The International Tournament Winners & Losers

Winners:

Germany:
Such a confident and comprehensive display from deserving champions. They scored the most (28), conceded only 11 in their 6 matches. (Only Italy and France conceded less; 10 & 9 respectively, but did so in 5 & 3 games[just as respectively... maybe more so])
They registered 3 out of the top 5 scorers, who together tallied more goals than Spain did total. Those same 3 were also responsible for more goals than England, France and Argentina combined.
They boast 100% of the repeat man of the match award winners, Ballack & Frings; as well as 50% of the tournament's total clean sheets.
Convincing stuff, indeed.

Liam Pruitt:
Claims his first trophy in convincing style and remains on the hook for the clean sweep. A convincing lead in the league and a place in the cup 2nd round that rewards consistency can only bolster his odds on a treble.

Ingoglia & Italy:
Not all-conquering, but improving nonetheless. Occasionally brilliant and frankly vintage Ingoglia-esque play have hinted at a possible resurgence for the Sicilian. Only time will tell if he can end the season on a high(er) note.

Argentina:
Swift progress from group B coupled with a brave performance in the semi-finals spells progress.

David Villa:
Tournament top scorer, but came a cropper when it mattered in the final. Such is the nature of the beast. If the shoulders are broad enough then by all means place the team there, but as they buckle, so goes the squad and the results.

Losers:

England:
An absolutely shocking performance. Shunned the integrity and competitive aspect of the tournament at every opportunity. Nothing can be nor should be said in their defense. If "manager" David Burns wishes to escape DFA sanctions next season he'd do well to either apologize or keep quiet.

David Burns:
Displayed his worst characteristics as a manager for all to see. Poor team selection, little to no discipline, total collapse at the first hurdle, and finally an immense lack of respect for this competition.

France:
Pales in comparison to England/Burns, but a failure to collect any points in what could have been a tight group B simply must be seen as an abject failure.

The Solitary, Solitary Target Man:
Tournament top scorer, but came a cropper when it mattered in the final. Such is the nature of the beast. If the shoulders are broad enough then by all means place the team there, but as they buckle, so goes the squad and the results.

Clever, yeah?

Comments?