Darren Moore's World Cup word

Albion favourite Darren Moore has his say on why England should be rooting for Germany in the World Cup semi-final.

At the risk of sparking further fury up and down the country, I'm rooting for Germany to win the World Cup! But, before you sink into further depression, hear me out.

There's no disputing the Germans have been the top team in South Africa until now and at least this weekend's demolition of Argentina ensured England aren't the only team to have been left with egg on their face by Joachim Low's side.

When you go out of a tournament you want to lose to the eventual winners because it restores a degree of pride - albeit a minute one in the case of Fabio Capello's team. Therefore, I'd like to see them go on to win the trophy on Sunday. And I can see them doing it too. Just.

Spain might still be the favourites with the bookies, but the way Germany are playing it's hard to look past them in tomorrow's second semi-final.

They are the form team, blowing the opposition away for fun, and that makes them the favourites in my book.

It has come as a surprise to some, but when you consider they've been working on this formation for four or five years it shouldn't.

They have drip fed young players into the team and if Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller weren't household names before the tournament then they most certainly are now.

But the player who has really shone out for me is Bastian Schweinsteiger - so far the player of the tournament.

He's single-handedly ran the show against England and Argentina and it's crazy to think he might not have been in the team had Michael Ballack been fit.

If Spain are to have any chance they need to stop him playing and that means man marking him.

Why on earth Argentina didn't do it with a player like Javier Mascherano in their ranks is beyond me, but it's something Spain have to do.

This is going to be a tactical battle. From what we've seen, it's clear Germany have the discipline and nous to stop teams playing. The question, for me, is can Spain stop Germany playing?

The European champions are the most talented team left in this tournament, but they will have to raise their game significantly.

They've been pretty average so far, but to say they're in their semis without playing well is a testament to what a good side they are.

If anyone can unlock Germany's defence you would think it would be Xavi and Andres Iniesta, so I'm expecting an incredibly tight game. But, over the 90 minutes, I fancy the Germans to edge it.

First up, though, is an equally intriguing clash between Holland and Uruguay tonight.

While they haven't exactly set the world alight, the Dutch deserve their place for their spirited second-half comeback against Brazil.

Wesley Sneijder isn't far behind Schweinsteiger in the player of the tournament stakes and for a midfielder to get four goals in five games is outstanding.

Going forward they are a match for anyone, with matchwinners like Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, and they've looked pretty solid at the back so far.

It's much the same with Uruguay who have relied on the firepower of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez.

Suarez will be a national hero after that handball on the line which ultimately kept them in the competition, but he will be a big miss as he serves his ban.

They were super cool in the shoot-out win over Ghana and I can see this one going to penalties again.

Holland's record in shoot-outs is about as good as England's and I can see Uruguay's remarkable run continuing to set up a final date with Germany.