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At last it is here.
The game that everyone has been waiting for since clock struck 10:30 p.m. local time in Vienna two summers ago. On that night, in the final of Euro 2008, Fernando Torres scored the only goal and with it helped Spain finally get over the long hurdle and become champions of Europe for the first time since 1964. 
The nation that boasts arguably the best soccer league in Europe finally could erase the label “underperformers” from their resume and hoist a trophy of importance.
On the other side of the field there stood Germany, a perennial soccer power with a winning pedigree, filled with aging stars looking for answers. While the Spaniards celebrated their first international trophy in over 4o years, Germans were left to wonder what’s next? So, in a real German-like efficiency they started the rebuilding process and within two years the project appears to be complete. Gone are the old stars like Lehmann and Torsten Frings among others and in came the new breed of stars. Youngsters like Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng came in and re-energized the squad and gave new life to a soccer crazy country. In less than two years the mission is complete as Germany has lit up South Africa with its dazzling display of attacking soccer. Germany has played so good in the tournament that they are now the favorites to lift the cup and join Italy as the only other European team with four titles.
Here is a preview of today’s intriguing semifinal:
GERMANY – SPAIN (Wednesday 1:30 C.T., Durban Stadium – Durban)
Before the tournament Spain was the favorite alongside Brazil. Germany was a dark-horse at best, with so many people citing their youth as the main problem in achieving the ultimate soccer glory.
Spain has advanced to the semifinals without a dazzling display of soccer associated with the team over the past couple years. Some might see that as a negative but not me. The fact that they got this far without playing the best soccer should be encouraging. Imagine if they do click on all cylinders over the next two games? What happens then? Spain will lift its first World Cup trophy undoubtedly because they do play the most beautiful soccer in the world.
As for this game, the question remains how Spain will neutralize Germany’s lethal counter attack? 
How will they stop Bastian Schweinsteiger from controlling the flow of the game in midfield? Will Fernando Torres wake up from his summer nap? Will Carles Puyol be able to play due to injury concerns?
The answer to the first two questions is this: Don’t give the Germans the ball! If Spain does what Spain does best, keep possession and execute short passes, Schweinsteiger and the counter attacking is minimized. As for the Torres question, I think he should be left on the bench but who knows what Vicente Del Bosque will do come game time. He might just start Torres hoping he finds his scoring touch again (it was Torres who scored the game-winner against Germany in the Euro 2008 final) and then all the problems will be forgotten. If Carles Puyol can’t go Carlos Marchena will step in and do a good job.
Germany has been the most impressive team in South Africa. No one can argue that. Beating England 4:1 (should have been 4:2) and destroying Argentina 4:0 is no fluke. Not only has Germany played better than anyone in the tournament but with the last two results along came confidence and belief that was missing at the beginning of the World Cup. Germany’s young stars are shining brighter than ever and the “veteran” leadership of Lahm and Schweinsteiger has been instrumental in what this side has accomplished thus far in the tournament. Right now the only question Germany faces is who will replace Thomas Muller (suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards) and his four goals and three assists. It will probably be either Toni Kroos or Piotr Trochowski subbing in for suspended Muller, both capable of executing the plan to perfection.
So, who wins the game and why?
In my opinion Germany is playing better right now and the players seem to be on a mission. Knowing it’s Spain in the way it will mean even more to this German squad, wanting revenge for the 2008 Euro final. The Germans are scoring goals at will and that’s why I believe they will win today. 
Spain are too reliant on David Villa’s scoring and unless Torres or his sub (Llorente most likely, perhaps Barca’s Pedro) can provide some goalscoring help, where is the scoring going to come from? Regardless of who one roots for, this game should be a great game to watch. There should be great passing, great defense and hopefully great goals as well. Exactly what a game of this magnitude should be.
PREDICTION: GERMANY 3 – SPAIN 1 (I know it’s a bold prediction but I’m sticking to it)
Tags: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Carles Puyol, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Germany, Jerome Boateng, Mesut Ozil, Pedro, Phillip Lahm, Spain, Thomas Muller, Vicente Del Bosque
Miller says:
Revert to my response from yesterday. Deustchland is playing solid futbol right now. I haven’t seen any team play more consistent, 11-man futbol – utilizing the entire field in the Cup. Good point on the Euro 08 disappointment, hadn’t thought of that… that still stings for me and I imagine slightly more for the Germans. Muller will be missed… Germany advances, 2-1.
Ben says:
While I simply cannot deny the fact that Germany has played the most consistent futbol of the tournament, Spain is not far behind. They have looked very solid throughout the tournament, and from what I have seen have dominated every game they have been in (possession wise). I would argue that Germany has not had to play the caliber of teams Spain has, either. Argentina, while advancing far and playing decently, had a suspect defense (at best), and England was arguably one of the ugliest, most pathetic teams to advance through the group stage. Spain had to defeat a very tough Portugal team and in my opinion one of the most complete teams that has been knocked out of the cup, Paraguay.
Granted, the goal scoring has not been there for Spain, and I do feel it is in large part because David Villa and Fernando Torres are too much alike, and also the fact that Torres is clearly unfit and not ready to be on this stage right now (unfortunately). I would like to see Villa slotted up top, alone, and either have Pedro or Fabregas inserted into the starting XI.
With that said, I look for Spain to lock down the Germans and frustrate them. Germany has had the ability to control every game they have played so far, and I do not think that will be the case today, and missing Muller will hurt the Germans more than a lot of people think.
Espana takes down the mighty, mighty Germans, by a final score of 2-0.
Chipmunk says:
I’m saying GO SPAIN!! The Germans are efficient and have a great aura while on the field. Nevertheless, Spain’s win against Germany is set to come today. I’m not saying Spain won’t need to work hard for their earnings. In fact, the opposite is more true. Spain will really need to show up and connect with each other in ways we have yet to see on the field. The Germans have made every team they have played against look silly. Spain can’t fall victim to this, too.
My prediction… Spain 3 – Germany 2.
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