Euro 2020/1 - Semi-final 1 - Italy v. Spain
Join me for all the fun, won't you?
posted by The Blue Devil @ 2:41 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!
Tuesday, July 06, 2021
Join me for all the fun, won't you?
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
- Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Quarterfinal Update
- Come on, England!
- Euro 2020/1 - The Quarterfinals Begin!
- Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Round of 16 Update
- Come on, England!
- The Round of 16 Continues
- Sunday at the Euros
- Euro 2020/1 - The Round of 16 Begins!
- Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #3
- Euro 2020/1 - The Group Stages Culminates
256 Comments:
Neither of these countries have particularly fond memories of playing on English soil in major championships. At Euro 96, Italy failed to make it through the group, while of course a David Seaman penalty save defeated the Spanish at Wembley in the same competition.
Afternoon Boys,
I am here with bells on!! I hope we dodge the storms and power outages in Glenville
OH NO.... TT has traveled to Wembley!! Will we have to deal with him tomorrow and the Final?
Italy make one enforced change to the XI sent out to blow Belgium away in the first half of that whirlwind quarter-final in Munich. The brilliant, unfortunate and much-missed Leonardo Spinazzola’s place is taken, as it was on the evening he pulled up with a ruptured Achilles, by Emerson of Chelsea. That's a problem, IMHO.
Afternoon, Dave - this should be a cracker, I agree!
Spain make three changes to the side named for their quarter-final scrape past Switzerland in Saint Petersburg. Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Eric Garcia step up; Pau Torres and Alvaro Morata are benched, while Pablo Sarabia is injured.
After the last couple of weeks, I just want Clive Owen to narrate my life moments. I wonder if he's for hire?
The full team news as the teams come out at Wembley:
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson Palmieri, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
Subs: Sirigu, Locatelli, Belotti, Berardi, Pessina, Acerbi, Cristante, Bernardeschi, Bastoni, Florenzi, Toloi, Meret.
Spain: Simon, Azpilicueta, Garcia, Laporte, Jordi Alba, Koke, Busquets, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Oyarzabal, Olmo.
Subs: de Gea, Diego Llorente, Pau Torres, Marcos Llorente, Morata, Gerard, Thiago, Sanchez, Gaya, Rodri, Fabian, Traore.
Referee: Felix Brych (Germany).
I was thinking out TT was not in the studio the last few times out....sadly....he was traveling to England!!
Teams in the tunnel
Spain to wear all white and Italy wearing two shades of blue
JUST WEAR THE MAIN KIT
Both of these sides having cracking anthems. I'll be bothering Pink Kits with my whistled renditions for the rest of the day.
Hopefully this will be the last time we have to hear from these two in this tournament.
I'm really shocked that Luis Enrique has dropped Alvaro Morata at this stage. He's played in every match up until this point. Why change now - it's worked!
Scares me that ESPN didn't fly them over for one match!
We are off
I agree with you - red doesn't clash with blue. However, I did notice that in that contentious USA '94 match, Spain were wearing white!
This ref is reffing for the second straight match of the Euros!
He was in charge for England/Ukraine
Champion asks TT too many questions
I agree - surely they could have afforded to fly a crew over to Wembley for one week to work the last three matches!
I watched the post-match chat on the BBC from Saturday last night. It was 30 minutes of Lineker, Shearer, Lamps and Rio's initial impressions right after the match. Great stuff!
Such a ridiculously late flag.... I saw it ten minutes ago!
Oh - Barella got through, checked back and tried a curler that went off the post.
Then the flag goes up - why wait so late?!
I saw that too
Oh how was that Simon walkabout allowed to go unpunished? Italy will rue that chance. Afternoon chaps!
I agree - someone's going to get injured trying to tackle back at some point and hopefully UEFA and FIFA will change this stupid policy.
Hiya, Steve - great to have you around today.
Both teams dangerously playing out from the back
TT just keeps talking as an attack was going!!
I hate the late flag, especially after finding out the rationale is to bolster the presence of VAR. Which I hate.
Welcome Steve
That through ball was more positive from Emerson than I'm accustomed to - he's usually a water carrier but the spirit of this team may have influenced him.
Danish FA sending shirts and flags to fans living in the UK with tickets
London is the 5th biggest city of Dane inhabitants
Hiya David and Bob. Glad to have you back David.
I miss the Italy white shorts
Great start for the Italians; they look really dangerous and lively.
Darke and Robson are doing tomorrow's match
Cates and TT are going to be at Wembley
Where's MUR?
I dunno - I thought he was going to be back today from his trip.
MUR doesn't like black shorts. So he's boycotting.
Thru ball...miscontrolled....wonder if he was onside
hahaha....NOT AT HOME!!
He said missing the quarters
The Spanish are picking up the pace now. First Oyarzabal was in but couldn't get the ball under his feet and then Fernan Torres scuffs a shot wide.
Not sure why some of the Italians are being booed by the Wembley crowd.
Sounds like some England fans have shown up a day early
Football's coming home
I think it was the the It/Sp fans booing the England fans
Barella is hauled back and now Italy have a free kick.
Italy's free kick not that dangerous
Have Shaw put that on the Slabhead's forehead on Sunday!
Unfortunately, Red Devil is at work today and tomorrow, so he's unable to watch. He took on a 12-month staff position when his family moved from Fredonia to Long Island.
Oh - great break from Italy which caught Unai Simon out but they couldn't capitalize.
Too much messing about. Italy should be up 2-0
Keeper is out....SHOOT!!!!!
TT kept talking as it was happening!!
Double T has some nifty recipe tips to pass on this afternoon, Dave.
I believe that if you pull on Simon's neck and remove his mask Scooby Doo style, it's Manuel Almunia in the goals.
Danny Olmo with nearly a tricky flick.
Italy give the ball away horribly.... shot...well saved!
Very difficult to break down this resolute Azzurri defense.
And just as I type that Donnarumma saves sharply from Olmo.
Olmo has to score that one!
Chiesa seems to have a problem so Berardi is warming up.
Berardi already being warmed up? What's that about?
Come on Italy!!!
Turn and shoot when you get the ball in the D!!
Italy break...comes to nothing. I don't think it was a foul either
Who was overlapping down the left at the start for Italy? He needs to do that some more.
I need to have England beat Italy in the Final and Kane to get at least three more goals in two games
I'm surprised that Italy haven't been better - they must really not like playing at Wembley.
Johnny Wilkinson shot there..... you're not at Twickenham!
Have Italy done this crap at the back for the rest of the tournament?
Emerson overlaps....shot should have been better
Post! One of these must go in.
No - they've been really tight. Only one goal conceded - the one against Belgium in the quarterfinal - in the whole tournament.
HT... useless half
Half-time has arrived and we're poised at 0-0. I'd prefer to see some goals here but I'm happy if neither side really impresses and it goes the distance.
Coleman "really enjoyed it"
Kasper being a little snippy about Football coming home...."has it ever been home?"
Teams coming out for the second half
Everyone else seemed to have enjoyed the half more than me
Off we go
COME ON ITALY
I thought it was pretty pedestrian. TV people have to big up the entertainment whether it's there or absent. Hoping for better in the second.
We're away again in the second half - I'm hoping that it'll be better but I'd be well up for extra time if it gets lively.
Weird clearance by Simon earns Italy an early corner.
Italy have a free kick...they go short and are challenged!!
IT IS A FREE KICK!
What was that from the keeper?
Oh - Immobile got behind Laporte there from the long ball - that's the sort of service that he thrives on.
Dangerous cross....well cleared at the back post
I thought that was headed in but it was coming out the other direction
A half chance for Immobile. Kind of lived up to his name there.
And Spain recover and only sharp defending from Di Lorenzo saves Italy from conceding a goal
Biscuits picks up his requisite booking.
Richly deserved yellow for Biscuits
Oh - great chance there - Biscuits with a chipped shot over the mark.
Biscuits with a shot just over
Spain have been more dangerous
Ooooh. Just over from Biscuits. Spain have started well this half.
Chiesa with a decent effort smothered by Simon. Game starting to open up a bit.
When Insigne gets moving, I'm reminded of the Carlsberg commercial where Jack Charlton(?) yells, "get those little legs moving!" at Peter Beardsley who is riding his bike.
I don't want Spain to get anywhere near the final!
Why is that, Dave - just because you would prefer to see Italy or because you think Spain are dangerous?
This is a really diminutive Italian team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG96exYFj7w
50 seconds in
I agree. Spain are frustrating to watch even when every ball doesn't have to go through Xavi or Iniesta.
No, I just hate how Spain play!
YES!!!!
GOAL!!!
Jordi Alba had a chance to cross there but very little to aim at.
And there is the goal I was expecting! Chiesa!
Great finish
Great break starting with the keeper that put the Spanish defense under too much pressure. Lovely finish from Chiesa.
Italy 1-0!
Same net, different side net......this guy likes Wembley
Fantastic. Chiesa had it all to do picking up that loose clearance. Lovely team move from their own goalmouth to the goal. 1-0 Italy!
Berardi comes on for Immobile, so the catennaccio starts immediately. Expect half an hour of Italian antics from this point on.
Of course.... Spain.... uses the P word all the time!
Possession!!
Italy's forward don't seem to have a lot of pace
My boy Alvaro has also come on for Fernan Torres who was a bit invisible tonight.
Big chance for the Spaniards.....that guy is hopeless!!
Oh - Oyazarbal with a golden opportunity there. Completely missed his header!
Did you see my YouTube post Steve
Oyarzaballup misses a sitter. Uncharacteristically loose Italian defending nearly punished.
Oh - now Dani Olmo blasts a shot wide. I can't believe that they're missing so many chances!
Spain's front men are rubbish
Yes, thanks. A favorite one.
Ooooh, Italy almost in again
I'm frankly surprised at how open this match is right now. The Italian sides of yore would have wrapped this one up tight as a tick in these circumstances. They don't need a second goal.
Do Simon's hands not work? That was a very risky block.
The earlier incarnations of either of these Squads would have approached these last 20-25 minutes differently.
He just had his nails done last night. ;-)
Italy are 20 minutes away from the Final
Oh how Tony would have been loving this
I have to admit that it's refreshing to see these sides throwing everything they've got at this.
Kathy said she will some turkey for you to make a sandwich for lunch if you don't want to stop on the way
I hope that Gareth and his team are watching this because this Italian side can be beaten, that's for sure.
Thanks, mate - not to worry; Kate's going to pack me a lunch for the road. Can't wait to see you!
Terrible dribbling by Bar
Got it... me neither
modern day pet peeve.... subs not having their kits on when they are on the bench!
Two more Italians subs now. Verratti being replaced by Pessina and Emerson by Toldi.
There's not a lot of pace or ability to run at defenders in the Italian forward line. It's odd.
I wonder why that is?
I said the same about the Italian attack
So you did. Your solution?
Spain.... so patient...when they need a goal...in the 93rd of 93 minutes
Morata was played through there but he hesitated when he had a chance to shoot. That's the sign of an out of form striker.
Matt wants to know why Spain don't throw on Traore
Great response from Dom
Because he wont complete 35 passes in a triangle without going anywhere like all the rest of this Barcelona garbage
Is the Spanish keeper from Australia? He keeps going on Walkabout
I'm very happy with the way this match has gone - neither side have impressed me that much.
Tell Matt - "because he's not very good."
I have no solution...they are all small...like Beardsley...and me
One of my very favorite Italian goals started with Bettega winning the ball in midfield, spinning, and then taking off at his defender. He then picked out Rossi ahead, passed it to him, Rossi touched it around his defender and buried it with the outside of his foot into the net beyond the keeper. I haven't seen that today or this tournament.
He has pace that scares teams
A chance for Beradi...weak effort in my book
Goal!!
Spain equalize....bugger
Traore is not international class.
Oh - great equalizer finished nicely by Morata.
1-1!
Bob, dirty dance worthy from Morata?
Straight thru the heart of the defense!
Struth....I thought that header was going to find a player at the back post
The Italian sides of the past would never have allowed that to happen.
Nope - he's got to nod one in from a cross - that was the original wager. I don't think he's got it in him. But that was a lovely one-two.
Spain with another chance...Moreno with a useless effort
Nope. No way would they have allowed that. Great for England to face 120 minute exhausted competition.
Now what from Mancini - he's already taken his top striker off. Now he's taking Insigne off as well. Locatelli and Belotti on.
That's exactly my feeling, too. Steve. This is a real chance for England now. A huge chance.
Okay, he's on the pitch but I'm hoping he doesn't do that now.
Back to back to back extra times for Spain?
Italy have had one extra time game
Spain will have played the equivalent of a whole 90 minutes more play if this stands.
Come on England.....same as the weekend!!!
Great point Steve
nice math too
Big appeals from the Spanish for a handball on Chiellini. Nothing doing from the ref.
Maths are my favorite Dave.
Spain want a pen for a handball...I guess it will be checked...or has
TT wanting to make a huge statement
Late corner for Spain
Well played the Ref. I've seen his incompetent fussier brethren give those as a penalty.
Useless...doesn't beat the first man ....I hope England have finally turned the corner on that... after Saturday's performance
Same ref as Eng/Uk
Best thing he did was blow up the 90 minute mark....common sense
Let's hope so - we've got some real weapons from set pieces.
Spain just being Spain....passing it around as time is running out!
They complain the ref blows up...why?
Extra time it is
I loved that. 4-0, nothing more to see.
That's it for the regular time - we're on to extra time and perhaps penalties, just as the doctor ordered at the outset.
Del Pierro - "it's a fantastic game...for England." Did he just say that?
Del Piero's a wise man. I'd take another 4-0 win for England tomorrow.
Bob...anything in particular you want for a drink tomorrow?
Yes, please.
Speaking of math, Dave, I think I figured out the numbers for the Predictions and, if England and Italy meet in the final, England win and Harry Kane is the Golden Boot, you'd win.
I need Kane to win?
I guess he needs to score a hat-trick tomorrow and a couple more on Sunday
I think so, yes.
You're the only one who predicted an England - Italy final. So that's a six point advantage in this round if you're right.
Classic rugger tackle there from Toloi. Yellow for him.
Oh - how did that one stay out!
Good grief!!! Donnaruma really spilled that.
scramble in the box...ball goes wide
I know - I had Belgium and The Chunk romping it. Ah well - it will be nice to pack up the Cup and move it along.
This better not be 1990 semis all over again!
COME ON ITALY
COME ON ENGLAND
I'd have to say that it's advantage Spain right now, as Mancini took off all of his attacking players in the second half.
Oops - Double T is making the same point now - never mind.
Spain are the only ones looking like scoring!
Another chance.... cleared
Penalties might favor the Italians, though. Cooler heads on that side, I'd say. We've already seen my boy Alvaro miss one in this tournament and you know he'd want to take one.
I've seldomly seen the Italian's so discomforted at the back. Spanish subs have been better, but there's still time.
HT of ET
All Spain
The Italians look like they're defending a 1-0 lead but they're not.
15 more minutes.
It's the way Chiesa tells 'em.
Off we go
Italy have to improve or hold on...not a good start
Where does Olmo get his energy? He's run flat out all match.
Wasted free kick from Thiago
I agree - Dani Olmo has been immense.
Good break.... can't control it in the D
Excellent - Spanish players starting to come up with cramp now.
Post a Comment
<< Home