Germany’s Midfield Now A Hospital Ward

If Spain doesn’t win this one, they’ll never win one. Michael Ballack is fresh off a calf injury and now in doubt for the final; Torsten Frings has a broken rib which limited him to spot duty in the semifinal against Turkey; and Simon Rolfes looks like he just went 15 rounds with a Sonny Liston in his prime. Things aren’t exactly looking for the German midfield.

Ballack has been absent during the last two days of training and it looks like the German captain will at the very best be far from 100% in Vienna tomorrow. At worst? No Michael. Jogi Loew is holding out hope, but doesn’t exactly sound too convincing:

“The muscles has tightened and we’ll have to wait and see how things develop,” explained coach Joachim Löw. “Our medical people are working around the clock to give him a chance to play.”

“He’s team captain and an extremely important player, but if he is not fit then someone else will take his position,” the 48-year-old added. “Having a squad of 23 means those who haven’t played much are highly motivated. We’ll have to cope, we will find a solution. I’ve not counted Michael Ballack out yet though. There is still a chance.”

Still a chance, but it’s pretty clear he’s at least making a Plan A (with Ballack) and a Plan Z (without Ballack). And yes, if you make the German national team, chances are you aren’t a complete stiff, but there is only one Ballack.

And though Spain lost David Villa, he hasn’t scored since the second game and since then Dani Guiza has netted two while Luis Aragones might have the best outfield player on his team ready to come off the bench. No real comparison.

What does this mean for the game? Well having a midfielder who can more than hold his own defensively against the likes of Xavi, Marco Senna, Cesc, Iniesta, etc. is not a luxury, it seems damn near a necessity. The entire Italian midfield was relegated to defensive duties to stop the powerful Spanish attack, and it was the only way Spain could be held under two goals the entire tournament.

So does this throw the tilt of the final well in Spain’s favor? Can’t see how not. Germany hasn’t looked on steady legs the entire tournament while Spain has been arguably the most impressive team - even if they’re only finally fulfilling their potential. Losing a great player is one thing, but losing the captain for the final is another entirely.

The world is waiting for Spain with the trophy on a silver platter. The pressure now lies solely on their shoulders. Now or never.