2010 World Cup Semifinals Schedule and Match Previews

Check out the 2010 World Cup Semifinals schedule here, as the field has been reduced to just 4 teams, slowly whittled down from the 32 that entered the finals nearly a month ago.

As you could expect from a huge tournament like this, many of the favorites have been sent home early, but the final four in the World Cup Semifinals is still a stacked bunch, with powerhouse teams like the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. At first it appeared as if this tournament was all about South American dominance. However, the Quarterfinals flipped that on its head, and it's now Europe that is dominating the field, with three of the four semifinal teams.

The two matches for the Semifinals of the 2010 World Cup are Uruguay vs. Netherlands and Germany vs. Spain. Here is the TV schedule for these two matches:

2010 World Cup Semifinals Schedule

-Uruguay vs. Netherlands: Tuesday, July 6 at 2:30 PM on ESPN

-Germany vs. Spain: Wednesday, July 7 at 2:30 PM on ESPN

Now that you know the 2010 World Cup Semifinals schedule, you better be prepared to watch the games as well. Here's what you can expect from these two matches, including which two teams just may advance into the finals coming up this weekend:

Uruguay vs. Netherlands Preview

Uruguay is a stout defensive team, giving up just two goals in all of their matches through the Quarterfinals. However, they can still capture your attention with dynamic striking and scoring, particularly provided by Diego Forlan. If Uruguay wins this tournament, then Forlan is undoubtedly the player of the tournament.

However, Uruguay will be short Luis Suarez, who was red carded in the match against Ghana for stopping a last ditch shot attempt in extra time with his hands. Luckily for him and his team, Asamoah Gyan hit the crossbar on the resulting penalty, and Uruguay was able to advance on penalty kicks.

The Netherlands just knocked off the tournament favorite Brazil, and were able to do so despite falling behind 1-0. They have a mixture of experience and youth, and are a well rounded squad. Netherlands has won every game they played in the World Cup, and has a lengthy international unbeaten streak.

Coming back against Brazil means they believe this is finally their year to win the entire tournament. The number 10 Wesley Sneijder has 3 goals in the tournament, including the winner against Brazil, and is the team's offensive spark plug. Arjen Robben's speed and striking are both invaluable to the country's attack.

Uruguay vs. Netherlands Prediction: Netherlands 2-1

Germany vs. Spain Preview

Germany has looked absolutely dominant in dispatching England and Argentina in their last two games, with a combined score of 8-1. This was a team that entered the 2010 World Cup with lots of questions, including an injured captain who could not play, problems with goalkeeping, and a largely young and unproven roster.

All of those concerns have disappeared, as the young roster has thrived, keyed on by the great play of longtime leaders such as Miroslav Klose, now tied as the second leading goal scorer in World Cup history, with 14. Some of the standout younger players on the squad include Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng. The team is speedy and precise, and thrives on the counterattack, rushing up the field and finding gaping openings in the other side's defense.

La Furia Roja of Spain were the co-favorites in the 2010 World Cup along with Brazil, and before they lost their first Group stage match they had only had one recent international loss on their resume in about 50 matches, that to the USA in the Confederations Cup.

Their team during this tournament run can be summed up in two words: David Villa. The attacker has been on a tear and has seemingly scored at will, winning match after match with his fearless and aggressive play, and his amazing striking ability. Additionally, the team has been boosted by the stellar play of netminder Iker Casillas. He came up huge in the Paraguay game, and has been one of the team leaders throughout the tournament.

Germany might be the hotter of the two teams in this match, but the Spanish side is deeper and has proven their merit over a longer stretch, winning UEFA Euro 2008. By the way- that game was a 1-0 victory over Germany.

The two teams are tailor made for one another, with Germany preferring to sit back and counter, and Spain preferring to hold the ball and pounce on the goalkeeper early and often. One of these two approaches has to give of course, and the more experienced team with the single best player on the pitch will have things go in their direction. There could be plenty of fireworks in this Semifinals World Cup match, that's one thing you can bet on.

Germany vs. Spain Prediction: Spain 3-2