Euro 2012....

My father was one of the great horse handicappers of his time.  I think this was largely because he could read a Racing Form and see how a race was going to play out in his head before it had been run.  I think you have a similar knack with regard to this sport. 

Very good half.

First 15 to Italy, second 15 to Croatia, 3rd 15 to Italy.

Some notes:

Somebody has talked to Balotelli, and he has received the message.  Much more movement without the ball - his runs were always threatening.

I wish Italy wouldnt always look to go long ball.  Their buildup is what got them the play before the free kick goal.  They look much better in possession.

Italy still careless with the ball when they dont need to be.

11 shots to 2.

All in all - I will take it....

That is a top shelf compliment of the highest order that I dont deserve.

Thanks.  Wait until this luck ends and Denmark wins the tournament with me on a 8 game losing streak.

van- I wanted to take a moment at halftime of this game to thank you for your excellent writeups and all the hard work and research that you've done. I can assure you that it's very appreciated.

Although the game isn't until Saturday, Poland will be my biggest play of the tournament so far. I know you had the Czechs against Greece and I did as well. I was very unimpressed with them and thought they were very lucky to hang on and beat Greece. In that second half they were completely outplayed by Greece and I think Poland will run all over them.

GIVEAWAYS GIVEAWAYS GIVEAWAYS

Nice for Italy to not show up for the second half....

Well - you just saw the blueprint to beat Italy.  Constant quality pressure - it is as simple as that.  They cant deal with it, make poor decisions, and dont beat it - and turn it over continuously.  Those things dont normally just turn around - and I have now seen it in 2 successive games.

Not good.

In my writeup in post 595 in this thread...

The giveaways from Italy give me pause. Time after time – they cheaply gave the ball to Spain – and that will eventually cost them unless they shore that up. Chalk it up to a first game – against the talent of Spain – and I get it, but if they think they can do that for long – they will be out of this tournament sooner rather than later.

Should have taken my own advice.

The goal today itself was also sick. Im not saying Croatia didnt deserve to draw - but the goal was covered - Chialini totally blew the defensive header. He had ages to position himself, and he misjudged it. Just gross.

do u see ireland scoring today?