they don't make them like this anymore

Pirlo: quality finish by a qualiy player, the puppet master of the Azurri

A fantastic game of football this morning and a great showcase on how to control the ball and tempo of the game. I thoroughly enjoy watching this Italian team and in particular, their midfield maestro, Pirlo, pulling the strings with amazing technique and composure. The Italians are looking the goods. I'll let you all know via email once I have updated the tables with your required tips for the semi finals. 

At this stage, I am not quite sure on the semi's outcome (win or draw) but, I am sticking by my pre-tournament Semi Final and Final predictions that Spain will overcome Portugal and Italy will toss out the Germans. Apart from Spain, there are two traditional teams in world football that the Germans don't like facing. One of them is not eligible to be part of this tournament and the other is Italy.

For those of you have not seen this morning's Pirlo penalty, it's class.