure they don’t conceive an early goal to the Germans, I think they should be in great position to win the game. However, Germany with Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, and Podolski will definitely cause a headache for Spain. I would expect, Xavi, Xabi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Villa to contain the German submarine.
The issue with Spain is that they have been winning some tight game and they narrowly escaped Paraguay otherwise they would have been at home. If there’s a team that can stop Germany, Spain can do it because I don’t think the Germans can stop Iniesta, Xavi and Fabregas at the same time. The Germans were able to control Argentina because Maradona did not put anyone around Messi to support him . With Spain, there are many Messis and it will be very interesting to see how the Germans will contain the Spaniards. I just don’t see it. As long as Spain keeps possession of the ball, the Spaniards will be able to win this game. The Germans can only use speed if they have the ball and I don’t see them have that ball much in this game against the Spaniards. The only precaution that Spain must take is not to let Germany score first. If the Germans scored first then we will be watching a Spanish massacre. After what I’ve seen from this German national team, I must respect their counter attack. Will it be Xavi or will it be Schweinsteiger? We will find out on Wednesday July 7th.
Prediction: Spain to win 3-1
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