Semi-finals

[PTP]

aye - so far most teams have just let spain have the ball, and almost arsenal esque they have passed it around sideways, some neat little interchanges, but nothing really killer. Switzerland did it perfectly, allowed spain to have the ball in channels meaning the only option for the spanish was to put crosses in which they dealt with comfortably.

The worry is, will spain, be a bit more cautious worrying about the germans counter attack, so will sit a bit deeper to try and force the germans out - which they prob won't and it'll end up being a dull affair

[dww]

I think Spain have really suffered from the relatively poor form of Torres. They have generally been better when he is on the pitch but at the minute if he fails to get on the end of any more adventurous balls they revert to making pretty patterns. If he clicks against Germany I think Spain will win easily, if not I suspect it will go pretty much as you suggest.

[Kenneth]

First goal wins IMO.

[Neil Young]

First goal wins IMO.

Trust silly old FIFA to change the rules halfway through a tournament.

[Mostar]

I think Spain have really suffered from the relatively poor form of Torres. They have generally been better when he is on the pitch but at the minute if he fails to get on the end of any more adventurous balls they revert to making pretty patterns. If he clicks against Germany I think Spain will win easily, if not I suspect it will go pretty much as you suggest.

I don't think Torres is their main problem. They've been as ineffective with him as without him in starting 11. Only Alonso, Busquets, Iniesta on the moments and definitely Villa have been at the par or better. The rest of squad extremely underachieved imo especially Capdevilla and Ramos. Xavi also has been no-show for the most part.

[Shaggy]

Trust silly old FIFA to change the rules halfway through a tournament.

[dww]

I don't think Torres is their main problem. They've been as ineffective with him as without him in starting 11. Only Alonso, Busquets, Iniesta on the moments and definitely Villa have been at the par or better. The rest of squad extremely underachieved imo especially Capdevilla and Ramos. Xavi also has been no-show for the most part.

I can see that argument but the point is that I think a fit and firing Torres would have changed that. They have to my eyes looked better with him in the team even now but if he hit form I think he would make them a much more effective unit and take some of the pressure off Villa.

[Dessy]

I think Spain have really suffered from the relatively poor form of Torres. They have generally been better when he is on the pitch but at the minute if he fails to get on the end of any more adventurous balls they revert to making pretty patterns. If he clicks against Germany I think Spain will win easily, if not I suspect it will go pretty much as you suggest.

I do think Spain have failed to hit their peak in this competition but do expect them to step up to the plate come the Germany game. They have progressed without having to get out of 3rd or 4th gear and that 'pretty' passing game can be very effective when they click.

That said Germany have been a bit of a revelation and I'm pretty sure they'll be feeling pretty invincible given the manner of their progression so far.

Of all the fixtures so far this one has to be the stand out one so far and I'm hoping we'll see one of the classics......led by Torres bagging his first of the tourney......then his second........and perhaps a third

Spain to win 3-1

[badpiggy]

Family pressure on me to support Holland which I'm finding hard cos I ****in DETEST Robben so much. He's a horrible diving melodramatic one-bollocked one-footed ****in weasel. I also can't stand van Bommell or Van Persie. I want Spain to win but I'd love to see Germany do it too. Also seeing Spain has made me realise how much I miss Xabi. The killer passes he makes even when he's not playing well make me ****in sick at what we've lost.

[Kinell]

Spain have failed to hit their peak but still through to the semi's.

[Mattshark]

Spain have failed to hit their peak but still through to the semi's.

That has pretty much been down to one player, Villa.

[Shaggy]

Family pressure on me to support Holland which I'm finding hard cos I ****in DETEST Robben so much. He's a horrible diving melodramatic one-bollocked one-footed ****in weasel. I also can't stand van Bommell or Van Persie. I want Spain to win but I'd love to see Germany do it too. Also seeing Spain has made me realise how much I miss Xabi. The killer passes he makes even when he's not playing well make me ****in sick at what we've lost.

Family pressure?

Spain all the way. I'll be in Spain on Sunday for the final so it'll be ****ing ace if they get there.

[Craig_H]

Family pressure?

Spain all the way. I'll be in Spain on Sunday for the final so it'll be ****ing ace if they get there.

Didnt you know? Badpiggy is Dick van Dyke


What are you going to spain for? Holiday? Or just a short break, hoping to bump into a Scandanavian bird?

Lucky git though, i wish i was going. I love Spain in all respects, the country, the lifestyle, the culture, the landscape, the people, the language. And of course, the football

Have a great time dude.

[Shaggy]

Cheers man. The in-laws live over there and we go over every year, but we're having a weekend in Sevilla before we head up to their place in Extremadura.

[JohnDoe]

The Dutch will manage to beat Uruguay, just.

Del Bosque will foolishly start with 5 central midfielders and Villa, Germany will neutralize Spain and focus most of their attention on Villa (which you can't do with Torres on the pitch, off form or not), Torres will come on as a sub but won't be sharp enough to make an impact. Germany win.