CAN YOU HEAR the DRUMS FERNANDO?

Expectations for a classic encounter on Wednesday evening can easily be justified when the finest German team for twenty years takes on Spain's greatest ever. Although laced with unrelenting drama and a true sense of theatre throughout, Africa 2010 has yet to deliver a contest fit to enter the annals of world cup history. This match up between two sides whose attacking beliefs do them credit is without doubt it's best opportunity.
If the Germans are to win then Joachim Loew's exceptional young side must treat every goal scoring opportunity as if it were their last. For it is guaranteed the European champions will treat the ball with true deference. Like a husband who refuses to let his beautiful wife out of the door, Spain's midfield, maestros-duo of Xavi and Iniesta will guard possession with a jealously verging towards obsessive.
Whilst the Spanish start the semi-final as slight favourites, the eight goal salvo against England and Argentina means all logic concerning Germany becomes blurred. The loss through suspension of the outstanding Thomas Muller may well prove significant but such has been the brilliance of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira, it is one deemed hardly fatal.
If as is being hoped it comes down to a straight shootout then forwards on both sides will fancy with glee their chances against defences whom have shown a tendency to err when under pressure. No more than Germany's Miroslav Klose who requires just one more goal to break Ronaldo's all time world cup record. Whilst for Spain, the electric David Villa will ensure many a nervous twitch for German defenders.
Sadly not all are finding goals as easy to come by with Fernando Torres currently experience the centre-forward's version of writer's block. As he struggles to recover both fitness and form it remains to be seen whether coach Vicente del Bosque will risk handing Torres another start tomorrow evening. With the stakes so high it may well prove a career defining decision for del Bosque but one he feels is worth the risk.
For what price Torres finally sparking and scoring the goal that puts Spain in their first ever world cup final?
Can you hear the drums Fernando?

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