Germany cruised past Greece last night 4-2 in Gdansk where German chancellor Angela Merkel was in attendance to watch the game. In a Surprise start to the match German coach Joachim Loew‘s starting line-up was without first choice players Mario Gomez, Thomas Mueller, and Lukas Podolski preferring to play youngsters Reus, Schurrle, and veteran striker Miroslav Klose. All three players had great games proving that the German squad has depth to it.
The Germans missed a few chances early on until captain Phillip Lamb fired the first goal from twenty yards out that bent wickedly on its way over the line giving Greek goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis no chance. The Greeks came back to level the score after halftime with a breakaway goal from Samaras, but Greek joy was short lived with the Germans responding with three goals in 13 minutes from Khedira, Klose, and then Reus. Greece was later awarded a penalty for a handball in the box by Jerome Boateng to bring the score to 4-2.
The Germans will now take on the winner of the match between England, and Italy on Sunday the 24th of June. When asked about their next opponents star Real Madrid’s Ozil said: “For us it doesn’t matter whether it will be England or Italy.
“We want to get to the final and we will do everything we can to achieve that.”
With German coach Loew adding: “England are much better than in 2010. Under Hodgson, they are much better organised and counter attack fast.
“In a short space of time Hodgson has organised them and he is known for this.
“They are not so open any more, not so divided as they were in 2010. Now they play as a team.
“Italy also have fast players up front so both teams will be difficult to play against.”
Germany for me are still the team to beat and will be strong favourites going into the semi-final clash.
France v Spain Donbass Arena, Donesk Saturday June 23rd Kick-Off 20:45 CET
Spanish boss Vicente del Bosque again looks set to start two-goal Fernando Torres in an unchanged side.
That would leave Cesc Fabregas, who himself has scored two Euro 2012 goals, on the substitutes bench once more.
France will be without suspended centre-back Philippe Mexes following his second tournament booking, Laurent Koscielny will deputise for him.
With the French never having lost to Spain in competitive football tonight’s match promises to be one of the most exciting of the tournament so far with both teams preferring to attack than defend we could be in for a treat tonight in Donetsk. For me the two players to watch are Inesta, who French great Zinedine Zidane says reminds him of himself, and Xavi the little general controlling the game from midfield.
Frances biggest strength lies in its attacking midfield, but I think that after the loss to Sweden Laurent Blanc men are going to have a hard time beating the Spanish, who for me have yet to show that they really want this title.
The winners of this match will go on to play Portugal, a team Iberian neighbours Spain would relish playing. My prediction here is for Spain to win by one goal I expect a much more attacking game than we have seen so far at the Euro’s this one is a definite do not miss.
00
