World Cup Semifinal Predictions

Netherlands vs. Uruguay

If somebody told you a month ago that these were two of the teams to meet in the semi's would you have believed them?  I wouldn't have.  Although I am not too surprised by Uruguay because of their lighter path, I am by the Netherlands. They're a very good squad but Brazil is so dominant.  I expect this to be a close match-up.  Netherlands hasn't really played well until their upset over the Brazilians.  I think Uruguay has some great talent as well and can send the cup back to South American soil.

Prediction: Uruguay 1-0 (Extra Time)

Spain vs. Germany

Two powerhouses clash.  Germany has been the more consistent team in this WC.  Spain has been just merely getting by.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Germany kinda stack their back line and force Spain to win it.  Spain needs to be on it's game from the get go because as Argentina saw, if you don't come out on top of your game right away they will blow you away.

Prediction: Germany 2-1

World Cup Quarterfinal Predictions

Brazil vs. Netherlands

Most people were expecting this match-up in the quarters. Netherlands have yet to concede a match but it's their play that has many people worried. Their 4-3-3 format doesn't seem to match-up well with Brazil's aggressive offensive style. It will be hard for the Danes to contain Kaka and Robinho. The defense is good enough to help keep them in check for awhile, but Brazil is just too explosive.

Prediction: Brazil 2-1

Uruguay vs. Ghana

Uruguay has been a pleasant surprise thus far to most people. I actually expected them to make it out of group play and even make the semifinals (Don't believe me check my ESPN bracket). Ghana shocked the United States once again; Utilizing their speed and taking advantage of a weak and inexperienced U.S. defense. Look for this to be a back and forth, fast paced brawl, with both teams about equally possessing the ball.

Prediction: Uruguay 2-1

Germany vs. Argentina

This looks to be the match of the quarters. You have the finesse, smart play of Argentina vs. the strength and size of Germany. Which will prevail? Both teams have looked very impressive up to this point, especially Argentina. Messi has showed why he is arguably the best player in the world right now. This one should be good.

Prediction: Argentina 3-2

Paraguay vs. Spain

Paraguay looks to be the Cinderella in this one. But they are a very pesky team. They play tough defense and don't make a lot of mistakes. On the other hand, Spain has all the talent and is riding high after a big win over Portugal. But the Spaniards have look shaky at times too. Fernando Torres is still not 100% and the back line has struggled at times.

Prediction: Spain 2-0

The future of US Soccer is here (hopefully)

The U-20 Soccer World Cup is taking place as we speak in Canada. The US team has looked very impressive thus far, and after a Round 16 win today over Uruguay, they now advance to the quarterfinals vs. Austria on July 14.

After winning their group with wins over Poland and top dog Brazil, and a saddening tie vs. Poland, the US team is making a serious World Cup title run.

I wouldn't consider myself a huge soccer fan, but when it comes to USA Soccer and World Cups, I love watching soccer. After the big time national team won the Gold Cup and the U-20 team looking pretty impressive at the U-20 World Cup, I am very excited about the future of US Soccer.

With young stars in Freddy Adu, Josmer Altidore, and Michael Bradley, US Soccer has a bright future. Granted Adu has struggled in the Pros, I do really feel this is Adu's coming out party. From here on out, especially when it comes to national competition, he's going to be a big star. The funny thing about it is that Adu may not even be the best of the three I just mentioned. Josmer Altidore is a great player as well and has been very solid in the U-20 World Cup, especially scoring two goals in the upset of Brazil.

The U-20's next match up is this Saturday vs. Austria. I feel they'll pull off another win here and advance to the semi's vs. another heavy favorite, Spain (We'll just have to wait before I make a prediction on this game). When I see this U-20 team winning and Adu and Altidore dominating, it just gets me excited about the future of US soccer.

Now to talk about the 2010 World Cup, only three summers away. I am really stoked for the 10' World Cup to begin in South Africa, by that time Adu and Altidore should be huge stars on the team. I really feel Bob Bradley can get this team in the right direction and get these young players some valuable experience for the next 2-3 years.

Freddy Adu and Josmer Altidore truly are the future of US soccer, the US team just needs to take advantage of their great young talent. They should have one of the best US teams in recent memory and if they can't get it done again it may be decades before the USA can be a real contender.

But come the World Cup, Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and Germany better watch out, because the US may just have the next best thing...