Escape could be, and escape was. Prandelli's national team, despite a thrilling start against Denmark, an unfortunate goal conceded in the added time of the first half and Osvaldo's expulsion 16 seconds into the second half, accomplished the perfect crime: wins 3-1 with the Scandinavians and takes advantage of the 0-0 draw between the pursuers Czech Republic and Bulgaria to get ever closer to the Brazilian World Cup.
Now the Azzurri lead group B qualifying for the 2014 Brazil World Cup with 10 points, +4 over Bulgaria and +5 over the Czechs. A match that saw Denmark dominate the first 15 minutes was decided by a great goal from Montolivo and then the seals of De Rossi and Balotelli, both served sumptuously by Pirlo, who escapes any cage and together with the talent of Manchester City is the man of the match.
Italy then brings home the result with relative tranquillity, also considering the numerical inferiority, registering a few more positive signs compared to the disappointing Armenian away game: the defense with Chiellini is back to being authoritative, the midfield is by now an established point of strength, and in attack a duo like the Balotelli-Osvaldo team works better than employing the impalpable Giovinco.
OTHER GAMES - On the other fields, note the fourth victory in four games for Russia by Fabio Capello, measuring 1-0 against Azerbaijan, while the challenge in Berlin between Germany and Sweden was incredible: the Germans led 4-0 half an hour from the end, only to be sensationally recovered by Ibrahimovic and his companions, thanks to a goal by the PSG striker and two others scored in added time. Bad evening also for the other big European side, the unstoppable Spain, who conceded a draw at home against France thanks to a great action by Ribéry finalized by Giroud. The Red Furies took the lead through Sergio Ramos, then they also missed a penalty through Fabregas, but Menez's equalizer had already been canceled out in the first half. Deschamps' men then absolutely legitimized the 1-1 final with an excellent second half, in which they wasted several chances and forced Spain to play one of the worst games of the triumphant Del Bosque management.
