It Starts with the GK (7/6)

You go left and I go right...

iTENNIS PERFORMANCE CENTER, SOUTH EL MONTE, CA -- 1A-Italy's only goal was started by the goalkeeper after catching an attempted cross and less than 15 seconds later, ITA was up 1-0.  But in the 80', 2E-Spain finally finished on a great give-and-go to send the match into their 3rd straight Extra Time.  ESP again had most of the possession and attack in the Extra Time but for their second straight match, it went to the Penalty Shootout.

ITA's first kick was saved but ESP skied high theirs.  After trading two kicks each, ITA scored again putting pressure on Alvaro Morata, who did score the 80' goal but had been up and down, and this was down, as his weak attempt was saved.  Knowing a goal would win it, ITA's Jorginho calmly baited the GK to his left and slotted a slow shot into the right corner for the win.  Not quite a Panenka, but so daring even the Spanish GK applauded after he was duped.

The 1-1 (4-2 PSO) win sent ITA to its 4th Euro final (where they only won once in '68).  ESP only won 1 of its 6 matches in regulation.  They may have the most goals (13) but two were own goals.  So they have the most shots (111) and shots on goal (43) and possession (66.8%) but not much to show for it.

ITA was picked by 5 and this eliminated Rich-inho and Carseroni, leaving 9 entries still alive.  Three can't win the pool and it will come down to either Gli Azzurri (if ITA wins final) or Footballsack (if DEN/ENG win final).

Footballsack is now our leader with 107 pts and can't finish lower than 2nd.  Avenger #3 is 2nd with 102 pts and can finish 2nd/3rd/4th-Tied only.  7 others are battling for the final two spots.  Carseroni is 6th (96) but is eliminated.  Cloak is tied for 11th (90) but can still finish with a tie for 4th.

If ITALY beats ENGLAND in Final…
         Gli Azzurri 122 points
        Footballsack 115
          Avenger #3 110
    FrankfromSeattle 108
If ENGLAND beats ITALY in Final…
        Footballsack 127 points
          Avenger #3 122
              Slyelf 116
             Fantasy 115
If ITALY beats DENMARK in Final…
         Gli Azzurri 114 points
        Footballsack 107
  Kona Coast Facui's 104
          Avenger #3 102 Tie: 7.5 Tied for 4th
               Cloak 102 Tie: 7.5 Tied for 4th
If DENMARK beats ITALY in Final…
        Footballsack 107 points
          Avenger #3 102 Tie: 7.5 Tied for 2nd/3rd
         Gli Azzurri 102 Tie: 7.5 Tied for 2nd/3rd
          Forza Roma 101