Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Why did Spain prevail?

Very deserved victory for Spain, without a single doubt.

There were one change in the lines-up for each team.
Loew had to play with Trochowski ahead instead of Thomas Mueller. It seems that Germany missed Mueller a lot. May be if he played, Spain still would outplay Germany, but he might be able to create a difference, which enables his team to steal a goal.

For Spain, Del Bosque finally dropped Fernando Torres and started with Pedro instead. That was a great decision, which refreshed the Spain forward a lot, and gave spaces and more spaces to his team. He is very good in taking positions.

What was very impressive for Spain is their midfield. They had great pressing against the German, closing any gap between players. Klose and Podolski were isolated from Oezil and Schweinsteiger. It was very different from what they faced vs. Argentina and England.

In addition Spain did their best game in keeping the ball, not losing it, and slowly and surely moving towards German field. It was clear that things will go well for Spain. Spanish midfielders and defenders played with great focus and experience, they were reading German players minds in anticipating every pass.

While I was watching the game today, I almost relived the 2006 Germany semi-final vs. Italy or 2008 semi-final vs. Turkey.
Geramny usually face a lot of trouble when they play against a team that moves slowly, but surely, with short passes mixed with individual skills and pressing on them.

Today, Spain did it with excellence.

The first half may be ended without many chances created for Spain. However, the navigation around German goal had a lot of threats, and at any moment, you would expect the goal is coming.

Spain dominating the midfield was not a surprise, but Germany not having lethal counter attacks, was the shocking one. They lost the integration between themselves, thanks to full concentration and pressing of Spanish players.

Xavi did a great game, and got player of the game. I was not sure who played best today, him or Puyol?
Puyol seemed always available at any German attack. Then, the way he scored his goal was fascinating. It was one of the best goals of the mondial.

Xavi was the star man – completing more passes than any other player, running a greater distance than any other player, dictating the game from the centre of midfield, and providing the assist for the goal.

Congratulations to Spain! A deserved win.
I think if Spain played with this style in the final, the whole of Spain will live in parties next Sunday.

This analysis is partially my own opinion, and partially summary of www.zonalmarking.com analysis.

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