[jhan523]

Originally Posted by gabriela.05

Goooo Españaaaaaa !!!!!

hopefully torres gets to play a little more <3

I really doubt he'll play much. He's just not reliable right now and Spain can't risk it at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even start.

Ironic how both teams had injuries to their top players, but Robben seemed to bounce back from his. Go Netherlands!

[zeChinaman]

Originally Posted by feonateresa

Germany played a shit game, no ifs, ands or buts about it.

Are you kidding?? I thought it was quite the tightly matched game. Both teams had their spells of dominance. Both defended well against their opponents' strategy - the Germans stifling the Spanish pass-through-the-defence attacking game and the Spanish midfield rushing back every time Germany countered. Both defences were very well marshalled and disciplined. Puyol's goal (and a good one at that) was decidedly un-Spanish - no short passes in the build-up, no slick dribbling, and a header at that - a clear illustration of the effectiveness of the German defence in shutting down Spain's usual modes of attack.

As for Germany's attack, they countered like they've countered all tournament. The difference between Spain and say, Argentina or England, is that the Spanish midfield, arguably the best in the world, always came back as soon as Schweini, Ozil et al broke on the run. By the end of the game Germany was depending on through passes and long balls to attack instead of pouncing on the counterattack. It was obvious that neither Trochowski nor Kroos were adequate replacements for Mueller, but that shouldn't take away from the credit due to the Spanish midfield.

As for possession, a counterattacking team doesn't really need majority ball possession. In both the England and Argentina games, Germany had less ball possession and less shots on goal - statistics need to be examined alongside the game itself.

All in all, both Spain and Germany played well that game, and Spain won fair and square - good game. Not much diving, no cards, lots of class, individual talent, and sublime tactics.

The key on Sunday for the Spanish will be shutting down Sneijder and Robben. Or at least contain them...because at this point in time I don't think it's possible, without fouling, to shut down Robben...

[gabriela.05]

Originally Posted by jhan523

I really doubt he'll play much. He's just not reliable right now and Spain can't risk it at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even start.

Ironic how both teams had injuries to their top players, but Robben seemed to bounce back from his. Go Netherlands!

haha yeah i know, its too bad he was injured- but who knows, el niño may make a comeback when it counts this sunday! del bosque is on the fence still about playing him...

[camais]

Originally Posted by zeChinaman

Are you kidding?? I thought it was quite the tightly matched game. Both teams had their spells of dominance. Both defended well against their opponents' strategy - the Germans stifling the Spanish pass-through-the-defence attacking game and the Spanish midfield rushing back every time Germany countered. Both defences were very well marshalled and disciplined. Puyol's goal (and a good one at that) was decidedly un-Spanish - no short passes in the build-up, no slick dribbling, and a header at that - a clear illustration of the effectiveness of the German defence in shutting down Spain's usual modes of attack.

As for Germany's attack, they countered like they've countered all tournament. The difference between Spain and say, Argentina or England, is that the Spanish midfield, arguably the best in the world, always came back as soon as Schweini, Ozil et al broke on the run. By the end of the game Germany was depending on through passes and long balls to attack instead of pouncing on the counterattack. It was obvious that neither Trochowski nor Kroos were adequate replacements for Mueller, but that shouldn't take away from the credit due to the Spanish midfield.

As for possession, a counterattacking team doesn't really need majority ball possession. In both the England and Argentina games, Germany had less ball possession and less shots on goal - statistics need to be examined alongside the game itself.

All in all, both Spain and Germany played well that game, and Spain won fair and square - good game. Not much diving, no cards, lots of class, individual talent, and sublime tactics.

The key on Sunday for the Spanish will be shutting down Sneijder and Robben. Or at least contain them...because at this point in time I don't think it's possible, without fouling, to shut down Robben...

everything i wanted to say and more.
germany plays a counterattacking game.
2-1 up against england, england was pushing up for an equalizer, got nailed by 2 counters.
same with argentina. the biggest difference this time is that they couldnt get an early goal to force spain to push up and spain had a well disciplined defence. that may be what helps them beat netherlands. however im still hoping for a dutch victory.

GO ORANJE!!

[ferreinm]

Germany placed third.

[brendanp]

anyone else annoyed by the heavy breathing on the commentary this game?

[blackdragon]

^ Have not noticed anything...

[jhan523]

Originally Posted by blackdragon

^ Have not noticed anything...

I haven't either... CBC?

[AnguishedEnd]

haha I take it your talking about John Helm? He's been doing that for a while now.

He's on CBC.

Also if you watch the Footy Show World Cup Tonight on the Score (its at 10pm EST every night) they had a hilarious montage of his heavy breathing during the matches. I'll try and dig up the vid.

[brendanp]

whoever is doing the play by play on cbc...when there is a pause in the commentary it sounds like heavy breathing...

[jhan523]

I didn't notice the breathing... Lol

Grats to Spain.

[teedee]

Yessss. SPAINSPAINSPAINSPAIN.

[jr.eh0718]

I Love Spain <3

[KayakerDan]

Congrats to Spain - you guys were clearly the better team tonight.

[jhan523]

Originally Posted by KayakerDan

Congrats to Spain - you guys were clearly the better team tonight.

I don't know about that. Spain always seems like the better team because of their possession, but I think the Netherlands played great defense during regular time. Their defense got sluggish at the end, most likely due to fatigue.