131 replies to this topic

[Dummy Hoy]

There have been a handful of really enjoyable games in this tournament, I'm really hoping tomorrow follows suit. A couple of quality previews:

Jonathan Wilson

Grant Wahl

Michael Cox

Michael Cox with a less technical piece for ESPN

Edited by Dummy Hoy, 01 July 2012 - 09:59 AM.

[MarkInLondon]

A win for Spain, please - if only to put a spoke in the wheels of the ludicrous bandwagon that seems to be developing around the sort of game Spain paying being 'anti football'...

[Royal Reader]

It's not so much that it's anti-football as that it's reminiscent of the Simpsons parody of football.

[DLew On Roids]

They've gone from about 28 passes per shot in 2008 to about 58 passes per shot now. Technical skills are great, but if you're not attacking, you're just jacking.

They've become what they mocked just a few years ago--a side more interested in preventing the opposition from scoring than in winning with flair. It's undeniably effective, but that doesn't make it interesting. Part of that is on the opponents, of course, since with the exceptions of Italy and Portugal, they haven't come after Spain.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 01 July 2012 - 10:50 AM.

[SoxFanInCali]

In 2008 they had Villa and a world-class version of Fernando Torres. I give them credit for evolving their style to overcome those losses.

It's up to other teams to adjust. If they can't, then they deserve to lose.

[Tangled Up In Red]

It's up to other teams to adjust. If they can't, then they deserve to lose.

I agree with this, but also agree they've become a boring (to watch) squad.
As DLew mentioned, you have to attack this team... put them on their heels. Yes, you may be exposed, but that is how to shake their rhythm, upset their tempo.
Spain boxes. You have to attack by being a fighter, a brawler... not just waiting/hoping for a counter-punch.

[Spacemans Bong]

In 2008 they had Villa and a world-class version of Fernando Torres. I give them credit for evolving their style to overcome those losses.

It's up to other teams to adjust. If they can't, then they deserve to lose.

They are rather short of attacking options, having only gone through against Portugal on penalties and taking a looong time to score against the Czech Republic, who are damn pedestrian.

They need somebody who can play off the central defenders, who can provide an aerial option. That would give them the point they've sorely lacked. It's too bad they don't have anybody like that in their squad.




wait a second....

[cjdmadcow]

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta.
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina.

Italy: Buffon, Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo, De Rossi, Balotelli, Cassano.
Subs: Sirigu, Maggio, Ogbonna, Thiago Motta, Balzaretti, Di Natale, Giaccherini, Borini, Giovinco, Diamanti, Nocerino, De Sanctis.

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

[ifmanis5]

In 2008 they had Villa and a world-class version of Fernando Torres. I give them credit for evolving their style to overcome those losses.

It's up to other teams to adjust. If they can't, then they deserve to lose.

Okay, but they've become almost unwatchable the last few years. Their 4-corners offense is boring and a waste of their talents.

[Zomp]

THESE ARROGANT BASTARDS.

[Zomp]

I'd like to see a replay of what happened between Balotelli and Cassano.

[SoxFanInCali]

Great move. Xavi should have hit the target.

[Monbo Jumbo]

espana!

[Mystic Merlin]

Welp.

[SoxFanInCali]

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!

[hunter05]

Wow

[mikeford]

And now: 86 minutes of passing around the midfield.

I hate football

[Hendu's Gait]

Cesc Cesc Cescual Healing

[Zomp]

Too easy. Chiellini gets skinned and Italy is fucked if they keep trying to long ball to Balotelli.

[ifmanis5]

And now: 86 minutes of passing around the midfield.

Lovely ball from Iniesta. As usual.

[Zomp]

Anyone's feed shit the bed?

[McBride11]

Cescy basically booted that off Silva's forehead. Do they give him a 1/2 goal?

[mikeford]

76 minutes actually. math is hard when you start drinking at noon.

[hunter05]

OK. Comcast, what the fuck

[mikeford]

Anyone's feed shit the bed?

Yes. On the plus side, we don't have to watch Spain anymore

[soxfan121]

Anyone's feed shit the bed?

Still down for me...

[mic99]

anyone lose feed? granted, Spain was boring me to tears but still.....

[SoxFanInCali]

I'm looking at a lovely frozen picture. Thanks, ESPN and UEFA.

[twoBshorty]

ESPN just froze.

Looks like its not just me. I have Fios.

[hunter05]

Urge to kill rising

[Monbo Jumbo]

watching espn online - no problems

[ifmanis5]

ESPNHD and SD in black for me. ESPNews works fine.

[McBride11]

W T F

[mic99]

espn 2 is even out here....

[Zomp]

Back. Thank God.

[Hendu's Gait]

Someone just bomb Bristol? Getting NESN and Golf channels (848 and 851) but not ESPN 1 or 2?

never mind, back

[Zomp]

Chiellini off. Not good.

[Tangled Up In Red]

To be fair, Spain has looked brilliant. Moving the ball FORWARD for opportunities, as opposed to just holding the ball.
At least for 14 minutes.

[SoxFanInCali]

At least it didn't freeze until after the goal.

[Monbo Jumbo]

Chiellini out with an injury

[Mystic Merlin]

Someone just bomb Bristol? Getting NESN and Golf channels (848 and 851) but not ESPN 1 or 2?

never mind, back

Severe thunderstorms have popped up.

[soxfan121]

Back to live with Chiellini off for Balzaretti, due to injury.

[Youkilis vs Wild]

Just got my feed back but it is spotty. Disruptive weather, I have to assume?

[ifmanis5]

Back now on Time Warner.

[twoBshorty]

TV is about 40 seconds behind the online stream.

[Hendu's Gait]

Severe thunderstorms have popped up.

thank you for that info.

[Zomp]

Better from Italy.

[Monbo Jumbo]

Espana!

[Mystic Merlin]

Fucked.

[Dogman2]

What a fucking pass!