FIFA World Cup 2010: Schweinsteiger declares Spain as favourites, as both teams will clash in the semi-final on 7th July
Schweinsteiger, who is one of the young German stars that have risen to prominence during the FIFA World Cup of 2010 in South Africa, has stated before the second semi-final match between Spain and Germany, that Spain are the favourites.
Spain met Germany in the final of the European Championships of the year 2008, where the Iberian giants came out on top by a goal to nil. Germany have played in an astonishing number of 12 semi-finals out of the 17, that have taken place so far in FIFA World Cup competitions. Whereas the last time Spain made it to the last four stages was in 1950, when the FIFA World Cup was held in Switzerland.
Spain made it to the last four after defeating Paraguay with a late goal by David Villa, before that they defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal by a goal to nil. Germany on the other hand have had a tougher route to the semis. They demolished Fabio Capello’s England in the round of sixteen and Maradona’s Argentina in the quarter final. They managed to score four goals each in both of these matches.
Schweinsteiger told the press that Spain are still the better team on paper. The Bayern Munich midfielder was talking in reference to the UEFA Euro 2008 final, when he said that it is always disappointing to lose a final match but Spain were the better team on that particular day.
The 25 year old midfielder said that for him, Spain are the best team in the world today. He also revealed that facing them will be as tough as England and Argentina in the previous rounds but he said that he has faith in this German side.
The present Germany side is not at all like the old German sides, which prided themselves on defensive organization and efficiency. A lot of young players make up this German squad and before the tournament started the German press back home never gave them a chance.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup squad for Germany is much more attacking than their predecessors, something that came as a surprise to many at the competition. They are currently the highest goal scorers in the tournament with 13 goals in 5 games.
Schweinsteiger went onto the say that Germany now have fresh faces and a renewed character. He also remarked that their young squad has gained experience as the tournament has progressed. He continued by stating that Spain are pretty much the same team as two years ago, apart from the fact that Sergio Busquets has replaced Marcos Senna in the middle of midfield.
He lavished further praise on the European champions and said that Iniesta, Xavi and Pique are all great players and that without them David Villa and Torres wouldn’t be able to score as many goals as they normally do.
He also said that Germany have a good chance of beating Spain, if Germans play as a team like they have been doing so far in the competition. Schweinsteiger, also said that Spain have not impressed their fans so far in the tournament because they have not been playing the way that is expected of them.
There were several reports in the media of a brewing conflict within the German camp between their present captain Philip Lahm and former captain Michael Ballack. The German team manager and their ex-star striker Oliver Bierhoff cleared up the controversy by clearly stating that there was no conflict between the two players and said that Germany have freedom of speech in their squad and players and appreciate players that are confident enough to speak their mind.
He further added that the coach decides who the captain becomes and that there was no dissent or clash of any kind.
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