UEFA Euro 2008

[Raidou]

Finally the Euro 2008 quarterfinal is here! Which team do you think will advance further in the best of European soccer clash with each other for one of the most prestigious trophy to become European champions? Give your thoughts, opinions, predictions, favorite teams, and in general about Euro 2008!

Remaining matches:-

Thursday, June 19, 2008 (Quarterfinals)
14:45 ET Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B

Friday, June 20, 2008 (Quarterfinals)
14:45 ET Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A

Saturday, June 21, 2008 (Quarterfinals)
14:45 ET Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D

Sunday, June 22, 2008 (Quarterfinals)
14:45 ET Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 (Semifinals)
14:45 ET W25 v W26

Thursday, June 26, 2008 (Semifinals)
14:45 ET W27 v W28

Sunday, June 29, 2008 (FINAL]
14:45 ET W29 v W30

Quarterfinalist:-

Group A: Portugal, Turkey
Group B: Germany, Croatia
Group C: Netherlands, Italy
Group D: Spain, Russia

Also, don't forget to cast your vote on who do you think will most likely win?

I'm still supporting and want Germany to win the cup though they lost once in the early round. But Holland looks too difficult to beat so far.

[Powerslave]

Great thread! I was thinking of making one, but though that most people don't follow it at all. I've watched almost all the games so far. It's been pretty good.

Either way, the Dutch are like a friggin' MACHINE. They've already destroyed 2 favourites by no small margin and killed Romania using their bench; basically they pretty much look set to win. Hopefully it won't get to their head, but I'm pretty sure they'll at least completely mop the floor with Russia. I usually root for Germany (they're also beastly), but they were real disappointing on the group stage (I mean, Poland and Austria are a given, and then they lost to Croatia... they kinda had the easiest group). So I'm gonna go ahead and say that it's gonna be between Spain and Holland. Spain just have amazing players all over the place. Villa, Torres, Puyol, Casillas, Fabregas, Xabi... Half the squad are superstars. They should beat those pesky Italians, but then again they're always brutally disappointing in every tournament as it goes on. I think this is how it's gonna go:

Germany > Portugal
Turkey > Croatia
Netherlands > Russia
Spain > Italy

And then Germany beats whoever, and whoever wins between Netherlands and Spain (or I guess, possibly Italy, which then would get defeated by the Netherlands again). Probably Final match: Germany vs. Netherlands and it would be quite a match. Then again, I'm usually horrible at predicting how these things go, so maybe it'll be the complete opposite of what I said, and then Italy or maybe Portugal take the whole thing (but hopefully not).

[Raidou]

Italy can pack their bag this time around. They just got lucky previously with France. If only France did not had so many injured star players, they could had hammered stupid Italy. I can't stand the Italy team. Spain should make it thru, great form, really talented team. They are my second favourite here.

Holland should win easily if not it would be disaster to the Euro 2008 tourney. We don't need another Greece to win the cup this time around.

Germany must win, i don't care. Their form is so unconvincing previously but I know they can rise to the occasion. They just got a little careless previously, that's all.

I'm totally not interested in the Croatia vs. Turkey match. Don't give a damn who wins. But Turkey suddenly look so strong in will power. Must be they are promised by their government to have their names named after some bridges again! ^^

[Powerslave]

Yeah, France just had a real bad start. I mean, it was like 10 minutes in or something and they were a man down already. (By they way, they should've won the World Cup, I'm still bitter about that asdjhasdidu).

And man, sometimes the matches that seem the least interesting can be awesome. Did you see Czech Republic vs. Turkey? Now THAT was a match. I mean, Everyone thought the Czechs had it in the bag. The way those Turks managed to score 3 goals and win at the end was just superb. And don't forget that it was Croatia that beat Germany, they were the top team in the group, and it was only 10 years ago that they were the 3rd place world champions (Hey, now that I think about it, Turkey were the Third Place champions only 6 years ago, too. How bizarre!). Just saying it might be real interesting (and also today I watched Brazil vs. Argentina in the CONMEBOL WC qualifiers thinking it'd be beastly and it was an absolutely brutal no-goal match, so the big ones can be real boring sometimes, the smaller teams seem to 'want it' more sometimes).

[Raidou]

I still f**king hate Italy all this while because of Zidane incident and they not winning the World Cup.

BTW, you still having cast your vote dude.

[Powerslave]

I KNOW, but Netherlands or Spain!?!??! It's too hard a choice. I think Netherlands will win, but I hope Spain does. Gahhh!

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Spain can't play defense in the least, whereas the Netherlands score at will.

[vanishdoomdylan]

CROATIA CROATIA CROATIA!

Seriously though...Croatia.

[Powerslave]

Germany 3 - 2 Portugal

Great match. Germany had the upper hand most of the time, but Portugal really gave it their all. BEASTLY!!!!! It reminded me why I liked Germany so much. I'm pretty sure they'll make it to the finals!

[Fabs]

It's all about the Dutch, amazing football. Having what's really a second A team cream Romania shows what quality they have.

The Portugal - Germany match was horrible, mate. I was bored outta my tits. Scolari just annoys me, but overall I prefer Portugal's play over Germany's, not that any of the two teams showed much class today.

[Powerslave]

Much class? Are you serious? There were loads of chances (there was at least a shot every three minutes), five goals, both teams where getting in there and trying. The first goal was brilliant, for chrissakes. Well, not that it was the best match ever or anything, but I liked it either way.

[Sushi_b]

I'd like to see Croatia keep going on through. Teams like Portugal and Italy are really frustrating to watch IMO. I just don't like the way they play the beautiful game, because they turn it into the whinny, selfish, dirty game. I don't mind seeing the dutch go far as well.

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Fabs is just throwing shit against a wall and hoping something sticks. :P

[vanishdoomdylan]

Go Sushi!

Glad to see someone else is a Croatia fan. Most people I know are all for Portugal.

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Croatia will be better off come WC 2010, since they'll be healthy (no Eduardo).

[Sushi_b]

Go Sushi!

Glad to see someone else is a Croatia fan. Most people I know are all for Portugal.
I use to have a friend here at Allrpg that was from Croatia so I've got a soft spot for their National Football team. I like seeing them do well but they haven't been very good since the 98 world cup. Another friend of mine is part dutch so we usually cheer for them too.

[vanishdoomdylan]

Not Euro Cup, but still soccer related...

Team USA kicks Barbados' ass! 8-0 in the qualifier!

USA! USA! USA! USA!

[Raidou]

Germany 3 - 2 Portugal

Great match. Germany had the upper hand most of the time, but Portugal really gave it their all. BEASTLY!!!!! It reminded me why I liked Germany so much. I'm pretty sure they'll make it to the finals!

Superb match! Nail biting till the end. Woohooo!

CROATIA CROATIA CROATIA! Seriously though...Croatia.

They do have a chance, don't write them off yet.

The Portugal - Germany match was horrible, mate. I was bored outta my tits. Scolari just annoys me, but overall I prefer Portugal's play over Germany's, not that any of the two teams showed much class today.

C.Ronaldo can be given an oscar for all his acting in the field. Is so obvious he was not his usual self in game. Pressure? I don't say. Is more of he was bought.

Germany did not show much class? WTF??? Shut up you holland potato supporter!

Not Euro Cup, but still soccer related... Team USA kicks Barbados' ass! 8-0 in the qualifier! USA! USA! USA! USA!

Hahahah. Barbados. If they were to play against any of the Euro 2008 finalist, they would be beaten easily. USA football? hahahhaha.

[Indigo]

All the people who are watching this should be banned.

[Raidou]

All the people who are watching this should be banned.

No no. The opposite actually. Eat your egg tarts with the Portugal losing team, hah.

[Indigo]

I really don't care if Portugal lost. Actually, I like it, it means my family wont flock around the TV whenever there's a game. Seriously this sport has become more of an obsession than anything.

[Fabs]

Much class? Are you serious? There were loads of chances (there was at least a shot every three minutes), five goals, both teams where getting in there and trying. The first goal was brilliant, for chrissakes. Well, not that it was the best match ever or anything, but I liked it either way.

Shweinsteiger played well, great goal. Other than that, as far as it comes to technical play I wasn't impressed much. I had expected way more from Portugal.


Fabs is just throwing shit against a wall and hoping something sticks. :P

Same as with football, a lot of factors you have to take into account!

[vanishdoomdylan]

Hahahah. Barbados. If they were to play against any of the Euro 2008 finalist, they would be beaten easily. USA football? hahahhaha.

Hey man, we gotta start somewhere right?

[Powerslave]

Well, so much for Croatia. I could only watch the first half and it was a pretty boring half. Apparently, they stayed 0-0 until croatia scored at the 119th minute... but then Turkey scored at 122, two minutes in overtime, and won in the penalties. Those Turks keep barely squeezing by with late wins!

[Sushi_b]

I'm sad to see Croatia go. I can't believe they missed those penalty shots. Missed the net even. Oh well. They had a good run and I guess I'll have to pull for the Dutch now.

As for the US, they aren't the best team, for sure, but they are currently ranked 21st in the world. Not that bad really.

[Powerslave]

Well, so much for the Dutch. What a brutal, brutal disappointment. It was as though they weren't even playing. Russia pretty much outshone them in every way, and the game only really picked up near the end. I would've NEVER expected Holland to burn out like that, after pulverizing the reigning champions and sub-champions. Bizarre, to say the least.

BUT TOMORROW'S THE REAL BIG DAY- ITALY OR SPAIN!? The World Champions or the Eternal Losers? Apparently Spain has never beaten Italy in the Eurocup, so that says something. I'll still be rootin' for them. At this point, I'm fine with anyone winning except for Italy. Turkey - Russia for the final?? Unlikely, but... I guess you never know in this game!

[Sushi_b]

Kind of seems like the last Eurocup. Would you have choosen Greece to win it all? I'm quite sad to see that the Dutch are done and gone. I guess the only team I can really show any interest in is the Germans. I certainly hope that the Spanish will defeat Italy though.

[Powerslave]

Hell Yeah! They will if we all want it hard enough, right? ASUDHASIODAUSHDOISAU...

You're right, I would've never ever though Greece was gonna win, although it did start to seem likely after the Quarterfinals. It was kind of crappy how they were only ever able to win 1-0.

[Raidou]

Spain annihilated Italy 4-2 in a penalty shootout! Wooo hooo!

I still cannot believe that Holland is out. Damn.

Turkey is slowly but surely becoming the next Greece. Their will power is unbelievable. Fight to the very end as usual. Germany better win this semis against them.

[Powerslave]

Oh man, Spain deserved it SO much more than the Italians. They played way better. I was sure they'd lose in Penalties, but they broke the curse. Now I'm rooting for Spain all the way!

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

FABSulous 4!!!!!!!

I don't understand why Fabs doesn't start for Spain; their attack is so much more diverse, so much more dangerous when he's heading it instead of Iniesta.

[Raidou]

Oh man, Spain deserved it SO much more than the Italians. They played way better. I was sure they'd lose in Penalties, but they broke the curse. Now I'm rooting for Spain all the way!

Spain is going to lose to Russia. Is the Andrei Arshavin factor. The Zenit St. Petersburg star was suspended for the first two games of the tournament after being sent off in Russia's last qualifier, a tense 1-0 win over Andorra. Arshavin has now played two Euro 2008 matches, scored in both games and twice been named man of the match.

[Powerslave]

I'd like to quote the "tense 1-0 win over Andorra" part to make my case, but I also don't want to swallow my words in a few days. Yeah, it's possible that Russia beat them, but I mean, that is ONE man, and they've already pulverized the team. The good thing is that 1) Russia killed a surprisingly lackluster Netherlands, so I'm sure the Spanish are going to go real careful into the match knowing that and 2) This is the first time in 24 years that they've finally made it past quarterfinals in a major tournament, they're going to pour their heart and soul into not ****ing it up again. So again, anything can happen in this game, it could end 5-0 to Russia, but I don't think so. This year will be RED WITH FURY!!111111

[Raidou]

Russia also got Roman, the recently awaken forward. Don't you forget that.

[Powerslave]

Oh man... Pavlyuchenko is a dangerous beast. Now THAT's a guy to be afraid of... He's having a real good Cup, and could spell doom for the Spanish.

But at the same time, I mean, if we're talking about players, Spain has so much to offer... I mean, David Villa and Torres go without saying, but Guiza was the Spanish League's top scorer (kinda crappy on the last match, though), the midfield is a nightsky (Fabregas, the Xabis, Silva? Even Senna, hadn't heard about him before, but he was key against Italy), and they've got the best defender in the world (Puyol, though Ramos and Marchena outshone him last game). And well, Casillas is a wall (and the only reason why Spain would have the luxury of having keepers like Reina and Pelop on a bench). Goddammit what a shame that such a good team never wins! They gotta take it home.

[Raidou]

The problem with Spain is kind of like similar to England. Starred players attached to big clubs are not willing to go all out when it comes to playing for the country. Why? They are afraid of injury and as a result they usually play below their usual great performance. Moreover, they are greedy most of the time. Playing as a solo hero rather as a team. They want to score on their own whenever possible, not pass the ball to another teammate. On the other hand, players from Russia and Turkey are willing to go all out, they have nothing to lose, only recognition to gain.

If the match comes down to penalty kick again, I'm afraid the star players of Germany and Spain may decide not to take the penalty spot kick just like what happened to Italy-Spain match. They don't want to be another Roberto Baggio you see. But maybe not for Spain since they have never enter the semis of Euro cup after 24 long years!

Turkey is very dangerous this time around since the nicknamed 'saviour' forward of theirs is definitely going to go all out, jihad spirit too I suppose.

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

They want to score on their own whenever possible, not pass the ball to another teammate. On the other hand, players from Russia and Turkey are willing to go all out, they have nothing to lose, only recognition to gain.This is the exact opposite problem with Spain; they play a very rapid, quick-pass style of game, very similar to Arsenal FC. The complaint against them isn't that they are too selfish and hog the ball, it's that they try to distribute it too much and, instead of taking the shot, will lay off the ball and hope for the perfect setup.

[Raidou]

Yaa, the new Spain team now in Euro is kind of different from the Spain team during World Cup.

So folks, what are your predictions for semis?

I am a Germany supporter all the way since the beginning, so no change in that. I hope they will crush Turkey and turn them into Thanksgiving turkey meal. I say a 3-0 margin, no penalty please. I really hate penalty kicks.

Spain will lose 2-1, history will be make. USSR, sorry Russia, will make it to their first final! The whole Europe will be stunned.

[Powerslave]

Well, the USSR did win it once, and were sub-champions thrice... but yeah, Russia's first time in the finals, it would be.

Turkey's team's all screwed up right now because of suspensions and injuries. But hey, they've gotten here miraculously, and they might get through Germany... but it really would be miraculous. If Germany's having a real good day, it might end up, yeah 3-1 or so. As for Spain-Russia, it'll end 8-1. Bwhaha.

[Fabs]

Oh man, what happened? Seriously, what happened? the Dutch wtf!!!!

I can't look at this tournie anymore :(

[Powerslave]

Out go the Turks after a riveting 90 minutes, 3-2. It's kind of a shame, because they dominated the Germans for a great majority of the game. Did anyone else feel disappointed by the German's play? Turkey on the other hand were playing brilliantly! I usually root for Germany, but not this time. Too bad, but oh well. It really did seem like it was gonna go to extra time after Turkey responded to the second goal almost immediately, but that last German goal was deadly and there was no miraculous response. There were also those really shitty technical problems for half the second part. Now on to tomorrow's match!

[Raidou]

The Germans were lucky with the eleventh hour goal at 90 minutes. If they were to go to extra time, they would had lost. I'm kind of disappointed alright. They should just thrashed the Turks, but they look quite lost in the game.

It was all over for Russia in the second halve, total disaster I would say. I wanted so much for them to upset the Spanish. Well, the Russians deserved such poor results since they panicked. I'm f**king tired staying way past after midnight to watch this.

Man, the finals is again in the early morning as usual. Damn.

PowerSlave, who is your pick for the winner this year? Don't ask me, coz you already know the answer is definitely Germany yaa.

What about the others? No football love?

[Powerslave]

Man, oh man, Russia was kinda holding up the first half, but yeah... they pretty much got pounded. After the first goal it was doom for them, and at the second they totally fell apart. My pick is Spain, but I know the Germans are probably going to pull through in the end. At the 'global' level, Spain's really pretty much the underdog, but I also like how they're playing in this tourney.

Thankfully the games for me are at noon, and being in vacation, it's been great. Can't wait for Sunday!!11

[Raidou]

The underdog Spain won 1-0 :-(

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Anyone who watched the actual tournament would never say that Spain was the underdog here.

[Powerslave]

That's true, but all of the media were still touting Spain as the underdog, because they never ever win. But they really did deserve it this time around, they played much better than Germany through the tournament, didn't lose once, they just had a great run. The final match was tense too, but they kinda pretty much dominated after the first goal, and then Germany got real dangerous near the end too. THe only disappointment is that Spain had about 3 other incredibly clear chances and none went in! Should've been at least 2-0. But, as I said, it was the YEAR OF THE RED FURY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ESPA?A, REINA DEL CONTINENTE!!! W00000t! My team won! Finally!!! I don't think this has happened since 1998! ashkdjhdlkasj. Anyway, it was a good cup, and talk to you guys in 2 years, once South Africa rolls around.

[Raidou]

Yup, we got to do this again in the future. Besides Euro Cup and World Cup, other tourney just sux. But wait, maybe we can start an EPL thread. What say you football addicts?

[Powerslave]

That wouldn't be bad, except it'd be hard to keep a thread going between 3 people for 8 months, and also the leagues are during the school year, when I have... well, school and no TV. I usually go for Liverpool, but they never win either. DShsdiushdaiuds. We could start one in August and see what happens. I also wish I could keep up with La Liga and Serie A, but it's also erratic when I get to see games. Ohhh well.

[Raidou]

Serie A!? WTF!? No way, I hate the Italians, remember?

I think there are more than three addicts (me, you, dreamless) here. Some of the posters view but they don't post, probably they are shy to declare their love in the sports.

I can't stand the cockiness of MU anymore! With C.Ronaldo gone next season, they will be struggling for sure. I root for Arsenal, do hope they can return to the greatness previously. Liverpool? No way, they can walk back home all alone if they want.

[Powerslave]

Well, I hate Italy as a national team, but they have a good league. Milan AC and Internazzionale are friggin' awesome clubs to see playing! Inter barely even has any Italians in it.

Yeah, in England I hate Man U, but I guess Arsenal would be a close second. I can't lie, I kinda like Liverpool cuz they never win. SAIOdhAspdoIHSDaPOIS. Not to mention... FERNANDO TORRES is in their team!!!!!

[Raidou]

Euro 2008 may be over, but the fever is still on. Following an interesting survey with stats done with the English fans:-


* 25% of fans consider Spain to produce the games most exciting players.
* 2 % of fans consider Germany to produce the games most exciting players.
* 1% of fans consider Russia to produce the games most exciting players.
* 60% see failure to qualify as an indictment of state of grass roots football.
* 82% don`t believe grass roots football is taken seriously enough.
* 89% believe an improvement to grass roots facilities could build a successful national team.
* 41% believe the poor quality of coaching at grass roots level led to Euro 2008 failure.
* 61% believe number of foreign players in Premier League led to Euro 2008 failure.
* 63% believe there aren`t enough young players coming through to challenge in the future.
* 68% of fans feel that our failure to qualify for Euro 2008 is down to the manager.
(Source: Nivea For Men Football Survey)


Agree/ disagree?

[Indigo]

It's finally over, and thank goodness for that.

[Raidou]

Correction. The Euro 2008 fever is still on

BTW, you got your tv back eh?

[Indigo]

Unfortunately.

[Raidou]

Well, football followers will continue to talk about Euro 2008 until EPL is back you see.

PowerSlave, Dreamless, and Ges, where the heck are you guys?

[Indigo]

I kidnapped them so they wouldn't talk about this stupid event.

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Go cry somewhere else, emo boy.

The failure of England's team is mostly due to their absolutely terrible manager, though France still managed to qualify with an equally inept one, yet there is also a growing trend where "English" style football is too easily countered by a strong back four couple with quick, precise passing and good attacker mid-fielders (there is a reason Arsenal and Man U did extraordinarily well in the league this year). Simply put, England needs to change their mentality or else be relegated to a third tier team.

[Raidou]

Guys, following the latest FIFA world ranking after Euro 2008.


Source (for full list surf there): FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html)

1 Spain
2 Italy
3 Germany
4 Brazil
5 Netherlands
6 Argentina
7 Croatia
8 Czech Republic
9 Portugal
10 France
11 Russia
12 Romania
13 Cameroon
14 Turkey
15 England
16 Scotland
17 Bulgaria
18 Greece
19 Mexico
20 Ghana


Damn! The Germans are still one rank after the Italians!

[Powerslave]

Croatia amd Romania are suprisingly high up there. I can't believe we used to be 17th just 6 years ago. Our national team really sunk to unforgiving depths. Still, it's pretty clear Europe totally dominates the sport... which is why we kept referring to the Eurocup at home as the "Luxury World Cup".

Anyway, Spain #1! w00t!

[charolastra00]

Ouch, Mexico is low. :(

[DrunkSwashbuckler]

Not as low as the US... which destroyed Mexico that last time they played....

I wish I was European. :(

[Indigo]

I wish I was European. :(

... Nooo you don't.

[Raidou]

Our national team really sunk to unforgiving depths.

I totally gave up on my national team years ago. Your national team at least they participated in the World Cup finals, hey I still remember they were beaten 4-2 by mighty Germans in the opening game yaa. Klose should had scored against the stupid Spainish in the Euro finals!! ARgggHHHHHHhhh!!

On the other hand, ours local newspaper reported the joys of the local Football Association on the moving up of three position to 166? WTF!? Pathetic and such a disgrace. They always lose to Indonesia, China and South Korea. Recently they are in worst, losing even to minors such as Vietnam and Hong Kong. As long as they practice quota policy in the team, they will sux forever in football.

[Powerslave]

Ah, Malaysian football. I've always wondered about those teams in Asia. Do you ever get to go watch games? I'm sure there must be leagues too. Is it exciting? I've seen some beast Stadiums down there. In fact, China's basically 'giving' us a new national stadium, since our old was just... sad. It's gonna be awesome! What do you mean by quota policy? Like Racial quotas? Don't feel too bad about losing to Vietnam and Hong Kong... our second to last game we tied with Granada... And they're just a semi-pro team. It's been brutal lately.

Well, as for our team, it's time to sing the laurels! SOIDHPSAOdIAHSd. The 2006 Finals were absolutely horrid. We were the second worst team. The loss against Germany was the best match... We got absolutely raped by Ecuador. The one before that went much better. I mean, we were in the same group as the World Champions and the Third Place Finishers. We scored more goals on Brazil than any other team! We tied with Turkey and didn't go through just on goal difference. It was generally good... But by far the best performance was in 1990, where we lost to Brazil 1-0 and then got huge upsets against Sweden and Scotland to go through the finals. It was mostly because we had an amazing goalie, but then he got injured and didn't play in the round of 16 so we got pounded 4-1 by Czechoslovakia (Granted, I was 2 years old then, but you hear about it all the time). It's like it gets worse every year.

On another note, Mexico's not that far down! 18th out of 200 isn't too shabby. They're the third best in the hemisphere basically!

[Raidou]

Aiks! I thought I replied to PS and sushi earlier. What happened?

Anyway, is racial quotas for football over here. Fixed matches as well.