Balotelli Busts Germany

Finally, a goal scored in regulation, thanks to Mario Balotelli.  The last two matches were scoreless.  Finally, a goal scored in the run of play.  Last time was ESP's Xabi Alonso's goal in the 19' three matches ago.  Finally, a classic matchup, which thanks to Italy's two first-half goals, provided an entertaining second half which we have missed since Germany last played, four matches ago.  But it was Balotelli all over the pitch and his two first-half goals barely stood up as Germany peppered the goal area with many missed chances and some great saves by ITA's Gianluigi Buffon.  It was his opponent's counterpart, Manual Neuer, which provided a great show acting as the 12th attacker in the last five minutes, kicking and heading balls away while leaving his net empty.  Germany did pull one back in one of the frantic moments as ITA was called for a hand ball and Mesut Ozil, boy we haven't heard that name as much as we thought, put away the PK in the 90'+2 leaving a couple of minutes for a tying goal.  But it never came and Italy stunned Germany, 2-1, ending the German's record 15-match competitive win streak and remain unbeaten against them in tournament matches (4-0-4).

So now we get a rematch
of the Group C opening game matchup which ended 1-1, Spain's only goal allowed.  Spain, the '10 World Cup Champion, is going for its third straight major championship and Italy, the '06 World Cup Champion, is going for its second straight championship amid a match-fixing scandal.

In the pool, Flying Elvi leads for the 9th straight day but it will his last.  Either Advinanza (ITA) or SalsaKing (ESP), both tied for 2nd, will overtake him and become our 1st HWCI EURO Pool Champion.  Adivinanza, our only woman in the pool, and Russo, tied for 4th but was was tied for 27th when we started the knockout phase, were the only ones to pick ITA.  Russo was the only to get both finalists while eight got none.  Mikenjo clinched last place.