A number of things. The Dutch's honesty to go for a win when they

could dump the Italians out

The Italians dogged persistence despite terrible luck with refereeing decisions, which like tonight, hung on knife edge until Buffon produced that great save

Russia's loveable niavity which has seen them get a kicking but like the Ivory Coast in 2006, makes them so entertaining to watch

Turkey's "Denmark 1992" style way of getting through when they always look beaten. Only lead for 3 minutes in the comp yet are in the semis

Hollands ditching of the arguments and egos, to play together as a team and really look like they have everything to win the cup

Same with Spain, managed to ditch the regional identities to come together and fufil their potential for once

Could think of loads more examples I guess, but I'll bore you

In short I think the tourny has come together and flowed very well. I also think the organisers have got it spot on and have produced a fine specticle and backdrop

Posted By: pants, Jun 20, 23:17:50