Will German rigour outclass Spanish charisma?

Should one be sad or happy? The real football tournament begins with the quarter finals. But that also means big teams crashing out and only a few more matches remaining.

This evening’s Germany vs Spain game brings similar emotions. Almost like the clash of titans, this is arguably the most crucial quarter final game of the tournament.

Germany, the host nation, comes into the tournament with much football heritage. Having won the European title thrice (in 1972, 1980 and 1996) the Die Mannschaft, as they are called by fans, are hungry to reward their nation and end the Euro drought.

Like every edition, Germany brings a strong team this time as well.  A solid group of players who play as a single unit in sync with their core philosophy. This is reflected in the performance so far topping group A with two wins and a draw. 

Goalkeeper Manuel Neur brings with him not just a firm backbone to depend on but also a treasure chest of experience for young players to learn from. As a seasoned veteran, the 2014 World Cup winner will be the big shield against Spain. 

When it comes to defence, the great German wall has seldom been crumbled and Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger and Bayern Munich sensation Joshua Kimmich will collectively work in keeping it intact. 

Champions league finalist with Borussia Dortmund, midfielder Emre Can has a big task tonight. Along with former Real Madrid player Toni Kroos, who hopes to continue his last dance at European soil, the duo will have to find crucial gaps and spaces through Spain’s defence and stop the red shirts from finding their tempo.

 Jamal Musiala has the perfect setting to cement his place as a big player today. His impressive performances in the previous matches have upped the confidence of his team. While Florian Wirtz comes already high on inspiration, being a key figure of the Bayer Leverkusen fairytale Bundesliga winning side. He has been transformed into a match-winner thanks to his legendary club coach Xabi Alonso. 

Wirtz being aware of the Spanish style of play from Xabi, must possess within him the anto-dote to stop Spain from keeping and rotating the ball all of 90 minutes.

 The ever joyous Thomas Muller is far from finished and no better way to declare this to the world than by finding the back of the net. He could look back at 2010 to find some fire.

 Argentina coach Maradona had written him off before their quarter final clash. Muller had bounced back with two goals against Argentina in a thumping four nil win. The question is can Muller pull the trick again? However, it will be Arsenal rising star Kai Havertz who will have to let his feet do the talking. It is time for Havertz to take on the mantle and begin a new era.

On the other side, the Spaniards are well aware that their golden generation is done with and the years of painting the world red i.e. from 2008 to 2012( winning back to back Euros with a World Cup in between) are long gone.

La Roja meaning The Reds as the Spanish national football team under current manager Luis De la Fuente has arrived with the philosophy of 80% youth and 20% experience in the team.  They now boast a bountiful young harvest who certainly have the potential to become another golden generation by Euro 2028. However as of now, they are ready to fight all out to win the Henry Delaunay cup (Official name of the Euro Cup trophy). And with four straight wins in their campaign, it is clear that Espana mean business.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon has conceded just once in four games and is in great shape. Real Madrid star Danny Carvajal knows the international stage very well and has a big responsibility on his shoulders. To join him in defence are Nacho and Alejandro Grimaldo who will look to contain Muller and Musaila this evening.

Germany will heavily man-mark Spanish midfield maestro Rodri. The Manchester City icon will maintain the tempo for Spain and ensure ball possession and swift passing movements as he does for his club coach Pep Guardiola. Young talent Pedri has a point to prove at the international stage and no better moment than this.

However, it is young winger Lamine Yamal who has been the talk of the town. Making his debut and getting a dream goal at only 16 years of age, Spain fans keep their fingers crossed hoping the Germans won’t be too much pressure for the young kid on the block.

And finally the captain, Alvaro Morata, a great goal scorer and now the worthy leader of his side, the once ‘super sub’ must rise to the occasion and lead by example tonight. 

Morata knows well how to score in important games, having scored many match winners and equalisers at the Champions League club matches. Dani Olmo must assist & combine well with his captain for the duo to find chinks in the German armour. If they complement one another, Germany will have much to worry about. 

Catch Germany vs Spain live this evening at 9:30 PM IST