That was it for Germany. Congrats to the spanish who deserved the win much more than their opponents.
First half was dominated by the Spanish, there is no way to put it any more politely. the only thing I can say in defenc eof the Germans is that they appeared to be very nervous, or playing with an almost self-paralysing ammount of respect. but putting that aside, the Spanish still played with an ammount of unbelievable precison and tactical control of space that one needs to see in order to believe it. I give the first half in shares 65:35 to the Spanish.
Second half saw the Germans trying to get into the match by sudden, assault-like counter-attacks - of which unfortunately there were too few. 1-on-1 fights ended more often in Germany's favour now, but although they initiated some pressing during some phases of the second half, again the Spanish may have had a share of 55:45 in the second half.
A major difference throughout the match: the Spanish players immediately attacked any german who owend the ball. the German players almost always kept a distance to the ball-leading Spanish player, and attacked relatievly late. I wonder why that was not switched off in halftime. It was so very obvious.
I am dissapointed that almost all German players this time simply played below their possible skill level. I think this was not just due to Spanish powerplay, but they really picked a weaker day this time. In defence of the German team I must say that they probably were the first team in this tournament that nevertheless made the Spanish dropping their mask and made them showing their full potential. Considering the Spanish team's formidable precision and control of space, this is a compliment for the Germans nevertheless.
Schweinsteiger nevertheless for me is a contender for the title as MVP of the tournament. It is like I wrote before the tournament: I said back then that I doubt that Ballack would be missed. Indeed, not only was his absence fully compensated, but they played better without him than with him. Germany's match versus Argentinia was the finest match of a German team that I can remember from all my life.
I hate the idea that this team of young wilds, that has surprised me and many others so positively, in the end lost to just the second ranked competitor in the tournament, so I'm sorry Holland: but I hope the Spanish will win the final. I'm sure that the Dutch will have no pleasure trying to find a weak spot in this highly dynamic energy shield their opponent covers all the pitch with.
Never again remind me of that octopus. Damn beast, miserable one.
