Euro 2012 - Semifinal #2 (Germany v. Italy)

It is a bittersweet time in the tournament for many footballing fans. See, after today's semifinal there is only one match left in the entire competition. However, we really shouldn't get ourselves too down. Sporting events come and go thus allowing for our emotions to continuously be part of a never-ending roller coaster. This is why we watch sports, the best reality programming in television. Let's jump right into the Germany - Italy semifinal.

Germany - Italy

The Germans are fresh off a dismantling performance in their quarter-final against Greece. At one point when the Greek Jesus, Giorgos Samaras, scored to tie the game at 1-1, I have to admit I did let my head go to a fantasy land where Greece would nick the winning goal with a minute left and set off celebrations across Athens. Regardless, we all know what happened as Germany flexed their muscles and thrashed Greece 4-2, a scoreline that truly did not highlight just how dominant the Germans were.

Germany did pull one tactical surprise in the quarterfinals, leaving Gomez, Muller and Podolski on the bench while starting Reus, Schurrle and Klose in a complete overhaul of their forward line. While many argued that Germany were resting their well-known players against Greece, in reality the players they brought in were actually better suited for playing against the tighter defensive shell that Greece employed.

The key for Germany comes down to the play of Mesut Ozil. If he has the time and space to create opportunities for his teammates, well the jam is done, game over and we have our dream Germany - Spain final. In his two years at Real Madrid, I have to give credit to Jose Mourinho for transforming Ozil from a stylish attacker to a stylish complete footballer. While the differences are subtle, that little something extra has greatly benefited Real Madrid and Germany.

Speaking of stylish midfielders, well the Italians would be no where near the final if it was not for the heroics of Mr. Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo is the quintessential Italian midfielder, roaming the center of the pitch, dictating the play and threading the final balls to his onrushing attackers. To magnify Pirlo's influence on Italy's success one can only look back to the World Cup in South Africa where Andrea was injured for Italy's first two games and they were subsequently knocked out in the group stage. I am still amazed as to why AC Milan let him go to Juventus last off-season.

The gameplan for the Italians against Germany will probably to replicate the Greek gameplan, albeit better, but we have to remember they have better players and greater talent. Furthermore, Italy will not allow Germany the same time and space with the ball and will look to exploit Germany's weak defense with the speed of Balotelli and vision of Cassano. Also, when Italy are in possession they will be able to control the game due to the genius of Mr. Pirlo. After that penalty against England, he is more certainly worthy of the mister designation.

As for the game itself, let's first start with goals. While England - Italy and Spain - Portugal were not boring matches, because, in reality they were enthralling affairs, they lacked goals, pure and simple. An early goal in this match for Germany will force Italy to play slightly more attacking, allowing for space for the German speed to take advantage of a weakened Italian back four. So let's all hope for an early German goal and let the fireworks commence.

Germany - Italy (3-1)

OVERALL RECORD

14-15