UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

[mas129]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Does quality of the teams beaten, matter as much; considering even Spain lost to China. I don't say that they are invincible but it's a decent re-beginning for France.

And Alan Hanson. BBC Pundits have a flair to stay in the news though. There's the guy who made Ivanovic stunned after Camp Nou qualification, there's Gary Neville's orgasm and now this. xd

I remember Ivanovic, he had no idea and the guy broke the news to him in such a bad manner, I felt sorry for him as his mood switched.

@bold When Torres went through, absolutely hilarious listening to Neville.

 

[Escorpiius]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

lol thanks but I'm not that optimistic either. Just watching the two previous friendly games we had under hodgson's reign against Belgium and Norway. We didn't really impress, especially considering they were both scrappy 1-0 victories.

I never really understood England's style of play and I'm not very analytical but despite having various managers over the years; Mclaren, Capello and now Hodgson, we keep playing this type of football where we pass around in our own half and when we go into the opposing half we just somewhat long-ball it to the forward like carroll and crouch before him.

They all just seem uninspired and lack creativity when in the England shirt. The only reason we scrape wins is because of individual effort and not actual team play (like young against norway and sturridge against Belgium) realistically, we gave away so much we could have easily drawn or even lost against those two and whom are not even in the euro2012.

For the actual event. France, we probably have no chance considering they beat us in a friendly while we were in a much better state under Capello. Sweden we ALWAYS do bad against but we might scrape another win but I'm predicting a draw more than anything and I feel the same way about Ukraine.

I don't think Rooney would make much of a difference in the team once he plays in the last game because like I said before, we lack teamwork and Rooney alone can not carry a team forth to euro glory (no matter how "great" he may be). And by then, the tournament might even be over for us lol

and Hodgson brought in Henderson, Downing and Kelly. Liverpool favoritism much? considering he left out the likes of Richards. Downing I can deal with but Henderson and Kelly? Really? I'd much rather have Walker or Carrick than those two.

England's team is a mixture of aging players and inexperience with the likes of Ashley Young being one of the very few able to produce something magical.

Same here, I never understood England's style of play either. Personally, they had so much time to build a real team-play when the Gerrard-Terry-Ferdinand-Lampard-Rooney were all established as front-runners. It's a pity that they are still in 'construction'.

Personally, leaving Richards, Carrick and Ferdinand is a travesty when you're going to take players like Henderson, Downing and Kelly. I noticed Liverpool favoritism from the moment, the list was announced. Lampard's injury is even worst.

I know Rooney's comeback won't change much thing but at the very least, he might be the best playmaker in the absence of Lampard - considering Gerrard is not in the best of his shape. I'm not even sure if we'll pass the Group Stages but I'm just keeping little hope alive.

I don't know why but I'm feeling that England are doing the same mistakes that France did in South Africa. Just hope England don't become a Knysna-like Cinematic joke.

I mean, we're relying on old players, we're encouraging egoistic players like Terry, you hand the captain armband to Gerrard who's not in the best of his shape just like Evra was, you got your Best Player suspended and who's gonna be pissed off if he come at a moment when England are in bad position, we got a coach who seemed to make 'questionable' choices and to add it all, we have a bad team-play.

All-in-all, at least, we can hope that we can pull an upset after Chelsea won CL against all odds. England are perhaps the hardest team to decipher in this Euro.

They may crash in complete catastrophe or might strike surprising winning bolts. Just hope, it'll be the latter.

 

[Escorpiius]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

I remember Ivanovic, he had no idea and the guy broke the news to him in such a bad manner, I felt sorry for him as his mood switched.

@bold When Torres went through, absolutely hilarious listening to Neville.

I agree and

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on France. Amusingly, it kinda states you facts that you wanted to know as to why to support France.

 

[mas129]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

I agree and

You must be registered for see links

on France. Amusingly, it kinda states you facts that you wanted to know as to why to support France.

And I was actually optimistic about England vs France

 

[ReLax -]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

I will be sticking with my team Spain and hope they go all the way, but a lot will be on their plate missing influential players like Puyol and Villa. David Villa has scored 50 goals in 82 matches for Spain. Torres is out of form, Llorente, Negredo, and Soldado will face a lot of pressure as strikers. The best thing we have is our Midfield/wingers with Xavi, Inesita, Silva, Fabregas, Alonso, and Mata. Defence wise with rumours flying around Pique and Ramos aren't seeing eye to eye, and they will be key to our defence, but with Pique distracted recently *cough* Shakira *cough* can't say how his performance will be. Martinez and a couple others will get a chance to shine, so hope we try to hold this down, we had a rough game VS China. I'm happy to see Casillas in net for us, but he will need support, so hope if Ramos and Pique have any difference it is settled all tho the game VS China with the sub was happening seemed nothing was wrong with them.

Xavi recently to make matter worst came out to say Madrid players lack sportsmanship, as to whenever Barcelona won the league or beat them they never congratulate them, and instead start war in the media, to a point agreeable, but I don't think this is smart to say going into Euros. Arbeloa has said there isn't any love lost between the two side and they don't look at each other has Barcelona/Madrid, instead are focusing on retaining the Euro cup.

As I've always been saying Spain down fall will come to due to mainly the Barcelona and Madrid rivalry, and so the players will be there nation own down fall.

Germany had a rough friendly losing to Switzerland 5-3 for the first time in nearly 60+ years. They were however missing many of the Bayern Munich stars, as they were resting after the CL defeat. However they did redeem themselves the following game 2-0 victory over Israel.

Netherlands the same day suffered a loss VS Bulgaria 2-1, but did redeem themselves VS Northern Ireland 6-0.

France is in top performance, England is getting victories, and Italy/Portugal are struggling.

Despite the friendly some being disappointments, but we can't rely all info on that as Spain did lose to Switzerland in the WC, but ended up clinching the title and with Chelsea shock win over Bayern, England/Portugal/Italy still have a chance to win and can shock the world despite poor performances thus far.

However currently France will be the team to look out for, I hope they don't disappoint. The favs will still be between Spain/Germany/Netherlands.

 

[Escorpiius]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

I will be sticking with my team Spain and hope they go all the way, but a lot will be on their plate missing influential players like Puyol and Villa. David Villa has scored 50 goals in 82 matches for Spain. Torres is out of form, Llorente, Negredo, and Soldado will face a lot of pressure as strikers. The best thing we have is our Midfield/wingers with Xavi, Inesita, Silva, Fabregas, Alonso, and Mata. Defence wise with rumours flying around Pique and Ramos aren't seeing eye to eye, and they will be key to our defence, but with Pique distracted recently *cough* Shakira *cough* can't say how his performance will be. Martinez and a couple others will get a chance to shine, so hope we try to hold this down, we had a rough game VS China. I'm happy to see Casillas in net for us, but he will need support, so hope if Ramos and Pique have any difference it is settled all tho the game VS China with the sub was happening seemed nothing was wrong with them.

Xavi recently to make matter worst came out to say Madrid players lack sportsmanship, as to whenever Barcelona won the league or beat them they never congratulate them, and instead start war in the media, to a point agreeable, but I don't think this is smart to say going into Euros. Arbeloa has said there isn't any love lost between the two side and they don't look at each other has Barcelona/Madrid, instead are focusing on retaining the Euro cup.

As I've always been saying Spain down fall will come to due to mainly the Barcelona and Madrid rivalry, and so the players will be there nation own down fall.

Germany had a rough friendly losing to Switzerland 5-3 for the first time in nearly 60+ years. They were however missing many of the Bayern Munich stars, as they were resting after the CL defeat. However they did redeem themselves the following game 2-0 victory over Israel.

Netherlands the same day suffered a loss VS Bulgaria 2-1, but did redeem themselves VS Northern Ireland 6-0.

France is in top performance, England is getting victories, and Italy/Portugal are struggling.

Despite the friendly some being disappointments, but we can't rely all info on that as Spain did lose to Switzerland in the WC, but ended up clinching the title and with Chelsea shock win over Bayern, England/Portugal/Italy still have a chance to win and can shock the world despite poor performances thus far.

However currently France will be the team to look out for, I hope they don't disappoint. The favs will still be between Spain/Germany/Netherlands.

If Spain wins it, it will be due to its amazing midfield. Personally, I think they have the best midfield in all National tournaments history. And even if some may deny it, I guess if they win Euro back-to-back, it can't be denied. I mean, Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Fabregas, Mata, Alonso, Busquets, Jesus Navas, Martinez, Cazorla. All (or most) of these 10 men will easily feature among the best 25 midfielders in today's time; which shows their strength.

Sure, Spain are weakened compared to 2008 and 2010 but they remain favorites. Xavi's statement was putting oil on fire. And since he said that on Canal+ (who is Pro-Barca), it's worsen the statement in a way that it's like opening a fission. Let's admit it - his statement on respect/sportsmanship makes no sense when both team vilify each other. He should have shut up.

Holland have kept clinging on their 2010 feat and still look strong. I expected players like Robben, Van Bommel ect... to drop form by 2012 but they are still great leaders. Though Robben is kinda down from Bayern's utter triple disappointment. Van Persie grew even better though.

Speaking of Bayern, it could affect Germany in a big way. Since most of the Bayerns players form crucial part of the German's squad, it could produce backfiring effects. I guess, that's the risk in a National when most of your players come from only 1-2 teams.

Sure, it's an advantage but it can also backfire, depending on season passed. Same with the Spain armada where as your say the rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona could eat the Spain Team from the inside as you said.

Portugal are struggling but I think, that they might pull an upset in between the problems in the Holland or German squad. Sure, Spain/Germany/Netherlands remain favs but the first people to challenge this trio will be the Portuguese. They are not favorites and that'll help them.

Italy got that pressure to finish second though. They say that the 1st match is pivotal, so I'd like to see the effects of Italy v/s Spain and England v/s France. Both favorites of their group but where one will lose big and one will win big.

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

italy will pull another upset in this euro, just like what happen in Spain 1982 and Germany 2006,

the final will be Italy vs Portugal

 

[Escorpiius]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

italy will pull another upset in this euro, just like what happen in Spain 1982 and Germany 2006,

the final will be Italy vs Portugal

Everything is possible but right now, Italy is more upset about the new betting scandals

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Everything is possible but right now, Italy is more upset about the new betting scandals

that scandal will just boost the Italian players MORALE xd

 

[Tsujan9484]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

always supported England when it comes to country.....so yeah England....

 

[3rd Hokage]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Well the first match has already started, i hope Russia and Poland win.

!!!!!

Damn, it's 1:1 to both Poland and Greece

I hope Poland will get atleast 2:1 =( !!

 

[3rd Hokage]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Nope a draw i was rooting for Poland as well, but i can already tell if both teams keep playing like they did todat they won't come anywhere near winning the Cup.

[glow="SandyBrown]XD. Im from Poland and we all know there that we won't get anywhere near the finals. We atleast wanted to get out of the group. But damn, Polish team understeminated Greece too much. Now look what happened.[/glow]

 

[Out Of Ctrl]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Certainly some cracking matches from the opening games.

 

[ReLax -]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Day 1:

Group A:

Poland VS Greece 1-1

Poland goal from Lewandowski (17). A must watch player this Euros actually.

Greece scored by Salpingidis (51).

Highlights

Spoiler

Russia VS Czech 4-1

Russia scorers Dzagoev (15, 79), Shirokov (24), and Pavlyuchenko (81)

Czech scorer Pilar (52)

Tomorrow fixture will be from group B Netherlands VS Denmark at 12PM ET, and Germany VS Portugal at 2:45PM.


Highlights

Spoiler

 

[ReLax -]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

I apologies for double post.

italy will pull another upset in this euro, just like what happen in Spain 1982 and Germany 2006,

the final will be Italy vs Portugal

Everything is possible in football, remember Euro 1992 Denmark upset Germany. Euro 2004 Portugal and Greece pulled an upset to get to final and Greece won it.

that scandal will just boost the Italian players MORALE xd

Actually the Italian team coach wants to pull his team out of Euros thats how ashemed he is of his nation.

Spoiler

If Spain wins it, it will be due to its amazing midfield. Personally, I think they have the best midfield in all National tournaments history. And even if some may deny it, I guess if they win Euro back-to-back, it can't be denied. I mean, Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Fabregas, Mata, Alonso, Busquets, Jesus Navas, Martinez, Cazorla. All (or most) of these 10 men will easily feature among the best 25 midfielders in today's time; which shows their strength.

Sure, Spain are weakened compared to 2008 and 2010 but they remain favorites. Xavi's statement was putting oil on fire. And since he said that on Canal+ (who is Pro-Barca), it's worsen the statement in a way that it's like opening a fission. Let's admit it - his statement on respect/sportsmanship makes no sense when both team vilify each other. He should have shut up.

Holland have kept clinging on their 2010 feat and still look strong. I expected players like Robben, Van Bommel ect... to drop form by 2012 but they are still great leaders. Though Robben is kinda down from Bayern's utter triple disappointment. Van Persie grew even better though.

Speaking of Bayern, it could affect Germany in a big way. Since most of the Bayerns players form crucial part of the German's squad, it could produce backfiring effects. I guess, that's the risk in a National when most of your players come from only 1-2 teams.

Sure, it's an advantage but it can also backfire, depending on season passed. Same with the Spain armada where as your say the rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona could eat the Spain Team from the inside as you said.

Portugal are struggling but I think, that they might pull an upset in between the problems in the Holland or German squad. Sure, Spain/Germany/Netherlands remain favs but the first people to challenge this trio will be the Portuguese. They are not favorites and that'll help them.

Italy got that pressure to finish second though. They say that the 1st match is pivotal, so I'd like to see the effects of Italy v/s Spain and England v/s France. Both favorites of their group but where one will lose big and one will win big.

Indeed it will be due to our midfield, but we will need a striker to step up and are defence needs to be solid if we face off VS Germany/Holland especially, but others also.

I don't think anyone can argue that we have the best midfield ever to play football. As a whole Spain has produced some of the best. It shows it when players like Xavi and Iniesta get compared/nominated for ballon d'or along side Messi/Ronaldo.

Xavi only demands things in return, Madrid beating us last year for Copa, Barca still congratulated them, as well as this years league victory, but were as Madrid and Mou barely do that, instead they go to the reporters. I do think that Canal+ blow this out of proportion. Anyways Arbeloa says there is no Barca/Madrid divide, so lets hope for that.

Holland still is a threat and I hope they play their style instead when meeting up with Spain in WC final, not to play that defensive style the defeat they should have learnt from it. I hope Holland adapts back to its offenive style back in the days they surely have a squad for it.

Exactly my take on Bayern, but they have said they are moving on, so lets hope for that and tomorrow the match VS Portugal may determine that also. Ozil will be key for them.

I believe France would challenge the trio and stand the better chance, but Portugal could pull an upset, but so can Italy.

I expect some fights in this in 2010 WC of all honest the Spain games were good, but everyone took a defensive approach VS Spain and in my eyes Uruguay was the team to watch the fight they put up VS Holland and Germany both score lines 3-2 to Holland and Germany was fantastic, despite the controversy VS Ghana for them. I still watch there highlights from South Africa and they ATM are much more promising than Brazil and Argentina. They keep this up and with their players get experience won't be a shocker to see them in the finals in two years around their neighbourhood.

 

[Mante]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Rooting for Spain

 

[Yugure]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Hup Holland Hup, Ned-Den just started, I think it'll be 2-0

but we have to wait for the second half before they will score...

 

[choft]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Hey Escorpiius, is it possible for you to post all the football results on the first post of the thread?

I mean, I guess it's pretty easy to find the results anyway but I dunno, it's just a suggestion.

 

[mas129]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Holy sh*t, Denmark just won against Holland 1 - 0.

 

[choft]

Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!

Yeah, that handball at the end definitely should be a penalty.