NationStates Jolt Archive

Bad signs IMHO. :(

Lies! (she said before the Austrians will eventually catch up...)

Croatia and Germany are both leading 1-0

Ugh.

People don't traditionally associate it with German teams, but the current crop of players runs on emotion above anything else. The commentators here reason that it's Klinsmann's departure that is responsible for them lacking it.

Whatever the reason, the way they might have gotten it back would have been total domination in this game. The Austrians are weak enough to allow it. But it didn't happen, and I think they'll be very much on the backfoot against Portugal.

Ugh.

People don't traditionally associate it with German teams, but the current crop of players runs on emotion above anything else. The commentators here reason that it's Klinsmann's departure that is responsible for them lacking it.

Whatever the reason, the way they might have gotten it back would have been total domination in this game. The Austrians are weak enough to allow it. But it didn't happen, and I think they'll be very much on the backfoot against Portugal.

They seemed in high spirits after that freight train of a free kick, and seemed to be having fun at the end. I dunno. I think they can beat Portugal, but it won't be easy.

Ugh.

People don't traditionally associate it with German teams, but the current crop of players runs on emotion above anything else. The commentators here reason that it's Klinsmann's departure that is responsible for them lacking it.

Whatever the reason, the way they might have gotten it back would have been total domination in this game. The Austrians are weak enough to allow it. But it didn't happen, and I think they'll be very much on the backfoot against Portugal.

I totally agree, they play on heart and when they don't get going and come together, they just look sluggish. I thought it was a poor choice firing Klinsmann, but that's the way these things go, I suppose.

I'm afraid of what Portugal is going to do to them. >_<

I totally agree, they play on heart and when they don't get going and come together, they just look sluggish. I thought it was a poor choice firing Klinsmann, but that's the way these things go, I suppose.

I'm afraid of what Portugal is going to do to them. >_<
He didn't get fired, he left. Said he was burned out from the job already - small wonder, seeing how the press skewered him right up to the WC... Fittingly, people were not only bummed out when he made his decision to leave, he was also very harshly attacked for it in the media. :rolleyes:
Löw had come in with him as his co-coach, so he was the closest they could get to keeping Klinsmann's "magic touch" around...

Agree with you on the rest.

They seemed in high spirits after that freight train of a free kick, and seemed to be having fun at the end. I dunno. I think they can beat Portugal, but it won't be easy.

I disagree. Frings, as a defensive midfielder, is hardly young, or all that quick, Metzelder is still recovering from a foot injury, and Mertesacker cuts an excellent inconsistent defender. Given that these three constitute the centre of the German defence and midfield, I fear for their chances against a Portugese attack that is fleet of foot, incisive, and competant dribblers all.

They also lack a genuinely threatening striker; frankly, none of Gomes, Klose or Podolski will concern the Portugese defence much.

Ballack, and only Ballack, will provide Germany with an oppurtunity, however, Scolari should not find stifling him too troublesome.

To sum it up, "biscotto" against Italy (and against France this time), like 4 years ago (Swe-Den 2-2 iirc...). I do hope that Van Basten has better standards and will have his side play for the victory.

Playing to win, and selecting "squad" players, are not the same. Frankly, I doubt that Romania have any better chance of surving against Huntelaar, Robben and van Persie than they would against van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van der Vaart.

Well.. the Netherlands is going to put on the "B-team". 9 players were replaced, and even captain v.d. Sar is not gonna play...

Well.. the Netherlands is going to put on the "B-team". 9 players were replaced, and even captain v.d. Sar is not gonna play...
Ha, I just read an interview where van Basten said he was totally gonna play the A-team*.

What a surprise...

*not that one

Well, he kept Boulahrouz and Engelaar... 2 out of 11 ain't bad, right ?

Ack, the news just said that not only might Löw still be banned from his fieldside spot for the quarter final against Portugal (that's what the regulations say but apparently the whole brouhaha was over nothing to begin with so they might reverse it) but also will Frings and Podolski probably not be playing - Podolski because he still has something wrong with his leg (but they said that before last game, too, and he played anyway) and Frings because he broke a rib in the game last night. :eek: I find it a tad disturbing that he only noticed that today. o_O

Ha, I just read an interview where van Basten said he was totally gonna play the A-team*.

What a surprise...

*not that one

According to the quotes that I read, he had said that he was not going to play with a B team, followed by saying that they are all good players and that he does not have a B team ;). He would be a total idiot if he'd play with his "standard" team. The only choice I don't understand is Robben, with his affinity to injuries...

To sum it up, "biscotto" against Italy (and against France this time), like 4 years ago (Swe-Den 2-2 iirc...). I do hope that Van Basten has better standards and will have his side play for the victory.

That would be stupid. Fortunately, he is not stupid. Would you risk your best players in match for nothing? Please, think of it outside the national wishes.
If you have reached a step towards a goal, would you risk anything for no gain?

It's something that keeps annoying me about the German team... they never do more than absolutely necessary, and end up in situations like in the worldcup semi-final against Italy 2 years ago...

Actually, I think that WC was the only time the Germans did more than necessary. (In 2002 it was different, there they did nearly nothing).
But then, this strategy has proven very effective for many nations.

That would be stupid. Fortunately, he is not stupid. Would you risk your best players in match for nothing?

Aaah - but is it "nothing" ? Morale will suffer due to this, unless the B-team creams the opposition tonight.

Haven't posted much, because I've been busy. Now my very own EuroCup plan is complete! It comes with 16 cut-out caricatures of the national teams to stick into the poster to see how far the team got.

Pre-assembly stage:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/ulteriormotives/PosterPic001.jpg

After everything has been stuck in place:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/ulteriormotives/PosterPic002.jpg

And then there's two close-ups of the caricatures themselves:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/ulteriormotives/1st8.png
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a205/ulteriormotives/2nd8.png

He didn't get fired, he left. Said he was burned out from the job already - small wonder, seeing how the press skewered him right up to the WC... Fittingly, people were not only bummed out when he made his decision to leave, he was also very harshly attacked for it in the media. :rolleyes:
Löw had come in with him as his co-coach, so he was the closest they could get to keeping Klinsmann's "magic touch" around...

Agree with you on the rest.

Amended. Still, from what I've heard, it was a little more of a mutual decision than that. But that's only what I've heard through a family member who coached Klinsmann's son, so it's not exactly canon.

Gattuso and Pirlo show superior technical skill in the face of a reduced opposition

Ack, the news just said that not only might Löw still be banned from his fieldside spot for the quarter final against Portugal (that's what the regulations say but apparently the whole brouhaha was over nothing to begin with so they might reverse it) but also will Frings and Podolski probably not be playing - Podolski because he still has something wrong with his leg (but they said that before last game, too, and he played anyway) and Frings because he broke a rib in the game last night. :eek: I find it a tad disturbing that he only noticed that today. o_O

You'd think a broken rib would be more than a little nagging...

I'm most disturbed about Poldi, though. He brings some of the best energy to the team and if he IS still hurt, how much more is going to bring him down? Bah. Germany, why do you do this to me?

2-0 for Italy now... drat, I favoured France ;)

And sofar the Orange B-team does not overly impress, but is winning.

Second time a french player hurts/injures "himself" after tackling an italian. Together with that remarkable kick-to-the-head-while-falling of "I'd rather take your wh*re of a sister" Materazzi .... I think I know what the italians have practiced.

And remember, van Nistelrooy did not need to fall over.
Italy keeps being without a goal not from a still ball.

Gattuso and Pirlo show superior technical skill in the face of a reduced opposition
Pirlo's out for the next match though, which will hurt. Looks like an Italy v Spain quarter final: a very out-of-sorts but experienced team against an in-form and talented squad with a history of failure in big games...

Actually, I just forgot to put in the fitting smiley to pronounce the meaning of "even though they have one player more they still need to foul and foul and foudl and foul and dive and dive"

Pirlo's out for the next match though, which will hurt. Looks like an Italy v Spain quarter final: a very out-of-sorts but experienced team against an in-form and talented squad with a history of failure in big games...

I really hope Spain put Italy out. A Spain-Holland semi-final sounds like an excllent prospect right now.

You'd think a broken rib would be more than a little nagging...

I'm most disturbed about Poldi, though. He brings some of the best energy to the team and if he IS still hurt, how much more is going to bring him down? Bah. Germany, why do you do this to me?

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. Who are they going to put in for Poldi? Kuranyi? Gomez blows IMHO, this can't be good. :(

I had a tenner on Holland to win before the tournament began at 12 - 1

;)

Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. Who are they going to put in for Poldi? Kuranyi? Gomez blows IMHO, this can't be good. :(

I am halfway convinced Gomez is a fake German who is working from the inside to bring them down. This is more comforting than to think he's actually trying and failing. :(

Pirlo's out for the next match though, which will hurt. Looks like an Italy v Spain quarter final: a very out-of-sorts but experienced team against an in-form and talented squad with a history of failure in big games...

Well, I'd say the odds are in favour of Spain - they really play a good football, look at poor Russia, and this time, unlike other times, looks like Spain has got his players working like a united team instead of just like a set of individually good players who play just for themselves. This could prove deadly.
Anyway Italy is notorious for starting slow - see World Cup Spain '82, USA '94, so who knows?


Actually, I just forgot to put in the fitting smiley to pronounce the meaning of "even though they have one player more they still need to foul and foul and foudl and foul and dive and dive"

1.who gave the italian side "one player more"? Guess what, a french player who chose to down an italian player as the latter was darting towards the goal. So?
2.too bad for you that the count of fouls per team is about even at the close of the match. So?

Tonight's lesson: NEVER anger the righteous worshippers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster!

I am halfway convinced Gomez is a fake German who is working from the inside to bring them down. This is more comforting than to think he's actually trying and failing. :(

Why the fuck is he still out there? Klose has earned the ability to work through a rough patch. Gomez has not. I'd go so far as to blame Gomez for Miro's inability to get anything done.

Why the fuck is he still out there? Klose has earned the ability to work through a rough patch. Gomez has not. I'd go so far as to blame Gomez for Miro's inability to get anything done.
The thing is, Gomez scored 19 goals in 25 matches in the Bundesliga despite a struggling team. The only guy who scored more was Luca Toni.

Still, I couldn't believe he got another chance against Austria, and even less that he managed not to put that ball in. I suppose Kuranyi is the other attacking option, because Neuville is really more of a second-half substitute.

I'm more worried about Frings though. They'll do whatever they can to get him on the pitch against Portugal, but it seems a bit unlikely. And that defensive midfield position is so central to the team, just like Pirlo is for the Italians.

Still, I couldn't believe he got another chance against Austria, and even less that he managed not to put that ball in. I suppose Kuranyi is the other attacking option, because Neuville is really more of a second-half substitute.

I agree, Neuville's not up to snuff to start. Good energizer/protector, not starter. But is putting in Kuranyi too much of a shake up? Plus, how well will he work with Miro and that midfield? I'm sure it would at least give them a different look, maybe give the front a chance to click better.

Still, I couldn't believe he got another chance against Austria, and even less that he managed not to put that ball in. I suppose Kuranyi is the other attacking option, because Neuville is really more of a second-half substitute.
Considering what Löw said, it's likely he'll get another against Portugal.

Well, the radio just said that it looks like Podolski and Klose will be playing as attackers (attackers? is that really the word?). They're adamant that he won't bring Gomez again.

Plus, they assume Frings will likely just get a shot of painkillers and play, even if maybe not for the whole 90 minutes. Ein harter Hund, he apparently is. :p

Ugh. The UEFA just decided that German coach Löw will indeed stay barred for the quarter final. I.e. he'll be sitting up on the bleachers again.

In other news, gas is now at €1.56 per liter.


*turns off radio*

Actually, I just forgot to put in the fitting smiley to pronounce the meaning of "even though they have one player more they still need to foul and foul and foudl and foul and dive and dive"

Really? What game were you watching?

Well, the radio just said that it looks like Podolski and Klose will be playing as attackers (attackers? is that really the word?). They're adamant that he won't bring Gomez again.

I would say strikers. Left and right strikers.

As for Gomez, FUCK YEAH. Degrading the number 9 is done. :p

Wow! Surprise surprise at half time: Greece 1 - Spain 0, Russia 1 - Sweden 0!

(btw there was a stupid foul of Xabi Alonso's against a Greek player - he kicked hard the ball at point-blank-range at the Greek while the Greek was already down because of a previous foul. Xabi didn't get any card though... too bad, he will play against Italy. Damn... we're going to get steamrollered.)

Wow! Surprise surprise at half time: Greece 1 - Spain 0, Russia 1 - Sweden 0!

(btw there was a stupid foul of Xabi Alonso's against a Greek player - he kicked hard the ball at point-blank-range at the Greek while the Greek was already down because of a previous foul. Xabi didn't get any card though... too bad, he will play against Italy. Damn... we're going to get steamrollered.)

Oh, man. I hear you. When Italy made it through, it was like:

Me: *pumps fists in air and yells with glee*
Boyfriend: "You know they're facing Spain next, right?"
Me: *deflated* "We're gonna get butchered."

SPAIN 2 - Grecce 1 (after trailing the spaniars came back to win in the 89 minute)

Russia 2 - Sweden 0 (Russia easily took the game from a dissapointing Swedish team)

Italia- Spain

Russia - Holland

Well, the radio just said that it looks like Podolski and Klose will be playing as attackers (attackers? is that really the word?). They're adamant that he won't bring Gomez again.

Thank god! I have faith in Miro.

Thank god! I have faith in Miro.

This one?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Mir%C3%B3

;)
Great artist. Really great. I remember an exhibit of his in Milan when I was a kid - one or two years before he died.

Anyone else see Hiddink smack that 4th ref when he got too close during the Russia-Sweden game? Way to go, Guus! :D

Anyone else see Hiddink smack that 4th ref when he got too close during the Russia-Sweden game? Way to go, Guus! :D

Oh my, did Hiddink get the ideas from Trapattoni? Are we going to see Hiddink give Trap-like speechs in russian? AIEEEE!!!

Trap in Austria!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mDYl0Q4DY4

Trap in Germany!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqp64q7kHmw&amp;feature=related

This one?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Mir%C3%B3

;)
Great artist. Really great. I remember an exhibit of his in Milan when I was a kid - one or two years before he died.

This one.

http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2007/SPORT/football/09/08/euro.germany/art.klose.gi.jpg

Jolt is so slooooooooooooooow!

Also, Frings won't be playing.

And Löw will not only be banned from the trainer's bench he's also completely banned from communicating in any form or shape (say, sending the team manager down with some advice <<) with the second coach who'll have to run the game by himself. They said there's actually gonna be some UEFA guy sitting next to him to check that there are no "Listen, Bierhoff, here's what you tell him..." shenanigans.
For the whole game, including the halftime break.

Silly.


Also, we're so totally going to lose against Portugal. I don't even want to watch.

*watches*

Also, We're So Totally Going To Lose Against Portugal.
Rong!

ETA: what's with the wonky caps? o_O

WHAT an unbelievable match. Yeah Portugal made some dumb mistakes, but I loved how aggressively Germany came out, especially to start the game. Great complete performances from Schweinsteiger, Podolski and Lahm, especially. You've got to love the swagger and hunger of Poldi and Schweini, always looking for the net. What a terrifying finish though, I was practically holding my breath for four straight minutes it seemed.

Holy crap, I should've stuck to my guns. I get like that: they play one bad game and I lose all hope and the world is going to end.

They came back with a will to win, they finally scored (Gomes out, Schweinsteiger in seems the way to go) and even out-defended the Portuguese more times than not. Meanwhile, the opposition defense was being crap.

I reckon if Croatia win the other quarter, it will be a very tense match. I think Germany would win that one, because they have something to prove, but there'll be lots of cards and angry fans.

If Turkey win, that'd make for an awesome semi.

Now, if only I hadn't given up all hope, removed Klose from my team and made Ronaldo captain...:headbang:

Holy crap, I should've stuck to my guns. I get like that: they play one bad game and I lose all hope and the world is going to end.
Yeah, I hear you...

If Turkey win, that'd make for an awesome semi.
Not so sure. << *lives in Moabit*

Now, if only I hadn't given up all hope, removed Klose from my team and made Ronaldo captain...:headbang: Hehe.

Oh, and I really liked the referee. Very fair game for the most part, I think to a large part due to how he handled situations.

Now, if only I hadn't given up all hope, removed Klose from my team and made Ronaldo captain...:headbang:

Ooh, so close. :p I picked up Ballack and Poldi and left Miro with the armband. Worked out well: 26 points! w00t!

Rong!

ETA: what's with the wonky caps? o_OI was surprised. Jogi managed to lure us all into a false sense of insecurity =D

Holy crap, I should've stuck to my guns. I get like that: they play one bad game and I lose all hope and the world is going to end.One? The game against Austria wasn't exactly all that great either. I know I hoped that the team was going to beat Portugal in a shocker game, but I certainly didn't expect it.
Oh, and I really liked the referee. Very fair game for the most part, I think to a large part due to how he handled situations.Meh. The 4th official was acting up again, this time at Scolari. Thumbs up to Scolari, though. Great coach.

Meh. The 4th official was acting up again, this time at Scolari.
Hey, don't meh at the nice ref just because that guy was being stupid.

Also, late:
I would say strikers. Left and right strikers.
Right, d'oh. Thanks.

Amended. Still, from what I've heard, it was a little more of a mutual decision than that. But that's only what I've heard through a family member who coached Klinsmann's son, so it's not exactly canon.
Well, I'd say your version has a lot more street cred being from his family. :p
Interesting. That never showed up in the press here. But why would they have wanted to get rid of him?

DAMN...
Rüstü imitates the greek goalie.

...... and then

the THIRD COMEBACK of Turkey....

What a nutty game.

Here we go....penalties.

TURKEY WIN!

Can't believe they missed that many!

Gah, I was watching the game, then turned something else on. I can't believe I missed that!

Any team that come sback like that has (in my heart) deserved to win the cup

Turkey are amazing at coming back.

Ooh, so close. :p I picked up Ballack and Poldi and left Miro with the armband. Worked out well: 26 points! w00t!
Sounds like another manager to me. Can hardly wait for the next season (http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=157334) to start.

The match today was amazing. One of the best in recent memory. I just hope this level of football continues. As for who's going to win it as I've just seen the poll today; I'm going out on a limb and saying Italia will win it all.

So.....


I did not see that one coming. My dad did, he kept going "now everything starts from scratch, just ignore everything that happened in the group stages". I probably should've.

Germany v Italy final, I guess.

Germany v Italy final, I guess.

Unless Russia pulls it off again.

Unless Russia pulls it off again.

Not sure they, or Turkey, can. Neither Portugal, or Holland, have a pedigree or record of success at International level. They possess far greater and more appealing offensive players than Italy or Germany, but lack the ability to win matches in the later stages of tournaments.

I'm still backing Spain anyway.

Go Spain.
God, at least some justice in football after Italy not even trying to get the ball into the spanish half.

And Spain breaks a 24 year old curse. And I just realized... the Group of Death is the Group of the Dead... =O

Not sure they, or Turkey, can. Neither Portugal, or Holland, have a pedigree or record of success at International level. They possess far greater and more appealing offensive players than Italy or Germany, but lack the ability to win matches in the later stages of tournaments.

I'm still backing Spain anyway.

If we are talking about the ability to win matches later on in the tournament, surely Spain are the epitome of failing to do that. I'm not a big fan of relying on that sort of history to predict results because each generation of players is different but Spain did not look particularly good against Italy and showed a fair bit of vulnerabilty.
Russia could surprise them, I don't think another 4-1 is on the cards.

In other news, Nihat is also injured and out for six weeks. The Turkish coach is now getting their third goalie ready to come in as a striker late in the game if necessary.

Let's hope they don't end up having to forfit or something.

Let's hope they don't end up having to forfit or something.
?

ETA: As in, why would the forfeit? (Didn't even know you could that; has that ever happened before?)
Even if they only had 10 players to start with - which team in their right mind would rather forfeit the semifinal of a European championship than at least go out there and try? It's not like they'd have anything to lose.

?

ETA: As in, why would the forfeit? (Didn't even know you could that; has that ever happened before?)
Even if they only had 10 players to start with - which team in their right mind would rather forfeit the semifinal of a European championship than at least go out there and try? It's not like they'd have anything to lose.

They are approaching the point where they wouldn't have enough players to play. They cannot add any players since it is past the deadline for that.

They are approaching the point where they wouldn't have enough players to play. They cannot add any players since it is past the deadline for that.
Oh, wait, you mean they wouldn't be allowed to play with 10 players even if they wanted to?

Oh, wait, you mean they wouldn't be allowed to play with 10 players even if they wanted to?
No, 7 is the minumum number of players a team needs to be able to field.

Awww - the KNVB has decided it will not protest against the withdrawing of Kolodins red card. If they had, the Netherlands-Russia match would probably have had to be replayed.

Sporting though :)

I think Germany are a real chance against Turkey; apparently, the Turkish squad is in shambles.

Funny enough, for the final of EURO 1996 (which Germany then won) Germany was allowed a "late nomination" because they had suffered so much from injury.

I hope that the DFB (German football association) makes a plea to the UEFA to allow the turks the same.

If we are talking about the ability to win matches later on in the tournament, surely Spain are the epitome of failing to do that. I'm not a big fan of relying on that sort of history to predict results because each generation of players is different but Spain did not look particularly good against Italy and showed a fair bit of vulnerabilty.
Russia could surprise them, I don't think another 4-1 is on the cards.

I don't hold with such "trends"; certainly not for Spain anyway. Their great failing of old was a certain "flakiness", an ability to dazzle and lacerate a defence when on form, but an inability to win when in poor form, or when they were under any real pressure. Obviously, I don't percieve the same failing in this Spain side; they have too many able players, and a certain professional edge lacking previously.

And tonight we'll see whether Germany can live up to those 11 votes.

Great. I was watching so many group games over web streams that we went over our download limit and now we've got dial-up speed. Which means I can't watch this one. At least the final will be on regular TV.

I guess I'll just sleep properly instead. :(

Funny enough, for the final of EURO 1996 (which Germany then won) Germany was allowed a "late nomination" because they had suffered so much from injury.
Apparently the Turks would have to send in a request first, and they haven't.

People on Spiegel are now wondering whether it's not that big a problem for the Turks afterall. It seems like they've been relying heavily on switching around positions, players and formations at random to shut down any tactical ploys the opposition might have had, and that flexibility is their key. If that is the case, their style might not be hurt that badly by a few suspensions and injuries.

Though I think they'll miss Nihat no matter what they do.

Great. I was watching so many group games over web streams that we went over our download limit and now we've got dial-up speed. Which means I can't watch this one. At least the final will be on regular TV.

I guess I'll just sleep properly instead. :(

Damnit! It's all your fault that the Gods of Fate will make Germany lose, just to spite you! :mad:

Man, the German team is looking bad. ><

Man, the German team is looking bad. ><

What was that, jazz hands they just showed?

2-1 Germany right now, but the ESPN feed is extremely bad, second time they lost the feed to the game. Still hasn't come back this time.

2-1 Germany right now

Nvm

EDIT: Damn, the feed cut out again, but Germany regains 3-2 in last seconds.

I love Turkey and how they always comeback.

EDIT:Nvm

It's over, with 3-2 to Germany :)

Germany are lucky to have got through in my opinion. I felt Turkey dominated the match and were no pushovers.

We won! :eek:

Pretty lame game,though.

And we were so lucky with the feed here: after it first cut out for 5 minutes, the next time it cut out they switched to the feed of Swiss TV which apparently didn't go through the "International TV Center" in Vienna. *phew* Let's just hope Turkey had a similar arrangement.

2-1 Germany right now, but the ESPN feed is extremely bad, second time they lost the feed to the game. Still hasn't come back this time.

Wasn't ESPN's fault,was international. The main TV hub in Austria had a power outage (several, it seems).

Undeserved win by us germans.

After a cheated win against Portugal, now this.
Germany 2008 = Italy 2006

This does suck. I hope that Germany receives a crushing defeat in the finals, so that the fans hopefully take their lesson in humility - which they surely didn't (and don't) after the quarter and semifinals win.

This does suck. I hope that Germany receives a crushing defeat in the finals, so that the fans hopefully take their lesson in humility - which they surely didn't (and don't) after the quarter and semifinals win.
You can't have watched a lot of tournament football for you to say that. In this sort of matches, it ceases to matter who deserves what and who plays how. The reason the Germans, Italians and even the Brazilians have that many stars on their jerseys is that they understand that. Hell, did Germany deserve to beat that Holland side in '74 - not really, no. And still, it happened.

Regarding Portugal, Ballack pushed that defender, but if you look carefully, it was hardly enough to cancel out the atrociously bad marking that allowed this in the first place. Scolari said that this was his biggest worry, but his team failed to do anything about it, and they were punished accordingly. Portugal were brought down by bad defending, just as had been obvious from the first game.

And in this game, though I've only read the various reports about it, it seemed to be a case of one team making more of its chances than another. That happens sometimes, and you can be sad for the Turks (I am), but that's not a reason to beat on the German team or the fans. Sometimes luck plays its part.

The only time a team really doesn't deserve to win a game is if they go in with a tactic that doesn't aim to win it. Like Greece, or Germany in 2002. But that's just because they actively try to ruin the fun for everyone. I don't think this German team is guilty of that today.

Pretty lame game,though.

Why do you say so?

I mean, the second half of the second half was pretty exciting... despite a few unfortunate interruptions....

Undeserved win by us germans.

After a cheated win against Portugal, now this.
Germany 2008 = Italy 2006

This does suck. I hope that Germany receives a crushing defeat in the finals, so that the fans hopefully take their lesson in humility - which they surely didn't (and don't) after the quarter and semifinals win.
Cheated?

Aside from that, I don't see how Turkey deserved to win any more, seeing as they let three goals in.

Not to mention the penalty kick (or at the very least the free kick) that Germany should have gotten, but didn't.

Turkey would've won that game at least 4 times out of 5 played games..


Then again, last time when Greece won the EC they might've managed it once out 50 tries.


Grats for Germany even though the deciding goal was bit of a ref error - IMO he should've blown the whistle after a player was injured.

Grats for Germany even though the deciding goal was bit of a ref error - IMO he should've blown the whistle after a player was injured.Why? It wasn't even a foul, much less a serious injury.

When I saw how Germany played in the quarterfinals I had no doubt they would go to the final. Too bad for Turkey, they've had also bad luck with injured players.
Horrible ref, though. There was a clear penalty for Germany (foul on Lahm) and another for Turkey (we might argue whether it was in or outside the penalty area, very near anyway), and he failed to give both. Also he didn't manage to enforce fair play, there was a lot of fouls.

Btw, finally Donadoni resigns from coaching the Azzurri... Lippi is due to come back! Maybe this time Italy's strikers will manage to score a goal. (yep: Italy got to the quarterfinals with 1 goal of Panucci - defender, 1 goal of De Rossi - midfielder, 1 penalty of Pirlo - midfielder. Toni sucked this time and Donadoni insisted on fielding him, while keeping #1 and #3 Serie A top scorers, Del Piero and Borriello, on the bench).

Germany are lucky to have got through in my opinion. I felt Turkey dominated the match and were no pushovers.

To quote my BF, "Germany always do that. They look completely detached, like they couldn't care less, and then when you turn around they scored twice. They make it look like no effort at all!"

I'm no expert, but it does seem to be the way they're playing the game, very efficient, no waste of energy, and never doing more than absolutely necessary...

Undeserved win by us germans.

After a cheated win against Portugal, now this.
Germany 2008 = Italy 2006

This does suck. I hope that Germany receives a crushing defeat in the finals, so that the fans hopefully take their lesson in humility - which they surely didn't (and don't) after the quarter and semifinals win.

If it was so undeserved, why did they win?

Not one goal was scored in a dodgy way, or through penalty. They were all good goals, and Germany managed to get three, while Turkey only managed to get two. How's that undeserved?

Why? It wasn't even a foul, much less a serious injury.
Because it is the ref's duty to blow the whistle if a player gets injured - Especially as it wasn't a foul but plain injury.

As for the seriousness, dunno about that as I wasn't really watching the game because of all the damn interruptions in the broadcast.

Though, it wasn't a grave error but one of those shouldacouldamighta happened incidents....and truth be told, mostly I'm whining because I would have liked to see Turkey - Russia final ;)

Because it is the ref's duty to blow the whistle if a player gets injured - Especially as it wasn't a foul but plain injury.

As for the seriousness, dunno about that as I wasn't really watching the game because of all the damn interruptions in the broadcast.

Though, it wasn't a grave error but one of those shouldacouldamighta happened incidents....and truth be told, mostly I'm whining because I would have liked to see Turkey - Russia final ;)

*imagines a Germany-Russia final*





*is glad she's in Ireland*

If it was so undeserved, why did they win?

Not one goal was scored in a dodgy way, or through penalty. They were all good goals, and Germany managed to get three, while Turkey only managed to get two. How's that undeserved?

Because as some english former player used to say, "football is played by teams of 11 players, and then Germany wins".

Anyway Germany plays well - maybe not a "beautiful" play, but fast and effective. I do hope that Juventus will engage Schweinsteiger.

*imagines a Germany-Russia final*

Russians win by taking snow cannons on the field and defending for the first half.

;)

Btw, finally Donadoni resigns from coaching the Azzurri... Lippi is due to come back!
Oooooh. I always figured Italy won the WC because of him, rather than any outstanding skill from the players. Though Cannavaro was obviously brilliant.

Let's see what he'll come up with for 2010.

Anyways, is anyone brave enough to give a tip for Russia v Spain? My fantasy team is heavily biased towards the Russians, so you'd have to say the Spanish are more likely to win, but really, I have no idea.

Why do you say so?

I mean, the second half of the second half was pretty exciting... despite a few unfortunate interruptions....
Yeah, that's what that one reporter said last night, too - but I just didn't see it. I was appalled at how bad we were at coping with Turkey's strategy in the first 20 minutes (shouldn't we have been prepared for them adopting Croatia's strategy?!) and even though we got somewhat better, I never felt there was a real turn-around. To me, the whole game was pretty much two teams somewhat evenly matched but not in a "ooooh, what a great level of football, this is so exciting!" way, more like in a "gah, this is just a disjointed to-and-fro and will totally be decided by whomever manages to fumble the ball into the goal first".

Meh, maybe I was just distracted.

Because as some english former player used to say, "football is played by teams of 11 players, and then Germany wins".
Here we know that as "A soccer game lasts 90 minutes and then Germany wins".
Some Spanish newspaper had a similar line today.
Seems to be some universal truism. Sorry. :p

Anyway Germany plays well - maybe not a "beautiful" play, but fast and effective.
The good thing is that they've gotten so much better under Klinsmann - away from the classic German "Standfußball" towards some actual playing that ever so often actually manages to look good. Not Brazil level looking good, but hey, it's a start. Because at least now the wins mostly come without the slightly guilty and disdainful feeling that is usually the basis for posts like Skavengia's above.

Because it is the ref's duty to blow the whistle if a player gets injured - Especially as it wasn't a foul but plain injury.I've read the Laws of the Game, and they say nothing of the sort.
As for the seriousness, dunno about that as I wasn't really watching the game because of all the damn interruptions in the broadcast.The seriousness is decisive. If the player is so badly injured they need to leave the field of play, then the injury is "serious". According to the rules, mind you:
The Referee:

...
stops the match if, in his opinion, a player is seriously injured and ensures that he is removed from the field of play. An injured player may only return to the field of play after the match has restarted
allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured
...

Though, it wasn't a grave error but one of those shouldacouldamighta happened incidents....and truth be told, mostly I'm whining because I would have liked to see Turkey - Russia final ;)Course it wasn't a grave error. It wasn't an error at all ;)

Anyways, is anyone brave enough to give a tip for Russia v Spain? My fantasy team is heavily biased towards the Russians, so you'd have to say the Spanish are more likely to win, but really, I have no idea.
Spain 2
Russia 1

Meh, maybe I was just distracted.
By what? :confused:

By what? :confused:
Watched the second half together with the boyfriend on skype. Was nice but also distracting, not least because ESPN was continuously 6 seconds behind our broadcast. And during the outages, they had neither picture nor audio, as opposed to here.

Watched the second half together with the boyfriend on skype. Was nice but also distracting, not least because ESPN was continuously 6 seconds behind our broadcast. And during the outages, they had neither picture nor audio, as opposed to here.
I see.

Always amazes me how a team can play so averagely and still win. It was an exciting game, but Turkey really should have taken it. Damn power failures were annoying as well.

Always amazes me how a team can play so averagely and still win. It was an exciting game, but Turkey really should have taken it. Damn power failures were annoying as well.

Well, one German article stated today that it took the Germans 3 goal opportunities to get 3 goals. It took the Turks 9 opportunities to get 2 goals.

I wonder who played better?

Well, one German article stated today that it took the Germans 3 goal opportunities to get 3 goals. It took the Turks 9 opportunities to get 2 goals.

I wonder who played better?

The Turks. They created more opportunities, had more possession, and were actually exciting to watch. Goals are not everything to a spectator.

The Turks. They created more opportunities, had more possession, and were actually exciting to watch. Goals are not everything to a spectator.

Well, maybe we can change the rules and make them more like figure skating? You know, where judged give points on style, balance, rythm, costumes, make-up and hairdos?

Well, maybe we can change the rules and make them more like figure skating? You know, where judged give points on style, balance, rythm, costumes, make-up and hairdos?

You misjudge me as someone that cares which team wins. I watch the sport for enjoyment, not to support a team.

Spain 2
Russia 1

Russia 2
Spain 0

The Italy-Spain match has showed that it is possible to cripple the spanish play by having a strong interdiction midfield, and I think that Hiddink will take the hint and go for "catenaccio e contropiede" (the traditional italian play: defense and swift counterattacks), but with an attack a lot better than Italy's.

You misjudge me as someone that cares which team wins. I watch the sport for enjoyment, not to support a team.

You do?
Funny, I distinctly remember you trowing a mother of a hissy fit on here 2 years ago when Italy kicked Germany out of the world cup...

You do?
Funny, I distinctly remember you trowing a mother of a hissy fit on here 2 years ago when Italy kicked Germany out of the world cup...

Umm, no, that wasn't me. You must've confused the name with someone else.

Oooooh. I always figured Italy won the WC because of him, rather than any outstanding skill from the players. Though Cannavaro was obviously brilliant.
And don't you forget Buffon...
Anyway, Lippi always said about himself that he "coaches brains": meaning he stresses a lot about concentration and "winning attitude". The latter being the thing that Italy missed most in Euro'08, I think.

Let's see what he'll come up with for 2010.
Italian newspapers say that the likely team for the World Cup qualifiers will be something like this:
GK: Buffon (no wonder here)
Defenders: Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Barzagli. Maybe Materazzi, Bonera, maybe even a comeback of Nesta's, not Panucci (Lippi dislikes him).
Midfield: Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Aquilani, Montolivo.
Strikers: Gilardino, Borriello, maybe Toni, Di Natale and Cassano (not very liked by Lippi, but who knows). Del Piero isn't very likely to play, neither is Totti.

Italian newspapers say that the likely team for the World Cup qualifiers will be something like this:I'm so glad Klinsmann put an end to German newspapers and other print media having a say in that.

Well, one German article stated today that it took the Germans 3 goal opportunities to get 3 goals. It took the Turks 9 opportunities to get 2 goals.

I wonder who played better?
Not to get into the middle of this, but I'd say that means that the Turks played better-they were able to create FAR more opportunities on goals and it's only a matter of accuracy and luck that prevented them from blowing the Germans out. Only actual goals count, naturally, but it's not a good sign to give up opportunities to your opponent 3 to 1. The goalie deserves a raise, for sure, because the rest of his team made him work too hard.

The goalie deserves a raise, for sure, because the rest of his team made him work too hard.
Oh, no, he doesn't. A goalie having a dood day would have stopped both Turkish goals. They can thank Lehmann for the fact that it was so close as far as the score goes.

Well, I don't think many people expected such a decisive Spanish victory. I certainly didn't.

But I'm not complaining.

Well, I don't think many people expected such a decisive Spanish victory. I certainly didn't.

But I'm not complaining.

I'm just hoping they'll play as well as tonight so at least one team will be interesting to watch in the final.

Russia 2
Spain 0

The Italy-Spain match has showed that it is possible to cripple the spanish play by having a strong interdiction midfield, and I think that Hiddink will take the hint and go for "catenaccio e contropiede" (the traditional italian play: defense and swift counterattacks), but with an attack a lot better than Italy's.Silly Risottia. Attempting to guage how the teams will play based on how they've played so far :p

Anyone else see some parallels between the 74 final and this final?

Anyone else see some parallels between the 74 final and this final?

Dunno, I was only just born in 74...

So, I hear Ballack is having issues.

He better be ready to play. I want this to at least be a close match.

Any tips?

Italian newspapers say that the likely team for the World Cup qualifiers will be something like this:
GK: Buffon
Defenders: ... Maybe Materazzi
Midfield: ... Gattuso, De Rossi ...
Strikers: ... maybe Toni

If these players were dropped, I might actually cheer again for the Italians, like I did in 2000, for the wonderful Toldo, Nesta, Inzaghi, Totti, and of course the coach of that time. Zoff. ... That team was great, it could defend without having to foul and it could attack without having to dive.

Cheated?
...
Not to mention the penalty kick (or at the very least the free kick) that Germany should have gotten, but didn't.

Just nitpicking, but funny enough you forget Ballacks push against Portugal (-cheated-), and you forget the penalty kick (or at the very least the free kick) that Turkey should have gotten, but didn't.
(Both these incorrect decisions were mentioned before and Lahm was involved into both).

Kicked off!

España 1 - 0 Deutchland

España 1 - 0 Deutchland
An interesting, if rather messy, first half. Good game so far.

Ballack looks like he'll kill before the game is over. :p

Kuranyi, yay. Now if only Torres was gone... Hrmph.

Hey, a chance. Whee.

They did take out Torres. I'm surprised.

Aw man.

Oh well, Spain deserved it. They played so much better.

If only we had played like in those 10 minutes between the 60th and the 70th minute for the whole game.

cock fucking sandwich fuckin spain

Awwww.

There are two things that annoy me more than anything else: bad defending and time wasting.

I got my share today. :rolleyes:

If only we had played like in those 10 minutes between the 60th and the 70th minute for the whole game.

Oh jeez, I must have missed you on the field there! Never knew you played, either. Nothing to be ashamed of, at least not as long as you really do have that Abi you claim.

Go Spain ....
Rarely I have seen a so deserved champion. Spain didn't play one single weak match. And after tries and tries where they were the "secret bet" and lost after the group stages, finally another title.

I am happy for them.

Germany: reminded me of the World Cup 2002, where we reached the finals by more luck than skill, and in the final played decently, but were shown the limits of our skill. Pretty much the same this Euro. I wouldn't say that Germany played bad - but the defenders are just that slow (and even Lahm the quickest was outrun by Torres et al.) Lehmann was in good form (just like Kahn in 2002 up to the Finals),and I really feel soory for Schweinsteiger and Lahm, the best german players throughout the tournament.

Oh jeez, I must have missed you on the field there! Never knew you played, either. Nothing to be ashamed of, at least not as long as you really do have that Abi you claim.

Yeah, whatever.

Anyone else think that was a sketchy game, referee-wise? Both ways, mind you. I don't know why he carded the Spanish keeper. Or how he missed Poldi taking a head to the eye.

Viva Esphanya! :p

I'm glad they won. Though I would have been just as happy had Germany won. :)

Anyone else think that was a sketchy game, referee-wise? Both ways, mind you. I don't know why he carded the Spanish keeper. Or how he missed Poldi taking a head to the eye.

I thought it was sketchy at times, but at least it evened out for both teams. I don't think he could have seen the headbutt, if I saw it correctly he was standing behind the Spanish player (plus pretty far away and the actual headbutting motion was very small).

I thought it was sketchy at times, but at least it evened out for both teams. I don't think he could have seen the headbutt, if I saw it correctly he was standing behind the Spanish player (plus pretty far away and the actual headbutting motion was very small).

Yeah, it definitely wasn't one sided, but for a final. . .

After 12 years without a single win in an EURO, with the way it went, I think the final was more than us Germans could ask for.

Damn good game, especially for a final, but Germany was outplayed.

There'll be some partying in Spain tonight!


Anyone else think that was a sketchy game, referee-wise?
At times, but it was a rather hectic game.

Anyone else think that was a sketchy game, referee-wise?
I would've given that Capdevila handball. He clearly didn't control the ball and got an advantage out of using his hand to stop it from bouncing away.

Other than that, I just got annoyed with the way he kept shutting desperate German advances down in the last few minutes.

Good on Alien Born, by the way, for being the only one in the poll who made the correct call, having made it since the start.

Good game to watch, certainly. A few odd referee decisions but not with any huge impact on the game. Spain deserved the win and could have scored several more.

For the future, what I would love to see:

WC 2010 - Germany (2nd Team to win outside home continent)
EURO 2012 - Russia (this young team has shown its potential, and Ukraine is "second home")
WC 2014 - Netherlands (because they were my first favorite team and showed how to win this EURO, only that Russia was a better Netherlands, and Spain was a better Russia)
WC 2018 - Australia (if you have ever been there, you will understand :) :) )

Congratulations Spain!!!!

It was 44 years in the making.

In other news I've just seen what Schweinsteiger's fiance looks like. Nice.

And well done to Sirmomo who won the NSG Fantasy League.

http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/M/table.mc?id=19876

Germany were horrible, and reminded me why I've been rooting for Alemannic separatism.

Germany were horrible, and reminded me why I've been rooting for Alemannic separatism.

You mean, the Alemannic as in the Swiss team? Remind me how far they got, again?

Viva España!

The Germans looked tired and played poorly. Spain were after the ball the whole match. The better team won.

Spain were awesome tonight.

I wish all tournaments were won by a team playing such flowing, attacking football.

In other news I've just seen what Schweinsteiger's fiance looks like. Nice.

Speaking of which, anyone watch Caroline Wozniacki during Wimbledon this year?

I think my fantasy football win should mean that I get to auto-win every football related argument on this board from now on. Deal?

I think my fantasy football win should mean that I get to auto-win every football related argument on this board from now on. Deal?

Pfft, I'll take second. :D

Pfft, I'll take second. :D

With regard to the arguments, nothing has changed then! :p

I think my fantasy football win should mean that I get to auto-win every football related argument on this board from now on. Deal?

Ok. Did the Russian linesman get it right in 1966?

Ok. Did the Russian linesman get it right in 1966?
Ah, I suppose 27 pages without a reference is quite good going. :p

Ah, I suppose 27 pages without a reference is quite good going. :p

But we're going to get the definitive answer now. I think the debate on this might be all over....

Ok. Did the Russian linesman get it right in 1966?

I'm afraid to say he didn't. The correct answer was "Canberra", not "Sydney" and his pub quiz team the "Azerbaijani Soviets" were INCORRECTLY awarded the £100 prize.

I'm afraid to say he didn't. The correct answer was "Canberra", not "Sydney" and his pub quiz team the "Azerbaijani Soviets" were INCORRECTLY awarded the £100 prize.

....It is now. :p

For the entire tounrament I have been sayin Spain won't win it because they always choke, if they make it past the group stage they will fall during the quarter finals, then I said they will fall during the semis, then I said Germany is the better team and should be able to break the Spanish Defence despite Spain scoring more goals than germany in all other games. And I knew before I went to bed last night that because I stuck to my guns and continued to say this Spain will win tonight. Oh well well done Spain, poor poor Germany, there is still the next World Cup to prove yourself, Spain wont get far in that tournament.

I had rooted for Russia the whole way and am satisfied with their semifinal achievement and match itself. Interesting to see a 3 goal difference between Spain and Russia again. After that match, I supported Germany, but predicted Spain to win it. I compared Russia's showing to that of Ukraine. They both opened with a bad loss to Spain, won second in group, won the first knockout, and then lost to the eventual champions in the second knockout round.

I hope to see the Motherland in the World Cup and do just as well there, if not better. Russia has much potential, but the collapse of the USSR prevented the team from getting adequate training. Now that things are settling down, Russia will soon be a football power.

The same problem's in Africa--they have the talent, but no money to train them. Hopefully Cameroon or something will start picking up steam and deliver a World Cup Final for Africa some day soon.