2010 World Cup Semi-Finals Preview and Predictions
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Uruguay vs. Netherlands
Uruguay
If there ever was a team that could attribute their success to pure luck, it is the 2010 Uruguayan national squad. With time literally on the verge of expiring in overtime, Uruguay forward Luis Suárez prevented a Ghana header from realizing the back of the net by knocking the ball away with his hands. Subsequently, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan grazed his penalty kick off the top of the crossbar, sending the match into a shootout, which ended in a Uruguay victory. As a consequence of his heroic reflexes, Suárez earned a red card and will miss Uruguay’s semifinals match against Netherlands. His loss comes as a major blow to a Uruguay attack that relies on Suárez to finish strongly in the box. Specifically, Diego Forlán will carry a heavier burden in the attacking third, as Suárez has served as Forlán’s primary aid throughout the tournament. The player that must step up the most in Suárez’s absence is Edinson Cavani on the wing. However, if past performance is any indicator of future success, Cavani will again struggle to find his touch. In recent matches, Cavani’s runs have been suppressed rather easily due to his questionable dribbling. This trend must be reversed if Uruguay hopes to upset the Netherlands.
Netherlands
The Dutch have been about as consistent as a team can be over an extended period of time. Their upset over a storied Brazil squad stunned many throughout the international football community, but their victory and current standing are certainly deserved. While Netherlands has numerous veterans who possess desirable leadership qualities, there is no one player that impacts the outcome of a game more than midfielder Wesley Sneijder. But it’s not only his ability to score that influences the direction of the game. Sneijder, much as he does for his club squad, Inter Milan, demonstrates impeccable control of the ball in the middle and attacking thirds of the field, giving Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie space to maneuver into open areas off the ball. Unfortunately for Van Persie, he has only been able finish on one occasion in this World Cup, and he now must play their semifinals match with a hurt elbow that could deter some of his focus. Moreover, Netherlands will have to make due without midfielder Nigel de Jong and full-back Gregory van der Wiel due to accumulation of yellow cards.
Match Prediction: Uruguay 1 – 2 Netherlands
Germany vs. Spain
Germany
In their quarterfinals match against Argentina, Germany dismantled what was thought to be a team littered with immortals. Germany impressed in every aspect of the game, but the most beneficial habit they displayed was their willingness to close out on every Argentinean ball carrier. In every other match, Argentina was given enough space to show off their individual talents. Germany succeeded at suffocating Argentina and taking them out of their comfort zone. The biggest on-field proponent of this approach was Lukas Podolski who constantly pressured Argentina’s wing-backs and midfielders. In general, Germany’s forwards have proven to be the hardest working in the world in the defensive third of the field. Müller, Klose, and Podolski all take a serious and disciplined approach to applying a significant portion of their energy on defense. Additionally, the Germans are very effective at springing forth a threatening counterattack each time they cause a turnover from the opposing teams forwards. Germany is the most imposing team remaining in the knockout stage. It will take a mighty effort to bring them down.
Spain
Spain has seemed to struggle relative to the talent that they possess. However, they now find themselves in a position that many analysts predicted them to be in before the tournament started. In their previous match against Paraguay, Spain was not able to find their stride until late in the match, but their tireless perseverance paid off in the 83rd minute as David Villa tallied his fifth goal of the tournament to take a permanent lead. Villa has been Spain’s primary goal scorer throughout the World Cup, tallying all but one of Spain’s goals in the group and knockout stages. The main reason Villa has had to carry the attack for Spain is that fellow striker Fernando Torres has been hampered by a knee injury. In their previous match against Paraguay, Torres again proved ineffective, frequently not being able to sustain a run past the top of the box. In order for Torres to get on the board, he must be sprung by one of Spain’s talented yet slightly underachieving midfielders. Xavi and Andres Iniesta are known as world-class players, but their recent play has not shown this. Spain must find a way to play more efficiently as a team if they wish to get past the high-powered Germans.
Match Prediction: Germany 3 – 1 Spain
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