World Cup 2010: Germany v Spain – Semi Final

International Football Tips

 

World Cup 2010
Germany v Spain – Semi Final
Wednesday 7th July 2010 – 2030hrs
This fixture ensures a European country will book a place in the World Cup final as Germany take on Spain at the Durban Stadium, Durban on Wednesday night – but who will emerge as the victors in this momentous tussle?
Germany have gone from strength to strength since the knockout stages, and if anyone had any doubts as to their potential World Cup winning pedigree, they were firmly silenced as they trounced strong favourites Argentina 4-0 as they ran out comfortable winners.
Of course, Germany have been in this position before and are no strangers to knowing what needs to be done to a) reach the final and b) win the final. In addition, striker Miroslav Klose has hit his straps at just the right time, and stands a very good chance of having a tilt at top scorer in World Cup history, needing just one more goal to equal the record set by Ronaldo.
Ominously, the efficient German ruthlessness and clinical approach is there for all to see as their settled midfield quietly dominates each opposition, taking the direct approach when needed and this could well be the deciding factor between these two sides ultimately.
The only down side for Germany is that they will be without young midfielder Thomas Muller following his yellow card against Argentina, so Piotr Trochowski is likely to deputise on the left side of midfield.
Otherwise it is likely that Germany will be unchanged as they bid to reach yet another final.
Spain on the other hand, continue to scrape past each opponent, returning awkward, unconvincing and at times, fortunate displays – but I guess they’ve done what was needed so far. Their midfield though is an area for concern, along with the loss of form of striker Fernando Torres – the midfield over-elaborating in their attacks going forward, only to finally reach Torres on the edge of the area, who seems totally disinterested in playing in this tournament, and had it not been for David Villa, may well have seen the Spaniards struggle to qualify from their group.
Manager Del Bosque therefore has a very hard decision to make in my opinion – Torres or Fabregas to start? A no-brainer in my eyes – Fabregas immediately had a positive influence on the park when he came off the bench against Paraguay and has more in his armoury than Torres including his ability at set-pieces.
Defender Raul Albiol returns from injury but is unlikely to start, as Spain have no injuries or suspensions to report.
Germany definitely have the upper hand in this one I fancy, and have the edge in attacking discipline over their hesitant Spanish counterparts.
Pick: Germany @ a generous 2.90 with William Hill is my tip for this one