Eufa Euro 2012: Germany vs. Italy

CONFIDENT Germany enters the semifinals match against Italy on a high note where it displayed tremendous offensive firepower in their previous matches, including a 4-2 annihilation of Greece in the quarterfinals.

Coach Joaquim Low’s charges scored freely in Poland and Ukraine and Italy is relying on history that it is on their side. But will it be this time?

Italy must focus “physically and mentally,” as coach Cesare Prandelli described on their fixture today against powerhouse Germany whose 15 game winning run in international competition is a world record.

However, the Italians hold a seven game advantage in competitive encounters against Germany and ably led by midfielder Andrea Pirlo whose creative style has made the Azurris tough in the middle.

Who will explode for Germany this time? Will super Mario Gomez spark? Will Mezut Ozil rise to the occasion?

Or will the impregnable German defense waylay the Italian attack?
Both teams are expecting fireworks as they know the stakes are high and they are expecting victory. Only one team will survive in the game and I see the white and black raising their flags against the blues.

My pick: Germany 2, Italy 1. Germany advances to the finals against Spain. (Jun-jun Carballo)