Euro 2012....

My father was one of the great horse handicappers of his time.  I think this was largely because he could read a Racing Form and see how a race was going to play out in his head before it had been run.  I think you have a similar knack with regard to this sport. 

Italy is missing a lot of opportunities 

Very good half.

First 15 to Italy, second 15 to Croatia, 3rd 15 to Italy.

Some notes:

Somebody has talked to Balotelli, and he has received the message.  Much more movement without the ball - his runs were always threatening.

I wish Italy wouldnt always look to go long ball.  Their buildup is what got them the play before the free kick goal.  They look much better in possession.

Italy still careless with the ball when they dont need to be.

11 shots to 2.

All in all - I will take it....

Agree about the long ball van.  I don't understand it; they are willing to build from the back to the point where sometimes it's actually scary.  Buffon will have the ball with every defender marked yet he still won't just boot it; I'm just waiting for a dumb turnover that turns into a quick goal.  Yet, for every time the defense is scared to play a long ball, the midfield is so much quicker to boot it for Mario or Cassano to run in behind and take on the defense 1 v 4.

That is a top shelf compliment of the highest order that I dont deserve.

Thanks.  Wait until this luck ends and Denmark wins the tournament with me on a 8 game losing streak.

can i get your autograph Van?

van- I wanted to take a moment at halftime of this game to thank you for your excellent writeups and all the hard work and research that you've done. I can assure you that it's very appreciated.

Although the game isn't until Saturday, Poland will be my biggest play of the tournament so far. I know you had the Czechs against Greece and I did as well. I was very unimpressed with them and thought they were very lucky to hang on and beat Greece. In that second half they were completely outplayed by Greece and I think Poland will run all over them.

GIVEAWAYS GIVEAWAYS GIVEAWAYS

Hey Van, the O/U in the Spain/IRE game just went from 2.5 to 2.5,3 at my site. I see value in the under here and would love your thoughts. Thanks!

Nice for Italy to not show up for the second half....

Well - you just saw the blueprint to beat Italy.  Constant quality pressure - it is as simple as that.  They cant deal with it, make poor decisions, and dont beat it - and turn it over continuously.  Those things dont normally just turn around - and I have now seen it in 2 successive games.

Not good.

If I had a dollar for everytime Italy gave the ball away in that game, I could go have a great dinner tonight. I had Italy at Pick and I'm thrilled to get my money back. They were lucky to get out of that game with a draw. They're just awful.

In my writeup in post 595 in this thread...

The giveaways from Italy give me pause. Time after time – they cheaply gave the ball to Spain – and that will eventually cost them unless they shore that up. Chalk it up to a first game – against the talent of Spain – and I get it, but if they think they can do that for long – they will be out of this tournament sooner rather than later.

Should have taken my own advice.

Those Italians are big time pussies.

Bad beat.  Dont sweat it.

The goal today itself was also sick. Im not saying Croatia didnt deserve to draw - but the goal was covered - Chialini totally blew the defensive header. He had ages to position himself, and he misjudged it. Just gross.

Does Italy still have a chance to advance?  

great work van

i really like spain today.

GL

on to the next one.......I see Spain just making a statement here.....

Torres in the starting line-up but no wingers.  Could be a lot of people in the middle 25 yards of the pitch....

do u see ireland scoring today?

that was Chiello's mistake, sorry guys but he need bonucci in the middle. Barzagli need to play in knockout stages for Italy to win it all if they get through and Spain didnt play a high scoring draw.