Glad that Italy didn't make it

This morning, after Subuh prayer, i immediately switched on my TV to grab the results of this morning Group C matches. I pray hard that Italy wont make it to q-final of EURO 2004.

My pray was answered! Italy managed to get last-ditch goal (minute 94, you know...) to emerge as winner over Bulgaria, but failed to get through to q-final. In another match, Denmark and Sweden drew 2-2. In fact, Sweden was trailing Denmark 1-2, and they must avoid defeat, in which if Italy wins and they lose to Denmark, Italy will through. Luckily they managed to steal a point with 89th minute's goal.

For more story visit EURO 2004 official website, here and here.

Dont know why, but I just hate Italy. I hate the way they play, the defensive play and depend largely on counter attacks. Heard lately that they changed the style, but not sure because I never watch their matches. That's also the reason why I dont have any interest at all to follow Serie A matches.

I love the way England, France, Holland, and Czech Republic play. Open, wide play and full of attacking. Midfielders and wingers rule the game with brilliant passes, creative displays and influential dominance to create opportunities for strikers. Coupled with great running, fancy footworks sometime and excellent finishing, resulting in highly pulsating matches that make my nerves always on adrenalin rush.

Example: England vs. France, Holland vs. Rep Czech and Holland vs. Germany, during this EURO 2004.

I remember EURO 2000 semifinal match between Italy and Holland when they, as usual, displayed an uninteresting defensive play, but won the match on penalty shoot-out to reach final stage encounter with France. In final, they got an early goal, and then resorted to their defensive style for the whole of the game. Luckily, Wiltord grabbed an equaliser in the dying minutes, leading to extra-time and finally Trezeguet scored golden goal to beat them.