Semi-Final Preview: Germany v Spain 7/7/10

Two giants of European football collide to contest a place for the World Cup final, both teams play brilliant possession football, compact defences which offers no central passage and are both brilliant on the counter. They are very much evenly matched and it's hard to pick a winner, Spain have David Villa in top form again and Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso have been inspirational in midfield. Their downfall is the missing Fernando Torres, he's been one of a number of big players who haven't shone thus far and could be the demise of Spain. Vincent Del Bosque has hinted a possibly starting him as a substitute, but their are only two real candidates to start in place of him; Cesc Fabregas is favourite however he'll be playing with a pain-killing injection in his shoulder and doesn't offer a great goal threat. The other is Llorente, the unknown quantity, after coming on against Paraguay he looks strong and can hold the ball up well but also seems to lack goals. Germany's attacking force of Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Ozil, Podolski and Klose have been dominant alongside Muller who is suspended for Germany. A likely replacement could be Cacau who has been passed fit which would still give Germany an all-round goal-scoring threat. The bookies have made Spain favourites for the World Cup now but in comparison Spain haven't looked as good as Germany and I think they will win 2-1. If Spain rollover like Australia, England and Argentina then everyone must believe Germany are the best in the World right now but I think Spain will make Germany a lot harder than the others.