After epic battles since the qualifiers, we have reached the business end of this prestigious football tournament. Now that flying dutch have already sealed their Final berth yesterday with a thrilling win over feisty Uruguay despite Diego Forlan's heroics.
Today's game reminds me of 2008 European Championships Final where this two great teams clashed for the Europe's supremacy. Then Spain emerged triumphant after El Nino, Fernando Torres scored the solitary goal in the 34th minute of the first half. When the final whistle was blown by the referee, Spain won their first ever major world championship.
Their history suggests that they are perennial underachievers of the world football. But this talented team has turned it around remarkably.
It's safe to say that they are on the cusp of history as glory beckons them. But today, a formidable adversary stands in front of them in the shape and form of rampaging Germany. They have decimated the team of the caliber of Argentina and silenced their critics for once and for all with their uncharacteristic blitzkrieg attacking game.
It has impressed everyone and left their critics gasping for breath. Some of them went to the extent of saying in an unabashed manner that this German team reminded them of the great Brazilian teams of yesteryear when they had legends like Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos in their prime.
This German team commands respect and admiration of football fans across the beautiful globe. History suggests that this is the youngest German team sent to conquer the World Cup once again with their breathtaking assault on their opponents.
When you have precocious, young talent in the form of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Oezil, Lukas Podolski to go along side seasoned pro like Miroslav Klose, then it will indeed be an arduous task for their opponents.
This is where Spanish Matadors have come into their own. They too boast of a dream lineup in the form of super striker, David Villa who happens to be a joint highest goal scorer and in hot pursuit of Golden Boot alongside a Flying Dutchman, Wesley Sneijder.
But this Spanish team commands the best midfield in the world in the form of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandes, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets along side central attacking defender Sergio Ramos and an agile goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. Their defense looks solid with Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique guarding the Spanish goal.
In the end, a team which controls the game from the outset and set the pace will end up being triumphant. This is where Spanish trio of super Xavi Hernandes, delightful Xabi Alonso & their decorated midfield maestro, Andres Iniesta control the tempo of the game with their sublime passing game.
As the German coach, Joaquim Loew said in the press conference, "There are several Messi's in this Spain lineup." It sums it all.
Many reckon that this is going to be the best match of this competition and will perfectly fit the bill of 'Final before the Final' clash.
My mind says Germany, but my heart says Spain!
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