Official Football Thread

[Genghis Khan]

Well, we played great tonight, a deserved win. Luck smiled upon us for the second goal, but Germans were also lucky for theirs.

On the last three big tournaments (FIFA2002, UEFA2004, and FIFA2006), we followed the same pattern. Qualifiers were easily won, some tough games were won there. Then, we show our weaknesses in the friendly preparation games before the event, and then our game gets lost on the tournament and we don't make it to the second leg.

Some people were afraid that the story would go on, after the weak performance against Austria, after losing to Dutch side in friendly game, home by 0-3, and after dissapointing friendly games (1-0 victories against Hungary and Moldova, two teams that didn't qualify to the tournament).

However, one must note that Austria wasn't very well "scanned". They didn't play qualifiers. They were enthusiastic and agressive, we were under pressure because that game was "already won" (again, stupid media blabbering and pressure), and the referee was clearly on their side. He got a weakest score of all referees of the first round. It's wise to say, that our top-man Eduardo Da Silva got injured while playing for his Arsenal after the qualifiers, and basically, we had to rearrange our whole offensive scheme.

Today, our game was back again, and we were again the team that won on Wembley, and declassed Italians in Livorno right after they became world champions. Mathematically speaking, since Poland and Austria drawed, we're first in group no matter the outcome of the final group round. Portugal is in the same situation, first no matter what, so we'll be playing either Turkey or Czech Republic. That fact makes me very enthustiastic. I'm not degrading both teams in any way, but it's great that we're not up against teams like Portugal, Spain or Netherlands right in the quarter-finals. And it's a fact that both Turkey and Czechs haven't performed really well on the tourney, they're pitting for the second place because the Portugese are clearly superior to all, and Swiss lost everything.

Therefore, i see Croatia pitting for the medal again, and atleast entering the half-finals.

You took the words right out my mouth.  There is just one thing.  I thought that Hungary and Croatia tied 1:1 due to a Kovac (can't recall which) auto-goal -- or is that a different game?

Also, there are plenty of rumours that Hungary is building its team up and is looking fairly impressive.  I cannot say as I have not watched a single recent game of theirs.

Probably. We have five (or even six) players with yellow cards. Three of them are in bad position, both defenders, Simunic and R.Kovac, and Dario Srna, who isn't a defender but he has a bit of temper and is prone to yellow cards.

Simunic is prone to yellow cards, too. 

But I seriously do hope they rest those players.  With Leko it does not matter as much, but still what an unnecessary foul.  Sweitsteiger (sp??) push was even more unnecessary though.

And for tomorrow, I say Italy to beat Romania and Netherlands to beat France.

Edit: GK, I second that, I was so angry when Greece won Euro 2004, I sulked for a day.

I agree with your predictions for tomorrow (which is actually today). 

Italy 2  1 Romania
Netherlands 2  0 France

*About Greece in Euro 2004: I'd like to make it clear that although I did not like the Greek's game then, I never insinuated that they did not play fair.  They certainly did.  We all have our favourites and second favourites and teams we do not like, Greek playing happens to be mine.  But they did everything legally to win, so they did deserve it.

Was that him? Sorry but I can't agree with you here. He or at least his linesman "stole" a Polish goal (as I told before in my first post of 10 June) in that match. I also thought that he killed that game a couple of times, by unnecesary whistling for minor things.

I re-viewed that situation when you first brought it up, and I must say I disagree with you.  I thought the ref made a good decision.  Speaking of Polish goals, the Roger G. goal (against Austria) could be controversial because he was offside when the pass was kicked.

Austria played well.  They have one major problem and that is finding a man who can make those finishing touches.  After 4 amazing chances in the first 25 minutes, you'd think they'd be up at least 2:0.  A well deserved tie and I'm glad Vlastic made that pentaly stick for more reasons that the fact that it made Croatia's game with Poland that much more relaxed.

 

[Forostar]

Also, there are plenty of rumours that Hungary is building its team up and is looking fairly impressive.

Their new coach is Erwin Koeman. Curious how he will manage it.

About that Polish "goal":

I re-viewed that situation when you first brought it up, and I must say I disagree with you.  I thought the ref made a good decision. 

Arguments? Or do you mean that Smolarek was off-side when the ball was played, in your eyes (literally)? At least it was doubtful, and in such situations it should not be flagged, like with the German goal.

edit:
And again an ON side goal (Luca Toni). Brilliant. 

 

[Albie]

Speaking of Polish goals, the Roger G. goal (against Austria) could be controversial because he was offside when the pass was kicked.

Austria played well.  They have one major problem and that is finding a man who can make those finishing touches.  After 4 amazing chances in the first 25 minutes, you'd think they'd be up at least 2:0.  A well deserved tie and I'm glad Vlastic made that pentaly stick for more reasons that the fact that it made Croatia's game with Poland that much more relaxed.

The Polish goal was offside and the linesman should have called it. However, the penalty was probably the bravest decision any ref could ever make and I have to applaud Mr Webb for calling it so. Firstly, apparently UEFA have asked officials to clamp down on this behaviour and secondly, it appeared that the Ref had already warned the players not to do this seconds before hand. This was a stonewall penalty that some refs may have bottled (particularly at the timing of it) it and let it go. What was a little sickening was the Polish Prime Minister stating that he was so mad that he, and this was his exact words, wanted to kill. Read more here.

Anyway, I am watching the Dutch beating the French and it made me think that (bearing in mind the Italy Romania result) if it stays as it is, the Dutch will win the group and have 6 points, the Romanians will have 2 and the French and Italians will have 1 each. So, if the Dutch feel that they need to rest their stars and field a weakened team to play Romania and Romania win, the Italians and the French go home early - not matter what they do in their game. But the Dutch won't be brought in to any such shenanigans............will they?

 

[Dr. Eddies Wingman]

Well, today the Norwegian linesman surely made himself look foolish ... I guess he flagged because of Del Piero, not Toni, but even Del Piero was not clearly offside. And if he was, I guess one usually would interpret the rules as that Del Piero was not interfering with play and thus should not be considered. Should've been a goal.

But the penalty was correct, another situation like the one were Webb gave one to Austria but this time clearer.

But to the main event tonight: What a fantastic game by Holland! Forostar: A big CONGRATULATIONS from me  The French put on quite a fight until 3-1, but Holland were better most of the time and again, a very deserved win. I hold the Dutch team as favorites for the quarter-finals no matter who they get. And I was actually sitting there hoping for a 4-1 goal towards the end, because that would result in France and Italy being completely equal before they meet. Both with one point and with 1-4 as goal difference.

If Holland beat Romania by 3-0 now, and France and Italy  draw 1-1 (or 2-2 or more), then we will actually see a penalty shootout between France and Italy for 2nd place  Because then both of them will be ahead of Romania on total number of goals scored, but otherwise they are equal with respect to all the rules used to separate between two teams with the same number of points.

So, Foro, who do you like Holland to meet in the quarters?

 

[Forostar]

Thanks guys! That was a great evening! 

I suspect we'll meet Sweden (unless Russia or Greece will suddenly be on the rise again). I don't mind who the opponent will be as long as we'll get further, that's most important!

Rediculous that there's indeed a small chance that both France and Italy (finalists of the last World Cup) could be out in the first round.

I also watched a bit of BBC and one of the commentators sounded like his fake teeth were loose or something.

 

[Albie]

I have to say, the Dutch 2nd goal was the best they have scored so far this tournament. Personally, I love counter attacking football and van Persie's goal was classic counter attack - exactly the type of goal Man U would score.

Good luck to the Dutch, because on this showing, I can't see any one beating them. They seem to say - you can score once, but we will score twice. Again, I can draw comparison to Man U to this Dutch side, but that is what made the Old Trafford side successful - they had that same attitude.

However, I'm sticking with the Czech's - for the hell of it. They will beat the Croat's in the quarters and Germany in the Semi's*.


*Sorry, but the Chelsea appointment of Scolari will take the sting out of the Portuguese. And the Germans will get at least the point they need against the Austrians.

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Rediculous that there's indeed a small chance that both France and Italy (finalists of the last World Cup) could be out in the first round.

It's not that ridiculous, If the French or the Italians can't score - or even win a game, then they go home - end of story.

 

[Dr. Eddies Wingman]

They seem to say - you can score once, but we will score twice. Again, I can draw comparison to Man U to this Dutch side, but that is what made the Old Trafford side successful - they had that same attitude.

This is an attitude which every great team should have. It is what is the difference between just winning (which is great) and winning with style (which is greater).

@Forostar: Well, we could see both France and Italy out, but after all it is the group of death, isn't it?

 

[national acrobat]

The way Holland play is very enjoyable, and van Basten's tactics were spot on yesterday, putting Robben on for a central midfielder when leading at half-time was a bold move.

I still think Italy will make it through, and all the way to the final. I imagine Holland will rest quite a few players for the game against Romania, but even their reserves should be too strong for Romania, which would leave it open for the winners of France-Italy.

 

[Dr. Eddies Wingman]

Tips for today: Spain-Sweden 2-1, Greece-Russia 1-1.

I think the Swedish defense actually showed weaknesses against Greece. Although the Greeks didn't try to attack much, they seemed threatening the few times they really tried. And on their offensive, they are weakened by the loss of "Chippen" Wilhelmsson.

Greece vs Russia is very decisive for the two teams. The team that loses this one will have really big problems, especially if Spain and Sweden draw (then the loser is out). The match against Spain showed a Russian team that has plenty of attacking talent, but at the same time  show a defense with big holes in it. But of course, Spain invited them to an open game, the Greeks will certainly not do the same. We can hope for an early Russian goal, so that the Greeks have to actually show their attacking abilities.

 

[Genghis Khan]

The Polish goal was offside and the linesman should have called it. However, the penalty was probably the bravest decision any ref could ever make and I have to applaud Mr Webb for calling it so. Firstly, apparently UEFA have asked officials to clamp down on this behaviour and secondly, it appeared that the Ref had already warned the players not to do this seconds before hand. This was a stonewall penalty that some refs may have bottled (particularly at the timing of it) it and let it go. What was a little sickening was the Polish Prime Minister stating that he was so mad that he, and this was his exact words, wanted to kill. Read more here.

After the Polish PM made that comment, he was smart enough to apologize.

The way Holland play is very enjoyable, and van Basten's tactics were spot on yesterday, putting Robben on for a central midfielder when leading at half-time was a bold move.

I still think Italy will make it through, and all the way to the final. I imagine Holland will rest quite a few players for the game against Romania, but even their reserves should be too strong for Romania, which would leave it open for the winners of France-Italy.

I agree with you on your assessment of Italy.  They often find a way to sneak their way through when they look down and out.

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@Forostar: I'll have to review that video again if you want further comments.  But that'll have to wait 'til later.  Can you comment on the Rogers G. goal?  You never disputed my claim that it was an offside.

I have to say, the Dutch 2nd goal was the best they have scored so far this tournament. Personally, I love counter attacking football and van Persie's goal was classic counter attack - exactly the type of goal Man U would score.

Good luck to the Dutch, because on this showing, I can't see any one beating them. They seem to say - you can score once, but we will score twice. Again, I can draw comparison to Man U to this Dutch side, but that is what made the Old Trafford side successful - they had that same attitude.

However, I'm sticking with the Czech's - for the hell of it. They will beat the Croat's in the quarters and Germany in the Semi's*.


*Sorry, but the Chelsea appointment of Scolari will take the sting out of the Portuguese. And the Germans will get at least the point they need against the Austrians.

---

It's not that ridiculous, If the French or the Italians can't score - or even win a game, then they go home - end of story.

I think you're over-estimating Czech chances.

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Spain and Russia will win today, I believe.

 

[Forostar]

@Forostar: I'll have to review that video again if you want further comments.  But that'll have to wait 'til later.  Can you comment on the Rogers G. goal?  You never disputed my claim that it was an offside.

Well, you don't have to mate, never mind, I guess we all have our different views and ideas.
I indeed haven't disputed that the Rogers goal was off-side. But I saw that as the only luck Poland had this tournament.

 

[Albie]

After the Polish PM made that comment, he was smart enough to apologize.

How very noble of him, but he should not have put himself in that position in the first place.

I think you're over-estimating Czech chances.

I made them my favourite prior to the tournament for absolutely no real reason at all - and I'm sticking with it.



And I'm sticking my neck out here and will state that Spain will not beat Sweden today.

 

[Forostar]

I have that feeling too Albie. Right now it's 1-1!! YES!!!


GO SWEDEN!

 

[Dr. Eddies Wingman]

The Swedes were pretty close. I nearly feel sorry for them now. Now we should hope Russia beat Greece so we get a clean "final" between Russia and Sweden for 2nd in the group.

Overall Spain were the better team in the entire second half and they deserved to win, even though they may have been lucky not to have got a free kick against them just before their winning goal.

 

[national acrobat]

I have that feeling too Albie. Right now it's 1-1!! YES!!!


GO SWEDEN!

I would have thought you'd prefer to avoid Spain in the next round?

Still, Spain weren't very good, and nothing for Holland to worry about in the Quarters/Semis if they meet.

 

[Forostar]

I actually didn't think much about Holland.

Sometimes I just dislike mediterranean countries in sport. 

 

[Deleted member 7164]

Objectively speaking, Holland has shown the best football of all in the games they played, so, at least for now, they are #1 favourites for the title.

 

[national acrobat]

Holland are favourites with the bookies too, closely followed by Spain, and further behind are Portugal and then Germany.

 

[Forostar]

Russia still lives, Greece is out, already after 2 matches.

The Greeks came to Euro'08 with tactics from "Ancient history": 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 1 attacker.

 

[national acrobat]

Russia still lives, Greece is out, already after 2 matches.

The Greeks came to Euro'08 with tactics from "Ancient history": 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 1 attacker.

Yes, until the last five minutes of the deciding match.
It did look though like they were another one to fall victim to the "Rule a legitimate goal out for offside" game the officials are playing this tournament, although there was a while between the offside call and the ball going in.