After all the anticipation, controversy, and analysis, it all comes down to a simple formula: Germany versus Spain. Before the mouth-watering semi-final in Durban, the German media is having a blast. I guess it's one of the beauties of the World Cup that it can convert deeply rooted stereotypes into more subtle narratives...well, sort of. :)
This one might be more subtle though than intended. Did the German press really not notice that the fruit it picked is Orange - Orange like the "Oranjes," the Dutch? Might that be a subtle sign of what is in the cards?
One thing is clear: If it comes to a Netherlands-Germany final, one of the biggest arch rivalries in the history of football, it will be an indirect contest between our two European studios in Amsterdam and Munich (after our Milan studio had really nothing at all to cheer about in this tournament). One of them will suffer, and previously fruitful relationships across offices might run dry.
One last subtle hint: The infamous octopus Paul has predicted Spain will win. Note though that he has already erred before - when he predicted a German victory over Spain in the EURO final two years ago...
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