La Furia Roja or Die Mannschaft?

Gomez stat for everyone.

He's only had the ball for a total of 22 seconds in the Euros and has 2 goals or 3...im not sure now. Clinical!

Spain the far better side. When they turn it on, they turn it on. I don't think Germany have been that good to be honest. Portugal were poor against them and Holland didn't even look like they wanted to win the game, apart from a brief five minute spell after they got the goal.

Spain aren't even out of second gear yet.

I really think England have a chance of going far in this competition and I think they'll prove that tonight.

I have been more impressed with Germany so far.

I think Spain are missing Villa, they are not as incisive as in 2008.

In 2010 that relied on the odd goal and clean sheets, and I am not sure that without Puyol they are capable of the clean sheets.

I think this small loss in both boxes, added to Germany being hungry to win a tournament and now more experienced (though still young), will tip it the Germans way.

Italy are the next best for me so far. Russia potential semi-finalists, and Holland a dark horse if they manage to get out of the group.

Can't see a winner anywhere else unless France turn it on today.

I think Spain will win it, they simply have the best players who play a style of football that suits them. The depth of their squad is phenomenal.

The German's look fantastic, but like any other team in the world they will struggle for possession against the Spanish.

I think Spain have bigger game changers off the bench if needed.

Their bench is stupidly strong, the likes of Martinez, Fabregas, Mata, Llorente, Negredo, Jesus Navas etc.

Plus have the Irish justb ruined it by giving Fernado some confidence??

How much of the games is about Germany/ Spain living up to the hype than their opponents playing poorly?
---

They've consistently been pretty much the best two teams in Europe, if not the world, for the past 4 years.

that would add up to a remarkable number of poor performances from their opponents.

That said though, I agree Spain don't look incisive enough, and seem to need to create 3 times as many chances as other teams in order to score the same number of goals.

I'd agree Germany a bit fortunate against Portugal (who, once again at a big tournament, are letting themselves down by not playing more expansively), but they were fully in charge vs the Dutch and, most importantly of all, show that they don't need all that much to score a goal. They deploy very quickly in attack and play some good one-touch footy without losing their shape too much. Still thefavourites imo.

Spain always make Germany look ordinary. If they meet it'll be the same story.

Did you even think about that comment, mate?

Germany have won the world cup 3 times. Spain have won it once. Historically Germany have always been the better side so when you say "Spain always make Germany look ordinary" you're referring to two very tight games in 2010 and 2008 that both finished 1-0.

Germany are a much better side now than they were in 2010 and Spain without Villa just aren't as good.

Ozil has hit form if you ask me. Germany very impressive with good players in every position and they all can defend too, pressuring the opposition all the time. Good if slightly annoying to watch.

Comment Deleted by Site Moderator