Shyte tactics, poor coaching decision. Spain dictated the pace, but showed no true effort to win the game.
So what does that say for Germany. Spain kept it, made Germany work, but never put the ball at risk. Why cross when it got wide? Villa was never going to win it. So probe, keep it and wait for the one or two chances. Overall I do not think it was Germany intention to drop off, they simply were denied the ball. No opportunity to build or counter attack
I not sure if peeps understand how much it does take out of players to be chasin de ball for 70 minutes out of a 90 minute game.
Germany game is based on a swift counter attack. Spain game is based on possession of the ball...and when they lose possession, to win it back quickly by pressing the opposition. Germany had 2 counter attack chances in the entire match. Both of them were decent chances but it was all they had. For a team that ran riot against England and Australia, it's a credit to Spain for the way they took Germany out of their game.
The point you make about not crossing the ball is salient. Why cross the ball when midget Villa was never goin to win any header? Bess to keep it and try to work an opening. It's to Germany's credit that they kept their shape and discipline over the course of the game.
Not sure what happened with the goal and where the breakdown occurred....BOTH Pique AND Puyol had FREE HEADERS on that play. Who lapse in de German defence?
Yeah but both of you miss the main point, Germany did not chase the ball. They took space away. Germany only started chasing after the goal was scored. Germany played the shyte football that Brazil played.
When the Germans pushed up and moved the ball around in the top of the mid 1/3 Spain was chasing (that's what they do) to win the ball back and Germany did well in keeping the ball. Spain looked dishevled in the midfield whenever Germany pressed them, even give the ball back. As long as Germany gave them the space they looked good, which is expected, but under pressure they did nothing spectacular.
As much as Puyol should have converted the 1st header, so to should have Klose converted the volley. Understanding what both teams was trying to do, the game was nothing saved for the goal.