First Semi Final
Germany play Italy in Dortmund tonight and I think it is fair to say that the hosts have surprised everybody including their own supporters in getting this far.
Italy have had the best midfield in the tournament for my money, I think Zambrotta at wing-back is probably the best in that position in the world and I think that's the role Stevie G should be playing for England. 'Four lungs' has been his usual brilliant self, breaking up the play in the middle of the pitch and along with Andrea Pirlo he has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament and Simone Perrotta has got on with being a good team player. It's ironic that having broken the Serie A goalscoring record last season, Luca Toni has had quite a quiet tournament. It also helps if you have the world's best centre half and goalkeeper in your side.
Germany will miss Torsten Frings without doubt their most influential player, still that serves him right for not being able to keep his hand to himself after the penalty shoot out win against Argentina. Michael Ballack hasn't been brilliant or poor, just his usual self, that's the usual self that goes to ground too easily and holds his face when kicked in the stomach, should fit in well at Chelsea shouldn't he? Miroslav Klose has been outstanding so far, his five goals in five games taken his international total to 29 in 60 - which is up there with the best.
Jurgen Klinsmann in todays German Times sees the match as:
"We're convinced that by playing our own game in our own style we can beat [Italy]. That's how we're going into it. We are very confident - we are in good shape - and our confidence is based on what we have achieved so far. We want to overcome our next opponents and I venture that we will. We want to play good forward- orientated attractive football. Of course success has to be rated higher than performance, but I don't think we veered far from our philosophy against Argentina. In fact, it's a big compliment that Argentina changed their formation. I think that shows the rising respect for Germany among our opponents."
Useless Facts:
Germany can become the first country to reach eight World Cup finals.
Italy are unbeaten in 23 international matches, their longest undefeated streak since 1939.
Prediction: Italy to win
Italy have had the best midfield in the tournament for my money, I think Zambrotta at wing-back is probably the best in that position in the world and I think that's the role Stevie G should be playing for England. 'Four lungs' has been his usual brilliant self, breaking up the play in the middle of the pitch and along with Andrea Pirlo he has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament and Simone Perrotta has got on with being a good team player. It's ironic that having broken the Serie A goalscoring record last season, Luca Toni has had quite a quiet tournament. It also helps if you have the world's best centre half and goalkeeper in your side.
Germany will miss Torsten Frings without doubt their most influential player, still that serves him right for not being able to keep his hand to himself after the penalty shoot out win against Argentina. Michael Ballack hasn't been brilliant or poor, just his usual self, that's the usual self that goes to ground too easily and holds his face when kicked in the stomach, should fit in well at Chelsea shouldn't he? Miroslav Klose has been outstanding so far, his five goals in five games taken his international total to 29 in 60 - which is up there with the best.
Jurgen Klinsmann in todays German Times sees the match as:
"We're convinced that by playing our own game in our own style we can beat [Italy]. That's how we're going into it. We are very confident - we are in good shape - and our confidence is based on what we have achieved so far. We want to overcome our next opponents and I venture that we will. We want to play good forward- orientated attractive football. Of course success has to be rated higher than performance, but I don't think we veered far from our philosophy against Argentina. In fact, it's a big compliment that Argentina changed their formation. I think that shows the rising respect for Germany among our opponents."
Useless Facts:
Germany can become the first country to reach eight World Cup finals.
Italy are unbeaten in 23 international matches, their longest undefeated streak since 1939.
Prediction: Italy to win
posted by Paul at
1:43 pm
3 Comments:
Good prediction...what a turn around in extra time...despite the result Lehmann was the best German on the field...no cahnce with the alst not much with the first...they were preparing for penalties...a minute too early!
By
Span Ows, at 11:19 am
What a game that was and topped of with two top draw finishes. I hope tonight's is as good.
By
Crispin Heath, at 2:07 pm
I was thinking Span actually. If you lose Cole in the next few weeks, Lahm would be an absolutely excellent replacement. He's been brilliant this tournament IMO.
By
Crispin Heath, at 2:08 pm
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