357 replies to this topic

[Vikipedia]

vs

Sorry for the poor opener, but it completely slipped my mind that there was no match thread and the game is about to start in an hour! Anyway, here are the lineups:

Neuer

Lahm - Mertesacker - Friedrich - Boateng

Schweinsteiger - Khedira

Trochowski - Özil - Podolski

Klose

Villa

Iniesta - Xavi - Pedro

Busquets - Alonso

Capdevila - Puyol - Piqué - Ramos

Casillas

No real surprises in the German camp with Trochowski replacing the suspended Müller, while Spain makes one change with Pedro coming in for Fernando Torres.

[Tomchin]

Vickery, on 07 July 2010 - 05:39 PM, said:

while Spain makes one change with Pedro coming in for Fernando Torres.[/left]

Excellent news that Pedro gets the start instead of Torres!

[Sir Ali]

Disappointed that Torres isn't starting but kinda expected after the tournament he's had.  But I'm fully expecting him to come off the bench and score the winner in Spain's 2-1 win.

Should be a good game, can't wait.

[Juanito.]

This is basically Barcelona + some help from Real Madrid vs Germany.  

I'm soooo nervous right now! Here's to hoping for an attacking and open game with no controversy. Still kind of on the fence about the Torres switch for some reason. Would've preferred Villa coming from the left and a pacey winger coming on in the second half.  

[la périphérique]

I'm just going to believe Paul the Octopus. Third place is decent, we got it last time. Hopefully Klose can pop in a goal or two and beat Ronaldo's record.

pariah, on 07 July 2010 - 05:54 PM, said:

This is basically Barcelona + some help from Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich + some help from various, pretty good Bundesliga sides.  

Fixed  

[Prudent]

Go Spain  

Hopefully Iniesta - Villa combo will shine today.

Here is a great preview from ZM:

http://www.zonalmark...ctical-preview/

[kusut]

Germany has to take the advantage that Spain is underperformed/not as good as two years ago (except Villa). Spain will get a major share of possession, Germany has to be patient and plays the usual counter attack.

I hope Trochowski proves me wrong

[DaGunners]

Sergi is gonna shut down Ozil.

[Cicinho]

Thank fuck torres was dropped, no we can beat them.

[ArsenalMan]

DaGunners, on 07 July 2010 - 06:01 PM, said:

Sergi is gonna shut down Ozil.

Dont be silly. Sergi is shocking defensively. He isnt in the team because of his defense hes in the team because he circulates the ball quickly. Ozil will have plenty of fun against him.

[DaGunners]

Sergio is fantastic defensively for me.  Better than Yaya Toure who was deemed surplus to requirements by Pep because of Busquets.

[Mania]

Surprised Pedro gets the nod ahead of Llorente but he can get at the full backs from wide which will cause them problems and allow Villa to stay more central hopefully. Torres has been abysmal all tournament so I'm glad hes been dropped, hopefully he comes back for their last game with a bit more fitness about him.

Should be a good game, I'm indifferent on who to support, so I'm just hoping for goals and drama.

[Cool Display Name]

4-1 for the Germans

Yea i said it

[Squibo]

PEDRO!  

Should be a cracking game. For me, the Germans are the favourites, but I can't see Spain falling for the same traps that Australia, England and Argentina did. The Germans will no doubt attack, which is probably why Pedro has being brought in as Spain appear that they'll try hit on the counter. Whoever scores first -doubt it'll be 0-0- will win this one IMO as both sides have shown an ability to dominate a game, especially when leading. Spain haven't being as convincing as their counterparts so far, but now it's time for them to lift their game to a new level. They know they can beat the Germans as seen with the Euro 2008 final, though it's a vastly different German side who will also be looking to create their own history.

[polska.]

4-1 for the Germans. Possibly 4-0 if Germany shuts them down completely in the midfield.

That is my prediction.

Anyway... Spains lineup is basically Barca + 2 Real Madrid Players + Capdevilla.