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Bob Weiser started playing soccer as a youth and has been following the sport ever since, dating back to days of watching the Bundesliga on PBS on Saturday afternoons.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Semifinals

The first semifinal is just 12 hours away. I can't wait. Though I've rooted for Germany for years, part of me would like to see any of the other three teams win. Uruguay hasn't won the title since 1950 and neither Spain nor the Netherlands have ever won one.

Upstart Uruguay takes on the Netherlands Tuesday. The Dutch upset Brazil while Uruguay used the Hand of God 2 from Luis Suarez to beat Ghana in penalty kicks. The red card means Suarez won't play against the Dutch and Uruguay also could be Sans Diego - Diego Lugano and Diego Godan are both doubtful. The Dutch are without Nigel de Jong and Gregory van der Wiel and Robin van Persie and Joris Mathijsen are both doubtful. That's a lot of star power sitting on the bench, watching. That leaves depth as an important part of the equation and I give the Dutch the advantage there.
Prediction: Holland 3, Uruguay 1

Wednesday's second semifinal between Germany and Spain could be a classic. Fernando Torres continues to struggle for Spain, but David Villa has been the best player in the tournament. Germany, however, has been the best team. Germany will be without 20-year-old midfielder Thomas Mueller, who has four goals, but Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski are playing well. If it comes down to PKs, Iker Casillas gives Spain an edge over Germany's Manuel Neuer. Hopefully, it won't come down to PKs.
Prediction: Germany 2, Spain 1

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