Spain and Portugal follow the lead of England and Italy by failing to find the net over 120 minutes in the first semi-final of Euro 2012 this evening. Cristiano Ronaldo was the overwhelming favourite with 47% of the votes cast in the Captain Poll but the Portuguese forward returned no more than a four-point armband haul – for many, then, the decision to twist is an easy one:
It’s over to tomorrow now and the second semi-final between Germany and Italy. Joachim Low’s quarter-final lineup has disrupted many Fantasy managers’ plans – a trio of changes to his attacking quartet for the game against Greece saw the Germany boss keep only Mesut Ozil in the XI, with Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller all dropping to the bench. Gomez has produced attacking returns in all three of his games, though his replacement in the lone forward role, Miroslav Klose, helped himself to a goal and assist and staked a strong claim for a starting role. Marco Reus also found the net in his first start, while Andre Schurrle also comes into the equation. Elsewhere, the likes of Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger and perhaps even the attacking threat of Jerome Boateng from right-back will help them pick up some armband votes.
The Italians will be reliant on Andrea Pirlo to pull the strings in midfield once again. The Juventus playmaker has had a hand in three of his side’s four goals so far and is the man most likely to steer his nation to victory. Antonio Cassano’s starting role has been secure so far, with Mario Balotelli his likely partner after beginning three of the Azzurri’s four matches. The likes of Daniel De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio could be a real differentials in Cesare Prandelli’s midfield, while Antonio Di Natale is likely to offer attacking threat from the bench.
11 years, 10 months agoItaly to win 2-0 tonight, Marchisio and Balotelli 8)