It's a full fledged European final four in Germany... The teams who are in all have their stories and impressive defeats for reaching this far... Germany, defeating what many thought as perhaps the best team in the tournament Argentina. Portugal, knocking out Holland and England (England weren't very impressive though.) Italy going through a difficult group having to knock out the 2nd rated team in the world (Although the rating system may be a bit bullish.) Finally, France knocking out the defending champs and most people's favorite to repeat and also Spain which were hot coming into the 2nd round.
First Germany... Dangerous and well organized offense tactics... Of course they have the home advantage which is huge, but their competition leading up to the Argentina match was scarse. Germany didn't perform very well against the strong South American side but they did what they had to do and got the result. My problem with the host nation is their defense/lack of defense. Everyone who watched that quarterfinals, even the opening game against Costa Rica witnessed a very sloppy and unorganized D. That is what will hurt them at the end.
Italy... They are one of the two teams in the final four that have the "Complete package" IMO... Their defense is the best in the world and most likely Buffon as well. The midfield is strong, talented but most importantly STABLE! They have a dangerous attack as well when they counter. The key for the Italians will be Toni... He will get his chances against the Germans and if he can show his goal scoring abilities, that is what will lead them to the finals and perhaps the championship. They are also playing for many other reasons. The referee scandal in Italy also hasn't phased them. If anything, it may inspire them to give Italian soccer a better image that has been bruised a bit. Finally, for Pessotto who has had a serious role on the national team over the past decade and really has brought the team together, i.e. Cannavaro bringing out the Italian flag on the field with the message to Pessotto.
France... They are the other team who I consider to have the "Complete package" and they also are on a roll. Momentum can be huge this time of the year and they may have the most coming into the semis. Henry on top is of course dangerous as we all know and he is one of the few strikers that can play alone up top. The midfield is phenominal with the leader Zizou right in the middle. Their defense is also very good but I fear Barthez kind of hurts them a bit. One of the strong attributes is actually having Viera and Makelele (Spelling) in the CDM positions makes them very difficult to break through. They also have the spirit of playing for Zidane wanting to win the title as a retirement gift, lol nice gift!
Portugal... They have been impressive in the fact of knocking out two major European teams in the knockout stage. With that said, Portugal have played OK, but not great for the amount of talent they have on the squad. They have a great keeper in Ricardo, solid D but not impossible to break down (England showed that even with playing a man down.) Their mid area is solid with Figo, Maniche, Deco and C. Ronaldo who will have to keep his emotions in check which at times can be out of control, love his passion though. Their attack though doesn't seem very organized and I think they will have a tough time scoring against Les Blues. Great coaching they of course have with Scolari and he will have to make some key subs/changes to get by France.
At the end, I think the finale will display a repeat of the Euro finals of 2000... Italy and France. Those two teams, IMO are the most complete teams in the final four and perhaps in the world. That kind of match would most likely exihibit a low scoring affair with the winner perhaps just winning by one goal.
Please everyone tell the world how you feel about the final four... You can definitely flame me all you want, just please try to keep it respectful.
First Germany... Dangerous and well organized offense tactics... Of course they have the home advantage which is huge, but their competition leading up to the Argentina match was scarse. Germany didn't perform very well against the strong South American side but they did what they had to do and got the result. My problem with the host nation is their defense/lack of defense. Everyone who watched that quarterfinals, even the opening game against Costa Rica witnessed a very sloppy and unorganized D. That is what will hurt them at the end.
Italy... They are one of the two teams in the final four that have the "Complete package" IMO... Their defense is the best in the world and most likely Buffon as well. The midfield is strong, talented but most importantly STABLE! They have a dangerous attack as well when they counter. The key for the Italians will be Toni... He will get his chances against the Germans and if he can show his goal scoring abilities, that is what will lead them to the finals and perhaps the championship. They are also playing for many other reasons. The referee scandal in Italy also hasn't phased them. If anything, it may inspire them to give Italian soccer a better image that has been bruised a bit. Finally, for Pessotto who has had a serious role on the national team over the past decade and really has brought the team together, i.e. Cannavaro bringing out the Italian flag on the field with the message to Pessotto.
France... They are the other team who I consider to have the "Complete package" and they also are on a roll. Momentum can be huge this time of the year and they may have the most coming into the semis. Henry on top is of course dangerous as we all know and he is one of the few strikers that can play alone up top. The midfield is phenominal with the leader Zizou right in the middle. Their defense is also very good but I fear Barthez kind of hurts them a bit. One of the strong attributes is actually having Viera and Makelele (Spelling) in the CDM positions makes them very difficult to break through. They also have the spirit of playing for Zidane wanting to win the title as a retirement gift, lol nice gift!
Portugal... They have been impressive in the fact of knocking out two major European teams in the knockout stage. With that said, Portugal have played OK, but not great for the amount of talent they have on the squad. They have a great keeper in Ricardo, solid D but not impossible to break down (England showed that even with playing a man down.) Their mid area is solid with Figo, Maniche, Deco and C. Ronaldo who will have to keep his emotions in check which at times can be out of control, love his passion though. Their attack though doesn't seem very organized and I think they will have a tough time scoring against Les Blues. Great coaching they of course have with Scolari and he will have to make some key subs/changes to get by France.
At the end, I think the finale will display a repeat of the Euro finals of 2000... Italy and France. Those two teams, IMO are the most complete teams in the final four and perhaps in the world. That kind of match would most likely exihibit a low scoring affair with the winner perhaps just winning by one goal.
Please everyone tell the world how you feel about the final four... You can definitely flame me all you want, just please try to keep it respectful.
