The biggest tournament in the world is now down to just four teams and it is a surprising bunch. Uruguay is making their first semifinal appearance since 1970 and Spain and Netherlands are trying to assert their dominance in the football world. Finally, Germany is looking to capture their first World Cup since before the end of the Cold War. All these teams however deserve a spot in the final, but only two will be able to get there. Here's my predictions of how one of those two will reach the World Cup Final

Match Facts

Uruguay vs Netherlands

July 6th, 2010 at 2:30

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Uruguay Profile

SPI- 8

Region- CONMEBOL

Record- 4-0-1

Goal Differential- +5

Leading Goal Scorer: Diego Forlan 4, Luis Suarez 4

Suspensions: Luis Suarez, Jorge Fucile

Netherlands Profile

SPI- 4

Region- UEFA

Record- 5-0-0

Goal Differential- +6

Leading Goal Scorer: Wesley Sneijder

Suspensions: Nigel De Jong, Gregory van der Wiel

The Verdict: This matchup is probably the weaker out of the two semifinals, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. Both these teams have the talent to win this cup and have been playing exceptionally well as of late. Uruguay is coming off an emotional win against Ghana in Penalty Kicks in the quarterfinals where as Netherlands is coming off a huge upset against World Cup Favorites Brazil. Both goals that defeated the Brazilians were struck off the foot of Inter Milan Midfielder Wesley Sneijder who is in perfect position to capture the Golden Boot as well as bring home the World Cup trophy back to Holland. Along with Sneijder are tons of stars that seem to play extremely well together and have beaten every opponent they have faced in 90 minutes. Holland is extremely strong and although they will miss de Jong and van der Wiel in the semifinals, Van Marwijk shouldn't have a problem finding replacements off his deep bench. Uruguay on the otherhand will most certainly have holes to fill before the semifinals. Star Luis Suarez took one for the team in the Quarterfinal against Ghana slapping the ball out of the net before the goaline to give his team a chance. Suarez received a Red Card for his behavior and is suspended for the upcoming match. This loss is devastating for Uruguay because they will lose one of the top strikers in the world and their leading goal scorer. To add to the pain, the Netherlands weak side is their defense but with Suarez out, the Dutch defense will have less to worry about and will be able to put all their attention on co-striker Diego Forlan. This will limit the amount of goals for the lone remaining South American nation which is not a good sign considering the offensive power of the Netherlands. Holland's loaded offense will be too much for Uruguay and with Suarez out, the Netherlands will be able to lock down Forlan and advance to the World Cup Finals. Netherlands 2- Uruguay 0.