Good day! It’s the penultimate episode of our 2020 tournament. 24 have become 4. Fingers have become stumps. Nerves have been shredded. Today, the field will be halved again and we’ll know our finalists. Let’s remind ourselves of the draw:

Germany were already heavy favourites against Wales but they also have home advantage due to having a better overall record than their opponents during this tournament.

Germany vs Wales

Andrew W has switched it up, hoping to nullify the threat of Giggs by switching to more of a diamond midfield. Matthaus is restored in the DM position with Sammer moving into central midfield. Basler is the man to miss out whilst Klinsmann is again on the bench.

KingOfTheRooks has issues at centre back with Rob Page out injured. David Hughes and Adrian Williams might be in for a busy night.

The last thing Wales need is to go down to 10 men after just 4 minutes but Williams’ red card puts his side right up against it. The resistance lasts just 10 minutes. Sean Dundee has had quite the tournament and his 11th of the tournament gives Germany a 14th minute lead. It’s short lived as Mike Meaker equalises a minute later. Meaker didn’t even get a cap for Wales in real life but he’s doing KOTR proud here. Anyway, Dundee gets number 12 for the tournament and Bierhoff makes it 3 before half time. Surely, that will be that?

Wales are plucky sorts and Mark Hughes makes it 3-2. Game on? Game off. Bierhoff and Pflipsen get two quickfire goals and 5-2 will surely be the end of Wales. The tournament just keeps on giving though – Hartson and Speed score in consecutive minutes to send up a grandstand finish. Try as Wales might, a flurry of corners in the final few minutes lead to nothing. Germany advance! But Wales are the people’s champions after this.

Wales will look back on the early red card as a turning point. What might have been otherwise!

Dibble was outstanding again but Gary Speed played the perfect 10 and nearly got Wales to penalties. Andrew W will have the chance to avenge his Anglo Italian Cup final loss but will he get the chance for revenge against Nikolai or will it be Rob Tait?

Good luck following that!

Italy vs Spain

Nik has once again thrown a tactical surprise with this variation. Innovative or insane? We’ll find out very soon.

Rob has also thrown a surprise. Spain are the only team with a 100% record throughout the tournament so a switch to a 4-2-3-1 is perhaps unexpected. Alfonso has had a disappointing tournament so has to settle for a place on the bench, with Sanchez Fernando leading the line.

It’s all Spain early on as Rob looks to have won the tactical battle. Pagliuca makes save after save but eventually Kiko breaks the deadlock 6 minutes before the break. Nik tries everything in his locker to find an equaliser but Molina, making his first appearance of the tournament, is in fine form. Kiko’s goal is enough and it’s Spain who advance.

They just about shaded it on the overall stats.

Italy’s goalkeeper gets man of the match which says it all in some respects.

Well done to Rob and Andrew W who will compete in Wednesday’s final. Germany vs Spain will take place in a neutral venue too which is always pleasing. Commiserations to KingOfTheRooks and Nik who have been great competitors throughout.

A look at the draw for the sake of completeness.

We’ll be back on Wednesday with the big final but also the team of the tournament. See you there?