Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!
wow italy this year has been amazing i mean i still thought of italy as the cheaters that pissed zidaine off and had a cheap win loool but super mario is tooo sick poor england i really got angry at that game england vs italy i was like rooney d ****s wrong wid ya and well i hope italy wiin i loove spain but they have the world cup lol
As I said, one of my major interest in this match is how Del Bosque will deal striker's issue.
Out of Fabregas and the 3 strikers - Torres, Negredo and Llorente - Fab was the most prolific. Yet, he was the major reason why Italy's defense became harder to pass through in the Group Stage match. It's weird that there's such a big lineup interrogation when we've reach the Final but it's like that...5 matches and yet, Villa's absence has no definite solution. But will whatever decision taken backfire?
Gomez was Germany's main striker and best scorer. Yet, Low was criticized why he chose Gomez instead of Klose after yesterday's defeat? All that to say that, it's hard decision for Del Bosque to make and he'll be under lots of pressure before taking and will still be during the whole match.
Still, Spain got more momentum than Italy IMO. Barcelona never lost in a final - always in Semis and you know the trend. Similarly, seeing Spain having the short stick at the doorstep of a historic treble (Euro-WC-Euro) seems unforeseeable. I think that chance itself is the momentum decider.
I don't think both teams will play at their best level though. One will either fail to up their game or one of them will underplay. Just got that feeling. U_U I also don't think either side will score more than 2 goals. It's either 0-0, 1-1, 1-0, 2-0, 2-1 or 2-2. Though the 1-0 or 2-1 can go either way. It's a pretty suspenseful final despite Spain's huge momentum.
I'd personally play Torres, his speed could prove to be useful and Italia will still have something to worry about despite him being out of form, maybe he could pull what he did against Barcelona.U_U
Either way Low was going to hear it. If he choose Klose and the same result came they'd question why Gomez never played, he did score about 45 goals this season for Bayern and 3 in the Euros so far. I think Gomez gets underrated, but he does seem to be out of forms when the bigger games come at times.
Correct, but those times (Spain/Barcelona) we had Torres (in form), and Villa, with Barca we have Messi. This time Spain doesn't have that forward threat going into the final, so it can end the trend we seen Spain/Italy both end trend and continue them. Italia beat German who have yet to beat them in a competitive game, as well as they end German Euro trend were every Euro they got second they won the next. Spain ended the France trend in losing to them in competitive games, while they kept Portugal trend going as Portugal have yet to beat us out of their home country.
I hope we see them performing at that same level, we will see a history in the making than and two sides going head to head with their football method would be amazing to watch. The score line won't be that big for sure, unless one team completely gives up and plays poorly on all fields.
By the way we signed Alba
And Guti (former Madrid defender) states Modric isn't good enough for Madrid :O
I'd personally play Torres, his speed could prove to be useful and Italia will still have something to worry about despite him being out of form, maybe he could pull what he did against Barcelona.U_U
Either way Low was going to hear it. If he choose Klose and the same result came they'd question why Gomez never played, he did score about 45 goals this season for Bayern and 3 in the Euros so far. I think Gomez gets underrated, but he does seem to be out of forms when the bigger games come at times.
Correct, but those times (Spain/Barcelona) we had Torres (in form), and Villa, with Barca we have Messi. This time Spain doesn't have that forward threat going into the final, so it can end the trend we seen Spain/Italy both end trend and continue them. Italia beat German who have yet to beat them in a competitive game, as well as they end German Euro trend were every Euro they got second they won the next. Spain ended the France trend in losing to them in competitive games, while they kept Portugal trend going as Portugal have yet to beat us out of their home country.
I hope we see them performing at that same level, we will see a history in the making than and two sides going head to head with their football method would be amazing to watch. The score line won't be that big for sure, unless one team completely gives up and plays poorly on all fields.
By the way we signed Alba
And Guti (former Madrid defender) states Modric isn't good enough for Madrid :O
I'd also play Torres. Perhaps, Llorente but I'd definitely choose a striker. In Catenaccio, they play with central defenders. It's not wise to let them roam freely without someone to mark. In case, Spain decide to play Fabregas, there won't be any tiki-taka to enter the box. It's either through balls or passing from the wings.
Ha, fully agree. I also said the same thing when they criticized him. That's why media's role is football is pretty calamitous. It revolves around putting the blame on someone's head.
I still don't see it but you do got a point that the simple lack of Villa may prevent Spain from retaining their Euro. Still, being so near and with so much experience in this Espana, I really don't see them fail.
Good thing on signing Alba. He's having amazing chemistry with Pedro and Iniesta during this Euro which is promising quite a great future for him. Btw, Barca should play Pedro a little more often; even if not as substitute.
Madrid is messing up things in this Modric thing. They don't really need him since Alonso is still in great shape as shown in this Euro. And Khedira is very good too. Alonso has enough to keep going for 2-3 years at his best. However, Modric will most likely be benched or forced to break through. They are already signing Lucas Moura soon and Kaka is still not deciding his future. All that to say that are overcrowding the midfield section.
Sincerely, the only guy they need to replace is Di Maria. All the remaining guys are still young enough to keep going and keep Madrid's high...
Still, if they keep insisting over Modric thing, they are gonna get him. Redknapp is gone and he said that he won't let both Bale and Modric leave at the same time. Bale signed back for 4 year. So, that mostly says that Modric got the permission to leave but they'll still prefer to sell him to a Spanish/Italian club instead of a domestic rival like United/Chelsea. United needs him the most as Scholes will leave next season and Lampard isn't always in the best of his shape either.
I'd also play Torres. Perhaps, Llorente but I'd definitely choose a striker. In Catenaccio, they play with central defenders. It's not wise to let them roam freely without someone to mark. In case, Spain decide to play Fabregas, there won't be any tiki-taka to enter the box. It's either through balls or passing from the wings.
Ha, fully agree. I also said the same thing when they criticized him. That's why media's role is football is pretty calamitous. It revolves around putting the blame on someone's head.
I still don't see it but you do got a point that the simple lack of Villa may prevent Spain from retaining their Euro. Still, being so near and with so much experience in this Espana, I really don't see them fail.
Good thing on signing Alba. He's having amazing chemistry with Pedro and Iniesta during this Euro which is promising quite a great future for him. Btw, Barca should play Pedro a little more often; even if not as substitute.
Madrid is messing up things in this Modric thing. They don't really need him since Alonso is still in great shape as shown in this Euro. And Khedira is very good too. Alonso has enough to keep going for 2-3 years at his best. However, Modric will most likely be benched or forced to break through. They are already signing Lucas Moura soon and Kaka is still not deciding his future. All that to say that are overcrowding the midfield section.
Sincerely, the only guy they need to replace is Di Maria. All the remaining guys are still young enough to keep going and keep Madrid's high...
Still, if they keep insisting over Modric thing, they are gonna get him. Redknapp is gone and he said that he won't let both Bale and Modric leave at the same time. Bale signed back for 4 year. So, that mostly says that Modric got the permission to leave but they'll still prefer to sell him to a Spanish/Italian club instead of a domestic rival like United/Chelsea. United needs him the most as Scholes will leave next season and Lampard isn't always in the best of his shape either.
Llorente would be rusty he hasn't played yet, and playing in the final wouldn't be good, remember his Bilbao side got beaten 3-0 in both UEFA Europa and Copa America final were Llorente should have rose to the occasion. Also Bilbao including Llorente have gone 6 games without scoring, so would be risky, I'd stick with Torres, but Llorente may shock us if he does start, but also may disappoint.
The thing also is that Italia won't be as pressured in this game they'll go in with everything to win and really nothing to lose. The reason why I say this is because I read an article just now when Portugal national team landed in Lisbon, the fans were chanting their names, and singing the national anthem. They were all proud of their national team progression. Italy will be the same, these guys were underdogs like Chelsea, they had a lot on their plate including their coach who said his team didn't deserve to be here after hearing about the scandles, and even now I heard he may quit because of that after the final. Win or lose for them it'll be success for Italy nevertheless, sure the players maybe a bit upset, but I'm sure all of us are proud of them even now for what they've shown us.
Spain on the other hand, people have already started calling their tika-taka football boring due to this Euro ran. It hasn't been the best, but its due to really lacking a finisher. If we lose, we have to start that history all over again (which could take decades, or never), winning this Euro will give us a boost and who knows if we win this, we may even go on to WC14 having a chance making even more history, in these two years many players will develop striking wise Pedro/Llorente, Midfielders Fabregas/Silva/Mata, defence Ramos/Martinez/Alba/Pique I'm sure De Gea will replace Casillas if needed, and etc. Losing this will get criticized and never hear the end of the media, and this will follow to Barcelona, even than drama can occur with Mou blaming Barca players, etc. They have everything to win and everything to lose. In my eyes win or lose they'll remain the same, but the majority of the world won't look at it that way.
Alba has shocked the world and 14 million is a good deal, at least he's coming back home He's doing well with Ineista/Pedro. i can see good things with him and Villa also, they played briefly in Valencia together. Pedro is good, last year he scored in all the big games, but this year not sure what happen I heard he was injured a lot, or maybe him and Pep never got a long I'm not sure. I think it was injury, but this season all Barcelona did was ride Messi really. I hope to see more from him next year, maybe Vilanova may give him a key role.
This reminds me of an interview Xavi said sometime last year about Mou and Pep...
Xavi said: "They are two very enthusiastic people with a lot of character. The difference is that Mourinho tends more towards defensive work and relies on the counter-attack, whereas Pep is a football romantic. He likes to play well and win"
lol This is why he wants Modric. If Alonso/Khedira are having off games, he wants Modric to come in, or he may bench one of them depending on who shines more. Mou has a defensive mind, so he'll love the back up and you know these manager are with clubs that have money (Madrid/City/Chelsea/PSG) even if they have to bench world class players they will, look at Torres at Chelsea, Nasri at City, Sahin/Benz/Higuian at Madrid. Its sad I'm hoping either Benz/Higuain leaves Madrid this season. Kaka better go to, I bet he can still have a fe wore solid years, if he gets more time to play. Milan screwed Dinho over by benching him a lot, tho he did it to himself, but you know what I mean. The same with Torres.
Mou at the end wants CL, he'll do anything for it and he could careless about these players, on his way there he'll use whatever possible and he wants limitless resources.
They are also offering Tottenham Sahin for him, and obviously the price will be reduced as far as I know.
United need to pick up they lost out on Hazard/Alba, and now Modric. I think they want Thaigo now don't know if Barcelona will let him go, maybe on loan.
Also Di Maria isn't all that bad, don't know why you'd want Madrid to get rid of him, he's becoming more of a team player for both Madrid/Argentina.
Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!
Spain is most likely to beat Italy but then again same was said about them when they faced Germany yet they defeated Germany with total domination.
Personally I say Spain would win simply because they would have total domination in midfield which is their specialty but counter attacks and pirlo's ability to throw long passes during the counter attack would be key to the Italians victory
Llorente would be rusty he hasn't played yet, and playing in the final wouldn't be good, remember his Bilbao side got beaten 3-0 in both UEFA Europa and Copa America final were Llorente should have rose to the occasion. Also Bilbao including Llorente have gone 6 games without scoring, so would be risky, I'd stick with Torres, but Llorente may shock us if he does start, but also may disappoint.
The thing also is that Italia won't be as pressured in this game they'll go in with everything to win and really nothing to lose. The reason why I say this is because I read an article just now when Portugal national team landed in Lisbon, the fans were chanting their names, and singing the national anthem. They were all proud of their national team progression. Italy will be the same, these guys were underdogs like Chelsea, they had a lot on their plate including their coach who said his team didn't deserve to be here after hearing about the scandles, and even now I heard he may quit because of that after the final. Win or lose for them it'll be success for Italy nevertheless, sure the players maybe a bit upset, but I'm sure all of us are proud of them even now for what they've shown us.
Spain on the other hand, people have already started calling their tika-taka football boring due to this Euro ran. It hasn't been the best, but its due to really lacking a finisher. If we lose, we have to start that history all over again (which could take decades, or never), winning this Euro will give us a boost and who knows if we win this, we may even go on to WC14 having a chance making even more history, in these two years many players will develop striking wise Pedro/Llorente, Midfielders Fabregas/Silva/Mata, defence Ramos/Martinez/Alba/Pique I'm sure De Gea will replace Casillas if needed, and etc. Losing this will get criticized and never hear the end of the media, and this will follow to Barcelona, even than drama can occur with Mou blaming Barca players, etc. They have everything to win and everything to lose. In my eyes win or lose they'll remain the same, but the majority of the world won't look at it that way.
Alba has shocked the world and 14 million is a good deal, at least he's coming back home He's doing well with Ineista/Pedro. i can see good things with him and Villa also, they played briefly in Valencia together. Pedro is good, last year he scored in all the big games, but this year not sure what happen I heard he was injured a lot, or maybe him and Pep never got a long I'm not sure. I think it was injury, but this season all Barcelona did was ride Messi really. I hope to see more from him next year, maybe Vilanova may give him a key role.
This reminds me of an interview Xavi said sometime last year about Mou and Pep...
Xavi said: "They are two very enthusiastic people with a lot of character. The difference is that Mourinho tends more towards defensive work and relies on the counter-attack, whereas Pep is a football romantic. He likes to play well and win"
lol This is why he wants Modric. If Alonso/Khedira are having off games, he wants Modric to come in, or he may bench one of them depending on who shines more. Mou has a defensive mind, so he'll love the back up and you know these manager are with clubs that have money (Madrid/City/Chelsea/PSG) even if they have to bench world class players they will, look at Torres at Chelsea, Nasri at City, Sahin/Benz/Higuian at Madrid. Its sad I'm hoping either Benz/Higuain leaves Madrid this season. Kaka better go to, I bet he can still have a fe wore solid years, if he gets more time to play. Milan screwed Dinho over by benching him a lot, tho he did it to himself, but you know what I mean. The same with Torres.
Mou at the end wants CL, he'll do anything for it and he could careless about these players, on his way there he'll use whatever possible and he wants limitless resources.
They are also offering Tottenham Sahin for him, and obviously the price will be reduced as far as I know.
United need to pick up they lost out on Hazard/Alba, and now Modric. I think they want Thaigo now don't know if Barcelona will let him go, maybe on loan.
Also Di Maria isn't all that bad, don't know why you'd want Madrid to get rid of him, he's becoming more of a team player for both Madrid/Argentina.
Llorente has a trend going for him that whenever he opens the score, Bilbao wins. Now, he may have missed his finals but with great midfielders in Spain behind him, he may do lots of goods. Also, he'll be a cool asset in set-piece - a phase that Spain just can't take opportunity of this year. But I'll agree with you that he can either flop or hit big times.
Yes, but underdogs don't always win. Chelsea and Napoli may have shown the nice sides this year but Bilbao have also shown the opposite sides. We can't just based that Italy will win because of lack of pressure. Though it's not such a bad thing and since they never lost against Spain, it's not so bad. It will be a really tight final.
You really think that Spain winning a treble will reconquer hearts? personally, it will be the opposite to me. The more you're on top, the more people wants you down! This resumes Spain's situation. They remain on top but thus have more haters. Add to that, a less eye-pleasing game and lack of finishing and haters have the arguments. I don't like Spain but then again, I never liked them; neither in 2008 or 2010. But I do appreciate teams who create success and for that, I respect them a lot and do agree that they are among the greatest football sides since it was invented. I kinda agree with
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partly - it was bound to happen. Even great admirers of possession football like Wenger
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the bandwagon.
Personally, if you wanna think of aftermath for Spain, then perhaps it's better that they lose this final...I value victories in football and tactics. By such, even if I'd say that Spain's possession defense is more boring than Chelsea's pack-the-bus, I understand them. However, they shouldn't start whining about tighter defense, less adventurous teams ect... cause these are also tactics to win; just like yours. They are great but no saints. And a defeat in final will bring them down to Earth where their reaction will be more interesting and they'll get certain haters (who were neutrals before) off their backs.
14 Million is great price for Alba. He'll gel very well into Barcelona. I know Vilanova sports the same philosophy as Pep but I do hope to see some novelty in his manegerial style. People will pretty scrutinize him once season started.
I still don't get his point if he wanna play defense. Modric is brilliant passer
and midfield regulator that also play as box-to-box playmaker. Still, if Mou values defense, then Khedira/Alonso/Granero/Sahin are better in defensive skills than Modric. Not much sense frankly. Also, Xavi flames on Madrid and Mou too much. he's like Evra to Arsenal. He should stop. His over-talkative approach is a flaw to such a talent. Mou values tactics IMO; not defense.
Coming back to Modric, I still don't think he deserves to be a bench player. Anyways, he'll be forced to fight his place.
United didn't really missed on Alba. They just chose Baines and as I said previously, this decision doesn't surprise due to a number of factors. But I'm sad for Modric. United cancelled the bid due to an overhyped price that only Chelsea/Madrid/PSG/City can pay for anyway. What I'm pissed is the lack of intervention from Modric - he just says that he wanna play CL but there's no indication from him as to which club he prefers. His silence on the topic gives green light to Tottenham to ask to whichever price they want and to sell him to whichever wanna pay for him. Pretty much making a talent a money puppet.
I really wished Glazers could be knocked off. Sure, it won't increase United's resources but atleast, SAF will not be forced to handle a account books whenever transfer market is on.
Mou wants CL but I still don't think limitless resources will help him as much. The reason why City and Madrid won Leagues titles is because they finally found a Starting XI that has good teamwork among the number of stars in their teams. Is it so wise to reset this Starting Line? Perhaps, for less fatigues but perhaps not... Time will tell how much that'll help.
As for Di Maria, I'm not saying he's bad but it's the only spot where Madrid could improve. The 10 other players are all solids on their posts.
Llorente has a trend going for him that whenever he opens the score, Bilbao wins. Now, he may have missed his finals but with great midfielders in Spain behind him, he may do lots of goods. Also, he'll be a cool asset in set-piece - a phase that Spain just can't take opportunity of this year. But I'll agree with you that he can either flop or hit big times.
Yes, but underdogs don't always win. Chelsea and Napoli may have shown the nice sides this year but Bilbao have also shown the opposite sides. We can't just based that Italy will win because of lack of pressure. Though it's not such a bad thing and since they never lost against Spain, it's not so bad. It will be a really tight final.
You really think that Spain winning a treble will reconquer hearts? personally, it will be the opposite to me. The more you're on top, the more people wants you down! This resumes Spain's situation. They remain on top but thus have more haters. Add to that, a less eye-pleasing game and lack of finishing and haters have the arguments. I don't like Spain but then again, I never liked them; neither in 2008 or 2010. But I do appreciate teams who create success and for that, I respect them a lot and do agree that they are among the greatest football sides since it was invented. I kinda agree with
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partly - it was bound to happen. Even great admirers of possession football like Wenger
You must be registered for see links
the bandwagon.
Personally, if you wanna think of aftermath for Spain, then perhaps it's better that they lose this final...I value victories in football and tactics. By such, even if I'd say that Spain's possession defense is more boring than Chelsea's pack-the-bus, I understand them. However, they shouldn't start whining about tighter defense, less adventurous teams ect... cause these are also tactics to win; just like yours. They are great but no saints. And a defeat in final will bring them down to Earth where their reaction will be more interesting and they'll get certain haters (who were neutrals before) off their backs.
14 Million is great price for Alba. He'll gel very well into Barcelona. I know Vilanova sports the same philosophy as Pep but I do hope to see some novelty in his manegerial style. People will pretty scrutinize him once season started.
I still don't get his point if he wanna play defense. Modric is brilliant passer
and midfield regulator that also play as box-to-box playmaker. Still, if Mou values defense, then Khedira/Alonso/Granero/Sahin are better in defensive skills than Modric. Not much sense frankly. Also, Xavi flames on Madrid and Mou too much. he's like Evra to Arsenal. He should stop. His over-talkative approach is a flaw to such a talent. Mou values tactics IMO; not defense.
Coming back to Modric, I still don't think he deserves to be a bench player. Anyways, he'll be forced to fight his place.
United didn't really missed on Alba. They just chose Baines and as I said previously, this decision doesn't surprise due to a number of factors. But I'm sad for Modric. United cancelled the bid due to an overhyped price that only Chelsea/Madrid/PSG/City can pay for anyway. What I'm pissed is the lack of intervention from Modric - he just says that he wanna play CL but there's no indication from him as to which club he prefers. His silence on the topic gives green light to Tottenham to ask to whichever price they want and to sell him to whichever wanna pay for him. Pretty much making a talent a money puppet.
I really wished Glazers could be knocked off. Sure, it won't increase United's resources but atleast, SAF will not be forced to handle a account books whenever transfer market is on.
Mou wants CL but I still don't think limitless resources will help him as much. The reason why City and Madrid won Leagues titles is because they finally found a Starting XI that has good teamwork among the number of stars in their teams. Is it so wise to reset this Starting Line? Perhaps, for less fatigues but perhaps not... Time will tell how much that'll help.
As for Di Maria, I'm not saying he's bad but it's the only spot where Madrid could improve. The 10 other players are all solids on their posts.
I agree. I'll post another trend Spain has had with Torres a little later in this post, which is another good reason to play him and get a bit in the heads of the Italians.
I didn't mean to say they'd win because of that, all I said was at the end people will applaud the Italians win or lose (i'll post an article regrading Spain, which is also why people will applaud Italians in a bit). The less pressure and getting the best of Spain in the history leading till now, is a good benefit for the Italia. At this time Spain are confident and almost faultless, were as Italia is arousing and unpredictable.
I admit this wasn't Spain most entertaining ran. As you've spoken of entertainment in football and how it plays a good/important role, and I was correct because look at it now? Spain are still winning, but people are more angry not to see the entertainment from them.
I can't find the exact article but this was put Platini said as he got tired of hearing how boring Spain are.
"I don't agree at all that Spain are boring," he said on Saturday.
"They've got to the final this time with a different style, based on tactical intelligence and technical ability.
"They complete a huge number of passes, although now it's mainly in midfield, as opposed to in the final third.
"But they create a lot of opportunities, and teams should play to the strengths of their players."
Despite this Plaitni believes Spain are favourites, but Italia are stronger and will most likely pull an upset/victory as he believes and says Balatelli being a big hero may unfold today.
We lack in striking, which has played negative for us as I said Barca have Messi, and we had Torres/Villa in form Euro/WC rans, which played good for us, but now we don't have that with us. As Platini said we play more pass in midfield as well back to defenders now as we don't have that threat upfront. The like of Portugal/Italia didn't need to approach us defensively due to this main reason.
Wenger is correct, but Italia coach Prandelli thinks otherwise.
“Spain are the best side in the world because they always stick to their philosophy,” Prandelli said on Saturday. “We’ve always said they are the side to beat.”
Spain have tried staying true to their game, but fact is are midfielder are the heart of are offence and play a big role in defence. The amount of times Xavi/Alonso have dropped back defensively as well joining offensively plays huge toll on them especially due to age also. They have done impossible tasks this Euro by playing both rolls in big ways. Ramos/Pique only blossomed in Portugal game, but they haven't played well over all.
This is just too much for midfields to do. Playing huge offensively considering only are strikers have scored two goals and that was against Ireland. Also having a hand in defensively. I mean are defence is better than offence right now, but are midfielders have kept us in this for this long.
I agree with the hate part, but thats a wrong way to go.
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. The article is well constructed and I agree upon it. You don't have to like/support Spain but this side deserves its respect, as I know you respect them, but most others don't because they rather see them fall. I'm a Barca support as well as Spain, but as most Barca fans I don't hate Madrid I follow them and respect their game (however I will have an opinion, or so on tactic/negatives stuff from the team, but thats with everyone including my own side). Last year Espana cup even tho they lost a lot of my friends were confused if I was Barca supporter, or Madrid because of the praises I had for Madrid. This Euro the same with Italia people thought I support Italia, fact is I support Espana want them to make history, but if Italia ruins this for us, I won't have any complaints cause they have entertained me this Euro and fought hard against many odds. At the end sure, people want them to fall as years go, but fact is they have left a hand print in the world of football today, and have the chance to extend the print with todays victory.
I believe even haters need to learn to have respect, even tho you maybe against them, but when fantastic football is at hand and/or accomplishments learn to respect it.
I rather have them win this to get in the history for the first ever to win three major titles including WC. If after that they fall to learn to be down on earth than sure, but now is not the time IMO. This game will decide it, but its 50/50 not matter how you look at it. Haters will never get off their backs, thats a fact, they jump on the next top team if not Spain.
Well Barcelona don't want Mou/Vilanova ban lifted for the Espana Cup. Vilanova said he wasn't Pep, and/or won't emulate him, so I can see some kind of change in his approach as manager, but won't know if its positive or negative for the team.
Well Nuri still needs more time, as he's developing and injury has held him back, Modric has developed already, and can fit in well with dominated team, and class players. I admit Xavi has been on Mou/Madrid case for a while and a lot of people lose respect for him because of it, but it doesn't change the fact Mou has been on Barca case since his Chelsea/Inter and now Madrid days. Ronaldo also ever since Mou came in he's been on Barcelona case, more over on Messi case, which is a flaw to their talents. they are too talkative so now Xavi involves himself. Mou will be the destruction to Spanish football IMO.
Casllias has already revealed he prefers Del Bosque over Mou. He admits him and Mou don't look eye to eye, but thats a part of football.
I don't know about United next season. They fight and have been the best EPL club and roughly around 2nd/3rd in the world for the past 4-5 hers. I have a feeling you guys may fall in between 2nd or 3rd this season the way things are going. Aresnal have just signed Olivier Giroud. So, now they have RVP/Podeleski and now Olivier Giroud, and may get M'Vila. Chelsea/City we already know. In football anything is possible I know, but seeing what players most others are getting, you guys are getting the short end. This may actually be SAF last season...
Thats the gamble, Mou won't give anyone starting line up, unless they up their game, but the fact of coming off the bench plays a huge factor just ask Kaka/Higuain, they play about 30 games combined (off bench) and have 34 goals and 24 assist combined this season. Modric will get bench, but if he shows more promising than either Alonso/Khedira they will play second to him, or he'll play second to them doesn't mater if he deserves it or not, if he goes there he must know what he's heading for, but lets not forget Barcelona are also considering him, which he says, "I'm flattered by their interest."
Di Maria has up his game, and got in well. Madrid have just increased his pay to one million more a year and signed him till 2018. Mou/Madrid know his value, I don't think he should leave unless they aim for Silva.
Silva won't leave and I'm sure Mancini will do whatever he can to retain his service. I heard he already renewed his contract, and City has told Madrid Silva will cost 80 million the same as Ronaldo did 3 years back. Silva has shown interest more in Barcelona than Madrid. He thinks Inesita is the best player today, as many others prefer him over Messi/Ronaldo. Silva has also said he would love a reunion with Villa (club wise). I see him signing with Barca in 2-3 season if Madrid don't get him (a replacement for Villa? As he could player winger).
Anyways regarding Spain in Euros, I'll say sure they haven't been as entertaining, but the circumstances for them have been vital and Villa/Puyol absence have played negatively for them, despite that they managed to reach the finals. Everyone has their opinion, but to me Spain has still delivered in the entertainment package, but not as much from Euro08/WC10.
The final is about an hour away, so may the best team win both deserved teams. Italy in my eyes has had the better run, but Spain midfield there is no words that can describe the brilliance from there thus far.
Re: UEFA Euro 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Analysis, Predictions & All News!
So, Del Bosque is going with Fabregas...^^
5 things to know about the Euro final:
1. Spain last normal-time win over Italy was in March 2008. The one before that came in the quarterfinals at USA '94. They also prevailed on PKs in QF at Euro 08.
2. Balotelli has three goals coming into this final---more than any other Italian player has ever scored at a single European Championship.
3. Spain has never lost when Torres scored. Torres has 30 goals for his country and they have gone 21-1-0 when he scored for Spain. The one draw came VS Italy in 2004 Torres first goal for his country led to the draw ever since than they've won.
4. Xavi has attempted 533 passes this years Euro---more than any other player in Euros. He has completed 455 of those passes, which gives him a 85% pass success rate. The seven of the top passers in this tournament are spanish.
Xavi along with Alonso, Inesita, Alba, Busquets, Ramos, Arbeloa, Pirlo (3rd), Schweinsteiger (5th), and Lahm (8th) make up the numbers.
1. Xavi
2. Alonso
3. Pirlo
4. Busquets
5. Schweinsteiger
6. Alba
7. Ramos
8. Lahm
9. Inesita
10. Arbeloa
5. No international side has ever won three major tournaments in a row with the WC as part of this hat trick. West Germany was close in 1976 as reigning WC and Euro champs, but were defeated by Czech in PK and this when the Paneka was invited, as it was the winning PK by Czech midfielder Antonin Paneka.
