Euro 2008 (Official Man City LOL Thread)

[Britney Diva]

Essien should have scored at the beginning of the second half. Van der Saar was out of position; he probably would have scored in any other game.

I think we were the better side. It should have been over by half time, but Chelsea should have clinched it second half. Surprised Chelsea lost penalties, but if JT is taking your 4th penalty you're always up against it.

[mph4ever]

i posted this elsewhere.......

1-1 and all to play for, 30 mins. this is where i hate the fact that so many american sports fans diss soccer. 10-12km on average, 120mins on the pitch, sublime skill just using your feet, bunch of pussies my aaaassssssss

may the best team win when we are this low on reserves......

[radtaste]

Justice for Park Ji Sung!

[Ganondorf]

I know Belleti scored his penalty so this is a bit of a moo point, but surely if you're gonna bring on a substitute to take a penalty in the shoot-out, you'd want it to be Sheva?

also, Essien and Anelka should have taken before JT as well :confused:

[RandyfromPennywise]

I think we were the better side.

I really, really don't think it was that clear-cut. Chelsea had something like two-and-a-half times as many shots as United by the end of the 120. Forty-five minutes of dominance doesn't equal 120.

One thing to think about - the margins that elite football is decided on. If John Terry's penalty was six inches to the left, Chelsea would have won. And there were about half-a-dozen other such chances. It's quite amazing really.

[Britney Diva]

Maybe, but you know who I support.

I'm dumbfounded by the amount of people (mainly journo types, it has to be said) saying it was a terrible game. It may not have been Brazil 1970, but what is? There were an unusual amount of mistakes from players that are known for their reliability (Vidic, Ferdinand, Terry, Rooney) and there were periods where not a lot happened, but all the neutrals I've spoken to found it an enthralling match, as did I.

This blog on the Guardian website is hilarious. There's a lot of disagreement among the commenters, but everybody agrees that the writer is an idiot. My favourite comment involves somebody expressing their disappointment at Mark Bosnich missing the final due to being denied a visa- it had me in stitches!

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/22/all_too_english_and_not_enough.html

Also, it must be said for all Bobby Robson's pissing and moaning about there being too many foreigners in the premiership, there were 10 Englishmen starting last night's match, the pinnacle of European football. I may not be a Maths wizard, but I'm pretty sure that's more than lined out in 1968, and probably more than any of Liverpool's wins too.

[Against Miik!]

I thought the game was good, and its a shame it had to come down to PKs. It was fun seeing all the soccer fans come out of the woodwork though, being in the States. After the game I went to get a bite to eat on campus, and I was rockin my Chelsea jersey (which is awesome btw. its the black one from 05-06). I had like 15 Man U fans throwin it my face and like 15 Chelsea fans just giving me a look and hanging their heads. Thats the good thing about soccer/football not being that big over here. When you find another fan, they are really passionate. Not a whole lot of casual fans.

[Surtr]

True. But I'm now wearing my second Man. Utd. top, and I've been getting looks because of it (I'm back in Canada now lol I should fix my location) its like no one knows whats going on. All yesterday I had on one of my tops and I was going on and like 3 people even knew what I was on about. And today they've mainly noticed I'm wearing another Utd. top two days in a row lol.

[poorquality]

I really, really don't think it was that clear-cut. Chelsea had something like two-and-a-half times as many shots as United by the end of the 120. Forty-five minutes of dominance doesn't equal 120.

One thing to think about - the margins that elite football is decided on. If John Terry's penalty was six inches to the left, Chelsea would have won. And there were about half-a-dozen other such chances. It's quite amazing really.


While I agree it was a tight game in the end, both teams could of won it in normal time, I gotta say that Chelsea may of had more shots than United, but according to sky, United had 5 off target 5 on target. Chelsea had 18 off target and 1 on target.

I don't think off target shots matter in the slightest, I mean why should they? If that stat meant anything people would just hoof the ball towards goal at every opportunity to tally off target shots up.

United did a lot better when it came to inside the area action, we troubled Cech more than you troubled VDS.

But the game could of still gone either way when you look at the overall match. But I personally think we had the best chances to snatch it.

[Ganondorf]

As a neutral I've gotta say Chelsea were probably the stronegr team from the Second half onwards

[mph4ever]

see, i don't understand that at all but then i'm a manu fan. tactically ferguson got it right. tactically, grant done what he does all the time, relies on chelseas strength. i thought we matched them play for play, sure they hit the post and the cross bar but we missed two open goals and forced two great saves.

penalties are no way to end something like this, but it comes down to bottle. anelka had every right to miss. he was only there for the money. drogba made a show of himself, the english game will improve once he leaves. united have the way to cope with chelsea this season, they have shown that last season was not just a one off, the power of english football is where it belong in the north west. we'd still get twice as much joy out of beating liverpool at anfield of city away than we do out of winning the european cl against chelsea. i just hope the scousers improve so we can do it to them next year, we've got our bragging rights over chelsea now, we have always had them over arsenal, next couple of years we will have them over liverpool.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Maybe, but you know who I support.

I'm dumbfounded by the amount of people (mainly journo types, it has to be said) saying it was a terrible game. It may not have been Brazil 1970, but what is? There were an unusual amount of mistakes from players that are known for their reliability (Vidic, Ferdinand, Terry, Rooney) and there were periods where not a lot happened, but all the neutrals I've spoken to found it an enthralling match, as did I.

This blog on the Guardian website is hilarious. There's a lot of disagreement among the commenters, but everybody agrees that the writer is an idiot. My favourite comment involves somebody expressing their disappointment at Mark Bosnich missing the final due to being denied a visa- it had me in stitches!

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/05/22/all_too_english_and_not_enough.html

Also, it must be said for all Bobby Robson's pissing and moaning about there being too many foreigners in the premiership, there were 10 Englishmen starting last night's match, the pinnacle of European football. I may not be a Maths wizard, but I'm pretty sure that's more than lined out in 1968, and probably more than any of Liverpool's wins too.
Yep, I thought it was a great match. I will watch it again over the weekend when I get time. Really hard to grasp how the same sides put on that display last May then... The nerves, the drama, the chances, I thought it was a splendid final.

mph4ever, I certainly agree with you about Drogba. When he saw red, my first reaction was "go on, **** off, good riddance". If we sell him and buy someone who's more adaptable, versatile, and generally a better human, I'll be happy. Or we could not buy someone and give Shevchenko a chance....

poorquality - yeah 1 on target but also two against the woodwork. Yeah I agree overall the chances were probably even, Tevez should've got a goal at least, and either Lamps or Ballack were probably due (another) one as well.

I think John Terry missing that penalty will endear him more to the Chelsea fans now. I was thinking today about the reaction he's going to get next time he plays at the Bridge, I think it will be phenomenal. For all he's done for the club, one slip-up means nothing.

[Dead Star]

I know Belleti scored his penalty so this is a bit of a moo point, but surely if you're gonna bring on a substitute to take a penalty in the shoot-out, you'd want it to be Sheva?

also, Essien and Anelka should have taken before JT as well :confused:

Sheva has a nasty habit of missing them too.

[badtaste]

They should have played Essien in midfield, rather than right back. He was Chelsea's second half (well, he got the ball rolling).

Btw, Mark Schwarzer to Fulham.

[FuzzyDuck]

they should be in it

Unfortunately our team picked to play in the qualifiers was a bunch of prima donnas led by a buffon. Come World Cup time I have a lot more faith and hope in capello

lol i don't think Gianluigi would appreciate being compared to that idiot McClaren!

[Britney Diva]

I think Spain's chances rest pretty hard on Torres. If he's not firing I don't think they've got the quality to beat the top teams.

It's going to be an interesting tournament actually. There's not really one team that's unbeatable, not that I can see anyway, and there'll be some big names are going to fall at the group stages.

[VomitStainedCretin]

Its good that England crashed and burned in qualification because it gives them a good, timely reminder that they don't have a Divine Right to be in last 16. Definitely a shame a team from the Paedoph Isles didn't qualify.

I reckon there'll be one or two surprises at the group stage - Group D pretty open imo and Group A as well, Switzerland aside.

[dei]

group a
portugal
czech republic

group b
germany
(watch for the violence between the poles, autrians and germans)
croatia

group c
france
netherlands

group d
spain
russia

quaterfinals
portugal vs croatia - portugal
czech rep. vs germany - germany
france vs russia - france
netherlands vs spain - spain

semifinals
portugal vs germany - portugal
france vs spain - france

final
portugal to win

Yr jokin'.

[StreetlightRock]

Yea, everyone knows that Greece will play the most boring game of football ever imaginable to man and will win again, as long as George Cloony is still their goal keeper.

[dei]

George Clooney is American.

[StreetlightRock]

No He Isn't

http://sport24.cache.coltfrance.com/photos/1163253762.jpg

[Frankie]

Schwarzer to Fulham hes past his best so I'm not to bothered.

But he's been an exemplery player and excellent servant to the club so I wish him the best of luck.

But aye I thought it was a showcase of English football last night. It was also the most interesting final in recent memory.

[Chilifanthatsme]

One thing we can all agree on from last nights match was that Cechs kit made him look like even more of an idiot (yes i saw the programme the night before with the X-Rays of his skull).

[nitzguy]

lol

[Britney Diva]

I'm pretty sure his new kit makes him look bigger to opponents.

[mph4ever]

mph4ever, I certainly agree with you about Drogba. When he saw red, my first reaction was "go on, **** off, good riddance". If we sell him and buy someone who's more adaptable, versatile, and generally a better human, I'll be happy. Or we could not buy someone and give Shevchenko a chance....



i would love to see someone give shevchenko a chance. you just don't turn poor overnight. and i love his style of play. heart goes out to jt. hope they give him a good reception.

[mph4ever]

Yr jokin'.


nope, i'm not joking.

why would you think i am joking?

where are the obvious wrong calls?

i started with portugal as the winner and worked my way back:)

[RandyfromPennywise]

One thing we can all agree on from last nights match was that Cechs kit made him look like even more of an idiot (yes i saw the programme the night before with the X-Rays of his skull).

Since when has Čech looked like an idiot? From all I can remember, more often than not he's looked like a world-class goal-keeper, but who am I to say?

[Timm]

No He Isn't

http://sport24.cache.coltfrance.com/photos/1163253762.jpg

the old man and the goal...

nope, i'm not joking.

why would you think i am joking?

where are the obvious wrong calls?


germany losing to portugal obviously :cool:

:D

Can't wait for the Euro, only three more exams to go...
When Germany gets to the final I'll head down to Vienna with my friends :)

[Dead Star]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g25/JordanWinter/JohnTerrySlips.gif

I want this as my avatar.

Let it be known if it was Man Utd missing this penalty I would want that avatar.

[Timm]

I think John Terry missing that penalty will endear him more to the Chelsea fans now. I was thinking today about the reaction he's going to get next time he plays at the Bridge, I think it will be phenomenal. For all he's done for the club, one slip-up means nothing.

Terry slipped, shiit happens.
Anelka ruined his pen all by himself...

[Britney Diva]

It's almost as funny as Beckham's spectacular penalty against Turkey.

[Chilifanthatsme]

i would love to see someone give shevchenko a chance. you just don't turn poor overnight. and i love his style of play.

123. I found out about him through PES4, best player i ever used, and then saw him on TV, and he instantly became a favourite, I was amazed when he came to Chelsea and didn't play too hot.

Since when has Čech looked like an idiot? From all I can remember, more often than not he's looked like a world-class goal-keeper, but who am I to say?

The head thing. You can't say it makes him look cool.

That gif, is amazing.

[mph4ever]

123. I found out about him through PES4, best player i ever used, and then saw him on TV, and he instantly became a favourite, I was amazed when he came to Chelsea and didn't play too hot.


he was bought as a good piece of business but that jose had a plan that involved drogba and shev didn't fit in. i loved him for years on pes.





are you on pes2008 xboxlive?

[Chilifanthatsme]

Nah. PES 6 on PS2. Except i accidentally sold C. Ronaldo a month or two ago, and i haven't played it since.

[Dead Star]

are you on pes2008 xboxlive?

laglaglaglaglag

I hate playing that

[mph4ever]

germany losing to portugal obviously :cool:

:D



i am not even sure germany will beat the czech rep. honestly.

ireland were in the qualifiers with both and they were not a lot to talk about

[mph4ever]

i only get lag from time to time


Nah. PES 6 on PS2. Except i accidentally sold C. Ronaldo a month or two ago, and i haven't played it since.

i hate when i have made silly mistakes, you have to start playing with the preset teams and that is not always fun

[Timm]

pff germany always been a tournament team :cool:
and ballack will be on fire after losing the cl final yesterday

I'm a fan right now and will be till the end of the tournament so don't expect any realistic predictions etc from me, I'll only root for my team ;)

[ChodaBoy]

yes i saw the programme the night before with the X-Rays of his skull

Did they mention why he still wears that head thingy? I know he had a fractured skull, and that isnt good (I've had one too). But there is a significant gap between the indicident and now. As a keeper, he isnt going to be using his head alot, and if there is enough contact to do damage, the head gear will provide little protection

[Chilifanthatsme]

It's extremely thin on one side of it, where the knock was, and he's had a couple of more knocks.

And, some doctors think, as he's one of triplets, his skull is thinner than most peoples anyway.

[mph4ever]

do his sibblings play football?

[mph4ever]

i'm envious. i hope football wins. i <3 ballack, hes a truly world class player

[Britney Diva]

Celtic win the title. Incredible, Rangers go down 2-0 at Aberdeen to cap off a magnificent run that's seen them drop, what, 15 points?

[Dead Star]

and Motherwell win on the last day!

[sgrevs]

Scott McDonald should be playing for Australia, he is freaking awesome. Maybe there is some reason he's not?

[Britney Diva]

He doesn't play for Australia? That's bizarre; it's like Sweden leaving out Henrik Larsson.

[sgrevs]

Not that I know of. We have a few qualifiers coming up soon, hopefully he will feature.

[TakeWarning]

He had better feature, we don't have much going for us up front.

But from what I've seen of Scott McDonald so far his form hasn't carried over from club to country.

[sgrevs]

I've never seen him play for Australia. And seeing as he has been in pretty amazing form lately hopefully it will carry over.

[mph4ever]

kenyon says that chelsea are going to spend big to bridge the gap between them and manu. speculation of £100m being made available. he says the market is very thin where the are looking, they are only looking for star names, they have the depth. they have already spent £16m on boswinga. kaka being mentioned lots, messi too.

take this from a football perspective. they think players solve the problems all the time. throw money at it with the best players and you end up with a winning team. they need to look at their managers. if, with all this money spent, and careers of super footballers being toyed with, they don't win the treble this year then it will be deemed a failure. because thats what everyone expects now. anything less would be a failure. bad start to the season would have the manager sacked and a bad start is possible with players having a euro 2008 hangover and the like.

i wouldn't say we will hear about it until after euro 2008 but i do think the maanger will change, probably huddink, maybe van basten, i would hope that whoever comes in realises that they should sharpen up what they have instead of going for wholesale changes in a team that was in four competitions 3 months ago, only beaten by two points in the league and it should have only been goal difference and were only beaten in the champions league by poxy penalties.

on the flip side, the other teams, arsenal, tottenham, liverpool, villa, even newcastle, will all be stronger as the gap closes

this is why i question their executives tradition with football.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Scott McDonald should be playing for Australia, he is freaking awesome. Maybe there is some reason he's not?

Scott McDonald does play for Australia. BUT, he was a club-loyal wanker last June and July and decided not to play in the Asian Cup, so he could concentrate on his pre-season with Celtic. From a personal point of view, guess it's fair to say that it worked for him. On a greater level, he has lost a lot of respect from Australian fans, who now see him as having a similar attitude to Kewell and Viduka 5-8 years ago. He has mysteriously got niggles and knocks just prior to internationals, stayed in Glasgow, and then magically he's back in the greean and white hoops the next saturday. Love him as a player, but he's got to get more passion for the gold shirt. Australia v Ghana starting in an hour or so, should be good.

Adelaide United in to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. Get in.

Čech wears the head-guard because his skull is weaker than it should be. The head-gear has a massive rectangle of padding over where the fracture was, because that area is now particularly weak. Another direct knock of severe impact on that spot would be very dangerous. And yeah he is one of triplets, but one of the triplets (Michal) died when he was two, and the other one, I have a feeling it's a girl, but not 100% on that.

[Pastorius]

Cech also has to wear the head-guard because otherwise he couldn't play because he wouldn't be insured.

[badtaste]

take this from a football perspective. they think players solve the problems all the time. throw money at it with the best players and you end up with a winning team. they need to look at their managers. if, with all this money spent, and careers of super footballers being toyed with, they don't win the treble this year then it will be deemed a failure. because thats what everyone expects now. anything less would be a failure. bad start to the season would have the manager sacked and a bad start is possible with players having a euro 2008 hangover and the like.

... and that's why I was rooting for Man U to win the final.

[sgrevs]

Scott McDonald does play for Australia. BUT, he was a club-loyal wanker last June and July and decided not to play in the Asian Cup, so he could concentrate on his pre-season with Celtic. From a personal point of view, guess it's fair to say that it worked for him. On a greater level, he has lost a lot of respect from Australian fans, who now see him as having a similar attitude to Kewell and Viduka 5-8 years ago. He has mysteriously got niggles and knocks just prior to internationals, stayed in Glasgow, and then magically he's back in the greean and white hoops the next saturday. Love him as a player, but he's got to get more passion for the gold shirt. Australia v Ghana starting in an hour or so, should be good.



Understood. We really could have used him in the Asian Cup!

Australia 1-0 Ghana, nice. Sterjovski (sp?) is crap but at least he scored a nice goal.

[mph4ever]

theres now rumours of the world cup being taken away from south africa due to attacks son foreigners and the like. surely they wouldn't take it away, would they? and also, there are suggestions of where else it should be like america, england etc due to readiness. i would love to see it going to australia, it'd be well able to cope, is great for tourists and we here in europe could justify staying up all night to watch the games, plus i got family in brisbane and i would drop out to see them.....see

[Frankie]

South Africa has a violent past, I'm sure there was a ban on South Africa during the Apartheid.

Plus the country on a whole is quite unprepared. It'd be interesting to see Australia host it. But do they have big enough Stadia.

[badtaste]

Haha, if the WC was moved here, i'd **** my pants in joy (don't ask how that works).

[mph4ever]

hehehe, if the wc is held there i might just come and find out

[sgrevs]

Plus the country on a whole is quite unprepared. It'd be interesting to see Australia host it. But do they have big enough Stadia.

We hosted the Olympics in 2000 and Rugby World Cup in 2003. Our main stadium (ANZ Stadium) currently holds 80 000 but can easily be transformed into 105 000 I think, which it was for the Olympics. We have heaps of stadia all along the East Coast from Melbourne to Brisbane. The only problem I can think of is that there could be a fair bit of travelling to do between games, i.e Perth - Sydney or something.

Haha, if the WC was moved here, i'd **** my pants in joy (don't ask how that works).

123. I was actually planning on going to South Africa to watch the WC (assuming Australia get in) because I have family there, but if it comes here I'm certainly not complaining!

[Timm]

that rumor is pretty old by now.
if it is really taken away from south africa there are pretty much four countries that have the infrastructure and stadiums to hold the tournament given no time for preparation: germany, USA, england and maybe australia. since germany was the host in 06 and USA in 94 it would be up to either england or australia if south africa really failed. my choice would be england of course; revenge for '66 :D ( IT WAS ON THE LINE!!!)

south africa still has 2 years to clean up their act though and I'd really feel sorry for them if they'd fail (first WC in africa, it means a lot to them)

[Britney Diva]

We hosted the Olympics in 2000 and Rugby World Cup in 2003. Our main stadium (ANZ Stadium) currently holds 80 000 but can easily be transformed into 105 000 I think, which it was for the Olympics.
Wow, that's intense. Is that all-seater?

there are pretty much four countries that have the infrastructure and stadiums to hold the tournament given no time for preparation: germany, USA, england and maybe australia.
I think France, Spain, Italy, USA, Brazil and Argentina would have something to say about that.

[sgrevs]

Wow, that's intense. Is that all-seater?


Hell yeah. And the seats on the side of the field are only about 10m from the sideline, unlike some grounds which have huge gaps between the field and the seats.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Still, all our big stadiums are ovals. The biggest rectangle stadiums we have, which are used for Rugby and League, are not very big, Suncorp in Brisbane is what, 40k? SFS about the same? Although I guess if the World Cup came, they could easily tranform the MCG, Stadium Australia, Subiaco and Footy Park with extra seats on the ground.

And yeah Stadium Australia (it's ANZ Stadium now, how confusing is that!) can have those two massive blocks of seats put on at either end to get it up to 100,000 all-seater. The night I went to the Athletics in Sydney 2000 there were 98,900 people there are something like that. Basically in Australia, Adelaide Oval is the only major ground with any significant non-seated areas, unless I'm forgetting one. There are slight hill areas at the WACA from memory but not as large as at Adelaide Oval.

[badtaste]

Still, all our big stadiums are ovals. The biggest rectangle stadiums we have, which are used for Rugby and League, are not very big, Suncorp in Brisbane is what, 40k? SFS about the same? Although I guess if the World Cup came, they could easily tranform the MCG, Stadium Australia, Subiaco and Footy Park with extra seats on the ground.

And yeah Stadium Australia (it's ANZ Stadium now, how confusing is that!) can have those two massive blocks of seats put on at either end to get it up to 100,000 all-seater. The night I went to the Athletics in Sydney 2000 there were 98,900 people there are something like that. Basically in Australia, Adelaide Oval is the only major ground with any significant non-seated areas, unless I'm forgetting one. There are slight hill areas at the WACA from memory but not as large as at Adelaide Oval.

5000th post, congrats.

Aesthetically speaking, sure, oval grounds might be a bit of a bummer, but the last time I headed to the MCG to watch the Roos taking on Argentina, my seats were perfect. I could see Messi's pores from my view.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah same for me for the qualifier against Uruguay at Stadium Aus., we were behind the goals but still had a good view. Luckily the shoot-out was our end too!

Five-thousandth post, I think that's the second-time I have reached that number!

[mph4ever]

Wow, that's intense. Is that all-seater?


I think France, Spain, Italy, USA, Brazil and Argentina would have something to say about that.

sure they would but guess what

argentina can't afford it. brazilian fans would kill everybody, fact. spain, italy, nope. usa, just flogging a dead horse, the vast majority will never get it and are drafted into the world of baseball, basketball, hockey or football well before soccer, thats why women soccer does so well there. nope its australia all the way. i think we should start a petition, we could have a slogan, something cool, like, don't get stabbed watching football in south africa, get p!ssed in australia instead:chug:

[badtaste]

Okay, I'm getting blue balls now, haha.

Some rumours that I've just dug up:
- "The agent of Real Madrid forward Robinho claims Chelsea are prepared to offer around $A57.4million to take the Brazil star to Stamford Bridge."
- "Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is set to rejoin Barcelona after he claimed talks with the Catalan club were 'at an advanced stage'."
- "Liverpool are closing in on Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena, according to the Italian club's coach Pasquale Marino."

Rather excited about the transfers to come, especially regarding Chelsea.

[sgrevs]

Robinho isn't that good. I saw that about Dossena, who the hell is he?

[mph4ever]

i'd say the robinho talk is to test the water about uniteds resolve with ronaldo, they suggest they are making space. also, joe cole can't continue to be expected to carry the expectations on his own for creativity, robinho fits the bill there, but a lot of money for him

sorry to see pique go, hes a good lad, must have someone else coming through

don't think the market will start until chelsea have done heir shopping

[Timm]

Wow, that's intense. Is that all-seater?


I think France, Spain, Italy, USA, Brazil and Argentina would have something to say about that.
France maybe. I mentioned USA ;)
Concerning the others: there's much much much more to a world cup than just having enough appropriate stadiums. The whole country has to be prepared for a flood of tourists/fans; you have to think about public transportation for millions of additional people and need the infrastructure for that. the police (not the band lol) has to work extra hours (prevention of terroristic attacks and riots, hooligans etc).
Italy isn't even capable of decent garbage management and keeping their ultras under control and you'd think they could cope with 3 million tourists in one month? Brazil and Argentina are too poor and lack the infrastructure to prepare for the tournament in only 2 years.

[mph4ever]

i saw t couple of brazilians hanging out with about 2500 polish fans in warsaw, mad as hell they were. there was a couple of ultras in there as well. you don't need them coming over for a game

[sgrevs]

Get in there Hull City! Premier League next season (at the moment).

[ashman]

Get in there Hull City! Premier League next season (at the moment).

I can't believe it, the game was awesome. It's hard to think that 5 years ago, we were struggling in Division 3 and at the old Boothferry park (which had a kwik save and iceland inside).

I'm off out to celebrate tonight, 90% of the people still in Hull will be dancing tonight :chug:

[Timm]

I CANNOT FCUKING WAIT ANYMORE AAARGH

anyway, since this is a music forum I dugg out a couple of WC/Euro/football songs

Ricky Martin - Cup of Life, France 98
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJaEVmbzXSA


Nelly Furtado - Forza, Portugal 04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUOTyLX_JPQ


Lightning Seeds - Three Lions, England 96
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96-zW2c8H2o


Mano Negra - Santa Maradona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD6ewzu3aH4


Shaggy - Feel the Rush, Switzerland & Austria 08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSbdz3Gh1ms

Herbert Grönemeyer - Zeit, dass sich was dreht, Germany 06
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd4oF4dZg9Q


Anastacia - Boom, Japan & South Korea 02
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCrMLZFASa4

[ChodaBoy]

Grant sacked. What does it take to be considered a success at Chelsea?

[loathed]

Grant sacked. What does it take to be considered a success at Chelsea?

****ing amazing.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=538621&cc=4716

[talk show host]

It was clearly Grant's fault that Terry slipped and Anelka's penalty was saved.

[Pastorius]

Shevchenko is going, would love to see him at Liverpool with Torres.

[mph4ever]

grant sacked, just showing how ridiculous they are right now. one kick and two points away from a double is failure even though the you only bought two players in your whole time there. thats just sick.

[Frankie]

Abramovich has pretty much made it clear that as long as Chelsea play attractive football a manager will keep his job. tbh Mourinho's winning record was what kept him at the club.

Rijkaard or big phil to take over I reckon. Or even shock horror, Sven ?!

[Chilifanthatsme]

Sven at Chelsea would be brilliant to see. Maybe even hilarious.

Bummed about Bristol, would have been amazing to see them in the Premier. Definetly would go and see more matches.

[mph4ever]

Abramovich has pretty much made it clear that as long as Chelsea play attractive football a manager will keep his job. tbh Mourinho's winning record was what kept him at the club.

Rijkaard or big phil to take over I reckon. Or even shock horror, Sven ?!


i'd say roman has made his move prior to the euro 2008 competition to put any of the potential national team managers on alert. huddink is probably still the favorite, but after sacking of grant, i just don't know. i think they need a manager who has somethings, maybe as a player even, but still has things to achieve with the team

[Pastorius]

my money is on hiddink

or van basten

[ashman]

Sven at Chelsea would be brilliant to see. Maybe even hilarious.

Bummed about Bristol, would have been amazing to see them in the Premier. Definetly would go and see more matches.

Pfft...Bristols goalie couldn't catch a ball from a 39 year old hullite :naughty:

[badtaste]

That's right Avram Grant, back to the Star Wars galaxy. Would love to see Hiddink get the gig, might make me like the club more.

[sgrevs]

I want Hiddink back at Australia :(

[RandyfromPennywise]

About Grant, he never had the support of the club or the supporters as a long-term manager. He was a stop-gap. It wasn't a matter of success/failure, it was a matter of May 2008 coming, and him no longer being required. I think everyone can see that he was never going to be the long-term answer. That was pre-determined. I don't feel anything after hearing he's been sacked. When Gullit, Vialli, Ranieri and Mourinho were sacked, I felt gutted. Particularly Vialli.

Robinho is over-rated crap, he'd be over-paid shyte. We need a left-winger, to partner Joe Cole on the right. Ronaldinho and Messi both play on the left.

[TakeWarning]

Doesn't Messi usually play on the right, Randy?

Would be awesome to see him or Ronaldinho in the EPL.

[The_Passenger]

my money is on hiddink

or van basten

I'm pretty sure Van Basten has already agreed to coach Ajax next season.

Ambromovich probably has his doubts about former AC Milan goal-scoring machines these days anyway.

I reckon Rjikaard might be in with a shout, like most Dutch managers he seems to be in love with the 4-3-3 formation Chelsea players are used to but he gets the team playing with a bit (OK a lot) more flair and style than, say Mourinho, ever did which is apparently what Ambromvich wants.

[poorquality]

Doesn't Messi usually play on the right, Randy?

Would be awesome to see him or Ronaldinho in the EPL.

That's what I thought..

Either way I don't think there's a chance of Messi ever leaving Barca, the club means so much to him not only for football but for everything else the clubs done for him. They paid his medical bills to sort out a growth hormone deficiency when he was like 11, he's been at Barca ever since. I think he's definately one of those 'never leave the club he loves' players like Scholes, Neville etc.

As far as Ronaldinho goes, I'm worried about where he'll end up, i'm fairly sure a new club and new atmosphere will spark something in him to play brilliantly again, he's only what? 28? Best years of his career.

[Frankie]

Ever since Deco was told he could leave the cub those insane geordie reports of Newcastle signing him dont seem so absurd.

[talk show host]

Yeah I definitely can't see Messi ever leaving Barcelona, especially to play in England. Ronaldinho might be different but it doesn't sound like England is exactly his first choice either. It seems he had/has his heart set on A.C Milan but I guess if they don't want him he could move here.

[sgrevs]

I think he's definately one of those 'never leave the club he loves' players like Scholes, Neville etc.



Although Scholes has said that he wants to finish his career at Oldham, I'm guessing because that's where he's from.

[badtaste]

btw, still annoyed at Park Ji Sung not making the bench >:|

[Chilifanthatsme]

This ^. I love Park, he's brilliant, and underestimated. And O'Shea, he's cool.

I couldn't imagine seeing Ronaldinho playing in England, he just wouldn't fit.

[dei]

Nasri to Arsenal?

:)

[Frankie]

I'd love to see Ronny in the premiership.

It could re-ignite his career imo.

Hleb looks to be on his way out. Walcott should start more now and tbh hes played excellently as a sub.

[dei]

We should be trying to get rid of Eboue.

[Echleon]

Messi defiently plays on the right and will never ever ever abandon Barca as they paid for his growth hormone treatment and all his medical costs, whilst taking in his family; as for Ronaldinho and his partying reputation - would you really want him in London?

Robinho could be good for Chelsea as he is still young, and could be moulded to suit the EPL, but you would be better off going for someone with abit more pedigree.

Walcott should start more now and tbh hes played excellently as a sub.

I agree with the sub comment, but I think if he's going to be played on the wing he should be used as an impact player, rather than starting games. His best attribute is his speed and pace so he would be far more effective 60 minutes+ when running at tired defenders (see Liverpool vs Arsenal CL QF) I really would like him to see him being played more as a striker as I believe a pacy striker is what England really need.

[Frankie]

I'd like to see him played as a striker but Wenger sees him as a winger I think.

[Echleon]

I'd like to see him played as a striker but Wenger sees him as a winger I think.

Yeah, however Henry did start out on the wings.

I can't believe Walcott is still only 18, feels like he's been along a while now! Same with Rooney - he's only 22 and it feels like he's beeing around for an age!

[Frankie]

It's crazy to think if Walcott can rip apart defences like he did against Liverpool (he beat like what 5 or 6 players before squaring it) and Juve at 18 what will he be like in 5 years time with first team experience ?

[Frankie]

god I hate ricky martin

[Mother]

I CANNOT FCUKING WAIT ANYMORE AAARGH

anyway, since this is a music forum I dugg out a couple of WC/Euro/football songs

Ricky Martin - Cup of Life, France 98
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJaEVmbzXSA


Nelly Furtado - Forza, Portugal 04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUOTyLX_JPQ


Lightning Seeds - Three Lions, England 96
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96-zW2c8H2o


Mano Negra - Santa Maradona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD6ewzu3aH4


Shaggy - Feel the Rush, Switzerland & Austria 08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSbdz3Gh1ms

Herbert Grönemeyer - Zeit, dass sich was dreht, Germany 06
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd4oF4dZg9Q


Anastacia - Boom, Japan & South Korea 02
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCrMLZFASa4

Those songs are the worst thing about these tournaments.

[Mother]

As usual Im supporting netherlands, Group of death will be interesting. Hope Holland and France go through.

[dei]

coming on late in a match to play against tired old fogeys seems like it would hurt walcott. if he's to grow he needs to be included in the starting eleven more often. but i don't know **** about that so i could be totally wrong.

[DonMancini]

One thing that's hilarious about this euro is that I'm Italian, one of my best friends is also Italian, my girlfriend is Romanian and one of my friends (girl) is also Romanian, and another one of my best friends is french. All my other friends don't want to take sides so they are rooting for Holland.

This will be war indeed.

[dei]

donmancini, i don't think italy are going to win.

[DonMancini]

donmancini, i don't think italy are going to win.

I don't think so either to be honest. I felt more optimistic when I saw the final selection, but I don't think there's any real cohesion in the squad and I have a horrible feeling we're going to be out in the group stage :( I hope I'm wrong though. And even if we do get out of the group stage we're going to have a heck of a tough road getting to the final.

[dei]

it's going to be spain, france, or romania.

[Frankie]

Romania ?

Croatia I fancy this year tbh.

[dei]

romania are a sleeping giant.

[mph4ever]

i fear walcott might be at the wrong club for his development. perhaps a club that needs and wants to play him would be better than a club that seems to think he needs time - he will never be more able to deal with the challenges than he is now, distracting him by having people talk openly about his unharnessed potential has all the hallmarks of "could've been great" written all over it. i hope i'm wrong.

[aipi]

Yea, everyone knows that Greece will play the most boring game of football ever imaginable to man and will win again, as long as George Cloony is still their goal keeper.


I have heard this too and quite frankly I'm scared of them

Let's just hope they don't come our way >:

[DonMancini]

romania are a sleeping giant.

Yeah they are vastly underestimated (they even beat holland in qualifying, which is surprising) not to mention that I would never hear the end of it if they beat Italy.

I don't know if they would go all the way though. Spain do have Torres and a star-studded squad, but I can't really see them not choke again, haha, although I wouldn't mind them winning as it seems they're long overdue. France I do see going far, they have one heck of a team and I wouldn't be surprised to see them win.

Germany are also favorites, as they have the easiest road to the final and they have a great team that can do some damage.

[Echleon]

coming on late in a match to play against tired old fogeys seems like it would hurt walcott. if he's to grow he needs to be included in the starting eleven more often. but i don't know **** about that so i could be totally wrong.

I don't know much about him either as i'm not an Arsenal fan and havn't followed every game he's played him, but for me, the best thing about him is his pace.

I was thinking along the same lines of Lennon in WC2006 when he used to come on for Beckham 60> and totally bomb it down the wing.

[Timm]

romania are a sleeping giant.

http://www.sens.buffalo.edu/facilities/furnas1019/snorlax.gif

seriously, romania have a very good team but they either play very well or really really bad and unprofessional. they would reach the quarterfinal if they were in any other group but I can't see them going through against France, Italy and the Netherlands.

[Frankie]

Speaking of Lennon he did really have a poor season this year.

[mph4ever]

spurs had a poor season except for the cup. they will be looking for significant improvement this year, across the board

[TakeWarning]

Yeah, pretty crap season, but at least we won some silverware.

Anyway, we're certainly building for next season, already with signing of Modric, so things are looking better atm.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah Messi plays on the right more often than not, I think what I meant to say was that we should buy him to fix our winger/wide forward problem, because then Joe Cole can just move out to the left if Messi came. Robinho's shyte. His partying is more notorious than Ronaldinho's.

[mph4ever]

ramos has time to really pull it together. it would be nice to see spurs challenge arsenal a little in the league, north london derby is such a great occasion, especially if league standiing were at stake

[Collis]

Speaking of Lennon he did really have a poor season this year.

One of my mates saw Lennon in a takeaway in Leeds this week hehe...

[Britney Diva]

Good, he needs to bulk up.

[Echleon]

I find it funny how alot of people rave about how good Ramos is, yet he's actually got less average points per game this season than Jol did.

[Iai]

Can't really judge him yet, though. A lot of Spurs players just gave up after they won the Carling Cup.

[Frankie]

Spurs next season depends on whether they can keep and motivate the lazy bastard berba

[RandyfromPennywise]

Spurs could be good, but I'd still fancy Everton and Villa to finish above them. One or two Santa Cruz-esque signings could see Rovers get up to 5th or 6th as well. Who knows what Man City could do. Pompey, mmm, not sure about them. And I don't think the Hammers or Toon are going to challenge for the top 6. But this is all early days, there is two months of buying, buying, buying to come.

Iraq banned from FIFA, basically guarantees Australia a place in the next round of Asian qualifiers, from which we can directly qualify for 2010. Would like to see us play two more games, but overall, we'll take it.

[dei]

why are iraq banned from fifa?

[Frankie]

Middlesbrough are a dormant force.

We get a right winger worth his salt (I've heard James Milner been thrown about funnily enough) and with Alves leading the attack top 10 and beyond is ours.

Well I can atleast dream cant I ?

[mph4ever]

judging by the way they played towards the end of the season then they are not dormant, they just might be waking up

[Britney Diva]

why are iraq banned from fifa?

The government has supposedly disbanded the Iraqi Football Association, but now they're saying they only disbanded the Olympic committee.

[mph4ever]

weird, so their team could play when hussein was in power and his son would torture the team for not performing and now that they are free they have given up

i'd love to see america play iraq in world cup finals group game, that'd be cool

[TakeWarning]

Middlesbrough are a dormant force.

We get a right winger worth his salt (I've heard James Milner been thrown about funnily enough) and with Alves leading the attack top 10 and beyond is ours.

Well I can atleast dream cant I ?

Top 10 finish for Boro isn't unrealistic. A bit more quality might be needed in a few places on the park, and if the players are kept motivated throughout the season, it could well happen.

[RandyfromPennywise]

weird, so their team could play when hussein was in power and his son would torture the team for not performing and now that they are free they have given up



That's not really true at all. With Hussein not in power, they won the Asian Cup last year, where they beat Korea, Saudi Arabia and Australia on their way to the title. What they did last year was the complete opposite of 'giving up'.

[mph4ever]

i thought it was a bit weird. since i posted that i searched a little and saw that they werer being praised all over for their team of the year performances. i saw nothing of them being pulled from any competitions.

why do australia play in the asian cup? is it like mexico or america being invited to play in the south american championships? or do they qualify to paticipate?

don't suppose anybody would think that jose made sure he was out of a job when news broke about match fixing in the '03/'04 season. match fixing whilst he was manager. was he aware? was he involved.

full story here, its short http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/soccer/05/27/bc.eu.spt.soc.uefa.porto.ap/index.html

[badtaste]

why do australia play in the asian cup? is it like mexico or america being invited to play in the south american championships? or do they qualify to paticipate?


We were just sick of having to thrash teams from Oceania, and then going through a nerve wracking time playing a team from South America.

I think we still have to qualify for the Asian Cup.

[mph4ever]

makes sense, there were a couple of times where you were beaten in a play off, like uraguay or someone. fifa has been such a discrimminating bunch.

[sgrevs]

We were beaten by Uruguay once. The time before that we lost to Iran on away goals. For the 06 WC, we beat Uruguay on penalties and it was the most ****ing intense moment I've ever experienced as a supporter of Australian sport.

[Frankie]

Arent Australia now included in the Asian WC qualifiers ?

If not then it really is **** that a team of their rising class shouldnt get a fair chance just because all the other countries in the Ocenia are mainly inhabited by sheep.

[mph4ever]

We were beaten by Uruguay once. The time before that we lost to Iran on away goals. For the 06 WC, we beat Uruguay on penalties and it was the most ****ing intense moment I've ever experienced as a supporter of Australian sport.

well, at least its over now and you can qualify properly. does it look likely that you will qualify out of asia?

[ilikemusic]

I would suggest that Croatia is given some attention as a sleeper pick. The fact I am Croatian aside, they've got loads of talent year in and year out and when they are on their game can play with and beat the elite in the world (see World Cup '98). They are the main culprits responsible for knocking England out and provided they put in a good effort against Germany (a team in which if memory serves correct they have a good history against) they should be able to handle Austria and Poland and move forward, and they have traditionally performed extremely well in games where elimination is possible.

Just something for you gang to ponder.

[Frankie]

Why the **** is Gerrard starting on the left wing ?

A better question why the **** is beckham starting at all ?

Defoe's starting which I good I suppose. But really a midfiled of Bentley, Gerrard, Barry/Hargreaves and Cole/Downing should of started.

But we'll see hopefully Agbonlahor, Walcott and Wheater will make some sort of appearence.

[Britney Diva]

haha Gerrard and Beckham were probably the two best players

[talk show host]

That was an awful game to watch. I really have no idea why I always get my hopes up before any England game looking for entertainment.

The referee was a picky bugger as well.

still, here's looking forward to sunday!

[ashman]

The game was pretty boring. USA were pretty dismal, same could be said for England, even though they had some good moments.

I think Hargreaves did really well in the first half, better then I thought. Also Rooney/Defoe made a pretty good team up front, if you look over Rooneys crap passes and fouling every 2 seconds.

And what was up with that Ref? He was blowing his whistle if a player sneezed...

[Chilifanthatsme]

I listened to Radio Five Live until about 30 minutes i think as i was driving back from work. Match seemed good for me :p Picked up around then, the radio guys hated the match pretty much :p

Defoe was pretty meh, and Bentley, and Crouch.

Speaking of Crouch, does anyone here actually like him? I can't stand the guy, he's a lanky piece of crap who is only good at heading, only cause he has to, otherwise he wouldn't be pro, and he sticks out like a sore arm.

123 with the Ref points, what a pillock.

[mph4ever]

i think crouch is an extremely skillful player for his size. he has scored some cracking goals. he always does a job for liverpool. he belongs at a club like sunderland or somewhere like that so that he gets his game every week. guarantee he would get you 15+ every season.

[Chilifanthatsme]

Maybe i haven't seen enough of him, but what i've seen at Liverpool (highlights and the odd match) and England, i've seen better. I expected/wanted to see Own play tonight.

[Echleon]

Game was pretty averge - some good play between Gerrard and Rooney which was great, though Rooney does fustrate me with the amount of times he loses the ball and goes into rash tackles; and i'm a United fan!

1) Defoe should have scored atleast once
2) I thought it was pretty funny how everyone has always said that Gerrard and Lampard can't play together, and when Lampard came off for Barry, Barry then immediately set Gerrard up and he scored!
3) Crouch could be great, he has a pretty decent record for England (14 in 27) and defenders seem to struggle against him really.

[sgrevs]

well, at least its over now and you can qualify properly. does it look likely that you will qualify out of asia?

If the Iraqi government doesn't reverse their decision to dissolve their Football organisation (or something) then we should qualify for sure as we will get the points from the two games we are supposed to play against them very soon.

Speaking of Crouch, does anyone here actually like him? I can't stand the guy, he's a lanky piece of crap who is only good at heading, only cause he has to, otherwise he wouldn't be pro, and he sticks out like a sore arm.

I think Crouch has talent, but as mph said, he should be at a club where he will get decent gametime, like Pompey or something. His England record is good too, but when you look at the teams he's scored against it's not so good anymore (Estonia etc.) He has scored some cracking goals for Liverpool (bicycle kicks anyone!?) and I will be sad to see him go (assuming he does this summer).

edit: and funnily enough, I don't think his heading is really that good. He can't really generate much power.

[mph4ever]

If the Iraqi government doesn't reverse their decision to dissolve their Football organisation (or something) then we should qualify for sure as we will get the points from the two games we are supposed to play against them very soon.


yeah, but you'd rather play them, and go through properly, right

[TakeWarning]

yeah, but you'd rather play them, and go through properly, right

Yeah. Alot of the player in the Socceroos squad haven't played together yet, or haven't played under Pim Verbeek, so ideally we'd want to get a bit more game time as a team before our all the important matches we've got coming up.

[mph4ever]

there are some seriously good australian players around at the moment. i would really like them to do well, they are all good honest professionals at heart except for kewell

[sgrevs]

yeah, but you'd rather play them, and go through properly, right

Exactly. My dad just told me that Iraq agreed to reinstate their national football organisation or whatever it was so I guess we will be playing against them, which is good news.

[RandyfromPennywise]

there are some seriously good australian players around at the moment. i would really like them to do well, they are all good honest professionals at heart except for kewell

Ah poor old Harry. Gets a right lashing from all and sundry. What did he do wrong? Surely it's Liverpool's fault for not selling him off. I dunno, from my point of view it seems harsh to give him stick, when all he's done is tried to get fit, and when fit, play. Not like he's ever come out and caused controversy or demanded to play. I think he's a pretty good pro, really.

Australia are fully-fledged members of the Asian Football Confederation, the same standing as Saudi Arabia, Japan or Bahrain, for example. That is why our club sides play in the AFC Champions League (Adelaide United, the guns of Asia) and our national teams (all of them) now participate in Asia, with all qualification done through Asia, just as England do through UEFA. In our current World Cup qualifying group, we have Iraq, Qatar and China, and the top two go through to the final group, from which the four World Cup places are decided, and the play-off spot (unless things have changed since '06). So yeah, I'd say Australia are a good chance to make the WC, but no certainties. There's a lot of football to be played between now and South Africa. If our next group was something like Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea and Iran, it's going to be difficult. (The final stage is two groups with five teams - the top two from each group going straight through to WC2010.) But I still back a full-strength Australia against any team in Asia.

[mph4ever]

do you think the asian team will improve over the next 6 months due to the soccer at the olympics?

also, anyone see where soros has just about bought as roma? i wonder what the impact would be.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I don't think the fact that the Olympics are in China will impact Asian football in any way more significant than any other Olympics.

Australia 0 - 0 Iraq HT, pretty open first half, Australia looking awful at the back but dominating possession in midfield and Kewell looking lively playing as a striker, had some good headers.

[sgrevs]

Babel out of Euro :(

[Alf™]

interesting aus v. iraq game so far

missed opportunities from both sides

[Alf™]

Australia beats Iraq, 1-0.

[sgrevs]

I thought it was a very entertaining game, both sides could have scored plenty of times. Kewell's goal was great though, smashing header. Australia still looked awful at the back in the second half.

[TakeWarning]

Good game, Australia dominated posession but looked shaky at the back. Good performances from Emerton, Kewell and yet again, Schwarzer (looks like Fulham have done a good deal ;)).

Goal-scoring was be a problem for us today. We created a lot of opportunities but had difficulty with finishing.

[badtaste]

Goal-scoring was be a problem for us today. We created a lot of opportunities but had difficulty with finishing.

Iraq as well.

[Dead Star]

Did Scott McDonald play?

I can't find the lineups anywhere.

[Britney Diva]

http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/

I've set up a league for mx, code is: 31989-9025

Just a warning: you can't save your progress while you're picking your team, so make sure to stay on the page until you finish and enter. You can make unlimited transfers after that.

[Iai]

I made a predictor league too.

Code = 15708-955

[Frankie]

Sven out, Mark Hughes the likely succesor it seems.

[RandyfromPennywise]

The Special One at Inter. On about £135k a week. That's what JT gets at Chelsea. The figure is €9m a year. Crazy money for a gaffer. But he is the Special One.

Socceroos were pretty awful. All things considered, that was almost our full-strength team and we are struggling to a somewhat lucky 1-0 win over Iraq, in front of 50,000 fans at home. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Kosmina is right, we need to change to a 3-5-2 or 3-2-4-1 with Emerton and Carney as wing backs - North and Beauchamp in the centre looked shaky as. Yeah, we get Neill back now but still, I think we should go back to a central back three, certainly for the two away games against Iraq and Qatar.

Scott McDonald played, was ok, came off after 60-65 minutes, shouldn't have been taken off, should've been given a full 90, but Verbeek is way too defensive. Good chance for Macca during the next month. By the way, www.theworldgame.com.au would have the line-ups, it's one of Aus's best footie web sites.

[Chilifanthatsme]

http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/

I've set up a league for mx, code is: 31989-9025

Just a warning: you can't save your progress while you're picking your team, so make sure to stay on the page until you finish and enter. You can make unlimited transfers after that.

I'm on it, couldn't think of a name and The Simpsons was on and i heard Hillbillys, so i took that :( I don't really get this site, i'll probably leave it...

[Timm]

I joined :)

The infamous Felacio Rome managed by herman german :D

[DonMancini]

So a few (many) top players will be missing the euro because of injury, namely;

Ryan Babel
Patrick Vieira (for the first two games at least)
Fabio Cannavaro ( :( )

(For group C at least)

What impact do you think these absences will have? I think the absence of cannavaro is HUGE, as Italy will have the weakest backline it has had in a long, long time. Oddly enough they have a really deep strong offense, so will we see a shift in style from the usual defend and counter attack?

Although Vieira and Babel are important, I don't think their losses are as significant. What is your opinion?

[Britney Diva]

I wouldn't count Ryan Babel or Vieira as top players, but Cannavaro is a massive loss for Italy. I just hope he manages to miss the WC qualifying as well :-D

The "group of death" is funny in that there are elements in all of the countries that expect them to underperform. I think there's a case for all of them. Italy are in a transition period right now and I think this tournament will be a vital indicator of their prospects for the next 3 or 4 years.

I'm quietly confident that Poland will win the entire tournament, despite not having a hope in hell.

[sweboy]

This tournament will be an easy win for Sweden, np's.

[talk show host]

Think i'll be rooting for the Czech's if Matejovsky gets to play. I have no idea what sort of form they're in at the moment though so if that idea goes tits up and they struggle to get out of their group i'll jump ship.

[sgrevs]

I joined the predictor league but not the fantasy.

[mph4ever]

i got spain in the local pub draw

[RandyfromPennywise]

http://en.fantasy.euro2008.uefa.com/

I've set up a league for mx, code is: 31989-9025

Just a warning: you can't save your progress while you're picking your team, so make sure to stay on the page until you finish and enter. You can make unlimited transfers after that.

I'm in. My name is as "Marco Bresciano" because it's the same account from the last Euros, or maybe the WC06 game, so I can't change it I don't think. Fairly obviously, my team is Gianfranco Zola's XI. What else?!

Just did a quick team then: Isaksson, Bosingwa, Rozenhal, Abidal, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Ronaldo (c), Kallstrom, Nihat, Baros, Villa, and Patrick Muller (def.) on the bench. Pretty sh*t team really, but they kind of limit you with the two-players-per-country maximum, and the budget is fking tight too. What's anyone else gone with at this stage?

[Britney Diva]

I don't think the budget is that restrictive- I have 3 of the biggest money players in my team.

GK: Boruc
DF: Evra, Mellberg, Seitaridis, Robert Kovac
MF: Ronaldo, Fabregas, Chivu, Ribery
ST: Larsson, Torres, Pogrebnyak

[Iai]

GK: Coupet
DF: Barzagli, Ferreira, Zambrotta, Lahm
MF: Fabregas, Tuncay, Nasri, Schweinsteiger
FC: Villa, Huntelaar

Sub: Baros

[RandyfromPennywise]

GK: Coupet
DF: Barzagli, Ferreira, Zambrotta, Lahm
MF: Fabregas, Tuncay, Nasri, Schweinsteiger
FC: Villa, Huntelaar

Sub: Baros

If you mean Paolo Ferreira, he's not gonna play, get him out.

And honestly, why is Chivu listed as midfielder, that is ridiculous. Would defo have him in if he was in defence. Just read on his wikipedia page that he (Chivu) smokes, what a guru, that's like Sócrates, who was also a doctor (!) and he reputedly smoked 70 fags a day!

Just changed my team 'round a bit, here's the first one I had:

Isaksson
Bosingwa - Abidal - Rozenhal - Muller
Ballack - Schweinsteiger - Ronaldo (c) - Kallstrom
Nihat - Baros - Villa

and here's what it is now:

Čech
Bosingwa - Rozenhal - Abidal - Mellberg
Simao - Pirlo - Fabregas - Ballack
Benzema - Zurawski - Villa

Which one's better?

[Frankie]

Hughes is in at City with Sven going to coach Mexico.

Chelsea still managerless as well

[Timm]

here's my team

Buffon
Puyol - Thuram - Kyrgiakos - Degen
Ballack - van der Vaart - Ribéry - Hamit Altıntop
Klose (C) - Huntelaar

sub: Rosenberg

[Surtr]

Surtr with Attero FC

[sgrevs]

Just changed my team 'round a bit, here's the first one I had:

Isaksson
Bosingwa - Abidal - Rozenhal - Muller
Ballack - Schweinsteiger - Ronaldo (c) - Kallstrom
Nihat - Baros - Villa

and here's what it is now:

Čech
Bosingwa - Rozenhal - Abidal - Mellberg
Simao - Pirlo - Fabregas - Ballack
Benzema - Zurawski - Villa

Which one's better?

Definitely the second one, imo.

[Give me Beer]

I normally have a lot of sympathy for Italy as a team, but after the **** they pulled last WC, I hope they crash and burn. Seeing as the team I despise most usually ends up winning the damn thing, I can see them do it.

Belgium isn't in it, again, then again, after the last time we compted in the Euro cup (2000, hosting country, failing horribly) that might be a blessing. At least England crashed out as well. I should retract my earlier statement, I hate England most of all, and fortunately they always fail.

I'll be rooting for Germany (I have since ... forever) and the Netherlands (being Belgian, I feel I have to, lol), with a back up France ( a team I despised until the Euro 2004 competition, mind you, but they really won my sympathy last WC).

I just hope Greece goes down. Last time around they were really frustrating.

[Britney Diva]

but after the **** they pulled last WC
You mean winning it?

[Ghoul Hustler]

So are us Americans pretty much ****ed over when it comes to watching?

[TakeWarning]

I'm really pumped for Euro, supporting Croatia but I don't see them getting further than the quarters.

As for Romania, give it another four years, because they have alot of talent coming through at the under-21 level.

You mean winning it?

Probably the lack of sportsmanship. :smash:

[Frankie]

I think Croatia will get to the semis

[dei]

United States could have destroyed Spain but we felt bad for them so we let them have the win. I swear, if we weren't so kind we would have won the World Cup in 2006.

[Timm]

germany's starting 11 will most likely be:

.......................Lehmann.................... .

Lahm.....Mertesacker......Metzelder.........Jansen

...................Frings......Ballack............ ......

Schweinsteiger/Fritz............................Podolski..

...................Gomez...........Klose.......... .....

now only put in adler for lehmann plz :D

[RandyfromPennywise]

United States could have destroyed Spain but we felt bad for them so we let them have the win. I swear, if we weren't so kind we would have won the World Cup in 2006.

The sound when you have a lump of food in your mouth that you have chewed enough and it is ready to be swallowed, but you spit it out back on to the plate.

That is my reaction to your post.

[Chilifanthatsme]

Wtf, Ronaldinho maybe going to Manchester City. He could probably have the pick of any time that could afford him in the World, sunny places, but he may go to Manchester. Oh my.

[dei]

The sound when you have a lump of food in your mouth that you have chewed enough and it is ready to be swallowed, but you spit it out back on to the plate.

That is my reaction to your post.

:confused:

[RandyfromPennywise]

Ronaldo breaks wind. Ah, I mean, silence.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3654140,00.html

(Apparently.)

[Frankie]

Wtf, Ronaldinho maybe going to Manchester City. He could probably have the pick of any time that could afford him in the World, sunny places, but he may go to Manchester. Oh my.

MONEY. MAKES. THE. WORLD. GO. ROUND.

yo

and I dont believe the story about Ronny at all. 3/4 seasons he'll be at Real fo sure. Not now tho

[Chilifanthatsme]

GK: van der Sar
DF: Gallas, Grygera, Fernando Navarro, Evra
MF: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ljungberg (C), Xabi Alonso, Nani
ST: Henrik Larsson, van Nistelrooy, Del Piero (sub)

Done a lot of mixing when i realised the budget on it. Note the two middle defenders, i just picked them based on price :p

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah you're right Frankie, Ronnie won't end his career at OT but he probably won't leave now. In that story he's quoted as saying that he'll only go if those crazy sums (£75m over 5 years, also known as £300,000 per week) are true.

I hate Ca$h£ey Co£e. It all comes back to wanker Cole. Hopefully he'll go to Inter.

[badtaste]

Ronaldo breaks wind. Ah, I mean, silence.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3654140,00.html

(Apparently.)

Saw that. It'd kill Man U fans if that were true. It'd kill them more if he left.

Btw, not sure if has been mentioned before (thank you disabling of search function), but Dos Santos to Spurs is an interesting one. I'm surprised Barca are letting him go.

[TakeWarning]

Ronaldo will probably end up at Old Trafford next season, with a huge pay increase.

Saw that. It'd kill Man U fans if that were true. It'd kill them more if he left.

Btw, not sure if has been mentioned before (thank you disabling of search function), but Dos Santos to Spurs is an interesting one. I'm surprised Barca are letting him go.

Apparently the signing is pretty much confirmed. Hopefully we'll sign a new keeper now, and another centreback.

[TakeWarning]

I think Croatia will get to the semis

You might be right. They've got a lot of talent and play together really well, but I'm not sure who they'll rely on for goals without Eduardo.

[Britney Diva]

Why did Cerny leave Spurs? He's a far superior player to Robinson and I'm sure that would have been borne out during the season.

[Britney Diva]

So are us Americans pretty much ****ed over when it comes to watching?
I think most of the games are live on ESPN2 bar the opening day

[TakeWarning]

Why did Cerny leave Spurs? He's a far superior player to Robinson and I'm sure that would have been borne out during the season.

Not sure, probably wanted first team team football + knew Ramos would be looking for a new keeper soon. He was a decent keeper, better than Robinson has been lately, but he was really short on confidence.

[Ghoul Hustler]

I think most of the games are live on ESPN2 bar the opening day

oh, nice. I thought it was just ESPN360 :)

[mph4ever]

Ronaldo breaks wind. Ah, I mean, silence.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3654140,00.html

(Apparently.)

if real madrid want to sell shirts, and ronaldo brings in 100m to the manu coffers, then let him go. no player, for footballing skills, is worth that much. i reckon we could get benzema, kaka and messi in return, and still cover their wages with 300k per week.

[Britney Diva]

he was really short on confidence.
lol Spurs Disease

[RandyfromPennywise]

Crazy that Spurs got Dos Santos.

Ronaldo stories just won't go away.

You could NOT get Benzema, Messi and Kaká for the £75m I've heard mentioned Real are willing to pay for Ronaldo. Even if it was £100m, you'd only be able to get two of those players. Lyon want £40m for Benzema, Milan would want at least £50m for Kaká, and the chances of Barça selling Messi are next to none. But if it even was possible, they'd want a figure at least similar to what Real would have paid for Ronaldo, so at least £70m.

Talks of Quaresma to Chelsea for £24m. Wouldn't be a bad buy to be honest. Some of the flair we need. Quaresma and Joe Cole out wide is pretty lethal.

[mph4ever]

Crazy that Spurs got Dos Santos.

Ronaldo stories just won't go away.

You could NOT get Benzema, Messi and Kaká for the £75m I've heard mentioned Real are willing to pay for Ronaldo. Even if it was £100m, you'd only be able to get two of those players. Lyon want £40m for Benzema, Milan would want at least £50m for Kaká, and the chances of Barça selling Messi are next to none. But if it even was possible, they'd want a figure at least similar to what Real would have paid for Ronaldo, so at least £70m.




i was talking £100m, £40 million for benzema from lyon, no hope. he would want to rule at euro 2008 to make anywhere near that. lyon chance their arm but in the end they sell and would sell reasonable. maybe £25m. kaka might want out which reduces his price, no champs league and some serious rebuilding required at milan, you'd get a sniff at him for £40m, maybe a little more. messi, hes not in the same league as ronaldo yet, has yet to prove himself, hes nifty on the ball but he hasn't really completed the picture, i agree that he might stay loyal to barca but £35- £40 million might tempt a new manager trying to rebuild.

anyway, i am only dreaming, knowing our luck the glazers would have to take half the fee to keep the debts serviced

*edit - the messi idea is ridiculous, hes not going to leave on foot of henry staying and eto'o going nowhere and ronaldinho going

[talk show host]

Hasn't Benzema said that he only wants to play in Italy or Spain when he leaves Lyon? I figured United would be after someone less high-profile who wouldn't mind sitting on the bench, not some 30m-odd striker.

that's if Ronaldo doesn't go though I guess.

[poorquality]

I ended up making a Euro fantasy team on the Telegraph website thing, I might try remaking it for the little tourny here if I can make the same team. What do you guys think:

Cech

Bosingwa, Panucci, Zambrotta, Evra

Ronaldo, Fabregas, Nani

Huntelaar, Benzema, Torres

I'm assuming panucci will play because of injuries to other members of the italy team, Nani will start as Figo is too old (isn't he retired?). Huntelaar as I think he'll be given his chance this competition, and Benzema because I think he'll definately be given a chance and looks immense.

[Alf™]

What's up with the Iraqi officials charging Australian supporters 7 times more than Iraq supporters for the qualifier? Silly!

[TakeWarning]

Crazy that Spurs got Dos Santos.

Muahahaha! Thank God we're finanly revamping that thoroughly mediocre midfield of ours.

Talks of Quaresma to Chelsea for £24m. Wouldn't be a bad buy to be honest. Some of the flair we need. Quaresma and Joe Cole out wide is pretty lethal.

Definitely an awesome player, I rate him much higher than Nani. Apparently got a bit of an attitude problem though.

[Pastorius]

Remember United have 40m to spend already without any outbound transfers.

[mph4ever]

you know, i've been thinking about ronaldo. he os really only the best player around until he falters or the next best players comes along, which in soccer today is not a long time. i think if the offer is over £60m then let him and bring even more substance into the team. we are short a serious striker and whilst i would like to keep ronaldo if his move was to bring in a top notch out and out winger who bags 15 goals a season. and a world class striker who bags you 20-25 per season, up rooney's goal count a little and have a few more from the midfield then i would let him go.

at the same time, i am not convinced that all the hype is for real. things like ferguson being banned from going to the training camp and stuff. ferguson has just won the league two years in a row, he has just down the pl and cl double, there is 3 weeks of excellent football about to begin, i'd say he has no more interest of going to see ronaldo than jose has of getting back on roman's cruise liner.

[badtaste]

Blackburn's Santa Cruz revealed a few days that Man U had contacted him. He's 26, still young, and a handy player.

Also, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani's wish list: Eto'o, Drogba, Adebayor, Gomez and Berbatov. Really excited for Milan, I reckon with a killer forward, they'll be back to their best.

Read that Maldini's extending his career for one more year, what a legend.

[mph4ever]

maldini>anyone for professionalism

24 years at one club i think. makes baresi look like a whippersnapper

[Frankie]

Maldini is a legend tbh

I reckon if Santa Cruz is going anywhere it wont be the red side of Manchester, but the blue 'alf.

[poorquality]

you know, i've been thinking about ronaldo. he os really only the best player around until he falters or the next best players comes along, which in soccer today is not a long time. i think if the offer is over £60m then let him and bring even more substance into the team. we are short a serious striker and whilst i would like to keep ronaldo if his move was to bring in a top notch out and out winger who bags 15 goals a season. and a world class striker who bags you 20-25 per season, up rooney's goal count a little and have a few more from the midfield then i would let him go.

at the same time, i am not convinced that all the hype is for real. things like ferguson being banned from going to the training camp and stuff. ferguson has just won the league two years in a row, he has just down the pl and cl double, there is 3 weeks of excellent football about to begin, i'd say he has no more interest of going to see ronaldo than jose has of getting back on roman's cruise liner.


I agree on the Ronaldo thing, Ronaldhino was the best player in the world a few seasons back, Kaka was last season, Ronaldo is this season, probably won't be next season. He scored 42 goals, I can't see him doing better than that. He may well of had his best season but who knows.

What would be funny is if we sell him for 75m and it turns out he's on a downhill path having had his best season, while Nani (whom I honestly think has the potential to be better than Ronaldo, he's had a better first season in the prem than Ronaldo had, but does suffer decision making issues, but so did Ronaldo at the start) stays and we end up with the best player in the world in 1-2 seasons time again.

Only this time when Real announce they want to sign Nani in a couple seasons, Nani says no he wants to stay ala Torres at Liverpool (who took all of 24 hours to say he wanted to stay at the scousers, ending all transfer rumours, hint hint Ronaldo).

I can dream can't I...

[Frankie]

Ronaldo's own mother said hes staying

cant argue with them facts tbh :')

[poorquality]

Ronaldo's mother said to stay, his step-father said to go....this could put strain on their relationship :P

[Timm]

30 minutes till kick off :)


predictions:

switzerland - czechs: 2-1

portugal - turkey: 2-0

:chug:

[Britney Diva]

I think the Swiss might well nick it today. It really depends on Koller vs. Senderos for me. If Koller performs, he's a real goal threat, but in Rosicky's absence I don't think the Czechs are up to much in the goalscoring stakes. If Switzerland are organised and contained, I think they can boss the Czechs and perhaps nick one through Frei.

[Give me Beer]

You mean winning it?

The fact that it was completly undeserved and they got it playing dirty and lacked sportmanship throughout the entire tourament.

[Frankie]

You might be right. They've got a lot of talent and play together really well, but I'm not sure who they'll rely on for goals without Eduardo.

Petric will be the man to get the goals I reckon

and with Krancjar and Modric bossin the midfield

I'll be supporting Turkey against Portugal

COME ON TUNCAY son :')

Croatia really have got a decent defence as well with Corluka, Simic, Simunic and Kovac

[dei]

I think most of the games are live on ESPN2 bar the opening day

Is the final on ESPN or ABC?

[Frankie]

Baros hasnt even started for 'em :|

[Surtr]

I'm in Canada and its on TSN right now. I was mad worried I might not be able to watch it since I've gotten home.

[Britney Diva]

The fact that it was completly undeserved and they got it playing dirty and lacked sportmanship throughout the entire tourament.
They didn't really play dirtier than any other side.

[Frankie]

1-0 to the Czech's

[Timm]

lucky win for the czechz :(

[Britney Diva]

Aye, the Swiss were lacking quality in the final third. Yakin's header was absolutely atrocious, he should have scored.

[Timm]

Aye, the Swiss were lacking quality in the final third. Yakin's header was absolutely atrocious, he should have scored.

true.
also, it really broke my heart to see alex frei leave the pitch crying, poor lad :(

[Frankie]

Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao and Nuno Gomes start upfront

No doubt Nani will be on aswell

[Dead Star]

Can see this being at least 3 for Portugal tonight.

Maybe not, Turkey are looking pretty solid.

[Timm]

hahaha offside :D

[Frankie]

I can remember Nihat being pretty handy from the old Champ Man games ahahah

hes looked good tonight

and Tuncay man dont dive ey :(

[talk show host]

hehe that Tuncay dive was pretty embarassing

[Dead Star]

Thats some finish for a centre back.