Spain v Italy (Group C) - Match Thread

[Asha]

So excited for this game!

Let's see if Spain can defend their title. They lost their first game of the World Cup but still went on to win...

I think it'll be 2-2.

BBC Preview -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18180099

[Finnegan]

Excited why exactly?

Spain are famously patient against teams that park the bus and Italy are notorious for killing a spectacle with eleven players behind the ball. Add to that the fact that both would likely be happy with a draw and you've got yourself a guaranteed 0 - 0.

If anyone thought the Germany game was overly cautious and tactical they'll loathe this.

[Kitchandro]

Excited why exactly?

Spain are famously patient against teams that park the bus and Italy are notorious for killing a spectacle with eleven players behind the ball. Add to that the fact that both would likely be happy with a draw and you've got yourself a guaranteed 0 - 0.

If anyone thought the Germany game was overly cautious and tactical they'll loathe this.

This.

Hoping for another shock though

[acooling08]

I had high hopes for Germany v Portugal but that turned out to be a big let down, hopefully there is an early goal in this game to spice things up.

[Finnegan]

I had high hopes for Germany v Portugal but that turned out to be a big let down, hopefully there is an early goal in this game to spice things up.

If the Dutch had destroyed Denmark then Germany v Portugal might have been a cracking contest but when the Danes stole that the Portuguese were never going to bust a gut to beat the Germans.

[Jaspa]

4-0 Espanya

Italy are gonna get hurt

Balotelli lone striker

Italian Football again in disrepute

Everyone waiting to see what the Spaniards can do ?

[Finnegan]

4-0 Espanya

Italy are gonna get hurt

Balotelli lone striker

Italian Football again in disrepute

Everyone waiting to see what the Spaniards can do ?

If there are four goals in this game I will actually buy the first five people to laugh in my face a pint.

Never going to happen.

[1884Fox]

I don't want to see the same teams winning trophies consecutively. I want to see Italy win this one but I can see Spain winning this one 2-0.

[whoareyaaa]

Its all about the early goal once that goes in then the games become wide open.

[The Doctor]

Its all about the early goal once that goes in then the games become wide open.

I doubt there'll be an early goal, or that the game will open up.

The Italians will just sit back and keep it tight, they should get enough from the Croatia and Ireland games to sneak through, this'll just be play for a point and try and catch Spain on the counter.

I'd expect 1-0 either way at best (in terms of goals in the match).

[Northants Fox 3]

I doubt there'll be an early goal, or that the game will open up.

The Italians will just sit back and keep it tight, they should get enough from the Croatia and Ireland games to sneak through, this'll just be play for a point and try and catch Spain on the counter.

I'd expect 1-0 either way at best (in terms of goals in the match).

I have to agree with you on this, i expect it to be close 1 goal in it either way

[Corky]

Cagey match.

1-0 to Spain.

[Staff]

Cagey match.

1-0 to Spain.

This

[Asha]

If there are four goals in this game I will actually buy the first five people to laugh in my face a pint.

Never going to happen.

There we go, I'd love to be one of them.

Oh, and I'm excited about this match because it's two good teams, there should be a lot of quality on display. I'm sure they'll both feel that, whatever the result today, they should still both beat Croatia and Ireland, and so hopefully they'll be more positive.

[sdb]

Not sure Italy are all that this time around. Spain win, 2-0.

[Tom17LCFC]

If the Nadal Djokovic game ends up playing all 5 sets, what are they gonna do about the game, seeing as coverage is meant to start in 90 mins.

[Webbo]

The last time Italian players were involved in a match fixing scandal they won the world cup, Paulo Rossi one of the accused won the golden boot.

[Northants Fox 3]

If the Nadal Djokovic game ends up playing all 5 sets, what are they gonna do about the game, seeing as coverage is meant to start in 90 mins.

Tennis coverage is on ITV4 from 4pm...Think they'll continue it over on that channel

[Tom17LCFC]

Tennis coverage is on ITV4 from 4pm...Think they'll continue it over on that channel

Ideal, cheers!

[sphericalfox]

Excited why exactly?

Spain are famously patient against teams that park the bus and Italy are notorious for killing a spectacle with eleven players behind the ball. Add to that the fact that both would likely be happy with a draw and you've got yourself a guaranteed 0 - 0.

If anyone thought the Germany game was overly cautious and tactical they'll loathe this.

Don't watch the Ireland game afterwards so. Trap has uses the paint drying method. If we manage to break we'll be incapable of creating the killer cross or pass. A bit like LCFC....

The Italians love to boost confidence before a big tournie by illegal practices in their league. It'll be interesting for sure.

[Jordan]

If Italy park the bus, Spain will gladly pass the ball around the midfield and back four for as long as it takes to just pull one player out of position. It won't be cagey, it'll be more like a chess match with Spain playing the white pieces and winning 1-0.

[sphericalfox]

If Italy park the bus, Spain will gladly pass the ball around the midfield and back four for as long as it takes to just pull one player out of position. It won't be cagey, it'll be more like a chess match with Spain playing the white pieces and winning 1-0.

[sphericalfox]

Spain start with NO strikers!!!!!

[ScouseFox]

This has potential to be sensationally boring. Jumped on Iniesta/Spain to score and win seen as they're playing nobody up top.

[sphericalfox]

Starting line up for Italy:

Buffon; Maggio Chiellini Bonucci Motta; Marchisio Pirlo De Rossi Giaccherini; Balotelli Cassano

Starting line up for Spain:

Casillas; Arbeloa Ramos Pique Alba; Alonso Busquets; Silva Xavi Iniesta; Fabregas