I don't think they did change their style too much, they were just unable to get going because the Italian midfield was outplaying theirs. Ozil wasn't anywhere near as influential as he should have been, same with Schweinsteiger. Low went back to using Podolski and Gomez, I'm not sure why because Podolski has looked pretty poor all tournament, whilst Gomez was exceptionally poor in the first half, did he realise it was a semi final?

As I said in the build up to the England game, the Italians are a very well balanced side, with stupendous strength in midfield and enough width being provided by their wing backs/Balotelli+Cassano pulling out wide. People seemed to think this was a weakness but they soon looked daft.

As for the Spain game, the first game was a brilliant game. Italy defended really well and tried to play once they got on the ball. I think Spain's midfield will outplay Italy's on the ball, it's just a matter of who can put enough pressure on the opposition to force the mistake, or who has the individual brilliance to win it. If you're looking at Spain, it's out of Fabregas or Iniesta to win them the game, whilst for Italy it's out of Balotelli, Cassano and Pirlo. Spain really won't need a striker in this game, but I would possibly consider starting one of Pedro or Jesus Navas, maybe at the expense of David Silva.

Germany didn't change their style whatsoever as far as I could tell, just tinkered with their personnel.

For all the merits of Germany's play, and intent, they don't have the ability to control the game like Spain, and Italy, can.

You're the one who seems a little confused - all I was pointing out was that last night showed why Spain shouldn't change their style and leave themselves open like the Germans have.

Until recently everyone was raving about Spain's football, success and familiarity have bred contempt - and admittedly Spain's slight adjustments (more the lack of attacking width than an out and out number 9 IMO) have led to the current criticism (mostly from English supporters it would seem).

UEFA fines Russian & Spanish FAs €50,000 for fans' racist abuse. Lucky they didn't wear Paddy Power undercrackers.

As I suspected and said all along, the first decent team to have a proper go at that German defence ripped them a new one. They were woeful and it was hugely amusing seeing them seeing their "destiny" blow up in their faces. Arrogant gets. 16 years and counting now...

Our 0-0 looks a better result now than it did on Sunday...

rlTeam GB's mens Olympic football squad does not include any Scottish or Northern Irish players, according to BBC Scotland.rl

Sounds like their actually trying to go for a gold then. What's point playing players just for the sake of it when theirs better players than whats from those countries? If that was the case Beckham would have been picked!

Munich misery - German fans see Euro 2012 hopes go begging

On YT for some German reaction.

Dont think sports like football and tennis should be in the Olympics so cant say I'm bothered whether or not the Scots, Irish or Beckham plays.

I am curious as to how the players will prepare for a tournament that co-incides with pre season. Will they treat it as a normal pre season tournament where games are fitted in amongst the endurance training? Or will Pearce try to get them to come from the beach and then try to peak for the tournament? Could be the potential for a few muscle injuries if they dont get it right.

I think they'll beat germany in the semi final 2-1 with balotelli leading the way, then play spain in the final'"

I admire the italians alot.

They just get the business done don't they? They come into these major tournaments and no one really ever raves about them, they normally have 1 or 2 world class players in their ranks, they come out, normally start with a few scratchy draws and just grow into the tournaments.

They've won more world cups than any other european team and would have more than any team full stop had it not been for a certain roberto baggio penalty in 94.

They've contested a major final every 6 years since 94....and of course, the germans can't beat them either

I quite like their style of football as well, though i can't put my finger on it. It's not high tempo or fast paced, it's not too direct, they are not overly defensive despite their reputation, but they play more direct than spain.

They just seem to wait for the right moments and then play the killer passes.

If only england could be like this.....

It's a young team and work in progress, they will learn and get better in the coming years.

All these smarmy smug comments about germany, they are in a much better position than england are.

While you're on about him, a piece from young guy who does a Spurs blog - rlMario Balotelli Disarms His Haters, Repays Prandelli's Faithrl