5 Key Take-ways: Germany vs Greece

The German squad is of the highest quality

Any doubts that were present about Germany’s squad strength were well and truly dispelled with this match. Low surprised everyone with his team selection. Regular starters Gomez, Podolski and Muller were left on the bench while Klose, Reus and Schürrle were given a start. Most people would either call it madness or arrogance to be changing the side in a knockout game. But whatever was the thinking behind Low’s decision, and however ‘cheeky’ it might have been, he was vindicated by the end result. Even though Greece had 10 men behind the ball for most of the game, they could not stop the onslaught from a team that had rested its form players.

England and Italy will be quaking in their boots

Neither team has the squad or the firepower to overcome a German team that is taking the Euro 2012 by storm. England play exactly as Greece did, with 2 banks of 4 shielding the goal. But at least the English would not be so shy of starting an attack. As has been seen in the tournament so far, Germany is capable of making the odd mistake in defence, which should be capitalised upon. The Italians have played with 3 men in defence and have looked to be more attacking than what their history suggests, but it would be really difficult to imagine them defeating this German side.

Klose and Gomez

Low has the enviable option of being able to choose from strikers that are very different to each other. Gomez gets into good positions allowing the midfielders to spray in through balls and crosses whereas Klose is more mobile and is capable of creating a chance as well as scoring one. Depending on the opposition and the position of the game, Low can use either striker to change the game and secure the victory. It is no wonder that Germany have won all their qualifying matches as well as the group games as well.

Greece needs a new gameplan

If Greece does not change the way the play, they are in danger of getting left behind by the rest of the continent. Playing a defensive game is well and good, but if that is not combined with an effective attacking plan, then they would always end up losing to the better sides. They may have picked up a victory against Russia, but they were completely outclassed by Germany. Last ditch defending would only help if you can start a counter attack against the opposition goal every time. Otherwise, the miracle of 2004 will never be repeated again.

No more underdogs left in the tournament

With the elimination of Greece, the romance of the underdogs is no longer there in the Euro 2012. All the teams that are still in the tournament are ones that you fancy would win the championship. One might argue that Portugal and England can still be classified as underdogs but that is only clutching at straws. From now on, it will all be matches where you would expect to see high quality from both teams. So, this time, we won’t have a surprise winner. Only a deserving one!