Just four teams left now and, following under-par performances by Brazil and Argentina in the quarter-finals, it's an all European final four for the first time since 1982. Let's see how my predictions went:
Germany v Argentina, Friday 16:00
Such a shame that the two teams who have played the most attractive football have to meet so early. This would have made a great final. Argentina have so many match-winners that it's hard to bet against them. If Germany are to triumph, Ballack will have to play out of his skin.
Prediction: Germany 1 Argentina 2
Result: Germany 1 Argentina 1 AET Germany win on penalties
Oh dear, not a great start on the clairvoyant front. It was far from a classic unfortunately, with soon-to-be-former Argentinian manager Jose Pekerman leaving Messi on the bench throughout. Argentina showed a little more invention than their hosts up until Ayala's goal but after that they retreated into their shells. Germany didn't play particularly well but Klose took his chance well. When it went to penalties there was only ever going to be one winner.
Italy v Ukraine, Firday 20:00
Ukraine have been solid but unspectacular so far while the Italians have mixed moments of high class with moments of base cunning. Even with Shevy, I don't think Ukraine have enough to break through a typically cynical Azurri backline. Having siad that, Italy haven't been great going forward with Luca Toni yet to find the net. Still, they should have just about enough to see them through to the semis.
Prediction: Italy 1 Ukraine 0
Result: Italy 3 Ukraine 0
A bit more emphatic than I envisaged, with Toni finding the net at last. The Azzuri are looking ominous now though its hard for neutrals to take to them. Ukraine showed a bit of spirit in the second half, hitting the woodwork a couple of times. A quarter-final place is an excellent achievement in their first World Cup.
England v Portugal, Saturday 16:00
England, who have produced some truly wretched performances thus far, will probably choose this game to finally put on a display worthy of their status as "the golden generation". But it still won't be enough to overcome the Portuguese. Deco and Costinha are suspended but in Maniche, Simao, Ronaldo and Figo, Portugal still have an abundance of talent in midfield. Crucially, they have Big Phil, who has easily outwitted Eriksson in the past two tournaments.
Prediction: England 1 Portugal 2 AET
Result: England 0 Portugal 0 AET Portugal win on penalties.
Well, I was basically correct, Portugal went through and England finally played some half-decent football. The English media, showing their usual studied impartiality, have worked themselves into a frenzy against Ronaldo over his role in Rooney's sending off, conveniently ignoring the fact that Rooney stamped on Carvallho's groin. Again, no doubt who was going to win when it went to penalties. The "golden generation" managed one decent spot-kick between them and then started blubbing. Pathetic.
Brazil v France, Saturday 20:00
Should be the tie of the round given all the talent on display. This game is given added poignancy by the fact that it could be Zidane's last. France have been transformed by their remarkable win over the Spanish. Suddenly an unlikely last hurrah for the heroes of 1998 looks plausible. Brazil meanwhile have won all four of their matches scoring ten and conceding one, yet still they haven't fully convinced.
Prediction: Brazil 1 France 2
Result: Brazil 0 France 1
My new favourites for the cup, the French, produced another fine display, with Zidane back to his peerless best. Brazil's faults were finally exposed by quality opposition. Personally, I'm more than a little tired with the fawning adulation which greets the Brazilians before they've even kicked a ball. Oh yes and who scored the goal? Thierry Henry who, lest we forget, "is not a big game player."
And now for the semi predictions:
Tuesday 20:00
Italy v Germany
I really hope the Germans come through this as they are the most attacking side left. They seem to have enough to get past the Italians with the defence having tightened up and the front pair getting plenty of goals. Ballack is due a goal as well though he will miss the suspended Frings next to him in midfield. Italy are strong defensively and upfornt Toni could be about to emulate Paolo Rossi in 1982 by scoring a rash of goals late on in the tournament.
Prediction Italy 0 Germany 2
Wednesday 20:00
Portugal v France
Emotionally, this is a no-brainer. France's ageing team have been immaculate in their past two games and another World Cup win would crown the careers of Zidane, Makalele and Thuram. Portugal meanwhile have disgraced the tournament with their play-acting and sneaky fouls in the last two games. While on one level, you can admire the sheer depth of Scolari's cynicism, he has blighted this World Cup. It's a shame because, in Ronaldo, Maniche and Deco, the Portuguese have some excellent players.
Prediction: Portugal 0 France 2