Is it almost over? Wasn't it just yesterday that we all sat down to predict which teams would make it out of the group stage? But now, after 60 matches and countless debates over the vuvuzela and the Jabulani, after watching in appreciation of the U.S.' inspired campaign and in horror at the many bad refereeing decisions, after the African continent got behind one of its own, the World Cup is down to the final four. Which teams will reach the final? Our writers offer their predictions for the semifinals. (To learn more about our writers, go to our World Cup blog.)

Jeff Carlisle

Netherlands 3, Uruguay 1

"Uruguay has enjoyed a stellar run to the semifinals, but this is where the dream will end. Netherlands will take the match."

Germany 2, Spain 1

"Germany has shown a greater tactical flexibility throughout the tournament, and given the team's higher level of form at the moment, it will win."

Jeff Bradley

Netherlands 1, Uruguay 0

"With Luis Suarez out, Uruguay will defend until the death. The Netherlands have shown the grit to win a battle like this one."

Spain 2, Germany 1

"Spain has survived to this point, and its ability to get late results has galvanized the team. Almost feeling like underdogs against everyone's new favorite, Andres Iniesta and David Villa will rise to the occasion."

Luke Cyphers

Netherlands 1, Uruguay 1

"The Dutch will win on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw."

Germany 2, Spain 2

"Spain will lose on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw."

Chris Jones

Netherlands 2, Uruguay 0

"A suspension- and injury-riddled Uruguayan lineup will be no match for the undefeated Dutch."

Germany 3, Spain 2

"Too little, too late from Fernando Torres, but the seemingly unstoppable Germans are held to just three goals rather than their customary four."

John Brewin

Uruguay 2, Netherlands 1

"The Uruguayans may just think they have fate on their side after that incredulous escape from Ghana. Mind you, in beating Brazil, the Dutch cleared the path for their best chance of winning the World Cup since 1974 and 1978. They have done everything right so far, but making things wrong for the other team is what Uruguay do best, so I'm going for an unlikely South American finalist."

Spain 1, Germany 0

"The goal kings of the tournament are the Germans, whose success has been delivered via a simplicity of approach that is almost opposite to Spain's overly finicky football, which is yet to break into anything approaching a free flow. Yet the Spanish may have the ability to frustrate with their patience in possession, just as they did after taking the lead in the Euro 2008 final. Expect history to repeat itself here."

James Martin

Netherlands 2, Uruguay 0

"Uruguay will not be able to overcome the loss of Luis Suarez. The Netherlands should cruise to an easy win."

Germany 2, Spain 1

"Spain's passing game is as awesome as it is predictable. But Germany's attacking options will be too much for Spain to contain."

Leander Schaerlaeckens

Netherlands 1, Uruguay 0

"This will be a scrappy game, as Uruguay tries to play the Dutch physically. The Dutch will eventually outlast them by holding possession, leading to a narrow late-game win."

Germany 2, Spain 1

"While one could expect this to be a high-scoring affair, it will be the opposite. Germany will sit back a little, while Spain hogs the ball but makes sure it doesn't get caught out of position, leading to a chess-match in the midfield. But I expect Die Mannschaft to win in extra time."