7th July Representatives talk about their World Cup chances

Last night Uruguay crashed out of the World Cup, losing in the first semi final match against a strong Netherlands team. There are now only three teams left until the showpiece final, which takes place at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on Sunday 11th July. Excitement is running high throughout South Africa, from the players on the pitch to the fans in the stadiums.

Today is the second semi final game, a much anticipated match between Spain and Germany. We wanted to know what affect the excitement was having on the three Miss World Representatives who are left in South Africa, all hoping that their country will take the trophy home.

MWO interview Carmen Fernandez (SPAIN), Maike Frohlingsdorf (GERMANY) and Francis Beukeveld (NETHERLANDS)

MWO: How do you feel about today’s game?
SPAIN: Nervous, I will feel better after the game.
GERMANY: I already know the result because Paul the Octopus already predicted the winner!
SPAIN: (laughs)

MWO: Who is Paul the Octopus?
GERMANY: He is an Octopus from an aquarium in Oberhausen which is near my hometown of Cologne. He has correctly predicted all of Germany’s results so far. Unfortunately he has predicted that Spain will win today.
SPAIN: I am even more confident now! He was in the newspaper here in South Africa this morning.

MWO: Who is going to win the World Cup?
SPAIN: We have to win, we will eat them alive!
GERMANY: Spain because the Octopus is never wrong.
NETHERLANDS: Netherlands have been the best team so far. Go for it!

MWO: Will you still be friends after the game?
SPAIN: That depends on the result!
GEMANY: (laughs) Yes, but I will kill Paul the Octopus if he is correct!
NETHERLANDS: Yes, I have had an amazing time, although I really think we can win and take the World Cup back to the Netherlands.

MWO: Francis, Who would you like to see join Netherlands in the Final?
NETHERLANDS: I would like to play Spain because Germany always win!

MWO: What has been your favourite moment of the experience?
GERMANY: It has to be beating England 4-1 in the quarter finals.
SPAIN: When Spain beat Paraguay and reached the semi finals. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric.
NETHERLANDS: When we modelled the bangles for the Nelson Mandela Charity 64446. It is a charity for HIV/AIDS sufferers and it was an honour to get involved with the initiative.

MWO: Do you have a message for fans back at home?
GERMANY: Don’t listen to Paul the Octopus and support Germany!
SPAIN: Be strong and know that it can happen.
NETHERLANDS: We are such a great orange army behind the team. We can do anything!

MWO: What will you do if you win, what will the reaction be like back home?
GERMANY: Party!
SPAIN: In Spain there will be the biggest party ever seen, and I think it will last about a month.
NETHERLANDS: Boats will take to the canals in Amsterdam and everyone will be on the streets.

Netherlands play Spain in the World Cup Semi Final 8.30pm today