England v Italy
Italy produced a performance of high quality led by the grand old man of the Italian midfield; Andre Pirlo, fresh from inspiring Juventus to an undefeated campaign; Pirlo showed that Allegri, Galliani and Berlusconi all called it wrong by not offering the contract he deserved whilst at Milan. 
The English have been somewhat strange in this tournament, applying a defensive strategy with a counter attacking approach; it was a lethargic performance for the ages from England, a number of near chances if taken may have won it for the Three Lions, but Italy especially Pirlo was masterful.
The English have been somewhat strange in this tournament, applying a defensive strategy with a counter attacking approach; it was a lethargic performance for the ages from England, a number of near chances if taken may have won it for the Three Lions, but Italy especially Pirlo was masterful.
Surprisingly, Prandelli shocked me with his choice of Montolivio in the trequartista position especially knowing fully well that most of Italy's play would come from the deep lying play maker (Regista); Pirlo. I have argued this with a number of people especially the self styled African's number 1 Milanista; that Prandelli's tactics were just a clear indication of his desire to be mask his defensive tendencies with an offensive out look, hence his reasons for lining up in this form.
Italy dominated the game from start to finish and created most of the best chances of the game, although; England had a couple of chances of theirs which if they had converted may have changed the entire outlook of the game. Nocerino was rather unfortunate to be flagged offside in the dying moments of the game, cancelling out what would have been the game winning goal. All in all the Azurri were full value for their victory and their passage to the Semi Finals and as always the penalty ghost hunts the English once again.
Spain V France
If England are considered disappointing, then France should be considered as a complete embarrassment. For a team with such a host of dynamic and electric talent; the world was completely shocked at the line up put out by the French Manager, it was one that seem like a clear indication that he had conceded defeat before the game itself. Laurent Blanc left out Jeremy Menez, Samir Nasir and Ben Arfa from the start; this was a major shock because he decided to go with two traditional right full backs; some may argue that the logic behind this is his desire to check the overlapping runs of Jordi Alba especially when Iniesta checks into the middle. Unfortunately this did not work as Spain's first goal was score from great work by Iniesta and Alba to cross for Xabi Alonso; this approach stifled Blanc's team from been a proper attacking force on that side of the pitch.
For all the money i have in this world, i do not understand how Florent Malouda made that squad and how Gael Clichy is considered to be better that Patrice Evra. The little that is said of this french performance the better, but i was truly disappointed that there's really no major reason to pour any praise on the Spaniards as the french just played into their hands.
Germany v Greece
Germany totally dominated this game and even went ahead to flex its strength in depth by dropping its front 3 of Mueller, Gomez and Podolski for Klose, Reus and Schurrle; it seemed like a gamble at first but worked a treat. It is even currently been rumoured that Gomez may be dropped from the Semi final line up.
The Greeks put up a good fight, especially with the political undertone; they gave a good account of themselves, but met a German side who are kicking into gear nicely. Sami Khedira was quite impressive in this game.
Czech Republic v Portugal
The Czechs came with a game plan to disrupt the Portuguese pattern, however they met a man on a personal mission of redemption; Cristano Ronaldo. Ronaldo put up a five star performance and the Czechs had no answer for him.
Verdict
England need a football revolution, i really do not think the Italians are all that, more so still in search of an identity, Spain just got to 3rd gear; whilst Germany are looking to peak now and have shown guts. Portugal are the ones i really cannot put my finger on right now; but in Ronaldo they have a match winner.
Quarter Finals Best 11
Buffon, Lahm, Alba, Hummells, Barzagli, Khedira, Alonso, Pirlo, Moutinho, Reus, Ronaldo.
Moment of the Quarter Finals
Quarter Finals Best 11
Buffon, Lahm, Alba, Hummells, Barzagli, Khedira, Alonso, Pirlo, Moutinho, Reus, Ronaldo.
Moment of the Quarter Finals
Andre Pirlo has done it before and missed, this time Joe Hart did not know what was coming and will have sleepless nights about that delightful and delicately taken penalty. Always nice when a plan comes together.
Near Goal of the Tournament
If there ever was a ball so cleanly struck with the outside of the left foot, Daniele De Rossi's stands among the best, i have seen. It could have been the goal of the tournament.
Semi Finals Preview
Germany v Italy
It would be quite interesting to see if Prandelli would revert to his 3-5-2 formation especially due to injury and suspension concerns for De Rossi, Abate and Maggio; Chiellini and Motta will return for the Azurris. Another burning question is if Prandelli will use Montilivio as a trequartista especially after his pedestrian performance(in my humble opinion). Both teams have great pedigree, with the Germans been one of the most successful in the history of the competition. As earlier stated the Germans flexed their squad depth muscle to show the rest of the competition what they have in reserve; Reus and Klose will be pushing for a starting place, after impressive performances against Greece. However, there are concerns over Bastian Schweinsteiger; whose intensity has dropped a notch, it is understood he is suffering from a knock on his ankle, but we expect that he will start irrespective.
Key Battles
Khedira v Pirlo
Pirlo had such a field day against the English as no one moved close to him, because the English just decided to defend quite deep, against the Germans; it will be a different proposition. In the game against Greece, Khedira played with a lot of freedom and bumped forward well, leaving Schweinsteiger to hold the deeper position; illustrating the fears about his ankle injury. Khedira will have to stay close and tight to Pirlo throughout the game to ensure that he is unable to orchestrate and dictate the game like he did against England.
Verdict
This may go all the way to extra time and maybe penalties, as the Italians will most likely fold into their usual shell and Germany may just control proceedings. However, chances utilization will be very key as Italy have showed their inability to convert their chances throughout this tournament whilst Germany have showed their proficiency in front of goal. Germany will progress to the finals, but note that Germany haven't defeated Italy at any major tournament.
Portugal v Spain
Interestingly Portugal are one of the few teams to have defeated Spain since Del Bosque began his reign as Spain manager. Under Del Bosque, Spain have won 31 of 34 competitive games and are undefeated in their last 18 competitive games; now that is some record and it will take some beating. Spain have the luxury of been able to try a variety of systems or approaches; they can deploy a false 9 approach with Cesc Fabregas in a 4-6-0 formation or this may just be the time to unleash Fernando Llorente on the tournament (my opinion once again) in a 4-3-3 formation. Spain will enjoy the lion share of possession as usual and lately have given Xabi Alonso a lot of freedom to go forward, this was illustrated by his two goal performance on his 100th appearance for Spain. Portugal as they have done for most part of this tournament will look to break on the counter with Ronaldo the major outlet; the winger has really stepped up his game as the competition has progressed. This team is not just all about Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho has been quite impressive providing two pivotal assist for Pepe and Ronaldo on their march to the Semis; Nani has showed promising flashes, but we all know he can disappear and be lethargic every now and then. Paulo Bento's only concern approaching this game is in the striking position with Helder Postiga going off injured against the Czechs; hence Hugo Almeida will step in to trouble an otherwise comfortable Spanish defense. Almeida is a capable replacement for Postiga with 15 goals in 37 games for Besiktas and 15 in 43 for his country, he may just be Portugal's X-factor. Psychologically, the Portuguese have the edge in this Iberian derby as their previous 4-0 victory over the Spainards will remain fresh in their minds and may just give them the necessary motivation to make it to their first final since hosting the tournament in 2004.
Key Battles
Sergio Busquets v Joao Moutinho
A lot of the grafting work in the Spanish team is done by Busquets and a lot will depend on how well he closes the spaces in front of Joao Moutinho, who has been in sparkling form for the Portuguese. If able to shut Moutinho out;close him down well;it would stop Portugal's incisive counter attack through the wings.
Ronaldo v Arbeloa and Nani v Alba
Portugal's not so secret weapon happens to be their strength in the wide areas and it is safe to say that both of Spain's full backs have not come against anything close to what Ronaldo and Nani possess. It promises to be an epic battle, in as much as Spain will have majority of the possession; their full backs have to be at their best in terms of their concentration.
Verdict
Everything points in favour of the Spaniards, but Portugal will give it a really good go and Ronaldo is definitely out to prove a point; but Spain look set to make it to their third straight major final.
Conclusion
For all intents and purposes; a Germany v Spain final is the pundits favorite pairing; but then you still cannot rule out having a different pairing in the finals without these two been involved
Key Battles
Khedira v Pirlo
Pirlo had such a field day against the English as no one moved close to him, because the English just decided to defend quite deep, against the Germans; it will be a different proposition. In the game against Greece, Khedira played with a lot of freedom and bumped forward well, leaving Schweinsteiger to hold the deeper position; illustrating the fears about his ankle injury. Khedira will have to stay close and tight to Pirlo throughout the game to ensure that he is unable to orchestrate and dictate the game like he did against England.
Verdict
This may go all the way to extra time and maybe penalties, as the Italians will most likely fold into their usual shell and Germany may just control proceedings. However, chances utilization will be very key as Italy have showed their inability to convert their chances throughout this tournament whilst Germany have showed their proficiency in front of goal. Germany will progress to the finals, but note that Germany haven't defeated Italy at any major tournament.
Portugal v Spain
Interestingly Portugal are one of the few teams to have defeated Spain since Del Bosque began his reign as Spain manager. Under Del Bosque, Spain have won 31 of 34 competitive games and are undefeated in their last 18 competitive games; now that is some record and it will take some beating. Spain have the luxury of been able to try a variety of systems or approaches; they can deploy a false 9 approach with Cesc Fabregas in a 4-6-0 formation or this may just be the time to unleash Fernando Llorente on the tournament (my opinion once again) in a 4-3-3 formation. Spain will enjoy the lion share of possession as usual and lately have given Xabi Alonso a lot of freedom to go forward, this was illustrated by his two goal performance on his 100th appearance for Spain. Portugal as they have done for most part of this tournament will look to break on the counter with Ronaldo the major outlet; the winger has really stepped up his game as the competition has progressed. This team is not just all about Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho has been quite impressive providing two pivotal assist for Pepe and Ronaldo on their march to the Semis; Nani has showed promising flashes, but we all know he can disappear and be lethargic every now and then. Paulo Bento's only concern approaching this game is in the striking position with Helder Postiga going off injured against the Czechs; hence Hugo Almeida will step in to trouble an otherwise comfortable Spanish defense. Almeida is a capable replacement for Postiga with 15 goals in 37 games for Besiktas and 15 in 43 for his country, he may just be Portugal's X-factor. Psychologically, the Portuguese have the edge in this Iberian derby as their previous 4-0 victory over the Spainards will remain fresh in their minds and may just give them the necessary motivation to make it to their first final since hosting the tournament in 2004.
Key Battles
Sergio Busquets v Joao Moutinho
A lot of the grafting work in the Spanish team is done by Busquets and a lot will depend on how well he closes the spaces in front of Joao Moutinho, who has been in sparkling form for the Portuguese. If able to shut Moutinho out;close him down well;it would stop Portugal's incisive counter attack through the wings.
Ronaldo v Arbeloa and Nani v Alba
Portugal's not so secret weapon happens to be their strength in the wide areas and it is safe to say that both of Spain's full backs have not come against anything close to what Ronaldo and Nani possess. It promises to be an epic battle, in as much as Spain will have majority of the possession; their full backs have to be at their best in terms of their concentration.
Verdict
Everything points in favour of the Spaniards, but Portugal will give it a really good go and Ronaldo is definitely out to prove a point; but Spain look set to make it to their third straight major final.
Conclusion
For all intents and purposes; a Germany v Spain final is the pundits favorite pairing; but then you still cannot rule out having a different pairing in the finals without these two been involved
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