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AC Milan - Milanfan.com _ Archive 07/08 _ EURO 2008
Posted by: aLbErTo May 5 2008, 11:37 PM
i think it's time we shut the "road to euro.." topic
Croatia team is known, Slaven Bilic made his list:
GK:
Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Runje, Mario Galinović
DEFENCE:
Robert Kovač, Dario Å imić, Danijel Pranjić, Dario Knežević, Josip Å imunić, Hrvoje Vejić, Vedran Ćorluka, Nikola Pokrivač
MIDFIELD:
Niko Kranjčar, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Niko Kovač, Jerko Leko, Darijo Srna, Ognjen Vukojević (Dinamo Z.)
ATTACK:
Ivan Klasnić, Igor Budan, Mladen Petrić, Ivica Olić, Nikola Kalinić (Hajduk S.)
BACKUP:
Anas Sharbini(Attacking midfielder-Rijeka), Manuel Pamić (Left back - Red Bull Salzburg)
Posted by: Tennie May 6 2008, 12:05 AM
Donadoni won't be naming his team for another couple of weeks. The selection is mostly known, but the identity of the last striker (possibly the last two) is still up for grabs and there's endless speculation in the Italian media.
I shall be supporting the Azzurri in the tournament.
That said, Croatia are also a team I like. A friend is sending me a Croatia scarf that I will quite proudly wear when going to the pub to watch games.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 12:08 AM
If Croatia crash out in the group stage, I'll throw a party!
Posted by: aLbErTo May 6 2008, 12:09 AM
QUOTE (dst @ May 6 2008, 01:03 AM)
Damn... I just realized Greece are the defending champions! This is so weird!!
(We're going to get hammered!
)
lol
yeah, probably, but you never know
like 4yrs ago
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 6 2008, 01:05 AM)
That said, Croatia are also a team I like. A friend is sending me a Croatia scarf that I will quite proudly wear when going to the pub to watch games.
you have a good friend, haha
yeah it's pretty obvious i'll be chearing for Croatia, but 2nd team is Italy of course
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 6 2008, 01:08 AM)
If Croatia crash out in the group stage, I'll throw a party!
lol, we shall beat you this year again
hehehe
Posted by: dst May 6 2008, 12:19 AM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 6 2008, 02:08 AM)
If Croatia crash out in the group stage, I'll throw a party!
It's not their fault though...
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 12:25 AM
QUOTE (dst @ May 5 2008, 11:19 PM)
It's not their fault though...
It's not their fault, no, it's ours. But they're the ones that put us out.
I'll be cheering for Sweden!
Posted by: aLbErTo May 6 2008, 12:39 AM
i think you should throw a party after every match when carson and robinson are not playing
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 12:51 AM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 5 2008, 11:39 PM)
i think you should throw a party after every match when carson and robinson are not playing
Bah! They're both decent keepers, some are just not made for international games!
Anybody know anything about any other nations that may have announced their squads?
Posted by: Tennie May 6 2008, 01:24 AM
According to the official website, nobody else has named a roster yet.
Posted by: morgoth May 6 2008, 12:17 PM
The french creep is waiting till the last possible day to name his payers! What a creep
Posted by: morgoth May 6 2008, 12:17 PM
DP. Damn it!
Posted by: LaPalma May 6 2008, 12:30 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 6 2008, 12:08 AM)
If Croatia crash out in the group stage, I'll throw a party!
You do realize that it means to cheer for Germany?
Bundestrainer Jogi Löw is going to name his squad in a few weeks. Bernd Schneiders injury is certainly a huge loss for our team...there's simply no one with his qualities....
Here's what I think our formation will (most likely)be without Schnixx.
------------------------Klose-------------------Gomez--------------------------------
----Schweinsteiger---------------------------------------------Hilbert/Fritz-----------
----------------------------Ballack-----------------Frings------------------------------
----Jansen-------------Mertesacker----------Westermann/Metzelder-----Lahm----
--------------------------------------Lehmann------------------------------------------
If Metzelder will be fit soon there's no doubt he'll be our second CB although I'd prefer Heiko Westermann. Hilbert and Fritz might take Schneiders spot as well as Bremens TIm Borowski who has been fine recently.
I'm pretty sure though Jogi will present one or two little surprises when he names his squad. My guess: Bremens youngster Mesut Özil (19) will make it to the team.
Besides that I'll have my fingers crossed for the next weeks that nothing happens to Ballack or Frings. They're by far the best German midfielders. Without them we won't have a chance to win the Euro.
Posted by: Tennie May 6 2008, 12:37 PM
^^ Ballack has been in very good form (for the first time in a while) recently, La Palma. That can only be good for the German NT. And it's nice to see Frings back too, even if he DOES play for Bremen.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 01:36 PM
I haven't seen much of Frings really, but I was really impressed with what little chance Borowski had at the last World Cup. He started the first game because of an injury/suspension didn't he? And I thought he looked great, then he was dopped..
Who else is in Germany & Croatia's group? It's obviously going to be a long shot to see either of them go through whoever they are.
Posted by: Tennie May 6 2008, 01:47 PM
Austria & Poland are the other two teams in that group, Kurt. Austria doesn't have a strong team, but the Poles can be pretty good.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 01:50 PM
Yeah, I remember Poland being very unlucy at the World Cup, with the last goal they conceeded against the Germans. Let's hope Boruc, Rasiak and co. can do the job this time!
Posted by: Tennie May 6 2008, 04:30 PM
Marco Van Basten has named a provisional squad for the Euros (some players will be cut):
Goalkeepers: Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax), Henk Timmer (Feyenoord).
Defenders: Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa FC), Tim de Cler (Feyenoord), Urby Emanuelson (AFC Ajax), John Heitinga (AFC Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic FC), André Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers FC).
Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Orlando Engelaar (FC Twente), Nigel de Jong (Hamburger SV), Denny Landzaat (Feyenoord), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia CF), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan) , Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid CF), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Liverpool FC), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AFC Ajax), Danny Koevermans (PSV Eindhoven), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid CF), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben (Real Madrid CF), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic FC).
TURTLE POWER!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 6 2008, 04:35 PM
BOUMA!
Congrats to Freddie! Been ever-present for us this season, isn't the greatest, but a very consistant 7/10 player ever week! And I think we all knew Seedorf would make it.
As for De Ridder.. going to Birmingham certainly helped his chances!
Posted by: dst May 6 2008, 07:21 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 6 2008, 03:50 PM)
Yeah, I remember Poland being very unlucy at the World Cup, with the last goal they conceeded against the Germans. Let's hope Boruc, Rasiak and co. can do the job this time!
I think they deserved it, they played real bad.
Posted by: LaPalma May 7 2008, 08:26 AM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 6 2008, 01:50 PM)
Yeah, I remember Poland being very unlucy at the World Cup, with the last goal they conceeded against the Germans. Let's hope Boruc, Rasiak and co. can do the job this time!
That was f@cking great. David Odonkor provided the cross for Oliver Neuville. I'll never forget that goal...it was the very reason we made it to the semis....simply amazing.
Besides that I agree with dst...Poland played very very bad.
Posted by: Tennie May 8 2008, 03:10 PM
One person who almost certainly will NOT be in the Azzurri squad is Zebra striker Vicento Iaquinta. He's got an injury and will be out of action until mid-July.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 8 2008, 03:18 PM
That's a shame.
Posted by: morgoth May 8 2008, 03:23 PM
I'll add to that list Gilardino, I think Pippo should and will take his place.
Posted by: LaPalma May 8 2008, 03:24 PM
I'm feeling sorry for Iaquinta....although he wouldn't have made it to the first 11 he's an important player fot Italy. Besides that I'm still sad about Bernds injury which worries me a lot more as he might never play again...
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 8 2008, 03:29 PM
QUOTE
Luiz Felipe Scolari will step down as Portugal coach at the end of their Euro 2008 campaign.
'Big Phil', 58, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and rejected the chance to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England boss earlier this year.
He also led Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, where they lost to Greece, and the 2006 World Cup semi-final.
"It is logical that at the end of Euro 2008 I leave when my contract ends," he told Portuguese newspaper Record.
"The work of a coach is limited to five or six years.
"We are already in this time frame but after that, things become more difficult because they create habits and links with the players, which can result in things deteriorating."
He also confirmed that he had been approached both by Portuguese giants Benfica in 2004 and England prior to the last World Cup finals to replace Eriksson when the Swede left after the tournament.
Scolari said: "The English wanted me to sign the contract during the finals but that I start the job after the finals were over. However, that would have a betrayal of the Portuguese.
"It simply wasn't possible. Nobody can sign for one national side and continue to run another.
"It was a difficult choice but I understood that I could not accept it," stated Scolari, who guided Portugal to victory over England on penalties in the World Cup quarter-finals - having knocked them out at the same stage of Euro 2004.
Scolari said he was undecided about his next move and said: "I could stay here, go to another European country or return to Brazil. I just don't know."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6210009.stm
Posted by: LaPalma May 8 2008, 08:44 PM
Can't wait for the Euro! It's going to be so great
Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 9 2008, 05:23 AM
I want to see the following matches, the more crucial the better:
France v Italy
Netherlands v Germany
Netherlands v Portugal
France v Portugal
Italy v Germany would be nice.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 9 2008, 07:44 AM
germany won't even make it out of the group
Posted by: LaPalma May 9 2008, 09:46 AM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 9 2008, 07:44 AM)
germany won't even make it out of the group
Pfff.....you wish. We'll make it to the semis at least....everything else would be a big dissapointment.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 9 2008, 10:39 AM
well, we'll see about that no german player was really in top for for whole season, except for gomez...
Posted by: LaPalma May 9 2008, 11:56 AM
They only have to be on top for the Euro And then Ballack has been in terrific form recently and he's our MVP without a doubt.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 9 2008, 12:15 PM
that's true...well, it's an interesting group, maybe austria and poland make trough
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 9 2008, 05:03 PM
Germany to win the group, comfortably, with 9 points. Austria to finish bottom with 0 and it will be close between Poland and Croatia. Hopefully Poland!
Posted by: Tennie May 9 2008, 08:08 PM
Interesting rumor floating around the peninsula today. Apparently, players who might/will get call ups for Euro 2008 are having measles (I think that's what it is) inoculations this week. According to (what looks to be the print version of) Corriere dello Sport, Alessandro Nesta was among those who got the shot. Probably BS, but an intriguing thought.
Posted by: dst May 9 2008, 08:30 PM
NESTA!?? Nah... I'd love to see him in the Euro but has retired and I don't believe he would rethink...
Posted by: Tennie May 10 2008, 12:27 AM
Tomas Rosicky is definitely OUT of the Czech Republic squad for the Euros. That's a big loss for them. However, Janku - unless he does something in the next two games - is back.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 10 2008, 07:25 AM
yap it's bad for czech's, but rosicky hasn't been playing for a long long time now, so i don't think he would be any use anyway...
Posted by: amancik May 10 2008, 10:08 AM
I'll be rooting for Italy on this one, when & what is the opening game?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 10 2008, 02:49 PM
Saturday 7 June 2008
open with..Switzerland vs Czech Republic
followed by.. Portugal vs Turkey
Posted by: Tennie May 12 2008, 11:22 PM
Here are Portugal's call ups:
Keepers: Ricardo (Betis), Quim (Benfica), Rui PatrÃcio (Sporting)
Defenders: Bosingwa (FC Porto), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Miguel (Valência), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Pepe (Real Madrid), Bruno Alves (FC Porto), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista)
Midfielders: Miguel Veloso (Sporting), Petit (Benfica), Raul Meireles (FC Porto), Deco (Barcelona), João Moutinho (Sporting), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Nani (Manchester United), Quaresma (FC Porto), Simão (Atlético Madrid)
Strikers
Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Hélder Postiga (Panathinaikos), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen)
IMO Portugal has a frighteningly strong midfield and a solid enough defense. Ricardo is VERY good at stopping (English) penalties but has...kaladzity moments now and then. The real weakness I see in the Portuguese NT is in the striker department. Makukula could've added something, but he got hurt a couple of weeks ago and is out.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 12 2008, 11:29 PM
Who're the LBs in that squad?
Portugal need to get a new GK and some strikers soon, that's why they'll struggle to win things!
Posted by: Tennie May 13 2008, 12:18 AM
note re Portugal's squad: No Maniche (who was so good for them in the WC) but his kid brother Jorge Ribeiro did make the team.
Turkey has named its squad:
Goalkeepers: Volkan Demirel (Fenerbahçe SK), Rüştü Reçber (Beşiktaş JK), Tolga Zengin (Trabzonspor).
Defenders: Gökhan Gönül (Fenerbahçe SK), Sabri Sarıoğlu (Galatasaray AŞ), Gökhan Zan (Beşiktaş JK), İbrahim Kaş (Beşiktaş JK), Emre Aşık (Galatasaray AŞ), Servet Çetin (Galatasaray AŞ), Hakan Balta (Galatasaray AŞ), Uğur Boral (Fenerbahçe SK).
Midfielders: Mehmet Aurélio (Fenerbahçe SK), Mehmet Topal (Galatasaray AŞ), Emre Belözoğlu (Newcastle United FC), Tümer Metin (Larissa FC), Yıldıray Baştürk (VfB Stuttgart), Hamit Altıntop (FC Bayern München), Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray AŞ), Arda Turan (Galatasaray AŞ), Tuncay Şanlı (Middlesbrough FC), Kazım Kazım (Fenerbahçe SK), Gökdeniz Karadeniz (FC Rubin Kazan).
Forwards: Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal CF), Halil Altıntop (FC Schalke 04), Semih Şentürk (Fenerbahçe SK), Mevlüt Erding (FC Sochaux-Montbéliard).
No room in the squad for Hakan Sukur, which is a bit of a surprise.
Posted by: dst May 13 2008, 01:09 AM
CR was called!?? This is ridiculous, he has only scored 41 goals!
In my view, Portugal only have a chance if they let CR play as he's been playing for United all season. As a forward, not as a winger. He's much better in this free role that SAF allowed him to play in... you can say he did rather well... but whenever I've seen him play for Portugal, he seems stuck on the flank... he's not a winger, not anymore!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 13 2008, 01:31 AM
There's too many teams I dislike/hate in this competition.
Posted by: Tennie May 13 2008, 01:34 AM
Programming note for those who get ESPN -- ESPN has started showing 1 hour recaps of previous European finals. They seem to be going in order until the championships start. Tonight (right now) I'm watching the 1976 final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia on ESPN Deportes (the spanish language station).
It's my understanding that ESPN in places other than North America is also broadcasting the old games.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 13 2008, 07:39 AM
that's also broadcasting on EUROSPORT, for like two month now already...
Posted by: Il Capitano May 13 2008, 12:43 PM
Seedorf turned down a place in the holland squad.
I am really disappointed with his decision.
Posted by: Tennie May 13 2008, 12:58 PM
^^ +1.
Posted by: amancik May 13 2008, 05:40 PM
QUOTE (Il Capitano @ May 13 2008, 12:43 PM)
Seedorf turned down a place in the holland squad.
I am really disappointed with his decision.
I think he wants to rest, watch the Championship on a couch
He needs it
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 13 2008, 06:45 PM
Sweden Squad for Euro 2008
Goalkeepers: Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City), Rami Shaaban (Hammarby), Johan Wiland (Elfsborg)
Defenders: Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa), Petter Hansson (Stade Rennes), Mikael Nilsson (Panathinaikos), Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Gothenburg), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborg), Daniel Majstorovic (FC Basel), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg Trondheim), Mikael Dorsin (CFR Cluj)
Midfielders: Tobias Linderoth (Galatasaray), Daniel Andersson (Malmo), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Kim Kallstrom (Olympique Lyon), Christian Wilhelmsson (Deportivo La Coruna), Fredrik Ljungberg (West Ham), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City)
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Johan Elmander (Toulouse), Marcus Allback (FC Copenhagen), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen), Henrik Larsson (Helsingborg)
Henrik Larsson in the team!
This'll be the squad I'm supporting.
Posted by: dst May 13 2008, 09:27 PM
Seedorf refused to go!??! Why would anyone do that?
And Larsson will be there? Sweet!
Posted by: Bluesummers May 14 2008, 05:14 AM
i think its because seedorf and basten used to play along side each other and he really doesnt want to be coached by a teammate.
Posted by: Habitant May 14 2008, 05:26 AM
QUOTE (Bluesummers @ May 14 2008, 04:14 AM)
i think its because seedorf and basten used to play along side each other and he really doesnt want to be coached by a teammate.
it's because he kicked him out of the squad for a while (notably at the world cup) so i think he took it hard.
Posted by: Bluesummers May 14 2008, 05:27 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 13 2008, 10:26 PM)
it's because he kicked him out of the squad for a while (notably at the world cup) so i think he took it hard.
yup, seedorf is the arrogant type of person who will never forgive or forget.
Posted by: dst May 14 2008, 10:44 AM
QUOTE (Bluesummers @ May 14 2008, 07:14 AM)
i think its because seedorf and basten used to play along side each other and he really doesnt want to be coached by a teammate.
When did they play alongside each other?
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 14 2008, 07:26 AM)
it's because he kicked him out of the squad for a while (notably at the world cup) so i think he took it hard.
But he did play for Holland in the preliminaries...
Posted by: Tennie May 14 2008, 01:10 PM
Here's the list of preliminary call ups for Romania (three players will be cut):
Keepers: Bogdan Lobont (Dinamo Bucarest), Danut Coman (Rapid Bucarest), Marius Popa (Politehnica Timisoara)
Defenders: Cosmin Contra (Getafe), Gabriel Tamas (Auxerre), Cristian Sapunaru (Rapid Bucarest), Dorin Goian (Steaua Bucarest), Sorin Ghionea (Steaua Bucarest), Cosmin Moti (Dinamo Bucarest), Stefan Radu (Lazio), Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Midfielders: Florentin Petre (CSKA Sofia), Paul Codrea (Siena), Mirel Radoi, Ovidiu Petre, Nicolae Dica, Banel Nicolita (Steaua Bucarest), Adrian Cristea (Dinamo Bucarest), Razvan Cocis (Lokomotiv Mosca), Cristian Chivu (Inter);
Strikers: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina), Ciprian Marica (Stuttgart), Daniel Niculae (Auxerre), Florin Bratu (Dinamo Bucarest), Ciprian Deac (CFR Cluj), Marius Niculae (Inverness CT).
Posted by: Tennie May 14 2008, 03:26 PM
Here's the provisional squad for the Czech Republic:
Goalkeepers: Petr Čech (Chelsea FC), JaromÃr Blažek (1. FC Nürnberg), Daniel ZÃtka (RSC Anderlecht).
Defenders: Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan), David Rozehnal (S.S. Lazio), Tomáš UjfaluÅ¡i (ACF Fiorentina), Zdeněk Pospěch (FC København), Zdeněk Grygera (Juventus), Michal Kadlec (AC Sparta Praha), Tomáš Sivok (AC Sparta Praha), Radoslav Kováč (FC Spartak Moskva).
Midfielders: Tomáš Galásek (1. FC Nürnberg), David JarolÃm (Hamburger SV), Jaroslav PlaÅ¡il (CA Osasuna), Jan Polák (RSC Anderlecht), Marek Matějovský (Reading FC), Libor Sionko (FC København), Daniel Pudil (SK Slavia Praha), Stanislav Vlček (RSC Anderlecht).
Forwards: Jan Koller (1. FC Nürnberg), Milan BaroÅ¡ (Porsmouth FC), Martin Fenin (Eintracht Frankfurt), Václav SvěrkoÅ¡ (FC BanÃk Ostrava).
NO Pavel Nedved.
Posted by: Tennie May 14 2008, 03:30 PM
And here's the provisional squad for Russia:
Keepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vyacheslav Malafeev (Zenit St. Petersburg), Vladimir Gabulov (Amkar Perm).
Defenders: Alexander Anyukov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Renat Yanbaev (Lokomotiv Moscow), Roman Shirokov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Vasily Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow), Sergey Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Denis Kolodin (Dinamo Moscow), Alexey Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow).
Midfielders: Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak Moscow), Ivan Saenko (Nuremburg), Konstantin Zyryanov (Zenit St. Petersburg), Igor Semshov (Dinamo Moscow), Sergey Semak (Rubin Kazan), Alexander Pavlenko (Spartak Moscow), Oleg Ivanov (Krylya Sovetov Samara), Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Dmitry Torbinskiy (Lokomotiv Moscow), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow).
Strikers: Andrey Arshavin (Zenit St. Petersburg), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Zenit St. Petersburg), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow), Roman Adamov (FC Moscow), Dmitry Sychev (Lokomotiv Moscow).
Posted by: TriniKing_CE May 14 2008, 04:16 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 14 2008, 10:26 AM)
Posted by: Bluesummers May 14 2008, 08:07 PM
QUOTE (TriniKing_CE @ May 14 2008, 09:16 AM)
excellent
Posted by: dst May 14 2008, 10:16 PM
I hate to break it to you but Nedved retired in 2006...
At least he signed a new contract with Juventus. This is very good for football. I think he still is a great player, certainly among the very best of Juve's season!
Posted by: Tennie May 15 2008, 10:52 PM
I (and the fish doll) rather like Portugal's NT. The only worry we have is the lack of a really top-rate striker.
Domenech will name his squad in the next few days.
I think Donadoni is scheduled to name his on Monday.
Posted by: dst May 16 2008, 12:51 AM
QUOTE (Porty @ May 15 2008, 11:37 PM)
Seriously, I think it's gonna be between Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Holland and Portugal. The one with more luck will lift it.
But watch out for Spain. They've been amazing for the last 2 years unlike - for example - Portugal.
Hmm... that's only the 6 best teams of the competition... I think you have incredible insight!
Spain usually play well in the preliminaries...
if Spain don't win I'll be happy. And I wouldn't be too happy if France won but I would not be disappointed.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 16 2008, 07:13 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHsTq9R8qCQ&eurl=http://www.net.hr/sport/page/2008/05/14/0547006.html croatia's road to euro
Posted by: Habitant May 16 2008, 08:12 AM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 16 2008, 06:13 AM)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHsTq9R8qCQ&eurl=http://www.net.hr/sport/page/2008/05/14/0547006.html croatia's road to euro
hey are you familiar with Anže Kopitar?
Posted by: amancik May 16 2008, 08:18 AM
EURO 2008 is going to be exciting! We're only 3 weeks away
I'm not really familiar with Croatian players, but for the past 8 years I've not heard anyone being compared to David Suker. He was a great striker
Posted by: aLbErTo May 16 2008, 10:57 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 16 2008, 09:12 AM)
hey are you familiar with Anže Kopitar?
hm...yes, but he's a hockey player
QUOTE (amancik @ May 16 2008, 09:18 AM)
EURO 2008 is going to be exciting! We're only 3 weeks away
I'm not really familiar with Croatian players, but for the past 8 years I've not heard anyone being compared to David Suker. He was a great striker
we'll not yet, but we have many good players...i'm sure you've heard about eduardo (arsenal), rakitic (schalke), kranjcar (portsmouth), modric (tottenham-next year), srna (shakhtar), klasnic (werder),...........................
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 16 2008, 01:42 PM
Eduardo won't be playing though will he?
It's between Germany, France and Holland in my opinion. I don't think italy are half the team they were 2 years ago, Spain and Portugal are forever under-acheivers and I don't think their squads are overly impressive.
Germany will always be there, as will France. Holland will finally do something - I think they'll make the Final.
Posted by: LaPalma May 16 2008, 06:16 PM
Germanies squad for the Euro:
QUOTE
Tor Jens Lehmann FC Arsenal 10.11.1969Â
Tor Robert Enke Hannover 96 24.08.1977Â
Tor René Adler Bayer Leverkusen 15.01.1985Â
Abwehr Arne Friedrich Hertha BSC 29.05.1979Â
Abwehr Clemens Fritz Werder Bremen 07.12.1980Â
Abwehr Christoph Metzelder Real Madrid 05.11.1980Â
Abwehr Per Mertesacker Werder Bremen 29.09.1984Â
Abwehr Marcell Jansen Bayern München 04.11.1985Â
Abwehr Philipp Lahm Bayern München 11.11.1983Â
Abwehr Heiko Westermann Schalke 04 14.08.1983Â
Mittelfeld Michael Ballack FC Chelsea 26.09.1976Â
Mittelfeld Torsten Frings Werder Bremen 22.11.1976Â
Mittelfeld Thomas Hitzlsperger VfB Stuttgart 05.04.1982Â
Mittelfeld Bastian Schweinsteiger Bayern München 01.08.1984Â
Mittelfeld Simon Rolfes Bayer Leverkusen 21.01.1982Â
Mittelfeld Piotr Trochowski Hamburger SV 22.03.1984Â
Mittelfeld Tim Borowski Werder Bremen 02.05.1980Â
Mittelfeld Jermaine Jones FC Schalke 04 03.11.1981Â
Mittelfeld David Odonkor Betis Sevilla 21.02.1984Â
Mittelfeld Marko Marin Borussia Mönchengladbach 13.03.1989Â
Sturm Miroslav Klose Bayern München 09.06.1978Â
Sturm Mario Gomez VfB Stuttgart 10.07.1985Â
Sturm Kevin Kuranyi Schalke 04 02.03.1982Â
Sturm Lukas Podolski Bayern München 04.06.1985Â
Sturm Oliver Neuville Borussia Mönchengladbach 01.05.1973Â
Sturm Patrick Helmes 1. FC Köln 01.03.1984Â
The biggest surprise is that Valencias Timo Hildebrand didn't even make it to the squad. René Adler takes, well deserved, his place. He's our future on the GK position. The other surprise is Gladbachs talent Marko Marin. He's only 19 and wasn't called up yet. But I think it's a good choice. We need players who are strong in 1 on1 situations.
All in all our squad is definetely better than the one we had in 2006. Especially when I'm looking at our forwards. At the WC we only had Klose and Podolski who were sufficient. Now we also have Kuranyi and Gomez. Colognes talent Patrick Helmes isn't bad either.
Well, we still have to rely on Ballack and Frings. They're by far the most important players in our squad.
The favourites for me are: Italy, France, Germany, Portugal. In that order. Italy and France simply have more depth than we do. That said I'm pretty sure Porty and me already agreed on a Germany-Portugal final 2 years ago
Posted by: morgoth May 16 2008, 06:49 PM
QUOTE (Porty @ May 15 2008, 09:37 PM)
Like it or not, we're gonna win it.
Seriously, I think it's gonna be between
Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Holland and Portugal. The one with more luck will lift it.
But watch out for Spain. They've been amazing for the last 2 years unlike - for example - Portugal.
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 15 2008, 10:52 PM)
I (and the fish doll) rather like Portugal's NT. The only worry we have is the lack of a really top-rate striker.
Domenech will name his squad in the next few days.
I think Donadoni is scheduled to name his on
Monday.
I think it's Tuesday.
I think it's going to be between Italy, Germany and France. Hopefully the french won't get out of the group stage, other than that I'll support Milan players and the beautiful football
Posted by: Tennie May 17 2008, 02:32 PM
Here are the call ups of Aragnoes for the Spanish squad:
Keepers: Casillas, Palop, Reina.
Defenders: Capdevilla, Juanito, De la Red, Puyol, Fernando Navarro, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marchena.
Midfielders: Senna, Cazorla, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso.
Strikers: Sergio Garcia, Villa, Fernando Torres, Guiza.
No Raul.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 17 2008, 02:39 PM
To call that squad average would be lying, it's worse than that. No trophy for the Spaniards again!
Posted by: morgoth May 17 2008, 03:02 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 17 2008, 02:39 PM)
To call that squad average would be lying, it's worse than that. No trophy for the Spaniards again!
You think this team is less than average
I think you stick out your nose out of England and the EPL some time to look around for some real football
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 17 2008, 03:15 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 17 2008, 02:02 PM)
You think this team is less than average
I think you stick out your nose out of England and the EPL some time to look around for some real football
I think you'll find 2 of the squads best 3 players are from the EPL, in my opinion of course. As for the football over here, I think I'll stick to watching English teams as my first choice, starting with the European Cup Final next Wednesday.
Posted by: Portikins May 17 2008, 03:18 PM
QUOTE (dst @ May 16 2008, 12:51 AM)
Hmm... that's only the 6 best teams of the competition... I think you have incredible insight!
I'm the Jacques de la Palice of the XXI century.
No Raul, Joaquin, Vicente, nor Riera in the Spanish squad.
Posted by: morgoth May 17 2008, 03:54 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 17 2008, 03:15 PM)
I think you'll find 2 of the squads best 3 players are from the EPL, in my opinion of course. As for the football over here, I think I'll stick to watching English teams as my first choice, starting with the European Cup Final next Wednesday.
Sure man, you can start with the cup final and also watch the euro there will be a lot of EPL players there too
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 17 2008, 04:02 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 17 2008, 02:54 PM)
Sure man, you can start with the cup final and also watch the euro there will be a lot of EPL players there too
Yes, there will be alot of EPL players at the Euros.
But obviously you know nothing about football. You seem to think that because the English NT is not doing well at the moment, it must mean that the English league is bad. Well, unfortunately for you, players are allowed to move to different countries so the EPL has many top talents from around the World.
Then again, this is all coming from a guy that rates the French league higher than the EPL.
Posted by: morgoth May 17 2008, 04:20 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 17 2008, 04:02 PM)
Yes, there will be alot of EPL players at the Euros.
But obviously you know nothing about football. You seem to think that because the English NT is not doing well at the moment, it must mean that the English league is bad. Well, unfortunately for you, players are allowed to move to different countries so the EPL has many top talents from around the World.
Then again, this is all coming from a guy that rates the French league higher than the EPL.
Yeah frankly I don't have a clue when it comes to football ... I must admit it
Now will you please show me where did I say something like that
QUOTE
You seem to think that because the English NT is not doing well at the moment, it must mean that the English league is bad
Oh and yes I rate the French league better than the EPL, ever watched the Ligue 1?
Posted by: Tennie May 17 2008, 04:30 PM
The english league is good (though I personally don't much like the general style of play). The english NT at the moment...is not particularly good by their own standards.
That said, I AM looking forward to watching the Euros, even if I do get in the middle of another spitwad fight between diplomats at the pub (long story). The games ARE being broadcast in the US, though I'm not sure how many will be live.
Posted by: Tennie May 18 2008, 10:49 AM
Here is the provisional French squad (7 players to be cut from the list):
Goalkeepers: Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Mickael Landreau (Paris Saint-Germain), Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Lyon), Francois Clerc (Lyon), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AS Roma), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Sebastien Squillaci (Lyon), Lilian Thuram (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth), Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan), Samir Nasri (Marseille).
Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Lyon), Bafetimbi Gomis (Saint-Etienne), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Florent Malouda (Chelsea).
NO Trezeguet.
Posted by: morgoth May 18 2008, 01:22 PM
No euro for Trez
With 20 goals in Serie A this season I think Trez thought he'd make it especially when last year the joke of a coach said that he'll focus on the season performances Anyway, it was expected, in France everyone prefers Henry to Trez even with one leg ...
The players that I expect to stay home are : Mandanda, Boumsong, A.Diarra/Flamini (just because he signed for Milan), Ben Arfa, Cissé, Gomis and Escudé/Clerc/Sagnol should be Sagnol (didn't play all the season) but it probably won't be him ...
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 18 2008, 02:25 PM
Poor Trezeguet, ah well, France's loss!
Posted by: Darunia May 18 2008, 07:43 PM
No Sagna either, although he's been injured lately..
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 20 2008, 01:57 PM
Italy squad is set to be announced soon
Posted by: Tennie May 20 2008, 02:15 PM
Here's the list:
Portieri (3): Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis.
Difensori (8): Panucci, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Zambrotta, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso.
Centrocampisti (9): Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta, Aquilani, Montolivo.
Attaccanti (6): Toni, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Borriello, Cassano
3 people will be cut.
Posted by: KillerMax May 20 2008, 02:29 PM
Oddo has been dropped for good reasons.
Bonera probably should have made the bench.
Other than Boriello, looks like a good list.
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 20 2008, 03:01 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 20 2008, 01:15 PM)
Here's the list:
Portieri (3): Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis.
Difensori (8): Panucci, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Zambrotta, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso.
Centrocampisti (9): Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta, Aquilani, Montolivo.
Attaccanti (6): Toni, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Borriello, Cassano
3 people will be cut.
Not too happy seeing matrix there. He has definetly declined as a footballer over 12 months and gets burnt easily by reasonably fast players. Would have preferred Gamberini.
One of Cassano or Del Boy will cut i am sure, Montolivo or Aquilani, but not sure about defenders
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 20 2008, 04:57 PM
Pfft. Matrix is there because he can do the job and do it well!
Posted by: dst May 20 2008, 05:05 PM
Materazzi and Borriello are there simply because there's no one better... which is sad...
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 20 2008, 05:23 PM
I think that's the case for alot of them, dst. Based on this seasons form Gattuso wouldn't have got into the Faroe Islands starting line-up, but he's still there!
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 20 2008, 05:48 PM
Didnt know where to put this, so this thread will have to do
The Azzurini (Italy U21) will be playing three games over the next couple of days, (Ivory Coast, Turkey and USA in that order) I will be watching all three and monitoring the progress of the youngsters especially if there are any Rossoneri playing in the lineups. Matches are on Wed, Fri and Sunday if anyone is curious
Mods can i open a thread dedicated to U21 business?
Edit: dst i think Borriello is there mainly because he is one of the top scorers, but also because he is a tall strong target man, similar to Toni, which makes him a natural understudy. The current Italy tactics rely heavily on a target striker, so his inclusion seems logical
Posted by: Tennie May 20 2008, 07:58 PM
I think it's a mistake to leave Pippo out of the squad, especially when Borriello hasn't actually scored a goal in a couple of months and Pippo's on a streak. But eh.
As for the U23 tournament thingy, have at it whoarethepatriots. Programming note for those in North America: Fox Soccer is showing all of the games from that tournament.
Posted by: morgoth May 20 2008, 08:15 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 20 2008, 02:15 PM)
Here's the list:
Portieri (3): Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis.
Difensori (8): Panucci, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Zambrotta, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso.
Centrocampisti (9): Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta, Aquilani, Montolivo.
Attaccanti (6): Toni, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Borriello, Cassano
3 people will be cut.
Tennie, how namy defenders and midfielders do you count?
Actually, it's a 24 players list and only one player will be left. My bet is Cassano (or Montolivo). I think Donadoni should have pick up another Denfeder and left both Cassano and Montolivo out of the squad. About the Boriello/Pippo thing I think Donadoni wanted someone with similar characteristics as Toni and Boriello is the only (on form, somehow) striker he have, unless he can call Trezeguet ... Pippo would have made it if Italy didn't play a 4-3-3 formation.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 20 2008, 08:47 PM
morgoth, is France the NT you follow as your first choice? Or is it Algeria (You were born there, right? Or we you born in France?) Just curious.
Posted by: Tennie May 20 2008, 08:55 PM
Thing is, Del Piero wants to play ONLY as a striker not as a winger, so he doesn't really fit into the system either....unless he's changed his mind.
It's too bad for Pippo.
As for the numbers being dropped...oops.
I'd drop Aquilani before Montolivo, though, if we're dropping a midfielder. Montolivo is perhaps the only guy on the call up list who can come anywhere near to the same sort of play as Pirlo. So for me, Montolivo stays even if it's mostly a sub position.
I'd drop the crazy dude from Bari. Talent though he is, he's....BONKERS.
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 20 2008, 09:07 PM
Del Piero should be dropped, for the reasons you stated tennie. I doubt it due to public pressure. Cassano is a live wire and more effective than Del Boy out wide in Donadoni's system
Monto is probably gonna be dropped, which isnt surprising as Aquilani is pretty damn versatile and has more experience in the highest levels than Monto (CL)
Posted by: morgoth May 20 2008, 10:01 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 20 2008, 08:47 PM)
morgoth, is France the NT you follow as your first choice? Or is it Algeria (You were born there, right? Or we you born in France?) Just curious.
I was born in Algeria (still Algerian) and I only follow Milan and it's players no matter what, so technically I think I'm for Italy because they have most Milan players as starters.
Oh and I dislike the french NT because of their captain, coach and the euro 2000 final
Posted by: KillerMax May 20 2008, 11:29 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 20 2008, 03:01 PM)
Oh and I dislike the french NT because of their coach and the euro 2000 final
Finally we have something in common.
Posted by: morgoth May 20 2008, 11:39 PM
QUOTE (pKillerMax @ May 20 2008, 11:29 PM)
Finally we have something in common.
Posted by: CrazyMilanFan May 20 2008, 11:45 PM
the itlaian defence is the weakist link in their team which is quite strange and picking of cassano and Alex means that donadoni has felt the pressure of the press and mite be forced to change the system unless both of them are at bench
Posted by: Habitant May 20 2008, 11:46 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 20 2008, 09:01 PM)
I was born in Algeria (still Algerian) and I only follow Milan and it's players no matter what, so technically I think I'm for Italy because they have most Milan players as starters.
Oh and I dislike the french NT because of their captain, coach and the euro 2000 final
...
you must be the first algerian/french arab person i know that doesnt support france.
over here we have lots of arab speaking people, they all go for france because of zizou + it's more team africa than team france.
Posted by: Habitant May 20 2008, 11:54 PM
one thing is it's easy to judge a team like spain and italy look at every player individually and rate the squad like and say that they look average. but in the end only 12 or 13 players will get a shot at starting and play a lot. also no one saw italy as one of the favorites to win the WC... it's always like this, before every big tournement you have the provisional favorites. then it starts and 3/4 of those teams fail and then everyone changes their opinion and most of the teams that make it far seem like they were the strongest to begin with.
Posted by: acid911 May 21 2008, 12:13 AM
I absolutely hate the French team, overrated smart-alics. Let me count, World Cup 98 to Italy, and then the final to Brazil, Euro 2000 to Italy - more so to Maldini. And then World Cup 2006 to Brazil again. And almost did Italy in again.
Sorry if there are any French NT supporters here, but they are one of my least favorite teams. In the whole wide world.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 02:43 AM
QUOTE (acid911 @ May 20 2008, 11:13 PM)
I absolutely hate the French team, overrated smart-alics. Let me count, World Cup 98 to Italy, and then the final to Brazil, Euro 2000 to Italy - more so to Maldini. And then World Cup 2006 to Brazil again.
And almost did Italy in again.
Sorry if there are any French NT supporters here, but they are one of my least favorite teams. In the whole wide world.
what annoyed me the most was their reaction to losing the final in 06. i dont know if people here remember the uproar after the final and the raucous they caused. i remember them threatening to sue because of the red cared was awarded after seeing a replay, etc and that the Italians "cheated" and their fans in general the ugly reception I and other azzurri fans received... i was disgusted
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 03:01 AM
(You forgot Henry claiming that Cannavaro had concussed him intentionally at the start of the final, Habitant.)
While I have a lot of admiration for French literature and am one of those (few) Americans who actually LIKES Paris, I can't say I much like the French NT at all.
btw, is anyone interested in a milanfan Euro 2008 fantasy league? UEFA and ESPN both have fantasy competitions. Eurosport may as well.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 03:09 AM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 21 2008, 02:01 AM)
(You forgot Henry claiming that Cannavaro had concussed him intentionally at the start of the final, Habitant.)
While I have a lot of admiration for French literature and am one of those (few) Americans who actually LIKES Paris, I can't say I much like the French NT at all.
btw, is anyone interested in a milanfan Euro 2008 fantasy league? UEFA and ESPN both have fantasy competitions. Eurosport may as well.YES
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 03:20 AM
League created on UEFA.com.
Milanfan Euro 2008 — Code to join this league: 3380-10620
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 04:12 AM
i normally dont do fantasy anything because i'm too sentimental and normally pick players i like and ignore the ones i think will actually help me gain points. like i was picking my team right now and apparently i can only pick to from italy...
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 04:12 AM
tennie you picked croatia!?!?!
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 04:15 AM
"Single yellow cards will be cancelled at the end of the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2008â„¢ in Austria and Switzerland, rather than after the group stage."
good news for the neutrals, it makes sense to have all the stars eligible for the big games, especially for the finals.
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 04:20 AM
Yep, I like Croatia. Always have, since 1998 WC.
Italy's my first team, but Croatia are my dark horse favourites.
I usually pick the pretty players (hence the name of my team) but it worked out rather well for my EPL fantasy team.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 04:25 AM
good pick tennie with gomez ( i think he'll be scoring most of germany's goals)
but i picked va persie ahead of him because this is going to be his breakout tournement.
luca toni, well it's luca toni and he has yet to really shine for italy when it matters.
and Nuno gomez well protgual normally play with one up front and with the midfield behind him, well i think he's gonna net a few. thats if CR and quaresma pass the ball a little (which they are forced to do with portugal)
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 04:28 AM
also portugal have an underrated defense, they dont concede that much. since i'm a fan of carvalho and PEPE is extremely underrated well( and i cant pick more italians) well i have them in the center. also normally if one CB feed off each others good play.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 05:11 AM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 16 2008, 09:57 AM)
hm...yes, but he's a hockey player
he sure is
i like his style
he looks good with the helmet on
but not so much without out... the hair...
Posted by: zdrossoneri May 21 2008, 07:16 AM
I think Donadoni was right to leave Pippo out. it was too risky. Pippo is a player who can score 1 goal in 9 games OR 10 goals in 7 games! he's not consistent. you can't blame a coach who doesn't call up a 34yo inconsistent striker. besides Kaka doesn't play for the Azzurri! there's no secret many of Pippo's goals were from Kaka's moves and assists.
Posted by: amancik May 21 2008, 08:53 AM
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ May 21 2008, 07:16 AM)
I think Donadoni was right to leave Pippo out. it was too risky. Pippo is a player who can score 1 goal in 9 games OR 10 goals in 7 games! he's not consistent. you can't blame a coach who doesn't call up a 34yo inconsistent striker. besides Kaka doesn't play for the Azzurri! there's no secret many of Pippo's goals were from Kaka's moves and assists.
I agree with you on this one, Donadoni will be going for 4-3-3 formation, since Totti is not there to be a trequista, I don't think Inzaghi will be much of a help
Posted by: LaPalma May 21 2008, 09:35 AM
QUOTE (acid911 @ May 21 2008, 12:13 AM)
I absolutely hate the French team, overrated smart-alics. Let me count, World Cup 98 to Italy, and then the final to Brazil, Euro 2000 to Italy - more so to Maldini. And then World Cup 2006 to Brazil again.
And almost did Italy in again.
Sorry if there are any French NT supporters here, but they are one of my least favorite teams. In the whole wide world.
I dunno why everyone has a prob with the french. The team they had in 98' and 2000 is one of my favourites ever. They totally dominated Brazil back then.
And they're not overrated at all. They've got the best team besides Italy.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 21 2008, 09:54 AM
they were great then...but as i'm a croat fan i just can't love thuram who scored his only two goals for france against croatia in semi-final (WC 98-for those who doesn't know) but i like france, i think new generation is going to be as good as ever...so many good young french players !!
Posted by: LaPalma May 21 2008, 10:26 AM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 21 2008, 09:54 AM)
they were great then...but as i'm a croat fan i just can't love thuram who scored his only two goals for france against croatia in semi-final (WC 98-for those who doesn't know)
but i like france, i think new generation is going to be as good as ever...so many good young french players !!
Ahh yes. Croatia had a great team back then. They really dominated us in the 1998 quarterfinal.
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 12:51 PM
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ May 21 2008, 02:16 AM)
I think Donadoni was right to leave Pippo out. it was too risky. Pippo is a player who can score 1 goal in 9 games OR 10 goals in 7 games! he's not consistent. you can't blame a coach who doesn't call up a 34yo inconsistent striker. besides Kaka doesn't play for the Azzurri! there's no secret many of Pippo's goals were from Kaka's moves and assists.
You do realize that Pippo had the second highest goal record (after Luca Toni) in Euro qualifiers, right?
And this for a guy coming off the bench in most of the games.
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 21 2008, 01:22 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 21 2008, 02:51 PM)
You do realize that Pippo had the second highest goal record (after Luca Toni) in Euro qualifiers, right?
And this for a guy coming off the bench in most of the games.
Plus most of his goals came before Kaka' ever came to Europe. He plays off of anyone and anything, even the Bayern defenders
Posted by: LaPalma May 21 2008, 01:27 PM
QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ May 21 2008, 01:22 PM)
Plus most of his goals came before Kaka' ever came to Europe. He plays off of anyone and anything, even the Bayern defenders
Not to mention Oli Kahn
Posted by: morgoth May 21 2008, 02:44 PM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 20 2008, 11:46 PM)
...
you must be the first algerian/french arab person i know that doesnt support france.
over here we have lots of arab speaking people, they all go for france because of zizou + it's more team africa than team france.
Well I'm Algerian not French and as I said I don't like the French NT because of two or three people in it. Does this mean that I like any other team? Not really, I support Milan players and beautiful football.
About France being an African team, well I honestly think it's a xenophobic statement. What do you think about the NBA? You think they're African too? The U.S. NT is European? What are the U.S. sprinters, Africans I suppose huh? Seedorf, Rijkaard, Gullit, Kluivert what are they?
The French NT is composed of
FRENCH players, 95% for them were born in a France (only their captain, Makalele, Mavuba and Desailly weren't) or a French territory (some of the West Indies are officially French). You think those guys shouldn't be French or they shouldn't be allowed to be as much as they are right now in the NT, well others think that too, do you want to know what they're called? I'm not sure you'll appreciate, plus the mods would be all over me again, so ...
Posted by: LaPalma May 21 2008, 02:54 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 02:44 PM)
Well I'm Algerian not French and as I said I don't like the French NT because of two or three people in it. Does this mean that I like any other team? Not really, I support Milan players and beautiful football.
About France being an African team, well I honestly think it's a xenophobic statement. What do you think about the NBA? You think they're African too? The U.S. NT is European? What are the U.S. sprinters, Africans I suppose huh? Seedorf, Rijkaard, Gullit, Kluivert what are they?The French NT is composed of
FRENCH players, 95% for them were born in a France (only their captain, Makalele, Mavuba and Desailly weren't) or a French territory (some of the West Indies are officially French). You think those guys shouldn't be French or they shouldn't be allowed to be as much as they are right now in the NT, well others think that too, do you want to know what they're called? I'm not sure you'll appreciate, plus the mods would be all over me again, so ...
Well said. Migration should be a normality these days. Almost any NT has players who are migrants/ who's parents are migrants.
Germany for example has Gomez, Kuranyi, Klose, Podolski, Odonkor, Marin and Jermaine Jones.
But I don't see any reason why they should be more or less German than Ballack or Frings.
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 02:56 PM
^^^ +1. What they said.
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 21 2008, 03:17 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 21 2008, 12:51 PM)
You do realize that Pippo had the second highest goal record (after Luca Toni) in Euro qualifiers, right?
And this for a guy coming off the bench in most of the games.
Pippo left out...shame on you Donadoni. He proved his miserable judgment once more. Peeeh. Glad he included Cassano instead. That's a real releaf.
Posted by: dst May 21 2008, 06:16 PM
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 21 2008, 05:17 PM)
Pippo left out...shame on you Donadoni. He proved his miserable judgment once more. Peeeh. Glad he included Cassano instead. That's a real releaf.
Hee. Why don't you like Donadoni?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 21 2008, 07:56 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 01:44 PM)
About France being an African team, well I honestly think it's a xenophobic statement. What do you think about the NBA? You think they're African too? The U.S. NT is European? What are the U.S. sprinters, Africans I suppose huh? Seedorf, Rijkaard, Gullit, Kluivert what are they?
I fail to see what US sprinters and players in the NBA have to do with this. I think you're mixing nationality with skin colour, when they have nothing to do with each other. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, etc. were born in the US, and they're American. What are Rijkaard, Gullit and Kluivert? They are Dutch as they were born in Amsterdam.
Being black doesn't mea you're African, and being white doesn't mean you're from the West. If your birth certificate says "Sweden" as your place of birth, and you're black, then you're Swedish. The country somebody plays for has no bearing on their nationality. Manuel Almunia can play for the English NT, does that make him English?
You're nationality is where you are born, it's really as simple as that. If Senegal, etc. were considered French, then it would be called France, not Senegal.
Posted by: morgoth May 21 2008, 08:16 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 21 2008, 07:56 PM)
I fail to see what US sprinters and players in the NBA have to do with this. I think you're mixing nationality with skin colour, when they have nothing to do with each other. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, etc. were born in the US, and they're American. What are Rijkaard, Gullit and Kluivert? They are Dutch as they were born in Amsterdam.
Being black doesn't mea you're African, and being white doesn't mean you're from the West. If your birth certificate says "Sweden" as your place of birth, and you're black, then you're Swedish. The country somebody plays for has no bearing on their nationality. Manuel Almunia can play for the English NT, does that make him English?
You're nationality is where you are born, it's really as simple as that. If Senegal, etc. were considered French, then it would be called France, not Senegal.
One again you fail to understand what I mean (maybe my English is too bad though).
You should be saying all those things to me but to Habitant. For your consideration This is what I tried to say, your nationality depends on what you passport says, therefore all the French NT are French, there no need to label them it as an African team unless you don't like the players colour.
It has to do with the U.S. sprinter or basket ball U.S. team players because the likes of Kobe are from African decent and the same goes for the Dutch players whom parents are from Surinam. Please read again what I wrote and try to understand what I really meant ...
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 21 2008, 08:20 PM
Don't worry about your English, it's superb.
I think this may be just a case of something we disagree on. I don't think your ancestors define what your nationality is. Yes, they define your background and why you may have certain features, skin colour, etc. but in my opinion all that matters is your birth certificate.
That's just me though, I know many disagree, but that's fine.
Posted by: morgoth May 21 2008, 08:26 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 21 2008, 08:20 PM)
Don't worry about your English, it's superb.
I think this may be just a case of something we disagree on. I don't think your ancestors define what your nationality is. Yes, they define your background and why you may have certain features, skin colour, etc. but in my opinion all that matters is your birth certificate.
That's just me though, I know many disagree, but that's fine.
Oh my god, can't you see (read) that it's exactly what I'm trying to say?
I said that to Habitant because he thinks that most of the French NT aren't actually French, and I set the U.S. as example to show that it's only a matter of papers. Again, your nationality is inly what your passport says!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 21 2008, 08:30 PM
I do agree with him that France is one of the main culprits for using players born outside of France, but yes, a passport means nothing, you can get one from anywhere if you live there long enough!
Posted by: morgoth May 21 2008, 08:34 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 21 2008, 08:30 PM)
I do agree with him that France is one of the main culprits for using players born outside of France, but yes, a passport means nothing, you can get one from anywhere if you live there long enough!
Players that were born outside France are only Desailly, Vieira, Makelele and Mavuba! The West Indies are French.
And I didn't say passport means nothing, I said it sets you your nationality.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 21 2008, 08:42 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 07:34 PM)
And I didn't say passport means nothing, I said it sets you your nationality.
The only thing that sets your nationality in my opinion is your birth place. Passport just sets your citizenship - which according to FIFA rules also allows you to play for that country. I
I don't rate my passport very highly, in fact, it's expired and I have yet to get a new one!
Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 21 2008, 08:44 PM
I got mine done last week. I'm Indian for another 10 years.
Posted by: mchanna May 21 2008, 08:49 PM
is anyone here going to come to austria/switzerland for the Euro?
which matches are you going to watch then?
Posted by: morgoth May 21 2008, 09:01 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 21 2008, 08:42 PM)
The only thing that sets your nationality in my opinion is your birth place. Passport just sets your citizenship - which according to FIFA rules also allows you to play for that country. I
I don't rate my passport very highly, in fact, it's expired and I have yet to get a new one!
It's not the point, I just didn't say it's worth nothing, and for the record I think according to the law your nationality is what your passport says, I could be wrong though.
By the way, Desailly and Makelele came to France when they were 4 years old, Vieira when he was 8, and Mavuba was born in the international water due to civil war, so technically he doesn't have any nationality and chose the French because he grow up in France.
Posted by: Tennie May 21 2008, 09:05 PM
QUOTE (mchanna @ May 21 2008, 03:49 PM)
is anyone here going to come to austria/switzerland for the Euro?
which matches are you going to watch then?
I wish I could, Hanna!
I'm going to be watching the games, though! Hopefully I'll be able to get into the local footie pub I like (lovely place, owned by a Welshman) for a game or two, though they fall in the middle of my workday for the most part. May have to schedule a couple of sick days....
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 21 2008, 09:07 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 08:01 PM)
It's not the point, I just didn't say it's worth nothing, and for the record I think according to the law your nationality is what your passport says, I could be wrong though.
Then at the moment I have no nationality.
But it's not that important really. If FIFA say you can play for a country, you can. Not for me to decide.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 11:53 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 07:16 PM)
One again you fail to understand what I mean (maybe my English is too bad though).
You should be saying all those things to me but to Habitant. For your consideration This is what I tried to say, your nationality depends on what you passport says, therefore all the French NT are French, there no need to label them it as an African team unless you don't like the players colour.
It has to do with the U.S. sprinter or basket ball U.S. team players because the likes of Kobe are from African decent and the same goes for the Dutch players whom parents are from Surinam. Please read again what I wrote and try to understand what I really meant ...
i never said anything about race, color,etc.
Malouda: French Guiana
Claude Makélélé: Congo
Thuram: Guadeloupe
Vieira: Senegal
Éric Abidal: Martinique
Jean-Alain Boumsong: Cameroon
Patrice Evra: Senegal
these are all recent call ups so we could easily name others that dont play play anymore.
franch guiana and Guadeloupe are considered "part" of france because they're economy is too weak and they have to use the euro.
i mean common if it was that easy to pick people that speak the same language to come for your nation why doesnt Spain start snatching Argentinians, Peruvians, Colombians, etc?
i can understand having one or two of these players that weren't actually born or raised in your country to play for the national team but too many of the French players aren't FRENCH but AFRICAN and SOUTH AMERICAN and thats a fact you cant deny, they just happen to speak the same language.
Posted by: Habitant May 21 2008, 11:59 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 08:01 PM)
It's not the point, I just didn't say it's worth nothing, and for the record I think according to the law your nationality is what your passport says, I could be wrong though.
By the way, Desailly and Makelele came to France when they were 4 years old, Vieira when he was 8, and Mavuba was born in the international water due to civil war, so technically he doesn't have any nationality and chose the French because he grow up in France.
come on whats the point of even having a euro? lets call it off since the notion of a nationality seems to be so ambiguous.
I guess Van persie should play for Germany because his greta great great great great great great grat father was part of the ancient Teutonic royal guard of emperor Frederick II...
Posted by: morgoth May 22 2008, 12:04 AM
Man I'm telling you, you are XENOPHOBIC!
I didn't speak about race either because I don't believe in the race differences, there's only one human race!
I didn't know that Boum, evra weren't born in France though
QUOTE
franch guiana and Guadeloupe are considered "part" of france because they're economy is too weak and they have to use the euro.
That the first time I hear that
Posted by: morgoth May 22 2008, 12:08 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 21 2008, 11:59 PM)
come on whats the point of even having a euro? lets call it off since the notion of a nationality seems to be so ambiguous.
I guess Van persie should play for Germany because his greta great great great great great great grat father was part of the ancient Teutonic royal guard of emperor Frederick II...
What does the euro have to do with it?
And why are you talking about Van Persie, according to you someone like Klose who's born in Poland shouldn't play for Germany for example, Am I right?
Posted by: Habitant May 22 2008, 12:09 AM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 11:04 PM)
Man I'm telling you, you are XENOPHOBIC!
I didn't speak about race either because I don't believe in the race differences, there's only one human race!
I didn't know that Boum, evra weren't born in France though
That the first time I hear that
and i dint either yet you keep brining xenophobia in the equation.
i spoke about NATIONALITY, like where the fck you were born?i guess that doesnt come in to play now.
so please enlighten me, why do those country use the euro?
Posted by: morgoth May 22 2008, 12:14 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 22 2008, 12:09 AM)
and i dint either yet you keep brining xenophobia in the equation.
i spoke about NATIONALITY, like where the fck you were born?i guess that doesnt come in to play now.
so please enlighten me, why do those country use the euro?
Xenophobia has nothing to do with race ...
You spoke about nationality? Are you sure? Because you may not know that all those players are actually French!
What do you mean about euro? The currency?
Some of the west Indies are French as simple as that, just like Surinam is Dutch, just like 50 years ago Algeria was French!
Posted by: Tennie May 22 2008, 12:14 AM
Hi.
Can we talk about the Euros?
Posted by: Habitant May 22 2008, 12:15 AM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 11:08 PM)
What does the euro have to do with it?
And why are you talking about Van Persie, according to you someone like Klose who's born in Poland shouldn't play for Germany for example, Am I right?
it's called Hyperbole... forget it..
what i'm saying is whats the point if your descendants are not from that country, your not born there but you lived somewhere later in your life...
i mean i guess maybe i should move to france and get a citizenship so i can be french? would i be deep down? well thats up to you.
in the end you can have your own opnion but to call me xenophobic thats being ignorant.
Posted by: Habitant May 22 2008, 12:19 AM
guess what what quebec was once a french colony. i dare you to ask anyone there if they belong to france... ya they'll have a good laugh.
Posted by: morgoth May 22 2008, 12:31 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 22 2008, 12:19 AM)
guess what what quebec was once a french colony. i dare you to ask anyone there if they belong to france... ya they'll have a good laugh.
Well, the West Indies are still French!!!
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 22 2008, 12:35 AM
QUOTE (dst @ May 21 2008, 06:16 PM)
Hee. Why don't you like Donadoni?
Hmh, many reasons. One is that Donadoni is young and never should have been appointed as NT, especially the NT coach of the World Champions. He got appointed based on nothing. He never did achiev anything big. If his name would be Luigi Del Neri or Marco Mostrazzi he never would have even be considered. Other than that, his level naivity and superficiality allways stuns me. The way he manages with players, his relationship with them, his selection, lack of invention and tacticall adaptability, everything just radiates with inexperience. And failing at the Euro is a high price to pay only to get experience. It's a complete failiure, his appointment, IMO. Maybe in 5-8 years this would be good, but now it's just failed.
Posted by: Habitant May 22 2008, 12:40 AM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 21 2008, 11:31 PM)
Well, the West Indies are still French!!!
tell that to Spaniards, English, Portuguese
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Political_Evolution_of_Central_America_and_the_Caribbean_1700_and_on.gif/800px-Political_Evolution_of_Central_America_and_the_Caribbean_1700_and_on.gif
Posted by: Tennie May 22 2008, 12:43 AM
Let's keep it on topic: EURO 2008 football.
Posted by: morgoth May 22 2008, 01:10 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 22 2008, 12:40 AM)
tell that to Spaniards, English, Portuguese
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Political_Evolution_of_Central_America_and_the_Caribbean_1700_and_on.gif/800px-Political_Evolution_of_Central_America_and_the_Caribbean_1700_and_on.gif
Of course I meant some of the West Indies, what we call the French West Indies.
Posted by: arivanjj May 22 2008, 02:03 AM
Oddo: Two Years Of Work Wasted By Donadoni
The Azzurri coach announced his provisional 24 on Tuesday afternoon and there were a few surprises.
However, Oddo received a surprise he didn’t expect and he is disappointed with the former Milan midfielder’s decision to leave him out.
“Two years of sacrifices have been completed wasted within the space of just a few weeks,†Oddo told TMW
“It really burns me inside at having been excluded from the squad and to be honest I never expected it.
“Two years of sustained availability and responsibility have gone up in smoke.
“I could have easily reached a good level with just weeks to go before the Euros.
“I was expecting, at the very least, a survey of my fitness by the coach before making a decision like this given the fact that trust and consideration should come first to Donadoni.â€
Antonio Cassano was the surprise inclusion in Donadoni’s side, but one of the 24 players will be sent home when the final 23 is submitted to UEFA next week.
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=705776
Posted by: Tennie May 22 2008, 02:12 AM
Wonder if he wants some cheese with his whine.
Oddo really doesn't have any room to complain given his lack of fitness, the fact he JUST got over surgery and the fact that his form this year has been dreadful. (and I LIKE Oddo).
Pippo's got more room to argue, IMO.
That said, Donadoni's interpersonal/team management skills don't exactly impress me much either. He could at least have called the guys to let them know he wasn't calling them up.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 22 2008, 01:55 PM
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ May 22 2008, 10:09 AM)
Italy tend to grow slowly in tournaments
That's bad news for the Euro's then, with the group they have, a slow start will mean an early end. I can see them with 2 consecutive grou stage eliminations!
Posted by: dst May 22 2008, 02:41 PM
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 22 2008, 02:35 AM)
Hmh, many reasons. One is that Donadoni is young and never should have been appointed as NT, especially the NT coach of the World Champions. He got appointed based on nothing. He never did achiev anything big. If his name would be Luigi Del Neri or Marco Mostrazzi he never would have even be considered. Other than that, his level naivity and superficiality allways stuns me. The way he manages with players, his relationship with them, his selection, lack of invention and tacticall adaptability, everything just radiates with inexperience. And failing at the Euro is a high price to pay only to get experience. It's a complete failiure, his appointment, IMO. Maybe in 5-8 years this would be good, but now it's just failed.
I agree on that he is young and his appintment was a surprise but it has happened and we can't look back.
In my opinion an international manager can only be judged on what he achieves. They don't have the time it's required to infuse their philosophy to their players and create tactically perfect teams... I didn't see anything great from Lippi either apart from that he managed to keep his first XI players (remember what Cannavaro said about those that were not being give enough time) together.
I really don't see how his appointment is a failure at this moment... he reached the Euros finishing 1st above France... let's see what happens. Maybe appointing someone else would have been a wiser choice but experience does not guarantee success and if a risk pays off then you can't call it a failure...
Posted by: dst May 22 2008, 02:43 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 22 2008, 03:55 PM)
That's bad news for the Euro's then, with the group they have, a slow start will mean an early end. I can see them with 2 consecutive grou stage eliminations!
Leave it to Pirlo and De Rossi to lead Italy to the Final!
Posted by: LaPalma May 23 2008, 10:11 AM
I'm curious. Do you guys know any EURO fan songs for Italy or the other countries?
I just can't wait for the EURO to start. Our team has done so bad in the last 2 Euros (6 games and not even one we won...) it can only be better this time. I want the title so much....After more than 10 years without a major title I'm sure it's about time for us. Maybe Chelseas defeat in the CL was a good thing for the German Nt as Ballack will be even more motivated to win.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 12:14 PM
here are croatia's top 4...
http://www.milanfan.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6100&st=150
at the bottom of the page is a contest like "which one should be main"
http://www.konzum.hr/images/konzum_hns/Connect%20&%20Zapresic%20boys%20-%20Samo%20je%20jedno.mp3
i like this one at most, great lyrics...Fillipo shoud know
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 12:27 PM
Which Euro 2008 Team Bus Has the Best Slogan?
QUOTE
Group ASwitzerland team bus
Switzerland -
Final destination: ViennaCzech Republic team bus
Czech Republic -
Let’s go, let’s win, let’s fulfil our nation’s dream!Portugal team bus
Portugal -
This coach is driven by the Will to Win
Turkey team bus
Turkey -
Would passion of Turkey fit into this bus?[B]
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 12:29 PM
QUOTE
Group BAustria team bus
Austria -
Only together we can win…!
Croatia team bus
Croatia -
With the fans to the top of Europe
Germany team bus
Germany -
Germany - one team - one purpose
Poland team bus
Poland - …
because only sport and good fun counts!
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 12:29 PM
QUOTE
Group CRomania team bus
Romania -
Romania, we are proud of you and love you!France team bus
France -
Live together, celebrate together
Netherlands team bus
Netherlands -
1 mission, 1 feeling, together we are orangeItaly team bus
Italy -
The sky is always bluer
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 12:30 PM
QUOTE
Group DSpain team bus
Spain -
Whatever happens, SPAIN ALWAYS
Russia team bus
Russia -
Russian hands are all for one! Russia’s proud of her sons!Greece team bus
Greece -
One team one dream!Sweden team bus
Sweden -
Sweden’s team, what a dream. P.S. I had to make 4 post, to many pics...hard work though
my hands are dead right now
Posted by: Locke Lamora May 23 2008, 12:59 PM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 23 2008, 12:30 PM)
P.S. I had to make 4 post, to many pics...hard work though
my hands are dead right now
Worst slogan ever by Sweden.
The translation was too kind, it's more like "Sweden's gang, full points"(Poäng)
Posted by: aLbErTo May 23 2008, 01:03 PM
i like slogan of turkey...
Posted by: dst May 23 2008, 01:15 PM
I like Turkey's too. But I like Netherlands' the most.
QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ May 23 2008, 02:59 PM)
The translation was too kind, it's more like "Sweden's gang, full points"(Poäng)
Posted by: LaPalma May 23 2008, 01:23 PM
The funniest is without a doubt Switzerlands except they're planning an excursion to Vienna to watch the final....
I like Greeces slogan. Very catchy...
Posted by: morgoth May 23 2008, 06:43 PM
+1 for Greece
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 23 2008, 07:20 PM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 23 2008, 12:14 PM)
here are croatia's top 4...
http://www.milanfan.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6100&st=150
at the bottom of the page is a contest like "which one should be main"
http://www.konzum.hr/images/konzum_hns/Connect%20&%20Zapresic%20boys%20-%20Samo%20je%20jedno.mp3
i like this one at most, great lyrics...Fillipo shoud know
..yep, that's my favorite too.
And as for Italy..isn't the Gianna Nanni's song still kind of a anthem?
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 23 2008, 07:30 PM
Greece, nice !! 'One team, one dream' ... But honestly do the Swiss think that's their final destination ?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 23 2008, 08:01 PM
I also think Greece have the best one.
Posted by: Habitant May 23 2008, 08:34 PM
has anyone played ERO 08 for PC? i downloaded it yesterday, it's not bad.
Posted by: acid911 May 23 2008, 09:52 PM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 24 2008, 12:34 AM)
has anyone played ERO 08 for PC? i downloaded it yesterday, it's not bad.
It's very decent, as a matter of fact. Played it at a friend's house, will get my copy this Monday.
I always take time out to play special edition EA football games (World Cup and Euro). And it's amazing how the game has come along in just eight years, the first time I played this series. Euro 2000 was a very good game in its heydays, and so was Euro 2004.
Though admittedly, I'm more of a Pro Evolution Soccer fan. Hehe.
Posted by: Tennie May 25 2008, 07:55 PM
There was some, er, halftime entertainment during today's Azzurri training at Coverciano. Today was the first day of training for the team and the training was open to the public. Partway through the training, two young women (one a noted lap-dancer and one a former Miss Venezuela) made their way onto the pitch and did a strip tease -- much to the amusement of the players.
http://www.sportmediaset.it/calcio/photogallery/photogallery223.shtml to photogallery of the incident on Mediaset's page, for your viewing pleasure. The players...somehow didn't seem upset.
Only in Italy.
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 25 2008, 08:04 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 25 2008, 09:55 PM)
There was some, er, halftime entertainment during today's Azzurri training at Coverciano. Today was the first day of training for the team and the training was open to the public. Partway through the training, two young women (one a noted lap-dancer and one a former Miss Venezuela) made their way onto the pitch and did a strip tease -- much to the amusement of the players.
http://www.sportmediaset.it/calcio/photogallery/photogallery223.shtml to photogallery of the incident on Mediaset's page, for your viewing pleasure. The players...somehow didn't seem upset.
Only in Italy.
I wanna work in security for the Azzurri too
Sweet .. Wish something of that sorts happens at work, sometime, someday .. when I daydream
Posted by: LaPalma May 25 2008, 08:30 PM
Hmmm...not bad
Anyway. Germany will paly Belarus on Tuesday (but without Borwoski and Friedrich who are injured). But during the training sessions Oliver Bierhoff turned out to be a good CB. Only Mario Gomez seemed to make him look like fool once.
After that game Jogi Löw will announce our final squad.
Anyone knows of further friendlies?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 25 2008, 10:56 PM
England-USA.. but as we are all fully aware by now, neither of these teams have anything to do with Euro 2008!
Posted by: Tennie May 25 2008, 11:06 PM
There's a whole bunch coming up in the next week or so:
Russia-Serbia
Turkey-Finland
Netherlands-Denmark
Czech Republic-Scotland
Austria-Malta
Switzerland-Liechtenstein
Italy-Belgium
Portugal-Georgia (note Kaladze is out of this one due to injury)
Hungary-Croatia
Germany-Serbia
Romania-Montenegro
Armenia-Greece
Poland-Denmark
Sweden-Ukraine
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant May 25 2008, 11:38 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 25 2008, 09:56 PM)
England-USA.. but as we are all fully aware by now, neither of these teams have anything to do with Euro 2008!
What's the point, another money making friendly by the FA.
Yeah would have been worthwhile for the Euro's but now it's pointless, if we win "it's only a friendly against the USA" and if we lose "we're crap"...
Posted by: dst May 26 2008, 12:17 AM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 25 2008, 09:55 PM)
There was some, er, halftime entertainment during today's Azzurri training at Coverciano.
The players...somehow didn't seem upset.
The tall one (Miss Venezuela?) looks good!
Lucky them! I love tall girls... actually I love long legs!
I don't know what you're talking about but I think Montolivo is quite UP set in this one... http://www.sportmediaset.it/calcio/photogallery/photogallery223.shtml?11
And
@ Gattuso! http://www.sportmediaset.it/calcio/photogallery/photogallery223.shtml?12
thanks for the link!
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 26 2008, 12:56 AM)
England-USA.. but as we are all fully aware by now, neither of these teams have anything to do with Euro 2008!
Come on. cheer up!
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 26 2008, 01:06 AM)
Portugal-Georgia (note Kaladze is out of this one due to injury)
He's sooo lucky!
QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ May 26 2008, 01:38 AM)
What's the point, another money making friendly by the FA.
Yeah would have been worthwhile for the Euro's but now it's pointless, if we win "it's only a friendly against the USA" and if we lose "we're crap"...
Of course it's good that they play... which other way will the new coach get to know his players better?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 26 2008, 01:32 AM
QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ May 25 2008, 10:38 PM)
What's the point, another money making friendly by the FA.
Yeah would have been worthwhile for the Euro's but now it's pointless, if we win "it's only a friendly against the USA" and if we lose "we're crap"...
Yeah, that's basically all it is. But I think it was announced quite a while ago, as a Euro 2008 warm up game.
I think if we win comfortabley the fans wil be happy, or even with a good performance. The only decent performance I've seen since.. WC2006 was the home win against Russia, other than that we've been terrible.
But if we lose.. I will be one of the "We want Capello out" people.
Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 26 2008, 12:40 PM
Pirlo looks positively sage like in that gallery link. He's like so calm and at peace. Wow!!!!!
Seriously players like Wayne Rooney, need to get into Pirlo's mind for a while, and see what a player should be like.
Oh..wait can I make it any more obvious that I'm a fanboy?
LMAO at Montolivo. I think he needed a change in underpants after that. And whos' the dude getting a smooch?
Posted by: Tennie May 26 2008, 12:49 PM
Apparently, it was Quagliarella who got the kiss.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 26 2008, 02:03 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVa5QnfmyeM&eurl=http://www.net.hr/sport/page/2008/05/26/0260006.html
Posted by: zdrossoneri May 26 2008, 04:17 PM
LOL look at those faces. haven't they got wives?
Posted by: Tennie May 26 2008, 04:18 PM
Most of them do, yes. I think Montolivo's single, though. Then again, that might explain his, er, reaction.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 26 2008, 04:29 PM
Nothing wrong with looking, it's hardly cheating is it!
Posted by: zdrossoneri May 26 2008, 04:29 PM
QUOTE (dst @ May 26 2008, 02:47 AM)
The tall one (Miss Venezuela?) looks good!
Lucky them! I love tall girls... actually I love long legs!
What are you then, a man or a lesbian?
Posted by: dst May 26 2008, 05:44 PM
QUOTE (zdrossoneri @ May 26 2008, 06:29 PM)
What are you then, a man or a lesbian?
A lesbian.
Posted by: Bluesummers May 26 2008, 06:39 PM
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ May 26 2008, 05:40 AM)
Pirlo looks positively sage like in that gallery link. He's like so calm and at peace. Wow!!!!!
Seriously players like Wayne Rooney, need to get into Pirlo's mind for a while, and see what a player should be like.
Oh..wait can I make it any more obvious that I'm a fanboy?
LMAO at Montolivo. I think he needed a change in underpants after that. And whos' the dude getting a smooch?
pirlo to me looks like a drugattic or at least he looks high everytime you see him. Hes so mellow and he looks like hes day dreaming.
Posted by: Locke Lamora May 26 2008, 07:17 PM
QUOTE (Bluesummers @ May 26 2008, 06:39 PM)
pirlo to me looks like a drugattic or at least he looks high everytime you see him. Hes so mellow and he looks like hes day dreaming.
I think he looks very Milanese, elegant, nonchalant and smooth, and slightly arrogant.
Posted by: Tennie May 26 2008, 07:58 PM
It looks to be mostly the Neapolitans who're smirking. (At this point my grandfather would make a nasty joke about Neapolitans).
In any event, the poor Roma players missed yesterday's halftime entertainment. They + Grosso joined the group today and Perrotta trained normally so no injury worries, it would seem.
The current projected lineup for the Friday friendly v. Belgium is a 4-3-3:
Buffon
Zambrotta Cannavaro Materazzi Grosso
Gattuso Pirlo Ambrosini
Camoranesi Toni Di Natale
Posted by: Il Capitano May 26 2008, 08:04 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 26 2008, 06:58 PM)
It looks to be mostly the Neapolitans who're smirking. (At this point my grandfather would make a nasty joke about Neapolitans).
In any event, the poor Roma players missed yesterday's halftime entertainment. They + Grosso joined the group today and Perrotta trained normally so no injury worries, it would seem.
The current projected lineup for the Friday friendly v. Belgium is a 4-3-3:
Buffon
Zambrotta Cannavaro Materazzi Grosso
Gattuso Pirlo AmbrosiniCamoranesi Toni Di Natale
Posted by: LaPalma May 26 2008, 08:31 PM
Half a dozen players won't travel to Kaiserslautern for the friendly against Belarus. Tim Borowski and Arne Friedrich are sich while Adler and Gomez have minor injuries. Also Kevin Kuranyi and Simon Rolfes will be rested as they played more games than any other international.
Hope to see Marko Marins first appearance with the eagle on his chest tommorow. That guy is really talented and so far I've only seen him on 2nd Bundesliga highlights.
Posted by: morgoth May 26 2008, 08:54 PM
QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ May 26 2008, 07:17 PM)
I think he looks very Milanese, elegant, nonchalant and smooth, and slightly arrogant.
Pirlo elegant!
I think he's every thing but elegant
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 26 2008, 09:36 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 26 2008, 07:58 PM)
The current projected lineup for the Friday friendly v. Belgium is a 4-3-3:
Buffon
Zambrotta Cannavaro Materazzi Grosso
Gattuso Pirlo Ambrosini
Camoranesi Toni Di Natale No Del Piero? No Totti? Not even Cassano? I doubt that will work..
Only Pirlo can help Italy make a good Euro result. It's only up to him IMO..
Posted by: Tennie May 26 2008, 10:33 PM
Er. Totti wasn't called up, Fillipo.
The above lineup is pretty much what Donadoni has used in recent qualifiers, with minor tweaks (ie, sometimes Barzagli in defense, sometimes Quagliarella in place of Camoranesi).
It's an interesting formation, really. The two wingers will drop back into the midfield during defense (making it more of a 4-5-1) and then move up in attack. I can see it working with Cassano on one of the wings -- not sure about Del Piero though, since he's in the past been public about NOT wanting to play on the wing.
How's Croatia's preparation going? I saw that they won their recent friendly.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 26 2008, 11:07 PM
it's going on well for now...at least there's not been any injurie problem jet...just Knezevic has some problems, if they wont be solved in N (??) days, Krizanac (Zenit) could take his place...
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 26 2008, 11:42 PM
QUOTE (aLbErTo @ May 26 2008, 11:07 PM)
it's going on well for now...at least there's not been any injurie problem jet...just Knezevic has some problems, if they wont be solved in N (??) days, Krizanac (Zenit) could take his place...
Nah, he's crossed for Bilić till Euro end. They have a private disagreement, and Vejić has also advantage since he's part of the additional players..
QUOTE
Er. Totti wasn't called up, Fillipo.
I know...just being nostalgic. Still, who's gonna deliver for Italy? I doubt Camoranesi and Di Natale will be 'nuff for France.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 26 2008, 11:49 PM
Italy don't have that many match winners anymore. It's going to be all on Toni, Pirlo and Alex. But when you're in a group like the one they're in.. well, I predict them going out at the group stage.
Posted by: Tennie May 27 2008, 12:08 AM
That's what it looks like on the face of things, Kurt. But it looked like that going into the World Cup too, where I wasn't sure Italy would make it out of their group. We all know how that one ended.
Italy does have a nastily difficult group, but I think they've got a good chance of going through. It just doesn't pay to underestimate 'em.
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 27 2008, 12:23 AM
In the Italy halftime "invasion" Borriello seems unfazed in one of the pics. Then again looking at his girlfriend i am not surprised...
Posted by: morgoth May 27 2008, 01:22 AM
I think it will be down to the character, if the team finds that thing they had in Germany I think Donadoni or not they will be a serious candidates for the title.
I hope the French won't make it out of the group, but I'm sure they will go far
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 27 2008, 02:04 AM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 27 2008, 12:22 AM)
I think it will be down to the character, if the team finds that thing they had in Germany I think Donadoni or not they will be a serious candidates for the title.
I hope the French won't make it out of the group, but I'm sure they will go far
I hope the dutch dont go far. One of my friends is Dutch and i constantly mock and torment him that Holland wont make it past the group stage. If i am proved wrong by him existence will cease to exist
Posted by: morgoth May 27 2008, 02:06 AM
QUOTE (whoarethepatriots @ May 27 2008, 02:04 AM)
I hope the dutch dont go far. One of my friends is Dutch and i constantly mock and torment him that Holland wont make it past the group stage. If i am proved wrong by him
existence will cease to exist
Posted by: Habitant May 27 2008, 03:19 AM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 26 2008, 10:49 PM)
Italy don't have that many match winners anymore. It's going to be all on Toni, Pirlo and Alex. But when you're in a group like the one they're in.. well, I predict them going out at the group stage.
how many match winners do they netherlands have? robben, van persie...
they always have a lot of hype around them but i look at their present squad and their pretty overrated. especially most of them have done nothing on the big stage.
and france well i dont see them in any better position than italy except their star players are all in their 30s (except ribery)we all know domenech isnt going to start the likes of benzema,nasr.
dint you predict italy to not qualify?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 27 2008, 03:24 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ May 27 2008, 02:19 AM)
how many match winners do they netherlands have? robben, van persie...
they always have a lot of hype around them but i look at their present squad and their pretty overrated. especially most of them have done nothing on the big stage.
and france well i dont see them in any better position than italy except their star players are all in their 30s (except ribery)we all know domenech isnt going to start the likes of benzema,nasr.
dint you predict italy to not qualify?
I can't remember the Dutch squad the was selected, but they have alot of top players, even from midfield. van persie, van Der Vaart, Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Nistelrooy and Robben are ones I can think of at the moment - if they're selected.
More wishful thinking than hope. But in a group of Scotland, Italy and France I can't really lose. One of them had to fail!
Posted by: dst May 27 2008, 10:47 AM
So, Kurt, the onle team, beside England of course, that you don't dislike is Sweden? But you have not beaten them in like 40 years... you ought to dislike them too!
Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 27 2008, 11:12 AM
^^
I think he likes the Ivory Coast team. Or one of the African ones.
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 27 2008, 12:37 PM
Italy is not near the team they've had in 2006 - no Nesta, no Totti, no Pippo and of course no Lippi. Every playing section is weeker. We can't just assume that Aquilani, Ambro, Chiellini or Borriello will be good replacaments. Also, Matrix cannot preform a normal tournament again (which he barely did in 2006), just like Grosso. Plus Pirlo's and Rino's form are doubtfull, Cannavaro is older and Del Piero too. The only player who's in top form is Toni and maybe De Rossi.
It could have been a death-group, the one with Italy, France, Holland and Romania. But...I'm sceptic...France will make it, all the three other candidates have equal chances IMO. Holland - hmh, I don't expect them to shine. They really have to pay-out for that 2006 debacle. Is that possible? I doubt. Sneijder is a puzzle for me and the other midfielders are lacking match practice or form (Robben, Persie). Also, they don't have any experienced, good DM and, very untraditionally for Holland they lack of good fullback's (Melchiot?!) which can be crucial.
All in all, France should be top, Mutu and Romania could surprise..
Posted by: arivanjj May 27 2008, 01:03 PM
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 27 2008, 09:37 PM)
All in all, France should be top,
Mutu and Romania could surprise.. ...
i know i'm not gonna rule them out!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 27 2008, 01:44 PM
QUOTE (dst @ May 27 2008, 09:47 AM)
So, Kurt, the onle team, beside England of course, that you don't dislike is Sweden?
But you have not beaten them in like 40 years... you ought to dislike them too!
I don't dislike Denmark, Finland or Norway either! I'm beginning to like Argentina though, because beating them seems to just be like second nature to us nowadays.
I agree about Romania, Fillipo. They've been written off because of the tough group theyre in, but I suspect the other 3 will beat up on each other, so 1 shock win could see them through.
Posted by: LaPalma May 27 2008, 02:34 PM
Romania? Nah, their keeper is a loooooooooser. He'll be the difference.
The Dutch? Their last (and only) success was in 1988 but I can't see them winning this year. MvB doesn't have the class of Rhinus Michels as coach and the dutch play bad football since 2006. As always they have a number of world class players. VdV, Robben, RvN, Sneijder....but as almost always they'll go home with nothing....
Posted by: whoarethepatriots May 27 2008, 03:03 PM
For me Chiellini must be ahed of Materazzi. He had a terrible year and does not deserve a starting spot. Cannavaro>Barzagli>Chiellini is the ideal pecking order
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 27 2008, 03:08 PM
Nah, Materazzi should be first on the team sheet, then he should pull players names out of a hat. If Buffon ends up playing as a striker, so be it!
Posted by: LaPalma May 27 2008, 03:43 PM
Going to watch our friendly in about an hour.
Most probable line up.
Lehmann - Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen - Frings, Ballack - C. Fritz, Schweinsteiger - Klose, Podolski
Metze desperately needs playing time as he was injured for half a year. But then...he's always injured between two big tournaments and is at his best even though (weird guy). Not so sure whether Ballack will start or not. Hitz could start for him as the capitano could be rested. Löw will also most likely give some newbies like Marko marin a chance.
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 27 2008, 03:49 PM
In the Italy group ... I think Romania will be shaking the group. Not much expectation from them, would ease off the pressure. But all the hype around the Italy-France fixtures .. Who knows
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 27 2008, 04:43 PM
QUOTE (LaPalma @ May 27 2008, 02:34 PM)
Romania? Nah, their keeper is a loooooooooser. He'll be the difference.
You mean Lobont? Or is Stelea still around?
Posted by: Habitant May 27 2008, 04:56 PM
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ May 27 2008, 11:37 AM)
Italy is not near the team they've had in 2006 -
no Nesta, no Totti, no Pippo and of course no Lippi. Every playing section is weeker. We can't just assume that Aquilani, Ambro, Chiellini or Borriello will be good replacaments. Also, Matrix cannot preform a normal tournament again (which he barely did in 2006), just like Grosso. Plus Pirlo's and Rino's form are doubtfull, Cannavaro is older and Del Piero too. The only player who's in top form is Toni and maybe De Rossi.
It could have been a death-group, the one with Italy, France, Holland and Romania. But...I'm sceptic...France will make it, all the three other candidates have equal chances IMO. Holland - hmh, I don't expect them to shine. They really have to pay-out for that 2006 debacle. Is that possible? I doubt. Sneijder is a puzzle for me and the other midfielders are lacking match practice or form (Robben, Persie). Also, they don't have any experienced, good DM and, very untraditionally for Holland they lack of good fullback's (Melchiot?!) which can be crucial.
All in all, France should be top, Mutu and Romania could surprise..
i'd agree this team isnt as good as the one that in 06. but keep in mind inzaghi only played a few minutes as a sub the whole tournament, nesta was injured, and totti did very little (the only reason we hear little of that is because well, they won the world cup). they won because they played extremely well as a unit.
i remember before the last world cup gattuso and pirlo werent in form either, materazzi well... he was matrerazzi, del piero even tho he is older just had a great season. besides form means nothing right now, everyone has a clean slate.
Posted by: arivanjj May 27 2008, 09:57 PM
France 2 - 0 Ecuador!!!
2 stunning goals by Gomis! who is he!!?
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 27 2008, 10:03 PM
QUOTE (arivanjj @ May 27 2008, 09:57 PM)
France 2 - 0 Ecuador!!!
2 stunning goals by Gomis! who is he!!?
Young Saint Etienne player only recently called-up...
Posted by: morgoth May 27 2008, 10:32 PM
QUOTE (arivanjj @ May 27 2008, 09:57 PM)
France 2 - 0 Ecuador!!!
2 stunning goals by Gomis! who is he!!?
Actually it was his first cap
Do you have the video of the goals?
Posted by: arivanjj May 27 2008, 10:44 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 28 2008, 07:32 AM)
Actually it was his first cap
Do you have the video of the goals?
first cap, wow!
http://superuploader.net/c8486d0435b5cf55c8135adbad535e92.html
http://superuploader.net/50778d86b74aea09198dffe514d47d68.html
Posted by: morgoth May 27 2008, 10:49 PM
Thanks dude
Edit. Apparently MvB dropped Boulahrouz from the euro squad!
Posted by: Tennie May 27 2008, 10:53 PM
Wow. MVB made a good move. Boulahrouz is...thuggish. Very.
Posted by: Tennie May 27 2008, 11:25 PM
Gosh. Bit of a surprise in today's Azzurri training. First off, De Rossi was rested as a precaution (some sort of foot problem). Training involved standard warmups, defensive and offensive drills, and a practice game. The green team won the practice game 5-2. Four of the five goals were scored by Cassano.
Posted by: Bluesummers May 28 2008, 12:16 AM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 27 2008, 04:25 PM)
Gosh. Bit of a surprise in today's Azzurri training. First off, De Rossi was rested as a precaution (some sort of foot problem). Training involved standard warmups, defensive and offensive drills, and a practice game. The green team won the practice game 5-2. Four of the five goals were scored by Cassano.
isn't he going to juve?
Posted by: Tennie May 28 2008, 12:21 AM
Hadn't heard that one. Last I heard, he was staying at Samp.
Posted by: Tennie May 28 2008, 12:49 AM
Nice interview with Qualiarella on tuttomercatoweb today. (http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/index.php?action=read&id=105984)
Highlights:
* He hopes the kiss he got during Monday's halftime entertainment was for good luck; he was a little surprised to be the one who got kissed.
* He's enjoying the training and hopes to be selected for the squad (typical politically correct answer, this one).
* He says he doesn't know anything about requests for his services from teams other than Udinese and adds that he's totally focused on the NT (note: he's just dropped his agents and is now represented by his father. there's speculation one of the big teams will make an offer for him)
* If he were to play abroad, he'd prefer to play in Spain.
* He's proud of the fact that there are 4 Neapolitans in the squad (the other 3 being Cannavaro, Di Natale, and Borriello) especially since Naples has had so much bad press recently (note: that may be extra motivation for the Neapolitan players.)
Posted by: Il Capitano May 28 2008, 11:55 AM
QUOTE (arivanjj @ May 27 2008, 08:57 PM)
France 2 - 0 Ecuador!!!
2 stunning goals by Gomis! who is he!!?
Forget Drogba,sheva,adebayor and Gomez this is the guy we should sign.
Posted by: Tennie May 28 2008, 12:34 PM
Donadoni announced his final list for the Euros. As expected, Montolivo was the player dropped.
Posted by: zdrossoneri May 28 2008, 12:53 PM
How sad. he deserved to be in the Euros...
Posted by: dst May 28 2008, 01:13 PM
QUOTE (Tennie @ May 28 2008, 02:34 PM)
Donadoni announced his final list for the Euros. As expected, Montolivo was the player dropped.
It must feel really awful...
Posted by: Tennie May 28 2008, 03:18 PM
Mexes and Flamini were (unsurprisingly, considering where they play club football) among those cut by Domenech for the French team.
Posted by: aLbErTo May 28 2008, 03:37 PM
QUOTE
EURO 2008: FRANCE'S CALLED-UP PLAYERS
5/28/2008
PARIS - The Roma player Mexes, the Milan player Flamini and Landreau, Cisse', Escude', Alou Diarra and Ben Arfa are the players who have not been confirmed by the coach Raymond Domenech in the list of called-up players for Euro 2008, on the eve of the departure from France towards Austria and Switzerland.
Posted by: morgoth May 28 2008, 04:04 PM
QUOTE (Il Capitano @ May 28 2008, 11:55 AM)
Forget Drogba,sheva,adebayor and Gomez this is the guy we should sign.
Actually he's already linked with la Roma.
About the French NT, for me there's 2 big surprises Mexes and Gomis. I never thought he'll drop Mexes and choose Boumsong who had an awful season (even with Lyon in the French cup final he was bad!), but this is the coach when he doesn't like someone he plays with him just like he did with Pires, Guily and Trez.
The other surprise is a real one, Cissé is his favourite player, he scored almost all the goals for the qualifiers and was certainly his lucky star (did you guys know that that coach used, and probably still, to pick players considering their astral signs
), but he had a bad season so ... the other one who had a bad season is Landreau and he paid it!
The other players were too predictable, remember I told about the Flamini thing ...
Anyway, the main change will probably be the fact that he'll play with 2 strikers (he picked up 4).
Posted by: aLbErTo May 28 2008, 04:12 PM
ALL THE OFFICIAL EURO 2008 SQUADS
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=702209.html#final+squads+announced+euro
Posted by: dst May 28 2008, 04:15 PM
Mexes was dropped!!?!?!
Domenech is a ****ing idiot! Even from him I did not expect this...
Posted by: Tennie May 28 2008, 04:23 PM
It's good news for the Azzurri, though.
Posted by: LaPalma May 28 2008, 05:05 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 28 2008, 04:04 PM)
Actually he's already linked with la Roma.
As if they could afford to pay him
Posted by: Warchant May 28 2008, 08:18 PM
this has nothing to do with Euro 2008...but I'm sitting here watching the US/England match and something hit me.
i wonder what the English fans think of us playing our national anthem on their soil and in their stadium. seeing as the anthem is not only about our independence from England but also a battle we fought and won with the English
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 28 2008, 08:28 PM
oo I didn't know that .. Just tunning in
Posted by: Habitant May 28 2008, 08:52 PM
1-0 terry
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 28 2008, 09:04 PM
It surprised me...that Domenech dropped Mexes and Cisse. I knew he was one of his favorite players so I did guess he'd let him stay but...
Posted by: arivanjj May 28 2008, 09:46 PM
umm... Flamini wasn't picked!?
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant May 28 2008, 10:09 PM
QUOTE (Warchant @ May 28 2008, 07:18 PM)
this has nothing to do with Euro 2008...but I'm sitting here watching the US/England match and something hit me.
i wonder what the English fans think of us playing our national anthem on their soil and in their stadium. seeing as the anthem is not only about our independence from England but also a battle we fought and won with the English
This is nothing. We had the Welsh national anthem sang in the FA Cup Final that's bad!
Our country loves yours, you go to war, we go to war we all know the stories that's why the rest of Europe hates us
But this isn't the place for political discussion!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 28 2008, 10:16 PM
QUOTE (Warchant @ May 28 2008, 07:18 PM)
this has nothing to do with Euro 2008...but I'm sitting here watching the US/England match and something hit me.
i wonder what the English fans think of us playing our national anthem on their soil and in their stadium. seeing as the anthem is not only about our independence from England but also a battle we fought and won with the English
The war of 1812? Canada won it, at least that's what common logic dictates. The US tried to invade and take over what would later be known as Canada (A British colony at the time - and still is) so the fact that 1: Canada is still there (And not known as part of the US) and 2: That Canada is STILL in the commenwealth, I fail to see where the victory was for the US.
Anyways, back to the modern day battle: England 2-0 USA, John Terry (assist from Becks) and Steven Gerrard (assist by Barry). An average performance really, and yet another manager who doesn't know what friendlies are for. There was so many untried players on the bench who're trying to show Capello what they can do for the country.. yet the subs he made were still bringing on the likes of Peter Crouch, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry and Joe Cole. We know exactly what these players can do! What's the point of having friendlies if you're gona play the same damn players, we'll never get anywhere!
Anyways, a win is a win. Great performance from Gerrard.. playing left midfield this time!
Posted by: Locke Lamora May 28 2008, 10:26 PM
Norway 2-2 Uruguay
Elyounussi and Riise scored for us.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 28 2008, 10:36 PM
QUOTE (dst @ May 28 2008, 09:19 PM)
Barry and Gerrard combined pretty well. The commentators here said that it's heard Barry does want to go to Liverpool and that the deal will probably go through this summer...
Yeah, it's a shame they play so well together.
Barry hasn't made his mind up yet, not even his wife knows apparently.
Good result, Locke. I like the Scandanavian bunch to do well!
Posted by: dst May 28 2008, 10:39 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 29 2008, 12:16 AM)
The war of 1812? Canada won it, at least that's what common logic dictates. The US tried to invade and take over what would later be known as Canada (A British colony at the time - and still is) so the fact that 1: Canada is still there (And not known as part of the US) and 2: That Canada is STILL in the commenwealth, I fail to see where the victory was for the US.
Anyways, back to the modern day battle: England 2-0 USA, John Terry (assist from Becks) and Steven Gerrard (assist by Barry). An average performance really, and yet another manager who doesn't know what friendlies are for. There was so many untried players on the bench who're trying to show Capello what they can do for the country.. yet the subs he made were still bringing on the likes of Peter Crouch, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry and Joe Cole. We know exactly what these players can do! What's the point of having friendlies if you're gona play the same damn players, we'll never get anywhere!
Anyways, a win is a win. Great performance from Gerrard.. playing left midfield this time!
America was considered an economical colony of the UK before that war... something that changed after it... that's what the USA won...
If you expect to see more from a Capello team you're delusional. That's the best you will ever see. The thing is that Capello's team win... you can only hope that England will win too... but a more explosive performance!?
It seems you know nothing about the Italian... just cynical football!
As for the players and what you know about them... well you've seen them play under other coaches and that's where Capello has seen them too... he doesn't know how they perform under his tactics and formation... so it's only normal that he wants to see his best players in action as much as possible. Plus, I heard England will also soon play against Trinidad and Tobago and most United and Chelsea players will not be there so...
You bloody Birmingham lad, the other day you were complaining about this friendly game being meaningless and now here you are bitching about it!
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 28 2008, 10:41 PM
The US had sovereignity in the 1700s, and a president, ammedments, etc. It was their eagerness to expand which is what this was all about.
I'm annoyed about 1 thing: Why pick Agbonlahor, Walcott, Young, Lewis, etc, etc. if you're just going to use the same old players? The point of friendlies is to try out new people. I'm not angry about the performance or anything, just why he isn't trying out new players. Maybe he will play them against Trinidad, but why not the US as well? They need more than 1 game, just frustrates me.
But I won't be happy until he wins something.
Posted by: dst May 28 2008, 10:59 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 29 2008, 12:41 AM)
I'm annoyed about 1 thing: Why pick Agbonlahor, Walcott, Young, Lewis, etc, etc. if you're just going to use the same old players? The point of friendlies is to try out new people. I'm not angry about the performance or anything, just why he isn't trying out new players. Maybe he will play them against Trinidad, but why not the US as well? They need more than 1 game, just frustrates me.
But I won't be happy until he wins something.
I think you're missing something very important here... what's more important than the game itself is what comes before and after it: Capello wants to work with all these players that's why he called them. And a coach does not work with his players during a game, he works with them in the training sessions...
Also, the more experienced players are faster learners. They can implement what their coach tells them way faster than the youngsters do... so I guess Capello is taking his time with the youngsters so that he can use them more effectively and give them more minutes in the next game.
Another thing is that, he already knows what the body of his team will be... he knows who most of the players that will be starting for England come September are. There's no point in fielding a team full of subs cause the team will never play with so many subs in an official game... right now, I think he wants to know how good the main body is, what's the best way to play with it and how good his subs work with it... everything else is for 2012 and after...
And last but certainly not least, he wants as less Birmingham boys over his head as possible!
Imagine what you'd be like if the US had equalized!
And the safest way to get result is by using your best players...
In the end... all that matters is victory... so sit back and enjoy... or better, learn to like Capello's football cause it does not get any better than this! He's the type of coach that masturbates to 1-0 wins, throws a party at 2-0 and screams at his players for wasting their energy if the score is any higher!
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant May 28 2008, 11:15 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 28 2008, 09:41 PM)
I'm annoyed about 1 thing: Why pick Agbonlahor, Walcott, Young, Lewis, etc, etc. if you're just going to use the same old players? The point of friendlies is to try out new people. I'm not angry about the performance or anything, just why he isn't trying out new players. Maybe he will play them against Trinidad, but why not the US as well? They need more than 1 game, just frustrates me.
Yeah I think they were all picked for Trinidad, maybe keeping them on the bench keeps them on their toes, stops them thinking I'm not playing today so I won't bother in training for a couple of days...
Posted by: Tennie May 29 2008, 12:09 AM
Watching Sky Sports news and I'm surprised nobody else has mentioned that Capello gave his postgame interviews in English. Accented and imperfect English but still quite good.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 29 2008, 01:20 AM
Gotta disagree, dst. I don't think Capello knows what his best XI is, not even his best formation. Todays game is going to bring about more doube than anything in my opinion.
I realise he gets to know his players in training, but the only way they'll ever do anything for England is on the pitch, and playing against teams like Trinidad is hardly going to help them step into a game at the World Cup vs Argentina or something.
I'm not disappointed with the quality of football, the formation or anything like that. I just think these are the best games to use new players. Otherwise we're going to have Croatia all over again - Carson, Lescott, Neville, etc. all throwin into a huge game without much internaitonal experience whic costs us big time.
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant May 29 2008, 03:20 AM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 29 2008, 12:20 AM)
I realise he gets to know his players in training, but the only way they'll ever do anything for England is on the pitch, and playing against teams like Trinidad is hardly going to help them step into a game at the World Cup vs Argentina or something.
Trinidad away! Even if we had qualified for the Euro's whats the point?
We might as well have played a league 2 side and saved everyone a load of effort, but then again it is the FA and we all know the only thing they're interested in...
Posted by: Locke Lamora May 29 2008, 10:12 AM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 28 2008, 10:36 PM)
Good result, Locke. I like the Scandanavian bunch to do well!
Not really, we played like absolute crap in the first half, Elyounussi's goal was clearly offside and Riise's deflected off an Uruguayan...Uruguay's goals were both defensive errors by us, we really need a good center-back to pair up with Hangeland.
By the way, Carew assisted Elyounussi's goal.
Elyounussi will be playing in Premier League within a few years, maybe Villa could put him and Carew up front?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 29 2008, 11:57 AM
QUOTE (Locke Lamora @ May 29 2008, 09:12 AM)
Not really, we played like absolute crap in the first half, Elyounussi's goal was clearly offside and Riise's deflected off an Uruguayan...Uruguay's goals were both defensive errors by us, we really need a good center-back to pair up with Hangeland.
By the way, Carew assisted Elyounussi's goal.
Elyounussi will be playing in Premier League within a few years, maybe Villa could put him and Carew up front?
Ah well, a goal is a goal, whichever way it goes in!
We have been linked with him actually.
Posted by: Tennie May 29 2008, 12:16 PM
Lots of talk about the lineup and formation of the Italy team in the Euros in today's papers. The most recent speculation indicates Donadoni may try a sort of mutant Christmas Tree/4-3-3 formation with Del Piero and Cassano right behind Toni. Pirlo's the only definite, according to the papers, in the midfield. Buffon's an obvious in goal. Cannavaro and Zambrotta are the only definites in defense.
Posted by: dst May 29 2008, 01:23 PM
Gattuso and De Rossi/Perotta along with Pirlo in midfield was pure gold in the World Cup. I hope Donadoni does not change this!
Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 29 2008, 04:17 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 28 2008, 10:41 PM)
The US had sovereignity in the 1700s, and a president, ammedments, etc. It was their eagerness to expand which is what this was all about.
You guy talk about the 1812 War? Hmh,..
The only really decisive and lasting result of the war was Canadian independence IMO. But all in all it was ponitless war.
But may I remind this is a Euro 2008 topic,..
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 29 2008, 05:35 PM
Not stricly Euro 2008 related: Most of the Champions League Final players have been left home form the England squad, I think only Rio Ferdinand remains. David Beckham or Gareth Barry qill captain the squad. Please be Barry, been a while since a Villan captained this country!
Posted by: morgoth May 29 2008, 07:59 PM
I'm watching Holland-Denmark (1-0) right now, the Dutch are playing pretty well in passes but as usual they don't make anything effective near the box. RvN scored a beautiful goal (construction) and VrV missed an incredible chance, he should be dropped from the starting 11 as soon as Persie gets back to form. Oh and I confirmed my thoughts about Robben, he's all about speed, his crosses and dribbling are so poor
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant May 29 2008, 10:36 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 29 2008, 06:59 PM)
I'm watching Holland-Denmark (1-0) right now, the Dutch are playing pretty well in passes but as usual they don't make anything effective near the box. RvN scored a beautiful goal (construction) and VrV missed an incredible chance, he should be dropped from the starting 11 as soon as Persie gets back to form. Oh and I confirmed my thoughts about Robben, he's all about speed, his crosses and dribbling are so poor
Did Huntelaar play? I want to see him in the Euro's been hearing so much positive stuff for a long time now.
Posted by: morgoth May 29 2008, 10:51 PM
QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ May 29 2008, 10:36 PM)
Did Huntelaar play? I want to see him in the Euro's been hearing so much positive stuff for a long time now.
I only was the first half then switched to Toulon's tournament but I think he wasn't even on the bench, they showed him, Babel and another guy on the stand ...
Anyway, the game ended 1-1 Poulsen scored the equalizer.
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 29 2008, 10:57 PM
Poulsen!
Posted by: morgoth May 30 2008, 07:15 PM
The Czech republic beat Scotland this afternoon 3-1.
Tonight there's an interesting Italy-Belgium
Posted by: jefri91 May 30 2008, 08:43 PM
wow di natale is on fire.
That volley was just fantastic
Posted by: morgoth May 30 2008, 08:57 PM
HT. in Firenze and Italy leads Belgium 2-0, a brace from Toto.
Posted by: Habitant May 30 2008, 09:25 PM
3-0 camo
Posted by: morgoth May 30 2008, 10:13 PM
FT. Italy 3-1 Belgium.
Italy controlled the match and played pretty well, Belgium scored at the 93th and Borriello missed a sitter, his first touch let down after Zambro's cross but in his defence it was raining
Posted by: CrazyMilanFan May 30 2008, 10:26 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 30 2008, 10:13 PM)
FT. Italy 3-1 Belgium.
Italy controlled the match and played pretty well, Belgium scored at the 93th and
Borriello missed a sitter, his first touch let down after Zambro's cross but in his defence it was raining
the main part of the game even in snow he should have scored that
Posted by: Habitant May 30 2008, 10:26 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 30 2008, 09:13 PM)
FT. Italy 3-1 Belgium.
Italy controlled the match and played pretty well, Belgium scored at the 93th and
Borriello missed a sitter, his first touch let down after Zambro's cross but in his defence it was raining
and thats why he is last in line for a starting role
Posted by: Il Capitano May 31 2008, 01:47 AM
I cant believe we bought him back. Give him to roma and take Aqualani or something.
Zamba was great.
Posted by: Habitant May 31 2008, 02:12 AM
oh and another ace performance by barzagli. good chance he'll be ahead of materazzi.
i cant believe he may end up in germany and milan wont go for him since he isnt expensive.
imagine him and nesta
Posted by: morgoth May 31 2008, 07:36 PM
Babel got injured and is definitely out for the euro ...
Posted by: dst May 31 2008, 08:18 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 31 2008, 09:36 PM)
Babel got injured and is definitely out for the euro ...
Go home Scouser!
Posted by: Locke Lamora May 31 2008, 08:22 PM
QUOTE (morgoth @ May 31 2008, 07:36 PM)
Babel got injured and is definitely out for the euro ...
What is it with Netherlands and getting your players injured in friendlies?
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 31 2008, 08:34 PM
Not really Euro2008 news, but..
QUOTE
Capello has been looking at who his permanent captain will be and has given the armband to Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and will now give Beckham his 59th game as skipper. Capello was widely expected to hand the armband to Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry for the final match of the season but instead opted for the experienced Beckham.
The move could be interpreted as a means of winning favour with Fifa vice-president Jack Warner, who holds an important vote in the process of England's 2018 World Cup bid.
If this is true, Capello is a very, very weak man. What kind of manager picks a captain for good PR? From the comments I've read, Capello has lost alot of respect from England fans. I thought we have a manager with mental strength for a change!
Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 31 2008, 09:13 PM
I dont know if you guys are watching, but it is France vs Paraguay ... 2nd half, 0-0
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 31 2008, 09:52 PM
QUOTE (dst @ May 31 2008, 07:45 PM)
You are ready to hit at Capello with every chance!
First of all, I don't understand how handing the armband to Beckham favors England... would you care explain?
But anyway... do you really think Capello could care less about who will host the 2018 World Cup!??
I don't know much about this Warner guy, but apparently when the England team goes over to T&T he gets to have his picture taken with the England captain and it'll be in all the papers and stuff. And from what I hear, this Warner guy is very vain and egotistical and doesn't want to be in the paper alongside Gareth Barry, only a star like Beckham would do - We're doing him a favour, he does his favour kind of thing I suppose.
I agree that Capello doesn't care about the 2018 World Cup, but that's the problem. He doesn't care, so why has Becks been selected as captain? Capello said a few weejs after taking over that Rio/Gerrard/Terry/Barry would be the trial captains, yet now it's Beckham. It seems that he's given in to the FA and let them select Becks as captain. It sounds like yet another manager wo lets the FA run things.
Posted by: Jack Sparrow May 31 2008, 09:56 PM
I never quite got why the English hate Beckham so much.
In the last world cup horror show...I thought after Hargreaves, he was one of the few who showed any determination.
So why is he a bad captain? The players don't like him, or respect him or something??
Posted by: kurtsimonw May 31 2008, 10:11 PM
Oh, to be honest, this has nothing to do with Beckham, he's a good captain, I love the guy. But the fact that Capello never named him as a trial captain, then goes ahead and selects him as what has bothered us.
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Jun 1 2008, 02:35 AM
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ May 31 2008, 08:56 PM)
I never quite got why the English hate Beckham so much.
In the last world cup horror show...I thought after Hargreaves, he was one of the few who showed any determination.
So why is he a bad captain? The players don't like him, or respect him or something??
Beckham is our best right midfielder at the moment, in my eyes he should be in all of our squads until a better one comes along who I believe should/will be Ashley Young in all honesty. Bentley is just a cheap imitation I mean he reminds me of when I was younger and me and my mates would try and copy Beckham's free-kick technique...
I'd rather still have Young in the team than the overrated J.Cole personally but that's a completely different debate.
To be honest even if Mourinho was in charge (no I don't/do like him...
) I still believe we wouldn't win anything. I think it's time to face up to the fact we aren't good enough to win anything at the moment but yes we should be qualifying and after this time around if Capello does that I'll be very happy.
Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 1 2008, 02:44 AM
QUOTE (Kaka Is Brilliant @ Jun 1 2008, 01:35 AM)
Beckham is our best right midfielder at the moment, in my eyes he should be in all of our squads until a better one comes along who I believe should/will be Ashley Young in all honesty. Bentley is just a cheap imitation I mean he reminds me of when I was younger and me and my mates would try and copy Beckham's free-kick technique...
I'd rather still have Young in the team than the overrated J.Cole personally but that's a completely different debate.
To be honest even if Mourinho was in charge (no I don't/do like him...
) I still believe we wouldn't win anything. I think it's time to face up to the fact we aren't good enough to win anything at the moment but yes we should be qualifying and after this time around if Capello does that I'll be very happy.
Agreed, Becks is a quality player, and I'm not sure many people can still cross a ball like he can. I doubt Young will take over from him though, he's not so good on the right, a definite left sided player for me.
Depends with Joe Cole turns up for me. There's times he's almost single handedly won games for Chelsea, other times he just doesn't seem to get anything right.
Agreed. I don't think there's many teams around that can win things, and we certainly aren't one of them. QFs are my expectations for every competition, if we make that then I'm very happy, any less isn't really good enough. I'm sure Capello will take us to World Cup 2010, but I'm not even too confident about that!
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Jun 1 2008, 02:50 AM
Young looks quality from what I have seen but I kind of posted that last bit about right midfielder out of ignorance and wasn't aware he was better on the left! But if he could take Joe Cole out of the way I will love it!
I do agree with what you have said but in the bigger games especially for Chelsea he was not particularly bad or good he was just non-existent ala CL final.
I think he will, we should be qualifying that is something our media should be telling us to believe
Posted by: dst Jun 1 2008, 01:29 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ May 31 2008, 11:52 PM)
I agree that Capello doesn't care about the 2018 World Cup, but that's the problem. He doesn't care, so why has Becks been selected as captain? Capello said a few weejs after taking over that Rio/Gerrard/Terry/Barry would be the trial captains, yet now it's Beckham. It seems that he's given in to the FA and let them select Becks as captain. It sounds like yet another manager wo lets the FA run things.
If Becks remains captain after the game then I'll be with you... but honestly would you care to go against the FA if they told you "Look just let Becks be captain for this one time, it will help England's WC bid"? You may say you would but I don't believe it... none of us would do it cause simply there's no point in it...
Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 1 2008, 01:47 PM
It's all to do with authority.
If Capello is going to let the FA walk all over him like this - yes, even for one game - then he shouldn't be here.
Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 1 2008, 02:08 PM
QUOTE (kurtsimonw @ Jun 1 2008, 01:47 PM)
It's all to do with authority.
If Capello is going to let the FA walk all over him like this - yes, even for one game - then he shouldn't be here.
...IMO he should have waited for Donadoni to get sacked and continue in Italy anyway..
Posted by: Kaka Is Brilliant Jun 1 2008, 11:03 PM
This referee, everytime they're on the floor, free-kick...
Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 2 2008, 12:36 AM
T&T 0-3 England. Was a good first half our, then we seemed to give up! Good to see Barry get his first England goal, and was probably England best player again!
I'm a bit worried about Gabby though. 2 friendlies, about 20 different players used, and he wasn't one of them. Crouch & Bentley bought on as subs in both games.. why not give Gabby a chance against T&T? We were 3-0 for christ sake. All of this constant disappointment, being picked for every squad and then dropped/not selected to play with eventually get to him, and he'll end up playing for Nigeria.
Posted by: Habitant Jun 2 2008, 02:03 AM
not sure where to post this. another friendly
canada v. brazil Ft 2-3
canada could have even won this game! brazil played most of their stars too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMZcQg-NiA&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/2008/06/01/canada-2-3-brazil/
Posted by: Bluesummers Jun 2 2008, 03:00 AM
QUOTE (Habitant @ Jun 1 2008, 07:03 PM)
not sure where to post this. another friendly
canada v. brazil Ft 2-3
canada could have even won this game! brazil played most of their stars too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFMZcQg-NiA&eurl=http://www.footytube.com/2008/06/01/canada-2-3-brazil/
i know that is quite an achievement. Looks like were improving as a country. In 20 years i'll take em to world cup
and knock brazil out of the tournament.
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