It's interesting - I misled myself by underestimating my own team. England have all sorts of problems, but their individual defenders have real abilities in preventing goals with blocks and last-ditch tackles, esp. when recovering from mistakes.

It's true that Italy just missed some chances against England, but they were also denied goals from good positions by Cole and Johnson in particular.

Germany's wing/full backs are better attackers, but not such good defenders.

Finally, Balotelli has up to now been young and inconsistent. On another day he would have missed both chances.

I missed much of the first half, but my impression is that Germany didn't put enough energy in at the beginning. Once Italy scores first, life is hard for any team, because Italy are so comfortable defending and playing on the break.