Any REAL football fans here? (Page 56)

Drakmar vs the Deutsch mark - should they play double or nothing for the finance help?

Prediction - The Germans will be industrious, the Greeks will play until half time and then decide its not worth it and just sit in the dressing room drinking ouzo

Germans should cruise but "the 300" did win Euro 2004 in a similar story to this year...worth watching since I think the Germans are better than they have shown so far..

And then there were 4.

Unfortunate for Italy that they have 2 days less rest than Germany for their match.  That seems to be quite the scheduling snafu. 

England looked beyond horrible yesterday.  The better team definitely went through.

The next two games could be quite good.

Not only they have 2 days less of rest, but they have to travel to where Germany is based for the game.  I dont know if it was a snafu, as that would required a real idiot to do that or was done intentional.

England really looked bad, no creativity at all, and you could tell that Rooney was not in game shape.  Italy couldnt finish their opportunities, which almost cost them and it certainly will against Germany if they dont capitalize on those....Pirlo has some balls to execute the PK the way he did at that point of the shootout, and he looked as cool as the other side of the pillow doing it.

Cant wait for the semifinals...

er...that would be Platini....so there's your answer

Not convinced that Italy is that great - England are just that bad - speed of thought, support or any ability to play in pressure was zero - I'd be embarrassed if I were an England player seeing my "peers" have clearly more ability than I do..and getting paid twice as much. The first touch of every Italian player was so much better - even the defenders...English players can only lump it and head and thats it...

Too much emphasis on the domestic results and not on the level of play I am afraid -

LOL!  Platini..... HA! 

Yeah, Italy was ok.  They just looked much better because England played SO poorly.  Essentially a 70-30 split on posession.  That is horrible in a match like this.  Really.  Just horrible.

I just don't see them as much of an obstacle to Germany.

Thing is, I never gave them much credit.  And still don't.  They looked dominant against England only because England was so pizz poor.  I don't see it.  Granted, Germany are missing Klose, but Gomez is really starting to look much better.  And the second half against a weak Greece side they really poured it on. 

I will gladly eat my words if they do beat Germany, but I just don't see it.

I know you didnt ....I don't base any of my hopes or opinions in the England game, they would have made Greece looked like the favorite to win it all.

I do think Germany should be favored to win the game, but for some so called experts to say italy doesnt stand a chance is just plain silly. 

Italy wont be able to play the same game as they did against England - Germany will pressure more and I think the weakness of the Italians is at the back...Chellini is still a doubt but even with him I dont see how Italy contains the german attacking options...

....however it is the Italians and they could win 1-0 on one chance...

I dont expect italia to play the same game, it would be quite impossible.  The germans will pressure Pirlo a lot more, and make it extremely difficult to link with Balotelli and Cassano....A lot will depend how in shape Chellini is for this match.  I'm also curious to see how Dinatale will be used.

If  Italia wins is 1-0, that i agree with you.  Thats what i refer to as the Italian way.

I agree with you, the potential with Ballotelli is there but at this point that is all there is (except one very nice goal in the qualification stage).  Having said that, I would play him this match, they need a tall, strong guy in the box against the germans. 

In regards to this temper, i think he can manage.  I was afraid with Englands as those guys are familair with what buttons to push to get him going, but surprisingly to me he kept his cool.  But you never know with him.

It was a horrible match, i was not expecting to be bored to death by Spain and Portugal.  I dont know what to make of the tactics used by both Portugal and Espana.  Esp has looked better when they play Torres, so i dont know why Bosques continues with this no true striker approach....In regards to Portugal, what can be said....

Cant wait for the match this afternoon T minus 50 min.

How do you say Balotelli in German?

Haha, indeed....But i have no other option but to cheer for him, if he keeps this up i migth start liking him.

On a different note, after reding more about his upbringing you kind of understand why he is a head case.

Plenty of players with poor upbringings that dont act like spoiled children

This game should be 2-2...your boys were lucky to escape a couple of chances early and made the most of what they got...should be an interesting second half

I'm with you there, just explained a lot of thigns about him...not actually the poor factor which he stopped being once adopted, but everything else.

That is always the difference between two good teams, even if one is favored over the other, who takes advantage of their opportunies.

crowny2 - 2012-06-28 4:52 PM You must be over the moon.

Pardon me while I salt this crow to make it a bit more palatable.

I am...Can't wait to get home and watch the game again enjoying a beer.

No need for that ...If i had been making a  non emotional pick i would chosen Germany.  The Azurri really impressed me the way they played and when you factor in the lack of rest even more impressive.