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The 2014 FIFA World Cup has flown by, and we already find ourselves preparing to sit down and enjoy the semi-finals.
The favourites have again progressed at the expense of the underdogs, with Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands and Germany making up the top four.
It’s not a bad final quartet for neutrals, with both semi-final fixtures having the potential to produce mouth-watering contests.
Germany are favourites to lift the World Cup from here, and are appearing in their fourth consecutive semi-final. The team face a Brazil side missing key players, but still riding on a wave of local enthusiasm.
The Netherlands’ blistering attack was foiled against Costa Rica, but their three-goals-a-game record before that match is a concern for Argentina. The South Americans are without winger Angel di Maria, and Lionel Messi might not be able to carry them through to the final.
Brazil versus Germany (July 9, 6am AEST)
Overview
Brazil produced their best performance of the World Cup in their quarter-final 2-0 win over Colombia. While their opponents were below-par, and Brazil received some favourable treatment from officials, the hosts looked more fluent and solid throughout the match. They had to scramble in the final 20 minutes though, and their defence continues to look dodgy.
Brazil will also have to cope without the suspended Thiago Silva, a rock at the back, and star man Neymar, who has suffered a fractured vertebra. Neymar’s absence will weaken a side who depend on the 22-year-old’s pace, movement and ball skills to instigate and finish attacks.
Germany secured their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final after defeating France 1-0 in the quarter-finals. They scored early through central defender Mats Hummels before putting in an efficient and controlled performance to shut-down the French attack.
The return of Hummels transformed the side that laboured against Algeria in an extra-time round of 16 win, and Thomas Mueller put in a great shift on the right wing. Germany’s defensive structure and discipline, coupled with their attacking ability, should see them overcome Brazil. They’ve also conceded just one goal in their last three games.
Key Players
Brazil – Hulk, David Luiz, Julio Cesar
Germany – Mats Hummels, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller
Bottom line
Brazil have been underwhelming, and now face the semi-finals without both their captain and star player. Germany’s attack and organisation should be too strong in this match
Prediction
Germany 1-0
Netherlands versus Argentina (July 10, 6am AEST)
Overview
This is Argentina’s first appearance in the semi-finals in 24 years, an amazing statistic considering the talent they consistently produce. The team have progressed in this World Cup against inferior opponents, and they have failed to light up the stage despite their quality attacking line-up.
In the 1-0 win against Belgium in the quarter-finals, they scored early through Gonzalo Higuain and then defended with two banks of four. While they haven’t conceded in the knockout rounds, they should face a sterner test against the Netherlands.
Argentina are also without the talents of winger Angel di Maria, and are sweating on the fitness of Sergio Aguero. With Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain so far failing to play on the same wavelength, the Netherland’s five-man defence could prove too resolute.
The Netherlands had shot after shot against Costa Rica in their quarter-final showdown, but couldn’t make them stick. Wesley Sneijder went close with two blistering shots, but coach Louis van Gaal will be looking for better finishing.
In the previous four matches the Netherlands were averaging three goals a game, and will be confident of producing again after a minor blip. Van Gaal has shown in this World Cup just how great a tactician he is, the decision to bring on substitute keeper Tim Krul for the penalty shootout against Costa Rica his latest masterstroke.
His acumen, and Argentina’s poor form, should see the Dutch progress to a second consecutive World Cup final.
Key Players
Argentina – Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Garay, Gonzalo Higuain
Netherlands – Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Bruno Martins Indi
Bottom line
Argentina will miss the talents of Di Maria, who took a lot of pressure off Messi in previous games. The Netherlands’ attack should return back to their prolific ways to secure a win.
Prediction
Netherlands 2-1
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