Quarterfinal 3 - Germany v. Italy
posted by The Blue Devil @ 1:56 PM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Saturday, July 02, 2016
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- Quarterfinal 2 - Belgium v. Wales
- Quarter final 1 - Poland v. Portugal
- France 2016 Predictions Game - Round of 16 Update
- Round of 16 - England vs. Iceland!!
- Round of 16 - Spain v. Italy
- Round of 16 Belgium vs Hungary
- Round of 16 - Germany v. Slovakia
- Round of 16 - France v. Republic of Ireland
- France 2016 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #3
- Day 13 - Group E Wraps Up!
287 Comments:
Germany, the world champions, are yet to concede a goal, while Antonio Conte’s side played with thrilling desire and organization to beat Belgium and Spain. Germany have never beaten Italy at a major tournament, though they did tonk them 4-1 in a friendly in March.
The teams news for tonight's big clash:
Daniele De Rossi is not fit to start, which is a big blow for Italy as Thiago Motta is also suspended. Stefano Sturaro comes into the midfield. Germany have had an interesting reshuffle, with Benedikt Howedes replacing Julian Draxler.
Germany (possible 4-2-3-1) Neuer; Howedes, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Kimmich, Muller, Ozil; Gomez.
Italy (3-1-4-2) Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Parolo; Florenzi, Sturaro, Giaccherini, De Sciglio; Pelle, Eder.
I'm really surprised to see that my new crush Julian Draxler is out of this one. Italy's midfield looks to be depleted as well. This one could either way.
All of these players will miss the semi-final if they are booked
Germany Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Boateng, Kimmich.
Italy Buffon, De Sciglio, Chiellini, Pelle, Barzagli, Eder, Bonucci, Sirigu, Zaza, De Rossi, Insigne.
Good afternoon, mate. I'm here to join you while eating lunch. Great pre-match analysis. I'm predicting that Italy will prevail.
In the Golden Boot stakes, Grazione Pelle is on two goals from the opening four matches. He's one behind the front-runners Bale and Griezmann.
The commentary team is Jon Champion and Stuart Robson. Now that's a decent commentary team.
Afternoon, MUR - great to hear from you today. What's for lunch?
I'm alright with them; for some reason Gooner doesn't care for his ex-Gunner from the North.
f someone that we didn't predict is GBB then someone like Yours Truly may be in the running for the Shield.
I'm having a ham sandwich how about yourself?
I know the Gooner sets very high standards for a commentary team and rightly so, but like you I'm okay with them .
Here's a technical question for you - what if all eleven Italian players were booked tonight. With De Rossi injured, that would leave them with only 12 eligible players. If any of their other squad members, they might have trouble fielding a full XI for the semi final. What do you think?
Italy is playing a modified 4-4-2 while Germany goes with a surprisingly more defensive formation.
We picked up some Arby's when we did an errand run earlier. A Gyro for me and a Beef and Cheddar for the missus.
That's quite a conundrum .I guess they could treat it like injuries and have players that were cut from the pre Euro squad come on as alternates.
Would UEFA allow that at this point?
That's definitely a marquee lunch for a marquee match. Mine is more appropriate for the Faroe Islands vs Gibraltar.
They do for injuries because I don't think they want teams not having enough eligible players for the semis. That would be an embarrassment. They're the ones with the ridiculous rules that yellows carry all the way from game one to the semis. when it should be wiped out once the group stages finish. They need to fix the ridiculous rule they created.
I agree - I liked it when they wiped them out after the group matches.
Teams coming out now here in Bordeaux.
Jon Champion has apparently been working on wine-related puns for this match.
It's a battle between two magnificent anthems now. But neither beats La Marseillaise in my book.
Agreed. Land of my Fathers is a good national anthem too.
Jon is a champion of sticking with appropriate themes.
I'm hoping that Red Devil, our resident Mannschaft fan on the LOB might make an appearance today, but he's in Germany attending the 80th birthday party of a favorite family member this weekend.
Oh - catch you, mate! Quick on the puns yourself tonight.
That sounds like a great occasion in it's own right. I'm sure they're all watching the match
Let's hope these two teams don't bottle it in the face of the pressure tonight in Bordeaux.
Boom boom!
Both captains are goalkeepers sticking with the theme of preventing goals.
Cheers mate and BOOM BOOM, Basil!
Is there any chance that this will be an entertaining match if it's being played in Bored eaux
Before we start, there’s a minute’s applause for those who died in Dhaka last night, including a number of Italians.
There's been too much of that recently.
I presume the moment's applause is for the events that occurred in Istanbul.
So, the formalities are over and Germany are about to get us underway.
They're off from Boredeaux
We are off
I'm on my phone
Whatsapping and blogging but I have to watch the telly
Good afternoon, UWS. Great to have you on board. How have you been?
Some concerted German pressure from the off.
Welcome, UWS - great to have you on the blog today. Are you an Azzurri fan like me today?
Loving my first week off
I expect a cagey affair after that really entertaining match yesterday
Hope it's a good game
I'm not sure that Italy have had a touch yet!
I am too. Yesterday was my first day of summer vacation since I was teaching Summer School.
Corner to Italy
The Italians win a corner
First corner goes to the Italians. It'll be aimed at Pelle for sure.
Sturaro shoots well wide after a routine from the training ground didn't quite come off.
Giaccharini has been so good in this tournament. He wins a corner off Boateng.
Jackanory, the ex Black Cat wins another Italian corner.
Absolutely an atrocious corner!!!
Almost got lucky
I don't get how these footballers can mis-kick so many times from a standing ball
Another corner...short...and then offside
Taken short , LVG style and the Hatchet Man is well offside.
It has to be the new balls, right?
The cameraman is having an absolute mare. I can't tell which player is making a play half the time.
It's definitely ballocks.
They should be used to the ball by now
Cagey so far - no real chances. I hope it improves.
I'm not sure why Jopn Champion is surprised that so many players have cards. The Italian players like cards better than those who watch the weepy movies.
Don't they change them for every tournament? Could be confusing.
A poor corner by Toni Kroos.
They've probably been practicing with them since May
Tackles flying in fast and furious, but not really malicious.
Khedeira is down from a challenge from the Hatchet Man that looked like a hard, but fair challenge based on the replay
Khedira is feeling his groin - outside his shorts - and is also having treatment on his leg after a collision with Chiellini. He’s going to carry on for now.
Nope - he's coming on. Pigstick to replace him.
An early blow for Germany as Kehdeira is motioning to be substituted.
First shot on goal there - a tame effort from Florenzi straight at Neuer.
Thinking about the card situation
It used to wipe out after group stages and then lots would be banned for the final with two cards in knock out
Now they don't wipe out until after the quarters so players can't miss the Final with a second yellow
I think they should wipe out after the quarters but players should be out if they get two yellows in group stages but it goes up to three total if they make the knockout
Just as Bob stated, the Pig Stick is on for Khedeira.
We were discussing that. Something needs to be done. For example, Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey are out for the semis because each picked up their second yellow for a ticky tacky challenge because the referee decided to be picky. Your plan sounds as good as any I've heard.
I think they should wipe them out after the group stages.
Italy haven’t really got into the game as an attacking force. At the moment it’s on the cagey side of respectful, certainly from Italy.
Great ball there from Hummels but Gomez couldn't control it.
Super Mario just fails to connect on a superb long ball that would have tested Buffon.
Jon Champions thinks it's been a "fascinating" opening to the match - I disagree.
That's fine Bob but then players are being banned from Final for two yellows in three games and miss the final for two stupid nothing cards
At least now, some will miss Semi none will miss final
I think Italy has planned it this way. Their sides are built on absorbing pressure and hitting teams on the counter. I'm sure they're not bothered by the lack of possession.
Referees need to stop being so picky. whether it's their fault or due to directives given to them/
I'm not sure what is exciting Jon. I guess it's the fact that it's a close contest. He must be chess fan.
Eder's got a bloody schnoz now; he's coming off.
Eder is for treatment due to a bloody nose from a stray elbow from Boateng.
Now an Italian player gets mullered.
Sturaro is getting close to a booking now. He's not on the list.
Sturaro hacks down Kroos just like De Rossi would.
He's envious of his mates , who get souvenirs from the Hallmark Store.
PIgstick has the ball in the net but it's ruled off or a push on Di Sciglio.
The Pig Stick has a goal disallowed off a cross from Hummels. He was called for a push.It looked the right decision/.
The Germans are dominating possession, but the Italians have slightly more attempts. Going as expected.
The linesman accuses Super Mario of chopping down the Hatchet Man
This one is putting me to sleep, gents. Might need a visit to the magical couch at the break.
Italy wide open on left
Atrocious cross again
sounds like a great plan. It's perfect whether here for an afternoon siesta.
Who was the last team to score against the Germans at a Euro?
Is there a 3rd/4th playoff
No 3rd/4th game, as I understand it - just semis on Wednesday and Thursday and the final at the weekend.
No. There is not.
Another cross deflected
Is the defending better?
I just don't get it
Low showing the kind of ball control that Harry Kane did against Iceland.
Any guesses to my quiz question?
No - it's just lack of ambition.
Spain, right?
De Sciglio with a really bizarre clearance that was more a cross giving the Germans a chance to score, but he got away with it/.
No. It was a different team.
The Dutch?
No. Not them.
Decent ball in from Kimmich but Gomez was well off the mark.
Super Mario with not such a super header as he heads high and wide off a cross from Kimmick.
It can't have been England - that was way back in 2000.
What is wrong with Muller these days - he would have buried that chance blindfolded in a World Cup match.
Ping pong action in the Italian box as a shot from Pig Stick came off a teammate and caught Mueller by surprise as he had a tame effort fall easily to Buffon.
The game has come to life in the past five minutes. Giaccharini just beats the offside trap and pulls back an inviting ball. Sturaro has an effort deflected wide.
OH!!!! Just wide by Sturaro as Jack in the Box beat the offside trap and his cross went back out to Sturaro . It's a corner that's easily headed away
How did Italy not score
The answer to the question. The last team to score against the Germans at a euro was none other than the Italians in the semis of the last Euro. Any chance of history repeating itself?
A minute of stoppage time/
Again another corner fails to beat first man
I don't get it!!
That's half-time - 0-0.
Time to whip out the smelling salts.
It's 0-0 at the end of a cagey first half where most of the action occurred in the final five minutes of the half.
The second half is underway
Alright, chaps - buckle in. This one is liable to go the distance. Italy get us underway.
This fixture is being played in the appropriately named BOREDeaux
Naughty by Sturaro on Ozil.
A bottle of Chateaux Vinoir would hit the spot right about now.
Italy have a chance to cross...shocker...fails to find teammate
Useless Kroos cross.
If Germany were to get knocked out tonight, a lot of our France 2016 Predictions Game friends would be in tough shape going forward. There are several players who have already had three of their four semi final teams knocked out.
Howedes trips Pelle, who has not been able to play like Pele this match
Some of us picked Germany and some of us picked Italy, so this may be one of the most important matches of the tournament from a PPP point of view.
Jon Champion is reduced to recapping some of the bright moments of the first half now.
The crossing has been woeful today.
Barzagli heads out a cross from Ozil for a corner.
Neither team has played like a champion today.
Crossing has been woeful all tourney and season
Muller flops again - he's been one of the biggest disappointments of this tournaments.
And he nearly scores there! Of course1
Saved off the line
Followed by pathetic corner
Agreed, MUR - Wales were better. How crazy is that?
OH!!! Just wide by Mueller . Nearly identical to the effort from Sturaro from almost the same spot. Also results in a corner that is headed out and Boateng shoots high and wide with a long range effort.
Sturaro finally into the book for a catalog of fouls and then dissent. He could have been booked six times over now.
Agreed. Really crazy.Since Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies are suspended , I expect the that semi to be just like this one. All thanks to picky refereeing.
Free kick from about forty five yards out - just put back into play (sigh)....
I think he was saving up his allowance money to buy his mum a nice card.
The cards are coming thick and fast now - Di Sciglio becomes the first player suspended for the semi.
Now De Sciglio is booked for a cynical foul and he will be out for the semis.
Free kick from 35 yards out - put back into play (sigh)....
A short free kick to Boateang and his cross is headed away
Parolo now into the book. Italy now starting to look a ragged.
Pirolo is booked for a high boot on Super Mario, who disgracefully, makes a meal out of it.
Now Sturaro is booked. I think Conte may want to make a change , so he doesn't end up with nine or ten men on the field.
As things stand , De Sciglio is suspended for the semis . De Rossi will be back and I guess Sturaro will fill in for De Sciglio.
I was looking forward to this game and we get this
What game should we get excited about?
I don't get it
Every team plays exactly the same way
Goal for Germany
About time
GOAL !!!! OZIL GIVES GERMANY THE LEAD.
GOAL! Mesut Ozil breaks the deadlock in the quarterfinal!
A touch of good fortune with that goal; with a deflected cross just eluding Chellini.
1-0 Germany!
So that Italians have about 35 minutes to get back into this one.
This one was route one as a long clearance from Neuer was back headed by an Italian in midfield and landed to Mueller , who found Super Mario down the left. He went on a run and found Jonas Hector , who found Ozil wide open for an easy tap in.
Oh - Gomez somehow stayed onside but had to manufacture an awkward back flick effort.
OH!!!! A through ball from Ozil found Super MArio , who beat the offside trap and from three yards out had a shot tipped over by Buffon. The corner is headed out by Sturaro.
Somehow, I have a feeling that this may be the only goal of the match.It is fitting that the best move of the match led to the goal and that the one time a team played route one they scored. A sign that this may be the way to go?
Can you Adam and Eve it? Wales are the top scoring team in the tournament? Who would have predicted that?
Draxler on for Super Mario.
Julian Draxler replaces SuperMario. I would have had him on from the start. Muller will revert to his more typical role as center forward. Why not play both of them as strikers!
OH!!! Pelle shoots wide off a great pass from De Sciglio.
I guess Low will feel the result justifies the selection , but it would have made this a much less dreadful match
Boateng runs the ball out for an Italian corner.
Penalty for Italy - would you Adam and Eve it!
A poor corner is easily headed away at the near post then
PENALTY
Ridiculous that those handballs are called. No intention at all from Boateng.
Bonucci to take...that's odd....
Stutter step (hate it!) and scores!
1-1!
GOAL !!!! BONUCCI SCORES WITH A WELL PLACED PENALTY TO TIE IT UP AND THE ITALIAN BENCH GOES BONKERS
The first goal conceded by Germany this tournament and in the most bizarre fashion as a poor corner was crossed in by Florenzi and what I thought was a harsh hand ball called against Boateng, but like Stuart Robson stated, why were his arms hanging out like that?
The Italians counter and Pelle has a shot deflected for a corner that is headed away and goes all the way back to Buffon. That drives me nuts.
I guess the Italians will continue to be a bogey team for the Germans.
This one will definitely run to extra time now.
I'm not so sure - I always fancy the Germans in extra time and definitely in a penalty shoot-out. Have they ever lost one?
Darmian to come on - so Conte is playing for extra time. Not going for it.
Yes. They did in the 1976 Euro Final.
Darmian going on for Florenzi. He could be used as almost a winger to surprise the Germans. You never know.
Here's the definition of handball from the FIFA website: "A handball occurs if any player, other than the team’s goalkeeper within his own penalty area, deliberately handles the ball when in play. A ball can be handled with any part of the arm, from the tips of a player’s fingers right up to the shoulder."
Nothing about "unnatural" vs. "natural" positions.
OH!!!! Just wide by De Sciglio as he almost beat Neuer at his near post.
Hummels is booked for a foul on Florenzi and will be out for the semis if Germany advances.
Hummel now out of the semis for a yellow card offense.
Three minutes of stoppage time/.
Based on the rules, that seemed a harsh penalty decision.
The Germans are pushing for a late winner , but cannot get a shot off.
Thank you, MUR - we're both fully paid up member's of the defender's union, eh?
Maybe time for one more chance. Nope - ref blows for time. Into extra time, second quarterfinal to do so out of three (sigh)...
It's 1-1 as we're headed towards a half hour of ET.
Well that second half was livelier - let's hope that they keep it up.
ET is underway in BORED euax
Absolutely, mate. I'm paid in full for a lifetime membership.
Apparently that was the first penalty Bonucci had ever taken in a competitive match - wow!
Another player suspended for a really picky booking as Pelle fouls Boateng and is out for the semis if Italy prevails.
Based on the way this match has been played, I wouldn't mind seeing a few of these players suspended.
Both are fully paid members of the Plonkers Union
Muller and Chellini with some handbags - ref calms them down.
A perfect time to score his first penalty. Fortune favors the brave.
And you're the honorary chairperson of the Big Wally Brigade!
;-)
Correct, UWS. I defend my right to be a fully pledged and paid member.
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