- July, 07 2010 -
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I’m a happy man tonight with this result. Spain played well and dominated the game. They completely controlled midfield and Germany barely got a kick of the ball until they went one behind. It was always going to be hard for Germany – they’re a young, inexperienced side but they have had a fantastic World Cup. After their great wins against England – 4-1 and Argentina – 4-0, it was an awful lot to expect for them to repeat that for a third time against one of the top teams in the world. The hardest thing is to complete a hat trick of outstanding performances, especially for such a young side.
However, you have to give them credit – they achieved more than what was expected of them – they’re a young side with not many superstar players and have done very well. From the start today, they would have known that Spain would probably have the majority of possession and the greater number of chances. The German plan was obviously to soak up the pressure and catch Spain on the counter attack but they simply did not get many opportunities to use this ploy, mainly because of Spain’s ability to keep the ball for long periods. To date in the competition, Germany have been very efficient with the number of chances they have converted. However Spain’s goal – a headed goal from centre half, Puyol - would have disappointed the German manager, Joachim Loew, because they are normally good on the detail and marking players from set pieces. They are also probably a physically stronger and taller team than Spain who actually looked vulnerable from Germany’s corners, so the nature of the goal when it did come was particularly disappointing for Germany.
Spain did create one or two chances and they are the best passing team in the world – fluid and cohesive – but the Germans packed their defence and managed to keep them at bay – although there was one particular phase half way through the second half when the ball seemed to go everywhere except the back of the net. The Spanish midfielders, Xavi and Iniesta, were instrumental in this period of slick passing and movement around the German penalty area which resulted in a very close sliding attempt at the back post from Villa. Alonso had a few efforts from distance but did not really trouble the keeper.
It is now Holland and Spain in the final and I think it will be a better final than today’s semi-final was. Both teams are good passing teams who look to get players forward - it is highly unlikely Holland will rely purely on counter-attacking football as Germany did today. Spain play better in tight areas, are very good around the box and have a number of match winners within their ranks. Their passing tends to be quicker and their movement can be scintillating at times. Although Holland has been extremely impressive having won every match to date, I think Spain will have the craft and guile to take victory in the 2010 World Cup.
