| Mr.Jingles 12.06.2004 11:05 |
Aside from your home countries which ones are you favorites? Mine is Portugal, I think Figo and the guys have to show everybody that they could have done a whole lot compared to the last World Cup. There are going to be a lot of the players who won the Champions League last month with Porto, so I think because of that will give them a lot of chances to win aside from the fact that for being locals that will give them a boost. However France could get in the way. I guess it all depends on the level of performance that Zidane has, which seems to always have a strong influence on his fellow teamates. Italy, Holland, England and Spain for tradition are always favorites, but on these kind of tournaments there are always surprises and perhaps one of them could be knocked out of the first round by a smaller team. I'm very surprised that Turkey didn't make it after their excellent performances on the Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup. |
| Furia142 12.06.2004 11:10 |
France Italy Spain and Holland |
| Josuè 12.06.2004 11:27 |
Where I've been > UK and France. Where I'd like to go > Germany and Norway. |
| Mr Mercury 12.06.2004 14:57 |
Ithink Mr Jingles must have jinxed Portugal as they got off to a bad start by losing 2 - 1 to Greece. Dave |
| MexQueenFM 12.06.2004 15:17 |
Portugal lost?!?!?! damn, i wasn't expecting that |
| Sonja 12.06.2004 15:25 |
ENGLAND!!! |
| L-R-TIGER1994 12.06.2004 15:56 |
I go for Vatican City. |
| BornToBeKings 12.06.2004 16:46 |
Cameroon |
| Penetration_Guru 12.06.2004 17:19 |
Italy to beat France in the final |
| Flashman 12.06.2004 19:30 |
Germany to bore their way to the final as usual, probably beating England on penalties at some stage, I shouldn't wonder. |
| Holly2003 12.06.2004 22:25 |
England will be lucky to win a game never mind the whole tournament. France must be favourites, the Dutch are in with a chance if Ruud Van N. rediscovers his scoring touch, but I have a suspicion Italy will sneak it. Hope Latvia does well though. Good to see the little countries have their moment of glory. |
| Banquo 13.06.2004 04:09 |
England have a great chance this time. I think they have the best midfield in the whole tournament. Gerrard, Beckham, Scholes and Lampard are players anyone would want in their team, and everyone of them can turn a match on their own so to have them in the same team is amazing. With Rooney up front with Owen who are forming quite a formidable partnership and a solid defence we can go all the way. A good goalkeeper is needed though and I still have doubts about James. Come on England!!!!!!!!!! |
| YourValentine 13.06.2004 04:16 |
My money is on France, I can't think of a team that could beat them. I hope you are right about the German team, Flashman, lol. But most likely they won't survive the first round. |
| Plengel 13.06.2004 08:18 |
I've put my money on France also. I also think that Sweden will be the suprise of the tournament, they'll make it till the semi-finals, but get kicked out by France. I hope The Netherlands will do well (hey, can I be a bit chauvinistic????). On the other hand, last night I had this freaky dream that The Dutch became European Champion against Italy. I know that most dreams won't come through, but lets hope this one does! |
| Taylor-Mayed 13.06.2004 09:22 |
I was very surprised but quite pleased by Portugal's defeat yesterday - it livens that group up a bit! Portugal and Spain are two countries who always seem to misfire when it comes to the big tournaments, despite nearly always being amongst the favourites beforehand. Although everyone seems to be backing France to win the tournament in the media, I think it's possibly the most open European Championships there's ever been. I don't see one team being leagues ahead of the rest, I think there's a gaggle of Holland, Germany, Italy, France and England who could all win it. So I'll be very vague and say one of those five. And yes, I do include the Germans - nobody expected them to reach the World Cup final either, but they did. They're always there or thereabouts, almost irrespective of how good their players are at any given time! |
| Sonja 13.06.2004 13:12 |
The German team has never been weaker than in the qualifying games. But they always seem to have a good portion of luck so I wouldn't be surprised if they reach the final. Although I don't think they deserve it because other teams play a better football than Germany. |
| DudleyFufkin 13.06.2004 13:24 |
I think you shouldnt write england off. you english seem to write them off too much. I always follow england in football, but rugby is different i fucking hate england when it comes to rugby, but with football, i'm a liverpool fan, so it would be crazy not to follow england at football. I think you will beat france today. Remeber france were hot faves for the last world cup and didnt even score a goal. today england will beat france. I'm pissed already. cant wait for it. |
| -fatty- 2850 13.06.2004 14:13 |
COME ON YOU FROGGIES. I'm sorry. I just can't help myself. fatty. |
| hamsters 13.06.2004 15:48 |
|
| Mr Mercury 13.06.2004 16:50 |
fatty wrote: COME ON YOU FROGGIES. I'm sorry. I just can't help myself. fatty.France 2 England 1 Theres only one Zinedine Zedane Dave P.s why the f*ck did Rooney - the best player on the night for England - get taken off? |
| Taylor-Mayed 13.06.2004 17:10 |
'Cos otherwise he would probably have been sent off... One word verdict: bugger. |
| -fatty- 2850 13.06.2004 17:17 |
Ha Ha Ha. Get it right up ye! fatty. I'm sorry. |
| deleted user 13.06.2004 17:41 |
Italy will show its skill... I want the final with France once again, and this time I wanna win!! How could England lose tonight?? They just can't help it...they will never win something, this way. I can't wait for tomorrow afternoon...Go azzurri, go!! cheeeers! |
| Sonja 13.06.2004 17:52 |
England played quite well actually. France was better, especially in the second half. But I believe that England will get quite far, but they won't win. I still support them though. Go Brits!! |
| Wreckage 13.06.2004 18:14 |
Bit of a shame for England really, seeing as they didn't put a foot wrong until Heskey and Calamity James intervened. The defence was solid (I grudgingly applaud Ledley King on his performance), and the forward play was quick and moved well enough to give the France's old geezers a hard time on the few occasions England did get forward. The midfield gave the french rather too much possession though. Anyway, you buggers will get no sympathy from me, I was rooting for Les Bleus. |
| Mrs.Taylor 13.06.2004 18:45 |
"Calamity James" LOL - very true. Totally agree with the eye-candy that is Jamie Redknapp on BBC1 now - WHY THE HELL didn't they hoof the ball into Row Z every time they got hold of it in the last few minutes??? |
| Holly2003 13.06.2004 18:48 |
France have too many players who are skillfull, intelligent (in the footballing sense) and play with flair. England have only one player in Beckham who can hold his own in that company. The rest are fit enough to run around for 90 minutes but that's about it. Emile Heskey should be playing in the 2nd division where his physical skills are most appreciated. At international level he is hopelessly out of his depth. How many mistakes does a goalkeeper like James have to make before someone realises that he's not consistant enough for international football? Analysis over: now for the gloating. You're shit and you know you are etc... |
| Penetration_Guru 13.06.2004 19:00 |
Now the challenge for the UK press - how to blame Utd... What do Heskey, James & Gerrard have in common? ....arf... Will we see effigies of Gerrard outside East End pubs? Will we fuck, which is why so many Utd fans were enjoying the hubris of watching the match tonight. More objectively, how a team playing "defend the six yard box" for the entire second half can feel hard done by at conceding a goal is truly bizarre. I recall Bayern Munich trying the same tactic in 1999. |
| Taylor-Mayed 13.06.2004 21:02 |
"How could England lose tonight?? They just can't help it...they will never win something, this way." Dare we mention France 2000? Or South Korea 2002? England aren't the only team with a skill for losing 2-1 from holding a 1-0 lead for a long time, it seems... ;-) |
| The Real Wizard 14.06.2004 00:00 |
Sonja wrote: The German team has never been weaker than in the qualifying games. But they always seem to have a good portion of luck so I wouldn't be surprised if they reach the final. Although I don't think they deserve it because other teams play a better football than Germany.But you couldn't say that 5 years ago, when we had guys like Klinsman, Bierhoff, and Linke... Germany had the most skilled headers in the world. But the former two (at least) are gone, so let's see what the future brings for our beloved square-heads! Niek, Harry, and Plengel... I'll bet you a beer each that Germany will win on Tuesday. I'll see you guys in summer '06 for the debt to be paid. :) |
| Lawyeris 14.06.2004 01:13 |
My favourite team is Holland. Maybe this time they'll show what they really can. |
| Bob The Shrek 14.06.2004 01:30 |
England always start poorly in Championships - but on last nights performance, we would be lucky to qualify for the latter stages of an under 10's tournament. I know fuck all about football really, but as Mrs Taylor posted earlier, why the hell Gerrard didn't hoof that ball out of the stadium is beyond me - at worst it would have wasted some time. Fatty - gloat away my old mucker, but you are definitely getting the beers in when I come to Edinburgh! |
| thanks freddie 14.06.2004 02:26 |
I think the final will be between france and germany, and this time germany will win the final. Holland (were i live) will not get any further than the 1/4 final. England it's a shame they lost the match against france i really hoped the won that match. Michel |
| The Mir@cle 14.06.2004 03:17 |
Well, I give my former nickname some meaning (MartijnCruijff). My opinion: France, Spain and Chech Republic are my favorites, although France showed some weakness yesterday. France didn't have some real wingers. Against defending opponents (like England yesterday) it seems hard for France to create chances. Spain played well the first match. Not impressive, but it was good. I think Chech Repluplic is a real favorite as well. With Nedved, Proborsky, Galasek and Koller, they have a balanced team. Holland is no more than an outsider to me. We have eleven world class players, but we are not a team. And we have one really weak point, our coach! Players like Makaay and Robben will never figure in the first eleven. And Advocaat prefer a 4-4-2 system. The Dutch trade mark is a 4-3-3 system. Well, we shall see. Tomorrow the "Fussballkrieg" against Germany. Always an important game for the Dutch. |
| deleted user 14.06.2004 04:00 |
Taylor-Mayed wrote: "Dare we mention France 2000? Or South Korea 2002? England aren't the only team with a skill for losing 2-1 from holding a 1-0 lead for a long time, it seems... ;-)" I can't remember what England did, in France 2000 and South Korea / Japan 2002...or Usa 94... or Italy 90...oh wait, I do remember what happened there! :)) you're right, we lost the final like fools 4 years ago and I still have nightmares about it. But I think Italy is far superior to England, though I like England team very much (for many reasons...I love UK in general) You just are not used to win, that's all... not enough experience maybe, fool mistakes and some wrong players... your goalkeeper is utter shit, he is guilty on both france's goals (on the free kick, he has to stand on the side where Zizou scored) and he just make a stupid foul on the penalty action. Rooney rocks, from what I see...many people complain that he had to stay on the field as he was one of the best; I guess that many people just never played football, otherwise they would know that after a rush like the one he did when he got the penaly, a player is almost finished, especially after he ran all the match. Heskey has been a good choice by Eriksson, you needed to keep ball possession...I just didnt like Vassel. And then Beckham... I love him, he has the best right foot of the world but he showed once again that he cant be as leader and important as Zidane, Totti and so on. I still simphatyze for England, please dont let me change my mind by criticising Italy :)) cheeers!! |
| The Mir@cle 14.06.2004 04:53 |
England has a hard working team, but (except Beckham) they have not stylists. That's why they don't gonna win this Championship. I think they get it hard to beat Croatia. |
| Plengel 14.06.2004 04:59 |
Guitar Hero wrote: Niek, Harry, and Plengel... I'll bet you a beer each that Germany will win on Tuesday. I'll see you guys in summer '06 for the debt to be paid. :)I'll keep you to that bet, Bob :) I think it will be a draw though :( |
| Mr. Scully 14.06.2004 06:08 |
Holland could win Euro, Italy and Spain will be strong too. Czech team could be among the favorites (until this spring we hadn't lost a match for two years) but we played nothing at all recently and we even lost against Japan, that was unbelievable. France didn't play well yesterday, England was much better. What did Gerard do in the last minute, did he confuse the sides??? |
| Lawyeris 14.06.2004 06:29 |
The Mir@cle wrote: And Advocaat prefer a 4-4-2 system. The Dutch trade mark is a 4-3-3 system.Advocaat discussed it with some 4 oldest team players and decided to use 4-3-3 system again |
| The Mir@cle 14.06.2004 06:35 |
4-3-3 with Rafael v.d. Vaart as left winger is the same as 4-4-2, believe me. He's a real "10 player" and that will be the position where he plays most of the time tomorrow. But I must say, you're well informed Lawyeris. Dutch roots? |
| Taylor-Mayed 14.06.2004 07:45 |
"You just are not used to win, that's all" Italy and England have exactly the same number of players in their squads who have won major international championships. None. |
| deleted user 14.06.2004 07:58 |
Taylor-Mayed wrote: "Italy and England have exactly the same number of players in their squads who have won major international championships. None." mmm, I think you're not so updated about football, really. Milan won champions league 1 year ago, juventus has been defeated in final...odd tournament this year, so no italian teams nor english ones, anyway. if you're refering to national team success, i have to point out that we won our last tournament (world cup) in 1982 and that was our third, england won the tournament back in 1966 at his home with some very doubtful goals.. anyway. We have some recent story as well, being in final in both World and European cups on the last 10 years, while I can't remember anything about England. When I say "not used to win" I dont refer precisely to "win a competion", but at least try to play some more than 3 or 4 matches a tournament. Got it? :) in 4 hours I will see what we can do this year...go azzurri! cheeeeers! |
| Sonja 14.06.2004 08:04 |
Guitar Hero wrote: [/QUOTENAME But you couldn't say that 5 years ago, when we had guys like Klinsman, Bierhoff, and Linke... Germany had the most skilled headers in the world. But the former two (at least) are gone, so let's see what the future brings for our beloved square-heads!yeah true. but wasn't that about 10 years ago? Klinsmann was at his best in 94 wasn't he? Bierhoff was great in 96, one of the best players europe. holland - germany is gonna be interesting!! hah! I'm really looking forward to that one. and I am supporting holland. I don't know why but i've never really supported the german team. For me either england or in the world cup Brasil of course! |
| The Mir@cle 14.06.2004 08:18 |
You surprisec me with your football-knowledge Sonja. Surely an interesting game Holland - Germany. Don't you mind if I do support my own country then?? (-: |
| Fenderek 14.06.2004 08:43 |
I'm gonna support Dutch and Czechs. France is pretty strong and so is Italy... England...? Well, unfortunatelly they put their hopes onto Beckham, who is the most overrated player in the entire history of football... Zidane showed him how to take penalties and how to be a true leader... Rooney was good, but he has to calm down and understand that by risking a red card he may let the whole team down... They're too bloody arrogant and too stupid to win anything... As long as they think they're the best just because they earn so much- they're not gonna win anything... Portugese disappointed, but Greece seem a pretty well managed team- there may be few more surprises...! |
| Mr. Scully 14.06.2004 09:23 |
"Bierhoff was great in 96, one of the best players europe." Ah, Sonja, that hurts, don't ever remind that again :-) If it wasn't for Bierhoff, our team would have been European champions in 1996... |
| Mr.Jingles 14.06.2004 09:26 |
After watching the game between England Vs. France all I have to say is that France didn't win... Zidane did. France is becoming sometimes extremely dependant on Zidane as much Argentina was with Maradona back in 80s and early 90s. |
| Fenderek 14.06.2004 10:31 |
"After watching the game between England Vs. France all I have to say is that France didn't win... Zidane did. France is becoming sometimes extremely dependant on Zidane as much Argentina was with Maradona back in 80s and early 90s." I disagree... The next game may be Henry's one or Pires's... Or Vieira's... They have plenty of stars in their team... They didn't deliver during a game with England but they may later on... In the first half Trezeguet was so close!!! If it went 1:0 then, the game would look tatally different... True, it didn't, but it may next time... And how not to depend on a player like Zidane, anyway! It would be sin to have a genius like that and not to use his dedication, his skills and his... pure genius! You gave Argentina's example... What's wrong with tHAT...? Depending on Maradona they won World Cup in 1986 and were second 4 years later! And I'm not sure if it's fair to say that it was all Maradona's influence! What about Caniggia nad goalkeeper Goicochea during Italy'90...? What about Burruchaga and others during Mexico'86...? Without them they wouldn't achieve half of that, even with such a great player (back then) as Maradona... And you can see this pattern throughout the whole history of football! The greatest teams had their strong and influential leader on whom the whole team depended! Cruyff for Holand in seventies, Beckenbauer for Germany, Kempes for Argentina, Platini for France in eighties, Boniek for Poland... The greatest teams always had one absolutely influential player... Those teams are now remembered as the best of all times! No-one remeber teams without their leaders, without their stars who could win the games, when everyone else gave up... I don't think that's France's weakness... That's actually their strength!!! You may well mark Zidane, sacrificing one player to do that and... Henry will score hat-trick having more space... Simple as that... |
| deleted user 14.06.2004 10:34 |
I wouldn't agree that Beckham is the most overrated player.. he's not for sure an ace just like Zidane, but he's a very talented one; and I can' think of anyone better than him, using the right foot...can you remember his free kick in england - france, when Lampard scored? He has to learn to be a true leader rather than have a tatoo on his body everyday. About Zidane...well',he's for sure one of the best player in the world, he's maybe the number 1 now. but on yesterday match he didn't do that much, besides some numbers when he showed his skill, in controlling the ball. He did anything to let France to draw the match; of course, the real champion always has something unexpected, and Zizou used his magic on a free kick at 91° minute (thanks to the poor James). Take a look at Totti in some hours, I think they both are the best players in this tournament. cheeeeers!! (1,30 hours left!!) |
| The Real Wizard 14.06.2004 10:34 |
Mr. Scully wrote: If it wasn't for Bierhoff, our team would have been European champions in 1996...*remembers, and smiles* :) |
| Banquo 14.06.2004 13:05 |
It was disappointing but some positives can be taken Rooney's performance, the solid defence and er thats it. We'll still go through. |
| The Mir@cle 14.06.2004 13:07 |
Everybody talks about a poor Jamer. But it was just an incredible free kick. Over the wall, James had no sight at all. His last action (tackle on Henry) was indeed a very bad one. By the way, Denmark plays very well at the moment. |
| deleted user 14.06.2004 14:12 |
I'm not very sure about it.. James had the goal on his side of the net!! Zidane had a great free kick but he stood right under his men, while he had to stay on the "free" side (sorry, i'm not so used to talk about football in a technical way in english). Denmark put a man on Totti, who really did few things (he had to get the ball as a defender). Italy showed a great defense as tradiction, especially Buffon and Zambrotta. Average midfield, Del Piero is simply ridicolous and I hope he played his last game today. I expected something more from Cassano and Viery, but it's been a hard match...lot of hot and then it was the 1st match of the tournament, after all i'm happy about the draw (portugal lost and france risked a lot). I'm sure we'll see another Italy, on the next turn. cheeeers! go azzurri go! |
| Sonja 14.06.2004 14:52 |
The Mir@cle wrote: You surprisec me with your football-knowledge Sonja. Surely an interesting game Holland - Germany. Don't you mind if I do support my own country then?? (-:You know what? I support your country as well!! :-) Go ORANJE!! hehe My football knowledge isn't as good as it seems. I just always follow World Cup and Euro, that's all really. Oh, Martin, sorry for having brought this sensitive topic back up again. Did I mention the name Bierhoff??? ;-) |
| Mr.Jingles 14.06.2004 16:15 |
Although Argentina had an excellent team 1986, I doubt they would have won that World Cup without Maradona. In 1990 Maradona wasn't at his best shape but his presence somehow gave a boost to his team. Let's not forget that Argentina only qualified to that final thanks to Goicochea and a lot of sheer dumb luck. Caniggia and the others were OK players, but they sure didn't have the level of a World Cup finalist. Zidane and the boys are another story. I don't want to diminish the French because they have one hell of a great team (Makalele, Desaily, Henry... just to name a few great players). But even with their great talent they still seem too dependent on Zidane. Last World Cup Zidane missed 2 games and the French gave an awful performance that was the complete opossite of what happened in 1998. My point is that a team could have Pele, Cruyff, Maradona, or Zidane on their squad, but it's a bad thing for a team to be dependable on only one player regardless of how good it is. And about England...Let's not forget that this is not the first time that a British team loses such an important game by easily allowing 2 goals after having a lead through the whole game (Remember Manchester Vs. Bayern in 1999?) Someone perhaps should remind them that matches don't end after 90' minutes but after the whistle blows. |
| Plengel 14.06.2004 17:14 |
Ah Sweden - Bulgaria | 5-0 Good to hear this :) As I predicted that Sweden will be the suprise of the tournament. :) |
| Sonja 14.06.2004 23:57 |
As far as I can remember Sweden are pretty strong anyway. It actually wouldn't surprise me at all. |
| Lawyeris 15.06.2004 01:26 |
The Mir@cle wrote: 4-3-3 with Rafael v.d. Vaart as left winger is the same as 4-4-2, believe me. He's a real "10 player" and that will be the position where he plays most of the time tomorrow. But I must say, you're well informed Lawyeris. Dutch roots?No, I'm pure Lithuanian, we have special internet webpage about news of Euro 2004 and I've read it there:) It's pretty sad that duo of Ruud van Nistelroy and Patrick Kluivert didnt do well and they cant play together, they could be the most dangerous forwards duo of Euro2004. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 02:30 |
Sweden are not so bad but maybe they're not better than Denmark. I know that sounds fool, but football is not only "the more you score the stronger you are". Is Bulgaria a football team anyway? I really appreciate Sweden's attackers, Larsson is one of the most underrated striker in the recent history (he also had a terrible injury). We'll see what happens on friday,my guess is that Italy's gonna play far better (can't do any worse??) and Sweden won't score 5 goals. cheeeeeeers!! |
| Fenderek 15.06.2004 03:05 |
"Let's not forget that this is not the first time that a British team loses such an important game by easily allowing 2 goals after having a lead through the whole game (Remember Manchester Vs. Bayern in 1999?)" Ehmmm...Wasn't it Man U who won this game in the last minute...? |
| The Mir@cle 15.06.2004 03:14 |
I'm sure Man U did!!! |
| Lawyeris 15.06.2004 04:04 |
<font color=#CC0000>hangman wrote: Sweden are not so bad but maybe they're not better than Denmark. I know that sounds fool, but football is not only "the more you score the stronger you are". Is Bulgaria a football team anyway? I really appreciate Sweden's attackers, Larsson is one of the most underrated striker in the recent history (he also had a terrible injury). We'll see what happens on friday,my guess is that Italy's gonna play far better (can't do any worse??) and Sweden won't score 5 goals. cheeeeeeers!!Of couse Sweden wont score 5 goals, but 3-4 for sure:):):) You just calming yourself before Italy vs Sweden, 'cause you afraid them:) I think Sweden is stronger team than Denmark, so it wouldnt be easy for Italy even tied with Sweden. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 04:35 |
LOL @ Lawyeris :)) how can we be fightned by Sweden? With all respect, we're playing to win the championship, we have to fight far stronger teams... Sweden won't score at all on Friday, we have the best defense of the whole tournament. I'm quite worried about how we played in the midfield zone, but Trapattoni is gonna change something: maybe Pirlo and/or Gattuso will play in place of Zanetti, who is not at his top. Just put those juventus crappy Del Piero and Camoranesi out, let Cassano and Fiore play and you will see what happens. I respect all the teams but i'm not frightned by any of them, especially when we play like we know. cheeeers! |
| The Mir@cle 15.06.2004 05:15 |
Don't underestimate Sweden Hangman... They have Ibrahimovic and Larsson, two cultured strikers. They are in a better shape then the Italian forwards. And Lawyeris, Advocaat is gonna play with a 4-4-2 system with Senden as left mitfielder... unbelievable. Cruijff said yesterday why we have to play 4-3-3 (because it's the safest way to attack), and the whole nation wants 4-3-3. But Advocaat does always his own thing. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 06:02 |
No way I understimate them! I know both of them and as I said, Larsson has been one of the most underrated striker. Ibraihmovic showed his skill with Ajax in Champions league; I wouldn't forget Ljungberg too, especially after I saw him yesterday. My guess is that they are not so strong in the other zones (midfield and defense) so I'm quite positive. Don't forget that they played by night while Italy and Denmark play at 18 and it was very hot in Guimaraes; both teams played slower than Sweden, I hope it's just a matter of weather and physical condition or i would get worried too... cheeers! |
| Hitman 15.06.2004 07:19 |
I haven't seen any matches of this euro cos i'm working almost all day but ......italy is not as strong as people of the earth believe. Players think they are the best around and tv and newspapers ALWAYS have great expectations on the italian team, just like football is more important than other social problems, so there is a high pressure on them. After the 0-0 with Denmark there were lots of polemics...everybody said "i knew that"...ridiculous! let's see what happens in the next matches GO italy gooooooooooooo!!!!! |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 07:52 |
Well, I guess we can count on some basically great technician player, like few other national teams can have (del piero though i totally dislike him, totti above all, pirlo who is just great..), one of the better defense in the world, a great striker (i'm still with Vieri...he's really willing to win the championship, on the last match the team didn't serve him any good ball). In Italy, football is very important and I agree on that: it is something that makes people come together, I'm very proud of being italian and have such national team. And I tend to ignore journalists, I've learnt (by working on tv) that they just wanted to create troubles...Just be concentrated on the next match: Sweden is not the weakest team but damn, we're Italy!! cheeeers! |
| Sonja 15.06.2004 07:53 |
Well, the players must think that they're the best and that they'll make it to get the motivation to fight. I also think that the italian team isn't as strong as they were a few years ago. But we'll see. At least no one in Germany expect too much from the German team. THAT would be ridiculous! ;-) I actually believe they're gonna get their arses kicked by the dutch guys tonite... |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 07:58 |
Wow Sonja, from your posts you showed you're so...damn, how can I say it... PATRIOTIC?? :)) I hope you all are wrong about Italy...and yes, I forgot to add: Italy also play with heart, which sometimes may help. cheeeers! |
| Fenderek 15.06.2004 08:09 |
"Last World Cup Zidane missed 2 games and the French gave an awful performance that was the complete opossite of what happened in 1998." And what exactly happened during World Cup'98? Zidane had terrible tournament, he got a red card in one of the games if I remember well and actually his first great game during France'98 was... FINAL!!! My point is that that's true leader... When everything goes wrong, when everyone else is down and don't believe in success the leader does an incredible effort and wins the game... Like Zidane agains England, like many great players before him, in far more important games... Thhose are the ones we remember- who could change the whole situation on the field, switch the balance and... win the game! Yes, of course- Argentina wouldn't win Mexico'86 without Maradona... But having him and not having Burruchaga and the rest- they wouldn't win it either... Look at Romania during USA'94... They had excellent Hagi and... only quarter finals, because thay didn't have anyone else as talented... Argentina in 80ies and France now are different- I don't think they depend on only one player... |
| Sonja 15.06.2004 08:12 |
Don't ask me why but I've never supported the German team. Since I started to understand a little bit about football I've always supported either England or Brazil of course in the world cup. But even people who support Germany think they're gonna lose tonight. 2:1 for Holland. My guess. |
| The Mir@cle 15.06.2004 08:26 |
Well, 2-1 will be good. I just bought a orange hat with orange hair at the back. I'm ready for the battle tonight! (-: |
| S@turn 15.06.2004 09:58 |
after a few days of watching the most amazing games I think that we tonight are going to see some intresting matches as well The rivality between Germany and Holland is laughable, I think that the germans have not a very high qualified team, but they are a team and that is most of the time what is missed in the dutch team as long as England has Beckham, no one has to have illusions that they will reach far as long as France has Zidane footballing at least 10 minutes of the 90, they make a good chance to be the finalists Sweden surprised me the most, and I do hope Portugal makes it far as well Shame on the italians, that was NO football, they do not deserve more then a ticket home! Chzech is a good outsider, intresting to see what they are going to do tonight against the poor little dwarf of the tournament :) H |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 10:25 |
Saturn: you could only dream about our "non football". I think we alredy showed you how to win a match 4 years ago... we also gave you 2 penalties and 1 man more than us, just to help you but... it didn't work. you can win the game with feet and heart and being a team... I admit we've missed to play well against denmark but remember what france and portugal did on the first match. And then, how can you judge in a positive way Sweden, just because they won a poor team and scored 5 goals? Let's wait for friday. And I'm curious about tonight's match too, I have my beers and popcorn ready :) cheeeeerss! |
| AC 15.06.2004 10:31 |
Saturn is a bastard. |
| Mr.Jingles 15.06.2004 10:42 |
I remember watching that Italy Vs. Holland match 4 years ago, and I still can't believe how Italy won. (No offense to all Italians) They defended themselves great, but luck played a good part on why Italy qualified. After watching that game I felt like the Italian goal was cursed or something, that ball just didn't want to get in. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 10:49 |
So far, Holland - Italy is the most amazing football match I've witnessed in my whole life. I recall watching it along with my girlfriend in a hot summer day and I got fever. Zambrotta was sent off after 30 minutes and Holland got a penalty: Toldo got it. And then another one. And then (you're right) the ball didn't want to enter at all. We defended like demons. And then again Toldo stopped a couple of penalties yet (poor De Boer, 2 mistakes in a single match...) Something I will never forget. Pity we lost as fools the final, I hope for some sort of revenge in some days... cheeeers! link |
| Sonja 15.06.2004 11:24 |
Why do you Italianos take it all so personally? Take it easy. It's just football... ;-) (I hope I won't be killed now...) |
| Mr.Jingles 15.06.2004 12:03 |
A lot of people believe that scoreless matches are always boring, but Italy Vs Holland in 2000 was perhaps one of the most exciting and unbelievable unpredictable matches I've ever seen. I don't blame the dutch for still being pissed off about that match. It seems like some strange force was preventing the ball from getting in. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 12:15 |
Italians, not italianos. And it's not just football, it's football... naaah, I shouldn't waste my time to explain that to a german female :))) cheeeers! |
| Sonja 15.06.2004 12:31 |
<font color=#CC0000>hangman wrote: Italians, not italianos. And it's not just football, it's football... naaah, I shouldn't waste my time to explain that to a german female :))) cheeeers!HEY!! Be careful mate! You know I can fight!!! :-))) PS: I know that it's "ITALIANS" in English but thanks anyway Lu. Kiss PPS: Don't call me German! PPPS: Am I the only female here discussing about football with a bunch of guys?? |
| S@turn 15.06.2004 12:32 |
I think I hit a weak spot in the italians, and of course it was not personal meant I think that no one can deny that the italian team is not an offending or open playing team. No matter what the results are, the italian team plays defensive, not always attractive football. Result might count, and I have never seen "them" giving "us" penalties, because that is a thing that referees do :) ask Beckham, he knows about it (and could apply for the dutch team!) :) |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 13:00 |
eh eh, I was just joking Saturn , of course we didn't give you penalties intentionally!! :) We are a defensive team but that doesn't mean that we can't offend or people don't enjoy our matches...that's what I think. Then, everyone is free to enjoy or not a kind of game! Btw, watching Czech now? He's losing from Latvia; wasn't it the weakest team of the campionship? Wasn't Czech Republic one of the favorites? You see folks, I talk for something: believe me, it's not easy playing football and no results are obvious, especially on the first match of a tournament; I know what I'm talking about and you just can see it happening here (Portugal, France, Czech). cheeeeers! |
| Hitman 15.06.2004 13:54 |
Mr.Jingles79 wrote: I remember watching that Italy Vs. Holland match 4 years ago, and I still can't believe how Italy won. (No offense to all Italians) They defended themselves great, but luck played a good part on why Italy qualified. After watching that game I felt like the Italian goal was cursed or something, that ball just didn't want to get in.Eh eh eh eh i can't forget that match..i was watching this match with my "old" girlfriend and after this match we decided to stay togheter....awwwwwww such a beautiful moment.... :D if you are really sure there was a curse on this match now you know a possible reason ;) |
| TheMiracle 15.06.2004 15:05 |
I'd love to discuss football with you Sonja! But living in the U.S., I have to pay $20 for an individual game and my parents aren't willing to buy it. I'm keeping up with it through the news I find on the internet. Still, I wish I could see high quality european football, I'm lucky to see Premiership games. |
| Mr.Jingles 15.06.2004 15:27 |
I'm very pissed off too for living in a country that doesn't like the best sport in the world. While FOX Sports is airing some of the games, they're not airing the most important ones. Which are being shown on Pay Per View. |
| The Real Wizard 15.06.2004 15:48 |
1-0 for Germany at the half. Ole, ole, ole! |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 17:13 |
Many compliments to Germany! They are far stronger than what I expected! Young players showed a great skill, especially on such a hard tournament. Holland is what I thought: a very talented team which should be better... I really don't know which teams will qualify to next round, Czech is good as well! I'm happy my dutch and german friends tied, finally :)) cheeeers! |
| TheMiracle 15.06.2004 17:22 |
Damn I missed a good game. The only sports on these days are american football or baseball. Bah! I'm missing soccer/football for cheap games like these. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 17:27 |
themiracle: if you have at least an adsl connection, i can provide you a link to see european championship matches online, web streaming! it's very useful when i have to stay at work until night. cheeers! |
| Sonja 15.06.2004 17:51 |
I'm very surprised, Holland had to fight in the first half. The Germans played really well, better than anyone here expected. Holland was a bit stronger in the second half and 1:1 is definitely a well deserved result. Did you notice that Holland had both the Dutch and the German flag on their shirts? Next game I'm really looking forward to is England - Switzerland on Thursday. |
| deleted user 15.06.2004 17:54 |
Sonja: all the teams have both the flags on the shirt :))) On this tournament, the official ball and the shirts of the teams are personalized with the flags of the opponents, the date and the stadium (I guess) where the game takes place. Nice memorabilia, I say... cheeeers! |
| Penetration_Guru 15.06.2004 18:26 |
Now that everyone's played one game... Italy, Portugal, Holland, Germany, Czech Rep, England, France all had poor performances. Sweden were flattered by the score but played well, Greece put in a lot of effort, and Latvia were a little unlucky. Who does that leave? Spain. Who are not going to win this, but are technically the best team at the moment. |
| Mr.Jingles 15.06.2004 19:36 |
The Grim Reaper (a.k.a. Fenderek) wrote: England...? Well, unfortunatelly they put their hopes onto Beckham, who is the most overrated player in the entire history of football...In some way he is, but whoever says that Beckham is the most overated player in the world is because they have never heard of Freddie Adu. They've been hailing this kid as the best thing since Maradona or Pele. I saw him play at the Under 17 Youth World Championship and although he's quite OK I don't see him being a whole lot better than the rest of the kids on the tournament. Seems to me like Nike is creating a major hype around this kid, and I feel sorry for him because if he doesn't live up to the expectations he'll end up being seen as a comple dissapointment. |
| Sonja 16.06.2004 00:49 |
<font color=#CC0000>hangman wrote: Sonja: all the teams have both the flags on the shirt :))) On this tournament, the official ball and the shirts of the teams are personalized with the flags of the opponents, the date and the stadium (I guess) where the game takes place. Nice memorabilia, I say... cheeeers!and why did they say that holland were wearing "special shirts"? i didnt see a dutch flag on germany's shirts though. |
| Lawyeris 16.06.2004 02:22 |
<font color=#CC0000>hangman wrote: Many compliments to Germany! They are far stronger than what I expected! Young players showed a great skill, especially on such a hard tournament. Holland is what I thought: a very talented team which should be better... I really don't know which teams will qualify to next round, Czech is good as well! I'm happy my dutch and german friends tied, finally :)) cheeeers!No way, if Germans wouldnt score that silly goal, they wouldnt have any advantage of playing at all. After that Duch just started playing nervous, but that is naturally, but time after time they raised their pressure on Germans and finally get their own way scoring fantastic and unbelievable goal - in the way only van Niestelroy can do. HANGMAN - Italy is one of my favourites too, but I dont like Trapatoni's philosofy of playing and Trapatoni himself:):) He is too wary and dont like hazard at all. Besides italians always seemed to me playing too soft, maybe because they feel themselves to be more models than football players, dont know. Of course, we saw only one match of Italy, but as I remember, Italians, when they score first or they need tie, like to keep this result and herd together in defence. But, of course, the most terrible and destroying football can play German (esp we could see it in world cup of 2002 in Japan&SKorea and in qualifiers of Euro2004) - if they score first, it seems they find no sense to play at all, and try to keep this result. I wonder if Germans themselves like Rudi Voller and his philosophy of playing? On the other hand now they try to play more offensive football, but Holland played better and more catchy. Oh, lucky Czechs, if Latvians had more experience of high level matches, they could even win. Personally I dont like Czechs. I think they too arrogant. I allways thought they just accidental reached Euro1996 final, and after that they began to think about themselves too good. But now they are one of the favourites to win again. |
| deleted user 16.06.2004 02:25 |
I almost agree with Penetration_Guru, except for Germany who showed an (atypical) good play. As tv commenters say, we still didn't see the fave teams playing good so far, but I'm sure that things are gonna change from today on. I'm really curious to watch Portugal tonite... Spain has been quite lucky to win against Russia but I agree, they have very good technician players: Vicente impressed me much and of course, they have that Torres... cchhhhhheeeeers! |
| Mr. Scully 16.06.2004 03:23 |
"Oh, lucky Czechs, if Latvians had more experience of high level matches, they could even win. Personally I dont like Czechs. I think they too arrogant. I allways thought they just accidental reached Euro1996 final, and after that they began to think about themselves too good." Lucky Czechs? Excuse me but we had 28 shots in the game! That's more than I've ever seen in a match. In fact Latvia was extremely lucky (and they had a really good defense - most of the shots were blocked by the defence), only that explains that they didn't get 4-5 goals. I was happy with our play (and that happens scarcely). I have never considered ourselves favorites. Euro 1996 WAS very lucky for us, we played defensive games and succeeded. But later our play significantly improved and we played two qualifications without losing a single match, we have beaten Italy, France, Netherlands, everybody. Anyway, this is a group of death - Germany, Holland and the Czechs have exactly the same equal chances to qualify. |
| The Mir@cle 16.06.2004 03:43 |
Well, I am happy with the 1-1 result yesterday. The Germans were better. They are stronger than I thought they would be. And like I said before, the weakest point of the Dutch is our coach. He does always the different the Dutch people wants him to. And so he did yesterday! And that's why he had to make three substitutions at half time. Every Dutch fan hates our arrogant coach. Sonja, I do like to discuss this topic with a Brazilian (that’s better?) female. |
| Lawyeris 16.06.2004 03:49 |
Mr. Scully wrote: Lucky Czechs? Excuse me but we had 28 shots in the game! That's more than I've ever seen in a match. In fact Latvia was extremely lucky (and they had a really good defense - most of the shots were blocked by the defence), only that explains that they didn't get 4-5 goals. I was happy with our play (and that happens scarcely).So, what does it prove if Czechs had for example 25 shots till 75 minute of the game and still losing 0-1? That their offence was still vain and worse than Latvians defence. And if you lose 0-1, what's the point you had 28 shots? The main thing is to prove your advantage with goals, and Latvians had a chance to keep this result, but made two mistakes and finally lost, what is objective after all. |
| Lawyeris 16.06.2004 03:54 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Well, I am happy with the 1-1 result yesterday. The Germans were better. They are stronger than I thought they would be. And like I said before, the weakest point of the Dutch is our coach. He does always the different the Dutch people wants him to. And so he did yesterday! And that's why he had to make three substitutions at half time. Every Dutch fan hates our arrogant coach.Of course you may be happy with tie result (me too), and even maybe Germans played stronger than we could expect, but also you're wrong - Dutch were better:):):) |
| Mr. Scully 16.06.2004 05:38 |
"So, what does it prove if Czechs had for example 25 shots till 75 minute of the game and still losing 0-1? That their offence was still vain and worse than Latvians defence." Yes, maybe our offence was much less effective then their defence. But you can hardly call us "lucky" when we spent the whole match on their half and had so many shots. Out of 10 matches like this, Latvia would lose 9-10 of them with no doubt. |
| Lawyeris 16.06.2004 06:41 |
Dbl pst |
| The Mir@cle 16.06.2004 07:52 |
Tonight Spain - Greece and Portugal - Russia... expectations?? |
| deleted user 16.06.2004 08:07 |
spain - greece: i think greece already did its best and they may be already satisfied; the second way is that they now believe they can qualify to next round. If so, life will be hard for spain but i think that finally they're gonna win the match. portugal - russia: i'm sorry for russia but unluckily portugal will resurrect after the incredible defeat of the first match. I can't see any other possible result but portugal's victory. I'm sorry Rui Costa won't play, it seems like his trainers never believe in him. cheeeers! |
| Sonja 16.06.2004 08:47 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Sonja, I do like to discuss this topic with a Brazilian (that’s better?) female.Aww... at least one! :-) I just can't keep up with the knowledge of most the guys here, especially when the discussion is about past games and players. But I've found out that Torsten Frings (who shot the goal for Germany yesterday) is really good looking. ;-) I hadn't seen the guy before, I guess that shows how much I know about German football! And tonight: I'd say Spain and Portugal! |
| Lawyeris 16.06.2004 09:06 |
Spain - Greece 2:1 Portugal - Russia 3:0 |
| The Mir@cle 16.06.2004 09:21 |
Yesterday I heard a lot of girls shouting that Ballack was awesome... Don't you share that opinion?? Portugal - Russia 2-0 Russia played very weak the first game. And Portugal is looking for revenche. But I don't count Portugal as a favorite anymore. Spain - Greece 3-0 Spain played attractive the first match with two real wingers.. very Dutch! I like that, and that's why I hope they will win with three goals against null. Greece isn't strong enough to surprise Spain too. |
| TheMiracle 16.06.2004 11:05 |
<font color=#CC0000>hangman wrote: themiracle: if you have at least an adsl connection, i can provide you a link to see european championship matches online, web streaming! it's very useful when i have to stay at work until night. cheeers!I have a cable connection. If that works, I will be very grateful! |
| Mr Mercury 16.06.2004 13:06 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Every Dutch fan hates our arrogant coach.And so do a lot of Glasgow Rangers (the team he managed before going back to the national side)fans as well. When Martin O'neill went to manage Glasgow Celtic, he really showed him up for the one trick pony that he was. Dave |
| Sonja 16.06.2004 13:49 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Yesterday I heard a lot of girls shouting that Ballack was awesome... Don't you share that opinion??Nah... not really. Maybe just because everywhere you look you see Ballack's face, TV spots, newspapers & mags, posters... the guy is everywhere. Boring. As well as I don't find Beckham good looking and none of my friends agree. They all love him. |
| Holly2003 16.06.2004 17:05 |
"And so do a lot of Glasgow Rangers (the team he managed before going back to the national side)fans as well. When Martin O'neill went to manage Glasgow Celtic, he really showed him up for the one trick pony that he was." Martin is a great manager, and I hope some day he will manage the Northern Ireland national team (althogh Laurie Sanchez is doing very well at the moment). However, like everyone else in Jockland, O'Neill knows there is only one "trick" to managing a successful team in Scotland and that is to outspend your opponents. "Big fish in a small pond" is the analogy most used when discussing Scottish football. |
| -fatty- 2850 16.06.2004 17:17 |
Amen Brother. fatty. |
| Mr Mercury 16.06.2004 17:50 |
Nicely put Holly!! Dave |
| Lawyeris 17.06.2004 07:21 |
What a thrilling match will be in group A: Spain-Portugal. It's allmost clear now that just one of them will qualify further, unless if 1) Spain will lose to Portugal and 2) Greece will lose to Russia and with bigger difference than Spain to Portugal (for example G-R 0:2, S-P 0:1). But I dont think so. Who could think about it before the tournament? It seemed this group is so clear, both of them were amongst favourites of all this championship. Two neighbours, two classic football countries, but just one goal, one decision and ONE GREAT VISION... |
| The Mir@cle 17.06.2004 08:47 |
Indeed, Portugal - Spain will be trilling... but Spain is stronger I think. Greece is in the 2nd for sure, they don't gonna lose against Russia. Here in Holland, there's a lot of critic on the coach. Not only Cruijff, but other coaches prefer a attacking style of playing. But Advocaat still thinks that playing your own style is naïve thinking. He's just a coward! |
| Lawyeris 17.06.2004 09:32 |
WOW, Franchesco Totti is disqualified next 3 games for spits to Danish player. Italian federation can appeal this decision during 48 hours it was enacted. |
| Sonja 17.06.2004 10:15 |
Sooo, what's England gonna do tonite??? |
| deleted user 17.06.2004 10:37 |
England is gonna win. I'm sorry for Switzerland, but how can they play with Chapuisat? He's playing there since I was just a child! And then the brits will be very angry for the odd lost with France... no way they won't win! cheeeeers! |
| Mr. Scully 17.06.2004 10:54 |
"Sooo, what's England gonna do tonite???" Demolish all the pubs in the city. Or did you mean the players? :-) |
| S@turn 17.06.2004 13:12 |
England will win, but I feel sorry for the grass |
| Mayboy 17.06.2004 13:15 |
im not holding my breath, considering what happened last time lol |
| Sonja 17.06.2004 16:20 |
Mr. Scully wrote: "Sooo, what's England gonna do tonite???" Demolish all the pubs in the city. Or did you mean the players? :-)LOL Well, after this 3:0 I think they'll just have a good time tonight without causing any trouble. But you never know... You know what I've heard? The portuguese police were told not to arrest English fans when they catch them smoking pot. Because they hope that by smoking pot they cool down a little bit and get more relaxed. So, when they find people smoking pot they're just gonna leave them alone with their joint hoping that they won't cause any trouble. Weird... |
| The Mir@cle 18.06.2004 03:45 |
The Portuguese police are also taking all the Dutch Heineken-merchendising, because Carlsberg is the sponsor of the tournament. Isn't there a law to follow? |
| The Real Wizard 18.06.2004 14:11 |
I'm pissed off....the stupid Toronto sports station is showing GOLF instead of soccer. Don't get me wrong... I like golf, but not in favour of soccer! This is once every two years, and instead they have to show a weekly event involving a bunch of turds hitting a ball with a crooked stick. Gahhhhh! |
| Penetration_Guru 18.06.2004 16:57 |
The US Open (if that's what it is) is a pretty big event too |
| jorge 19.06.2004 01:58 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: The US Open (if that's what it is) is a pretty big event tooUmmmhh! Really?...Golf is nice to play, not to see it (not from me) |
| Penetration_Guru 20.06.2004 17:07 |
Well it's just possible that the TV station felt they may get a bigger audience, and forgot to canvas opinions from QZ... ps nice predictions, Mir@cle.... |
| deleted user 20.06.2004 17:35 |
I feel sorry for all you spainish, I can imagine your disappointment...I hope Italy won't get the same result! |
| Lurex Larry 20.06.2004 18:04 |
Thanks, hangman. This is very disappointing. We had a good team, with talented players, but this is always the same story. Spanish people always lie ourself about Spain's possibilities, but we know we won't never win anything. This is sooo sad :( Good luck for Italy... and Portugal! |
| Mr.Jingles 20.06.2004 18:14 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: The US Open (if that's what it is) is a pretty big event tooBig event for guys who are way too lazy to choose a REAL sport. If Golf really required any physical performance, they should at least make Golfers carry their own sticks instead of picking a 19 year old to make him caddy and do the real physical work. |
| FeefTheHippy 20.06.2004 18:15 |
Not sure who i'm supporting. Scotland aren't in it (which isn't surprising to anybody i'm sure) so I can't support my home team :( |
| Mr. Scully 21.06.2004 03:24 |
I feel sorry for the Dutch - it was an excellent game between them and the Czechs and perhaps a tie would be more appropriate. But at least it shows the strength of our team, not many teams can beat the excellent Dutch team 3:2 when losing 0:2 after 15-20 minutes. Still, they play much better than the Germans. Hopefully our B-team will beat Germany and the Dutch will advance. Or (even better) Latvia will win and they will advance with the Czechs :-) |
| deleted user 21.06.2004 04:27 |
i feel sorry for holland too but they can't learn from their mistakes... they always have a good team but always failed to win when they should. Martin, I hope Italy can get to the 2nd round...if so, maybe we'll play against your czech republic :)) |
| The Mir@cle 21.06.2004 05:21 |
My country played well Saturday and deserved to win. But I said it three times before in this topic, our greatest opponent is our coach. He made some really weird decisions and that's why we lost control in the match. The coach of the Czechs anticipated very well and won the game for his country. It was a match about tactics. I hope the Czechs will beat the Germans, but I think they better see Germany in the next round than Holland. So I don’t think they will play at their top. It was a weekend with mixed feelings. Saturday I felt really sad, Friday I cried a little bit after sawing Gronkjaer scoring the 2-0. That was a fantastic moment for him, after losing his mother recently. I've always been a fan of Jesper, especially when he was active for Ajax. |
| Plengel 21.06.2004 05:47 |
The Mir@cle wrote: I hope the Czechs will beat the Germans, but I think they better see Germany in the next round than Holland. So I don’t think they will play at their top.From what I've heard, Czech players Grygera and Tomas Galasek assured some Dutch player that they would do everything to get Holland in the quarter finals. It seems like the Czechs don't like the Germans that much |
| Sonja 21.06.2004 07:31 |
yeah kick the Germans out! Czech played a fantastic match on Saturday. I'm more concerned what England's gonna do tonight. Croatia is quite strong, too... |
| The Mir@cle 21.06.2004 07:44 |
I tipped France and Croatia as 1 and 2 before the tournament, and I still support my prediction. I think it will become a hard match for England. |
| Mr. Scully 21.06.2004 08:03 |
Miracle, I don't think the Dutch deserved to win on Saturday. A tie would be appropriate. But I agree that the substitutions on our side were more reasonable than those on Dutch side (Robben deserved to play the whole match and that was maybe the reason for your loss). But the first two goals in our net were caused by serious mistakes by Grygera whom our coach substituted just a while after the second goal. I think our defence improved after that - and our offence was something I was proud of. It was certainly the best match of the championship. We are not friends with Germany so I'm sure our boys will do their best to win. On the other hand, some of our key players (Nedved, Galasek, maybe Rosicky) will have a rest so everything is possible... "Martin, I hope Italy can get to the 2nd round...if so, maybe we'll play against your czech republic" Yes, in fact it's very likely (unless SWE-DEN play like 2:2) and I'm not looking forward to it, Italy has a strong team :-( |
| The Mir@cle 21.06.2004 08:10 |
Come on Fox Mulder, euh Mister Scully. Holland was stronger the first sixty minutes. And we deserved a penalty instead of a red card. But your right, looking to the last minutes a draw was reasonable. |
| Mr. Scully 21.06.2004 08:25 |
Yes, that's true, the penalty could have been and we wouldn't have said a word against it. Take it as a small revenge... the Dutch penalty on Euro 2000 in the last minute against us was quite strict and it meant end of our chances at the tournament... :-) After 20 minutes I thought "where the hell is our defense? unbelievable"... but after the game Eurosport (and many newspaper) marked it as one of the best games in the history of the tournament :-) |
| Fenderek 21.06.2004 09:01 |
God I have to say- that was an amazing game!!! First half could have ended like 4:1 for Dutch, but later... Czechs impressed me so much!!! Nedved and Baros were brilliant!!! It was one of the best games I've ever seen, and I've been football fan for like... 15 years...! *********************** How about Spain going home, heh...? Pretty cool, considering the anti-football they showed against Portugal... Wanted 0:0, got tickets home... For football's sake now Italy should go home as well... Sorry all Italian fans, but I hate teams who winning 1:0 go to total defence, taking off good players and replacing them with lumberjacks... **************************** Doeas anyone else think that Ibrhimovic is a real star of this tournament...? |
| Mr. Scully 21.06.2004 09:34 |
I agree that Spain didn't deserve to advance at all, it was a shame what they played. |
| Mr Coolest Cat 21.06.2004 09:43 |
Well Spain are out and good riddance to them, for a team full of superstars they were very dull, the tournement will be better without them, well done to Greece for qualifying for the quarter-finals.England v Croatia tonight, so Croatia will be going home tomorrow. |
| -fatty- 2850 21.06.2004 09:51 |
I will be shouting for Croatia this evening and to show my support I plan to kill a Serbian at half time. fatty. |
| Sonja 21.06.2004 17:24 |
Rooney's the man! What a game. Well done. |
| deleted user 22.06.2004 02:22 |
I won't talk until Italy - Bulgaria and Sweden - Denmark are over.. Though I really should reply to some comments from people who only played cricket or softball in their lives and can't really understand what football is... let's hope i can back here in joy. cheeeeeeeeers! |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 03:27 |
I feel Italy doesnt deserve to qualify further, at least less than scandinavians, sorry pall :-( Unless they'll beat Bulgaria 6-0:) |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 03:29 |
fatty wrote: I will be shouting for Croatia this evening and to show my support I plan to kill a Serbian at half time. fatty.I suppose that Serbian is still alive (maybe he even killed you?) and you didnt shout very well... |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 03:36 |
The Mir@cle wrote: My country played well Saturday and deserved to win. But I said it three times before in this topic, our greatest opponent is our coach. He made some really weird decisions and that's why we lost control in the match.Lithuanian press also is calling Dick Advokaad as loser in the end, the main reason why Duch arent playing at their best, sorry director of playing:):):) |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 03:44 |
Mr. Scully wrote: I feel sorry for the Dutch - it was an excellent game between them and the Czechs and perhaps a tie would be more appropriate. But at least it shows the strength of our team, not many teams can beat the excellent Dutch team 3:2 when losing 0:2 after 15-20 minutes.If not that acted foul by Nedved, when one Dutch was eliminated, I dont think Czechs would even tied. On the other hand, Czechs are demonstrating one of the most offensive and eye-catching football here, so I have no doubts even their B-team will beat German. |
| Mr. Scully 22.06.2004 03:45 |
"suppose that Serbian is still alive (maybe he even killed you?)" Actually a fan of Croatia killed an English fan in Lisboa today early in the morning. "If not that acted foul by Nedved, when one Dutch was eliminated, I dont think Czechs would even tied." The second yellow card was nonsense (there were many fouls on Nedved - no wonder he needed a short rest on the lawn :) but I don't think it changed much after those substitution on both sides. As our coach said: it wasn't a problem to score 3 goals. The problem was not the get another one. And although I always defend our team, I think our chances against Germany are only like 50/50. |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 05:08 |
Mr. Scully wrote: And although I always defend our team, I think our chances against Germany are only like 50/50.Czech's football federation, after two victories, let to players' wifes and girlfriends to vizit them, so I wouldnt be astonished if Czechs would blow away germans atter such happiness:) |
| Lawyeris 22.06.2004 05:09 |
"Actually a fan of Croatia killed an English fan in Lisboa today early in the morning." Really? oh, I didnt know that. Very sad... |
| Sonja 22.06.2004 06:22 |
God that's aweful! how can people take it all THAT seriously that they go so far and kill someone? i mean, hey, this is only football!! |
| The Mir@cle 22.06.2004 07:16 |
I read somewhere that it was a thief from Ukraine that killed the English man. So it wasn't football violence. England did a very good job yesterday. Croatia played very weak, unbelievable. Tonight Denmark - Sweden. Denmark is a little bit my favorite, now Holland seems to go home. They play like the Dutch, I love that. |
| Mr. Scully 22.06.2004 07:20 |
Yes, apparently the murder wasn't football-related. Italy is too hysterical about the forthcoming match. Yes, it's possible that it will be a tie 20 minutes before the end and both Sweden and Denmark will focus on defence and it will also be a tie in the end. But I don't believe for a second that these two teams will play for a 2:2 result since the very beginning of the match. |
| Fenderek 22.06.2004 08:48 |
"Though I really should reply to some comments from people who only played cricket or softball in their lives and can't really understand what football is..." And what football is by Italy, heh? Catenaccio...? Sorry, but having players like Cassano, Del Piero, Vieri and all they should score 3,4 , 5 goals- not just one and go to defence... I'm not saying that Italians are bad footballers (they're not- they're exellent) but the defensive approach is f**king boring! They're one of the most awful teams to watch in this tournament (apart from Spanish and Germans, whom I hope will go home...); Maybe I'm a softball or cricket (ACTUALLY- it's the Italian game that reminds of cricket, which I hate with all my heart...) fan but... I like attacking teams, I love POSITIVE football...!!! Things apparently so unknown to Italian coaches.... |
| Mr. Scully 22.06.2004 09:31 |
Germany hardly ever played great football in the past years but they're a typical successful tournament team - they always advanced to further rounds. I wouldn't be surprised if they were in semifinale this year despite the anti-football they're playing. |
| Mr Coolest Cat 22.06.2004 12:13 |
Its a piece of piss this competition, they might as well give us the Trophy now, it'll save a lot of tears from the French, Germans, Italians, Dutch and portugese. |
| Sonja 22.06.2004 12:54 |
Mr. Scully wrote: Germany hardly ever played great football in the past years but they're a typical successful tournament team - they always advanced to further rounds. I wouldn't be surprised if they were in semifinale this year despite the anti-football they're playing.Exactly. All they have is luck rather than being able to play good football and that's one reason why I hope that they DON'T get further this time. They just don't deserve it because other teams play a lot better! |
| Vb 22.06.2004 13:18 |
Damn DAMN! now denmark sween are going to play. Italy isv very afrid id its get 2-2. then italy wong come to the finals. well i still hope denmark wins! VI ER DE BEDSTE! |
| Penetration_Guru 22.06.2004 15:06 |
Italy have been publicly accusing Denmark & Sweden of fixing the result (of a game yet to be played). Oh the irony. A country with two corrupt governments (including the Vatican), a long history of diving, cheating, bribing, betting (Paolo Rossi) dares to throw the first stone???? Personally, I'd like to see Denmark & Sweden get a 2-2 draw by fair means, leaving the Italians complaining. And out. |
| deleted user 22.06.2004 16:45 |
Penetration_guru I really had enough of your 5000 and more posts of pure criticism and arrogance; you'd better shut up instead of saying such violent and ignorant words. by the way, sweden and denmark tied 2-2 and then they STOPPED PLAYING: yeah, fair play. yeah, very strange. Italy is a country full of fault but we do respect the rules and we put heart and passion in everything. We are out from the tournament but while we lose as footballers, we win and we will always win as human beings. bye bye and see you in Germany in 2 years. ah yes, i forgot: Del Piero, you are shit. |
| Penetration_Guru 22.06.2004 16:45 |
I confess I was cheering Bulgaria...until Sweden got their second. Then I was roaring for Italy to score, just to see their faces. And it was perfect..... Sorry to the Italians (who I did predict would win the tournament), but your team got what they deserved. |
| deleted user 22.06.2004 16:54 |
"Then I was roaring for Italy to score, just to see their faces." shame on you, you're the perfect example of "not fair play", you're a shame for your country, which I really love. Sport doesnt need people like you, I even guess you always got your ass on a sofa spitting rage on a queen forum and never practice any sport. shame. |
| willem-jan 8923 22.06.2004 17:10 |
Well, Italy simply didn't deserve to go on, if you look at their play. The same goes for France and Germany. If you play without passion, and don't attack, there's no need to go further to the quarter finals (IMHO) |
| AC 22.06.2004 17:31 |
Penetration Guru, just because you're an idiot, you don't have to share your stupidity with us. Thank you and sochmel. |
| Hitman 22.06.2004 17:58 |
without roaring...i agree with who says that italy did not deserve the qualifications and i'm italian :) |
| deleted user 22.06.2004 17:59 |
Sorry in advance to all Italians in this room (a country which I seriously love, for its food, its history, its culture and most especially the movies you folks made), but I just couldn't resist picking up this "cricket and softball"-comment: For a bunch of people who only ever play cricket and softball in their life and don't understand much of football (wait a minute...didn't they basically invent the whole damn thing ?), the English team (especially Rooney who just comes out of the locker and plays instead of holding awful "I'm better than anyone of you"-speeches at press conferences) really played a hell of a lot better so far than the Italian one. Once again: Sorry in advance. However, I have to say you guys from Italy take all of this far too seriously (and I know what I'm talking about, having just watched the game with about a dozen of Italians). There's always a "too much", even in putting one's heart and passion (as you say) into something as wonderful - but also trivial - as football. No wonder P_G is having a deserved field day |
| MexQueenFM 22.06.2004 18:00 |
i wanted to see Italy in the finals, damn |
| deleted user 22.06.2004 18:22 |
Philipp, your post is really great and i agree with everything you wrote. maybe i exhagerated in saying the "cricket and softball" thing and yes, in italy we take it too much but football is something that keep people going together, from north to south. I prefer taking it too serious than spitting on my country or showing my stupidity as some qzers did in some previous posts; I'm proud of being italian and my football national team is just an occasion to show it, despite the bad result. Now I go and watch the "cake" that sweden and denmark made: just to prove that all the countries who felt offended about italy complaining before the match are even worse than italy itself. As Buffon said, we would have never done such a bad thing and he would have never accepted to get 2 goals "for free". Shit happens, especially outside Italy. cheers |
| Holly2003 22.06.2004 18:54 |
Anyone who alleges that Sweden and Denmark "fixed" the result either doesn't know anything about football or didn't watch the game. When it reached 2:2 with about 2 minutes left both sides then obviously "agreed" just to play out the final 2 minutes. If you are going to claim that Italy or anyone else would not have done the same for those last two minutes then you can't be taken seriously. BTW in the past it was the Italians who set the standard for diving, cheating, and kicking opponents off the field. They also gave us the first sight of players holding up an imaginary yellow card to the Ref in the hope of getting the opposition player booked. As PG says, for Italy to moan in advance about a "fix" was nothing but a cynical and very obvious attempt at shit-stirring. |
| Vb 22.06.2004 21:51 |
OH YE§!!!! CIAO SPAIN! did any here think it was fixed play? |
| Lawyeris 23.06.2004 01:09 |
Holly2003 wrote: Anyone who alleges that Sweden and Denmark "fixed" the result either doesn't know anything about football or didn't watch the game. When it reached 2:2 with about 2 minutes left both sides then obviously "agreed" just to play out the final 2 minutes. If you are going to claim that Italy or anyone else would not have done the same for those last two minutes then you can't be taken seriously.I agree, when Sweden tied result 2 minutes left, it's understandable nobody wanted to risk, also there were not much power left to change the world, esp after high speed of 88 min playing in rain, so players just decided to end the match in peace and quietness. |
| deleted user 23.06.2004 02:17 |
Holly, compliments for having won the rugby world championship, that's the only tournament you should talk about. I watched swe-den and it's been a strange match since the beginning...come on, even a stupid may understand how strange is that the match ends 2-2, after everyone was afraid of that. 2-2 is not a common and easy result just like 0-0 or even 1-1... But I don't want to regret about it, we had to win the first match against denmark; if so, we wouldn't talk about all this shit. Envious people was waiting for Italy kicked out from the tournament and there you have it. But after reading some stupid and senseless comments, i'm no more sure to support england, a team that i like... nor i would support swe or den for their poor fair play shown...nor i would support france because they are our historycal enemies...uhm... yeah, GO GREECE!!! :) |
| pma 23.06.2004 02:23 |
Loved the Danish flag with 2-2 on it and the huge white banner that said something like "2-2 and the spaghettis are out" (shown before the start of the game). Now if the Swe-Den game was rigged, all I can say is that they surely did act out a real football game, rather convincingly. Could have fooled me... |
| The Mir@cle 23.06.2004 02:38 |
The last Swedish goal was too accidental. The Danish keeper let the bal go to easily. But I found it understandable, I've would done the same: 2-2. And Italy couldn't impress this tournament so I think Sweden and Denmark deserve to go to the next round. I like there attacking style more than the defending Italian style. Hopefully Holland will win tonight and Czech Republic and Germany will tie. Then Holland will meet Sweden in the next round. Interesting game! |
| Holly2003 23.06.2004 03:05 |
"Holly, compliments for having won the rugby world championship, that's the only tournament you should talk about." Thanks, but I didn't win the Rugby World Cup, and neither did my team (Ulster) as they didn't enter the competition. I'm only a lukewarm "Ireland" supporter and I'll stay that way until the IRFU acknowledges that there are two traditions on the island and gives equal parity to the Northern Ireland flag, alternates games between Dublin and Belfast etc. "come on, even a stupid may understand how strange is that the match ends 2-2, after everyone was afraid of that" On the contrary, it is stupid to think that a 2-2 game could be engineered without it being really obvious. This was a highly competitive game and there is no evidence at all that it was fixed. Blatant "fixes" like the Austria/Germany or Argentina/Peru games are easy to spot. "Envious people was waiting for Italy kicked out from the tournament" Personally I'm glad Italy is out because of (1) their arrogant allegations which won them very few friends and (2) because both Sweden and Denmark play better football. That's not envy, it's justice. "nor i would support swe or den for their poor fair play shown" There was no "poor fair play" at all, except for the last 2 minutes. Are you claiming Italy would not have done the same? |
| deleted user 23.06.2004 03:10 |
Yes, ITALY WOULDN'T HAVE DONE THE SAME! as pointed out by all italian players! but i wont complain about the other match unless i'm provoked, so leave me alone and keep talkin about how bad italy played, not about swe-den being a regular match, you're just fools or blind if you say that! for football's sake |
| jorge 23.06.2004 03:13 |
hangman wrote: I feel sorry for all you spainish, I can imagine your disappointment...I hope Italy won't get the same result!Another great team out of the Euro, the "squadra azzurra" my big fav, bad luck (vs Sweden)lack of concentration (first was Totti, now was Materazzi)and a arbitrage a little doubtful(with Ivanov) "Occupational hazards of the work" Who's the next?, Holland or Germany Pity for Italian people, now finish will be: Czech Republic - France |
| Fenderek 23.06.2004 03:14 |
The thing is- Italians didn't lose because of their last game... They lost around 60th minute of a Italy- Sweden game... Were wining 1:0, took off the best players and change the tactic to miserable defence... Till then they were better and had they continuead playing same way, they would have either scored another goal or still won it 1:0... Would the result of Sweden- Denmark matter then...? |
| deleted user 23.06.2004 03:22 |
I'm with fenderek this time, and thanks to Jorge for your words as well. |
| Penetration_Guru 23.06.2004 03:34 |
I'm an idiot because I momentarily enjoyed the schadefreude of watching Italy, for so long the most defensive team on the planet, having to hammer forward to get a late goal that by the time they got it had just been rendered irrelevant? Sorry, I can't see how I'm stupid & senseless. There is humour in life, and that includes football. The juxtaposition of the final whistle in the other game & Italy's goal was too good to ignore. And anyone who now decides not to support England now because of my comments is not as intelligent as I thought they were....see page one of this thread for my expectations of the Italy team. Finally, who did the Italian FA blame for their loss in the last world cup? The Korean FA, FIFA, the Central American ref (who they complained about so much that he hasn't reffed a game since), anyone.....EXCEPT the team. Last night served them right, and I stand by every word ( I would have done the same if any set of four teams were in this position, incidentally, including England, who I only watch to make sure Utd players don't get injured). Have a lovely day. |
| deleted user 23.06.2004 03:50 |
"There is humour in life, and that includes football" yes, now you just have to learn to use humour and not ignorance and cinism in your posts, then you're ok. oh, by the way: referee Byron Moreno, some months after the World Cup, was involved in a corruption case in Ecuador where he was in politic: he has been sacked by fifa and his politic movement in few months... instead of using 1000s posts to tell people to use google, try to use it as well and get informed. |
| Lawyeris 23.06.2004 05:05 |
Dont forget, when result became 2-1, Denmark still were attacking as strong as they did it previous, and only thanx to Sweden's goalkeeper, result didnt become 3-1 or 4-1. Why they had to risk to kick third goal, if they were agreed on tie result 2-2? If they were pretending and acted the result, we must agree then, they really deserve an OSCAR for it. But the truth is, it was fair and uncompromising match just ended with tie result 2-2. And this result 2-2 for such offensive style teams is very normal and common, the same as 1-1 or 1-0 for such defensive style teams as Italy or German. |
| -fatty- 2850 23.06.2004 06:20 |
Don't worry PG. Your comments have not changed my views on the England Team. fatty. |
| Fenderek 23.06.2004 08:57 |
"Don't worry PG. Your comments have not changed my views on the England Team." LMAO- but what will you do IF they actually win it...? ANYWAY Today is time for Germans to go home... Just like fatty will cheer up anyone playing england, I cheer up anyone playing Germany... PLUS- I really support Czech team in this tournament! They can win it!!! |
| -fatty- 2850 23.06.2004 09:16 |
Well here's a theory. In 1966 England won the World Cup. They were understandably chuffed and continued to whoop it up until they came to Hampden a year later and got gubbed off Scotland. So if England do win the tournament, Scotland will allow them to enjoy a moment or two of glory before wiping the smiles off their red and white painted fizzers in 2005. Meanwhile back in the real world...... Seriously, I don't hate England. They have a team they can be proud of and 99.9% of their fans are decent human beings. Sadly it's the shaved monkeys with the four foot foreheads that grab all the headlines. If England win, I'll put my foot through the telly but I'll get over it. fatty. |
| Mr. Scully 23.06.2004 09:50 |
Fenderek, I don't wanna disappoint you but the rumour is that our coach will for this unimportant match try almost all the remaining players, that possibly means 9 different players. With such a B-team we can hardly win. On the other hand, Germany is not the most popular team here and I'm sure the players will do everything for victory. |
| The Real Wizard 23.06.2004 11:15 |
I just have to say, yesterday I watched the Italy/Bulgaria game with a bunch of Italians in a bar, and these were the most stuck-up people I have ever met. They couldn't stand any constructive criticism about the Italian team (telling me and others to go to another tv with our "negativity"), and constantly blaming the refereeing. I just said to them, if you have a good team, they'll score, so shut up! Clearly they were chaos-intolerant people who just couldn't stand anything that wasn't 100% pro-Italy. However, they seemed to have no problem cutting Germany to shreds, which they knew was the team I'm cheering for. Hypocracy sucks, doesn't it? I sure hope all Italians, or even the majority, aren't like this. |
| Fenderek 23.06.2004 12:17 |
"nderek, I don't wanna disappoint you but the rumour is that our coach will for this unimportant match try almost all the remaining players, that possibly means 9 different players." Well- if Germans are gonna play like against Latvia- you'll win even with the B-team...!:) |
| AC 23.06.2004 14:06 |
Laughing at Cassano's tears is stupid, idiot. |
| Sonja 23.06.2004 17:04 |
Bye bye Germany. What an embarrassing appearance in this championship. |
| Mr Mercury 23.06.2004 17:18 |
Sonja wrote: Bye bye Germany. What an embarrassing appearance in this championship.Yeah, they were that bad even Scotland could have given them a run for their money Dave |
| Mr Coolest Cat 23.06.2004 17:58 |
How the so called mighty have fallen, Spain, Italy and now Germany, their boring miserable football won't be missed, you can sit back now and watch us continue to the championship. GO ENGLAND GO. |
| Mr Coolest Cat 23.06.2004 18:00 |
How the mighty fall, Spain, Italy and now the Germans bite the dust, never mind, you can all watch football come home for the next week or so. GO ENGLAND GO |
| Penetration_Guru 23.06.2004 18:14 |
Nice google line, hangman.... The president of the FA was quoted this morning as saying, without seeing the other game, "The way the scores went, it is obvious that there was a fix", although I can't be bothered searching for a link, I'll just trust the BBC.... Quod Erat Demonstandum |
| Plengel 23.06.2004 18:16 |
Phew.... The Netherlands advanced to the quarter finals. Too bad it's agains Sweden (I've always had a weak spot for them), but anyway, thanks Czech Republic!!! I've never cheered so much for a Czech Goal than this night :D Schade Deutschland, Alles ist vorbei!!! Rudi, heb je lama gezien?!?!?!?! |
| Sonja 24.06.2004 00:11 |
Plengel wrote: Phew.... I've never cheered so much for a Czech Goal than this night :D Schade Deutschland, Alles ist vorbei!!!LOL! Neither have I! Congrats Holland and Czech. And now... GO BRITS!!! |
| Holly2003 24.06.2004 00:20 |
"GO BRITS!!!" The only time the English call themselves Brits is when a Scottish/N.Irish/Welsh athlete/boxer/artist etc does well, or when English fans riot. Suddenly rioting English fans magically transform into "British" ... Frankly, most non-English Brits want to see the English turned over as early in the tournament as possible. Having said that, it's nice to see the sheepshaggers, bogtrotters and the ladyboys get stuffed too. |
| Bob The Shrek 24.06.2004 00:49 |
It's only the English fans that riot because the Scots, Welsh and Irish rarely qualify *meow* Saucer of milk for the fat bloke ;-) |
| Holly2003 24.06.2004 01:59 |
Is that deadpan humour Bob (geddit?) BTW England will be playing the mighty Northern Ireland on the following dates in World Cup qualifiers: 26 March 2005 - (Old Trafford?) 7 September 2005 - (Windsor Park, Belfast) Are any of you English types planning to be there? |
| Bob The Shrek 24.06.2004 02:43 |
Not me - I am a lazy, tight bastard, armchair supporter. I haven't paid to see a football match for years, I just don't think it is value for money - especially being a Chelsea supporter! £30 for the crappiest seat at Stamford Bridge for 90 minutes of 'entertainment' - no thank you, I like football but not THAT much. |
| Mr. Scully 24.06.2004 03:27 |
I think it was a really poor performance from us (Czechs) yesterday but with 9 (!) players from B-team there's no wonder. On the other hand, if Germany loses with such a team, then they don't deserve to advance further. Pity for us, now we can (theoretically) meet the strong Dutch team in the finale. |
| AC 24.06.2004 06:26 |
Dear Penetration Guru, no-one here in Italy wants to know what that idiot of the president of the FA has to say. Quod Demonstrandum Erat, anyway. |
| deleted user 24.06.2004 07:38 |
Isn't QED a fixed phrase ? |
| iGSM 24.06.2004 08:19 |
Yes. But it always screams 'I AM A HAT' in the extended version. |
| Fenderek 24.06.2004 08:41 |
Didn't I say that Germans would go home?? FANTASTIC! I wanted three good teams out because of their style- Spain, Italy and Germany... Well? Is it only me or is this tournament a really good one? Compared to this parody two years ago (World Cup 2002) it's awesome!!! |
| Sonja 24.06.2004 12:54 |
Holly2003 wrote: "GO BRITS!!!" The only time the English call themselves Brits is when a Scottish/N.Irish/Welsh athlete/boxer/artist etc does well, or when English fans riot. Suddenly rioting English fans magically transform into "British" ... Frankly, most non-English Brits want to see the English turned over as early in the tournament as possible. Having said that, it's nice to see the sheepshaggers, bogtrotters and the ladyboys get stuffed too.Ok, didn't really get it but... GO ENGLAND then!!! |
| Mr Mercury 24.06.2004 17:38 |
Portugal 2 England 2 (Portugal win on penalties) Tough luck. Penalties again. At least you guys got there Dave |
| Penetration_Guru 24.06.2004 17:47 |
hangman - your goalkeeper said something similar. England were shite. A big hoof, defensive mistake and a little luck gives them an early lead, and they try to sit on it in a way that English teams NEVER can. John Terry decides a) not to mark, then b) not to head a cross, and suprise surprise it's a draw. David James decides to use the wrong hand to get to Rui Costa's shot and they need a miracle. Which bizarrely turns up. Then a 50/50 ball with the keeper goes in, but is ALWAYS going to be given as a foul. Sol Campbell forgets this, and reprises his headless chicken act from 1998, ignoring the restart of the game. It wasn't a foul, but it's always going to be given. So, penalties. Beckham clips the ball with his standing foot, David James gets nowhere near any of them, and the Portugese keeper shows his cojones. Gloves off, ball in the corner, see you. At no stage did England look like keeping a clean sheet, or even getting out of their half a lot of the time. Tactically Sven Goran Erikson is atrocious, the players weren't fit, couldn't string passes together and were lucky to survive as long as they did. English commentators are blaming the ref, which is bollocks. Portugal were better today. |
| Bob The Shrek 24.06.2004 17:50 |
Agreed PG - as much as I wanted us to go through to the semi's, I thought England were totally outplayed tonight. |
| Mr Mercury 24.06.2004 18:13 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: English commentators are blaming the ref, which is bollocks. Portugal were better today.For me, the English commentators ruined the games for me by constantly referring to the England team during matches that had f&ck all to do with them. This was topped off with the classic "Rooney is the new Pele" quote. Now I think the lad is good, but he is no where near Pele's standard. And for the record, I actually wanted England to win, but only for the english members of my family - but even that was soured because of said commentators (and the media in general). Dave |
| deleted user 24.06.2004 18:15 |
I'm a real gentleman, so I'm gonna say nothing at all. goodnight everybody...yes, everybody. |
| The Mir@cle 25.06.2004 03:40 |
A bit late but I like to thank Czech Republic for them service. And about England? They didn't deserve to go to the next round. Portugal was stronger, took more risks. By the way, England seem to have the same problem as the Dutch. They can't win a penalty shootout. Of the last five times England lost four. And Holland lost four penalty shootouts in a row. |
| The Real Wizard 25.06.2004 17:43 |
Greece over France... can't believe they held on! So five mighty teams are out: Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and now France... wow. |
| AC 25.06.2004 18:10 |
Wow. |
| Sonja 26.06.2004 00:36 |
I so wanted Greece to win!! Great news after England's knockout! |
| Banquo 26.06.2004 06:27 |
We were bloody awful and probably deserve to go out. Blaming the ref is easier than admitting that Sven got it totally wrong (again). Bringing on Phil Neville was suicide, now I like him he is a very good player, versatile, I'd have rather have seen Nicky Butt to sure up the midfield which was getting dicked more and more as the game wore on. Beckham should have never taken the first penalty. I was right about David James though. |
| Fenderek 26.06.2004 06:44 |
So BLOODY fantastic!!! French didn't show ANYTHING!!! They seem like they were expecting Greeks to ask for autographs and go home... Well, they're the ones who're going...:) AMAZING! ********************************* England... OH-MY-GOD! Second good team they're playing and second lost... After they won against Switzerland and Croatia they thought they're world champions or sth... Forgetting that you need to win against better ones as well... What's with this desperate defending...? Why, after scoring anything they had to go so deep, ESPECIALLY if it was so difficult for them to keep clean sheet... They deserved to go home... Feel a bit for Rooney, but... if the nation's succes is on 18-year old shoulders... |
| -fatty- 2850 26.06.2004 08:30 |
I'm happy now. You won't hear another word on the subject from me until the World Cup in 2006. Here's hoping Wayne Rooney gets a deep vein thrombosis before then. fatty. |
| Wayne Gretzky 26.06.2004 11:17 |
Let's hope Sweden wins tonight! |
| Penetration_Guru 26.06.2004 12:07 |
Banquo....Sir Nicholas of Gorton only currently has one good knee. Ledley King was the only alternative to Pip, and he was back in London helping some tart to breathe.... Hangman...reports have come through of Italians throwing eggs at the Danish Consulate over there (presumably they couldn't find the Swedish one). Are they all relatives of the President of the FA? You may have felt my comments were unpleasant, but I feel they have been validated by subsequent events such as these. And since you're now not even engaging in discussion on the subject, it looks like that may be the last word. |
| AC 26.06.2004 13:59 |
You're ridiculous. |
| Virtuoso 26.06.2004 17:32 |
Fuck Sweden have lost... |
| bleeding heart show 26.06.2004 17:41 |
Congrats to Netherlands. |
| ~* Queen4Ever *~ 27.06.2004 02:11 |
My Fav Italy,France,Holland,Germany. 3 of the above are gone. I hate Ruud Van bcos he plays for Man Utd but I was cheering him last night bcos he plays for Holland. Italy are always unlucky.It was so sad to see Cassano cry after he scored. |
| Cool Cat 27.06.2004 06:19 |
YIPEE!!! Holland won! Could anyone imagine Holland winning in a penalty schoot out? But we did won! Now Portugal is next, will be a though one, but we have a good team so I think we'll pull through. I think we have a good change of winning the Championship! A bit late I know but I have to say it: Schade Deutchland alles ist vorbei...Aufwiedersehen!! Ghe ghe... |
| Sonja 27.06.2004 06:25 |
I don't know.. I've got the feeling that Czech will make it this time. But let's first see what happens tonight. |
| deleted user 27.06.2004 06:58 |
*** SUPERIORITY MADE ME REMOVE THE POST *** |
| Sonja 27.06.2004 14:42 |
Stop the fighting you two! GO CZECH tonight!!! Now!! |
| The Mir@cle 27.06.2004 17:15 |
You're right Sonja, they behave like little children.. What a wonderful match yesterday against Sweden. Holland played very weak, but winning after penalties is very special for us. Against Portugal it will be very tough to win. But we have a good chance. I hope we will meet Czech Republic again in the final. Czech Republic is the strongest team of this tournament and deserve to become champion. |
| Mr. Scully 28.06.2004 03:19 |
Not a good performance from us yesterday. Perfect defence but the offence lacked any ideas for the whole first half. Luckily Denmark didn't play well either and after an hour we finally showed some skills. If I could bet... the finale will be Czech Republic - Holland and the chances will be 50/50. IF Pavel Nedved doesn't get a second yellow card in the semi-finale, it could be like 55/45 for us. If he does, it will be 55/45 for Holland. |
| The Mir@cle 28.06.2004 03:55 |
Denmark had no striker because Sand was injured. That's the main reason why they created no chances. And of course, Czech Republic have a stronger team then the Danish. |
| Fenderek 28.06.2004 04:15 |
Baros is THE MAN!!! Wonderful performance! Outstanding! |
| Mr. Scully 28.06.2004 04:38 |
Baros is a genius. But we didn't have many chances either and that scares me a bit. Against Greece we need more chances, they're a defensive team. |
| Sonja 28.06.2004 08:25 |
I also believe that the final will be Holland - Czech but I'm still hoping to see Portugal in the final. Czech will win this. They're the strongest team and they have Baros who is indeed a genius! |
| The Mir@cle 28.06.2004 09:44 |
"I'm still hoping to see Portugal" Well Sonja, this is the first time you disapoint me. But for someone with Brazilian blood, I can understand it. By the way, Baros is a genius... and Robben is god |
| YourValentine 01.07.2004 18:28 |
Well, it's Portugal and Greece, after all! Holland just lost, Portugal even scored the goal for Holland. The Czechs, however, are the unluckiest team of the tournament. For the second time in history they were the victim of the stupid golden/silver goal rule. I really feel bad for this team which was the best, in my opinion. Plus I lost 10 euros... |
| Fenderek 01.07.2004 22:00 |
Well... Unfortunatelly, the Czechs played their worst game in this tournament... I feel for Nedved... Without him the whole thing TODAY just didn't work... And why there were no changes...? Mark Heinz- he already prooved to be a super-sub, why there were no substitutions apart from that Nedved- Smicer one? |
| Sonja 01.07.2004 23:52 |
Never expected that!!!! I was expecting Holland - Czech in the final! I'm so happy for Greece, and of course for Portugal, too! Both of them deserve it. I am really looking forward to the final! |
| Mr. Scully 02.07.2004 02:03 |
Yes, our worst game in the tournament... but we still had more chances that the Greeks. Until the overtime; the Greeks were better in overtime and no wonder they scored. Hopefully Portugal will win, they really deserve that. The Greeks play like we did 8 years ago - heavy defence, one goal each game and it's silver. Not much enjoyable. I feel sorry for Nedved too. And I agree that Marek Heinz should have played, maybe instead of Smicer who hasn't played a good game for years. |
| Sonja 02.07.2004 10:01 |
Mr. Scully wrote: Hopefully Portugal will win, they really deserve that. The Greeks play like we did 8 years ago - heavy defence, one goal each game and it's silver. Not much enjoyable.The entire match yesterday was boring. I was actually almost sleeping as my friend suddenly shoutet at me "goooooooaaaaallll". Made me jump!!! GO PORTUGAL!!!! |
| Plengel 02.07.2004 12:12 |
I actually hope that Greece will become European Champion. Who would have thought of that. What a suprise and then to think that Holland beat Greece with 4-0 while preparing for Euro 2004. |
| Penetration_Guru 03.07.2004 11:51 |
Heart says Portugal 3 Greece 0 (Ronaldo hat trick) Head says Portugal 1 Greece 2 (Ronaldo consolation, as per first game) |
| The Real Wizard 03.07.2004 12:40 |
I think Greece's luck will run out. I predict a Portugal slaughter, 3-0. |
| Penetration_Guru 04.07.2004 16:38 |
Don't you just hate it when I'm right? |
| The Real Wizard 04.07.2004 21:05 |
Honestly, I did cheer for Greece, but I didn't think they'd be able to do it. Good on them! A proud day for Greece. |
| Sonja 05.07.2004 00:38 |
Guitar Hero wrote: Honestly, I did cheer for Greece, but I didn't think they'd be able to do it. Good on them! A proud day for Greece.No one thought they'd make it. And that makes it all even more exciting! But after they kicked Czech out I could imagine that they could be able to do it, I mean first France, then Czech. A team that beats them both is able to beat Portugal as well. But I didn't really believe it. Well done and well deserved Greece! But I'm a little bit sorry for Portugal, too. |
| The Mir@cle 05.07.2004 03:57 |
Yeah, what a surprise. Greece won two times from Portugal, from Czech Republic and France so they deserved the title. But I think it's not good for the game football that they've won the title. Greece play like cowards, ultra defending. |
| Plengel 05.07.2004 06:43 |
Time to collect the 50 Euro I've won, this European Championship :) |
| Sonja 05.07.2004 09:05 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Yeah, what a surprise. Greece won two times from Portugal, from Czech Republic and France so they deserved the title. But I think it's not good for the game football that they've won the title. Greece play like cowards, ultra defending.No, I think it's great for football that Greece won! It shows that there ain't no so-called "football nations" anymore, with Spain, Italy, Germany going home before the quarters, followed by France and England. It shows that even countries that never were a big name in football are able to play well and to win. And Greece played so much better than most of the big ones, actually better than all of them. |
| Mr. Scully 07.07.2004 04:11 |
Greece won, football lost. Greece probably "deserved" the title, because of their tactics. But you can win the championship this way once, not twice. In semi-finale and finale they just kept kicking the balls away from their half, they had one or two chances in each match and always from corner kicks only! Portugal played a really bad game in the finale, just like France. We (Czech Republic) at least had several excellent chances against Greece, it's our fault that we failed to score. Portugal had probably two chances in the whole match. |
| The Mir@cle 07.07.2004 04:18 |
I totally agree with you Scully, though Sonja's point of view is interesting too. I hope the future will bring us champions with attacking styles of play. Like Czech Republic and Portugal showed this tournament. And now Advocaat is fired, Holland will play attractive too in the future. |
| Fenderek 08.07.2004 10:25 |
I wanted anyone but Greece... Geee, feel for Czechs- such an amazing team, such a great style and... semis... Well- maybe Germany 2006, World Cup? Baros will be two years better, Nedved will have his last tournament (probably), few young, exiting players will become stars (I'm sure) and... Just hope Bruckner will remain as coach... Well, the qualifiers for the next World Cup start soon! England beware! Poland arrives! For those who don't know- just before euro, our team played Greece in Szczecin and... won 1:0! It was Greeks last game before tournament! To add 4:3 against Italy in November 2003 and few other good results- beware! We're gonna kick your ass this time! Same to Northern Ireland and Wales!;) |