[LaPalma]

So, I just decided to open this topic concerning the qualification for the EURO 2008 in Swiss/Austria...

[LaPalma]

Oh oh oh....Germany won 1-0 against Ireland, Go Podolski!
Haha, a late but sweet revenge...Italy only a draw against Liechtenstein...

[X-Offender]

Belarus 2 - 2 Albania

Meh, I couldn't be bothered to watch our shitty team, but a draw outside is always good. Now I expect to get our *** kicked by Romania. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[arivanjj]

wat the hell is wrong with italia? a draw against lithuania? worldcup winners? tsk tsk tsk.... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[DvZ]

a draw.. dissapointing.. probbaly need a bit of time to gel with the new coach and new style..

but, a good thing surface out of this game..

Super Pippo is on-fire..

[GULLIVER]

nothing, special. All the big teams hardly won their games against middle teams

[RD.X]

nothing, special. All the big teams hardly won their games against middle teams

Except England of course and France.

This post has been edited by RD.X: Sep 3 2006, 08:28 AM

[I_Rossoneri]

England played well, but Andorra were awful. It will be a better test for England on wednesday. BTW that's 9 goals in two games for McClaren - possible Milan manager? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[GULLIVER]

France had a great win. though Georgia was playing without Kaladze

[Fillipo Simone]

wat the hell is wrong with italia? a draw against lithuania? worldcup winners? tsk tsk tsk.... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I really don`t know. But Donadoni started with one draw and one loss, thats an awfull way to begin. And something seemed just wrong yesterday against Lithuania..the last 15 minutes they played without any reason, like they all where some 18-year-old debutants who were impressed by their first international caps and forget they needed to win. Gigi hold some pretty good things...and with Cassano, Pippo and Cannavaro deserved to be praised. On the other way Grosso, Oddo, and especially Perotta were very dissapointing. Gila...did once more...nothing (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ...

[florenti1]

The italians just havent play at 100%

and they did create a lot of big ocasions but they just didnt score

[dst]

Except England of course and France.

yeah England the team that rocks in the prelim and friendlies ... Woo-Hoo well done mates!!! Go Peter Go!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

France had a great win. though Georgia was playing without Kaladze

lucky Georgia!!!

Gila...did once more...nothing (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ...

Gila may not score but you're utterly wrong; he does a great job in the field ... but he definetely can't go on just like that forever!!!

[GULLIVER]

lucky Georgia!!!

the joke about Georiga is that they have very quality players (not only Kaladze, and let's accept that Kaladze who is playing in Milan, is a top quality player for such a country) but never can organize it's game in national squad, even against equal teams.

[dst]

the joke about Georiga is that they have very quality players (not only Kaladze, and let's accept that Kaladze who is playing in Milan, is a top quality player for such a country) but never can organize it's game in national squad, even against equal teams.

yes that's true, I remember them since they played against Hellas!!

[Nova]

Ah , Italy will go trough as always. Alltough when they won he WC during the 80's they didnt manage to qualify for the euro cup afterwards.

Meh , Greece won (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[GULLIVER]

next round is in 3 days. I'm going to go watch my country's game against Belgium. Hope we can kick their *** (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[dst]

Meh , Greece won  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

yes that pathetic team of ours somehow managed to put that round thing in the "back of the net" in the end ... thank God I missed that match!!!

[Nova]

yes that pathetic team of ours somehow managed to put that round thing in the "back of the net" in the end ... thank God I missed that match!!!

Must you be anti Greece all the time ? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Every Top country had a hard time against smaller teams , so in the end Greece came out fine.

[Nova]

next round is in 3 days. I'm going to go watch my country's game against Belgium. Hope we can kick their *** (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I hope so too !!! Go Armenia !!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

[dst]

Every Top country had a hard time against smaller teams , so in the end Greece came out fine.

yes I have to, I wish we had lost by a good 10-0 if that means our basketball national team would win ... man I'm so sad!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

[Nova]

yes I have to, I wish we had lost by a good 10-0 if that means our basketball national team would win ... man I'm so sad!!!!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif)

I know man ... We played awefull today , nothing worked (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) It was clear spain was playing for the 3 pointers and Greece was so stupid to let them throw it without defence. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Well , cant win it all ... Better luck next time .

As always , forza hellas !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[GULLIVER]

I hope so too !!! Go Armenia !!!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

Thanks (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Very pity Greece lost to Spain. But I was soooooooooooooooo much happy when they just beated americans - the Dream Team (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) . (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Hope they'll do it better next time. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Portman]

Portugal play the first qualification match in Finland next Wednesday. Not an easy match. Finland kicked Poland *** yesterday... 3-1 away.

[misha]

Ah , Italy will go trough as always. Alltough when they won he WC during the 80's they didnt manage to qualify for the euro cup afterwards.

It will be tough for them. They play with France and Ukraine. Scotland can make troubles too. They can loose more points until Donadoni will settle in.

[misha]

I hope Israel can qualify for once to some magor tournament. They won against Estonia away yestarday. But I think it's not likely to happen anytime soon.

[dst]

Hope they'll do it better next time. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

we will!!!!!!!!!!
we'll beat Spain next year in Euro and win it again for the third time!!!!!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[KillerMax]

Gattuso aims anger at France

Gennaro Gattuso is furious at Italy’s failure to win their opening Euro 2008 qualifier and wants to take his anger out on France next week.

“I’m livid that we weren’t able to get a victory for us and Coach Roberto Donadoni,” stated the midfielder following their disappointing 1-1 draw with Lithuania.


“There’s no such thing as an easy opponent in modern football. From now on, we have to get it into our heads that we are World Champions and that means every team will face us with extra aggression and determination.”


Donadoni is still looking for his first victory on the Azzurri bench after this draw and a 2-0 friendly defeat to Croatia.


He faces his toughest test yet – and a potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifying game – in Paris on Wednesday evening.


“It’ll be tough in France, but the crowd won’t scare us,” insisted ‘Ringhio’ Gattuso. “It’ll already be a decisive match, even if the result against Lithuania won’t make us anxious. If anything, it increases our desire to prove who we really are to the French.”


The controversy after the World Cup Final, won by Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw and Zinedine Zidane’s dismissal for headbutting Marco Materazzi, rumbles on in some quarters and tension is expected to be very high at the Stade de France.


The Euro 2008 qualifying campaign can be followed here. France earned a comfortable 3-0 win in Georgia, while Scotland thrashed the Faroe Islands 6-0.

Football Italia

[dst]

...

now who's going to pay for that!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Nova]

we will!!!!!!!!!!
we'll beat Spain next year in Euro and win it again for the third time!!!!!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Whaaattt ?? You said something positive about greece AND you put hellas next too your location ??


Oh lord , take me now , its all going downhill from here ...

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

I know man ... We played awefull today , nothing worked  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)   It was clear spain was playing for the 3 pointers and Greece was so stupid to let them throw it without defence.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Well , cant win it all ... Better luck next time .

As always , forza hellas !!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

For me, the USA-Hellas match was the real final. I guess they just gave more then everything against the Dream team and lost strenght and concentration for the final. Be proud of your country...European football( (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ) and bastketball( (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) champions, World basketball runners up,...impressive...

[dst]

Oh lord , take me now , its all going downhill from here ...
(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

enjoy it while it lasts or how that saying goes!!!!

For me, the USA-Hellas match was the real final. I guess they just gave more then everything against the Dream team and lost strenght and concentration for the final. Be proud of your country...European football( (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) ) and bastketball( (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) champions, World basketball runners up,...impressive...

I also think that's the case!!! The thing is we played in the toughest of the four groups while Spain was in the easiest ... but anyway Spain played beautiful in the final!!! Well done to them ... I won't cry for my team ... they got still a lot to give; next year Eurobasket and after that the 2008 Beijing Olympics ... man I love this team!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[misha]

(IMG:http://www.soccerblog.com/Italy-%20France%20Euro.jpg)

[LaPalma]

(IMG:http://www.soccerblog.com/Italy-%20France%20Euro.jpg)

Well...as seen on the picture, Pippo seems to be Italys only hope this time (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
And about Frances revenge, I'v seen Thierry Henry on Eurosport and he said even if France would win they won't have their revenge because they're still not World champions...
Oh BTW I still don't know which team I should support, I'm still so pissed because of that night in Dortmund a few weeks ago...

[KillerMax]

Well...as seen on the picture, Pippo seems to be Italys only hope this time (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)
And about Frances revenge, I'v seen Thierry Henry on Eurosport and he said even if France would win they won't have their revenge because they're still not World champions...
Oh BTW I still don't know which team I should support, I'm still so pissed because of that night in Dortmund a few weeks ago...

How can you not support Pippo??? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[LaPalma]

How can you not support Pippo??? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Belive me...those few times a year I defeinetely can...(after all I WILL hate Grosso until he ends his career...but Pippo...I just can't hate this guy (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) )

[dudernahata]

Belive me...those few times a year I defeinetely can...(after all I WILL hate Grosso until he ends his career...but Pippo...I just can't hate this guy  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) )

haha i understand why u would hate gross, but for us italians...we love the guy! man, that goal against germany was really just perfect...and he got the penalty against the aussies...and then that awesome penalty in the final. but he plays for inter, so he is ok...hahaha (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[misha]

Roberto Donadoni's Italy career is in trouble after France took a 3-1 World Cup revenge, leaving their Euro 2008 hopes in dire straits.

Roberto Donadoni was already under pressure after the 1-1 draw with Lithuania and made changes to that line-up, introducing Franco Semioli, Gianluca Zambrotta and Alberto Gilardino for the 4-4-1-1 system that Italy employed in their World Cup win. Massimo Oddo, Daniele De Rossi and Pippo Inzaghi made way.

France were still smarting from that Final defeat on penalties and, although Zinedine Zidane has retired and Marco Materazzi was suspended, this was all set to be a tense encounter.

Before kick-off there was a minute's silence to mark the death of Inter President and legendary Azzurri captain Giacinto Facchetti. The Italian team also wore black armbands.

Les Bleus were still livid after that Berlin loss and it showed, as they came sprinting out of the blocks and within the opening 90 seconds Sidney Govou had volleyed a William Gallas cross low into the far corner past Gigi Buffon. As against Lithuania, the defending left something to be desired, although replays showed that the Arsenal defender was clearly offside when he got the ball.

The Azzurri, playing in white, fought back with Zambrotta's shot flashing over the bar, but Franck Ribery's cross just missed Inter's Patrick Vieira in the centre. Andrea Barzagli was at full stretch to toe-poke Thierry Henry's cut-back out of harm's way inside the penalty area, but France were pouring forward in droves.

On 17 minutes Buffon had his palms stung by a Florent Malouda rocket only for Henry to latch on to the loose ball and sidefoot it in from a tight angle with the aid of a Fabio Cannavaro deflection.

However, Italy pulled a goal back moments later. As in the World Cup Final, they were superior on set-pieces and Gilardino was allowed a free header on Andrea Pirlo's free kick to glance it past Gregory Coupet.

Cannavaro was muscled off a header with only Coupet to beat, but Buffon was at full stretch to tip Willy Sagnol's strike round the base of the near post.

Italy couldn't have gone closer to 2-2 on 27 minutes. Grosso hooked down a long pass and skipped past Sagnol, Semioli slid on to his cross and Coupet somehow managed to prod the ball off the line before it could go over completely. There were also penalty appeals, as Eric Abidal tussled with Semioli as he tried to get back on to the loose ball.

Cannavaro was booked for a challenge on Ribery and the Italian defence struggled to clear its lines, particularly with some weak Barzagli clearances, although the Palermo defender did well to block a Malouda shot. Donadoni also called Cassano several times to ensure he came back to help the midfield.

Henry was yellow carded for holding back Semioli as he sprinted down the right flank, while Simone Perrotta was foolishly booked for kicking the ball after the whistle had blown, so he'll be suspended against the Ukraine.

Cassano barely made an impact in the first half, but just before the break he shimmied clear of two markers and threaded through for Gilardino, who was just offside.

Cannavaro intelligently cut off Govou to prevent him running on to Henry's pass, while Barzagli cleared a looping Ribery free kick. From the resulting corner, Vieri nodded over the bar.

The Azzurri were still struggling to create chances, so Donadoni replaced Semioli with David Di Michele of Palermo, switching to a trident attack. However, this left Italy even more over-run in midfield and within seconds France scored their third goal. Sagnol's assist was glanced into the far corner off Govou's head for his second of the game, but there were few celebrations as he clashed heads with Cannavaro. The captain came off worse and was stretchered off in a dazed condition, but he was able to continue after treatment. Several minutes later he still seemed dizzy and out of sorts.

Di Michele set Gilardino running and Coupet ran out to clear, but although the goalkeeper did not touch the ball and did catch him accidentally with his legs, the Milan striker was booked for simulation.

Ribery was completely clear on the left flank and the ball eventually reached Govou, who missed his hat-trick by a matter of inches with an angled drive. Henry threaded though for Ribery and Buffon timed his move perfectly to pluck the ball off his foot. Gattuso acting as last man managed to head back to his goalkeeper despite being out-sprinted by Ribery on the counter-attack, while the Marseille man again drilled off target from an Henry assist.

Inzaghi, who scored against Lithuania, replaced a totally anonymous Cassano for the final 20 minutes and Sylvain Wiltord came on for Govou. Cannavaro recovered from his earlier injury with a powerful header on Pirlo's free kick, forcing Coupet into a great save.

Gilardino's long-range strike dipped well wide and De Rossi was the final substitution after Gila picked up a knock in a clash with Vieira. Di Michele's ambitious lob didn't catch out Coupet in stoppages and Grosso was booked.

Now October's ties in Rome against the Ukraine and away to Georgia become decisive if Donadoni is to have any hope of reaching Euro 2008.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

France: Coupet; Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal; Ribery (Saha 88), Vieira, Makelele, Malouda; Govou (Wiltord 75), Henry
Italy: Buffon; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Grosso; Semioli (Di Michele 54), Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta; Cassano (Inzaghi 73), Gilardino (De Rossi 87)
Ref: Fandel (Ger)


link

[misha]

Germany win 13-0 to set record 

Podolski scored four goals in the 13-0 win
Germany set a European Championship qualifying record after crushing San Marino 13-0 in the principality.
Striker Lukas Podolski scored four, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, while Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger all scoring two goals each.

Michael Ballack, Arne Friedrich and Bernd Schneider with a penalty were also on target in the game, which saw Germany lead 6-0 at the break.

Germany's Group D win bettered Spain's 12-1 victory over Malta in 1983.

Germany top Group D, which includes Wales and the Republic of Ireland, on goal difference.

Joachim Loew's side have six points, the same as the Czech Republic, who beat neighbours Slovakia 3-0 in Bratislava.

The result was also the worst in San Marino's history - 14 years ago they lost 10-0 to Norway.

San Marino's population is just 27,000, though the game was watched by a crowd of just over 5,000

link

Poor San Marino...

[han2503]

Germany win 13-0 to set record 

Podolski scored four goals in the 13-0 win
Germany set a European Championship qualifying record after crushing San Marino 13-0 in the principality.
Striker Lukas Podolski scored four, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, while Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger all scoring two goals each.

Michael Ballack, Arne Friedrich and Bernd Schneider with a penalty were also on target in the game, which saw Germany lead 6-0 at the break.

Germany's Group D win bettered Spain's 12-1 victory over Malta in 1983.

Germany top Group D, which includes Wales and the Republic of Ireland, on goal difference.

Joachim Loew's side have six points, the same as the Czech Republic, who beat neighbours Slovakia 3-0 in Bratislava.

The result was also the worst in San Marino's history - 14 years ago they lost 10-0 to Norway.

San Marino's population is just 27,000, though the game was watched by a crowd of just over 5,000

They had to rub that in my face (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Man I really hop Italy get their act togeth soon, even though the score should have been 2-1 tonight because Gallas was clearly offside when he crossed the ball for the first goal. Gila scored a good goal, but Cassano might have had a good game against Lituania but he was invisable tonight, I saw Gila dropping into the midfield more then him, that should be evidence enough. But what was Donadoni thinking putting in Semioli?? He wasn't doing anything but losing the ball, and tyhen the french would break on a lightning fast counter attack.

Still you could see in how much better shape the french where then Italy, Italy where totally getting burned out with the fast tempo the game was being played in, especially in the end

[X-Offender]

Damn, Germany's result cracked me up. I was browsing livescore and when I see San Marino 0 - 13 Germany I was like 'WTF?!?!'

About the Italy match, I think Donadoni shouldn't have played with two wingers like Cassano and Semioli, but with two strikers that would be Pippo and Gila + Cassano behind them. Something of 4-3-1-2, the scheme Carlo uses. It was clear Italy was 0 on the wings. But yes, France was superior to them in any aspect.

[LaPalma]

Poor San Marino...

Even I feel a bit soory for them (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
But that was bad team trashing at its best! Our great team is the future. I just had this vision of Lennart Johannson handing over this cup for the EURO 2008 winner to Michael Ballack...

Oh and....haha Italy...

This post has been edited by LaPalma: Sep 6 2006, 11:17 PM

[arivanjj]

Germany 13 goals!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) , joke of the month

btw, very very dissapointing italy.

[GULLIVER]

Very high disappointing Italy. No motivation, no will.

I can understand that they are WORLD CHEMPIONS, but still that doesn't mean - "Let's rest a little bit".

Comon Italy, I hope france will see azzurie's power in the return leg. Only Pirlo, and only Pirlo was playing. Nobody else.


P.S. Armenia - Belgium - 0-1. Daaaaamn, we were playing very well. They were just very tall and they scored a header. We had good chances, some really good chances, but couldn't do nothing at all. Daaaaaaaaaaaamn

[GULLIVER]

Yeah and Germany went crazy. San Marino's team is probably just a bunch of young or old men running in the field. Why so harsh??? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Costacurta]

From the resulting corner, Vieri nodded over the bar

WTF. He is not mentioned i the team line ups, and Donadoni would really have lost it he brought him back!

Who the hell is Semioli. I don't get why Cassano is back. Its good to see Pippo back, but, Del Piero or Gila should be his partner. Is Grosso injured or something, otherwise why wasnt he at LB and therefore Zambrotta at RB? All a bit concerning from the old Milan man. I'm astonished that that defence conceded 3 times, but I suppose it was weakened a bit.

Italy have some hard work now to qualify. Thye'll have to beat France at home I think.

[Fillipo Simone]

Frankly, IMO Donadoni did not deserved to be infront the National team as coach...and that`s it. He is just the wrong man, like Marco VB in Holland. As soon as the Federation sack him and appoint someone decent for that job, the good results will return.

Italy - Croatia 0:2

Italy - Lithuania 1:1

France - Italy 1:3

It speaks of itself... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[amancik]

is it about the players? or the coach?

do you guys think that if Lippi was still with them, Italy would've been in this situation?

[han2503]

WTF. He is not mentioned i the team line ups, and Donadoni would really have lost it he brought him back!

Who the hell is Semioli. I don't get why Cassano is back. Its good to see Pippo back, but, Del Piero or Gila should be his partner. Is Grosso injured or something, otherwise why wasnt he at LB and therefore Zambrotta at RB? All a bit concerning from the old Milan man. I'm astonished that that defence conceded 3 times, but I suppose it was weakened a bit.

Italy have some hard work now to qualify. Thye'll have to beat France at home I think.

Semioli should not have been playing all he did was lose the ball, and Cassano played because he played an amazing game against Lituania, he was invisible against France though. I don't really know what the problem is, I don't really think that the players expected France to come out like that, plus the first goal they scored should have been ruled out and the second was pure luck because Buffon had that covered but Cannavaro deflected it in. You could see that all through the game the refereeing was going Frances way, Gila had a decent call for a penalty there when Coupe came out to take the ball from his feet, but what he got was a yellow for a supposed dive.

And Grosso was playing as LB and Zambrotta as RB, Grosso was just a bit invincible.

Oh and I think that Del Piero should have been called up, he is in amazing form right know, and would have helped more.

Frankly, IMO Donadoni did not deserved to be infront the National team as coach...and that`s it. He is just the wrong man, like Marco VB in Holland. As soon as the Federation sack him and appoint someone decent for that job, the good results will return.

Italy - Croatia 0:2

Italy - Lithuania 1:1

France - Italy 1:3

It speaks of itself... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Come one you're being too harsh, it's his first 3 games and sure the rusults haven't been that good but the guy needs to settle in, and as I said before I don't think anyone expected France to come out playing like they did, they really wanted to take revenge for their final loss, you could see it no matter what they said that this wouldn't be revenge, you could see how much they wanted the win.

is it about the players? or the coach?

do you guys think that if Lippi was still with them, Italy would've been in this situation?

I think it's a bit of both, Donadoni I think will become a great coach in time, but he is a bit inexperianced, and people have to take into account how hard it is for the coach to motivate some of the players that are on that team especially the ones that used to play for Juve and our players, they have won everything their is to win in football, and it's normalfor them to feel unchallanged now that they have won everything

This post has been edited by han2503: Sep 7 2006, 02:46 PM

[han2503]

Albertini feels the pressure


FIGC vice-commissioner Demetrio Albertini has again defended Coach Roberto Donadoni, but admits their Euro 2008 hopes are hanging by a thread.

“We chose Donadoni and we’ll defend him till the end. He went around Italy and Europe to view the players and see what condition they were in, as he has to work with the circumstances right now. It’s true this is a critical time at the start of the season, but the FIGC doesn’t need to keep defending its choice.”


Albertini is the man who picked his former Milan teammate for this position, but so far Donadoni has picked up just one draw and two defeats, including tonight’s 3-1 loss in Paris.


“It was clear to everyone that France were going at 100mph and we were always second to the ball. Unfortunately the timing of this tie was bad for us. We saw a great France and fought as hard as we could in the circumstances.”

This leaves the Azzurri with just one point from two Euro 2008 games, so they are five adrift of joint leaders France and Scotland.


“It’s a tough situation now, more so for the points we dropped on Saturday against Lithuania, but you can never tell in football and it’s still early days,” insisted Albertini.


Now their chances of reaching the European Championships depend on the next two matches, taking on Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine in Rome on October 7 and visiting Georgia four days later.


“Mistakes can happen and the lads did well to come back into it after going 2-0 down to France. The right spirit is there and the World champions are fighting hard in a difficult moment for us. I can assure everyone that in a month’s time it will be a different Italy side.”

[GULLIVER]

I don't get why Cassano is back.

he should be back, he is really good,

[Portman]

Donadoni is going nowhere calling players like Semioli... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Del Piero, Nesta, Totti, Camoranesi, Luca Toni... obviously should be there.

PS: Scolari, as always, fcked up and Portugal drew against the poweful Finland (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) . Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt. We're going nowhere. Specially having 1 decent defender (Meira, Miguel and J.Andrade are injuried).

[han2503]

Donadoni is going nowhere calling players like Semioli...  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Del Piero, Nesta, Totti, Camoranesi, Luca Toni... obviously should be there.

PS: Scolari, as always, fcked up and Portugal drew against the poweful Finland  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) . Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt. We're going nowhere. Specially having 1 decent defender (Meira, Miguel and J.Andrade are injuried).

Nesta was injured when he made his call ups and Totti is still 'thinking about it'. He didn't call Luca Toni because he hasn't even played a match except for a couple of friendlies and would be totally out of form and I don't really see what difference he would have made. Gila and Pippo both did their job, they scored, not enough but they still scored. Italy got screwed up in that Lithuania game, so many missed chances that could have assured them the 3 points, now they are seriously looking at not qualifying at all if they continue this way.

And I didn't see the portugal match but I have seen C.Ronaldo enough times to know how he is especially when he feels like he is the big star in the team, so I'll keep the portugal NT in my prayers because you'll need it.

[Portman]

And I didn't see the portugal match but I have seen C.Ronaldo enough times to know how he is especially when he feels like he is the big star in the team, so I'll keep the portugal NT in my prayers because you'll need it.

Figo is a great player. But, in Portugal NT he was more than that. He was the leader.

Now, there's no big leader... there are some old big names like Costinha (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)... but no one that can be "respected" as Figo and Rui Costa were.

That's a problem then. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

I think it's a bit of both, Donadoni I think will become a great coach in time, but he is a bit inexperianced, and people have to take into account how hard it is for the coach to motivate some of the players that are on that team especially the ones that used to play for Juve and our players, they have won everything their is to win in football, and it's normalfor them to feel unchallanged now that they have won everything

And this is why they must have somone around who exactly knows what to do and acts instantly...As Zvone Boban recently said, young coaches should be given chances, but not on the national level. First they must get some experience in the big clubs and european cups, then maybe as NC. I think it is very clear...Donadoni should not have been appointed as Italy coach, at least not in this moment..

[han2503]

Figo is a great player. But, in Portugal NT he was more than that. He was the leader.

Now, there's no big leader... there are some old big names like Costinha (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica)... but no one that can be "respected" as Figo and Rui Costa were.

That's a problem then. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Agree, I had forgotten that Figo had retired, I gues the golden generation had to come to an end sometime, just sad that they didn't manage to win anything during that time.

[Portman]

Agree, I had forgotten that Figo had retired, I gues the golden generation had to come to an end sometime, just sad that they didn't manage to win anything during that time.

Golden generation... I don't like that name. Why? Because we won ZERO with that super-golden gen.

But we've now good players too. For the future: C.Ronaldo, Quaresma, Manuel Fernandes, Nelson, Moutinho, Hugo Almeida, Nani, Bruno Vale, Moreira, Vaz Te, Carlos Martins... good and young players mixed with some middle-aged Simão, R.Carvalho, Miguel, J.Andrade, Deco... a good team in the end. But hey, we're a little country (bad for commercial reasons, etc), with or without the "golden tag" we'll never win anything.

[dst]

Poor San Marino...

Bad bad Germany!!!! You should have shown some respect to the poor guys!!! They are all amateurs, football is not their job!!! Only one of them lives from football and you go like scoring a bunch of goals ... Shame on you!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Without Figo there, little Cristiano feels like a Holywood superstar... what a c_nt.

CR ... why is he always - EVERY F@CKING SINGLE TIME - doing that trick moving his feet above the ball???
At least now that Figo's out, Gomes plays ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

But we've now good players too. For the future: C.Ronaldo, Quaresma, Manuel Fernandes, Nelson ....

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

This post has been edited by dst: Sep 8 2006, 09:40 AM

[dst]

On the France vs Italy game ...

1. France were the better side. They should have won!!

2. Well done FIFA!!!! Paolo have the balls to speak and Blatter goes hidden behind his refs again!!!! You're not worth spitting to. you disgusting b@stard!!! You think of 10 things a day ... 11 out of them are PURE BULLSH1T!!!!.
First goal was offside, Italy got something like 5 out of 100 fouls while France 10000000000000000000000000 out of 20, Vieira was not sent-off for intentionaly hitting Gila and not even a yellow for some dozens of other tough marks, Gila gets booked (at rights - it was a clear dive) while Malouda don't .... (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/wink/thumbcool.gif)

3. Sacchi was right: Donadoni's not ready!! I believed in him for I always liked his work as a player and a coach but (even though he's not the only one to blame) he's doing it all wrong!!! Semioli ... MY GOD!!! Bad set up and no motivation!!!

4. I'm waiting for the rematch in Rome. Then, Italy will be ready too cause now only Milan's players (not even Zambro or Canna) were ready ... and even them not for that level while Senegal ... errr France were 100% fit!!!

5. two days before the game I remember Henry saying something about cameras, that refs should check the replay to see if everything's legal on a goal ... ":cry: Arsenal wouldn't have lost the CL final (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) " ... I didn't hear complaining now you b1tch ... do you want the first goal disallowed!!!???You pathetic, disgarceful b1tch!!!! You're the biggest pu$$y ever!!!!

6. Buffon 5 / Zambrotta 5 / Cannavaro 6 / Barzagli 5 (a good performance with the NT at last!!!) / Grosso 0 / Semioli -3 (he was given the no.7 (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) ) Pirlo 6.5 / Gattuso 5 / Perrotta 0 (he was there for sure??? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ) / Cassano 1 / Gila 7 MOM for Italy
Di Michele impressed me (for a sub) !!! Donadoni 3


edit: Oh and ... France proved once again (as in the WC) that they got a better defence than the Italians'!!!!

This post has been edited by dst: Sep 8 2006, 11:39 AM

[han2503]

On the France vs Italy game ...

1. France were the better side. They should have won!!

2. Well done FIFA!!!! Paolo have the balls to speak and Blatter goes hidden behind his refs again!!!! You're not worth spitting to. you disgusting b@stard!!! You think of 10 things a day ... 11 out of them are PURE BULLSH1T!!!!.
First goal was offside, Italy got something like 5 out of 100 fouls while France 10000000000000000000000000 out of 20, Vieira was not sent-off for intentionaly hitting Gila and not even a yellow for some dozens of other tough marks, Gila gets booked (at rights - it was a clear dive) while Malouda don't .... (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/wink/thumbcool.gif)

3. Sacchi was right: Donadoni's not ready!! I believed in him for I always liked his work as a player and a coach but (even though he's not the only one to blame) he's doing it all wrong!!! Semioli ... MY GOD!!! Bad set up and no motivation!!!

4. I'm waiting for the rematch in Rome. Then, Italy will be ready too cause now only Milan's players (not even Zambro or Canna) were ready ... and even them not for that level while Senegal ... errr France were 100% fit!!!

5. two days before the game I remember Henry saying something about cameras, that refs should check the replay to see if everything's legal on a goal ... ":cry: Arsenal wouldn't have lost the CL final (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) " ... I didn't hear complaining now you b1tch ... do you want the first goal disallowed!!!???You pathetic, disgarceful b1tch!!!! You're the biggest pu$$y ever!!!!

6. Buffon 5 / Zambrotta 5 / Cannavaro 6 / Barzagli 5 (a good performance with the NT at last!!!) / Grosso 0 / Semioli -3 (he was given the no.7  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) ) Pirlo 6.5 / Gattuso 5 / Perrotta 0 (he was there for sure???  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ) / Cassano 1 / Gila 7 MOM for Italy
Di Michele impressed me (for a sub) !!! Donadoni 3
edit: Oh and ... France proved once again (as in the WC) that they got a better defence than the Italians'!!!!

(IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/clap1.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/clap1.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/clap1.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/clap1.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/happy/clap1.gif)

Everthing you said is the complete truth.

btw I can't wait to see how Cannavaro plays this season for Real, I'm very curios if he will be the 'inter Cannavaro' that would be funny.

And you're right The French deserved to win it by how they played, but the refereeing was total cr@p, it was so obvious how everything was going France's way, at least they should have been more subtle about it for god's sake. Blattar should take some tips from Moggi

[Portman]

As I said before... Perrotta is no player for the NT. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[misha]

Italy's World Cup manager rules out supervisor role, backs successor

MILAN, Italy (AP) -Italy's World Cup champion manager Marcello Lippi ruled out a supervisory role with the national team on Thursday and gave his backing to new coach Roberto Donadoni.

"I will never be a supervisor of the national team because it is not my profession,'' Lippi said. "I am sure Donadoni will bring the best out of the players.''

 

Lippi stepped down as boss of Italy after guiding the Azzurri to the World Cup title in July. But his replacement, Donadoni, has yet to win in three games, prompting Italian soccer federation head Guido Rossi to reportedly consider bringing back the former Juventus coach as a supervisor.

Italy lost its first game under Donadoni 2-1 to Croatia in a friendly in August. The World champion's poor form continued with a draw at home to Lithuania and a 3-1 loss to France in its opening qualifying games for the 2008 European Championship earlier this month.

But Lippi supported Donadoni despite Italy's results.

"I respect him a lot,'' Lippi said. "I am convinced that he will establish a bond with the players. This group will start to play well again.''

Lippi, who previously has mentioned of a return to club coaching, said that he was in no hurry to get back to work.

"At the moment I am still enjoying the aftermath of the World Cup, which I believe will last a bit of time yet,'' Lippi said. "I have received calls from non-Italian clubs, but I didn't go to speak with the directors.''

Lippi was touted as a possible successor to Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson during the World Cup, but denied the reports at the time, saying that his English wasn't good enough.

However the 58-year-old has been taking language lessons.

"At the moment, my English is a little bit better,'' Lippi said.

link

[arivanjj]

Donadoni considered quitting!

Roberto Donadoni has admitted that he was tempted to quit as Italy Coach after enduring a difficult start to life on the Azzurri bench.

The Nazionale obtained a draw with Lithuania and was then defeated 3-1 in the World Cup Final repeat with France in Paris, leaving the qualifiers with Ukraine and Georgia as must-win games.

“I spoke to the CONI chief Gianni Petrucci and told him that I was willing to resign, but he explained what his ideas were and in the end we agreed on the future plans,” said Donadoni in Coverciano, where the squad is gathered in view of Saturday’s match with Ukraine at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

“There were also rumours suggesting that I may be axed, but I must confess that I felt total support from the Federation – this flattered me and motivated me even more.

“We are aware that Saturday we will have to give our all and remain concentrated, because this is a decisive match and we must win.”

Reports suggest that the Stadio Olimpico may not be totally supportive of the world champions, but the former Livorno tactician doesn’t think this will be the case.

“I don’t see why the Roman supporters would be hostile towards us,” he continued.

“We chose Rome in recognition of Italy’s capital and in order to honour a Roma player [Francesco Totti], who for many reasons will not be part of the match.”

The former Milan winger, yet to win any of his three games in charge, also dismissed reports that Antonio Cassano had been omitted from the squad given his unpopular status within the Giallorossi fan base in the city.

"Cassano was left out for other reasons," he stated when asked about the Real Madrid ace whom he hailed as the future of his Azzurri side only last month.

"People can consider my call-ups in any way they wish. I may take backwards or sideward steps, but my decisions are based on form and that is why I didn't name my squad until late last night [10.30pm local time].

"But nobody has been thrown out, the doors to the national side are always open."

Alex Del Piero will make his return to the Nazionale, along with Luca Toni, and is thrilled of the new opportunity he has been given.

"I am very glad to return and I can’t wait to go onto the pitch,” said the Juve captain.

“It’s exciting to return as a world champion, we must focus on the next two games that are decisive for our qualification to the European Championship.”


source

[misha]

Van Nistelrooy and Van Bommel reject call-ups

Two Dutch players, Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid) and Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich) rejected today's call-ups for the Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Albania.

Van Bommel was originally named for the suqad by Marco van Basten whereas Ruud was meant to be a replacement for Klaus Jan Huntelaar (who is injured). These were another controversial moves, considering the fact that Van Basten called Van Nistelrooy over the weekend trying to convince the Real star to accept the call-up.

In addition, Van Bommel decided to end his carrer in the national team
link

[bigmacmtl]

i think van bommel has no choice but to retire from international football or he can get suspended from club football. i bet he's doing that so he can avoid van basten, and if in the future someone else takes over he'll offer his services again.

[Portman]

Will Italy beat Ukraine next Saturday? They cannot lose more points. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Go Azzurri!

[arivanjj]

NESTA vs. Sheva (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

[GULLIVER]

NESTA vs. Sheva  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

one of them won't be there (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) again.

[han2503]

Will Italy beat Ukraine next Saturday? They cannot lose more points. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Go Azzurri!

It's hard to say, so far they have been pityful, Cannavar was making more stupid mistakes, then Barzagli, and he is supposed to be the one leading the defensive line, hopefully with Nesta back and in good form, the defence will be back in shape.

Semioli or who ever the hell it was that played in the match against France should not play, that idiot can't even run with the ball or hold it for longer then a few seconds.

And I don't understand why he dropped Cassano and Gila, both where the most Impressive players in the matches they played, along with Pippo, Rino and Pirlo. If Donadoni wants the team to establish some sort of chemistry between eachother, he shouldn't keep changing the call ups all the time.

Maybe some of you where right, when they said that he wasn't ready to take such a big job. I wish Lippi would have stayed (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

one of them won't be there  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)   again.

Wheren't they both called up?? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[dst]

Semioli ?? Wow he was so ;ame I had already forgotten him ... I hope I won't have to put up with his pathetic display once again !!

Van Bommel ?? That joke is a disgrace for the Dutch NT and I wish he had never been called up in the first place !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

[misha]

What is Van Basten do to them? I'm still disappointed for not seeing Seedorf in the WC

[Rossoneri7]

What is Van Basten do to them? I'm still disappointed for not seeing Seedorf in the WC

No Marco wants a young team .. I trust Marco, the Dutch havent won anything in a looooooooooong time .. And I think he is making the right steps forward, this time around I hope Holland can do something .. Not cuz I root for them, but cuz they have a very capable team, play beutiful football, but unfortunatly luck isnt on their sides.

[KillerMax]

No Marco wants a young team .. I trust Marco, the Dutch havent won anything in a looooooooooong time .. And I think he is making the right steps forward, this time around I hope Holland can do something .. Not cuz I root for them, but cuz they have a very capable team, play beutiful football, but unfortunatly luck isnt on their sides.

I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...

[arivanjj]

I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...

i agree, i don't know why he didn't select Seedorf and Stam for the WorldCup...

[han2503]

i agree, i don't know why he didn't select Seedorf and Stam for the WorldCup...

Stam retired from the national taem. But i agree at least seedorf should have been called up, if you want to win a tournament like the world cup you need to have SOME experianced players

[dst]

yes but Seedorf had not shown any signs of passion last season ...

[misha]

yes but Seedorf had not shown any signs of passion last season ...

Maybe ,but they needed player like him there

[dst]

Maybe ,but they needed player like him there

to fire them up ?? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
IMO it was the right decision by MVB because last season was a WC one ... he should have tried more to earn a place in the NT squad and not just rely on his name !!

[misha]

to fire them up ??  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
IMO it was the right decision by MVB because last season was a WC one ... he should have tried more to earn a place in the NT squad and not just rely on his name !!

It was never about his ability it was personal

[Rossoneri7]

I think Van Basten was a extraordinary player, but he is a weak coach. His line ups and subs were sometimes simply just laughble...

Well, a weak coach is far off, but I get where your coming from .. He is inexperienced .. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .. True, but I mean Marco Van Basten got through the most difficult group stage in the WC .. Not any manager can turn to luck when he has opponents such as Cote D'Ivore, Argentina, and Serbia (well ok not Serbia, but still...) .. And he did that with the line ups you were talking about, the subs, etc .. Plus, as some have already stated, without the experience of Seedorf and others.

So you see, if MVB can get his young team through the group stages of the WC, then he has done great for an inexperienced coach, such as himself. And as the Dutch football federation still have him as the coach, I think he can turn the tide for them.

[dst]

It was never about his ability it was personal

Come on now ... personal ??? Seedorf was playing mediocre last year and that's what MVB's decision was based on !! Personal my @ss ... I wouldn't have chosen him too. You know very well to defend ES but you are quick to accuse MVB of putting personal choices over the team's good !!

Well done ... keep up your fairness !!

[misha]

Come on now ... personal ??? Seedorf was playing mediocre last year and that's what MVB's decision was based on !! Personal my @ss ... I wouldn't have chosen him too. You know very well to defend ES but you are quick to accuse MVB of putting personal choices over the team's good !!

Well done ... keep up your fairness !!

It's a well known fact that they just don't get along.
I'm just saying what I have heard and there is no connection between the two things. MVB was one of my favorites players .

[misha]

I wouldn't have chosen him too.

Almost every other coach would have choose him .Do yoy honestly believe that he doesn't deserve to be in 23 player squad?

[dst]

It's a well known fact that they just don't get along.
I'm just saying what I have heard and there is no connection between the two things. MVB was one of my favorites players .

I don't like him as a coach but IMO it is unfair to say such a thing for him. It's also probably only something that the media came up with !! What's known though (Bergkamp siad so) is that most players and MVB in personal did not get along well with Robben, still he was in the squad cause he was playing good all season long ... I don't think anyone selected was chosen after personal liking ... maybe some were left out while they could have been there but IMO everyone deserved to be there (besides Van (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif) Bommel), there's no room for all.

[dst]

Almost every other coach would have choose him .Do yoy honestly believe that he doesn't deserve to be in 23 player squad?

Thats' what I'm saying there ... IMO it's not about deserving it, you have to earn your place every time and Seedorf did not seem to care enough so ...

[misha]

Thats' what I'm saying there ... IMO it's not about deserving it, you have to earn your place every time and Seedorf did not seem to care enough so ...

He new already that he is not gonna be there. He wasn't in the qualifying or friendly matches before.
Acording to what I know, there were always feuds in the dutch NT and he wanted to throw out some players(Seedorf ,Davids...) in order to make good environment in the team .

This post has been edited by mishale: Oct 4 2006, 02:25 PM

[dst]

He new already that he is not gonna be there. He wasn't in the qualifying or friendly matches before. 
Acording to what I know, there were always feuds in the dutch NT and he wanted to  throw out some players(Seedorf ,Davids...) in order to make good environment in the team .

he did not have a good season before the last one as well ... but whatever we don't know !!

[misha]

he did not have a good season before the last one as well ... but whatever we don't know !!

But don't you think it's a little bit strange that during MVB time in the NT he didn't got even one chance to play there?

[dst]

But don't you think it's a little bit strange that during MVB time in the NT he didn't got even one chance to play there?

No

[misha]

Van Basten the 50s revivalist?

August saw 82-year old Faas Wilkes die.
He was the first real international Dutch star, a prolific striker for Internazionale and Valencia in the early fifties. Wilkes was one of a handful of internationals who escaped domestic football and its amateur structure. The price these legionnaires paid was exclusion from playing for their country. In those days the Dutch FA (KNVB) chose to ban all professionals from their ranks.


When Wilkes left for Italy in the summer of 1949 the Dutch team had lost only once in two years. In the next five Holland won just four times and did not even enter qualification for the World Cup as they were afraid of an embarrasment.

When the KNVB were forced to embrace professionalism in 1954 the legionnaires could make their return in the national team. It took another twenty years to make a decent impression on international football.

At the funeral of Faas Wilkes the current chairman of the KNVB, Joe Sprengers, apologised for the ban: 'The KNVB were obsessed with amateurism at the time. We should have acted differently and feel sorry for Faas Wilkes. Dutch football fans were denied his great talents in the national team during the years he played abroad. We were wrong.'

Maybe in another half-a-century a chairman will speak to gathered mourners and apologise that the then deceased ex-Barcelona/Real/Inter or Milan-star was banned from several big tournaments.

'Sorry for our appointment of Marco van Basten,' his words might be. 'We were wrong.'

What is with this coach? As soon as Dutch star players take up a contract in a city more than an hour's flight away, their place in the squad is in jeopardy. You may have won three Champions Leagues (Seedorf), just one (Davids and Van Bommel) or been a topscorer of a big league abroad (Makaay and van Nistelrooy), but that does not mean you get the nod over the likes of Martijn Meerdink, Theo Janssen or Demi de Zeeuw.

Seedorf has never had a look in since Van Basten started, while Davids and Makaay had infrequent call-ups until last year. 'Big names are not necessarily big players,' Van Basten once said.

Mark van Bommel and Ruud van Nistelrooy are the latest victims. The surprising omissions gobsmacked the entire Dutch press who had not believed the rumours that went around over the summer. Van Basten is not one to explain much of his selection criteria but he seems to be averse to older players at big clubs.

If it was not confusing enough, Johan Derksen then published a column in his magazine Voetbal International on the day Holland played Ireland, telling his readers that Van Basten is no top coach and has made several big errors over his two years in charge.

Derksen is the editor of Holland's only football weekly, a pundit in two television talk shows on football every weekend and a self-proclaimed friend of Johan Cruyff. His opinion counts in the Dutch football world.

In this critical piece Derksen burned Van Basten to the ground for his treatment of the old guard. Why would Derksen suddenly turn against the coach?

Some say that Van Basten is out of control and not listening to the great Cruyff any more. To regain his influence over squad selection the former captain has apparently instructed Derksen to slight his protege in a magazine which is one of the best selling periodicals in the country. As history shows, Cruyff likes to use the press to put his points forward.

While thousands of readers were glancing over the vitriolic content of the mag's backpage column that night, the subject of the mud-slinging was smiling modestly all over their televisions while celebrating a 4-0 victory at Landsdowne Road. His starless team had just ripped Ireland to pieces.

Debutant Stijn Schaars of AZ played a blinder as a link-up between defence and attack to give the team control in midfield. Therefore Rafael van der Vaart could concentrate on his delivery to the strikers, especially Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Huntelaar is a different player than latest galactico Van Nistelrooy. At the World Cup Van Nistelrooy suffered through the antics of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, who hardly gave him a decent ball.

Impatience made him run into holes and back again, offside and onside to somewhere in midfield and then on the wings. The result was that Ruud was usually everywhere on the pitch except in the right place at the right time to score.

Van Basten choose to keep the wingers in his team and sacrificed his former top scorer to exchange him for a striker who would be more suited to playing between the Robben-van Persie-tandem. At the World Cup Dirk Kuyt turned out not to be that man as he sank without trace in the second round match against Portugal.

Then in Dublin Huntelaar got his chance and succeeded. The Ajax frontman has that rare calm not to be bothered when he is not involved in the game.


JamieMcDonald/GettyImages
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar did much to curb the brickbats aimed at Van Basten.He won't drop in midfield to get a touch of the ball or make unnecessary runs just to show he is around. Just wait and wait and wait, until the smallest of chances arrives and bang...it is a goal. A nightmare for a defender who thinks he has Huntelaar under control. Two goals and two assists were the quite sensational facts of his international debut. Another feelgood story in Van Basten's trial-and-error regime.


Of the sixteen players that Van Basten put on the pitch in Dublin only four have spent more than one season abroad.

It looked almost a 50's revival with this strengthened Eredivisie XI. But not for long.

Since the Ireland game André Ooijer, Dirk Kuyt and Joris Mathijsen have signed for clubs in the UK and Germany.

So while Van Basten may have made some errors and wrong turns recently, there is no denying that he has helped a string of seemingly mediocre clubmen not only to caps but also to the lucrative foreign transfer they always hoped for.

Khalid Boulahrouz tops the charts with his incredible transfer to Chelsea; he was an ordinary mid-table kicker at the time of Euro 2004.

Van Basten selected him and he was soon off to the Bundesliga and now to the Premier League. All these transfers have filled the coffers of a large number of Dutch clubs. And that can't be a bad thing. 

espn

[Rossoneri7]

'Big names are not necessarily big players,' Van Basten once said.

What more can I add to that ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[dst]

What more can I add to that ...  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

Yeah but all 'big names' mentioned above are big players as well !!!

[LaPalma]

Haha...the Dutch and their NT...I'm really waiting for the moment they make use of their huge potential of great players, but I guess that just won't happen...

[dst]

Haha...the Dutch and their NT...I'm really waiting for the moment they make use of their huge potential of great players, but I guess that just won't happen...

Hey you could be more discreet, it hurts to remind me so ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[LaPalma]

Hey you could be more discreet, it hurts to remind me so ...  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Why should I be discreet? There is some certain person in this forum that always reminds of some certain Semi Final in some certain WC in some certain country called Germany (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[dst]

Why should I be discreet? There is some certain person in this forum that always reminds of some certain Semi Final in some certain WC in some certain country called Germany (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

He he !! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) well I said you could be more discreet, not should ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

Yeah but all 'big names' mentioned above are big players as well !!!

I hope ur implying big as in age or size ... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) j/k

Ofcourse they r big players, they all made history for themselves, but they are not what MVB needs to suceed !

I remember in the previous EURO, when Makaay was playing as a winger (I was so fond of Makaay, at the time..), I kept questioning why didnt he come on as a forward?! I mean that is his position, but TBH, Makaay really excelled in that position. The point is, some decisions could differ from what we precieve as the right one, but each coach knows his player's ability and what he wants from them ..

If Seedorf, Van Nistrooy, etc .. arent good enough for MVB, maybe its to do with his tactics .. Maybe it's to do with building a new team, where big names wont get you any guarentees, which might bring higher motivation into the Dutch team. Who knows ..

The moral from all this, is no matter how famous you are, that wont cut you any slack; thus Big names are not necessarily big players ..

[dst]

It's simple as this: MVB wants to build his team in a certain way thus if you don't fit you are off, he's not adjusting anything in order to squeeze whoever in it!!

This post has been edited by dst: Oct 4 2006, 03:46 PM

[Rossoneri7]

It's simple as this: MVB wants to build his team in a certain way thus if you don't fit you are off, he's not adjusting anything in order to squeeze whoever in it!!

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif)

[LaPalma]

Surgery For Borussia's Jansen 
Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Marcel Jansen will undergo surgery on his right knee in Cologne on Friday.

Earlier this week, the 20-year-old national team player had to pull out of Joachim Löw's squad for Saturday's friendly with Slovakia. He sustained a torn outer meniscus during Saturday's Bundesliga game with Werder Bremen. He will travel to Cologne on Thursday Jansen for an examination by knee Specialist Dr. Peter Schäferhoff, and on Friday he will undergo arthroscopic surgery.

Nooo...we're running out of defenders...

[Jack Sparrow]

Not that they did u a lot of good in the WC semis...

I'am sooooooo EVIL (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Oct 4 2006, 09:13 PM