European Cup Soccer 08

[woodsy]

Fair enough Woodsy but according to the rules you are unable to use your hands on an opponent and if u look at both incidents they were both clearly shoved to lose their balance.Some of the Portugese players did complain after the third goal so i dont know whether u or your coverage missed it.

If u know football then u know commentators regularly miss incidents but all three analysts over here clearly stated that the third goal should have not been allowed.They missed the first incident and im still not even sure u know what im talking about.

Look i was equally happy for the Germans to win as i like both teams and was not supporting either just hoping that they were both just given a fair go.Portugal were not and like so many games the officials had to much of an influence in the outcome.This is still one of the negatives in football that has to change.

If they were actually to ever enforce that rule as it is written every game would feature about 20 yellow cards and several hundred free kicks.

On a brighter note the upsets continue and Turkey the comeback Kings pull off another big win.

I hope they enjoy this victory cause it will be their last one at Euro 2008

 

[Red]

If they were actually to ever enforce that rule as it is written every game would feature about 20 yellow cards and several hundred free kicks.

I hope they enjoy this victory cause it will be their last one at Euro 2008

True to a point but clearly saying that doesn't justify anything or make it right.

We're not talking about every little niggle during a game just the so damn obvious ones which the people that care about the game with a passion like myself see and the others just see whatever suits there team.

Something we agree on,yes the Germans should take it but then again on form Portugal and Croatia would be meeting in the semis.

Anyway Germany are through and good luck to u and them Woodsy.

Looking at the tournament purely from a football fans point of view the Dutch deserve to take it having played the most outstanding football to date but what makes football the beautiful game as seen in previous matches anything can happen.

 

[woodsy]

True to a point but clearly saying that doesn't justify anything or make it right.

We're not talking about every little niggle during a game just the so damn obvious ones which the people that care about the game with a passion like myself see and the others just see whatever suits there team.

Something we agree on,yes the Germans should take it but then again on form Portugal and Croatia would be meeting in the semis.

Anyway Germany are through and good luck to u and them Woodsy.

Looking at the tournament purely from a football fans point of view the Dutch deserve to take it having played the most outstanding football to date but what makes football the beautiful game as seen in previous matches anything can happen.

When interviewed yesterday niether Scolari, nor the head of the Portugese Football Federation made any mention of bad or questionable goals. Both said the 3-2 result was a fair one. From what I can see the only reason Portugal didn't advance was because of the dreadful marking of their defenders in the penalty area. Their ability to defend was the knock on them leading into the tournament and they proved everyone right. To give up two goals like that, on identical set plays no less, is inexcusable.

I agree the Dutch have looked outstanding so far and if everything goes according to plan they should meet Germany in the finals. I don't know if they have the mental toughness to beat the Germans, though that is something we will find out soon enough.

 

[Red]

Mate change the coverage your watching cause Scolari complained about the first goal and i cant blame him for missing the foul by Podolski on the first considering where he's sitting but anyone with just a bit of perception saw it clearly on tv.
https://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/news/newsid=810445.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

Agreed as i mentioned in one of my first posts that Portugal were suspect against set pieces and although the obvious is now known they should never have let themselves get into that position.

Anyway thats my rant just hoping the games coming up continue to flow and caution doesn't take over when the stakes are much higher.

No doubt mentally Germany are extremely hard to overcome but their form has been patchy and i just hope its not a Germany v Italy final hoping someone else can grab a title for a change.

Hey Woodsy at least im not the only football freak on here.Cheers Man.

 

[Red]

Well what a tournament third qtr final third upset going on form and my fears that the Dutch had peaked to early were realised.

Got to hand it to Guus who i consider pretty much the best coach in world football having done it with so many nations.Good luck to Russia who are playing excellent attacking football.

Now for Italy to beat Spain and my nightmare will be complete.

Apparently their is tension in the spanish camp just hope they can buck the trend and get up.Go El Nino.

 

[Polylord]

OMG, Holland lost!

But, truth be said, Russia played a MUCH better match than Holland did. The defence of Holland sucked big time. That they didn't lose the match after 90 minutes, was pure luck for the Dutch or bad luck for the Russians. So Russia really did deserve to win that match.

Now, seeing who are left to play games, I really hope that Russia wins the tournament. But we'll see.

:chewGO RUSSIA!!!!!:chew

 

[geto10]

I can't believe we are actually in the semi final! GO RUSSIA!

 

[bcm77]

Once again Holland peaked too soon and Russia deserved their win and I think it'll be either them or Germany that win the whole thing though with their incredible luck so far I wouldn't totally rule out Turkey either. As long as the Italians don't win I'll be happy.

 

[woodsy]

So much for my Netherlands vs Germany prediction . I guess the only thing predictable about high level International football is it's unpredicability.

 

[bumblebee]

Once again Holland peaked too soon and Russia deserved their win and I think it'll be either them or Germany that win the whole thing though with their incredible luck so far I wouldn't totally rule out Turkey either. As long as the Italians don't win I'll be happy.

Same here.

 

[bcm77]

Spain win on penalties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The game was bloody awful and they should have just had the shootout to begin
with as they could've played another two hours and there wouldn't have been a goal.
Neither team really deserved to go through but Spain had the luck in the shootout.

 

[woodsy]

I think without a doubt the better team today won the match. The Spanish enjoyed a huge advantage in possession time and actually looked like they were trying to push forward and win the game. Once extra time began it looked like the Italian strategy was to simply hold off the Spanish and send the game to penalty kicks. If that was there objective, I'm glad it blew up in their faces...though I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at their level of sportsmanship today. There was none of their typical flopping all over the pitch theatrics and I thought they handled themselves with class. That being said...am I ever glad they are out!

 

[Red]

Woo Hoo Spain through and Italy out.The most boring game of the quarters but Spain pushed forward more and deserved their win.Don't know why Italy left it to penalties with their suspect record although without their playmaker Pirlo they didnt have to many options throughout the match.

As with most WC and Euro the teams that peak early find it difficult to maintain that form hence only one group leader Spain scraping through.

From all four qtr finals i think Russia looked the most impressive with their speed of movement all over the park so it should be an interesting return match with Spain now that they are playing so well.

In the first semi Germany will be huge favourites with their experience and mental strength whilst the comeback kings Turkey will struggle missing half their team due to injury and suspension and these even talk of the reserve keeper being used as an on field player if needed later in the match.

I think Germany v Spain or Russia could be an excellent final although i wouldnt be mad enough to write off the comeback kings.

 

[-Super Hans-]

germany vs spain in the final for sure. Spain will win they have looked great all tornament (apart from yesterday)

 

[carbo-fation]

By far the best Euro I've seen! Every QF match so far was excellent. Turkey has a slim chance against Germany given that they lost the majority of the starting line-up. Russia and Spain will be an interesting match since Russia is getting better which each match and Spain is on a decline.

 

[woodsy]

Wow, that was a little too close for comfort! Germany looked terrible in the first half and were very fortunate to be tied at halftime. The last 10+ minutes were fantastic though...what a finish! I can't say Germany deserved to win but once that final whistle blows the only thing that counts is the score

 

[carbo-fation]

Germany played pretty badly. Turkey was playing without its key players and still caused trouble for Germany. I was hoping for Turkey to win though and continue with their winning streak but all good things must come to an end. Let's see whether Russia can get its revenge on Spain. Great tournament so far.

 

[Red]

Good effort Turkey who provided some excellent highlights throughout the Euro.

I only caught the highlights but it seemed Turkey had the better of the game but Germany are a team that dont necessarily have to play well to get a result.In the end they did a Turkey by scoring late thanks to an excellent goal from Lahm.He is an exciting attacking back who seems to relish the big matches and he has had a great tourny just like he did in the WC.

Spain v Russia could go either way with Spain a team that looks to control possession whilst the Russians will hit them fast on the counter attack.

 

[Karma]

tournament winners with be either spain or russia as germany have slow centre halfs & both previous mentioned have fast, skilful strikers (villa & torres or arshavin & Pavlyuchenko) that will exploit this weakness

 

[bcm77]

Turkey gave the Germans a hell of a scare but their luck finally ran out.
I now hope either Russia or Germany win the whole thing as I can't stand Spain.