After a dramatic round of quarter finals in South Africa it is the European teams that now dominate the semi-final line up.Two of the favourites for the World Cup, Brazil and Argentina, were dumped out of the tournament following outstanding performances from the Netherlands and Germany respectively. European Champions, Spain, were somewhat lucky to overcome Paraguay, to leave only dark horses, Uruguay, flying the flag for South America.

In the 2002 World Cup in Germany, four European teams progressed to the semi-final – Italy, Germany, France and Portugal. Whilst European sides have always performed strongly on their home continent, one of three sides – the Netherlands, Germany or Spain – now has the chance to be the first European side to win the World Cup outside of Europe. Of course Uruguay cannot be discounted, however, they have benefited from a relatively easy run to the final, not having to play one major team. They will also be seriously hindered without Luis Suarez following his dubious but ultimately beneficial actions against Ghana.

This World Cup was supposed to showcase the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi, who apart from the latter, performed abysmally. Even the Argentinian did not manage to find the net once in South Africa. It has been rather the tournament of a group of unsung but highly skilled players, who performed so impressively for their clubs in the latter stages of the European season.

Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philip Lahm enjoyed magnificent seasons for Bayern Munich helping them on a fine run to the Champions League Final. Schweinsteiger has now really come of age and is looking like a potential player of the tournament, whilst Lahm, as vice-captain for his club, has stepped up to lead his country in Michel Ballack’s absence in impressive style.

Another Bayern player who needed no motivation against the Argentinians was Thomas Mueller. Back in March during a press conference after a Germany-Argentina friendly, Diego Maradona refused to share the podium with the young German, admitting that he did not know who Mueller was, and even claiming that he thought the Bayern forward was a ‘ballboy’. Mueller, already enjoying a fine World Cup, responded in style putting Germany ahead in the opening minutes of the quarter final and thereby allowing Germany to display their counter attacking style to perfection throughout the rest of the match.

Mueller, unfortunately will not feature in the semi-final due to picking up yellow cards in two consecutive matches, the second of which was extremely unlucky. Is it not time that this rule is relaxed, and utilised only for really serious incidents, so as not to deprive us of the top players in the latter stages of the World Cup/Champions League?

Wesley Sneijder has been the heartbeat of the Dutch side in South Africa, following on from a hugely impressive season at Inter Milan. Discarded by Real Madrid at the start if the season, the Dutchman was instrumental in Inter’s historic treble season, going on to lift the Champion’s league trophy back in his former club’s stadium in Madrid. Sneijder’s goals have been vital for the Netherlands, who have not really hit top form yet in South Africa. If Sneijder can go on to lift the World Cup it will cap a phenomenal season for the twenty six year old.

Sneijder’s team mate, Arjen Robben, although maybe not unsung, does not receive the same billing as Ronaldo and co. He will, however, be key to the destiny of the Dutch. Robben looked back to his best in the second half of Bayern’s season and was probably the most dangerous attacking midfielder in the Champions League. Introduced late to the World Cup following injury, the right winger has struggled, but did score a trademark opening goal in the second round against Slovakia. Robben will need to find his best form for his country if the Netherlands are to finally claim their first World Cup.

Uruguay have been the surprise of the World Cup and one player above all has led the way for the South Americans. Diego Forlan, enyoyed a fine season for Athletico Madrid, scoring vital goals against both Liverpool and Fulham on their way to lifting the UEFA cup. Forlan has carried his form to South Africa, and he and his team mates benefited from a woeful French performance in the group stage and England’s inability to win their group and therefore be seeded to play the South Americans. The Uruguayans won the first ever World Cup in 1930 and went on again to lift the trophy in Brazil in 1950. They are a proud football nation and will provide tough semi-final opposition. The Dutch will be happy not to be facing Ajax striker, Luis Suarez, but will have to be extremely alert to the dangers of the number one Uruguayan forward, Diego Forlan.