The South African World Cup has had a lot of talking points to say the least. We've had controversy with the ball, the referee's, the players and the French!
As we reached the end of the group stage I was wondering if their would be many "World Cup moments" that would stand out in years to come. Everything had seemed just a tad bland.
Well, that fear is well and truly gone now after a thrilling second round and some excellent displays at the Quarter-Final stage.
On Friday morning I was looking at what price I would get for predicting an All-South American semi finals......I'm so glad I didn't put any money on them!
Here's what I thought of the 8 Quarter-Finalists:
First, THE LOSERS:
Brazil: I was surprised to see them go down without a fight. When Holland took the lead with 20 minutes to go, I was expecting an all-out assault on the Dutch goal but it never materialised. The Brazilian attack looked like they had ran out of ideas as they looked very disheartened and flat footed near the end of the game. Kaka is a shadow of his former self, its a bit sad to see. His career could go a bit "Shevchenko" if you know what I mean!
Ghana: How heartbreaking was Friday night's game. For an African team to come so close, and to get cheated out of a win in such a manner makes it that bit harder to take. They were outplayed during parts of the first half but grew in confidence once they found their feet.
Muntari's goal was hit well, if not a little fortunate to go in, well in my opinion anyways.
They bravely trotted forward at every opportunity and we're so unlucky not to be the first Afican team to make a World Cup semi-final.
I have to say, credit to Gyan for stepping up during the penalty shoot-out. What an excellent finish by the player following his crucial miss just minutes earlier.
Argentina: I knew it! For all the entertainment and dramatics that we had come to love from Maradona, he had no clue what to do when the going got tough. This seems to be a problem for a lot of coaches who played as attackers, they don't know how to defend.
We could see this coming, just not as ruthless as the German's made it. Argentina were simply played of the pitch.
You have to wonder where Maradona goes from here? Does he stay as manager, or does he bow out before things get tough? This could make him a better coach, wether he has the mentality to learn from his mistakes is the big question though.
Paraguay: Personally, I am delighted to see Paraguay eliminated. I didn't enjoy their style of football one bit and their sly bullying methods were not well received by anybody.
On five separate occasions I spotted a little "after the whistle" dig by Paraguayans on a Spanish player and I will never know how their goalkeeper, Villar, got away with the most blatant penalty you will see at World Cup 2010. Ireland beat these fella's 2-1 a few months back, they should have really beaten them by more. Oh well.......what could have been.
and now for THE WINNERS:
Holland: I'm still not overly impressed by this Dutch team, I don't know why? Yes, they beat the World's number one team and have not dropped a point yet, but it just feels like this team are missing something. they seem to be an average enough team, with 2 World-Class players bringing them up a level. It will be interesting to see how they do tonight, they have the ability to do better.
Uruguay: This is a team that have rode their luck in this World Cup. Since their negative start against an awful French side, they have passed every obstacle put in front of them. A convincing win against South Africa and a confident display against Mexico had made them stand out as one of the dark horses in the tournament. Since then though, they have been a bit dodgy. They scraped past South Korea and really should have been sent home only for Gyan's last minute penalty miss in their clash against Ghana. Their luck could run out tonight.
Germany: What can you say? The saying is so true: "Never write off the Germans"
They are not beating teams. They are DESTROYING them. One little slip against Serbia is the only time the German's looked a bit shaky, and even then I still think they were the better side!
After putting four past England, they went out and embarrassed Argentina. The German machine is running smoothly, and I don't think anybody knows how to stop it.
Spain: These boys must me grateful that they have David Villa. He has been their star, and if he wasn't there I don't think Spain would be! Why the hell do they keep playing Torres? He is clearly struggling. The Spanish have done just about enough to merit a semi-final spot but their biggest test yet will be on Wednesday evening when they take on "Ze Germans".
I'm expecting Spain to win a nice bronze medal on Saturday evening.
as for tonight's game:
Uruguay vs. Holland
Both teams are good going forward, and both have dodgy defences. I'm hoping for goals, goals, goals! But everytime I say this we always end up with a boring, low scored affair so i'm not going to get my hopes up.
Uruguay have a few suspensions with Suarez the key man missing out tonight. All the weight will fall on Diego Forlan's shoulders.
I feel like the Dutch have another gear to move up yet, and I'm thinking tonight could be the night. They will be full of confidence after beating Brazil and they are clearly the favourites to progress to Sunday's Final.
This game is going to be close I think. Uruguay have the ability to cause problems for the Dutch but if the Oranje find that next gear tonight they should prove to be too strong for the South Americans.
I'm saying Uruguay 1-2 Holland and if you find a good price on Dirk Kuyt to score first I would recommend putting a few quid on him.
Enjoy the Game!
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