Both teams have shown flashes of their abilities. Xabi Alonso fed David Villa for the best opportunity of the match in the sixth minute, a great diagonal ball that Villa came flying through the middle of the German defense to toe poke, but Manuel Neuer came off his line well making himself big to block the ball away. In the 13th minute Spain had another great opportunity when Xavi took a corner on the right side short, got the ball back, and smashed a cross to Carlos Puyol, whose diving header should have been better than its actual result, which flew well over the bar.
Thus far Spain has really controlled most of the possession as they normally do, knocking it around waiting for the Germans to make a mistake, however, Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich have kept La Furia Roja mostly in check.
Germany has looked more timid than Spain playing some sloppy possession turning the ball over a little too easily. As the game progressed they settled in a little better, but they very much appear to be missing Thomas Muller and his pace on the right hand side. Piotr Trochowski has been OK mostly providing cover on the right side of defense, but he did also have one of the best German chances firing a low-left footed shot on goal that forced Iker Casillas into his best save of the match. Germany also looked threatening on a couple of corners, but Casillas dealt with them well with a couple of vital touches.
In extra time, the German's best weapon almost finally came through as Mesut Ozil was sprung through. A bad touch allowed the Sergio Ramos to catch up with him and although he definitely clipped Ozil's back heel, nothing was called.
Anyway second half is back underway catch you at the end of the game.
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