 The semi-finals are upon us and Jurgen Klinsmann’s Germany just keep rolling onwards and upwards.
It’s difficult to describe the wave of support being felt over here for the host nation’s progress, but it’s nothing short of a phenomenon. If I was wearing a Germany shirt on that pitch tonight, defeat would not even be entering my mind.
Fans and players alike have an unbelievable belief that this will be their year and nothing can stop them. Things might be different in the final, but I can’t see Italy stopping them getting through to Berlin.
While the quality of their football isn’t great, the way Germany play the game in closing people down and keeping a high pace is enough to cause problems for the very best.
It clearly unsettled Argentina in the quarter-finals and it will certainly unsettle Italy this evening.
The Italians have improved since the start of the tournament, and that form has been shadowed by Luca Toni. I liked the look of Toni before the finals and, though it’s taken him a while to get going, he’s now starting to look a real threat in every game he plays.
It’s also no surprise that Italy’s form has coincided with Francesco Totti’s improved fitness.
That said, I can’t look any further than the home side going through tonight.
In attack, the Germans have the real deal in Miroslav Klose. I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been with him, but the highest praise I can bestow is he looks a dead ringer for the great Gerd Muller when he’s in and around that box.
Credit must also go to Lukas Podolski, who has done an equally good job in supporting the Golden Shoe winner in waiting.
Michael Ballack has gone from strength to strength as the Championships have progressed, and given us all a taste of what to expect with Chelsea next season.
I’m fully expecting him to pull the strings in midfield and dominate this game to guide Germany through.
I could do with an earner after losing out on Brazil, and this is the one for me. It’s the host nation to win 2-1 and Klose to get the first.
That’s all for now, but I’ll be back tomorrow to count down to France versus Portugal.
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