Jata Scores, Dynamo Win 3-0

It's been an on and off season for the Carolina Dynamo, but it looks as if they will come up just short of making the playoffs. Currently they sit in 3rd place with only one game left remaining on the schedule. Things would be a lot more interesting if the Dynamo had pulled off victories in their final three away games, but instead they came out of it 1-1-1. Jata notched his first goal of the season in their last game against Central Jersey. The team's final match of the season is Saturday, July 24th against the Bermuda Hogges. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm and all fans who come out for the game will get a free team photo.

World Cup Final, 3rd Place Game & Highlights

The 2010 World Cup has been an amazing event. A Ghanaian friend of mine from college flew to South Africa for the Uruguay vs. Ghana game. He said the atmosphere was ridiculous and borderline scary, but one of the most exhilarating moments he had ever experienced. Watching Landon Donovan score in the final minutes of the Algeria game was one of the most memorable moments of the tournament for me and it's something I will never forget.

Yesterday we saw Uruguay take on Germany in a battle for 3rd place. Germany had several starters out, but still managed to pull off a 3-2 win. They rallied from a 2-1 deficit with Sami Khedira scoring the game-winner in the 82nd minute. Both teams had impressive runs and showed a lot of heart. Diego Forlan(age 31) and Miroslav Klose(age 32) were dominant forces, but it looks as if their chances of lifting the World Cup trophy in the future are long gone. It's been really great seeing these two players battle it out on the pitch the last few weeks in their quest for the golden boot.

With the World Cup coming to an end, the final should be one of the most exciting games of the tournament. The Spaniards have touch, skill and they dominate possession of the ball. The Netherlands have tremendous pace and are a threat to score at all positions. I'm extremely excited for today's game and Spain's lack of scoring depth is pushing me towards naming the Netherlands as favorites. The only thing holding me back is Spain's ability to possess the ball and completely control the game. Holland is unbeaten in their last 25 games and several players have 1 v 1 capability. My gut is telling me Holland, but my soccer background is telling me Spain. Who will win and be crowned the 2010 World Cup Champions?

My prediction - Spain wins 1-0 and takes home the country's first World Cup trophy.

Semifinal #2 - Germany vs. Spain

This is the matchup we've all been waiting for. Spain were the early favorites(besides Brazil) and are the highest ranked team left at this point. The Germans have been dominant on all sides of the ball and the most entertaining team to watch throughout the tournament. I have watched every single game of the 2010 World Cup and I still get extremely excited when Germany steps onto the pitch.

Both teams have star athletes, but the Germans have played slightly better as a "team" up to this point. However, the Spaniards are not far behind with their possession of the ball dominating every opposing squad. The Germans can pass, make great runs, and are a superb at finishing off their counter attacks. Spain controls the possession and their passing is second to none, but their finishing ability has not been there with Fernando Torres looking absent to say the least. Obviously, David Villa is Spains' biggest scoring threat. For the Germans, everyone is a scoring threat. Unfortunately, Thomas Muller(4 goals) will miss this match for accumulating too many yellow cards, but with Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski all tallying goals this tournament, I think Germany will do just fine.
My two favorite players in this matchup are David Villa(Spain) and Miroslav Klose(Germany). Both of these players bring the desire and determination to score goals. Villa has been Spain's only weapon on the offensive side of the ball and Klose is a great finisher. Klose is one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history and at 33 years old, he brings extreme leadership to a very young squad. I love Germany's midfield tandem in Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger. They make great runs off the ball and are reliant on the defensive side as well. It's no question that Spain's midfield duo is also one of the best, so the Germans will be put to the test in this highly anticipated semifinal matchup.

My Prediction - Germany wins 1-0 and advance to their 8th World Cup Final.

Semifinal #1 - Uruguay vs. Netherlands

The 2010 World Cup has been very exciting to say the least. From disallowed goals and offside blunders, questionable no-calls and numerous cards, extremely fast players and exhilarating moves, the World Cup has been everything I expected it to be and more! Today's matchup brings together two teams with very different stories. Uruguay won the first ever World Cup, but have been relatively absent as of late. They were given 100-1 odds at the beginning of the tournament, but have certainly proved that they belong here with exciting gameplay from Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. The Netherlands are heavily favored in this matchup despite never winning a World Cup. Their fast gameplay and precision passing have really helped them progress through the tournament. Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder have been great for the Netherlands and Arjen Robben brings a lot of speed out on the wing.
No one expected to see this matchup, but it's here. My two favorite players in this matchup are Diego Forlan(Uruguay) and Wesley Sneijder(Netherlands). These two players are brilliant on the ball and they have incredible vision. They also bring creativity, determination and extreme confidence. Forlan has been a huge scoring threat and a great distributor of the ball. Sneijder has kept the Netherlands in the tournament leading his team with 4 goals. My sleeper player is Dirk Kuyt because he brings 110% every time he steps onto the field. He's not the most talented player on the team, but his effort and unquestionable hustle to every 50-50 ball is second to none. When the World Cup is over, I will choose a 1st and 2nd starting XI. As of right now, Forlan and Sneijder have both proved that they deserve a spot on my 1st team. Who will join them?

My prediction - Netherlands win 3-1 and advance to their 3rd World Cup Final.