Euro '12

[ndebergerac]

Should be another one sided games. Shouldn't be counting out the Greeks, but I am. 3-0 Germany, who have 60% of the ball and out shoot the opposition 5-1.

[ChiefSalsa]

I think we can now say with little disagreement that Group A was as weak and pathetic as everyone said it was.

And Germany STILL has not played to its full potential. Scary.

I am taking the French today in a mini-upset. After pretty much not showing up against the Swedes, the French will play the impressive team soccer we saw in the first two games. Les Bleus are a patient team. The Spanish ball hogging will not rattle them. Their own ball handling skills have been fully evident. They can beat Casillas once...and once is enough.

1-0

[ndebergerac]

Haven't yet watched yesterdays game, so I'm using the internet very carefully today.

Spain v France today? Correct? Can't see past the Spanish to dictate the play and create the better of the chances. Probably a low scoring game that might see extra time. I'll go with 1-0 to Spain.

[ndebergerac]

Truth be told, only Ribery looked up for it yesterday. Spain looked comfortable, I though France might be a bit more threatening.

So today we go to, for me, the most difficult game to call. I see no reason for either team to change their approach. England have been riding their luck a bit, but it's all about results, so I don't see them changing. Italy have played very well, surprisingly to everyone it seems, when was the last tournament they consistently started with 2 strikers?

So, it makes sense that Italy will dictate much of the play through Pirlo, though shots on goal may be few and far between. I'm hoping for an early Italy goal to bring England out a bit, but I don't see it.

I'll take a stab at 2-1 to Italy in extra time.

[ChiefSalsa]

FORZA ITALIA!

Now you get to lose to Germany.

[ndebergerac]

Is there any way we're not going to see a Spain v Germany Final?

Both have been pretty convincing, Spain have played their usual style and never looked in trouble and I still don't feel Germany have been at their best, but here they are once again in the latter stages.

So we have Portugal, or more importantly Ronaldo. He can unhinge any defense on his own. His supporting cast is a technically solid group, strong at the back, but definitely lacks the world class in depth strength of Spain. We shouldn't underestimate them, if they can remain organized and find their # 7 in space then they have a chance to spring an upset.

Italy have been much more impressive than anyone expected it seems (though they've still only actually recorded 1 victory). If Germany don't bring their A game to this one it might be lights out for them. Always solid at the back and attacking with a degree of pace and flair, plus this German defense is clearly the weakness, especially against pace. As always though, if Italy score first, they'll try to sit in, suicide against the Germans, they must push for a 2nd.

I wouldn't count out either of the underdogs, the smart money's still says Spain v Germany, but the smart money had Russia and Holland sticking around.

[ndebergerac]

Today is the realization that there's only 3 matches left and the World Cup is 2 years away.

[ChiefSalsa]

We are to the point where if Spain scores early, the game is over.

That is dominance.


I think Portugal can win because Ronaldo is playing in peak form. Add to that the familiarity Portugal has with Spain's team. But, Spain is playing better than they have in the last 4 years---in which they won the last two major Cups.

Spain 1-0.

[johnnie]

Today is the realization that there's only 3 matches left and the World Cup is 2 years away.

Thanks for ruining my day! The English tiebreaker was brutal, as usual. Still the football has been amazing. i think the Krauts win it all. They look impressive from what I have seen

[johnnie]

We are to the point where if Spain scores early, the game is over.

That is dominance.


I think Portugal can win because Ronaldo is playing in peak form. Add to that the familiarity Portugal has with Spain's team. But, Spain is playing better than they have in the last 4 years---in which they won the last two major Cups.

Spain 1-0.

Ronaldo has been dominant at times. Ill take that and say Portugal 2-1. Why? Why not? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor!

[ChiefSalsa]

The English tiebreaker was brutal, as usual.

Penalties are to the English what liquor is to the Irish.

[johnnie]

Penalties are to the English what liquor is to the Irish.

From what Ive heard, liquor doesnt differentiate much over there if you have a Mc or O' in your name or not.

[ChiefSalsa]

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HAAAAAAAAA...larious

[johnnie]

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HAAAAAAAAA...larious

Quite the match. I think Portugal had the better chances. We shall see. Thoughts?

[johnnie]

Ronaldo for the win? I think so.

[Beer is good]

I see you know nothing about the beautiful game either

[ChiefSalsa]

That match was terrible.

Germany 2-0. I am Italian and German in heritage, but will root for the Azzurri. Facts are, Germany is much better.

[johnnie]

Can the Krauts come back? Opinions?

[MariusPontmercy]

Can the Krauts come back? Opinions?

Looking unlikely but they certainly have the ability...

[ChiefSalsa]

Forza Italia!