Dude, you sound like it's your first time. don't you know Italy? they've probably never started a tournament brightly and as favorites, not in my lifetime! they always gain momentum as the tournament goes on, if they're to have a good one that is. remember the '06 World Cup, that game vs Australia? Italy were just as unconvincing as they were this time against Croatia. they actually needed a (was it Grosso or Zambro?) dive to win the game with a sole penalty, and that was the first KO round!

You were taking it too seriously with your analysis of the team before the KO rounds. that stuff doesn't work with Italy.

This post has been edited by Zed.D: Jun 29 2012, 09:31 PM

I agree with both of you. Although it is obvious to me that Prandelli is inexperienced besides Italy's tradition as you mention. For example in comparison with Lippi's 2006 World Cup winning team. Even though I prefer Prandelli for his risk taking. In 2006 Italy didn't play spectacular football during the group stage either. But I was noticing certain errors in Italy in this tournament that I can only link to Prandelli. (His squad selection to start with, formations, match day picks, tactical inefficiencies, etc etc... I don't know how else to explain it. Who cares anyways? It's what I see. I am not looking to win a noble prize here.

This post has been edited by KillerMax: Jun 29 2012, 10:41 PM

He means the World Cup (the next competition), you inferior minds!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) Bring it on, then! But before that I want to see the Confederations Cup! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif) Brazil, Italy, Spain and more. That promises to be some tournament.

Ah yeah, the most prestigious of friendly matches!

Got these stats from livescore.com for the Germany - Italy game:



If this is correct, then it really is misleading.

This post has been edited by KillerMax: Jun 30 2012, 02:27 PM

On Germany:

It is a pity watching into what Germany has turned. I remember, in the early 00's, people used to call Bayer Leverkusen "Bayer Looserkusen". Afterwards it was discussed that Ballack carried his looser mentality all through Bayern, Chelsea and Germany. But in reality we have a whole team of exquisite losers in Germany. Numerous times players like Schweinsteiger, Lahm or Özil ended up with nothing or not much. Bayern lost their usual dominance in the Bundesliga, while they failed to win the CL twice in the last 4 years. Especially this years final surely contributed to the general sentiment. This is a team accustomed to play very good, but lose in the end.

Compare the teams Germany had in the last 10 years and the teams of the 80's and 90's. German medias tend to overlook that Sammer, Scholl, Bierhoff, Möller or Häßler all had major successes behind them, not only on the national level. Not to speak of the defensive quality Germany had back then and now misses dearly.

On Italy:

Strongly disagree with the sentiment that Italy's success happens "just like always". People are obsessed with history, or at least they tend to turn past events to their own interpretation and make some sense. Yet, the past does not make sense, believe me. Lippi's and Prandelli's teams are quite different. With Lippi Italy had a team full of world class players who proved themselves numerous times at a club level. They started on a slow start and evolved, while Lippi polished the team in the process with some modification.

Prandelli's team on the other hand is a real work-in-progress. He first tried numerous combinations up until the semifinal when (almost) everything was set. Not only players, but in terms of tactics, strategy and combination.

'Nuff said.

I don't know man, I've always preferred NT matches to club ones. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) I mean, it's fun following a club in domestic and European competitions all through the season. But not one club match, the best ones, the most prestigious ones, can stand up against a random national team match. With a full XI playing, that is.

That's like two nations battling against one another. Club level is just that, for me, at least, club level.

yeah but the Confederations Cup just feels lame.


doesn't matter, if it's stats Kurt loves them. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Kurt loves you.

It's because my stats are good.

Yes.


Yes!


YES!

(IMG:http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6fuh4gRTR1r3gh8ro1_500.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)