[neelchak]

Whats impressive about Argentina is that they are plagued with injury problems to their no.2 and no.3 player in Maria and Aguero and yet they have come through. Secondly, they have statistically come through more clean without stretching to extra time or penalties. The substitute players of Argentina have stood up and done well. Holland will be a difficult game but I do not see anything special about them compared to Argentina which really puts them at an advantage. On the contrary, playing extra time and penalties definitely must not have helped their fatigue level. On top of that, karate man De Jong's absence could prove vital for Argentina as well. I see Argentina in finals. The other match is more tricky for me. Germans are definitely not a clear favorite in that match despite all the Brazilian setbacks.

[NPV]

Nicely poised Semi-finals with both being South American-European contests, looking forward to two cracker of contests
And it's the same 4 teams in the semis that got the top 4 votes on this thread (poll)

[naveenroy]

So Argentina and Germany meet again. But hoping it is Brazil Argentina as Brazil will be easier to beat.

It's always pathetic to see some team go ahead on penalties. So boring!

[pratyush6]

Brazil Vs. Germany
It is going to be difficult for Brazil now with Neymar & Silva out against the Germans. Though Luiz might have something to say about it. That free-kick was arguably the best of the tournament so far. Difficult to call, hope Brazil go through. Germans have been very good so far and probably the favorites, though my money is on Brazil.

Argentina Vs. Netherlands
For me the Dutch will go through. Their counter attacks have been brilliant and they are one team which can score goals back to back. And Arjen Robben's great skills (and acting) should take them through. Hoping for a great game.

[finneyp]

My money is on Brazil for 1st SF and Argentina in 2nd SF.

Dutch struggled to win over Costa Rica, agree Robben is in great form, but he alone can't do wonders, whereas Argentina is getting better with each game!

[watfor]

Originally Posted by finneyp

My money is on Brazil for 1st SF

That's a bit brave considering both Neymar and Thiago Silva are out.

[RaguHolla]

Originally Posted by finneyp

My money is on Brazil for 1st SF and Argentina in 2nd SF.

I agree 100%. Considering Dani Alves is on bench for crucial tie like Columbia shows team strength! Brazil has enough players to tackle Germans. On the other hand, are we going to witness synchronised diving from Arg & Ned? Referee will have more than handful to sort out the meanies.

[naveenroy]

Originally Posted by RaguHolla

I agree 100%. Considering Dani Alves is on bench for crucial tie like Columbia shows team strength! Brazil has enough players to tackle Germans. On the other hand, are we going to witness synchronised diving from Arg & Ned? Referee will have more than handful to sort out the meanies.

Think you mean synchronised diving from Germany (Muller) and Netherlands (Robben).

[yosbert]

Although I wished for a Germany - Netherlands final after the first round of matches, I want to see a Germany - Argentina final now.

And my prediction for tonight's match. Brazil will miss Thiago Silva at back more than Neymar at front. Thiago was crucial for Brazil's defenses both with his skills as well as experience. What a pity he had to collect that second yellow card in such a stupid and useless fashion.

[thoma]

The referee who missed dismissing Suarez is back in today's game!

It's my hunch that he will try help his fellow South American team to get through this time too.

But Germany is clever, let us see by how much tonight.

[aneezan]

I do hope Brazil win this match, however, Germany seem stronger. With both Neymar and Thiago out, it will be tough both for Brazil at the front and the back. Rather than the loss of the 2, its the confidence level that seems to be at a low.
Lets see how this goes.

[a*ed]

Germany 4-0 and its not even been 30 minutes!!

[joe1980]

I don't understand what is happening. As I was watching the match, it was 2-0 for Germany and I wanted to take a break to answer nature's call and it was 4-0 for Germany. Brazil looks like Spain, confused and uncertain. Heck as I'm typing this it is 5-0 for Germany. Even Ghana played well against Germany. I guess Chile would have given a tough fight. It does not look like a Semifinal at all! Brazil was over hyped.

[thoma]

Brazil is lost, they thought they can overpower by physical power? You cannot buy a game, Brazil came as if they could finish the game with muscle power. Only after the 5th goal, Brazil has come out of this mood and settled down. Never underestimate the Germans. See their goals were not selfish shots. What team work. This is real football. This is not like Messi who dribbles only to find the ball being snatched and he starts complaining. What good are the other 9 players on the field? Back pass in front of the goal post is such a critical armory.

The Germans were rocked initially by the pace and fouls by Brazil, but come to finishing, that is what Mueller is all about.

And another one just as I'm typing 5-0 !!!

Really want to see a Germany - Netherlands final, the best two of this worldcup.

[createrkid]

Brazil is absolutely destroyed! Germany has annihilated them!! What on earth is going on? Never have I seen such a match before!