6 26 post 2

Finally got a chance to watch both of the Euro 08 semifinal matches.

From that outcome, I predict Spain to win the whole thing, Turkey to win the third place game.

Germany, while impressive on the first touch with the ball, could never seem to really carry it much past the back line. They seemed timid, maybe they were just being conservative and only taking shots down field when they had them. By that same token, it was Turkey who lost the game, despite never being out of it, not Germany who won it.

Spain's victory was against Russia, who had moments of good play, though nothing to show for it. Perhaps they just lacked a finisher, or perhaps they put too much effort into dismantling the dutch. But Spain's whole midfield came down and played defense, and would spring brilliant counter-attacks in the blink of an eye, with Silva, Iniesta, Torres, David Villa, and the like just throwing it back quickly. Also, Xavi's goal was amazingly impressive and aware. Abandoning his post as holding midfield, he saw an opportunity for a goal, and rushed into the box wide open.

Spain just seems to be clicking on all cylinders at the moment, much like the dutch were in group play. Sadly, that did not work out for the dutch, but Spain's midfield is just more cohesive. More importantly, I haven't seen many flaws in the backline either. Germany has had problems with the two center backs, the wingbacks being caught up field, and Lehman giving up goals that should never be. I just don't see Ballack and Schweinstagger willing their team to victory, not at this stage.
Prediction:
Spain 2-1 Germany