Cheeky spot kick sums up Italy mood
Source: Agencies |
June 26, 2012, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
IF Italy can replicate the coolness in front of goal shown by Andrea Pirlo, the Azzurri might have a chance of troubling Germany in Thursday's semifinal.
In 120 goalless minutes against a poor English side the Italians wasted chance after chance on Sunday but the fact they were creative and always tried to win the game bodes well for a nation with a reputation for dull play.
Pirlo is 33 but is in the running to be player of the tournament after scoring or setting up all of Italy's goals in Ukraine and Poland while his spot kick in the 4-2 shootout win had Tweeters and fans raving about his outrageous ability.
"I saw that the goalkeeper was really hyped and I thought I'd do it like that, it was easier to take it like that," Pirlo told reporters after England's Joe Hart had bounced up and down on the line and made funny faces.
"It created a bit of pressure on the keeper."
The difference in class between his spot kick and Hart's antics was mirrored throughout the game which Italy dominated through possession and chances.
The Italians know they will struggle to motor past the flowing Germans but their 2006 World Cup semifinal win over the hosts en route to the title amid another match-fixing affair gives them hope. The fact Italy has never lost to Germany in a World Cup or European Championship match could also lead to rising expectations.
In 120 goalless minutes against a poor English side the Italians wasted chance after chance on Sunday but the fact they were creative and always tried to win the game bodes well for a nation with a reputation for dull play.
Pirlo is 33 but is in the running to be player of the tournament after scoring or setting up all of Italy's goals in Ukraine and Poland while his spot kick in the 4-2 shootout win had Tweeters and fans raving about his outrageous ability.
"I saw that the goalkeeper was really hyped and I thought I'd do it like that, it was easier to take it like that," Pirlo told reporters after England's Joe Hart had bounced up and down on the line and made funny faces.
"It created a bit of pressure on the keeper."
The difference in class between his spot kick and Hart's antics was mirrored throughout the game which Italy dominated through possession and chances.
The Italians know they will struggle to motor past the flowing Germans but their 2006 World Cup semifinal win over the hosts en route to the title amid another match-fixing affair gives them hope. The fact Italy has never lost to Germany in a World Cup or European Championship match could also lead to rising expectations.
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