jambolaya1- I was on the same side as you today, and couldn't of been happier to have the Italians out of the tournament, but Spain didn't dominate today. Spain played better and deserved to win, but they didn't dominate. Russia looked better in their semifinal game.
I wouldn't suggest unloading on the Russia/Spain game either. Although I do feel Spain is probably the best team in the tournament, and possibly the world, but Russia has looked amazing the past two games and I really can't see Spain pounding on Russia like they did in the first game. Russia to advance might actually be a very smart play because I'm sure Spain will be a big favorite.
Dont wanna be rude but young fella, you dont know much about soccer. There is no way you could have watched that whole game and came up with such a bad and obviously wrong conclusion. Spain dominated the game from start to finish. And they probably should have been awarded a penalty for one of 3 very obvious fouls in the box.
I guess you were fooled into thinking Italy played great soccer today because you couldnt figure out that they were packing their entire team back and blocking all lanes. This is why Spain dominated T.O.P because the italians knew they needed all men on deck just to defend against spain.
here are the match statistics that prove you are way off in your analysis of the game.
Team statistics
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD class=clubStatsHome>
Spain</TD><TD class=clubStatsName></TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>
Italy</TD></TR><TR class=off><TD class=clubStatsHome>4</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Goals scored</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>2</TD></TR><TR class=on><TD class=clubStatsHome>3</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Yellow card</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>1</TD></TR><TR class=off><TD class=clubStatsHome>0</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Red card</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>0</TD></TR><TR class=on><TD class=clubStatsHome>6</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Shots on goal</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>3</TD></TR><TR class=off><TD class=clubStatsHome>15</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Shots wide</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>5</TD></TR><TR class=on><TD class=clubStatsHome>26</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Fouls committed</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>25</TD></TR><TR class=off><TD class=clubStatsHome>8</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Corners</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>3</TD></TR><TR class=on><TD class=clubStatsHome>3</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Offsides</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>4</TD></TR><TR class=off><TD class=clubStatsHome>49' 13''</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Ball. Poss. (time)</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>37' 35''</TD></TR><TR class=on><TD class=clubStatsHome>56%</TD><TD class=clubStatsName>Ball. Poss. (%)</TD><TD class=clubStatsAway>44%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
All vastly in favor of Spain not Italy. And another very important issue you obviously missed was the rather bad bordering on suspicious officiating that even the commentators expressed disgust about. The referee was "illegally" stopping play in more than a couple of cases where Italy had been beaten on defense. He blew the whistle several times when the Italians took the dives they are notorious for. This is the great thing about soccer. The commentators are not stupid company men for fifa who kiss ass. Keep this important thing in mind as spain advance to the next level. (dont choose to forget like those who fumbled and picked a very lousy italian squad just because they thought italy looked great playing against 9 french men)
I wouldn't suggest unloading on the Russia/Spain game either. Although I do feel Spain is probably the best team in the tournament, and possibly the world, but Russia has looked amazing the past two games and I really can't see Spain pounding on Russia like they did in the first game. Russia to advance might actually be a very smart play because I'm sure Spain will be a big favorite
I did not state what side i was picking in this game or even the bet to be placed. I simply said i have what i believe to be a sure fire wager that will probably cash in for those interested.
I have already done the research. When i am ready, i will post the play.
I feel confident in it just like i was confident the italians would lose today.