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Germany's oracle octopus Paul picked Spain to beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final on Sunday in a live television broadcast watched across Europe.
Spain booked their place in their first World Cup final on Wednesday with a display of cool-headed experience, patience, tactical nous and skill that ultimately proved too much for a young German side.
Soccer fans across Germany will be hoping a "psychic" cephalopod's fabled skills of prophecy have failed him after Paul the octopus predicted a German loss in their World Cup semi-final with Spain.
Uruguay can win a third World Cup even if they cannot regain a permanent place back at the top table of soccer, coach Oscar Tabarez said on Monday.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk believes Uruguay's passionate approach should serve as an example for his team when the sides meet on Tuesday in the first World Cup semi-final at the Green Point Stadium.
The World Cup's history men face the competition's nearly men when inaugural hosts and twice winners Uruguay take on double runners-up Netherlands in Cape Town on Tuesday fighting it out for a place in the final.
Spain must remain faithful to their fast-flowing, attacking style against Germany in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, according to coach Vicente del Bosque.
South America's sole survivor Uruguay stole the limelight on Sunday in their quest to surpass Europe's three World Cup semi-finalists and lift the trophy for the first time since 1950.
Not much hype is required when the five-time champion faces the country that created "total football" in the World Cup quarterfinals.
"It will be the team to give us the guarantee to overcome Germany. We know Germany are a different team to (round of 16 opponent) Mexico."There is a very positive feeling in the team. We have gained a lot of confidence from taking a victory against England," said Loew.
Semifinals Fixtures
| July 7 |
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July 8 |
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Top Scorers
|
Player |
Team |
Goals |
David Villa | ESP | 5 |
| Sneijder | NED | 5 | |||
| Diego Forlan |
URU |
5 | |||
| Mueller |
GER |
5 | |||
|
Vittek |
SVK | 4 | |||
|
Klose |
GER |
4 |
|||
|
Higuain |
ARG |
4 |
|||
|
Asamoah Gyan |
GHA |
3 | |||
| Donovan | USA | 3 | |||
| Luis Suarez | URU | 3 | Fabiano | BRA | 3 |
URU 2 - 3 NED 
GER 0 - 1 ESP 