*** Official *** Euro 2008

[George.Hinton]

The problem with Holland is they only had a PLan A.

Once the Russians choked Schneijder of driving the game, the Dutch had very little to fall back on.
Marco van basten was tactically out thought here bigtime.

 

[aussie]

Tbh I wouldn't rate Italy or Germany as truly great teams, both have elements of extreme mediocrity, but Germany for me anyway are generally more entertaining to watch, and thus i'll pledge my support to them over Italy, who are extremely fortunate to remain in the competition at this stage, though that said I doubt they will be for much longer.

I can definately see the mediocrity in German but not Italy that much (except for their defense maybe now that Cannavaro isn't around but they seem to be patching it up well ATM).

 

[irfan]

Just saw the Russia vs. Holland highlights and was simply amazed at how exuberant and attacking the Russians were compared to the lethargic Dutch. Russia absolutely dominated them and had the likes of Kolotin, Pavlyuchenko, Torbinski converted gilt-edged chances they would have smashed em in normal time.

Hiddink really is a master tactician and strangled the Dutch midfield and ensured Van Nilstelrooy always had Kolotin permanently attached to him. Beat the Dutch at their own game with a lot of counterattacks.

How good was Arshavin though! The kid simply tore em apart was and almost Messi-like in his mazy dribbles and runs combined with excellent passing/crossing. I remeber Craig Foster raving about him pre-Sweden match and now I know why.


We better beat the bloody Itis tonite and avoid the group winners curse. Vamos Spain!

 

[Johnners]

Wow, just watched the Highlights as well, Russia dominated them. How the **** Arshavin got the cross in for Russias second goal is beyond me, ****ing brilliant.

 

[BoyBrumby]

God, it's hard to warm to Italian football teams, isn't it? Quite content to stick 9 men behind the ball as soon as they lose it. Think it could be a long night.

 

[grecian]

Dog with fleas.

Italia on pens

 

[PhoenixFire]

Yawn, what a **** match this is.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Just as well Italy are piss poor at penalties or they'd win virtually every time.

By the way how lame is that they play music after each goal?

 

[grecian]

Thank **** for that.

Go away Italy and take your miserable football with you.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Yeah, best team won. Begin to understand how Scotland were competitive in their qualifying group.

Go Russia.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Good riddance Italy.

The less said about cheating, the better though...

 

[BoyBrumby]

Dire, dire game, but an important victory for football; Italy got exactly what their utter lack of ambition merited: the arse. The Spain/Russia rematch should have potential.

 

[NUFAN]

What a gun tournament.

Up to the semi finals and it's the first rest day. Love this model for a tournament.

 

[Johnners]

Haha, suck **** Italy. Spain to win it

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

I wanted Spain to win from the start, as imo, they have the best all-round squad. Hopefully they can get over the choke, but if not, at least Russia will have a crack. How good is Guus? Love it.

 

[Craig]

Good riddance Italy.

The less said about cheating, the better though...

So it is a good thing that it Germany get knocked out or lose on the basis that a couple of years ago their refs were crooked as well? And I find it funny that the English on here are laughing about a team losing in a pen shoot-out when was the last time England won in a shoot-out? Probably before I was born.

 

[33/3from3.3]

Believe it was 92 or something like that. Beating none other than the Spanish.

EDIT: 'twas '96 in England in the quarters of the Euro Cup. Ironically lost to Germany on penalties in the next round.

 

[biased indian]

Hopefully will have a Germany vs Russia

the two teams i love the most and a Germany win will be great

 

[Magrat Garlick]

So it is a good thing that it Germany get knocked out or lose on the basis that a couple of years ago their refs were crooked as well?

Haha, what? Been dosing up too much on Corriere della Sera imo.

 

[biased indian]

Turkey down to 14 Fit/Available Players !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!