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So the Euro 2012 is nearing its end, and it has proved to be an exciting affair. The traditional heavyweights namely Netherlands, England and France have all bowed out of the competition, leaving Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain as the semi-finalists. To Portugal and Italy’s chagrin, they have been pitted against the two strongest teams – Spain and Germany respectively. While the Portugal-Spain clash promises to be a feisty Iberian affair, the most intriguing is the Italy-Germany match. It is going to be a tactical battle, Germany’s counter-attacking approach coupled with “micro-tactics” i.e tactics within tactics, versus the resilient hard-working Italians. Let’s have a look at each of their squads.
GERMANY
On paper, they boast a very balanced and talented squad. On the field, they are even better. They have enthralled viewers with their attacking and pacy style of football, which is completely unique to their team. In the quarter-finals, they brushed aside a tired Greek side 4-2, with Klose and Reus justifying their selection in the first team with well-taken goals. This only serves to show that Germany have very strong reserves too. Unlike most other teams in Euro 2012, who prefer to play a standard starting XI, with changes to be made only in case of injuries or suspensions, Joachim Low has regularly tinkered with the squad, which has resulted in no untoward consequences. They have had an excellent campaign so far, and look formidable indeed.
Ozil will prove to be the difference between the two sides
Schweinsteiger looks fit ahead of the match, which should be music to the Germans’ ears. Low should look to implement a 4-2-3-1, with Khedira and Schwieni as the defensive midfielder, and either Podolski or Gomez as the strikers. Personally, I feel Podolski should be given the nod, and Gomez could be introduced later on, if Germany needs goals desparately. The defense is more than capable of handling the likes of Balotelli and Cassano. Mats Hummels has proved to be a crucial player for Germany with his excellent reading of the game and inch-perfect tackles snuffing out countless attacks. He could also prove to be a threat from set-pieces with good heading and shooting abilities. He, along with the impressive Badstuber, should be proud of themselves for having prodcued such mature performances. Sami Khedira will be tasked with man-marking Pirlo (Schweinsteiger would make some foraging runs down the centre), a monumental task, considering the impact he has had in Italy’s fortunes so far. If Sami succeeds in doing that, Germany have got a very good chance of reaching the finals. Mesut Ozil will also be a key factor in their match. His multi-dimensional play has been a real source of fun to watch. He has performed his play-making duties admirably. He has progressed in leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Mourinho at Real Madrid, and could prove to be the difference between the sides.
ITALY
In their quarter-final match against England, the Azzuri managed more than 750 passes, a staggering number which usually is accomplished only by Spain. This shows how far they have progressed under Cesare Prandelli. They did admirably well to progress out of a group containing the near-invincible Spain and the dangerous Croatians. The team has functioned together as a unit, with a cohesiveness between attack and defense.
The defenders have had a particularly good tournament, with Chiellini and De Rossi the stars. De Rossi, in particular has shone in his new-found central defensive position. In this current squad, he plays the role of a libero, making interceptions in defense and then initiating counter-attacks with accurate passes. If there is one man who can ebb the German wave, it is him. Italy will be banking on him and the rejuvenated Barzagli to shore up the defense.
Italy boast one of the deadliest midfields in Euro 2012, only behind Spain and possibly Germany. Marchisio has carried his form in a Juventus shirt along with him, and he has helped Italy’s cause immensely. It’s a wait-and-watch situation for Thiago Motta, who might feature in the 4-man midfield. But one man who has hogged all the limelight, and justly so, is Andrea Pirlo. He has rolled back the years to produce some exquisite performances time and time again. Tons of key passes along with a mean dead-ball speciality makes him a key man for the Italians, and a nightmare for the Germans, who should look to stifle this man at every possible opportunity. Mark him out the game, and you have guaranteed your team a win. Not to say that the likes of Montolivo and Marchisio cannot do the job by themselves. It is just that nobody can quite do it like Pirlo.
Another person to watch out would be the surprise package from Genoa, Alessandro Diamanti. He came off the bench against England and produced a commendable performance. Full of trickery and deceit, he gave Ashley Cole a torrid time down the left flank, and fittingly drove home the penalty that saw Italy progress to the semis. He is definitely Italy’s trump card. He would inject some creativity and directness into the Azzurri’s attack, which has looked toothless throughout the competition. against England, they had 36 shots on goal, with only 8 on target, and no goals scored. This lack of finishing could hurt them dearly, especially against a clinical German side, whose efficiency is remarkable.
So, after a thorough analysis of both sides(I hope so), I predict a win for the Germans. The German flair and efficiency should be more than enough to eliminate Italy. But you never know.
