[misha]

Group A :
Israel
Holland
Portugal
Belgium

Group B :
Italy
England
Serbia
Czech Republic

Four best teams going to Olimpics games.

[misha]

Today games:

Netherlands 18:15 Israel

Portugal 20:45 Belgium


Czech Republic 18:15 England

Serbia 20:45 Italy

[Portman]

I'm watching Holland-Israel.

25' 1-0

[Jack Sparrow]

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) MVB'll be keeeping his eyes open...current team is cr@p. Mainly coz none of them remember how to play the 4-3-3. Except maybe Robben.

This post has been edited by Jack Sparrow: Jun 10 2007, 07:14 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Holland 1-0 Israel FT
Decent start for the hosts, I thought they were a little disappointing though.

Just looked at the line-ups for the Portugal - Belgium games.

I believe I've only heard of a couple of players from either side, they must play club football in their own country or something.

Antunes had better come on for Portugal at some point, I need to see the kid for myself. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[misha]

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

[Tennie]

I expected the Netherlands to trounce Israel in the first game; I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Israeli U21s played. There are some very good young players on the team. They could easily have gotten an equalizer.

The Portuguese U21s are...wow. A very strong team. A pretty good percentage of the starters are from Sporting (Nani, Moutinho, Veloso at least. I think a couple more?). I'm looking forward to seeing how they do.

[Jack Sparrow]

misha...I know ur heartbroken...but any dutch bloke u saw, who could be good?

I need to place a call through to Marco...

[Tennie]

Ryan Babel is good for the Netherlands, Jack.

Watching the Belgium-Portugal game now (0-0 in the 17th min). The Belgians look like they're trying to foul Nani out of the game.

[Jack Sparrow]

Ahh yes..Babel the Ajax kid...actually I'd prefer it if we bagged Eto'o and then nailed this kid(on the transfer market...b4 all the dirty minds on the forum go bark! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ).

So he's also a wing forward. Right footed kid who plays sublime on the left. Can be exactly like Henry, play outside on the left and cut in and bring players in.

Heck if MVB says, he's got the potential to be better than Henry, who the f@ck are we to argue??!!

[kurtsimonw]

I can bet you anything Babel has no future on the left hand side of the Dutch national team.

He only has Robin van Persie, Rafael van Der Vaart and Arjen Robben's superb left foot to contend with. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

Well Marco mostly plays RVP on the right...coz he needs someone with brains on the wing forward role. You could see Robben and RVP carry that Dutch side....last WC

Robben gets injured pretty easily, so that's no issue. And as for Van der Vaart, he's like their number 10 isn't he?

He can play down the middle for them...Babel will get his chance...

[Tennie]

Er. Robben, Van der Vaart and Van Persie are AMs, correct? Babel is a number 9. No conflict between him and them.

[kurtsimonw]

van Der Vaart and van Persie play in their respective positions because Robben has the left wing nailed down.

The World Cup showed this with van Persie on the right and van Der Vaart on the bench. How a player of his quality is on the bench is beyond me, even if you play him out of position, get him on the pitch!

[misha]

Apart from Babel, Aissati can became a very good player. He played today only 40 min cuz of injury. He's small, fast ,has a very good technique and playing RAM or SS.

[kurtsimonw]

Portugal 0-0 Belgium HT
Portugal haven't been that impressive, but they've had their players kicked all over the place. Belgium are alot better than I thought, might make that group a little more interesting.

[Portman]

The Portuguese U21s are...wow. A very strong team. A pretty good percentage of the starters are from Sporting (Nani, Moutinho, Veloso at least. I think a couple more?). I'm looking forward to seeing how they do.

I don't think our U21 is strong. Have 4 or 5 good players, the others are average.

Strong teams: Italy, Holland + France and Spain, although the last 2 are not in the European.

This post has been edited by Porty: Jun 10 2007, 09:01 PM

[Portman]

0-0, bad match, bad result for us. We're not gonna make the semis.

Now, on Wednesday, we'll get r*ped by Holland.

[kurtsimonw]

I don't think our U21 is strong. Have 4 or 5 good players, the others are average.

Strong teams: Italy, Holland + France and Spain, although the last 2 are not in the European.

I'm quietly confident England can finally win a trophy, our recent results shows we're very strong.

ENGLAND 1-0 GERMANY
Baines 77

GERMANY 0-2 ENGLAND
Walcott 84, 90

HOLLAND 0-1 ENGLAND
Hoyte 12

ENGLAND 2-2 SPAIN
Soldado 35
Marin 45
Nugent 49
Lita 79

ENGLAND 3-3 ITALY
Gianpaulo Pazzini 1, 53, 68
David Bentley 30
Wayne Routledge 52
Matt Derbyshire 58

ENGLAND 5-0 SLOVAKIA
Richardson (pen) 35
Reo-Coker 61
Taylor 77
Huddlestone 82
Lita 84

We've shown that against some of the top teams (Italy, Germany, Spain & Holland) That we're more than good enough to match them, or beat them.

[Portman]

I'm quietly confident England can finally win a trophy, our recent results shows we're very strong.

How could I forget such an arrogant b*stards? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yes. England is in the top-teams too. Much better than Portugal. You'll go to the Olympics, for sure.

[whoarethepatriot...]

How could I forget such an arrogant b*stards?  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yes. England is in the top-teams too. Much better than Portugal. You'll go to the Olympics, for sure.

Spain have a pretty solid U21 team, not sure if there in the championship though

Are they?

[kurtsimonw]

We'd better make it to the Olympics.

How does the tournement work?
Top 2 from each group go through (And qualify for the Olympics) and then it's just a knockout between those 4 for the winner?

Spain have a pretty solid U21 team, not sure if there in the championship though

Are they?

No. Israel, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, England, Italy, Czech Republic and Serbia.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 10 2007, 10:55 PM

[amancik]

Why isn't France in it?
Did I miss anything?

[kurtsimonw]

They must not have qualified.

[amancik]

Damn, I won't get to see Gourcuff then
How come Nasri is in the senior squad and he isn't?

[misha]

0-0, bad match, bad result for us. We're not gonna make the semis.

Now, on Wednesday, we'll get r*ped by Holland.

I don't think so. Holland ain't that strong

Why isn't France in it?
Did I miss anything?

Israel eliminated them.

This post has been edited by mishale: Jun 11 2007, 11:33 AM

[Portman]

We'd better make it to the Olympics.

How does the tournement work?
Top 2 from each group go through (And qualify for the Olympics) and then it's just a knockout between those 4 for the winner?

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

[Tennie]

HT. England 0 - Czech Republic 0.

2 yellow cards for England (Nugent & Richardson).

[kurtsimonw]

Carson just made another outstanding save. Hopefully he leaves Liverpool, he has no future there.

[kurtsimonw]

First right decision the referee made all night, clear handball in the area.

England, as usual, miss the penalty ('87). (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

FT: 0-0.

We're going to really struggle to go through now.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 11 2007, 07:05 PM

[Portman]

England, as usual, miss the penalty ('87).  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

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

Always the same good Ol'Ingurlund. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

If we weren't so bad at penalties, we'd have won about 3 World Cups by now, easily. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

they must take three pts or else all the pressure on them to get results against england and czechs.

[bigmacmtl]

If we weren't so bad at penalties, we'd have won about 3 World Cups by now, easily.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

lol ur not the only ones who have been screwed on penalties. our win against france was our first ever shoutout win at the WC. and we did lose a final on penalties (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Losing penalty shoot-outs is fair enough. But NOBODY should ever miss a penalty, I don't see how you can not be accurate from 12 yards, f*ck even I can score penalties!

[misha]

If we weren't so bad at penalties, we'd have won about 3 World Cups by now, easily.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

One max. Maybe in 1990. None of them was in the final.

This post has been edited by mishale: Jun 11 2007, 07:26 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Yeah. Just the 2 World Cups then. I forgot '96 was a Euro year.

[kurtsimonw]

Italy U21 - Serbia U21

Italy Line-up:

------------------- Curci -------------------

Raggi - Mantovani - Andreolli - Chiellini

----------------- Nocerino -----------------

------------ Aquilani -- Motolivo ---------

Rosina --------------------------- Palladino

------------------- Pazzini ------------------

[Tennie]

The Azzurrini are playing in their white (away) kit. Hopefully it'll be lucky for them!

[kurtsimonw]

Goalkeeper change for Italy. Curci out (Muscle injury by the looks of things), Viviano in.

[bigmacmtl]

Goalkeeper change for Italy. Curci out (Muscle injury by the looks of things), Viviano in.

damn!

[kurtsimonw]

Maybe it's because they're opening games, maybe it's the very poor refereeing on show. But this tournement has been pretty awful as of yet, only 1 goal to show for in 300 minutes, let's hope it improves.

[Tennie]

*hop* Rossi is warming up.

And....goal Milanovic in the 63rd min. Serbia 1 - Italy 0. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

This post has been edited by Tennie: Jun 11 2007, 09:06 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Serbia 1-0 Italy

[bigmacmtl]

huge blow

[kurtsimonw]

I think it's the worst possible news for England, if Serbia win I think we'll have to beat Italy, which I don't see us doing, or we're out. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Serbia 1-0 Italy FT
This is a very bad result. England - Italy on thursday is HUGE

[bigmacmtl]

well terrible result for italy but, hey if they wanna win the comp they'll have to beat teams like england and czechs. so you can't just count on the "easier" like serbia.

[dst]

Curci is definitely the best goalie of the tournament. He's a great talent and I hope he will be available for the next matches! Too bad he's a Roma product, those lads come out faithful! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

The other two I like from the Italian team are Montolivo (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) and Pazzini. Both Fiorentina players. I guess most of you have already heard about Pazzini but Montolivo is something else... we should go for him, no doubt. He's so reminiscent of Pirlo and I'm almost certain that he's going to be his replacement in the Italy NT. I hope he'll replace him in Milan too!

From the other teams I like the following: (I LIKE THEIR FOOTBALL SKILLS!!!)
Portugal: Moutinho, the short one and Machado... the latter will hopefully play in one of the following games.
England: Leroy Lita. Not great but his name is cool! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
Serbia. I think they have a very good team. Many of those youngsters will be in the Euro '08 if the senior team go through! Rukavina, Babović and ToÅ¡ić.
Israel: Ben Sahar is good but not that good. He's a Chelsea player isn't he? They know better than me of course...

Now get me Riccardo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/king.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

This post has been edited by dst: Jun 13 2007, 02:13 PM

[Tennie]

I like Moutinho too, dst. Even if he IS a Sporting player.

Fiorentina have a very good crop of young players -- Montolivo is one to watch.

The one Israeli player I really like, though he didn't show best form in the first game, is Toto Tamuz.

Be interesting to see what happens in today's big game: Portugal v. Netherlands part three. Hopefully NOT a record number of cards....

[misha]

The one Israeli player I really like, though he didn't show best form in the first game, is Toto Tamuz.

He came to the tournament a little bit injured.

[Portman]

Today it's Israel-Belgium at 17:15 (GMT) and Netherlands-Portugal at 19:45.

[misha]

Israel: Ben Sahar is good but not that good. He's a Chelsea player isn't he? They know better than me of course...

In 2-3 years he will be a starter in EPL. BTW he's the youngest player in the competition (17).

[Tennie]

Man. The Belgians aren't taking any prisoners. Very physical team.

[misha]

Man. The Belgians aren't taking any prisoners. Very physical team.

And they were rewarded with red card. We need to take advantage of this.

[kurtsimonw]

Israel 0-1 Belgium
18' [Red Card] M. Fellaini
82' [0 - 1] K. Mirallas

Great result for Belgium, to play that long with 10 men, and to win, is very impressive.

................................................................................
.............................

Holland - Portugal is ten minutes young, from the start it shows signs of being a top game.

[kurtsimonw]

Holland 1-0 Portugal.

Babel penalty. It clearly wasn't, awful decision by the ref in my opinion.

[Portman]

It was a clear penalty. Stupid keeper. Just like our coach.

Anyway... we're sh!t. We don't deserve the Olympics.

[kurtsimonw]

On seeing the half time replays I'm uncertain from all angels. As the ref I wouldn't have given it, I wouldn't be 100%.

I really don't think it matters that you lose today. If you beat Israel (Very likely) and Holland beat Belgium (Can you see Holland doing Belgium any favours? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ), You have a chance to go through, if it goes on goal difference. So I wouldn't panic yet.

[Portman]

So I wouldn't panic yet.

Panic? Cmon... this is a u-21 European Championship... not a AA World Cup. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Maybe the wrong choice of words there. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Holland 2-0 Portugal. Game over. '75.

EDIT: Maybe not, superb free-kick from Veloso. 2-1. '77.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 13 2007, 09:19 PM

[Portman]

Onighted fans must be thinking "We paid 25,5 million euros for Nani. What a robbery. The **** is not worth even half of that." (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

I've not heard his name all tournement. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Tennie]

Finally getting a chance to watch today's games. Veloso really was rather impressive. But the Portuguese goalie....I believe the right word in Portuguese is 'frango'. Oy. It'd be nice if the youth setups could produce a goalie and striker or two instead of a succession of world-class wingers.

The Dutch looked pretty good, as one would expect.

The Israelis looked good, but just weren't able to put away the chances they had.

The Belgians...man. Bunch of thugs, that lot.

[kurtsimonw]

Does anybody know why the Dutch keeper went off, I was listening to music at the time so I didn't hear a reason?

[Tennie]

Waterman had a back injury, I think.

Speaking of keepers, it looks like Curci is definitely out of tomorrow's Italy-England game. His injury is 'being evaluated'.

[kurtsimonw]

I'll see that as good news for us.

They don't even need a keeper with the way we played in the first game, even the penalty was a complete miss.

I'm not too sure how I want the Serbia - Czech game to go, whichever result will benefit both England and Italy, I wouldn't like to see either miss out on the olympics. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Portman]

Anybody saw Lita's SUPER MISS? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Italian keeper is sh!t. Pure sh!t.

[kurtsimonw]

It's a shame to see Italy go out, but I'm confident we can go all the way on the display we've put in on this first half hour, we've ripped them to shreds. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Portman]

GOOLLLL! ITALIA! Lucky goal.

2-1. Anyway... England is MUCH BETTER than Italy. Way way better.

Juventus's Chiellini scored.

[kurtsimonw]

Me and my big mouth. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Should be 2-2 great header, even better save. Phew.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 14 2007, 08:22 PM

[Portman]

Ashley Young = England best player.
That Nuggent guy is not bad. Preston player isn't it? Historic team.

The keeper, Carson (Liverpool's right?) is very good too.

This post has been edited by Porty: Jun 14 2007, 08:50 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Ashley Young = England best player.
That Nuggent guy is not bad. Preston player isn't it? Historic team.

The keeper, Carson (Liverpool's right?) is very good too.

I'd like to think Ashley's our best player. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Yep, Preston are pretty similar to us, won loads of trophies early on. We were like United and Liverpool of the 19th century. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)
He's going to leave Preston though, they've made the play-offs 4 times in the last 5 years and not won promotion. He's an Everton fan so is favourites to go there.

Carson is a Liverpool keeper, but needs to leave. He's only going to get worse because he's never going to be better than Reina.

[Portman]

Geez. James Milner is 21? I thought he was 26 or something... (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

(IMG:http://www.carling.com/media/player_images/player-image-83683.jpg)

[kurtsimonw]

He doesn't look good for his age at all. He could become a top player.

2-2. Aquilani, great strike. We're being owned at the moment, we need to make some subs. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

If we can hold on for a draw, a win against Serbia will surely put us through. This isn't TOO disasterous for us.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 14 2007, 09:12 PM

[Portman]

2-2. Nice shot.

England seems really tired.

[kurtsimonw]

Give Ashers the ball, let him run at their right back. There's only going to be one winner.

[kurtsimonw]

I have to say I've been very disappointed at the referees in this tournement, they've been sh!t. Way too many yellow cards have been shown, Ashley Young's now suspended for the next game. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

England 2-2 Italy FT
Italy, on their second half showing, are by far the best team in the World at this level, they had 31 shots in the game, that's unbelievable. We robbed them of two points in my opinion. Thankfully it's still in our hands to go through.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 14 2007, 09:44 PM

[bigmacmtl]

I have to say I've been very disappointed at the referees in this tournement, they've been sh!t. Way too many yellow cards have been shown, Ashley Young's now suspended for the next game.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

England 2-2 Italy FT
Italy, on their second half showing, are by far the best team in the World at this level, they had 31 shots in the game, that's unbelievable. We robbed them of two points in my opinion. Thankfully it's still in our hands to go through.

it's a shame italy is probably going out. serbia dont have to do anything to be first place, although it will be the same with czechs for italy

[kurtsimonw]

I think we'll beat Serbia to go through, facing the Dutch in the semi's. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I thought Italy would win the group, clearly, what a disaster it's been for them.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 15 2007, 03:37 AM

[bigmacmtl]

I think we'll beat Serbia to go through, facing the Dutch in the semi's. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I thought Italy would win the group, clearly, what a disaster it's been for them.

i had a feeling something like this would happen, ah well can't win em all...

[kurtsimonw]

I can't say I'm too bothered, if Italy go out it just gives us better chance. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Pierluigi Casiraghi claims Stuart Pearce is 'not the nicest person' after Italy Under 21s drew 2-2 with England.
Pearce is not a favourite with the Italians following his performances against the Azzurri during his England playing career.

His conduct as a coach has also been brought into question after England squandered a 2-0 lead in their European Under 21 Championship game in Arnhem.

Casiraghi confronted Pearce at the end of the game and, whilst playing down the row, he concedes he is not a fan of the former Nottingham Forest full-back.

"The match was a little bit nervous and during the game sometimes it's difficult for coaches to hold," said Casiraghi.

"He is not the nicest person, we exchanged opinions, but it's nothing important.

"On the pitch during the game he was not very correct towards myself.

"There was just a short exchange of views on the pitch, but it was nothing important."

Italy must now beat Czech Republic to hold any chance of reaching the semi-finals and Casiraghi accepts drawing with England was not the desired result.

He added: "It was a bad result. We conceded two goals and it could have been even worse.

"But we had a good second half and could have changed the result completely."

I claim: Casiraghi is a girl.

Some people complain about anything. Does he really think Pearce got the nickname 'Psycho' for being the nicest person on the planet? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Belgium - Holland
Portugal - Israel

Simultaneous kick-offs.

I think there may be another fixed match in order, between two rivals, to make sure they both go through. Similar to that of Denmark vs Sweden from Euro 2004.

Belgium and Holland to draw. Portugal to win.

[kurtsimonw]

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

Belgium 1-0 Holland. I still think it'll be a draw.

EDIT: Belgium 1-1 Holland. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

EDIT 2: Belgium 1-2 Holland. Israel 0-1 Portugal. As it stands Portugal go through with Holland.. I think? Maybe not? (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Jun 16 2007, 08:27 PM

[Portman]

Israel 0-2 Portugal at the HT. 2 great goals.
1st by M.Fernandes... amazing midfielder (he said today that he's probably back in Benfica next season after 2 seasons on-loan in the EPL). The 2nd by Bolton's kid Vaz Te, nice header.

Belgium 1-2 Holland

With this... Portugal gets the 2nd place. We'll see what happens in the 2nd half.

[Tennie]

That Vaz Te goal was pretty. Forca Portugal!

Edit: But Veloso's free-kick and Nani's piledriver were nicer. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Portugal 4- Israel 0.

This post has been edited by Tennie: Jun 16 2007, 08:51 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Wow, I only went to get something to eat, I come back and it's 4-0. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Belgium 2-2 Holland. Poor goalkeeping, not that he didn't mean to do it. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Portman]

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

Belgium 2-2 Holland. We're fvcked. 3rd place... great goalkeeping by Holland. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Portman]

So predictable... 2-2 in Holland-Belgium. Just like the Denmark-Sweden in the Euro 2004 when they sent Italy out of the tournament.

I guess we've to wait to see if England goes trought and then we might go to the 3rd place playoffs to the Olympics with the 3rd place in England's group.

[kurtsimonw]

Don't worry, you'll get that 3rd place play-off. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Portman]

Don't worry, you'll get that 3rd place play-off.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Then we'll get fvcked by Italy. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[misha]

So predictable... 2-2 in Holland-Belgium. Just like the Denmark-Sweden in the Euro 2004 when they sent Italy out of the tournament.

Sorry for Portugal they played good yesterday. Too bad it wasn't enough.

[Tennie]

Italy 1 - Czech Republic 0 (Aquilani) 3d minute
England 1 - Serbia 0 (Lita) 4th minute

Italy 1 - Czech Republic 1 (Papadopulos) 14th minute

Italy 2 - Czech Republic 1 (Chiellini) 29th minute

Italy 3 - Czech Republic 1 (Rossi!) 45th minute

England 1 - Serbia 0 (Derbyshire) 77th minute

This post has been edited by Tennie: Jun 17 2007, 09:20 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Did anybody see the Serbia players after England scored the second goal? They were practically hitting Derbyshire. They had a player down and we didn't kick it out, Derbyshire was through, what did they expect him to do.. Miss on purpose?

Let's hope Serbia and Belgium kill each other in the semi-finals, neither of them know how to play football, just fight. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

Lita: Hoyte 'racially abused'

Stuart Pearce's side reached the semi-finals of the European Under 21 Championship with the victory in Nijmegen, but the headlines are likely to be dominated by events off the field.

The announcer in Nijmegen had to appeal to Serbia fans to stop levelling racist abuse at Nedum Onuoha in the first half, and both teams clashed in the tunnel after a controversial second goal from Matt Derbyshire.

Uefa could well act after receiving their delegate's report of the game, and Lita has given them further food for thought by claiming that Arsenal defender Hoyte was the subject of racist abuse in the tunnel.

Full Article: Hoyte Racist Abuse

Surely people still don't result to this?

[bigmacmtl]

Did anybody see the Serbia players after England scored the second goal? They were practically hitting Derbyshire. They had a player down and we didn't kick it out, Derbyshire was through, what did they expect him to do.. Miss on purpose?

Let's hope Serbia and Belgium kill each other in the semi-finals, neither of them know how to play football, just fight.  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

dude... the only reason he was thru was because the whole left flank was completly open because of the injured serb. i dint see the whole play but all i see is derbyshire taking advantage of an injured player.

[kurtsimonw]

If I remember rightly their player went down in an earlier attack. Our move broke down and they cleared the ball down field. Why not kick it out of play to get him treatment? They had the chance to kick it out, as did we. They didn't, so why should we?

This is where European football needs to learn from the Premiership. The referee is in charge, nobody else. If a plyer is down and the ref feels he needs to stop the game then he'll blow the whistle, otherwise it's play on.

It stops divers and cheats.