Yep basically it follows this pattern
England are paired up with Italy
Clueless idiots say Pirlo's old, finished, washed up etc etc
The game draws a little closer
"Surely he's not still the same Pirlo"
The game is quite close
"We'll have to keep an eye on Pirlo
...
Just before the game, people watch some clips of recent games
"Pirlo makes them tick, he is a special player"
During the game
Pirlo is GOD. Pirlo is LIFE.
After the game
Pirlo is unstoppable. Pirlo is LYF.
2 months later
He's washed up, he's finished.