Euro 2012: Now to the semifinals
So, the semifinals are now ready, and expectations are growing. And so is my criticism level. In fact, just today I actually Twitter-argued with a local football commentator! But anyways. Here's my analysis.
First of all, we had the Czech Republic against Portugal. Many could say that game was solved even before it began: that the Czechs were no match for Ronaldo and his crew. However, it looked as if the Portuguese had a hard time breaking through the Czech defense, and that is what I praise: the team spirit of the Czechs, who decided to hold on heroically, perhaps waiting for a penalty miracle when Cech could stand up for them. As for Portugal... they're a team standing behind an individual player. Certainly not a winning combination in my eyes, but they have it against someone I think they can beat. I'll go on to that in a bit.
Then came Germany against Greece... and let me say. I was skeptical about Germany's chances, but in this game they showed they're still the team everyone respects, fears, and can love. They are finally awake, so, rivals, be very afraid. With an unexpected lineup, the German fire was on. Yet, I guess we should all respect Greece, who still went for it even though Low's guys had already wiped their ass with them. In fact, karneol_vision, I'm sorry I disrespected your team before. But, finally, this is the Germany I wanted to see.
Then came Spain against France. I don't care what local commentators I argue with say: this was an utter display of mediocrity. France played at half-gas, and Spain took advantage of that to just bury a goal and then just pass the ball around and get everyone dizzy, as they do. And the killing moment was when the Spaniards were allowed a penalty and Lloris, the goalie, instead of making an effort to stop it, seemed to look at his watch and decide that him stopping the ball or not would not make a difference. He just let it go through. Terrible attitude. I don't think Spain would be a good match for a final, but even though I don't like them or Portugal, I guess Ronaldo's effectiveness and verticality may put an end to the endless passing which no, it's not what football is made of, guys.
And, finally, England against Italy. It was like a body swap: the English went for the catenaccio while Italy kept on attacking. Yet, I must say I understand the Queen's boys attitude. They had gotten there without Lamps and several other stars missing: they were playing on plan B. You can't criticize a team that had to alter its strategy radically due to unforeseen situations. In fact, I must say they did a good job holding on. As for Italy... Mario Balotelli is just too individual and hateful, sorry. On the other hand, there's Pirlo. An absolute genius. Respect. They do deserve a match against Germany, even though I can see the Germans emerging in victory.
Only three games to go! I see Germany in the final, though. What you say?
First of all, we had the Czech Republic against Portugal. Many could say that game was solved even before it began: that the Czechs were no match for Ronaldo and his crew. However, it looked as if the Portuguese had a hard time breaking through the Czech defense, and that is what I praise: the team spirit of the Czechs, who decided to hold on heroically, perhaps waiting for a penalty miracle when Cech could stand up for them. As for Portugal... they're a team standing behind an individual player. Certainly not a winning combination in my eyes, but they have it against someone I think they can beat. I'll go on to that in a bit.
Then came Germany against Greece... and let me say. I was skeptical about Germany's chances, but in this game they showed they're still the team everyone respects, fears, and can love. They are finally awake, so, rivals, be very afraid. With an unexpected lineup, the German fire was on. Yet, I guess we should all respect Greece, who still went for it even though Low's guys had already wiped their ass with them. In fact, karneol_vision, I'm sorry I disrespected your team before. But, finally, this is the Germany I wanted to see.
Then came Spain against France. I don't care what local commentators I argue with say: this was an utter display of mediocrity. France played at half-gas, and Spain took advantage of that to just bury a goal and then just pass the ball around and get everyone dizzy, as they do. And the killing moment was when the Spaniards were allowed a penalty and Lloris, the goalie, instead of making an effort to stop it, seemed to look at his watch and decide that him stopping the ball or not would not make a difference. He just let it go through. Terrible attitude. I don't think Spain would be a good match for a final, but even though I don't like them or Portugal, I guess Ronaldo's effectiveness and verticality may put an end to the endless passing which no, it's not what football is made of, guys.
And, finally, England against Italy. It was like a body swap: the English went for the catenaccio while Italy kept on attacking. Yet, I must say I understand the Queen's boys attitude. They had gotten there without Lamps and several other stars missing: they were playing on plan B. You can't criticize a team that had to alter its strategy radically due to unforeseen situations. In fact, I must say they did a good job holding on. As for Italy... Mario Balotelli is just too individual and hateful, sorry. On the other hand, there's Pirlo. An absolute genius. Respect. They do deserve a match against Germany, even though I can see the Germans emerging in victory.
Only three games to go! I see Germany in the final, though. What you say?