Game 5: Spain 1 - Italy 1

I'm normally a huge fan of Spain and their classic style of football, but I'd turned against them before the kick-off here when they announced their 4-6-0 formation. Whilst I accept that each of those front six is more than capable of scoring, it just seems such an odd setup when the likes of Llorente and Torres are in the squad to add goals. It just smacked of arrogance; a message that continued into the national anthems, with precisely zero of the Spanish player actually muttering the words. Too cool for school.

As the match unfolded of course, it became evident why Torres hadn't been picked. after coming on as a 74th minute sub, he proceeded to give an object lesson in how to not get selected-  missing a one on one immediately and then proceeding to misplace passes and miss chances pretty much consistently until the final whilstle. 

Italy, by contrast, picked their two maniac strikers, Balotelli and Casano in a real display of intent. They also sang their anthems, so I was supporting them.

As the match unfolded, Italy looked dangerous, but Spain did their boa-constrictor thing where their grip tightened minute by minute; so despite the Italians taking the lead (fine goal by Di Natale) - it was inevitable that Spain would get something, with Fabregas slotting the equaliser.

The point suits both teams nicely, with easier games to follow.