Euro 2008 Final - Germany vs. Spain

Vierzehn wrote:

sheva7 wrote:Another great defensive performance by BARRACUDA!

Ramos?

Ramos has been average, but so far he didn't make any crucial mistake.

Don't think Lehmann was to blame for the goal, although he could have made himself a bit bigger. It wasn't good goalkeeping, but he wasn't the main player at fault. Lahm was definitely culpable, he allowed Torres past him with far too much ease. I don't think Lehmann could have stayed on his feet either. He was a bit hesitant and was too far out, and Torres running at pace would have been able to push it past him and open up a clear shot at goal.

The passes in behind Friedrich are killing Germany, and if Iniesta had a bit more confidence to shoot with his left foot he could have capitalised a bit more.

Germany are playing really poorly, but still wouldn't be surprised to see them score out of nothing again. Ballack's just been cynical and needs to get some focus.

Also, the Spanish defence and particularly Casillas have done really well so far defending set pieces. We saw in the previous two German games what a difference it makes when the defending and goalkeeping are incompetent. They've been gifted a couple of goals already in the knock-out stages like this, but thus far Spain have dealt with crosses competently and confidently.

Great finish from Torres - the 1st piece of skill or subtlety in his 7 year career so far

It wasn't Lehman's fault - Lahm only needed to step in front of the peroxide mincer and he would have had a free-kick.

I hope if Germnany are losing in teh closing stages that they kick it off - I'd love to see Ballack lump Puyol or Cesc.

Ridiculous booking for Casillas - he is a gent and was looking to make things better not worse.

Klose should have scored early doors

Frings can only get better

What's very surprising for me is that Germany don't look like having any sort of gameplan. They've found a weakness in Ramos and are attacking through Podolski's running down the left, but otherwise there's no synch in the team.

Klose is invisible as he has been all tournament, Ballack is just losing it, Hitzlsperger and Frings are always out of position allowing Xavi to make the passes he wants to, the RB is getting caught out by a faux-left winger Iniesta, and the two CBs are having Torres run at them like the playground bully.

Gomez to come on and win it for Germany and then not celebrate?

Klose looked a threat when he joined Lahm and Podolski on the left, but since Spain's scored that hasn't happened.

Sheffield gunner wrote:Don't think Lehmann was to blame for the goal, although he could have made himself a bit bigger. It wasn't good goalkeeping, but he wasn't the main player at fault. Lahm was definitely culpable, he allowed Torres past him with far too much ease. I don't think Lehmann could have stayed on his feet either. He was a bit hesitant and was too far out, and Torres running at pace would have been able to push it past him and open up a clear shot at goal.

The passes in behind Friedrich are killing Germany, and if Iniesta had a bit more confidence to shoot with his left foot he could have capitalised a bit more.

Germany are playing really poorly, but still wouldn't be surprised to see them score out of nothing again. Ballack's just been cynical and needs to get some focus.

Also, the Spanish defence and particularly Casillas have done really well so far defending set pieces. We saw in the previous two German games what a difference it makes when the defending and goalkeeping are incompetent. They've been gifted a couple of goals already in the knock-out stages like this, but thus far Spain have dealt with crosses competently and confidently.

Exactly. Iniesta is having a lot of freedom to create near the german box. Low must do something in the half time to stop this.

Come on Ballack !

Lahm taken off

Jansen is on, Lahm off

LOL JANSEN hahah

Lahm off for Jansen. Surprising, if tactical.

Germany will score in the next 7 minutes though, Germans are born killers!

Germany started off well, soon as Spain started moving the ball onto the flanks Germany had to give more space in the middle lanes. This gave Spain the chance to control further up the middle and start making things happen.

A big gamble from Loew. Jansen should be able to capitalise on Ramos' weaknesses getting forward, but we have seen how poor he defends at times. I thought Lahm might have been moved to right back. He did poorly for the goal but is still one of Germany's best players, I wouldn't have taken him off.

Pierre Littbarski wrote:Great finish from Torres - the 1st piece of skill or subtlety in his 7 year career so far

He has scored a couple very similar goals for us If you have watched us last season

Clear tactical decision...Loew noticed how Ramos was always out of position, so he brings on Jansen to exploit that.

But SGunner is right, Lahm should at least have been moved to the right. The German RB is useless anyway.

Friedrich can't inspire confidence either. At least Lahm could create something.

what are the odd of ballack doing a 'zidane' by the end of the match ?

Cazorla, Xabi Alonso, and Guiza warming up for Spain. If I was Aragones, I would bring on Guiza for Cesc or Iniesta. One chance for him, and he could end the game. Then it'll be time for the likes of Xabi Alonso.

Cazorla is probably the counter-tactic to Jansen, since Cazorla will stick on the wing.

Rosicky wrote:what are the odd of ballack doing a 'zidane' by the end of the match ?

He must be sick of being such a loser. I hope he goes mental and someone knocks him out

Ouch

No action for Mrs. Klose tonight!

Sergio Ramos

Luckily his CBs saved him.

Spain are gonna rue missing all these chances...

Nice attack from Spain again. Lehmann did better there, although just a fraction less on Cesc's pass and Torres would have got there first.

Germany have been utter shite yet again.

Puyol

This Spanish midfield is just glorious to watch. Xavi's passing

Kuranyi to come on, Gomez really has fallen from grace to be below Kuranyi in the pecking order! Think it's safe to say with Kuranyi on the pitch that Germany will be looking to get crosses in the box and capitalise on set pieces.