A Fernando Torres winner in the 33rd minute was all that separated the teams two years ago; but a lot has changed since then, particularly with the rise of a youthful German side headlining the 2010 FIFA World Cup with its giant-killing performances.
Germany is unquestionably the form side of the competition so far reinventing its style of football from the final defeat back in 2008.
The progression has seen the Germans transform its game from a belligerent style of grinding down their opposition into an end-to-end extravaganza dismantling all that comes before them with brilliant interplay, scintillating pace and accurate finishing.
In particular, Germany’s 4-1 and 4-0 triumphs over England and Argentina respectively in its last two matches has sent a message of intent to the Spanish: allow us to expose your defence at your peril.
Meanwhile, Spain has yet to recapture the form that won La Furia Roja the European Championships two years ago during its tournament campaign thus far.
While there is no doubting the squad’s extraordinary abilities, the team’s lack of belief in finishing off its opponents has seen Vicente Del Bosque’s men scrape to 1-0 victories over Portugal and its previous adversary in Paraguay.
Moreover, Spain’s history in the FIFA World Cup has been too often centred around disappointment.
With great expectations placed on numerous Spanish sides in the past, they have failed to live up to their outstanding talents only reaching the final four once back at the 1950 FIFA World Cup.
Also, the tournament underwent a different format 60 years ago where the best four countries were placed in one super group, so in effect, this will be Spain’s first semi-final appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Conversely, the semi-final phase of the tournament brings nothing new to the Germans, who have now reached the final four for the twelfth time from the 19 FIFA World Cups staged up until now – an exceptional achievement.
Team News Ahead of the Semi-Final for Germany
Germany will unfortunately be without its energetic right-winger in Thomas Müller, who is suspended for one match after picking up a second yellow card against Argentina.
Die Nationalmannschaft has been reaping the rewards from Müller’s eye-catching performances, which has seen the Bayern Munich midfielder bag four goals from his five matches – a remarkable return for a right-sided midfielder.
With Toni Kroos and Piotr Trochowski seeing second-half action against the Argentineans, Joachim Löw will likely favour either attacking midfielder as a replacement for Müller.
Meanwhile, the condition of Cacau’s abdominal injury has improved making him available against the Spanish; yet the Brazilian-born striker will probably have to settle for a position on the substitutes’ bench.
Also, there have been queries about the possibility of Sami Khedira aggravating a slight thigh injury during the victory to the Argentineans; but Khedira has been declared fit to start against La Furia Roja.
Team News Ahead of the Semi-Final for Spain
Del Bosque’s only concern going into the match is the fitness of Raul Albiol, who reportedly sustained a fibula injury in training after a clash with Fernando Llorente over a week ago.
While Albiol has been unavailable for the last two matches against Portugal and Paraguay, the Real Madrid defender returned to training during the week and is likely to also be considered as an option from the substitutes’ bench should Spain require his services.
With the Spanish starting line-up pretty much set in stone, Del Bosque’s only possible alteration he’d likely be considering is whether to drop the out-of-form Fernando Torres.
It’s been no secret that Torres’ form in the FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of disappointing; and with that in mind, Del Bosque may look to either Cesc Fabregas or David Silva as a potential replacement for the Liverpool marksman.
FIFA World Cup Semi-Final Match Prediction
The repeat of the Euro 2008 final will be an intriguing battle against two European powerhouses who are currently displaying contrasting form in South Africa.
In this do-or-die clash of two titans who both have one eye already on the main prize, the infallible quality on the park will be a spectator’s dream, but a punter’s nightmare in tipping a winner.
With the two teams so evenly matched, anticipate that mental strength will get the eventual victors over the line in what is shaping to be a contest that will go down to the wire.
Germany 2-1 Spain (AET)
Kick-off commences at 04:30 (AEST) on Thursday 8 July 2010.
Andy Paolacci - Hi there! My name is Andy Paolacci and I am a 26-year-old Monash University Arts/Journalism graduate from Melbourne, Australia. I have ...
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