Semifinals

I’ll try to keep things rolling and build on my 4-0 record in the Quarterfinals. As always, SPI rank precedes…

8. Uruguay v 4. Holland – After a miracle finish in the Quarters against Ghana, La Celeste will be without striker Luis Suárez (red card) and defender Jorge Fucile (yellow cards); while defender and captain Diego Lugano (knee) is questionable. The Dutch have concerns of their own with midfielder Nigel De Jong and defender Gregory Van Der Wiel both missing the match dues to yellows.

While Holland’s defense can be questionable at times I think the loss of Suárez will make Diego Forlán’s job too hard for Uruguay. And if Lugano can’t go I see Wesley Sneijder, Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt running wild up top; Oranje 3-1.

2. Germany v 3. Spain – This should be a great match considering each side really doesn’t have a glaring weakness. You’ve got the offensive firepower of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, David Villa and Xabi Alonso versus Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Özil. Both teams do have a concern up top though with strikers Thomas Müller (yellows) out for Die Mannschaft and Fernando Torres looking lost on the pitch for La Furia Roja. Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque has Cesc Fábregas waiting in the wings while the choice is much less certain for German coach Joachim Löw.

So with all that offense out there it’s bound to come down to which side can defend better. Philipp Lahm and Jerome Boateng are going to be severely tested by Spain’s ability to link up passes and find open spaces. While Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol must mark up and stay home on Germany’s many finishers. I’m giving the Spaniards the slight advantage because of captain and best goalie in the world Iker Casillas; La Furia Roja 2-1 in extra time.