First semi last night and what a disappointment! The world's best side looked unusually nervous against neighbours Portugal and the passing fluency we have become accustomed to took an hour to reveal itself.
Nani, Ronaldo and co had a number of opportunities to have broken the deadlock after a succession of quick breaks but all were wasted as they shots flashed from distance over the Spanish bar. In fact, I think there was only one effort on target in the entire 90 minutes.
In added time Spain upped the ante and Iniesta was denied by a superb one handed diving save from Rui Patricio who had an excellent match in the Portugese goal.In fact, Rui Patricio saved the first Spanish penalty after added time to put Portugal in the driving seat but Casillas matched his feat and after Bruno Alves struck the bar, it was left to Cesc Fabregas to squeeze one in off the post for 4-2.
Germany v Italy this evening and we can hope for a better game. We certainly need it if these championships aren't to fizzle out at the sharp end.
Nani, Ronaldo and co had a number of opportunities to have broken the deadlock after a succession of quick breaks but all were wasted as they shots flashed from distance over the Spanish bar. In fact, I think there was only one effort on target in the entire 90 minutes.
In added time Spain upped the ante and Iniesta was denied by a superb one handed diving save from Rui Patricio who had an excellent match in the Portugese goal.In fact, Rui Patricio saved the first Spanish penalty after added time to put Portugal in the driving seat but Casillas matched his feat and after Bruno Alves struck the bar, it was left to Cesc Fabregas to squeeze one in off the post for 4-2.
Germany v Italy this evening and we can hope for a better game. We certainly need it if these championships aren't to fizzle out at the sharp end.
We do 0-0s so much better than anyone else Dave!
ReplyDeleteI know we don't play according the purists' style, but we do tend to generate a lot more drama and incident when we go out of a tournament.
the atmosphere was total pants as well! the Swedes, Dutch, Czechs, Germans and English really made a row in this tournament - afraid the Iberians didn't.
I fancy the Italians tonight for some reason.
Pembury Addick