No shortage of drama as World Cup semi-finalists are confirmed

Those hoping for excitement and upset in the World Cup quarter-finals are unlikely to have been left disappointed by the events of Friday and Saturday: ten goals, three missed penalties, two red cards, one penalty shoot out and one managerial casualty, with another likely to follow shortly. So whilst Dunga is looking for another job and Diego Maradona contemplates his future, it’s Uruguay vs Netherlands and Germany vs Spain in the semi-finals.

After the exit of favourites Brazil, and with the much hyped Argentina also on the plane home, this World Cup looks to be wide open. Whilst Spain go into the semi-finals as favourites to win the tournament, they have been some way off the kind of form that will be required to beat a German side who look to be the form team. Overall odds of winning the tournament currently look like this: Spain 15/8, Germany 21/10, Netherlands 21/10 and Uruguay 11/1.

Unfortunately the talking points did not solely revolve around the football, with fair play and refereeing once again falling under the spotlight. Luis Suarez’s handball in the last minute of extra time against Ghana has caused fierce debate, whilst some fairly inconsistent refereeing on enroachment in the penalty area following a penalty for each side meant that Spain were forced to retake a spot kick Xabi Alonson had scored, whilst Paraguay weren’t given the opportunity for a retake moments earlier when Oscar Cardozo had missed.

We will have a full preview for the each of the semi-finals over the next couple of days, but for now let us know your thoughts on the main talking points of the quarter-finals. Was Suarez’s handball villainous enough to warrant a two game ban? Should Maradona leave his post as Argentina manager? Who do you think will emerge victorious from the semi-finals and who are now your favourites to lift the trophy on 11^th July?