Don't know how it works, but I thought it might be fun to set up a poule here at the org.

Anybody up for it?

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

Dewrede said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

Unlikely, but even so, Holland won't win the cup.

My bet:

Group A ----- Friday June 8

Poland wins from Greece 2-1

Tsjech and Russia 1-1

Group B ----- Saturday June 9

Holland wins from Denmark 2-1

Portugal wins from Germany 3 -2 (I think this will be an exciting game)

Group C ------ Sunday June 10

Italy wins from Spain 3 -2

Ireland wins from Kroatia 1 - 0

Group D ------- Monday June 11

France wins from England 1- 0 (this one is going to be nasty)

Oekrain and Sweden 1 -1

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

I'm still traumatised by the Holland - Portugal bribed referee causes messy game experience

So, next to Holland, Germany is my favorite in Group B

I have no clue how the Dutch will be this year. Also, I don't know witch referees, goal keepers, or coaches have been bribed this tournament We'll know at quarter finals probably.

I really hope final is going to be between Germany and Holland. Just because those two are my favorites.

I'm not as confident about Holland as I was in the last two tournaments though.

PANDURITO said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

I have a hunch Spain will get pretty far, I hope not, however, they might even make it to the finals.

dJJ said:

PANDURITO said:

I have a hunch Spain will get pretty far, I hope not, however, they might even make it to the finals.

How often have the defending champions made it to the finals? How often have the defending European and World Champions made it to the finals?

Trust me, Spain is going down.

dJJ said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

I'm still traumatised by the Holland - Portugal bribed referee causes messy game experience

So, next to Holland, Germany is my favorite in Group B

I have no clue how the Dutch will be this year. Also, I don't know witch referees, goal keepers, or coaches have been bribed this tournament We'll know at quarter finals probably.

I really hope final is going to be between Germany and Holland. Just because those two are my favorites.

I'm not as confident about Holland as I was in the last two tournaments though.

Two years ago Holland's game was pretty horrible, except for the second half against against Brazil. The match against Uruguay was okay.

So far in the friendlies they've played like shit as well. It's highly unlikely a team does well even though they play like shit two tournaments in a row. So unless they start playing well all of a sudden I really don't see them make it to the finals. They're out of luck. Robben should have scored a goal in the finals. They won't have another chance like that for at least another decade.

EvilAngel said:

dJJ said:

I have a hunch Spain will get pretty far, I hope not, however, they might even make it to the finals.

How often have the defending champions made it to the finals? How often have the defending European and World Champions made it to the finals?

Trust me, Spain is going down.

I feel guilty about it, and I know I shouldn't. But that picture made me laugh.

EvilAngel said:

dJJ said:

I'm still traumatised by the Holland - Portugal bribed referee causes messy game experience

So, next to Holland, Germany is my favorite in Group B

I have no clue how the Dutch will be this year. Also, I don't know witch referees, goal keepers, or coaches have been bribed this tournament We'll know at quarter finals probably.

I really hope final is going to be between Germany and Holland. Just because those two are my favorites.

I'm not as confident about Holland as I was in the last two tournaments though.

Two years ago Holland's game was pretty horrible, except for the second half against against Brazil. The match against Uruguay was okay.

So far in the friendlies they've played like shit as well. It's highly unlikely a team does well even though they play like shit two tournaments in a row. So unless they start playing well all of a sudden I really don't see them make it to the finals. They're out of luck. Robben should have scored a goal in the finals. They won't have another chance like that for at least another decade.

Nasty but true.

And Robben is consistent with missing goals, isn't he?! He also can't do it for the Germans.

I have a problem this saturday though. A friend throws her party.

She will not forgive me if I cancel.

And I don't understand how she can put me in this position. I want to watch the games

dJJ said:

I have a problem this saturday though. A friend throws her party.

She will not forgive me if I cancel.

And I don't understand how she can put me in this position. I want to watch the games

She will be a horrible host if she won't let her guests watch the game.

dJJ said:

EvilAngel said:

Two years ago Holland's game was pretty horrible, except for the second half against against Brazil. The match against Uruguay was okay.

So far in the friendlies they've played like shit as well. It's highly unlikely a team does well even though they play like shit two tournaments in a row. So unless they start playing well all of a sudden I really don't see them make it to the finals. They're out of luck. Robben should have scored a goal in the finals. They won't have another chance like that for at least another decade.

Nasty but true.

And Robben is consistent with missing goals, isn't he?! He also can't do it for the Germans.

Sometimes he scores important goals and sometimes he doesn't. It's not like he fails every single time. Shit, I never played in front of more than a few hundred people, but I could definitely feel the pressure at times. Can't even imagine what it's like to play in a stadium with tens of thousands of people and millions watching at home.

EvilAngel said:

dJJ said:

I have a problem this saturday though. A friend throws her party.

She will not forgive me if I cancel.

And I don't understand how she can put me in this position. I want to watch the games

She will be a horrible host if she won't let her guests watch the game.

Yeah, but it will be just me in front of the tv, while the other girls will try to lure me away from it because they don't feel excited at all.

women

dJJ said:

EvilAngel said:

She will be a horrible host if she won't let her guests watch the game.

Yeah, but it will be just me in front of the tv, while the other girls will try to lure me away from it because they don't feel excited at all.

women

No one who enjoys watching soccer/football at all?

EvilAngel said:

dJJ said:

Yeah, but it will be just me in front of the tv, while the other girls will try to lure me away from it because they don't feel excited at all.

women

No one who enjoys watching soccer/football at all?

Not in that group, no.

I think I'll go to my parents. Which means I'm away the whole weekend and can to to the pub with my kid brothers and his friends to see the games.

I'ts cowardly, however the most peaceful solution imo.

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

only if Satan kills Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Silva and Mata

so, no...

Russia,

Czech Republic,

Germany,

Holland,

Spain,

Italy,

France and

England

are the teams that will make it to the quarter finals, Portugal won't make it, but if they do, that means Germany or Holland will be eliminated, "Group of Death" indeed; after that, who knows... I only know that Holland and Spain are the obvious candidates, followed closely by Germany and England if they don't blow it, lol

[Edited 6/5/12 17:40pm]

I shall be supporting EVERY team that play against England.

It's what we do.

I quite fancy Germany though.

Russia Top

Czech 2nd

Holland Top

Germany 2nd

Spain Top

Ireland 2nd(fingers crossed).......C'mon you boys in green!!!!!

France Top

Sweden 2nd (hope its England though)

Either way we will have 3 great nights out in Ireland.

England aint gonna do shit with the squad. Jordan Henderson? Really mayne?

Holland's winning the Euros.

AsherFierce said:

England aint gonna do shit with the squad. Jordan Henderson? Really mayne?

Holland's winning the Euros.

I do hope so. Big party in Amsterdam.

On the other hand, it's a lot of upheaval if they come far. Very distracting.

Best of luck to France, Sweden and Ukraine for the first round.

Haven't been following it much this year. Sad to hear that England will lose Jermaine Defoe because his dad passed away.

maybe not edit

[Edited 6/7/12 9:30am]

JoeTyler said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

only if Satan kills Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Silva and Mata

so, no...

We'll talk again in a few weeks.

muirdo said:

I shall be supporting EVERY team that play against England.

It's what we do.

I quite fancy Germany though.

God knows who will win. My money is still on Spain though.

England will do poor. Our squad is crap. But then our so called "golden generation" always underperformed so who knows?

thesexofit said:

muirdo said:

I shall be supporting EVERY team that play against England.

It's what we do.

I quite fancy Germany though.

That's in my top 10 goals ever absolute cracker.

Im looking forward to a great tournament....I just hope the minority don't ruin it for the decent fans.

I was raging while watching Panorama the other night.

dJJ said:

My bet:

Group A ----- Friday June 8

Poland wins from Greece 2-1 1 -1

Tsjech and Russia 1-1 1-4

Group B ----- Saturday June 9

Holland wins from Denmark 2-1

Portugal wins from Germany 3 -2 (I think this will be an exciting game)

Group C ------ Sunday June 10

Italy wins from Spain 3 -2

Ireland wins from Kroatia 1 - 0

Group D ------- Monday June 11

France wins from England 1- 0 (this one is going to be nasty)

Oekrain and Sweden 1 -1

I wasn't quite right.

I'm very excited about tonight's games.

Honestly, I think Holland is not even going to the quarterfinals. But hey, I'll keep the hope up.

Dewrede said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

You wish!

I don't know how many more European or World Championships I can take, though. I'm a fucking nervous wreck. More dead than alive.

Phishanga said:

Dewrede said:

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

You wish!

We shall see next wednesday (June the 13th)

We're up against Denmark in 10 minutes

[Edited 6/9/12 8:53am]

Dewrede said:

Phishanga said:

You wish!

We shall see next wednesday (June the 13th)

We're up against Denmark in 10 minutes

[Edited 6/9/12 8:53am]

OMG! We (Denmark) actually won!! Nobody saw that coming..

^

yeah , congrats

well done , Denmark

Dewrede said:

^

yeah , congrats

well done , Denmark

Holland was a mess.

We're nothing without Van der Sar.

Well, we'll just have wednesday, and from then on, I don't have to be ashamed anymore and can openly declare I'm for Germany.

I will support Holland till they´r out of the championship (wednesday), and after that, I can fully support Germany.

I can't be open about my preference in Amsterdam, so I'll just vent it on the org

dJJ said:

Dewrede said:

^

yeah , congrats

well done , Denmark

Holland was a mess.

We're nothing without Van der Sar.

Well, we'll just have wednesday, and from then on, I don't have to be ashamed anymore and can openly declare I'm for Germany.

I will support Holland till they´r out of the championship (wednesday), and after that, I can fully support Germany.

I can't be open about my preference in Amsterdam, so I'll just vent it on the org

Holland has been a mess for some time. Even in 2010 they played liked shit most of the time (only played good 2nd half against Brazil and the match against Uruguay), but still made it to the finals. Seems like right now they're out of luck, but if they would have won 2-1 against Denmark most people who don't know shit about football/soccer wouldn't have complained about the bad play.

"Scorebord journalistiek" seems appropriate here.

[Edited 6/11/12 21:45pm]

The Ukraine game last night was really entertaining.

They're looking pretty good

My son is in Berlin right now. Pretty much every piece of clothing he took has something to do with the German national team, or Bayern Munich.

Hey dJJ

Guessing NONE is as difficult as guessing them all. Congrats

I'll watch the England games because I can't help but get excited by it all. As the competition progresses i'll watch a few of te other games.

One thing I noticed this year is that the England Team are looking a bit more handsome than usual. There are a few pretty boys in there. One even has a double-barrelled name.

dJJ said:

Dewrede said:

^

yeah , congrats

well done , Denmark

Holland was a mess.

We're nothing without Van der Sar.

Well, we'll just have wednesday, and from then on, I don't have to be ashamed anymore and can openly declare I'm for Germany.

I will support Holland till they´r out of the championship (wednesday), and after that, I can fully support Germany.

I can't be open about my preference in Amsterdam, so I'll just vent it on the org

Such confidence and support

Truly heartwarming

[Edited 6/12/12 15:00pm]

This may come in handy tomorrow

[Edited 6/12/12 16:00pm]

PANDURITO said:

Hey dJJ

Guessing NONE is as difficult as guessing them all. Congrats

Dewrede said:

This may come in handy tomorrow

[Edited 6/12/12 16:00pm]

Hush now.

We need to check Ronaldo's hair I mean it's just football

AndGodCreatedMe said:

PANDURITO said:

Hey dJJ

Guessing NONE is as difficult as guessing them all. Congrats

Yes. I do have a talent for it!

Very excited for the match of tonight.

Holland - Germany.

I have to be very secretive about my love for Germany tonight.

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Hush now.

We need to check Ronaldo's hair I mean it's just football

Super Mario!

OK, Holland SUCKS

and C.Ronaldo best world player????

JoeTyler said:

OK, Holland SUCKS

and C.Ronaldo best world player????

Messi's the best I've seen but I am a real neophyte soccer fan, so I could certainly be wrong.

dJJ said:

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Yes. I do have a talent for it!

Very excited for the match of tonight.

Holland - Germany.

I have to be very secretive about my love for Germany tonight.

Don't be. We are (mostly) playing very good football with an attack philosophy instead of just defending, not overtly agressive or rude. All good.

Phishanga said:

Germany was nailing Holland soooooooooooo hard that Low even had the time to make jokes and chill...

Holland is soooooooooo out of it.

Well, I did score though

Had a very fun and playful night.

JoeTyler said:

Phishanga said:

Germany was nailing Holland soooooooooooo hard that Low even had the time to make jokes and chill...

A German guy with humour. It was a wild night, indeed.

1-0

Holy...end of the game sofar

Come on England!

Shanti0608 said:

Come on England!

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Shanti0608 said:

Come on England!

Hi sexy lady!

England will be fine

Shanti0608 said:

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Hi sexy lady!

I made a bet 1-1

(pls do not let Phil read this )

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Shanti0608 said:

Hi sexy lady!

I made a bet 1-1

(pls do not let Phil read this )

I won't say a word especially now that it is not going to end 1-1

dJJ said:

England will be fine

Yuck

---------------------------------------------

Yum

Yesss we won!

Arsenal's Theo Walcott turned the game, yeah hes the man

[Edited 6/15/12 14:02pm]

We all know that tonight Holland is going to teach the Portugese how to play football.

They will win with at least 2 points difference and proceed to the next poule.

I thin it's going to be 4-1 , Holland 4 and Portugal 1.

And we all know I'm very good at predicting the outcome of the games.

dJJ said:

We all know that tonight Holland is going to teach the Portugese how to play football.

They will win with at least 2 points difference and proceed to the next poule.

I thin it's going to be 4-1 , Holland 4 and Portugal 1.

And we all know I'm very good at predicting the outcome of the games.

Watched last night cheering on the boys in Orange, it was like watching England, all that fantastic talent but so poor as a team. To make matters worse I had to watch that [Racial slur - luv4u] get two goals.

PREDOMINANT said:

dJJ said:

We all know that tonight Holland is going to teach the Portugese how to play football.

They will win with at least 2 points difference and proceed to the next poule.

I thin it's going to be 4-1 , Holland 4 and Portugal 1.

And we all know I'm very good at predicting the outcome of the games.

Watched last night cheering on the boys in Orange, it was like watching England, all that fantastic talent but so poor as a team. To make matters worse I had to watch that [Racial slur - luv4u] get two goals.

Although I would not say [Slur snip - luv4u] more anoying football player with an awful attitude (and a great hairdresser) and over paid.

sp edit

[Edited 6/18/12 4:11am]

AndGodCreatedMe said:

PREDOMINANT said:

Watched last night cheering on the boys in Orange, it was like watching England, all that fantastic talent but so poor as a team. To make matters worse I had to watch that [Racial slur - luv4u] get two goals.

Although I would not say [Snip - luv4u] more anoying football player with an awful attitude (and a great hairdresser) and over paid.

sp edit

[Edited 6/18/12 4:11am]

Ok, so I went a little far with my racial slur. Makes me mad that boy. How is the mood in dutchland today?

PREDOMINANT said:

AndGodCreatedMe said:

Although I would not say [Snip - luv4u] more anoying football player with an awful attitude (and a great hairdresser) and over paid.

sp edit

[Edited 6/18/12 4:11am]

Ok, so I went a little far with my racial slur. Makes me mad that boy. How is the mood in dutchland today?

Disappointed and the media is trying to pick someone out who to blame (but I am glad that all the orange flags, and what not, is disappearing in our neighbourhood)

AndGodCreatedMe said:

PREDOMINANT said:

Ok, so I went a little far with my racial slur. Makes me mad that boy. How is the mood in dutchland today?

Disappointed and the media is trying to pick someone out who to blame (but I am glad that all the orange flags, and what not, is disappearing in our neighbourhood)

I watched the game with my English neighbour. He tried to hide his pleasure about Holland getting their ass kicked. He didn't manage fully though.

I'm not sure who you are talking about, and who got the blame. I think Holland just wasn't very good.

And that's the general idea here. Media is not blaming one person. Media analysis is that there was no teamspirit. It was a bunch of big ego's not playing the way they can. There are top players in our team, and this outcome is ridicilous for their talent and skills.

The coach is getting a lot of SH**, eeh, negative feedback, about the way he formed the team. I think he is responsible for the lack of teamspirit. He favored Van Bommel. He should not have done that.

There's not much to say about it. The Dutch team just wasn't very good. And everybody could see that.

England did the bare minimum and topped the group LOL. Ukraine had more possession and let in an atrocious goal.

Having said that, their dissalowed goal did clearly cross the line. And the assistant standing on the touchline clearly saw it and still did not give Ukraine the goal LOL.

Cant wait to see Ballitelli on Sunday when England face Italy. We will probably lose but it should be a fun game.

Sweden surprised me by beating France 2-0 tonight.

thesexofit said:

England did the bare minimum and topped the group LOL. Ukraine had more possession and let in an atrocious goal.

Having said that, their dissalowed goal did clearly cross the line. And the assistant standing on the touchline clearly saw it and still did not give Ukraine the goal LOL.

I find it facinating how this is reported outside of the UK.

Yes, it clearly crossed the line, but the replay clearly shows the long ball in should have been offside, something most reports seem to leave out.

And now everyone is calling for goal line technology, including Sept Blatter today, yet there were very few voices calling for it when Frank Lampards non goal against Germany crossed the line in the world cup.

Just seems to be the usual anti English brigade, rather than a reporting of the facts. Its just sour grapes. The results over three matches tell the story.

Still bemused how the touch line official didn't see it!

I don't think it's anti English.

I think that by these kind of incidents, it's getting very clear that players, referees and their assistents get bribed.

And that still doesn't get researched intensively.

dJJ said:

I don't think it's anti English.

I think that by these kind of incidents, it's getting very clear that players, referees and their assistents get bribed.

And that still doesn't get researched intensively.

I don't think this one was a clear example of bribery. All of this happened so fast, no replay, no slow motion footage, pretty much impossible to call with certainty. The ball not landing on the ground and the defender swinging his leg make it so much harder. Anyone who thinks it's that easy to see should referee a few amateur matches on the weekends. Most people have no idea what the fuck they're talking about.

Okay, yah...

So who will win the championship??

Germany and Portugal have reached the semi finals by now. The two survivors of the 'group of death' respectively beat Greece and Chech republic with a strong performance.

Tomorrow Spain vs. France and then England vs. Italy. Two major classics I am looking forward to see.

I think Italy will beat England and France will beat Spain. Then Portugal will play France in the 1st semi and Germany vs Italy in the 2nd.

Final: Germany 2 - Portugal 0

Tremolina said:

Okay, yah...

So who will win the championship??

Germany and Portugal have reached the semi finals by now. The two survivors of the 'group of death' respectively beat Greece and Chech republic with a strong performance.

Tomorrow Spain vs. France and then England vs. Italy. Two major classics I am looking forward to see.

I think Italy will beat England and France will beat Spain. Then Portugal will play France in the 1st semi and Germany vs Italy in the 2nd.

Final: Germany 2 - Portugal 0

Not sure which other team will make it to the finals, but I think Germany will win and as I said before, Spain will not win the cup again.

When Germany held out Gomez and Muller, I was like WTF?!?

But they absolutely DOMINATED Greece, and the big guys didn't have to break much of a sweat.

Go Germany!

I'm rooting for England

Dewrede said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

oh how wrong i was

they were an embarrassment

RodeoSchro said:

When Germany held out Gomez and Muller, I was like WTF?!?

But they absolutely DOMINATED Greece, and the big guys didn't have to break much of a sweat.

Go Germany!

So you really thought Greece stood a change against them?

Dewrede said:

Dewrede said:

us Dutchies will whoop those krauts' asses

oh how wrong i was

they were an embarrassment

We were all hoping for something magical to happen, devine intervention if you will, but Holland is out of luck. They were very lucky 2 years ago, but now they have to face reality. I have to say that Holland is a great example of why the FIFA world ranking should be taken with a grain of salt. I believe back in August or September of 2011 they were ranked #1. The team nor their play really changed that much, they just faced better opponents.

^

sad but true

Dewrede said:

I'm rooting for England

Me too!

EvilAngel said:

RodeoSchro said:

When Germany held out Gomez and Muller, I was like WTF?!?

But they absolutely DOMINATED Greece, and the big guys didn't have to break much of a sweat.

Go Germany!

So you really thought Greece stood a change against them?

I'm a very new fan to soccer/football. I didn't think they did based on what I'd watched, but then again they made it out of their group, so I figured anything could happen.

But as it happily turned out, Greece really didn't have much of a chance.

Shanti0608 said:

Dewrede said:

I'm rooting for England

Me too!

not surprising

how have you been ?

Tremolina said:

Okay, yah...

So who will win the championship??

Germany and Portugal have reached the semi finals by now. The two survivors of the 'group of death' respectively beat Greece and Chech republic with a strong performance.

Tomorrow Spain vs. France and then England vs. Italy. Two major classics I am looking forward to see.

I think Italy will beat England and France will beat Spain. Then Portugal will play France in the 1st semi and Germany vs Italy in the 2nd.

Final: Germany 2 - Portugal 0

Well, hello there, long time no see!

My bet is Germany - England finale.

No idea who is going to win this one. It will be very exciting though.

dJJ said:

Tremolina said:

Okay, yah...

So who will win the championship??

Germany and Portugal have reached the semi finals by now. The two survivors of the 'group of death' respectively beat Greece and Chech republic with a strong performance.

Tomorrow Spain vs. France and then England vs. Italy. Two major classics I am looking forward to see.

I think Italy will beat England and France will beat Spain. Then Portugal will play France in the 1st semi and Germany vs Italy in the 2nd.

Final: Germany 2 - Portugal 0

Well, hello there, long time no see!

My bet is Germany - England finale.

No idea who is going to win this one. It will be very exciting though.

Not possible, because if England wins their quarter-finale against Italy, they will face Germany in the semi-finale. If England makes it to the finale (which is quite frankly impossible, because see above ), they would play against either Spain, France oder Portugal.

Phishanga said:

dJJ said:

Well, hello there, long time no see!

My bet is Germany - England finale.

No idea who is going to win this one. It will be very exciting though.

Not possible, because if England wins their quarter-finale against Italy, they will face Germany in the semi-finale. If England makes it to the finale (which is quite frankly impossible, because see above ), they would play against either Spain, France oder Portugal.

hahaha, sorry.

Have not been paying attention since Holland is out.

England beats those tiny Italian asses without apparent effort

Howeve, the Germans will kick the English.

So, then it's Germany or one of the southern Europeans. Well, Portugal probably will go to the finale, because they know how to fall theatrically and irritate their opponent until nobody can concentrate anymore. And while these 10 Portugese are being irritating there's one who plays and makes sure the team wins

I hope not, I'm still backing Germany

Not good enough from France so far

damn , England's out

[Edited 6/24/12 14:29pm]

absolutely shite... 4-4-2 against Pirlo? you're having a laugh Roy...

England did NOT look good, IMO.

Spain v. Portugal is going to be epic.

RodeoSchro said:

England did NOT look good, IMO.

Spain v. Portugal is going to be epic.

I hope Spain wins.

Much as I hate to see England go out, the best team won. Italy played with much more conviction.

England have a great defence, but up front they are seriously lacking. Rooney was a shadow of ihs former self.

I really hope Roy goes with youth now. Time to rebuild.

Semi Finals look tasty though.

Come on Germany. The team are looking good.

Finally England's seemingly endless supply of four leaf clovers and rabbits' feet ends and they are out. Astonishing that it went to penalties, as they could easily have lost 5 or 6 - 0. Hopefully Germany will beat Italy this time, not something they've been good at in the past.

Lianachan said:

Finally England's seemingly endless supply of four leaf clovers and rabbits' feet ends and they are out. Astonishing that it went to penalties, as they could easily have lost 5 or 6 - 0.

The harder the England defence seemed to work, the "luckier" they became. Strange that.

Italy could have won 5 or 6 nil? They couldn't muster one goal. All those "lucky" defenders legs kept getting in the way.

SquirrelMeat said:

Lianachan said:

Finally England's seemingly endless supply of four leaf clovers and rabbits' feet ends and they are out. Astonishing that it went to penalties, as they could easily have lost 5 or 6 - 0.

The harder the England defence seemed to work, the "luckier" they became. Strange that.

Italy could have won 5 or 6 nil? They couldn't muster one goal. All those "lucky" defenders legs kept getting in the way.

I wasn't just talking about that match, I was talking about their performances throught Euro 2012.

Germany - Italy, that's the ultimate classic for a German football fan. I could pee my pants right, that's how nervous I get thinking about the game, but I'm also confident. We have never won against Italy in a championship but the time is now. I KNOW they haven't shown all they can just yet. They will RUN, I tell you. RUN.

it's kinda sad watching the Terry-Carragher-Ferdinand-A.Cole-Gerrard-Lampard-Rooney-etc generation fading away without having done something remarkable...

what a waste

06-12 England =

[Edited 6/25/12 13:12pm]

Phishanga said:

Germany - Italy, that's the ultimate classic for a German football fan. I could pee my pants right, that's how nervous I get thinking about the game, but I'm also confident. We have never won against Italy in a championship but the time is now. I KNOW they haven't shown all they can just yet. They will RUN, I tell you. RUN.

Germany would have OBLITERATED England, lol, I'm talking about a 4-1, easily...

this Italy'12 hasn't many stars (other than Pirlo, Buffon and Ballotelli) but damn, they play as a team...

JoeTyler said:

it's kinda sad watching the Terry-Carragher-Ferdinand-A.Cole-Gerrard-Lampard-Rooney-etc generation fading away without having done something remarkable...

what a waste

06-12 England =

[Edited 6/25/12 13:12pm]

Carragher!!!!

RicoN said:

JoeTyler said:

it's kinda sad watching the Terry-Carragher-Ferdinand-A.Cole-Gerrard-Lampard-Rooney-etc generation fading away without having done something remarkable...

what a waste

06-12 England =

[Edited 6/25/12 13:12pm]

Carragher!!!!

lol, what?

JoeTyler said:

Phishanga said:

Germany - Italy, that's the ultimate classic for a German football fan. I could pee my pants right, that's how nervous I get thinking about the game, but I'm also confident. We have never won against Italy in a championship but the time is now. I KNOW they haven't shown all they can just yet. They will RUN, I tell you. RUN.

Germany would have OBLITERATED England, lol, I'm talking about a 4-1, easily...

this Italy'12 hasn't many stars (other than Pirlo, Buffon and Ballotelli) but damn, they play as a team...

True! Which is why I think it will be a very close one.

JoeTyler said:

RicoN said:

Carragher!!!!

lol, what?

you can't put his name up there with those players, he was average at best

Phishanga said:

JoeTyler said:

Germany would have OBLITERATED England, lol, I'm talking about a 4-1, easily...

this Italy'12 hasn't many stars (other than Pirlo, Buffon and Ballotelli) but damn, they play as a team...

True! Which is why I think it will be a very close one.

I really think Germany is going to win. So, prepare for celebration

RicoN said:

JoeTyler said:

lol, what?

you can't put his name up there with those players, he was average at best

he was on fire back in 04-07...after that he fizzled, that's true...

dJJ said:

Phishanga said:

True! Which is why I think it will be a very close one.

I really think Germany is going to win. So, prepare for celebration

Portugal or Spain?

Phishanga said:

Portugal or Spain?

i've gone 2-1 spain in the predictions league at work

RicoN said:

Phishanga said:

Portugal or Spain?

i've gone 2-1 spain in the predictions league at work

Me too. Big chance for Spain already, but Portugal is not looking too bad.

Phishanga said:

RicoN said:

i've gone 2-1 spain in the predictions league at work

Me too. Big chance for Spain already, but Portugal is not looking too bad.

judging by the fist half portugal might just nick this one

Phishanga said:

RicoN said:

i've gone 2-1 spain in the predictions league at work

Me too. Big chance for Spain already, but Portugal is not looking too bad.

judging by the fist half portugal might just nick this one

Damn it LOL, I wanted Portugal to win. Very boring match after 30 minutes (same with Italy and England LOL).

Who 'd you fancy for Germany and Italy then?

Odds are on Germany obviously. And it seems Spain can come undone if you actually go out and attack them a little bit, which is something England should of done against Italy . That means if Germany beat Italy, my money is on them.

[Edited 6/27/12 21:53pm]

Let's go, Germany!

Italy has done it again

they truly know how to play football, since the 30s... flawless defense, deadly strikers...Germany wasn't bad though, but the italian defense was pitch-perfect...the german goal during the last minutes was irrelevant...

right now I'm betting on a tense Spain 1 - 0 Italy...or penalties...

Well done Italy, and well played too.

From a neutral persepective, they are a lot more entertaining that Spain. Spains tippy tappy, no striker appoach has been boring.

JoeTyler said:

Italy has done it again

they truly know how to play football, since the 30s... flawless defense, deadly strikers...Germany wasn't bad though, but the italian defense was pitch-perfect...the german goal during the last minutes was irrelevant...

right now I'm betting on a tense Spain 1 - 0 Italy...or penalties...

Agree. Italy deserved the win.

One of the post-match commentators said German was over-coached. I don't know if that's right, but they did look out of sorts. I don't think Gomez touched the ball a half-dozen times.

RodeoSchro said:

JoeTyler said:

Italy has done it again

they truly know how to play football, since the 30s... flawless defense, deadly strikers...Germany wasn't bad though, but the italian defense was pitch-perfect...the german goal during the last minutes was irrelevant...

right now I'm betting on a tense Spain 1 - 0 Italy...or penalties...

Agree. Italy deserved the win.

One of the post-match commentators said German was over-coached. I don't know if that's right, but they did look out of sorts. I don't think Gomez touched the ball a half-dozen times.

I think that's more or less the opinion here. All of Löw's decisions before worked - this time, they didn't. Of course one can't know, but everyone thinks that the team from the game against Greece would have performed better. Just look at the energy Reus brought when he joined in the second half. Also, they said before the game, that they wouldn't adapt to the opponent too much instead playing their own style. But the changes in the team clearly showed they didn't. Still, I like our team so much, they're just great.

Yesterday wasn't my favorite day, though.

Phishanga said:

RodeoSchro said:

Agree. Italy deserved the win.

One of the post-match commentators said German was over-coached. I don't know if that's right, but they did look out of sorts. I don't think Gomez touched the ball a half-dozen times.

I think that's more or less the opinion here. All of Löw's decisions before worked - this time, they didn't. Of course one can't know, but everyone thinks that the team from the game against Greece would have performed better. Just look at the energy Reus brought when he joined in the second half. Also, they said before the game, that they wouldn't adapt to the opponent too much instead playing their own style. But the changes in the team clearly showed they didn't. Still, I like our team so much, they're just great.

Yesterday wasn't my favorite day, though.

Yesterday was one of the few times that I actually enjoyed watching Italy, I dont favor tactic teams such as Italy. Super Mario did a great job yesterday tho, but on the second half Germany dominated and could have easily taken the game to extra time, because Hummels missed a clear goal. It will be a hard game on sunday, it could go both ways. But since I'm going for spain, I hope they will win despite them playing awful this year lol. It's like spain has changed to Italys 2006 world cup team /very tactic and boring. If Torres plays there's a big chance Spain wins this or perhaps they'll go to penalties. However it all depends if Spain has the will to win the game, because they look kinda tired and uninterested but we shall see.

Italy clearly outplayed Germany. The 'squadra azurra' have played the most attractive game and have grown the most in the tournament of all, as a team and in quality. It's almost as if the Italians need bribery scandals in order to prove that they are really good...

Pirlo, in my opinion has to be crowned best player of the tournament. So far he has played near flawless, controlling the midfield and throwing terrific passes anywhere, with such a magnificent technique, flair and oversight. His 'panenka' penalty against the English was a testimony of his superior class and self assurance. He oversees everything and can seemingly do anything. Amazing!

I really liked the German team too tho'. I really thought they had the best team, mentality, talent and tactics. But I guess they and everybody else were too assured of their chances of succes too soon already. Arrogance and assumption is a bitch.

Portugal by the way deserved to win against Spain, but since I am Dutch I do not feel sorry for them at all...

In the finals I will be supporting ...

ITALY

Tremolina said:

Italy clearly outplayed Germany. The 'squadra azurra' have played the most attractive game and have grown the most in the tournament of all, as a team and in quality. It's almost as if the Italians need bribery scandals in order to prove that they are really good...

Pirlo, in my opinion has to be crowned best player of the tournament. So far he has played near flawless, controlling the midfield and throwing terrific passes anywhere, with such a magnificent technique, flair and oversight. His 'panenka' penalty against the English was a testimony of his superior class and self assurance. He oversees everything and can seemingly do anything. Amazing!

I really liked the German team too tho'. I really thought they had the best team, mentality, talent and tactics. But I guess they and everybody else were too assured of their chances of succes too soon already. Arrogance and assumption is a bitch.

Portugal by the way deserved to win against Spain, but since I am Dutch I do not feel sorry for them at all...

In the finals I will be supporting ...

ITALY

They overplayed them in the first half, Germany controlled the second half. I agree with you, they have played pretty good this tournament which is a BIG surprise. They usually play so boring. Pirlo has played exceptional.

I wish the Germans could have won, it's time they win something big lol. They got a good team but the problem with germans is that they rarely play good in semi-finals & finals, just look at what happened to Bayern Munchen.

I hope Spain wins even tho I'm swedish .... Viva Espana

GoldDolphin said:

Tremolina said:

Italy clearly outplayed Germany. The 'squadra azurra' have played the most attractive game and have grown the most in the tournament of all, as a team and in quality. It's almost as if the Italians need bribery scandals in order to prove that they are really good...

Pirlo, in my opinion has to be crowned best player of the tournament. So far he has played near flawless, controlling the midfield and throwing terrific passes anywhere, with such a magnificent technique, flair and oversight. His 'panenka' penalty against the English was a testimony of his superior class and self assurance. He oversees everything and can seemingly do anything. Amazing!

I really liked the German team too tho'. I really thought they had the best team, mentality, talent and tactics. But I guess they and everybody else were too assured of their chances of succes too soon already. Arrogance and assumption is a bitch.

Portugal by the way deserved to win against Spain, but since I am Dutch I do not feel sorry for them at all...

In the finals I will be supporting ...

ITALY

They overplayed them in the first half, Germany controlled the second half. I agree with you, they have played pretty good this tournament which is a BIG surprise. They usually play so boring. Pirlo has played exceptional.

I wish the Germans could have won, it's time they win something big lol. They got a good team but the problem with germans is that they rarely play good in semi-finals & finals, just look at what happened to Bayern Munchen.

I hope Spain wins even tho I'm swedish .... Viva Espana

They hardly created any real chances, but they did fight untill the very last bitter seconds. Like the Germans always do. And which is admirable, tho' I could not help but also think of the place where it all happened.

The Germans, Italians and Brazilians, if I am not mistaken, are the best tournament players in the world. However, in 8 world and euro cup encounters, the Germans have NEVER been able to beat Italy...

I love Spain, but this team... no lo quiero... They play a boring game and aren't as strong as they used to be.

Italy on the other hand...

GoldDolphin said:

Phishanga said:

I think that's more or less the opinion here. All of Löw's decisions before worked - this time, they didn't. Of course one can't know, but everyone thinks that the team from the game against Greece would have performed better. Just look at the energy Reus brought when he joined in the second half. Also, they said before the game, that they wouldn't adapt to the opponent too much instead playing their own style. But the changes in the team clearly showed they didn't. Still, I like our team so much, they're just great.

Yesterday wasn't my favorite day, though.

Yesterday was one of the few times that I actually enjoyed watching Italy, I dont favor tactic teams such as Italy. Super Mario did a great job yesterday tho, but on the second half Germany dominated and could have easily taken the game to extra time, because Hummels missed a clear goal. It will be a hard game on sunday, it could go both ways. But since I'm going for spain, I hope they will win despite them playing awful this year lol. It's like spain has changed to Italys 2006 world cup team /very tactic and boring. If Torres plays there's a big chance Spain wins this or perhaps they'll go to penalties. However it all depends if Spain has the will to win the game, because they look kinda tired and uninterested but we shall see.

I don't know if it's overconfidence, excellence, fatigue, or the "tired of winning" syndrome, but Spain truly plays like a bunch of old friends who could win any match even if they didn't want to they play with that attitude, as if they were thinking "nah, we'll play seriously in the final, let's rest for now"...

can't wait for Sunday, it will be an epic game I'm sure, Italy will give it all and Spain will be forced to act accordingly...

[Edited 6/29/12 14:22pm]

Come on Italy!

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

Holy crap! 4:0...

Well-deserved win for Spain!

PANDURITO said:

EvilAngel said:

Germany will win and Spain won't make it past the quarter finals. That's all you need to know.

I laughed already when I read that a month ago

GoldDolphin said:

Good to know I was right lol, Spain wanted to play today and gave their all today! I'm so happy, campeones!!!! They played beautifully like we are used to see Spain playing. It was fast, very skilled and enjoyable moments. It would had probably been 5-0 if that dumb referee would have seen that clear hands lol. Over all you can't compete with Spain when they want to play and win, first team in history to win 3 championships in 4 years. European winners 08, world cup winners 10, and now winners again 12!!! Gracias Espana

yep, as I predicted, the 08-10 Spain reappeared tonight; the quarter/semifinals were just the "warm-up"...

best team I've seen since France'98...

the italian defense was pretty weak anyway...perhaps they were tired...

PANDURITO said:

well done Spain

JoeTyler said:

GoldDolphin said:

Good to know I was right lol, Spain wanted to play today and gave their all today! I'm so happy, campeones!!!! They played beautifully like we are used to see Spain playing. It was fast, very skilled and enjoyable moments. It would had probably been 5-0 if that dumb referee would have seen that clear hands lol. Over all you can't compete with Spain when they want to play and win, first team in history to win 3 championships in 4 years. European winners 08, world cup winners 10, and now winners again 12!!! Gracias Espana

yep, as I predicted, the 08-10 Spain reappeared tonight; the quarter/semifinals were just the "warm-up"...

best team I've seen since France'98...

the italian defense was pretty weak anyway...perhaps they were tired...

Exactly, that's what I kept telling everyone. Theyre amazing, this team is unstoppable becuase they have so many players.

I dont know, but I personally think that the spaniards are faster and more skilled which eventually made the italians extremly tired. Very few teams in Europe can deal with a high tempo and skilled players, had it been Argentina or Brazil - the game would not have been the same because brazilians & argentineans are more technicallly skilled and faster.

GoldDolphin said:

JoeTyler said:

yep, as I predicted, the 08-10 Spain reappeared tonight; the quarter/semifinals were just the "warm-up"...

best team I've seen since France'98...

the italian defense was pretty weak anyway...perhaps they were tired...

Exactly, that's what I kept telling everyone. Theyre amazing, this team is unstoppable becuase they have so many players.

I dont know, but I personally think that the spaniards are faster and more skilled which eventually made the italians extremly tired. Very few teams in Europe can deal with a high tempo and skilled players, had it been Argentina or Brazil - the game would not have been the same because brazilians & argentineans are more technicallly skilled and faster.

Well, every game is different anyway.

I haven't been impressed by an Argentinian team for a long ass time.

I think Italy was very naive to play that offensive, especially when in recent matches Spain had a hard time playing against defensive teams. If you're going to ask yourself why Spain played so much better in the finals than they'd done in previous weeks, you have to look at what the difference was. Well, IMO, the biggest difference was that they were facing an offensive team which gave them the space they needed.

Anyway, very impressive streak by Spain. I doubt I'll ever witness a country win three major titles in 4 years again.

EvilAngel said:

GoldDolphin said:

Exactly, that's what I kept telling everyone. Theyre amazing, this team is unstoppable becuase they have so many players.

I dont know, but I personally think that the spaniards are faster and more skilled which eventually made the italians extremly tired. Very few teams in Europe can deal with a high tempo and skilled players, had it been Argentina or Brazil - the game would not have been the same because brazilians & argentineans are more technicallly skilled and faster.

Well, every game is different anyway.

I haven't been impressed by an Argentinian team for a long ass time.

I think Italy was very naive to play that offensive, especially when in recent matches Spain had a hard time playing against defensive teams. If you're going to ask yourself why Spain played so much better in the finals than they'd done in previous weeks, you have to look at what the difference was. Well, IMO, the biggest difference was that they were facing an offensive team which gave them the space they needed.

Anyway, very impressive streak by Spain. I doubt I'll ever witness a country win three major titles in 4 years again.

and the World Cup of Brazil'14 is just around the corner...

Brazil, Germany, Italy, or the argentinian team of Leo Messi will have to give it all to dethrone Spain, considering that players like Torres, Mata, Silva, Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc, Pique, Alba, Ramos, etc. are still young, and Casillas, Xavi and Del Bosque will be there as well, as the "can do no wrong" veterans/leaders...

can't wait for 2014...