THE BATTLE OF THE BRANDS

The World Cup semi-finals begin today as Netherlands and Uruguay battle it out for a place in the final at Soccer City on Sunday. They play either Germany or Spain who face each other on Wednesday.

Adidas are guaranteed a team in the final as they supply both Spain and Germany with their official kits. The other semi-final is an intriguing match-up between Puma (Uruguay) and Nike (Netherlands). Puma took the honors in 2006 when Italy beat Adidas sponsored France. Can the cat brand do it again? Nike have seen their groundbreaking ‘Write the Future’ campaign come in for some mockery as all the stars have already returned home. But they could bounce back and have the last laugh if the Dutch add a star above their crest. Neither Netherlands nor Spain have ever won the tournament.

The question is: Which team has the players to take them all the way?

Uruguay have lost Luis Suarez to suspension but will still rely on ever present Diego Forlan. The Athletico Madrid man wears Adidas AdiZero boots as does the Netherlands danger man Arjen Robben. Wesley Sneijder has been untouchable for the Dutch. His form could be thanks to the Elite Series Nike T90 Laser III he has worn throughout the World Cup. He and fellow T90 wearer Miroslav Klose are both on 4 goals for the tournament. Germany’s attacking options don’t end with Klose however. Mueller has been a revelation and Podolski has shown the form we know he is capable of. Both wear AdiZeros while Schweinsteiger – another one to watch – wears AdiPures. Spain’s weapon of choice is David Villa – who leads the Golden boot race with 5 goals. The new Barcelona acquisition is another AdiZero wearer. Iniesta will be in CTR360s while his fellow midfielder Xavi will be in the Predator X.

The Adidas Adizero looks sure to end the 2010 FIFA World Cup as Top-Scoring Boot, with more than double the goals of second placed Nike T90 Laser III.