Germany vs. Spain- a contrast of styles, cultures, and odiousness.
On one hand, you've got the Spanish playing beautiful flowing football, scoring brilliant team goals after long sequences of connected passes, and basically dominating every game with the exception of the snooze-fest against Italy.
On the other hand, you've got the Germans playing negative football, scoring primarily from headers off set plays, and just squeaking by (they have only won a single match by more than one goal).
As you can see, I am taking an exceedingly neutral approach for this final.
Will it be a celebratory meal of chorizo y cerveza or bier und bratwurst? Let's give these two the classic tale of the tape and see what conclusions we can come up with:
Goalkeeper: Germany has Jens Lehmann. Spain has Iker Casillas. Lehmann did not start for Arsenal this season and has gifted goals to opponents throughout the tournament. Casillas has been solid and made one of the saves of the tournament on Camoranesi in the quarters.
Advantage: Spain
Defense: Conventional wisdom sides with Germany here, and indeed they do have the more disciplined defense. Christophe Metzelder has been one of the top defenders of the tournament, steady on the backline and surprisingly quick coming forward. Spain will play a 4-5-1 in the final, but the attacking tendencies of Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila make it more of a 2-7-1. Capdevila in particular rarely plays any defense at all. Still, Spain have been fantastic at not conceding goals. They have allowed only 3 all tournament, while Germany has allowed 6, including 4 in its last two games.
Advantage: Spain- sometimes possession is the best form of defense. Goals Against stats don't lie.
Midfield: This matchup is the most lopsided of them all. Spain has four of the world's finest attacking midfielders. Cesc Fabregas has been a true standout, with two beautiful assists in the game against Russia. Senna gives Spain some muscle and industry so the rest of the midfield can work its magic. Germany's midfield looked outmatched before Ballack was ruled doubtful with a calf injury. Without Ballack, Germany is in serious trouble.
Advantage: Spain
Forwards: Both teams will most likely play with just one--Fernando Torres for Spain and Miroslave Klose for Germany. Klose has been better internationally while Torres has been better for club. Both have been out of form for this tournament. Guiza and Gomez are equally ineffective off the bench.
Advantage: Push
Historical Precedent: In 1938, Germany annexed Austria. The Anschluss, as this annexation is called, was Hitler's first step toward attempting to conquer all of Europe. Placido Domingo, the famed Spanish tenor, put on a performance that really wowed the State Opera House in Vienna sometime in the 1980s or 90s.
Advantage: Eh, physically capturing the Austrian state vs. capturing the hearts and minds of Viennese opera buffs. Let's call this one a draw.
So there you have it--it looks like Spain has a slight advantage in this one, 3-0-2.
Official prediction- open first 15 minutes yields to a cagey, boring match with both teams tentative to go forward. Enters extra time tied at 0-0. Spain nabs two in extra time from Torres and Iniesta to take home the European Championship for the first time since 1964.
1 comment:
And we learn a thing or two about the good doctor today, as both of his celebratory scenarios involve sausage.
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