Congrats for making the finals.....that in itself is a feat. Good to see you posting as you and Jimmy are good to talk soccer with.
I missed the game as I was traveling, but I did rewatch a lot. England did a nice job of spreading the field as seen with goal one (fantastic pass and first touch), but that right back made a huge error by letting the wing drop in behind him- I know hard to check as spreading the field and moving without the ball is a real art.
I have to say kudos to Italy. Let's be real, they had a brutal draw starting playing Belgium who was #1 in the world, then an aging, but top 6 team, in Spain in the semis, and then a top ranked English team (4 or 5). So they beat 3 of the top 5 teams to win the tournament. England has a very poor Ukraine team in the 1/4s and a marginal top ten team in the semis. Also, huge loss of one of Italy's best players (an arguable best player in the tournament) Spinazzola in the Quarters with a torn achilles.
I still can't believe all the players who miss penalties.......just mind blowing...the Swiss, yesterday's game (both sides) I mean so many misses throughout the tournament.
RIP Bucky - 7/25/1943 - 1/19/2013
