During the 2006 World Cup, I praised Italian coach Marcelo Lippi for having the guts in the semifinal game against Germany to substitute three strikers instead of defenders in extra time and win the game without going to penalties.
Apparently current Italian coach, Roberto Donadoni, does not spend much time with Lippi. Most of his attack seems to consist of long balls in to 1.96 meters (6'5") Luca Toni. Yes, there were a few other opportunities: Mauro Camoranesi's strike brilliantly defended by Iker Casillas chief among them, but their attack lacked verve.
So today's result certainly seems just. No Sandro, I'm not an Azurri hater. I just wish they played more exciting football.
My thoughts for the semis: Germany over Turkey. Nine of Turkey's starters are either injured or suspended. Spain over Russia: it's midnight for Guus Hiddink's Russia as well. Beating Italy marked the ascent of a big psychological for Spain. While I don't expect the game to be as big a runaway as Spain's 4-1 pasting of Russia in group play, I believe they'll win.
Agree that the Azzuri offense was nothing special against a pedestrian Spanish team, but this was not because of any strategy. You talk about Lippi, but fail to mention that the QF Italy '08 was woefully short-handed - for God's sake, they dusted off Del Piero by the end, with Il Codino likely lurking under the stadium steps. I'm not seeing the magic with Toni, though - give me a 5'1" squirrelly forward who mainlines Manchego on off days over a tall guy with admittedly good hair but who cannot dribble the ball.
Other than you, did anyone even want Spain to win? Next round: Russia d. Spain 2-1.
Posted by: Sandro | June 23, 2008 at 10:01 AM
I did. As for pedestrian, Spain hasn't lost in their last eighteen games. Hardly pedestrian. Yes, Gattuso wasn't there, but he's not a goalscorer. The absence of Pirlo was far more critical.
Spain can outpace Russia, who are also weak on the long ball. Spain 2-1
Posted by: Randy Paul | June 23, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I agree with the Germany prediction. Turkey have now equalled the Czech Republics record for the most comebacks in a European Championships Finals which the Czechs achieved in 2004, but their next game should prove to be a comeback too far should they find themselves falling behind early on to the Germans. Given Turkeys current selection problems it would be a miracle indeed if they managed to pull this one off against a strong and confident German side. I predict a win for Germany if not in normal time then certainly in extra time without the need for penalties.
Posted by: Malcolm Nossiter | June 23, 2008 at 06:29 PM