Southern comfort impairs Euro vision

THIS World Cup has been dominated by South American sides, so what odds on them dominating the semi-final line-up by the time the whistles blow in Cape Town and Johannesburg on Saturday?

It would mean Paraguay beating Spain, perhaps the longest shot of all, but a quick look at Paraguay’s defensive record – only one goal conceded in four matches – and a deeper look at Spain’s attacking threat – only two goalscorers all tournament – may be enough to convince a canny gambler there is food there for thought.

The rest of the equation is not so difficult to contemplate; for the World Cup to have its first ever South American clean sweep, Argentina would need to beat Germany, Brazil would need to beat Holland and Uruguay win against Ghana.