Andy Williams: Quarter-Finals Euroblog

Monday 25 June 2012By ESFA Office

Last Updated:
10/02/2021 10:49:17

Wayne Rooney in action against Italy at Euro 2012

Rooney in action against Italy at Euro 2012

The excitement and draw of the quarter finals had all the fantasists dreaming of what if; then reality kicked in, as is often the case, as three of the games turned into a no contest with the Czechs, Greeks and French totally overwhelmed by their higher ranked opponents.  Each played with fear and changed their style and tactics for the occasion; it backfired disastrously! At least England stood toe to toe with Italy last night and slugged it out before eventually succumbing to the curse of the 12 yard kick!  It could easily have been 2-2 at half time, and the second half started similarly. The missing of so many good chances indicated it would be nil nil at the end of 90 minutes!

So as we enter the final four, I would like to explore a different angle with you. I would like to examine the mindset of the remaining teams in turn.

Looking at Portugal I worry two fold: firstly, and this may seem a little harsh, but are they a one man team and what happens if the opposition manages to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? Do they have enough beyond him? Nani and Meireles et al look tired; they should have beaten the Czechs more comfortably so will likely struggle from here on in. Secondly, their back four / five hasn't really been tested other than against Germany in the group phase, so we are yet to see how defensively robust they actually are. Pepe and Alves don't convince me so I wouldn't be too concerned if my team were playing them.

Germany are looking ominous again. They are just relentless; they rarely have a bad tournament. Four out of four at the moment and the tournament's top scorers (six different goalscorers), Germany are still to hit top form. Their centre backs are good one v one, but they lack pace and don't convince in the air so they are susceptible as Greece proved. They do have strength in depth, but my big question for Joachim Loew would be ‘do you have a Plan B?’ We are yet to see the Germans really tested by a top team, so if they go behind it will be interesting to see how they respond.

Similarly, Spain are yet to hit top form, but they still look imperious. If it's not David Silva, it's Fernando Torres, or maybe Xabi Alonso! They have match winners all over the pitch. Del Bosque has toyed with the formation at this tournament expecting his opponents to defend narrowly and solidly, so he has chosen to go with a rather unusual 1-4-6-0. Feeling that teams will park the bus he wants to dominate possession with six midfield players because he believes it gives him more scope keeping it simple and moving the ball quickly. It has worked so far, so in my opinion he is unlikely to change. Spain still look vulnerable at the back (if you can get at them!), so if someone park's the bus effectively, they may yet come unstuck. Good luck parking the bus by the way!

Italy have one of the tournament's best and most consistent players so far in Pirlo, but will the Germans do a better job on stopping him playing than England? Italy also have to contend with the fatigue factor; not necessarily from the extra time, but more the two days’ less rest and the long haul back to Poland. Will Italy hide back under their shell against Germany or will they ride the crest of their wave? They certainly have a belief and a togetherness, so don't write them off just yet. They will feel they deserve their place in the semi finals.

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