Spain vs Germany Today At Farmers Gastropub

Miroslav Klose, Germany by John Macdougall/AFP/Getty Images

What a match up eh. Everyone thought Argentina vs Germany would determine the champion, but after the dismantling of the South American team it’s hard to tell whether they were truly challengers. Now it seems this match is considered the key game. Of course there’s always the actual final, this Sunday at 1:30 pm, and I’ll be at Farmer’s Gastropub to enjoy the action as the Dutch face…. who?

I used to hold German citizenship, having been born in Munich, so it’s hard to root against the boys but I did pick Spain prior to the start of the World Cup so it would be satisfying to see that result as well. And how can anyone root against Netherlands? So as my buddy Brad mentioned once the USA went out, “Cool, now I can quit worrying and just enjoy some fantastic soccer”.

Here’s my usual survey of what other’s are saying. What about you?

NY Times – Octopus Picks Spain, German Fans Despair

For Spain, the Guardian explores Why David Villa is carrying Spain’s hopes on his shoulders while also noting that Are Spain the most one-club-reliant team in World Cup history? after fielding seven Barcelona players on the field against Paraguay at one point.

For Germany, it seems Joachim Löw’s young Germany have nothing to lose as Germany reap reward of great shift to youth, something begun after they lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2008 but his employers instituted the reforms that have produced more speed, more skill and fresh tactical intelligence after the premature exit at Euro 2000.

Finally, keep an eye on Miroslav Klose threatens to eclipse goalscoring gods.