My hopes for the remaining tournament

Italy are like Spain light but try to score. It won't be a boring defensive game, we might make it boring by parking the bus though.

If England don't win it I'd like to see the Italians win it.

I've a feeling Portugal could spring a suprise against Spain. Ronaldo and Nani could cause great problems on the counter.

I can't remember Italy being a 'defensive' team for a good few years. They have come out of that shell now and for me they are far more a tactical team.

They have a go, if Italy were so defensive, would they really have had a go at Spain?

IMO Italy and Croatia have shown a few glimpses of how to beat Spain. If you have pacey wingers who are willing to run at Spain, and a clinical striker, you can score pretty easily against them. Spains defense is weak IMO, and get so lulled into just standing around being a spectator for much of the game, any attack completely hits them by surprise and they nearly always get caught out.

So yeah, if Croatia had more clinical finishers they really could have knocked Spain out.
France have good wide men, as do Portugal, so there really can be a few upsets yet, I hope so!

Darren

People are calling this Italian team defensive. I dont get it. Have they not been watching them? If Italy are defensive then what are England?

Greece are defensive. Italy/England are organised. I'm almost certain there's a difference. Don't ask me to explain what that is.

Bubbly thats it. Their defence has a mistake in them. Hit them on the counter and take your chance.

comment by Roland Deschain (U14831)
posted 1 minute ago
Greece are defensive. Italy/England are organised. I'm almost certain there's a difference. Don't ask me to explain what that is.

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Does it go along the lines of.. Greece try to not lose, but Italy and England know their limitations so try and play to their strengths, even if it's not as beautiful or free flowing to watch?

If england beat italy and spain beat france, then thats you're semi, and if germany and portugal win thats the other.

It's because Italy have predominantly built a side based on a solid defence and gone from there, siting deep and playing on the counter.

However, one thing that has always been overlooked about Italy is just how good they are in possession. Under Prandelli they've adopted a more expansive style of play, and is very focussed on possession. Against Spain they passed it just as well as the Spanish did.

It's a myth that has stuck though. Bit like how Holland play total football. Haven't played like that for years.

Igor, other way around mate. England play the winners of Germany vs Greece.

Not what Gerrard said on the telly-box and I also thought before the tournament that was the route to the final.