Djokovic will beat Nadal at the French open next year I'm almost certain

Only if Nadal's knees go.

Spain have the likes of Mata, Silva, Villa, Cazorla & Navas on their bench. England have Rodwell, Milner, Lescott and Welbeck.

Darren
Thing is, after watching my favorite team Spain lose games time after time 1-0 due to a counter against a team that put 10 men behind the ball, I'd gladly watch them keep the ball as much as possible to prevent the chance of those costly counters. Only prob the box when there's minimal risk. Being sensible with the ball.

The FA will come out with a report next year saying because they haven't produced a single WPOTY since introducing new changes at grass roots level they're going to scrap all funding and look at a new direction to restore the national side

I've been saying this for a while: the depth of Spain's squad is unrivalled. I mean they have: Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas, Cazorla, Javi Martinez and that's just for midfield.

Fair enough, wum.

I understand that but think Spain can still achieve the same thing from a defensive point of view but also be more attacking.

That's why I much preferred watching Aragones' Spain.

Del Bosque obviously knows how to get results, but as a neutral, I'd like to see some of the great attacking football that Spain are capable of.

Spain's possession approach is one of the best styles of defending I've seen. People talk about it for what they can produce going forward, but their style of play means they concede very few chances and a large amount of those chances are from set-pieces.

They have won three tournaments in a row and conceded just six goals in total from these last three tournaments.

It isn't possible playing exciting attacking football when all your opponents have given up before the game has started because they know they don't have a chance trying to attack Spain so they stick everyone behind. It's frustrating for Spain, and as I have mentioned that counter is always in the manager's mind. In fact he knows that's the most likely way that they'll concede a goal.

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas, Pedro, Soldado, Iniesta. Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Azpilicueta, Villa, Torres, Mata, Monreal, Cazorla, Silva, Jesus Navas, Reina.

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What a squad of players that is, I cannot see why people believe the likes of Belgium can compete with this despite their recent development.

True, Henrik, but it doesn't change the fact Spain haven't been that entertaining to watch.

Wum, I know what you're saying about teams defending, but they could still be more progressive.

I know Barca have Messi, but even when he's not playing, they still play much more exciting football than Spain.

I rate Spain highly, and think they're the best team in international football, I just don't find them as good to watch as they used to be.

You think Italy will try and give Spain a game by trying to win the midfield battle again like they did in the Euro finals and got destroyed? Next time they play Spain, they will pack the team bus.

Spain conceded more goals at Euro 2008 than England did. Neither team was defeated at the tournament, but England not conceding a goal edges it for me.

I've always thought that its not all Spain's fault that people find them boring. Every team bar none sets out to stifle them. Barca have the same problem, only they have the Messi factor.

One game I'm really gutted we didn't see at the 2010 WC was Spain vs Argentina. Spain were called boring during that tournament, but put them against Maradonna and his 4-1-5 formation, we would've seen what they were all about.

Italy went down to ten men in the final.

You can still play entertaining football when teams park the bus.

Darren
I don't think even the most hardcore fan will tell you they have been exciting to watch. They have been entertaining masses for decades and won ZILCH!

WTF is Lawro wearing?

Darren
That game was over waaaay before Motta went off the pitch. Spain were completely dominant throughout the whole game!

True, wum, but they never had the depth of talent they do now.

I do think Spain could be far more entertaining and attacking and still win, they're that good. Just my opinion.

Italy were coming back into the game before Motta went off. After that they had no chance.

Darren
Minus Xavi + Alonso + Cassilas, Spain will have a new manager with new ideas hopefully after the world cup. With the new stars coming through, let's see how they will play in Euro2016.

I want to see how Spain play once Xavi retires, presumably after the World Cup.

By the way, I've been really impressed by Italy. Their individual players are not of the highest calibre, but the system they play really works and it seems to transform Balotelli from a class player into a World Class player. I am not just saying this on the basis of tonight's game, but if you remember the semi-finals of Euro 2012 then you'll see how Balotelli terrorised a much fancied German team.

I'm going to wake up rough for work tomorrow but feck it football at midnight is great

Flexi-time was invented for nights like this.