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Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 23 2012, 10:22 PM

I think it's about time to open up a Euro thread.

Posted by: Danny May 23 2012, 11:42 PM

I want to see Portugal and Croatia do well. Crazily, I wouldn't object to seeing England do ok either. As long as Rooney doesn't feature too heavily.

Posted by: kurtsimonw May 24 2012, 06:57 AM

England will do well to get out of the groups. No Rooney or Bent against France and Sweden is going to be tough. Then Ukraine on their own turf, even with Rooney, is a big ask. QF appearance will be a successful tournament for us.

Failing that, Ireland getting slaughtered in their group will be a nice consolation.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 May 24 2012, 07:50 AM

Holland, the WC2010 finalists will be up there I believe.

Italy will be a surprise and probably do something significant.

Germany has a very strong chance.

I'd also like to see Croatia progress.

Posted by: han2503 May 24 2012, 12:30 PM

I'm an Azzurri fan so hoping we'll see a great showing from them, the last World Cup was a failure of epic proportions. Losing Rossi is a huge blow but at least Cassano is back

But England crashing out on penalties once again will make it an enjoyable tournament for me

Posted by: Danny May 24 2012, 12:32 PM

As everyone's saying, the big difference this time is no one expects anything. The team is a bit of a mess, there's a new manager, and Rooney isn't available for the majority. This might actually be a chance for an England team to be underdogs and with no pressure, produce.

Though I was watching Euro shocking moments last night and there was some kind of revolt against a manager of Germany, by the players, and said manager lost his job on the eve of a championship and Germany got a new boss. They went on to have a horror tournament.

Richard Bacon, amusingly narrating as always said: 'tip, don't switch your manager before a championship'.

Posted by: Jack Bauer May 24 2012, 12:59 PM

+1

Also, won't mind if Germany will win it if Italy won't make it far.

Posted by: han2503 May 24 2012, 01:56 PM

Meh

Never liked the German NT, or any club team either...

Posted by: X-Offender May 24 2012, 02:29 PM

I'll be supporting Germany as usual, but after all these years of regularly following the Serie A, I'd be lying if I said I don't care about the Azzurri. So yeah, either Germany or Italy would be fine with me.

Posted by: Jack Bauer May 24 2012, 03:17 PM

I used to dislike them back when they had boring defensive teams, but in recent years - a lot because many of their players are imigrant descendent - their NT become quite likeable.

I have a good feeling abot the Azzurri, I expect them to advance to later stages.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone May 24 2012, 03:22 PM

Italy and Germany for me. The Germans deserve to win something, they've been really good a long time ago and now is their moment I think.

Croatia? I don't see us past the group stage. Expect nothing.

Posted by: Danny Jun 1 2012, 02:42 PM

Could someone sticky this?

Posted by: William405 Jun 1 2012, 02:59 PM

Yeah,forgot it was there.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 1 2012, 03:47 PM

The stuff I have to do to keep the folks on here happy! Soon you'll want mods to do your laundry for you!

Posted by: han2503 Jun 1 2012, 07:20 PM

Just managed to watch that Panorama documentary that kurt was talking about. Chilling stuff.

I think it's just ridiculous that Uefa would choose these countries over others like England, Italy, etc. I'm not saying that western and central European countries don't have their own problems but that is just beyond anything else

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 1 2012, 07:33 PM

Haven't watched it, but you can't give it to the same countries all the time. Hosting it really improves their infrastructure. Look at all the new stadiums in Poland and Ukraine, they have also spent a lot of money to improve the roads, hotels etc..

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 1 2012, 08:27 PM

Haven't watched the documentary either, but what's so shocking in it?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 1 2012, 09:08 PM

As I previously said, the most shocking thing isn't the violence/racism, it's the higher ups attitude of "Errrr, they're not doing Nazi salutes, they're ummm pointing at the opposition? Yeah, that's what they're doing."

Posted by: han2503 Jun 1 2012, 09:31 PM

Lol, yep. It was absolutely hilarious how he tried to play it off. He couldn't even look the presenter of the program in the eye. It was very obvious that they were not just pointing to the opposition. And this guy is supposed to occupy a high position in the justice system!! What a farce!!

Still the most shocking thing for me was how they attacked each other and even worse, fans who support the same team but have a different skin colour, just disgusting!!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 1 2012, 09:35 PM

Well, things will change for the better. England wasn't exactly paradise in 1966. Still, Euros and World Cups IMO present a chance for local and state politics to solve some of the problems.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 1 2012, 09:43 PM

Imo, giving it to them while things are still this bad is basically rewarding them for not fixing these issues.

Building great stadiums and roads, etc is good and all that, but the safety of the poeple who will be travelling to these countries comes first.

Like I said, I'm not saying that other countries don't have their own troubles with these things. But certainly not to these extremes. And bringing a big summer tournament when these social issues are still not dealth with is just not the right way to go.

Posted by: Danny Jun 1 2012, 09:51 PM

Yup, Greece is in a far better place now than it was in 2004...

Posted by: han2503 Jun 1 2012, 09:53 PM

EDIT:
That shouldn't have been funny considering it's about to take us all down with it...

Posted by: CHU-LIP Jun 2 2012, 03:41 AM

Portugal hosted that cup, so I don't see the relevance.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 2 2012, 04:55 AM

I'm pretty sure Danny meant the Olympics. The 2004 Athens Olympics held in Greece.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Jun 2 2012, 06:41 AM

Okay, my lack of interest in the Olympics made me forget about that.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 2 2012, 06:50 AM

Maybe the London 2012 will spark your interest this time around. I'm not too keen on Olympics myself, but nevertheless they are a big collective event for all humanity, and frankly should continue at all times. The only events I am remotely interested in are football and just a touch of men's hockey.

Nevertheless, it's always interesting how Euros and Olympics fall in the same summer, every four years. Two of the biggest events in the world so close to each other. Immense.

Posted by: CHU-LIP Jun 2 2012, 07:28 AM

At least it are not the World Cup (football) and the Olympics, since the World Cup is the real thing, Euro Cup is just, well, a bit less special because it's only Europe.

Anywho, obviously Euro Cup is nothing compared to Olympics, but pretty much any Olympic sport: I just don't care (don't feel bothered to watch nor follow).

The funny coincidence Greece won the Euro Cup in 2004, was the reason of my earlier mistake. And obviously that's what I rather remember than them being the Olympic host 8 years ago.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 2 2012, 10:38 AM

I think the Euros is special because it is full of quality. With no intention to insult them, the Asian/African/North American regions don't have the real quality of any kind. I think the very best they have in the likes of the USA, Japan and Ivory Coast, would be mid-level Euro teams. So that's where they World Cup is hurt, in my opinion. Though with the Euro expansion to 24 teams, the tournement will become weaker I think.

Posted by: William405 Jun 2 2012, 11:28 AM

I agree.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 2 2012, 12:56 PM

+1

Posted by: CHU-LIP Jun 2 2012, 04:01 PM

That obviously is true, but it still remain just becoming European champ and not World champ, and if anything, the World Cup is harder to win because you not only have to deal with the strongest of Europe, but also of South America.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 2 2012, 04:11 PM

Actually I disagree. South America usually has 2-3 strong teams; but it's much easier to enter the later stages. Here at the Euro's you have almost equally hard groups.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 2 2012, 06:18 PM

Very true, Europe is the bench mark for football IMO.

Posted by: Danny Jun 4 2012, 03:04 PM

Rodgson making a bigger hash of the Terry Ferdinand situation than he already has.

Yes, he probably could only pick one of them, given they almost certainly couldn't play together, but pretending it's for football reasons then persisting with it on injury to Cahill by calling up Kelly has simply rubbed salt in the wound.

He may well be a good football man, good at organising a team on the pitch, but he's lacking the know-how to deal with this situation, and is making a bigger mess of it than it originally was.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 4 2012, 04:53 PM

I wonder what Capello is thinking right now...

Posted by: William405 Jun 4 2012, 05:07 PM

Balloteli is injured.

Posted by: Danny Jun 4 2012, 05:16 PM

Glad to be shot of the impossible job tbh. England is a poisoned chalice which so few men have been able to truly handle. Only ones who really could were Ramsey, Venables and Robson. The rest, basically, could not.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 4 2012, 05:37 PM

Spot on.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 4 2012, 06:18 PM

How serious?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 4 2012, 06:22 PM

Well that's just great. Now let's wait to hear about Cassano...

Looks like it's going to be another disappointing tournament for the Azzurri

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 4 2012, 11:25 PM

Bonucci in the starting 11

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 4 2012, 11:31 PM

I'd call Ranocchia and actually have him as starter alongside Chiellini. He's miles better than Bonucci.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 5 2012, 12:16 AM

+1

Yet this won't happen. Hmh, why not try calling up Nesta?

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 5 2012, 12:41 AM

That'd be great. Mediaset suggests Astori might be picked up.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 5 2012, 11:05 AM

The answer is simple.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 5 2012, 11:29 AM

Prandelli has a fetish for the Juve and Fiorentina players it seems.

Bonucci is just a terrible defender that shouldn't have even been called up in the first place. Not that Ranocchia is all that great but he is better than bonehead Bonucci

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 5 2012, 03:11 PM

Juve and Viola fethis? I don't know. Maybe before, when he used to call-up Gamberini and some others. But now the squad has 1 ex-Fiorentina player. As for Juventus...I wouldn't call it a fetish. Buffon-Bonucci-Barzagli-Chiellini is the Serie A record winning defense, it isn't a Ferrara-Iuliano-Zambrotta combination, but hey, there isn't much better anyway! Ranocchia is okay, but not much better then Bonucci. I guess Prandelli put weight on the fact that Bonucci and Chiellini know each other very well. It's an important detail.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 5 2012, 03:50 PM

I've always believed that Ranocchia has the potential of becoming a great CB, whilst Bonucci will always sail on this wave of mediocrity for the rest of his career. But I suppose Prandelli should go with Fillipo's suggestion and call Nesta. You never know, he might actually agree this time around, not playing for a major club and being at the end line of his career. He doesn't have that much responsibility as in the past about his injuries.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 5 2012, 04:34 PM

Netsa is a man of his word, there's no way he'd come out of retirement.

I don't know which one's better (or worse), Bonucci or Ranocchia. I've seen many mistakes and simply bad defending from Ranocchia as well.

All I know is that it makes more sense for Serie A's best "defense" to form Azzurri's backline in the Euros. but look at the bright side: should Italy go down, it'll be with Juve's defense. it'd do us good next season if the supposedly invincible Juve defense were torn apart this summer.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 5 2012, 06:29 PM

Well I'm an Azzurri fan and want them to do well. You do have a point though.

It's a bit of a double-edged sword. But either way, the fact that Barzagli and Bonucci are mediocre players cannot be over shadowed by one great season.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 5 2012, 09:20 PM

What's up with Richards not being called up? Even after Cahill injury he's being ignored and a much worse player than him was chosen.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 5 2012, 09:27 PM

Hodgson is desperate to prove he holds no grudge against Liverpool and their players.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 5 2012, 10:58 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt_xRVSCztM&feature=related

One things for sure, we make the best tv ads for a tournement.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 5 2012, 11:48 PM

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2012, 12:43 AM

Well maybe now that not so many people expect much of England something might actually happen. I expect England to be pleasant surprise, even if it's just my guts feeling.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 6 2012, 08:47 AM

Without Lamprad? that's like Spain without Xavi (not the exact role they play but their influence).

I don't think England will surprise, but I don't think they will be awful either. they'll probably go out in the first KO round.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 6 2012, 11:50 AM

3rd in group or out to spain in the QFs. Far too many injuries to compete. Shame as it's really the last tournement for some of these players.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 6 2012, 12:51 PM

Yep, as I've told kurt. The players don't have the usual media pressure as in past tournament. It could be a blessing for them to go out there without all the usual pressure.

Still it will be tough with all the injuries that are happening to their squad

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2012, 01:19 PM

I'd consider a QF appearance a slight surprise, a semifinal a real accomplishment. But anyway, we'll see soon enough.

Posted by: Danny Jun 6 2012, 01:20 PM

That was a good ad. The Guy Ritchie one is still the best footie ad ever, but that one wasn't at all bad. And I'm Scottish

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 6 2012, 02:14 PM

Yeah that ad is superb. I love the Materazzi bit, smacking him in the face.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2012, 06:00 PM

I've heard Prandelli will play De Rossi as CB now...brilliant. Just brilliant.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 6 2012, 06:03 PM

Now I've heard everything!

Posted by: han2503 Jun 6 2012, 08:32 PM

Wasn't he playing CB at Roma this season?

Frankly I'd trust a one legged De Rossi at CB over the nuckle heads Barzagli and Bonucci

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2012, 08:50 PM

Yep, and...Roma was terrible.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 6 2012, 08:54 PM

I actually saw those games when he played as CB and I thought he was pretty solid. Wouldn't mind him alongside Chiellini in defense, and Nocerino in midfield instead.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2012, 08:58 PM

I would. It's pretty much comical for a NT like Italy to be degraded to a midfielder acting as starting CB.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 6 2012, 09:04 PM

As solid as a makeshift CB can be, yes. When I saw him at Roma I thought okay. Stuff happens. But on the NT level, in a competition of this caliber, well, let's just say that I'm with Fillipo in the view that it has a potential of backfiring. But then again, it says more about Italy's lack of quality defenders, then anything else.


Exactly. Pity how sad things have become for the Italian NT after the talents of just a decade ago.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 6 2012, 09:11 PM

According to Prandelli's choices in the training today, this could and should be Italy's starting line-up against Spain:

Posted by: arivanjj Jun 7 2012, 01:14 PM

thats terrible. spain will run a massacre

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 7 2012, 03:45 PM

That's not the worst thing in the World against Spain to be honest. 3 CBs and 3 CMs will shut down everything down the middle which is where Spain are at their best.

Posted by: servbot Jun 8 2012, 06:32 AM

You won't want to read this then...sounds eerily similar to your quote.



espnfc.com

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 12:35 PM

And yet some wonder why I have such strong opposition to UEFA and FIFA? Disgusting.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 12:48 PM

June 8 games

Poland-Greece - 5pm (GMT)
Russia-Czech Rep. - 7:45pm (GMT)

I'm going to predict 2-1 Greece and 1-1.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 8 2012, 01:04 PM

So, the day's finally arrived. Too bad today's games are kinda crap, though.

Posted by: Danny Jun 8 2012, 01:11 PM

Also too bad that the racism problems overshadowing the whole tournament are getting worse by the day. Who thought it was a good idea to hold a cosmopolitan football tournament in a country which hates blacks and other ethnic minorities?

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 8 2012, 01:29 PM

I don't know if the people of Poland and Ukraine all hate blacks and other ethnic minorities but I know I really hate generalizations.

Posted by: Danny Jun 8 2012, 01:52 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01jk4vr/Panorama_Euro_2012_Stadiums_of_Hate/

Posted by: dst Jun 8 2012, 01:53 PM

I'd say a draw and Russia winning the other one.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 02:16 PM

+1

Never would have gone that far.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 02:23 PM

It isn't that easy. You must try and understand the context. I'd tell you about it, but the again, I think politics, even in historical measures, are off limit here. Once we had a politics thread and that ended...well not good at all.

Bottom line is - this Euro made the racial problems in Poland or Ukraine visible - meaning at least something's gonna be done in the near future. If the tournament was held elsewhere, we never would have found out about it, and the situation would have only petrified.

But it's utter nonsense to picture a whole country by the fashion of one television program. Again, England in 1966 wasn't heaven on earth, yet no one blames FIFA for that. IMO it's better to give these countries a chance then just play the cosmopolitan tournament in "ivory towers" and pretend like the world is okay.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 02:28 PM

Is it? As for as the Ukraine/FIFA/UEFA are concerned, there are no racism problems.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 02:32 PM

And what can FIFA/UEFA do about it? Condemn the whole country? It's a problem that can be solved by real politics, not wannabe diplomats and politicians of UEFA/FIFA

Posted by: Danny Jun 8 2012, 02:43 PM

I am in no way generalising by saying a huge racism culture exists in Eastern Bloc nations. Ukraine, Poland, and a great deal of the other nations in that region have massive prejudicial problems with people of ethnic minorities.

Anyone who thinks these nations aren't populated by a distinct majority of racists is very naive and trying to be too politically correct.

Posted by: Danny Jun 8 2012, 02:46 PM

We are, and look what happens. The Dutch squad's black members get monkey sounds during a training session!



imo you cannot deal with racism. It's an issue which will always exist no matter how many footballers hold up red cards against racism. The sheer monkey sounds and hooligan elements have been reduced by sheer force in England, but plenty of black players still experience plenty of hate from morons in the stands.

It's a lot, lot worse in central Europe.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 02:51 PM

That answer is pretty obvious to me. But it's too late.

I think it's naive to say any country doesn't have racism problems. But the difference isn't whether a country has it or not, it's the quantity. Not sure how these are allowed to host or were given the opportunity.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 03:03 PM

So we disagree. The quantity will be reduced by education, economic growth and political stability. Isolating does countries won't make a difference at all. Is that your response? Ban those countries and let them rot? That's what the West did after 1945, and that's one focal point which enabled these racial problems.


Not so long ago I remember the Dutch fielding an all-white team, then I remember reading articles about the "black part" of their team (among them Seedorf and Davids) having difficulties with the "white part" which resulted their big fail in 2002. Surely, that has nothing to do with this particular situation; but it's a reminder that Holland isn't also that rosy. Yet no one complained.


Actually, the cases of England and Germany tell me you can deal with racism efficiently.



Distinct majority? Where did that come from?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 03:12 PM

You're missing the point though.

Both you and I agree (I think?) that there are problems within the football side of these countries. But the people that 'matter' do not feel that way. Why will anything be done if, as they seem to think, there's no problem? They see no problem with the actions of these fans so nothing will be done. Look at Qatar, they've allowed Israeli's, should they qualify, into the country. That's a signal that they are maybe willing to change - something Ukraine inparticular seem to have no intention of doing.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 03:20 PM

Of course they see the problem, they're just denying it - because 1) they do not have the power to make changes 2) they are not informed enough to pose solutions 3) it's the easier way, to look at the other side 4) they are afraid the truth could hurt even more. Now all I wanna say is - FIFA/UEFA hasn't the real power to do anything other then banning the tournament - and I'm against it, because I don't think it's a majority problem.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 03:25 PM

I agree FIFA have no power now. The only thing they had the power to do, they got wrong anyway. I don't think countries should be rewarded in the hope they change. They should be rewarded for changing. FIFA/UEFA generally are backwards though, so it's not exactly surprising.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 03:28 PM

You make a valid point. And bare in mind that Hungary/Croatia were also contenders for the Euro 2012. But I always try accepting the reality of things, and now that we have what we have, we can only hope those Poliaks who've been so many times in their history let down by Europe will somehow change.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 03:32 PM

Indeed, we can always hope for change. Who knows, maybe it will surprise us.

An hour and a half left now. I can enjoy the Euros for the weekend until England lose and I hang myself.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 03:34 PM

Don't speak that way! One hanged Englishmen is enough this week.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 03:37 PM

My comment was a joke, but I wasn't aware someone had hanged themself..

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 03:45 PM

Who? I haven't been following the news that much these days.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 03:59 PM

Mine was also, or at least a semi-joke. No one follows Mad Men here around???

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 04:09 PM

I wondered why google showed nothing. Nope, never got into it.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 04:22 PM

Seedorf on the BBC coverage.

Posted by: servbot Jun 8 2012, 04:23 PM

****....I haven't seen the last few episodes yet. LOL Love that show.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 04:53 PM

Sorry, now I spoiled the shock for you

Posted by: servbot Jun 8 2012, 04:59 PM

no biggie...maybe now I take the time to catch up to see what happened.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 05:14 PM

It's on then. I wonder how many here are watching the first match?! Even though it's light-weight.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 05:18 PM

Deary me goalie.

Posted by: dst Jun 8 2012, 05:40 PM

I'm watching the RG semis.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 05:45 PM

RG semis?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 05:47 PM

French Open.

Greece down to 10 men. Neither should've been a yellow card. Embarassing refereeing.

Now Greece not given a blatent penalty. They're getting fucked.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 05:49 PM

Had a hunch. Thanks! Not that very much into tennis. And yeah, agree about the refereeing.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 05:49 PM

Ah well. We couldn't last 1 half of Euro 2012 without the referees ruining the tournement. Great.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 05:53 PM

Apparently this referee gave 16 red cards in 19 La Liga games. Spanish refs are bad, this guy is awful, who the hell selected him!?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 05:54 PM

Sokratis, poor poor boy. Feel sad about Greece. It should have been 1-1 with the penalty.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 8 2012, 05:55 PM

Poor Sokratis, that was a bit harsh.

Thanks but it says since I don't live in Britain I can't watch it (talk about.. discrimination ).

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 8 2012, 05:57 PM

I think Poland were better and deserve their lead. the Greeks have no real game-plan, just relaying on crosses and long balls to get a goal.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 05:58 PM

I'm assuming the discrimination part is a joke..

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 8 2012, 05:59 PM

Blatant penalty? I'd say it was clearly involuntary. But yeah, the yellow cards for Sokratis were a complete rip-off.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 8 2012, 06:02 PM

He touched the ball twice, the second time it was voluntary.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 06:05 PM

at that red-card. Why no conspiracy theories yet?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 06:09 PM

1-1!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 06:09 PM

Equaliser, where the f did that come from.

Good job keeper!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 06:27 PM

Penalty and red! Wow, what a ball over the top.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 06:30 PM

Good save.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 06:33 PM

Offisde..

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 06:34 PM

This tournament is already better than SA

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 06:50 PM

+∞. So very true!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 06:55 PM

Over used cliche, but certainly a game of 2 halves.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 8 2012, 06:59 PM

Greece played better overall, but still the draw is a fair result.

Posted by: dst Jun 8 2012, 07:00 PM

I was constantly zapping between RG and this match in the first half and didn't catch the penalty you guys say we were not given but I did see the two yellows and they were both awful decisions. We did play better without him though I think the line-up was completely wrong. And I don't get why Santos is so obsessed with Samaras, the guy is a joke. That chance he missed... my God!

We could have won the match in the end though if we had scored that penalty (terribly taken). I don't think the other goal was offside but the way things went I won't complain about the ref because he could have won it... don't ****ing step up to take a penalty if you don't have the b**** to!

that kid is a very good player.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 07:06 PM

And that's being kind.

Posted by: dst Jun 8 2012, 07:08 PM

My only guess is he finds his name easy to pronounce.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 8 2012, 07:08 PM

I don't think that was a penalty at all.

That Samaras guy dribbles well sometimes, but he's really awful at everything else he does.


Yeh.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 07:12 PM

I like how there's only 1 player in your squad that doesn't have a name ending in S.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 07:41 PM

Russian anthem still superb. Love it every time I hear it.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 07:55 PM

Czechs out with a pretty good start. Completely dominating them Russians in the first quarter.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 08:00 PM

And the Russians are in front. Minutes after I posted.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 08:04 PM

Russia look superb going forward but terrible at the back.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 08:08 PM

Quite like their country. No offense to any Russians we have on the forums.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 08:10 PM

2-0.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 08:15 PM

Match done and dusted, Kurt? Or do you reckon the Czechs can come back from here?

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 08:55 PM

I think they can

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 08:58 PM

3 goals is a tough ask without leaking another one. Let's see, can't wait for the 90th minute!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 09:07 PM

Kerzhakov wasteful again.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 09:13 PM

And again. What a chance gone begging. 7 attempts on goal for him today as well.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 8 2012, 09:22 PM

3-1, game over.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 8 2012, 09:24 PM

4-1. Reasonably big match coming to an end then. A sign for the rest of the tournament. I was hoping Czechs would put in more of a fight but they just had a good 15 minutes and then all downhill.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 09:24 PM

Wows.

Posted by: Danny Jun 8 2012, 09:55 PM

From a supposedly dull group these 2 were great games. Thankfully the racism issue seems to have disappeared for now and we can concentrate on the football, and there's a hell of a lot to appreciate.

It's good to see the old Arshavin back - he was sensational tonight. Seems his departure from Arsenal really did spark his old form back.

But Petr Petr Petr. Some very poor goalkeeping from a stopper once called the greatest.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 8 2012, 09:57 PM

I like the Russian team (and Russian girls). They are gonna win this group easily IMO.

BTW that Dzagoev guy was mentioned with Milan few weeks ago. His contract ends around February IRRC.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 8 2012, 10:15 PM

Great game!

Webb did great as well, let the game flow without any niggling fouls being given every few minutes. Certainly a major improvement over that first ref. What a howler of a game that was

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Jun 8 2012, 10:27 PM

And here i was thinking there wasn't going to be anything interesting today in the Euros

Missed both games .. But hey I'm gonna make sure I watch the Portugal Germany match .. Toast out for Porty and LaPalma

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 8 2012, 10:28 PM

Great day all round. Entertaining games. Goals. Talking points. Great shots of hotties in the crowd. Most importantly - my fantasy team had an awesome day. Thank you to Mr. Lewandowski and Mr. Dzagoev.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 8 2012, 10:52 PM

Who doesn't?

Posted by: Danny Jun 9 2012, 10:20 AM

http://euro2012girls.com/

Resurrected from the last Euros, a pure perve fest is above.

Posted by: dst Jun 9 2012, 12:34 PM

I had not even noticed... it's obviously normal here.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 9 2012, 02:32 PM

Two potential crackers on today. Expecting big things from Germany this year.

Posted by: William405 Jun 9 2012, 02:34 PM

Didn't really check any of Portugal's friendlies...does anyone know their state?I'm expecting a solid germany too.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 02:42 PM

Portugal have played 3 games in 2012

Poland away - 0-0
Macedonia home - 0-0
Turkey home - 1-3

Pretty awful. They also needed the playoffs to qualify.

Posted by: Danny Jun 9 2012, 02:44 PM

I have high hopes though - no one expects much from them and I think that lack of pressure will help them.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 02:52 PM

Frankly the way German teams have been crashing and burning all these years (NT and club level) and that too at the business end of the tournaments, I wouldn't mind an upset today. Sure, Portugal isn't lighting up fires too, but really. Even though I mostly always support Germany, let's try something new this time. Portugal it is for me.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 02:56 PM

Yeah they have pretty much no pressure with the group they're in.

I've gone for Netherlands 2-0 Denmark and German 3-2 Portugal today.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 04:20 PM

I'll support Germany and the Danes. Holland I always admired in the Seedorf era, not the Marwijk defensive play. Germany really deserves to win, so I'm all for them.

Portugal = Ronaldo - therefore you can count me out for being on their side. Sorry, next time maybe

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 04:40 PM

BBC doing a peice on the Danish '92 team. Henrik Larsen finished top scorer, went to Villa and couldn't even get in our team..

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 04:58 PM

Harry Redknapp doesn't think Holland will get out of the group. Though he's sitting next to Seedorf so he's probably just saying that to cause controversy as usual.

Posted by: William405 Jun 9 2012, 05:02 PM

Nice to see Van Bommel again!

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 05:03 PM

Look at those empty seats.

Posted by: William405 Jun 9 2012, 05:25 PM

And Denmark score after Holland domination,gotta love the euro!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 05:25 PM

Heitinga.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Jun 9 2012, 05:26 PM

Steklenburg beat 5 hole. Danes up 1-0

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 05:49 PM

Those empty seats are actually Holland fans dressed in Orange I think.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 05:52 PM

MvB's Euro 2008 Holland looked much better, regardless of that Russia defeat. at least that was in the late stages of the tournament, this Holland looks unimpressive (compared to their standards of attacking football) from the get go.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 05:52 PM

The seats are blue. Surprised at how few Dutch are there to be honest. They'd usually fill out a stadium.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 05:52 PM

I'm talkibg about the blue ones in the upper middle. I'm pretty sure the game is far from sold out.

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 9 2012, 06:03 PM

That was a first major tournament I watched. Good memories.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 06:35 PM

I only really remember Euro96 onwards. I was only 6 for USA94 though.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 9 2012, 06:50 PM

Even if he picked the ball up and started running around with it, it wouldn't have been a more obvious penalty.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 06:51 PM

Holland looked awful.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 9 2012, 06:52 PM

First ref screw-up ft 1-0 denmark

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 06:55 PM

I can only imagine you didn't watch the Poland-Greece game.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 06:55 PM

Yea, simply poor showing from the Dutch. though Denmark didn't do much either. just sat on a 1 goal lead.

If Portugal lose tonight as well, the Holland-Portugal matchup will be very interesting (given their crazy '06 WC game).

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 9 2012, 06:56 PM

What do you mean that wasn't a blatant red-card?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 07:07 PM

Eriksen was really disappointing. Expected much much more.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 07:08 PM

Agreed. A few highly rated players have failed to show early. I thought Kadlec and Van der Wiel were bad too. Dzagoev the star of the young stars so far.

Posted by: Danny Jun 9 2012, 07:11 PM

Strange game. The Dutch played like a poor man's Barcelona - lots of the ball but low tempo and not doing enough with it. Wasteful with what few half chances they got, but Denmark were disciplined and took the one glaring chance they got, thanks to woeful goalkeeping from Stekelenberg.

As for tonight, come on Portugal - I do not like German teams at all and I do like the Portuguese.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 07:13 PM

I don't think it was necessarily awful goalkeeping. If it goes through your legs like that it's just a bit of fluke. Heitinga was at fault, I wouldn't be seen defending that badly.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 07:19 PM

Ha, then again, Barcelona aren't that rich now as they were a few years back. I may be wrong, but from how it's going, it seems that their best is past them now. Sure, no one's stopping them to start another cycle, but nevertheless, their main players are aging and aging fast.


I've got company. While my dislike for the German team(s) isn't as much as yours, I still do want Portugal to do well today. But I'll be watching the first half of Brazil vs Argentina, and then tuning into Euros in the second. Both matches are round about on a the same time.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 9 2012, 07:51 PM

Crowd seem to be with germany.. llets hope it is a good game for the neutrals. Slightly with germany because pepe plays for portugal ..

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 07:59 PM

Pathetic. I can only imagine Neuer's leg has been broken in 9 places from that reaction.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 08:31 PM

German fans on last warning apparently. More actions like that and Portugal will be given the win.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 9 2012, 08:33 PM

Poor half.. portugal game plan working so far..

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 08:33 PM

What?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 08:35 PM

Stadium announcements throughout the game, continuation of throwing things on to the pitch will result in game being called off and Portugal being given the win.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 08:37 PM

What a god-awful 1st half. Germany and Holland have really disappointed so far. today's games were supposed to be better than yesterday's. but yesterday's were much better.

Everyone was worried about Polish/Ukrainian fans not behaving yet it's the German fans that have given this Euros its most ugly face yet.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 08:45 PM

I don't know about you guys, but if trowing papers is the most ugly thing, then...well...everything is fine.

Edit: And one more thing. Foolishness and huliganism isn't a racial/national question; it's everywhere.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 08:47 PM

Sad reality of modern football. People just defend and break against the top teams and it makes for 'boring' football. Yesterdays game were more 'even' in a way I suppose, so teams were mostly just playing football.


Zeddie did say most ugly thing yet, which is true. I don't recall any other incidents of fan trouble during a game.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 08:47 PM

Messi 2 goals against Brazil. 2-1 as of this typing. Curse you Silva for getting injured!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 08:48 PM

I still wouldn't put Holland and Germany in the same box. Germany, for the last few tournaments, played attractively and almost always opened up with a spectacular match. Maybe this is just a wise, slower start, like Italy 06.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 08:52 PM

From twitter: Netherlands have lost their opening Euro Championship game 1 time - Euro '88, which they went on to win. Sometimes a slow starts isn't the worst thing.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 08:55 PM

If that's a free kick, everything's a free-kick.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:03 PM

I know Khedira did step on him, but come on Moutinho it weren't that bad.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:11 PM

I have a feeling Spain-Italy and France-England will be the same as this.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:16 PM

Flukey as ****.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 09:28 PM

Portugal giving their all, going all out attack, just hitting the crossbar. Even Cristiano in with a decent shot. But is it too late for them? Only 6 minutes remaining and the Germans holding on.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 9 2012, 09:30 PM

Germans have rode their luck a bit tonight. Portugal pretty unlucky if they don't get anything from this.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 09:32 PM

They almost did. Almost.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:32 PM

A game in which neither Boateng or Neuer cost you a goal is nothing short of a minor miracle.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 9 2012, 09:33 PM

By the way, I know wrong thread, but Brazil 2-2 Argentina in the 68th. What a match! This one isn't too shabby either, particularly after Gomez scored. Before that both teams were too overcautious.

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 9 2012, 09:39 PM

CR7 has matured a lot, passed well, tracked back well. Just doesn't have a Figo, or a Rui Costa around him to help out.

Germany don't look convincing yet, rode their luck a bit.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:39 PM

Very disappointing indeed. Portugal had the better chance, Germany win by a damned deflection. Ronaldo was outstanding though, unfortunately his teammates weren't finishing what he created.

Posted by: Danny Jun 9 2012, 09:49 PM

Boring match of what I saw, and I did miss the first 30. Ron struggled tonight, and Portugal's tactics were appalling. Germany deserved their win purely because Ron's side refused to attack until the final 15 minutes.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 9 2012, 09:50 PM

Outstanding? I wouldn't call him outstanding, Boateng did a fine job and silenced him for most of the game.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:52 PM

I thought Boateng and Badstuber were the worst players on the pitch personally. Muller deserves a lot of credit for tracking back to help Boateng against Ronaldo.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 09:56 PM

Off topic but Lavezzi and Marcelo just been sent off in the Brazil-Argentina game.

Posted by: KillerMax Jun 9 2012, 09:56 PM

Agree with this. But I also agree with someone else who said Ronaldo has matured a lot. Now his teammates need to catch up!

All in all, Germany were the more solid team. Defending is part of the game, it doesn't look snazzy, but Germany did defend as a unit and they got the 3 points. Not the most entertaining game to watch though.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 9 2012, 10:10 PM

I don't know.. Ronaldo didn't look anywhere near the most expensive footballer ever. I mean, sure, he's surrounded by mostly average players, but still...

Judging by the scoreline Brazil-Aregtina must have been a real thriller. can't wait to watch it tomorrow. anyone knows if Messi will participate in the Olympics?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 9 2012, 10:15 PM

UEFA investigating racist abuse from Russian fans towards Czech players.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2012, 01:06 AM

This.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 10 2012, 01:44 AM

Badstuber was his usual, but did you miss that superb tackle Boateng made on Ronaldo? But not just the one tackle, overall he was great if you ask me.

Refused to attack? It ain't that simple: Portugal has a striker problem - the didn't score for 4 matches in a row, that's a horrible record even for a average team and a superstar in it.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 02:11 AM

Let's just say they aren't really good players but did alright in this match. I wouldn't call Boateng quality any day of the week, and he did make mistakes today, while doing good in patches. The biggest reason he didn't have it too hard was because Cristiano was blowing cold most of the time. First match heebie jeebies, perhaps.

Yes, I remember the tackle and all that, but if they'd been tested more, I do believe both would have snapped.


Apt analysis, man. Very true. They're playing two players with similar characteristics upfront in CRON and Nani. And Cristiano himself was playing more as an AM rather than a pure winger. Sure they did not attack for 75 or so minutes, but then again, Portugal's composition isn't very attack conducing in the first place.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 08:08 AM

Portugal seem to play with a striker for the sake of playing with one. They'd be better off having Quaresma and Nani wide with Ronaldo central. Quaresma's hardlyworld class,but he's a better winger than Postiga/Almeida are strikers.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 09:45 AM

Dammit. I'm going to miss most, if not all, of the Spain-Italy game since I have a game at the same time. How annoying.

Posted by: arivanjj Jun 10 2012, 11:49 AM

only seen highlights of the matches played so far. not going to miss this one. forza azzurri!

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 01:33 PM

+1

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 02:16 PM

I know who I'm supporting today!



TEAM FILLIPO!

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 10 2012, 03:24 PM

You weren't as enthusiastic about team dst the other day.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 03:34 PM

He was. Kurt was very enthoulosiastic. Not as much for Kostas Mitroglou, though.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 03:37 PM

They weren't playing Ireland.

Posted by: arivanjj Jun 10 2012, 04:19 PM

Italy: Buffon, Maggio, Chiellini, Bonucci, Motta, Marchisio, Giaccherini, De Rossi, Pirlo, Balotelli, Cassano SUBS: Sirigu, De Sanctis, Ogbonna, Balzaretti, Abate, Barzagli, Montolivo, Diamanti, Nocerino, Di Natale, Borini, Giovinco.

Spain: Casillas, Piqué, Ramos, Arbeloa, Alba, Iniesta, Xavi, Fàbregas, Alonso, Busquets, Silva SUBS: Valdés, Reina, Albiol, Martínez, Juanfran, Cazorla, Navas, Rodríguez, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente.

Posted by: arivanjj Jun 10 2012, 04:19 PM

spains attack doesn't look so scary

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 04:21 PM

What's up with Giaccherini starting FFS?

And is that really a 3-5-2 formation with Motta as one of the 3 in defense?

A 3 man defense with 2 out of the 3 being idiots. This is going to get ugly...

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 04:26 PM

Spain are playing 4-6-0?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 04:36 PM

Iniesta, Silva and Cesc could do enough damage...

I don't think it really matters for them if a striker is playing. That midfield could run rings around the likes of Giaccherini, Motta and Bonucci

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 04:38 PM

Still, you would expect at least one pure striker.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 04:44 PM

Still, a goal for them will most likely be easier to come by than for Italy.

Anyway, here's to hoping for at least a good showing that gives the Azzurri hope for the rest of the group.

And let's see if this 3 man defense BS blows up in Prandelli's face big time. I think we all saw how it could backfire when it's up against top quality opposition with Napoli, and not your regular run of the mill mid-table teams

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 04:46 PM

The hell!Motta?Are you sure?!

Also,stadium looks great.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2012, 04:52 PM

No, Motta will play as CM alongside Pirlo and Marchisio. The defenders will be Bonucci, De Rossi and Chiellini.

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 04:53 PM

It can work,it just needs the right combination,something italy don't have at all...

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 04:54 PM

Motta over Nocerino,even more crazy!

Forza Cassano!

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 05:00 PM

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 05:12 PM

Italy inviting unnecessary pressure. Again and again.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 05:39 PM

Who would have thought that Italy's best defender would be De Rossi? The others are mostly playing like headless chickens when Spain get into the box.

This 3 man defence thing neees to he scrapped ASAP

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 05:40 PM

Mario Balotelli the first from Italy to get a yellow card. Who'd have thought otherwise! Idioto.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 05:47 PM

Best keeper in the world. Against the second best keeper in the world. What's not to like?!

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 05:48 PM

Meh,I feel Italy could have done so much better in their usual set up...Spain aren't impressive at all...

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2012, 05:49 PM

De Rossi is great!

Italy playing better than I expected. Their constant pressure on the Spanish players is working.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 05:49 PM

good game so far. i think Italy will be happy so far less but better chances for italy imo

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 10 2012, 05:50 PM

Italy have done well so far, Spain seem to have crucified themselves by not playing a striker.

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 05:51 PM

But I don't know these constant unusual confusion in the back..definetly seems weird for Italy to play in this set up.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2012, 05:54 PM

I think it's working great.

Posted by: William405 Jun 10 2012, 05:57 PM

Maybe cause Spain suck

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 05:59 PM

Well, against Russia the meltdown happened in the second half. They need to keep it up, Spain are far from impressive.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:10 PM

ffs pass or shoot balotelli

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 06:10 PM

Balo is a moron. WTF are you doing?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:12 PM

di natle coming on for balo

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 10 2012, 06:15 PM

Balotelli

It will be a sad, sad day if we ever sign him.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:16 PM

goal di natleeeee

Posted by: Jack Bauer Jun 10 2012, 06:16 PM

YES!!! DI NATALE !!!!!

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 10 2012, 06:17 PM

Di Natale get the f in.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:17 PM

brilliant by pirlo and excellent finish and run by di natle

Posted by: Milan Are Brilliant Jun 10 2012, 06:20 PM

ffs

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:20 PM

1-1 cesc the defence went asleep...

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:21 PM

givinco for cassano... and navas for silva...

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:23 PM

bonucci wanted to end iniesta's euro

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 10 2012, 06:50 PM

ft 1-1 good start for italy imo

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2012, 06:59 PM

Prandelli should have subbed a couple of midfielders in the second half, they were obviously exhausted. Great result for Italy, though. Off to a good start!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 07:38 PM

Wasn't able to see it, but seems Spains arrogance of playing without a striker came back to hurt them. Good.

Now COME ON CROATIA!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 10 2012, 07:44 PM

Thanks man, hopefully we won't let you down today. I know you'd enjoy watching the Greens go down today.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 07:44 PM

Spain were there for the taking but Italy were, simply put, a mess

That 3 man defensive line was just ridiculous, People were running into each other, leaving wide open spaces and the only defensive tactic was to kick at the general direction of the ball when it came at them

Bonucci is just stupid, plain and simple. De Rossi made him look like he was the one playing out of position, not the other way around. Prandelli needs to scrap that 3 man defensive line, revert back to a 4, get Giaccherini and Bonucci out of that line up and play Giovinco behind the front 2.

Spain's goal was a perfect example of why you shouldn't play someone like Giaccherini as a wingback.

Next game I'd take out Giaccherini and Bonucci. Put Balzaretti in at LB, play De Rossi at CB and put Gio behing Cassano and Di Natale.

You could clearly see the flaws with the 3 man back line once Spain put in Torres, who isn't much of a player these days but even he was creating havoc once all those creative players had someone to aim their passes at

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 07:48 PM

Croatia really have a tonne of strikers. To think Olic got injured and Petric wasn't called either.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 07:50 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 08:06 PM

Tossers. Clearly a whilstle, what was it for? Never a free kick.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 08:30 PM

JELAVIC!

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Jun 10 2012, 08:42 PM

+1


+1

Posted by: TriniKing_CE Jun 10 2012, 08:42 PM

DP...

So I decided to make something of it:

Prandelli made a ballsy move and was able to get a point off of the reigning WC and Euro champions.
Balotelli is being judged a bit too much for his brain fart moment. With some more experience he shouldn't make these errors again, let's not ignore the fact that he did very well to make the chance for himself in the first place.

Bonucci is a liability. I hope we don't play him next game.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 08:54 PM

Haha, brilliant!

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2012, 09:19 PM

Croatia looking really good...

:worried:

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 09:38 PM

Job done. Good bye Ireland.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 10:07 PM

We're up next. Nerves kicking in already.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 10 2012, 10:14 PM

The best thing about Croatia? Their coach. Slaven Bilić is one zany character. Always fun watching him!

Posted by: Danny Jun 10 2012, 11:22 PM

Croatia and Portugal were my pre-tournament dark horses. One of those disappointed massively, the other looked the absolute part and could do damage in this tournament.

A cookie and a glass of milk to anyone who can figure out which is which.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 10 2012, 11:49 PM

I'm not as unimpressed with Italy as you are. Sure, I know, you don't like the Juve guys one bit; yet, they didn't play that badly - it was Spain after all. Italy's defense isn't working well, sure, but to be honest, I imagined lot worse then they did today. Chiellini was good.

I was baffled how you could defend Del Bosque's decision to go with zero strikers. In the end, that stupid tactic didn't work - Llorente or Negredo, even Torres, would have caused a lot more damage then Silva, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas and the others jumping all over the place, distracting each other.

That's why in the end the back 3 for Italy also appeared more messier then they should.

Croatia has a terrible defense as well. Therefore I expect the Italy-Croatia duel to be full of goals and changes.

One last thing - Giovinco looked out of touch. I wouldn't field him in the first XI, he isn't up to it if you ask me.



Sadly, this is his final tournament with us. He's taking over at Locomotive Moscow.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 10 2012, 11:50 PM

...Croatia...

Now where's my prize?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 10 2012, 11:59 PM

Corluka had a mare. Do you have no other options at CB?

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 11 2012, 12:04 AM

Bilic looked eerily like a younger Donald Sutherland tonight.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2012, 12:18 AM

Lovren is out injured. Simunic is more reliable but he also had a slight injury. So not many options left with Vida (too inexperienced) and Buljat (not good enough anyway).

Posted by: Danny Jun 11 2012, 12:22 AM

Hmmm, I'll cook one up. Pun intended

Posted by: Danny Jun 11 2012, 12:23 AM

I love Bilic. I think he's the coolest manager in the world.

Posted by: Danny Jun 11 2012, 12:24 AM

I dunno if it was yourself, but someone on here pointed out Croatia's striker list and suggested Jelavic was merely a squad member. And would struggle to get into the starting team.

Well, I guess that one's been put to bed now.

He has been sensational since joining Everton, and he has Rangers and Walter Smith to thank for his development.

Took his goal tonight well as well.

Posted by: Danny Jun 11 2012, 12:25 AM

Empty space does more damage than Torres these days bud, so I can fully understand the choice of no striker. Having Torres up top amounts to the same thing nowadays.

Posted by: acid911 Jun 11 2012, 12:41 AM

Sadly. I first got to know him in the last Euro tournament, when Turkey fried that quarters match. Locomotive Moscow, huh? Well, it would be awfully hard seeing him again, unless he takes up another NT job sometimes in the future. But he's a 3D character for sure, and a pretty good thinking coach too.


That he is, sir. That he is.


I don't know man, even with a washed up player upfront like Torres, Spain were far more dangerous towards the end of the match. I mean he went into the heart of Italy's defense twice at least. And that curled shot with Buffon up in the box, that one could have gone in if it was half a foot lower.

And it would have been the goal of the tournament right then and there. Either way, no striker was a bad idea.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 11 2012, 01:49 AM

I don't know man, you're stressing this 3-man defense way too much. I thought they did fairly well today, much better than I was expecting. After all, we can't exactly be sure that with their traditional formation (4-3-1-2) Italy would have played better. The fact remains that playing like that they crumbled against Russia, but they drew to Spain with the 3-5-2. So, for the next game, I'd continue with that.



Agreed about everything.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 11 2012, 05:56 AM

I'd give it a bit more time before saying too much about him. Amir Zaki was amazing in the EPL in his first 6 months. Some get off to a great start and fade. Jelavic does look very good though.

Posted by: KillerMax Jun 11 2012, 08:42 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=xDD8qzlceOM

With this attitude this guy can go far in the 5-6 years left of his top flight football.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2012, 08:46 AM

I'm mostly unimpressed because Spain were sitting ducks and Italy had no co-ordination or game plan to actually make it count.

It really doesn't matter if they're Juve players, I want the Azzurri to succeed and have a reat tournament after the African nightmare. And that cannot happen when you have guys like Giaccherini and Bonucci playing, the Juve fans themselves can barely stand these 2. Chiellini and Marchisio were great imo, but Chiellini is not a smart defender, he's a physical one, he's not a leader, which is why De Rossi looked so much better.

Imo, 4 at the back will work better simply because it will lessen a lot of the confusion and remove Bonucci from the equation. Imo, a back 4 of Balzaretti, DDR, Chiellini and Maggio/Abate will work a lot better than the 5 at the back we saw yesterday

If not Gio, than Di Natale.


The 4-3-1-2 formation got them unbeaten throughout the entire qualifiers. One friendly doesn't really say much. The 3-5-2 was clearly not working, when you see players from the same team running into each other or trying to clear a ball like a group of kindergarten kids, then you know it's not working. Italy were lucky that Spain's 4-6-0 system was even more messy than their's. Once they had Torres come on they were creating havoc and running rings around those 3 at the back.

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 11 2012, 10:34 AM

It was embarrassing to see a player of Giaccherini's level playing for Azzurri in the Euros against the best team in the world. he didn't do **** right. is there really not any better Italian players in that position? I find it hard to believe. can't Pepe play on the left?

Also, Balo shouldn't start another game in this competition. it's not just about that brain fart moment, he looked slow and lost throughout the whole game. he's not ready to be a protagonist for Italy, let alone be a leader of its attack.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2012, 11:01 AM

Pepe is on the same level.

He's just like Barzagli, Bonucci and Giaccherini. Had one decent season with Juve, but at the base of it, they're all fairly mediocre players.

The fact that Prandelli went on to play a mediocre winger as some sort of wingback is even more baffling.

A 4-3-3 is a must for the next game. A team like Croatia won't be as forgiving as the Spanish midfielders were. A decent center half and Italy could be in for a nightmare.

As for Balo, I'd give him another chance. Italy weren't really functioning properly, it was more of an organized mess rather than a tactical set up. Cassano and Balo were isolated, the 3 CBs were getting in each other's way and the midfield just wasn't connecting properly.

A 4-3-3 will get the best out of all the players and would allow for Di Natale to be used along with Balo and Cassano so the front 2 aren't so diconnected from the rest of the team

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 11 2012, 11:16 AM

Come on, Giaccherini played like complete ****. Pepe is not very good but I think he'll at least get some things right if he plays.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2012, 11:28 AM

Pepe is just a brainless runner. He's all action, no brain. I think Giaccherini has better technique with the ball than Pepe. Pepe is probably one of the worste players to get into the Italian NT.

Imo, there is no place for a winger like that on this Italian team. They're very similar to Milan in all honesty. Too much central players. The only width has to come from the FBs.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2012, 11:30 AM

Yeah, Italy should let all Juve players go an concentrate on the likes of Montolivo and Aquilani who are miles away from average...

Posted by: Zed.D Jun 11 2012, 11:36 AM

I don't know man. with Giaccherini it was like Italy were playing with 10. so might as well try Pepe for the next game.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2012, 12:08 PM

Pepe wasn't called up.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 11 2012, 12:36 PM

How come nobody's mentioning the horrific performance of Thiago Motta? He was by far the worst of the Azzurri. I've never really liked the guy. Too static and slow, and not a good tackler. Prandelli should play Nocerino or Montolivo in the next game.