Clash of cultures

There are real differences between German and Spanish football, above all when it comes to finance and development, writes David Shonfield

Efficiency against flair, team against individual, strength against joy, craft against cunning, north against south...

In fact both Germany and Spain have reached the semi-final thanks to good teamwork, quick passing, and excellent technique. The Spanish play as a unit much more than they used to and Germany’s attacking style is a lot more than efficient.