Preview: Germany vs. Spain | WORLD CUP 2010

Preview: Germany vs. Spain | WORLD CUP 2010

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.

Bet on Germany vs. Spain

Germany v Spain

Full Time Result

	Best Odds	Bookie
Germany	2.84
Draw	3.30
Spain	2.70

Total Goals

	Best Odds	Bookie
Under 2.5	1.73
Over 2.5	2.22

First Goalscorer

	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 Germany Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Germany Football Jerseys | Germany World Cup Tickets

Spain Spain Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter Spain World Cup Jerseys | Spain Tickets

Paraguay vs Spain Preview – Quarter Final | World Cup 2010

Spain and Paraguay aiming for their best ever World Cup finishes

Paraguay will be attempting to reach the semi finals for the first time in team history while Spain is aiming to at least equal their best ever finish of fourth place at a World Cup when the two meet in a quarterfinal clash at Johannesburg on July 3

Spain had to win their last Group H game against Chile to make the playoffs after losing to Switzerland 1-0 and beating Honduras 2-0. They beat Chile 2-1 and the three points and goal difference put them in first place with six points. They then looked impressive in their 1-0 playoff match against Portugal and seem to be peaking at the right time.

Paraguay drew reigning World Cup champions Italy 1-1 and then beat Slovakia 2-0 before drawing New Zealand 0-0 for five points and top place in Group F. They then beat Japan 5-3 in a penalty shootout in their playoff game after a goalless 120 minutes to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

For all the scoring power Paraguay has with forwards Oscar Cardozo, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz, and Rodolfo Gamarra in the squad, they don’t attack enough though. This will be fatal against Spain because if they fall behind as the Spanish are masters at ball possession, as shown against Portugal. Their chances may be few and far between, so Paraguay has to make the best of them. If they do happen to get the lead, it’s possible they could hang on for a victory, but if they sit back and wait for chances instead of trying to create them, they could be waiting all night.

Spanish striker David Villa is on fire at the moment with four goals in the tournament so far and that’s a good thing for Spain as his partner Fernando Torres is stone cold. Torres was taken off against Portugal and replaced by Fernando Llorente who played well for the rest of the game. It shouldn’t shock fans if Llorente starts against Paraguay and they still have midfielder Cesc Fabregas who can score goals if needed as a substitute.

The Spanish defence is solid with Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, and Sergio Ramos, and keeper Iker Casillas has been there when called upon for the most part, but he still doesn’t look like the Casillas of old. Spain looked off form in the group stage, but owned the ball against Portugal, so it looks like Paraguay is meeting them at the wrong time.

Spain vs Paraguay Odds and Predictions

The two teams have met just three times in the past with Spain winning once and the other two ending in draws. Spain has a habit of underachieving in the World Cup, so it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they get knocked out here. But going on the form of the two teams at the moment they should take this game 2-0.

Germany vs Argentina Preview – Quarter Final | World Cup 2010

Germany’s youth set to take on Argentina’s experience

Germany is hoping to win its fourth overall World Cup while Argentina is attempting to lift it for the third time, but something’s got to give as they are set to meet each other in a classic quarterfinal matchup at Green Point stadium in Cape Town on July 3.

Germany survived a scare after losing to 1-0 Serbia in group play, but came back strong in their 1-0 win over Ghana to take top spot in Group D with six points. They then took care of England 4-1 in their playoff game. Argentina breezed through Group B with three wins for nine points and then took care of Mexico 3-1. Along with Holland, they are the only team to have won all four of their games.

The two teams have met each other 18 times previously with Argentina winning eight, losing five and drawing five, while outscoring the Germans 25 to 23 in the process. The last time they met was at the quarterfinal stage in Germany in 2006 when the home team won 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Both teams are preparing themselves for another shootout by studying videos of their opponent’s penalty kicks. Argentina beat Germany 3-2 in the final in 1986 and Germany returned the favour in 1990 with a 1-0 win to hoist the trophy.

Both teams have excellent firepower up front with Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain leading the way for Argentina. Higuain has four goals while Tevez has a pair. Lionel Messi has yet to score, but has been having a superb tournament all the same and looks dangerous every time he has the ball. Substitutes Diego Milito and Martin Palermo are also top notch goal scorers. For Germany, strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski each have two while midfielder Thomas Mueller leads the team with three. Midfielder Mesut Oezil also has the skills to score at any time. Substitute striker Cacau is out with an abdominal injury and is doubtful for the game.

German keeper Manuel Neuer looked a little shaky against England in the first half of their game, but then pulled off a brilliant save against Steven Gerrard in the second half to make up for it. Argentina’s Sergio Romero has let in two goals, but has been steady. He is playing behind a suspect defence though, which is Argentina’s weak spot and could be exploited by the German’s speed and passing.

The first goal in this game could be crucial as the team that falls behind will be forced to open things up. But these two teams like to attack in the first place, so it shouldn’t be a huge tactical alteration. Look for whoever scores first to try and add to the lead though instead of sitting on it, as this could prove to be a huge mistake.

Germany v Argentina Odds and Predictions

The Germans are young and fast, but inexperienced when compared to Argentina. However, their pinpoint passing and creativity could be enough to win this game by a goal. It might go into extra time or even penalty kicks, but Germany has the tools to take it 1-0.