Euro 2012

[up_for_it]

Euro 2012 is almost upon us, lets 'kick' things off right. Given the last round of friendlies, some of the teams need to tighten the screws a bit and it looks like it could be a even start- for example, some of the favored teams such as Germany and Holland are weak at the back. What are your thoughts?

[Ben]

Euro 2012 is almost upon us, lets 'kick' things off right. Given the last round of friendlies, some of the teams need to tighten the screws a bit and it looks like it could be a even start- for example, some of the favored teams such as Germany and Holland are weak at the back. What are your thoughts?

I'd like to see England win.... I mean, it's my first choice. They just, well, deserve a win, as it were....

Roy Hodgson names 23 man England squad for Euro 2012 Poland & Ukraine | FATV - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHr49fMT3g4)

[jimbo1974]

I have a prediction

England will be shite

[Prospero]

On the strength of that deep insight jimbo1974 maybe you could also advise Europe how to get out of it's economic hole?

[Stavros]

Spain are favourites, but I wonder how good the Russians are? They have been absent from international competitions in recent years, but I think they are re-emerging to the level they were at between the 1960s-1980s.

[jimbo1974]

On the strength of that deep insight jimbo1974 maybe you could also advise Europe how to get out of it's economic hole?

I believe i already did

http://www.hungangels.com/vboard/showpost.php?p=1143210&postcount=7

[celticgrafix]

Germany or Ireland all the way!!!'

[crazychef]

As it happens i got the William hills latest betting odds on the euro 2012 teams today they are as follows,
to win outright
Spain 11/4
Holland 13/2
Germany 4/1
France 10/1
England 10/1
All other teams 20/1 ( I cannot believe Portugal is 20/1 might be worth a bet ).

[amofemboy]

my heart says italy but it is impossible

[SammiValentine]

As it happens i got the William hills latest betting odds on the euro 2012 teams today they are as follows,
to win outright
Spain 11/4
Holland 13/2
Germany 4/1
France 10/1
England 10/1
All other teams 20/1 ( I cannot believe Portugal is 20/1 might be worth a bet ).

portugal odds are about right if you consider them to be weaker than germany/holland as they are all in the same group.

[robertlouis]

As it happens i got the William hills latest betting odds on the euro 2012 teams today they are as follows,
to win outright
Spain 11/4
Holland 13/2
Germany 4/1
France 10/1
England 10/1
All other teams 20/1 ( I cannot believe Portugal is 20/1 might be worth a bet ).

Italy 20/1? Blimey!

[robertlouis]

On the basis of last night's matches, Russia look good to finish top of their group.

And for any Gooners hereabouts, who was that dynamic midfielder pretending to be Arshavin?

[yosi]

my bet is: Holland

[up_for_it]

I think France might be a bit of a dark horse in this tournament, but we'll have to see what happens on Monday. I think Germany will reach the final, if they can learn how fully convert the great opportunities they're making. At any rate, a cut above the rest in my opinion.

Holland was dissapointing and full credit to Denmark, now we've got a very interesting situation in that group. Hopefully the games will remain as dynamic as they've been for the past 24 hours, if so it will be a great month of football.

[Ben]

As it happens i got the William hills latest betting odds on the euro 2012 teams today they are as follows,
to win outright
Spain 11/4
Holland 13/2
Germany 4/1
France 10/1
England 10/1
All other teams 20/1 ( I cannot believe Portugal is 20/1 might be worth a bet ).

I was thinking that Germany may win it. I'm still hoping that England wins it. That's the team/country I'm still cheering for....

[robertlouis]

my bet is: Holland

And after they lost to Denmark..... :whistle:

Come on Ireland this lunchtime!

[yosi]

And after they lost to Denmark..... :whistle:

Come on Ireland this lunchtime!

2 years ago , Spain lost their first game , later they won the world championship.

[SammiValentine]

they battered denmark as well to be fair. can still see germany/holland going through.

[up_for_it]

they battered denmark as well to be fair. can still see germany/holland going through.

Holland did create a lot of very good chances, but Denmark retained better posession. Its going to be an uphill climb..

[robertlouis]

A couple of examples of the Ireland fans' excellent humour.

And after last night's result they're going to need plenty of it.

[Stavros]

I wonder how those Irish fans found the money to go to the Euros...do you think they might have borrowed it...?

[robertlouis]

I wonder how those Irish fans found the money to go to the Euros...do you think they might have borrowed it...?

Aside from the Germans and possibly the Danes, who hasn't?

[Stavros]

I like Croatia's enthusiasm and they look the most likely outsiders to go all the way, depending on how their defence holds up. The problem with these early games is that too great a caution can lead to one error and a loss. In the absence of David Villa, Torres will just have to get a grip and convince himself the last gasp goal against Barcelona was not a fluke. The Italians look stronger than I expected, Cassano looks a useful player, Pirlo's passing deadly accurate. Eh bien, tonight we will finally see what the new look France and England are like...any predictions?

[SammiValentine]

Holland did create a lot of very good chances, but Denmark retained better posession. Its going to be an uphill climb..

Retained better possession , yet had 45% or less?... ? Dont get me wrong love Agger, so was cheering for denmark.

Post, wonderful saves, awful misses -was amusing anyway lol

This is a fun group :)

[SammiValentine]

I wonder how those Irish fans found the money to go to the Euros...do you think they might have borrowed it...?

Still plenty of euros in those irish fellas pockets, dont forget how many fly over and go to anfield, goodison, old trafford every week of the season to watch the match.

[beaufont]

For the people having dig's at Ireland after last night.....at least they got there

As for England I would take a draw tonight if you were offering it to me now - think France could be the team, outside the main one's being mentioned, to win it

[beaufont]

Haha forgot how shit Voronin was/is......

[robertlouis]

Good result for England, all things considered. Yes, France should have won, but in light of everything that's happened in the build-up, the performance illustrated Hodgson's main virtue throughout his career - producing results which the available resources shouldn't be able to deliver.

[SammiValentine]

caught most of it sat in airport, thought gerrard,lescott,johnson,milner played well. parker seemed to struggle, welbeck seemed a bit lost without rooney. I like that chamberlain hes gonna be boss.

[robertlouis]

caught most of it sat in airport, thought gerrard,lescott,johnson,milner played well. parker seemed to struggle, welbeck seemed a bit lost without rooney. I like that chamberlain hes gonna be boss.

I'd agree with that summary. I'd like to see a formation that can accommodate Young, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott. Might be too risky for Roy though.

Next two games are going to be tasty. I'd play Carroll against Sweden - they are big tough bastards and he'll rummle them up*

*Glesca speak for "he will get in amongst them in a physical manner."

[SammiValentine]

Haha forgot how shit Voronin was/is......

hahaha i havent :(

[robertlouis]

hahaha i havent :(

Amazing the change when he cut off the ponytail.

How about a short back and sides for Carroll, then? :dancing:

[Stavros]

caught most of it sat in airport, thought gerrard,lescott,johnson,milner played well. parker seemed to struggle, welbeck seemed a bit lost without rooney. I like that chamberlain hes gonna be boss.

I think Parker is unfit, he barely lasted the game; Milner had a chance to score and failed; Rooney I think would have scored at least one but France also went for a defensive strategy with no key strikers -cautious opening. I think England will draw with Ukraine and, with Rooney and Sweden needing to win opening up at the back, he ought to score a hat trick. France will beat Ukraine -this looks like a tight group. Spain, Germany and Croatia look to me three of the semi-finalists.

[SammiValentine]

I think Parker is unfit, he barely lasted the game; Milner had a chance to score and failed; Rooney I think would have scored at least one but France also went for a defensive strategy with no key strikers -cautious opening. I think England will draw with Ukraine and, with Rooney and Sweden needing to win opening up at the back, he ought to score a hat trick. France will beat Ukraine -this looks like a tight group. Spain, Germany and Croatia look to me three of the semi-finalists.

umm Benzema?!? Not a key striker!? :)

[jimbo1974]

I have a prediction

England will be shite

To be fair, we weren't shite. We did ok - defended very well although some players looked knackered.

I just wish we'd play with more freedom - pass the ball around more. All of the players in the front 6 play in teams that play nice free flowing football, so its not alien to them.

Thought Wellbeck did really well.

Not a bad start.

[robertlouis]

I think Parker is unfit, he barely lasted the game; Milner had a chance to score and failed; Rooney I think would have scored at least one but France also went for a defensive strategy with no key strikers -cautious opening. I think England will draw with Ukraine and, with Rooney and Sweden needing to win opening up at the back, he ought to score a hat trick. France will beat Ukraine -this looks like a tight group. Spain, Germany and Croatia look to me three of the semi-finalists.

One flaw in that, Stavros. England's next fixture is against Sweden, so no Rooney - and hence also my suggestion that Hodgson should play Carroll to show a robust physical threat against Sweden's big defenders.

By the time Rooney comes back into play, therefore, I reckon we (feck, a Scot just said "we" about England! :hide-1: ) will need a win against Ukraine to stand any chance of going through.

[beaufont]

I believe Rooney being suspended for these first 2 games will be a blessing in disguise for him - he will be like a caged animal released come the Ukraine game....he will be hungry & that can only be good for England

Also think we will certainly play a more expansive game in the next 2 games, don't think either will be easy but our group could end up being the tightest one with goal difference deciding which team go through in 2nd place

Cannot wait for the Holland v Germany game...that's gonna be tasty just a shame there are no mullets to grob into this time lol

[Stavros]

umm Benzema?!? Not a key striker!? :)

Zut, alors!...looks I missed that one -but not very effective as their striker I think you will agree.

[Stavros]

Some great moments last nightl, but it looks to me like the Russians are a flawed side -they can break quickly and pass well, but they were exhausted before the end; I think if somoene can score against them first they can be beaten; Poland had great passion but I can't see them being a threat, all of which promotes Spain and Germany as the top teams so far.

[robertlouis]

So far it's been a good tournament, with mostly open games despite the frequency of draws. No arid 0-0s at least, although there could be some tactical cynicism in the final round of group games as tends to be the case in most championships.

Some great players on show too.

Dark horse: Croatia, Italy

Favourites: Spain, Germany

Losing quarterfinalists on penalties: England, of course!

[robertlouis]

Netherlands hopes hanging by a thread as Loew's squad of talented youngsters gloriously come of age. The way they snuffed out Holland's brief surge in the second half was a masterclass in reasserting control. Forget the tired old cliches about efficiency and discipline - this German side is genuinely exciting to watch.

The English like to kid themselves that the Germans invest as much passion into clashes between the two countries as they do, whereas the reality id that the Germans are much more interested in beating the Dutch. When I lived in Amsterdam in the early noughties I went to a Champions League game involving Ajax and Borussia Dortmund. Before the match began, the Dutch unfurled dozens of banners, all in German, which read "You cunts stole all the bikes!" which goes back to winter 1945 when the Germans retreated back across the Rhine by confiscating all the bikes in Holland, and if you know the Dutch, stealing a man's bike is marginally worse than sleeping with his wife.

[robertlouis]

So, after last night's results, England need at least a draw in their final game against Ukraine, who need to win. And Rooney will be available too, so Hodgson will be able to perm one or two from three in-form strikers. Still a way to go, though.

And France looked terrific in their delayed game against Ukraine.

This is a good tournament. Even games where the quality might not be that great have turned out to be exciting. If the locals and the Russians can keep their racism in check, it could even be one of the great tournaments.

[Stavros]

Lucky England! Giving away two soft goals like that, how many would Spain have knocked past them I wonder? At one point John Terry looked like an OAP as he tries to catch a Swedish player heading toward the penalty area. And yet, Walcott's industry, Welbeck's sudden flash of brilliance -this is a lop-sided team which can lose as well as win matches, where Spain and Germany look balanced throughout the field. Oddly, this is the kind of eccentric performance that not only wins matches, but tournaments...and I think this team could even beat Spain as long the defence is solid, and Italy too...

Who gets dropped when Rooney returns? Carroll, Welbeck or Young?

[up_for_it]

So far it's been a good tournament


Absolutely! Both the Portugal v. Denmark and England v. Sweden were great end to end games and Russian came out of the gate blazing. Should be a very interesting Sunday...

[robertlouis]

Absolutely! Both the Portugal v. Denmark and England v. Sweden were great end to end games and Russian came out of the gate blazing. Should be a very interesting Sunday...

Saturday was pretty amazing too. Before the matches started who would have forecast that the Czechs and the Greeks would go through at the expense of the Poles and the Russians?

Agreed - Sunday's programme is intriguing. Germany unless something totally weird happens, but after that it's perm any one of three. Best thing about the Euros is that the games are played at sensible times, so it's easy to catch the excitement live every time.

[naresuan]

can't see beyond Germany and Spain to win it, England were lucky on Friday night, Ireland have been atrocious , Trappatoni should do the right thing and resign, bring in Roy Keane or Martin O' Neill as the next Ireland manager and start playing the younger players like Seamus Coleman and Connor Clifford for Brazil 2014, mmmm....Brazil in 2014, super sexy t-girls and a world cup

[SammiValentine]

Lucky England! Giving away two soft goals like that, how many would Spain have knocked past them I wonder? At one point John Terry looked like an OAP as he tries to catch a Swedish player heading toward the penalty area. And yet, Walcott's industry, Welbeck's sudden flash of brilliance -this is a lop-sided team which can lose as well as win matches, where Spain and Germany look balanced throughout the field. Oddly, this is the kind of eccentric performance that not only wins matches, but tournaments...and I think this team could even beat Spain as long the defence is solid, and Italy too...

Who gets dropped when Rooney returns? Carroll, Welbeck or Young?

England have far to weak centre backs and not a good enough midfield to cope with spain. that includes gerrard he is no defensive midfielder( nor is he really box to box anymore, even he admits that, but thats another story)

Youngs had a bad tournament, tbh hes been wank since Xmas or so after a good start with the mancs.

[robertlouis]

England have far to weak centre backs and not a good enough midfield to cope with spain. that includes gerrard he is no defensive midfielder( nor is he really box to box anymore, even he admits that, but thats another story)

Youngs had a bad tournament, tbh hes been wank since Xmas or so after a good start with the mancs.

England's best hope is that a lot of results so far have flown in the face of both prediction and logic. Ironically enough, given current form, Torres would skin his club colleague Terry far too easily. And he'd do just the same to Ferdinand if he was in the squad. I'd go for Jagielka and Lescott in the centre of the defence and hope that Walcott is fit. Start with Rooney and Welbeck too.

[irvin66]

Who do you think has the most chance for the European Championship in football? I think Germany has a good chance and maybe Portugal or Spain.
Hope not Italy win, for those football players film so bad. I do not know what it is called in English when the player pretend they falling. In Norwegian we call it "filming". :geek:

[irvin66]

my bet is: Holland

Sorry mate, they are out! :geek:

[SammiValentine]

Who do you think has the most chance for the European Championship in football? I think Germany has a good chance and maybe Portugal or Spain.
Hope not Italy win, for those football players film so bad. I do not know what it is called in English when the player pretend they falling. In Norwegian we call it "filming". :geek:

Diving is most popular here, although play acting is also used by some people who can manage to say two words coherently.... so that rules me out.

diving #&!&&!*$*$ ahem..x

[irvin66]

Diving is most popular here, although play acting is also used by some people who can manage to say two words coherently.... so that rules me out.

diving #&!&&!*$*$ ahem..x

Ok play acting then! :dancing:

[amofemboy]

Who do you think has the most chance for the European Championship in football? I think Germany has a good chance and maybe Portugal or Spain.
Hope not Italy win, for those football players film so bad. I do not know what it is called in English when the player pretend they falling. In Norwegian we call it "filming". :geek:

even if i'm italian i don't like the play of italy couse the italian players want win without efforts.
i don't think italy win the european...they don't have a good game and the best of players are elder than other!!

[beaufont]

fingers crossed Italy win their group & England take 2nd, fancy us again the Italians especially if Balotelli plays & we know how to wind him up

[SammiValentine]

fingers crossed Italy win their group & England take 2nd, fancy us again the Italians especially if Balotelli plays & we know how to wind him up

yea like man utd did at old trafford. hahahaha :D

[robertlouis]

fingers crossed Italy win their group & England take 2nd, fancy us again the Italians especially if Balotelli plays & we know how to wind him up

Spain won their group. England will probably end up playing them, IF they get through against Ukraine, and that's a tough challenge with 99% of the fans urging on the home team. Hmmm....Rooney.

Italy vs France should be tasty though. Shame Zidane isn't playing.....

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Z_pNWjQbE

[beaufont]

Only expected the quarter finals (this is England) but if we can sneak winning the group I think we can make the semi's - which for me would be a success with this squad & how the FA have handled bringing someone in so late before the tournament

[Stavros]

I agree.
Depending on how things go tonight, I don't think England have anything to fear from either Spain or Italy; Spain looked tired and lacking in ideas last night; Italy are goood but apart from Buffon and Pirlo their main threat seems to be either Cassano or de Natale -as long as the defence holds out, I would expect England to beat them. But that's all in advance of tonight's game.

[robertlouis]

I agree.
Depending on how things go tonight, I don't think England have anything to fear from either Spain or Italy; Spain looked tired and lacking in ideas last night; Italy are goood but apart from Buffon and Pirlo their main threat seems to be either Cassano or de Natale -as long as the defence holds out, I would expect England to beat them. But that's all in advance of tonight's game.

Well, we'll know in a few hours. But overall the tournament is proving to be a great leveller. No one team stands out, but when it comes to cohesion and the ability to control a game Germany look by far the most capable.

[beaufont]

I think England have been the worst team in all 3 games so far....but we have won the group!! Italy in the quarters & we have some serious improving to do. Replace Young & Milner with Walcott & Oxlade-Chamberlain & we will have a chance - some much needed pace & energy

If we make the semis & go out to Germany there won't be any shame in going out to a team as good as them....just the shame that it will be the Germans again who are knocking us out of a major competition

[SammiValentine]

gerrard and johnson... best 2 players in an england shirt ...again?! :) bound to be fucked for next season, cheers fellas. :D

[robertlouis]

Umm.

Should have been 1-1. But England have ridden their luck and for once a few breaks have gone their way. Don't underestimate the Italians though.

And Sammi - Gerrard has been immense, best player in all three games. With him and Parker breaking up the play, the balance is almost right, apart from some real penetration down the flanks. Maybe this time play Walcott from the start on the right and put Milner on to shore things up if they're ahead. Too soon to give so much responsibility to the young Ox. The left side would improve if Cole and Young could agree who is doing which job.

And despite Terry's magnificent performance last night, I'd still be tempted to bring in Jagielka or Jones against a faster attack - not the Italians necessarily, but certainly against Germany or Spain if they get that far.

But this Scot is saluting England for a job well done.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujjedSfnJF8

[SammiValentine]

Walcott starting on the right (in front of jonhnson) would depend very much on left sided italian players.. walcott is not much use tracking back like milner for e.g roy would have to decide to either start with him and go for it then bring milner on and try hold onto something or bring him on later on again.

[robertlouis]

Walcott starting on the right (in front of jonhnson) would depend very much on left sided italian players.. walcott is not much use tracking back like milner for e.g roy would have to decide to either start with him and go for it then bring milner on and try hold onto something or bring him on later on again.

If Parker can do a number on Pirlo that will cut out most of the Italians' creativity. You could be right about Walcott though, and Roy's cautious - and pretty good so far - instinct suggest that he'll stick with Milner anyway. Might be an idea to start with Carroll rather than Welbeck - Carroll can be more of a nuisance and tie up at least one defender.

Hey, Ms V, I reckon you and I could do a better punditry job than the three wise monkeys on the Beeb. Up for it? :dancing: :geek:

[Stavros]

What is it that Parker and Milner do? Both were ineffective last night, if it hadn't been for Gerrard making the best and most passes there would not have been a goal. At one point I think it was Gerrard passed to Parker who gave it back, Gerrard tried again and Parker passed it back again, as if he is terrified of taking the ball forward. Also, as the ITV footage showed, Ukraine were offside as the ball for their 'goal' was passed forward, so if it had been given the controversy would not have gone away. Italy are not half as good as their sides of old, but in a dead ball situaiton Pirlo can score; its tougher than playing Spain who looked tired and worn out the other night.

But can Greece beat Germany? Did anyone think they would beat Portugal in 2004?

[beaufont]

I don't think Roy will change the team although supposedly Walcott has been carrying an injury all competition - we are just too rigid with the one starting player with pace & the ability to take a man on (Young) not doing exactly that

I am sure our friend Balotelli will have an impact just not sure if it will be a good or bad one for England

[robertlouis]

I don't think Roy will change the team although supposedly Walcott has been carrying an injury all competition - we are just too rigid with the one starting player with pace & the ability to take a man on (Young) not doing exactly that

I am sure our friend Balotelli will have an impact just not sure if it will be a good or bad one for England

On paper at least, Germany and Portugal look strong favourites to reach the semis, but this tournament just throws up surprises, so who knows? The other two are too close to call. France can't be as abject again as they were against Sweden, and Spain are not invulnerable. It will also be interesting for the Italians to come up against a team which largely plays the Italian way, ie, making sure they don't lose first before anything else.

[robertlouis]

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On paper at least, Germany and Portugal look strong favourites to reach the semis, but this tournament just throws up surprises, so who knows? The other two are too close to call. France can't be as abject again as they were against Sweden, and Spain are not invulnerable. It will also be interesting for the Italians to come up against a team which largely plays the Italian way, ie, making sure they don't lose first before anything else.

Portugal through then. Ronaldo was excellent again. The Czechs started well but faded after 30 mins and the Portuguese keeper was never really tested.

Germany and Greece tomorrow - should be Germany but the Greeks have a point to make politically and it could get feisty out there.

[robertlouis]

Apologies for the last post - it was kitten assisted.

[irvin66]

Who do you think will win tonight? I think Germany probably has the greatest chance of winning, but you never know. Greece may have a chance? :whistle:

[horst1]

Who do you think will win tonight? I think Germany probably has the greatest chance of winning, but you never know. Greece may have a chance? :whistle:

germany tonight obviously (80:20 imo)
spain tomorrow (60:40)
italy on sunday (70:30)

just judging from the last couple games (in the cup and the last few months)

[SammiValentine]

germany 90/10
spain 90/10
england 50/50 (pens)

[robertlouis]

germany 90/10
spain 90/10
england 50/50 (pens)

lmao. Brilliant, Ms V.

[up_for_it]

Wow. Germany through, what a great game. They scored some fantastic goals and created some incredible chances, but looked so shaky at the same time- caught out by the Greeks on more than once occasion. In the center, Schweinsteiger in particular looked lost at times and even Oezil gave away a few passes. As far as defense- Boateng and the penalty!

The next round should be very interesting- Schuerrle and Reus were good on goal but missed at least half a dozen opportunities to score. A lack of finishing has haunted them all tournament no matter who is up front.

Such a good game, and all credit to the Greeks for the counter attack, the goal was well deserved. Still, whoever Germany plays next will be of much better quality and they'll need to tighten things up massively.

Anyone else noticed how much the tourney has been a paradox in terms of style of play? Nowadays in club football most chances are created from within the midfield, but most of the Euro goals have come in from the wings.

Watching Spain V. France now. Can't wait to see England take on Italy...

[robertlouis]

Wow. Germany through, what a great game. They scored some fantastic goals and created some incredible chances, but looked so shaky at the same time- caught out by the Greeks on more than once occasion. In the center, Schweinsteiger in particular looked lost at times and even Oezil gave away a few passes. As far as defense- Boateng and the penalty!

The next round should be very interesting- Schuerrle and Reus were good on goal but missed at least half a dozen opportunities to score. A lack of finishing has haunted them all tournament no matter who is up front.

Such a good game, and all credit to the Greeks for the counter attack, the goal was well deserved. Still, whoever Germany plays next will be of much better quality and they'll need to tighten things up massively.

Anyone else noticed how much the tourney has been a paradox in terms of style of play? Nowadays in club football most chances are created from within the midfield, but most of the Euro goals have come in from the wings.

Watching Spain V. France now. Can't wait to see England take on Italy...

I agree. Germany were inconsistent at best, but still good enough to beat a spirited Greece by two goals. A game against either Italy or England in the semi would be interesting to watch. I reckon England would represent more of a challenge (this is a Scotsman speaking!) because of the intensity with which they play.

Spain have just beaten France 2-0, both goals from Xabi Alonso. Tiki taka at its very best. The semi between Spain and Portugal could be a classic.

[up_for_it]

I agree. Germany were inconsistent at best, but still good enough to beat a spirited Greece by two goals. A game against either Italy or England in the semi would be interesting to watch. I reckon England would represent more of a challenge (this is a Scotsman speaking!) because of the intensity with which they play.

Spain have just beaten France 2-0, both goals from Xabi Alonso. Tiki taka at its very best. The semi between Spain and Portugal could be a classic.

Agreed Spain v. Portugal will be one to watch. I wasn't too impressed with today's game though- Spain played well as always but despite Xabi's goals (glad to see him finally score in the competition!) However, to me it was very much the same old Spain. Fun to watch (espec. with Fabregas on the pitch) but pretty much the same old same old and what we expect by now. Again I find it ironic the first goal came from outside, in contrast to Spain's careful efforts to control midfield- par for the course in this tournament regardless of the country.

France was woeful, particuarly in light of Benzema's season with Madrid and the presence of Ribery on the flank. They just never seemed to pull it together enough to look threatening. I just expected more and I'm not sure they would have played any better if they weren't hindered by the alleged disunity. They just never looked very inspired. Much like the Dutch, who also played very much like a team of misfit individuals.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's match and it really seems anything could happed (of course- this is football). England are warming up a bit with the return of the Roon and are very well disciplined and organzied overall. I think it will come down to shutting down Pirlo, then again, as a fan of Serie A I will say with confiedence DiNatale never fails to surprise, he's quick witted and can pop up anywhere. The one fear I have is that both sides will play conservatively given what's at stake and I'd personally hate to see a game that matches England's defensive play with an Italian reversion to the same sort of tactics.

To return to Germany for a moment- I found it ironic Loew's changes both delivered in the attack and undermined in defense. It really was sort of a 50-50 situation in reterospect. I'm not sure what is going on with "Schweini" but I suspect he is feeling the burden of responsibility- the German press pretty much hung everything on him in the build up to the match. Oezil featured less heavily and played much better.

That being said, the passing was off, which to me is one of the most beautiful aspects of the German style of play.

Still very much divided on the outcome tomorrow though.

[naresuan]

it will be a Germany v Spain final.....am I the only one who thinks the football has been pretty mediocre? the UK media has been saying its been a brilliant tournament

[Prospero]

Good luck to England tonight. Doubt if they'll win and I won't be watching but power to them.....

[SammiValentine]

it will be a Germany v Spain final.....am I the only one who thinks the football has been pretty mediocre? the UK media has been saying its been a brilliant tournament

it is better than the last 3 from memory. I was a bit young for euro 96 but that was prolly the best I remember :)

[SammiValentine]

I agree. Germany were inconsistent at best, but still good enough to beat a spirited Greece by two goals. A game against either Italy or England in the semi would be interesting to watch. I reckon England would represent more of a challenge (this is a Scotsman speaking!) because of the intensity with which they play.

Spain have just beaten France 2-0, both goals from Xabi Alonso. Tiki taka at its very best. The semi between Spain and Portugal could be a classic.

Spain v portugal... if portugal setup and play like they did against germany then it could be anything but a classoc :)

Opening games are usually cagey, and it was the group of death.. so interesting to see which portgual turns up :)

Does Roy Hodgsons sides really play with a high intensity... I dont really think so.

[robertlouis]

Good luck to England tonight. Doubt if they'll win and I won't be watching but power to them.....

I'll be at the Albert Hall tonight for my sins, so I'll miss it too. Don't remind me about Euro 96, Sammi. I was at Wembley when Gascoigne scored THAT goal against Scotland.

The key tonight is which side controls the midfield. Both Hodgson and Gerrard, to their credit, have publicly acknowledged that. It will put huge pressure on Scott Parker and Gerrard himself. Ashley Young and James Milner will have to be less anonymous too. We'll see.

Anyway, this Scotsman wishes England the best of luck and fervently hopes that they can win. Another of Hodgson's successes in his brief tenure, again ably backed by Stevie G, is that he's made England likeable again. Good for him.

[Stavros]

Spain look good, but France were so lacking in ambition and drive one wonders why they bothered to turn up, at least Ribery had a go, but Benzema was a big flop, the Spanish were rarely tested. But teams have shown it is possible to score against Germany, and Schweinsteiger looks tired. I think the Italian side lacks balance, Buffon and Pirlo are the players who make a real differenceand; and because of trends I think this England team will not only beat Italy but stands a good chance of winning the tournament. I don't think we have yet seen a really equal contest of intense challenging football...there have been some great goals though. England's weak areas are Johnson and Parker.
Final -Portugal and England.

[Prospero]

I'll be at the Albert Hall tonight for my sins, so I'll miss it too. Don't remind me about Euro 96, Sammi. .


West Side Story? I had tickets for that but had - for complex reasons - to give them away. Saw Bernstein's first musical "Wonderful Town" this week. Musical gifts were there but nothing as profound as WSS

[LibertyHarkness]

I got 30pounds on italy smashing england tonight 3 - 1

[beaufont]

Wasted money Libby

[SammiValentine]

libby dont bet cos shes a nun

[LibertyHarkness]

nahhh , we are going to be battered by the italians ... this is england we are talking about .. one of the shittiest football teams that gets by on dumb luck generally lol

[LibertyHarkness]

but i have a bet 30pounds :) come on the spagehetti benders :) woot woot

[SammiValentine]

stop pretending you like footy you big gay puff xxx its a mans game, touch my muscles., rarrrr x

[beaufont]

We are destined to be knocked out by zee Germans....

And here is a little ditty from Sammi's mate Stan Boardman lol

Stan Boardman - The Germans Bombed Our Chippy World Cup Song - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUcK0E3Nql0)

[SammiValentine]

love the way its a manc chippy :D

[beaufont]

Ohhhh the minutes he must have spent putting that song together

[SammiValentine]

prolly longer than we lasted in the tourney thou, to be fair. :D

[beaufont]

prolly longer than we lasted in the tourney thou, to be fair. :D

True very true, have a feeling we will play well tonight & beat Italy (and I am not normally that optimistic with England). I am sure Rooney will be better tonight & maybe Ashley Young will actually turn up :whistle:

Tempted to stick some money on Gerrard to score first

[loveboof]

True very true, have a feeling we will play well tonight & beat Italy (and I am not normally that optimistic with England). I am sure Rooney will be better tonight & maybe Ashley Young will actually turn up :whistle:



You were saying? :smh

We could have done it (and maybe should have once it got to pens) .. but they were the better side!

[beaufont]

lets face facts we were shite - don't understand this tactic of standing off the opposition till they hit your box like you are scared stiff of them. I think Roy had it hard taking over so close to a major competition but with all the teams he has manages his tactics have never been this negative!!!!

Ashley Young has had an awful tournament & I expected much more from Rooney(after being suspended for the first 2 games). Gerrard was never in the game tonight

England's best 2 players of the tournament were Glen Johnson & Ashley Cole which says it all

Roll on the new football league season where I will at least be entertained by some exciting attacking football

[loveboof]

I think Terry was fuckin solid throughout all the games too! Ashley Cole is usually pretty consistent, but that penalty was way crap...

Joe Hart performed well, and Gerrard has been amazing - but wasn't quite up to his usual high standard tonight :shrug

edit: oh yeah, and Scott Parker always impresses me with his mentality & work ethic!

[robertlouis]

Bugger.

[LibertyHarkness]

hahahahahaha what did i say england would lose ... to be fair it would have been unjust if we beat the italians on penalties as they were the far superior team ....

England are just shit end of the day , we are generic run of the mill low/mid range team compared to many others .. yet on paper we have worldclass just goes to show lol

That italian pilal or whatever his name was ,, was quite fit :)

[SammiValentine]

lets face facts we were shite - don't understand this tactic of standing off the opposition till they hit your box like you are scared stiff of them. I think Roy had it hard taking over so close to a major competition but with all the teams he has manages his tactics have never been this negative!!!!

Ashley Young has had an awful tournament & I expected much more from Rooney(after being suspended for the first 2 games). Gerrard was never in the game tonight

England's best 2 players of the tournament were Glen Johnson & Ashley Cole which says it all

Roll on the new football league season where I will at least be entertained by some exciting attacking football

lol roys teams are all setup the same. christ he setup liverpool to play northampton town the same way , its great as an underdog for a smaller club but if your team expecting to win, or to attack - its a lol'fest. No shocks at all this tourney for me.

thought terry and parker both struggled 1st two games. gerrard johonson ashleycole and hart best england players, although gerrard struggled tonight but thats no suprise either as its not where he is best suited at all.

[SammiValentine]

hahahahahaha what did i say england would lose ... to be fair it would have been unjust if we beat the italians on penalties as they were the far superior team ....

England are just shit end of the day , we are generic run of the mill low/mid range team compared to many others .. yet on paper we have worldclass just goes to show lol

That italian pilal or whatever his name was ,, was quite fit :)

pirlo looks a bit like a vampire. about 20 years ago he was probably cute. he looked like he needed a wheelchair in istanbul 2005 tbh, yet still going and ripped england to pieces lol x

[LibertyHarkness]

i think he looked hot :) he looked dark and mean ..

[beaufont]

Pirlo reminds me of Steve Tyler lol

Yes he ripped us to pieces but would have been nice if someone went within 5 metres of him, no-one should be given that much time with a football at their feet

[SammiValentine]

well rooney started off marking him it looked like. genius:D

[irvin66]

England sucks when it comes to penalties, how hard can it be? :ignore:

[robertlouis]

Note to Hodgson and future England managers. Don't let anyone with the effete first name Ashley take a penalty ever again. Simples.

[Stavros]

The question is, when looking ahead and with players like Walcott, Young, Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain -are these players still too young, and are they maturing into what will be a formidable England team -or is this as good as they are going to get? I don't know what James Milner does, Scott Parker seems permanently afraid, Rooney who used to be sharp and incisive is either carrying an injury or he has burned out and will decline over the next season or two -but with no talismanic goal-scorer as England have often had in the past (Lineker, Gascoigne, Shearer) will England even qualify for Brazil on this form?

As for penalties...hmmm...there is a theory that training players to say random words to themselves in intensely stressful situations enables them to stop an instant obsession with their performance resulting in a catastrophic error -the classics being a penalty, the last putt on a green to win the hole/match/championship, throwing a dart for crucial points etc- the argument is that as kicking a ball is the most natural skill a footballer has, a penalty situation suddenly removes him from what he does naturally and creates a mental problem that has to be solved immediately -the awareness of his own skills as seen by millions- the psychological pressure can be relieved if the player ignores the goalkeepers attempts to put him off, and distances himself from the expectations of the crowd and his team-mates by saying words to himself like Apple! Horses! Valentine! whereupon he will score....

[robertlouis]

Brilliant tactical game so far by Bento, the Portuguese coach. Closed the game down, but it means that all Spain's tiki taka is too far downfield. Fascinating.

[beaufont]

Shame thought Portugal played really well, no strikers on the pitch for Spain for the last hour!!??? I respect how Spain keep hold of the ball but they don't have much sting in their tail - they will just pass you to death

Strange choice by Ronaldo to take the last penalty...which he didn't even get to take. Also important to score your first 1 if they miss their first 1 psychologically...

Have to say I prefer watching Germany

[Ben]

I was hoping for a Portugal vs. Italy final. (Was hoping for England. But, well, they never seem to win -- :()
I wasn't even born the last time England won the ole World Cup....
I'm not even sure if they've ever won the Euro.... I don't think they have.

World Cup 1966 Final - England 4:2 Germany - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx3AecF3ImI)

[up_for_it]

I respect how Spain keep hold of the ball but they don't have much sting in their tail - they will just pass you to death


Have to say I prefer watching Germany

I agree, the last few games for Spain have basically been about wearing down the other team physically. I can appreciate the technical skill required to maintain such high posession but it's staring to create some ugly, boring games reminiscent of the Italian defending style years ago. How much tika is too much? The last few games in general have been pretty mundane regardless of the teams playing and we seem to have gone from one extreme to another- from good, exciting, attacking football to some real grinds. I've expected a bit more risk from teams like England and Portugal given the stakes involved.

Germany on the other hand flow so well. Their posession rate is high and I think they're more creative on the ball- for example the long lobs up field to avoid midfield congestion make full use of the pitch as a three dimensional space and any team facing them are confronted with four very dangerous players up front (even five given Schweinsteiger's presence) regardless of subsitutions.

Greece v. Germany was so entertaining and I think still would have been regardless of the fact Loew's changes weakened the team overall. They're such an impressive team, especially given how young they are, something Spain can't watch in terms of long term development. Ultimately it could end up being a very German decade coming on.

However, for the moment, Spain v. Germany, providing the Germans can make full use of the flanks tomorrow. However, unfortunately Spain will prob. win the final again.

[up_for_it]

Brilliant tactical game so far by Bento, the Portuguese coach. Closed the game down, but it means that all Spain's tiki taka is too far downfield. Fascinating.

But isn't this exactly what we've come to expect? I'm not so sure the Spanish system is viable long term and I think is also causing problems in leagues across the world due to emulation- now everyone wants to play like Barca in every club. Let things breathe a little, although I will say Spain's style provide inspiration for thinking beyond it. Something I'd like to see more of.

[robertlouis]

I agree, the last few games for Spain have basically been about wearing down the other team physically. I can appreciate the technical skill required to maintain such high posession but it's staring to create some ugly, boring games reminiscent of the Italian defending style years ago. How much tika is too much? The last few games in general have been pretty mundane regardless of the teams playing and we seem to have gone from one extreme to another- from good, exciting, attacking football to some real grinds. I've expected a bit more risk from teams like England and Portugal given the stakes involved.

Germany on the other hand flow so well. Their posession rate is high and I think they're more creative on the ball- for example the long lobs up field to avoid midfield congestion make full use of the pitch as a three dimensional space and any team facing them are confronted with four very dangerous players up front (even five given Schweinsteiger's presence) regardless of subsitutions.

Greece v. Germany was so entertaining and I think still would have been regardless of the fact Loew's changes weakened the team overall. They're such an impressive team, especially given how young they are, something Spain can't watch in terms of long term development. Ultimately it could end up being a very German decade coming on.

However, for the moment, Spain v. Germany, providing the Germans can make full use of the flanks tomorrow. However, unfortunately Spain will prob. win the final again.

If it ends in a sterile stalemate, probably. But Germany are the more exciting team, with flair, speed and commitment, nor are they the stereotypical disciplined Teutonic automatons of old. I've been waiting for this team to blossom since the nucleus came together in the 2006 world cup. OK, I have German relations too, but the order is changing. Germany could be the top international team as long as this group stay together, with Jogi as coach.

[up_for_it]

I've been waiting for this team to blossom since the nucleus came together in the 2006 world cup. OK, I have German relations too, but the order is changing. Germany could be the top international team as long as this group stay together, with Jogi as coach.

Absolutely. They're a fantastic team and in my opinion consistently have played a style of football since WM 2006 which remains underconsidered and overshadowed by a system which is less dynamic. True, the breakthrough hasn't come yet, but it will and to me the final (baring any catastrophes which will see Italy meet Spain) is a chance to see two very different styles meet. The Spanish may remain hegemonic for now but their players are ageing and this German team easily has another WM and Euro in them at least and they'll be so experienced by the time they compete in them. Clearly the German youth system is the best in Europe and if I was working as part of England's team I would be looking very closely at that program and at the Bundesliga as well. Unfortunately pride and cultural differences will more than likely hinder that process. Despite their high level of ability the Germans are still the black sheep.

[robertlouis]

Well, didn't see that coming. But Italy certainly deserved to win, and Balotelli's two goals were both outstanding, especially the second one. In the second half, Germany sputtered briefly, but Italy controlled the game quite superbly.

Rethinking how the final will go now!

[beaufont]

I will be cheering on Italy on Sunday night & is it just me or does Balotelli seem to give a whole lot more when he turn's out for Italy rather than Man City? Much more to his all round game & seems way more pumped when he score's a goal

[Stavros]

The Italians penetrated the defence in a way that England did not/could not and also scored, the Germans did have a couple of chances but overall Italy look well organised and have never lost to the Germans in a major tournament anyway. Interesting that the second goal was a long ball to Balotelli from a German corner -he was way up field with I think Cassano or someone else from Italy, so they must have planned the long ball option -something that could also remove the need to get through Spain's mid-field. Pirlo has emerged as the finest player in the tournament, the question about Balotelli is obvious to City fans -can he do it again? He is now in line for the golden boot. Should be an interesting final, and tough to call.

[loveboof]

Interesting that the second goal was a long ball to Balotelli from a German corner -he was way up field with I think Cassano or someone else from Italy, so they must have planned the long ball option

Definitely planned. They tried the exact same trick a number of times in the England game...

England are defensively better than Germany tho (not overall obviously lol)

[robertlouis]

Spain or Italy?

Heart first, then the head.

[SammiValentine]

hahah i love the german wankfest here..... oh no theyre out !!!!

[irvin66]

Viva España!!!!!!!!!!:dancing:

[eccentricBlue]

Spain is top notch at the moment... I cant deny that, however this is Italy's final in a nutshell.... no pun intended
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/gsena13/wxp24.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/gsena13/wxp38.jpg

[PEPE3Z]

Spain is the best side

[SammiValentine]

spain is boss.

but rafa is more boss. :D