NJ Sports Talk

Germany-3 vs Turkey-2

A depleted Turkish squad due to injuries and suspensions came into this game as huge underdogs and almost pulled off another surprise.  Missing 5 regular starters, including their 3 best players, the Turks had the better play for most of the match but just ran out of miracles at the end of the day.  The Germans continued to look shaky in defense but took advantage of their chances and came out on top.  Philipp Lahm scored the game winner in the 90th minute which happened only 4 minutes after the Turks had come back to tie it.  The goal obviously took a lot out of Turkey and the Germans sealed their place in the final.  The German defense will certainly need to improve in the final, and Lehmann in goal has become a weakness for the squad instead of a positive as it’s been in the past with Kahn.  Even so, Germany, like Italy, always seem to find a way to make an impact in tournaments without playing their best football and are in yet another final.  They will now face Spain on Sunday in Vienna. (which we predicted by the way)

Spain-3 vs Russia-0

Spain came out and once again silenced the critics with a great team effort and win against the Russians.  If people actually listened to ESPN analyst Tommy Smyth, who knows absolutely nothing about this sport by the way, then you would’ve thought that they were the team who lost 4-1 in their first meeting with Russia in group play.  Spain had to change formations after a tournament-ending injury to leading scorer David Villa in the 1st half, but dominated after half time with 3 goals.  The underrated Spanish defense (rated by Tommy Smyth) got their second clean sheet in a row while making Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko nonfactors for the Russians.  Russia never had the chance to get into a fast paced game which helped them so much against the Netherlands and failed to live up to predictions of a victory. (once again made by my man Tommy Smyth).  The Spaniards will now have to overcome the loss of Villa and hope their possession and passing game continues to lead them to victory and their first major title since 1964.

Mach