Not for the first time, Europe is at war, and unlike the last two occasions, there is no need for American intervention!

For the next two weeks, I want this thread to be a realm of banter, gloating, despair (If you're an England fan) and generally anything to do with the tournament. Goals, injuries, psychic octopuses, whatever!! In all likelyhood, this thread will probably descended into a discussion about how bad England are, but I extended the invitation to our dakka brothers (and sisters) from Europe to get involved.

I can almost hear the groans of despair from across the Atlantic, but fear not, our American brothers (and sister) can still get involved. For example, if you are Frazz and you love weiner dogs, you can support Germany. If your ancestors came from Poland you can err...Support Poland Anyway, I'm not expecting much from England, but If we beat Germany, I'll die a happy man!!
Just over 24hrs to go, and the excitement is building already

As a reminder, here are the groups:

GROUP A
Greece
Poland
Russia
Czech Republic

GROUP B
Germany
Netherlands
Denmark
Portugal

GROUP C (group of debt )
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Republic of Ireland

GROUP D
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine


Finally, I'll finish with a rallying cry:

This day is called the Feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day and comes safe home
Will stand a-tiptoe when this day is named
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall see this day and live t' old age
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours
And say, "Tomorrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words —
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester —
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
This story shall the good man teach his son,
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered,
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition.
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's Day.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Not for the first time, Europe is at war, and unlike the last two occasions, there is no need for American intervention!

For the next two weeks, I want this thread to be a realm of banter, gloating, despair (If you're an England fan) and generally anything to do with the tournament. Goals, injuries, psychic octopuses, whatever!! In all likelyhood, this thread will probably descended into a discussion about how bad England are, but I extended the invitation to our dakka brothers (and sisters) from Europe to get involved.

I can almost hear the groans of despair from across the Atlantic, but fear not, our American brothers (and sister) can still get involved. For example, if you are Frazz and you love weiner dogs, you can support Germany. If your ancestors came from Poland you can err...Support Poland Anyway, I'm not expecting much from England, but If we beat Germany, I'll die a happy man!!
Just over 24hrs to go, and the excitement is building already

As a reminder, here are the groups:

GROUP A
Greece
Poland
Russia
Czech Republic

GROUP B
Germany
Netherlands
Denmark
Portugal

GROUP C (group of debt )
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Republic of Ireland

GROUP D
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine


Finally, I'll finish with a rallying cry:

This day is called the Feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day and comes safe home
Will stand a-tiptoe when this day is named
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall see this day and live t' old age
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours
And say, "Tomorrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words —
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester —
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
This story shall the good man teach his son,
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered,
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition.
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's Day.

Wait is this football, or betting which countries get kicked out of the Euro in the next 30 days?

Either way Germany will do alright.

GROUP A
Greece
Poland
Russia
Czech Republic

GROUP B
Germany
Netherlands
Denmark
Portugal

GROUP C (group of debt )
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Republic of Ireland

GROUP D
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine

My predictions

I mirror HM's predictions...

I am unexcited about the tournament so far, but will no doubt watch the England games. My expectations for success couldn't be lower though. I would not be overly surprised if we failed to make it out of the group stage.

Flashman wrote:I am unexcited about the tournament so far, but will no doubt watch the England games. My expectations for success couldn't be lower though. I would not be overly surprised if we failed to make it out of the group stage.

TBh I think that was the FA's plan when they got Hogson instead of Redknapp, lower the expectation and hype that is usually generated by the media

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Flashman wrote:I am unexcited about the tournament so far, but will no doubt watch the England games. My expectations for success couldn't be lower though. I would not be overly surprised if we failed to make it out of the group stage.

TBh I think that was the FA's plan when they got Hogson instead of Redknapp, lower the expectation and hype that is usually generated by the media

Nah, was probably more to do with 'Arry being a gak manager, who either (according to his defence in court) can't read or write at a primary school level, or is a tax dodging fethhead and who has bankrupted every club he's ever been at. While Roy is dignified, experienced and can make astute tactical decisions.

Frazz, this is football!!!

Holland could potentially pip Germany to top spot. We shall see.

Fact of the day: Roy is the only English manager to have read crime and punishment

Anyway, the England team has arrived in Krakow. Exciting times ahead. Meanwhile, our Ukranian rivals have been laid low by food poisoning.

reds8n wrote: Either way Germany will do alright.

Haha!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

but If we beat Germany, I'll die a happy man!!

So if yours win you'll die? Rest assured we'll save your life and beat them!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
GROUP A
Greece
Poland
Russia
Czech Republic

GROUP B
Germany
Netherlands
Denmark
Portugal

GROUP C
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Republic of Ireland

GROUP D
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine

Contribution to the wild guesses:

Frazzled wrote:
Wait is this football, or betting which countries get kicked out of the Euro in the next 30 days?

Its a tourny to decide who gets kicked out and when. The finalists gets to keep the Euro.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
Anyway, the England team has arrived in Krakow. Exciting times ahead. Meanwhile, our Ukranian rivals have been laid low by food poisoning.

Good plan, sharing your food with them beforehand..

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Frazz, this is football!!!

As I read this, I imagined you kicking Frazz into a pit filled with hungry wiener dogs I admit I giggled a little, and got some odd looks from around the office

I'm not a fan of football, in fact, I only ever watch it when England play in the World Cup (So, maybe 1 game every 4 years ) I might watch England play the Euro, but, lets face it, we fething suck. We won't last long

My guess.

I was hoping to see a debate on the incompetence of the European Union's governing bodies, but then found out it was about soccer instead.

Sad panda.

Wait, I didn't notice my two teams in the sweeps are from the same group.. *sadface* going to have to hope France implodes again.

My choices.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
Anyway, the England team has arrived in Krakow. Exciting times ahead. Meanwhile, our Ukranian rivals have been laid low by food poisoning.

See if 'arry had been manager he would have brought the spurs cook and England would have food poisoning.




Automatically Appended Next Post:

Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote: going to have to hope France implodes again.

They might, but Blanc seems a really good manager, but then it is France and they argue like the Dutch teams of old. I just want to see Evra and Nasri have a little cry.

So if yours win you'll die? Rest assured we'll save your life and beat them!

Never! There will always be an England! It is the dream in every man's heart!

As I read this, I imagined you kicking Frazz into a pit filled with hungry wiener dogs I admit I giggled a little, and got some odd looks from around the office

In the past, I have been tempted You look fairly new to this forum, so I'll let you into a little secret about Frazz:
Publicly, he declares his love for Texas and Nancy Reagan, but privately, he yearns for European socialism and the metric system to be imposed on Texas

I was hoping to see a debate on the incompetence of the European Union's governing bodies, but then found out it was about soccer instead.

Sad panda.

No excuse for not getting involved!

See if 'arry had been manager he would have brought the spurs cook and England would have food poisoning.

Every man and his dog knows it was the gunners that sabotaged the spurs lasagne!!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

See if 'arry had been manager he would have brought the spurs cook and England would have food poisoning.

Every man and his dog knows it was the gunners that sabotaged the spurs lasagne!!

And that is why we eat lasagne every year when St. Totteringhams day comes round.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

As I read this, I imagined you kicking Frazz into a pit filled with hungry wiener dogs I admit I giggled a little, and got some odd looks from around the office

In the past, I have been tempted You look fairly new to this forum, so I'll let you into a little secret about Frazz:
Publicly, he declares his love for Texas and Nancy Reagan, but privately, he yearns for European socialism and the metric system to be imposed on Texas

Texas is basically Spain, so he is technically already a European socialist.

I usually favor Germany and I want them to win, but they have had some difficulties during the past month. Team Germany/Bayern Munich has not been able to close convincingly. But then again Germany is not unknown for having a weak run-up to a major tournament only to find their footing during the first game and then play like they are on fire.

dæl wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

See if 'arry had been manager he would have brought the spurs cook and England would have food poisoning.

Every man and his dog knows it was the gunners that sabotaged the spurs lasagne!!

And that is why we eat lasagne every year when St. Totteringhams day comes round.

Fething gooner /\ (there is no worse insult.)

But in Anycase

DEUSTCHLAND will win.

I have to say I am holding out hope that England will surprise everyone and win it to prove everyone wrong now that they are getting the negative comments. However, realistically, I reckon Germany will claim the cup.

Azza007 wrote:I have to say I am holding out hope that England will surprise everyone and win it to prove everyone wrong now that they are getting the negative comments.

Isn't that what everyone says, every time?

captain collius wrote:

dæl wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

See if 'arry had been manager he would have brought the spurs cook and England would have food poisoning.

Every man and his dog knows it was the gunners that sabotaged the spurs lasagne!!

And that is why we eat lasagne every year when St. Totteringhams day comes round.

Fething gooner /\ (there is no worse insult.)

But we've stolen it as a name that now instils pride.

Tibbsy wrote:

Azza007 wrote:I have to say I am holding out hope that England will surprise everyone and win it to prove everyone wrong now that they are getting the negative comments.

Isn't that what everyone says, every time?

Difference is this time I actually hope its true. There has been so much negativity that they might win out of spite.

Azza007 wrote:

Tibbsy wrote:

Azza007 wrote:I have to say I am holding out hope that England will surprise everyone and win it to prove everyone wrong now that they are getting the negative comments.

Isn't that what everyone says, every time?

Difference is this time I actually hope its true. There has been so much negativity that they might win out of spite.

England will not win for the English, but as a giant 'feth you' towards the English?

I can see them doing it, selfish enough most of them. Then again they could end up just being lazier than ever.

Eight hours to go!! Yeah!! Hopefully the opening ceremony will be USA 94 style and Diana Ross!!

Match Previews:

1) Greece Vs Poland

Given that Poland haven't won a game at the Euros since 2008, and Greece have only scored 10 goals in the last 14 games, don't expect a free-flowing festival of football. Ignore the sentiment about Poland having home advantage. This has 0-0 stamped all over it.
Prediction: 1-1


2) Russia Vs Czech Republic

Given that the Czech Republic struggled against Scotland in the qualifiers, then don't expect miracles from these goal shy Bohemians. Polish vodka is almost as good as Russian vodka, so expect the Russians to be in a good mood as they clock up a win. And if they don't they could always send in the tanks again!

Prediction: 2-0 to the Russians.

I reckon the Poles might do alright, they've got a great keeper.

And I think the Czechs will beat Russia.

We shall see soon enough.

If the Czechs beat Russia, then I'll bare my backside in front of the Kremlin! And you can quote me on that!

There is no way the Czechs are going to win. They struggled against Scotland!!!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:If the Czechs beat Russia, then I'll bare my backside in front of the Kremlin! And you can quote me on that!

There is no way the Czechs are going to win. They struggled against Scotland!!!

The ghost of Nedved shall possess each and every one of them.

Also, that wouldn't be very nice for the Russians, they'd not only lose, but also have to put up with someone mooning them.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:If the Czechs beat Russia, then I'll bare my backside in front of the Kremlin! And you can quote me on that!

We expect pics..


Uninformed guess
Poland - Greece 1:1
Russia - Czech 1:0

I reckon,

Poland - Greece 1:0
Russia - Czech 1:2

All russia have to do is contain Rosicky, he runs the Czech team

It has begun.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
And Poland are looking better than I thought they would.

Now were those yellows leading to the red deserved? Did seem a bit of a pathetic booking.

Azza007 wrote:Now were those yellows leading to the red deserved? Did seem a bit of a pathetic booking.

Home side has got to get through, Poland to pull a South Korea and get to the semis. You heard it here first.

Azza007 wrote:Now were those yellows leading to the red deserved? Did seem a bit of a pathetic booking.

First yellow I can accept, but the problem is that if you call a game hard from the beginning then it leaves you committed to keep on calling like that.

The second yellow seems a bit over the top, but I have no idea what it looked like from where the ref was standing.

Third yellow was a card for dissent, but you should not give them this much to dissent about.

Well, that makes things interesting.

Third yellow I agree with, it was the first 2 that I question, the first was a perfectly fine tackle IMO and the second wasn't worth a booking either, a foul yes but not worthy of a yellow.

Well that makes things really interesting.

well, Poland still looking to win a game in a Euro and thats looking ever unlikely

That red was deserved as well

This game is a holy mess.

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:well, Poland still looking to win a game in a Euro and thats looking ever unlikely

That red was deserved as well

Slightly more likely now.

And yeah, the red was deserved.

d-usa wrote:This game is a holy mess.

In fairness its mostly the ref's fault

Well I'm decidedly unimpressed with that. Bring on the Russia-Czech game! Hopefully that should provide more entertainment.

The two reds and saved penalty were a little bit of fun, not much, just a little.

Haven seen that refs recent history it wasn't really a surprise, he apparently can't let a game flow and loves handing out cards


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Russia 1-0 nil up, looks like this game will be interesting

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:If the Czechs beat Russia, then I'll bare my backside in front of the Kremlin! And you can quote me on that!

Youre lucky. Mother Russia provided.



Uninformed guess / reality:
Poland - Greece 1:1 game = 1:1
Russia - Czech 1:0 game = 4:1


Guessed one right

1hadhq wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:If the Czechs beat Russia, then I'll bare my backside in front of the Kremlin! And you can quote me on that!

Youre lucky. Mother Russia provided.



Uninformed guess / reality:
Poland - Greece 1:1 game = 1:1
Russia - Czech 1:0 game = 4:1


Guessed one right

#

and got the outcomes right, well done

Tomorrow's predictions

Holland 3 Denmark 0 (Roben, Van Persie (2))
Germany 2 Portugal 1 (Ozil, Kroos, Ronaldo)

How about:

Holland : Denmark = 2 : 0
Germany : Portugal = 2 : 2

Holland : Denmark = 1:1
Germany : Portugal = 1:0

Well, it looks like the good citizens of Moscow have been spared the sight of my hairy butt!

I'm feeling smug that my predictions came true and that the naysayers on this site were forced to eat humble pie

So far, the football had been top quality (apart from the ref in the first game) long may it continue.

Did anybody notice that Howard Webb was not giving the Czechs anything in that game. The reason: Russia were playing in red so Webb probably thought he was back at Old Trafford

Anyway, predictions: I'm going to buck the trend here and predict a DRAW in the Netherlands/Denmark game and a victory for Germany against Portugal.

Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure sparring with you lot, but I'm off to the pub for the day. I'll be back at sunrise. Keep the thread going.

If the referees keep on being super pedantic, its going to be a spank tournament.

I mean, feth me.. do they want it to be a non contact sport?!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
Anyway, predictions: I'm going to buck the trend here and predict a DRAW in the Netherlands/Denmark game and a victory for Germany against Portugal.

That's what I said, you are not bucking the trend, you are bandwagoning me

I hope Spain and/or the Republic of Ireland win.

They need financial windfalls badly for their respective nations.

One Euro 12 win should cut unemployment rates in half!

Also, I have obligations to back them one way or the other, also despite the fact they are in the same grouping....

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Well, it looks like the good citizens of Moscow have been spared the sight of my hairy butt!

I'm feeling smug that my predictions came true and that the naysayers on this site were forced to eat humble pie

humble pie being eaten.

Did anybody notice that Howard Webb was not giving the Czechs anything in that game. The reason: Russia were playing in red so Webb probably thought he was back at Old Trafford

This made me chuckle

Anyway, predictions: I'm going to buck the trend here and predict a DRAW in the Netherlands/Denmark game and a victory for Germany against Portugal.

Eriksen is a good player, but the Dutch have far more, far better players. 4:1 to the Orange
Germany Portugal I see being much closer. 3:2 to ze Germans.

Yes, I think/hope we may see 10 goals today.

About to tune in for the second half of the Denmark - Holland game.
Really looking forward to the Germany match later!

Looking ahead to England's fixtures I'm starting to see why people are pessimistic about their chances. If you go by stature then it will likely be either Spain or Italy awaiting in the knockout phase.

The Dutch don't deserve to be behind, they've played much better football.

Are you fething kidding me...

TiB wrote:Are you fething kidding me...

Do you mean the last post or the outcome of Netherlands-Denmark, which (I guess) nobody expected?

Dark Scipio wrote:

TiB wrote:Are you fething kidding me...

Do you mean the last post or the outcome of Netherlands-Denmark, which (I guess) nobody expected?

even the danish didn't expect that

That Germany line up looks proper tasty apart from the striker, Gomez is gak, i'd have stuck Muller or Podolski up front and brought in Gotze.

Look at my flag

van Persie not remembering which side of the goalposts he was supposed to place the ball and a denied penalty mean the Netherlands face an uphill battle to even make it past the first round.

Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

I am more worried about our Coach not wearing his signature sweater.

d-usa wrote:Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

My issue with Gomez is that it seems to take him a too many attempts for every goal scored. Also I'd like to shoehorn in the guy that pretty much runs the team that won the league for the last two years.

dæl wrote:

d-usa wrote:Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

My issue with Gomez is that it seems to take him a too many attempts for every goal scored. Also I'd like to shoehorn in the guy that pretty much runs the team that won the league for the last two years.

True, and by now he plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Would love to see Klose put into the game.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
The referees in these games so far...

Gomez looks to me like a thin Frank Mir. Don't understand why the ref didn't play an advantage to see what Germany could do for that foul.

Azza007 wrote:Gomez looks to me like a thin Frank Mir. Don't understand why the ref didn't play an advantage to see what Germany could do for that foul.

Gomez got the pass and he had a clear shot to the goal. So he probably would still have missed .

But really, he should have let Gomez miss the shot before blowing the whistle.

d-usa wrote:

Azza007 wrote:Gomez looks to me like a thin Frank Mir. Don't understand why the ref didn't play an advantage to see what Germany could do for that foul.

Gomez got the pass and he had a clear shot to the goal. So he probably would still have missed .

But really, he should have let Gomez miss the shot before blowing the whistle.

It would have got rid of one of his mandatory misses.

This Portugal team look really hard to break down, so many players behind the ball even when they attack.

Gomez doesn't seem t be doing too bad in this game.

What is with Germany just hanging around outside the penalty box instead of going in for the attack most of the time. Bit boring.

Germany seems to be doing the same thing that they were doing during the last Euro and World Cup.

When they attack they have this fancy game plan that was probably all drawn out and practiced over and over again, needing everybody to be in the exact precise spot for it to work. When it doesn't work they just pass back and forth until the next exact formation shows up that they have planned before.

There seems to be no improvisation, no communication, and no "just hit the ball towards the goal" from our team.

Guy is pressured in the middle so he passes towards the flank because the middle if full of defenders. So what does the guy on the flank do? He runs back towards the middle. Passes to people that just walk away from where the pass is headed, defenders that watch people walk by.

Lets get our head in the game here.

They're threatening to abandon the match because of the stuff that keeps on getting thrown onto the pitch.

People need to quit being idiots.



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Another mandatory Gomez miss.

How about that? a Gomez goal, you would have thought that, not d-usa...

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Azza007 wrote:How about that? a Gomez goal, you would have thought that, not d-usa...

He missed it often enough, he was due for one.

Azza007 wrote:How about that? a Gomez goal, you would have thought that, not d-usa...

Nor Mr Löw, he was about to sub him.

Neuer is earning his keep today.

That Neuer is a bit good.

ninja'd

The ref has made some good calls when it has come to shirt pulls today. Neuer has been playing well, without a doubt. That should have been a goal nut great save.

Our offense has been so-so, missed some good opportunities.

But our defense is making it happen today though.

Well Germany seem a bit less scary after watching this game, the Dutch as well.

Been putting bodies on the line to block the shots, mind you the Portuguese had played well defensively I think, holding off Bayern Munich for so long.The Portuguese did have more chances on the offense as well though. Agree with the comments they played negatively.

Azza007 wrote:Been putting bodies on the line to block the shots, mind you the Portuguese had played well defensively I think, holding off Bayern Munich for so long.The Portuguese did have more chances on the offense as well though. Agree with the comments they played negatively.

More chances? Germany had much, much more chances, Portugal just had the much better (and the game from 80min mark on) chances.

d-usa wrote: Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

Would you like some fries and coke to go with that humble pie

To be fair, Gomez was awful in the CL final against Chelsea.

dæl wrote:
Well Germany seem a bit less scary after watching this game, the Dutch as well.

Germany beat a decent side and they weren't playing that well. That is never a good sign.

Anyway, Danish bacon was sizzling yesterday. and the Dutch? what happened to the clogs of war?

As for today's games, Spain Vs Italy is a match where you wished both sides could lose. There will be lots of rolling around.
Ireland/Croatia has 0-0 stamped all over it, but will probably end up 6-3 or something!!

Finally, how bad is ITV's coverage. Has anybody looked at Adrian Chiles and Southgate and thought: I could do better than that for 1 million a year!!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

d-usa wrote: Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

Would you like some fries and coke to go with that humble pie

To be fair, Gomez was awful in the CL final against Chelsea.

Heck, even coach was ready to call it quits and was preparing to pull him from the game. Gomez is just not consistent in my opinion, he didn't do that well in 2010 or 2012 and had the same issue in the Champions League final. He gets the goals from time to time, but he has to take a buttload of shots to get there. I just think Klose is a more consistent player.

I will have some fine German beer with my humble pie though

There are two things about Germany that puzzle me
1) Where is the lucky jersey?

2) What's up with Muller? He always looks dangerous, more so than Gomez, but yet, Muller is always shunted out wide. Strange.

And yeah, Klose is a center forward's forward.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:There are two things about Germany that puzzle me
1) Where is the lucky jersey?

1) Loew without his sweater is just weird.

Expected more from us and was wrong... if they keep at this performance, lots of 1:0 or draws to come.

next attempt:
Spain vs Italy 2 : 1
Ireland vs Croatia 0 : 0 ( trappatoni... funny interviews ahead )

1hadhq wrote:Expected more from us and was wrong... if they keep at this performance, lots of 1:0 or draws to come.

next attempt:
Spain vs Italy 2 : 1
Ireland vs Croatia 0 : 0 ( trappatoni... funny interviews ahead )

Are you Mehmet? Or Basler? Or are you Strunz?

Gomez doesn't score often in tournaments but does in qualifying, which is something that always left me wondering about him. He did get a peach of a header last night though. But can a German team that's played like that challenge the Spanish or even the French?

Hopefully there's a draw between Spain and Italy tonight and we sqeeze past Croatia: I'm looking forward to the battle between Dunne and Modric and hopefully the former will do enough to keep the little fella from scoring. I'd take 1-0 any day of the week.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:

d-usa wrote: Gomez is a great player, he just never seems to be able to deliver on the big stage.

Would you like some fries and coke to go with that humble pie

To be fair, Gomez was awful in the CL final against Chelsea.

dæl wrote:
Well Germany seem a bit less scary after watching this game, the Dutch as well.

Germany beat a decent side and they weren't playing that well. That is never a good sign.

Anyway, Danish bacon was sizzling yesterday. and the Dutch? what happened to the clogs of war?

As for today's games, Spain Vs Italy is a match where you wished both sides could lose. There will be lots of rolling around.
Ireland/Croatia has 0-0 stamped all over it, but will probably end up 6-3 or something!!

Finally, how bad is ITV's coverage. Has anybody looked at Adrian Chiles and Southgate and thought: I could do better than that for 1 million a year!!

Nikica Jelavic is quality, there's a strong chance of him getting on the score sheet if he starts for Croatia.

Torres still proves, that even after his amazing goal against Barca, he is still a bit of deer in the headlights when in front of goal.
His confidence seems like it might never recover.

Other than that, the game was okay, a lot of nice passing play, but also a lot of sloppy passing play, but it kept my interest up.
Will be quite interesting to see how the next game goes down, a Croatia win might get both the Italian and Spanish boys a might concerned, as a slip up might mean curtains.


As to the itv coverage, aye its a bit like pulling teeth in places, but its stream on the net is a beauty, so happy for that while trapped here at work.

Beating Germany, England won't since both will not be in a clash at Euro 2012. I guess the English team will not win a game in group D.
But if Germany will not find how it played during the last two years, they will be out soon.

So much for 0-0, the Croatians might run away with this judging by the difference in technical ability, shame really 'cause the Irish are great fans.

I really like these brave Irish men.

dæl wrote:So much for 0-0, the Croatians might run away with this judging by the difference in technical ability, shame really 'cause the Irish are great fans.

The Irish just needed a single sleeping croatian defender it seems.

Funny watching Dara O'Briain tweet during the game, well done Croatia, Now Spain just need to win both their games and Croatia to beat Italy and I get group C spot on

What a shocker from Torres. Chelsea have ditched Drogba but held Torres...I mean WTF WTF WTF x 1000

As for Ireland, the Irish jig ground to a halt. You need inspiration at this level, perspiration will only take you so far. Still a slice of humble pie for me, so much for 0-0. Good game to watch, though.

But today is a date with destiny. It's 1415 again, Henry V part 2. England Vs France.
England expects everyman to do his duty... in other words, It'll be 2-0 to the French.
TBO, I don't mind England losing to America, or Australia, or even the Germans (god forbide) but to lose to the French!!!
Nay nay and thrice nay!!!

Croata were fantastic, always forget how good they really are.
Can definatly see them beating either Italy or Spain (Spain more likely on their showing) and the game against Italy on Thursday could be one of the best in the tournament if both teams play like they did yesterday.

Group B was boring, 3 fantastic teams, and one decent team. Was expecting much better.

Group A wasn't all that bad, Poland game wasn't exactly the best, but Russia beating the Czechs fairly easily provided some good play.

Not sure what to expect form England today, suppose France will win. They've got a very good side, I hope Walcott and Ox start, at least that way we have two fast exiting wingers who pose a threat. If Downing starts and were playing poorly in the first 15/20, i'm just going to stop watching. Downing is rubbish, outscored and assisted by the Everton goal keeper this season. Why on earth is he in the squad? Let alone likely to play...

The other game will be interesting, Ukraine on home turf (unless their playing in Poland?) against a pretty decent Sweden side, could be entertaining.

There is my summery so far

Group B was always going to be tight, but the Dutch need to win against Germany, so expect a decent game there.
Walcott has pace, but he couldn't cross a football coupon, so his attacking threat is nullified.
Downing is in the squad because...er...er...er...shrugs shoulders

Walcott is still dangerous.
He often appears to lack (footballing) intelligence, doesn't know what to do with the ball. But his pace often gets him into positions that mean what ever he does with the ball, there is going to be some threat.

As for Downing, there are so many better wingers. Pilkington at Norwich, played for Ireland youth team, but is English (so can play for either) and despite being I believe the top scoring 'Irish' player in the Prem (8 goals, I'm sure I read top scoring, but thats without checking how many Long, Doyle or Keane scored) wasn't picked by Ireland, maybe he's told them he wants to play for England. Also they didn't pick Hoolahan for some strange reason, better than most of the Irish midfielders... Anyway, so Pilkington, Dyer and Sinclair at Swansea, Adam Johnson despite limited game time is better, Joe Cole would be a better option. So I can think of 5 players easily more effective than Downing without having to think to hard or look at squads.

On Walcott, I'm a gooner so slightly biased but on the other hand I watch him week in week out, he set up a lot of goals for RvP this year and scored a few too. His decisions are still a bit lacking but he's improved loads this season, I think the Ox helped by actually showing what a multi million pound teenage winger from Southampton should play like. Hope the Ox gets at least half an hour on the field. Sky Sports reckon Hodgson will play Milner and Downing on the wings. I hope to god that's not the case. France look a decent side, especially with Blanc in charge, their certainly beatable though. Come on England.

The rumoured line up now has OX and Young on the wings... Welbeck upfront.

The BBC wrote: England are expected to pair Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck in attack against France on Monday, with James Milner on the right wing and Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left.

Manchester City's Joleon Lescott should partner John Terry in central defence.

BBC Radio 5 live's senior football reporter Ian Dennis said: "The team won't be confirmed until an hour before kick-off but this will be the England team which starts here at Euro 2012: Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole, James Milner, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck.

It makes sense to have the two goal scorers from the warm up games starting I guess. Other than Ox (which in my mind it a good choice) It seems like a pretty obvious starting line up, at least until Rooney gets to the end of his ban.

rodgers37 wrote:The rumoured line up now has OX and Young on the wings... Welbeck upfront.

Hell yes! I am now a happy camper. If France play Mexes then we should have him on pace.

What was with Chiles slagging off the French tracksuit, bit sad.

Azza007 wrote:What was with Chiles slagging off the French tracksuit, bit sad.

Worthwhile advice there from the notorious fashionista Chiles.

I hate football and don't have the least bit of interest in the euro 2012...

Expect this comment to be reversed if by some miracle we manage to win the game against Denmark on Wednesday.

Another injury in warm up for England, this time the goal keeping coach tears his achilles tendon. I think there is a curse on the time, it is ridiculous.

Cabaye shouldn't be on the field any more, two professional fouls stopping counter attacks.

Agreed, at the least he needs to be booked. Just gutted the fact this is from a Newcastle player (NUFC fan here). Milner though needs to be slapped for missing that open goal.

England lucky to go in level IMHO. France have looked the sharper team, although I don't think their defence is anything special.

Flashman wrote:England lucky to go in level IMHO. France have looked the sharper team, although I don't think their defence is anything special.

Don't think lucky is the right word.. France havent done anything to deserve the lead to be honest

France have been lucky they are not 2-1 down. Not sure what the ref is thinking though, all these fouls and he does nothing.

Aye the ref was annoying me by the end, but I'd take a draw against France at the start of the game, so at least we got a point.

My heart skipped a beat when Benzema took that shot at the death and it sorta bobbled towards Hart mind.

Azza007 wrote:France have been lucky they are not 2-1 down. Not sure what the ref is thinking though, all these fouls and he does nothing.

That referee wants shooting after that. I hope they don't let him loose on any other match. It is interesting that he's Italian, who if they qualify will face someone from England's group.

The Ox was superb for a teenager, fair play to the lad.

Thanking God engalnd didn't win,

And the ref was being perfectly fair, just the fact the English players were diving all over the place looking for freekicks

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:And the ref was being perfectly fair, just the fact the English players were diving all over the place looking for freekicks

I take it you were watching a different game then. Why would people dive on the halfway line when they are on a counter and have two against two? This happened a few times. The Gerrard incident on the edge of the box was a foul, looked like a dive at first but it was a foul. The Milner getting shoved over was also a foul with no intention to do anything other than foul him. There were many, many more, but those are probably most important ones.

Hlaine, you're talking absolute gak, son.

The ref missed clear fouls by French players. He had a shocking game, really. Fair played to The Lads, though - I thought they looked good against a fairly 'one-note' French team. The goal we conceded was fairly unlucky too, I thought. If Hart's view hadn't been blocked, I reckon he would have had it covered. Also, Milner should have done better with his chance, to say the least - I don't think it would have been beyond his capabilities to dink it over the keeper, first time.

All in all, a good England performance. We looked tidy.

England vs. France was one of the less exciting games at the Euro, with a very slow pace. The possible opponents in the quaarter final Spain and Italy seem to be in better shape.

Yes, not very favourable refereeing. If he's Italian, I guess he's just fed up with seeing people fall over whenever an opposing player comes near them

But considering the poor refereeing decisions (or lack thereof), I thought the game was played in the right spirit with very little whining or complaining from either side (besides some face clutching nonsense from Parker in the first half and Ribery in the second). Proper North European football that

Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

This is my fear. Ukranian's will be hard to break down and we have an awful record against Sweden in group games.

Flashman wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

This is my fear. Ukranian's will be hard to break down and we have an awful record against Sweden in group games.

hahaha, so glad I'm not part of "we"

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Flashman wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

This is my fear. Ukranian's will be hard to break down and we have an awful record against Sweden in group games.

hahaha, so glad I'm not part of "we"

I'm guessing your Scottish?

rodgers37 wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Flashman wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

This is my fear. Ukranian's will be hard to break down and we have an awful record against Sweden in group games.

hahaha, so glad I'm not part of "we"

I'm guessing your Scottish?

And hence not part of the tournament either.

rodgers37 wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Flashman wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Ukraine are looking solid in the game, Sweden don't seem to be doing much to try and score

This is my fear. Ukranian's will be hard to break down and we have an awful record against Sweden in group games.

hahaha, so glad I'm not part of "we"

I'm guessing your Scottish?

Maybe, but why be glad about anything if you haven't seen non-qualifying international football since 1998

Sweden- Ukraine: Unbelievable, the old man Shevchenko turned the game around. Ibrahimovic needs to come back...

Wow really a surprise. I was working so could only listen to it on the radio, but sounds like Ukraine aren't the joke 'lose all 3 games painfully' team most people thought they were going to be.

Draw was a fair result. Let's be honest though, England and France hardly set the world on fire. I mean, Milner, great scotland yard. It was harder not to score.
Once again ref had a shocker. Still, should be 3 points against the Swedes.

Finally, I almost choked on my tea when I saw Voronin turn out for the Ukraine. After his shocking displays at Liverpool, I was under the impression the European court gave him a lifetime ban from football!!

Is it true that Ray Clemence got injured?? He's a coach FFS

I enjoyed England v France, to be fair. It was an intriguing match-up, tactically. I like the idea of England being well-drilled and hard to beat, even if it means losing a little attacking flair.

Albatross wrote:I enjoyed England v France, to be fair. It was an intriguing match-up, tactically. I like the idea of England being well-drilled and hard to beat, even if it means losing a little attacking flair.

The French played a sort of tiki taka lite, while we were disciplined and countered well, apart from their goal when we had 8 players in our box and noone closing down the ball, we maintained concentration throughout. If this is how Roy has us playing I'm really quite happy with it overall. After seeing everyone play now I haven't seen any team really look head and shoulders above the rest, so maybe we can pull a Greece and by being hard to beat we can go quite far. I especially like the fact there seems this new generation coming through, we look good for next time with Welbeck, Young, Oxcart-Chamberpot, Hart and with the likes of Smalling and Wilshere who aren't even there. One thing about the France game, we should have brought Walcott on earlier, perhaps ahead of Defoe, we seemed to have them on pace, Welbeck was turning Mexes over nearly every time he ran at him. Ukraine won't be an easy game on Friday but I think we can come away with three points, and with Roy's past we should have the measure of Sweden, so we'll have to see how Spain's group pans out, would love to see Croatia get through, I think they deserve to based on their last game.

England were diving all over the place?

I thought prescription glasses were free in Scotland?

mattyrm wrote:England were diving all over the place?

I thought prescription glasses were free in Scotland?

Unfortunately the beer goggles cancel those out!

I'm worried that the bandwagon has started to roll again. We've drawn with France and people are getting carried away again.

Anyway, onwards with tonight's games. A win for the Czech (they have to attack) and then we have Poland Vs Russia.

First rule of sports betting: never let the wife catch you betting

Second rule, avoid emotion. Poland Vs Russia is way too hard to call. Russia are better on paper and they are the form team, but Poland will have hundreds of years of history urging them on. Football is a funny game and stranger things have happened. We need an American to call this one

The Czechs won then, Now I just need Russia to win and Czechs to win their final game for my predictions for group A to be back on track

Russia vs. Poland 1-1

Love it, keeps it all nice and exciting for the last round of matches.
Even if the Netherlands don't advance we still have a morsel of dutch pride in Russia's coach .

Germany vs Holland tonight: the most interesting of the second batch of group games?
The Germans will have to step up their game, as the Dutch will likely create more chances than Portugal did. Holland will be up for this after the Denmark loss, but must be more clinical in their shooting to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.

RossDas wrote:Germany vs Holland tonight: the most interesting of the second batch of group games?
The Germans will have to step up their game, as the Dutch will likely create more chances than Portugal did. Holland will be up for this after the Denmark loss, but must be more clinical in their shooting to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.

The Dutch will be tougher to break down than the Portuguese but their attacking will be down to how RvP, Sneijder and Robben play, if they are all on their game it will be a great game, and they really do need to step things up otherwise they'll be out in the group stage. This should show us exactly how good the Germans really are, wasn't that impressed with them against Portugal. RvP needs to pull it out the bag if he's to match my prediction and get the Golden Boot.

Denmark vs Portugal might well prove a good game too, I'm looking to Eriksen to play well as he'll have a lot more space to work with without Van Bommel and De Jong taking up the area in front of the back four. Veloso is a good player, but not in the same league as the Dutch destroyers and there is only one of him.

dæl wrote:

RossDas wrote:Germany vs Holland tonight: the most interesting of the second batch of group games?
The Germans will have to step up their game, as the Dutch will likely create more chances than Portugal did. Holland will be up for this after the Denmark loss, but must be more clinical in their shooting to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.

The Dutch will be tougher to break down than the Portuguese but their attacking will be down to how RvP, Sneijder and Robben play, if they are all on their game it will be a great game, and they really do need to step things up otherwise they'll be out in the group stage. This should show us exactly how good the Germans really are, wasn't that impressed with them against Portugal. RvP needs to pull it out the bag if he's to match my prediction and get the Golden Boot.

Denmark vs Portugal might well prove a good game too, I'm looking to Eriksen to play well as he'll have a lot more space to work with without Van Bommel and De Jong taking up the area in front of the back four. Veloso is a good player, but not in the same league as the Dutch destroyers and there is only one of him.

A Danish victory tonight would really put the cat amongst the pigeons, giving them a great chance to qualify at the expense of one of the giants.

Germany and Holland are packed to the rafters with class players, so this game has the potential to be the tournament's best. Or it could be 0-0

TBO I want Germany to win. After the disgraceful conduct of the Dutch players in the 2010 final, a victory for Germany is a victory for football If that upsets a few posters then too bad Bring your flames of war army and we'll settle this on the battlefield!!

Danish bacon to triumph over Ronaldo and Co.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Germany and Holland are packed to the rafters with class players, so this game has the potential to be the tournament's best. Or it could be 0-0

TBO I want Germany to win. After the disgraceful conduct of the Dutch players in the 2010 final, a victory for Germany is a victory for football If that upsets a few posters then too bad Bring your flames of war army and we'll settle this on the battlefield!!

Danish bacon to triumph over Ronaldo and Co.

In fairness the Spanish weren't golden in that final either,

though the best Euro game I remember was '04 when the dutch and Portuguese had that quarter final brawl, i wanna see it again

dæl wrote: Ukraine won't be an easy game on Friday but I think we can come away with three points.

It would be a miracle if we can get 3 points out of the Ukraine game on Friday, considering the fact they're playing France

Gorechild wrote:

dæl wrote: Ukraine won't be an easy game on Friday but I think we can come away with three points.

It would be a miracle if we can get 3 points out of the Ukraine game on Friday, considering the fact they're playing France

Indeed.

was just working out that even if the Netherlands lose tonight (lets say by a goal for sake's purpose) they can still get to the next round,
It just requires Germany beating Denmark (Again say by a goal) they would have to beat Portugal by 2 goals to go through on GD

This will be an interesting finale

At this rate I will have to take away all the mean things I said about Gomez.

So embarrassing....

I think Gomez really is proving his critics wrong.

Azza007 wrote:I think Gomez really is proving his critics wrong.

He is just making up for all the ones he missed at Euro 208 & World Cup 2010

d-usa wrote:At this rate I will have to take away all the mean things I said about Gomez.

Azza007 wrote:I think Gomez really is proving his critics wrong.

He's looking a good bet for the Golden Boot if he keeps this up. Todays goals have been top class too.


Also, as a supporter of the team that's just paid 10mil for him, Podolski really doesn't look anything special these days.

That is called taking one for the team!

dæl wrote:

d-usa wrote:At this rate I will have to take away all the mean things I said about Gomez.

Azza007 wrote:I think Gomez really is proving his critics wrong.

He's looking a good bet for the Golden Boot if he keeps this up. Todays goals have been top class too.


Also, as a supporter of the team that's just paid 10mil for him, Podolski really doesn't look anything special these days.

TBH the whole current German philosophy is not to look special and try and outshine your team mates, at least now at youth level they emphasise team work over individual skill,

Ozil had a good game as did Gomez, should d-usa eat his boot if gomez wins the Golden One?? (hint )

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

dæl wrote:

d-usa wrote:At this rate I will have to take away all the mean things I said about Gomez.

Azza007 wrote:I think Gomez really is proving his critics wrong.

He's looking a good bet for the Golden Boot if he keeps this up. Todays goals have been top class too.


Also, as a supporter of the team that's just paid 10mil for him, Podolski really doesn't look anything special these days.

TBH the whole current German philosophy is not to look special and try and outshine your team mates, at least now at youth level they emphasise team work over individual skill,

Ozil had a good game as did Gomez, should d-usa eat his boot if gomez wins the Golden One?? (hint )

Maybe a tasty chocolate boot.

I found the game rather entertaining I must say.

Sad panda.....

Apparently the dutch defensive strategy of 'let every opposing player walk up to the box, then start running after it' isn't paying off.

Here's to Germany-Denmark 1-0, Netherlands-Portugal 2-0. *fingers crossed*

Bad news everyone. d-usa has passed on - he was killed by an avalanche of humble pie May he rest in peace.

That second goal was world class, which begs the question: why the feth didn't he do that against Chelsea?

As for the Dutch, Robben's protest march when he was hauled off pretty much sums it up.

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

TBH the whole current German philosophy is not to look special and try and outshine your team mates, at least now at youth level they emphasise team work over individual skill,

Yes right, it's the same every time with Germany. Never a list of big 'names' but they seem to play so well together as a team. Now they have got some real talent on the ball as well, for me it's only 2 games in but they are looking like one of the favourites.

Hoping that Ireland will be able to show some grit and determination against the Spaniards tomorrow, and hoping that they won't get crushed!

Italy Spain Croatia. All one level?

Dark Scipio wrote:Italy Spain Croatia. All one level?

Italy has a problem... 2 draws. Spain still the chance to win their first and keep up with Croatia.
So ???

I meant that Spain could do better against Italy as Croatia, surprisingly and vice versa.

Looks like Ireland are going to be the first team to crash out.

a little late:

Let the Guinness flow...

There's a crazy rumour going around that Torres scored last night.

Anyway, crunch time this evening. Ideally need to get a win out of Sweden, a team not that familiar with the concept of losing to England.

I think that Ireland may actually pull a draw out of nowhere to stop Italy going through as Spain back-hand Croatia.
Tonight's games, well watching the news Stevie G is starting the hype which England have tried so hard to avoid this time, so Sweden will get a draw or close win, And France to beat the Ukraine, despite Sheva's best efforts

Heart says 10-0 to England, but my head says 1-1.

As for Ukraine Vs France, I'm predicting a narrow French win.

Last night showed us one thing: the Spanish are back in town. Talk of a German victory is premature. Finalists yes, winners no. In fact, I'm going to be bold:

If Germany win Euro 2012 then I will bare my backside in front of the Brandenburg Gate!! I seem to have this obsession with mooning European landmarks
Go Spain!!

And go England!!!

Well, Ukraine v France has now been suspended at about 5 minutes in.

Grimtuff wrote:Well, Ukraine v France has now been suspended at about 5 minutes in.

Lightning never hurt anyone, don't know what their problem is.

Those lightning bolts are like the wrath of Zeus!! I've never seen the like.

There is a danger that Ribery ( 5 foot 8 inches) may drown if the rain doesn't stop

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Those lightning bolts are like the wrath of Zeus!! I've never seen the like.

There is a danger that Ribery ( 5 foot 8 inches) may drown if the rain doesn't stop

I dunno, that Gary Neville mask may protect him.

Some great goals by Carroll and Walcott, bad defending as well with those scrappy Swede goals.

What a game, and what a substitution that walcott was. Some bad defending that needs to be sorted out but at least we looked better offensively.

Not too sure what to think of Welbeck's goal, whether it was luck or skill. Also Johnson was just unlucky,

Azza007 wrote:Not too sure what to think of Welbeck's goal, whether it was luck or skill.

I'm inclined to think it was 80% skill and 20% luck, he knew what he was trying to do but was a bit lucky that it came off. Nice set up by Theo, and Welbeck reacted with pretty much his only possible way to score. To be fair all of our goals I thought were brilliant, with Theo's probably being the luckiest.

Aye, Welbeck is one of those 'where did he come from' players for me, as I never noticed his name come up at Man U until this season.
Due to working Sundays I suppose I just miss a lot of their games, (and Premiership games in general) but that was an amazing goal.

Huzzah! England seemed determined to throw that away though. Fortunately, nobody told Walcott about the usual plan

Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote:Aye, Welbeck is one of those 'where did he come from' players for me, as I never noticed his name come up at Man U until this season.
Due to working Sundays I suppose I just miss a lot of their games, (and Premiership games in general) but that was an amazing goal.

.

He did very well for Sunderland last season, so this was his first real season at Man. U

But get in England. I enjoyed that, bring on Ukraine.

Morathi's Darkest Sin wrote:Aye, Welbeck is one of those 'where did he come from' players for me, as I never noticed his name come up at Man U until this season.

He was on loan at Sunderland the season before, scored a few goals for them, but they had Gyan and Bent as their main strikers that year.

Ninja'd

Ah cheers lads, no wonder I hadn't noticed him. I think I've managed to catch a Sunderland game once in the past two years. Sky never seems to have them on the odd Saturday I can catch one.

Azza007 wrote:Some great goals by Carroll and Walcott, bad defending as well with those scrappy Swede goals.

Yes, let's have that sink in for a moment. Andy Carroll scoring. Also Torres. What kind of space-time continuum have I fallen through and how do I get out? I don't want to live in a universe where Man City win the Premiership, Dogs are the most talented people in Britain and Carroll and Torres are scoring on a consistent basis at international level.

Which begs the question, all of these players who have been flops in the Premiership now doing good at this tournament- Why did we not bring Heskey?

God can only work so many miracles.

Grimtuff wrote:
Which begs the question, all of these players who have been flops in the Premiership now doing good at this tournament- Why did we not bring Heskey?

It's ok, we brought Downing, Defoe and Henderson, we should be fine.

All I have to say is go Sweeden and Germany!

Well the czechs (just as planned) and the greeks are through. I don't fancy the greeks against the germans they will probably meet, but fair play to them.

For our local sweep stakes, I just had to get Ireland.

Everyone saying Germany vs Spain final, well I guess we shall see soon enough,

UEFA are investigating Croatia for racism allegations and they are also investigating Italy for match fixing and of course, investigating England for a 'supposed' pitch invasion after the Sweden game.

I will bet all the space marines in the GW warehouse that Croatia and Italy get off scot-free, whilst England get a hefty fine. It always happens.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:UEFA are investigating Croatia for racism allegations and they are also investigating Italy for match fixing and of course, investigating England for a 'supposed' pitch invasion after the Sweden game.

I will bet all the space marines in the GW warehouse that Croatia and Italy get off scot-free, whilst England get a hefty fine. It always happens.

Racism is ok, Match fixing is ok, Don't come on the pitch that's bad. UEFA logic. We are lucky that Roy didn't question the referee after the France game, they would have probably given him a touchline ban of 6 games.

dæl wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:UEFA are investigating Croatia for racism allegations and they are also investigating Italy for match fixing and of course, investigating England for a 'supposed' pitch invasion after the Sweden game.

I will bet all the space marines in the GW warehouse that Croatia and Italy get off scot-free, whilst England get a hefty fine. It always happens.

Racism is ok, Match fixing is ok, Don't come on the pitch that's bad. UEFA logic. We are lucky that Roy didn't question the referee after the France game, they would have probably given him a touchline ban of 6 games.

Italy fixing matches is just a part of European soccer, so nothing special there. Racism is just fans being passionate, that's good for the game. But don't mess with the grass!

But anyhow, go Germany!




Automatically Appended Next Post:
So Germany plays Greece in the next round, now there is a game with no political overtones whatsoever...

For a moment there, around 20 minutes in, 1-0 ahead with Germany ahead vs Denmark, it seemed the Netherlands might actually be able to pull it off. But alas...

Aye d-usa, someone in the Greek goverment needs to ring Merkel, double or quits if they can win the quarter final.

The Portugal game was a fair watch, Netherlands really didn't seem to want to win after the equaliser.

I personally think that Portugal and yes, Germany, look beatable. Let's not forget, Germany were one goal away from going out of the tournament at one point. They didn't exactly roll Denmark over, they just did a professional job and did enough to win the game. Also, the Dutch had more than enough chances to win their game by two clear goals (the result they needed) even when they went behind. Portugal look like a bit of a 'glass hammer' to me - they don't look AMAZING defensively, and if the Dutch finishing had been better, they would have been beaten fairly comprehensively. As it is, the Netherlands have been absolutely god-awful in front of goal this time round, but they carved Portugal's defence open time and time again.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't fancy England's chances against either the Germans or the Portuguese, but Spain would absolutely murder both of them, hands down, Portugal especially. The Spanish are just on another level entirely. Don't be fooled by their relatively slow start to this campaign - they are capable of being completely unplayable.

Albatross wrote:I personally think that Portugal and yes, Germany, look beatable. Let's not forget, Germany were one goal away from going out of the tournament at one point. They didn't exactly roll Denmark over, they just did a professional job and did enough to win the game. Also, the Dutch had more than enough chances to win their game by two clear goals (the result they needed) even when they went behind. Portugal look like a bit of a 'glass hammer' to me - they don't look AMAZING defensively, and if the Dutch finishing had been better, they would have been beaten fairly comprehensively. As it is, the Netherlands have been absolutely god-awful in front of goal this time round, but they carved Portugal's defence open time and time again.

Same could be said of Portugal in terms of finishing. There was more than one chance, and not only by Ronaldo. Postiga is just abysmal, Nani stops too much and too long, and Meireles hasn't been himself. Dutch seemed to play too much of an open game - and PT took advantage. Merit where merit is due, I thought it was a fair game.

Albatross wrote:Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't fancy England's chances against either the Germans or the Portuguese, but Spain would absolutely murder both of them, hands down, Portugal especially. The Spanish are just on another level entirely. Don't be fooled by their relatively slow start to this campaign - they are capable of being completely unplayable.

I haven't seen England play yet (I haven't seen games apart from PT's, because of work/tired/whatever), but I think England, Germany, etc, could match Spain and give it a hard time. Last game we had against Spain was the only loss we had in the World Cup 2010, by a single goal. They were world champions then, but they hardly murdered anyone. Too bad we don't have a team like we had in 2004, where we went through England, Netherlands and Spain. Our problem is NOT having a team, rather some good players who don't know how to work together because the coach, Paulo Bento, hardly knows any football.

Destrado wrote:

Albatross wrote:I personally think that Portugal and yes, Germany, look beatable. Let's not forget, Germany were one goal away from going out of the tournament at one point. They didn't exactly roll Denmark over, they just did a professional job and did enough to win the game. Also, the Dutch had more than enough chances to win their game by two clear goals (the result they needed) even when they went behind. Portugal look like a bit of a 'glass hammer' to me - they don't look AMAZING defensively, and if the Dutch finishing had been better, they would have been beaten fairly comprehensively. As it is, the Netherlands have been absolutely god-awful in front of goal this time round, but they carved Portugal's defence open time and time again.

Same could be said of Portugal in terms of finishing. There was more than one chance, and not only by Ronaldo. Postiga is just abysmal, Nani stops too much and too long, and Meireles hasn't been himself. Dutch seemed to play too much of an open game - and PT took advantage. Merit where merit is due, I thought it was a fair game.

Yeah, no argument with that, really. Portugal simply converted more of their chances, and used their share of the possession (which was less than Holland, IIRC) better. Plus, Ronaldo's always a wildcard in any match.

I haven't seen England play yet (I haven't seen games apart from PT's, because of work/tired/whatever), but I think England, Germany, etc, could match Spain and give it a hard time.

We actually beat them last time we played them, but it was a friendly so it doesn't count for gak!

Last game we had against Spain was the only loss we had in the World Cup 2010, by a single goal. They were world champions then, but they hardly murdered anyone. Too bad we don't have a team like we had in 2004, where we went through England, Netherlands and Spain. Our problem is NOT having a team, rather some good players who don't know how to work together because the coach, Paulo Bento, hardly knows any football.

I'd agree with that analysis, to be fair. It's the same problem that has plagued England in recent years - at one time we had Beckham, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Ferdinand, Owen, Cole (Ashley, not Joe) and Rooney in the same team. They are players who, at their peak, would have strolled into pretty much any club side in the world, yet a succession of managers couldn't get them to perform well as a team and win things. The same is true of the Dutch, too. It's a mystery.

I will say this, mind you - you guys are VERY reliant on Ronaldo. He's head and shoulders above anyone else in the team these days, and Portugal are in dire need of a top quality striker. Or three.

I think Portugal will do well, but Spain would show up their defensive frailties, I'll wager.

We also won 4-0 in a friendly in 2010 against Spain... but we all know teams don't fire on all cylinders on those games.

Sad thing about our current team is that we have good players. Yes, Ronaldo can outshine them all on a good day, but players like Pepe and Fábio Coentrão are also heroes in most games. But mostly in defense/midfield, so they don't impress as much. Other than that... I don't know how such a great player like CR7 is performing so badly so far. The "team" losses a lot of balls in the middle and the enemy's field. Mostly, I'd say it's bad timming - because they don't play that much as a team, rather as a bunch of good players. But yeah, there's an over-dependence on CR, but that's because the team's performance is medium/low, and Paulo Bento (coach) is to blame.

England... Probably one of the best games in Euro 2004, against the home team . The british who watched the game on a table next to us rose at the end, we went near them and everyone got a handshake. Damn good game, it could've gone either way, as penalties are a question of luck, but both teams played wonderfully. Too bad about Rooney... I think some witch doctor over here put a hex on him, two games against us, twice he goes out (on the first half I believe). With such good players I'm surprised you guys haven't been trashing your way across Euro's and World Cups.

We'll see if we keep or up the performance on Thursday against the czech. And Greece is a tricky team. No shame if the germans lose, we did too... twice. :cries:

tuiman wrote:For our local sweep stakes, I just had to get Ireland.

Everyone saying Germany vs Spain final, well I guess we shall see soon enough,

Just worked it out that if Spain win their group and quarter final it will be a Germany vs. Spain semi final

It would totally overshadow the final

I'm hoping for a Germany Vs Spain Semi-final for two reasons:

1) Spain will defeat Germany and thus stop Germany winning the tournament. As a result of that, the citizens of Berlin will be spared the sight of me mooning the Brandenburg gate

2) A Germany defeat will spare them the embarrassment of being thrashed by England in the final

How bad were Holland? They had the players to win it, but they played like Scotland!!

Predictions for today: Italy Ireland to be a draw, and Spain and Croatia to be a draw with Spain and Croatia qualifying.

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:I'm hoping for a Germany Vs Spain Semi-final for two reasons:

1) Spain will defeat Germany and thus stop Germany winning the tournament. As a result of that, the citizens of Berlin will be spared the sight of me mooning the Brandenburg gate

2) A Germany defeat will spare England the embarrassment of being thrashed by Anyone in the final

How bad were Holland? They had the players to win it, but they played like San marino!!

Predictions for today: Italy Ireland to be a draw, and Spain and Croatia to be a draw with Spain and Croatia qualifying.

Fixed it for you

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

tuiman wrote:For our local sweep stakes, I just had to get Ireland.

Everyone saying Germany vs Spain final, well I guess we shall see soon enough,

Just worked it out that if Spain win their group and quarter final it will be a Germany vs. Spain semi final

It would totally overshadow the final

Not true, if Spain wins their group, they will be against the winner of Czech vs. Portugal in the semi-final.

The other semi-final could be Germany vs. France (or Italy).

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Just worked it out that if Spain win their group and quarter final it will be a Germany vs. Spain semi final

No, if Spain win their group the only place they can face Germany is in the final.

Spain will meet either the Czech Republic or Portugal in the semi.

Germany will face either the winner of group D or the runner up in group C (England, France, Ukraine, Croatia or Italy).


edit: Bah, too late

Never mind the permutations, I want to see Germany beaten 6-0, forced to listen to Cliff Richard records, and I want a national apology for the goal that should have been in the 2010 World Cup match!!!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Never mind the permutations, I want to see Germany beaten 6-0, forced to listen to Cliff Richard records, and I want a national apology for the goal that should have been in the 2010 World Cup match!!!

Sorry, but no you won't. Team England is as bad as always. No offense.

Get over it...

*cough* Wembley *cough*

Besides, how many did you loose by in 2010? I don't think that one goal would have made a difference

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Never mind the permutations, I want to see Germany beaten 6-0, forced to listen to Cliff Richard records, and I want a national apology for the goal that should have been in the 2010 World Cup match!!!

then Germany demands an apology for the backhanded way you won in 66, your move

@ D-USA

we never lost, we just ran out of time!
Anyway, 2-2 would have had a fundamental effect on the game. Instead of losing 4-1, we would have lost 4-2! difference.

Anyway, do you remember WC 2010 when Germany lost 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage? Remember the German coach's reactions? He was kicking water bottles everywhere. It would be worth seeing Germany beaten just for that to happen again

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:@ D-USA

we never lost, we just ran out of time!
Anyway, 2-2 would have had a fundamental effect on the game. Instead of losing 4-1, we would have lost 4-2! difference.

Anyway, do you remember WC 2010 when Germany lost 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage? Remember the German coach's reactions? He was kicking water bottles everywhere. It would be worth seeing Germany beaten just for that to happen again

I just want to hear England fans shout "Bwing on Wayne Wooney" in the style of monty python's Life of Brian

Halftime: Croatia vs. Spain, Ireland vs. Italy. Lot of things can happen. Italy is at the top now.

Croatia deserved more than that,

Love how the BBC is already saying England can rip apart the Spanish defence, that fixture will be hilarious

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:@ D-USA

we never lost, we just ran out of time!
Anyway, 2-2 would have had a fundamental effect on the game. Instead of losing 4-1, we would have lost 4-2! difference.

Anyway, do you remember WC 2010 when Germany lost 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage? Remember the German coach's reactions? He was kicking water bottles everywhere. It would be worth seeing Germany beaten just for that to happen again

I just want to hear England fans shout "Bwing on Wayne Wooney" in the style of monty python's Life of Brian

I just want you to feth off already, you sad, bitter little inadequate. We get it, you hate the English, most likely because whatever benighted province of the UK you're from is heavily subsidised by us/learned prejudice, ignorance and a lack of quality education. Get over it, get over yourself, and leave us to discuss a football tournament that OUR teams are actually playing in. Seriously, get a life.

The 2010 goal only prevented a tie in the middle of the game. You can make all the arguments about "we played with less spirit, a tie would have given the team hope" that you want. You still lost by 2 non-contested goals.

The Wembley goal gave the English a star on their uniform that they didn't deserve.




Automatically Appended Next Post:

Albatross wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:@ D-USA

we never lost, we just ran out of time!
Anyway, 2-2 would have had a fundamental effect on the game. Instead of losing 4-1, we would have lost 4-2! difference.

Anyway, do you remember WC 2010 when Germany lost 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage? Remember the German coach's reactions? He was kicking water bottles everywhere. It would be worth seeing Germany beaten just for that to happen again

I just want to hear England fans shout "Bwing on Wayne Wooney" in the style of monty python's Life of Brian

I just want you to feth off already, you sad, bitter little inadequate. We get it, you hate the English, most likely because whatever benighted province of the UK you're from is heavily subsidised by us/learned prejudice, ignorance and a lack of quality education. Get over it, get over yourself, and leave us to discuss a football tournament that OUR teams are actually playing in. Seriously, get a life.

Unless you guys want the Euro 2012 thread to be over with before the actual tournament, I would encourage you guys to cut back on the emotion and name calling.

...Says the guy trolling the England fans in literally the same post. Classy.

Albatross wrote:...Says the guy trolling the England fans in literally the same post. Classy.

My team is playing, so according to your post that qualifies me to talk about the game.

And there is a difference in smack talking about a game, and attacking someone's educational and social system while insulting his entire province.

You want to smack talk football, then smack talk football.

d-usa wrote:

Albatross wrote:...Says the guy trolling the England fans in literally the same post. Classy.

My team is playing, so according to your post that qualifies me to talk about the game.

And there is a difference in smack talking about a game, and attacking someone's educational and social system while insulting his entire province.

You want to smack talk football, then smack talk football.

I'm English. We don't do that. We do 'smack talk' wars, though.

You dig?

I'll be cheering England on later today, it's nice to have a British team qualify and have the chance of doing something, instead of loosing spectacularly as usual.

In regards to the Racism; Has anybody else notice that cameras rarely seem to be panning to the crowds. or am I just imaging it?

Maybe they're wanting to hide all those Polish/Ukrainian fans 'pointing' en masse...

Medium of Death wrote:I'll be cheering England on later today, it's nice to have a British team qualify and have the chance of doing something, instead of loosing spectacularly as usual.

Good on you, I'm pretty much the same when it comes to stuff like that. I'd rather see Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland do well, if England aren't playing, than some other random country. Scotland is a tricky one, because the venom many Scots display towards us is pretty disgusting, to be fair. I wouldn't root for them to lose (like they do for us), but I wouldn't particularly cheer them on either. I'd sooner cheer on Spain, as It's a place I have a lot of affection for, as a frequent visitor and former resident.

In regards to the Racism; Has anybody else notice that cameras rarely seem to be panning to the crowds. or am I just imaging it?

They don't seem to have shown much of the eastern european 'fans', no. They've shown the Engilsh and Irish quite a lot, and they always show the Dutch, as they seem to bring busloads of fit birds with them to every tournament. Christ knows where they find them, as they all seemed to be hiding every time I've visited the Netherlands...

Albatross wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:@ D-USA

we never lost, we just ran out of time!
Anyway, 2-2 would have had a fundamental effect on the game. Instead of losing 4-1, we would have lost 4-2! difference.

Anyway, do you remember WC 2010 when Germany lost 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage? Remember the German coach's reactions? He was kicking water bottles everywhere. It would be worth seeing Germany beaten just for that to happen again

I just want to hear England fans shout "Bwing on Wayne Wooney" in the style of monty python's Life of Brian

I just want you to feth off already, you sad, bitter little inadequate. We get it, you hate the English, most likely because whatever benighted province of the UK you're from is heavily subsidised by us/learned prejudice, ignorance and a lack of quality education. Get over it, get over yourself, and leave us to discuss a football tournament that OUR teams are actually playing in. Seriously, get a life.

#

Actually I was poking fun at Hogson, not England and got the idea from an English film made by 4 Englishmen (And an american)

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:
Actually I was poking fun at Hogson, not England and got the idea from an English film made by 4 Englishmen (And an american)

If you're going to make fun of a speech impediment, expect to be called up on it, especially when the person you're making fun of speaks 5 languages. If all you are posting in this thread for is to annoy people please just don't bother posting. You hate the English, we get it, apart from the fact the "English" have in all probability never done anything against you, but if you feel it necessary to carry round some age old prejudice then carry on, but please do it somewhere else.



In other news, Come On England, lets get three points tonight and try and win the group, I'd rather play the Italians than the Spaniards (well the Catalonians).

That goal was... unorthodox

well done to Rooney to finish it though

Goooooooooooo Sweden!

I've only seen since the start of the 2nd Half but I barely recognize France... Have they been playing this badly the whole Euro?

Is it me or has the refereeing been bad for all the matches so far? Starting to wonder...

Milner off, Walcott on. Think we need Carroll on as well.

Close call there for Engalnd there, yet to see the replay

and sweden waited till now to score a goal like Like watching scotland

Well you british fellows can now stop whining over your denied goal in 2010, as you have now been on the receiving end of one as well.

They reckon one of the Ukraine players may have been offside. If so then case closed, need to look again.

Harts having his best game of the tournament so far

Yey, we face Italy, who while difficult are not Spain. It was over the line but it was also offside, so were a couple of their other chances.

I feel so sorry for Ukraine, that goal could've put them through, oh well such is life. For the record any of my possible dislike of the English Team doesn't derive from the team or the country but from the commentators and the panel, they just annoy the feth out of me to the point I watch the game with no volume :/.

kamakazepanda wrote:I feel so sorry for Ukraine, that goal could've put them through, oh well such is life. For the record any of my possible dislike of the English Team doesn't derive from the team or the country but from the commentators and the panel, they just annoy the feth out of me to the point I watch the game with no volume :/.

Wouldn't Ukraine and France both be on 4 points and the silly head to head system put France ahead of Ukraine??

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:
Wouldn't Ukraine and France both be on 4 points and the silly head to head system put France ahead of Ukraine??

You are correct.

Job done, but we are well and truly out of this...

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Wouldn't Ukraine and France both be on 4 points and the silly head to head system put France ahead of Ukraine??

I thought they looked at your goal total after points? If I'm calculating correctly Ukraine tieing could have placed over France if the Swedes had gotten to 3-0.

Yay, rather happy that after the worst first half ive seen so far we managed to pull out a win. Although i am going to share my Rooney-hate again, so yeah, he scores a goal that anyone else in the STADIUM could have scored, but he also missed one that anyone else on our entire team could have out into the net...remind me why hes playing again....? (i know he can play well, he just has yet to prove it to me while playing for his country)

We got over the line, but as usual, we make it hard for ourselves!! If we play like we did in the first half against someone half decent, then'll we're going home.

Finally, yeah, the decisions balance themselves out, even if it takes 40 years but that Ukraine goal was a shambles. High time UEFA anf FIFA implemented goal line technology.

TiB wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Wouldn't Ukraine and France both be on 4 points and the silly head to head system put France ahead of Ukraine??

I thought they looked at your goal total after points? If I'm calculating correctly Ukraine tieing could have placed over France if the Swedes had gotten to 3-0.

They introduced a new system in that you compare the teams result against the team they are tied with (In this case 2-0 to France) if its a draw then you go to GD unlike usual

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:

TiB wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:Wouldn't Ukraine and France both be on 4 points and the silly head to head system put France ahead of Ukraine??

I thought they looked at your goal total after points? If I'm calculating correctly Ukraine tieing could have placed over France if the Swedes had gotten to 3-0.

They introduced a new system in that you compare the teams result against the team they are tied with (In this case 2-0 to France) if its a draw then you go to GD unlike usual

Thought it was Points, Goals Scored, Goal Difference, Head-to-Head...

Yes. The guy on the line is pointless. He needs to look around the goal post and from that angle it probably looked as if Terry had just done it.

Yeah, it was quite funny when the reply showed the post getting in the way!!

Revenent Reiko wrote:Yay, rather happy that after the worst first half ive seen so far we managed to pull out a win. Although i am going to share my Rooney-hate again, so yeah, he scores a goal that anyone else in the STADIUM could have scored, but he also missed one that anyone else on our entire team could have out into the net...remind me why hes playing again....? (i know he can play well, he just has yet to prove it to me while playing for his country)

Have to agree, I just can't stand seeing Rooney in an England shirt, sorry but he's not that special, and I most certainly would not revolve the team around him, which is what they seem to to every time.

Oh, and go ENGLAND!!!!!!

Yep, Rooney looked like a sunday league player last night, but when he's on his game, he's magical. Let's hope he (and England) can find a bit of form from now on, as this is a good chance to progress. Saying that, it'll probably go: Italy in the quarters, Germany in the semis, Spain in the final.

We've had a bit of luck, and we've learned how win ugly, so you never know... I think we'll probably go out to Germany in the semis, mind.

kamakazepanda wrote:I feel so sorry for Ukraine, that goal could've put them through, oh well such is life. For the record any of my possible dislike of the English Team doesn't derive from the team or the country but from the commentators and the panel, they just annoy the feth out of me to the point I watch the game with no volume :/.

The panellists are alright (I find Keane quite funny), but that presenter has to be in the top 3 ugliest men in Britain. Seriously, I have trouble looking at him without imagining him climbing out of my TV screen and strangling me.

Although I probably prefer the BBC coverage, with the exception of the sidelines commentator (who has also done F1) who is a sensationalist prick, the type of 'journalist' who goes into every interview with a big wooden spoon and tries to put something there that isn't.

England dribbled through the game as well. TBH I think if we didnt have Gerard we would be in deep trouble, but it is going to take a much improved performance (and a bad day from the Italians) for us to reach the semi-final. Although I didn't think that the Ukraine were that bad a team - they couldn't finish off the attack with a decent strike, but to be brutally honest they looked like the stronger team for the most part.

The disallowed goal was a joke - does anyone know why UEFA still won't implement a 3rd umpire, considering some of the other sports which have always been so resistant to change (such as tennis and cricket) have had it for at least 5 years? Are they trying to make the fans riot or something?

Thats just it, he ISNT magical when hes playing for England....EVER.

Agree thats who we would theoretically face, but im thinking we might go out to Italy after the first half last night.....also, who else saw Balotelli's goal?! AMAZING! If they pull out something like that against us, we are screwed. no question.

Revenent Reiko wrote:Thats just it, he ISNT magical when hes playing for England....EVER.

Not recently, but he has been in the past. He looked like a young Ronaldo when he first came onto the international scene.


Please Note: The Brazilian 'robocop' one, not the Portuguese fancy-dan.

Albatross wrote:

Revenent Reiko wrote:Thats just it, he ISNT magical when hes playing for England....EVER.

Not recently, but he has been in the past. He looked like a young Ronaldo when he first came onto the international scene.


Please Note: The Brazilian 'robocop' one, not the Portuguese fancy-dan.

i know which one you mean, the GOOD one lol

thats my problem, 'in the past' was a LONG time ago (8 years ago...), and he has been TERRIBLE since then....to me, that does not justify him a place on the team.

However, i am still all for England, we just need to pick up our game and play like we should be able to. (i say 'we' as if im playing.....)

Don't worry, I do that too!

Pacific wrote:England dribbled through the game as well. TBH I think if we didnt have Gerard we would be in deep trouble, but it is going to take a much improved performance (and a bad day from the Italians) for us to reach the semi-final. Although I didn't think that the Ukraine were that bad a team - they couldn't finish off the attack with a decent strike, but to be brutally honest they looked like the stronger team for the most part.

Agreed.

The disallowed goal was a joke - does anyone know why UEFA still won't implement a 3rd umpire, considering some of the other sports which have always been so resistant to change (such as tennis and cricket) have had it for at least 5 years? Are they trying to make the fans riot or something?

You mean 4th official? (the 3rd would be one of the linesmen ). They are worried that having an umpire for replays would 'slow down play'....which is rubbish as it takes no time at all to work out whether the ball went over the line or not. Its different in rugby (for example), as they have to decide whther or not a player was in control of the ball when it touches down, but for football? should be easy as anything to make the decision. They did trial goal line technology in our first game against France as well just FYI....

and the Ukrainian player was offside, so it wouldnt have mattered anyway....


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Albatross wrote:Don't worry, I do that too!

im sure we arent the only ones!

I think our next stars may eclipse our last generation. A future team of

Hart
Walker, Jones, Smalling, Gibbs
Chamberlain, Wilshere, Henderson, Sturridge
Welbeck, Carroll

That to me looks a pretty good team (apart from maybe henderson, but I couldn't think of anyone else).

Lee Cattermole!

Albatross wrote:Lee Cattermole!

He's a beast, but he'd probably break all our wingers legs in training.

I remember when he first came through the Boro youth team - he was an absolute animal! If anything, he's worse now...

Albatross wrote: not the Portuguese fancy-dan.

You aren't still mad that he made Rooney get a red card in the 2006 world cup, are you?

PhantomViper wrote:

Albatross wrote: not the Portuguese fancy-dan.

You aren't still made that he made Rooney get a red card in the 2006 world cup, are you?

The winker!

PhantomViper wrote:

Albatross wrote: not the Portuguese fancy-dan.

You aren't still mad that he made Rooney get a red card in the 2006 world cup, are you?

Nah, that was Rooney's fault. I don't hate the Portuguese Ronaldo, he's just the sort of foppish European player that we in this country traditionally don't like...

Good player, though.

My guess for the semi-finals:

Spain vs. Portugal,
Germany vs. Italy (history shows that this is a bad matchup for Germany).

wuestenfux wrote:My guess for the semi-finals:

Spain vs. Portugal
Germany vs. Italy

I would say the same, and then you will have a Spain vs Germany final...

PhantomViper wrote:

wuestenfux wrote:My guess for the semi-finals:

Spain vs. Portugal
Germany vs. Italy

I would say the same, and then you will have a Spain vs Germany final...

Germany always has a hard time beating Italy. From history, the chances will be minimal.

I have a good feeling for England though, Italy are not that great really, I would say same level as France, I mean, look at Italy from the world cup 2 years ago, yes yes they are a different team now, but I reckon England do have a good chance

Predictions for Czech Republic vs. Portugal tonight then?

I think a lot depends if we get the Portugal that played against the Netherlands (and could have won 3-1 or 4-1), or the timid defensive team that limped its way to a loss against Germany.
Also, whether Ronaldo can keep focus on the game or his hair proves too much of a distraction!

I see portugal completely outclassing the Czechs tonight, possibly 3-0 or 4-0

Pacific wrote:Predictions for Czech Republic vs. Portugal tonight then?

I think a lot depends if we get the Portugal that played against the Netherlands (and could have won 3-1 or 4-1), or the timid defensive team that limped its way to a loss against Germany.
Also, whether Ronaldo can keep focus on the game or his hair proves too much of a distraction!

Really want the Czech fans to have planned ahead now and each brought a big mirror with them. When they all hold them up....theres no way Ronaldo can resist checking himself out.....

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:I see portugal completely outclassing the Czechs tonight, possibly 3-0 or 4-0

Nah, the Czechs will score at least one goal on us.

Bruno Alves is playing like a slow and the fact that Ronaldo doesn't help Coentrão defend the left side means that we are really vulnerable there...

PhantomViper wrote:

Hlaine Larkin mk2 wrote:I see portugal completely outclassing the Czechs tonight, possibly 3-0 or 4-0

Nah, the Czechs will score at least one goal on us.

Bruno Alves is playing like a slow and the fact that Ronaldo doesn't help Coentrão defend the left side means that we are really vulnerable there...

The thing is though, the Czechs have have appeared to have very little venom on the offense this tournament, generally shutting down rosicky will cause havoc with their plans, and the Portuguese midfield imo is easily capable of such a feat

If Portugal win, I will bare my backside in front of....er I can't think of any landmark in Lisbon

Anyway, I want the Czechs to win so that my local paper can use the Czech mate headline for the sports page

And I want to see Ronaldo cry! It's payback time for all his years of diving and rubbish fashion sense!!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:If Portugal win, I will bare my backside in front of....er I can't think of any landmark in Lisbon

Anyway, I want the Czechs to win so that my local paper can use the Czech mate headline for the sports page

And I want to see Ronaldo cry! It's payback time for all his years of diving and rubbish fashion sense!!

Good luck with that, the only reason that you guys aren't loosing to us this time, is because you'll be eliminated by Italy instead!

15th rule of thermodynamics: Football is played with a round ball, 11 guys on each side and in the end Portugal beats England.

See, this is why we don't trash-talk. You're going to look so stupid if you get absolutely spanked by the Czechs, or better still, us. Portugal are not the team they were, by any stretch of the imagination...

Albatross wrote:See, this is why we don't trash-talk. You're going to look so stupid if you get absolutely spanked by the Czechs, or better still, us. Portugal are not the team they were, by any stretch of the imagination...

Then what would be the point in watching it? Trash talking is almost half the fun in these types of things...

And yes, Portugal isn't the same team that it was in 2004-2006, but I swear I will never speak anything bad about England's squad ever again if we don't manage to beat the Czechs... But if we do win... expect some mighty razing when England-Italy comes around.

in the last 5 minutes the Portuguese seemed to settle in and look confident, if they manage to continue hat momentum into the second half I can't see the Czechs holding out for a positive result, might take extra time or penalties

Well the Portuguese team have dived their way into the Semi-finals. Seriously, I know its been 'part of the game' since god-knows when, but all of this flying through the air like you've just been shoulder charged by a 400-pound rugby prop, and then grabbing at a mortal wound just starts to sicken me when I'm exposed to an entire game of it.

Anyway I'm glad the ref didn't get too card-happy and let play move on most of the time, otherwise the acting performance of the Portugese in the last 5 minutes alone could have got half the team sent off

Pacific wrote:Well the Portuguese team have dived their way into the Semi-finals. Seriously, I know its been 'part of the game' since god-knows when, but all of this flying through the air like you've just been shoulder charged by a 400-pound rugby prop, and then grabbing at a mortal wound just starts to sicken me when I'm exposed to an entire game of it.

Anyway I'm glad the ref didn't get too card-happy and let play move on most of the time, otherwise the acting performance of the Portugese in the last 5 minutes alone could have got half the team sent off

Yeah, it's sad to see players do that, especially when they're kicked, pushed, or otherwise hit for a whole game.

Pacific wrote:Well the Portuguese team have dived their way into the Semi-finals. Seriously, I know its been 'part of the game' since god-knows when, but all of this flying through the air like you've just been shoulder charged by a 400-pound rugby prop, and then grabbing at a mortal wound just starts to sicken me when I'm exposed to an entire game of it.

yeah, me and my friend had a conversation were basically we had the idea that we make a team froeach of the major European teams and enter them for one season in the NFL and see how dive after that

I just want to see someone like Ronaldo stand up to a safety who's ahd 10 or 20 yards to gain speed

Well, Portugal absolutely smashed the Czechs didn't they?



By one goal. Titans of the game, for sure.

Albatross wrote:Well, Portugal absolutely smashed the Czechs didn't they?



By one goal. Titans of the game, for sure.

Not easy to score when the other teams plays in the counter-attack. The Czechs dominated their own field the whole match

And Portugal seems to play better against "bigger" teams... England comes to mind

Destrado wrote:

Albatross wrote:Well, Portugal absolutely smashed the Czechs didn't they?



By one goal. Titans of the game, for sure.

Not easy to score when the other teams plays in the counter-attack. The Czechs dominated their own field the whole match

And Portugal seems to play better against "bigger" teams... England comes to mind

Curse you! *shakes fist*

Albatross wrote:Well, Portugal absolutely smashed the Czechs didn't they?



By one goal. Titans of the game, for sure.

I don't know what game you watched, but it looked like yes, Portugal absolutely smashed the Czechs:

Czech Republic Portugal
0 SHOTS ON TARGET 5
2 SHOTS OFF TARGET 15
6 CORNER KICKS 11
13 FOULS CONCEDED 7
11 CROSSES 36
1 OFFSIDES 3
1 YELLOW CARDS 2
0 RED CARDS 0
39 BALL POSSESSION 61

They didn't make a single shot on target the whole game and apart from the goal we sent two shots at the goal post and had another goal invalidated (with good cause, Almeida was offside) and I won't even talk about Petr Cech that single handedly prevented at least 2 more goals with some amazing saves!

Just because the goal difference wasn't larger, doesn't mean that we didn't absolutely dominate that game...


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Destrado wrote:
And Portugal seems to play better against "bigger" teams... England comes to mind

England is a "bigger" team? Since when?

Glad to see the Czech Republic out!

Now on to Germany vs Greece. The Germans have been comfortable but have not been 100% so far; both Portugal and Holland threatened to overturn their leads during the group phase.

Let's go Germany!

Looks like Greece are in a familiar position, facing a deficit...

Azza007 wrote:Looks like Greece are in a familiar position, facing a deficit...

Been waiting a while for that haven't you,

wouldn't be surprised to see Germany increase the gap by at least one or two in the next half

Nope, sprung to mind about 10 mins ago. So new joke for me.

This match really just leaves Greece wide open for sport/political analogies.

Diving faster than the Euro, looking shakier than their economy, etc....

what just happened???

They voted a 2nd time and decided to stay in the Euro after all?

(See how easy it is!)

3:1 yay.

It's becoming a slaughtering out there, can't the Greeks just secede already

And the deficit grows and grows

So England or Italy in the semi-finals for us. That will be an interesting game.

Advanced: Portugal , Germany

Next: forza italia , e viva espana....

Despite it being 4-2 I think the scoreline actually flattered the Greeks there. My sister came into the room during the first few minutes of the game and asked if I was watching the highlights.

Pretty shocking performance from Greece in the first half, things went a bit better in the second half (and their first goal was a good one) but even when it was 1-1 you never really had any doubt about the score.

Pacific wrote:Despite it being 4-2 I think the scoreline actually flattered the Greeks there. My sister came into the room during the first few minutes of the game and asked if I was watching the highlights.
.

I totally agree with this, I think the ref felt sorry for Greeks so was more likely to give them 50/50s like the penalty

Germany marches on and they're looking good - they could have had 9 goals. I may have to make that trip to the Brandenburg Gate after all

Coach Loew was at his best last night - crazy arm movements and random gestures. When Greece got the penalty, I thought Loew was going to strangle the fourth official!!

As for tonight's game - I'm predicting a shock victory for the French based on the fact that I burnt my toast this morning and the burn mark was shaped like France!

Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:Germany marches on and they're looking good - they could have had 9 goals. I may have to make that trip to the Brandenburg Gate after all

Coach Loew was at his best last night - crazy arm movements and random gestures. When Greece got the penalty, I thought Loew was going to strangle the fourth official!!

As for tonight's game - I'm predicting a shock victory for the French based on the fact that I burnt my toast this morning and the burn mark was shaped like France!

Solid logic, I will call my bookie to place my bets forthwith.

Well that was a sleep-inducing game.

I think a dutch commentator put it nicely (when spain was awarded the penalty kick):
"Well I think it's a bit harsh to give a penalty for that. I understand the referee though, he doesn't want to risk France accidentally scoring a goal and having to watch this for another 30 minutes."