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

[Escorpiius]

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

HT with Croatia leading 2-1 against Ireland.

HT Analysis: Croatia had the better team on paper and their players gels really well - especially Modric, Jelavic and Srna. They had pleasant passing football and logically, are leading. Ireland have a team that's aging a bit; since it's a team that has barely change since the Henry's handball scandal against France. Also, certain of its key players are lacking playtime in their clubs. They defended really deep down after their equalizer though and it's costing them a bit. Both teams are delivering a feel-good match though since they are both underdogs of their group and they got nothing to lose. Instead, the winner has much to win since they'll take the lead of this group following Italy-Spain draw.

Let's see the second-half.

 

[Gilda]

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

Second part just begun. Honestly I'd like to see a draw as it doesn't seem fair to me that either Croatia or Ireland to get the lead of the group. Spain & Italy did a better game, if I was the one spreading the points I'd give 3 points each. IMO
--
But yeah, anyway it's true that Croatia is dominating the game. And I kinda expected it.

EDIT: 1-3

 

[Escorpiius]

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

Second part just begun. Honestly I'd like to see a draw as it doesn't seem fair to me that either Croatia or Ireland to get the lead of the group. Spain & Italy did a better game, if I was the one spreading the points I'd give 3 points each. IMO
--
But yeah, anyway it's true that Croatia is dominating the game. And I kinda expected it.

EDIT: 1-3

Not to vex you but that's why you shouldn't be the judge. U_U

And final score: 3-1 to Croatia.

- A well-deserved win as they got the break early on with a nice passing football. Then they kept the score with some defense and possession.

- Ireland couldn't really get out of its defensive play once they were lead unfortunately. Trappatonni clearly instilled a defensive approach to Ireland and once mixed with the British style of Ireland, the attack was seriously weak.

- Ireland barely got shots. Their only chances were on spot-kicks and some fought header. The match was physically intense also.

- I kept a keen eye on Modric and I must say, he's a top-notch midfielder. It was interesting to see him play without the likes of Bale, Lennon and Adebayor and he dictated the pace amazingly well for his team. Reminded me lots of Scholes; which kinda make me further hope desperately that SAF will sign him. Though, I doubt SAF will put the money Tottenham wants (which is indeed over-priced). I'm not optimistic but he will be the ideal signing to replace Scholes though.

- Croatia's win is pretty interesting. Now, they can fight for their qualification in case of victory against either Italy or Spain. Though, it'll be cruel that Italy is defeated again and when they are finally showing a better side of their football with younger players and more daring tactics. Anyways, that'll be football and Croatia is a very pleasant team with Modric, Jelavic, Perisic, Srna ect...

- On the other hand, Ireland's team is getting older and many of its player are in low-level team or lacks playtime in their clubs - which worsens its case. For this Euro, they have one and a half foot in the grave already.

 

[Gilda]

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

Not to vex you but that's why you shouldn't be the judge. U_U

That's why I'm not the judge. I'd be giving one-sided verdicts.

 

[LionDemon]

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

That Croatian match ref is blind!!! That second goal is offside!!!
Everyone saw it, even the Croatian players, but noooo, they have to have a blind man on the field anyway!

Grrrrrr

Anyway, tomorrow is Ukraine vs Sweden, I'm going live, I live near stadium.
Sorry to Sweden but we have prepared for this!

 

[Ryuu..]

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

Can't wait for France vs England tomorrow. This country (I hope) is going to get spanked by Benzema and co But they'll play so defensive and i'm kind of expecting a draw.

Balotelli is such a bawse. Should've made up his mind when he was in though.

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

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

France will spank the lion LOL

 

[Escorpiius]

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

That Croatian match ref is blind!!! That second goal is offside!!!
Everyone saw it, even the Croatian players, but noooo, they have to have a blind man on the field anyway!

It wasn't offside. The last pass was given to him by an Ireland defender. Rule-wise, he is no more considered offside then.'

But the refereeing wasn't of a great quality though. He didn't do any scandals but it wasn't the level we were expecting in a World-class tournament.

There was a penalty that could have been given to Ireland though for a foul on Keane.

France will spank the lion LOL

If England fight like Lions, they'll win.

France are favorites in this match and this group anyway. But hopefully, we can see an England side that'll fight till the end in true spirit; even if they are not the best of their shape right now.

My biggest problem in this match is that I'll be watching this match on Canal+ (French Cable), so I expect my ears to burst with biased commentary. I think I'll use the mute button; though I'd love to listen to them if England leads the score.

 

[ReLax -]

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

It was a fantastic game between Spain and Italy all tho Spain defence is starting to scary me, none of their defenders in my eyes deserved a 5/10 rating.

As we have stated before Spain took a big risk with their line up and even Mou stated that if they played with a danger man (striker) would have been better, which they didn't. Torres entrance did make some impact, I assume it was quiet easy for De Rossi to out muscle Fabregas, Silva, Inesita, and Xavi. Torres also got me a bit angry with his selfishness. I mean Buffon clearly read his play, the one Torres always does, going around the GK. Torres also had Navas wide open, but takes the shot over the net. I mean literally he had 3-4 perfect chances, but he screwed them up.

When Balotelli took the ball from Ramos, I don't understand what he was thinking should he take the shot, or pass? I don't know, but whatever it was ruined that perfect chance.

In the end both teams played well to hold in, all tho I'd say Italy got the best of Spain this match. I'd give the entire match a 10 for Italy and 9.5 for Spain.

France VS England another match to actually worry about seeing the outcome of Netherlands losing, Germany struggling for that victory and Spain/Italy drawing, we maybe in for a surprise in this fixture.

 

[Escorpiius]

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

In the end both teams played well to hold in, all tho I'd say Italy got the best of Spain this match. I'd give the entire match a 10 for Italy and 9.5 for Spain.

France VS England another match to actually worry about seeing the outcome of Netherlands losing, Germany struggling for that victory and Spain/Italy drawing, we maybe in for a surprise in this fixture.

I'd give Italy a 8.5 for their match and Spain 8 for their match. I'd also rate the match as 8/10 with the pleasant clashes. Pirlo gave Italy a 7 for their performance btw.

Hopefully, it'll be great and even if England are pretty weak, they can fight till the end with their heart. I hope I can catch parts of that match. I just got to know that I'll need to be somewhere else. Damn it.. I really wanna see this match.

 

[Gooner4life]

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

Something tells me England can pull off something. Under Hodgson they will be tight and disciplined and not be under the false illusion that they are good enough to be on par with France. With full focus and a team performance, its anyone's game although I would have been slightly more confident if Rio was around

 

[J a y J ay]

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

Balotelli is a ****ing idiot. Why he thought he had all the time in the world is beyond me U_U. Anyway this euro's so far has been unpredictable and ive got people losing money. Yesterday a friend lost a bet when he put his money on Holland beating Denmark, nor ive another who lost their money by tipping Spain to beat Italy xd.

Denmark is the sh*t!

But honestly. I'm from Denmark and no one expected them to win. Last time we lost 3-0. We were kind of lucky.

 

[Grim]

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

I agree with most said here, but I dont understand why.... why didn't they chosePedro for Euro 2012

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

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

I agree with most said here, but I dont understand why.... why didn't they chosePedro for Euro 2012

because Spain have enough actor already LOL
buts seriously he don't really have a good season this year, so it only understandable that negredo and Liorente is more suited for spain

 

[MarBellarke]

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

France is going to be triumphant today!

 

[Escorpiius]

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

Well, after Xavi's stupid comments on Madrid's lack of respect, the Barca players are doing a great job to internally destroy the Spain's squad. [

You must be registered for see links

]. It's really stupid to say those comments when you're in national team frankly. Image matters really in International competitions and it's not 2008 England or 2010 France who'll contradict this. Too much whining and overconfidence may break relations with the football fans and this is usually start of disaster.

 

[Totsuka No Tsurugi]

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

Well, after Xavi's stupid comments on Madrid's lack of respect, the Barca players are doing a great job to internally destroy the Spain's squad. [

You must be registered for see links

]. It's really stupid to say those comments when you're in national team frankly. Image matters really in International competitions and it's not 2008 England or 2010 France who'll contradict this. Too much whining and overconfidence may break relations with the football fans and this is usually start of disaster.

that's ****ing retarded, seriously now they blame the pitch ?
tell me something i don't know, barca players is a bunch of whiners:sy:

 

[ReLax -]

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

I agree with most said here, but I dont understand why.... why didn't they chosePedro for Euro 2012

Pedro is at the Euros. He's on the bench, but a part of the team. He'll get playing time, but slowly, ad there are Negredo, Llorente, and Torres also.

Well, after Xavi's stupid comments on Madrid's lack of respect, the Barca players are doing a great job to internally destroy the Spain's squad. [

You must be registered for see links

]. It's really stupid to say those comments when you're in national team frankly. Image matters really in International competitions and it's not 2008 England or 2010 France who'll contradict this. Too much whining and overconfidence may break relations with the football fans and this is usually start of disaster.

The guy who wrote that article is actually known as anti-Barca. He has nothing better to say, but judge the players opinions and/or statements. He further extends it and makes it seem worser than it really is. Since there is a lot of Barca haters out there his article amuse and entertain them reason why he can keep going.

As to reply to that, I can't say much about it honestly we aren't on the pitch and/or playing to really judge how it is. Barca has been successful at home, why? Because they have there playing surface well done, and its not like any team that comes there complains because its almost flawless, hence why they have had amazing records at home. Other clubs/coach actually praise the pitch/stadium as whole.

To actually top this off many past legends have said that Poland/Ukraine shouldn't have been the host of Euros for multiple reasons.

Former Almeria coach, friend and mentor of Pep Guardiola, Juanma Lillo, explained the significance of the playing surface to a team like Spain.

"The pitch is extremely important, not decisive because there is nothing decisive in life, but important nonetheless," he said.

"The pitch is always a factor, for everyone, but for a team that likes to get the ball on the floor and play it fast to find players in attacking positions it becomes essential."

^^Hence the complain from Barca.

 

[Escorpiius]

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

The guy who wrote that article is actually known as anti-Barca. He has nothing better to say, but judge the players opinions and/or statements. He further extends it and makes it seem worser than it really is. Since there is a lot of Barca haters out there his article amuse and entertain them reason why he can keep going.

As to reply to that, I can't say much about it honestly we aren't on the pitch and/or playing to really judge how it is. Barca has been successful at home, why? Because they have there playing surface well done, and its not like any team that comes there complains because its almost flawless, hence why they have had amazing records at home. Other clubs/coach actually praise the pitch/stadium as whole.

To actually top this off many past legends have said that Poland/Ukraine shouldn't have been the host of Euros for multiple reasons.

Former Almeria coach, friend and mentor of Pep Guardiola, Juanma Lillo, explained the significance of the playing surface to a team like Spain.

"The pitch is extremely important, not decisive because there is nothing decisive in life, but important nonetheless," he said.

"The pitch is always a factor, for everyone, but for a team that likes to get the ball on the floor and play it fast to find players in attacking positions it becomes essential."

^^Hence the complain from Barca.

I understood the need to keep a pitch in good conditions. It's obviously a key part in football. As Lillo said, important but not decisive.

Yet again, pitch factors, rainfall, snowfall, wind, fans revolt, hooligans, media, transport medium, sleeping time ect... are all factors that players must be ready to face on at any times. These are external factors where you must develop a correct attitude to combat it and be dignified regardless.

You can't control all the things in life but blaming your loss on external factors is low. I'd understand if it was something huge like referee mistakes or serious psychological problems but pitch factors is low. Even if it did affect their 'smooth' play (which I didn't notice to be perturbed), they should not whine about it afterwards. And definitely not blame their result on that.

These are petty factors that results in petty complains but complains that may ruin image of a squad big-time. Spain seemed tensed in this Euro. perhaps, too much expectations and pressure. But it's part of football and they must confront it positively and complaining towards media is negative reply to those expectations.

 

[choft]

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

Well, I guess it's time to head down to the student union bar.