Pirlo ran the show and out England go

Italy beat England yesterday by 4 penalties to 2, following a tense game that was goalless after extra time.  Italy deserved the victory and to progress in Euro 2012.  Pirlo was magnificent during the match and scored a brilliant penalty.  Pirlo was Italy's pearl of great price.  He dominated the midfield and made some long passes of outstanding quality.  England were woeful in their ball retention and midfield management.  Pirlo was given too much time and space in the England half.  Sometimes he went unchallenged for yards and yards, metres and metres.  England's defence did very well under enormous pressure.  They all performed valiantly, giving England a chance of victory when defeat beckoned. John Terry and Ashley Cole showed their class.

In midfield England clearly lack quality. Milner is industrious but not up to the required standard. Young made far too many mistakes.  Gerrard played reasonably well, but for periods he seemed to be a spectator watching the Italians control the midfield and dominate the game.

The Rooney Carroll partnership shows some promise.  Carroll won many balls in the air.  Rooney was able to feed off the headers, but he was lacking his best form.

Italy now face Germany; it will be interesting to see how Germany cope with Pirlo, the midfield maestro.  It could be another tense game.  Perhaps Germany will go forward through their technical ability, but it is likely to be a close game.