Euro 2012

[biosc1]

And it begins!

Poland vs. Greece to start. I don't expect much from this game, but it's a good warmup for the real match of the day Czech Republic vs. Russia.

I actually bought a "euro pass" from our countries sportscaster (tsn.ca) to live stream all the games so I don't miss anything while at work. For $20 for 24 days, you can't complain and it's all HD with PVR abilities.

Overall, I want Germany to win, but I just can never tell how their squad will play.

[Dualonymous]

I am going for Poland in this game but Germany overall. I will probably pick up the euro pass for 20 bucks.

[fitbabits]

I would love Spain to win the tourney as they play the best football, in my opinion.

[Dualonymous]

I would love Spain to win the tourney as they play the best football, in my opinion.

If they can get past ireland. :)

That is a very sarcastic smiley by the way.

[Hyperglide]

Germs got this.

[Acidpoptart]

Any idea if there is an equivalent pass available in the US? I'd love to watch the games online.

[fitbabits]

Any idea if there is an equivalent pass available in the US? I'd love to watch the games online.
ESPN 3...online coverage.

[biosc1]

The Dutch played like the Dutch usually do in the big tournaments...lacklustre.

Germany vs. Portugal, some good chances for both sides marred by a little too much play-acting on both sides (or I just notice it more because I wish the Germans didn't do it so much). Glad Germany won, but Portugal didn't look that great anyways.

[SilentScreams]

Portugal had the same problem they always do. They have a fantastic overall team, but no star strikers. Seriously, they haven't had a world class striker for like 20 years. Their whole tactic these days seems to be to sit back and wait for Ronaldo to do something, but he's never been a big game player. He'll tear apart the nobodies, but against decent opposition he usually goes missing.

I got Italy in the draw at work. I don't think I'll be seeing that £1 again. Italy are like Portugal but old.

[AntonThaGreat]

Both Ireland and Croatia has been in the right place at the right time this half. Wonder what's going to happen next.

[biosc1]

Both Ireland and Croatia has been in the right place at the right time this half. Wonder what's going to happen next.

Other than more smoke bombs and toilet paper?

[AntonThaGreat]

Other than more smoke bombs and toilet paper?

Yeah, that was odd. I wonder why no one ever moved the damn paper.

Ireland just weren't all there, not at all what I was expecting out of them. Overall, it was was probably the most non-entertaining game I've seen so far. Italy's defense disappeared in the second half, but at least they put on a show. I wish Torres got another chance at goal, i know he has it in him.

Not terribly excited about England v. France, but my homeland Ukraine v Sweden should be interesting, I hope. Ukr did far better than I thought they would in the last World Cup, so here's hoping.

[CES]

The England/France game isn't for another six hours and already elements of the UK media are making excuses for England if and when they fuck up. For a Brit who isn't English, the best part of watching England play is when the media get into a fury about England getting humped.

[AntonThaGreat]

http://i.imgur.com/ZnuVh.jpg

I love this. They're using their best Gung Fu against Iniesta.

[fitbabits]

I'm hoping for a France win, but I feel it may end up being a draw. Would love for England to exit at the group stages - just because it's always fun to watch the nation implode.

[AntonThaGreat]

http://h9.abload.de/img/untitled-9hyytr.gif

Railing lines on the job. Explains everything.

[Dualonymous]

here goes England and France. should be good.

[CES]

I'm hoping for a France win, but I feel it may end up being a draw. Would love for England to exit at the group stages - just because it's always fun to watch the nation implode.

Damn right it is. The Sun and Daily Mail would be crying for a week.

[biosc1]

I'm watching on tape delay, but MY GOD that was a missed empty net by the English striker!

[fitbabits]

Called it.

Not a bad point for England, but all it will do is increase expectations... Same old story!

[AntonThaGreat]

The English defense was very solid, but unfortunately their offense was lacking. Overall, the game felt like an international friendly, instead of a championship match.

[Urizen]

Shevchenko!!!!

[AntonThaGreat]

Shevchenko!!!!

He fucking came through! God damn, what a way to go out for him. He's wanted to make it to Euro for ever, and to score two goals in the first match! This game was everything and more for me. I knew they could pull through. So many moments where everything could have went sideways.

The next game versus France is going to be a nerve-jerker for me.

[spcialk]

I'm still blown away by how good Italy looked v. Spain. Balliotelli shouldn't start, ever again, but for the most part, they had a stout defense and created chances on the counter. I would not have expected that from an aging, scandal-plagued side.

[biosc1]

I'm still blown away by how good Italy looked v. Spain. Balliotelli shouldn't start, ever again, but for the most part, they had a stout defense and created chances on the counter. I would not have expected that from an aging, scandal-plagued side.

Yah...Balliotelli...what the Hell. Talk about choking when you have the goalie to yourself. That was amazing and I don't think I've seen that ever.

[SilentScreams]

Ballotelli is one of those players that is mind blowing one minute and infuriating the next. He's not a player to be relied upon, but he's good to bring off the bench when your team is struggling because he certainly has the ability to do something unexpected and win it for you.

[biosc1]

Well, he certainly delivered on the "unexpected" part.

[Urizen]

Yah...Balliotelli...what the Hell. Talk about choking when you have the goalie to yourself. That was amazing and I don't think I've seen that ever.

That was uncharacteristic. He had the pass and the shot. He's petulant and arrogant, but I don't think he's selfish on the pitch. It looked like really couldn't decide what to do when both options were equally attractive.

The control he showed at the sideline to keep the ball in play and beat his defender was amazing. There's no one else on the Italian side who could have done that.

[menage]

Glad that's over, I'm sick of the color orange. Bunch of losers.

[biosc1]

Glad that's over, I'm sick of the color orange. Bunch of losers.

Definite under-performers.

[Urizen]

I'd root for Holland, like I have in the ancient past, if it wasn't for the pair of thugs Van Bommel and De Jong. They are way too repugnant to look past. That said, their defense has been atrocious in both games, and I don't how on earth Willems can start over Boularouz, and no one's even talking about that omission.

Very happy for Portugal. The tournament will be richer with them in it, and a second-place finish should pit them against Russia, which is a matchup they'll enjoy. It still stings me when I think about how they lost to Greece in the 04 Finals.

[civil_dead]

Loved watching Portugal v Denmark today at an Irish bar; I'm sad I won't have a chance to see many more games live because of work and other engagements. I am most interested in the Greece v Russia and Poland v Czech matches on Saturday as two of my dearest friends are Greek and Polish. I love seeing how much national pride is invested in these games, there really is nothing to compare it to in the US. Sure we can get involved in our teams but it's not a source of national pride/shame.

[AntonThaGreat]

Loved watching Portugal v Denmark today at an Irish bar; I'm sad I won't have a chance to see many more games live because of work and other engagements. I am most interested in the Greece v Russia and Poland v Czech matches on Saturday as two of my dearest friends are Greek and Polish. I love seeing how much national pride is invested in these games, there really is nothing to compare it to in the US. Sure we can get involved in our teams but it's not a source of national pride/shame.

Being Ukrainian, those games were real nerve-jerkers. My and my father were going nuts! I haven't been to the damn country in over 15 years, and still there's something about watching my old country play, and win, that brings pride to my heart. :D

[Urizen]

Ribery is one sexy futhamucka when he brings his A-game.

http://news.vivatravelguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Ribery.jpg

EDIT:

So glad Sweden goes out after they celebrate both their goals in the opponents' box. That shit is just ugly to me.

[AntonThaGreat]

Fuck both of the games today. Just fuck them. I quit.

[muddi900]

The french version of What Would Brian Boitano Do? is about Ribery.

[AntonThaGreat]

http://i.imgur.com/d7j3J.jpg

Fuck everything about that. I maintain that a higher power ruined our chances.

[SilentScreams]

Made for some awesome photos though! :)

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/JyI8T6GcG_YrtKFVx7DVuQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD00MzE7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/gettyimages.com/ukraine-v-france-group-d-20120615-105100-646.jpg

[biosc1]

How I spent today "working"

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7472058/euro2012.jpg

[AntonThaGreat]

Holy fuck in a box... I've been out at a friend's bday bbq all day and I come back to Greeks winning a game and Poland losing the the Czech's !?

Biosc, can I come work with you? :D

[biosc1]

Biosc, can I come work with you? :D

Changed up the setup today. Watched Germany on my tv and then had a laptop set up on the coffee table with the Portugal game on it.

Less productive, but easier to watch ;)

[AntonThaGreat]

Changed up the setup today. Watched Germany on my tv and then had a laptop set up on the coffee table with the Portugal game on it.

Less productive, but easier to watch ;)

That doesn't answer my question!

Anyway, "We don't need goal-line technology!" Fuck you Platini, Fuck You.

http://i.imgur.com/pPrFE.jpg

If that goal was kept, the game would have went differently. :mad:

I'm just happy Ukraine played that well against the English. One of the best games so far, IMO.

[CES]

The goal wouldn't have counted either way, the setup was offside. Doesn't change the fact that six or so officials (ref, two linesmen, one guy behind each goal and the fourth official) blew two really simple calls in 15 seconds. Absolute insanity.

[SilentScreams]

Yet another assist for Gerrard. He's carrying England in this tournament like he used to carry Liverpool every week. He might be getting older but he's still by far the best player this country has.

[CES]

Gerrard is excellent but I can't help wondering how many more years he has in the tank, the guy is 32 and has a heavy workload. I've been saying for ages now that England need to start rebuilding around Welbeck as the primary striker and Walcott running support as he can quite simply outpace just about everyone. What I don't get is the media's fascination with Rooney, a guy who is shit at the international level.

[SilentScreams]

Yeah I didn't understand why Rooney went straight back into the team after Carroll and Welbeck were both excellent against Sweden. Those two are both young and in my opinion should be viewed as the go-to strike partnership for England for the foreseeable future. Rooney shouldn't have a divine right to play, especially since, as you said, he's never been great for England.

As for Gerrard, I agree. He can't put in that kind of effort week after week like he used to anymore. Thing is I don't think he has it in him to let himself take a more passive role in the game. He's used to being the Captain that drags the team across the finish line by the scruff of the neck.
I'm not sure he could do, for example, what Giggs has done at Man Utd. As Giggs has gotten older he's adapted his game to involve less running and he gets by on skill and intelligence alone. While Gerrard certainly has an abundance of both, I'm not sure he could just stand by and let others do the leg work. He's always led by example and I don't see that changing even when it might be to his detriment.

[CES]

I've been having this discussion with several other people and we're trying to hash out how we'd like to see the England team right now. Common consensus so far is:

Attack: Welbeck, Defoe
Center-mid: Gerrard, Milner/Parker (we haven't worked that one out yet)
Wingers: Walcott, Ox
Defense remains as it has through the tournament.

[biosc1]

I think the fascination with Rooney is that everyone expects him to explode on the international stage. He has that potential to just do something. Unfortunately, he doesn't.

I do enjoy watching him play, but you English probably know the team better than I.

[Urizen]

As an Arsenal fan, I think few players have gotten the wrong end of the stick as Walcott. Unbelievable that he isn't starting. (Ox should as well.) Ashley Cole and Lescott are the only defenders who should always be in at the back.

But the English selection and managing process is so incredibly frustrating that I am alright with them being eliminated by Italy. The only two world-class players on the pitch will be Pirlo and Gerrard. That will be epic.

[CES]

Well as expected Greece got demolished and Germany are in the semi-finals. They now play the winner of England/Italy which takes place on Sunday. Portgual are also through and play the winner of Spain/France which takes place tomorrow.

Some trivia for you:

The Germany/Greece match was the highest scoring of the tournament yet.
Germany now are unbeaten in 15 games

Also, start putting in your predictions for the final and winner. I expect a Germany/Spain final with Germany winning.

[biosc1]

I was a little worried at the beginning of the game, but then Germany got into their possession game and that was that.

[AntonThaGreat]

God damn it if I didn't root for Greece. I like to root for underdogs! :o I loved their defensive setup, unfortunately they couldn't back it up.

I'm in for France / Germany with Germany coming out on top.

[Urizen]

My heart says:
Italy over England
France over Spain
France over Germany
Portugal over Italy
Portugal over France

[CES]

Might want to go see a doctor about that heart of yours, France are out and Spain advance to play their rivals Portugal.

[AntonThaGreat]

Wow, I didn't expect France to fall apart so much after the game against Sweden. I love the Spanish team, but France just plain played better until now. They sort of came unglued.

Well, count my a happy camper!

Spain v Germany... I can't decide now. Germany got their shit together, but Spain has some of my favorite players. Either way, should make for some beautiful Futbal that we unfortunately did not get to see today.

[biosc1]

Well, Spain still has to make it through Portugal and Germany through the winner of Italy/England (though, I don't see Germany having an issue there).

Spain vs. Germany would be a fantastic final. A tense one!

[AntonThaGreat]

Well, Spain still has to make it through Portugal and Germany through the winner of Italy/England (though, I don't see Germany having an issue there).

Spain vs. Germany would be a fantastic final. A tense one!

I just hope that Spain doesn't try to play the, how my father calls it, "DIR DIR" game. It seems to be their flavor of the tournament, and that shit just won't fly with Germany. It's working for them so far, but god damn if it doesn't make for some boring futbal. The game v France was probably one of the least entertaining I've watched this championship. I actually really enjoyed the Spartan's game yesterday though, the buggers have some real heart.

I watched the Master v. Stars charity friendly in Miami, FL later today and that was a great and fun game which sort of made up for the anger I felt at France blowing such a chance without even fighting.

[CES]

If Spain try that one-two shit against Germany, they're going to get carved up. Germany play a very physical game and they'll simply shove Spain off the ball.

Really though, Spain against Portugal is probably going to go to the Oscars with a Best Acting Performance nomination.

[AntonThaGreat]

If Spain try that one-two shit against Germany, they're going to get carved up. Germany play a very physical game and they'll simply shove Spain off the ball.

Really though, Spain against Portugal is probably going to go to the Oscars with a Best Acting Performance nomination.

I want to say that that's going to be a good futbal match, I really do, but deep in my heart I know it's going to basically be Spain playing versus Spain. In my eyes, they have exactly the same style of play, the deciding factor's going to be who's the better actor and who can pass more accurately.

[SilentScreams]

Spain have won the last two major international tournaments with that "one-two shit". Don't be so quick to write them off. :)

[CES]

And England are out from a penalty shootout again.

[fitbabits]

The planets are back in alignment - England out on penalties. They were played off the park, in fairness.

[AntonThaGreat]

And England are out from a penalty shootout again.

If the results would have been any different, it just wouldn't have been right. England put on a poor show, and their defense was their only life line.

So Italy v. Germany, I predict Germany on top.

Spain v. Portugal, I predict Spain on top.

Spain V. Germany, Germany wins the cup.

[AntonThaGreat]

Oh, and Pirlo's amazing Penalty kick. He schooled Hart and his face making ways.

http://i.minus.com/ixSNKeWYY7zCQ.gif

[biosc1]

Oh, and Pirlo's amazing Penalty kick. He schooled Hart and his face making ways.


What the Hell, right? It's like he was an All Black rugby player.

[CES]

So that's the second knockout match decided by penalties. Hate that system but Spain got the win so they're in the finals.

[fitbabits]

Ronaldo got everything he deserved. People compare him to Messi, but I think we all saw the difference in living colour. Deciding to place himself fifth in the penalty shootout was typical glory-hunting bullshit.

[Hyperglide]

I don't like Ronaldo at all but the fact is is that he's the 2nd best player in the world and Portugals best striker and penalty kicker. Why the hell do you have Bruno Alves a defender shooting 4th who looked shaky as hell (wasn't he subbed out on the 3rd attempt) and you need to score to stay alive so you put him back in?

Bento is going to get eaten alive by Portugal Media. Not sure it was all his fault I'm sure that primadonna Ronaldo had something to do with it as well.

[CES]

Ronaldo got everything he deserved. People compare him to Messi, but I think we all saw the difference in living colour. Deciding to place himself fifth in the penalty shootout was typical glory-hunting bullshit.

Ronaldo reminds me of Bailiotelli, a spoiled brat with delusions of grandeur.

[fitbabits]

Ronaldo reminds me of Bailiotelli, a spoiled brat with delusions of grandeur.
Which is a shame, because both are really exceptional talents... It's just their delusional issues that spoil everything.

[SilentScreams]

And yet Messi is better than both of them and is one of the most honest and humble guys in the game.

[fitbabits]

And yet Messi is better than both of them and is one of the most honest and humble guys in the game.
My point exactly.

[biosc1]

Ronaldo got everything he deserved. People compare him to Messi, but I think we all saw the difference in living colour. Deciding to place himself fifth in the penalty shootout was typical glory-hunting bullshit.

It's not necessarily glory-hunting when it could come down to him to lose the shootout as well. To me, it seemed like a move of a good captain.

Having said that, I dislike him for how he "performs" on the field even if he is a great talent at times.

[Urizen]

Ronaldo reminds me of Bailiotelli, a spoiled brat with delusions of grandeur.

Ronaldo does more in a day than Balotelli does in a season. I understand some of the reasons for disliking Ronaldo, the man is named after Reagan, for God's sakes, but he is a more complete player than Messi, and I don't have to go further than his game against the Czech Rep. to provide evidence. Balotelli is constantly threatened with being dropped by club and country. He is violent and vulgar, and has a lot more than just a crazy streak.

It's a really ludicrous, and shameful, comparison.

[Narradisall]

How is placing a better striker last the sign of a good captain?

I don't like ronaldo for the way he "plays" but the decision if it was his to place himself last was a stupid one.

[CES]

Ronaldo does more in a day than Balotelli does in a season.

I think Balotelli heard you, two goals in 15 minutes and Germany are neck-deep in shit right now.

Edit: And so Germany go out to Italy 2-1. The better side won tonight and we now have a Spain/Italy final at the weekend.

[Hyperglide]

Ballotelli just owned the Germans. First time I'd seen him play. He does seem immature but wow he's a great player. He's only 21 though guys. I cut him some slack, for that, he's still in diapers. Ronaldo has no reason to still be a douche he should be more mature.

[Lance Uppercut]

Fucking Italians :(

[AntonThaGreat]

What a great match! Such an upset! The Italians really did it today. I don't think anyone expected such an outcome.

http://i.imgur.com/tUBzB.gif

I wonder, what the hell happened with the Germans? Italy took the ball and Germany just didn't know what to do with themselves. If Italy does the same with Spain, we know who the winner will be. Portugal took the ball, and Spain just came unglued.

[AntonThaGreat]

Oh, and... German fan after Italy scored:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ce4nIoBk1qmej6fo1_400.gif

[fitbabits]

Shit, Italy absolutely schooled Germany! German arrogance that they just had to keep playing the way they had and everything would work out in their favour. Pirlo and Super Mario stole the show, and what a show it was.

[Narradisall]

I missed the match, but I heard amusing tales of the German goalkeeper going 'Fuck this shit, I'll score!' towards the end and running up the field.

I actually expected Germany to win given the past performance of both teams.

I have Spain in the pool, so I have to support them!

[biosc1]

Shit, Italy absolutely schooled Germany! German arrogance that they just had to keep playing the way they had and everything would work out in their favour. Pirlo and Super Mario stole the show, and what a show it was.

I missed the match, but I heard amusing tales of the German goalkeeper going 'Fuck this shit, I'll score!' towards the end and running up the field.

I actually expected Germany to win given the past performance of both teams.

I have Spain in the pool, so I have to support them!

Just continues the trend of Germany being unable to beat Italy in the big competitions. I think it's 10 straight losses against Italy now.

[AntonThaGreat]

That was so disappointing.

[Dualonymous]

That was such a beat down, I loved it.

fixed it for ya :)

[civil_dead]

What a fucking slaughter. I watched it with a group of European friends in an Italian bar. After half-time the mood was grim, almost funeral like.

There were about 30 of us in a group of 200 or so patrons (mega-bar) that were pro-Spain. Surprisingly it was quite...civil. No fights, only lots of broken hearts. My throat is killing me.


--
Sent from a phone so please forgive any grammatical, spelling or factual errors.

[muddi900]

Oh, Spain won, how original?

[fitbabits]

Spain are so boring!

[Narradisall]

That was a pretty good meatch I thought. Spain played the better game by a long shot. I still would have liked to have seen a Spain v Germany final, but oh well.

[civil_dead]

I would have liked Italy to at least have scored a goal or two. After it was 2-0 the energy seemed to go down and the match became less interesting. After 3-0 it was just waiting for someone to put a knife in it, though I have to say that 4th goal was a sweet little stab in the face at the end. There was even a moment when a 5th almost happened and you could see the player (I forget who it was) running away with a giant smirk on his face.

[SilentScreams]

Sergio Ramos with his cheeky little flick.

I agree it would have been nice if Italy could have scored a few but once they were down to 10 players it was just a case of waiting to see how many Spain won by. To be fair, Italy never even looked dangerous with 11 men on the pitch.

[fitbabits]

The best team in the tourney won, hands down. Some of Spain's play was absolutely breathtaking - pass and move, pass and move. It's so easy, yet so, so hard to pull off. Brazil in the 70s were close, but the current Spain squad is better.

[AntonThaGreat]

The best team in the tourney won, hands down. Some of Spain's play was absolutely breathtaking - pass and move, pass and move. It's so easy, yet so, so hard to pull off. Brazil in the 70s were close, but the current Spain squad is better.

It was definitely the best game Spain played during the whole tourney. They put on a great show, they let Torres out of the stables, and they won.

I expected so much more out of Italy after their showing against Germany, but then again they were already fatigued in that game.