Euro Cup 2012 - Poland/Ukraine

[Johnny Vinyl]

Definitely the Dutch performance is the negative surprise of the tournament.
Spain and Germany play good soccer and, IMHO, they're the favorites to the Cup. Russia may be an outsider making no little surprises. I wouldn't judge negatively neither England nor France: they played just once and they're good teams.

Anyway, as a supporter, but trying to be objective, I saw Italy playing it's best soccer in the past 4 years. Not mesmerizing at all, but honest, well structured soccer, which domesticated Spain. But they won't go to the quarter of finals... too bad...

You're right in that England, France and Sweden have their 2nd game yet ahead for tomorrow, but I honestly can't see England advancing. IMO their team is mediocre at best and Sweden has alwasy given them a hard time. For this very reason I can't see The Netherlands pulling off a miracle either, as Portugal has had their number for eternity.

I truly think that Russia has what it takes to get to the final, and I said this right from the start.

 

[docvale]

So, Russia is surprisingly out...

Greece will meet Germany while the Czech Rep will play against one among Portugal, Denmark or Netherlands... I mean, Denmark could even lead their group, when beating Germany... let's say it's not that probable.
This is another of the groups (together with group C) where we may see what we Italians call "the biscuit": if the Dutchs were winning over Portugal, a draw between Germany and Denmark may promote those two teams. Germans would definitely prefer to avoid the risk of meeting again either Netherlands or Portugal, in a possible final, so... let's see!

 

[andi]

Hub Holland, Hub

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I'm so pissed off right now it ain't funny. I don't have cable, so I ordered a PPV package over the Internet. I've not had a problem with any game, except this one. 28 interuptions of service so far......I've missed half the damned game because of this, and it's the best game I've seen so far. I stopped watching because my heart can't take it......last I looked a few minutes ago was a 1-1 draw.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

The Dutch press is going to have a fieldday tomorrow! Screw the Greek election and all of the uncertainly in the Eurozone.....they're gonna be talking football! Not since 1980 have the Dutch been eliminated in the Group stages. An absolutely embarassing performance.

 

[ack]

I watched all the lengthy highlights of the past week, on Saturday and Sunday - I have to say... some great, even thrilling games.

 

[Mike]

Predictions for France versus Spain, anyone? I think that Spain will do it.

 

[flez007]

Spain won over France, but with that level of performance I am sure they will have a heck of a time with either Germany or England.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Sapin -Portugal is going to be very interesting. The last time they met was a friendly after the WC2010 and Portugal beat Spain 4-0. Now I don't place a lot of value in friendlies, but it's quite possible this is anyone match.

 

[Mike]

Sapin -Portugal is going to be very interesting. The last time they met was a friendly after the WC2010 and Portugal beat Spain 4-0. Now I don't place a lot of value in friendlies, but it's quite possible this is anyone match.

I think that Spain has the edge over Portugal. I haven't seen much of England or Italy, but from what I've seen it looks like Germany and Spain are the strongest. What do you think about Italy and England?

Please, God, don't let England win this tournie.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I think that Spain has the edge over Portugal. I haven't seen much of England or Italy, but from what I've seen it looks like Germany and Spain are the strongest. What do you think about Italy and England?

Please, God, don't let England win this tournie.

This is a tough one IMO. If Italy scores first then England is done. I don't think England has the firepower or technique to thrust through or break the Italian defense, and Italy will most definitely go into protection mode after a goal. England has to score first to have any chance. This may go to extra time...

Italy 2-1

 

[rbbert]

Really, neither the English nor the Italians have appeared to play at the level of the other three semifinalists (or be able to play at that level, based on performance in the last 4 years or so)

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Really, neither the English nor the Italians have appeared to play at the level of the other three semifinalists (or be able to play at that level, based on performance in the last 4 years or so)

I agree completely....Germany is the team to beat as I said from the outset. Spain is playing okay, but not to their full potential....they will beat either of these two playing right now though.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Very entertaining first half with some opportunities for both teams. Not sure if they'll maintain this pace in the next 45. I suspect both teams will be going into the next half with cautious optimism.

 

[Mike]

Very entertaining first half with some opportunities for both teams. Not sure if they'll maintain this pace in the next 45. I suspect both teams will be going into the next half with cautious optimism.

I have a bad feeling the Englind will win this.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I have a bad feeling the Englind will win this.

Hart and Terry have been stalworth's in the English defense. Italy is getting too many chances though........

 

[flez007]

Italy moved on, they deserved to win - Spain is a tad better than Portugal but Germany vs Italy is a hard bet.

 

[Steve Williams]

I'm curious why you guys were down on the Brits

 

[flez007]

I had high expectations onthe England team, but today they had an awfull game.

 

[Mike]

I'm curious why you guys were down on the Brits

I guess you have to grow in the U.K. and not be English. I'm not sure about the other guys' reason for not liking them. They have the same appeal as the Yankees or the Dallas Cowboys.