Another round gone, and now only four teams remain in the quest to become the European Champion. I was 3-1 during the Quarterfinal Round, and the one I got wrong was England/Italy, which I successfully predicted would go to penalties. Not too shabby. That said, there's still three picks remaining for me to mess up, so let's get to it...
Semi-Finals
Germany 3 - 1 Italy
Italy is coming off a great deserved against England, but one that may seal their demise in the Semi's. Despite the Azzuri dominating the match, England pushed Italy all the way to penalties. This, coupled in with a lack of in-form depth and match congestion (this game takes place on Wednesday), may cause the Italians to look either out-of-sync or sluggish. The well-rested and powerful Germans should be able to take advantage of this, and their attacking style should lead to their 16th straight victory on the international competitive stage. The Italians unique formations should keep things interesting, but in the end I've got Mario Gomez, Marco Reus, and Mesut Ozil scoring goals for Germany, with Mario Balotelli netting for Italy. This one should be closer, but Italy just got caught in an unlucky situation.
Spain 4 - 2 Portugal
Goals, goals, and more goals. I'm still relatively unconvinced by the often shabby Portugese defense, but, as always, their attacking prowess should keep them in the match against mighty Spain. Spains lack of a striker really hasn't stood in their way this tournament, as now the essentially have the ability to tic-tac-toe their way from end to end without a pesky striker wanting the ball to bury in the net all the time. Their passing is so accurate and creative that even with out a striker, the chances they create can be buried by less prolific finishers. Cesare Prandelli's use of elaborate formations and Vincente del Bosques omission of a striker have been the most brilliant tactical moves of the tournament thus far, so I'll take Spain to dominate. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Hugo Oliveria keep things interesting, but in the end it's all Roja, with goals coming from David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Juan Mata.
---------
Short post today, but I'll be back with a more complete issue before the EURO Final on Sunday. Hopefully some transfter news and rumors will pop up so I can cover those. Until then, best of luck to you.
Kevin Kryston
Host, Football Central w/ Matt and Kevin
Thursdays from 6-8 (Aug. thru April) on 99.5 and 98.1 WUDR Dayton Flyer Radio
No comments:
Post a Comment