The semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup kick-off tonight and the world now knows the four nations that will be battling it out for a spot in the biggest final in sport.
Two European and two South American teams remain and it is fair to say that all four of these countries are die-hard football playing nations.
Brazil, Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands.
Let’s take a look at some of the interesting factors that could influence the outcome of results in both semi-finals:
Hosts without their hero
A nation held its breath in the quarter final against Colombia when their superstar, Neymar was stretchered off the pitch in agony after a knee to the back from Zuniga.
As tears streamed down his face the dreams of the football obsessed Brazilians were dealt a major blow. The team now faces the efficient as always Germans who will secretly be licking their lips at playing the hosts without their talismanic striker.
Germans going about their business as usual.
The Germans have seemed to do what they do always do: play football with efficiency and structure. Goals can come from any outlet in the German set-up from the current joint World Cup goal-scoring record holder Miroslav Klose right down to centre back Matts Hümmels. The Germans are a team that does not rely on one particular individual and will hope to improve their World Cup win percentage against their Brazilian opposition. The fact that they will play in a sea of yellow at the Estadio Mineirão, though, may prove to be too hot to handle for Joachim Low’s men.
Does Van Gaal have more up his sleeve?
After the quarter final penalty shootout against Costa Rica the whole world was amazed at the incredible football brain of Dutch manager Louis van Gaal. The soon to be Manchester United boss made perhaps one of the boldest moves in World Cup history by replacing his goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul just 60 seconds before the end of extra time. The Newcastle gloveman saved two penalties as Netherlands ended Costa Rica’s remarkable run. Will Van Gaal be able to stop Messi and co with similar strokes of genius?
Messi just two games away from greatness
Let’s be honest here. All football lovers will be thrilled to see Lionel Messi lead his nation to World Cup victory. The man has won it all at club level but the World Cup trophy is one piece of silverware that hasn’t touched the Barcelona man’s hands. He didn’t score in the quarters against Belgium but he did have some nimble trickery and quick touches. Can he dance Argentina all the way to Rio for the final?
