Now it is time to decide. 4 teams are left in the competition and all of them have showed good unity about them. The concept football has outclassed teams with starplayer focus. Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney are watching now and are not involved anymore.

The biggest surprise has been Germany. Nobody expected the style and confidence of such a new and young team. The fact nobody had a clear view of their strength before the WC made it a bit easier for them. Against England and Argentina they entered the game as outsiders which suited them very well. Playing from a holding role, they made use of the non pressing game of their opponents. This gave them the opportunity to counter attack. The attacking game of the German team is very economical. They do not waste energy with countless aggressive moves. No they rest in defense in midfield and then they act very clinically. With no mercy. That ist in fact the last German virtue of all teams. This team is at great ease. But they have difficulities if their game plan differs from the Argentina and England scenario:

Against Spain they will meet a team which holds the ball and has no direct need to play direct like England and Argentina. Xavi, Iniesta and Xabi Alonso can distribute the ball into open spaces and wait patiently. At the same time the left and rightbacks will get more involved tying Lahm and Boateng in defense. If they lose the ball the Spaniards are there right away. No team has made it more difficult for opponentes to get sniff at their goal. Only eleven goal attempts have beens registered by teams which have played against Spain. Their pressure line is amazing. Playing constructive balls from behind. Pushing all teams way back into their half. Everybody is involved and tactically sound and disciplined.
This may open counterattack options for Germany but this time the devils lies in the detail. Müller is missing and therefore the link man for such moves. Why is this? Müller does not have a fixed position which and this keeps opposing teams guessing. Whitout him German play will be more static. Klose will have to fight it out in attack. He will feel lonely up there. At the same time Germany will not defend like Paraguay or Switzerland. They are not capable of that and this team does believe in this football. Philosophically speaking: I appreciate that. But if you give Spain freedom it is the end of your independence on the field.

This all theory. If Spain score first. They will will. Nobody can get ball of them if they are leading. They will be happy to pass it around all over the field and lure the opponent out of their positons. That ist Villa time. Give him space and you know who is going to take take Goalscorer Prize in 2010!

Take care

Oliviero