Yeah they played great today. It's also the matchup. Losing Chiellini early didn't help their defense in the middle. But there was way to much room for us to work. Passing lanes were wide open.
LOL... Ever watch 1970 Brasil play? Americans crowning Spain the greatest team of all time is laughable on so many different levels.:grin:
There are definitely in the conversation with one of the greatest teams of all time. If they win the World cup with this squad then they can be there. Maybe not of all time just yet but still deserve to be in the debate.
Calling Spain lucky as some have called them earlier in this thread was just silly and stupid. They might have not looked pretty this tournament but they did what they needed to do without a real striker and Puyol missing. That is the trait of a great team. They dominate possession. They have great defense. They have a great goalie. As a fan of Germany I have no problem saying that even if Germany had made it past Italy, I think they would have lost to Spain because... ...the speed of Jordi Alba and Pedro would have absolutely killed German defense. Boateng and Lahm come forward too much and Boetang and Hummel are too slow on defense and at times just fall asleep. It didnt help that Schweinsteiger was terrible the last two matches. If he was injured, he should not have been in. Germany would need Ozil, Khedira, and Schweinsteiger in their top form and a solid defense against Spain to win against them. Germany really needs to address their defense before the next World Cup.
Look Spain has had an incredible 4 years but the 1970 seleção was the greatest side to ever grace the pitch. That doesn't take anything away from what Spain has done. Also the 2008 Spain team was stronger than their 2010 or 2012 counterparts. With regards to 2014 I think ineasta and xavi will be a bit slower due to age. Could be a problem for spain. 2014 Favorites Spain, Brasil & Germany
I'd go with Germany, Brazil, and Argentina. - Germany will still have issues on defense, don't know if they have anyone who might step up. Other thing is that Euro teams don't do well in SA. - Brazil needs Neymer, Pato, Hulk, and Lucas to develop. or else they'll have issues. But playing at home will be a big boost. - Argentina: They've got a bunch of very talented players that are going to be ready by 2014. This team should be real good.
