Spain v Germany

[cernjSHU]

In the Sunday Marquee matchup of the day, Spain can end Germany
s World Cup. Two teenage phenoms in Pedri and Gave along with Busquets dominate the midfield for Spain. Can Germany match up with Spain's midfield? This should be a great match since Germany cannot lose and will be desperate for a win here. Does this open up the field for Spain with their dizzying display of passing. Germany's only chance is with set pieces especially with corner kicks where their height is an advantage. Should be a great match but I see Spain beating Germany ending the hopes and dreams of Germany.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Was intending to reply on the earlier Cup thread but had the good fortune of getting a Thanksgiving flu. FWIW, I love my sports teams, the Yankees, Giants, Islanders back through their dynasty, but there are 2 teams that are my true passion the Pirates and the German National team. I live and die with them.

As to the loss to Japan. I've read a lot on this (check the Athletic for great and in-depth coverage) and many say what a strange game it was in that Germany didn't play badly yet lost. They dominated the first half. Had the bad fortune of getting a second goal called back on an offsides that was off by a hair. 2-0 and it's a much different game. Squandered some opportunities as well. Credit must be given to Japan who is a very solid, disciplined, well coached team. Half of their players are in the Bundesliga, or the EPL and Europe. Both goals were actually scored by Bundesliga players. At the half their manager made a very smart choice to go to a back 5 which really worked for them. There's an old expression that holds true for so many things, that you're as strong as your weakest link and Germany's weak link is their back line. It cost them dearly on a couple of very poor plays. Give Japan credit, they played well and have balls, they didn't play for a tie the pushed the issue and got the win, Hats off to them. Hate that it was against my team. Was an absolutely horrible day for a German soccer fan as one of the best defenders in Europe Lukas Hernandez blew out his ACL which is a huge blow for Bayern who were looking so good in Champions this year. Devastating loss.

So many people have written Germany off. Some fickle fair-weather fans (we have some here too) and for whatever reason a lot of German haters. Could be from jealosy (as people hate the Yankees) or for other nationally biased reasons. But Germany has one of the most proud and decorated histories in the game. Only 2 other teams have as many stars on their jerseys.

Regarding tomorrow's game I saw what someone wrote on the Athletic that gave me cause for optimism, The spine of the Spanish National team is built on players from Barca. Bayern has dominated Barca of late and the former Bayern manager and most of their players on the squad are from Bayern. No doubt that Spain has excellent young talent like Pedri and Gave. IMHO I think Jamal Musiala is better. Some people calling him a young Messi. My hope is that tomorrow is Mussiala's coming out party. Germany has solid leadership in Hansi Flick, a very skilled squad with one of the best midfields in the world and the greatest goaltender in the history of the sport. Their back is against the wall. There is no margin for error. I think they'll come out swinging and surprise everyone and pull this out.
Deutschland vor, noch ein Tor! Let's Go!!!💪👊⚽🇩🇪

 

[cernjSHU]

Was intending to reply on the earlier Cup thread but had the good fortune of getting a Thanksgiving flu. FWIW, I love my sports teams, the Yankees, Giants, Islanders back through their dynasty, but there are 2 teams that are my true passion the Pirates and the German National team. I live and die with them.

As to the loss to Japan. I've read a lot on this (check the Athletic for great and in-depth coverage) and many say what a strange game it was in that Germany didn't play badly yet lost. They dominated the first half. Had the bad fortune of getting a second goal called back on an offsides that was off by a hair. 2-0 and it's a much different game. Squandered some opportunities as well. Credit must be given to Japan who is a very solid, disciplined, well coached team. Half of their players are in the Bundesliga, or the EPL and Europe. Both goals were actually scored by Bundesliga players. At the half their manager made a very smart choice to go to a back 5 which really worked for them. There's an old expression that holds true for so many things, that you're as strong as your weakest link and Germany's weak link is their back line. It cost them dearly on a couple of very poor plays. Give Japan credit, they played well and have balls, they didn't play for a tie the pushed the issue and got the win, Hats off to them. Hate that it was against my team. Was an absolutely horrible day for a German soccer fan as one of the best defenders in Europe Lukas Hernandez blew out his ACL which is a huge blow for Bayern who were looking so good in Champions this year. Devastating loss.

So many people have written Germany off. Some fickle fair-weather fans (we have some here too) and for whatever reason a lot of German haters. Could be from jealosy (as people hate the Yankees) or for other nationally biased reasons. But Germany has one of the most proud and decorated histories in the game. Only 2 other teams have as many stars on their jerseys.

Regarding tomorrow's game I saw what someone wrote on the Athletic that gave me cause for optimism, The spine of the Spanish National team is built on players from Barca. Bayern has dominated Barca of late and the former Bayern manager and most of their players on the squad are from Bayern. No doubt that Spain has excellent young talent like Pedri and Gave. IMHO I think Jamal Musiala is better. Some people calling him a young Messi. My hope is that tomorrow is Mussiala's coming out party. Germany has solid leadership in Hansi Flick, a very skilled squad with one of the best midfields in the world and the greatest goaltender in the history of the sport. Their back is against the wall. There is no margin for error. I think they'll come out swinging and surprise everyone and pull this out.
Deutschland vor, noch ein Tor! Let's Go!!!💪👊⚽🇩🇪

Germany will come out swinging for sure but will they get any of the ball? You rely too much on Bayern and Barcelona's performance. Gavi, Pedro and Busquets is the core of the team. They are the players that allow them to dominate possession. The teams I have seen have success against Spain are the ones that play the 10 men behind the ball and wait for the one lucky opportunity to score. Or, what I think Germany should do is to pressure high and try to be physical and man handle the smaller Spanish players. If they let Spain be comfortable, it will be a long game for Germany. They will chase that ball all day long. And remember, Spain later on in the game can get some players who have great pace on the wings.

I expect a very good match. I'd like to see this is the game that sees Spain advance. 🇪🇸

 

[Halldan1]

Morocco stuns Belgium in latest 2022 World Cup upset​

..........................Earlier Sunday, Costa Rica bounced back from a 7-0 drubbing against Spain to defeat Japan, 1-0, after Japan upset Germany on Wednesday.

Morocco stuns Belgium in latest 2022 World Cup upset

The upsets keep on coming at the 2022 World Cup.

nypost.com

 

[lokiSHU]

In the Sunday Marquee matchup of the day, Spain can end Germany
s World Cup. Two teenage phenoms in Pedri and Gave along with Busquets dominate the midfield for Spain. Can Germany match up with Spain's midfield? This should be a great match since Germany cannot lose and will be desperate for a win here. Does this open up the field for Spain with their dizzying display of passing. Germany's only chance is with set pieces especially with corner kicks where their height is an advantage. Should be a great match but I see Spain beating Germany ending the hopes and dreams of Germany.

Spain still under rated due to youth. Love watching them play, as well as Brazil.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Spain still under rated due to youth. Love watching them play, as well as Brazil.

I'll disagree on that one. Don't think they're underrated everybody loves Spain. Hard to win a major award if you're not Spanish (or maybe French) and play in La Liga. Notorious pro Spain bias on everything from awards to calls on the pitch. Well known fact. Think of Duke in college hoops.

Deutschland Uber Alles! 🇩🇪 💪 👊 ⚽ Let's GO!!!

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

Morocco stuns Belgium in latest 2022 World Cup upset​

..........................Earlier Sunday, Costa Rica bounced back from a 7-0 drubbing against Spain to defeat Japan, 1-0, after Japan upset Germany on Wednesday.

Morocco stuns Belgium in latest 2022 World Cup upset

The upsets keep on coming at the 2022 World Cup.

nypost.com

That was an absolute shocker! De Bruyne and Courtois world class amazing players but as a unit I think Belgium are a bit overrated. So tired of hearing about their "golden generation." Canada outplayed them and got totally jobbed on a egregious missed call that should have given them a penalty shot.

 

[hinson32]

Was intending to reply on the earlier Cup thread but had the good fortune of getting a Thanksgiving flu. FWIW, I love my sports teams, the Yankees, Giants, Islanders back through their dynasty, but there are 2 teams that are my true passion the Pirates and the German National team. I live and die with them.

As to the loss to Japan. I've read a lot on this (check the Athletic for great and in-depth coverage) and many say what a strange game it was in that Germany didn't play badly yet lost. They dominated the first half. Had the bad fortune of getting a second goal called back on an offsides that was off by a hair. 2-0 and it's a much different game. Squandered some opportunities as well. Credit must be given to Japan who is a very solid, disciplined, well coached team. Half of their players are in the Bundesliga, or the EPL and Europe. Both goals were actually scored by Bundesliga players. At the half their manager made a very smart choice to go to a back 5 which really worked for them. There's an old expression that holds true for so many things, that you're as strong as your weakest link and Germany's weak link is their back line. It cost them dearly on a couple of very poor plays. Give Japan credit, they played well and have balls, they didn't play for a tie the pushed the issue and got the win, Hats off to them. Hate that it was against my team. Was an absolutely horrible day for a German soccer fan as one of the best defenders in Europe Lukas Hernandez blew out his ACL which is a huge blow for Bayern who were looking so good in Champions this year. Devastating loss.

So many people have written Germany off. Some fickle fair-weather fans (we have some here too) and for whatever reason a lot of German haters. Could be from jealosy (as people hate the Yankees) or for other nationally biased reasons. But Germany has one of the most proud and decorated histories in the game. Only 2 other teams have as many stars on their jerseys.

Regarding tomorrow's game I saw what someone wrote on the Athletic that gave me cause for optimism, The spine of the Spanish National team is built on players from Barca. Bayern has dominated Barca of late and the former Bayern manager and most of their players on the squad are from Bayern. No doubt that Spain has excellent young talent like Pedri and Gave. IMHO I think Jamal Musiala is better. Some people calling him a young Messi. My hope is that tomorrow is Mussiala's coming out party. Germany has solid leadership in Hansi Flick, a very skilled squad with one of the best midfields in the world and the greatest goaltender in the history of the sport. Their back is against the wall. There is no margin for error. I think they'll come out swinging and surprise everyone and pull this out.
Deutschland vor, noch ein Tor! Let's Go!!!💪👊⚽🇩🇪

Not a criticism, just curious. Why Germany and not the USA national team?

 

[cernjSHU]

Well that was a fun game to watch. I thought Spain took their foot off the gas and played passively trying to waste time too soon around the 70th minute.

That allowed Germany to get some opportunities to tie, even though Spain outplayed Germany most of the game.

Mússiala was by far Germany’s best player. Spain as a team was far more dangerous. Germany will have a good opportunity to advance now facing Costa Rica.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

That was an absolute shocker! De Bruyne and Courtois world class amazing players but as a unit I think Belgium are a bit overrated. So tired of hearing about their "golden generation." Canada outplayed them and got totally jobbed on a egregious missed call that should have given them a penalty shot.

Not a criticism, just curious. Why Germany and not the USA national team?

Very fair question. First, it's my heritage and I started watching the team many years ago. Such a rich history with dynamic great players. They always played such a beautiful brand of football with precision passing combined with toughness. Over the years fell in love with the heart and power of players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer, Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm, Miroslov Klose. Up till the terrible disappointment of 2018 they were so consistently excellent over decades, always having a chance to win it all. Only one country has more stars on their jersey.

Also there's something very special about German football that in this day and age makes them more appealing than ever. The 50 + 1 rule. In Germany, the Bundesliga operates under a long-held rule that requires 50 percent of a club plus one share must be owned by the club supporters. Essentially the fans own the teams...how cool is that?!? A lot of casual fans don't know this. Compare this to the EPL and other clubs in Europe with teams owned by Russian oligarchs (Chelsea) sovereign wealth funds, wealthy sheiks and emirs (PSG and Newcastle). Will be hard to maintain that and be competitive (Bayern always finds a way) but I sure hope it lasts.

Will always pull for the US of course but I have a deep emotional connection with Die Mannschaft.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

It was a very entertaining game. Disappointed but relieved with the draw. If all goes chalk we advance. Hate that the first goal was VAR-ed. Looking at the stop motion image the Spanish defender's hand should have kept the play onside. Nothing you can do about that. Hate VAR. Spain played well and made some mistakes that unfortunately we didn't capitalize on. Jordi Alba was the best player for Spain.

Got a kick out of the physical differences of the teams. Some of the German team (Sule, Rudiger) look like NFL players next to high school players on the Spanish side. That little moment where FC Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets ran into the wall of Leon Goretzka and crumbled to the ground was memorable! Reminded me of guys running into big Ike on a pick.

I was hoping for some Musiala magic today. He played very well, doing little things behind the scenes, subtle passes, beautiful dribbling to get through multiple defenders to get into space. He had one good shot... probably should have passed but I can't fault him for that. Was integral on the Fullkrug goal. The kid is such a joy to watch. Makes me think why they call it "The Beautiful Game." Having Leroy Sane back was big as well. Would have made a difference vs Japan. His ball movement next to Musiala is so beautiful and makes Germany a much more dangerous team.Gotta feel good for Fullkrug. 29 years old and his first time up with the big boys. The guy was playing in the Zweite Liga just a year ago and here he is scoring a crucial goal for his country.

At the end of the game you can see the mutual respect the teams have for each other. Nice scene of Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique embracing at the end.

 

[hinson32]

Very fair question. First, it's my heritage and I started watching the team many years ago. Such a rich history with dynamic great players. They always played such a beautiful brand of football with precision passing combined with toughness. Over the years fell in love with the heart and power of players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer, Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm, Miroslov Klose. Up till the terrible disappointment of 2018 they were so consistently excellent over decades, always having a chance to win it all. Only one country has more stars on their jersey.

Also there's something very special about German football that in this day and age makes them more appealing than ever. The 50 + 1 rule. In Germany, the Bundesliga operates under a long-held rule that requires 50 percent of a club plus one share must be owned by the club supporters. Essentially the fans own the teams...how cool is that?!? A lot of casual fans don't know this. Compare this to the EPL and other clubs in Europe with teams owned by Russian oligarchs (Chelsea) sovereign wealth funds, wealthy sheiks and emirs (PSG and Newcastle). Will be hard to maintain that and be competitive (Bayern always finds a way) but I sure hope it lasts.

Will always pull for the US of course but I have a deep emotional connection with Die Mannschaft.

Good answer.

 

[SHU_Pirate1]

I’m going to quote an excellent article from the Athletic by Dermot Corrigan that captures the game well.

”Germany then showed their quality by stepping up their intensity and fighting back for what was a deserved equaliser. This was by far the highest quality game of the tournament so far — almost a completely different sport to Argentina versus Mexico or England against USA in recent evenings. It could easily have been a quarter-final or semi-final.”

 

[williaza01]

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