Today we have a repeat of the Euro 2008 final with Spain taking on Germany for the chance to meet the Dutch in the final. Germany have been the team to catch the eye at this tournament and in Schweinsteiger they have a player who can truly dominate a game. He has been supported by Khedira, Ozil and Muller to devastating effect but for tonight’s game Kroos will replace the suspended Bayern star on the right hand side. The Germans have scored more goals than any other side in these finals, mainly on the counter attack but tonight’s game will be a different tactical proposition as Spain will look to own the ball and dominate retention. This will present a new opportunity for Joachim Low to demonstrate his expertise.
Spain, like their star striker, haven’t really performed up to standard in South Africa. A poor start against Switzerland put them on the back foot. They failed to rack up a score against Honduras and a keeper error relaxed their nerves against Chile in the final group game. Their best performance came against an obdurate Portuguese side but without the goals from Villa they would have struggled. If they deliver the same level of performance against Germany in the semi-final as they did against Paraguay in the last eight then Germany are an absolute five star bet.
The key tactical play in this semi-final will revolve around how Spain manage Schweinsteiger. In the last two games he has had the freedom of the City pass which has enabled him to control the game. He will miss Muller as the outlet ball, as will right back Lahm, but we still make Germany the bet to make the final and recommend taking the 19/10 currently available with William Hill. For the less risk prone the Germans are Evens to qualify.
