Italy Through

A clinical performance and we are through :D. After 94 Quarterfinal win over Spain where Roberto Baggio’s moment of magic got us through, Azzurri are back in semis. A very respectable place considering the problems they are having back home and the more they progress more it resembles the feat of 82.

Once again defense held firm even when Nesta and Materazzi were not playing just goes to show the depth in defense. But it was great to see Luca Toni finally among the goals, the striker ending his barren run in the cup. This formation looks very settled though they were losing too many passes in midfield (something Lippi must work on) but at least it gives them more hold in midfield. Another positive point was that they didn’t pick any yellow cards so no suspensions going into semis and only way anyone would miss out on the final (if they go through that is) if they take on an injury or get red carded.

For Ukraine, it was a dream run, first timers into the tourney and after a 4-0 thrashing at the hand of Spain it was a great run. Shevchenko was their star and they have made their fans proud.

In the end it was great to see Milan mates consoling and congratulating each other, something which was very noticeable in this tourney. Players of different nations but same leagues wishing each other before and after the match, good spirit :).

PS: read the post below , written by a kewl dude.