FIFA World Cup 2010 Semifinal Preview: Spain vs. Germany

Date:   7 July, 2010

Venue: Durban Stadium, Durban

Germany meet Spain in what promises to be a match filled with plenty of flair. Germany have turned the predictions made by various fans, journalists, and the entire world upside down. They beat Argentina 4-0 in a match many expected the Argentines to easily win. Spain, on the other hand, are not at their best but have done enough to progress to the semis. They beat Paraguay in a match not lacking controversy, 1-0.

The referee for this match is going to be Hungarian Viktor Kassai. He is yet to send a player off at this World Cup and has only given one penalty. He refereed the match between Ghana and U.S.A

Tactics and Team Break-downs

Germany are next going to play a team that use a 4-3-3 formation in Spain. Germany will most probably continue using this 4-5-1 formation despite Thomas Mueller’s suspension. In both these formations, there is only one slot available for an out and out striker.

Lukas Podolski has played as a winger for a while now and continues to do so for Germany. David Villa, on the other hand, plays in Podolski’s position for Spain but is actually a striker. Thus, virtually, both sides have five players in midfield and two holding midfielders.

Spain’s holding midfielders are Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets. Alonso doesn’t mind taking a crack at goal from distances. Germany’s holding midfielders are Bastian Schweinsteiger, a guy who hit the bar about six times for Bayern this season, and the calm and collected Sami Khedira.

The right backs for both countries are rather adventurous. Sergio Ramos and Philipp Lahm both enjoy marching down their flanks and going towards goal. Lahm has scored some lovely goals for Germany. Ramos is perhaps the more adventurous of the two.

He will be up against Lukas Podolski, and so will have to keep an eye out for his defensive duties. Philipp Lahm will be up against David Villa, and thus he might as well stay back and defend! David Villa has five goals to his name in this tournament.

Both teams have slight weaknesses in the centre of defence. Germany’s central defenders pretty much erased that weakness against Argentina; however, the pair have to be careful. Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker are the ones who will be taking care of Fernando Torres. Spain’s Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique will have to shackle the wily old fox, Miroslav Klose.

Jerome Boateng will be given the task of trying to stop Andres Iniesta. Joan Capdevila is yet to know who he will be up against. Toni Kroos or Piotr Trochowski - he has to find out about both players as Thomas Mueller is suspended.

Mesut Oezil and Xavi Hernandez are two vital players for the two sides. Oezil might find himself on the wing if Joachim Loew decides to play Toni Kroos in his position. Manuel Neuer and Iker Casillas might have to see plenty of action. Casillas has so far proven to be a rock, and alongside David Villa is arguably Spain’s best player in this tournament.

On paper, Spain seem to be the favourites. Twenty of the 23 Spanish players ply their trade in La Liga. The Germans are arguably the best team of the tournament so far; Spain is their toughest test so far. Germany also have to cope without Thomas Mueller.

Predicted Line-ups

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Boateng; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Kroos, Oezil, Podolski; Klose

Spain: Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila; Busquets, Alonso; Iniesta, Xavi, Villa; Torres

Prediction

I really don’t have the nerve to pick someone. I would like to know how you would like to see as the victors. Paul the Octopus has predicted a Spain win. I for one am hoping he is wrong. Here is a tip: Paul predicted that Germany would beat Spain in the final of the European Championships in 2008. Take your pick, everyone!