World Cup 2010: Germany Edge Klose To the Final

The German young guns have truly defied all expectation that was levelled at them for this World Cup.

When England were announced as their round of 16, opponents there were those who were convinced that Germany would drop on a joint par with the worst German performance in a World Cup ever.

When it was seen Argentina was up next, Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain; people wrote off the Germans, stating that the Argentineans had too much about them.

The German's put four past them both.

This young Germany squad was built for the future, but they are making history already. No matter what happens against Spain, every single German player can hold their head high and be proud of what they have achieved in South Africa.

The perceived German weakness, its defence, held solid against some of the foremost offensive players in the world. Jerome Boateng was unfamiliar, but solid at left-back. Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich were colossal at centre-back.

Captain Phillip Lahm led by example from right-back, and Germany held an impressive clean sheet.

A clean sheet made all the more impressive when you realise that the German defence limited the Argentine attack to ranged shooting and tight angles on weaker feet.

If it was not a master-class on how to deal with a potent offence, it was pretty close.

The German midfield is its true strong point, though. The three attackers link well with the lone striker, and Sami Khedira is an excellent tackler of the ball, and he seems to be everywhere.

The midfield is good, and made great by the inclusion of Bastian Schweinsteiger. This player is the heartbeat, and he is as important to defence as he is to attack.

He seems to have two engines and endless creativity and guile. If Germany do go further in this World Cup, I guarantee that Schweinsteiger will be bang in the middle of the run.

If a master-class was offered in defence, then a grand-master-class was taught by tournament specialist Miroslav Klose in lone striking.

Klose defended from the front and finished his two goals coolly. Klose tracked back and tackled, was a nuisance to Argentinian defenders looking to pass out, and was seemingly always ready to collect a pass in and around the 6-yard box.

Klose is deservedly closing in on Ronaldo's all-time scoring record. One more to tie, two to win. You had better believe he is going for the win. 

Despite the closeness which Klose finds himself to the record, he remains utterly unselfish, and is always looking for a pass when shooting is not an option.

You do not see Klose futilely taking on several defenders. Pass and move, making space for himself.

This Germany side has the spirit and talent to beat Spain, who have not been the same team which swept the European Championship up, albeit against limited opposition.

Germany will enter Wednesday's game with every intention and confidence of winning.

If the defence can block David Villa, much of Spain's scoring potency goes with him, and the German attack can certainly trouble the Spanish backline.

The game should be a cracker, with the two best midfields at the tournament going head-to-head. 

I for one am rooting for the German youngbloods to lift the coveted World Cup trophy.

That would be a victory for football, played with enthusiasm and skill, and without cynicism and gamesmanship. A victory to relish.