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

[Escorpiius]

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

1-0 for Italy against Ireland and 0-0 between Croatia & Spain. At half-time

Nothing to tell much about though.

- Only one good chance for Spain. From Torres who shot from a tight angle.

- Spain look a bit tired. And if it were to happen prejudicial effect on them, then Del Bosque could be blamed since he isn't doing enough turn-overs. Madrid, Chelsea, Barca and City all had lengthy seasons and given his rich squad, he should do more vary his players more. Forcing starters to keep playing at their highest level is risky.

- Also, Ramos went hard on Mandzukic (forget spelling). Sure, he took the ball but it was a very harsh tackle. He could have broken his feet and the way, he took all grass show that he didn't think of going softly. So penalty or no penalty, tough to say but I guess, it's fine with no penalty cause Mandzukic was fine.

- I'm not really following Italy but I'd safely say that we give the title of 'Worst Goalkeeper of Euro 2012' to Shay Given. He did awful goalkeeping in this Euro.

- It's Cassano who scored on corner and the ball barely crossed the line.

- Right now, Italy are first while Spain are at 2nd. Croatia is eliminated. (All 3 got 5 points right now)

- In case, you're confused like me about how this 'Head-To-Head' rule, let me explain it:

Italy did 1-1 against Croatia and 1-1 against Spain.

Since Croatia-Spain are having a 0-0, that means that on direct confrontation between these 3 concerned teams, Italy scored 2 while Spain/Croatia scored 1 in total.

If Croatia-Spain were to end on 1-1 result, then it will level on direct head-to-head level and we'll count it on goal difference; where Croatia and Spain are ahead. Italy's only way to pass will be to score quite some goals against Ireland.

If Croatia-Spain were to end on 2-2 or more draw result, then both Spain and Croatia will qualify on head-to-head level. No matter what Italy do against Ireland.

 

[SiroNS]

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

Ooooh yes, Super Mario Ballotelli!

 

[iMicLykTyson]

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

Spain Vs Croatia
Spain won but i kinda expected more from them, Gotta admit the last goal was pure genius
1-0 Spain

 

[iMicLykTyson]

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

Ooooh yes, Super Mario Ballotelli!

At least we didn't see the "why always me" T-Shirt xd
Epic goal btw

 

[Escorpiius]

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

I was sad for Croatia.

They nearly did score that crucial goal.

Casillas saved Spain with two major saves while there was a penalty on Corluka that the referee didn't give.

Referee really didn't help Croatia. Didn't gave that penalty when Busquets blatantly stretched Corluka's shirt on the corner. The first half penalty for that 'barely-legit' tackle from Ramos wasn't given either. And also he handed loads of yellow cards to Croatia players while there were few big fouls.

I don't know if Spain deserve to go out. Neither do I know if Italy deserved it. But Croatia, as underdogs did a good match and I think they merited their qualification. Besides the goal, they had the best chance in the match with Modric perfectly crossing the ball to Rikitic whose header was saved by Casillas.

Spain could have done better but their key players clearly seemed tired. I noticed it in 1st half itself and it was more clear in 2nd half as they struggled a lot. Considering their match against France or England or Ukraine won't be easy, that could be problematic. And yeah, defense is still shaky.

 

[Out Of Ctrl]

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

In this match Spain weren't at their best, just kept passing the ball around and not exactly feeding Torres properly as they should've. Nevertheless that goal was well worked and the substitutions made were paid off.

Cant wait for the quarter-finals.

Portugal vs Czech R

Germany vs Greece

Spain vs England (most likely)

Italy vs France(most likely)

I expect Portugal and Germany to sail through. While the rest of the following matches are mouth watering. <3

 

[ReLax -]

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

maybe next time since i need to get ready for the match tonight,
for i'l just say, player like pavel nedved, and sheva win that title with only 1 trophy or 2.

As I said, titles aren't the only thing goals/assist are even better than Ronaldo. Pavel in general did a great season. Messi did an amazing one stat wise and accomplishment.

Ronaldo won La Liga and scored the decisive goal in the crucial Classico.
Last season, Ronaldo won Pichichi title but since he didn't won La Liga, he couldn't clinch it against Messi.

This time, it's the inverse. Not to forget that:

1. Ronaldo is playing Euro and may win it on that basis.
2. He became the first player in the history of Liga to score against all 19 rival teams in one season.
3. Despite, he missed his penalty in shootout against Neuer, he did score against Bayern in the match. So, he did better performance in the UCL Semi-Final.
4. His stats are still amazing; even if Messi surpassed most of them in this season.
5. Madrid dominated Liga with 100 points and 121 goals and most credit goes to CR7.

Though, it will be tight since it's Messi and Messi is this:

You must be registered for see images

And ReLax, we spoke already too much on that topic. You know my opinion on Ballon D'Or anyways. And I'm tired to keep providing CR7's stats while you give Messi's.

Winning La Liga is a big thing, and he did score the crucial goal, but what about Messi? He scored two goals and the winner in the Espana cup a long with assisting one. He had the assist VS Madrid in Copa De Rey, which we saw they got knocked out.

1. Sure.
2. Ok...
3. Hmmm, but at the end they both go knocked out of the finals. Messi still had the better run overall 14 goals 6 assist, compared to Ronaldo 10 goals, and 3 assist.
4. So, is RVP, and Gomez, it doesn't change the fact stats wise Ronaldo is still behind Messi.
5. No.

In total Madrid have scored 75 goal excluding Ronaldo 46 in La Liga.

In total squad has 82 assist excluding Ronaldo in La Liga.

Barcelona total in La Liga scored by the squad excluding Messi is 60.

We have total of 60 assist among are team in La Liga also. Did you also know Xavi and Inesita combined only has 9 assist to Messi 73 goals?

Stat wise Ronaldo scored 46 goals La Liga while as Madrid squad have a combined of 74. Messi scored 50 were as Barcelona have a combined of 60. Madrid as a whole squad have scored 29 goals more than Ronaldo, were as Barcelona only 10 more than Messi. Also Barcelona have won 8 of 25 games when Messi didn't score, thats a 32% win rate, when Messi didn't score this year. Ronaldo has about 38% of Madrid goal this season, while as Messi has 45% of Barcelona (almost half their goals).

I understand your point on Ballon D'or, but I think you undermine and/or neglect Messi accomplishments/stats. I apologize if you take this a bit offensive at all, as I know that is not your intention, but from what I know about your thoughts on Ballon D'or and what your saying now doesn't add up.

Lets just speak of Messi individual right now. Every year for the past four years, has he or has he not gotten better?

I believe he has, every year he breaks his pervious record and improves him self becoming more of an influence for Barcelona. So, its safe to say Messi has shown consistency for the past 4 years were only few people were able to do that including Platini and Ronaldinho. Many other past legends got crowned once after that they had stellar performances, but were at times eclipsed by others.

Barcelona has won 14 titles in 4 years (3 leagues/2 CL/2 Super Cups/2 Club World Cup). They average three titles a season. So, if we look at it at your point of accomplishment Messi once again quite consistence here.

So Messi has not only shown consistency and gotten better over the years, but shown consistency in winning titles also.

I don't think we need to hold on to what happen in 09/10 were many believe Sneijder and/or Xavi/Inesita deserved it. Despite that Sneijder has only become worse after 09/10 and Messi is still getting better.

As I said Ronaldo has shown that also, but only to lose statistic wise and club accomplishment wise. Last year was close, but after Barcelona captured La Liga and CL, it was obvious who'd win.

La Liga title is a big title, but it does't equal Espana/CWC/Copa titles. It's better than maybe one, or two, but three I don't think, so. La Liga title will not win Ronaldo the Ballon and that wouldn't be a bad call especially if someone had better statistic/records and more titles.

If Portugal win or reach final, with Ronaldo being the heart a big chance, but if not, the only people to steal the award from Messi is either Iniesta/Xavi and/or Gomez. Iniesta is having a stellar performance atm. If Germany wins than Gomez has a chance, but I kind of highly doubt it as Bayern not much happened, but chance is there.

 

[ReLax -]

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

I was sad for Croatia.

They nearly did score that crucial goal.

Casillas saved Spain with two major saves while there was a penalty on Corluka that the referee didn't give.

Referee really didn't help Croatia. Didn't gave that penalty when Busquets blatantly stretched Corluka's shirt on the corner. The first half penalty for that 'barely-legit' tackle from Ramos wasn't given either. And also he handed loads of yellow cards to Croatia players while there were few big fouls.

I don't know if Spain deserve to go out. Neither do I know if Italy deserved it. But Croatia, as underdogs did a good match and I think they merited their qualification. Besides the goal, they had the best chance in the match with Modric perfectly crossing the ball to Rikitic whose header was saved by Casillas.

Spain could have done better but their key players clearly seemed tired. I noticed it in 1st half itself and it was more clear in 2nd half as they struggled a lot. Considering their match against France or England or Ukraine won't be easy, that could be problematic. And yeah, defense is still shaky.

I haven't seen the game sadly was out at a BBG with family. I saw Navas goal, well done by Spain. As far as PK goes I can't really say much as I haven't seen it, but its clear that every game one PK should have been given, but wasn't. I thought I was the only one who thought this, but seeing people moaning and whining about it in Spain game many people agreed upon almost every game a PK was not given when deserved and even an article regrading it.

This game was a must win game tho. I'm sure you heard at the Italian news trying to say Spain and Croatia will start some conspiracy to knock them out etc were I guess the ref was also, put in a tight situation. Its like someone said the FIFA/UEFA have kind of gotten toughen on giving PK.

Its like how everyone assumes Navas goal was offside *facepalm*

 

[Escorpiius]

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

I haven't seen the game sadly was out at a BBG with family. I saw Navas goal, well done by Spain. As far as PK goes I can't really say much as I haven't seen it, but its clear that every game one PK should have been given, but wasn't. I thought I was the only one who thought this, but seeing people moaning and whining about it in Spain game many people agreed upon almost every game a PK was not given when deserved and even an article regrading it.

This game was a must win game tho. I'm sure you heard at the Italian news trying to say Spain and Croatia will start some conspiracy to knock them out etc were I guess the ref was also, put in a tight situation. Its like someone said the FIFA/UEFA have kind of gotten toughen on giving PK.

Its like how everyone assumes Navas goal was offside *facepalm*

Oh well, I understand that but I just felt bad for Croatia who did a great Euro despite being in the Group WC 2006/2010 and reigning Euro champions.

Yeah, I heard of the conspiracy. But there were also knew that Italy asked Iraland coach, Mr. Geovanni "Italian" Trappatonni to hand them the match. So, whom to believe?

Assuming Navas goal to be offside is because most amateurs thinks that offside is based on defenders' line position. The goal wasn't offside. Fab lobbed the ball. Navas was offside then but the ball was directed to Iniesta who wasn't. Then Iniesta made a back-pass to Navas. Since it's a back-pass, there can't be offside.

And I'm replying the post on Messi/Ronaldo on the Debates thread - so as not to go off-topic.

 

[kellzfresh]

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

Germany all the way, for the trophy

 

[The Best Hokage]

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

Germany seems to be consistent, but in a soccer match anything can happen. The Netherlands (Europe's best loser) lost early and Greece advanced. Even Russia dissapointed :/ but hopefully the matches start getting more exciting

 

[ReLax -]

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

Oh well, I understand that but I just felt bad for Croatia who did a great Euro despite being in the Group WC 2006/2010 and reigning Euro champions.

Yeah, I heard of the conspiracy. But there were also knew that Italy asked Iraland coach, Mr. Geovanni "Italian" Trappatonni to hand them the match. So, whom to believe?

Assuming Navas goal to be offside is because most amateurs thinks that offside is based on defenders' line position. The goal wasn't offside. Fab lobbed the ball. Navas was offside then but the ball was directed to Iniesta who wasn't. Then Iniesta made a back-pass to Navas. Since it's a back-pass, there can't be offside.

And I'm replying the post on Messi/Ronaldo on the Debates thread - so as not to go off-topic.

This is football, we will see some deserving teams succeed and some not. I feel what you mean I guess I'm more happy to see Spain make it at the end.

Well, thats hard, but at the end they both are in, if Spain had lost they'd be eliminated and if drawn Italy would question it, all tho I think they would have succeed on GA (most likely if score was 0-0 VS Spain for Croatia). I don't think we saw a single match go without a goal, so its a plus to see.

Agreed. People have posted the rule, but lack of knowledge to someone and fact their team gets beaten will never understand.

Well seems Spain VS France

and England VS Italy.

I like facing France TBH, they may still beat us and pose a threat, but we get to evade England defence tactic. Italy maybe the best match up both nations looking for their loss glory.

At least Sweden left with style lol France first loss out of 22/23? games.

Sweden 2-0 France

England 1-0 Ukraine

 

[Naruto N. Uzumaki]

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

England!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Blaze Release]

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

The swedes are playing some dodging ugly football that im not liking.
To be honest their style of play in this game is very similar to italy, so im not so fussed if we play spain instead because at least they dont pack a ****ing bus and play disgusting football.

I believe france's style of play is more suited to beat spain than italy

 

[Out Of Ctrl]

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

The swedes are playing some dodging ugly football that im not liking.
To be honest their style of play in this game is very similar to italy, so im not so fussed if we play spain instead because at least they dont pack a ****ing bus and play disgusting football.

I believe france's style of play is more suited to beat spain than italy

Just be glad that its not Spain we're playing otherwise it will be us who will be parking the bus. I'd rather England go with some attacking intent than none at all. Now England vs Italy both teams have balanced chances.

 

[LeEvilTongue]

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

I predict Germany vs France/Italy in the finals.

 

[Blaze Release]

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

Just be glad that its not Spain we're playing otherwise it will be us who will be parking the bus. I'd rather England go with some attacking intent than none at all. Now England vs Italy both teams have balanced chances.

Actually im with france and tbh im not scared of spain. I actually find it pathetic when people/teams admit inferiority/defeat even before a game has started. If you plan on winning this tournament you cannot be hiding/fearing teams.

Spains way of playing would suit france alot because sweden adopted the same strategy as england in the first game. The same strategy that italy play, so im actually happy that france play spain than italy

 

[ReLax -]

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

The swedes are playing some dodging ugly football that im not liking.
To be honest their style of play in this game is very similar to italy, so im not so fussed if we play spain instead because at least they dont pack a ****ing bus and play disgusting football.

I believe france's style of play is more suited to beat spain than italy

Aren't you British? I'm more surprised you find the defence/park the bus approach negative being from England since majority, after Chelsea success are welcoming that style (don't mean to be offensive).

Well we know Spain/France both are quiet weak defensively, so this battle may result in offensive base. England/Italy will be a defensive battle among the two. Italy will suffer as they may lose Giorgio Chiellini.

 

[Naruto N. Uzumaki]

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

I predict Germany vs France/Italy in the finals.

Germany i agree France and Italy no!

 

[Blaze Release]

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

Aren't you British? I'm more surprised you find the defence/park the bus approach negative being from England since majority, after Chelsea success are welcoming that style (don't mean to be offensive).

British but i have my french ties. I was supporting barca/bayern to beat chelsea because i hate teams packing a ****ing double decker bus

Well we know Spain/France both are quiet weak defensively, so this battle may result in offensive base. England/Italy will be a defensive battle among the two. Italy will suffer as they may lose Giorgio Chiellini.

As i said spain are more suited for us than italy. Sweden proved to us that when teams pack the bus and believe me the swedes packed the bus and were very rough. Identical to italy's style of play. Id take my chances with spain who actually play football than pack the bus. Also france are the few teams who can challenge spain in terms of possession but also quality in the starting 11 and on the bench.

Italy vs england would be one of the boring games, i can see it already. Both teams very cagey and cautious. Both would most likely use counter attacking and tbh i wouldnt be surprised if the game goes to penalties