Are we about to witness one of those feel good moments that football throws up once in a while!As the world casts an eye to tomorrows' european final the man/child on everybody's lips is Mario Balotelli.Trending on twitter as Italy eliminated Germany his story is frankly amazing, his life threatening condition as a baby that led to his adoption, being the 1st of a generation of italian kids to be born of immigrants and awarded citizenship, there after changing his surname in honour of his adoptive parents.
Growing up in an all white neighbourhood, the chants "there are no black italians" and tomorrow he is their real hope for goals against a Spanish team that has simply bored us since South Africa 2010.
Look, I believe Spain are the best team in the world and along with Germany I believe both teams possess a group of players that are among the best of their generation.They are a big class above all international teams at the moment and we have seen how some of their reserve players would make squads for other top nations.
I just dont understand why Spain after winning so much in the last 5 years cant just take risks and at least play one explosive striker and their best goal scoring midfielder Cesc fabregas.we are not asking for 2 strikers, just 1!!! Del Bosque in my opinion is simply playing not to lose and thats not in the spirit of football.
But Sunday its Forza Italia.There is a feeling about Chelsea with this Italian team.Croatia could have eliminated them with a draw against a Spanish team they should at least have got a point from.
Now they are on the brink on what would be a richly deserved win to make the nation proud with the backdrop of match fixing scandals and their battling economy.
At the age of 21 weeks before his 22nd birthday Mario can stand to become one of the golden shoe winners, a feat that is made even unbelievable by the fact that nobody has scored more than 3 goals for Italy in the euros.
His ability has only ever been doubted by a few.you actually have to be blind not to see that Mario at the age of 21 is simply one of the most gifted raw athletes in football. Many ask what is it that he actually does.
fopr me its his ability to strike a football in so many different ways.That for me mario is even at this age one of the best in the world.You wouldn't see anywhere a 21 year old lining up to take free kicks in a team that has players like Pirlo and De Rossi
Yes he is a bit sluggish when he moves with the ball but he has a great first touch and holds the ball very well.what has impressed me the most in this tournament is his perfect timing of the offside trap, his starting pace, body strength and stamina.
I believe somewhere the City coaching staff must be delighted because those are areas in his game that he has been poor in.
Im sure City fans must be delighted to see a young player from their club make such a statement on the world stage.Kamakino must feel relieved his faith in Mario looks worthwhile.
P.S Spare a thought for Hansen and Lawrence who might look foolish on Sunday
Mario Balotelli,is it written in the stars?
posted on 30/6/12
I'm sick about all his tosh about his 'troubled upbringing'. He was adopted by a reasonably well-to-do, loving family and by all accounts it was a lot happier than if it had been with parents who didn't give a fluck about him. The racism didn't start until he started playing football and began gaining a bit of a reputation.
posted on 30/6/12
50P- (U1147)
posted 2 hours, 55 minutes ago
Balotelli could end up as good as Ronaldo if not better
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I am pleased the lad has done it in a big game though, always rated him as a player and I love characters in football, just aren't enough of them anymore.
I hope Italy win tomorrow, they have played some very nice stuff this tournament and deserve to be in the final. Plus Spain bore the pants off me.
posted on 30/6/12
50P- (U1147)
posted 2 hours, 55 minutes ago
Balotelli could end up as good as Ronaldo if not better
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Thought it was strange I had missed such a ludicrous comment, but then I realised why I had missed it and felt vindicated.
posted on 30/6/12
His first touch is decent, but could still improve.
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His first touch is really good actually.
posted on 30/6/12
Hansen, Lawro and Shearer are all idiots biased toward British players they slammed Balotelli although Rooneys behavior is just as bad!!
And remember they made complete fools of themselves just before the England v Germany game in South Africa!!
Smugly saying who have Germany got?? Who is Ozil? Who is Muller?
Their faces after the game were a picture!!
posted on 30/6/12
Dunnes big bum (U15001)
posted 32 seconds ago
Hansen, Lawro and Shearer are all idiots biased toward British players they slammed Balotelli although Rooneys behavior is just as bad!!
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Like Rooney wasn't condemned by the English media?
posted on 30/6/12
He was in the Tabloids, but pundits always seem to quickly forget and are quick to slag off foreigners just like they forget about Gerrard diving but slate Drogba all the time!!
posted on 30/6/12
Gerrard falls over occasionally.
Drogba dies and gets reanimated with the paddles of life 4 times a half.
posted on 30/6/12
When Gerrard dives he gets straight back up and usually has a bit of a shameful look on his face. Drogba is only comparable to the likes of Busquets and co who like to roll around and pretend they are actually hurt.
Shearer and co are a bit bias yes, but aren't you whilst watching your country play? I know I didn't realise quite how pants we were vs Italy until watching the game again.
posted on 30/6/12
"Thought it was strange I had missed such a ludicrous comment, but then I realised why I had missed it and felt vindicated."
You're not very smart are you? Ronaldo isn't untouchable. Crawl out of his behind.
Balotelli can easily become a superior player. He has all the tools.