Spain travels to Germany to take on the German NT in the first of two upcoming and final friendlies prior to naming the 23 player squad deadline for this summers WC. Venue: Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf Game Time 2045 hrs CET, 1545 hrs EST, 1245 hrs PST The game will not be televised live here in the US from what I read but that could change. It will be shown (delayed) on ESPN Deportes at 1500 hrs PST. The Germans once again got it right with ticket prices, cheapest at 18 Euros (not bad to see these two teams) and most expensive 80 and 100 in the VIP section. Aupa Espana y La Furia Roja!
I think two things we should try to find out from these friendlies. One is that do we have a replacement for Busquets. He has been really durable but he is such a key player that we need to find out if we can play without him. And two, who is going to play up front...that position will determine our success in the world cup I think.
Official lineup: De Gea, Carvajal, Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba, Koke, Iniesta, Thiago Alcántara, Isco, Silva, Rodrigo The team will wear black armbands in honor of Santiago Cañizares' 5 year old son who passed away following a battle with cancer. GERMANY: ter Stegen, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Khedira, Kroos, Özil, Draxler, Müller, Werner
If only we had more players daring to take the shot because they are good at it. So many occassions, but they're lost because the shot isn't taken.
Halftime: 1-1 I agree that chances need to be taken when they're created near the edge of the box. Entertaining match overall.
More excellent passing from Spain but lacking that finishing touch. ter Stegen and De Gea with great saves.