Well - I dont know whether to feel lucky or unlucky after that game.
I know how I would have felt if England would have won the shootout, so I guess all things considered.....
Who has the most total shots by far of the 4 teams left in the tournament? Germany? Portugal? Nope - its Italy. Italy has the most shots, but the least goals by far (only 1 goal in 4 games+ from open play on 88 shots). So there is good news / bad news there - you can look at something like that and say they are creating chances and are due to score - or you can assume they are poor finishers and that will continue.
Germany on the other hand has the least shots - but the most goals. So go figure.... But soccer is about scoring goals - not shooting.
I do think the extra rest under these circumstances is a big deal for Germany - and I dont know how Italy comes out fresh after playing 120 minutes against England on 3 days rest. Germany played an alternate trio up front in the quarters - so they have a full rested and healthy squad to choose from.
I just think Germany has too much firepower for Italy. Im in a bit of a strange position with my future on Italy to win the tournament at +14-1, but I will be betting Germany -.5 -105 to win in 90 for 2 units. Most likely result Germany 2-0.
I also think Spain just has too much for Portugal. I thought Portugal played their best when they werent just absorbing pressure (like against Germany) - their best games were when they were dictating pace. I dont see them matching well up againt Spain - and while Ronaldo could play on Spain - Im not sure anyone else on the Portugal team could start on Spain.
I just see Spain with all of the ball, and Portugal chasing them until they tire or make that critical defensive misake - I dont see Portugal getting the chances up front because Spain will just not give them an opportunity to get their transition game going. I learned my lesson last game with France.
My worry is that Spain just doesnt get enough chances - and they get to 90 without scoring - but I will take my chances. Spain wins a very workmanlike Spanish typical 2-0 victory. Spain in 90 -100 for 2 units.
GL all
Who has the most total shots by far of the 4 teams left in the tournament? Germany? Portugal? Nope - its Italy. Italy has the most shots, but the least goals by far (only 1 goal in 4 games+ from open play on 88 shots). So there is good news / bad news there - you can look at something like that and say they are creating chances and are due to score - or you can assume they are poor finishers and that will continue.
Germany on the other hand has the least shots - but the most goals. So go figure.... But soccer is about scoring goals - not shooting.
I do think the extra rest under these circumstances is a big deal for Germany - and I dont know how Italy comes out fresh after playing 120 minutes against England on 3 days rest. Germany played an alternate trio up front in the quarters - so they have a full rested and healthy squad to choose from.
I just think Germany has too much firepower for Italy. Im in a bit of a strange position with my future on Italy to win the tournament at +14-1, but I will be betting Germany -.5 -105 to win in 90 for 2 units. Most likely result Germany 2-0.
GL all
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