Germany v Italy
Germany made it through to their fourth successive semi-final of an International tournament as the proved to be far too strong for a poor Greek side on Friday evening. The German’s were a goal up at the break but a shock equaliser from Greece’s Samaras spurred Jogi Loew’s side into top gear and they powered to a 4-2 success. The multiple winners could afford to rest all three of their attackers who had played in the group stages as, most notably, Miro Klose started in place of Mario Gomez. Klose scored the third of Germany’s goals meaning he has now scored 64 goals for the national team – just four behind German legend, Gerd Muller. What was most impressive about the German performance was the fact that when they needed to step it up a gear they did just that. Greece never looked a serious threat to the progression of the tournament favourites but they were brushed aside with consummate ease.
Italy were impressive despite drawing a blank in their Quarter Final against England. The Italians dominated the majority of the match but just couldn’t add that finishing touch to some delightful build-up play. Mario Balotelli passed up several good chances as did Ricardo Montilivo. In the end they never paid for their wastefulness but it must be a worry for manager Cesare Prandelli. The main positives to take from their performance was the way their midfield, led by Andrea Pirlo, controlled the pace and temp of the match. The fact he is now 33 and getting on in years makes no difference to the Juventus maestro as he turned in one of the performances of the tournament to date. It was capped off with the most brilliant of chips to score his penalty which highlighted the confidence he is playing with after a starring role in his club’s domestic title win.
I would imagine that the likes of Gomez, Thomas Muller and Luckas Podolski will be in line for a return to the starting line-up as that has been the choice of the majority of his tournament. There experience and way they work together will probably result in them being preferred over the three that lined up on Friday night against Greece.
Italy were unfancied by many before the tournament but as ever, have surprised a lot of people. Their performances thus far have been very reminiscent of 2006 when they won the World Cup and just like that year, they face a Germany side who are considered to be stronger. If we get a repeat of that semi-final then the whole football world will be in for a treat.
Germany are still running with a 100% record in qualifiers and the finals itself but history is against them on Thursday. They have never beaten Italy in the finals of a major tournament and will have to make history to progress this time around. Germany are rightly favourites but there is a steely determination amongst the Italian squad and there was enough about their Quarter Final performance to suggest they can continue surprising people.
Italy to win 1pt, 4/1 @ BlueSquare
