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Wednesday, Jul 07, 2010
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Preferred formation

Germany (4-2-3-1): The team will miss the services of Thomas Mueller on the right wing through suspension, and apart from the more obvious goal threat he poses, coach Joachim Loew will try to replicate without loss the understanding that Mueller shared with Philipp Lahm at right-back and the pace and movement that he exhibits, especially on the counter. Toni Kroos or Piotr Trochowski are the replacements, both attacking mid-fielders, good of either foot, capable of occupying any slot across the middle of the pitch or doubling up as second strikers.

Marko Marin also possesses a similar set of attributes and though Mueller's absence will be a loss, Germany seems to have adequate reinforcements in that area of the pitch.

The felicity with which Germany over-ran Argentina's midfield and the relative ease with which the defence handled the threat of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, suggests that Loew will persist with his 4-2-3-1, with Klose up front and Ozil in the hole behind the striker.

Spain (4-2-2): Cesc Fabregas has a minor shoulder niggle, but will figure in the match nevertheless. The question on everyone's mind though, is if Fernando Torres will start.

Given that Spain looked far more menacing in the quarterfinal against Paraguay when Torres came off for a midfielder and David Villa moved inside from the left to occupy the role of a central striker, that is an option Vicente del Bosque might explore sooner rather than later. If Spain wishes to combat Germany's midfield threat by packing their own, Villa might have to operate as the lone striker. On the other hand, if the 6ft 5in Fernando Llorente replaces Torres in the starting line-up, Spain will retain its slightly narrow 4-4-2.

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