2 awful errors in two matches in row. De Gea is great GK but day by he is self-sabotaging his own chances. He reminds of Ter Stegen who anti-de gea. Ter Stegen made god awful mistakes in meaningless friendlies for germany or sometimes sweeper keeper howler in mildly important and non-important matches for barcelona.
Whereas De Gea is making reputation of making howlers in important matches. Ter Stegen at other end absolutlely dominant cl. Heck he was best in last edition of CL. But I think it is becoz de gea is not used to the set up that is why he is commiting mistake or maybe another that is going against him is that he very less exposure to Big clubs of europe since his move to manchester united. Since Manchester United had hardly qualifed for CL post ferguson era. God knows what this guy is thinking. He made 3 good saves so did buffon. But Euro is not the place to committ mistakes after mistakes considering the spain against him now becoz that scandal. Over to u Saint Iker.
very good result, titikaka boring thing is finally past, hope Guardiola will be next to be out soon with this. ALso Germany play the same style and Italy should have an edge there
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
@6seconds not alonso wtf, u mean bruno soriano, then its a playable team. but i would use aduriz+morata or aduriz+pedro. and i would keep juanfran just because experience, crossing, decision making, and defense. its not just about speed. but spain can play a adaptive 433, i like alba, ramos, pique, juanfran backline, busquets, bruno, koke midfield, iniesta, aduriz, silva attack
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
Excellent stuff by Conte and Italy. Let me note that I was a massive Barca and Spain fan in the Pep era and obviously I subscribe to the Tika-taka philosophy. It's been clear for a couple of years now, but Spain are no longer the force they were then. It manifests in one failing, but I'll keep that for the closer. This 3-5-1 come 5-3-1 was the perfect formation to nullify Spain's threat. There's no doubt of the soundness of Conte's strategy and the players discipline in defence. Being a Spain fan (it lingers), I thought "what has del Bosque missed?" So I think three things. 1. They played too slowly with the major culprits being Fabregas, Nolito and Silva (funny enough). 2. His side was too well balanced - if the Italians were defence heavy, Spain should have been attack heavy. 3. Spain's midfield did not hold possession well (!), nor gain it back with strong pressing, both required for their system to succeed.
@6seconds thats why i urged so hard for that busquets bruno koke midfield and let iniesta silva focus solely on the attacking third and the final pass. busquets bruno koke are defensively very adapt, with busquets and bruno sitting back with good defensive positioning while koke can press with iniesta and silva. they are also very good at distribution and passing and controlling the tempo. and that will liberate iniesta and silva to focus on creativity to maybe open up italys defense.
@6seconds i agree with ur assessment on conte, remarkable. but spain didnt fail cuz of silva. yes spain lacks speed but there arent any options. what spain needed to do in that situation is utilize the creative ability of silva and iniesta to open up italy. theres no other way against such a defensively strong italy, you think they wouldnt be prepared with fast wingers like vazquez? creativity of iniesta and silva is key. also spain is not balanced at all, no defense in midfield, only busquets, fabregas cant provide defensively or offensively. with a strong counter attacking team like italy spain needed busquets, bruno, and koke ot protect the backline. the last thing spain needs is to attack harder and get countered harder as well. spain couldnt hold possession cuz nolito and fabregas arent well under pressure. spain was good at getting possession with pressing, but failed to keep possession.
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
Congratulations Italy, much the better team. I don't see why any neutrals would support Spain, full of talented players, yes, but full of dirty players and shameless divers and actors too, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Fabregas, Vasquez....I'm glad Spain are out, not even Iniesta could make them likeable.
Spain were better in the second half but the win was fully deserved. Great team performance by Italy but got to highlight Giaccherini's efforts. So much running, he almost played forward, winger and midfielder at the same time! Always going for counter attack and never stopped trying. Spain didn't defend well at all, It was too easy for Italy to counter and they could have scored one or two earlier in second half. But Great saves from Buffon, without him this match could still have gone to extra time.
Italy with more shots, more possession !, better pass success !, more dribbles, more aerials won, more corners and less losing the ball to the opponant.
Okay, I was pissed with Conte for leaving many skillful players out, especially Vazquez but also Jorginho, Bonaventura and maybe some others. They were effective, though not entertaining in group stages but man this was a joy to watch. Confident defending, winning loose balls and countering very quickly, they were completely outplaying Spain! And set pieces I already mentioned. De Gea could have done better but ground was wet, defenders were at sleep and goal was fully deserved anyway.Very well done even without Candreva. But the biggest difference between these teams is that Italy have a clear game plan (which they execute perfectly), Spain don't. Even Belgium's often not existing press is more dangerous than Spain's. They need to improve in every aspect.
wat the heck. I know it was not easy stop it. But man knock out stages is not places you help opposition score. It felt cheated-No I'm not suggesting Italian cheated they played quite well honest. But De Gea you really have to do that right now in knock out rounds. This could potential exit.
@dSquib 10th choice really one legends of football. This really show how you know about football. In your alot. Well others would flabbergasted by your child like lack of knowledge. Kid go back to grade this is not place for you.
Well, after 15 minutes I can say, Spain is a joke until now. Nothing works....And Italy attacks for the first time in this tournament! Good game plan from Conte .
it would not be wise for italy to concede possesson to spain. The team with most possession mean the team would be able to conserve energy more than team who are willingly chasing the balls and wasting their energy. Requires alot of fitness to do that.
I still believe Italy is country where you can find everything beautiful in this world, incl. football. For tonight, I have high expectations. They can always do a bit more against big countries.
Spain could find it hard to create a lot through their usual approach against Italy's tough defense but Morata offers them another option for fast attacks. I'd imagine Spain have players to pass Morata to full speed with long balls which we have seen few times in this tournament. I'd still go with low scoring game. Croatia showed Spain are beatable but I'm afraid Italy lack the same offensive quality. I hope Cadreva is fully fit, he's the one who makes things happen and offers quality balls into the box. Anther important player is Giaccherini who has the energy to support left wing back a lot in both defense and offense and might cause some hard times for Juanfran and Spain's center backs with his runs and crosses. I hope Isigne will start but he'll be probably used as sub if at all. 1-1 after 90 mins and it could require penalties to separate these teams.
@NuchalLine Yeas they can, and if Spain score early they can put few more in as Italy would have to score at some point. But if Italy can avoid errors and defend as usual I'd say there's a good chance for extra time or even Italy win. Especially now as they look very dangerous in set pieces.
Italy with their perfect defense versus Spain who can pass the ball in opponent's half for days. I smell 0-0 or 1-1 with extra time and penalties to decide the winner.
Barzagli is a bit slow already and this is because of his age. Don't understand why Conte still risk and put he in first eleven. Specially in this tough match.
@huatla9 Barzagli was hands down the best defender in the Serie A this year, beating both his teammates Chiellini and Bonucci. He is fast enough for a CB, but it doesn't even matter. His positioning and reading the game is just amazing, he is strong and tall. Age is just a number mate. Btw Italy play 3-5-2, ideally with 3 typical centerback. Other than the Juventus trio there is only Ogbonna, who didn't impress at West Ham this season.
@kuba2903 Well said. All of BBC are great center backs and they have played long together which helps a lot. And the strength in back three is that when defending there are five defenders and so the support for one defender is much closer than in back four. Gaps in Italy's defense are very small and there isn't space in front of defense either. Actually I believe Spain's best chance to score is through fast attack when Italy's defense isn't completely organized.
If Spain is solid at the back, they are very hard to beat. On the other hand, Italy plays with an unprecedented strategies. I believe, the winner of this match would win the Euro eventually.
2 awful errors in two matches in row. De Gea is great GK but day by he is self-sabotaging his own chances. He reminds of Ter Stegen who anti-de gea. Ter Stegen made god awful mistakes in meaningless friendlies for germany or sometimes sweeper keeper howler in mildly important and non-important matches for barcelona. Whereas De Gea is making reputation of making howlers in important matches. Ter Stegen at other end absolutlely dominant cl. Heck he was best in last edition of CL. But I think it is becoz de gea is not used to the set up that is why he is commiting mistake or maybe another that is going against him is that he very less exposure to Big clubs of europe since his move to manchester united. Since Manchester United had hardly qualifed for CL post ferguson era. God knows what this guy is thinking. He made 3 good saves so did buffon. But Euro is not the place to committ mistakes after mistakes considering the spain against him now becoz that scandal. Over to u Saint Iker.
EDER 6.8??? u r joke
@feb It is strange!!!!!! He was good and effective. Must be at least rating 7.2
EDER 6.8??? u r joke
very good result, titikaka boring thing is finally past, hope Guardiola will be next to be out soon with this. ALso Germany play the same style and Italy should have an edge there
de gea is overrated muppet
Italy took revenge for the 2012 final
Go Italy the spanish team was poor but Degea was excellent
@Iandaniel646 ...and at fault for Chiellini's goal.
I'm happy.. a very good win for Italy. Forza Azzuri
Look at all those 5.8 and 5.9 ratings on Spain, shocking.
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
@6seconds not alonso wtf, u mean bruno soriano, then its a playable team. but i would use aduriz+morata or aduriz+pedro. and i would keep juanfran just because experience, crossing, decision making, and defense. its not just about speed. but spain can play a adaptive 433, i like alba, ramos, pique, juanfran backline, busquets, bruno, koke midfield, iniesta, aduriz, silva attack
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
Excellent stuff by Conte and Italy. Let me note that I was a massive Barca and Spain fan in the Pep era and obviously I subscribe to the Tika-taka philosophy. It's been clear for a couple of years now, but Spain are no longer the force they were then. It manifests in one failing, but I'll keep that for the closer. This 3-5-1 come 5-3-1 was the perfect formation to nullify Spain's threat. There's no doubt of the soundness of Conte's strategy and the players discipline in defence. Being a Spain fan (it lingers), I thought "what has del Bosque missed?" So I think three things. 1. They played too slowly with the major culprits being Fabregas, Nolito and Silva (funny enough). 2. His side was too well balanced - if the Italians were defence heavy, Spain should have been attack heavy. 3. Spain's midfield did not hold possession well (!), nor gain it back with strong pressing, both required for their system to succeed.
@6seconds thats why i urged so hard for that busquets bruno koke midfield and let iniesta silva focus solely on the attacking third and the final pass. busquets bruno koke are defensively very adapt, with busquets and bruno sitting back with good defensive positioning while koke can press with iniesta and silva. they are also very good at distribution and passing and controlling the tempo. and that will liberate iniesta and silva to focus on creativity to maybe open up italys defense.
@6seconds i agree with ur assessment on conte, remarkable. but spain didnt fail cuz of silva. yes spain lacks speed but there arent any options. what spain needed to do in that situation is utilize the creative ability of silva and iniesta to open up italy. theres no other way against such a defensively strong italy, you think they wouldnt be prepared with fast wingers like vazquez? creativity of iniesta and silva is key. also spain is not balanced at all, no defense in midfield, only busquets, fabregas cant provide defensively or offensively. with a strong counter attacking team like italy spain needed busquets, bruno, and koke ot protect the backline. the last thing spain needs is to attack harder and get countered harder as well. spain couldnt hold possession cuz nolito and fabregas arent well under pressure. spain was good at getting possession with pressing, but failed to keep possession.
A few changes in lineup might've changed things: Bellerin -> Juanfran, Silva or (Alcantara) -> Fabregas, Pedro -> RW. I think Cazorla would've changed the game had he been available. But there's a deeper issue and this is their failing. Spain need to face the reality - they aren't the 2010 team. They must adapt to the opponents game when necessary!!! That's the kicker: no more bull-dozing, they just don't have the quality anymore. My backseat coaching suggests the best strategy would've been a 4-4-2 with 2 DMs to free up attacking wing backs. de Gea; Alba - Ramos - Pique - Bellerin; Busquets - Alonso; Iniesta - - Silva (narrow); Morata - Pedro. More power in midfield, some nice width with the full-backs and crosses coming into the center fro Morata (and Aduriz if on). I've double checked with my assistant backseat coach and he agrees.
De Gea certainly not rated as 6.1
De Gea certainly not rated as 6.1
Congratulations Italy, much the better team. I don't see why any neutrals would support Spain, full of talented players, yes, but full of dirty players and shameless divers and actors too, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Fabregas, Vasquez....I'm glad Spain are out, not even Iniesta could make them likeable.
Spain were better in the second half but the win was fully deserved. Great team performance by Italy but got to highlight Giaccherini's efforts. So much running, he almost played forward, winger and midfielder at the same time! Always going for counter attack and never stopped trying. Spain didn't defend well at all, It was too easy for Italy to counter and they could have scored one or two earlier in second half. But Great saves from Buffon, without him this match could still have gone to extra time.
Perfect sub from Conte bringing on Insigne when more obvious would be Zaza/Immobile. He was just what they needed.
Finally Spain is waking up... !
This ref is absolutely horrible. Impossible to call him biased though since calls both ways are terrible.
Italy with more shots, more possession !, better pass success !, more dribbles, more aerials won, more corners and less losing the ball to the opponant.
Okay, I was pissed with Conte for leaving many skillful players out, especially Vazquez but also Jorginho, Bonaventura and maybe some others. They were effective, though not entertaining in group stages but man this was a joy to watch. Confident defending, winning loose balls and countering very quickly, they were completely outplaying Spain! And set pieces I already mentioned. De Gea could have done better but ground was wet, defenders were at sleep and goal was fully deserved anyway.Very well done even without Candreva. But the biggest difference between these teams is that Italy have a clear game plan (which they execute perfectly), Spain don't. Even Belgium's often not existing press is more dangerous than Spain's. They need to improve in every aspect.
Ramos.. facepalm
wat the heck. I know it was not easy stop it. But man knock out stages is not places you help opposition score. It felt cheated-No I'm not suggesting Italian cheated they played quite well honest. But De Gea you really have to do that right now in knock out rounds. This could potential exit.
This is what Del Bosque gets for preferring De Gea over Casillas. Like what happened against Croatia wasn't enough.
@BYT De Gea made many great saves today. He was at fault for the first goal, but Casillas? On merit he's maybe 10th choice for Spain.
@dSquib 10th choice really one legends of football. This really show how you know about football. In your alot. Well others would flabbergasted by your child like lack of knowledge. Kid go back to grade this is not place for you.
@Ffaris Legend is the right word. On current ability, no.
draw for sure it looks like and Italy to advance in penals
@koziol.mutant How is Spain gonna score? They play like an over 45 squad ...
Well, after 15 minutes I can say, Spain is a joke until now. Nothing works....And Italy attacks for the first time in this tournament! Good game plan from Conte .
it would not be wise for italy to concede possesson to spain. The team with most possession mean the team would be able to conserve energy more than team who are willingly chasing the balls and wasting their energy. Requires alot of fitness to do that.
I still believe Italy is country where you can find everything beautiful in this world, incl. football. For tonight, I have high expectations. They can always do a bit more against big countries.
1 - 1
Italy will win 1-0 or 2-1 , Ramos is bookies son you know broo.. remember croatia vs spain ??
Spain could find it hard to create a lot through their usual approach against Italy's tough defense but Morata offers them another option for fast attacks. I'd imagine Spain have players to pass Morata to full speed with long balls which we have seen few times in this tournament. I'd still go with low scoring game. Croatia showed Spain are beatable but I'm afraid Italy lack the same offensive quality. I hope Cadreva is fully fit, he's the one who makes things happen and offers quality balls into the box. Anther important player is Giaccherini who has the energy to support left wing back a lot in both defense and offense and might cause some hard times for Juanfran and Spain's center backs with his runs and crosses. I hope Isigne will start but he'll be probably used as sub if at all. 1-1 after 90 mins and it could require penalties to separate these teams.
@Castle i think spain can win in reg time
@NuchalLine Yeas they can, and if Spain score early they can put few more in as Italy would have to score at some point. But if Italy can avoid errors and defend as usual I'd say there's a good chance for extra time or even Italy win. Especially now as they look very dangerous in set pieces.
1:0 spain. Morata will score. possibly extra time
1:1 in regular time
Spain hopefully 3-1
Buffon MOTM
1-1 and Italy win in extra time or penalty. Azzuri goes to next stage.. *Forza Azzuri*
Spain win 2-1
0:0 maybe even 1:1 - Spain through via Penalties...
cant wait
Italy with their perfect defense versus Spain who can pass the ball in opponent's half for days. I smell 0-0 or 1-1 with extra time and penalties to decide the winner.
@kuba2903 I support ure prediction !
Barzagli is a bit slow already and this is because of his age. Don't understand why Conte still risk and put he in first eleven. Specially in this tough match.
@huatla9 Barzagli was hands down the best defender in the Serie A this year, beating both his teammates Chiellini and Bonucci. He is fast enough for a CB, but it doesn't even matter. His positioning and reading the game is just amazing, he is strong and tall. Age is just a number mate. Btw Italy play 3-5-2, ideally with 3 typical centerback. Other than the Juventus trio there is only Ogbonna, who didn't impress at West Ham this season.
@kuba2903 Well said. All of BBC are great center backs and they have played long together which helps a lot. And the strength in back three is that when defending there are five defenders and so the support for one defender is much closer than in back four. Gaps in Italy's defense are very small and there isn't space in front of defense either. Actually I believe Spain's best chance to score is through fast attack when Italy's defense isn't completely organized.
Italy to qualify
italy win
0:1 Spain
2-2
If Spain is solid at the back, they are very hard to beat. On the other hand, Italy plays with an unprecedented strategies. I believe, the winner of this match would win the Euro eventually.
@CirdomAkul The winner of this will lose against Germany ....
@neumi17 if Italy they can win