Six of eight teams decided for the semifinals. Comments on today’s games hidden for those of you who don’t wish to blunder upon the results, having DVR’d the games.

I watched Germany vs. Argentina and enjoyed it. It wasn’t a back and forth match with dozens of chances at each end but I still found it very entertaining. It could serve as a tactical primer for someone wanting to learn about the game. Both teams took a very calculated approach and the game indeed ebbed and flowed. Argentina held the ball more often and moved it quicker but rarely threatened. Germany bided their time and didn’t move the ball quickly (which they probably should have) but looked more likely to score when they did get chances.

Odd then that the Argies would score from a corner and the Germans from a nice move from the run of play. The big gamble for Argentina was taking off Riquelme, who didn’t appear to be as gassed as say, Tevez or Crespo. The other odd decision was to throw on Cruz instead of Messi, as Cruz is a tall lad and Messi is small and quick. Which do you think the giant Germans would have a harder time defending? The only thing I can think is that the Argies planned to play long ball to kill the last ten minutes with Cruz knocking balls down for Tevez. Still, that plan seems to play to Germany’s defensive strength. We’ll never know because Germany scored before Pekerman’s plan—whatever it was—could be put into place. With his subs all used up, there wasn’t much left to do.

Italy vs. Ukraine went the way I guess one might expect. Pre-tournament I thought the Ukrainians could be semifinalists but they didn’t look as convincing as their qualifying results might suggest. Does this Italy team really deserve to be in the semifinals? I don’t think so.

As of this writing, Portugal is the only team still in the competition that’s never raised the trophy. Considering their injuries and suspensions it’s going to be tough to get past England, much less Germany and Brazil. I think it’ll be a Germany vs. Brazil final with the South Americans victorious. Admitttedly not a bold prediction at this stage of the game.