Euro Cup 2012 - Poland/Ukraine

[Johnny Vinyl]

We're just over 4 weeks away from the start of another Euro Cup campaign, which (like the World Cup) is held every 4 years. It is said that winning this tournament is more difficult than winning the World Cup, and while this may be true, it simply doesn't have the prestige of winning a WC title. Nevertheless, it is usually much more exciting and I personally believe the games are of a higher quality.

I know we have many members here who are fans of the game and this tournament, so I thought I'd start a thread whereby we could just kinda get together and chat amongst ourselves about the events, hopes and expectations.

The groups are as follows and I've included their current FIFA ranking:

Group A:
Poland - 65
Greece - 14
Russia - 11
Czech Republic - 26

Group B:
Netherlands - 4
Denmark - 9
Germany - 2
Portugal - 5

Group C:
Spain - 1
Italy - 12
Republic of Ireland - 18
Croatia - 8

Group D:
Ukraine - 49
Sweden - 17
France - 16
England - 7

Only 2 teams in each group will advance to the Quarter-Finals and then it's do or die after that.

Who do you think will win it this year?
Who do you want to win it this year?

Let's have some fun and enjoy the games!

 

[Steve Williams]

I like the number 4 team John

If it's the same team we saw in the WC I'll go with them rather than Spain

John, you should start a poll

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I never even thought of that, but that's a good idea. Is it possible for one of you guys to set one up, even after the thread has been posted?

And Steve - I like The Netherlands as well and will be rooting for them. My gut tells me that Germany will take it, as I think they may be the best team in Europe right now.

 

[docvale]

What I think: either Germany or Spain

What I wish: Italy

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Thanks for putting up the poll.

I voted The Netherlands...I had to, even though I think Germany will take it. I cannot vote against my favourite team.

 

[docvale]

Thanks for putting up the poll.

I voted The Netherlands...I had to, even though I think Germany will take it. I cannot vote against my favourite team.

That meant I had to vote for Italy...

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

That meant I had to vote for Italy...

You're a real supporter....I like that!

 

[Mike]

Anyone but England will do fine. I think that it will be Spain.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Anyone but England will do fine. I think that it will be Spain.

Interesting comment....reason? Quite frankly, I have always been somewhat perplexed as to why England ranks as high as they do, and why they continually rank to be amongst the favourites.

 

[Steve Williams]

But Mike is an Aussie and you know how that colony was populated several hundred years ago

 

[Mike]

I am from Scotland. Anytime England play, we are constantly reminded by English commentators of their '66 World Cup triumph. It gets annoying. I think that they should do better thanthey have, given that they have had some good players.

 

[Mike]

Scotland, Steve

 

[Steve Williams]

Ah sorry Mike, I am thinking of MikeW who is from down under

 

[andromedaaudio]

Good choice steve , we have something to make up for , still the same trainer and more or less the same team as south africa .
If we beat the germans the tournament is succesfull

I like the number 4 team John

If it's the same team we saw in the WC I'll go with them rather than Spain

John, you should start a poll

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I am from Scotland. Anytime England play, we are constantly reminded by English commentators of their '66 World Cup triumph. It gets annoying. I think that they should do better thanthey have, given that they have had some good players.

Same in Canada Mike!No matter what the tournament, England always seems to get the focus, yet their play at this level has been substandard at best. The team is old, the management is in disarray and half the time I'm surprised they even get through. I'm a huge fan of the EPL though....best league on the planet.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Good choice steve , we have something to make up for , still the same trainer and more or less the same team as south africa .
If we beat the germans the tournament is succesfull

Don't forget...we've NEVER beaten Portugal either in this tournament....

 

[Mike]

Ah sorry Mike, I am thinking of MikeW who is from down under

No problem, mate!

 

[Mike]

Same in Canada Mike!No matter what the tournament, England always seems to get the focus, yet their play at this level has been substandard at best. The team is old, the management is in disarray and half the time I'm surprised they even get through. I'm a huge fan of the EPL though....best league on the planet.

I think that La Liga might give it a good run for its money, John.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Less than a week to go before Friday's opening match between Poland and Greece (11am Eastern).

Saturday will be the day whereby I can break-out my supporter gear and watch both games in Group B. I have my cap, my scarf, my car flag, my super-duper large flag that I'll drape over my couch and on Friday I'll be picking up the new Dutch away-game Jersey. All black with a touch of "Oranje"...it's killer! LOL

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Well....Day One certainly brought a suprise, and it wasn't the stunning result that Russia claimed over the Czech Republic. Mark my words....Russia is the Cindarella team in this tourney and they'll go far.

The surprise was Greece squandering 3-points by missing a Penalty kick. Giorgos Karagounis' attempt to lift Greece by a goal was lame at best. Opportunity wasted and the end result was a a draw.

Actually there was another suprise. By issueing 2 Red Cards the officials are making it clear they control the game and will do so. If i were a coach I'd tell my players to double-up on controlling their emotions as a message was just sent.