https://footballfutbolcalciosoccer.blogspot.ca/2016/06/euro-2016-round-of-16-review-best-xi.html A matchup worthy of the final, given these have been the two best sides at the tournament thus far - hopefully not a poisoned chalice given the Croatian fate. These are the two premier tournament teams in Europe - between them they have amassed 8 World Cup wins and 4 Euro wins, not to mention the numerous times they have ended as runners-up at major tournaments. On paper, Germany has the better team and are deserving of their tag as favourites. They boast world class players in every position and have a number of players who have been played with the national team at numerous major tournaments whilst also boasting a healthy crop of young up-and-coming talent. The Italians came into the tournament with relatively low expectations, but Conte has galvanized a group of players to perform fantastically well as a team. They have already caused two upsets and will be looking to keep it going. A fact that has been highlighted repeatedly is an intriguing one, in that Germany has never beaten Italy in a competitive match. The last two matchups were in the semi-final of World Cup 2006 in Germany (Italy 2-0 Germany) and in the semi-final of Euro 2012 (Italy 2-1 Germany). Could the Italian hoodoo continue? Or will the Germans finally conquer their Italian curse?
I think this is the actual final. Hard to see all these players on a yellow and Uefa just waiting to ban them to help France get into the final
Gianni Rivera 1970 : Marco Tardelli 1982 : Fabio Grosso 2006 : Oh you poor Germany ... lol ... Porca miseria
I would not be surprised if Germany beat us, they are without a doubt the strongest team in the tournament and world. This is probably Italy's weakest every team but Conte has us playing extremely well together. Wouldn't be surprised to see this game go to extra time either. If we can beat Germany (which would be the biggest upset of the tournament considering how strong Germany is) I think we will end up winning the tournament. We'll see what happens, Germany is stronger than Spain and Belgium so this will for sure be the biggest test. France has had it easy so far always being the outright favourites but if they play Italy/Germany they are no longer favourites (or by as much at least) so I think they may cave under the pressure. I still see Germany winning the Euro's but if there is any team who is capable of beating them at the moment, it's us.
Yeah, a whopping one game in world cup history plus a couple in a glorified friendly tournament...very significant sample size...
I doubt Italy will ever collapse in defense and pull a Brazil. Their tactical discpline and mental strength basically rules out such a scenario
I don't think its that cut and dry. Germany haven't looked that much better than France, imo. Italy has looked better than both but they wouldn't be the first team that looked great in the first 2 weeks of a major tournament that didn't win it. Also, aren't the yellow cards cleared now? So the only way to get suspended for the semifinal is to get a red in the QF...
One thing I'd have to say is that the one time that Buffon/Chiellini/Bonucci/Barzagli did sort of collapse in the last couple of years was in the Juve-Bayern Munich tie this past season. They lost 6-4 on aggregate. Especially the 2nd game they gave up a goal in stoppage time and 2 more goals in extra time. Obviously Bayern is not the same thing as Germany, but something to keep in mind.
Oh, wow! That's absurd! Two yellows in 5 games and a player could miss the biggest match of his int'l career? Should be one round earlier imo. Then almost every player would play in both the semi and the final (unless of course they get a red or are booked in both the QF and the SF, in which case they sorta deserve a suspension)
Yeah, I figured that. But almost nobody would miss the final if the records would be cleared one round earlier, but a bunch of players will inevitably miss the semis by delaying the reset until after the QF.
I agree , but every one says we can't beat Italy , we couldn't beat Brazil .. So why can't we beat Italy ??? Of course we can !!!
I think it's a 50/50 Match. Italy might be a bit stronger on the mental side and Germany has the better individual players. There is one thing that might make the difference this time. It seems like nobody is really talking about: Germany are the World Champions! Most of the players won the biggest title already so even they would lose on saturday they are still legends.
Less and less favorites. Pretty soon most teams gonna be on the same level. Iceland... Wales show this. Doesn't matter how big ur population... Just the training
Not a great comparison at all. Chiellini didn't play in the two legs and juve played with a 4 man back line and not a 3.
The history of Germany losing has little impact on this match. If Italy win another match, it will be because they earned it on the pitch. I don't think this will be a mental issue for Germany as they beat Italy in the youth tourneys. I mean, how much does the outcome of a match played 20 years ago have bearing on this one? Besides, what are the odds of keeping the winning streak? With every match Italy wins, the chances of Germany winning the next simply go up. Stats may be in Germany's favor. Hoping for a good match and may the best team win.