Spain-Italy

[deanna_tyler]

Thank god that justice was finally done! I was seriously beginning to wonder if it was a crime to play decent, attractive football in this tournament, because all the teams to do so had gone out so far(Except for Russia, they do play nice football). It would have been so sad if Spain hadn't been rewarded for their efforts to keep the crowd

Comments

[junalele]

Italy rock the defense, always in the right place, very experienced. But that's really all they rock. So boring and I always feel it's the cowards way - defending with 11 men and just waiting for a strike of dumb luck. I'm so glad it didn't work for them this time.

Have to say I expected Xabi to play as he seemed better suited against Italy's stronger physicality and because, as beautiful one-twos and stuff are, it's really hard to get through Italy's wall of a defense and he knows how to pass te ball over long distances but oh well.

Iker - yattaa! And Cesc with the nerves of steele. And thank fuck, it's not only the teams with the most luck and the most determination. On the other hand - Croatia, Portugal and Netherlands played themselves out of the tournament. Sad as it makes me.

[deanna_tyler]

Yeah, they just know how to defend, and nothing else. Honestly, I'm amazed that they managed to win the World Cup playing like that.

I know, I think he would have been perfect for this game. He can pass over the top and get it to Fernando and Villa quickly. Besides, Pirlo and Gattuso weren't playing, so it was ideal for him to stamp his authority. Spain were a bit one-dimensional in their approach. Even when Aragones took Xavi and Iniesta off, he replaced them with almost similar players. Italy were fully prepared to deal with that kind of approach.

Yeah, I guess those teams were to blame partially for their demise. Still, it's nice to see that one semi-final will have two attractive footballing teams in it.

[junalele]

Luck. I mean, obviously as long as Pirlo is there they also do know how to attack. Well, somewhat. But they also just are lucky.

Spain were a bit one-dimensional in their approach
See, I was just rantign about this earlier today to a friend. I get their approach of beautiful passing football but their apparent lack to switch to another tactic? Not so cool. And because I miss United like crazy, let me say - we can totally do it. One-two our way into the other team's box or play that long, cutting pass. Because we rock it all. Heh.

Still, it's nice to see that one semi-final will have two attractive footballing teams in it.
Heh. I love how you careful only include the one semi because hell yeah. Germany vs Turkey will just be a battle of wills. And tactics and since Jogi Löw is really a master tactician... Oh well.

[deanna_tyler]

Ya, I agree, Spain do need to have a plan B at times. Sometimes they just keep on passing and passing, and it goes nowhere. Thats why Aragones needs to be clever with his subs, removing someone like Xavi and replacing him with Cesc is hardly going to change the style of play too much. Hopefully, they've learnt that from this game and will do much better in the semis.

Oh yes, noone can switch over like we do. That's why we've been so successful over the last two seasons. Because we do know how to play beautiful and how to play ugly too. Damn, I miss United!!!

Germany-Turkey will be completely different from Spain-Russia. You're right about the tactics playing an important part. Also, Turkey have got like only 14 fit players in their squad, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem for Loew.

[calvinscorner]

Thank god that justice was finally done!
This sounds so satisfactory. All other quarters were big upset.
Never though of Portugal, Croatia and The Netherlands leave so early.
I was skeptical about Spain's consistency , but Finally justice is done.
Finally a deserving team is proceeding to next level.

The whole Croatia-Turkey , Russia- The Netherlands were disappointing. Never though luck would turn in favor of Turkey in dying moments. I won't be surprised If Turkey looses in similar manner, If German turns the coming game up-side down in stoppage time.

Italy is the last team, I would support. When game went to penalty, I though its over for Spain. Buffon always makes the difference. But he could not. Glad to see them loosing. -:)

[deanna_tyler]

I know, I was really upset when those teams went out. Actually, they were to blame for it, but still, it's nice to see one good team doing well.

Germans will easily defeat Turkey. Turkey have only 14 fit players in their squad, their coach was saying that the reserve goalkeeper may have to play in outfield because they don't have sufficient players! I feel sorry for them, but as you say, they have rode their luck and it's bound to run out sometime.

I know, even I was worried about the penalties. But I had faith in Iker. And the Italians looked a lot more nervous. I'm so glad they made it!