germany

Manager: Joachim Low
Captain: Philipp Lahm
FIFA World Ranking: 6
World Cup Appearances: 16
Best World Cup: Winner; 1954, 1974, 1990

Germany Team Profile

If you’re looking for a bargain this summer, a little piece of value, then the Germans maybe right up your street. The three-time FIFA World Cup winners are arguably the most consistent nation around having played in all but two of the previous 18 World Cup finals, while the Germans have made it past the group stage a staggering 17 times, failing just once way back in 1938. However, the Germans will need to achieve a feat they’ve never managed before if they are to be the first country to win the FIFA World Cup on African soil, and that’s to win a World Cup outside of Europe. All of Germany’s previous three World Cup triumphs have come inside of Europe, with two even coming on home soil.

The Germans are arguably the most consistent nation on the circuit and it’s been a combination of experience, combative qualities and some wise tactical nous which has helped them build such a formidable record at international level. Their consistency in the finals of any tournament, whether that be the FIFA World Cup of the European Championships, is in impeccable and the proof, if you ever needed it, that Germany, no matter how weak or average their team may look on paper, always come good when their backs are against the walls. They finished as a losing finalists in Japan/Korea in 2002, third in Germany in their own backyard in 2006, while the 2008 European Championships seen the consistent and almost infallible Germans reach yet another major final, this time losing out to Spain in Austria/Switzerland in 2008.

While two years have passed since that disappointing night in Austria in 2008, a bitter taste will still fill the mouths of the German camp, with many of the unfortunate souls who lost that day still in the German team aiming to make amends in South Africa.

Manager

A manager cannot win a game all by himself but he can certainly dictate how it can pan out. When Joachim Low took charge of the Germans back in July 2006, many were saying he was inheriting one of the poorest German sides in their history. However, despite the doubters, he guided Germany to a third place finish in the 2006 World Cup which was conveniently held in Germany. The pressure was on him to deliver a good performance from his team and they certainly did that. Now he’s won over the fans, he can now concentrate on going one better and avenging the Semi-Final defeat in 2006 and hopefully book a place in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

Joachim Low has 10 years managerial experience on his CV although his spell at Germany was and still is his first International duty. By the time the World Cup comes round he will have spent nearly four years as manager of Germany and that has to be a major plus point in terms of team chemistry and morale. He’s enjoyed instant success as German manager but he still lacks a winners medal. He does posses a squad capable of big things although he will have his work cut out getting them to another final showdown.

Germany Key Players

In defence, an area where perhaps some will say is their weak spot, we have three players with vast amounts of experience at international level; Philip Lahm is one of the best left-backs in the world, bombing forward to assist the winger with deliveries while he remains sound when needing to defence. Per Mertesacker has had his critics in the past but he’s proven a stalwart at the back for Germany with his aerial prowess a real asset in both a defensive and offensive situation. Last and foremost, Arne Friedrich, who will more than likely take up the right-back role. As you can patently see, all three have more than enough international caps, combing to make for one of the more competent, professional and experienced defences out of the 32 teams competing.

The midfield is often where you win games and if you can overrun a combative German midfield, you’re half way to winning the battle. And battle is a fitting word to describe the German captain Michael Ballack. At 33 years-old, Ballack has seemingly been in the game for an age and will be making his third appearance in the finals of a World Cup. He will take valuable experience from his previous World Cup adventures into the German camp, as well as his hard-working and industrious attitude, while Ballack has been known to strike an absolute thunderbolt in his time. When the pressure is on and a goal is perhaps needed, Ballack has never shied away from the hero situations and will amply fit the bill in South Africa should Joachim Low require one at any stage.

While Ballack provides the German midfield with solidity and a formidable presence, not forgetting his commendable leadership qualities, no midfield is complete without some creativity, the players which can really make the fireworks light with a bang, and while those have been few and far between in the German squad in recent years, Piotr Trochowski and Bastien Schweinsteiger may just fit the role perfectly as Low looks to build on a previously lightweight attack by adding guile, ingenuity and power with the inclusions of the two ment.

The German attack is where their games will be won and lost, mainly won if the record of their forwards is anything to go by. The two stand-outs in the German attack by quite some distance are the pairing of Miroslav Klose (Caps: 94 Goals: 48) and Lukas Podolski (Caps: 70 Goals: 37). Not only do these two have goals in them, and that’s a proven fact, they compliment one another so well.

In one corner with have the subtlety of Klose, who with his predatory instinct in and around the penalty has earned himself a lethal reputation as one of the World’s best attackers while he already has a World Cup Golden Shoe to his name after finishing Korea/Japan with the best goal return in the competition back in 2002. As you can tell by the year in which he won that honour, Klose also packs a punch with his experience, so to say Klose is well travelled and a goal-getter would be stating the obvious.

Lukas Podolski, however, seems to have spent an eternity in the German fold despite being just 25 years-of-age. He’s a player which really has come of age and has been prolific in front of goal for his country, averaging a goal every-other-game under Low. The unqiue factor with Podolski in comparison to Klose is Podolski is much more versatile, willing to play in any position and perform any role for the team and yet he still manages to find the goal from wherever he ends up on the pitch. He simply has a keen eye for the goal, and when he does locate the goal, he doesn’t half get his foot behind the ball.

In goal is perhaps the only area of the pitch where Germany look lightweight in terms of international experience, with the likelihood being Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer travelling to South Africa as Germany’s main contenders for the gloves. Both of which are superb goalies, immense shot-stoppers and an excellent commander of the box. The pair may lack international caps but they’re world-class goalies in their own right, while both have enjoyed promising seasons in the German Bundesliga, although Adler’s was blighted with injuries.

Strengths

You would have to say the attacking duo of Miroslav Klose and Lukas Poloski make Germany a serious threat and danger in the final third, while the strength in depth in this specific area of the pitch is very strong. Klose and Poldolski have incredible scoring records for Germany, both averaging more than a goal every-other-game. Both will be pivotal in Germany’s chances in South Africa, but the fact Low has suitable replacements ready to fit the bill should one of the potent duo fall foul to an injury, with Mario Gomez (Bought for £30 million a year ago for Bayern Munich) and Stefan Kiebling (Top goalscorer in the German Bundesliga) ready and raring to go should their services be required.

There are plenty of goals in the German attack, with the Germans clinical attitude in front of goal one of the reasons why English fans are fearing the worst, and why the loyal flood of German supporters travelling to South Africa will remain optimistic and in high spirit.

Also, the Germans will be a tough side to overcome over 90 minutes and no-one during qualifying managed to beat the Germans within that time-frame, with Joachim Low’s men remaining undefeated in 10 qualifiers. 

Weaknesses

While their defence is equipped to handle the aerial threat, while it does have plenty of caps between Philip Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich, it’s a defence which has been exposed and exploited in past tournaments, while the fact almost the same back four which played in Germany 2006 will take to the field for most of Germany’s encounters in South Africa allows other nations to do some easy homework, pinpointing any possible German weaknesses in the back which, from our mere observations, are quick footwork and pace. If a team has either of those, and plenty of them do, then the German defence could be unravelled.

Germany Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe
Current Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 8-2-0
Goals Scored: 26
Goals Conceded: 5

Germany Qualifying Statistics

- Germany have kept their unbeaten record intact throughout qualifying, winning eight and drawing two in a flawless qualifying campaign.
- The Germans have kept their cool with just two yellow cards and one red card throughout the whole of qualification.
- 26 goals in 10 qualifiers is the third highest goal tally in the European sector.
- Miroslav Klose has scored 7 times in qualifying and finished as Germany’s top goalscorer.
- Germany’s comfortable qualification route ensured they stretched a streak of 16 consecutive world cup appearances to 17.

World Cup Potential: 4/5

The Germans have been turning up to tournaments understrength and underrated for some time now, as the latter adjective says, the Germans proved yet again they had a trick or two up their sleeve when it really mattered, and while they may travel to South Africa without as many stars as some of the other favoured nations, we have no doubt their pedigree and formidable reputation will leave their opponents on edge and wanting to avoid the Germans at all cost. They are, however, beatable, like every nation travelling to Africa, but that doesn’t mean they’re an easy opponent. In fact, the Germans will be one of the hardest teams to overcome in South Africa, as their record in major finals would suggest.

While some of the names in the Germany squad may not jump out of the page at you, it’s a strong set up from the Germans mixed with knowledgeable sorts; Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Bastien Schweinsteiger, who’ve been there and done that in major finals, while there is a fresh feel to the squad with some of their young prospects; Mezut Ozil and Thomas Muller tagging along for the ride aiming to make a real difference in South Africa. There’s a good feel about this German team, a positive aurora that should see them delve deep into another World Cup, with the possibility of their seventh final in a World Cup within sight after a flawless route to South Africa.

Germany World Cup Betting Odds

Germany to win the World Cup: 2/1 – Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on Germany were 12/1 

Official Germany World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)
Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)
Hans-Jörg Butt (Bayern Munich)

Defenders

Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC)
Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)
Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen)
Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart)
Jérome Boateng (Hamburg SV)
Dennis Aogo (Hamburg SV)
Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders

Marcell Jansen (Hamburg SV)
Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen)
Marko Marin (Werder Bremen)
Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart)
Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg SV)

Strikers

Lukas Podolski (Cologne)
Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich)
Stefan Kießling (Bayer Leverkusen)
Cacau (VfB Stuttgart)
Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)
Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Germany Fixtures – Group D

27/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: Germany – England: 4-1

03/07 – 15.00 – Quarter Finals: Germany – Argentina: 4-0

07/07 – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Germany – Spain

World Cup 2010 Group D - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

2010 FIFA World Cup Winner:- Spain

Us punters needed not turning up in fairness as Spain, the ante-post favourites to land their first World Cup crown, clinched the 2010 FIFA World Cup and justified why so many, although us not included, fancied their chances before the tournament kicked off at Soccer City on June 11th. Many believed the best team won of which I’m not of the same opinion as I felt every single one of their games were dull and boring, while their slow build up play had us switching over to watch Eastenders at times. However, while we were never a fan of the Spanish, they way in which they manoeuvred the ball was remarkable and their tactic of retaining the ball at all costs was very effective, so credit were credit is due especially as they had to defy an early setback when losing 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament.

Our Team of the Tournament:- Germany

We don’t think there’s even room for debate as the Germans were scintillating from the word ‘go’. They began with a four goal romp of Australia but little did they or anyone else know that they would later go on to match their four goal feat against both England and Argentina in two games Germany were never favourites in. Joachim Low’s mixture of experience and youthful exuberance almost brought home their fourth World Cup title only to be denied by the ball-hogging Spaniards. They did, though, still have enough in reserve to slam another three goals past Uruguay en route to securing another third place finish, their second in succession, taking their scoring tally for the tournament to 16, four more than their closest pursuer Holland (12).

It’s difficult to pinpoint any one stand out player as the Germans played magnificently throughout the tournament as a team, which is a lot more than I could say for some. Manuel Neuer was a huge presence in the German goal and had Germany not be denied a place in the final, probably would have taken home the Yashin Award for best Goalkeeper. A normally fragile and suspect German defence had conceded just twice before losing to Spain in the semi-final, with full-back Phillip Lahm filling in admirably for the injured Michael Ballack as captain and certainly led by example. It was, however, the quartet of Bastien Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muellar and Lukas Podolski which fired Germany into the last-four and, somewhat ironically, into the hearts of many neutrals. Schweinsteiger has the tournament of his life in the centre of the park, marshalling that midfield like a pro as he continuously supplied Podolski and Mueller out on the wings. Podolski’s vigorous work rate out on the left was commendable and he remained a threat whenever Germany went forward, but it was two of their youngest players who had the biggest impact in Ozil and Mueller. Ozil was a constant nuisance for every opponent, swivelling in and out of tight spots while some of his through balls were sublime. The same could be said for Mueller, who despite being just 20 years-old. Shown absolutely no fear as he continued to bombed forward and aid the German attack.

It says all you need to know that when FIFA selected ten nominees for the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball, two were German while Thomas Mueller collected the Best Young Player award for his efforts.

Our Player of the Tournament:- Diego Forlan

Another ‘without a shadow of a doubt’ scenario, as Diego Forlan was rewarded for his industry during the finals with the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball. Despite playing in an unfamiliar role just behind the strikers, Forlan still managed to stand out amongst the crowd and almost single handily steered Uruguay in the last-four. His five goals in seven games so nearly earned him the FIFA Golden Boot as well only to finish fourth by virtue of pouring his heart and soul into Uruguay’s cause, as he played more minutes than anyone else in contention and so had a worse goals per minute ratio. He wasn’t just about goals though, as his ability to encourage Uruguay to burst forward and attack, as well as ding the majority of the forward construction work, was a joy to behold at times and his efforts through the tournament endeared him to the majority watching. I defy anyone to claim another played deserved the Golden Ball more than Diego Forlan.

Biggest Flop:- England

You could argue France or Italy should be considering those two contested the 2006 final, but England got the nod simply because they were a far shorter price before the tournament and were so abysmal in the finals throughout their short stay. From Game 1 right through to a humiliating Game 4, where they were embarrassed by Germany in a 4-1 hammering, England were well below par and at times appealing to watch. The hype beforehand was incredible, with the entire nation expecting a colossal effort from Capello’s men after the ease at which they qualified for the finals. Quite simply, the big names didn’t turn up. Frank Lampard, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, all household names and all paid top dollar, were dreadful. Whether they didn’t acclimatise fast enough we don’t know, but we put it down to there being too many ego’s in one camp. Whatever the case, England were a huge disappointment and certainly didn’t match up to their pre-tournament billing of being third favourites to win the competition.

Goal of the Tournament:- Giovanni Van Bronckhorst versus Uruguay (Semi-Final)

Up till the semi-final’s, we were a big admirer of Carlos Tevez’s stunner against Mexico – A thunderbolt from 25 yards which beat Mexico keeper Oscar Perez all ends up. We didn’t think that would be beaten by Van Bronckhorst, who played his last professional games at these finals, stepped up and scored one of the most outrageous goals in World Cup history. From what must have been a good 35 yards out, Van Bronckhorst sprinted down the left flank and leathered the ball straight across the face of Muslera’s goal, smashing the right-hand post before nestling into the goal. Absolute stunner!

Game of the Tournament:- Italy V Slovakia

In a tournament where exciting games were few and far between, this match between Italy and Slovakia stood out amongst every single one of them. It was a match Italy needed only a draw to progress from Group F but only a win would have done for Slovakia, who began the day bottom of the group. Few gave Slovakia any chance of making the impossible possible but when Robert Vittek prodded home from close range, the non-believers were quickly beginning to turn. Just when the game appeared to be dwindling out into a narrow Slovakia win, the game exploded into life when the Slovak’s doubled their lead through Vittek again. However, if anyone through the Italians were dead and buried for one moment they were about to be given a dose of true grit and determination, as Antonio Di Natale reduced the deficit on 81 minutes only to have a potential leveller ruled out for offsides minutes later, with Quagriarella adjudged to be in an offside position by English officials. If the Italians felt hard done by then they were fuming at the next piece of action, substitute Kopunek running onto an Italian throw-in before lifting the ball over a despairing Marchetti. Slovekia looked home and hosed at that point, boasting a two goal lead with just injury time left to play, but when Fabio Quagriarella cutely chipped the ball over Slovakia keeper Mucha in the second minute of injury time, doubts were beginning to surface. Great champions now how to defy adversity and with the last kick of the game, Pepe was the man who will forever be remember for spurring a glorious opportunity which would have seen Italy through and saved their bacon. His loss was Slovakia gain though as the Slovak’s celebrated group progression for the first time in their history only to be knocked out in the next round by Holland.

Funniest Moment: Gabriel Heinze

Known for his dirty on-pitch tactics and even uglier spells of diving, we all had a jolly good laugh when one cameraman went in for a closer look following a goal scored by Carlos Tevez against Mexico only for Heinze to look up and walk straight into the camera, with the Argentine falling back as though he’d been hit by Mike Tyson. Heinze’s reaction was of disgust and quickly thumped the camera for daring to get anywhere near such a hideous face. Cracking stuff.

In terms of actual football, you can’t go far wrong with Yakubu’s open goal miss from two yards out against South Korea in a game which had he scored probably would have seen Nigeria qualifying from the group. No-one knows how he missed, not even Yakubu.

Granted the football at times wasn’t the best, while it did take a while to get going, but it was an enjoyable tournament even though in probability it will not be held in high regard as like previous World Cup’s. Even so, the South Africa atmosphere was something to saviour, even if the Vuvuzela’s weren’t, and we did at least see a new champions crowned king of the world, with Spain becoming the eighth individual winners of the FIFA World Cup. I’ll see you again in four years time

Germany ensured that all of the summer’s major honours went the way of European sides, as a 3-2 win over South Americans Uruguay cemented their place in the finals top three and thus landing them third-place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup behind Holland & Spain.

In what proved to be a pulsating affair in this last intercontinental of what has been an absorbing FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a five-goal thriller ensued but it was the Germans who clinched their fourth third-place finish with a 3-2 win. The Germans made the brighter start to proceedings when Thomas Muller took his summer tally to five goal, thus taking him level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder and well in with a short of claiming a share of the Golden Shoe, when he was the quickest to react after a fizzing effort from Schweinsteiger wasn’t tamed by Uruguay’s Muslera in goal, with Muller left with the easiest of tasks of sliding home into an unguarded goal. But, however, the South Americans once again displayed the sort of resilience which had earlier seen them reach the semi-finals only to lose to Holland when they grabbed one back to level the scoring at one a piece through Edinson Cavani.

Both sides went into the break with one strike each but it was Uruguay, the underdogs, who came out of the blocks faster in the second period. With just six minutes of the second half on the clock, Diego Forlan, one of the stars of these South African finals, sent Uruguay into the lead for the first time in the game with a sublime volley which had Germany shot-stopper Butt beaten all ends up. It was a goal of real quality and one that took Forlan also to five goal, equalling the earlier feat of Thomas Muller, scorer of Germany’s first goal. However, six was quickly becoming a familiar number in this lively second half as just six minutes later, Marcell Jansen drew Germany level with a header. Muslera was once again at fault as he rushed out of his goal only to get nowhere near the ball, leaving Jansen with the goal at his mercy.

The remainder of the game was enthralling, with both sides going all out for the win. The pair of them were throwing men forward to attack regardless of what the penalty for their enthusiasm may be. It was, though, the Germans who had the final say in this third-place play-off to remember, as Sami Khedira headed home following a scramble in the Uruguay penalty area in the 82nd minute. Uruguay did push for an equaliser and despite the best efforts of Forlan, who with the last kick of the game seen his free-kick thunder off the woodwork, Uruguay were once again a goal short as Germany reigned supreme in Cape Town.

It means Germany claim third place and now have every chance of ending these finals as the tournament’s top scorers with 16 goals in seven games. Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan were also winners, as the pairs goals means they have an outside chance of claiming a share of the Golden Shoe so long as Wesley Sneijder and David Villa fail to score in tomorrow’s final.

Golden Shoe Betting:

David Villa – 5/6 Boylesports
Wesley Sneijder - 12/5 SkyBet
Diego Forlan – 7/1 WilliamHill
Thomas Muller – 7/1 WilliamHill

Uruguay V Germany Preview

Saturday, 10th July – 19:30 GMT
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
World Cup 2010: Third Place Play-Off

Uruguay

The South Americans, despite missing out on the grand final with a 3-2 loss to Holland in the semi-final, have the opportunity to leave South Africa with third place honours as the prepare for their last game of the tournament on Saturday, as the Germans lye in waiting at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Uruguay, currently ranked 16th in the FIFA Rankings, could also take huge strides towards the top ten with another win, so there’s still plenty to play for, although whether or not the players will see it that way is another matter.

You have to feel for Uruguay, who after some spirited efforts found themselves coming up a tad short of qualifying for the final on Sunday in Soccer City. Despite best efforts of Diego Forlan, who admitted after the game that he was carrying an injury into the Holland encounter and may well sit out Uruguay’s final game against Germany on Saturday, and the rest of the Uruguay team, they couldn’t conjure the win needed to book their place in a third FIFA World Cup final, where Spain would have been their opponents. Instead, Germany stand between them and their first ever third place finish. In two previous third place play-off’s, Uruguay have lost both having been defeated in 1956 by Austria and again in 1970 ironically by the Germans. Will lightening strike twice or will Uruguay exact their revenge?

There were two factors to make a note of in Tuesday’s thriller of a semi-final with Holland. The first was how lightweight Uruguay were in the final third without three-goal forward Luis Suarez, whose handball against Ghana in the last-eight encounter saw him given his marching orders. The Ajax man will, though, make his return on Saturday and will be aiming to bolster his tally for the tournament so far, providing coach Tabarez with far more forward options and another dangerous outlet. The bad news was Uruguay’s players looked exhausted, with their courageous efforts throughout the tournament finally catching up with them. They did somehow manage to grab a goal back late on, but the players looked shattered. Their star man and pin-up Diego Forlan admitted after the game that he wasn’t 100% and that he couldn’t play to his full capacity, while it would appear the rest of the team are beginning to feel the strain as well. So, with the Germans next up, it doesn’t bode well for the South Americans that another team who play quick and slick passing football will need taming some way or another.

Uruguay’s defence has been fairly watertight throughout the competition but against Holland there were clear signs that wear and tear were kicking in. Before that clash, Uruguay hadn’t conceded more than one goal in any of their previous four World Cup clashes. So to concede three in one game will have knocked their confidence, while there is a likelihood of them conceding a few more against a rampant German team who will be eager to regain their scoring confidence after failing to find the back of Spain’s net for the first time since their 1-0 loss to Serbia in the group. The only way we can see Uruguay winning this game is by keeping a clean sheet, so a mammoth defensive performance is needed you feel if they’re to claim third place, especially if Forlan doesn’t play any part in proceedings.

Germany

Before South Africa kicked off proceedings on June 11th in Johannesburg, not many anticipated another famous strong German push for the title. A little over three weeks in, and with some comprehensive wins under their belts; including 4-1 and 4-0 wins over England and Argentina respectively, only the brave few were opposing the Germans to land their fourth FIFA World Cup crown. The Spanish, though, had other ideas and a 1-0 loss in the semi-final to the reigning European champions meant Germany’s valiant pursuit of a fourth trophy was in vein despite the likelihood of Germany leaving South Africa as the most impressive teams of this year’s finals.

Joachim Low’s side have accumulated a total of 13 goals after six thrilling games, which is one more than finalists Holland. They are strong favourites to finish the tournament as the most prolific team (1.17 with Betfair to be the Highest Scoring Team), and are firm favourites to leave with the bronze medal. Only Uruguay stand in their way of a fourth World Cup third place finish, while the Germans boast three wins and just one defeat in previous third place play-off clashes, so the omens are in their favour. Our only concern, as like many other punters, is how well the Germans respond to bitterly falling at the semi-final hurdle to Spain. However, one look at their play-off record (3 Win, 1 Defeat) would instantly indicate that Germans are naturally a courageous and defiant bunch, boasting the ability to bounce back straight away following a sour tasting loss.

In our opinion, we don’t see Germany not winning on Saturday and claiming their fourth third place in the competition’s 80 year history. Moreover, were they to justify the early favouritism shown in them by bookmakers, with Germany a general 1.73 shot, with a win they’ll seal their second successive third place finish following on from their 3-1 defeat of Portugal on home soil in the 2006 finals. The players, though, will need to cast any thoughts of a brisk post-tournament holiday on hold for now, as while they’ve done remarkably well to defy the poor opinion bestowed on them before the tournament, supporters back home will not appreciate a loss on Saturday one little bit. Third place is the minimum German fans now expect and is down to the players, those who have performed stoutly throughout the competition, to put in one final courageous effort in order to ensure the team leaves South Africa with their pride firmly in tact and glowing.

Joachim Low is characteristically keen to finish South Africa 2010 on a high and will be aided by the return of one of the stars of the tournament in Thomas Muller. The Bayern Munich play-maker missed the semi-final defeat to Spain through suspension but will return on Saturday to face Uruguay knowing a couple of goals could see him claim the Golden Boot award. The same applies to Miroslav Klose, who with four goals to his name is hot on the heels of David Villa for his second Golden Boot success, as well as Ronald’s (Brazil) all-time scoring record of 15 goals in 4 World Cup’s. Despite pre-season looming large, we expect the core; Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Muller, Klose, Mertesacker, all to start against Uruguay, as Germany look to cap a promising campaign off with style.

Uruguay V Germany Betting Tip

Our Prediction (who will win): Germany to WIN – 1.73 SkyBet

Anything less against a tiring Uruguay would be a shock in our opinion, as would it be back home in Germany. Joachim Low will shown no signs of letting up on Saturday and will field a strong team against the South Americans in a bid to finish on a high note. There will be a number of players looking to impress and hungry for goals, so we see no reason why Germany won’t turn up and perform, and more importantly score goals, against a Uruguay team which could be on the brink of capitulating following an enduring campaign and a bitter semi-final loss to Holland.

Despite the ruggedness at which Uruguay tend to defend, there’s goals in this game for Germany. Miroslav Klose, a player who will be well aware that South Africa is his final World Cup and so his last chance to surpass or at least the great Ronaldo’s World Cup scoring record of 15 goals, is the stand out player bet on Saturday to find the back of the net, as there’s no doubt the rest of the German team will strive to ensure Klose gets chances at least to beat Ronaldo’s record.

Recommended Bet: Miroslav Klose FGS – 5.50 Bet365

Current Uruguay v Germany Odds:

Quite simply, this is a huge game of football and many people will have wished this contest to be the World Cup final on Sunday. It’s a repeat of the Euro 2008 final where Spain won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres goal, although the net might bulge more than once when these two attacking teams clash swords in Durban.

The bookmakers are also getting excited about the match and have started to produce a number of special promotions for the biggest game of the World Cup so far. Totesport should be applauded for a wide range of moneyback specials on all the big events and the UK firm will refund all losing correct score bets on this game if Germany manage to get their revenge for Euro 2008 and win the game 1-0.

Meanwhile, bet365, Paddy Power and Blue Square will be running with their customary ‘Bore Draw’ cashback promotions, with refunds being offered on selected markets if the game ends goalless. While Germany have been scoring for fun recently, they will surely adopt a more defensive approach against a free-flowing Spain and they will have Thomas Muller suspended for the big game.

Ladbrokes are continuing to offer their unprecedented 500% new customer bonus during the World Cup, where you will get a free £25 bet simply by depositing £5 when you register. It’s been a popular offer and they are also providing special odds on the two teams going through in extra-time or on penalties.

Only three matches in the 2010 World Cup have gone to extra-time so far and two were decided on spot kicks. However, Germany and Spain might be evenly-matched at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and you can get 10/1 with Ladbrokes that Vicente Del Bosque’s team win after extra-time. However, you can’t rule out Die Mannschaft winning on penalties as they have done so many times before, with odds of 12/1 available about this possibility.

Over at Coral, you can get a free £20 bet when you deposit and wager £10 on the Germany v Spain match. There are so many markets to choose from and it’s noticeable that they are offering a best-priced 4/1 that Miroslav Klose finishes as Top Goalscorer in the 2010 World Cup. While they might be looking to balance their books, it could be a value offer as the Bayern Munich striker looks to break Ronaldo’s record.

Talking of goalscorer bets, Paddy Power are offering customers the chance to bet on ‘First to Score for their Team’ and ‘Insurebet First Goalscorer’ on the Germany v Spain match in addition to First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer and Anytime Goalscorer. The Insurebet option means that if a player doesn’t score the first goal in a match but scores later in the game, you will get your stake refunded. David Villa has scored first in the last three Spain games and is on offer at 13/5 on the Insurebet market or 4/1 if you just think he will score first.

Germany V Spain

Wednesday, 7th July – 19:30 (GMT)
Moses Madhiba Stadium, Durban
Semi-Final

Germany

The Germans, arguably the most consistent national team there is, are bidding to become the first country to appear in no less than eight finals when they take on Spain for a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final in Johannesburg on Sunday. Were they to win it, and there’s no saying they won’t, then they will have surely have won the hardest World Cup yet, as both England and Argentina have had to be downed en route to a rightful berth into the last-four. Germany coach Joachim Low insists there will be no let up from his players, but surely they cannot continue playing the way they are which is out of their skin and thumping any side which dares stand in their way of a fourth FIFA World Cup title.

Once again we were blessed with an utterly mesmerizing display from the Germans, backing up their 4-1 humbling of England with a 4-0 rout of Argentina. We thought they were sensational against England but they were sheer briallance against Argentina right from the word ‘go’. Once they took an early lead through Thomas Muller, who incidentally missed the semi-final through suspension, there was no looking back, as the Germans continued to look menacing on the break and so resolute in defence. Despite their opponent boasting an array of forward talent; your Messi, Higuain and Tevez, Germany withstood everything that was thrown at them. In fact, Manuel Neuer was a passenger for the most part, although did look unconvincing when called upon, but on the whole it was another domineering performance from Germany, who continue to go from strength to strength in this tournament.

Quite how they will surpass their previous level of performance is beyond me as it was a footballing lesson for the eyes, but Germany will need to continue this fine vein of form if they are to push the reigning European champions all the way for a place in Sunday’s showcase. Their big names will have to show their worth once again, as they did against the English and Argentina. Bastien Schweinsteiger is having nthe tournament of his life in the heart of the German midfield, a stalwart as he watches over the defence whilst proving effective and useful in the attacking third as well. Mesut Ozil, who has been an inconsistent sort in his domestic career, has been consistently magnificent in these finals and is looking every bit the player of the tournament at this rate. While up front we have a forward gunning for the great Ronaldo’s scoring record of 15 goals in the finals of World Cup’s, with Miroslav Klose racking up four goals in South Africa so far and hungry for more on Wednesday no doubt.

Joachim Low needs another collective effort from his player on Wednesday, to once again work effectively as a team and as a unit. They will also need a great deal of patience as Spain are likely to retain possession for large periods of time and that could be a problem for a Germany team which has dominated possession in its last couple of games. We don’t for one minute expect another German rout, nor do we see the Germans outclassing their opponents, and so the Germans could come unstuck as in the knock-outs they’ve had it all their own way and that will change against Spain. It’s intriguing to see whether Germany can rise to this new challenge.

Spain

Spain are about to enter into uncharted waters on Wednesday, competing against a nation which has been there and done that on the footballing stage in what remains just their second ever semi-final appearance in a World Cup. However, what they lack in know-how and experience they make up for in talent, quality and technical ability as the world’s second best team aim to justify their FIFA Ranking by despatching of the team of the tournament so far in Germany.

The Spanish have made a meal of getting to the semi-final mind, with a 2-0 win over Honduras their largest and most comprehensive win so far of these finals. That doesn’t really matter though when you’re at this stage of the tournament, a point where only those who win are ever really remembered. Spain’s record in these finals currently stands at 4-0-1, with that one and only defeat coming against Switzerland in their opening game of the finals. It was a huge shock then but Spain have bounced back to life courageously, winning their following four matches. They have, however, achieved victory by the narrowest of margins, with both of their knock-out wins coming via 1-0 wins over Portugal and Paraguay. The notable characteristic about both of those teams were they defended very well, and it is peculiar how this current Spanish team have struggled to break down well-drilled defences. The Germans have been outstanding in defence in their two knock-out encounters, with only a Matthew Upson header finding its way past Manuel Neuer in the German goal, so Spain will need to go some if they’re to break through a well guarded and confident German rearguard.

All the talk beforehand is about two players; Fernando Torres and David Villa. The pair are two of the greatest forwards in today’s game, with David Villa prolific in the Spanish La Liga and for Spain, and Fernando Torres equally so for Liverpool in England. However, only one has fired in these finals so far and that’s the former, David Villa. The newly signed Barcelona ace is the tournament’s leading goalscorer with five goals and is looking to cement his Golden Boot claims with a goal or two on Sunday, whereas Torres hasn’t even found the goal as of yet, and there is even talk of Vicente Del Bosque dropping the Liverpool striker for the clash with Germany. We don’t believe for one second that Del Bosque will risk dropping a player of Torres’ calibre for a game o this magnitude, as Torres has proven in recent tournament’s alone that he can score big goals, while it was his strike against Germany two years ago which handed Spain their first major international crown for nearly a half-a-century.

The Spain we all came to love at the EURO’s in 2008 hasn’t been a part of South Africa 2010, at least not yet, but that doesn’t mean we can write them off. If anything the signs look good, as with Spain not playing particularly well, nowhere near the level at which we know they can perform, they’ve still managed to evade all the challenges presented to them. They’re in the last-four of the 2010 FIFA World Cup without playing to their full potential or capacity and that’s a dangerous thought. There will come a time, and it could very well be on Wednesday night, when Spain will show themselves to be the force to be reckoned with like they were two years ago. The worry though, what with the form and confidence of Germany right now, Spain will need to raise their game substantially if they are to qualify for their first ever final of a World Cup, as they try to emulate a feat Germany achieved back in 1974 when they lifted both the FIFA World Cup following their European Championship triumph in 1972.

Match Odds:

Germany – 2.90 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Spain – 2.70 bWin

Our Prediction: Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes

No matter what we threw into the equation, the draw kept poking its way out. The Germans have been exceptional in the knock-outs but will face their sternest test of the tournament so far in a Spanish side equipped to handle everything that Germany have to offer as well as give more back in return. The only difference between the two is Germany have come to the fore in South Africa, and then some, while the Spanish have yet to really establish themselves and match all the pre-tournament hype.

Germany have scored more goals in their knock-out victories over England and Argentina than Spain have in the entire competition, but their previous opponents have allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game while you cannot undervalue just how clinical and decisive grabbing that early goal is. In Spain, a team which will close Germany down far more when not in possession whilst retaining it in an almost flawless fashion themselves, Joachim Low will have to demand an even more resolute and industrious effort from his player as anything less than 100% will be punished. If we’re honest, Germany are the favourites in our opinion, but there’s no team better equipped to dethrone a team so full of confidence and boasting tonnes of momentum than Spain, so we’re split right down the middle with this one.

Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 Goals – 1.70 bWIn

Current Germany v Spain Odds:

Less than a week ago, I made the point that Germany were being underrated by the bookmakers despite thrashing England 4-1 in Bloemfontein, with Sporting Bet offering Die Mannschaft at 7/1 on the outright market before they taught Argentina a footballing lesson on Saturday. Since Fabio Capello’s team were knocked out of the World Cup, there has been much criticism levelled at the players, manager, set-up and the fact that too many foreign players feature in the Premier League. The English media seem to be missing an obvious point – they were beaten by superior opponents.

Germany are now 21/10 (Paddy Power) win the World Cup for the first time since they became a unified nation and it would be apt considering how united the team have been over the past fortnight. They have produced three outstanding performances to score four goals against Australian, English and Argentine opposition, while they were the victims of a bad refereeing decision when losing their second game of the tournament to Serbia.

These odds are roughly the same as the price you will get for Spain or Holland to win their first ever World Cup and they both possess some excellent individual players. However, there’s only one team were the sum of parts is greater than the individuals on show and that’s Germany. Joachim Loew’s team defend with two rows of four players when they haven’t got the ball, while Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller are all quick to support Miroslav Klose in attack.

Spain are 2/1 (Blue Square) to win the 2010 World Cup and it’s set to be an intriguing encounter between themselves and Germany on Wednesday night. There seems to be persistent rumours that many members of the Spanish squad are feeling the burn after a long season, especially as Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres were injured in the lead-up to the tournament. While it hasn’t stopped David Villa being brilliant in every match, one wonders about how the slow defence of La Furia Roja can stop the Germans flowing forward in numbers, with Gerard Pique appearing to be a liability.

Then we have the Netherlands, a team that were trading at 25/1 on betfair when trailing 1-0 to Brazil at half-time of their quarter final match. Wind the clock forward three days and they are now trading at 9/4 (Victor Chandler) to win the World Cup with Uruguay an opponent that appear to be there for the taking. However, an improved second half performance against the Selecao can’t disguise the fact that this Dutch team have flattered to deceive all tournament and that previous performances against Slovakia, Cameroon, Denmark and Japan were all winning ones without playing well.

If the Uruguayans stop Robben, then they might have some joy and Diego Forlan will be hoping to see plenty of the ball, with Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong missing for the Dutch. They are carrying the flag for South America and Paddy Power offer 12/1 that La Celeste win the World Cup.

Germany coach Joachim Low has calmed any pre-semi-final apprehensions by claiming every one of his 23 players should be fit and available for selection ahead of Wednesday’s mouthwatering clash with Spain, the team they lost 1-0 to in the 2008 European Championship’s final. There are, however, still doubts surrounding the Brazil born Cacua, but Low remains confident that the VFB Stuttgart man will recover in time, as should Sami Khedira. It means only Thomas Muller will be unavailable for selection after the four-goal man, one of the stars of the tournament if truth be told, received his second yellow card of the tournament in the 4-0 rout of Argentina over the weekend.

Despite THRASHING both England and Argentina, two fancied teams before the tournament, 4-1 and 4-0 respectively, Germany aren’t the favourites to progress into the final. This current German crop have surpassed all expectations so far and on Wednesday will be aiming to qualify for their eighth FIFA World Cup final. They are currently best odds of 2.90 (19/10) with WilliamHill to overhaul the World’s second best team according to the FIFA Rankings, Spain.

The Germans have racked up eight goals in two knock-out encounters so far, scoring four against England and Argentina. You’ll get a tasty 25/1 with SkyBet if you think they’ll do the same to Spain by Scoring 4 or More Goals on Wednesday, while 4-0 and 4-1 Germany wins are both priced at 100/1 with Coral.