Stylish Germans Meet Classy Spain in World Cup Semi-Final..
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -The World Cup's two most stylish sides meet on Wednesday when Germany and Spain decide which will play the Netherlands in Sunday's final.
Tournament organizers have yet to decide who will present the trophy at Johannesburg's Soccer City but at least the lineup will be complete after the second semifinal in Durban.
Germany is the favorite with many neutrals after hitting four goals in three of its five tournament matches. But European champion Spain has plenty of room for improvement even though it has eased through to the semifinals after a surprise opening loss.
The Netherlands made it to a first final since 1978 with a 3-2 win over Uruguay on Tuesday and coach Bert van Marwijk is warning his players to take nothing for granted.
Uruguay's World Cup adventure lasted longer than expected, but the disappointment of defeat was still hard to bear.
Thousands of football fans were dreaming of a return to the glory years of 1930 and '50 - when Uruguay won the World Cup - and crammed around giant screens in Montevideo to watch the team's first semifinal in 40 years.
But even with the euphoria over, fireworks were released and a halfhearted chorus of "soy celeste'' - "I'm a sky blue,'' as the national team is known - was heard as fans acknowledged their team's efforts.
Uruguay will play for third place against either Spain or Germany on Saturday.
World Cup organizers promise a high-tech closing ceremony featuring pop star Shakira, compared to the more traditionally African ceremony which opened the tournament.
Organizing committee spokesman Jermaine Craig says Sunday's show at Soccer City will be "more youthful and a bit more technologically advanced'' than the June 11 opening ceremony.
Craig says the nighttime event has "nice lighting
Tournament organizers have yet to decide who will present the trophy at Johannesburg's Soccer City but at least the lineup will be complete after the second semifinal in Durban.
Germany is the favorite with many neutrals after hitting four goals in three of its five tournament matches. But European champion Spain has plenty of room for improvement even though it has eased through to the semifinals after a surprise opening loss.
The Netherlands made it to a first final since 1978 with a 3-2 win over Uruguay on Tuesday and coach Bert van Marwijk is warning his players to take nothing for granted.
Uruguay's World Cup adventure lasted longer than expected, but the disappointment of defeat was still hard to bear.
Thousands of football fans were dreaming of a return to the glory years of 1930 and '50 - when Uruguay won the World Cup - and crammed around giant screens in Montevideo to watch the team's first semifinal in 40 years.
But even with the euphoria over, fireworks were released and a halfhearted chorus of "soy celeste'' - "I'm a sky blue,'' as the national team is known - was heard as fans acknowledged their team's efforts.
Uruguay will play for third place against either Spain or Germany on Saturday.
World Cup organizers promise a high-tech closing ceremony featuring pop star Shakira, compared to the more traditionally African ceremony which opened the tournament.
Organizing committee spokesman Jermaine Craig says Sunday's show at Soccer City will be "more youthful and a bit more technologically advanced'' than the June 11 opening ceremony.
Craig says the nighttime event has "nice lighting
The Vulvezelas are extra loud for this match..
Maybe these horns would be a big hit on The PGA Tour...
View attachment 10312
wil..:drink:
Maybe these horns would be a big hit on The PGA Tour...
View attachment 10312
wil..:drink:
