There are few fine lines that I noticed in Spain-Italy Quater-final match. As far as I believe, no team can have a strategy as defence and win the game. Greece tried it and failed miserably.
Italy is not a defensive side. They actually lack the fire power among strikers. But what makes them click is their strong physique. It is very hard to beat them in the air, no crosses work in their penalty area. Also their reach is great. They simply stuck their foot out and outplay their opponent. Had they got couple of strikers, no team would have been able to beat them. Since their current team lack attacking skills, their play becomes boring.
Germans are again physically very strong. That is why they keep bouncing back even when form book rules them out.
But notice the underachievers. Portugal and Spain, despite having all the skills, they have never excelled. And probably that will continue in future till they get some physically strong players.
Currently it's well poised. Russians are not physical side either. Spain has one of the great chance of winning a tournament if they can beat Germany. The way Russians are playing, they have a chance too.
But given my theory, it is a sad conclusion that none of them will match Germany.
