We will struggle in this one. Denmark have some good players and of course the striker that carries Lionel Messi at Barcelona Martin Braithwaite. Draw. Goes to penalties.
I always remember when we played Portugal, cant remember if it was 2004 or the 2006 game but they brough Postiga on who was playing for Spurs at the time i think. I remember saying, he is rubbish, nothing to worry about then bang he scored. I half expected the same from Timo Werner on Tuesday but it didnt happen so step forward Braithwaite who managed to help Boro remain scared of scoring.
Desmond 2-2 and pens IMO. Can see it being a crazy game that could easily go either way. As for tonight, Spinazzola is a big miss for the Italians but Emerson is pretty attacking himself so I don't think it should hinder them too much going forward. I can't see Spain creating too many chances against that defence, and with Morata needing five opportunities to score a goal I think they'll struggle to do enough. Not remotely convinced by them at the back either (see Croatia game). Italy should have enough. 2-0.
Emerson is absolutely terrible, quite a few times he completely left his man and we conceded. Spinazzola will be a huge miss for sure.
Hence why I said he's an attacking LB/LWB. I think they can probably get away with him being suspect defensively with the quality alongside him. They could put someone more defensive there but I think Emerson offers more going forward, something Spinazzola did so well. They've played on the front foot in almost every game so far so it makes sense to continue with a more offensive LB.
The Italians will dispatch Spain with relative ease tonight. Spain are not great, very average side. Won 1 game in 90 minutes all tournament. I wouldn’t fancy our attacking options against Italy, in comparison to us Spain have nothing. 2-0 Italy.
I’m going for a Spain win. Spinazzola is a huge loss, and these sides are a lot more closely contested than many think
I certainly don't think it'll be a walkover but Italy are more of a complete team than Spain at the moment. I still don't think Enrique has a clue what his best 11 is, and half of them had never played together regularly before this tournament. Italy know exactly what they're doing and barring a really poor performance or an early red card I just can't see them being beaten. Even if they're average they should be solid enough defensively to grind their way through. The only team Spain have beaten in 90 mins so far is a poor Slovakia side whose 'keeper literally slapped the ball in his own net at 0-0. If they make it to the final it'll be amazing.
I'm hoping for an Italy win today and even without Spinazzola they should be more than capable to do this. And for the final I hope for an Italy vs Denmark clash. Those 2 teams were the most likeable this tournament. And, sorry for the english guys here, but I really hope you won't make it to the final. Not because I don't like England or the England team but because this forum wouldn't be bearable for me after a possible final win of England. It's already nearly too much for me with this "It's coming home" crap Yes, I know I won't get a like for this but I don't care. It has to be said edit. Don't get me wrong. Love you all here but an England win of a tournament? No way that I want this happen You've now reached a semi-final in 2 consecutive tournaments. Don't be greedy ...
Going to be some theatrics tonight for sure. Spain keeping the ball will test the Italians like we haven't seen so far so it could make for an interesting match up - i do however still think Italy will be too strong with the work rate and directness. That said, its a semi final so expect to see more nerves on show. Extra time and penalties please, couple of reds and a couple of injuries Given that anything less than a Semi Final is seen as a disappointment for Germany, let us bloody have this moment and milk it
Really interested to see how Italy respond to losing Spinazzola who seemed to be such a focal point and outlet for them. I like how Italy have moved to being faster and a bit more direct up the pitch vertically, and that will contrast to Spain's wish to rack up the passes and dominate possession (whilst usually missing lots of chances). I hope we don't see one team go in-front early and then spend the rest of the game shithousing.
Jonny, I can take this. It's ok for me, no bad feelings. You deserved the win and I congratulated but what I really can't stand was the shitstorm that this little girl had to endure because she dared to whine because her team (Germany) lost. Some really shit comments from so-called football fans about this little girl. Unworthy behaviour. Together with the booing of our national anthem it really had given a bad impression of english football fans here in Germany. Yes we know that it was only a minority but some of these comments after it concerning the little girl were way too much.
Wait, so you're saying prior to this English football fans had a glowing reputation in Germany?! It's extremely common in big domestic games on TV here for the cameras to pan in on fans crying at the end. Cups, playoffs, etc. It draws exactly the same response from some sections, it's nothing special to the German girl. It's a stupid practice from our TV producers (to convey the drama of the situation presumably) but I wish it would stop.
I'm not speaking of the tv broadcaster when showing fans crying when their team concedes a goal or loses the match. That's normal. What I was talking about was the shitstorm later in the (so-called) social media about this little girl crying. That was shit behaviour and way more than just a little mocking/banter. Anyway, I know it's not all english football fans only a small minority but it left a bad taste. On the other hand we also had an english football fan who openly said sorry about this behaviour and even had something of a petition to get some money funding for presenting her a gift as a small compensation. (was even shown in German TV). But this is in the past now. Back to the semi-finals today and tomorrow please.
Sadly i think the person raising the money had no contact with the girls family or any intention of sharing the money - just to improve that image of us English Fans. As said above, the camera crew love an image of a young football fan crying, it happens in nearly all domestic cup finals, play off finals, relegation games etc typically it does receive cheers from the opposition - harsh, absolutely but i personally feel its harmless. I remember crying at Elland Road when they relegated Boro in the mid 90s, the Leeds lot where loving it. The national anthem thing is annoying though - i personally dont see the need to play the anthems before the match. Again, i dont think its a we hate Germany thing, more a case 'maybe this will help the lads' approach of fans without thinking beyond the game but then the media have some good headlines to kick us whilst we are down or bring us down if we are celebrating.
Spain are like a dainty little fold-up bike you see those mocha-drinking hipsters riding about in London Fields. They’re gonna get t-boned on the Essex Road tonight by Italy’s black cab.
Seeing this on the big screen at the Millennium Stadium was one of the best parts of the 03/04 playoff final for me.
