Netherlands V Brazil
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Robinho is played through the middle, after lax defending from the Dutch with no one on him, Robinho scores a simple goal.
Second Half: Snejider puts in a great ball, after receiving the ball which has pushed the defense out, Cesar comes out and can’t get at it, coming off the back of Mello, who gets classed with an own goal, changing the game, making it 1-1
Why the Netherlands won: The Dutch never gave up, they’ve been a more disciplined side than they have in the past, determined to defend well, but they’ve proven today they can score when they have to. Melo had a nightmare game, getting sent off for being stupid plus the own goal. The Brazilians certainly helped out the Dutch today. Remember when I said the Dutch would make the final?

Uruguay V Ghana
Moment of the Match:
First Half: Right at the very death of the half Ghana make some great link up play, Uruguay give Salley Muntari acres of space, which he uses to turn and make a shot at goal, the keeper is unsighted & moves late, Ghana 1-0 up!
Second Half: Forlan does what he does best, a great free kick lifted over Kingston, bending perfectly, Uruguay level the match.
Extra Time First Half: Uruguay defend poorly, giving the ball to Ghana, Gyan works hard in the box through traffic, but can’t score getting hurt in the process.
Extra Time Second Half: Great corner from Ghana is headed towards goal, Uruguay keep it out, shot comes in again and it’s blocked, but with Suarez’s hand, red card & penalty – Shot is missed! Amazing drama, match was extended for the kick, in the end, great decision from Suarez to block it.
Penalty Shootout: For Gyan to step up after missing the penalty was a very gutsy move and he should be praised for that, however it’s not enough, Abreu hits a very cool penalty after watching 3 consecutive misses to send Uruguay to the semi-finals.
Why it went to Penalties: Both teams canceled each other out really well, they just seemed to match each other beautifully. Add to that the fact that it just seemed neither side wanted to win the match, Gyan will feel like the worst man on the planet tonight, Ghana terribly unlucky.

My Predictions:
Argentina V Germany
Why Argentina will win: They have been clinical all tournament, they have an amazing attack, and if they perform they can beat anyone. They’ve even been getting results when they’ve played poorly & that is the sign of a champion team.
Why Germany will win: Even without Ballack, they’ve shown that they can move the ball through midfield well, Klose & Podolski are a great strike pairing and Klose is nearing the world cup record. Add to that typical German discipline & you have a great side.
Prediction: This is probably the toughest game to call of the tournament, as much as Argentina have been playing well I can’t help but think it has to eventually fade, Germany’s performance against England was amazing, after a poor group stage. I can’t pick a winner, Argentina will want to win it in regular time, because the Germans are clinical at penalties. I’ll tip Germany here, just because I think it’ll go to Penalties, and you never tip against the Germans in a shootout.

Paraguay V Spain
Why Paraguay will win: They’ve shown a lot of tenacity to get this far, they’ve handled the conditions well & showed that they could defend. The counter will be key for Paraguay as they have a pacey attack that could really cause Spain some problems.
Why Spain will win: Spain have really been coming into form after a slow start to the tournament. Villa in particular has impressed, they still have a lot of improving to do but the signs are there for Spain.
Prediction: Any Quarter-final is tough to call, but I think I’m going to have to go with Spain for this one, they just seem to be peaking at the right time, and have been playing better football than Paraguay, that’s not to say we couldn’t see something big here. Spain 2-1