Euro 2012 semifinal review
It was the most ferociously fought game so far in the tournament. Italy defied all predictions, logics and reasoning to beat a more powerful team Germany with a game that no one foresaw coming in the match.
Germany were called the champions since the very beginning of the tournament. And no one had any doubt give the fact that they played like champions throughout the tournament wining their all matches with big margins. Italy on the other hand had to struggle in their first two matches that were tough draws, to beat a hapless Ireland by 2-0, their first win in the tournament.
But ever since they registered their first win, Italy soccer team seems to have completely transformed into a great fighting machine with great planning and an offensive game that was never trademark. Against England they were clearly on offensive and against conventional wisdom continued to attack the England side till the end. Though their efforts didn’t bear fruits in the stipulated time, they beat the opposite side by 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Against Germany initially Italy looked a tad apprehensive as Germany started one attack after the other. But after sometime, it was Italy all over, penetrating in German defenses, with unmatched ease. The match’s dynamics starts changing in 20th minute when after several attacks Italy showed to the world what sheer enthusiasm and team spirit can do when the 21 year old Balotelli amazed everyone. While trying to find the football, he jumped over German defenses especially above the static Badstuber to head home a pinpoint cross from the lively Cassano.
It was a shot that many had thought might not have been converted into goal, except for his heroic effort.
Before the beginning of the important match, everyone was talking about Pirlo and how he will be able to overshadow others. But last night he was completely overshadowed not by Germans, but by a young teammate Balotelli.
But if the first goal was not enough, Balotelli showed to the world that he not just has lots of enthusiasm but possesses the best technique at such a young age when in 36th minute he latched onto a long ball, deftly avoiding offside trap before blasting an unstoppable shot past the motionless Neuer. The sheer command of his feet made people get onto their feet and cheer for him. From their on their was not much chance left for Germany to make a comeback, give the fact that they seem to have made up their mid that they had already lost the game.
Germany was able to score a consolation goal before the end of the match thanks to Özil. But they squandered many opportunities during the game and so lost the plot ad game badly to Italy.
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