Euro2008

[crusse10]

So who's watching the European Championships?

I got Les Bleus

Vive la France!!!!!!

[crusse10]

One thing I've got to say is that watching European International play, you're seeing the best of the best playing for only 1 thing.
Their Country.

I wish American athletes cared as much about our country.

[JessJess6713]

As long as the cheap ass cheating Italians don't win I'm good. They're not the former World Cup champ as far as I'm concerned.

They payed the refs when they played the US. They elbow us in the face (on purpose!)and draw blood for a red card. We get two within a few minutes for sweeps with almost no contact, to switch the advantage. I'm not sure I'd have called those penalties, yellow cards are a stretch, red is an obvious pay off (several of their clubs were under investigation for it prior to the World Cup).

They get the German's best mid fielder disqualified right before the game.

Then go on to get Zidane kicked off the field (when they were playing France), by pinching him over and over again and calling his mother a terrorist whore, until the guy finally blows up.

If they're not cheating, they're being cheap and dirty. If they were as good at soccer as they were at screwing the system, they'd have several tittles.

Douchbags, screw Italy

[Jables]

ANDARE L'ITALIA

my family is originally from Sicily...


and we are the defending world cup champs thankyou...

[crusse10]

Italy's lookin' quite sluggish today. The Dutch are now looking for their statement goal, as they've already gone up 2-0.

[JessJess6713]

ANDARE L'ITALIA

my family is originally from Sicily...

and we are the defending world cup champs thankyou...

That's all good. I wouldn't be so brash as to condem the whole country. I'm sure there is a huge number of honorable citizens in Italy.

In the World Cup last year, Italy displayed the worst sports ethics and general honor amoung sportsman that I've ever seen (and that's through years of watching college football).

An athlete who honors his athletic ability and has good sportsmanship, gets sick over bad calls that go his way. You don't try to give it back, but it diminishes what you've worked so hard to accomplish. A great athlete hates it when an oppentent gets hurt, or he catches a bad call in his favor, or when anything of that nature happens. It leaves an * next to the win in your own mind (or it should).

Last year Italy didn't just happen into these things, they attempted (and succeeded any many cases) to create them. Attempting to injure other players, paying off officials, taking constant dives to try to pull penalties (which they eventually got called for doing after getting away with it for several games), looking for violations of any kind to get good players off the other teams, and starting fights was the Italian game plan last year.

I despise athletes that try to pull the others down instead of trying to build themselves up. Every game they took a shot a the opposing teams best player.

Against the USA, they elbowed him in the face and split the base of his eye. He came back after a couple of stops and finished the game b/c he's a tough SOB. No worries for Italy though b/c they had the officials covered, and we got 2 red cards for nothing. We lost by 1 goal playing a man down for most of the game.
Against Germany, they got Friggs suspended from the game. After reviewing the tape for Germany's win over Argentina (a fantastic series and great win by the way) the saw him push at one of the Argentina players afer the game. Argentina didn't have a problem, but Italy demanded Friggs not be allowed to play against them. Somehow they convinced the right people and played a German team missing its key middle fielder to get to the finals.
Against France, everyone knows the Zidane story.

If you feel a national pride toward Italy, then you should feel much more anger toward the World Cup team last year than I do, because they disgraced the country.

[Jables]

those are all valid points... but in the end i believe you play the game to win...

they are the world cup champions... plain and simple...

and on the whole zidane matter... you gotta keep it professional regardless of what is said to you during the game

[crusse10]

but they're also a loser today...

[Jables]

but they're also a loser today...

eghh...

we still got olympic soccer and the world cup in 2 years...

and were gonna be nasty in olympic basketball to... but USA will take the gold

[the Prodigy]

Ouch Italy....

I'm trying to pay as much attention to it as my country will allow.

I saw an interesting socio-economic article on why American's don't like soccer the way the rest of the world does. It was very interesting and dead on in my opinion. It stated that unlike the rest of the world, in America Soccer has been harbored as a non-competitive sport by the dominant middle class as a means by which to expend energy for their children while not placating an environment of competition or violence like Football (which is inherently both competitive and violent). That is not to say that soccer isn't competitive, but it was adopted in the states as non-competitive and thus has been nurtured as such by most Americans. It also stated that a game which is primarily played at midfield isn't the high intensity spectacle that Football and Basketball are. This isn't a point of truth in statement so much as it is an accurate description of American's perceptions of the sport.

[Tider27]

I'll take MLB baseball and the NBA finals instead...

[geechee]

Ouch Italy....

I'm trying to pay as much attention to it as my country will allow.

I saw an interesting socio-economic article on why American's don't like soccer the way the rest of the world does. It was very interesting and dead on in my opinion. It stated that unlike the rest of the world, in America Soccer has been harbored as a non-competitive sport by the dominant middle class as a means by which to expend energy for their children while not placating an environment of competition or violence like Football (which is inherently both competitive and violent). That is not to say that soccer isn't competitive, but it was adopted in the states as non-competitive and thus has been nurtured as such by most Americans. It also stated that a game which is primarily played at midfield isn't the high intensity spectacle that Football and Basketball are. This isn't a point of truth in statement so much as it is an accurate description of American's perceptions of the sport.


Like hockey, the sport sucks on TV. Hockey moves to fast for TV and soccer moves too slow.

Americans love offense, they want to see points scored and soccer is all about defense.

There are millions of American kids playing soccer, they like to play it, but even they don't really like to watch it, at least on TV.

[D^3]

Ich bin für die Deutscher Fußball-Bund. Der Vaterland will uberwiegen.

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
für das deutsche Vaterland!
Danach lasst uns alle streben
brüderlich mit Herz und Hand!
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
sind des Glückes Unterpfand;
Blüh im Glanze dieses Glückes,
blühe, deutsches Vaterland!

[geechee]

Futebol alemão é lixo. O único verdadeiro futebol está no Brasil.

[crusse10]

Not true, you don't need Brazil for it to be football.
Euro2008 is looking great, and the Netherlands are off to a suprisingly good start.

[geechee]

Not true, you don't need Brazil for it to be football.
Euro2008 is looking great, and the Netherlands are off to a suprisingly good start.

O holandês? Muito engraçado. Eles têm muito boa maconha em Amesterdão, no entanto. Se não for Brasileira de futebol, então não é verdadeiro futebol.

:welcome:

[crusse10]

Ok so I was totally just guessing what you said the 1st time.
I took 7 years of French, so if you've got French for me, I'll know what you're talking about this time!

[geechee]

Ce que j'ai dit était: Les Pays-Bas? Très drôle. Ils ont de beaux marijuana à Amsterdam. Toutefois, si elle n'est pas Brésilienne de football, il n'est pas réelle de football.

[the Prodigy]

My guess is Spain takes it all.

[crusse10]

Freetranslation.com is a masterpiece!

Sure, they've got their pot, but you still don't need Brazil.
That's obvious just like how Brazil didn't even place in the top 4 in the last World Cup, yet the final was still fantastic.

[crusse10]

If I had to guess, Portugal will take it, but if Thierry Henry gets back on the pitch, the French could make it.

[Tider27]

Booo, move this crap to the soccer forum.

[the Prodigy]

Portugal is a strong bet. And they have the anointed one playing for them.

I'm a man utd homer all the way, but sometimes he pisses me off. I wouldn't be too angry if he DID go to Real Madrid. Sometimes Ronaldo just needs to shut up and enjoy his 90 on the pitch. He reminds me of Alex Rodriguez sometimes.

Now Ronaldinho.... that guy is the Champ!

[the Prodigy]

Freetranslation.com is a masterpiece!

Sure, they've got their pot, but you still don't need Brazil.
That's obvious just like how Brazil didn't even place in the top 4 in the last World Cup, yet the final was still fantastic.

Head-butting Zidane and all.

[crusse10]

Booo, move this crap to the soccer forum.

Well, this is football, and it's not professional, so I'm pretty sure this is as right a place as any
:thumbs:

[Tider27]

Got me there...but...it's not SEC Football. :laugh:

[geechee]

Now Ronaldinho.... that guy is the Champ!

Ronaldinho is Brazilian:laugh:

[the Prodigy]

Ronaldinho is Brazilian:laugh:

I realize this.... he's also one of the greatest players I've ever seen. A lot of people want to compare Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. That is why I brought him up. I don't think there is a comparison. Ronaldinho is amazing and has more accolades than would be civil to list, but being voted the FIFA and world player of the year twice is an honor not many players hold. And you can tell that he loves the game more than he loves himself.

[geechee]

That's obvious just like how Brazil didn't even place in the top 4 in the last World Cup, yet the final was still fantastic.

World Soccer Standings 6/04/08



1 Argentina 1559
2 Brazil 1513
3 Italy 1424
4 Spain 1303
5 Germany 1274
6 Czech Republic 1246
7 France 1143
8 Greece 1133
9 England 1123
10 Netherlands 1111

[the Prodigy]

World Soccer Standings 6/04/08



1 Argentina 1559
2 Brazil 1513
3 Italy 1424
4 Spain 1303
5 Germany 1274
6 Czech Republic 1246
7 France 1143
8 Greece 1133
9 England 1123
10 Netherlands 1111

Argentina and Brazil are always at the top, but then they get beat by a European team in the World Cup. the US can't even get past the African Teams.... I think we got knocked out by Ghana last World Cup....

[crusse10]

World Soccer Standings 6/04/08



1 Argentina 1559
2 Brazil 1513
3 Italy 1424
4 Spain 1303
5 Germany 1274
6 Czech Republic 1246
7 France 1143
8 Greece 1133
9 England 1123
10 Netherlands 1111

Yet we're still having a fantastic Euro08. That's why it isn't necessary to see the Brazilians. Yes, they're good, but it's possible to get great soccer without them.

[mstate321]

Ronaldo is the best player in the best league. He is my favorite player not because he scores 31 goals in BPL but because he is one of the best passers and free kick mans out their. Portugal all the way and Italy caught a bad break on the first goal by the dutch and an incredible save by vandersal which would of changed the whole game.

[crusse10]

Ronaldo is the best player in the best league. He is my favorite player not because he scores 31 goals in BPL but because he is one of the best passers and free kick mans out their. Portugal all the way and Italy caught a bad break on the first goal by the dutch and an incredible save by vandersal which would of changed the whole game.

it was a bad break, but it was legal. they said it at the end that the ruling is that since the italian was out of play, but still behind the goal, that any man would have been legal.

[Soccaplayamdg07]

haha I'm not sure if the rules have changed since I was a referee two years ago, but I could have sworn that a player not on the pitch does not count as a last defender. I thought that first goal changed the momentum enough to change the outcome of the game. That being said, I thought Italy was outplayed and overmatched with a . Can someone explain to me how England's international team did not make this tournament (I know they lost games which they shouldn't have) but come on. They are top-flight football. It's a shame that they could not pull it together enough to qualify.

I have a dream that one day Americans will enjoy soccer as much as the rest of the world. It's far fetched, but my philosophy is there are a bunch of soccer moms in the U.S. these days (or so I hear). This means there are a bunch of soccer kids who might grow up with a passion for the game. :laugh:

[D^3]

I have a dream that one day Americans will enjoy soccer as much as the rest of the world. It's far fetched, but my philosophy is there are a bunch of soccer moms in the U.S. these days (or so I hear). This means there are a bunch of soccer kids who might grow up with a passion for the game. :laugh:


That won't happen... because those kids are soccer kids only until they get off the tit and daddy teaches them about real football. :thumpsup:

[Soccaplayamdg07]

That won't happen... because those kids are soccer kids only until they get off the tit and daddy teaches them about real football. :thumpsup:

:laugh: That's the spirit we need to lead this charge! :thumpsup:. Actually with ESPN covering this tournament, I think we're taking a step in the right direction. I understand the sport is boring if you cannot appreciate the intricacies of the passing game. Everyone understands the excitement of a touchdown in football, but the people who truly appreciate football also find entertainment in the O-line, D-line, Wr blocking downfield, etc. In the same way that football isn't all touchdowns, soccer isn't all goals. The fact that there are so few goals makes them all the more special and exciting when they do happen. The buildup is close to as exciting as an actual goal.

All this said, I can see how one can think the sport is boring. I think golf, NASCAR, and baseball are mind numbingly dull, but I know people who find it entertaining. All I hope is we as a nation come to understand soccer. :thumpsup:

[crusse10]

haha I'm not sure if the rules have changed since I was a referee two years ago, but I could have sworn that a player not on the pitch does not count as a last defender. I thought that first goal changed the momentum enough to change the outcome of the game. That being said, I thought Italy was outplayed and overmatched with a . Can someone explain to me how England's international team did not make this tournament (I know they lost games which they shouldn't have) but come on. They are top-flight football. It's a shame that they could not pull it together enough to qualify.

I have a dream that one day Americans will enjoy soccer as much as the rest of the world. It's far fetched, but my philosophy is there are a bunch of soccer moms in the U.S. these days (or so I hear). This means there are a bunch of soccer kids who might grow up with a passion for the game. :laugh:

The rule they said was that if he left voluntarily, then he was a legal defender. In actuality, he left in a tussle with someone else, and since he chose not to immediately return, they ruled that he was still legal because he chose to not re-enter.

[Soccaplayamdg07]

The rule they said was that if he left voluntarily, then he was a legal defender. In actuality, he left in a tussle with someone else, and since he chose not to immediately return, they ruled that he was still legal because he chose to not re-enter.

Thanks. I didn't understand how they were justifying it. I still don't agree with the rule in principle; but if the rule is there, I guess it must be upheld. Thanks again for the explanation. :thumpsup:

[D^3]

All this said, I can see how one can think the sport is boring. I think golf, NASCAR, and baseball are mind numbingly dull, but I know people who find it entertaining. All I hope is we as a nation come to understand soccer. :thumpsup:


It's not that people don't understand it. It's that they just don't care for it. Soccer is like a goth chick. You get her, you understand her, but you don't want to date her. (totally just ripped that from Colin Cowherd :Lol:) Same thing with hockey.

That said, I love baseball, I like playing golf but I hate watching it, I do not like NASCAR, or hockey, or NBA basketball. The reason I appreciate and kind of like Soccer is because I can relate as a fan to the fan bases of european soccer teams. The fan experience is most like the college football atmosphere, and watching a game in a pub in Ireland or a Kneipe in Germany is really cool.

[crusse10]

I think one of the main reasons people don't want to see soccer is because there isn't a guaranteed winner. Why else do you answer the question as to why NHL instituted the almost immediate shootout?
Americans don't like to see a tie. More than anything, they want to go out knowing who was the better team by the score. Until PKs decide the game, it won't be a large spectacle.

[Soccaplayamdg07]

I think both of yall hit the figurative nail on the head. I guess what I meant by understanding the sport is more of appreciating it. Anyone who has tried to kick a soccer ball knows how difficult it is to do (accurately). When I see a one-two pass, a through ball, or a beautiful cross (even if none of these lead to an eventual goal), I get excited (not to be taken out of context :laugh:). I think if Americans truly UNDERSTOOD the sport (which includes appreciating a sliding tackle or the afore mentioned events), they would come to enjoy the sport. I could be dead wrong though. I'm optimistic; what can I say?

I (a major soccer fan...not to be confused with a major league soccer fan (MLS)) even get frustrated sometimes when (like today with France and Romania) there is a lack of a clear result. Of course people want to see a victor after a fight. If one truly looks at the France-Romania game though, he'll see that Romania came out "on top." France is the more talented team. For Romania to walk out with points is huge if you truly look at it. I don't expect people to look that hard into it though. After all, I've yet to meet anyone on this sight with any reference to soccer in his name :laugh:.

[shanksta13]

After all, I've yet to meet anyone on this sight with any reference to soccer in his name :laugh:.

That's not entirely true. My name is a nickname I earned playing football in high school.

[Soccaplayamdg07]

That's not entirely true. My name is a nickname I earned playing football in high school.

:laugh: True. Well-deserved I might add :laugh:. I stand corrected. :thumpsup:

[D^3]

Well tell you what boys, since there's so few of us, lets round up and get a group trip over to Germany to enjoy some fußball, Bier und wenches. Who's with me? Wir wollen reise nach Deutschland.

[crusse10]

I sure wish I could. That's a fan base that's difficult to match...Any of the fans in Europe.

[zartan]

i'm late to this thread, but let me join in by saying 'italy got owned, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA'

[the Prodigy]

It's not that people don't understand it. It's that they just don't care for it. Soccer is like a goth chick. You get her, you understand her, but you don't want to date her. (totally just ripped that from Colin Cowherd :Lol:) Same thing with hockey.

That said, I love baseball, I like playing golf but I hate watching it, I do not like NASCAR, or hockey, or NBA basketball. The reason I appreciate and kind of like Soccer is because I can relate as a fan to the fan bases of european soccer teams. The fan experience is most like the college football atmosphere, and watching a game in a pub in Ireland or a Kneipe in Germany is really cool.

I agree with Cowherd 99% of the time. The only place I don't see eye to eye with him is on this soccer in the US business. Baseball is a dying sport in my opinion. I say that because of what I see; the youth in this country don't really play baseball anymore. They go from Soccer to Football or Basketball and skip over baseball entirely. You go down to any soccer field in Fayetteville, on any day, after 5:00 and it is jam packed with kids and adults alike playing soccer. The media is starting to push soccer a little bit on a national level. And within the next decade or two I think that more and more of those kids are going to stick with soccer rather than jump to football or basketball, because they see it and grow up with it. This is starting to become a reality on the coasts. As soon as the US gets that one player, home grown, that is just head and shoulders above the rest of the world, like McEnroe and Conners did for Tennis, the US will begin to adopt soccer as the 3rd or maybe even second most popular sport in the country.

Add that to the fact that the MLS is wising up and trying to get Premiere league teams to play friendlies in the states, Soccer is about to explode in the states, and the evidence is all around us.

[crusse10]

It's still tough, though, when the media screams that soccer is out and others are in.


In other news, Spain's up 1-0 and now 2-0, a minute before stoppage time and halftime. Anybody think Russia has a chance to come back in the 2nd 45 minutes?

[the Prodigy]

It's still tough, though, when the media screams that soccer is out and others are in.


In other news, Spain's up 1-0 and now 2-0, a minute before stoppage time and halftime. Anybody think Russia has a chance to come back in the 2nd 45 minutes?

Only the media in the south....

and no... Russia's goose is cooked. Spain is too fast.

[crusse10]

Spain is lookin' fantastic right now. David Villa is flying all over the place, and for him to be doing that at the very end of the 1st half, that's spectacular.
Gotta say, though, that the 2nd goal needs to get looked at again. It definitely looked close to him being offsides...

[crusse10]

I've noticed 1 thing that's very funny. Every time I watch Euro2008, it's 2-nil or nil-nil.


Yet every single halftime report, it magically turns back into 2-zero or zero-zero.

[the Prodigy]

He was on, the front man gets the advantage anyway but he wasn't the front man. Torres and Villa are just too fast. The Russian defense looks lost on those breakaways.

[crusse10]

Anybody else kinda wanna switch over to watching it on ESPN DePortes? I wanna hear the "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGOGOGOGOGOGO GOGOGOGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOAL."
You just don't get that experience on ESPN2

[the Prodigy]

This one is hilarious....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sqOvfQ2LoZw

[crusse10]

that is a nice one

[crusse10]

Torres out seems like a bad move to me. What do you think Prod?

[geechee]

Are y'all actually watching soccer?

[the Prodigy]

Torres out seems like a bad move to me. What do you think Prod?

I'm sorry I just got out of the shower, did the Spaniards make a substitution? From what I've seen since I got back, Spain is still ripping Russia to pieces. It doesn't even look hard to them. But if Russia does get a goal, yeah, there will be some mumbles and grumbles about the Torres sub.

[the Prodigy]

Wow.... Fabregas almost just scored AGAIN.

[crusse10]

They took Torres out about 52 minutes in.

And yeah, soccer is fun to watch.

[the Prodigy]

Are y'all actually watching soccer?

No, were discussing it as ESPN updates us via their new verizon wireless carrier pigeons.

[the Prodigy]

Thought the Russians might be back in it for a second.... looked in at Goal.

[crusse10]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal

[crusse10]

David Villas get's the hat trick

[the Prodigy]

Hat Trick!

[the Prodigy]

On another note, I don't understand why Puyol does some of the things he does. I think he might be on crack.

[the Prodigy]

Xabi Alonzo on for David Silva.... Spain's reserves look bottomless.

[the Prodigy]

And Russia scores a late goal.

[the Prodigy]

After Russia almost scores again, spain wraps it up with a 4th goal! Fabregas puts it out of reach in stoppage time.

[geechee]

No, were discussing it as ESPN updates us via their new verizon wireless carrier pigeons.

All carrier pigeons are wireless silly. Verizon has simply convinced you that this is some kind of new technology. You should have waited for the new iPOD pigeon which is supposed to be out in time for Christmas.

[the Prodigy]

Isn't it Verizon Wireless? like the company?

I've heard that they are getting Ron White to sponsor the new Bulldog SideKick.

[geechee]

Isn't it Verizon Wireless? like the company?

I've heard that they are getting Ron White to sponsor the new Bulldog SideKick.

Oh, you meant "Verizon Wireless" carrier pigeons not "Verizon" wireless carrier pigeons, my bad.

Ron White? I guess Foxworthy wanted way too much money.


Back to my original question, are you really watching soccer on TV right now?

[crusse10]

I was, but the match is over. The next one starts soon, and I can't wait!

[the Prodigy]

Oh, you meant "Verizon Wireless" carrier pigeons not "Verizon" wireless carrier pigeons, my bad.

Ron White? I guess Foxworthy wanted way too much money.


Back to my original question, are you really watching soccer on TV right now?

I'm watching on ESPN 360.com. Just watched the pregame show for the Greece game, and they were battling over the Dutch goal against Italy where the defender was off the pitch. It was hilarious.

[PuddingTime]

Well the English didn't make it so I don't have a rooting interest. My family came over on the 2nd boat to land in Jamestown, VA. Perhaps you've also heard of the Browning Gun Co. That's me too. So I'm about as British white as one could care to be lol. Which means I'm definitely not rooting for the French. That's the American in me though :D


See....folks don't get that Americans get into soccer when it comes to world play....country against country. All these Europeans and Latin Americans get into the club game just as we do for college sports. It's NO different. All this talk of rowdy fans.....go to Baton Rouge and it's just as rowdy. Point being, we have college sports that take the place of club soccer as far as our interests are concerned. But when it becomes USA v Whoever, I know I get hyped and start screaming like I'm cheering on the Wildcats, dunno about ya'll.

Anyway, England isn't playing in Eur08 (see what I did there? haha clever) so I don't really have a team to root for.

[crusse10]

Gotta love the Brits...
F'd up teeth and all ;)

[PuddingTime]

Don't get me, or the rest of the board, started on France. I'd copy a white flag on to this post, but it won't show up. C'mon, you're an American first. You're better than rooting for France. :D

[the Prodigy]

England is my Euro rooting vestige as well. My mother's maiden name is Wight. As in the Isle of Wight, just off the Southern coast of England. So I'm in the same boat, English through and through, just enough Irish to make me as Devilshly handsome as I am well spoken.

American Soccer, like I said earlier, will get that one phenom in the near future that puts the States into the thick of world futbol. They need that, they need Someone like Beckham, or Ronaldo only from the states. Landon Donovan just isn't a player with presence or star power. He's reliable, but I think it also hurts him that his stint in Europe exposed him as a player outclassed by the Europeans.

[crusse10]

I was just messin' with ya. I don't have much of a reason to cheer on France like I do. It's just the way it goes.

Now if I'm betting on a war, my money goes as far away from the French pick as possible. I've just always enjoyed France in other aspects, though.

[crusse10]

Greek goalie is ooooooooooooooooooooooooold

[crusse10]

I love how every Greek name ends in Vowel-S

[the Prodigy]

Greek goalie is ooooooooooooooooooooooooold

He's like the Bret Favre of World Soccer.

[geechee]

Gotta love the Brits...
F'd up teeth and all ;)

Or as adam calls them "the bloody poms":laugh:

[crusse10]

Brett
thanks!

[the Prodigy]

Little Surprised that Ibrahimovic gets the start. I thought he was injured.

[crusse10]

The Swedes have started off much better than the Greeks. Only time will tell if the Greeks can match their upset-minded predecessors from 4 years ago.

[crusse10]

Gotta love the FLOPS

[crusse10]

I'm pullin' for Sweden in this match. My cousin married a girl from Sweden, so why not?

[crusse10]

nut job...ouch

[geechee]

Gotta love the FLOPS

Who are the FLOPS?

[crusse10]

well...the floppers are poor actors who fake pain and...well that's about it!

[crusse10]

Swedes score on the Greek Wall. 1-0 Sweden in the 67th minute

[crusse10]

And Sweden scores again, 2-0 Sweden in the 72 minute. It looks like the Greeks are gonna be on the brink of Elimination from Eur08 ©Puddin'

[shanksta13]

American Soccer, like I said earlier, will get that one phenom in the near future that puts the States into the thick of world futbol. They need that, they need Someone like Beckham, or Ronaldo only from the states. Landon Donovan just isn't a player with presence or star power. He's reliable, but I think it also hurts him that his stint in Europe exposed him as a player outclassed by the Europeans.

I've never though very highly of Donovan. However, with Altidore going over to Villareal (I'm pretty sure it's a done deal) he may end up being that superstar for us.

[BamaFanNKy]

Altidore is going to VIllareal and they will loan him out right away.

I am impressed this went 7 pages without me (The resident World Football homer) jumping in or starting it.

If I were going to pull for a team I would say Spain since we (U.S.) held with them in the friendly. I do think Altidore will get press for the U.S. and he is my favorite up and coming star. BUT, watch Bradley, Adu and Tim Howard (If he plays like he did against Argentina he could be the next Friedel).

Hey Pudding I may be going to Wembley to watch the brits qualify for World Cup and may hit an Arsenal or Fulham Match. Have you been to London? I know I am hitting the St. John Restaurant near the Smithfield Market to get some good old fashioned Blood Pudding and baked bone marrow. Anyone have another spot I should hit? Staying in Mayfair/Marylebone near Chelsea.

[the Prodigy]

He went for what... 7, 8 million?

[BamaFanNKy]

Been reported 10 million.

I love this quote: "This signing is a big one, just like when Pau Gasol signed for the (Los Angeles) Lakers ... He's ours," Villarreal president Fernando Roig was quoted as saying by sports daily AS on Saturday.

But he's going to a team that finished second in La Liga. I doubt he plays a minute for them next season.

[crusse10]

I can say that I rarely go to Hard Rock Cafes, but the original is in London. It's worthwhile to go eat where Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend once sat.

Also, ya gotta get the picture at Abbey Road. Watch out, though. Traffic is brutal. We tried it, but every time we got onto the street to take the picture, 15 cars came barreling by.

[BamaFanNKy]

hmmmm. Something in me reject everything about Hard Rock (Except the casino in Vegas).

[crusse10]

On trips I've only ever gone to 2, the London one (cause it's the 1st) and the Orlando one (cause it's the largest).
At the Orlando one, they have the original Motown contracts signed by Diana Ross and the Supremes. When I saw that...I was just in awe of looking at groundbreaking Rock History.

[BamaFanNKy]

I went to the Hard Rock Casino..... the amount of tail and the way it looks. I was in Awe looking at that history. hehehehe.

Go here and you will see my culinary choices: St. JOHN, St. JOHN Restaurant Smithfield, St. JOHN Bread & Wine Spitalfields, London dining, nose to tail eating, london restaurant (http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/home/)

I will be eating Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad then finish it with Venison Offal & Chicory with Welsh Rarebit. For Dessert a Lemon Sorbet & Russian Vodka or Gooseberry & Apple Crumble. I assume Hard Rock will have like the Chubby Checker Burger. I may walk around it. But eat there. nah.

For the wife we will take tea at Claridge's. Hit a Pub named after two animals (any of them will do). Hit Hyde Park's free speech corner on Sunday. Hit Parliment on Wed. to see Prime Minister get his grilling. I really am looking for that hidden place that is too cool and not very touristy. I go to countries and I am usually on a back road dive or hitting the meat/fish markets and farmers markets.

We will see a few musicals/plays. See some football games and maybe hit a Burlesque show. I have 10 days in Oct. so any suggestions are appreciated.

[BamaFanNKy]

BTW, I hate Ronaldo for what he did against New Castle. But no doubt he is the best.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qzgN-4GCTMo&feature-related

Nani is the other Portugal native I think could be the next big thing.

[crusse10]

What did he do against New Castle?

[BamaFanNKy]

The Bastard went and got a hat trick against Newcastle! Damn Him. hehehehe

[crusse10]

Ahh...Well he is known for that kind of lewd behavior ;)

[BamaFanNKy]

Not to mention he is currently dating all of these women:
http://www.freewebs.com/cristiano-ronaldo-pictures/cristiano-ronaldo-girlfriend-gemma-atkinson.jpg
http://www.freewebs.com/cristiano-ronaldo-pictures/merche-romero-girlfriend-cristiano-ronaldo.jpg
http://photocdn.sohu.com/20080317/Img255737774.jpg
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/05_01/Nerieda3POOL0105_468x710.jpg
Plus in the beginning of the year two hookers who frequented his place and gave him threesomes just did a photoshoot:
http://www.gambling911.com/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Hookers-10.jpg

Some good looking hookers. The guy's pecker will fall off and will only make him faster.

[zartan]

am i to take it from your sig photos that you support the Germans, BamaFan?

[BamaFanNKy]

No. Your to take it that I enjoy Women and Beer. I just picked the next event coming up (non-college football) I am excited about. I had horse racing a few weeks ago. In fact I support the U.S. After that I just want to see a good game or great performance.

[crusse10]

Well...As I as typing the fact that Portugal got out to an EARLY 1-0 lead, the Czech Republic tied it at 1 in the 17th minute. Portugal started out early, but the Czech Republic has seemed to have the upper hand for the majority of this match.

[BAMAPERRY]

I would rather watch grass grow or paint dry.

[crusse10]

Well...How bout you take a drive over to Tuscaloosa. All the fans are sitting in BDS doing just that.
(There's not much to do in Tuscaloosa)

[shanksta13]

I would rather watch grass grow or paint dry.

Well...How bout you take a drive over to Tuscaloosa. All the fans are sitting in BDS doing just that.
(There's not much to do in Tuscaloosa)

Saban has the grass growing again? Hmmm I thought everything in Tuscaloosa was dead *Bear Bryant reference*... :laugh:

[BAMAPERRY]

Saban has the grass growing again? Hmmm I thought everything in Tuscaloosa was dead *Bear Bryant reference*... :laugh:

You won't think we're dead after we crush that gaytor ass in the SECCG this year! :ph34r:

[shanksta13]

You won't think we're dead after we crush that gaytor ass in the SECCG this year! :ph34r:

That or I'll still think you're dead because you don't make it there... :laugh:

[BamaFanNKy]

The Portugeezers play a very beautiful style of football.

[crusse10]

Ronaldo Scores Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal

[Kevhugh]

^^^^ beat me to it...

[crusse10]

One thing that shocks me is that when someone's actually injured and getting carted off the field, everyone's singing and yeling. That's a solemn time isn't it?

[the Prodigy]

I pray we see a Spain/Portugal match in the Euros this year....

[crusse10]

I pray we see a Spain/Portugal match in the Euros this year....

What would have been sweet would be to have a Spain/Portugal matchup and a France/England matchup to get to the championship

[crusse10]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
Portugal is up 3-1 in stoppage time

[crusse10]

Amid the rain and the slosh, Switzerland is up 1-0 at halftime.

[crusse10]

Here's a Cristiano Ronaldo wallpaper I just made.
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5250/cristianoronaldowallaf8.th.png (http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5250/cristianoronaldowallaf8.png)

[BamaFanNKy]

Turks win 2-1

[crusse10]

Croatia is suprinsingly up 1-0 on Germany in the 31st minute.

[the Prodigy]

My guess is that Germany strikes back quickly and goes up again early in the second half.

I wish I could watch the game, but historically, that is the type of team they have proven themselves to be.

[crusse10]

1-0 Croatia over Germany at halftime.

[crusse10]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
Croatia's winning 2-0 in the 63rd minute.

[BamaFanNKy]

German Goalkeeper blew it. Croatia 2-0

[BamaFanNKy]

I live in a neighborhood of Bosnians and Croatians. It's going to be crazy tonight.

[crusse10]

It could quickly become 3-0...

[the Paradox]

German Goalkeeper blew it. Croatia 2-0

Hind your pets and any farm animals that you may have.


RTR

[BamaFanNKy]

No no..... they don't any weird things. Very Italian in their cooking. In fact they (their people) own about 8 restaurants that are top notch in town.

[PuddingTime]

I didn't know Turkey was competing in it. Well I guess I have a rooting interest now. I have a bunch of Turkish friends here in Lexington....if England isn't in it, I can root for them. Anyone but the French.

[crusse10]

Well, Poland is going into Halftime winning 1-0 over Austria. Austria did have a few great attempts with a free kick that just missed the header as time expired, but it wasn't to be. Austria will be attempting to be the 1st team since Denmark to not score a goal in the Euro Championships

[shanksta13]

That game today between France and Netherlands was a fun one to watch. Robben's goal was absolutely ridiculous. Still not sure how he fit that ball in.

[zartan]

arjen robben is the oldest looking 24 year old i have ever seen.

[BamaFanNKy]

Spain vs. Sweden. Game of the day. I have to pull for my Spanish brothers.

[shanksta13]

Spain vs. Sweden. Game of the day. I have to pull for my Spanish brothers.

Just flipped it on and it looks like this one should be a good one. Torres has had some brilliant runs already. :thumpsup:

[shanksta13]

Spain goes on the board first on a brilliant strike by Torres off a corner.

[BamaFanNKy]

Why am I conflicted. Spain scores........ but it's someone who plays for Liverpool.

[shanksta13]

Ibrahimavic pulls level for Sweden when he beats Sergio Ramos in the box off of a quick counter. Carlos Puyol is out for Spain and this game is looking to be everything advertised so far. Spain and Sweden tied 1-1 through the first 35 minutes.

[BamaFanNKy]

Game is 7-7 for you "American Football" only fans.

[shanksta13]

Spain deserved a penalty kick for that takedown in stoppage time. That no call should keep the game very interesting heading into the second half, though.

[BamaFanNKy]

David F'N Villa. Having the tournament of his life.

[crusse10]

Villa was rediculous in Stoppage Time. I want to hear the Spanish announcers for that one...I bet their "Gol" went on for a good minute and a half.

[BAMAPERRY]

http://www.friendseat.com/users/AnthonyB/images/1176_friendseat_giada-dress.jpg

That chick is kinda weird looking and acting to me.

[the Prodigy]

Spain all the way....

Just remember that I've got them winning it all.

[crusse10]

Spain all the way....

Just remember that I've got them winning it all.

In the event that it's Spain and Portugal, do you think the scoring of David Villa will continue, or do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will show why he's the #1 Footballer in the world?

[the Prodigy]

In the event that it's Spain and Portugal, do you think the scoring of David Villa will continue, or do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will show why he's the #1 Footballer in the world?

If portugal figures out a way to maximize on Ronaldo without making the entire team revolve around him, I don't think there is much spain can do. But the chances of that happening are slim. I think in any case it is too close to call and that game comes down to penalties or stoppage time. I don't see one team being head and heels above the other.

Aren't we all kind of waiting for David Villa to go cold?

[crusse10]

If portugal figures out a way to maximize on Ronaldo without making the entire team revolve around him, I don't think there is much spain can do. But the chances of that happening are slim. I think in any case it is too close to call and that game comes down to penalties or stoppage time. I don't see one team being head and heels above the other.

Aren't we all kind of waiting for David Villa to go cold?

Villa has been spectacular. When Spain's in need of a point, they should be turning to him. The question is what will happen when they don't get the 3 minutes of stoppage time...
That 3 minutes was an absolute gift. I mentioned that I was shocked that they got 3 minutes. The 1 minute stoppage has been normal in the Euros, and the 3 minutes I thought was unwarranted and clearly gave them the opportunity to win.

[BamaFanNKy]

In the event that it's Spain and Portugal, do you think the scoring of David Villa will continue, or do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will show why he's the #1 Footballer in the world?

Huh? Ronaldo wouldn't mark David Villa. I think if Spain and Portugal meet your looking at Spain's Ramos trying (and probably will) to stop Ronaldo.

Spain, is a tough team. Portugal is a tough team. I really think Croatia will be the team to watch more so than Spain or Portugal.

[crusse10]

Huh? Ronaldo wouldn't mark David Villa. I think if Spain and Portugal meet your looking at Spain's Ramos trying (and probably will) to stop Ronaldo.

Spain, is a tough team. Portugal is a tough team. I really think Croatia will be the team to watch more so than Spain or Portugal.

I meant in terms of outshining the other. By the time they both (possibly) make the championship, I think that Ronaldo will be playing at a higher level than any of the Spaniards, and I don't think that will be the same for Villa or anyone else on the Spanish side.

[BamaFanNKy]

No, most likely Portugal will have Germany in the first round. That could be the killer for Portugal.

[BamaFanNKy]

GOOOOOOOAL! In the only game left of the stages that matters. Russia, beautiful pass play to score 1-0 over Sweden.

[crusse10]

I was actually lookin' for this thread, thanks for breathing new life into it.

Yeah that was good by Russia, but even better was the header by Greece. I know that they're going against the Spanish B Side at best, but still. That header was great.

[BamaFanNKy]

No way. That passing by Russia was textbook.

[BamaFanNKy]

2nd goal for russia. Another display of team work and passing. Beautiful!

[Cianne]

I wish I could have watched the games. What ended up being the finals?

[zartan]

russia 2-0 sweden
spain 2-1 greece

way to go, sweden. now i don't get to watch zlatan anymore....

[the Prodigy]

russia 2-0 sweden
spain 2-1 greece

way to go, sweden. now i don't get to watch zlatan anymore....

Zatlan can go take more dives for Inter....

viva Espana!

[zartan]

yes, viva espana. they had better put those wretched italians out of my misery.

btw zlatan isn't a diver. there are 700 other criticisms you could make about him, but not that one.

[the Prodigy]

yes, viva espana. they had better put those wretched italians out of my misery.

btw zlatan isn't a diver. there are 700 other criticisms you could make about him, but not that one.

Like he has a shitty haircut? I don't understand why Ibrohimovic can't get Inter anywhere. Adriano?.... Ibrohimovic? wtf?

[zartan]

um, you do know which team has won Serie A the last few years, don't you?

[the Prodigy]

um, you do know which team has won Serie A the last few years, don't you?

Serie A but not much else. Winning the league is important sure. But in Europe, cups matter. Inter should be on level with Man Utd, and Bayurn Munchen and Chelsea and teams like that, but they aren't. Serie A has gone downhill imo.

[zartan]

now you have hit upon the most valid criticism of zlatan--he only scores against crappy teams. that sort of presents a problem in the champions league and international tournaments.

[td8079]

I'll be watching the Germany/ Portugal game at restaurant here in Frankfurt, Germany tonight with co-workers. Should be a good time. I gotta cheer on the home crowd!

[zartan]

what an awesome experience that should be, td! i'm definitely going for Germany as well, should be a fantastic match.

[BamaFanNKy]

GOOOOOOAL. Germany 1-0. Nice passing.

[BamaFanNKy]

Second Goal with a free kick! 2-0.

[BamaFanNKy]

So Portugal score before half then Germany scored. 3-1 Germany with 77 minutes played.

[crusse10]

What's the meaning of when they put up the graphic about "Distance"?
They show it, then show 3 players names with kilometers next to their names.

[BamaFanNKy]

That's how far their shots were away from the goal.

[BamaFanNKy]

Portugal Goal. 3-2 Germany with 2 minutes and stoppage left.

[BamaFanNKy]

F***!!!!! There goes one of my Final Four. I had Croatia vs. Portugal and Spain vs. Russia and then Russia vs. Croatia and Croatia being Champs.

Now Germany may f*** it all up!

[crusse10]

That's how far their shots were away from the goal.

...In kilometers, though? It said like...9 Kilometers. That's like...5 miles...

[BamaFanNKy]

It didn't say km. It said meters. I'm half buzzed and I know it said meters hahaha. Love soccer during the week!

Tomorrow me and the Bosnia and Croatia crowd will be full on during the game.

[crusse10]

It didn't say km. It said meters. I'm half buzzed and I know it said meters hahaha. Love soccer during the week!

Tomorrow me and the Bosnia and Croatia crowd will be full on during the game.

How come they showed 3 names for Portugal, then?
Only 2 scored, and 1 of the goals hadn't even happened yet.

[zartan]

croatia? are you of croatian ancestry? that's quite a long shot, but then greece won last time so anything's possible.

i'm worried that the italians are still alive. the two big teams in their way on that side of the bracket (spain and holland) have a history of implosion.

however, i would dearly love to see the germans avenge their WC 06 loss to italy...this time in the euro 2008 final.

[BamaFanNKy]

I am not Croatian decent. I am a football (european) nut! Watching croatia as much as I have I see them as the dark horse from the get go that will shock most. Them and the Russians are not the sexy but best picks. They play team passing better than most.

[the Prodigy]

Spain takes it all now.... just like I said they would. Portugal just didn't get their act together quick enough.

Reminded me a little bit of Barca and Man Utd. Barca just didn't play to the standard the world set for them.

[BamaFanNKy]

Spain is nice. You have to remember teams bolting in the first few legs never win. David Villa will not do what he did earlier against Gianluiggi (Sp?) Buffon!

[the Prodigy]

Spain is nice. You have to remember teams bolting in the first few legs never win. David Villa will not do what he did earlier against Gianluiggi (Sp?) Buffon!

They still have Torres....

[BamaFanNKy]

Yeah.... and? Spain is notorious for great starts and s*** finish. Torres has scored one goal. It's been the David Villa show for them. But, Buffon is the best goal keeper in the world.

[shanksta13]

I like Spain's chances alot. Also BamaFan, I assume you were being sarcastic about the distance. The distance measurements they give are how far the player has run during the match.

[zartan]

germany v. italy in the final. i'll never pick spain or holland to do anything--they'll have to prove it.

[the Prodigy]

germany v. italy in the final. i'll never pick spain or holland to do anything--they'll have to prove it.

Italy? Are you joking???

[zartan]

they've looked dreadful, but they got out of their group. they were similarly mediocre in WC 06 in the group stage and they went on to win it all.

[the Prodigy]

they've looked dreadful, but they got out of their group. they were similarly mediocre in WC 06 in the group stage and they went on to win it all.

Ah well, good point. But they are now two years older. I think that might catch up with them.

[zartan]

i hope so. i loathe italy. i will always side with young attacking teams over crafty old veterans who know how to get a one-goal lead and then sit on the ball until the whistle.

[BamaFanNKy]

I like Spain's chances alot. Also BamaFan, I assume you were being sarcastic about the distance. The distance measurements they give are how far the player has run during the match.
Shanksta Wins the sarcasm detection award!

Also, how many of you just follow the top teams? Seriously, Croatia and Russian have some of the best young talent in the tourny. Every major club is salivating to sign them.

[shanksta13]

Shanksta Wins the sarcasm detection award!

Also, how many of you just follow the top teams? Seriously, Croatia and Russian have some of the best young talent in the tourny. Every major club is salivating to sign them.

Internationally, I won't lie I follow the big teams. I may know of a few players on some of lesser known countries, but it's usually because they've already been signed by a big club team. I mean it's hard to really follow football in the States as it is.

[Tider27]

Why hasn't this been moved to the Soccer section. Do we even have one? :ph34r:

[shanksta13]

Why hasn't this been moved to the Soccer section. Do we even have one? :ph34r:

You should be forced to read the whole thread before commenting... :laugh:

[D^3]

Told you guys my boys in Deutschland would get it done. Germany is going to win it all. Schweinsteiger is "Der Mann."

[BamaFanNKy]

Uh-oh. D3 is converting. He did say he gets into the crowds so it's cool.

Here is a chapter of the book that I am buying soon. It's "Bloody Confused: A Clueless American Sportswriter Seeks Solace In English Soccer."
http://www.worldsoccerdaily.com/downloads/Bloody_Confused!_Chap3_Pgs17-23.pdf

I am a bit different living in such a global community (Yes Bowling Green, Kentucky is very international). With all the auto makers, Bosnian transplants, Cuban refugees, mexicans etc. we are a soccer community. Our town is actually the smallest town in our 7 state region with a successful club.

[crusse10]

Wow, so Croatia/Turkey is fantastic.
Nil-Nil in the 118th minute.


Wow.

Personally, I'm liking the security.
I think the Crotians are gonna storm the field like the '06 Tenessee/Florida basketball game!

[crusse10]

And all it took was me saying that.
1-0 Croatia

[crusse10]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL Turkey
Holy Crap.
No goals in 118 minutes, then 2 goals in the last 4 minutes.

To Penalty Kicks it goes.

[BamaFanNKy]

WOW..... now that was a great game and my darkhorse Croatia is out! How you go from snatching victory to utter defeat. I will never know!

[crusse10]

Turkey Wins 1-1, 3-1 in Penalty Kicks

[td8079]

The Germany game was awesome and it was great to be in Frankfurt to watch it. I hope that they beat the Turks next!

[TDArkansasOhmy]

人想买一部支持“ ”的刻录机光盘制作。但是听说光盘在其他机器上经常无法识别。这是真的吗？ 答：“”通过采用双层记录层，光盘制作实现了的容量，大约是现有单面双层光盘的倍。光盘刻录如 果同样是画质 ，只能录制个小时左右，光盘打印而则能录制约个小时。 但令人遗憾的是光盘的播放兼容性目前比较低却是事实。光盘印刷比如，厂商已经得到这样的报告： 在部分设备上 播放用最初上市的刻录机刻录的光盘时出现“失败人想买一部支持“ ”的刻录机光盘制作。但是听说光盘在其他机器上经常无法识别。这是真的吗？ 答：“”通过采用双层记录层，光盘制作实现了的容量，大约是现有单面双层光盘的倍。光盘刻录如 果同样是画质 ，只能录制个小时左右，光盘打印而则能录制约个小时。 但令人遗憾的是光盘的播放兼容性目前比较低却是事实。光盘印刷比如，厂商已经得到这样的报告： 在部分设备上 播放用最初上市的刻录机刻录的光盘时出现“失败

只能录制个小时左

[crusse10]

人想买一部支持“ ”的刻录机光盘制作。但是听说光盘在其他机器上经常无法识别。这是真的吗？ 答：“”通过采用双层记录层，光盘制作实现了的容量，大约是现有单面双层光盘的倍。光盘刻录如 果同样是画质 ，只能录制个小时左右，光盘打印而则能录制约个小时。 但令人遗憾的是光盘的播放兼容性目前比较低却是事实。光盘印刷比如，厂商已经得到这样的报告： 在部分设备上 播放用最初上市的刻录机刻录的光盘时出现“失败人想买一部支持“ ”的刻录机光盘制作。但是听说光盘在其他机器上经常无法识别。这是真的吗？ 答：“”通过采用双层记录层，光盘制作实现了的容量，大约是现有单面双层光盘的倍。光盘刻录如 果同样是画质 ，只能录制个小时左右，光盘打印而则能录制约个小时。 但令人遗憾的是光盘的播放兼容性目前比较低却是事实。光盘印刷比如，厂商已经得到这样的报告： 在部分设备上 播放用最初上市的刻录机刻录的光盘时出现“失败

只能录制个小时左

This isn't World Cup...:thumbs:

[BamaFanNKy]

Spain and Italy going to Extra time it looks like. What a Quarter final slate of games!

I hope the Italians pull it off so all 4 favored teams are out. Russian v. Italy and Turkey v. Germany would be brilliant.

[the Prodigy]

Spain wins on Penalty Kicks.... Casillas is the shiz. Italy looked flat and Spain just seemed to want it more. I don't know why they couldn't score in regular time.

[zartan]

spain couldn't score because italy played their typical negative game and tried to get to penalties from the opening whistle. it's why i detest them, they make for the most boring games.

[the Prodigy]

spain couldn't score because italy played their typical negative game and tried to get to penalties from the opening whistle. it's why i detest them, they make for the most boring games.

I don't buy the anti-typical soccer story. Their Goalie isn't good enough to play that way. They were Extremely conservative, but there are other teams I would say are more conservative. Italy had their chances at goal, albeit bad ones.

[shanksta13]

I don't buy the anti-typical soccer story. Their Goalie isn't good enough to play that way. They were Extremely conservative, but there are other teams I would say are more conservative. Italy had their chances at goal, albeit bad ones.

Did you just say Gianluigi Buffon isn't a good enough keeper to play for penalties? Please tell me I'm misreading that... :unsure:

[crusse10]

I don't buy the anti-typical soccer story. Their Goalie isn't good enough to play that way. They were Extremely conservative, but there are other teams I would say are more conservative. Italy had their chances at goal, albeit bad ones.

*Ahem*Greece*Ahem*

[the Prodigy]

Did you just say Gianluigi Buffon isn't a good enough keeper to play for penalties? Please tell me I'm misreading that... :unsure:

Maybe back in the day, but he's getting old.... I just don't think Buffon is the player he was 2 years ago, or even a year ago.

[shanksta13]

Maybe back in the day, but he's getting old.... I just don't think Buffon is the player he was 2 years ago, or even a year ago.

Sure, but that still puts him as one of the best keepers in the world. :laugh:

[shanksta13]

I just think that given Italy's starting lineup (missing Cannavaro and Matterazi in the back and Pirlo and Gattuso in the middle), they weren't terribly stupid to play the Spaniards to penalty kicks. Spain got their best opportunities of the game on counters when Italy pushed men forward. I think the Italians' game plan was a good one, they just didn't get lucky in the end.

[crusse10]

I thought the best shot on goal for Spain was when the ball had such backspin that it practically went in after getting blocked. That was insane...Being so close and going off the post. That was heartbreaking.

[BamaFanNKy]

Maybe back in the day, but he's getting old.... I just don't think Buffon is the player he was 2 years ago, or even a year ago.

We have a winner for dumbest statement about World Football on this board! This is a guy in 38 games for Seria A had 16 shutouts! He allowed 30 goals in 3,000+ minutes of play! Give me a break! The best 2 goal keepers in EPL are Van Der Saar and Cech. They had less shutouts and better back lines. Your nuts.

How we forget the Romania SAVE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpLIzcd_3ps
Gianlugi Buffon! He saved a goal in yesterdays game. Many times that would win in penalties.

Do you not watch Juve?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juugh32E_ts&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6jQlOBBkPw&feature=related

Please don't talk s*** about Buffon. He did everything he could to carry Italy on his back.

[the Prodigy]

Sorry, I just don't buy that Buffon is amazing. He's good. You have to be, but Serie A is trash compared to the Premiere League. You are telling me that Ibrahimovic (the best striker in Serie A) Even compares to the top 5 strikers in the Premiere league? It's like Comparing the SEC to the Pac 10, strike that, the BIG 10. Sure, Troy Smith was the best QB in the Big 10 (2006) , he even won the Heisman Trophy, but he wasn't comparable to even Chris Leak in the SEC, not to mention several others that year, who had poorer stats and fewer wins.

It's just different leagues. The Premiere league has the best players in the world by a long shot. None of Italy's team plays in the Premiere league. Toni plays for Bayurn Munich, Buffon plays for Juventus.... and on down the line. Not a single player comes from the League that has the best players and more of them than any other League.

I have no respect for Serie A. They don't have the players to compete with the Premiere League.

[shanksta13]

It's just different leagues. The Premiere league has the best players in the world by a long shot. None of Italy's team plays in the Premiere league. Toni plays for Bayurn Munich, Buffon plays for Juventus.... and on down the line. Not a single player comes from the League that has the best players and more of them than any other League.

I have no respect for Serie A. They don't have the players to compete with the Premiere League.

And yet, somehow Italy won the World Cup in 2006 and made the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, while England failed to make the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup and didn't even qualify for Euro 2008. Please, get real. :laugh:

[Cianne]

Buffon is the man. Short and sweet. Him and Cech would be on my fantasy futbol team and then I'd pull my hair out choosing which one to play.

Besides, Juve has had some amazing players over the years. Zidane, Nedved, Del Piero, Baggio, etc.

[the Prodigy]

And yet, somehow Italy won the World Cup in 2006 and made the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, while England failed to make the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup and didn't even qualify for Euro 2008. Please, get real. :laugh:

Just because the Premiere League is in England and Serie A is in Italy doesn't mean all the players who play in that league are from that country. The best player in the world, Christiano Ronaldo is Portuguese, he plays in the Premiere League, Vander Sar is from the Netherlands, he plays in the Premiere League. Drogba is from the Ivory Coast, he plays in the Premiere League. Despite England's lack of recent success in International play, it is undeniable that the Premiere League is the best, most competitive in the world. Unless I'm mistaken 3 of the final 4 teams in the Champion's League Final were from the Premiere League, the other being Barcelona, which the last time I checked, wasn't in Serie A.

By saying England hasn't done well in international play has no bearing on how good the Premiere League is.

[shanksta13]

Just because the Premiere League is in England and Serie A is in Italy doesn't mean all the players who play in that league are from that country. The best player in the world, Christiano Ronaldo is Portuguese, he plays in the Premiere League, Vander Sar is from the Netherlands, he plays in the Premiere League. Drogba is from the Ivory Coast, he plays in the Premiere League. Despite England's lack of recent success in International play, it is undeniable that the Premiere League is the best, most competitive in the world. Unless I'm mistaken 3 of the final 4 teams in the Champion's League Final were from the Premiere League, the other being Barcelona, which the last time I checked, wasn't in Serie A.

By saying England hasn't done well in international play has no bearing on how good the Premiere League is.

Kind of. Except that the majority of England's players are Premier League players, while the majority of Italy's are Serie A players. You could also say that Kaka, Ronaldinho, Buffon, Puyol, Podolski, Toni, etc. are some of the best footballers in the world. None of them play in the Premier League. There are different styles of play around the leagues, that's not to say that any one is better than another. The point you made about the Premier League fielding three Champions League semi-finalists last year is a valid one. But then again, who won the Champions League the year before? I think there are just differing styles between the leagues and that's the main difference. Honestly, the Premier League is by far my favorite to watch, I would just say that I don't think it's indisputably the best. The Premiership tends to be more of a tactical game, whereas the Primera is an athletic, quicker game, and so on and so forth through the leagues.

[the Prodigy]

Kind of. Except that the majority of England's players are Premier League players, while the majority of Italy's are Serie A players. You could also say that Kaka, Ronaldinho, Buffon, Puyol, Podolski, Toni, etc. are some of the best footballers in the world. None of them play in the Premier League. There are different styles of play around the leagues, that's not to say that any one is better than another. The point you made about the Premier League fielding three Champions League semi-finalists last year is a valid one. But then again, who won the Champions League the year before? I think there are just differing styles between the leagues and that's the main difference. Honestly, the Premier League is by far my favorite to watch, I would just say that I don't think it's indisputably the best. The Premiership tends to be more of a tactical game, whereas the Primera is an athletic, quicker game, and so on and so forth through the leagues.

It starts to turn into Premiere League vs. the World when you compare star players like that. The Premiere League, head to head, against any other major division turns into a statistical bloodbath.

It's completely hypothetical, because Buffon will die at Juventus, but the only way you could determine how good he really is, is to put him in the middle of every league and them compare his stats. You have to start comparing teams and the depth of the leagues, game in and game out, I doubt Buffon could do in the Premiere League what he does in Serie A.

Man Utd - Inter
Chelsea - Milan
Liverpool - Roma
Arsenal - Juventus
Everton - Fiorentia
Aston V.- Sampdoria
Blackburn Rovers - Siena
West Ham - Lazio
Man. C
Tottenham
Newcastle
Middlesboro
Sunderland

The difference in depth starts to become pretty obvious....

[BamaFanNKy]

Prodigy. Ask any brit or Premiere league fan who the best in the world is. One name will be given. BUFFON. I love EPL but, every EPL team would trade a striker and their goalie for Buffon. It seems the older a goalie gets the better they are as well.

Also, to call the Seria A trash is lame. Over the past 10 years the Seria has had 4 teams in the finals of CHampions to EPLs 5. Seria with less in it has won the same amount of titles 2. La Liga in Spain has had 5 with 3 winners (Real 2 Barca 1). Germany has had 2 with 1 champ, france had one in and lost and Portugal 1 with 1 winner. Between the leagues Spain, Germany and Italy are even. So, as much as I love EPL it's about the same as Seria A. In fact more goals are scored in Seria (because the strikers are better) but not against Buffon.

[the Prodigy]

Prodigy. Ask any brit or Premiere league fan who the best in the world is. One name will be given. BUFFON. I love EPL but, every EPL team would trade a striker and their goalie for Buffon. It seems the older a goalie gets the better they are as well.

Also, to call the Seria A trash is lame. Over the past 10 years the Seria has had 4 teams in the finals of CHampions to EPLs 5. Seria with less in it has won the same amount of titles 2. La Liga in Spain has had 5 with 3 winners (Real 2 Barca 1). Germany has had 2 with 1 champ, france had one in and lost and Portugal 1 with 1 winner. Between the leagues Spain, Germany and Italy are even. So, as much as I love EPL it's about the same as Seria A. In fact more goals are scored in Seria (because the strikers are better) but not against Buffon.

That is the past, I'm talking about right now. Right now, Serie A is trash. Manchester Utd and Chelsea control everything.

I don't doubt that a lot of people want Buffon, a lot of people want Ronaldhino, but why isn't he in the starting 11 for Barca? Buffon is over the Hill. Like Zidane, he was once amazing. No more. The entire Italian squad is old. Buffon would never have built the credentials he has now in the Premiere League. I just don't think so. You are entitled to your opinion, but I know soccer. He's lost a step. I called it from the outset, Spain was going to win it and Buffon isn't the goalie everyone thinks he still is. Just watch over the next two years, he will slowly spiral into a once was....

[BamaFanNKy]

Honestly..... your just wrong here. Who do you think the best goalkeeper happens to be? Please don't say Van De Saar or Cech. Both showed they were inferior to Buffon.

[the Prodigy]

Casillas, Kahn, Van der Sar,.... hell I'd take Robinson before I'd take Buffon.

In fact, head to head.... I believe Casillas just showed he was a better keeper than Buffon.... didn't he?

[the Prodigy]

This Germany Turkey game is absolutely amazing. Turkey just won't give up. Amazing. 2-2 heading into the final minutes.

[the Prodigy]

GOOOOOOAALLLL! Germany goes up 3-2 in the 89th minute.

[D^3]

Awesome game between Turkey and Germany. But once again, Scweinsteiger and co. come through! Germany advances!


Schweinsteigers 1st goal was a thing of beauty.

[the Prodigy]

Germany continues to impress. I'm eager to see a winner from Spain and Russia. I'm sticking to my guns with Spain, but Russia has been VERY solid for some time now. Obviously the revenge factor will come into play. I hope Spain doesn't let their recent desecration of Russia go to their heads.

[BamaFanNKy]

Germany v Spain. hmmmm. I guess I will pull for Spain.

[OmahaBound]

Germany v Spain. hmmmm. I guess I will pull for Spain.

Yeah I was really hoping Turkey would win. It was a hell of a game at least. I'm spending the weekend in DC so I was looking forward to watching the game Sunday with a Turkish friend of mine who lives up there. Oh well....looks like we'll have to settle for the Galaxy/DC United game.

Since I have no dog in this fight, I'll go for Spain. I speak Spanish and Germany beat the Turks. That's reason enough for me, haha.

[D^3]

Y'all can have Spain.... Schweinsteiger and Ballack are going to dissect the Spaniards and bring the cup home to Deutschland.

[BamaFanNKy]

I always knew D3 was a Nazi. :D

I like Germany. I just think the way Spain plays is more exciting. I also will say I was sad that Russia and Croatia didn't come through as my dark horses.

[the Prodigy]

Well I called that one.... viva la espana.