Quote:
Originally Posted by blind squirrel
I watched the first half of GER v ITA and Italy's pressing was ridiculous. Did they keep the pace up?
Quite like this format of playing 12 down to 4 in group games. Every goal and every game matters
Both teams became tired in the 2nd half but probably moreso Germany who had not rotated at all in this squeezed together tournament.
Of course Italy had done just that but arguably that was what cost them against the Czech.
Until the very end where understandably, with both teams through with current scoreline, became passive, it was the best game that I watched this tournament.
More 50-50ish possession match pictures please!
Spain in the other end of the spectrum was able to start 11 new players in their last game which must benefit them against Italy who will also be without Berardi (who has been erratic) and Conti at RB (who has been great).
I didn't watch England's last game so not sure how much they have improved since the hopeless opening. They have started John Swift I notice which is what I wanted to happen and it's definitely a very talented team. Especially physically which is the advantage they must hope can be enough to get through, hopefully for them, a more tired, but also way better organized/tactically structured Germany team.
Portugal is the team that can feel hardest done by I think. All in all probably 2nd best performing team so far after Spain.