Soccer Betting: And the nominations are…
by Brandon Murray
As we near the end of the World Cup we are left with 4 teams. The Netherlands who miraculously were able to rally back after being down by a much favored and powerful Brazil team and come back to win 2-1. The Spanish led by David Villa who came into the World Cup being ranked 2nd in the World, and favored to win the Cup. We see a very powerful and talented German team that made a mockery out of an extremely talented Argentina team. And the lone South American team that has been able to beat all doubt, Uruguay, led by Diego Forlan.
Fans and analysts alike have been saying David Villa is too good and the team is too deep to not be the obvious favorite. Villa has been known for being clutch during the World Cup as well as for his former club Valencia in Spain. The Spanish team has a deadly attack and the skill to be able to beat you on the ground and in the air. Personally I don’t think they will be able to rise up against the German’s in the semi final.
Which brings us to our second team, Deutschland aka Germany. The German team has put on quite a performance this World Cup, Starting with their group. Then they went on to embarrass rival England 4-1 in the round of 16. Thomas Mueller scored two goals, one in the 67th minute and the other in the 70th. After a week of rest Germany ran over Argentina 4-0. This victory brought much attention to Germany since going into the match many believed it would be a close game and some thought Argentina would be the spoilers.
We now examine the last of the European dominance in these semi finals the Netherlands. Coming from a group which many believed they would win, the Netherlands throughout the World Cup have proven themselves worthy to hoist the infamous trophy. Most recently as mentioned before with their come from behind win in the second half against Brazil. Not to mention being ranked #4 in the world and having played in several world cup tournaments previously. During this tournament the Dutch have scored nine goals while only allowing three. Their top scorer, wearing the number 10 shirt, Wesley Sneijder has scored four of the nine. The Netherlands have the experience and the talent to place their name in history.
But could we forget the about the Underdog’s of the final four… Uruguay. Led by their Captain and wearing the number 10 shirt Diego Forlan has been able to show the world his ability to not only Strike the ball from beyond the 18 yard box and score with power, but he has also been able to display his specialty skills by bending free kicks into the upper 90. This team came from a group not expected to win. After tying with the entertaining and early exiting French Uruguay went on to beat host nation South Africa and Mexico. Entering the elimination rounds they faced a good Korean team. Then they played in one of the, if not the, most exhilarating game of the tournament against Ghana. This team has been very fortunate to have luck on their side.
So which team do you choose? Personally my money is on Uruguay. This team has seemingly come from nowhere and been led by a captain that plays the game with intensity and a passion to excel. The entire team has great chemistry and the ability to find open seams in defenses to penetrate and create chances. Their true test is today at 8:30pm against the Netherlands. I’ll be waving the white and blue.
Uruguay to win at +600 with sportsbook.com
