Brilliant saves by Buffon, and outstanding finish by Pelle! I questioned Conte subbing Insigne for Eder, but man was I wrong! He started the combo that led to Pelle's goal. Germany is my pick to win it all, no small task for the Azzurri, but they are playing with passion. Germany hasn't looked great (other than their last game), hoping Italy can keep it close. Puncher's chance though!!!
I was expecting Spain to control most of the game and thought the only way the Italians would win is through luck. Turns out Italy played quite well and they definitely deserve it!
England OUT! Iceland, population 332,000 (smaller than my county in NJ), in the Euro quarters. Chew on this - they are ranked just behind the US in the FIFA rankings, yet have developed an identity and a team, something our country (population 320,000,000) can't do. Breaking news - Roy Hodgson has resigned...WOW!!!
The level at which Iceland play is nothing short of extremely amazing given their very, very small population.
It's a mental thing for England now. If we analize the last several major tournaments England has crashed out of, they've got either little or nothing to show for it. I'll be the first to say it- what England needs is more players playing in MLS instead of the EPL, LOL!
And 10 % of the populationg is present! Oustanding. I think the run they have is coming to end soon but bravo. I knew we had no chance again belgium. I predicted a 3-0 loss.
Thurs Poland V Portugal Fri Wales v Belgium Sat Ger v ltal...should be great Sun FrAnce v Iceland Perhaps England was thinking about Brexit today...they didnt seem focused on football!
I have a young gent that helps train my older girls' soccer team - he's from Poland (and a hell of a player)...he was in tears yesterday!
Wow - Wales could well make the finals of this thing, that was brilliant! Granted, Belgium without Vertonghen, Vermaelen, and Kompany, but still a formidable team.
Should be a great game. The Italian backs have been together a long time and work well together. German attack will have its work cut out for it. These are arguably the two strongest teams left in the tournament.
Italy way over-performing IMHO; the backs are strong but Italian midfield and strikers are very average. Conte has been brilliant thus far. As you said should be a great game; head says Germany will win but heart is pulling for Italia. How cool would a wales-Iceland final be?
Germany gotta be the favorites now. Today was like F1...Ferrari (ltal) just can't seem to beat Mercedes (Ger)
Not a great game but Italy acquitted themselves well. Pelle really blew it in PKs. Conte will be difficult shoes to fill...
Italy really messed up the penalty series, it felt as if it was their's. Mediocre tournament so far IMO.
A very tactical game. Low changed line up to match the Italian format. I enjoyed it. Finally beating Italy in a tournament. Sloppy penalty shootout. Germany for the win now. Kai
