EURO 2012 No expectations [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

Marco

07-06-2012, 12:03

Let's not forget too, that "we" here are not all English... ;)

Let's also hope that the English BBC and ITV TV commentators remember that too, instead of, as usual, narrow-mindedly assuming that the TV audience in the UK are all English, and thus all want England to win! :doh: :rolleyes:

That does my tits right in, as does the usual England-centric nature of the commentary, with their "we" this and "we" that, and that of the overall coverage by the British media (baring in mind, of course, that Britain contains three countries, other than just England)!!

Don't get me wrong, I won't be hoping England lose, far from it, but as an Italian Scot, I'm simply not that bothered either way.

I fancy my own country (Italy) to do well, and that's who I'll be supporting. I'm expecting Spain vs. Italy to be a cracker!! Also look out for France doing much better this year, for a long time, in a major tournament. I think, however, that the winners could well be Germany.

I'll be watching every match, live, accompanied by some nice cool Polish beer, and can't wait for the tournament to kick-off! :barrel:

Marco.

Stratmangler

07-06-2012, 12:23

Like a German vegetarian 'I fear the werst'...Doh! that works much better as a spoken joke :doh:

Especially as the word you wanted to use was "wurst" ;)

chris@panteg

08-06-2012, 06:57

I think young Polish and Ukrainian lads need to be educated about the Nazis and what they did in their respective countries ? If that doesn't have any positive effect then maybe they need special treatment lol, this could turn nasty ?

synsei

08-06-2012, 07:09

I may listen to World In Motion by New Order on repeat until England go out ;)

Gonna be about 90 minutes then... ;)

I see the racist crap has started already, can't say I wasn't expecting it... :(

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18363736

chris@panteg

09-06-2012, 13:01

Quite enjoyed watching the Russians last night , full of desire and energy if a bit eratic at times ? Don't know how far they can go but plenty of pride and determination.

Germany V Portugal later , I expect the Germans to win but hoping for an exciting game and maybe some drama ?

twelvebears

10-06-2012, 15:29

Define 'weak'? I really don't believe that you can just make a judgement on a teams potential based on the theoretical component parts, after all we've gone into major comps with 'strong' squads and delivered nothing.

I'd sooner hand my hat on a team of guys that actually care more about the game and winning than about their own egos or wallets.

I'm actually feeling quite positive.

Dominic Harper

10-06-2012, 15:41

Well all the games so far have been extremely poor. I mean, Isn't Germany supposedly a favourite to win. Well not after last nights performance. As for Holland, the game was lacking pace and none of the player to me made any real effort.

I think it's anyone's win at the moment from the games I have seen so far. Quite looking forward to Italy and Spain, I hope it has more excitement than the 2 previous matches I have watched.

I am a major England fan so I say C'mon England:mex:.

Natalie;)

Marco

10-06-2012, 15:48

Did you not watch Russia vs. Czech Republic, Nat? 4-1 to the Ruskis - that was a quality game of football!

Dick Advocaat has got the Russians playing some lovely stuff. I fancy them to go quite far :)

Yes, let's hope England beat the French, but what's pissing me off at the moment is that that's all the TV pundits are talking about (England), instead of concentrating on the Italy vs. Spain game, which is what's actually being covered today - or at least it's supposed to be! :rolleyes:

It's always the bloody same....

Anyway, COME ON ITALY!! :mex:

Marco.

chris@panteg

10-06-2012, 16:03

Hi Marco
I do hope you were singing the Italian anthem with pride as the team and fans sang it , I like that.

Yes I just wish they would shut the fuck up about Ferdinand ! Get over it lol.

slate

10-06-2012, 16:09

Sorry Marco, but today I cheer for Spain.

Italian football is to much ego, attitude and Catenaccio and to few moments of grandior.
But I am as always ready to be surprised

Marco

10-06-2012, 16:11

No worries, Jan. I'm supporting Italy because I'm Italian - simples! Others are entitled to support whoever they wish :)

Marco.

Marco

10-06-2012, 16:14

Hi Marco
I do hope you were singing the Italian anthem with pride as the team and fans sang it , I like that.

Maybe after some more vino! ;)

Yes I just wish they would shut the fuck up about Ferdinand ! Get over it lol.

Indeed. As if that's all folk are bloody interested in!! :doh: :violin::whistle:

Marco.

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 17:57

Torres gave me a lot to chuckle about :eyebrows:

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo54/Imdareaper/Emoticons/Loser.gif

Marco

10-06-2012, 18:02

A draw will do... We could've easily won it! :)

Let hope that the Republic of Ireland can get a result now against Croatia....

Anyone fancy a wee bet? Ok, let's guess how many times the England game gets mentioned by the TV pundits and commentators, during the Rep of Ireland/Croatia game, despite England not actually playing until tomorrow, and them supposedly prioritising the live game being played today.

I'll go for five - anyone else fancy a punt? :D

Marco.

Dominic Harper

10-06-2012, 18:16

That was a bloody good game Marco. Nat is making me watch the Ireland game now!
formula 1 is waiting to be watched as well :-(

Marco

10-06-2012, 18:24

Glad you liked it, dude. She making you watch it, eh - exactly how forcefully? :eyebrows:

Marco.

chris@panteg

10-06-2012, 18:28

Torres gave me a lot to chuckle about :eyebrows:

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo54/Imdareaper/Emoticons/Loser.gif

How much did Chelsea pay for him :eyebrows:

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 18:37

Anyone fancy a wee bet? Ok, let's guess how many times the England game gets mentioned by the TV pundits and commentators, during the Rep of Ireland/Croatia game, despite England not actually playing until tomorrow, and them supposedly prioritising the live game being played today.

I'll go for five - anyone else fancy a punt? :D

Marco.

I'm still waiting for it to be mentioned.
It's a good job I'm not holding my breath, eh? ;)

PS - much respect to Giovanni Trappatoni - that press conference a Bayern was something else :eyebrows:

chris@panteg

10-06-2012, 18:41

Something must be wrong ? England not mentioned in over 30 mins lol.

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 18:42

How much did Chelsea pay for him :eyebrows:

Around 6 noughts too many :eyebrows:

Marco

10-06-2012, 19:00

Something must be wrong ? England not mentioned in over 30 mins lol.

Hehehe... You can see what I'm getting at though!

Imagine if Scotland had qualified for the tournament, instead of England - do you think that we'd be hearing all about the ins and outs of the Scotland squad, from the TV pundits and commentators, during every televised game?

I think not! And they call one of them the BBC - more like the EBC... ;)

Marco.

Dominic Harper

10-06-2012, 19:06

Anyone got any ear plugs, as Ireland have just scored!!!

Marco

10-06-2012, 19:09

I know - fucking brilliant! :yay:

The crowd are full of Celtic fans, singing The Fields of Athenry!! :lol:

Reminds me of a home game at Celtic park! :D

Marco.

chris@panteg

10-06-2012, 19:24

Irish fans are great , I hope they do well.

Marco

10-06-2012, 19:54

They're being outclassed now.... :(

Marco.

Dominic Harper

10-06-2012, 19:57

Such a shame, I didn't expect them to win at the start, then they scored and thought, ooh they could draw, but downhill all the way now. Just hope they don't start playing dirty.

Marco

10-06-2012, 19:59

I don't think that'll happen, but I can see them getting royally humped!

Marco.

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 20:45

Tough luck to Ireland - that third Croatian goal was particularly cruel, coming off the back of Given's head.
On a different note, I wonder what UEFA are going to do with the clowns in the crowd with their referee whistles. The idiots doing all the false whistle blowing are screwing it up for everyone :(

Marco

10-06-2012, 20:59

They get the bloody whistles administered as suppositories!!

Marco.

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 21:11

They get the bloody whistles administered as suppositories!!

Marco.

UEFA, or the idiots blowing the whistles from the crowd? :eyebrows:

Marco

10-06-2012, 21:16

Can't do any harm 'rewarding' them both! ;)

Marco.

Stratmangler

10-06-2012, 21:26

Can't do any harm 'rewarding' them both! ;

Marco.

Now that idea quite appeals.
UEFA have needed a rocket up the backside for quite some time :eyebrows:

WAD62

11-06-2012, 12:30

Especially as the word you wanted to use was "wurst" ;)

Doh! Well spotted Chris...:doh:

No more sausage based puns from me...until I can spell ;)

For me the biggest surprise is how vulnerable the dutch midfield were defensively, both Van Bommel & De Jong seemed very ineffective against Denmark...and are no longer the force they were in the last world cup.

I suppose it shows why De Jong's been a benchwarmer for city this year...

Italy were superb, but I think Spain's decision to play the Barcelona style is 'brave' to say the least...giving Messi a free role is one thing, using Fabregas in that position is not going to work IMHO, excellent midfielder though he is. And even though Torres managed to humiliate himself again, Spain looked far more threatening with him on the pitch...time for him to go back to the shrink I fear, and let the Bilbao lad have a chance.

I think the Ireland Croatia match may prove to be a dry run for England v France, despite being played off the pitch Ireland were unlucky not to come away with a draw, if you take into account the offside goal & penalty claim.

Tonight's game may prove to be the dullest of the tournament so far...if we're lucky, otherwise if it's open we may get cut to peices...:eyebrows:

Stratmangler

11-06-2012, 13:56

I suppose it shows why De Jong's been a benchwarmer for city this year...

The reason De Jong didn't get as much game time as he would have liked last season was that Mancini had to set up the team to be attack minded to have any chance of winning the Premier League.

De Jong proved to be a very valuable asset in difficult games coming on as a holding midfield substitute, and allowing Yaya Touré to move further on up the field.

That's why the last game of the season was such an ordeal - Touré limping off took an attacking option away.
It was never Mancini's intention to put De Jong on so early.

Marco

11-06-2012, 15:39

So, match predictions, guys?

Despite France being favourites, I reckon England can get a draw. I'll go for 1-1 :)

Marco.

Dominic Harper

11-06-2012, 16:18

England to win I think!

Dominic Harper

11-06-2012, 16:48

I'm not into morris dancing, thank you very much

Marco

11-06-2012, 16:54

I think anything could happen in the second half, Dom! I was reasonably impressed with England :)

Marco.

Dominic Harper

11-06-2012, 16:57

France are looking pretty good, but England could pull this out of the bag I reckon

chris@panteg

11-06-2012, 17:53

I think 1-1 is a good result for England, France look a better team.

Marco

11-06-2012, 17:53

I should've put a bet on! ;)

I thought England played well. I like the sense of solidity, organisation and playing together as a unit, which Hodgson has brought to the team. With a bit more flair and threat up front, possibly when Rooney returns, they could do well in the tournament :)

Marco.

Stratmangler

11-06-2012, 18:44

WAD62

12-06-2012, 07:40

I thought England played well. I like the sense of solidity, organisation and playing together as a unit, which Hodgson has brought to the team. With a bit more flair and threat up front, possibly when Rooney returns, they could do well in the tournament :)
Marco.

A fairly respectable effort, all things considered, my main worry is if either Parker or Gerrard get injured, we have little cover in the central area...and in this system they'll be working their ar*es off!

It'll be interesting to see how Hodgson sets up against the supposedly 'lesser' teams in the group...we may prove tough to break down, but will we be able to control a game...:eyebrows:

chris@panteg

12-06-2012, 09:06

Ukraine could be really tough with the home crowd behind them , they looked pumped up last night against the Swedes , who will have to beat England now ! No easy games in this group.

chris@panteg

13-06-2012, 19:45

Hi Marco

I think you should stick a bet on Germany to win the tournament , it looks a safe bet to me , they look good.

chris@panteg

13-06-2012, 19:45

Hi Marco

I think you should stick a bet on Germany to win the tournament , it looks a safe bet to me , they look good.

To face Italy in the final maybe ?

Marco

13-06-2012, 21:51

I agree, for me, they're head and shoulders ahead of any other team I've seen play. The only ones to have gotten close, for me, are Italy and Spain.

Like you say, a Germany vs. Italy final could be on the cards (if they manage to avoid each other until then).

I've always been half-decent at this prediction malarkey (I do study football a bit), but have never put a bet on before. Maybe I should change that this time? ;)

I'm still thinking about my prediction for the England vs. Sweden game!

Marco.

chris@panteg

14-06-2012, 06:55

England v Sweden, Hmm I'm thinking another 1-1 draw and leaving it all to do against the Ukraine .

WAD62

14-06-2012, 07:08

England v Sweden, Hmm I'm thinking another 1-1 draw and leaving it all to do against the Ukraine .

...time to start supporting France I think, we need a favour!!! :)

chris@panteg

14-06-2012, 07:33

...time to start supporting France I think, we need a favour!!! :)

Don't think that result will change anything , if France win , Ukraine can still qualify if they beat England !

Gmanuk101

14-06-2012, 11:56

Germany are a machine! but I do not think they will win this, I still think Spain will.

webby

14-06-2012, 12:09

England to beat Sweden 1-0 I think.

chris@panteg

15-06-2012, 14:03

Ireland got well and truly stuffed last night , but I don't think 4-0 flattered the Spanish , it could have been much worse , shame for the Irish , they've had so little to cheer in this tournament.

France should win against the Ukraine but hmm might be a draw ?
I'm sticking with 1-1 for the England v Sweden game.

Marco

15-06-2012, 14:23

I'll go for 2-1 to England. I honestly think they can win this game :)

Marco.

chris@panteg

15-06-2012, 14:39

I'll go for 2-1 to England. I honestly think they can win this game :)

Marco.

I like your optimism Marco , but I'm not sure where England can get 2 goals from ? With only 1 shot at goal vs France lol.

Marco

15-06-2012, 15:13

England will be playing a much more up-tempo game than they did against the French, as they need the win. I get a sense that they're gonna be going for it, and think that Sweden are there for the taking!

Look out for Andy Carroll playing a significant role in the outcome ;)

Marco.

chris@panteg

15-06-2012, 15:55

Marco

15-06-2012, 19:30

I'm not bad at this, am I? :eyebrows:

Marco.

Reid Malenfant

15-06-2012, 19:33

I'm not bad at this, am I? :eyebrows:

Marco.
You have one of those psychic Lhamas in your garden keeping your grass short in reality I bet :eyebrows:

That or Tabatha :lol:

chris@panteg

15-06-2012, 20:13

Well my prediction is looking good now alas , Sweden will fancy it now .

Dominic Harper

15-06-2012, 20:31

Well my prediction is looking good now alas , Sweden will fancy it now .

Ha but not for long;)

Natalie

Marco

15-06-2012, 20:52

Well done, England! :clap:

Hey, I predicted they would win and that Carroll would score...

The spooky thing is that I was going to predict 3-2 to England, as I always felt that there'd be goals in this game, but then I thought that was too bold a scoreline, and went for 2-1.

I should've stuck to my initial gut feeling :doh:

Not to worry, you guys will be happy, and rightly so!

Marco.

Macca

15-06-2012, 20:56

:DA corking game - England looked brilliant one minute, rubbish the next. Swedes played like they were posessed in the second half - but to no avail - Go on!

Jonboy

15-06-2012, 21:10

As a non football type i watched this game and thought that they played like a proper team for once, back to sticking pins in my eyeballs as that is what i said i prefer, call me a turn coat if you like or perhaps it's the red wine getting the better of me but it wern't half bad, my youngest daughter called me a proper man for actually watching the game :eek:,
Just need to send a few lines of condolence to our Swedish freinds :D

Stratmangler

15-06-2012, 21:21

This game had minor resonances of "last game of the season" for me.
I'm pleased with the result, but let's not get carried away.
There's a long way to go yet.

chris@panteg

15-06-2012, 21:24

For 20 minutes in the 2nd half England went to sleep , Sweden deserved to be ahead in all honesty !

But what an inspired substitution with Walcott , 2 good goals and what's more I see a real team spirit and desire ! Lets be honest this team ain't that great but their heads didn't go down and they fought back , they need to improve quite a few things but yeah a very enjoyable win .

Dominic Harper

15-06-2012, 23:38

It's funny how we all say things like " yeah they did alright, but could be better. When what we should be saying is C'mon England you can do it. I guess we have been through this so many times in the past and we think we are going somewhere, when all of a sudden the opposite side scores that extra goal and bang England are out of the Euro/World cup.

Mind you, they did quite well against France and they must of done pretty well tonight to get that extra goal in, but I agree with Macca sometimes they are good and sometimes rubbish.

I hope we get through and play Germany in the final, that's my goal :lol:

Natalie;)

chris@panteg

16-06-2012, 15:32

Stratmangler

16-06-2012, 16:23

What has impressed me so far with England is that they haven't panicked when they've been behind, nor have their heads gone down because they were trailing.
Nor have they given in in the face of onslaught.
They were resolute in defence against France when many other teams would have fallen into disarray.

Some of the players have disappointed because of their inability to retain the ball, others for poor passing, but, as a whole, England seem to have developed the ability to forget all the domestic league rivalries and to concentrate on playing for each other and playing as a team.
They're not a bunch of individuals any more.
And the more game time they get under their belts, the better they will become.

Tuesday night will be a tough game, but if we can beat Ukraine then we're through to the knockout stages, and who knows, if that team spirit and confidence can flourish then there's no reason why England can't get through to the final.
It's early days yet, and I'm not getting carried away by it all.
I just hope......

chris@panteg

16-06-2012, 21:07

Well ,well Russia out ! And Greece have done it again and frankly they just about deserved it , Poland missed too many chances and weren't good enough in the 2nd half , can't believe the Czechs are through after the game vs Russia ,some sad faces at the end .

Stratmangler

16-06-2012, 21:30

julesd68

16-06-2012, 21:31

Awesome effort from Greece - everyone thought they were going to get a good seeing to but they showed a great team spirit yet again ... The Greek people deserve to have something to smile about! And yes I am unashamedly biased as my wife is a Greek goddess!

chris@panteg

16-06-2012, 21:44

Look at the group table - Russia are +2 goal difference, and Greece are +0 goal difference.
Now when I went to school +2 was worth more than +0, which means that it should be Greece who are going home.

Unless of course UEFA have some cock-eyed way of looking at things :scratch:

I know what you're saying Chris , but apparently beating the team you're level with counts 1st before goal difference , is that fairer ? Maybe.

chris@panteg

16-06-2012, 21:46

Stratmangler

16-06-2012, 22:06

I know what you're saying Chris , but apparently beating the team you're level with counts 1st before goal difference , is that fairer ? Maybe.

Is it a group result or is it a knockout?
UEFA should make their minds up - to have it both ways makes the group stage a mockery.

chris@panteg

17-06-2012, 08:34

Is it a group result or is it a knockout?
UEFA should make their minds up - to have it both ways makes the group stage a mockery.

I think I see why they've done it this way , to give teams like Greece and Poland a chance of qualifying ? Doesn't seem right though .

Marco , you must be a wee bit nervous about Italy's chances tommorow ? They should beat Ireland but it could be tricky ? The Irish will be playing for pride ! Never lost all 3 group matches before .

Marco

17-06-2012, 11:01

chris@panteg

17-06-2012, 11:33

Hi Chris,

Yeah, you never know what could happen. The initial group stages in competitions are notoriously where Italy do badly, as it usually takes them a while to 'wake up' and decide if they can be arsed or not... :rolleyes:

The Italian mentality will be the key to what happens against Ireland, so it'll depend on whether they're up for it or not. You can bet that the Irish will want to go down fighting, and that Trapattoni will have good game plan up his sleeve, in order to cause a possible upset!

However, if Italy play like they did (in parts) against Spain and Croatia, both of whom I've been very impressed with, they'll be ok. Italy have undoubted quality throughout their team, and a definite goal threat, but like I said, it'll be down to their attitude.

As for England, I think that the Ukraine game will be difficult for them, but if they can get through that, and the draw is kind to them for the Quarter Finals, then who knows? Hodgson is quite a wily old fox.

England have come into tournaments like this before with far better teams (and managers) on paper, but there's a steely determination and organisation about the squad this time, which could just carry them further than ever. I mean look at Greece, is there any reason why England couldn't emulate what they did in 2004.....?

Marco.

Just been looking at the group stats and if Spain v Croatia is a draw Italy need to beat Ireland 3-0 I think to be certain of qualifying ? Bilmey that's tight , it does make it more exciting and interesting , though i doubt the Italian fans will see it that way .

With England anything could happen , it could be a nightmare against the Ukraine or they play well and win or draw , I think the Ukrainians will give it everything early on , depends if England have one of those panicky ,indecisive spells ? Like against Sweden ;) Or with Rooney back and he looks really up for it this time ,unlike in the World Cup ! I would like to see England try and be aggressive , this won't work against teams like Spain Or Germany but we'll see :)

chris@panteg

18-06-2012, 11:09

Is it a group result or is it a knockout?
UEFA should make their minds up - to have it both ways makes the group stage a mockery.

Hey Chris , apparently if Holland beat Portugal last night 2-0 they would have qualified on goal difference over Denmark ? Despite Denmark beating the Dutch ?

Yet Greece qualified ahead of Russia despite an inferior goal difference , just because they beat them in the final game :scratch: This is a bit of a joke and a mockery like you say .

Germany vs Greece ,how very Apt in view of the political situation .

Marco

18-06-2012, 20:41

2-0 for Italy... Thank fuck for that! :eek:

Ireland played well and done all that they could... Now the tournament begins in ernest!! :cool:

Marco.

chris@panteg

18-06-2012, 20:49

Yep , I think the right two teams from that group , France next then Marco .

Marco

18-06-2012, 21:01

Yep, tough one - our old rivals. I'm looking for Italy now to 'grow' into the tournament and show their class.

We'll see what happens! :)

Marco.

P.S That goal from Balotelli was a belter, innit? :eek:

Stratmangler

18-06-2012, 21:10

That goal from Balotelli was a belter, innit? :eek:

The lad keeps on giving us all glimpses of how good he can be :eyebrows:

Marco

18-06-2012, 21:56

He's one of those annoying players who often bumbles through matches, giving the impression he's a buffoon, but is capable of doing the extraordinary and always seems to make something happen for his team, even if it was unintentional...

In that respect, he reminds me of Georgios Samaras, who plays for Celtic and Greece, as he's a bit like that, although Balotelli is a better player.

Marco.

Stratmangler

18-06-2012, 22:12

chris@panteg

19-06-2012, 06:46

Twas a fine strike indeed ! Bad luck to Croatia, they had their chances.

England have a tough game tonight , Ukraine will give it everything in front of the home crowd , France should beat Sweden .

sergiox

19-06-2012, 07:11

Just for this Ireland deserved a better result in the match!

zSSw--kAYqk

see my neighbour, the Trap, a bit altered after Roy Keane's comments...

s3MkKjUDtxQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3MkKjUDtxQ

Marco

19-06-2012, 07:23

Mario could become one of the best forwards in world football.
The only thing that could stop that is Mario - he's his own worst enemy :doh:
Ask Bobby Manc about it :eyebrows:

When Mario's good he's very, very good.......

I agree - I love the guy, quite simply because you never know what he's gonna do next! :D

Marco.

Marco

19-06-2012, 07:26

England have a tough game tonight , Ukraine will give it everything in front of the home crowd...

I'm working on my prediction... Could England qualify for the Quarter Finals with a draw?

Marco.

Alex_UK

19-06-2012, 08:03

Could England qualify for the Quarter Finals with a draw?

Yep, but I'm sure we'll still screw it up! :lol:

chris@panteg

19-06-2012, 08:28

A draw is enough , if they manage that ? Then it's Spain most likely .

Won't be watching as I'm working , but will be checking my Android for the score.

John

19-06-2012, 09:38

I really hope England do not play for a draw

chris@panteg

19-06-2012, 10:16

I really hope England do not play for a draw

That would be fatal ! Yet i can see it happening and have a feeling Ukraine will win tonight .

Marco

19-06-2012, 13:28

Nah, I don't see it... England will get through, with at least a draw. I suspect a draw. At the moment I can't decide between 1-1 and 2-2...

Marco.

Dominic Harper

19-06-2012, 14:04

I think it will 2-1 to England, I think we'll trounce all over Ukraine. England have one of the best defense teams, but not so good at attacking. I just hope Rooney keeps his cool and doesn't screw it up with his bad temper and I hope I'm not eating my words after the match:eyebrows:

C'mon England;)

Championies championes Ola ola ola

Natalie;)

Stratmangler

19-06-2012, 16:04

Championies championes Ola ola ola

Natalie;)

Are you a closet City supporter?

chelsea

19-06-2012, 16:33

2-0 to England.
France 2 or 3-1.

WAD62

19-06-2012, 18:00

That would be fatal ! Yet i can see it happening and have a feeling Ukraine will win tonight .

We'll need to play a lot better than against Sweden to get anything tonight...I'm probably just too mentally scared from decades of mediocrity for any optimism about England's cances...:eyebrows:

Marco

19-06-2012, 18:05

Are you a closet City supporter?

Never mind that, I want to know how one would "trounce all over" someone - sounds painful! :eyebrows:

Anyway, I'll go with 1-1, with Ukraine scoring first and an England substitute equalising late(ish) on in the game...

Marco.

Marco

19-06-2012, 19:35

Half time thoughts, lads?

Rooney is (understandably) off the pace and not match sharp. If I were Hodgson, I'd give him another 20 mins (max), to produce something, and then replace him with Carroll, whom I'd fancy scoring against this team.

Marco.

Dominic Harper

19-06-2012, 19:52

Marco

19-06-2012, 19:59

Ha - he could hardly miss! Nice one, though...

If he'd been match fit, he'd have done better running through with that last chance ;)

Marco.

Dominic Harper

19-06-2012, 20:04

Ha - he could hardly miss! Nice one, though...

If he'd been match fit, he'd have done better running through with that last chance ;)

Marco.

Yeah, maybe another 20 mins and bring Walcott on.

Natalie;)

Marco

19-06-2012, 20:10

Ha - a perfectly good goal not given to Ukraine... The linesman should've gone to Specsavers!! :doh:

Marco.

John

19-06-2012, 20:44

Italy vs England coming up

Stratmangler

19-06-2012, 20:45

Bring on the Azzuri on Sunday night - it should be a tough game.

Marco

19-06-2012, 20:58

That bloody numpty of a linesman spoiled my 1-1 prediction! ;)

Anyway, I was right in saying that England would qualify for the QFs...

Bring on the Azzuri on Sunday night - it should be a tough game.

Yes, and if I were the Italian manager, I'd be showing the players the programme tonight, where the English media were seemingly joyous at missing Spain, because Italy would somehow be inferior... :nono:

That's just the motivation Italy will need to make sure they win! This English arrogance never fails to rear its ugly head :doh:

Having watched both Spain and Italy, I don't buy the above at all. Take out their 4-0 win against a pretty poor Irish team, and for me, Spain have been nothing more than decent.

Yes, Sunday's game will be a cracker - you can be damn sure of that!

Marco.

Ian Walker

19-06-2012, 21:04

That bloody numpty of a linesman spoiled my 1-1 prediction! ;)

Anyway, I was right in saying that England would qualify for the QFs...

Yes, and if I were the Italian manager, I'd be showing the players the programme tonight, where the English media were seemingly joyous at missing Spain, because Italy would somehow be inferior... :nono:

That's just the motivation Italy will need to make sure they win! This English arrogance never fails to rear its ugly head :doh:

Having watched both Spain and Italy, I don't buy the above at all. Take out their 4-0 win against a pretty poor Irish team, and for me, Spain have been nothing more than decent.

Yes, Sunday's game will be a cracker - you can be damn sure of that!

Marco.
Yesh,can i come to your house on Sunday for the game daftee.

We could have beer then munchees at half time..then at the end i could kick shit out of you when youve beaten us :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Alex_UK

19-06-2012, 21:11

That bloody numpty of a linesman spoiled my 1-1 prediction! ;)

It was offside anyway! :)

I agree that Italy are not the soft option - but good to have an extra day's rest. Sunday should be good.

Roy S

19-06-2012, 21:12

That bloody numpty of a linesman spoiled my 1-1 prediction! ;)

Although Milevskiy appeared to be offside

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/milevsky-1.jpg

Marco

19-06-2012, 21:15

Yes,can i come to your house on Sunday for the game daftee.

We could have beer then munchies at half time..then at the end i could kick shit out of you when youve beaten us...

Yesh, and I'd enjoy that, you dirty, dirty boy, eshpechially if you shpank my bottee with your Shamalee shipppers! :eyebrows:

Marco.

Stratmangler

19-06-2012, 21:19

Spain have been nothing more than decent

Neither have Italy :eyebrows:
And that's not bigging up England either;)

Yes, Sunday's game will be a cracker - you can be damn sure of that!

As I said earlier, bring on the Azzuri - it's going to be a tough game.

Marco

19-06-2012, 21:31

It was offside anyway! :)

Yes, but there was no flag put up at the time, as far as I'm aware, so if the goal had been given (as it should've been, because it WAS a goal), it would've stood! ;)

I agree that Italy are not the soft option - but good to have an extra day's rest. Sunday should be good.

Indeed. Let's hope, for England's sake, that they don't enter a false sense of security, happy in avoiding Spain, or get carried away by the usual over-exuberance by the media, now England have qualified, predicting how they're going to win the competition [BIG YAWN], and underestimate Italy in the process.

The cautiousness and lack of expectation from the fans and media, up until this point in the tournament (as per the thread title), has worked in England's favour. However, over-confidence and arrogance now could just as easily be their downfall, just like it has in the past...!

Marco.

Marco

19-06-2012, 21:34

Neither have Italy :eyebrows:

Indeed, but we weren't going into this tournament as favourites, or with the expectation level of Spain! ;)

Marco.

Stratmangler

19-06-2012, 22:31

Indeed, but we weren't going into this tournament as favourites, or with the expectation level of Spain! ;)

Marco.

Sunday will be a hard game - two unfavoured teams wanting to progress to the semi-finals.
I hope that the officials don't screw things up :eyebrows:

Marco

19-06-2012, 22:39

Indeed... I'd have preferred it if it had been the final! ;)

Marco.

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 07:14

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 09:45

Blatter says GLT is now a 'necessity' lol just waiting for Plattini to chip in ? Good job it wasn't against France , they would have the match replayed :rolleyes:

WAD62

20-06-2012, 09:48

After watching the highlights last night , I have to say unless England improve and Rooney looked so rusty ! Then I expect Italy to beat England on Sunday comfortably .

It's no good dreaming and that luck must run out sometime , Ukraine were unlucky but the team spirit in the England team is tremendous and has carried them so far , but it will take something more to beat Italy I feel , exciting though in:)nit

We seem to be getting worse in possession with each game, although perhaps a little better at the back.

If we are going to play on the break we need to be a lot more clinical with our chances, as I doubt we'll keep a clean sheet against Italy. :eyebrows:

You'd think that Young, Welbeck, and Rooney had never met...instead of having played in the same team all year...;)

Italy must be favourites...

Marco

20-06-2012, 10:03

Blatter says GLT is now a 'necessity'...

GLT? Gin and tonic with lemon? :scratch:

Marco.

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 10:38

GLT? Gin and tonic with lemon? :scratch:

Marco.

Not a bad drink on summer's day Marco :)

:eyebrows:

' Fifa president Sepp Blatter has tweeted goal-line technology is now a 'necessity' following Ukraine's disallowed goal against England in the final Euro 2012 Group D game, which replays show crossed the line.

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2012/06/20/article-1340185676550-13B1432B000005DC-5287_636x300.jpg

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 10:45

We seem to be getting worse in possession with each game, although perhaps a little better at the back.

If we are going to play on the break we need to be a lot more clinical with our chances, as I doubt we'll keep a clean sheet against Italy. :eyebrows:

You'd think that Young, Welbeck, and Rooney had never met...instead of having played in the same team all year...;)

Italy must be favourites...

Its funny but England will probably play better and look more composed when they play Italy ? Don't quote me though :eyebrows:

To be fair to the Ukraine , they played very well in the 1st half and many teams would have felt the pressure but a decent side would have capitalised on the increasingly reckless and desperate all out attacks in the 2nd I would have thought ?

Marco

20-06-2012, 10:57

Not a bad drink on summer's day Marco :)

:eyebrows:

' Fifa president Sepp Blatter has tweeted goal-line technology is now a 'necessity' following Ukraine's disallowed goal against England in the final Euro 2012 Group D game, which replays show crossed the line.

Ah, gotcha... I think the old bugger would've been better making the G&T with Lemon a 'necessity'!

Its funny but England will probably play better and look more composed when they play Italy ? Don't quote me though...

Is that before or after Balotelli's hat-trick? ;)

Marco.

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 11:47

Ah, gotcha... I think the old bugger would've been better making the G&T with Lemon a 'necessity'!

Is that before or after Balotelli's hat-trick? ;)

Marco.

Well yes of course after Mario scores his 3rd , I think England might be looking a little ragged :eyebrows: Interesting guy though , he seems a little out of place in the Italian team ? take a look at this .

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/mario-balotelli-puzzles-us-all-admits-italy-manager-cesare-prandelli-7866572.html

WAD62

20-06-2012, 12:21

Well yes of course after Mario scores his 3rd , I think England might be looking a little ragged :eyebrows: Interesting guy though , he seems a little out of place in the Italian team ?

'Interesting' is certainly one way of putting it...;)

'Self centred immature pr*ck, is possible another...

Mind you if he had some self control & determination he'd be a world beater, as it is he's a tremendous talent/idiot (delete where applicable) :)

Rooney & Ballotelli to be sent off after 1st half fist fight...:eyebrows:

chris@panteg

20-06-2012, 14:32

'Interesting' is certainly one way of putting it...;)

'Self centred immature pr*ck, is possible another...

Mind you if he had some self control & determination he'd be a world beater, as it is he's a tremendous talent/idiot (delete where applicable) :)

Rooney & Ballotelli to be sent off after 1st half fist fight...:eyebrows:

Lol , chip on his shoulder I would say .

slate

20-06-2012, 15:41

Is that before or after Balotelli's hat-trick? ;)

Marco.

Isn't he due for a red Card..... been a while since the last;)

chris@panteg

21-06-2012, 17:28

Prediction for tonight , Portugal to win 2-1 Ronaldo is on song at the moment.

chelsea

21-06-2012, 19:42

Hopefully ballotelli will get sent off in the first half.
I'll go for a boring 1-1 and on to pentalties.

chris@panteg

21-06-2012, 19:45

Hopefully ballotelli will get sent off in the first half.
I'll go for a boring 1-1 and on to pentalties.

He might start on the bench by the looks of things ?

The Czechs played well in the 1st half I thought , kept Ronaldo quiet .

Marco

22-06-2012, 20:43

Well, after that performance from Germany, I can't see any reason to change my prediction for the competition winners!

I was pleased that Celtic striker, Samaras, scored for Greece :)

Marco.

chris@panteg

22-06-2012, 21:23

Yep , me too , Greece had em going for about 3 mins but no real panic from this excellent German team .

I think Italy will beat England 2-1 and they might beat the Germans if they deploy a battery of 88's behind the goal , but seriously only Spain at their best I think.

chelsea

22-06-2012, 22:15

I think germany will quite easily beat England or Italy...Then spain.

Marco

23-06-2012, 18:17

Anyone sensing an upset tonight? I am... France to put out Spain, perhaps after penalties!

Marco.

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 20:01

Anyone sensing an upset tonight? I am... France to put out Spain, perhaps after penalties!

Marco.

Nah , Spain looking good !

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 20:34

Spain v Portugal then , and ...

Germany v Italy ? Probably.

Marco

23-06-2012, 20:37

Yes, I got that one wrong, but for long spells it was tight, mainly of course because Spain played it that way – and *that* is what annoys me about them. They're too technical, for me, at the expense of being exciting to watch.

They are undoubtedly a very talented side, but instead of using that talent to go all out and punish teams, they indulge in that bloody boring tippy-tappy possession football, which I’m sure mainly comes from the manager's instructions. YAWN!

I prefer attacking teams that play the game at a high tempo, and seek to score goals and entertain the fans. Remember that football is supposed to be an entertainment sport! In that respect, Germany are a far better side, IMO. I sincerely hope that Portugal beat Spain in the semis, as at least from Ronaldo, you are guaranteed some edge-of-the seat excitement and entertainment!

Anyway, I’m sure that tomorrow’s game will be rather better...

Marco.

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 20:56

I quite like the way Spain play , they had a superb spell in the 1st half , 2nd half they were a bit cautious but finished well , France were piss poor in my opinion .

Germany v Spain final, I'm predicting , which would be a repeat of 2008 , I'm still tipping Germany to win it .

The football you're talking about Marco , just doesn't happen much in international football very often ? Fear of losing and the nationalism ? It's how it is.

Marco

23-06-2012, 21:05

Germany play it, Chris. They go for goals and seek to punish the opposition, when possible.

They're a far more entertaining team to watch, IMO. I've never particularly liked the way Spain play, although I admire the talent of their individual players.

Italy are also more exciting to watch than Spain, even though they're not as good in possession. When football becomes too technical, and more like chess, I quickly switch off and become bored!

Yes, France were shite. I expected more of them.

Marco.

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 21:16

Germany have been impressive , but to me this team play the same way as almost Any German side in the past , I've been looking at some classic games and you could put the current German side in the 1970 team and hardly notice the difference , physical , efficient, and almost robotic , not knocking it though ! It works.

Marco

23-06-2012, 21:23

chelsea

23-06-2012, 21:25

I think portugal may take spain out.

Stratmangler

23-06-2012, 21:47

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 21:48

Robotic? Not for me... Efficient, perhaps. The former description fits Spain more, with their "robotic" tippy-tappy passing, which so often goes nowhere! ;)

I don't think there's any doubt that the football Germany have played in this tournament so far has been rather more exciting to watch than that of the Spanish, however much one admires the skill of the latter.

Marco.

Gets nowhere ? Current world and Euro champions ! Don't agree with that , I think if I was a Spaniard I wouldn't be complaining , it can look boring to the opposition or a neutral , because it ends up so one sided but if I was Spanish I wouldn't give 2 monkeys to how it annoys the rest of the world ! They've been the nearly team for decades .

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 21:56

I'm making no predictions for tomorrow - I just pray that Roy Hodgson is as canny helping his players cope with the pressures his squad will be facing, as Roberto Mancini was with Manchester City last season.

If he can do that then England will do alright.

Hi Chris

Win or lose I like the way Roy is running the ship , I think he will be England's best manager for many a year , they look like a team again , not a great one but he's making the best out of the few scraps of talent we have.

Marco

23-06-2012, 21:57

Gets nowhere ? Current world and Euro champions !

Lol... Not in terms of winning trophies, of course, but often in the passage of play during games. Look how Spain played against France tonight. I'd have preferred to have seen much more urgency and purpose!

Anyway, matey, we'll just have to agree to disagree. It's just not my style of football. I'd never pay to watch Spain play football like that, whereas I'd pay to watch Germany or Italy.

Good luck for tomorrow. I guarantee that both teams will be going all out to win!

Marco.

Stratmangler

23-06-2012, 22:07

Hi Chris

Win or lose I like the way Roy is running the ship , I think he will be England's best manager for many a year , they look like a team again , not a great one but he's making the best out of the few scraps of talent we have.

I'm with you there Chris.
They look like a team again.
All we can ask is that they do their best, play for each other and play with pride.

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 22:08

Lol... Not in terms of winning trophies, of course, but often in the passage of play during games. Look how Spain played against France tonight. I'd have preferred to have seen much more urgency and purpose!

Anyway, matey, we'll just have to agree to disagree. It's just not my style of football. I'd never pay to watch Spain play football like that, whereas I'd pay to watch Germany or Italy.

Good luck for tomorrow. I guarantee that both teams will be going all out to win!

Marco.

Yes perhaps I did take it a little out of context lol but what I don't like most is teams giving the ball away needlessly ! Perhaps that's why I'm defending Spain so much.

Yes I hope it's a great game and good to see the mutual respect at the press conference , and Roy speaking fluent Italian , but please no penalty shoot out ! I won't be watching if it comes to that :(

Marco

23-06-2012, 22:09

I would also agree with that, Chris, and indeed have already said so. Incidentally, I'm expecting Rooney to give Italy problems tomorrow.

Marco.

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 22:14

I'm with you there Chris.
They look like a team again.
All we can ask is that they do their best, play for each other and play with pride.

Damn right Chris , if they can show us that, then the country is right behind them ! Put those expensive cars , suits and wags to one side just for a few weeks is all we're asking ;)

chris@panteg

23-06-2012, 22:24

I would also agree with that, Chris, and indeed have already said so. Incidentally, I'm expecting Rooney to give Italy problems tomorrow.

Marco.

He looked well out of form against Ukraine ?

Balloteli likewise for Italy , if he wants to that is .

Marco

23-06-2012, 22:31

He looked well out of form against Ukraine ?

I can assure you, he'll be quite a bit sharper tomorrow! Balotelli aside, the key for me, will be how England handle Pirlo.

Marco.

John

24-06-2012, 06:13

I can assure you, he'll be quite a bit sharper tomorrow! Balotelli aside, the key for me, will be how England handle Pirlo.

Marco.

Yes Pirlo is the real danager man

chris@panteg

24-06-2012, 08:59

I can assure you, he'll be quite a bit sharper tomorrow! Balotelli aside, the key for me, will be how England handle Pirlo.

Marco.

Yeah , Italy will boss the midfield I think .

Dominic Harper

24-06-2012, 18:37

So what is going to be the score. I think 2-1 to Italy but I hope I am wrong, I really want England to win. C'mon England.

Natalie;)

Marco

24-06-2012, 18:37

Here we go... Good luck, lads - may the best team win!! :)

Marco.

sergiox

24-06-2012, 20:45

http://www.repubblica.it/images/2012/06/24/202932859-b48266b3-12f2-49df-9e5c-57ea3768cacf.jpg

z8nkLV1V8B4&feature=fvst

nice match, the best won.

:-)

Alex_UK

24-06-2012, 21:29

may the best team win!! :)

They did. :(

chris@panteg

24-06-2012, 21:37

They did. :(

Yep , that would have been outrageous if England won that , Germany must be gutted lol.

Still , must give credit to pirlo fine player.

DaveK

24-06-2012, 21:38

As my daughter said, "Better that we lose to the Italians than to the Germans."

webby

24-06-2012, 21:41

I find it sad that it's looked on as an achievement that we took it to penalties.

Roy just said 'we didn't lose the game'. Tut.

Ashmore

24-06-2012, 21:42

That was a lot like watching Leyton Orient. You know it'll never happen, but you hope nonetheless.

RichB

24-06-2012, 21:46

2 hours of life I'll never get back...

Marco

24-06-2012, 21:46

Hard luck, guys - done on penalties yet AGAIN! :doh:

However..... I don't think I've ever seen an international team so comprehensively outplayed for virtually 120 minutes of football - quite amazing! :eek:

Italy should've won the match about 6-1, in normal time... They were astonishingly unlucky.

I honestly thought that it just wasn't their night, and so when it went to penalties, I said to Del that I didn't think there was any way Italy were going to win, as it just seemed that England's name was written on the semi final with Germany.

However, what about that penalty goal from Pirlo, when Italy were a penalty down?? My goodness, that was sheer cheek, and UTTER class!! :D

As I said yesterday:

Balotelli aside, the key for me, will be how England handle Pirlo.

The answer was they didn't - not even remotely - and they paid the price. Pirlo was amazing.

BUT, like the TV pundits said, the quarter finals is about England's level at the moment, so they did as well as they could.

I think there are very good signs that Hodgson can build possibly one of the best England teams there has been for some time, so England can take comfort from that. They have a hardcore, rather than a soft core, for the first time in a long time, and that's something positive for them to build on.

So now it's Germany... If my prediction for who will win the competition is correct, then Italy will lose, and of course I'll be sticking with my prediction and be hoping to be pleasantly wrong! :eyebrows:

Marco.

chris@panteg

24-06-2012, 21:53

One thing is certain , 6 out 7 penalty defeats ! Not bad luck , just piss poor at penalties.

Good luck to Italy , I reckon they can give the Germans a run for their money.

John

24-06-2012, 21:53

Totally agree England did not control Pirlo
Best team won but Italy have a very hard game against the best attacking team in the Euros

chelsea

24-06-2012, 21:54

webby

24-06-2012, 21:54

Pirlo; he's 33 for Christ sake! Why couldn't we put a man on him?

Give a player like that 20 yards of space and they'll hurt you.

Marco

24-06-2012, 22:06

Give a player like that 20 yards of space and they'll hurt you.

Or even rather less....

hQynCEFl-no

;)

Marco.

chris@panteg

24-06-2012, 22:08

Pirlo; he's 33 for Christ sake! Why couldn't we put a man on him?

Give a player like that 20 yards of space and they'll hurt you.

Roy forgot to phone Marco lol, he did tell us this would happen;)

Stratmangler

24-06-2012, 22:19

For 20 minutes we looked very good.
For the rest clueless.
We need to learn how to pass and punt it long and hope for a lucky break.

We made italy look good but i think germany will beat them quite easily.

For the bits in bold I agree with the first bit, the second bit is rubbish.

England were disappointing because of their inability to retain the ball under pressure.

For all of their possession and midfield dominance, Italy were actually quite impotent in front of goal - sorry if it bursts any bubbles.
It's the side that scores the most that wins football games, and Italy didn't score (at least not any that were onside).

Penalties are a horrible way to decide the outcome of a fixture, and England weren't good enough to win the fixture outright.
Neither were Italy.

I can't see Italy making the final.
My prediction 3-1 Germany.

chelsea

24-06-2012, 22:25

For the bits in bold I agree with the first bit, the second bit is rubbish.

England were disappointing because of their inability to retain the ball under pressure.

For all of their possession and midfield dominance, Italy were actually quite impotent in front of goal - sorry if it bursts any bubbles.
It's the side that scores the most that wins football games, and Italy didn't score (at least not any that were onside).

Penalties are a horrible way to decide the outcome of a fixture, and England weren't good enough to win the fixture outright.
Neither were Italy.

I can't see Italy making the final.
My prediction 3-1 Germany.

What bit is rubbish?

Stratmangler

24-06-2012, 22:31

What bit is rubbish?

punt it long and hope for a lucky break

It's a shit tactic.
It's what I expect from teams set up by certain managers (Sam Allardyce is a great example of this - park the bus, punt it long and hope for a lucky break).

Marco

24-06-2012, 22:41

Hi Chris,

For all of their possession and midfield dominance, Italy were actually quite impotent in front of goal - sorry if it bursts any bubbles.

I completely agree, but I think that some credit has to go to the England defence, especially John Terry, whom I thought had a great game. Even when England were being overrun in the second half, the defence stood firm, and I was impressed by that.

Italy didn't have their shooting boots on tonight, no doubt, which happens sometimes. I was surprised that they didn't bring on Di Natale, who scored against Spain. I thought he could've made a difference... Perhaps he was injured? Dunno, I didn't look at the Italian bench.

Penalties are a horrible way to decide the outcome of a fixture, and England weren't good enough to win the fixture outright.
Neither were Italy.

I agree about the penalties, but I think that your comment about Italy is a bit harsh. They certainly weren't at their best, but they definitely deserved overall to win, and they certainly deserved to win the penalty shoot-out. No way would any of the England players have had the bottle to do what Pirlo did!

Like Chris (panteg) says, that's a real psychological problem area now for England.

I can't see Italy making the final.
My prediction 3-1 Germany.

I'm unsure at the moment. I suspect that Italy won't make the final, as Germany will have a big advantage now by being fresh as a daisy, whereas the Italian players will be tired, after their exertions against England. However, if Italy play as they did against Spain (whom I thought they were unlucky not to beat), and keep it tight, then they'll have a chance.

I can't see Italy losing three goals, not even to Germany... Hey how knows, it might even go to penalties again, and Italy wipe the smile off of the Germans! I'm sure that England supporters wouldn't say no to that ;)

Marco.

John

25-06-2012, 07:32

Sorry I need to rant Hope you guys do not mind
On positives it was good to seem a team ethic and have realistic expectations, instead of hope that not really based on reality Our defence was excellent but where we really lacking is in the mildfield, yes we have Gerrard and for me he was the best English player of the tournment.
I think we badly missed Jack Wiltshire someone who can pass the ball. Our ball rentention was pretty bad I guess for me where it goes wrong is in midfield, we just get over run here and lack real flair you need at this level
For ---- sake lets be real we not in the top 6 teams in world ( Football pundits sometimes wind me up) perhaps top 10 but not sure about that and the gulf is still quite big between us and the very best
Rooney is so hit and miss when he is on form he is unstoppable but he has quite a few periods in the year when he clearly is not on form
I really hope the FA acemedy actually works like the German model perhaps if that is the case we can challenge in 4 to 8 years time, but no matter who is in charge I really do not see us doing any better in Brazil. I really hope I am wrong
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Macca

25-06-2012, 07:58

Posession - that's why we lost.

Why did we opt for taking long goal kicks instead of passing out to the back 4 and building an attack? Why did we lose posession on every single throw in when Italy retianed posession on every single one of theirs? You cannot play at this level as though you are Scunthorpe United, crogging it up the pitch and hoping for the best.

I did think that Hodgson would change it around when we came out for the second half but no. Italy were not that great and they couldn't finish to save their lives but we still managed to make them look world class. Rooney should not have played the second half.

At least the Scouse lads didn't miss ther penelties otherwise we would never have heard the last of it.

Ah well...

John

25-06-2012, 08:16

Agree we cannot keep the ball

chris@panteg

25-06-2012, 08:55

Isn't it time to just accept that we are not good enough to compete with nations like Italy ,Germany ,Spain etc , and in fact pretty much at the same level as Ukraine , Poland , Ireland , Belgium and so on .

I stated at the start of this thread that this England squad is perhaps the weakest for a very long time ! The lack of world class players ! Sorry but i don't think Rooney is world class , great club player but he's never shown much at this level and I doubt he ever will.

We have a decent keeper though , that's been a tradition for England , Cole , Terry and Gerrard don't have many seasons left in them , Wilshere looks to be a real prospect but the cupboard is looking bare I'm afraid .

WAD62

25-06-2012, 09:27

We were lucky to get to extra time never mind penalties...well played Italy, they should give Germany something to think about

We looked quite good for the first 15 mins, then Italy woke up and decided to press the ball, and we just can't hold on to the ball under pressure, particularly with such a flat formation. Let's face it we've been poor in possession for 4 matches now, it's only our dogged defending and other teams poor finishing that have allowed us to get this far...

Pros;

We tried hard, and seemed to have some team spirit...err that's about it!

Cons;

When Parker is an integral part of your central midfield you know you're in trouble.
Hodgson sticks to a rigid 1980's 4-4-2, and doesn't adapt the structure to suit the available personnel.
Ashley Young is not a midfielder, he should have been used as part of a front 3, also allowing Rooney and Welbeck to play in their more familiar club positions.
Gerrard and Parker needed further assistance in midfield, again a 4 3 3 would permit this, another body would allow Gerrard a little more freedom, and he is still our most creative midfielder.

The fact that Chelsea won the Champions League by adopting these tactics should be forgotten, we don't have a Drogba, or a Ramirez...and lightning seldom strikes twice.

Overall 5/10

Marco

25-06-2012, 10:55

I agree with all the points raised. I do think at the moment that the English fans and media have to face up to the fact that their team is not in the top five in Europe, let alone the world, and that the days of 1966 are LONG gone (how I wish the TV stations wouldn't keep showing that game every time a new international football tournament starts! :doh:), quite simply because football has changed massively since then.

Basking in the nostalgia of past glories is ultimately rather sad and only serves to highlight the paucity of your success now... :rolleyes:

The fact is, England have no more chance of winning the World Cup again, than Celtic have of winning the European Cup again (now Champions League), which they did, in 1967, one year after England's World Cup success. Winning the Euros is also a similar pipedream for England, unless they can become another Greece.

The reason that English clubs do well in European domestic football is quite simply because some of the best foreign players in the world play for Premier League clubs, and because of that, the English Premier League is one of the best domestic leagues in the world, but I seriously doubt that such success will ever translate into the English national team, certainly in the short to medium term, as the home-grown talent just isn't there in the quantity needed, and neither is the coaching young players receive (and I'm thinking here in particular of ball possession discipline) of the required standard.

Furthermore, and I've said it before, there is a dearth of truly top-notch managerial talent in England, which is witnessed by the fact that the top clubs in the English Premier League have non-English managers. It's not always the case, of course, but I truly believe that international teams are best managed by a suitably qualified native of the country, just look at Spain, Italy, Portugal and Germany: the semi-finalists of this competition.

Roy Hodgson is a good and reliable manager, within his limits, with excellent organisational skills, but he'll never be a great one, as he lacks the charisma, motivational prowess, and spark of tactical genius that all the best managers have, and so I think that England will stabilise and unify under his guidance, and we have already seen evidence of that, but in order to move to the next level, the FA will eventually have to appoint someone more capable.

The FA (and also the SFA) unfortunately have the tendency now to appoint 'safe' choices for their team's managers - people who won't 'rock the boat', as it were, and I believe that this is also acting as a limiting factor in terms of the success that the England team are currently capable of achieving. A football team can only ever be as good as the guidance it receives from the top.

In that respect, Harry Redknapp should've been given the job, as I think that ultimately he had more to offer than Hodgson, but I suspect that he was seen as too much of a 'maverick' by the FA, much in the same way as Martin O'Neill would have been, who is one of the few non-English managers I think would do a superb job for England.

Maybe Sir Alex Ferguson could be temped to retire from club football and take on the England national team? Now there's a thought! I suspect though, that he doesn't need the aggro... However, it's someone of his calibre that England ultimately need at the helm. Basically, though, there's a lot that needs changing and improving, if England are ever again to be the force in world football that they once were...

Marco.

daytona600

25-06-2012, 11:21

you where shite as usual , can we close this thread

webby

25-06-2012, 11:24

you where shite as usual , can we close this thread

We were there :eyebrows:

Marco

25-06-2012, 11:29

Aye, mainly because of some very dodgy refereeing decisons!

Marco.

chris@panteg

25-06-2012, 11:50

you where shite as usual , can we close this thread

Bitterscotch

Can't wait to see Murray get his arse licked.

webby

25-06-2012, 11:54

Aye, mainly because of some very dodgy refereeing decisons!

Marco.

Which ones were they Marco?

Macca

25-06-2012, 12:01

There is always the World Cup in Summer 2014

Viewers in Scotland will have their own programmes ;)

Marco

25-06-2012, 12:15

Which ones were they Marco?

Sorry, Lee. I wrote that wrongly - my apologies... I meant the reason that Scotland weren't there was because of some shocking (and rather biased) refereeing decisions, which favoured the Czech Republic (and Spain)!

Let's face it, it's blatantly obvious that FIFA do their best to make sure that certain teams (the main and most influential ones) are present during any major finals. Scotland, and other footballing minnows, are (and always will be) treated unfairly, in that respect.

However, a little like England, I think that Craig Levein is buidling a very good (young) side. It's been too long since Scotland qualified for a major tournament, and I'm hopeful that this time they'll make it to the World Cup :)

Marco.

webby

25-06-2012, 12:35

Marco,

Well, apparently the euro's are being expanded to 24 teams increasing the chances for teams such as Scotland and Wales to qualify. Bit late for Ryan Giggs though. Criminal that he never played on the world stage.

I don't know if these changes are coming in for the next tournament or the one after though.

Macca

25-06-2012, 12:38

Giggs could have played for England if he'd wanted to. he chose to play for Wales - the lunatic. :)

Marco

25-06-2012, 13:37

Actually, I admire his decision, based purely on patriotism. When you've gotten to know the Welsh, like I have, having lived here now for 12 years, and the feeling amongst the people, you can appreciate exactly why they like to celebrate their Welshness, and divorce it at every opportunity from any Englishness - and I support that notion 100%! :sheep:

There are too many glory hunters these days doing precisely the opposite in football - especially certain Polish players I could think of, currently playing for Germany...

Marco.

Marco

25-06-2012, 13:40

Marco,

Well, apparently the euro's are being expanded to 24 teams increasing the chances for teams such as Scotland and Wales to qualify. I don't know if these changes are coming in for the next tournament or the one after though.

Well that would certainly be warmly welcomed by me! Scotland is my adopted country, as I was born there, and I love the place, although my family roots are very much (northern) Italian :)

Marco.

Bluedroog

25-06-2012, 13:56

Giggs could have played for England if he'd wanted to. he chose to play for Wales - the lunatic. :)

I’m fairly sure this isn’t true and is a common football misconception. Ryan Giggs played for England Schoolboys’ at under 16 level, Giggs went to school in England therefore was ineligible for the Welsh Schoolboys team. Although labelled England, at that age group you just need to be in the education system to be picked.
*

chris@panteg

25-06-2012, 14:33

May I just say that this thread is about the Euro championship ! Not Englands chances in it !

Looking forward to the semi finals now .

Marco

25-06-2012, 14:53

May I just say that this thread is about the Euro championship ! Not Englands chances in it !

Well, since they're gone now, it won't be difficult ignoring their chances ;)

Looking forward to the semi finals now .

Same here. Regardless of what happens now to my country, Italy, we'll have a had a decent tournament :)

Also, whoever wins the competition this time, will actually deserve to win it, as a result of playing decent football, which wasn't the case when Greece won it, much as I was pleased for them at the time, as they were massive underdogs.

Personally, I'd rather Spain didn't win it again because it would be good if someone else did this time, and also because I'm not a fan of their 'tippy-tappy' style of possession (rather boringly too technical) football.

Marco.

daytona600

25-06-2012, 15:06

its only a game of football , played by talentless overpaid wankers who stiill get paid if the win , lose or draw , next time save yourselves some grief and go straight to the penalty shootout , pain over in 10minutes not 2 fecking weeks
Get on with your lifes

daytona600

25-06-2012, 15:08

There is always the World Cup in Summer 2014

Viewers in Scotland will have their own programmes ;)

no we dont we still get england 24hours per day for 2months
england great on paper, shite on grass

Marco

25-06-2012, 15:10

Frank and to the point Scott, eh? :lol:

no we dont we still get england 24hours per day for 2months

Too true. Having lived in Glasgow for 34 years, I can sympathise with you on the biased (English-based) media's reporting on sports events. In that respect, the BBC should be renamed the EBC! :rolleyes:

BBC Scotland? Aye, right! Next joke? :D

Anyway, let's not get into the Scotland/England football thing, please.

Marco.

WAD62

25-06-2012, 15:22

Anyway, let's not get into the Scotland/England football thing, please.

Please no!!!

Mam from Ecclefechan, Dad from Longtown, and dragged up on a farm near Gretna...

I'd have to take myself out for a fist fight...;)

bobbasrah

25-06-2012, 15:31

Please no!!!

Mam from Ecclefechan, Dad from Longtown, and dragged up on a farm near Gretna...

I'd have to take myself out for a fist fight...;)

I guess that makes you a borderline headcase....:eyebrows:
Use to chuckle at that name Ecclefechan and countless other mispronunciations from lost tourists of a southerly persuasion.....:eek:
The number of lost souls I send to Ayr who were looking for Ae was embarassing....:doh:

chelsea

25-06-2012, 16:21

It's a shit tactic.
It's what I expect from teams set up by certain managers (Sam Allardyce is a great example of this - park the bus, punt it long and hope for a lucky break).

Just reread my bit.
Should have said learn to pass and not punt it long and hope for a lucky break.

Stratmangler

25-06-2012, 16:49

Just reread my bit.
Should have said learn to pass and not punt it long and hope for a lucky break.

Thank goodness for that :D

chris@panteg

27-06-2012, 11:49

No prediction for tonight's game , but Ronaldo is the key man ! He's been on form and if the Spanish give him enough space ? He could win it for Portugal.

Spain must be favorites though.

Daniel Quinn

27-06-2012, 18:32

two late for a bet sorry , but spain v portugal -

one team to win 3-2 , not sure which , not sure if 90 or 120 mins .

Marco

27-06-2012, 18:40

I think (unfortunately) that Spain will win. I say that because I'm not a fan of their usual style of football, as skillful as it undoubtedly is.

I'm a great believer that in competitions like this, more often than not, teams find their true level, and in that respect, the top two out of the last four are Germany and Spain. Italy and Portugal are pretty evenly matched, although I'd say that Italy might just sneak it in third spot.

Anyway, I'd love Portugal to win, as it would (arguably) make things easier for Italy *IF* they can beat Germany, in the other semi-final, which I doubt.

All I'm looking for really is a good ATTACKING game of football, with both teams keen to entertain the fans and show why they deserve to be in the final. However, if Spain dominate with their yawn-inducing, tippy-tappy possession football, wake me up from the land of nod before it gets dark! ;)

Match prediction: Spain to win 2-1, possibly after extra time.

Marco.

Marco

27-06-2012, 20:40

Well, what a load of shite so far - another borefest from Spain! :doh:

Apart from the first 30 mins of the first half, that was the worst match of the tournament so far.

Let's hope we get some spark of excitement in extra-time. Some fucker, score PULLEEASSEE (hopefully Portugal), as it'll force ultra-cautious (boring) Spain to wake up and attack!!!

Marco.

chris@panteg

27-06-2012, 21:40

Nevermind eh Marco , hope you got some strong coffee in for the final .

John

27-06-2012, 21:46

I was lucky got home around 920 so missed most of the boring stuff and actually saw Spain trying to play
I still fancy the Germans but I think a tough game and a lot better to watch tommorow

Marco

27-06-2012, 21:57

Nevermind eh Marco , hope you got some strong coffee in for the final .

I predicted that Spain would get through, but I'm pissed off that they did, simply because, in terms of entertainment value, the fuckers don't deserve it!

I think that tomorrow's game will be vastly more entertaining to watch!! :trust:

Marco.

chris@panteg

27-06-2012, 22:19

I predicted that Spain would get through, but I'm pissed off that they did, simply because, in terms of entertainment value, the fuckers don't deserve it!

I think that tomorrow's game will be vastly more entertaining to watch!! :trust:

Marco.

Looking forward to Italy v Germany , some classic encounters in the past , interesting that Germany have never beaten Italy in a final tournament stage .

Marco

27-06-2012, 22:48

Lol, well there's always a first time, Chris!

Marco.

chris@panteg

27-06-2012, 22:57

Lol, well there's always a first time, Chris!

Marco.

Well yes but I sense the Germans are little niggled by this fact .

I reckon the azzuri will give jerry a run for his euro's never fear lol.

chris@panteg

28-06-2012, 17:34

After chatting with work colleagues today , we all think it will be another penalty shoot out , I'm hoping for a repeat of the 1970 semi final , what a game that was , but I doubt it alas.

chris@panteg

28-06-2012, 19:09

Mario ! Game on .

Marco

28-06-2012, 20:40

Squeaky bum time at the end, but.........

:mex: :yay: :yay:

Marco.

chris@panteg

28-06-2012, 20:52

Great victory for the azzuri !

John

28-06-2012, 20:55

Well done really hope you beat the Spanish

Marco

28-06-2012, 21:13

Cheers, guys. It'll be a very difficult game on Sunday, but I'm looking forward to it!

As I thought, it was such a better game than last night's dismal bore-fest. I don't know who'll win on Sunday, but did you see the difference in the attitude of Italy tonight, compared with Spain last night?

Even at 2-0 up, with 5 mins to go, Italy were still going forward, looking for the killer third, whilst ensuring that there was sufficient cover in midfield and at the back, should Germany counter-attack.

*That* is how I like football to be played, not yer tippy-tappy 'keep the ball and go nowhere useful' shite... :nono: Again Pirlo was utterly sensational, but Balotelli, in the first half was unplayable. His second goal was quite phenomenal.

May the best team win on Sunday - and by that, I mean the one who wants it most and tries to win the game by playing exciting, entertaining and attacking football, whilst being defensively sound. That is how football should be played!

Marco.

sergiox

28-06-2012, 21:24

FORZA AZZURRI!!!

xRqKuGgSd0A

Marco

28-06-2012, 21:34

Bravo, Sergio. Speriamo che questa domenica è un giorno da festeggiare! :)

Marco.

sergiox

28-06-2012, 21:52

Speriamo Marco, speriamo...:)

avanti senza paura! ;)

Marco

28-06-2012, 22:02

Sicuramente, la paura non c'è. Penso che gli Spagnoli sono lì per essere sconfitto, ma una vittoria non sarà facile...

Marco.

sergiox

28-06-2012, 22:37

una vittoria non sarà facile...

Marco.

definitely, decisamente ...ma alla fine è solo una partita di calcio (speriamo divertente) , godiamocela !
:-) e vinca il migliore !

se vinciamo prendi la macchina e con la bandiera italiana vai in giro in macchina per Wrexham a suonare il clacson dell'automobile? :-))) qui si fa così ... LOL

YlbyJOyhkIA

daytona600

29-06-2012, 04:36

what about team GB in the olympics

chris@panteg

29-06-2012, 07:28

Pirlo , man of the match again and surely player of the tournament .

Don't care what anyone says about balloteli , I'd have him in my team anyday ! stunning 2nd goal .

chelsea

29-06-2012, 11:17

Pirlo , man of the match again and surely player of the tournament .

Don't care what anyone says about balloteli , I'd have him in my team anyday ! stunning 2nd goal .

Good player but liability over a season.

Well done italy.
Hope they can play like this again sunday.

Gmanuk101

29-06-2012, 11:34

Pirlo should be given the freedom of Turin!!

Love to see players with that gift and vision, hope he unlocks Spain but he is up against "the kid from gentle ben" and Xavi.

one of my footballer heros was on BBC as well last night , good old Lucca Viali! legend!

Marco

29-06-2012, 14:40

definitely, decisamente ...ma alla fine è solo una partita di calcio (speriamo divertente) , godiamocela !
:-) e vinca il migliore !

se vinciamo prendi la macchina e con la bandiera italiana vai in giro in macchina per Wrexham a suonare il clacson dell'automobile? :-))) qui si fa così ... LOL

Lol... Si, è veramente cosi. Ero in Italia quando hanno vinto la coppa del mondo, nel 1982, ed era un momento molto speciale. Ma se ho fatto quello qui, con la mia macchina, si può garantire che La Polizia mi avrebbe messo in prigione! :D

Marco.

Dominic Harper

29-06-2012, 17:45

I hope Italy beat Spain because that would mean that England was beaten by the champions. However, it was only on penalties. Not like they did with Germany. OMG! Perlio what a football player, at 33 he ran rings round all the German players even though they are a lot younger? What do you think. He has to be man of the match, not forgetting the goal scorer of course, who incidentally got a yellow card for taking off his shirt (silly boy), but I didn't mind lol. Great match Italy and Germany. C'mon Italy show us what you are made of :)

Natalie;)

Marco

29-06-2012, 18:01

I hope Italy beat Spain because that would mean that England was beaten by the champions. However, it was only on penalties.

That's a good point, Nat. For me, England didn't get enough plaudits for their defensive performance against Italy, despite their failings in other areas. Trust me, it wasn't just the Italian players leaving their shooting boots at home, which kept the score at 0-0 for 120 minutes!

Marco.

chris@panteg

01-07-2012, 13:28

Thoughts on tonight's final , if Spain play like they usually do ! It's going to be a hard and difficult task for the azzuri but ... I think Italy are going to win , just a gut feeling but we'll see something special tonight ? I'm hoping anyhow and not a 0-0 and penalty shootout :(

Macca

01-07-2012, 13:43

I'm saying Italy. One or possibly 2 nil. They have the bit between their teeth now. Nil-nil then penalties = zzzzzzzzzzzzzz If it comes to that I won't even bother to watch the shoot-out.

Marco

01-07-2012, 18:39

My heart says Italy, but my head (unfortunately) is saying Spain.

It'll be tight, but I just have a feeling that they're destined to make history tonight and that they've saved their best for the final.

However, I'll never be happier to get a prediction wrong!

Marco.

Bluedroog

01-07-2012, 18:47

I've got £25 on Italy to win 2-0 with Mario to score first, 95/1.:mental:

Edit::doh:

chris@panteg

01-07-2012, 19:37

Spain were awesome in the 1st half ! No team could have stopped them , I'm sorry my prediction is looking way off the mark again lol , hope Italy don't give up or fall apart.

sergiox

01-07-2012, 20:12

the spaniards are the best team, they won , we lost. end of transmission.
Compliments Furia roja! :-)

Marco

01-07-2012, 20:37

Sadly, my prediction was right. There was a glimmer of hope at the start of the second half, until Motta went off injured, and Italy were down to 10 men. After that, it was game over...

However, my congratulations go to Spain. The superb (much more attacking than usual) football they played in the first half, coupled with their consistency throughout the tournament, made them deserved winners of the final and of the competition itself.

Like I said before, in competitions like this, the teams involved inevitably find their true level, and at the moment Italy are behind Spain, in terms of who is the best team in Europe.

I’m happy with second place, as that was not predicted for Italy before the competition started. Roll on the World Cup now! :cool:

Marco.

chris@panteg

01-07-2012, 20:43

Don't think I've ever seen Spain play better , especially the first half ! Magnificent performance and worthy champions , well done Italy though , much improved team from the last world cup .

WAD62

02-07-2012, 10:49

Don't think I've ever seen Spain play better , especially the first half ! Magnificent performance and worthy champions , well done Italy though , much improved team from the last world cup .

This Spanish team has to be up there as one of the greatest international teams of all time...perhaps the '70 Brazil team, or the '74 dutch side could give them a run for their money, but 3 successive major titles is unrivalled...

I think Del Bosque learned from the first drawn match with Italy, and played a more attacking game...perhaps Italy were unlucky to have already shown their hand in the group match.

When your side is drawn from Barca, R Madrid, Chelsea, and Man C, you're going to be pretty good...;)

chris@panteg

02-07-2012, 11:26

This Spanish team has to be up there as one of the greatest international teams of all time...perhaps the '70 Brazil team, or the '74 dutch side could give them a run for their money, but 3 successive major titles is unrivalled...

I think Del Bosque learned from the first drawn match with Italy, and played a more attacking game...perhaps Italy were unlucky to have already shown their hand in the group match.

When your side is drawn from Barca, R Madrid, Chelsea, and Man C, you're going to be pretty good...;)

The Brazil 70 team were great but the defense was prone to panic and Felix had a few dodgy moments but they could overwhelm teams with their attacking football , Italy were on the recieving end in the 70 final of course .

This spanish team has to be considered as one of the all time great sides , the way they just stepped up a gear in the 1st half , so relentless and no team in the world could have stopped them last night . Italy should be proud though , great win over Germany , something to remember .

Oh and the 0-0 thrashing of England of course , as that's what it was :eyebrows:

Dominic Harper

02-07-2012, 12:32

Oh and the 0-0 thrashing of England of course , as that's what it was :eyebrows:

A bit contradictory that comment if you ask me. How can it be a thrashing if no goals were drawn.
iv
Italy should be proud especially after the THRASHING they gave Germany. I don't like Spain and half the players are dirty, especially Torres.

The Main man of the Italian team for me for me has to be Perlio, the man is one of the oldest players and ran rings the youth of Germany. They should look at his style of play. Absolute Genius on the pitch, and I bet quite a few of the managers will making sure their midfielders follow his play.

Anyway, I really wanted Italy to win. But there is always next time.;)

Natalie;)

RobbieGong

02-07-2012, 13:03

It's been said but I'll say it again, Spain were absolute class and showed how football should be played - with passion, energy and skill, very inspiring for the younger generation just like Brazil were when I was a kid. Not sure about the 'I dont like Spain' comment :scratch: Italy can hold their heads high for sure, they did better than any of us expected going into the competition, I'd be well pleased if we'd have been runners up :). As for Pirlo, I wont pretend to know a lot about him as football is not my main passion but I love the competition and big match games. I've never seen such a cool, slick and laidback penalty in my life like the one Pirlo took against England AND under such pressure - Unbelievable !