The... Final.
I have to admit it. I never thought things would end this way.
So, the final is between Spain and Italy. I would have bet ALL my money on Germany. Really, I would. But nothing turned out as I expected in this Euro. In fact, not even the match against Portugal.
I have to start reminding people that I don't like Cristiano. Not that much, and not even when he was in United (I think I just like him when he's slashed, lol). Yet, since Spain was just the same as ever (boring, passing the ball like if they were in the backyard, waiting) I thought his risky temperament would create a chance for the Portuguese. They just seemed more willing to go forward.
When the penalties arrived I was already down, but I thought Portugal still had a chance when Xabi Alonso missed it. But then came Cristiano's backing out (I could tell he was really afraid) and Alves' doubts. My conclusion: standing ovation for Nani and his courageous way to take the penalty. And that's all. Ugh.
And then, of course, comes Germany. I had been impressed by their beautiful game against Greece. But, people, Balotelli's just insane. I hate him, I really do. I think he's a repulsive person, arrogant, aggressive. But he's also fearless. And he could take a flawless Germany by surprise, so much that Manuel Neuer actually clapped after a goal.
I didn't like the result, but I have to say two things. First of all, Manuel Neuer is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. And not only at the goal, but as a person and as a player. He's humble, and he's not afraid of going out as a last resort. And he can score a penalty. He's truly a fighter, and that's something worth watching.
And, as for Italy... well, I had said something about my soft spot for them because many of them play for Juve. And I insist on that. In fact, I think that, for all them who said Juventus had surely fixed the Serie A because of Antonio Conte's murky past (which, by the way, really sucked. The team should find a coach whose image doesn't damage the club's image, which is fractured enough) this is proof that the team was just good, period. We have them as the spine and body of this Italy national team. Buffon, Chellini, Marchisio, the very same Pirlo, Giovinco, Bonucci, Barzagli. There they are. They didn't fix a league. They just played well and had the bad luck of having a corrupt manager.
So now, I only hope Pirlo and his exquisite technique can defeat Spain's stranglehold on the ball: a bird cage, a trap that lets no one move and waits until everyone's dizzy to score, boring everyone to death, except the ones who think that's technique and precision. It's not. It's just a mindgame. Italy, you're not my favorite team, but, Juve, chosen of the Lady, go. And play to break the Spanish tyranny.
So, the final is between Spain and Italy. I would have bet ALL my money on Germany. Really, I would. But nothing turned out as I expected in this Euro. In fact, not even the match against Portugal.
I have to start reminding people that I don't like Cristiano. Not that much, and not even when he was in United (I think I just like him when he's slashed, lol). Yet, since Spain was just the same as ever (boring, passing the ball like if they were in the backyard, waiting) I thought his risky temperament would create a chance for the Portuguese. They just seemed more willing to go forward.
When the penalties arrived I was already down, but I thought Portugal still had a chance when Xabi Alonso missed it. But then came Cristiano's backing out (I could tell he was really afraid) and Alves' doubts. My conclusion: standing ovation for Nani and his courageous way to take the penalty. And that's all. Ugh.
And then, of course, comes Germany. I had been impressed by their beautiful game against Greece. But, people, Balotelli's just insane. I hate him, I really do. I think he's a repulsive person, arrogant, aggressive. But he's also fearless. And he could take a flawless Germany by surprise, so much that Manuel Neuer actually clapped after a goal.
I didn't like the result, but I have to say two things. First of all, Manuel Neuer is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. And not only at the goal, but as a person and as a player. He's humble, and he's not afraid of going out as a last resort. And he can score a penalty. He's truly a fighter, and that's something worth watching.
And, as for Italy... well, I had said something about my soft spot for them because many of them play for Juve. And I insist on that. In fact, I think that, for all them who said Juventus had surely fixed the Serie A because of Antonio Conte's murky past (which, by the way, really sucked. The team should find a coach whose image doesn't damage the club's image, which is fractured enough) this is proof that the team was just good, period. We have them as the spine and body of this Italy national team. Buffon, Chellini, Marchisio, the very same Pirlo, Giovinco, Bonucci, Barzagli. There they are. They didn't fix a league. They just played well and had the bad luck of having a corrupt manager.
So now, I only hope Pirlo and his exquisite technique can defeat Spain's stranglehold on the ball: a bird cage, a trap that lets no one move and waits until everyone's dizzy to score, boring everyone to death, except the ones who think that's technique and precision. It's not. It's just a mindgame. Italy, you're not my favorite team, but, Juve, chosen of the Lady, go. And play to break the Spanish tyranny.