Germany vs Spain: Three reasons why Germany will win
Superior organization and a lethal attacking force will propel Germany to victory in Wednesday's Spain vs Germany semifinal. Oh, and then there's Miroslav Klose. Watch out, Spain!
KLOSE STRIKES AGAIN: Germany's lethal striker Miroslav Klose, left, scores the fourth goal past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, right, during Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and Germany at the Green Point stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. Expect him to figure prominently in Wednesday's Spain vs Germany semifinal.
Roberto Candia/AP
Germany is now the team to beat in this World Cup. Fresh off a 4-0 beatdown of Diego Maradona’s impressive Argentina team, they will be confident riding into Wednesday’s Spain vs Germany semifinal against a Spain team that has struggled to edge out its opponents.
Although Germany will miss scoring threat Thomas Müller because of a one-game suspension for accumulation of yellow cards, the team has plenty of offensive firepower to fill the void. Lukas Podolski, Mesut Özil, and, of course, Miroslav Klose will force Spain’s world-class goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, to play the game of his life if Spain is to have a chance.
Here are the top three reasons why Germany will beat Spain:
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1) Miroslav Klose
When it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net in the World Cup, there’s no one better than the 32-year-old Polish-born former carpenter, Miroslav Klose. Only Brazil’s Ronaldo, who no longer plays, has more career World Cup goals (15) than Klose (14). But Klose is guaranteed two more games (Wednesday’s Spain vs Germany semifinal and either the championship match or the third-place game) to boost his tally. In this World Cup, he has scored with his head, he’s scored on a volley, and even one sliding goal. Expect him to test Casillas early and often.
2) Organization
Germany’s soccer team has always been known for its superior organization. This World Cup is no different. German defenders don’t blow marking assignments. On the counterattack, players move quickly to space and use one-touch passing to blow by opposing defenses. And with tireless midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger distributing the ball, Spain will have trouble keeping up.
3) They strike early, score in bunches
When it comes to breaking down opponents, Germany certainly subscribes to “the Powell Doctrine” of overwhelming force. While other teams cautiously feel out an opponent with a slow start, Germany comes out swinging. They’ve scored five first-half goals this tournament, two coming in the opening minutes of matches. And when they score once, they do everything they can to demoralize opponents by quickly adding to the tally. In each of their three goal fests of this World Cup (4-0 against Australia, 4-1 against England, and 4-0 against Argentina), they scored back-to-back goals, leaving their opponents stunned and blinking.
Don't buy the argument? Read "Three reasons why Spain will beat Germany."
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World Cup 101: