re: Why on earth did Jogi Löw start Podolski?

I appreciate your post and agree with pretty much everything you say.

quote:

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I think you're quick to be sensitive about Italy

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This is probably right but after the number of "Germany stacked, Italy fricked" posts I've read here along with lists of "top players" that include the entire German NT and reserves without even a mention of a De Rossi, Pirlo or Chiellini, for god's sake, it's not hard to see why.

I'm also not saying that's coming from you and, where it is, I usually take it as humorous banter. Even in yesterday's game thread, I was replying to that arrogant German polar bear and not you. Perhaps, I've read too many posts from people of his ilk.



I do agree completely about the tactical problems for Germany you outline. However, some of that is due to Italy having quality players that created those worries for Low.

Also agree that there's a lot of chance involved when teams are fairly evenly matched. For example, if Badstuber or Hummels had headed in the corner instead of Italy clearing it which led to the break where Montolivo found Balotelli then Prandelli would likely have been criticized for risking too much in not having two of Italy's only tall players defending but instead keeping all the attacking three deep for the counter.

My point is simply that the difference between Italy and Germany's talent in any best 11 they put out isn't so huge. The only gap comes when you consider that Germany have tons of talent right now at attacking wing/mid. However, all those players can't play at once and Italy has just as much quality through the midfield and defense.

It is a point that, when made it before yesterday's match, usually ended up being followed by ten of these

but not today.