We're tipping ...
GERMANY
KEN LIN
We’re at that stage where it’s near impossible to predict the winner, let alone the score of the match. Both sides showed fighting spirit during their quarter final match, but Germany’s defence looked vulnerable at times, and should have conceded at least one goal against France. Brazil attacked with creativity against Colombia and came away with a 2-1 win. I feel the German defence will crack against an attacking Brazilian side, but the South Americans will play their semi final match without influential forward Neymar, due to injury. Even without Neymar, Brazil should have enough quality on their side to overcome a solid German side. My tip, Brazil to take the match after extra time. Brazil 1-0.
SIMON TENNANT
No Neymar, no Brazil? That's the big question. The home side has also lost its captain Thiago Silva for the clash against the Germans. It's fair to say Brazil hasn't been that impressive but still managed to find ways to win, usually through moments of sheer brilliance by individuals (Neymar, the David Luiz goal from the free kick) rather than brilliant team-work. Don't underestimate Germany's win over France, which up until then had been the form team of the tournament. Forget the parochial home crowd, Germany will be too solid all over the park for Brazil and will win 2-1.
TIM CARRIER
Brazil played arguably their best match of the World Cup so far in the quarter finals to see off Columbia. However, the win came at a heavy cost with star forward Neymar suffering a tournament-ending fractured vertebrae and captain Thiago Silva picking up a yellow card which will see him miss this semi-final clash. Meanwhile Germany produced another clinical performance to dispatch of France in their quarter final. After scoring an early goal they severely limited France’s attacking options and held on for a comfortable win. While I expect Brazil will rally to use Neymar’s absence to try and spur them on I think they will fall short against a ruthless German side. Germany have too much class and the loss of Neymar and Silva will make it hard for Brazil and I predict they will win this one 2-1 and knock out the host nation.
We're tipping ...
Argentina
KEN LIN
Netherlands were unconvincing during their match against Costa Rica in the quarter finals, and they haven’t been convincing since their opening match against World Champions Spain last month. Argentina showed that they deserve to be in this semi final stage, by containing an immensely talented Belgian side in the quarter finals, and they should have no issues progressing to the World Cup final come the weekend, setting up an all South American World Cup final with Brazil. My tip: Argentina to win 2-0.
SIMON TENNANT
The Dutch just keep finding ways to win. Some brilliance for replacement keeper Tim Krul helped the Netherlands over the line against an ultra-impressive Costa Rica, but it's hard to see any amount of heroics saving them this time around. Messi is due, while his Argentinian team-mates around him are playing some quality football. The biggest question-mark hanging over this match will be whether Robben can stop falling over. The South Americans just look too strong across the park and should account for the Netherlands, just. Tip: Brazil 2-1.
TIM CARRIER
There were plenty of nervous moments for both Holland and Argentina in the quarter finals but in the end their class prevailed as they won through against Costa Rica and Belgium respectively. The Netherlands seem to have lost a bit of their killer edge as the tournament has progressed, needing extra time and penalties to win their two knockout matches. Meanwhile Argentina has yet to get out of third gear but has still managed to win their way through thanks to the genius of Lionel Messi. The loss of Angel di Maria for the semi-final will be a big blow for Argentina but with Aguero fit again they have the quality to replace him. The Netherlands have surprised some so far this tournament but with Messi at the helm I still think Argentina can go all the way and I’ll pencil them in to take this match 2-1
