FIFA World Cup 2010, 2nd Semifinal: Spain vs Germany Winner to Meet Netherlands in Final
Two of the best teams in the FIFA World Cup 2010 come face to face in the 2nd semifinal; Spain and Germany have impressed everyone with their flamboyant style of football. Many believe it is unfair that the two teams have to play in the semifinal, as a final between the two would have been more fitting. Therefore, for most pundits, it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that whoever wins this match will end up winning the World Cup – despite a strong expected opposition by the ferocious Oranje (Netherlands) in the final. Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 in the first semifinal.
Germany, while coming into the World Cup, were not rated as one of the favourites to make it to the final. In the last World Cup, they did make it to the semifinals, but were knocked out by eventual champions Italy at the 2nd last hurdle. This time, coach Joachim Loew had put together a much younger side. He did take some flak for naming a few players that in the experts’ eyes were not world class. Diego Maradona even went as far as saying that Muller was only a water-boy for the team. However, Loew decided to let his team do the talking on the pitch, and they certainly have taken the World Cup by storm. The Germans are normally known as a team with patience and a team who look to play calculated football rather than going all out. Conversely, this new look team have played some of the best football; their main weapon has been hitting teams on counterattack. That is where the young legs come into play and they beat teams on pure pace and creativity. But along with the young blood, there have been some experienced members to complete a perfect blend in the team. The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose have been instrumental in making sure the team maintains its form. Schweinsteiger has dictated terms in the midfield, making sure that the distribution is even on the wings and up front, while Klose has used his experience well in attack, taking his tally of World Cup goals to 15. He has scored 4 goals in the 2010 World Cup so far.
Spain has also been a very attractive team throughout the World Cup; although the start of their campaign was not ideal, as the team lost 0-1 to Switzerland. However, Del Bosque made sure that the European champions gathered themselves in time to show the world why they were tipped as one of the favourites.
Spain have played with a lot of fluency; there has been a good game-plan to compliment the one-touch football on the pitch. The Spanish midfield is arguably the best in the whole tournament; with the likes of Xavi, Alonso, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas, the team is blessed with four of the most talented players. And to make things better, all of them have very different (and unique) playing styles.
Xavi likes to sit back and make sure he is there to hold the ball, while also providing good service to front men; Alonso and Fabregas are good at playing inch perfect through balls, and Iniesta is just a complete player; he can make threatening runs in the box without being noticed, while his ability on the wings is also commendable. And, of course, not to forget, he is also a regular goal- scorer.
Upfront, who better than to have David Villa, the top scorer of the World Cup (with 5 goals)? Villa’s biggest asset has been his composure; he has been able to finish off half chances with immense ease. His partner in crime, Fernando Torres, though, has looked short of match practice, but the manager has said that he will keep faith in him and give him another start. Maybe just like Euro 2008, when he scored his only goal in the final against Germany, the Liverpool man may once again come up with the goods when needed.
Germany does not have any injury worries, and will have a full strength squad to choose from. Thomas Muller, however, will be suspended due to two yellow cards. Sami Khedira has recovered from his injury, and Friedrich has also returned to training. The Brazilian born striker Cacau, who missed last the last two matches, is also available at Loew's disposal.
Spain, meanwhile, has something to worry about, as Cesc Fabregas is not 100% fit due to a shoulder injury. Carles Puyol, on the other hand, has been declared fit.
So the stage is set for the big showdown. Germany will not leave any stone unturned in pursuit of their 4th World Cup title, while Spain, after making it to their first semifinal, will finally be looking to get one step closer to conquering the world after ruling Europe.
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