The Bosnian guy the BBC had on during the Bosnian segment was using very strong words about Ibra. Saying the people consider him a traitor to the country.
In modern football you can't afford passengers at the highest level defensively. It wasn't just that he had few defensive responsibilities, he was practically ignoring players right next to him and strolling about. He never used to be like that.
+1
Looking back at some of the footage, there are times when he just lets people go past him like he's not there. I think the better sides will identify that and cause Italy a lot of problems.
I suppose if MOTM means the player that had the definitive moment then it was deserved, but I wouldn't say he had a better game than everyone else on the pitch.
The Sterling pass that started the move for the England goal came about because Sterling stood on Pirlo and Pirlo just let him do what he liked. He is a class above on the ball, but a bit of a passenger off it at times.
I've seem stats that show that Spain do some of the most running of anyone at major tournament. I don't think possession play uses much less energy, if at all, once you factor in all that pressing.
If the leaked tactics are true and we're playing a possession-based game against Italy then we could get absolutely schooled. I am not confident at all.
The idea that Fabregas would stay loyal to Arsenal and not go to another EPL club is hilarious. I could see him turning down Chelsea because of their history, but that's about it. If Liverpool come in with enough money then I think he'd be off.