*** Official World Cup 2010 Semi-Final Thread: Spain v Germany ***

[perseus]

Germany v Spain, Durban, Wednesday 1930 BST

You have to wonder quite what Germany need to do at this World Cup before they're made favourites for a knockout game.

As the predictable but depressing 'patriotic punt' came on the morning of their last-16 game against England, Joachim Low's men drifted out to 21/10 (England were 13/8). And we all know what happened there.

Six days later and Argentina were 13/10 favourites to beat them (and 4/7 to qualify). And we all know what happened there.

But after scoring four goals in back-to-back World Cup knockout games they're still regarded as the outsiders pretty much across the board as they gear up for a semi-final clash with Spain.

SportingLife | World Cup 2010 in South Africa | Betting | Germany to cause Spain pain

 

[Mendoza]

I have £2 on Xabi Alonso to be first scorer at 25/1

VAMOS España

 

[SUIYHP]

To be honest seeing Germany play and the fact Spain have been lacking a little I wouldn't be surprised if Germany would do another 4 goal victory, Spain have been doing okay, but Germany have been proven to absolutely hammer supposed 'favourites' of the tournament, England Australia and Argentina were flattened, and its not by a fluke that they beat them all by three/four goals.

 

[RM-Taylor]

Prediction:

Espana 0-2 Deutchesland

 

[The Wizard]

Spain 3-3 Germany (Germany win 5-4 after AET)

 

[Mellotron]

Spain's defence is MILES better than Argentina's though. It'll be a cracking game tonight.

 

[Cecil]

Germany 0 Spain 1

Really looking forward to the game tonight

 

[Brian Fantana]

Spain's defence is MILES better than Argentina's though. It'll be a cracking game tonight.

Exactly. People predicting a rout for Germany seem to be forgetting this. Although, Pique is a bit of a weak link I feel.

 

[defrocked priest]

I have £2 on Xabi Alonso to be first scorer at 25/1

VAMOS España

I'd have taken Andres Iniesta. No Torres is rumoured today.

 

[Mellotron]

Exactly. People predicting a rout for Germany seem to be forgetting this. Although, Pique is a bit of a weak link I feel.

He's like an ULTRA modern footballer:

The CENTRE HALF who is great at attacking but not so good at the back.

 

[Bean]

I can see it going to penalties tonight, Germany will miss Muller tonight although Spain have played well in patches. Germany to win on pens

 

[Safe.]

Spain 3-1 Germany.

 

[perseus]

It is a bit hard to call, but I think it will be a score draw at 90 minutes and the Germans will have the extra stamina to dominate extra time.

The German full backs will be key. If Philip Lahm comes forward too much, Spain will try to exploit the hole. Germany are meant to have a weakness at left back, but I have not noticed this. Badstuber was replaced after the Serbian game, but I though he played well against Australia.

 

[Gully]

Germany 3 - 2 Spain

Can see Spain scoring early, then the Germans banging three in during the second half, Spain net a second in the dying minutes just to add a bit of interest at the end of the game.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Spain 3-3 Germany (Germany win 5-4 after AET)

I'd stick a pound on that at the bookies if I was you. You'd be devasted if it happened

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

I think this will be very very tight and a single goal will do it. If Torres starts it'll be a German win, if Torres doesn't start I think Spain will win

 

[Man of Harveys]

 

[perseus]

The German system against Argentina:

Talking Points: Argentina 0-4 Germany Back Page Football

PS: Ozil is left footed.

 

[perseus]

The Spanish system against Portugal:

Lack of plan B costs Portugal Back Page Football

This Spanish system looks like a variation of 4-3-3 or whatever numbers you allocate it. However, it is narrower system*. As I have always said, there is no point in ever playing two wingers as you cannot play on both wings at the same time, so the standard 4-3-3 is having a left winger and an overlapping right back.

The trouble for Spain is Ozil, Podolski are both left-sided players and they could cause havoc down Spain's right side.

* In old terms this used to be the "Attacking Centre Half" of 4-1-3-2 with Busquets being a key player.

Sergio Busquets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[JGaleBHA]

Heart says Spain, head said Germany. 3-1 to Germany.