Intense tactical game. Germany had to change tactics to keep up with a "nobody" Italian team. It could of gone either way. I didn't want it to go to penalties because of the Baggio'94 incident What was Zaza doing? In the end he cost the game for Italy At least the internet is burning him for it Image Unavailable, Please Login
Zaza was ridiculous! The loss of Conte cannot be understated - he's rejuvenated squad and country. Barzagli has already announced retirement from the national team, and Buffon is getting close - the junior ranks appear to be weak (U21s last major victory was 2004). The excitement around this display from the national team should - in theory - drive higher quality moving forward. However, the results at Euro 2016 have been largely the result of Conte's coaching and tactics. There really isn't a solid candidate for replacement. I'd be stoked with Mazzarri or Ranieri, but neither is likely...
Who among us old timers could forget this classic/tragic France-Germany semi-final moment. I still remember Schumacher waiting coyly to take the ensuing goal kick as if it was just business as usual. . Image Unavailable, Please Login
That was the World Cup semi, right? I was a freshman in high school IIRC, vaguely recall it. I do remember Italy winning it though!!
The clock struck midnight and Cinderella went back to being a scullery maid. Iceland melted. My picks are Ger and Por.
France was good, ofcourse more than deserved the win. But still, early in the game it seemed like Iceland somehow didn't have the same commitment as they've shown in the previous games. Plus up to the 5th goal; 5 chances, 5 goals, France was efficient. Looking at the semi's, Portugal will probably win it but doesn't deserve to be the final IMO. Then again, a mediocre squad in the final is a fitting end to a mediocre tournament.
Considering it was the first time 24 Teams participated and some of them on paper were quite heavy underdogs (see Iceland) I think it was not a mediocre tournament. Of course some teams played more than defensive tactics (or parked a bus in ther own Penalty area as one German Player described it) but there were quite a lot of entertaining games and the tactical Level was very interesting to watch. IMO the real Final takes place this Thursday, although the German Team will have to Play without 2 of their best Players (Gomez, Hummels).
I look forward to the semis. Germany is my pick to win the whole thing. I suspect German will get called for a hand ball in the penalty area. I would bet money on it!
Portugal had an easy run to the finals I can't see them winning. Germany vs France should be a match of the titans.
Well you called that one right... Hand ball for Germany cost them a goal ... Gee , one has to wonder ...
and France wins 2-0 I wanted France to win because Germany beat us haha Crazy Paris Fanzone celebrating https://twitter.com/UEFAEURO/status/751189840801198080 Image Unavailable, Please Login
Each team had their chances. Most thought it was France's to lose. Port had a great counter attack. Renaldo recovered enough to have his photo made with the trophy. Lol
For me Portugal really deserved it. They may not have played the most attractive football, but they played effective , with a lot of heart, their trainer is a tactical Genius and at the end that made them a great Team. The Germans had more the 15 chances against France at the semi-final but made not a single goal, Portugal needed just 3 good chances to make that one Goal for history. This brave Nation had so much bad luck in past tournaments (hey reached 7 semi finals !) that I'm really happy for the "Herois do Mar". CONGRATULATIONS TO PORTUGAL
