" I lost a bottle of wine in a bet with Hans-Dieter Flick today. I said we wouldn't score from open play. Oh, two bottles of wine ... " - Joachim Löw
Best Match: Germany-Portugal.
Goals in both halves of the game, and with a close scoreline (although the Germans showed their authority and domination, Portugal didn’t really got going).
Best Player: Andrei Arshavin.
He was Russia’s focal point. Bossed the attack, everywhere. And fittingly scored a goal to add up to his impressive display against the Dutch.
Best Goal: Bastian Scwheinsteigger’s.
Crazy football moment: Turkey equalizing in the very last minute of added time.
Previewing the semifinals…..
Germany – Turkey
Is this a journey too far for the Turks? Will this be mountain that they will not be able to conquer? Or will they still shock the football world and go the full distance?........... I think that Germany will progress to the final. Considering that the Germans will have most of their starters playing, and adding that Turkey are having more players unavailable (due to injuries, suspensions) I think that they really need to have something extra and a whole lot of luck if they are to book their place in Vienna. With that said, I am making a prediction that not only will be seeing a good game between the two teams (Germany was great against Portugal, and the Turks with their never say die spirit), but I’m having the hunch that the Turks will score first in this game. So far they have always come from behind, and I think in this game they will get the first goal. Just that Germany will probably find a way back to get level on the score and later on taking as the game progresses will score again in taking the lead.
Key player for Germany: Ballack.
Key player for Turkey: Altintop.
Russia-Spain
The Russians have made their statement in this tournament ever since they lost in their first game. And with Arshavin now in the starting line up for Russia, this semifinal should be even more of a contest compared to their first meeting. Spain still has the better squad, and furthermore with Kolodin out for Russia, Spain still has the edge all around, not forgetting the obvious fact that regarding mentally they have already beaten the Russians. My only concern for Spain is that Xavi and Iniesta should further step up their game. Being a Barcelona fan it’s hard seeing them not at their fully best since the beginning (as Aragones kept substituting them in the second halves) but yet the Spanish manager keeps his faith in starting the two. Puyol has done well thus far. But he’ll definitely will keep have to look out for Arshavin roaming around Spanish goal area. I’m sure Senna will have extra work as well. I think Spain will prevail, and the Torres-Villa combo will be too much for the Russian defence to handle. Russia’s best chance in this game would probably rely on Hiddink’s tactical genius (considering that he’ll duke it out with another experienced coach in Luis Aragones), as Spain has the better players at disposal. In addition, I’m sure the Spanish will want to win not only to get to the final, but also for a ‘payback’ against Hiddink after their exit to South Korea 6 years ago in the World Cup (in which Hiddink was the opposition’s coach).
Key player for Russia: Arshavin.
Key player for Spain: Senna.
Predicted victors
Since the conclusion of the quarterfinals, I’m strongly believing that the final in Vienna will be contested between Germany and Spain. Nevertheless, football can be such an unpredictable sport, that nothing must really be taken for granted. Whoever wins the games, I hope that we will all be the recipient of watching great football matches.
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