So into the deep end at Euro 2012 we go. Not a goal-less game
to speak of, despite the vain attempts of Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland (I get
the feeling three 0-0s would’ve suited him just grand). Greece have provided
the shock of the tournament so far. Now where and when did we hear that before?
Any hopes of a reprisal will surely come to nothing against a far superior
Germany side. The Germans will be well aware of the potential for upset, given
the Euro 2004 miracle. There will be absolutely no complacency I can assure you
of that.
On a similar note, Roy Hodgson will be ensuring there will
be no slouching and patting on the back going on in the England camp. His side
have done pretty well so far, although I don’t buy into this myth that England
have over-achieved to get this far. The side is ranked sixth in the world, and
is the fourth highest ranked European team. By that logic, the semi-finals are
about par. The England football team is either amazing or awful it seems.
Realistically, with sensible management and an ability to shut out the media’s
over-expectant nature, they can compete with the best in the world. They cannot
expect to win tournaments. But with a bit of luck it is possible.
The Italians will be no easy pickings. Time and time again,
they have ground their way to the latter stages of tournaments. The 2006 World
Cup victory is proof of that. Andrea Pirlo will be drawing on all his
experience to drag this comparatively limited Italy side that one step closer
to glory. My money will be on a penalty shoot-out, before England’s legendary
generous nature kicks in and they end up flying themselves home. I would love
to see Balotelli slot home the winning penalty. He will turn from the darling
of the English press to an assassin overnight.
In other news, I’m starting to miss the Premier League. It’s
startlingly not long to go!
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