Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Review: Semi-finals: Uruguay v Netherlands, Germany v Spain


Uruguay v Netherlands, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Netherlands started off on the front foot with some good chances for Sneijder and Robben. But in the 18th, van Bronckhorst had a go from maybe 35 yards, and it rifled to the top corner, putting the Netherlands 1.0 up. In the 41st minute though, Forlan charged down the middle and shot with his weaker left foot, but the movement beat Stekelenburg, equalizing. Poor goalkeeping, but Uruguay would take anything to level. 1.1 at half. Some good chances early in the 2nd half, but no goals. But in the 70th, Sneijder on the edge of the area shoots, it deflects and beats the keeper with Sneijder's 5th of the competition. Just 3 minutes later, a cross from the left comes to Robben, who heads off the woodwork and in to put the Dutch up by two. But in added time, a free kick for Uruguay was passed to the corner of the box to Maxi Pereira, who cut in and scored. Scary moments for the Netherlands. During the last couple of minutes, the Dutch were holding their breath, as balls launched into the area were cleared before being put back into a dangerous area. But the final whistle finally came, and the Netherlands were headed to their first World Cup Final since 1978. Great game, final score: Uruguay 2.3 Netherlands

Germany v Spain, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Right from the kickoff, Spain controlled the match, knocking it around, with Germany barely getting a touch in. Villa came close 6 minutes in, but no scores. Despite Spain's possession, Germany looked more dangerous in the first half. Some saves from Casillas kept the scoreline at nil-nil at half. In the 2nd half though, time after time, shots from Villa and Xabi Alonso would skip just feet past the post. Then in the 58th, Iniesta found space in behind, and he crossed it across for a sliding David Villa, who missed it by inches. Germany found their first couple of chances of the half through Kroos and Podolski with about 20-30 minutes to play. But in the 73rd, a corner for Spain was whipped in by Xavi, where Carles Puyol charged forward from 25 yards away from goal, to head powerfully past Neuer, and the Spanish were ahead. Pedro then had a golden chance to make it 2, but couldn't lay it across to a begging Torres, and the chance never got farther than that. Some good stuff from Germany, and nearly leveling very late, almost making Spain play until the 120 minute mark. But the equalizer never came, and Spain would be on their way to their 1st World Cup Final ever. Final: Germany 0.1 Spain

3rd Place match
The match that no one wants to play in will be Uruguay v Germany. Luis Suarez will be back for Uruguay, but Thomas Mueller will be back for the Germans. This match should go to Germany, but that's what we said right before Germany lost to Serbia. It's anyone's match on 10 July in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The Final
Spain v Netherlands. Neither side has ever won a World Cup, and Spain have never even appeared in one. Netherlands have not been in one for over 30 years. The Dutch did not even make an appearance in 2002, and Spain have always been known as the underachievers. Spain were a perfect 10 wins out of 10 in qualifying, and Netherlands were 8 for 8. Netherlands are also the only side to have not lost or tied all World Cup. The possession of Spain versus the firepower of Netherlands. Sneijder and Villa each have 5 goals and lead the race for the golden boot, and that will be decided on 11 July in Soccer City, Johannesburg.

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