World Cup Semi-Finals

The semi's see Italy vs Germany and Portugal vs France.

Out are favourites Brazil. So are England, Spain, Argentina and the Netherlands. Croatia did not even make it to the 2nd round.Besides Germany, the other 3 teams were not expected to even make it this far.
This makes it an all European semi-final. As much as I dislike Italy and Germany,I favour Gemany to reach the finals as they ironically do not play the german way. Under the tutelage of Juergen Klinsman they play an exciting open, attacking style which neutrals love. On the other hand Italy are CHEATS! They dived their way thus far to this stage and after their tactics in the Australia game has become the team to hate in this tournament. In the other semi-final tie Portugal face France. Both teams were not expected to do well.France were deemed to be too old, yet now they find themselves one match away from the finals. The supposedly aging french stars like Makelele,Thuram,Viera and of course the mercurial Zidane, have raised their game as the competition progressed. On the other hand Potugal have made it this far through rough play and play-acting to get pass better teams. In this match I prefer to see France through.