Euro 2016 KO Round: Match 43, 27 June: Spain-Italy (R)

Pichi · Jun 21, 2016

27 June 1800 hrs CET/1200 hrs. EST/0900 hrs. PST
Saint Denis Estade de France

Juanele · Jun 21, 2016

Will Del Bosque start to actually coach? We'll find out.

Oscar · Jun 21, 2016

What, you saw the "it's not my job to decide who takes the penalty"?
Yes Vicente, yes it's YOUR job to decide who takes the penalty!

Juanele · Jun 21, 2016

yeah that was unbelievable

Pichi · Jun 21, 2016

Oscar said: ↑

What, you saw the "it's not my job to decide who takes the penalty"?
Yes Vicente, yes it's YOUR job to decide who takes the penalty!
Click to expand...

That wasn't a PK and when it tends to be a lousy call shit like that happens, besides the fact that the Soccer Gods were not going to let that go in even if Iniesta would have taken the PK. I believe that early goal gave them too much complacency and they figured they could give up a goal and still win the group. Had Croatia attacked more in the middle of the second half when it seemed that the tempo decreased they possibly could have scored again. They did well on their counters and there were wide open gaps in the Spain half where the Croatians could move the ball at will and not get pressured. Ramos overall had a bad game and that PK miss made it look even worse!

Will be curious to see which Spain team shows up on the pitch at Saint Denis on Monday??

Aupa Espanha y La Furia Roja!

Juanele · Jun 21, 2016

Pichi that is just glossing over the fact that Del Bosque is doing nothing. He just picks the squad and does nothing else. Why didn't he at least do some rotation today? Especially some players like Iniesta who are on the older side. I just find Del Bosque's preparation and managing ability very lacking.

Pichi · Jun 21, 2016

I guess this is the route that VDB prefers to take to win the Euro based on the same reasons as this forofo de la Furia Roja! http://www.marca.com/futbol/eurocopa/2016/06/22/5769c528e2704ec5558b459b.html

Pichi · Jun 21, 2016

Looks like Italy will be leaving out some of their players in their last group match against Ireland. The three players below who already have a yellow will sit out so they will be available for the KO round:

Bonucci, Buffon, Chiellini,

http://www.uefa.com//uefaeuro/seaso...atch/preview/index.html#italy+ireland+preview

minuscapita · Jun 23, 2016

Juanele said: ↑

Pichi that is just glossing over the fact that Del Bosque is doing nothing. He just picks the squad and does nothing else. Why didn't he at least do some rotation today? Especially some players like Iniesta who are on the older side. I just find Del Bosque's preparation and managing ability very lacking.
Click to expand...

Thats how DB has always been.. since the RM days. He has a hands off approach and let's the players do their thing.

unclesox · Jun 26, 2016

Although there is no obligation to do so, Spain will be wearing white kits against Italy. Purely for advertisement purposes.

Last five times Spain have worn all-white kits at major tournaments:
1-2 v Italy, 1994 World Cup
2-3 v Nigeria, 1998 World Cup
0-1 v Portugal, EURO 2004
1-5 v Netherlands, 2014 World Cup
1-2 v Croatia, EURO 2016

Juanele · Jun 26, 2016

oh good, so a loss tomorrow

johnny6 · Jun 26, 2016

lol i wish it was that easy

Phoenix Rising · Jun 27, 2016

I agree with this suggestion.

SPAIN MUST DROP FLAILING FABREGAS FOR KOKE AGAINST ITALY

Morata
Nolito --------------- Silva
Iniesta --- Koke
Busquets

minuscapita · Jun 27, 2016

Phoenix Rising said: ↑

I agree with this suggestion.

SPAIN MUST DROP FLAILING FABREGAS FOR KOKE AGAINST ITALY

Morata
Nolito --------------- Silva
Iniesta --- Koke
Busquets
Click to expand...

I honestly don't see how much of a difference this will make. In fact, not sure Koke would fit much better... probably will fare worse as he is not use to this style of play.

Juanele · Jun 27, 2016

I like Koke but he has never really impressed for the National Team. It would be nice to see him get a run of games in though.

I'd like to see Thiago in there actually. Or bring Silva inside and have another player to provide more width. Conte sets up his team to counter Spain by clogging the middle. The wide spots are there but we never use it.

Pichi · Jun 27, 2016

Conte's comments before the match: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/26/italy-antonio-conte-spain-euro-2016

Pichi · Jun 27, 2016

Same starters for Spain as against Croatia:
De Gea; Juanfran, Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc; Silva, Morata y Nolito.

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Lol, in my feed you can see an additional camera from the stadium. And like a perv he's looking through the crowds to look for good looking women.

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Vamos!

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Nolito already very bad on all three times he got the ball. Not a good sign for him.

Juanele · Jun 27, 2016

why is there so much space for Italy in our area? This is going to be a long game

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Horrible pass from Silva, could have become a chance if not for that.

Pichi · Jun 27, 2016

Oscar said: ↑

Lol, in my feed you can see an additional camera from the stadium. And like a perv he's looking through the crowds to look for good looking women.
Click to expand...

Spanish and Italian women that lucky guy has a great sampling population for his work today, luck dog!! I unfortunately am here at work so it is Cadena SER for me this morning and watch the match later when I get home!

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Good save De Gea

Oscar · Jun 27, 2016

Jesus Christ Morata stop fouling and just go for a header.