Germany to avenge their 2008 Euro defeat
EACH time Germany footballers walk through the journalists’ zone at their training sessions and after games, one player is usually so attentive to the media and so eloquent you might mistake him for a press officer.
By Fred Kaweesi
in Cape Town
Today, semi-final
9.30pm, SS3
Germany v Spain
EACH time Germany footballers walk through the journalists’ zone at their training sessions and after games, one player is usually so attentive to the media and so eloquent you might mistake him for a press officer.
It is not that Bastian Schweinsteiger is blonde which sets him apart from the other three members of Germany’s magic quartet – Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil.
It is that he has - so far - shown greater focus and application, on and off the pitch.
After the game against Argentina, while other players struggled to speak English, Schweinsteiger, on the other hand, responded with thought and humour to questions: “We would prefer a narrow victory over Spain.
"That would calm down fans who think that there will always be goals and a spectacle,†Schweinsteiger told the media in Erasmia.
The player’s remark was meant to downplay Germany’s impressive four-goal run outs against England and Argentina.
The Bayern Munich star’s movement all over the field - helping out the defence, pushing forward and taking part in attacks since Germany launched their World Cup campaign against Australia has outshone his more high-profile colleagues.
But his performances have not been unexpected to those who followed Germany’s preparations. He was the country’s form player in the run-up to the World Cup and will have to replicate that today against European champions Spain.
Aside from the suspended Thomas Muller, Germany will have a full squad to choose from if Brazilian-born striker Cacau passes a late fitness test.
Revenge on the cards
Faced with a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, Germany will seek nothing other than vengeance at the Durban Stadium.
A goal from Fernando Torres in Vienna was enough to deny Germany the European title but having extended their record of World Cup semi-finals to 12, a fourth World Cup title is a possibility.
“Spain at Euro was a better team but I think that has now changed. We have proved our worth and have since improved marginally. However, they will still be favourites,†Germany coach Joachim Loew pointed out.
Few sides can boast Spain’s strength in depth. Not many can cope with their fusion of South American-style skill with European steel. They have experienced players who have won Europe’s biggest trophies in addition to hungry and immensely talented youngsters.
Five-goal star David Villa will shoulder their attacking duties alongside embattled Fernando Torres.
Key battles in the tie
Games of this magnitude are rarely won by single players, but instead by a team outweighing the other in the amount of key victories on the pitch.
There are some battles to relish in the upcoming semi-final game, and below are the most important ones which could decide the game.
Manuel Neuer v David Villa/Iker Casillas v Miroslav Klose
The two goalkeepers have been solid enough when called upon so far, but neither has been particularly busy.
Expect that to change when the two form strikers of the tournament come up against them. David Villa and Miroslav Klose are on five and four goals respectively and have been red hot in these finals.
Iniesta v Sami Khedira
The two are midfield lieutenants of their teams. Iniesta is an excellent attacking midfielder, able to beat a man with his dribbling while having passing skills to match.
Sami Khedira is listed as a defensive midfielder, but he has been a box-to-box presence for Germany.
Xavi vs Schweinsteiger
Of the interesting match-ups on the pitch, this one is key. The last time these two met on the field Xavi was a passing machine, and Schweinsteiger was a light-weight winger. What a difference a couple of years can make.
Which midfielder will perform better? This will most likely decide this game, and it is too close to call. They are remarkably similar, tireless and skillful midfielders.
in Cape Town
Today, semi-final
9.30pm, SS3
Germany v Spain
EACH time Germany footballers walk through the journalists’ zone at their training sessions and after games, one player is usually so attentive to the media and so eloquent you might mistake him for a press officer.
It is not that Bastian Schweinsteiger is blonde which sets him apart from the other three members of Germany’s magic quartet – Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil.
It is that he has - so far - shown greater focus and application, on and off the pitch.
After the game against Argentina, while other players struggled to speak English, Schweinsteiger, on the other hand, responded with thought and humour to questions: “We would prefer a narrow victory over Spain.
"That would calm down fans who think that there will always be goals and a spectacle,†Schweinsteiger told the media in Erasmia.
The player’s remark was meant to downplay Germany’s impressive four-goal run outs against England and Argentina.
The Bayern Munich star’s movement all over the field - helping out the defence, pushing forward and taking part in attacks since Germany launched their World Cup campaign against Australia has outshone his more high-profile colleagues.
But his performances have not been unexpected to those who followed Germany’s preparations. He was the country’s form player in the run-up to the World Cup and will have to replicate that today against European champions Spain.
Aside from the suspended Thomas Muller, Germany will have a full squad to choose from if Brazilian-born striker Cacau passes a late fitness test.
Revenge on the cards
Faced with a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, Germany will seek nothing other than vengeance at the Durban Stadium.
A goal from Fernando Torres in Vienna was enough to deny Germany the European title but having extended their record of World Cup semi-finals to 12, a fourth World Cup title is a possibility.
“Spain at Euro was a better team but I think that has now changed. We have proved our worth and have since improved marginally. However, they will still be favourites,†Germany coach Joachim Loew pointed out.
Few sides can boast Spain’s strength in depth. Not many can cope with their fusion of South American-style skill with European steel. They have experienced players who have won Europe’s biggest trophies in addition to hungry and immensely talented youngsters.
Five-goal star David Villa will shoulder their attacking duties alongside embattled Fernando Torres.
Key battles in the tie
Games of this magnitude are rarely won by single players, but instead by a team outweighing the other in the amount of key victories on the pitch.
There are some battles to relish in the upcoming semi-final game, and below are the most important ones which could decide the game.
Manuel Neuer v David Villa/Iker Casillas v Miroslav Klose
The two goalkeepers have been solid enough when called upon so far, but neither has been particularly busy.
Expect that to change when the two form strikers of the tournament come up against them. David Villa and Miroslav Klose are on five and four goals respectively and have been red hot in these finals.
Iniesta v Sami Khedira
The two are midfield lieutenants of their teams. Iniesta is an excellent attacking midfielder, able to beat a man with his dribbling while having passing skills to match.
Sami Khedira is listed as a defensive midfielder, but he has been a box-to-box presence for Germany.
Xavi vs Schweinsteiger
Of the interesting match-ups on the pitch, this one is key. The last time these two met on the field Xavi was a passing machine, and Schweinsteiger was a light-weight winger. What a difference a couple of years can make.
Which midfielder will perform better? This will most likely decide this game, and it is too close to call. They are remarkably similar, tireless and skillful midfielders.