Europe is back on top at the World Cup and could be about to meet an 80-year-old challenge - winning the title on another continent.

Europe is already assured of one place in Sunday's final and if the Netherlands beat Uruguay on Tuesday, the continent's triumph will be assured.

With Brazil and Argentina eliminated, the semifinal lineup exposes what the first three weeks of the World Cup almost hid. The final stages have shown the supposed resurgence of South America was just a mirage.

All this, despite the might of Brazil, the home advantage of Africa, and the talent of Lionel Messi and Argentina.

"So many good players, such good people, such good professionals," said Argentina coach Diego Maradona in a melancholy tone after his star-studded team was routed 4-0 whitewash by Germany last weekend.

It was "like getting punched by Muhammad Ali," he said.

Germany's squad was reinvented under coach Joachim Loew as a sparkling, creative team instead of the regimented steamroller of old.

The Germans are aware of Europe's status and hopes of a first title abroad, but is understandably focused on its quest for a fourth title.

"I don't think anybody really reckoned it would go this way," Germany striker Miroslav Klose said. "We're not placing any great importance on it."

Brazil and Pele won in Sweden in 1958, Dunga led the South Americans to the 1994 title in the United States and Brazil won again in Japan and South Korea eight years ago.

The closest Europe got to an overseas triumph was when Rob Rensenbrink hit the post in the last minute against Argentina in the 1978 final before the Netherlands lost 3-1 in extra time.

Now the Dutch can make sure of a European win as favourites against Uruguay. They won their five games so far with workmanlike football laced with a few moments of brilliance from the likes of Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.

The Netherlands pushed out perennial favourites Brazil in a 2-1 come-from-behind quarterfinal victory that shifted momentum back Europe's way.

After defending champions Italy and 2006 runners-up France made humiliating exits, only six of Europe's 13 teams made it to the second round and there was talk of a tectonic shift in world football.

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was already ribbing Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi with the prospect of two all-South American semifinals.

Instead came Teutonic revival, with Germany playing by far the best football in South Africa.

And the Dutch forgot about beauty-before-all flair and worked Brazil into the ground.

"It was a shock to everyone," Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar said.

Now the Dutch are looking to shed their moniker as the best team never to win the World Cup, while the Germana are seeking a fourth crown, but the first one to have so much flair to go with it.

Even Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is impressed about the turnaround.

"They started to work from the bottom up (and) they've been able to renew the national team," Del Bosque said. "While demonstrating respect for their past players ... they've taken a step forward, although Germany has always been good."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP