THE BIG PICTURE
Euro 2008 winners Spain were one of the favourites going into World Cup 2010, while Germany have been identified by many as the most impressive team in the tournament so far. Which should all add up to one excellent World Cup semifinal. It’s a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, which Spain won 1-0 with a goal from Fernando Torres.
Torres’ involvement is the big question mark here. The striker returned from injury in time for World Cup 2010, but hasn’t looked even close to his best. There’s a definite possibility that coach Vicente del Bosque could “rest” Torres and replace him with either Fernando Llorente or an extra midfielder. Might not matter though, since David Villa is scoring more than enough goals for everyone, and is the current World Cup top scorer with five. More at the Spain blog.
Germany’s aggressive attacking style has been an unexpected but very much welcome World Cup surprise. Attacking midfielder Mesut Özil’s name is possibly already engraved on the Best Young Player Award trophy, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s midfield displays have had more action than a Michael Bay movie and striker Miroslav Klose is now just one goal behind Ronaldo on the list of all time World Cup goalscorers. The big miss for Germany will be young Thomas Mueller, who is suspended. More at the Germany blog.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
An all expenses paid trip to Soccer City in Johannesburg to compete in the 2010 World Cup final. Though Spain’s Euro 2008 victory was a symbolic shrugging off of the “under-achiever” label, the real test is winning the World Cup, which is something La Furia Roja have never done.
Incredibly, Germany haven’t won a World Cup in 20 years, and haven’t won the thing since reunification. This tournament looks like Germany’s chance to not only reclaim the World Cup, but to do so in a style that could redefine perceptions of German football. But they need to beat Spain before thinking about that.
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2.84 |  |
| Draw | 3.30 |  |
| Spain | 2.70 |  |
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2.5 | 1.73 | |
| Over 2.5 | 2.22 | |
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| David Villa | 5.37 | |
| Miroslav Klose | 7.50 |  |
| Fernando Torres | 8.60 | |
| No Goal Scorer | 9.00 | |
OUR PREDICTION
First of all, I’m predicting a great game. Spain’s quick passing vs Germany’s high-octane counterattacking? Yes please. As for a winner… based purely on the fact that Germany have scored eight goals in the knockouts so far, while Spain only two, I’m predicting an 8-2 win for Germany. Or, more realistically, 3-1.
FAN RESOURCES
 | Germany |
 | Spain |
