Managers, pundits and experts talk about how to manage a game. And Italy certainly know how to do that.
Very tactical game they play, based on a solid defence. As they say, if you don't concede you're always in the game. In that game, Italy started slow and didn't support Pelle well. He was left to occupy Sweden's back line. Then in the 2nd half they upped the tempo and halfway through they changed to Zaza. So just when Sweden were getting tired Italy got to be their quickest. And they executed it brilliantly. Apparently, Italy have yet to allow a shot on target.
Italy may have defended well but they weren't really tested in truth. But fair play they get the job done ugly, so no complaints from me. I think someone like Sturridge/Rashford running at them is they way to unlock them.
About that question whether you want your club to win the PL or your national team to win the Euros. Imprecise poll from the Daily Mirror, but it's another insight:
Why is it an either or? I like having national football as an extra chance to enjoy football. They aren't in any way contradictory joys.
It's not an either/or in terms of watching and enjoying. You can watch and enjoy both, but what would you prefer to happen.? Or do you want both equally.? They're perfectly entitled to ask the question, just as you're perfectly entitled not to answer it.
Isn't that something to do with their ability to keep teams out.? Yes, I think Sturridge, Vardy, etc.. may provide a sterner test. I wouldn't guarantee them winning the battle though.
I just think the answer is supposed to prove something. Real fans support their teams. Plastics support England. Bla bla bla. The truth is my team's players have no loyalty to my home town. They are loyal to their wallets. It doesn't mean I don't love them while they are here, but it also means so little in reality. The guys playing for England do it for pride, and that should mean more, really - but I haven't built a love for them like my team in the red and white... These things are different but fairly equal. Supporting any team is, of course, a bizarre and arbitrary action. We have less control over it than a gam of Pooh sticks.
Sweden didn't really offer much. But Italy made Belgium look a bit of a mess, and Belgium have probably more individual quality than aby other side in this tournament. The better the opponents,the better Italy appear to be. Not that England could or should ever play that way - we should, as you say, stick to our strengths, impose our high tempo rythmn on our opponents.
Is anyone else rather impressed by France's efforts with their stadia.? The new one at Bordeaux is particularly nice, so far, but there have been improvements in a lot of them: http://stadiumdb.com/tournaments/euro/2016
Not a bad point you make, but although we might take a shine to our local team's players, we are actually supporting the shirt, not the men wearing it, so that is where the pride lays for the club. In terms of the national side, I think England, as a nation, get it wrong. There is often a call that England, the nation, doesn't have an identity. Scotland, Wales, and the rest of the British Isles know exactly who and what they are, but the English don't really. Now, speaking entirely personally here, I know in my heart why that is for me. It's because the nation's citizens are told to celebrate the head of state rather than the country and citizens. This is bound up in the national anthem. Most other countries celebrate their nation and citizens, and that's why they have more national fervour, I think. So, for example, in my case, the Italian national anthem makes me feel proud to be Italian. The English national anthem doesn't make me proud to be English, because it's not about me or my country. But, as I say, that's the way it affects me. Anyway, I've digressed more than I intended. Club easily before country for me because I feel represented.
And that's another good point. I remember comedian Jerry Seinfeld making a joke about coming across some supporters of an American football team after a match, and they were chanting We won, we won, or something like that. His answer was... No you didn't. They won. You watched. As you say, more control with pooh-sticks. At least you're the one playing.
Czech Republic unexpectedly back in this with a goal back to make it 2-1. Croatia have been so comfortable. Still reckon they're more likely to get a 3rd.
