It's kind of funny; the Germans make it to virtually every semi-final, but, just as surely, they get to a point where they don't fire. No matter how often, it happens, I don't expect it.
I didn't expect Balotelli to behave long enough to deliver this type of performance. I also didn't expect Cassano to step up his play as he did. It hasn't been a good time on the pitch for him since coming back from his heart issues. But, he seemed to rediscover his lost genius in a moment of German softness. While his chip-cross to Balotelli wasn't the most graceful-looking thing, it had its intended effect.
A solitary blip can be explained by momentary softness, but the German defense proved to be comprehensively awful. Balotelli's second came with the German centre-halves fast asleep; he had so much space that it didn't take much precision on the pass.
This is how it went for the German defense. The rest of the Italians were typically neurotic in their finishing, which kept them from scoring the half dozen that was attainable.
What stood out to me was the look of every Italian in the stadium after Balotelli's opener: You'll never score. This was apparently the same sentiment that the squad had. They dropped their typical philosophy of not conceding at all costs in favor of flair and flowing football. The Germans had no answer and were torn apart. Sure, the Germans took many shots at Buffon, but he was able to comfortably deal with everything, the late consolation penalty notwithstanding.
ITA over SPA - Unlike the rest of the world, which has tired of Spain and the passing, my pick is for personal preference of style. I like the dour football the Italians typically play. If you're looking for the aesthetic, hope that Spain score quickly and Italy have to chase the goal. The longer the match is level, to more dour it will be.
For me, it's just a matter of seeing that Spain aren't clearly better than Italy. Italy have the blueprint on how to deal with Spain. What's more, Balotelli- unlike is close to the perfect target man for their style. He is not neurotic like the rest of them because, whereas the Italians typically take their best players and turn them into defenders, they couldn't do that with Balotelli. To boot, he doens't have that slap-happy neurosis evident in the rest of the Italian attack. Therefore Italy will win. But, if Spain win, I'll bet it'll be fun.
