Semi-finals

[Craig_H]

Another thing the current Spanish side has had to cope with, is the tag of European Champions and favourites, which not only puts extra pressure on them, but also impacts on how other teams will set out to play them.

Two years ago when they won the Euros, they didnt have to face anywhere near the same level of stifling & spoiling tactics that they've had this tournament.

It's always much harder when everyone not only knows about and pinpoints your quality, but also sets up their entire game to stop you playing.

[Pablo]

Yeah but Spain had done pretty much nothing with it at the point either.
All those shots were pretty all Alonso from outside the box.

Well that is always going to happen when a side is chasing a game. Spain really are nothing like they were to watch 2 years ago imo, they slow the game down so much and have shown little (outside of Villa) of the flair they have previously shown. Much more grinding than anything else.

[Mattshark]

There is no way on earth this Spanish team are grinders.

I agree they were better under the racist fella but they've been slightly hamstrung by having their best striker unfit and Iniesta coming off an injury and not at his best. They're the best team in the world by a distance and they thoroughly deserve to win the tournament. Germany couldn't get close to them tonight.

C'mon mate, that is exactly what they have played like this year, they just keep position and grind their opposition down. They are with out a doubt the best team, but they have won pretty every knock out game by grinding the opposition down.

[Mattshark]

Feel free to point out what is inaccurate there.

[Shaggy]

C'mon mate, that is exactly what they have played like this year, they just keep position and grind their opposition down. They are with out a doubt the best team, but they have won pretty every knock out game by grinding the opposition down.

If making the opposition chase the ball (and shadows) for 90 minutes is 'grinding the opposition down' then so be it. It seems everyone loves to watch Spain play except you.

[Craig_H]

If Mattshark told me that the sky was blue and water was wet, i'd look out of my window and stick the tap on.

[Pablo]

Feel free to point out what is inaccurate there.

[Craig_H]

[Mattshark]

If making the opposition chase the ball (and shadows) for 90 minutes is 'grinding the opposition down' then so be it. It seems everyone loves to watch Spain play except you.

Sorry mate, but they passed it a lot and made little in terms of good chances, it is how they have generally played through out, they are just not exciting like they were before.

2 good chances from corners.
1 good cross which Villa couldn't reach and the through ball to Villa.
The rest was all from distance.

[Mattshark]

You can't then.

[Rich]

I do think Spain look beatable though, Holland need to try and get at that defence as it looks a little creaky. Spain favourites though and rightly so.

[MrsB]

You ok, Pablo?

[Shaggy]

I do think Spain look beatable though, Holland need to try and get at that defence as it looks a little creaky. Spain favourites though and rightly so.

The Dutch will be dangerous no doubt. Robben should play on the left to try and isolate and expose Ramos, he's the weak link I reckon. But Spain have far too much quality and Holland aren't great at the back. Spain 2-0.

[Mattshark]

If Mattshark told me that the sky was blue and water was wet, i'd look out of my window and stick the tap on.

That is because you're a bit thick and can't read though Craig.

[Rich]

The Dutch will be dangerous no doubt. Robben should play on the left to try and isolate and expose Ramos, he's the weak link I reckon. But Spain have far too much quality and Holland aren't great at the back. Spain 2-0.

Both fullbacks can be exposed, and casillas looks flappy and shaky. Still I can see van bommel and the other dude coping with the Spanish midfield.