England v Italy, Quarter Final, Build up and Match Thread

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

England v Italy (Sunday 24th June, 19:45 KO, BBC 1)

On the back of good defence, England have notched up 2 wins and a draw, confounding the majority of expectations along the way. The unexpected bonus of topping Group D has given them a game against Italy, not Spain, and England have a glorious chance of reaching their first semi-final in 16 years. Italy haven't really started yet and their sole win was against a poor Ireland team but they did manage an impressive draw against the Spanish. The winners will play Germany.......or maybe Greece.

My prediction: England 1-0 Italy

Come on England!

[mystiroakey]

how cxan that be a free kick- the guy just ran into him lol-- silly reff

[Leff]

Italy 63% possession, but no cigar.

[Guest]

No way was that a foul.

[Guest]

Least they have Balotelli

[Guest]

That's what I love about Super Mario. He never hides.

[Leff]

That Balotelli free-kick was a mile off-target.

[mystiroakey]

come on england- just nick this goal

[Leff]

Diamante missing another shot.

[Guest]

All Italy must be about 90% possession.

[Josiah Maiestas]

WOW

The one time in the whole game Italy are offside was the goal!

[Leff]

Goal, off-side. Good decision.

[Guest]

Why doesn't Rooney drop off and let Walcott go up top with the legs.

[azania]

Pirlo is simply peerless. The man is immense. It would be a disaster for the sport of football if Italy went out.

[Leff]

4 minutes before the nightmare starts.

[Guest]

I'm favouring England in the shoot out.

[mystiroakey]

leff this is a nightmare- ffs, we might have a chance at pens.. for once i believe- its like its destined

[Guest]

Maybe it has been the long hard premiership season that has exhausted the English players?

[Guest]

It would be richly deserved if they did.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Look at Gerrard then look at Pirlo, you have to say the liverpool fans have overhyped Gerrard badly over the years, just not in the same league

[Leff]

leff this is a nightmare- ffs, we might have a chance at pens.. for once i believe- its like its destined

It's a nightmare for both teams.

[mystiroakey]

great play rooney

[Guest]

If Pirlo doesn't get at least 9/10 in the rags tomorrow I will sculpture a Gary Neville statue and make love to it.

[Guest]

Would be great if Shearer and Lineker were out there!

[mystiroakey]

italy done well but not clinical, and great blocking by england. pens we got

[Guest]

Well done England - that was probably the best they could have done.

Incredible defence, incredible concentration.

[azania]

England will win the pen kicks and many will claim a deserved victory. Good luck Italy. Hope the better team wins.

[Leff]

Buffon looked relaxed or pretending so.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Look at Gerrard then look at Pirlo, you have to say the liverpool fans have overhyped Gerrard badly over the years, just not in the same league

Or that Pirlo has been vastly underrated.

Gerrard is not the same player he was 3 years ago. He is not box to box anymore and Pirlo was never a box to box mid. Both play the game differently.

[Guest]

Did they used to sort this out with a coin toss?

[Guest]

Squeaky bum time

[Guest]

What balls that man has!

[Guest]

Young should have been nowhere near the penalty spot!

[azania]

JUSTICE

See ya Engerland

[Leff]

Sorry for England, but Italy was a better team tonight and deserved to win this.

[Jennifer1984]

The two Ashley's blew it. Same old shoot out, same old outcome, same old England.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Young you were a joke on the night.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Same old same old

[Guest]

So what next for England?

Surely England need to find some new players with energy and who are comfortable on the ball.

The "golden age" of footballers that includes Gerrard, Lampard and Terry must be close to retiring internationally.

[Guest]

Maybe if these lads wore the club shirts when taking penalties England would win

[GG]

Italy deserve their victory.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Young needs to come off. He's been woeful all tournament

[Guest]

Ah well, we move on. Gotta totally rebuild a new side now for the 2014 World Cup because we are miles away from seriously contending.

[Josiah Maiestas]

noooo

well done Italy they played better. Ashley Young just rushed the penalty, you should take time on the spot but he rushed and messed it up.

[Guest]

Young needs to come off. He's been woeful all tournament

You called it Soldier!

[Leff]

Italy.

Neither have a good record but Italy have at least wona WC final by them.

[Guest]

Hats off to Balotelli - he played well and fairly. Pirlo was excellent but he had the freedom of the park.

[Jennifer1984]

I have to say, Italy were better on the night and deserved their win.

At least going out now has saved us a hammering from the Germans. Good luck Italy.

[Leff]

I thought Pirlo and Balotelli were the stars of this match.

[monty junior]

Portugal vs Spain

Germany vs England

awesome semi final lineup

[Guest]

Well when you sacrifice a striker to sit on Pirlo, you won't win the match.

Just wish Roy would be more adventurous.

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