Spain v Italy

[Flat_Eric]

Couldn't quite believe what I was watching tonight. That Spain performance was a thing of beauty.

The 4-0 result in no way flattered Spain. And yet at the same time Italy were unlucky to lose 4-0 (if that makes sense).

They've been criticised this tournament but surely there can't be any any doubt now. Spain are in a class of their own and arguably the best national side of all time. Certainly the best side since the Brazil side of 1970.

I think that was as close to perfection as it's possible to get on a football pitch. A well oiled machine, incisive play, all working for each other, a superb passing game, flawless positioning, Casillas awesome in goal and four goals straight out of the top drawer. The passing looked almost telepathic at times.

I actually thing that Mata's goal was the best of the lot - beautiful in its simplicity. Torres commits Buffon but instead of going for the "glory" shot like Ronalsdo or Rooney probably would have, instead he makes a pinpoint short pass to Mata off the outside of his boot and Mata buries it. Awesome!

Mind you the Fabregas / Villa combination for the first goal was wonderful as well. Great work to the by-line, pinpoint pass and Villa first time header straight into the roof of the net. Breathtaking stuff.

Just as well England didn't manage to muddle their way through to the final after all. It would have been a humiliating bloodbath.

- Eric

[David Johnson]

Wot! You mean England's Pele and the rest of our brave Hodgson's Heroes would have got beaten? Wot about the staggeringly successful pass rate of Ashley Young? The awesome speed and foresight of Andy Carroll? The Iniesta type control of the game that Milner provides?

Treason!

[Flat_Eric]

I meant to say Silva of course - not Villa, who was out injured.

Senior moment at 1 of the a.m. after several beers. I was mixing up my "Davvids".

I'll have to watch that though or I'll have "Davvid" Johnson playing for Barcelona next.

- Eric

[jimslip]

Eric quipped:

"Just as well England didn't manage to muddle their way through to the final after all. It would have been a humiliating bloodbath."

What would he score have been, 10: NIL??? It could have been a National humiliation, a massacre. Rooney's head would have been pasted atop a toilet bowl, his hand pulling the chain, on the Suns front page with the caption, "Goodbye England!"

We have been, very, very, lucky! The Lord works in mysterious ways!!bow!

[Dave Wells]

Fabulous stuff !

[David Johnson]

"I'll have to watch that though or I'll have "Davvid" Johnson playing for Barcelona next."

Buenos Dias Senor Flat Eric

Barcelona 1981-87 Midfield Dynamo. 2 La Ligas, 1 Cup.

I'm looking at the medals on the mantelpiece now.

[Sam Slater]

I was actually pissed off when Spain scored their first goal as I thought Spain would just keep the ball for the rest of the match and pass Italy to death like usual. To their credit Spain went out and entertained as well with some fantastic attacking play.

All of Spain's goals were fantastic but I liked Alba's goal the best. He ran a good 70 yards and Xavi's pass had it all: timing, accuracy and weight. Finish was not bad either considering he's a left-back.

The sad bit is this game will be Pirlo's last in international tournament football. He's 34 now and I can't see him at the same level 2 years from now. Xavi too might have played his last tournament. He's only 32 but with the talent Spain have in that area, I'd be surprised if he isn't pushed out sooner or later.

[Flat_Eric]

Yes Sam, the Alba goal was definitely quality and as you say, the pass was perfect.

The words "knife" and "butter" sprang immediately to mind.

- Eric