*Official* Germany v Spain (Semi Final 2)

[Uppercut]

Germany quite strong favourites for mine. They just beat Argentina 4-0 ffs.

[vcs]

I never really bought into the Argentina hype.. they were massively flattered by some of their earlier results IMO. I just hope Spain turn up and don't make any early defensive errors because this could be a great contest.

[GingerFurball]

Originally Posted by Uppercut

Germany quite strong favourites for mine. They just beat Argentina 4-0 ffs.

I'd make Germany marginal favourites.

Looking at the two teams on paper, I'd expect Spain to triumph most of the time, as they have better players.

However, football isn't played on paper, and given the respective showings of the two nations thus far at the World Cup, Germany should win.

If Spain turn up and play like they're capable, it's a different story, which is why I wouldn't make Germany strong favourites.

[Pothas]

It is an obvious point but first goal is so key.

If Spain get it then that poses a very different question for Germany. Most of their goals against England and Argentina were down to great counter atacking against dreadfull defences, they will not be able to do that against a Spannish side that is one goal up and keeps the ball so well.

Hope Spain play Cesc though, made a difference when he came on yesterday.

[Teja.]

No contest win to Germany IMO.

[Quaggas]

Khedira did not train Sunday, some problem with the thigh... but is expected to resume "light training" Monday:

Bild.de: Zittern um Khedira

(in German)

[Shri]

Muller isn't playing is he?

[Xuhaib]

Originally Posted by Pothas

It is an obvious point but first goal is so key.

If Spain get it then that poses a very different question for Germany. Most of their goals against England and Argentina were down to great counter atacking against dreadfull defences, they will not be able to do that against a Spannish side that is one goal up and keeps the ball so well.

Hope Spain play Cesc though, made a difference when he came on yesterday.

yeah this.

[Samuel_Vimes]

Originally Posted by Xuhaib

yeah this.

Pothas and GF speaking a lot of sense.

it's easy to overrate this German side based on a couple of really successful matches; they're full of young, talented footballers, but the fact remains that they don't have a clue who to put at LB and whoever they choose (Boateng, Badstuber) he'll be shown up at the highest level, Klose needs 252584124174 chances to score a goal, Podolski and Khedira are mercurial at best and Müller is 20. There are valid arguments to be made against the Spanish side winning, too, of course - team not looking like it's gelled, no end product out of their neat passing play - but it's a 50-50 clash.

[BoyBrumby]

Positives for Spain I can see:

1) No Muller for semi; big miss

2) Spain aren't playing at anything like their potential but have done enough to make it so far

3) Conversely, Germany are playing about as well as they can. Only one way to go from there, etc

4) Only time Jerry went behind so far he struggled to formulate a meaningful response.

5) Spain (at least in theory) have the pace & movement to exploit the lack of the same in the German centre-halves

[Uppercut]

Originally Posted by BoyBrumby

4) Only time Jerry went behind so far he struggled to formulate a meaningful response.

You think not? Didn't score I suppose, but considering they were down to ten men against a seriously negative side, they did make a hell of a lot of chances. At least until Ozil was subbed.

[Matteh]

Had a penalty too that was annoyingly fluffed.

Podolski that entire game was off radar with those left foot bullet shots.

[Johnners]

Talk of Torres being dropped to the bench, would be a good move for mine. Use him as an impact sub with his speed and start with Cesc instead.

[Nnanden]

Tbf though, the only game in the tournament they've played with a lone striker resulted in a loss.

[Johnners]

Fair point, just don't think they're utilising Torres properly though, and that combined with him being somewhat short of proper match fitness isn't helping the teams fluidity.