WORLD CUP 2010 – SEMI FINALS

MIKE’S WORLD CUP 2010 – the SEMI FINALS

Well, there are only four teams left and the winning post is clearly in sight. This is not a time for nerves, however, because the final obstacle, the semi final, has to be negotiated.

And the two semi finals look to be very competitive indeed.

Tonight sees Uruguay, the sole surviving South American nation, take on many people’s favourites, the Netherlands.

Often quoted as the ‘nearly nation’ the Dutch have never lifted the biggest trophy in world football despite coming close. Could this be their chance or will they choke again?

Uruguay were the first WC winners back in 1930 (I think) and again in 1950, but they haven’t maintained a consistent WC record.

In this competition, the Dutch have won all of their games and scored in every match, having won their last three games with a 2-1 scoreline. Unbeaten in 24 games, they look a very well balanced and efficient side – as long as their nerve holds.

Against Brazil, they did look dispirited and outplayed until the South Americans gifted them an equaliser which lifted them to new heights and a well deserved victory.

Uruguay have only conceded 2 goals this far and, whilst they were perhaps a little fortunate against Ghana, they are no pushovers.

Mike’s forecast: I think the Netherlands are too well organised and technically proficient so I go for the Dutch to win 2-1(again).

The Germany v Spain game tomorrow is also a cliff hanger with both sides having considerable support in the betting market.

The Germans have scored plenty of goals with 13 hitting the net so far. They don’t concede many either with only 2 going in at the other end.

I like their youthful speed and the brimming confidence we expect to see from German sides and they will be tough to beat. Their demolition of Argentina was stunning.

Spain have so much flair in their side although I don’t think they have played to their full potential yet. With a 6-2 goal tally, much will depend on how they tackle the Germans.

As we saw against England and Argentina, the Germans can counter attack in a deadly fashion if they are allowed space so Spain will need to play a tight and patient game.

If the Germans score first, I think they will go through as Spain will have to play a more attacking game and will inevitably leave space for the counter punch. This is exactly what happened when the Germans played against the Argentines.

If Spain score first, they could frustrate the Germans as they are very capable of putting on a stern defensive display.

Mike’s forecast: a tough one, but I am going for a 3-1 win to Germany as I reckon they will find gaps in the Spanish defence when they have to open up their play in an effort to score as the match progresses.

In view of her earlier success, my wife says her forecasts are now more relevant and accurate than mine and she predicts:

Uruguay 2-3 Holland  Germany 3-1 Spain

As usual, I will probably land up with egg on my face so please feel free to disagree.

Editors Note: Mike is a longtime member at My Poker Blues and resides in England.

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