Euro 2012 (Football)

[Insuber]

Originally Posted by Bewolf

The game yesterday was not overly inspiring, really. I am seriously curious how Spain will manage in the Semis. Germany "may" pull this off, but that was said last WC as well. Everything's open. If Portugal finds a recipe against that Tiki Taka play, the more impressive

But one after the other, let's see which team moves on tonight, England or Italy.
I suspect Italy will make it, but I am going for England here again anyways, hehe.

Ehehe the Tiki Taka play reminds me of one of Sacchi's recipes: as long as you keep the ball possession the other team cannot score ...

Pressing - another piece of Sacchi's credo - is the countermeasure. Italy did it on the first half against Spain and closed 1-0. In the second half they defended the score - tiredness - and gave a chance to Spain to equalize.
And pressing is what France didn't do at all yesterday. Spain applied it and constantly doubled the men on the French ball bringer forcing them to loose the ball or fail the pass.

Cheers!

[Bewolf]

Originally Posted by Insuber

Ehehe the Tiki Taka play reminds me of one of Sacchi's recipes: as long as you keep the ball possession the other team cannot score ...

Pressing - another piece of Sacchi's credo - is the countermeasure. Italy did it on the first half against Spain and closed 1-0. In the second half they defended the score - tiredness - and gave a chance to Spain to equalize.
And pressing is what France didn't do at all yesterday. Spain applied it and constantly doubled the men on the French ball bringer forcing them to loose the ball or fail the pass.

Cheers!

Yeah, same way Germany lost last WC. Too much respect for the Spanish. Though France did not only look too respectful, they also appeared to lack any will to win this. Tired playing by both sides.

Italy plays like it does for ages, bunker defence, attemtping to score in the counter attack. They are coherently good but a rather predictable team.
England adopted a similiar style here, but they lack the routine and professionalism of the italian team.
Then again that may make them more flexible, really depends on their determination. I have a feeling the english do not yet trust themselves enough to pull this off, but stranger things have happend.

Football is 50 percent psychology, will be interesting for sure.

So England, get your superiourity and inferiority complexes in control, develop some fun and deliver a great game!

[Insuber]

Originally Posted by Bewolf

Italy plays like it does for ages, bunker defence, attemtping to score in the counter attack. They are coherently good but a rather predictable team.

They are not exactly like that. This was the case 25 years ago, now most of their goals aren't done in counter attacks. Look at Croatia-Italy statistics for instance: more shots, more corners, longer possession, less fouls.


Anyway Italy is a rather weak team nowadays and England stands better chances tonight.

Let's enjoy the match!

[Bewolf]

Just came home, 0:0 so far, anything notworthy until now?

Lessee how that goes, makes a rather dynamic and pleasant game for what I have seen so far.

Originally Posted by Insuber

They are not exactly like that. This was the case 25 years ago, now most of their goals aren't done in counter attacks. Look at Croatia-Italy statistics for instance: more shots, more corners, longer possession, less fouls.

They have played like that in the 2006 at least. Admittingly I have not followed Italy much since then, but in their game against Spain they did not look that dynamic, really. Rather more like the old ways.

[pupo162]

Originally Posted by Bewolf

Just came home, 0:0 so far, anything notworthy until now?

1 aweswome chance for each team. quite a few chances for italy ruined by bollotelli. The draw reflects the effort of both teams, but italy is slightly more dominating. Anything can happen still.

[Bewolf]

That was a highly enjoyable first half!
England a lot better then I thought they would be, but coming under pressure later on. Half time came in the right moment.

Seriously, good game, back and forth, loved the english way of trying to use their chances at once the moment they got the ball. And Italy much more offensive then expected. And despite all the movement very fair play by both sides.

Two classic teams knowing how to deliver a show, by all means

[Insuber]

Very enjoyable match, and very offensive Italy, as I expected. Too defensive and shy England apart from the first 15 minutes, which I didn't expect. Way too many chances wasted by Italy, and as they say you end up paying for it in the end. Hope not because Italy wouldn't deserve it for what they showed.

[Bewolf]

I am not so sure, Italy clearly the dominant team right now, but they botch one chance after the other. Eventually they will have to pay for that.