Final Four

After almost a month of football, we have reached the semi-final stage of the World Cup and there have been one or two shocks alond the way to say the least.

Not many people were expecting Germany to reach the last four but they have been arguably the most impressive team in the competition, whilst Uruguay have out performed the expectations of even their most optimistic supporters.

Holland were lively outsiders at the start, but still surprised people in the way they disposed of Brazil, which leaves Spain, the antepost favourites, still going strong as they look to be the first European Champions to lift the World Cup since 1974.

The market has become very tight, with Spain available at 2/1, Germany and Holland at 9/4 with Urugauy seemingly making up the numbers at 12/1 with skybet.

It is the Germans who have become the most talked about team in the competition after scoring four goals against both England and Argentina. Written off by many pre-tournament for their young squad, Germany have reaped the rewards of giving youth its chance.

The experienced players in teh squad have helped, none moreso than Miroslav Klose who only needs two more goals to become the all time leading goalscorer in World Cup football history.

The Baryern man has been speaking in glowing terms about his young team mates ahead of their semi-final,

"A few years ago people kept saying that it was a shame there weren't any new generations coming through," Klose said.

"They said we have no forwards and no creative midfielders. Everybody deplored that. But time has proved these people wrong."

Germany have another tough game against Spain, but the pre-tournament favourites looked nervous in their quarter final and haven't been overly convincing in the tournament as a whole.  It is not a given that Spain will reach the final.

The other match sees Holland and Uruguay meet. The South Americans are very fortunate to be at this stage following Ghana missing a last minute penalty, but that is the way football is sometimes and they now have to make the most of their chance.

NO MEMBERS BETS TODAY

Published 05-07-2010

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