World NewsGermany V Spain Player Ratings |
Players rated....
GERMANY
Jens Lehmann: Made solid saves to deny Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and Xavi, all from close range. He could do little to prevent Torres' winner. 8
Arne Friedrich: Did nothing to help his side going forward and found Iniesta a tough customer to contain. 5
Per Mertesacker: Made several crucial tackles to deny Torres in the early stages. 7
Christoph Metzelder: Slow to react to Spain's attacks and wasteful in possession. 4
Philipp Lahm: His failure to outmuscle Torres led to Spain's winner. He was replaced at half-time. 3
Thomas Hitzlsperger: Replaced on 53 minutes after a disappointing performance. 4
Torsten Frings: Battled gamely to compete with Spain's multi-talented midfield. 6
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Germany's most influential player in previous games but failed to shine against Spain. He did show more aggressiveness in the second period. 6
Michael Ballack: Enjoyed a strong start but was hindered by twice having to go off with a cut above his eye. Came close to equalising with a low drive that went wide. 6
Lukas Podolski: Threatened on occasions when given service but was unable to find the finishing touch. 6
Miroslav Klose: Ineffective early on but warmed to challenge before being replaced with 12 minutes remaining. 4
Substitutes
Marcell Jansen (on 45): Came on after the interval but made little impact. 5
Kevin Kuranyi (on 57): Replaced Hitzlsperger and offered more pace up front. 6
Mario Gomez (on 78): Was given few chances to make an impact. 6
SPAIN
Iker Casillas - Largely untroubled in the opening half, the Spain captain had more work to do after the re-start but was not seriously tested. 7
Sergio Ramos - Made a blunder early on that could have led to a goal but bounced back and forced Lehmann into a great save from a close-range header. 7
Carlos Marchena - Kept Germany's attack in check with a polished display. 7
Carles Puyol - Powerful, masterful, always in charge at the heart of the defence. 7
Joan Capdevila - An efficient evening but helped by Germany's lack of attacking ambition. 6
Andres Iniesta - Full of running and intelligent passing - showed class and quality. 7
Xavi Hernandez - Superb through ball for Torres to net the winner. Ran the midfield for Spain in a man-of-the-match display. 9
Marcos Senna - Provided strength and security in midfield. Was unable to connect with Daniel Guiza's nod down in the final 10 minutes to put the game to bed. 7
David Silva - Missed a golden chance to score Spain's second but looked more dangerous after the re-start. Lucky not to be sent off after a confrontation with Podolski and was subsequently replaced. 5
Cesc Fabregas - The architect of everything good about Spain's play was surprisingly removed from the action early in the second period. 7
Fernando Torres - Great finish for the winner. A performance full of threat and running. Caused problems for Germany's creaking back line all night. 7
Substitutes
Daniel Guiza (on 77): Provided a great opening for Marcos Senna after 81 minutes but perhaps should have gone for goal. 7
Santi Cazorla (on 64): Added pace to Spain's attacks down the right. 7
Xabi Alonso (on 62): Worked hard and brought stability in midfield. 7
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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