The Business End

So the Group stage is over and now it is time to get down to business. Before I gloat about the Group of Death let me start with some of the things I got wrong.

Group A … I guess Poland did not have the quality I thought they did. Kuba was excellent. His game tying goal against Russia was one of the best goals of the Group stages. Lewandowski was ok but he did not get the service that he is used to getting in Dortmund. I was totally wrong about Szczesny. He played in one game and red carded. What a disgrace

I was wrong about Italy. For much of their opening game against world champions Spain, the Italians were the better side. If not for a few Saint Iker saves, Italy could have won. Italy showed strength against the tough Croatians in another tight draw and then they got the three points they needed against the Irish. Group C was a tough and Italy showed they are still a squad to be reckoned with in the knock out rounds.

What can I brag about from the group stages …

I nailed the group of Death … The Dutch lacked sharpness. Playing Van Bommel and De Jong in the middle together was a total mistake. Neither man looked capable of making plays or creating for their team.

I knew Portugal would get it together. I thought Ronaldo was going to make a fool of me after his horrible game against the Danes. He really had a great game when it counted. He put two goals past the Dutch but he really could have had 3 or 4.

England won their group. They played boring but pragmatic football against the French for the point. They then came back from down 2 – 1 against the Swedes to win 3 – 2. Ansdy Carroll, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck all scored cracking goals. Then England bored us to death one last time for three points off hosts Ukraine. It wasn’t pretty but they got it done

What I loved in the group stages…

Pirlo vs Xavi … this battle in the midfield was so much fun to watch. These two maestros perfectly played a game of ,”everything you can do I can do better”.  Xavi is like the human metronome. He keeps Spain in perfect time and perfect rhythm.  Pirlo looked reborn against Spain. He reminded me a bit of Zidane in the 2006 World Cup. Zidane knew it was going to be his last major tournament so he left it all on the pitch. Watching Pirlo against Spain I got that same feeling. He ran past two defenders and slipped in a perfect ball to Di Natale for Italy’s only goal. The two guys put on such a great show, I actually saw both of them slide tackle to take the ball off of the others feet.

Pirlo also banged in the only free kick of the group stages. His curler against Croatia was a thing of beauty.

Steven Gerrard  … Man Gerrard was awesome. Any questions about who should be wearing the armband for the English are done and dusted. Gerrard is tied for the lead with 3 assists but those numbers do not tell the whole story.

No one on the planet passes like Gerrard. Sure Xavi hasn’t misplaced a pass in 10 seasons and Pirlo’s passes are so smooth they could make a panther purr. Butt Gerrard’s passes are out this world. This guy sends 40 yard BB’s like they are going out of style. He routinely sends the long pass out to the wings to start attacks or get the English out of trouble. If England get past Italy, Gerrard will likely play a huge part.

My Starting 11 of the group stages would look like this:

Keeper – Iker Casillas (Spain). He kept Spain in the game against Italy. His save against Ivan Rakitic kept Spain in the tournament. Saitn Iker lives ..

Right Back – Czech Republic fullback Theodor Gebre Selassie. This kid has opened so many eyes with his displays that Arsenal may be set to pounce.

Center Back - Mats Hummels of Germany. Hummels has been a rock in Germany’s backline. Germany only allowed 2 goals in three games in the Group of Death and Hummels was a huge reason why.  

Center Back - Bruno Alves of Portugal. When I watch Alves I am not sure if he is the dirtiest center back in this tournament or simply the toughest. This guy puts in strong challenges. His clash against Gomez in the Germany game was epic.

Left Back – Fabio Coentrao of Portugal. Coentrao is a bit of a light weight and prone to simulation but his good outweighs the bad. His flying runs down the flank are magnificent.

Midfielders – Gerrard & Pirlo … See above

2 more midfielders  -- Yohan Cabaye &David Silva. It’s no coincidence that France lost to Sweden when Cabaye was rested from the starting 11. Cabaye was excellent in France’s first two game seven scoring his first goal for Les Bleus.

In my opinion Silva has been the best player for Spain. He has three assists including the perfect ball to Cesc Fabregas in Spain’s tie against Italy. He has also scored one. France are going to have their hands full with the little guy in the next round.

Forwards – Mario Gomez &Christiano Ronaldo … Both guys have three goals. Both guys have scored big goals and both guys are in fine form heading in to the knockout rounds.

Talk to you before the finals…

YNWA