Germany ruthlessly thrash Spain 0-1 with width and patience
The BBC pundits definitely watch a different match. Until Spain scored you would think that Germany, not managing any actual attempts at goal (except one from 25 yards right at Casillas) but always threatening, had Spain right where they wanted them. Whereas in the match I saw, Spain were completely dominant, should have scored at least two and Germany were poor, giving the ball away countless times. Guess what, when Germany had to catch up they looked just as hapless at the back as England and Argentina and more devoid of any way to get through Spain's defence. Yes Kloos drew a fine save from Casillas but if you cross enough times you'll get chances by random. In contrast Argentina until the 70th minute varied their attacks and were unlucky not to score. (Admittedly Germany only had 20 minutes to catch up.) As I said in the last post Germany are a fine team but lack a class player. Not Ozil. Not Schweinsteiger. Correction. They do have one but he's injured (Ballack).
Speaking of injuries I'm afraid Torres may never be quite the same again. He's lost a yard, like Kaka. A very clear example was when he beat Freidrich (F) with a characteristically lovely changed of direction and pace but F was able to recover and knock the ball away. Last year Neuer would have been tested and most likely failed. When he recovers his confidence he'll still score, like Owen, but I fear that he'll never be a magician again.
I don't mean to dump on Germany which is a very fine team with an admirable head coach that plays very good football. I really enjoyed the match which was remarkably clean and a credit to both sides. I'm just taking issue with the English pundits.