Title: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 15, 2008, 12:50:26 PM I couldn't find another thread on this, so here it goes.
Best year in football ever, the underdogs are preforming massively and winning. Czech Rep was 2-0 in the lead and headed for quarterfinals. Then Turkey turns around the game and wins 3-2. Two last goals the last 5 mins of the game. Just fantastic football. Same with Holland 4-1 France. Just wow. Who are you putting money on this year ? I think Croatia or Holland are winning this year. UEFA Euro 2008 delivers. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: K9 on June 15, 2008, 02:00:40 PM Either Holland or Portugal look golden to me, and I'd be happy with either of them taking it.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: pants on June 15, 2008, 04:10:03 PM Either Holland or Portugal look golden to me, and I'd be happy with either of them taking it. Only if Rinaldo could get cancer of the brain or something for being such a prat. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 15, 2008, 04:58:14 PM the last three pages of the EPL thread has the bulk of the commentary.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: squirrel on June 15, 2008, 09:39:34 PM Go Oranje!
To add actual content: I'm not a bandwagon fan of the netherlands, I've rooted for them for 15+ years, although I'm not Dutch at all. I love the system they play, it's awesome to watch when they can make it work. Total Football! They've been awesome this tourney. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Raging Turtle on June 16, 2008, 01:05:05 AM God the last 20 minutes of the Czech-Turkey game killed me. My students are going to be so depressed this week. :heartbreak: :heartbreak: :heartbreak:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Mr_PeaCH on June 16, 2008, 07:27:45 AM Yeah, that was an amazing finish by the Turks but I was rooting the other way. Oh well. And stupid of the goalie to get carded there at the end.
But yes; I am rooting for The Netherlands whole-heartedly and also for the Croats. Mostly because I just like saying 'Croats'. (So, is this now the official Euro 2008 thread then?) Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Bungee on June 16, 2008, 08:21:43 AM Preparing for the Austria vs Germany clash here.
I say it's gonna be a 3:2 for Austria .... xD Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 16, 2008, 08:46:47 AM You're rooting for the Croats the same reason I am, Mr Modric. :D
And yes, as I stated earlier, I'm pulling for the Freaky Deaky Dutch because I like my football to have some action and excitement in it. Glorious, win or lose. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 16, 2008, 01:03:58 PM And yes, as I stated earlier, I'm pulling for the Freaky Deaky Dutch because I like my football to have some action and excitement in it. Glorious, win or lose. Out one side of their mouths they say this, from the other they claim all Spanish/Portugese/insert not quite white enough national team here are a bunch of diving bitches and they deserve brain cancer despite playing football that is 10 times more attractive then their plodding boring lob balls over the top and pray opposition. P.S. Nobody in the history of the prem dived more then Robben, ffs you guys will never make any sense to me. P.P.S. No I dont think your actually racists, I think your just morons who listen to the English "press" too much to inform your viewpoint. Or your not Utd fans, or both. Like somehow Torres is a-ok and we love el nino but that other guy who plays just like him!? One time I saw him do something and I hate him now rawr. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 16, 2008, 02:49:41 PM edit. don't feel like arguing with people who have already made up their minds.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 16, 2008, 03:48:19 PM It doesn't make you a racist. But it does make you a hypocrite and an idiot.
Edit: lol@clicheneversaydie. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 16, 2008, 04:03:37 PM When Germany beats Portugal and you guys are gloating even though that is one less team that plays "like the Dutch" and +1 team that plays like England would if they didn't suck ass. We're going to revisit this wow your such a bunch of hypocrites thing.
Portugal v Germany thoughts: -CR can abuse Lahm, not to mention the LB who I can't even think of his name. -Simao or Nuno are going to have to have a good to great game. -Portugal would really be helped if they can make the inevitable in-range free kicks count because I expect Germany to roll to CR and rough him up a bit. -Portugal's defense will be exposed badly, they can't defend corners or crosses in the air for shit. Prediction: Germany wins 2-1 Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 16, 2008, 05:05:52 PM I prefer Portugal to beat Germany. I've not liked Germany for ages. Gomes is a stiff, and I'm not fond of them for numerable reasons going back a bit.
I'd like them to lose to Croatia, but I don't think that will happen. I would not be adverse to Portugal wining. I just don't think they will do it. Apologies, I forgot that arguing on the internet is stupid. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 16, 2008, 07:21:57 PM GROUP C THEORY
Holland v Romania If Holland wins this either France / Italy will make it through. Italy / France will face Spain from Grp D. Assuming Holland goes past quarter finals, they will meet Either Italy/France/Spain Now....if you are Holland what would you do? If you let Romania win, you will automatically knock Italy & France out. This would narrow the possibility to meeting Spain/Romania in semi-finals. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 16, 2008, 07:24:27 PM GROUP C THEORY Holland v Romania If Holland wins this either France / Italy will make it through. Italy / France will face Spain from Grp D. Assuming Holland goes past quarter finals, they will meet Either Italy/France/Spain Now....if you are Holland what would you do? If you let Romania win, you will automatically knock Italy & France out. This would narrow the possibility to meeting Spain/Romania in semi-finals. Romania go through with a defeat (by less than 3 goals) if Italy and France draw. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 16, 2008, 07:28:42 PM aye but really, it's all down to holland isn't it? when one side comes in with a real need to WIN while Holland doesn't even need to do a thing. It's all down to holland whether they actually want to salvage a draw or just give those reserves some runs. My friend told me the reserves shd be too much for Mutu & Friends to beat and Italy to beat the French.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jobu on June 16, 2008, 08:46:16 PM aye but really, it's all down to holland isn't it? when one side comes in with a real need to WIN while Holland doesn't even need to do a thing. It's all down to holland whether they actually want to salvage a draw or just give those reserves some runs. My friend told me the reserves shd be too much for Mutu & Friends to beat and Italy to beat the French. I'd rest the whole first 11, tell the reserves to let Romania have all the 50/50 balls, and just coast through the game. They don't owe anyone anything. Every team came here to make it to the final, not win all their group games. The two are not mutually inclusive. They have every right to piss away the game if they wanna take it easy. But I'm not one of the greatest center forwards of my generation and the heir apparent of the "Total Football" throne. I just can't see him being that pragmatic and cautious, especially after their results and momentum so far. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jeff Kelly on June 16, 2008, 11:45:13 PM I really don't get the English hatred for the German team or the Germans. At all.
I was in Manchester over the weekend and the English tabloids were falling over themselves reporting the German defeat although they didn't really care about Euro 2008 otherwise. I always get a sort of weird feeling when walking into a WH Smith. Two whole shelves full of World War 2 books and pictorials and a range of tabloids always frothing over 'The Krauts' and the next thing we supposedly did wrong, garnished with a picture of a nazi. And I thought WE were obsessed with WW2. We aren't obsessing over the Brits in quite the same fashion by the way. Oh to get back to football. Germany won't defeat Portugal, at least when they continue to play like they did vs. Austria or Croatia. Which is a pity because I really don't like those diving bastards. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Tebonas on June 17, 2008, 01:17:42 AM Well, I don't care about soccer. At all. But because my Internet was down at home yesterday (the pain) and I was bored, I watched the game. Damn, that ref needed a good lynching. From both teams.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jeff Kelly on June 17, 2008, 01:52:33 AM Well apart from ignoring most fouls by both sides (Both teams wouldn't have finished play with 11 players with another ref) calling offsides when it isn't and ignoring it when it was and not calling the odd penalty he made a good game. ;)
Oh and the 4th ref sending both managers off to the stands for complaining (they complained about the abysmal performance of the ref) was hilariously stupid. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 17, 2008, 07:19:14 AM Germany's last two games were CRAP. They are a much better side, but they really really really need to sit Gomes. He's great in the Bundesliga, but for whatever reason, he's been a complete dud in the Euros. Put Podolski up front and Schweinsteiger on the flanks and figure out the goddamn left back situation and go with it. Klose hasn't been the same since his injury in early 2007, but he and Podolski always link up well. They way they played against Croatia and Austria was just sloppy, and Gomes missed a number of clear opportunities as well as totally losing the ball when he got out on the wing. Klose was giving him service, and Gomes never returned the favor worth a damn.
As for Portugal, yes they play attractive football. But my dislike of them has nothing to do with the English press. Shit, I don't even listen to the English press except for actual news. I don't like Ronaldo, he's a whiny cunt. Torres doesn't play like him at all other than they are both fast as fuck. Torres doesn't even take free kicks, and Ronaldo is just a better out and out player on all fronts. That doesn't mean I like Ronaldo. And again, Italy is the diving team moreso than Portugal. And Italy plays BORING BORING BORING football. I can't even watch Serie A because of how boring the Italian style is. I prefer La Liga or Premier League football myself. And that ref in the Austria-Germany game needed a bitchslap. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 17, 2008, 11:23:01 AM Right now it is getting interesting (Italy - France). One red card to the French, penalty to Italy and 1-0, 33 mins into the game. And its all in Netherlands hands whether any of them will advance.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 17, 2008, 11:48:03 AM GAH
SMALL PRINT for spoilers. jesus. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 17, 2008, 01:04:36 PM Still not small enough. I can read than on my shitty laptop.
Also, if all you're going to do is tell us the fucking score what is the point of posting here? This isn't a "running commentary" thread. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Der Helm on June 19, 2008, 10:41:15 AM 5 minutes to go. I am excited. :awesome_for_real:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Der Helm on June 19, 2008, 11:39:02 AM What a game! :ye_gods:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Bungee on June 19, 2008, 03:47:10 PM Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 19, 2008, 04:38:25 PM I predicted the final score correctly, but got the teams reversed.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 19, 2008, 05:19:13 PM When Germany beats Portugal and you guys are gloating even though that is one less team that plays "like the Dutch" and +1 team that plays like England would if they didn't suck ass. We're going to revisit this wow your such a bunch of hypocrites thing. Portugal v Germany thoughts: -CR can abuse Lahm, not to mention the LB who I can't even think of his name. -Simao or Nuno are going to have to have a good to great game. -Portugal would really be helped if they can make the inevitable in-range free kicks count because I expect Germany to roll to CR and rough him up a bit. -Portugal's defense will be exposed badly, they can't defend corners or crosses in the air for shit. Prediction: Germany wins 2-1 So on to the next game eh? Fucking fuck. Aren't we all glad that Germany v Crotia will get played again!!!! Woo fucking hoo. Portugal's fault though, fucking no defense having fucks. Prediction for the next game. I'll keep it short. Crotia over Turkey. 2-0. Done. This game will either be over before half time or I'd hazard a guess be a pretty crappy 0-0 tie until the 60-70min with another goal by Croatia in garbage time. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 19, 2008, 08:04:42 PM Turkey to win.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 19, 2008, 08:51:44 PM Turkey's getting owned, 3-0. Their defense won't hold up.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 19, 2008, 10:01:26 PM ....hmmmm croatia to win Euro at 7.5
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 20, 2008, 07:37:18 AM Croatia 2-0
Holland 3-2 Spain 2-1 Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 20, 2008, 07:50:35 AM Croatia 2-0 Holland 3-2 Spain 2-1 I'm with you on this. Except Holland might be 1-0. It will be an either A) Boring as hell match or B) Awesome match. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 20, 2008, 08:04:15 AM Portugal's defense is really fucking bad. I mean, even if you take away the Ballack goal because of the pretty clear push in the back, they still let Klose just waltz unmolested to a header that should have been saved. The keeper shouldn't have come that far out unless he was going all the way, and there should have been at least 1 or 2 guys on the posts. That header wasn't even that great a header, the keeper was just in no-man's land and he had no backup. I look forward to Chelsea's set piece defense being just that bad next year. Ronaldo really had almost no impact on the game, so score one for the Krauts. Taking Gomez out and putting Schweinsteiger in worked a treat, just like I said it would. That ball from Podolski for the first goal was just sublime.
Croatia 2 - Turkey 0 Netherlands 4 - Russia 0 Spain 1 - Italy 0 *fingers crossed* Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 20, 2008, 08:10:16 AM Croatia 2-0 Holland 3-2 Spain 2-1 I'm with you on this. Except Holland might be 1-0. It will be an either A) Boring as hell match or B) Awesome match. Along with Portugal, Holland and Russia are probably the most attack-minded teams in the tournament. Barring some spectacular goalkeeping, and I just can't see them in a single goal game. I wonder where the over/under line is set? Someone who isn't at work check the betting sites and let me know :grin: Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 20, 2008, 09:39:48 AM looks like 2.5
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 20, 2008, 11:27:37 AM I think I would bet the hell out of the over.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 20, 2008, 01:13:24 PM This Croatia-Turkey match is awful. 0-0 and probably going to penalty kicks. Croatia should have scored at least 2 goals by now.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 20, 2008, 01:29:24 PM This is to cry for.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 20, 2008, 01:31:07 PM That collapse is on par with the Lakers letting Boston come back from 24 down this year.
Good lord. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Fordel on June 20, 2008, 01:53:44 PM As a Croatian fan...
/wrists Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 20, 2008, 04:48:15 PM Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 20, 2008, 04:50:58 PM Nice call Lameros, what a rediculous game. I felt pretty confident in my prediction but Crotia failed to finish and then looked like shit in the OT.
Germany clearly is in the final now, Turkey can barely field 11 at this point. This next game is the most interesting one to call so far, I'm not quite sure what will happen. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Fordel on June 20, 2008, 04:57:36 PM Between the Goal that should have been, the goal that was and the goal that should have never come... seriously, mass suicide tonight for Croatia fans. Despite their inability to actually put a ball in the net, if they had, oh, I dunno, played the ENTIRE game instead of 119 minutes of it... /cry
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 20, 2008, 06:21:57 PM hahaha. what a heartbreak. sO....Germany to win championship? :drill:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Engels on June 20, 2008, 10:32:03 PM Well, my boss is Turkish. Explains why he didn't show up for work today :P
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 21, 2008, 08:53:58 AM What a finish to that Turkey/Croatia game. How the fuck does your team COMPLETELY MISS THE GOAL on not one, but TWO penalties? That was just an :awesome_for_real: :ye_gods: collapse, especially after the game was essentially won. Defense just fell asleep on that Turkey goal. They just decided the game was theirs. Of course, the Croatia goal shouldn't have happened either. I have no idea WTF that Turkish keeper was thinking coming out after that ball. Talk about bad positioning.
Yeah, Germany FTW. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 21, 2008, 10:41:09 AM The Netherlands - Russia game is about to start. I'm hoping for a classic and I think it might be a lot closer than people think. Or The Netherlands will just smash them...
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Cyrrex on June 21, 2008, 11:29:25 AM Close is right. Nearing half time, Netherlands is lucky not to be behind by a goal or two.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Engels on June 21, 2008, 01:13:31 PM And now this brief commercial interruption (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MupAWY2PaQ0)
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 21, 2008, 01:14:46 PM It wasn't close at all in the end. Russia just dominated the extra time.
I think it's fair to say that the underdogs are kicking major ass. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 21, 2008, 01:17:39 PM Russia dominated the whole game.
The Netherlands looked like they had no fucking idea what they were doing, too slow and predictable and stationary. They really needed Robben or something to open it up. Russia was great though, I enjoyed it. They will get beaten in the semi though. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: naum on June 21, 2008, 01:44:35 PM Tomorrow, I predict Italy will defeat Spain.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 22, 2008, 06:54:35 AM ugh that's another ten bucks down the drain. what's up with these underdogs all the sudden. Damn. Bookies really making a killing. If italy really make it to final..i'd be surprised. Dead balls all the way.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Der Helm on June 22, 2008, 09:23:24 AM And I was hoping for a Netherlands - Germany match. :heartbreak:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 22, 2008, 01:13:12 PM Not spoiling, but seriously.... Fuck italy, fuck them up their fucking asses sideways.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Abagadro on June 22, 2008, 01:27:02 PM Heh, Andy Gray was just brutal on the ref today. Too funny.
Italy is indeed frustrating to watch. It's like the Devils back in the 90s with the neutral zone trap. Effective but boring as hell. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Murgos on June 22, 2008, 01:56:17 PM I don't watch too many games a year, but I am pretty glad that was one of them.
There wasn't a whole ton of action but it was fun. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 22, 2008, 02:33:39 PM That ref suuuuuucked. and the Oh, I'm hurt, stop play! crap from is bullshit.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: naum on June 22, 2008, 10:09:56 PM Heh, Andy Gray was just brutal on the ref today. Too funny. Italy is indeed frustrating to watch. It's like the Devils back in the 90s with the neutral zone trap. Effective but boring as hell. Very talented squad, but they always seem to play "not to lose" style. But justice served, as Spain deserved W. Let PK decide! Refs were worse than hockey officiating which is outright sinister, though I'm glad the Spanish dude got a YC for taking an obvious dive. I'd like to see more of that. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 22, 2008, 10:27:06 PM The announcers were brutal on everyone in that game. I can't remember how many times I heard them bitching about the reffing, or the diving, or the terrible terrible attempts over the middle. That whole game was ass until the Spanish keeper owned the Italian whiners. I do love it when the keepers shine.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Abagadro on June 22, 2008, 10:30:21 PM I need to figure out how to have a couple of 2 hour "lunches" this week.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Cyrrex on June 23, 2008, 05:19:53 AM I need to figure out how to have a couple of 2 hour "lunches" this week. Dude, you need to be creative. Take a page from the wonderful Italian side. On your way to the photocopier, gently brush shoulders with that fat guy Alfred from Human Resources. Immediately lift both - now this is important - BOTH feet from the ground and push them out behind you. You are now airborne, but don't think for a moment that you are finished with the move. Next, it is critical that you pull both of your elbows in to your ribs, and tuck both arms neatly into your body. This is key to achieving the proper amount of roll once you hit the ground - goodness knows that the worst thing you can do at this stage would be to do something foolish, like sending your limbs out in from of you to arrest your spin! Great, now you are halfway through your performance. You are going to hit the ground very soon, yet you haven't figure out what you're going to do with your hands, have you? There are two schools of thought here. Many professional divers will opt to take both of their hands and place them (open palmed) on their face. Be sure NOT to have palms facing outwards - it just looks stupid, okay? The effect on any bystanders (e.g. your boss, or that hawt girl from the tech lab) can be quite dramatic...he/she may instantly shout "oh holy bejesus he's injured his face!" Now, this could seal the deal for you, but have you spotted the obvious problem? That's right, you don't have a mark on you, do you? My advice to you would be to give yourself a healthy scratch with your thumbnail if you choose the hard-to-pull-off hands-on-face method. Maybe even jamb a finger up towards your brain to draw a little extra blood. A safer alternative is to simply take your hands and reach for that nebulous spot between your foot and your shin. No, I don't mean the ankle...that is far too specific. Chances are that most people watching your spectacular dive can relate to a simple ankle sprain, and we don't want that. What you have is worse than that, by golly. We want them to think that you've been kicked by a rabid ostritch, and that you've likely severed several important tendons. Maybe even ligaments. To help sell the effect, it will be a huge bonus if you can manage to grab the foot/shin area as you are just beginning your roll. Nothing smacks of serious injury like a guy so overcome by agony that he can't even be bothered to arrest his roll. "OMG" they'll say, "he's in so much god-damned pain that he won't even put his arms out to stop rolling!" Much like in soccer, your boss will be obliged to send you off for a the afternoon. Do us a favor though, okay? At least pretend like it still fucking hurts the next day once you're allowed back in the office. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: MrHat on June 23, 2008, 05:27:44 AM lol.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Engels on June 23, 2008, 06:02:04 AM Heh heh, good one, Cyrrex
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 23, 2008, 07:01:21 AM Where in Italy were you born, Cyrrex? :oh_i_see:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 23, 2008, 08:43:19 AM Le brilliant, Cyrrex. You must be from Milan. :drill:
Great games this weekend. The Russians absolutely dominated that game, and Arshavin will not be playing in Russia next season. He's just too good. Glad to see Luca Modric is polishing up his penalty kicks to fit in with Spurs. :awesome_for_real: Spain deserved to win that game, and that ref deserved all the derision Andy Gray could heap on him. I've seen Herr Fandel in the Bundesliga, but I don't remember a performance that bad out of him. Missing two or three clear penalties, being a fussy bitch, and then giving the Italian high marks for all their dives while carding Villa for something I didn't even consider a dive. That game is a perfect example of why I hate the Itailan team. They were boring as fuck. Sit back and defend with 10 men on the edge of the 18, and hope for a break. If not, oh well, let's go to penalties. Glad to see it bite them in the ass. Go go Iker. I still think Germany will beat them in the finals. Yep, I predict a Spain/Germany final. Turkey doesn't have enough players, and even with Arshavin, I don't think Russia can match Spain's offensive output. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 23, 2008, 01:16:28 PM Its all in Spain's hands now, Italy had the mojo and the stifling defense to prove a bad matchup but they have all the quality needed to beat their last two oponents. Yes, they have sucked in the air at times but I have this to say:
If their back line steps up like they did versus Italy, besides that one scramble that forced the amazing reflex toe-save from their GK, they should beat Germany with style. It'll help greatly that the ref will have seen the vicious berating given during yesterday's game for being too pussy to award a penalty in the box. That was the best weekend of Soccer I've ever experienced, both games were terriffic, sure it helped that teams I wanted to win won but tbh I felt both games were just quality quality football. I felt if anything Andy Gray was being the most partisan announcer of all time, is he Scottish and mad that Italy eliminated them from Euro qualifying? I wasn't able to say bad things about Italy because he was saying it all for me. I hate them for it but they proved yet again they have the greatest defensive system in the world. If Pirlo had been available or if Toni wasn't utter crap they would have likely won the game. Undeserved for sure from a neutral standpoint but come on, who didn't think they were winning for sure once it was still 0-0 in the 75th minute? Germany > Turkey by 2 Spain > Russia by 1 Germany 3, Turkey 1. Two goals in quick succession by Germany in the first half. Another added midway through the 2nd half and Turkey picks one up late. Spain 3, Russia 2. Spain scores first halfway into the first, Russia has no fear and pulls one back but unfortunately for them momentum is back with Spain by the time the half ends. Spain scores again early in the second, possibly a freekick and Russia misses some good chances before Spain puts themselves ahead by 2. Russia scores due to stupid defending with 10min or less to go but can't find the equalizer. For real, best weekend of football I've seen in I dunno how long. I'm getting a bigtime hardon for WC2010 Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Engels on June 23, 2008, 01:53:56 PM Spain historically has done well against other romance language countries, only to fold heavily against the northern european adversaries. Its an insecurity complex they have from waaay back. I suspect they will squeak past Russia, then play a timid and disorganized game against Germany and Germany will win by 2 goals or so.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 23, 2008, 03:26:41 PM I said that Russia would give Italy a run and lose to Spain, so I better stick with it. Spain has the pace and the individual skill to undo Russia, something that neither Italy or the Netherlands had, and I expect they will get over the line. Russia has really settled so they could do ok, but I can't see their defence and midfield holding up.
Turkey will find that it's not so easy to win against a team that doesn't have any brain fades in the last 5 mins of a game and will get beaten. Germany will probably beat Spain in the final and Russia will embarass Turkey in the 3/4 playoff (do they do this for the Euro?). Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 23, 2008, 03:51:23 PM Finals : Russia - Turkey. Turkey wins by scoring X needed goals the last 3 minutes.
EDIT : This is Greece all over again. :awesome_for_real: Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 23, 2008, 04:27:31 PM I felt if anything Andy Gray was being the most partisan announcer of all time, is he Scottish and mad that Italy eliminated them from Euro qualifying? No, I think he just hates pussy Italian defensive football and shitastic refs who favor one team for no good goddamn reason. And and he hates diving, playacting bullshit. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Paelos on June 23, 2008, 04:40:05 PM I felt if anything Andy Gray was being the most partisan announcer of all time, is he Scottish and mad that Italy eliminated them from Euro qualifying? No, I think he just hates pussy Italian defensive football and shitastic refs who favor one team for no good goddamn reason. And and he hates diving, playacting bullshit. Seriously, who likes that shit? Besides fans when they get the call. Honestly, I don't blame the players at all. The blame rests entirely on the referees for rewarding that kind of behavior with beneficial calls. You take away the calls and replace them with cards for diving, and watch how that kind of pussy play that's been a black mark on soccer dries up. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 23, 2008, 06:09:07 PM I felt if anything Andy Gray was being the most partisan announcer of all time, is he Scottish and mad that Italy eliminated them from Euro qualifying? No, I think he just hates pussy Italian defensive football and shitastic refs who favor one team for no good goddamn reason. And and he hates diving, playacting bullshit. He's disliked Italy for a lot longer than you've been watching soccer. I not sure of the origins, and it may well be due to an Italian history of boring football. But you can hardly throw that label and viterol at Italy this tournament compared to the past, so I think a lot of it is habit, and, as such, is really quite biased indeed. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 25, 2008, 01:17:18 PM FYI, the international feed has gone down more than ... well hell, I can't think even Paris Hilton has gone down that much on anything.
Expect large spaces of nothing but filler during your broadcast. . . However... Holy fucking shit, what a game to not be able to see. I don't even know if it's a final, but Damn if Turkey hasn't gotten my respect. 3-2 Germany now. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: squirrel on June 25, 2008, 02:11:13 PM FYI, the international feed has gone down more than ... well hell, I can't think even Paris Hilton has gone down that much on anything. Expect large spaces of nothing but filler during your broadcast. . . However... Holy fucking shit, what a game to not be able to see. I don't even know if it's a final, but Damn if Turkey hasn't gotten my respect. 3-2 Germany now. Wow. Feed sucked. Game rocked. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 25, 2008, 04:03:32 PM lol. amazing. this year's pretty predictable on the group stage, but once we entered the finals, all past histories count for nothing.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 25, 2008, 08:52:22 PM An amazing game, in which all the really amazing bits except the last got lost to the fucking lightning.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 26, 2008, 06:59:44 AM I don't know how Turkey do it. Undermanned, underdog, and they fought Germany to a standstill, with just a couple of key mistakes that cost that dearly. Great run by them.
Think Russia is going to get by Spain today, and then Germany will win the final 2-1. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Der Helm on June 26, 2008, 11:44:49 AM Literary everytime I opened a new bottle of beer yesterday, Germany scored a goal. Expect us to steamroll our opponent in the final 10-12:XX. :awesome_for_real:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 26, 2008, 03:23:24 PM I said that Russia would give Italy a run and lose to Spain, so I better stick with it. Spain has the pace and the individual skill to undo Russia, something that neither Italy or the Netherlands had, and I expect they will get over the line. Russia has really settled so they could do ok, but I can't see their defence and midfield holding up. I win again! The final is a tough one though. I'm not so confident about it. Hopefully it is a close and enjoyable affair. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: rk47 on June 26, 2008, 10:08:46 PM u seem to be on hot run lamaros :grin: so who's your favorite for cup winner ?
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Abagadro on June 26, 2008, 10:09:40 PM This final looks to be shaping up to be really good and I will actually be able to watch it. :awesome_for_real:
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jeff Kelly on June 27, 2008, 12:19:42 AM I don't think that Germany can win this against a spanish team in that shape. But that's what I also said against Portugal
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 27, 2008, 07:40:06 AM Germany always finds a way. They will win ugly, but they will win.
I have been wrong about nearly every game in the knockout rounds, so consider this a major jinx attempt! Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 27, 2008, 09:26:15 AM God what a fucking clinic, watched the rebroadcast at a bar last night, they dismantled what had been a fearless headstrong Russian team. I mean literally I kept forgetting it was a game not a televised practice during bits of the second half. Russia had no impact on that game whatsoever after halftime.
I want to see Spain win very badly, I hope David Villa will be back for the final. *edit* Well shit (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3743877,00.html) He better start Cesc over that fuckwad Guiza, I really dont like that guy even if he did score with a very nice touch versus Russia. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 27, 2008, 10:43:12 AM Yeah, Villa missing from the final will be a big deal for Spain. Torres has been just a hair off with his touch this tourney, and it wouldn't surprise me if they go with 5 in midfield and Guiza up top for the final. I doubt it though, I think Torres is first choice to start. Maybe they'll put Guiza up top beside him and go 4 in the midfield with Fabregas coming in off the bench. Lots of really good options for them.
I'm still not sure they can beat Germany, but with Klose being in mediocre form, their goals are going to have to come from Podolski and Schweinsteiger or somewhere in midfield. I predict Germany will win, but whoever wins, it should be a fantastic game. I called it... a Spain-Germany final with Germany winning it. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: naum on June 27, 2008, 02:09:56 PM God what a fucking clinic, watched the rebroadcast at a bar last night, they dismantled what had been a fearless headstrong Russian team. I mean literally I kept forgetting it was a game not a televised practice during bits of the second half. Russia had no impact on that game whatsoever after halftime. Spain totally pwned Russia. Russia never got uncorked and looked like 2 different teams from its previous match w/Netherlands. Germany, OTOH, had quite a tussle with Turkey. Which will probably mean an iota on Sunday… Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Engels on June 27, 2008, 06:52:07 PM Spain always loses to Germany. Its a psychology thing with Spain, it always is. Russia, who the heck are they? Spain doesn't get intimidated by a johnnie-come-lately. Germany on the other hand...So basically, I think that if Spain gets over its inferiority complex, it'll win, hands down. If on the other hand tradition holds, Germany is going to dance all over them. One or the other.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 29, 2008, 09:42:54 AM lolololol:
http://crouchea.livejournal.com/23874.html#cutid1 Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Abagadro on June 29, 2008, 11:18:12 AM Torres just has another gear. Amazing.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 29, 2008, 11:40:14 AM This is awesome. I'm all giddy like a schoolgirl.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Abagadro on June 29, 2008, 12:34:40 PM That was total domination.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: photek on June 29, 2008, 12:50:23 PM Football at its best. First 15 minutes looked dark then it just went boom. Same thing in second half, first 15 minutes and then total switch of roles. Fantastic EURO 2008!
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Mosesandstick on June 29, 2008, 01:14:41 PM Enjoyable. Kudos.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Murgos on June 29, 2008, 01:30:58 PM That was excellent. Hopefully, a few more Americans got turned on to 'soccer' today.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 29, 2008, 01:39:50 PM Fantastic game, fantastic goal. I'm so glad Liverpool went with Torres instead of Milito. He can just turn it on when everyone else is dead to rights.
The better team won, plain and simple. When England got eliminated in the qualifiers, I didn't think I'd watch, but I'm glad I did. That was worth every minute. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: naum on June 29, 2008, 02:31:25 PM Had to watch on a little TV in the spare bedroom as satellite ABC feed was not working… …caught most of 2nd half…
/gratz to Spain and I'm glad they won. (nothing against Germania, just that they looked like the better squad and deserved the 'W' - I hate when matches go the PK route)... Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on June 29, 2008, 06:36:17 PM The local affiliate decided to go full screen with a thunderstorm update halfway through the 32nd minute.
Motrherfucker... Great game by the Spanish and a great tournament. The better team with little doubt. My congratulations to them. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jeff Kelly on June 30, 2008, 12:19:27 AM It's a pity though that the key german players just fell apart like that. They showed against Portugal that they can play on a level with spain or other teams.
It should have been 4:0 not 1:0. Spain looked like the fucking Harlem Globetrotters most of the game. Clearly the better team won. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 30, 2008, 02:14:23 AM I don't think they fell apart, I just think they got showed up for what they are.
There aren't really many genuine quality players in the German team. Well deserved win by Spain, but they really should have won by more. A lot of tired play by both teams in the second half which was really disappointing. I didn't thinkt he match quality was that good overall. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on June 30, 2008, 07:16:03 AM There aren't really many genuine quality players in the German team. I disagree with what you said. Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Ballack and Frings are all quality players. Lahm is a decent offenive back, he just got exploited by wanting to go forward too much. Both Ballack and Frings being hurt did not help them. Klose is a world-class striker. It just so happens he has not been the same since he was injured at the beginning of 2007. World Cup 2006, he was on fire, and he carried that through the '06 part of the 06/07 season, but he got hurt and has never been the same. He looked particularly ordinary in this tournament and I think tactically, the Germans made all the wrong moves from the get go. Starting with 5 in midfield with one striker up top, especially when that striker is on a cold streak, was a really bad idea. They should have gone 4-4-2 with Podolski up top beside Klose to give him some help. Take Hitzelsperger and put him on the wing, or bench him and put Borowski on the wing. I think against a speedy side like Spain, Podolski was wasted on the wing. And even if the formation wasn't suspect, a lot of the German players had really bad games. Schweinsteiger was TERRIBLE at the free kicks, provided zero good service. WIth the height advantage of the Germans, those free kicks should have been gold, but the service blew chunks. Hell, even if they decided to keep Podolski on the wings, they could have started Kuranyi up top to help Klose out. The German side was not in form on the day, and had been inconsistent through the tournament. Great against Poland, flat against Croatia and Austria, great against Portugal, uneven against Turkey. In hindisght, I probably should have expected the Spanish to win, because they were fairly consistent throughout the tourney. To me, both Senna and Casillas are the real reason Spain won that tournament. Senna was a rock up the middle, giving the weaker Spanish defense some help, and Casillas played a lot better than I thought he would on set pieces and penalties. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on June 30, 2008, 08:59:22 AM The entire Spanish backline really gutted it out for the last 3 games, after looking very suspect. Though like others have said during the first 15 I was sure the game would end 3-0 Germany. It was so easy to slip back into, Spain can't perform and will fail hard mode. I still think Capdavilla is a weakness, but Puyol really showed me something a couple of times, though Ballack worked him real bad in the final at that one point.
Germany is going to need to find something, most of those players will only be a step slower come 2010, back to the drawing board for them. They have Russia in their qualifying group for WC too, so they dont have time to waste. The game was good and bad. For a neutral ignoring quality of play it was great to see the team that plays more attacking football be rewarded. The game had ebb and flow. But the quality of play wasn't incredible. Both teams didn't do much for finishing, quite poor really. There were a ton of long balls to nobody by BOTH teams and as said by someone else, a ton of tired play. Lots of cynical fouling, by the Germans mostly no less in that game as well. It would have benefited greatly from having David Villa in it I feel. Also Iniesta had possibly his worst game of the tourny from a highlight reel perspective. I felt like every time he got it on his feet in the final third he waited too fucking long to do anything with it. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: WayAbvPar on June 30, 2008, 10:06:47 AM Great tournament. I think I saw about 90% of the games and enjoyed them immensely. Bitter that the WC is still 2 years away. Even more bitter that the US has zero chance against the top 5 or so teams in Europe, not to mention Brazil or Argentina (even though they luckboxed a win against Argentina a couple of weeks ago). It is obvious that the US is still a full level below the world class teams.
Euro2008 also inspired me to buy PES 2008, which has me ready for RSI surgery after 2 weeks. I SUCK, but I love it. Every little improvement is such a joy. I even bought the strat guide and DVD, and am trying to incorporate one new move every time I play. Tough though- there is just a ridiculous amount of stuff to learn. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on June 30, 2008, 03:26:18 PM There aren't really many genuine quality players in the German team. I disagree with what you said. Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Ballack and Frings are all quality players. Lahm is a decent offenive back, he just got exploited by wanting to go forward too much. Both Ballack and Frings being hurt did not help them. Klose is a world-class striker. Schweinsteiger had two good games. But so what, that doesn't make him a good player. I was seriously worried when I heard remarks about Utd maybe getting him. Huge mistake. I like Podolski, but he's not a genuine star, more a decent player. Klose is completely over-rated. It doesn't matter how good he might have been at some time in the past, I'm talking about how good he is now. Ballack is of course a star. Frings is along the lines of Podolski. Lahm is someone I like but he is not quality of the likes of Evra, Ramos, Bosingwa, and co. A player who consistently gets exploited is a liability, no matter his sometime benifits. I do think that the lack of quality in the German defence made him look worse than is is though, alongside some decent centerbacks he wouldn't look quite as fragile. Compare that to sides like Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and so forth and you see some huge gaps in terms of quality across the park. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on July 02, 2008, 01:58:13 PM You don't want to compare Germany's defense with Portugal's, since... uh, Portugal's got completely owned on easy set pieces. Mertesacker and Metzelder are both decent centrebacks.
You are right, Klose is overrated now. He's been ten times better. Podolski, when he's partnered up front with Klose, is also magic. And frankly, I think Ballack is overrated (age has not been kind to him) and Frings has a fantastic shot that he didn't get to use in the tournament. Loew going away from a 4-4-2 was really the first big mistake. Hanging onto Gomez so long was his second. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on July 02, 2008, 03:40:08 PM I didn't compare the defences, I'm talking about the teams.
I wouldn't be making many huge assumptions off the back of one game, either. Mertesacker and Metzelder aren't that flash, really. The fact Lahm's weakenesses were such a big issue is as much because of their weaknesses as his. Why the was the full back at fault for Torres scoring? Because the centerbacks were in fucking dreamland. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Der Helm on July 02, 2008, 09:12:08 PM Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on July 03, 2008, 11:38:03 AM Mertesacker is part of Bremen's backline. He's decent enough (and better than Portugal's back line) but there's a reason Bremen were second in the Bundesliga this year and 3rd last year. Their entire defense does not know when to stay back, and thus get caught on the break WAY TOO OFTEN. He's big and slow, and thus his weakness is on the fast break. That Torres' goal was blamed on Lahm because it was Lahm that was covering him, and it was Lahm that tripped over his own dick.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on July 03, 2008, 03:25:44 PM It's a team game champ. No one's denying Lahm could have done better.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on July 04, 2008, 10:16:53 AM Duh? Yes, it's a team game, and one of the centre backs should have covered for him in a perfect world. When they didn't, the lone guy and keeper had the responsiblity and they fluffed it. If you're all alone isolated against Torres, it's your ass if you get beat, not the guy who should have covered for you.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Jeff Kelly on July 05, 2008, 11:24:22 PM Well if Mertesacker wasn't slow as molasses he wouldn't have to
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Hoax on August 21, 2008, 09:08:12 PM So, I thought I'd necro this and ask, where did these guys end up? They were my favorite players from Euro that weren't already on big clubs to my knowledge.
-Luka Modric (CRO) -KJ Huntelaar (NED) -Moutinho (POR) -Zhirkov (RUS) -Paulychenko (RUS) -Arshavin (RUS) -Anyukov (RUS) -Kolodin (RUS) Mostly Russians, but no surprise there, they all play in the Russian league. I know Huntelaar is/was the star on one of the better Dutch teams but thats meaningless. The Russian defense though, wow Zhirkov esp, player of the tournament imo. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: HaemishM on August 22, 2008, 08:18:48 AM So, I thought I'd necro this and ask, where did these guys end up? They were my favorite players from Euro that weren't already on big clubs to my knowledge. -Luka Modric (CRO) Tottenham Quote -KJ Huntelaar (NED) Man. U. were reported to be after him, but I don't think he's gone anywhere. Quote -Moutinho (POR) Everton were after him, and will likely get him, but haven't yet. Quote -Arshavin (RUS) Tottenham wanted him, but didn't want to pay what Zenit were asking so he's still in Russia. Quote -Anyukov (RUS) -Kolodin (RUS) -Zhirkov (RUS) -Paulychenko (RUS) Still with their Russian teams as far as I can tell. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: Amarr HM on August 22, 2008, 08:32:56 AM Funny thing now is all the talk about Barry and Alonso when Arshavin is a better player than both of them it seems, though I know a slightly different position. If I was Fergies advisor I'd be looking at a replacement for Scholes asap but Ferguson vowed to never buy another player based on their performance in a National tournament. I think after the flops of Djembe Djembe and that forgettable brazilian guy.
Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: lamaros on August 24, 2008, 04:49:43 AM Funny thing now is all the talk about Barry and Alonso when Arshavin is a better player than both of them it seems, though I know a slightly different position. If I was Fergies advisor I'd be looking at a replacement for Scholes asap but Ferguson vowed to never buy another player based on their performance in a National tournament. I think after the flops of Djembe Djembe and that forgettable brazilian guy. Not buying a guy on the back of one and half games seems to be to be a sounder philosophy than doing the opposite. Title: Re: UEFA EURO 2008 Post by: sigil on August 24, 2008, 12:16:16 PM Funny thing now is all the talk about Barry and Alonso when Arshavin is a better player than both of them it seems, though I know a slightly different position. If I was Fergies advisor I'd be looking at a replacement for Scholes asap but Ferguson vowed to never buy another player based on their performance in a National tournament. I think after the flops of Djembe Djembe and that forgettable brazilian guy. Not buying a guy on the back of one and half games seems to be to be a sounder philosophy than doing the opposite. I just wish Berbatov would be a red already so we could just move on. |