<p>France was very disapointing. They played well the first 20 minutes of the second half, but that was it. I do not think Portugal will beat Spain, but I think Germany will in the Final.</p>
<p>John Terry could not repeat the robbery of Munich this time. Pirlo splashed the field with his class for 120 minutes and a few seconds to take that majestic kick.</p>
<p>PIGS in final 4 haha.
Maluda was so lazy. The Sweden goal was also due t his laziness.
The better team won in all 4 quarter finals. Italy-England was close but Italy was the better team.</p>
<p>tigerdad, I do not agree that the best teams won in the QFs. Germany was clearly the better team, both at the moment and on the day. But the remaining 7 teams are all roughly on the same level, both at the moment and on the day. I felt that France played a very uninspired game, but for most of the game, they were evenly matched with Spain. Spain capitalized on an early error and were the beneficiaries of a poor officating call at the end of regulation (no way did Spain deserve a penalty kick). For most of the second half, France played better than Spain while Spain played a better first half. When teams of that caliber play each other, each team will have a handful of scoring chances. Spain converted on one while France failed to convert. The Czech vs Portugal game was also very close, with neither team dominating on that day. England vs Italy was essentially a draw. </p>
<p>Regardless, the four semi finalists are all very worthy teams. I will be rooting for Germany and Portugal in the semis. For the final, although I always root for Germany once France is out, I will probably be pulling for Portugal this time around. As long as Italy does not win, I am happy!</p>
<p>My favorite part was when Vernon Davis caught that last pass to seal the game. Best football game ever.</p>
<p>tigerdad - Wrong “G” :)</p>
<p>Alexandre, I think the game you watched France play v Spain must have been a different one from the one I watched. France was basically horrible. And certainly for you to say that England/Italy was basically a draw, well,duh! That’s what you call a game that ends 0-0. In reality England was totally outplayed by Italy. That kick by Pirlo was great.</p>
<p>Final 4 deserve to be there. I am hopeful for Wednesday, but not necessarily confident that Spain will win.</p>
<p>I am afraid I can only concur with Gloworm. France could not do anything. The penalty at the end had no consequences. France pretty much showed that Sweden was no fluke. The only question is if they can do better or not. Alexandre follows them and might know better, but the team did not look much better than in South Africa. </p>
<p>As far the best teams not moving on, I really, really do not see how one could declare the CZ and England better. Both teams hoped for a miracle and played not to lose. But just as France, they really could not do much better. </p>
<p>So far, Germany has looked the best over four games. Italy is making it interesting and entertaining. Pirlo and the German midfielders have performed the best.</p>
<p>Spain played ugly until the last 15 min in extra-time.
Ronaldo was quite good at acting.
Overall Spain had more chances.
I hope Germany or Italy will beat Spain.</p>
<p>Well, tigerdad, I obviously hope you don’t get your wish. I was very frustrated by that game today. Spain’s passes were really off. Negredo? Really?</p>
<p>I also really hate when games end in kicks, but do feel overall Spain deserved to go on. I did say I was hopeful, but not confident. I remain the same regarding Sunday.</p>
<p>Spain got a lot more attacking chances the moment they actually attacked the wings. One of my coworkers started laughing at the end of regulation because I kept muttering “THE WINGS” under my breath. I thought they played very well for the last 40 min, but imho they need to press on the left a lot more. So far nobody this tournament has been able to stop Alba up the flank, he’s probably the most athletic player on the Spanish team and blazing fast (just don’t ask xiggi :P).</p>
<p>Germany does look a lot stronger though, especially with Reus up front.</p>
<p>I think Pedro is fast as well. And I doubt I’ll see it, but I wish Ramos could be put in his usual position (RB). Javi Mart</p>
<p>Yeah, far too drastic for Del Bosque. Though I think Ramos is doing a pretty good job at CB, he’s big enough to still be an aerial presence and his ability to play in space worked out well vs Portugal. I think for the final Spain will have to roll the dice and put in Torres, but I guess we’ll see.</p>
<p>Well, Germany’s semifinal syndrom is showing up again.
Their defense was not solid at all today.</p>
<p>Well, I hope I don’t jinx my team, but if they win on Sunday they will have accomplished:</p>
<p>beating France for the first time in a major competition</p>
<p>beating Italy in a major competition for the first time (not on PK)</p>
<p>be only the 2nd team to have won 3 Euros</p>
<p>be the first team to win 3 major tournaments in succession</p>
<p>I hope I can celebrate with with the local Spaniards in my neck of the woods.</p>
<p>I really hope for a good game. Spain has its work cut out for it.</p>
<p>Since a Spain win would make such a history, it’s probably not going to happen. :)</p>
<p>Well, 1 is accomplished already. Why the smile?</p>
<p>I like this matchup. Looking forward to the game.</p>
<p>smaile means that I am not seriously rooting for or against any team. I just prefer Italy a little bit.</p>
<p>Love Balotelli. As an individual he is not very bright, but I think he is straightforward and has good character, and is very eccentric too 
Not the fastest player, either, but physical and technically gifted. And love Italy on this tournament — Prandelli turned this team around and has proved himself to be tactically competent. </p>
<p>I am rooting for Italy in the final.</p>