The Lions' Pride

they absolutely dominated like they should have and they gave podolski and mueller a wake up call by sitting em (also could have been for rest but who knows). that team just has too many good/great young players. they're looking like the best team in this tournament and I wouldn't be surprised if they're favorites for the world cup in 2 years. but they have to finish chances if they want to beat Spain/France or Portugal in the finals. I am pretty confident that they are a head above Italy and England

yeah the offense definitely looked better with klose because he is more of a well rounded player as opposed to a penalty box poacher like gomez. Reus looked great in that game he missed a few chances as well but their future is very bright. I think that Gomez will probably start against Italy if they win and Klose would start vs. England because England is more likely to do what Greece did and Klose, Reus, and Schuerle create better with small spaces than Podo, Gomez, and Mueller.

Assuming they win the next one...i think the trio of gmp are bettr on break while on move, orhers better in clise space ball control bc they have better skills, FYI i love Klose, fav player for Germany. Am grillin burgers b4 spain game, maybe only time i root for france, am a euro resident for past 4 years Switzerland last 14 mths

Same. I think Spain wins though. The French back line is iffy... well as I am typing they decided to put Koscielny in for Mexes, which is a great move imo. Still think it's not enough to keep Spain out of the back of the net. But no Evra or Nasri today? Don't know how much offense France will get.

I've seen enough of Mexes in Serie A to tell you that he is NOT that good. Clichy is OK, more of an attacking LB. So basically I disagree.

Forgot he's out tonight anyways. Kos is lousy.

I'll add that Clichy was a vastly improved defensive player w City this yr than he was at AFC.

Sounds about right...

I'm pleased thus far. The class of the tournament has emerged, and there are very good projected SF matchups ahead. I'm pulling for Italy tmw.

Kind of a "slow motion" match! Spain's early goal put them in 2nd gear...................France, well............they didn't seem interested enough.

Italy wins 4-2 on PKs. After getting behind Young hit the crossbar and then Buffon made a great save on Ashley Cole. Italy Germany will be a great game

Pirlo is an incredible player. The way he controls the game from CM with his passing and smooth approach is really something to watch.

I've been saying it to my friends since before the tournament. Gigi is still the best in the world. People don't realize how good of a season he had for Juve because the EPL and Barca/Real get most of the press, but he didn't even let up 20 goals this year. Didn't have a whole lot of work today, but he handled everything that came his way very well. Good save on the PK, fairly comfortable, but good save. Forza Azzuri!