Originally Posted by Strange Famous

To me Germany and Russia are in the worst form of any teams which made the QF's

Germany were well beaten by Croatia, and were absolutely woeful against a very very poor Austrian team. But every German team always seems to start hitting their stride in the big games. To me Portugal dominated the play in the QF, and made more chances, but Germany took theirs.

Portugal bottled it a bit to be honest, and the one thing you know is that Germany arent going to bottle a big game.

But when you look at the team - Klose is world class, but the guy Gomez who's played with him is probably the worst international footballer I can recall seeing play for a major nation. Both centre backs looks immobile and vulnerable to balls in behond, Lehman is a great shot stopper but with him there's always a risk of a moment of madness. Their midfield are full of solid, technically competent, and physically strong players - and then there's Ballack. He can drift out of games, but when he's up for it he's as dangerous as any attacking midfielder in the world. Germany will be favourites, but I wouldnt rule Turkey out.