Technical skills are different than game strategy.
Technical skills are different than game strategy.
Grape works as a soda. Sort of as a gum. I wonder why it doesn't work as a pie. Grape pie? There's no grape pie. - Larry David
Maybe ... maybe not. Prandelli has shown to be a more aggressive coach than his predecessors. Also, with Chiellini injured, the Italians are thin on the back line and can't depend on Buffon. They have some dynamic players on the attack in Pirlo, Ballotelli, Cassano and DiNatale. It should be an interesting matchup.
That said, Germany is just better and deeper and they have the advantage of two extra days of rest heading into the matchup. I'd expect them to win and be a heavy favorite to beat Spain/Portugal.
"The players make the manager, it's never the other way." - Sparky Anderson
I always sentimentally pull for England in these big tournaments because they have had such dreadful luck in the Euros and World Cup. Also because, as others have mentioned, they play the style closest to the United States, but with much better players overall.
It was a double root for them yesterday b/c I despise Italy. I still feel very confident that Italy won't win it all, but they are in the semis.
I pull for the Germans and English (my heritage) when the USA isn't playing. The ironic thing about these big time soccer games is more often than not a team ends up hanging around longer than it should. In watching the Germany Greece game, the Germans dominated it from start to finish but for about 10 minutes in the 2nd half the Greeks tied it up and a counter could have put the Greeks ahead.
I don't think the Itilians stance a chance against Germany. But if the Germans can't find the back of the net and allow the Itilians to hang around then Italy can win. Anytime you reach the semi's you have quality teams playing.
Stat I just saw: Counting Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and now Euro 2012, Spain hasn't allowed a goal in eight straight knockout matches. "The best defense is a good offense" would seem to apply here.
Reading comprehension is not just an ability, it's a choice
Die Mannschaft lost in the 2008 euro finals and the 2010 WC finals to Spain, who have basically the same squad as the 2012 Euros. Germany has not won a major national tournament since 1996. If Spain conquers Portugal, I see Spain vrs Germany in the final. Spain will win. Germany knows it cannot beat Spain. They will go home with a triumph over Italy, to somewhat erase the memory of PK defeat in Germany in the WC in 2006. Italy ripped Germany's heart out by beating them at home in 2006.
Wear gaudy colors, or avoid display. Lay a million eggs or give birth to one. The fittest shall survive, yet the unfit may live. Be like your ancestors or be different. We must repeat!
I think Germany poses a real problem for Spain. Spain is one of those teams that always wins when you let them control the tempo. However, Germany can play a high pressure game where they can punish a mistake quickly. If the Germans can disrupt Spain's possession passing game and get into their heads, Germany can win.
Wear gaudy colors, or avoid display. Lay a million eggs or give birth to one. The fittest shall survive, yet the unfit may live. Be like your ancestors or be different. We must repeat!
Germany has never defeated Italy in a competitive match (over 7 games).
Variatio delectat - Cicero
England really missed Wilshere.
No they can't, but they may be forced to hold back today because they're coming off a 120 minute affair only three days ago, and Germany has two more days of rest.
To be honest, this setup for EURO stinks. Portugal and Germany each have two extra days off, which in soccer is a pretty big deal. I understand that this is a money decision, but the second round games should've been played on the same day.
"The players make the manager, it's never the other way." - Sparky Anderson
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