Balotelli scoring does have that romanticism element; of the apparently mental bloke who gets castigated for being a dick actually scoring the goal that puts England out.
Sneaky.
I've had it as public all this time under the assumption others would be doing the same. Apparently though everyone's too scared to do that so fuck it, it's war.
Also, I've never really seen the fuss over Ribery. It's not just tonight, he so often just doesn't do much in a match and is not, for me, one of the best attacking players in Europe like he's seemingly mooted to be.
One of the worst tournament performances I've ever seen. Completely and utterly spineless.
Spain probably couldn't believe their luck at how easy that was.
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Mike Parker on Twitter: "Is it a wind up that Malouda, Cabaye and Koscielny are starting for France? Do they want to win? Spain must be over the moon!"
Hope this lives up to the quality of players on show. Just think France will be defensive and Spain will find it hard to break them down.
Early Spain goal would be good, I guess.
Would lean towards under 2.5 tonight as opposed to over. Lots of talented players on show but have a feeling there won't be loads of good chances. Can easily see ET.
Phil McNulty@philmcnulty
Interesting talk from Swedish journalists at England training who suggest Olof Mellberg may return to the Premier League at Everton.