The Boys in Orange come good

I'd first of all like to tender an apology to Bert Marwijk and his band of merry men for not even laying into them during my blog on 'A Continental Revolution', which I would also like to point out was definitely plagarised by our very own BBC who have all of a sudden a fortnight after my blog decided 2010 is all about South American sides. Well, sorry BBC but you're a little late because that ground has already been covered - although on-cue 3/6 of the South American aces are out including Brazil. Despite my call of Paraguay being god awful the others were correct!

Now to Holland, as if they haven't received too little attention in this blog already as it is. During the third group game I commented that Wesley Sneijder, driving force of Inter Milan's surge to the European Cup title this season had been the best player in the tournament so far this year. I still stand by this particularly after his most instrumental role in a gutsy win over Brazil who in all honesty have paid the price for their negative tactics. Sneijder's tantalising left foot delivery found a weakness in Brazil's until now impregnable defence named Felipe Melo who was later sent off for a stamp on Arjen Robben, and the same Sneijder struck the final blow with an instictive header after some untypically poor defending from a set piece.

The Netherlands in so many ways are similar to the Argentinians in as much as their side breaks down as a fairly worrying defence, a solid midfield and a lethal attack. With this comparison in mind you do unfortunately although I don't necessarily like to do so have to compare the two linchpins of these sides - Messi and Sneijder. Thankfully the total contrast in styles mean we can have fun picking apart just how different these two sides really are. Sneijder's injury problems, typical of Holland's side taking into consideration the likes of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie mean he has a deceitful experience having played 66 times for his country and played for Ajax, Real and Inter throughout an already impressive career. This shines through in his play with his simple ball every time attitude only being overridden by his abilty to pull of incredible passes which act as the stem for many of the Dutch counter attacks - finding the pace of van Persie, Robben and Kuyt in attack.
Messi marks the Argentinian contrast of raw talent and sheer passion. Whilst the Dutch are unquestionably determined as marked by Nigel de Jong's overdue suspension for the semi final and Mark van Bommel only being allowed to play due to some incompetent Japanse refereeing - Messi sums his side up. A nation being led by a cult hero, a defence reliant on last ditch tackles and mindless thuggery, an attack formed around the dogged running of Tevez / Aguero and the cool as ice instincts of Gonzalo Higuain / Diego Milto. Amidst the masquerade one man stands alone. A 23 year old kid reared from the age of 11 to overcome growth hormone deficiency and become the best player in the world, who still appears to play every game like the best player on the playground trying to impress the girl of his dreams.
I haven't turned my back on myself yet though. Uruguay have a strong chance despite the loss of Luis Suarez, a man who would have struck fear into the hearts of Holland's unimpressive defence after his 50 goal season in the Eredivise. Diego Forlan has every much of an impace as either Messi or Sneijder for Holland and the man appears to just come up with the goods when called upon - something that Messi and Sneijder in all fairness can both do themselves.
For me Spain's chemistry may let them down.. No one player appears to be forming the bedrock of the Spanish side and David Villa may lose out due to this lack of constant service from a genius behind him. Even Germany's strikers are being blessed with the assistance of a Turkish-German with all the invention of Yildiray Basturk and the dynamic intention of Anders Moller. Mesut Ozil has taken the World Cup by storm at the age of 21 but lacks the physical presence of any of the above mentioned. I fear as a playmaker he also lacks the unique selling points of Forlan's  clinical set piece taking, Sneijder's bullish yet ingenious creativity and Messi's sheer ability to seeminly be able to unlock whatever he wants whenever he wants. I've discounted Paraguay again haven't I? Well I'm sticking to my guns they've had a good run but a lucky one and Spain will beat them - but the winner will face Germany or Argentina.

Predictions assuming Spain do beat Paraguay.

Quarter Final

Germany v Argentina -- Tense affair which may favour the Germans at first but as the game opens up and mistakes creep in Messi will influence the game more and more. However well Schweinstieger has done from his holding role the man cannot and will not stop the Catalonian wonderkid.

Semi Finals

Holland v Uruguay -- A deceiftully tense affair which will explode into extra time. Sneijder will struggle to shake off the attention of Perez and Pereira whilst Uruguay will pose less threat without the pace of Suarez. In extra time Uruguay owe their precious Catholic God a favour or two after their victory over Ghana. Its going to be a scrappy but deserved winner for the Dutch before penalties.

Spain v Argentina

Messi will come face to face with his Barcelona team mates particularly the defenders he must torment day in day out in training. Its an opportunity for Barca's Spanish spine to prove to the world that they could survive without Messi. Its Messi's opportunity to prove that he is Mr. Barcelona and that it is time for Xavi and Puyol to bow to his talent like the 90,000 Camp Nou faithful. I think the occasion may catch the young man out and teamwork will prevail over individuality despite all I've said. Spain to win through control of the midfield, an off day for Messi and a mismatch of Villa / Torres vs Argentina's hazy defence.