Hear me out.
If anyone can exploit Spain's weaknesses it's Ronaldo. They knock the ball around the center circle so aimlessly sometimes that I just switch off. If anyone can soak up that pressure it's Portugal, they will get 7 men behind the ball and just allow their front 3 to lie in waiting for any misplaced pass. Spain's lack of width will also be put to the test in this match as Portugal play with two extremely talented and attack full backs and obviously real quality in advanced positions (Ronaldo and Nani).
Spain's defence has looked a little creaky when attacked and Pique is a very clumsy defender who will be tied in knots by Ronaldo's quick feet. Also in Veloso and Meireles they have 2 midfielders who will be happy to conceed possession and just battle for scraps. Pepe and Alves are also extremely good defenders and are having a very good tournament, Alves' mobility is possibly questionable but Pepe is easily thuggish enough to just get in the way of most of the eye of the needle passes. They will also play very deep meaning Spain will struggle to get in behind like they did against France.
Italy have looked good in possession and compact in defence but Germany will be a step too far for them. Germany are just sheer quality in every area.
Portugal vs Germany final
posted on 25/6/12
Khedira can push forward, Löw is a genius tactically. If anyone can stop Pirlo (who is being overrated a little after last night's performance - he is still a class player but against the power and quality of Germany's three will find it more difficult) it is him.
Putting Özil on Pirlo is a waste of a genius. He's their playmaker and arguably best player, he's the player they want receiving the ball, not preventing the other team doing so.
posted on 25/6/12
I don't think he's tactually a genius. Good manager yes. He has an amazing side, and that's built on allowing Ozil freedom by playing two deeper midfielders. He'll be more concearned with getting the best out of his side rather than stopping Italy. Germany will play to their own strengths, and that will suit Italy as it would allow Pirlo a lot more freedom.
Even if they do stick Khedira on him, he's too good for that, he'll find a way to influence the game. Also, if Khedira is on Pirlo it frees up more space for Cassano and Marchisio to play in - both very good players.
posted on 25/6/12
or perhaps germany will score four on Italy, and pirlo will be anonymous in light of German tactics
posted on 25/6/12
That is a possibility. If Germany really turn it on they should win. But football is never a formality and I think there is less between the two sides than is being made out.
posted on 25/6/12
Well maybe genius is an exaggeration, but he's been the driving force behind this team for 8 years now.
Khedira is very good defensively, and Pirlo doesn't have the pace or stamina to evade him, if Khedira sticks tight to him it will almost nullify the threat.
Italy will probably stick with a 4-4-2 which will allow Germany the extra man in the middle, too.
One thing I suppose they might do is play Mueller in behind the striker and have him track Pirlo as he's a similar player to Khedira, or Milner. Özil always drifts our wide, so starting him on the left with a free role would be fine.
posted on 25/6/12
there is less between the two sides than is being made out.
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posted on 25/6/12
Yes but Pirlo has never relied on pace so i wouldn't say he'd be nullified. Putting Muller there would be a good idea actually, he has incredible work rate.
I'd be intersested to see how they do line up. Italy played 3 at the back against Spain, I wonder if they'll do the same in this match as it's usually how they lineup, and might want to match Germany in the middle. Depends on whether Chiellini recovers from injury also.
Looking forward to the match. More so than Portugal vs Spain.
posted on 25/6/12
I have said every step of the way that we'll be knocked out and I think I might finally be right. Not because Spain are actually a far superior team, but because we don't have enough of a centre forward threat, and our keeper is awful. However, I think Ronaldo, Nani, Pereira and Coentrao will keep Spain entertained. It should be close.
I can't pick between Germany and Italy. Germany have the better attack, Italy the best midfield, both have decent full backs but poor centre halves, and both have excellent keepers, but Buffon probably shades it.
posted on 25/6/12
Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli are very good cb's.
posted on 25/6/12
huh? Hummels and Badstuber are not poor defenders either imho.
Also, pirlo played well against England (obviously) De Rossi was ok despite spurning a lot of chances but I feel he is a good player. Marchisio I rate too but I don't think you can state that their midfield is better than the German's: Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil all class players. I'd class Kroos, Götze and Reus as good young attacking-midfielder's coming through and Bender is not a bad player either.