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

[hans kraay fan club]

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

Isn't Sergio BISCUITS suspended?

 

[JJ McClure]

Germany just need to pop the shots in at goal as Casillas has looked nervous all tournement. Lahm versus Villa could be what decides the game though.

 

[perseus]

Muller will be missed

Isn't Sergio BISCUITS suspended?

Expected Starting Teams

Spain: Casillas - Capdevilla, Puyol, Pique, Ramos – Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas – Villa

Germany: Neuer – Boateng, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Lahm – Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Podolski – Cacau, Klose

http://www.bettingpro.com/category/World-Cup/Spain-v-Germany-latest-team-news-2010070700152/

I am not sure Cacau will play. I am inclined to think Piotr Trochowski may play I am not convinced about Podolski either. Muller will be missed. An option is Gómez for Germany ?

I have not noticed Khedira, but apparently Chelsea, Real Madrid and Man United have.

If Pedro plays, the Spanish side will be virtually (10 players) Real Madrid & Barcelona. One is left back in Villareal.

The above web site has got its rights and lefts mixed up.

 

[perseus]

SPAIN (aka Real Barcelona)

1. Iker Casillas
15. Garcia Sergio Ramos
3. Gerard Pique
5. Carles Puyol
11. Joan Capdevila
16. Sergio Busquets
14. Xabi Alonso
6. Andres Iniesta
8. Hernandez Xavi
18. Rodriguez Pedro
7. David Villa

 

[perseus]

GERMANY


1. Manuel Neuer
16. Philip Lahm
3. Arne Friedrich
17. Per Mertesacker
20. Jerome Boateng
6. Sami Khedira
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger
15. Piotr Trochowski
8. Mesut Ozil
10. Lukas Podolski
11. Miroslav Klose

This means , as I forecasted, an extra midfielder!

 

[Horsham Gull]

Torres will come alive tonight




BUGGER it he's not starting

 

[perseus]

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Moses Mabhida Stadium - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Viktor Kassai - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hungary - Viktor Kassai - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway

Seems a little more pedantic, not much, than other refs in the World Cup. What are rules about yellow cards and missing the Final?

 

[perseus]

Torres will come alive tonight




BUGGER it he's not starting

Liverpool players have had a poor World Cup.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

This should be a beauty. Cue dreadful letdown...

 

[DerbyGull]

Come on my german beauties.
Super ozil, schweinsteiger, klose. Even though your not stars (apparently) do the business guys!

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Ozil is a very odd looking bloke isn't he? His ears are a funny shape and his eyes are too far apart I think.

 

[perseus]

Germans, nine out of eleven look Teutonic.

The Spanish all look Spanish.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Ahhhh, there's Sepp Blatter in his free seat, cosying up to a lady I assume is either a Spanish political leader or royal. And unless I'm very much mistaken, that world footballing power, Jack Warner of Trinidad & Tobago.

Gravy train, what gravy train.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Germans, nine out of eleven look Teutonic.

The Spanish all look Spanish.

If you're getting into racial stereotypes then I'd suggest Andres Iniesta doesn't look very Spanish at all. Much more northern European, I think they call him 'the ghost' because he's so pasty.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Pitch invader after 4 minutes, what a TOOL.

Mind you, he still made more impact than
Gerrard did in four games.

 

[perseus]

Spain dominating possession. Not surprising. Even England had more of the ball than Germany.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Does anyone have a link to watch this online, I've been statched up with having to work late.

I am searching but can't find one that works yet

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Got a feeling Spain will outclass the Germans tonight

 

[Dave the OAP]

this is not an atmosphere...its a bloody bunch of africans blowing their f***ing horns!!!!

 

[perseus]

Two chances already to Spain. If it carries on like this, Spain will win by more than a single goal!