Who Will Make it Through to the World Cup Semi-Finals in Brazil?

The nature of the way the World Cup is scheduled means that it’s possible to plot your way through the entire tournament from the very start. This makes predicting who might make the semi-finals an easier proposition, so this article will look at who the likely last four will be in Brazil 2014.

Firstly, I’ve already selected the sixteen nations who I believe will comprise the knockout stages. These teams can be organised into the following fixtures, so here is my verdict on how these games will go:

Brazil v Netherlands

This will be one of the highlights of the second-round if it happens – the host nation versus the finalists from the 2010 World Cup. The Netherlands are certainly capable of winning this one, but with home support I’ll back Brazil.

Croatia v Spain

The Spanish rarely lose when it counts, and they should be far too strong for a decent Croatia sided.

Ivory Coast v Italy

This could be another entertaining fixture, and many neutrals would love to see the Ivory Coast come out on top. But my head must rule my heart, and tell me that Italy’s experience of such occasions would see them through.

Colombia v England England have an exceptional record against teams that they’re supposed to beat, and though Colombia are ‘at home’, I would fancy them England to win this one.

France v Bosnia and Herzegovina

France would look to be far too strong for a Bosnian side whose best chance of winning would be to defend deep and try to frustrate their classy opposition.

Argentina v Ecuador

An all-South American encounter, but one that I expect Argentina to win comfortably.

Germany v Russia

Russia are a decent side, but Germany will be too good.

Belgium v Portugal

Another very exciting fixture in prospect here. If the Belgians can keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet then they could edge it, so I’ll tip Belgium to win this one.

Which makes a potential quarter-final line-up, which looks like this:

Brazil v England, Spain v Italy, France v Germany & Argentina v Belgium

Brazil v England

I simply don’t see England having the quality to come through this one against a fabulous Brazilian team, and I expect Brazil to win quite comfortably.

Spain v Italy

Italy will be hoping for a much better performance than the last time they played Spain, when they were walloped 4-0. I certainly don’t expect a repeat of that result, but Spain are the world’s best passing team and tournament masters, and I think they’ll sneak through a close game.

France v Germany

Another massive occasion between two huge nations, France versus Germany is a fixture with World Cup history behind it after the infamous Schumacher incident from the 1982 World Cup. But Germany look significantly the stronger of the two sides, and I expect them to make yet another World Cup semi-final.

Argentina v Belgium

Belgium are capable of exposing an Argentinian side which doesn’t look the best at the back. But Argentina’s attacking options are frightening, and I think their superior experience and pedigree will see them through.

So my predicted semi-finalists are Brazil, Italy, Argentina and Germany.

Go To bet365

#Ad

04/06/2014     © Frixo 2026