As the 2010 FIFA World Cup reaches its final stages, it continues to supply the globe with thrilling soccer matches.

Four teams are left standing, and only one will be crowned soccer champion of the world.

The path to glory has been a daunting one for the remaining countries.

While Germany has made it look easy, talent-loaded Spain squeaked into the semis with a lackluster victory against Paraguay, and the Netherlands had to pull off a come-from-behind victory over top-ranked Brazil to advance.

And in what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most chaotic finishes in World Cup history, Uruguay defeated Ghana in penalty kicks to advance to the semifinals.

Many people are calling the Uruguay win undeserved and illegitimate. New Orleans        Jesters head coach Kenny Farrell agreed and said Ghana deserved to win the game.

“Uruguay is very lucky,” Farrell said. “There is nothing you can do about it now, but Ghana won the game. If they wouldn’t have missed the penalty, Ghana would have won it, and I don’t think Uruguay deserve to make it any further based on that. It really is a disgrace.”

With the large number of close games thus far in the World Cup, Farrell said all the teams have impressed him in their abilities to overcome challenges.

“Management on the field is extremely important, and all of the teams have shown great management,” Farrell said. “All of these teams have shown that they are able to stay level-headed and keep playing the game despite adversity.”

Although the old “defense wins championships” adage normally applies to American football, Farrell believes it describes this World Cup perfectly.

“[Uruguay] have not had a lot of goals scored on them. That seems to be a trend with the teams that have made it this far,” Farrell said. “The flare teams like Brazil and Argentina have been beaten, and it seems to be an indicator in this World Cup that organized, disciplined defenses are putting teams through.”

Some of the best defense in the tournament has been played by Germany.  Many students, like computer science junior Michael Kline, believe the Germans have been the most impressive team thus far.

“Their speed and their youth has been surprising,” Kline said. “I don’t think many people thought they would come out and perform the way they are. It will be tough for them to reach the finals, but I think they can do it.”

Farrell agreed and said the team has meshed and plays well as a whole unit.

“Germany has been extremely good on the counterattack,” he said. “They get the first goal, and they play very comfortably and very organized, and the chemistry is excellent.”

The consensus seems to have the Netherlands advancing to the finals, but there are discrepancies when arguing who the Dutch may play. While Germany has looked the strongest, Farrell said Spain’s high talent level may be too much for the Germans.

“This is a very tough one to call, but I would give the edge to Spain,” Farrell said. “I think man-to-man across the field they’re more experienced. They have more World Class players than any of the teams left in the tournament, and I think they’ll go on to win the World Cup.”

Some University students, like Kline, agree that Spain will advance but see a different          outcome in the final.

“The Netherlands will get past Uruguay and Spain will beat the Germans,” Kline said. “In the finals I think the Netherlands will beat Spain, 2-1.”

Others disagree. Jamie Dismukes, physics junior, believes history will repeat itself and the Germans will once again take home the honors.

“I think Germany is going to win it all,” Dismukes said. “They have looked the strongest so far, and let’s face it … they’re Germany.”