PBP: Spain vs Italy: June 10 - Arena Gdansk [R]

So far the game is boring.

 

Honestly I think this is the most entertaining game I've watched so far this tournament. Interesting tactics and player selection. Lots of back and forth play with both sides having created some half-chances at least. I am surprised we haven't seen a few more bookings as it has been a bit chippy on both sides.

 

I like the match, too. Both teams play a decent passing game and so far act tactically very well.

 

Great match, and very competitive. Both Spain and Italy look almost invincible in this form. I´m glad to see Italy finally step up again. They look like they are actually having fun on the field.

 

not going to get ahead of myself but it look like italy might make this group a little more interesting

 

This is one of the best game I have seen in awhile!!!! I find it interesting because I am studying both of their formations and tactics as the game went on. I do not recall one single match where both sides tried something very different.

 

What a terrible game, largely due to Spain. I hope Italy beat this arrogant set up.

 

Damn! I want Italy to win this.

 

Getting more exciting now

 

Throw on 2 good strikers and the game livens up.

 

Can anyone explain to me how Navas doesn't ever get a start? He was Spain's most lively attacking player in the World Cup 2010 and he's been their best in this match too. His ability to get a solid cross in and the resulting distribution is all but unparalleled.

 

strange that Spain still haven't brough on a goalscoring striker... instead they brought on Torres.

 

Real good referee today.

 

Torres makes all the right runs, but he can't finish anything anymore. That chip was just ugly.

 

If I was a Spain fan I'd rather see Torres miss these chances rather than the passing around the edge of the box rubbish which usually only results in 1 or 2 chances against a good defensive side.

 

if he passed it to navas he wouldve just had an open goal to score into

but i think 1-1 is a fair result , those two are the favorites to qualify for this group and the draw is good for both

 

great match. realy high quality football. obviously italy got bossed at times but they were a tad unlucky.

 

1-1 -hurray I get my first 5 points (perfect score) at predictor at work!

 

1-1 fair result in what was clearly the match of the tournament so far.

Prandelli out-foxed Del Bosque with the shift to 3-5-2. And while Italy were hanging on in the last 15-20 minutes, they were well worth a point, with a great goal and five to six great chances. Italia is back. They made a very good statement today.

Spain, for their part, will need to tinker. Xavi was great as always but they need to be more direct.