Euro - 2008

[The Coon Dog]

Euro 2008 commences on June 7. The tournament is being co-hosted by Switzerland & Austria.

16 countries have qualified & they have been drawn into 4 groups of 4. Each team plays the other 3 teams in their group, with the top 2 in each group progressing.

Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey


Group B
Austria
Croatia
Poland
Germany


Group C
France
Italy
Netherlands
Romania


Group D
Greece
Russia
Spain
Sweden


From there the following quarter finals occur:

QF1 - A1 v B2

QF2 - B1 v A2

QF3 - C1 v D2

QF4 - D1 v C2


The winners then progress to the semi finals:

QF1 v QF2

QF3 v QF4

The two winners then progress to the final to be played in Vienna on 29 June.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~

So how do you see it panning out?

For me it's

Group A
1. Potugal
2. Czech Republic

Group B
1. Germany
2. Croatia

Group C
1. Netherlands
2. Italy

Group D
1. Spain
2. Russia


Quarter Finals

QF1 - Portugal v Croatia

QF2 - Germany v Czech Republic

QF3 - Netherlands v Russia

QF4 - Spain v Italy



Semi Finals

SF1 - Portugal v Czech Republic

SF2 - Netherlands v Spain


Final

Czech Republic v Netherlands


BBC Guide (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/schedule_and_statistics/default.stm)

[Mantis]

Will Group C be known as the group of death??

[GVGjr]

Will Group C be known as the group of death??


What a tough group.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Will Group C be known as the group of death??

One group always is.

Ledge, what group are England in?

[hujsh]

Will Group C be known as the group of death??

Already is.

Would love Netherlands to win.

[Chops]

No easy games in Euro compared to the WC.(ie No gimme games with sides from North America/Africa/Asia)You don't perform from the start you are out.
One win, one draw and one loss in the qualifers will not guarantee a QF berth. Though I believe Greece had that record last Euro.
I still don't how they won the last Euro? Semi with Nedved injured and beating Portugal twice.

[Bulldogs_6]

It should be an interesting tournament, no easy pickings.
IMO.
Group A: Czech Republic, Portugal
Group B Germany, Croatia
Group C France, Italy
Group D Spain, Sweden

Quarters.
Czech vs Croatia
Portugal vs Germany
France vs Sweden
Italy vs Spain

Semis.
Croatia vs Germany
France vs Spain

Final.
France vs Germany

Hope Croatia go on to win it :D

[The Coon Dog]

ITALY HIT BY CANNAVARO BLOW (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/08/06/02/SOCCER_Ita-Italy_Cannavaro_Nigh.html&TEAMHD=soccer)

The Italian Football Federation have confirmed that captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss Euro 2008 with an ankle injury.

The 34-year-old defender twisted his ankle in training on Monday following a collision with team-mate Giorgi Chiellini, and underwent lengthy treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Extensive tests have now revealed the Real Madrid man has torn ankle ligaments and will play no part in the Azzurri's European campaign.

[The Doctor]

Semis.
Croatia vs Germany


Final.
France vs Croatia

Hope Croatia go on to win it :D

I agree, I've revised it for you.

[The Underdog]

May as well have a shot for posterity and to prove my ignorance-

Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal

Group B
Croatia
Germany

Group C
France
Italy

Group D
Russia
Spain



QF1 - Croatia d Portugal

QF2 - Germany d Czech Rep

QF3 - Italy d Spain

QF4 - France d Russia

SF1- Germany d. Croatia

SF2- France d Italy

Final- Germany d France

[The Coon Dog]

Euro 2008 kicked off last night with 2 games in group A.

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1660.png Switzerland 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6318.png Czech Republic 1 (Vaclav Sverkos,70)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal 2 (Pepe 61, Raul Meireles 90)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey 0


Group A Table
1 Portugal 1 2 3
2 Czech Republic 1 1 3
3 Switzerland 1 -1 0
4 Turkey 1 -2 0

[Rocket Science]

Out of curiosity, anyone know of any decent bars/clubs in the Melbourne metro area that are screening live Euro 2008 games on Setanta during the tourney?

[GVGjr]

I have drawn Russia in an office sweep. I'm not unhappy with that selection.

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png Germany 2 (Lukas Podolski 20,72)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_629.png Poland 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_992.png Austria 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png Croatia 1 (Luca Modric 4 pen)


Group B Table
1 Germany 1 2 3
2 Croatia 1 1 3
3 Austria 1 -1 0
4 Poland 1 -2 0

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_619.png France 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_823.pngRomania 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png Italy 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Netherlands 3 (Ruud van Nistelrooy 26, Wesley Sneijder 31, Giovanni van Bronckhorst 80)

Group C Table
1 Netherlands 1 3 3
2 France 1 0 1
3 Romania 1 0 1
4 Italy 1 -3 0

[Sockeye Salmon]

Italy 0
Netherlands 3

Ernie? Ernie? Are you there, Ernie?

Could someone make sure that Ernie's not running a warm bath?

[Chops]

I didn't see it, Its my father and some of my friends that were upset.

Some one sent me this analysis

1st goal - I called offside from 25,000 kms away, maybe the linesman was looking at Mrs Buffon.
2nd goal - crap marking, di natale was left somehow to cover for central defence
3rd goal - hit on the rebound, buffon would have got it, if the milanese zambrotta didn't divert it in.
I thought italy had plenty of chances too, overall the timing of the dutch goals killed any flow that were creating.
Buffon made 2 or 3 good one on one saves.
At least the other game was a draw. the 3 goal deficit might kill us in the end.

[Chops]

Personally I'm more upset Australia lost to Iraq.

[The Coon Dog]

1st goal - I called offside from 25,000 kms away, maybe the linesman was looking at Mrs Buffon.

Interesting, such controversy over this goal of Ruud Van Nistelrooy's. Italian defender Christian Panucci collided with his own keeper Gianluigi Buffon & was lying off the pitch when Van Nistelrooy scored.

Even though he was not interfering with play & was off the pitch behind the goals, he played Van Nistelrooy onside.

Italy v Holland highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzD53jEmgDQ)

[Chops]

Interesting, such controversy over this goal of Ruud Van Nistelrooy's. Italian defender Christian Panucci collided with his own keeper Gianluigi Buffon & was lying off the pitch when Van Nistelrooy scored.

Even though he was not interfering with play & was off the pitch behind the goals, he played Van Nistelrooy onside.

Well then its very unsporting for the Dutch to have continued playing.
Just saw the highlights. He was off field by at least a metre or 2 and not trying to get back on.
Maybe it was diving karma.

[Dog Pound]

I'm very annoyed it's not on free to air TV. I've completed my work placement for uni and have reverted to student mode again until I finish my degree. Which means late nights watching Soccer, Tour De France or picking fights on football related internet forums.

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png Spain 4 (David Villa 20, 45, 75, Cesc Fabregas 90)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia 1 (Roman Pavlyuchenko 86)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6286.png Greece 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5845.png Sweden 2 (Zlatan Ibrahimovic 67, Petter Hansson 73)


Group D Table
1 Spain 1 3 3
2 Sweden 1 2 3
3 Greece 1 -2 0
4 Russia 1 -3 0

[Chops]

Who picked Russia here?
No chance.
For Greece you can't fluke 2 euro championships.

[Topdog]

I was picking Spain to win the whole thing earlier.

They have real strikers now instead of this pretend ones like Raul.

[Raw Toast]

The Dutch is my team, even more than Australia I'm afraid - the 1988 Euro sealed the deal, and getting to watch the fab three in Italy for a fair while after was the icing on the cake. Unfortunately, it means I've received the trauma of 74 despite not being alive then. I hope we don't come up against the bloody Portugese again, they've knocked us out of too many tournaments recently.

Spain will be breaking with a long tradition of promising much and delivering nothing if they get up to win it - personally I think they'll play true to form, win their first three and light up the Cup and then lose their fourth match as heavy favourites. Has anyone read Phil Ball's Morbo: the story of Spanish Soccer. I'm reading it now for work and play and its a cracker. We need some of its type on Aussie-rules...

[Chops]

Has anyone read Phil Ball's Morbo: the story of Spanish Soccer. I'm reading it now for work and play and its a cracker. We need some of its type on Aussie-rules...

I read a similar one on Italian soccer. Probably the same style, in English, history of Italian local and national soccer, written by an englishman. Its not too bad but can be read as a little anti-Italian.
Will get you the name.

[Raw Toast]

I read a similar one on Italian soccer. Probably the same style, in English, history of Italian local and national soccer, written by an englishman. Its not too bad but can be read as a little anti-Italian.
Will get you the name.

Was it A Season with Verona by Tim Parks? There's a compelling story but awful book by a 'true crime' US writer called The miracle of castel del sangro as well.

[Chops]

Was it A Season with Verona by Tim Parks? There's a compelling story but awful book by a 'true crime' US writer called The miracle of castel del sangro as well.
No. Its at my parents.
It should be titled something like "Serie Match Fix". Numerous chapters on betting scandals, fixs, dodgy refs, sold game, etc.

Some interesting stories of some of the stars Riva, Rivera, Baggio. Catenaccio,
The demise of Torino. Planecrash and the car crash death of its 70s star Meloni?

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1660.png Switzerland 1 (Hakan Yakin 32)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey 2 (Semih Senturk 57, Arda Turan 90)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6318.png Czech Republic 1 (Libor Sionko 17)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal 3 (Deco 8, Christiano Ronaldo 63, Ricardo Quaresma 90)


Group A Table
1 Portugal 2 4 6
2 Czech Republic 2 -1 3
3 Turkey 2 -1 3
4 Switzerland 2 -2 0

[Sockeye Salmon]

Switzerland 1 (Hakan Yakin 32)
Turkey 2 (Semih Senturk 57, Arda Turan 90)

Czech Republic 1 (Libor Sionko 17)
Portugal 3 (Deco 8, Christiano Ronaldo 63, Ricardo Quaresma 90)


Group A Table
1 Portugal 2 4 6
2 Czech Republic 2 -1 3
3 Turkey 2 -1 3
4 Switzerland 2 -2 0

They've all played their 2nd game already? They're flying through this tournament.

The cricket world cup could learn a thing or two from them.

[The Coon Dog]

They've all played their 2nd game already? They're flying through this tournament.

The cricket world cup could learn a thing or two from them.

They're all guarenteed 3 games, whereas in the cricket world cup they play every team on the planet in order to eliminate 4 countries!

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png Croatia 2 (Darijo Srna 24, Ivica Olic 62)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png Germany 1 (Lukas Podolski 78)



http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_992.png Austria 1 ( Ivica Vastic 90 Pen)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_629.png Poland 1 (Roger Guerreiro 30)


Group B Table
1 Croatia 2 2 6
2 Germany 2 1 3
3 Austria 2 -1 1
4 Poland 2 -2 1

[hujsh]

Liking those icons TCD.

Croatia seem to be much better than i thought at the WC.

[The Doctor]

Liking those icons TCD.

Croatia seem to be much better than i thought at the WC.

At the WC Croatia had a coach that made Peter Rohde look like a mastermind!

He's gone now and they have a younger team with superior technical skills and have a tactically astute coach. Croatia would have knocked Australia and Italy out of the WC had Bilic been in charge.

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png Italy 1 (Christian Panucci 56)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_823.png Romania 1 (Adrian Mutu 55)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_619.png France 1 (Thierry Henry 71)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Holland 4 (Dirk Kuyt 10, Robin Van Persie 59, Arjen Robben 72, Wesley Sneijder 90)


Group C Table
1 Holland 2 6 6
2 Romania 2 0 2
3 France 2 -3 1
4 Italy 2 -3 1

[Topdog]

**** me Holland looked awesome, if they keep it up they are close to unstoppable.

[Chops]

At the WC Croatia had a coach that made Peter Rohde look like a mastermind!

True. Played his son hey!

[Chops]

**** me Holland looked awesome, if they keep it up they are close to unstoppable.

Early days.

[The Coon Dog]

Italy are lucky to still be alive Ernie, Buffon saved a Mutu penalty after 81 minutes.

Interesting if Italy & France draw & Romania lose. All 3 will be locked on 2 points. If it comes down to goal difference, then Romania would progress if they only lost by 1 or 2 goals.

[Chops]

Italy are lucky to still be alive Ernie, Buffon saved a Mutu penalty after 81 minutes.

Interesting if Italy & France draw & Romania lose. All 3 will be locked on 2 points. If it comes down to goal difference, then Romania would progress if they only lost by 1 or 2 goals.

Luck? It was the softest of penalties in the first place and they had a valid goal disallowed.
Barracking for Fiorentina I know Mutu is known to miss penalties.

Italy aren't good enough at the moment.
They picked players out of form and too many AC Milan duds.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Netherlands should let Romania win and knock out Italy and France in one hit - and still top the group.

[hujsh]

Netherlands should let Romania win and knock out Italy and France in one hit - and still top the group.

That would be great

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png Spain 2 (Fernando Torres 15, David Villa 90)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5845.png Sweden 1 (Zlatan Ibrahimovic 34)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6286.png Greece 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia 1 (Konstatin Zyryanov 34)


Group D Table
1 Spain 2 4 6
2 Sweden 2 1 3
3 Russia 2 -2 3
4 Greece 2 -3 0

[Chops]

Netherlands should let Romania win and knock out Italy and France in one hit - and still top the group.

Same thing happened at the last Euro.
Thats how Greece won, with all the consistent sides gone, the others are prone to choke (Spain, Netherlands, Portugal).

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1660.png Switzerland 2 (Hakan Yakin 71,83 Pen)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6318.png Czech Republic 2 (Jan Koller 34, Jaroslav Plasil 62)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey 3 (Arda Turan 75, Nihat Kahveci 87,89)


Group A Table
1 Portugal 3 2 6
2 Turkey 3 0 6
3 Switzerland 3 0 3
4 Czech Republic 3 -2 3

Portugal & Turkey progress.

[Sockeye Salmon]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1660.png Switzerland 2 (Hakan Yakin 71,83 Pen)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6318.png Czech Republic 2 (Jan Koller 34, Jaroslav Plasil 62)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey 3 (Arda Turan 75, Nihat Kahveci 87,89)


Group A Table
1 Portugal 3 2 6
2 Turkey 3 0 6
3 Switzerland 3 0 3
4 Czech Republic 3 -2 3

Portugal & Turkey progress.

That's a disaster for the Czechs. They would have thought they were certs. And the Turks came from 2 behind as well, goals in the 87 & 89 min. That's worse than our effort against Iran.

[whythelongface]

Same thing happened at the last Euro.
Thats how Greece won, with all the consistent sides gone, the others are prone to choke (Spain, Netherlands, Portugal).

Different mentality with the Dutch this time around Ernie. There is much cohesion and belief within the team - no more Davids or Seedorf to destabilise the team. They are playing beautiful football - looking forward to a Nederland - Portugal final.

Nederland is where my heart lies when it comes to football and it has been heartbreaking following them (bar Euro 88) as they have had so much potential yet are continually let down by in-fighting - not choking as you suggest.

Hup Nederland Hup.

[Raw Toast]

Different mentality with the Dutch this time around Ernie. There is much cohesion and belief within the team - no more Davids or Seedorf to destabilise the team. They are playing beautiful football - looking forward to a Nederland - Portugal final.

Nederland is where my heart lies when it comes to football and it has been heartbreaking following them (bar Euro 88) as they have had so much potential yet are continually let down by in-fighting - not choking as you suggest.

Hup Nederland Hup.

I like your confidence wtlf but in my years of following them they have often seemed in glorious form only - winning quarter finals by margins like 6-1 - only to be unable to be then held to a draw and lose in **** penalties. Have you read David Winner's book Brilliant Orange, it's very good.

Still there does seem to be a different air with this team, and they are back playing some wonderful soccer to watch, and Van Basten has clearly been planning for this since before the last World Cup where he put time into the players who are so dominant now.

[Chops]

Different mentality with the Dutch this time around Ernie. There is much cohesion and belief within the team - no more Davids or Seedorf to destabilise the team. They are playing beautiful football - looking forward to a Nederland - Portugal final.

Nederland is where my heart lies when it comes to football and it has been heartbreaking following them (bar Euro 88) as they have had so much potential yet are continually let down by in-fighting - not choking as you suggest.

Hup Nederland Hup.

Heard that before about the Dutch team. Wasn't Van Nistelroy blamed for a poor WC06? He is still there and so is Van Basten. Van Basten played Kuyt in front of Van Nistelroy then who is not even half the player Van Nistelroy is.

BTW The Dutch always play beautiful football but it rarely gets results consistently.

Watch them lose to Romania.

[whythelongface]

Heard that before about the Dutch team. Wasn't Van Nistelroy blamed for a poor WC06? He is still there and so is Van Basten. Van Basten played Kuyt in front of Van Nistelroy then who is not even half the player Van Nistelroy is.

BTW The Dutch always play beautiful football but it rarely gets results consistently.

Watch them lose to Romania.

Wouldn't surprise me if they lost to Romania - they will probably field a 2nd string team anyway - surely it would be to their benefit to eliminate both Italy and France.

In my time following Dutch football there has always been reports within the Dutch media of destabilising influences within the team whether it be players like Davids, Seedorf, Van Bommel - internal rifts have been th norm. This is the first tournament that I can remember where they have publicly stated that they are actually a 'team'.

[whythelongface]

I like your confidence wtlf but in my years of following them they have often seemed in glorious form only - winning quarter finals by margins like 6-1 - only to be unable to be then held to a draw and lose in **** penalties. Have you read David Winner's book Brilliant Orange, it's very good.

Still there does seem to be a different air with this team, and they are back playing some wonderful soccer to watch, and Van Basten has clearly been planning for this since before the last World Cup where he put time into the players who are so dominant now.

Gotta be confident RT - the Dutch have never started a tournament in such fine form - even when they won in '88 they still lost their opening round match to Russia. There seems to be something different about the time this time round. The only team that I can see beating them are the Portugese - mind you I am writing this whilst wearing my 'orange coloured glasses'.

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png Germany 1 (Michael Ballack 49)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_992.png Austria 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_629.png Poland 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png Croatia 1 (Ivan Klasnic 53)


Group B Table
1 Croatia 3 3 9
2 Germany 3 2 6
3 Austria 3 -2 1
4 Poland 3 -3 1


Croatia & Germany progress.

Croatia to play Turkey & Portugal to play Germany in the Qualifying Finals.

[The Coon Dog]

GROUP C PERMUTATIONS (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7457863.stm)

Table
1 Netherlands 2 6 6
2 Romania 2 0 2
3 France 2 -3 1
4 Italy 2 -3

The Netherlands have won Group C and will play the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals.

Romania will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Netherlands, eliminating France and Italy.

If Romania fail to beat the Netherlands, the winner of France v Italy will go through.

If France and Italy draw, a point against the Netherlands would be enough to send Romania through. France must win to have any chance of qualifying.

If France and Italy share a score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc), Italy will go through if Romania lose (by any score). In this scenario, Italy, Romania and France will be level on two points each but Italy would have scored more goals in games between the 3 teams.

Romania will finish bottom of the group if they lose and France and Italy draw 2-2, 3-3 or 4-4. France will finish bottom if they draw 1-1 unless Romania lose 3-0 or by a four-goal margin.

If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania can lose by one goal, two goals or by a three-goal margin other than 3-0 but still qualify. In this scenario, Italy and Romania would have identical head-to-head records, but Romania would have better goal difference in ALL group matches or, in the case of the three-goal defeats, goals scored. France would finish bottom, having scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose 3-0 to the Dutch, Italy would qualify with a 0-0 draw against France because of their superior coefficient points. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose by four goals or more and the other game ends 0-0, Italy would proceed with a better overall goal difference than Romania. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If France and Italy draw AND Romania avoid defeat, then Romania go through. France and Italy will have identical records and a unprecedented penalty shoot-out will decide who finishes third and fourth.

[Sockeye Salmon]

GROUP C PERMUTATIONS (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7457863.stm)

Table
1 Netherlands 2 6 6
2 Romania 2 0 2
3 France 2 -3 1
4 Italy 2 -3

The Netherlands have won Group C and will play the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals.

Romania will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Netherlands, eliminating France and Italy.

If Romania fail to beat the Netherlands, the winner of France v Italy will go through.

If France and Italy draw, a point against the Netherlands would be enough to send Romania through. France must win to have any chance of qualifying.

If France and Italy share a score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc), Italy will go through if Romania lose (by any score). In this scenario, Italy, Romania and France will be level on two points each but Italy would have scored more goals in games between the 3 teams.

Romania will finish bottom of the group if they lose and France and Italy draw 2-2, 3-3 or 4-4. France will finish bottom if they draw 1-1 unless Romania lose 3-0 or by a four-goal margin.

If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania can lose by one goal, two goals or by a three-goal margin other than 3-0 but still qualify. In this scenario, Italy and Romania would have identical head-to-head records, but Romania would have better goal difference in ALL group matches or, in the case of the three-goal defeats, goals scored. France would finish bottom, having scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose 3-0 to the Dutch, Italy would qualify with a 0-0 draw against France because of their superior coefficient points. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose by four goals or more and the other game ends 0-0, Italy would proceed with a better overall goal difference than Romania. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If France and Italy draw AND Romania avoid defeat, then Romania go through. France and Italy will have identical records and a unprecedented penalty shoot-out will decide who finishes third and fourth.

I might just wait for the results.

[Mantis]

I might just wait for the results.

Seconded!!!

[The Coon Dog]

I'd really like Romania to score a late winner against the Dutch.

[whythelongface]

I'd really like Romania to score a late winner against the Dutch.

First time ever that I will be going against Nederland - I would really like to see Romania get through. Always thought highly of them especially during the Hagi years and besides its gets rid of both Italy and France. That will be awesome.

[Raw Toast]

First time ever that I will be going against Nederland - I would really like to see Romania get through. Always thought highly of them especially during the Hagi years and besides its gets rid of both Italy and France. That will be awesome.

Don't flirt with your form I say - I know we'll be resting a few players, but there's a few pressing for a place in the starting line-up anyway, and I'd prefer to indulge in under-handed crap and just have confidence we can beat whoever we come up against.

[whythelongface]

Don't flirt with your form I say - I know we'll be resting a few players, but there's a few pressing for a place in the starting line-up anyway, and I'd prefer to indulge in under-handed crap and just have confidence we can beat whoever we come up against.


Wise words indeed RT. If we have beaten them once then there is no reason we can't do it again.

[Chops]

Pretty confusing there TCD.
I've been waking up early (B4 7am) and listening to the english commentary on SBS radio FM 93.????

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png Italy 2 (Andrea Pirlot 25 Pen, Daniele De Rossi 62)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_619.png France 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_823.png Romania 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Holland 2 (Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 54, Ribin Van Persie 87)


Group C Table
1 Holland 3 8 9
2 Italy 3 -1 4
3 Romania 3 -2 2
4 France 3 -5 1

Holland & Italy progress.

[Chops]

Excuse my doubts on the Netherlands playing the last game out. They are possibly the best side at this stage of the tournament.
I heard to the radio this morning which mainly had the Italy game on.
Abbidal was deservedly sent off for a foul on Toni in the box after 25 min. Fotunate as Toni is out of form and missed 5 or 6 clear chances.
Domenech will be axed, can't say I'm disappointed after his sour grapes after WC06.

Italy play Spain with Guttuso and Pirlo who are suspended

[whythelongface]

Excuse my doubts on the Netherlands playing the last game out. They are possibly the best side at this stage of the tournament.
I heard to the radio this morning which mainly had the Italy game on.
Abbidal was deservedly sent off for a foul on Toni in the box after 25 min. Fotunate as Toni is out of form and missed 5 or 6 clear chances.
Domenique will be axed, can't say I'm disappointed after his sour grapes after WC06.

Italy play Spain with Guttuso and Pirlo who are suspended


You're excused this time Ernie;) - but coming into the tournament they certainly did not project a huge amount of confidence especially after only just beating Austria 4-3 (and coming back from 3-0 down). Not sure what turned it around - it is obvious they have the skill but now they are playing together as a team. Hopefully they can go all the way.

It will be interesting to see whom MVB selects as the starting XI next game - one change I would like to see is Heitinga coming in for Ooijer. Ooijer has been solid, however Heitinga, to me, reads the play better and also possesses a good passing game eg. this morning with that pass to Van Persie.

It will be interesting to see how Italy will go without the Pirlo and Gatusso playing. Should be a cracker of a game - hopefully we won't see Spain self-destruct.

[Chops]

It will be interesting to see how Italy will go without the Pirlo and Gatusso playing. Should be a cracker of a game - hopefully we won't see Spain self-destruct.

Not sure but they are AC Milan players that are out of form.
De Rossi is playing well. Aquilani and Ambrossini should come in.

Completely different back 2 in Panucci and Cheillini. Grosso back and Cassano up front with Toni.
Thats a much better line up than the first game.

[The Coon Dog]

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia 2 (Roman Pavlyuchenko 24, Andrei Arshavin 50)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5845.png Sweden 0


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_6286.png Greece 1 (Angelos Charisteas 42)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png Spain 2 (Ruben De la Red 61, Daniel Guiza 88)


Group D Table
1 Spain 3 5 9
2 Russia 3 0 6
3 Sweden 3 -1 3
4 Greece 3 -4 0

Spain & Russia progress. Spain to play Italy & Holland to play Russia.

[The Coon Dog]

QUATER FINAL 1

Friday 20 June - 4.45am

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png Germany

[The Coon Dog]

QUATER FINAL 2

Saturday 21 June - 4.45am

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png Croatia

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey

[The Coon Dog]

QUATER FINAL 3

Sunday 22 June - 4.45am

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Holland

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia

[The Coon Dog]

QUATER FINAL 4

Monday 23 June - 4.45am

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png Spain

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png Italy

[Sockeye Salmon]

So how do you see it panning out?

For me it's

Group A
1. Potugal
2. Czech Republic

Group B
1. Germany
2. Croatia

Group C
1. Netherlands
2. Italy

Group D
1. Spain
2. Russia



Not bad, Baz. 7/8

[The Coon Dog]

Not bad, Baz. 7/8

I think most would have got 7/8.

Let's see how we fare from here:

Germany 1 - 0 Portugal
Croatia 2 - 1 Turkey
Holland 2 - 0 Russia
Italy 1 - 2 Spain

[whythelongface]

Portugal 3 - 1 Germany
Croatia 2 - 1 Turkey
Holland 5 - 2 Russia
Spain 2 - 2 Italy (Italy win 4-3 on penalties)

[Chops]

Germany
Croatia
Holland
Italy
for me

[The Coon Dog]

Qualifying Final 1

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5539.png Portugal 2 (Nuno Gomes 40, Helder Postiga 87)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png Germany 3 (Bastian Schweinsteiger 21, Miroslav Klose 26, Michael Ballack 61)

[whythelongface]

The Germans were outstanding. They will be hard to beat.

[Chops]

I had a feeling that would happen.
Portugal's failure is my reason I don't believe C Ronaldo is the best player in the world.

[Topdog]

Ronaldo is not the best player in the World because his defenders don't know how to stay within 20 feet of their man?

[Chops]

Ronaldo is not the best player in the World because his defenders don't know how to stay within 20 feet of their man?

To be the best player in the world you have to perform well at the best level. Because his team is crap he has no chance.
He might be the best club player in the world but its a step below international level.

To me soccer is a team game anyway, he isn't good enough to inspire his team mates to greater heights whereas others have.

[Mantis]

To be the best player in the world you have to perform well at the best level. Because his team is crap he has no chance.
He might be the best club player in the world but its a step below international level.

But for years Lara and Tendulkar were seen as the best batsman in the world, but they clearly didn't play in the best team's.

[Chops]

But for years Lara and Tendulkar were seen as the best batsman in the world, but they clearly didn't play in the best team's.
Totally different sport.
Test cricket is the elite level. Club football isn't.
Might be a team sport but being a batsman usually a one on one battle.

[Mantis]

Totally different sport.
Test cricket is the elite level. Club football isn't.
Might be a team sport but being a batsman usually a one on one battle.

You don't like agreeing with anyone do you.

[Chops]

You don't like agreeing with anyone do you.

?
Yes Cricket = Soccer

Post some truth and I'll agree.

[Topdog]

That's like saying that Ryan Giggs isn't a good player.

[Lantern]

Italy won the last World Cup. By your reasoning ES, they must have had the best player in the world in their team. The dumbheads at FIFA agreed with your reasoning, and gave the award to Cannavaro, who promptly made them look stupid by falling over everytime he went near the ball in Madrid.

The best player in the world at the time of the last world cup was Kaka, even though he played in the worst coached Brazil team of modern times. I know some will say it was Zidane, and he was incredible, but he didn't win either, so he musn't have been all that good. No, no, Cannavaro is better. Or Toni. Or Buffon. They're all better than Kaka and Zidane. Ridiculous.

Italy won because they had the best coach and a hell a lot of luck. Many factors go into a team winning stuff.

--

For an even MORE poignant argument, please see Greece in Euro 2004. They must have had a team of world beaters by your logic, ES. Btw, the best player at 2004 as voted on by UEFA was a certain Theo Zagarokis. Clearly the world's best player.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Playing in a winning team just means your teammates are good players too.

Performing in a poor team counts for plenty as well.

Was Ronaldo's performance good, bad or indifferent?

[Chops]

That's like saying that Ryan Giggs isn't a good player.
Yes thats what I said too.

Playing for Wales Ryan Giggs will never play against the best teams which are internationals at tournaments like this at the WC. How can he be the great when he is never played against the best.

[Chops]

Italy won the last World Cup. By your reasoning ES, they must have had the best player in the world in their team. The dumbheads at FIFA agreed with your reasoning, and gave the award to Cannavaro, who promptly made them look stupid by falling over everytime he went near the ball in Madrid.

....
..
Blah
Blah
Blah
Off on a tangent from rubbish that I never said.


Where did I write that you have to win a international tournament to be the best player in the world?

You got i wrong anyway. Zidane won the golden boot of WC06. Had he not been so stupid in the final it was worthy maybe. I think Buffon deserved it. At the time Cannavaro was very good, I had no problem with him winning it.

[Chops]

Playing in a winning team just means your teammates are good players too.

Performing in a poor team counts for plenty as well.

Was Ronaldo's performance good, bad or indifferent?
Indifferent, following an indifferent to poor WC06. These were his player rating for his 3 matches from the goal.com site.

v Germany
Ronaldo: 6 – Had an excellent 20 minute spell at the end of the first half when he was involved in Nuno Gomes’ goal, and then shot just wide himself. However he went missing for spells of the game.

v Czech Rep
Ronaldo: 8.5 - A consistent menace. Took his goal brilliantly, made a good run to eventually play a vital part in the opener as well and was selfless when playing in Quaresma for the third at the death when he could have scored himself.

v Turkey
Ronaldo: 7.5 - Could not get into the game until he switched to the left hand side. Made good runs, hit the post with a sweetly struck free-kick and was involved in both goals.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Yes thats what I said too.

Playing for Wales Ryan Giggs will never play against the best teams which are internationals at tournaments like this at the WC. How can he be the great when he is never played against the best.

Barrie Robram rule. Until you do it against the best, you ain't never done it.

Remember Graeme Hick was the next Bradman after breaking every record in county cricket - including a score of 401no in 4 sessions. When he was tested against the best he was just another ordinary player.

[Lantern]

ES, the Golden Boot is for the top scorer, not the best player.

Stick to footy, kid.

[The Coon Dog]

Qualifying Final 2


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png Croatia 1 (Ivan Klasnic 120)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png Turkey1 (Semih Senturk 120+1)



Penalty Shoot Out

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_2489.png @ @ @ @

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png @ @ @


Turkey win on 3-1 penalties!!!

[Chops]

ES, the Golden Boot is for the top scorer, not the best player.

Stick to footy, kid.
Yes mate, the Golden ball.
Still more right than you were. Footy = football = soccer.

[The Coon Dog]

What about the drama at the end of this match this morning? Just when Croatia thought their last minute of extra time goal was the winner, up pop those never say die Turks to slot one in the back of the old onion bag, as Tommy Smith would say, with the last kick of the match.

The first penalty shoot out of the tournament & suddenly the Croats looked more akin to the Poms with their jelly like legs, scoring only 1 of 4 takes, whilst the Turks just went bang, bang, bang!

So, Turkey to face Germany in the semi final, who'd a thunk it huh?

[Lantern]

Yes mate, the Golden ball.
Still more right than you were. Footy = football = soccer.



Haha. Fair enough, got me there. And you're right, I grew up calling soccer football too. Sorry for being an idiot.

[Rocket Science]

What about the drama at the end of this match this morning? Just when Croatia thought their last minute of extra time goal was the winner, up pop those never say die Turks to slot one in the back of the old onion bag, as Tommy Smith would say, with the last kick of the match.

The first penalty shoot out of the tournament & suddenly the Croats looked more akin to the Poms with their jelly like legs, scoring only 1 of 4 takes, whilst the Turks just went bang, bang, bang!

So, Turkey to face Germany in the semi final, who'd a thunk it huh?

Poor bloody Croats. Stunning finish. Just as well, that climax was a saving grace for a game that was otherwise a merciless chore to sit through.

How many freakin get out of jail cards have the Turks got up their sleeve in this tournament?

Only questions that remain now are: (1) Have the Turks got enough eligible players left to field a side for the semi?...and (2) How many times will Rüştü end up having to drag the ball out of the back of his net?

[Chops]

My side this morning has a mix of nationalities.
The 2 Croats and parents looked glum, felt sorry for them whereas the 3 Turks were very happy.

[Rocket Science]

Must have been carnivale time in Sydney Road early this morn.

Next two games shaping up as bona fide crackers.

Forza Azzuri!!

[The Coon Dog]

Qualifying Final 3


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Holland 1 (Ruud van Nistelrooy 86)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia 3 (Roman Pavlyuchenko 56, Dmitri Torbinski 112, Andrei Arshavin 116)

[GVGjr]

Qualifying Final 3


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_631.png Holland 1 (Ruud van Nistelrooy 86)

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png Russia 3 (Roman Pavlyuchenko 56, Dmitri Torbinski 112, Andrei Arshavin 116)

How big of an upset is this?

[Topdog]

How big of an upset is this?

Not to me. I picked it when Russia got through there group.

[The Coon Dog]

How big of an upset is this?
All 3 QF's have been upsets. All 3 sides that topped their groups have lost. Ernie, there's hope tomorrow!

[Chops]

They are not that big upsets. Sorry rawtoast and wtlf, the Netherlands are known chokers. So is Portugal.
The prettiest football rarely wins tournaments.

[whythelongface]

A devastating result. Kudos to the Russians - they were simply too good. Holland were simply outclassed - they weren't allowed to control the game.

Another major championship another disappointment. Will have to wait now to the WC - hopefully I will have two teams to support.

All energies will now be channeled into bringing a flag to Footscray.

[The Coon Dog]

They are not that big upsets. Sorry rawtoast and wtlf, the Netherlands are known chokers. So is Portugal.
The prettiest football rarely wins tournaments.

Pardon my ingorance, but why do Spain, Holland, England & Portugal usually progress beyond the group stages in big tournaments, but then usually bow straight out? Seems a recurring theme.

[whythelongface]

They are not that big upsets. Sorry rawtoast and wtlf, the Netherlands are known chokers. So is Portugal.
The prettiest football rarely wins tournaments.


I know that we all know that - but we can at least long for the day that the team that plays the most attractive football wins a tournament - in saying that the Brazilians do play attractive football and do win tournaments. It is unfortunately not in the psyche of the Dutch to be able to do this.

[whythelongface]

Pardon my ingorance, but why do Spain, Holland, England & Portugal usually progress beyond the group stages in big tournaments, but then usually bow straight out? Seems a recurring theme.

Good question TCD. If someone knew the answer to that they would be billionaires. They all seem to go into a shell when the big games are on - maybe they don't like to be favourites.

[The Underdog]

Who picked Russia here?
No chance.


You were saying?

Well on this form Italy should be monty's tomorrow. The classic folders have folded so that should see Spain fall apart.

[Chops]

I know that we all know that - but we can at least long for the day that the team that plays the most attractive football wins a tournament - in saying that the Brazilians do play attractive football and do win tournaments. It is unfortunately not in the psyche of the Dutch to be able to do this.

Its very hard to understand. Germany has won 3 WCs, and in each of those tournaments were probably not the best nor the most atrractive side.
Here they lose badly against Croatia and now will go very close in winning this.

Greece proved that the best 'team' wins at Euro 04, though they had a lot of luck.
Consistency is important as well.
There are so many factors.

With the Dutch, I know technically almost lead the way and they have had great players over the years. We as Australia have invested heavily in the Dutch system which I believe is great thing, with their technique and Australia's never say die attitude with sport we can go far. Is that what the Dutch lack?

[Chops]

You were saying?

Well on this form Italy should be monty's tomorrow. The classic folders have folded so that should see Spain fall apart.

Yes I got that one wrong with Russia :)
Still don't think they'll win though.

Spain has a history of choking too, but not sure if Italy are playing well enough at the moment.

[Chops]

Pardon my ingorance, but why do Spain, Holland, England & Portugal usually progress beyond the group stages in big tournaments, but then usually bow straight out? Seems a recurring theme.

No idea.
As Wtlf put it, it might be in a nations psyche?
Every WC the same teams seem to win.
They know what it takes?

[GVGjr]

Yes I got that one wrong with Russia :)
Still don't think they'll win though.



I got them in an office sweep and wasn't unhappy with that.

Hiddink was delighted with the result.

[Chops]

I got them in an office sweep and wasn't unhappy with that.

Hiddink was delighted with the result.
Their advantage is they are the least favoured side left like Greece was in 04.
No one knows the players yet. We know Guus is very good as well.
Almost confirms Guus will never be back in Australia.

[whythelongface]

Their advantage is they are the least favoured side left like Greece was in 04.
No one knows the players yet. We know Guus is very good as well.
Almost confirms Guus will never be back in Australia.

This is the thing about Russia - no one really knows much about them until now. They were fantastic today - they attacked, they controlled the game and they defended brillantly.

Do most of their players play in the domestic league? I know a few play for Zenit St Petersburg - another team coached by a Dutchman - Dick Advocaat.

[Chops]

I chucked in the yet, cos 1 more good result and they will be household names.

[whythelongface]

Its very hard to understand. Germany has won 3 WCs, and in each of those tournaments were probably not the best nor the most atrractive side.
Here they lose badly against Croatia and now will go very close in winning this.

Greece proved that the best 'team' wins at Euro 04, though they had a lot of luck.
Consistency is important as well.
There are so many factors.

With the Dutch, I know technically almost lead the way and they have had great players over the years. We as Australia have invested heavily in the Dutch system which I believe is great thing, with their technique and Australia's never say die attitude with sport we can go far. Is that what the Dutch lack?

Lord knows what the Dutch lack. There is no doubting their talent - individually they are better than the Russians, but they just didn't play like a team today. It has to be a pyschological problem - or maybe they were just outcoached on the day. Probably a combination of both.

The Dutch are fragile mentally. If they had the resolve and balls of Australians they would probably win.

[The Coon Dog]

I listened to the match this morning & Chris Waddle was doing special comments. At one stage he said the Dutch had just stopped, it was as tho they were playing in divers boots, whereas Russia just seemed to keep running.

[Sockeye Salmon]

How good is Hiddink?

Is not scared to take over run-of-the-mill sides and them takes the to never before known heights.

Sth Korea and us at World Cups.

Does anyone know what Russia's best result in a Euro is?

[Lantern]

May have played in a final before in the 70s.. lemme check... That's right, they won the first one in 1960 as the USSR, and played in the final in 64, 72, and 88 (when they lost to Van Basten's magic goal.. that's right, I remember now).

This is the first time they've gotten out of the group stage of a major tournament as Russia, however.

[Lantern]

And Hiddink is an absolute gun. And he wins playing attractive football too. Definitely close to the top coach in the world going around.. much better than he was when coaching Holland to a World Cup semi-final, which was when I've been following his career -- watched the Asian Cup way back when he was coaching Korea and thought he was definitely the best coach going around Asia at the time -- and would have done very well in the England job (Capello will as well, but Guus won't bore us all to sleep in the process), or the Chelsea one, for that matter.

[Chops]

Hiddink is very good but will wait til Russia win before I call him a genius. x10 beter than Pim, x100 better than Arnold. He makes mistakes like all of us. eg Australia v Italy and Brazil.
His greatest attribute is he knows which teams to pick to coach, places where there is little to lose and a lot to gain.

[The Coon Dog]

Qualifying Final 4


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png Spain 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png Italy 0



Penalty Shoot Out

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png @ @ @ @ @

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_717.png @ @ @ @


Spain win 4-2 on penalties.

[The Coon Dog]

SEMI FINAL 1

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png v http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png

Germany v Turkey

Thursday 26 June 4.45am




SEMI FINAL 2

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png v http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png

Russia v Spain

Friday 27 June 4.45am

[Chops]

Spain deserved it more than Italy. Had more chances during normal and extra time.
Lack of flair in the Italy side without Pirlo and power forward Toni sadly out of touch.

[The Coon Dog]

I listened to the game on SBS radio. At 7am, which was half time in extra time they went off the air & it was replaced with the Arabic show!! :eek:

[Chops]

I listened to the game on SBS radio. At 7am, which was half time in extra time they went off the air & it was replaced with the Arabic show!! :eek:

Yes, and they actually said the Arabic show would be delayed.
I then turned to the AM Italian transmission and they did the same.
Fortunate I think I found a 3rd station.

[hujsh]

I listened to the game on SBS radio. At 7am, which was half time in extra time they went off the air & it was replaced with the Arabic show!! :eek:

Happens on ABC with the cricket as well.

[Raw Toast]

A devastating result. Kudos to the Russians - they were simply too good. Holland were simply outclassed - they weren't allowed to control the game.

Another major championship another disappointment. Will have to wait now to the WC - hopefully I will have two teams to support.

All energies will now be channeled into bringing a flag to Footscray.

Very disappointed but was expecting it, unfortunately. Have I mentioned David Winners, Brilliant Orange before? An excellent analysis of the wonderfully creative but tormented psyche of Dutch soccer.

[whythelongface]

Very disappointed but was expecting it, unfortunately. Have I mentioned David Winners, Brilliant Orange before? An excellent analysis of the wonderfully creative but tormented psyche of Dutch soccer.

Thanks RT you did. I will need to have a read. I have to admit that whilst I go into tournaments feeling confident Holland can do great things, I always prepare myself for the disappointment of being eliminated earlier than I had anticipated. It is a done thing following Holland - you can also throw in Footscray and QPR and Feyenoord - heck every team that I follow.

Hope you don't mind me asking but what is your Dutch connection? or are you simply and admirer and supporter of the way they play football.

ES - reading your posts you are obviously Italian/ Italian heritage but you also have Croatian and Turkish heritage somewhere along the line - is that correct?

[Raw Toast]

Hope you don't mind me asking but what is your Dutch connection? or are you simply and admirer and supporter of the way they play football.

While I have a little bit of Dutch blood in me (1/16 or so), I didn't know that when I stumbled across them in the 88 Euro, and it all followed from there. Blissfully unaware of the evils of Burlesconi and the history and politics of Italian teams I started following AC Milan and had a few wonderful years via Sunday mornings on SBS as the great three dominated. Inter, as I'm sure you know, had three Germans, so the rivalry pretty much everything.

I stopped being as interested when the Dutch connection at Milan waned and the Bosman ruling meant that team lists started changing so much every season, but my passion for the Dutch national squad has remained, forged as per usual on a steady diet of glorious promise and bitter failure, and somehow I still wish that the result of the 1974 World Cup could be changed to appropriately celebrate the wonders of that team...

My soccer aesthetics have certainly been shaped by the Dutch approach to the game of technique (X10) and visionary movement of the ball and players.

How did they come to steal some of your soul?

[Chops]

ES - reading your posts you are obviously Italian/ Italian heritage but you also have Croatian and Turkish heritage somewhere along the line - is that correct?
Yes have an Italian background and I'm proud of that but I was born in Williamstown so I'm Australian first and foremost.
No Croat or Turk.
I was more upset about how Australia performed badly yesterday than Italy losing.

[whythelongface]

While I have a little bit of Dutch blood in me (1/16 or so), I didn't know that when I stumbled across them in the 88 Euro, and it all followed from there. Blissfully unaware of the evils of Burlesconi and the history and politics of Italian teams I started following AC Milan and had a few wonderful years via Sunday mornings on SBS as the great three dominated. Inter, as I'm sure you know, had three Germans, so the rivalry pretty much everything.

I stopped being as interested when the Dutch connection at Milan waned and the Bosman ruling meant that team lists started changing so much every season, but my passion for the Dutch national squad has remained, forged as per usual on a steady diet of glorious promise and bitter failure, and somehow I still wish that the result of the 1974 World Cup could be changed to appropriately celebrate the wonders of that team...

My soccer aesthetics have certainly been shaped by the Dutch approach to the game of technique (X10) and visionary movement of the ball and players.

How did they come to steal some of your soul?

The good old AC Milan days - what a team with Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard.

My heritage is Dutch so I never had much choice. I remember the 1978 WC as a wee lad and being glued to the TV watching it with my folks. I also spent a couple of years in Holland in the early '80's and whilst they had an average national side I was very much interested in the domestic competition. So I guess it is in my blood.

It would be very difficult to know whom to support if Australia ever came up against Holland in a WC. I went to the last WC as an Australian supporter as I had tickets to the game against Italy.

[Chops]

It would be very difficult to know whom to support if Australia ever came up against Holland in a WC. I went to the last WC as an Australian supporter as I had tickets to the game against Italy.

First time I was disappointed Italy won a game in a WC. Would have felt bad either way.

[The Coon Dog]

SEMI FINAL 1


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png GERMANY 3 (Bastian Schweinsteiger 26, Miroslav Klose 79, Philipp Lahm 90)


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1661.png TURKEY 2 (Ugur Boral 22, Semih Senturk 86)


Germany are through to the final!

[Chops]

I hope Russia win now after I wrote them off.

[Topdog]

I think they will win the whole thing.

Coming into great form at just the right time.

Germany leak too many goals so I can't see them winning regardless of who makes it in with them.

[Rocket Science]

When Semih nicked that late one past Lehmann to tie things at 2-2 I couldn't believe the Turks were heading for yet another last gasp finish. Then Lahm had to go and spoil things.

Undermanned Turks played a ballsy game while the Germans had a Barry Crocker this morning, Lehmann in particular, and surely couldn't play much worse. If so, won't matter whether it's Russia or Spain, they're toast in the final.

[Raw Toast]

Anyone but Germany again, please! :o

[Twodogs]

Anyone but Germany again, please! :o



Agreed. My German born flatmate will be unbearable-especially since I've spent the last few days telling him that the Turks were coming to get his team.


I'm kinda glad I'll be in Darwin until after the final.

[Lantern]

I once lived in a place with seven German housemates.

They were great, though, and I didn't stay in a hotel once when I went over for the 2006 World Cup.

[Lantern]

Having said that, my partner is Spanish/Australian so I've been leaning towards Spain since the tournament started. I don't think anyone really expects them to ever do anything though, so it would be going too far to say that I was backing them.

Brilliant, brilliant team though. Ramos is playing badly but he's quintissentially Spanish, isn't he, with Villa and Torres, bull-charging their way in straight lines across the field.

[Twodogs]

I once lived in a place with seven German housemates.

They were great, though, and I didn't stay in a hotel once when I went over for the 2006 World Cup.



My given name is Carl and I'm a born stirrer. Makes for an interesting dynamic.



He is also a diehard North Melbourne supporter and, like me, is a football/cricket history savant. Oh the arguments we have!:o

[Lantern]

My given name is Carl and I'm a born stirrer. Makes for an interesting dynamic.



He is also a diehard North Melbourne supporter and, like me, is a football/cricket history savant. Oh the arguments we have!:o


Haha. Sounds like a fun house. :)

[The Coon Dog]

SEMI FINAL 2


http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_5827.png RUSSIA 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png SPAIN 3 (Xavi Hernandez 50, Danny Guiza 73, David Silva 83)


Spain are through to the final!

[The Coon Dog]

EURO 2008 - FINAL

Monday 30 June 4.45am

http://flagspot.net/images/d/de.gif v http://flagspot.net/images/e/es.gif

[whythelongface]

I just don't get it - that certainly wasn't the same Russian team that played against Holland. Surely not. What a piss weak effort. Spain were very good and dominated the control and tempo of the game - it shows how important Asharavin (sp??) is to Russia. The Spanish defence was excellent in containing him, either that or he was struggling and his lack of match fitness may have showed.

Hopefully we have a cracking final. More than likely it will be a dour affair with the Germans defending stoutly and Spain control the play. Germany will probably end up winning due to their ability to score from limited chances.

[Lantern]

Espana! Espana!

C'mon you collection of autonomous states masquerading as a unified nation.

ps. whythelongface, the Germans will lose if they come out to defend. This is not the dour German team of the 80s and 90s. Even their defenders attack better than they defend. It promises to be a cracking affair. I love both countries -- but blood is thicker than water (and Torres and Villa are better than Podolski and Klose, I think/maybe/on most days/on paper/when the ball is on the ground).

Espana!!!

[Chops]

Two of the worst defences make the final.
Villa is very doubtful.
No defender in Germany worse than Puyol.

[Lantern]

Gives you hope for football/soccer yet doesn't it ES? After two dour decades of the worst spectacles in the knockout stages of major tournaments, we get four beautiful, artful teams in the semis, and two teams in the final whose defenders are more interested in finding the final pass or knocking the ball about than kicking lumps out of opposition strikers.

Puyol's positioning is horrendous, but he makes up for it with unbridled, infectious enthusiasm that spreads through the team. His priceless value goes far beyond his admittedly terrible reading of the game.

[Scraggers]

I just don't get it - that certainly wasn't the same Russian team that played against Holland. Surely not. What a piss weak effort. Spain were very good and dominated the control and tempo of the game - it shows how important Asharavin (sp??) is to Russia. The Spanish defence was excellent in containing him, either that or he was struggling and his lack of match fitness may have showed.

It'a all good ... You can't really say that Russia (or the USSR for that matter) were ever part of the European Union ... In fact I'm not even sure how they got to play in a European Federation Football comp.

So its probably fitting that they stumble at the penultimate hurdle

[The Coon Dog]

EURO 2008 FINAL

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_1678.png GERMANY 0

http://www.skysports.com/Images/m_shared/football/badges/32x32/b_999.png SPAIN 1 (Fernando Torres 33)


SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!!!!!!

[Lantern]

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOooooooo. We got up to watch the game and were snuggled up on the couch under three layers of doona as the Red and Gold finally got it right. They were definitely the stand-out team of the tournament and no one can say they didn't deserve their win, which is a welcome change from many tournaments past. Both teams played well enough, and the technical brilliance of some of those guys out there on the park was breathtaking, which is a rare thing to say of a major cup final. And so little diving and time-wasting that is usually the bane of major tournaments. Both teams committed to play football instead of being stupid. It was nice to see. A very enjoyable tournament all round.

Hopefully Spain can carry some of this form into World Cups etc, especially with the second youngest team in the tournament.

ps. Ramos (my favourite player in the Spanish team) is a terrible defender isn't he. He really is such a bull at the ball, enthusiastic, straight runner, clumsy tackler, fragile, yet hard as nails. Like the whole Spanish team. ESPANA!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

[whythelongface]

Well done to Espana. Well deserved. They were the stand out team all tournament.

On the whole this Euro championship was way better than the 2004 version and IMHO the best tournament since 1988 (which is still the greatest Euro ever). I am already looking forward to the WC in 2010. It should be another cracker of a tournament.

[The Coon Dog]

The only thing I didn't like was the fact that we didn't get to see most of the games.

[Bulldogs_6]

I'm still feeling that loss to Turkey in the quarters :(

Although I was proud of my Croatian boys, the first time I've seen them since 1998 world cup show some resilience, may I add we beat Germany in WC 1998 too. With such a young team, we will be the team to beat at WC 2010, watch this space :)

[ledge]

AHH the Western Bulldogs, we cetainly are multicultural, Spanish, Croatian, English supporters, maybe we can get a clan of different national supporters to post each of there teams reasons why they should win or for you negative types lose the WC 2010.