Euro 2012

[TGLucario475]

Gotta put your money where your mouth is.

Crap strikers often have good Euro's: Baros anyone?

I remember when Baros played with Owen and/or Heskey. :O

 

[Springsteen]

Alan Hansen is amazing at predictions, he tipped Germany, Holland and Portugal to all reach the semi finals, despite all 3 being in the same group.

 

[Zorak]

Hahaha, that's quality right there.

 

[Springsteen]

Good opening half between Greece and Poland. Poland have looked composed in possession and have had some good chances, deserve to be leading more than 1-0. Greece have been awful. Harsh sending off for Papadopolous (both weren't even yellows) but a good entertaining half of football.

 

[CaptainTurtles]

As a neutral for this game, it's been an entertaining half.

 

[Springsteen]

Decent second half too, Greece were much better and deserved to win. Sir Chesney made a terrible error with their goal and then to get sent off, no question really, he didn't even argue. But a good opening game.

Russia vs Czech Republic should be entertaining also.

 

[TGLucario475]

How that was a red card, double booking, amazes me. :\

 

[Springsteen]

The first booking was from something we see in the Premier League every week, never been a foul. Second one, the Polish player just slipped, very harsh.

Fun game between Russia and the Czech Republic, Russia were far better and 4-1 is a fair reflection of their dominance. They could cause teams a lot of trouble with the pace and direct play they have.

Overall, a good opening day to the Euros.

 

[Zorak]

Dzagoev is going to make me rich.

 

[Zorak]

Netherlands looked very poor. Some poor finishing, bad teamwork and no defensive cohesion. They made a very average Danish attacking threat look able and composed. This is a Danish team that had Bendtner up front. Bendnter. Bendnter is the best striker in all of Denmark. That's right. And they still won.
Holland had a good shout for a penalty at the end, but they probably would have missed it anyway they were so poor.

If Portugal are half as over-rated as this Dutch team, suddenly the group of death becomes a big misnomer.

 

[Zorak]

Clarence has it right. It didn't even look like the Dutch players wanted to go get the ball back. I'd drop all of them except Sneijder for the German game, they don't deserve to be there for that lackadaisical display.

 

[Springsteen]

While Netherlands dominated, I never got the idea they would even score, and that became even less likely when they conceded. Robben is far too greedy, always has been. Denmark looked controlled and composed, knew they weren't getting as much of the ball but created some very good chances and scored.

Portugal vs Germany should be interesting. Germany will remain compact as usual with Ozil the main threat from midfield. Ronaldo and Nani should provide Portugal's main threats.

 

[Springsteen]

Hasn't been a very good half, Germany have dominated possession and maintained compactness as I expected. Portugal have counter attacked okay. The Pepe shot didn't cross the line which makes me hope the game will pick up in terms of chances. It's one of those I guess where neither side wants to lose the first game.

 

[Springsteen]

Germany win 1-0. A defensive display from both sides but Germany deserved to edge it. Gomez with a great header to open the game up. Portugal did a lot of attacking in the last 20 minutes, but Germany held out well. All of which means Germany and Denmark will qualify if they win the next game in the group.

 

[Zorak]

Spain v Italy. These games I love, tactical and a contrast of mentality.

 

[Springsteen]

I'm waiting for Balotelli to do something. He'll either hit a screamer or get sent off.

Not been a very good game but it's gone exactly as i thought it would. I don't know why there was so much surprise over Spain playing with no striker, it shows ignorance in fact as they've done it before. Iniesta and Silva have been the main threats.

 

[Zorak]

No striker doesn't really work though, imo. I think Spain (and Barca) do play better with some sort of central point of reference.

Balotelli isn't up to much, overrated. Cassano is the real danger, and Pirlo... what a player.

 

[Springsteen]

It only works if the midfielders offer depth, which hasn't happened as much. Pedro could come on if needed (if it's still goalless after an hour a forward will) and he'd change it. He's more an impact man too, Llorente isn't really, he's better suited to starting.

 

[Zorak]

Ffs balotelli's shit.

 

[Zorak]

Haha substituted straight away.