From the quarter-final winners, the semi-final schedule shall be:
Netherlands v England
Argentina v Spain
What?? No Brazil in the semis?? That might be the reaction of some readers. But hey, I tipped the Dutch to surprise them in the quarter-finals, for reasons outlined in my previous post. Furthermore, the weight of expectation on Brazil would be greater than that on the Netherlands, & that might be a factor in their quarter-final tie.
Those of u who know my football taste well (especially those whom I have lots of football chats with) will probably think I'm biased with my predictions when they see the above semi-final line-up. That's because my 3 preferred international teams (Argentina, Spain & Netherlands - in that order) are all there! Well, all I will say is that my predictions are well considered (just go through my previous prediction posts), & I really do think (& hope!) those teams will do well at the World Cup. Whatever bias I may have, I try my best not to be blinkered.
Anyway, let's read on:
Semi-final: Netherlands v England
Both sides will reach the semi-finals in different ways. The Netherlands will score lots of goals & thrill World Cup audiences with their free-flowing football. In the process, they will uphold their proud Total Football tradition. England, under Capello's reign, will take a more organised, measured approach. Goals may flow in their group matches, but their knockout matches in the round of 16 (v Ghana) & quarter-finals (v France) will be close tussles. The English will be compact & tough to beat, but I feel that the Dutch can cause England lots of problems with their speed on the flanks & their greater invention. This will be a close match, & the match could well go to extra-time. In the end, I think the greater creativity of the Dutch will decide the outcome. The Dutch these days are more united than usual, & the team spirit appears to be stronger than seen in Dutch teams of the past. Both sides will have had a tournament to remember & will have done well to reach this far. The adventure will have to end for one of them, & I think that team (for reasons outlined above) will be England.
Prediction: The Dutch to qualify for their first final since 1978.
Semi-final: Argentina v Spain
Just one word: mouthwatering. That's the best word to describe this match-up. Both squads are stacked with top class talent. Both sides play open, attacking football. Both sides want to take the initiative, so both won't sit back & wait for the opposition to come at them. This semi-final has the makings of a Latin classic, & this will be a match not to be missed by lovers of attacking football. The favourites tag will go with European champions Spain. Winning Euro 2008 has given them confidence & strengthen their belief in their abilities. No longer are they plagued by self-doubt. They have been playing entertaining & winning football over the last 2-3 years, & they are genuine contenders for the title. They will want to repeat their Euro success at World Cup level, for they have never before reached the semi-finals, never mind the final. Argentina will truly test Spain. Some of their squad members play for Spanish clubs, so this match will a meeting of familiar faces. Leo Messi will have fun facing his Barcelona's team-mates representing Spain. For all of Messi's brilliance, the Spanish are more likely winners, because their defence is stronger & their midfield has the cohesion & collective understanding that Argentina's midfield would not be able to match.
Prediction: Spain to edge out the Argentines.
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