Italy...Again!

First, I dislike the Italian team in football in general. Their tendency to favor defense and playacting is really annoying to watch at times.

Second, I prefer attacking football, like how Germany played in the group stage, and against Greece. I liken that style to a more direct version of Spain's style. I'm not a Portugal follower but sometimes, they do play a good ground game. And yes, I hate long ball tactics.

Third, while history points to Italy, there seemed to be no attempt to change that.

But, considering what I saw, Germany choked. Joachim Low choked. And the many talented players in Germany were smothered by the tactical mistake of the coach. The team played the best they could, the tactic they used played into the hands of Italy from kickoff.

I watched most of the game in agony as the Germans failed to have any spark near then Italian penalty area. Not many attempts to spread the wings when the defenders are crowded inside, and when they do, the delivery is poor and/or no one was in the middle or unmarked. 

Really? After going down by 2 goals, Low waited for half time to put Reus on. And even longer to put Mueller on. I don't understand fully why Klose is needed when possession in the penalty area is not even there. It's not that the wingers are putting in crosses that Gomez could reach. Gomez is swamped by defenders! Like the midfielders are in the Italian half as they tried to break through the center!

BUT! I don't think that Low should be fired. He is a good coach but a bad tactician. I'm not sure how the current football management structure can support a tactical whiz side by side with a manager, but I think Low's weakness in tactics is clearly exposed by Italy. Heck, he's probably better off using the team against Greece against Italy than tinkering. When you're winning, DON'T TINKER!

I just hope Spain wins because I prefer their style of football but I can see this game being a very close one. Balotelli is showing what he is worth, his crankiness is as abundant as his magic, and thank god he calmed down with little shenanigans of late. I really do not mind either side to win, I just prefer Spain's tiki-taka more. I just hope the final will have much more attacking football than other Italy games!