WC 2010 SF: Germany vs Spain [P + R]

[MelvinSmiley]

Maybe Podolski will be the important man in this match. Facing Ramos on his side, the key for germany might be Podolski stopping his runs and maybe start some counterattacks with Ramos up front...

 

[newbie original]

....
I still feel like Muller is the key. .....

Trochowski and Toni Kroos????

What about Cacau? I have heard his name a lot over the past 2-3 seasons. Surely he's proven himself and now's as good a time to put him in. I know he's older and likely slower, as a result, but on paper he appears to be ready.

Put him as a direct replacement for Muller...no?

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Trochowski and Toni Kroos????

What about Cacau? I have heard his name a lot over the past 2-3 seasons. Surely he's proven himself and now's as good a time to put him in. I know he's older and likely slower, as a result, but on paper he appears to be ready.

Put him as a direct replacement for Muller...no?

Cacau? No. He's not a winger at all. Would be a stupid replacement IMO. If you keep hearing Cacau's name, then surely you've heard of Kroos, you know the Golden Boy of this Golden Generation? Golden Ball winner at the 2007 U-17 World Cup and 2006 U-17 European Championship. Of course he's not the replacement for Muller either (unless Jogi is brave enough to put Ozil on the right and Kroos in the middle which I suppose could work, but is EXTREMELY unlikely).

 

[Mozole]

its gonna be Netherlands vs Germany in the final, no doubt

 

[MelvinSmiley]

No Cacau. I´d prefer Trochowski, hes pretty solid, you know what you get. Thats not the case with Kroos, but it looks like Löw will bring him.

 

[Krypton X]

I reckon Ottmar Hitzfeld already started his own facebook group, if Joachim's troops don't get over Spain he might have a few more fans: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ottma...m-Low-for-Euro-2012/131169366903121?ref=share


Ottmar's tips on beating Spain:

He told Bild: "The German team, of course, has more footballing potential than my Swiss team. That’s why they will use different tactics to those I employed when we beat Spain 1-0 in the first group game.

"I think that the Spanish way of playing will suit Germany. Spain like to attack, and their fullbacks Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila get forward a lot. That means that there is often space on the flanks which the German players will be able to exploit.

"That is an Achilles' heel for Spain and Germany can cause them problems there.

"Gaps could open up in central defence if Gerard Pique or Carles Puyol get dragged towards Miroslav Klose. That would leave Mesut Özil with a free route to goal."

Despite talking up Germany's chances of recording victory over the European champions, Hitzfeld has a word of warning for Low and his players:
"Things could get dangerous for Germany in the area that I call the ‘red zone’. That is the corridor between defence and midfield, where Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa operate," he said

"Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich, as well as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, need to keep this space small and prevent the Spanish from working their magic there.

"It will also be highly important to double up on the wings, because Spain, and especially Villa, are very good in one-on-one situations.

"Even if these tactics work, it will definitely not be possible to completely prevent Spain from getting chances. Their players are individually just too good for that.

I'm expecting Spain will adopt a markedly different plan to what they've had, Del Bosque could possibly go with a 4-5-1 to starve Germany of some wing space and combat their counters. This is not the Spain of Euro 2008 though, Torres is a shadow of his former self, Xavi has to fill the role that Senna played, and with Fabregas on the bench, it leaves Xabi Alonso as a less effective lone playmaker. Meanwhile, the Germans have only gotten better since 2 years ago. I think it's time for some sweet revenge for Die Mannschaft

 

[MelvinSmiley]

Still Spain is on a very high level for a long term now, and they are very experienced in their formation. I have my doubts, but of course i hope, germany will go through.
I think, the team which scores first, pretty sure will win it.

 

[newbie original]

....If you keep hearing Cacau's name, then surely you've heard of Kroos, you know the Golden Boy of this Golden Generation?.....

Yes, although I think Cacau's name has been more prominent....atleast from a neutral point of view. It's quite intriguing that Kroos is at the top of the line....despite, at this WC anyways, having not made as much of an impact as Ozil.

 

[Arnau]

Super Pedro starter. YES!

 

[Jaboldinho]

That's it, Germany already lost this one.

 

[Seaside_37]

Germany will win!!!!

 

[Theodorakis]

youve got tickets for a world cup semi final match which includes the best two teams in the tournament and you ruin your chances of watching the game live by jumping into the field.. What an idiot..

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Sergio Ramos has absolutely no respect for Podolski. He's playing as a very advanced wingback, and yet has never been caught in any danger. Other than that, nothing is really that interesting, although Trochowski is much more predictable and less of an option for the guys in the middle to combine with. But I'd say he's done well with Capdevilla, kept him back for the most part, and even had a great shot on goal.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Super Pedro starter. YES!

Strange that even Pedro's getting caught into this "too crowded" midfield and not providing width. It's very easy to defend when everyone is so close to each other; someone other than the fullbacks need to provide width.

 

[Arnau]

Ramos is just silly, dont you watch crackovia?

 

[gasper000]

penalty for ozil was not awarded.!

 

[Mus]

penalty for ozil was not awarded.!

no.

 

[newbie original]

Game Set Match Xabi Alonso's team...damn idiot!

 

[ArgVega]

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

 

[Mus]

wtf pedro retarded