Poll
Question:
And the winner iiiis....
Option 1: A: Poland
votes: 0
Option 2: A: Greece
votes: 0
Option 3: A: Russia
votes: 1
Option 4: A: Czech Republic
votes: 0
Option 5: B: Holland
votes: 7
Option 6: B: Denmark
votes: 2
Option 7: B: Germany
votes: 20
Option 8: B: Portugal
votes: 5
Option 9: C: Spain
votes: 6
Option 10: C: Italy
votes: 2
Option 11: C: Eire
votes: 1
Option 12: C: Croatia
votes: 0
Option 13: D: Ukraine
votes: 0
Option 14: D: Sweden
votes: 0
Option 15: D: France
votes: 1
Option 16: D: England
votes: 2
A couple weeks left before the first match - 8th of june is the date.
Group stage:
A: Poland Greece Russia Czech Rep.
B: Holland Denmark Germany Portugal (the Group of Death)
C: Spain Italy Eire Croatia (the Group of Debt - almost)
D: Ukraine Sweden France England
1. Winner A - Runner-up B
2. Winner B - Runner-up A
3. Winner C - Runner-up D
4. Winner D - Runner-up C
Semis:
Winner 1 - Winner 3
Winner 2 - Winner 4
Final July 1st, 2012
Start your predictions.
L.
Engeland!!!
Germans glowing with anticipation? Half the German team is completely depressed after coming second in championship, cup and champion's league. A year ago, I would have said that Germany is a favorite to win, but right now, I am sceptical whether we even make it through the group phase.
:)
Quote from: katmai on May 22, 2012, 04:00:49 AM
:)
This will be a football tournament not a full contact cage fight. Make sure the Dutch get the memo. Thanks.
I'm sorry someone rooting for england is talking about dirty football. :yeahright:
I don't expect either of the hosts to leave their respective groups.
Germany, I hope.
Here are the odds :
http://www.paddypower.com/football/international-football/euro-2012-betting?AFF_ID=14482&ef_id=jF1Pah1Wq2IAAEWm:20120522095311:s
I can't remember ever hving been less excited about a major footballtournament. Certainly won't be England who enthuse me.
I have no idea what shape the teams are right now but my predictor of group winners are:
Greece
Czech Rep.
Germany
Portugal
Spain
Italy
France
England
I used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you. I think this year I'm rooting for Portugal because Ronaldo is dreamy and I don't really care for any other team.
I'm hoping Holland's time has finally come and they do stand a good chance.
QuoteHere are the odds :
http://www.paddypower.com/football/international-football/euro-2012-betting?AFF_ID=14482&ef_id=jF1Pah1Wq2IAAEWm:20120522095311:s
Bizzare England has such good odds.
I suspect its not a genuine analysis of their chances but rather a "Just in case" since a lot of English will put money on them anyway.
Germany glowing with anticipation for Poland and the Ukraine? :hmm:
That didn't turn out too well for them last time.
Interesting no-one's going for Spain :mellow:
QuoteI used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you.
I love the shift from broad support to hate :lol:
What was the anti-Polish stuff from the Dutch? Not heard of this :mellow:
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 05:55:23 AM
Interesting no-one's going for Spain :mellow:
I hadn't arrived yet. :P
We're not in our best moment either and several key players are out or doubtful, but what the hell. :lol:
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 05:42:09 AM
I have no idea what shape the teams are right now but my predictor of group winners are:
Greece
Czech Rep.
Germany
Portugal
Spain
Italy
France
England
I used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you. I think this year I'm rooting for Portugal because Ronaldo is dreamy and I don't really care for any other team.
Since when do you care for football?
I think Spain's on a decline, whereas Germany's on the ascendency. I pick Germany.
But maybe because no one's giving England a chance, maybe they'll finally win. :bowler:
I'm picking Germany to win it and rooting against the English.
Valmy shall be blessing the heroic Spaniards.
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 08:14:50 AM
Valmy shall be blessing the heroic Spaniards.
I'm so sorry Larch.
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 07:30:12 AM
I'm picking Germany to win it and rooting against the English.
How is England worth rooting against? :blink:
Personally I'm rooting against John Terry.
Go England!
I don't know anything specific. Soccer needs more hitting.
Quote from: Barrister on May 22, 2012, 08:57:31 AM
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 08:14:50 AM
Valmy shall be blessing the heroic Spaniards.
I'm so sorry Larch.
I am sorry but the very ground on which I stand was once part of Spain. Patriotism demands I back the nation that gloriously attempted to bring civilization to Texas (a still ongoing project).
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 09:45:12 AM
I am sorry but the very ground on which I stand was once part of Spain. Patriotism demands I back the nation that gloriously attempted to bring civilization to Texas (a still ongoing project).
Mexico isn't playing.
Quote from: PDH on May 22, 2012, 10:06:25 AM
Mexico isn't playing.
Meh Texas was only part of Mexico for 26 years. We barely had all the flags changed before we were taking them down.
But you know if Mexico was playing I would probably back my southern neighbors.
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 05:55:23 AM
What was the anti-Polish stuff from the Dutch? Not heard of this :mellow:
Xenophobic attacks on immigrants, mainly from Poland, including a few cases of beatings and arson. This is done with support of the Wilders' guy party, which started a "report Polish immigrants for being noisy or littering" website which created quite a diplomatic row between Poland and the Netherlands because the Dutch prime minister refused to condemn the website. This has actually earned the Dutch a condemning resolution from the European Parliament and has been widely reported here.
Here's a report on the website: http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/02/problems_with_poles_report_the.php
Was the accusation untrue?
Quote from: Tamas on May 22, 2012, 06:45:54 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 05:42:09 AM
I have no idea what shape the teams are right now but my predictor of group winners are:
Greece
Czech Rep.
Germany
Portugal
Spain
Italy
France
England
I used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you. I think this year I'm rooting for Portugal because Ronaldo is dreamy and I don't really care for any other team.
Since when do you care for football?
I don't but considering Warsaw is about to be overrun by football fans I can either whine about it or pretend I care.
Fortunately, I will be away for a week (Gran Canaria holidays) so hopefully this will not affect me too much.
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 10:56:10 AM
Quote from: Tamas on May 22, 2012, 06:45:54 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 05:42:09 AM
I have no idea what shape the teams are right now but my predictor of group winners are:
Greece
Czech Rep.
Germany
Portugal
Spain
Italy
France
England
I used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you. I think this year I'm rooting for Portugal because Ronaldo is dreamy and I don't really care for any other team.
Since when do you care for football?
I don't but considering Warsaw is about to be overrun by football fans I can either whine about it or pretend I care.
Fortunately, I will be away for a week (Gran Canaria holidays) so hopefully this will not affect me too much.
Well be happy you arent in the Ukraine. With the EC coming to town the media have published some rather ugly stories from there.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dn.se%2FImages%2F2012%2F05%2F21%2Fkiev683.jpg&hash=c0ec3bfcbfbddef92e2c3e99690f885406206722)
Not Cecil approved. :mad:
There are New York Giant fans in the Ukraine? Horrifying.
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:05:14 AM
Well be happy you arent in the Ukraine. With the EC coming to town the media have published some rather ugly stories from there.
It's giving the football family chance to practice PR about human rights abuses before the Russian and Qatari World Cups :lol:
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 11:14:02 AM
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:05:14 AM
Well be happy you arent in the Ukraine. With the EC coming to town the media have published some rather ugly stories from there.
It's giving the football family chance to practice PR about human rights abuses before the Russian and Qatari World Cups :lol:
Gods....I had totally forgotten about that. I suppose there are no limits to the lows these organizations are willing to sink.
While Ukraine is not a pretty place, I wouldn't necessarily consider thugs beating each other up to be a human rights abuse - unless there is something about this picture I do not get.
It certainly depicts an abuse of fashion.......and I'm a scruffy middle-aged Englishman, it must be truly appalling for the more fashionable folk :hmm:
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:25:06 AM
While Ukraine is not a pretty place, I wouldn't necessarily consider thugs beating each other up to be a human rights abuse - unless there is something about this picture I do not get.
Well you might have heard that the gay pride march in Kiev got cancelled due to the police couldnt guarantee their safety. One of the leading gay rights organizations front man Svyatoslav Sheremet was going to tell the rest of the people going to march that whole deal was cancelled and they better pack up and go home. He never got there. This happened in front of the Reuters camera.
I look forward to the inevitable mud slinging between Geman BILD "Newspaper" and Polish FAKT . . . which are incidently owned by the same publisher.
Honi soit qui mal y pense.
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:32:37 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:25:06 AM
While Ukraine is not a pretty place, I wouldn't necessarily consider thugs beating each other up to be a human rights abuse - unless there is something about this picture I do not get.
Well you might have heard that the gay pride march in Kiev got cancelled due to the police couldnt guarantee their safety. One of the leading gay rights organizations front man Svyatoslav Sheremet was going to tell the rest of the people going to march that whole deal was cancelled and they better pack up and go home. He never got there. This happened in front of the Reuters camera.
Oh I didn't know that. :Embarrass:
But if this happened in front of the Reuters camera, what were the Reuters cameramen doing? Surely a few people could beat off 3 skinny thugs???
Indeed, if that is the actual incident then I reckon I could take the guy in yellow. I'd assumed this was some random pic from the arse-end of town.
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:41:02 AM
But if this happened in front of the Reuters camera, what were the Reuters cameramen doing? Surely a few people could beat off 3 skinny thugs???
Supposedly there were 15 guys. I guess not everyone made it into the picture. Also there were several hundred more nearby.
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:41:02 AM
But if this happened in front of the Reuters camera, what were the Reuters cameramen doing? Surely a few people could beat off 3 skinny thugs???
Press don't intervene.
Quote from: Syt on May 22, 2012, 11:32:50 AM
I look forward to the inevitable mud slinging between Geman BILD "Newspaper" and Polish FAKT . . . which are incidently owned by the same publisher.
Honni soit qui mal y pense.
Fixed it for you
:P
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 11:14:02 AM
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:05:14 AM
Well be happy you arent in the Ukraine. With the EC coming to town the media have published some rather ugly stories from there.
It's giving the football family chance to practice PR about human rights abuses before the Russian and Qatari World Cups :lol:
qatar world cup :x
L.
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 09:33:35 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 07:30:12 AM
I'm picking Germany to win it and rooting against the English.
How is England worth rooting against? :blink:
Personally I'm rooting against John Terry.
I enjoy watching the teeth-gnashing from the English press when their brave lads "underperform." Good entertainment for this 'Murrican.
My predictions:
Quote
Quarterfinalists:
Russia vs. Germany - Germany
Holland vs. Poland - Holland
Spain vs. Sweden - Spain
France vs. Italy - France
Semifinalists:
Germany vs. Spain - Germany
Holland vs. France - France
Finalists:
Germany vs. France - Germany
It's still a bit early for predictions (the Spanish squad hasn't even been announced yet, for instance), but right now I'll go with:
Group stage:
A: Poland Greece Russia Czech Rep.
1st Russia, 2nd Czech Republic
B: Holland Denmark Germany Portugal
1st Germany 2nd Holland
C: Spain Italy Eire Croatia
1st Spain, 2nd Italy
D: Ukraine Sweden France England
1st France, 2nd England
1. Russia - Holland
2. Germany - Czech Republic
3. Spain - England
4. France - Italy
Semis:
Holland - Spain
Germany - France
Final
Spain - Germany
Not picking your friendly neighboring porkchops to make it out of group play?
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 03:28:57 PM
My predictions:
Quote
Quarterfinalists:
Russia vs. Germany - Germany
Holland vs. Poland - Holland
Spain vs. Sweden - Spain
France vs. Italy - France
Semifinalists:
Germany vs. Spain - Germany
Holland vs. France - France
Finalists:
Germany vs. France - Germany
No way Poland gets out of the group, imo.
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
No way Poland gets out of the group, imo.
Even hosting? Remember Greece won this thing not too long ago almost entirely on homefield advantage.
Quote from: Syt on May 22, 2012, 11:32:50 AM
I look forward to the inevitable mud slinging between Geman BILD "Newspaper" and Polish FAKT . . . which are incidently owned by the same publisher.
Honi soit qui mal y pense.
:D
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 03:38:55 PM
Not picking your friendly neighboring porkchops to make it out of group play?
In any other group they could pass. Inthe group of death I doubt it.
And in related news, Villa won't make it in time for the competition.
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 03:45:25 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
No way Poland gets out of the group, imo.
Even hosting? Remember Greece won this thing not too long ago almost entirely on homefield advantage.
Portugal is now part of Greece? :P
Quote from: The Larch on May 22, 2012, 03:47:30 PM
Portugal is now part of Greece? :P
Whoops :blush: brain fart there.
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:32:37 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:25:06 AM
While Ukraine is not a pretty place, I wouldn't necessarily consider thugs beating each other up to be a human rights abuse - unless there is something about this picture I do not get.
Well you might have heard that the gay pride march in Kiev got cancelled due to the police couldnt guarantee their safety.
The police can't guarantee anyone's safety anywhere.
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 02:54:01 PM
I enjoy watching the teeth-gnashing from the English press when their brave lads "underperform." Good entertainment for this 'Murrican.
But expectations are so low this time round. If they get out of the groups that'll be considered a result.
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:41:02 AM
But if this happened in front of the Reuters camera, what were the Reuters cameramen doing?
His job.
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 04:19:54 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 02:54:01 PM
I enjoy watching the teeth-gnashing from the English press when their brave lads "underperform." Good entertainment for this 'Murrican.
But expectations are so low this time round. If they get out of the groups that'll be considered a result.
Yeah, that's what I said early on in this thread. No one expects England to do anything this time, not even the media...that they just may well take it all. :showoff:
Quote from: The Larch on May 22, 2012, 03:46:31 PM
And in related news, Villa won't make it in time for the competition.
:( What about Puyol?
Quote from: Zanza on May 22, 2012, 04:41:29 PM
Quote from: The Larch on May 22, 2012, 03:46:31 PM
And in related news, Villa won't make it in time for the competition.
:( What about Puyol?
Neither him, but that was already known.
I look forward to Croatia's self-destruction. :weeps:
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
No way Poland gets out of the group, imo.
I wouldn't be surprised if they make it through since it's the weakest group and they have home advantage. To be honest I know nothing about the Polish team so you may have a better perspective.
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 22, 2012, 05:39:54 PM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 03:44:40 PM
No way Poland gets out of the group, imo.
I wouldn't be surprised if they make it through since it's the weakest group and they have home advantage. To be honest I know nothing about the Polish team so you may have a better perspective.
Who knows, their group is so weak that they could make a surprise run to quarter finals with the home court advantage, but I still think they're one of the worst teams in the tournament. They have Lewandowski and very little else in terms of quality.
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 22, 2012, 05:55:23 AM
Interesting no-one's going for Spain :mellow:
QuoteI used to root for the Dutch but I recently hate them for being anti-Polish xenophobes and rolling down on pot for tourists, so fuck you.
I love the shift from broad support to hate :lol:
What was the anti-Polish stuff from the Dutch? Not heard of this :mellow:
Oh i'm rooting for Spain, but to my knowledge they are kinda beat up, so thinking Dutch will win.
Germans are nothing but chokers.
France!
Well, at least to the semis.
Quote from: Zoupa on May 22, 2012, 11:03:38 PM
France!
Well, at least to the semis.
What? They stopped sucking recently?
Quote from: Cecil on May 23, 2012, 10:56:11 AM
What? They stopped sucking recently?
Of course not. Otherwise Zoups and I would be picking them to win :weep:
Quote from: Cecil on May 23, 2012, 10:56:11 AMWhat? They stopped sucking recently?
Their current team looks quite promising again. Better than England.
Quote from: Zanza on May 23, 2012, 04:48:04 PM
Quote from: Cecil on May 23, 2012, 10:56:11 AMWhat? They stopped sucking recently?
Their current team looks quite promising again. Better than England.
More accurately, they've got a not-so-terrible group. ;)
The Dutch are great kissers, so...
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 05:42:09 AM
I have no idea what shape the teams are right now but my predictor of group winners are:
Greece
Czech Rep.
Germany
Portugal
Spain
Italy
France
England
Great insights there, Germany and Portugal in the same group, so they can hardly be group winners both :D
Same goes for England and France.
You could have said .... "Going on from the group stage.." no winners :)
V
So according to the FIFA ranking, all four teams in Group B are among the best ten in the world and three are among the five best teams in the world. Has there ever been a comparable group of death?
Just want to point out that the Languish Danes has decided that if... when Denmark wins group B Ed Anger will become an honorary Dane and should be addressed as such here on Languish.
Quote from: Octavian on May 25, 2012, 05:38:17 PM
Just want to point out that the Languish Danes has decided that if... when Denmark wins group B Ed Anger will become an honorary Dane and should be addressed as such here on Languish.
Exactly.
WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BULLSHIT
:P
I'm picking the Mexican-speakers on account they won the last WC.
Quote from: Zanza on May 25, 2012, 10:15:50 AM
So according to the FIFA ranking, all four teams in Group B are among the best ten in the world and three are among the five best teams in the world. Has there ever been a comparable group of death?
The Italy-France-NL-Romania group four years ago also looked pretty impressive.
Denmark haven't looked especially impressive today.
Quote from: Josephus on May 26, 2012, 10:00:42 AM
Denmark haven't looked especially impressive today.
Germany is losing to Switzerland. :lol:
I only saw the highlights of the Denmark friendly but they really are shit aren't they? :moon:
Germany lost 3-5 to Switzerland! Bayern's players were missing, but that was a really poor show nevertheless.
Meh who cares! It's friendlies close to the beginning of the competition. What player or team for that matter would give 100 % of themselves in a match and risk getting injuries?
None!
Nevertheless I do agree Denmark's team aren't particularly impressive. As always my goal is to have them advance the group stages although this time I can forgive them for not succeeding.
Quote from: Zanza on May 26, 2012, 12:52:59 PM
Germany lost 3-5 to Switzerland! Bayern's players were missing, but that was a really poor show nevertheless.
...That sounds like a really fun game.
England beat Norway 1-0. It wasn't a fun game. The weather in Oslo looked lovely.
Quote from: Octavian on May 26, 2012, 03:55:49 PMWhat player or team for that matter would give 100 % of themselves in a match and risk getting injuries?
The ones fighting for a place in the final squad.
Quote from: The Larch on May 26, 2012, 04:19:08 PM
Quote from: Octavian on May 26, 2012, 03:55:49 PMWhat player or team for that matter would give 100 % of themselves in a match and risk getting injuries?
The ones fighting for a place in the final squad.
Good point however I already anwered my own question. No need for your input!
:P
Poland's official song for Euro 2012:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YtDhMzDkois#!
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn23.se.smcloud.net%2Ft%2Fphotos%2Fthumbnails%2F166242%2Fkoko_euro_spoko_jarzebina_youtube_640x360_crop_rozmiar-niestandardowy.jpg&hash=cfd5a28f7e8494ab9b4b88f68dfc444be7bfcf12)
:punk:
Spain finally released its squad for the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Reina, Valdés.
Defenders: Ramos, Arbeloa, Albiol, Piqué, Javi Martínez, Jordi Alba, Juanfran..
Midfielders: Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Cesc, Iniesta, Silva, Mata, Cazorla, Navas
Strikers: Torres, Llorente, Negredo, Pedro.
My guess for the 1st XI is:
Casillas - Arbeloa, Ramos, Piqué, Alba - Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi - Iniesta, Silva, Torres
Why not Llorente instead of Torres?
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:38:13 AM
Quote from: Cecil on May 22, 2012, 11:32:37 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 22, 2012, 11:25:06 AM
While Ukraine is not a pretty place, I wouldn't necessarily consider thugs beating each other up to be a human rights abuse - unless there is something about this picture I do not get.
Well you might have heard that the gay pride march in Kiev got cancelled due to the police couldnt guarantee their safety. One of the leading gay rights organizations front man Svyatoslav Sheremet was going to tell the rest of the people going to march that whole deal was cancelled and they better pack up and go home. He never got there. This happened in front of the Reuters camera.
Oh I didn't know that. :Embarrass:
Guess it didn't make the Advocate, eh?
Quote from: Zanza on May 27, 2012, 03:35:25 PM
Why not Llorente instead of Torres?
I think that Del Bosque will stick it out with Torres as starter and Llorente as an upsetter once the match sets on. Besides, Llorente's form in the closing stages of the league hasn't been great, while Torres improved a lot.
Germany nominated its team:
GK: Neuer, Wiese, Zieler
D: Badstuber, Boateng, Höwedes, Hummels, Lahm, Mertesacker, Schmelzer
MF: Bender, Götze, Gündogan, Khedira, Kroos, Müller, Özil, Podolski, Reus, Schürrle, Schweinsteiger
A: Gomez, Klose
Quote from: Zanza on May 27, 2012, 03:35:25 PM
Why not Llorente instead of Torres?
Torres showed clear signs of improvement late in the season.
His ambition also seems to be returning after his de facto ultimatum to the Chelsea board shortly after the CL win. The release of Drogba and Kalou also indicates they expect him to be the #1 striker at the club next season, which should get him the drive needed.
One day to go and this thread is down to page 3, wtf?
Anyway, apart from the snoozefest tomorrow, some potentially great matches in the first few days.
Saturday: Germany-Portugal
Sunday: Spain-Italy
Monday: England-France
:cool:
I have to meander over to the French detachment to see if they are able to watch the EC there, otherwise I will miss the tournament. :(
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 02:22:35 AM
I have to meander over to the French detachment to see if they are able to watch the EC there, otherwise I will miss the tournament. :(
I think it's very likely they're able to watch.
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 02:22:35 AM
I have to meander over to the French detachment to see if they are able to watch the EC there, otherwise I will miss the tournament. :(
Is "meandering over to the French detachment" some kind of dirty euphemism?
Germany has the best balanced team and has quality in depth in all positions.
Spain, The Netherlands and Russia are also candidates for success.
Did anyone see that panorama documentary last week?
It was about football in the area and how anti-semitic and violent the fans are. Warning black British fans not to go over.
I somehow managed to be working on the days Denmark are playing, during the final as well.. not that those two will coincide. :ph34r:
Tyr, i've heard about that Doc and Sol Campbell's warnings, but haven't seen it.
Quote from: Viking on June 07, 2012, 03:08:56 AM
Germany has the best balanced team and has quality in depth in all positions.
Spain, The Netherlands and Russia are also candidates for success.
I'm not quite confident in the German defense. They've been quite shaky and how Germany will do will depend largely on if they find a starting for that can harmonize.
On midfield and offense the German team is second to none. Heck, most countries would kill for Germany's offensive bench.
I beg to difer regarding midfield. :p
You may have a point with the strikers, though.
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 05:23:45 AM
I beg to difer regarding midfield. :p
You may have a point with the strikers, though.
Germany has backup players such as Goetze, Reus, Schuerrle, Kroos in the midfield, which gives them more depth in the offensive midfield than any other country, imho (and they're all very young). Only Spain and the Netherlands are competitve to Germany in midfield, and neither have as deep a bench.
The problem for Germany is that on their defensive four they only have one great player - Philip Lahm, the rest are not that consistent. Of course Germany being a tournament team I'm hoping it will all come together just in time for the tournament.
The amazing thing is that the German team is still so young on average, with only one starting player (Klose) over 30, and with a huge number of younger players already applying pressure on the more established players.
On another note I wouldn't be surprised if France did quite well this tournament. The rebuilding they've done could pay off quite well for them and could lead to them getting very far.
Portugal will suck ass, and so will England and Italy.
Apparently the "Paul the Octopus" of Ukraine is a Pig.
In Poland we have like the whole menagerie of score-predicting beasts.
We should have a pool
Quote from: Josephus on June 07, 2012, 08:50:47 AM
We should have a pool
I bet five languish bucks on Poland getting through the group stage.
I think the Polish team has a lot of talent, is playing in a weak group on home turf. They should make it through group phase, maybe even finish first, but it is hard to predict how their lack of experience will play out on the big stage. Will they be able to live up to their potential or crumble under pressure?
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 09:11:55 AM
I think the Polish team has a lot of talent, is playing in a weak group on home turf. They should make it through group phase, maybe even finish first, but it is hard to predict how their lack of experience will play out on the big stage. Will they be able to live up to their potential or crumble under pressure?
Lot of talent? Besides Lewandowski, which Polish player would you put as first rate currently?
I mean, I also think that they have a shot, mostly due to the utter weakness of their group, but they'd be out in the knockout stage whoever they meet.
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fc%2Fc1%2FJakub_B%25C5%2582aszczykowski3.jpg&hash=b1edb338659f2699f5cc171a1c00f27984775936)
:unsure:
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
I am convinced that scott parker is bond villan gustav graves cloned.
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 09:18:41 AM
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 09:11:55 AM
I think the Polish team has a lot of talent, is playing in a weak group on home turf. They should make it through group phase, maybe even finish first, but it is hard to predict how their lack of experience will play out on the big stage. Will they be able to live up to their potential or crumble under pressure?
Lot of talent? Besides Lewandowski, which Polish player would you put as first rate currently?
I mean, I also think that they have a shot, mostly due to the utter weakness of their group, but they'd be out in the knockout stage whoever they meet.
I was thinking Jakub Błaszczykowski and Łukasz Piszczek in particular.
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 09:39:41 AM
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 09:18:41 AM
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 07, 2012, 09:11:55 AM
I think the Polish team has a lot of talent, is playing in a weak group on home turf. They should make it through group phase, maybe even finish first, but it is hard to predict how their lack of experience will play out on the big stage. Will they be able to live up to their potential or crumble under pressure?
Lot of talent? Besides Lewandowski, which Polish player would you put as first rate currently?
I mean, I also think that they have a shot, mostly due to the utter weakness of their group, but they'd be out in the knockout stage whoever they meet.
I was thinking Jakub Błaszczykowski and Łukasz Piszczek in particular.
All the Borussia Dortmund players, then. :lol:
Ok, time for a bit of predictions:
A) Russia, Poland
B) Holland, Germany
c) Spain, Croatia
D) France, Sweden
Quarter finals:
Russia-Germany: Russia
Holland-Poland: Holland
Spain-Sweden: Spain
France-Croatia: France
Semis:
Russia-Spain: Spain
Holland-France: France
Final: Spain-France: France
Not really in line with the fact that I answered Portugal to the poll question :P
L.
France as winner? They cant have improved that much lately can they?
France, really? Can't see it. Though the Euros is the tournament of upsets.
I can't see France winning out, but getting to the semis is possible. They have a very talented team but I haven't seen a really great performance from them, just a series of somewhat decent ones.
Quote from: Viking on June 07, 2012, 09:33:24 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
I am convinced that scott parker is bond villan gustav graves cloned.
He looks like a world war 2 pilot to me.
France: Quite a lot of talent in the midfield, a very solid defense and the best forward of the season, together with Van Persie.
I see only Holland and Spain at the same level, but while Holland is known for fumbling the big events, Spain has some injury problems that can hinder their progression.
Germany is a very good team, but the defense is leaky.
I had hopes for Portugal, because Ronaldo deserves something more than a Liga title in his career, but the rest ofthe team isnot quite on par with him.
Russia will be the big surprise, England and Italy the not so big surprises in their going home after the round.
Italy need to refound all the team, it will be 6-8 years before we can return to high levels.
L.
plus they have to get past England first. :bowler:
:lmfao:
Wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Eye-talians.
They tend to do well when Juve does well.
:lol:
Edit: this was intended as a response to your England post, but works well for the Italy one, too :D
L.
Quote from: Josephus on June 07, 2012, 11:15:44 AM
Wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Eye-talians.
They tend to do well when Juve does well.
True, but:
-italian football is in the midst of a big, very big illegal betting scandal; many top players are said to be involved, between them Buffon and Bonucci
- this last season juventus played a rather unexpected 3-5-2, a formation not easily digested by other players
- Barzagli, the most consistent defensive player of the season, is out at least 20 days
- we have no strikers, but a collection of small and fast supprting forwards. Di Natale scored 25 goals this season playing for Udinese, but he's well known as being unable to withstand pressure
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 07, 2012, 11:22:05 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 07, 2012, 11:15:44 AM
Wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Eye-talians.
They tend to do well when Juve does well.
True, but:
-italian football is in the midst of a big, very big illegal betting scandal; many top players are said to be involved, between them Buffon and Bonucci
- this last season juventus played a rather unexpected 3-5-2, a formation not easily digested by other players
- Barzagli, the most consistent defensive player of the season, is out at least 20 days
- we have no strikers, but a collection of small and fast supprting forwards. Di Natale scored 25 goals this season playing for Udinese, but he's well known as being unable to withstand pressure
L.
Btw, your current crop of defenders must be atrocious when you have to resort to a serie B player to prop up the squad.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 07, 2012, 10:56:32 AM
Ok, time for a bit of predictions:
A) Russia, Poland
B) Holland, Germany
c) Spain, Croatia
D) France, Sweden
Quarter finals:
Russia-Germany: Russia
Holland-Poland: Holland
Spain-Sweden: Spain
France-Croatia: France
Semis:
Russia-Spain: Spain
Holland-France: France
Final: Spain-France: France
Not really in line with the fact that I answered Portugal to the poll question :P
L.
I don't see Russia beating Germany outside of WWII. No way!
Quote from: Pedrito on May 22, 2012, 03:50:09 AM
A couple weeks left before the first match - 8th of june is the date.
Group stage:
A: Poland Greece Russia Czech Rep.
B: Holland Denmark Germany Portugal (the Group of Death)
C: Spain Italy Eire Croatia (the Group of Debt - almost)
D: Ukraine Sweden France England
1. Winner A - Runner-up B
2. Winner B - Runner-up A
3. Winner C - Runner-up D
4. Winner D - Runner-up C
Semis:
Winner 1 - Winner 3
Winner 2 - Winner 4
Final July 1st, 2012
Start your predictions.
L.
A) Poland and Russia
B) Dutch and Krauts
C) Spain and Croatia
D) France and England
Russia-Holland=Holland
Poland-Germany= Germans recreate '39
Spain-England=Seeya Limeys, go Spain
Croatia-France=Arky's pants are a dairy factory!
Holland-Spain=Dutch get payback for World Cup
Germany-Croatia=Germany
Holland over Germans.
Corluka's out, I'll be happy if we draw with Ireland. :lol:
Like I said, a DAIRY factory!
Quote from: Warspite on June 07, 2012, 05:53:29 PM
Corluka's out, I'll be happy if we draw with Ireland. :lol:
Not even with Modric and Kranjkar around?
It's the day before the Euros start and we've the first problem with racism:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/07/euro-2012-holland-racist-abuse
Admittedly, John Terry has been warned.
A: Poland Russia --I normally wouldn't pick the Poles, but home advanage might mean victory over the Czechs
B: Holland Germany ...anything can happen here really, but I'll go safe and pick favourites.
C: Spain Italy picking favourites here too. I know Italy is currently un-favoured but they will 0-0 their way to the next round. In fact I predict this group may have a total of about 5 goals in all its games...all against Eire.
D: France England....I know, I know, but I'm an old 66-er and must support England. They will sneak a lucky win over Ukriane.
1. Winner A - Runner-up B---- Russia v Germany: Germany
2. Winner B - Runner-up A----Holland v Poland; Holland
3. Winner C - Runner-up D----Spain v. England.; England win on penalties.
4. Winner D - Runner-up C---France v Italy; Italy
Semis:
Winner 1 - Winner 3---Germany v. England. We always come up against them, don't we. Germany
Winner 2 - Winner 4----Holland v. Italy. Holland.
Final July 1st, 2012..... Holland finally break through winning a goal-thriller 5-3 in OT.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 07, 2012, 06:19:38 PM
It's the day before the Euros start and we've the first problem with racism:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/07/euro-2012-holland-racist-abuse
Admittedly, John Terry has been warned.
LOL Poland.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 07, 2012, 07:39:15 PM
LOL Poland.
I think this is my favourite bit:
QuoteThe Polish authorities have been eager to dispel the sense that the backdrop to this tournament will have racism at its centre, and the country's prime minister, Donald Tusk, went through an elaborate public relations exercise on Thursday to drive home the point. Tusk was accompanied by a television crew on a 90-mile journey to Lodz to dine with Poland's first black parliamentarian, John Godson, and his family, including relatives who had flown in from Nigeria. The idea was to show the improvements both in Poland's road network and acceptance of different races.
Poland discovered roads! NO SCRIBES ALLOWED!
Also I love the BBC's advert. It reminds me of the Game of Thrones credits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoFc4X7Tx8
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 09:27:10 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fc%2Fc1%2FJakub_B%25C5%2582aszczykowski3.jpg&hash=b1edb338659f2699f5cc171a1c00f27984775936)
:unsure:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn27.se.smcloud.net%2Ft%2Fphotos%2Fthumbnails%2F169263%2Fkuba_blaszczykowski_zona_640x360_crop_rozmiar-niestandardowy.jpg&hash=11aba1b82149a336654976fccfe13d658d1318b6)
Much hotter here. And yes, he is not a classic pretty boy but very masculine and hot. We are not all grallons who are into young feminine boys, you know. And I love square-jawed blond guys with a stubble.
A: Poland, Russia - Hmm, yeah.. hardest group for me to call.
B: Germany, Denmark - Yes. Yes, this is exactly what I believe will happen. Holland implodes.
C: Spain, Croatia - Like Jose I fear this'll be more boring than it has to.
D: England, Ukraine - Homefield and France will suck again.
1. Winner A - Runner-up B: Poland - Denmark = Poland (whoever gets the goalie job for us will fail hard in this game)
2. Winner B - Runner-up A: Germany - Russia = Germany
3. Winner C - Runner-up D: Spain - Ukraine = Spain (unconvincing, people will begin doubting if they can win)
4. Winner D - Runner-up C: England - Croatia = England (boring)
Winner 1 - Winner 3: Poland - Germany = Germany (controversial call, poles amok)
Winner 2 - Winner 4: Spain - England = England (Iniesta injured for 5-7 months, footballworld in tears)
Germany - England = Germany (Götze for 2 in a game England could've, and maybe should've won)
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 02:57:22 AM
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 09:27:10 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fc%2Fc1%2FJakub_B%25C5%2582aszczykowski3.jpg&hash=b1edb338659f2699f5cc171a1c00f27984775936)
:unsure:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn27.se.smcloud.net%2Ft%2Fphotos%2Fthumbnails%2F169263%2Fkuba_blaszczykowski_zona_640x360_crop_rozmiar-niestandardowy.jpg&hash=11aba1b82149a336654976fccfe13d658d1318b6)
Much hotter here. And yes, he is not a classic pretty boy but very masculine and hot. We are not all grallons who are into young feminine boys, you know. And I love square-jawed blond guys with a stubble.
You can have him if I can have the girl...Deal?
I'm not going to bore you all with predictions on who's going to win what...all I'll say is that the winner of it all will be:
DENMARK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any Dane who doesn't believe that will end up in a loveless marriage with Pia Kærsgård.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 07, 2012, 08:30:55 PM
Also I love the BBC's advert. It reminds me of the Game of Thrones credits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoFc4X7Tx8
Nice one. Can someone explain all the animals. I noticed Polish eagles, English lions, Russian two-headed eagle... :blush:
The Red Lion came out of the Danish Crest
V
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 03:43:02 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 07, 2012, 08:30:55 PM
Also I love the BBC's advert. It reminds me of the Game of Thrones credits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoFc4X7Tx8
Nice one. Can someone explain all the animals. I noticed Polish eagles, English lions, Russian two-headed eagle... :blush:
English lions, Polish eagle, Ukrainian trident, Greek flag in the gate (aptly disappearing into the ground), Croatian shield, Russian doubleheaded eagle and French roosters, Italian something, Dutch orange lion and Danish shield, Portuguese flag on the drawbridge and white lion (Czechs?), cross(?), Irish shields, Spain.
Group stage:
Russia, Poland
Germany, Holland
Spain, Croatia
France, England
Russia-Holland: Russia (again :()
Germany-Poland: Germany
Spain-England: Spain
France-Croatia: France
Russia-Spain: Spain
Germany-France: Germany
Spain-Germany: Germany
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 02:57:22 AM
Quote from: The Larch on June 07, 2012, 09:27:10 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 07, 2012, 09:20:54 AM
I have serious hots for the captain of the Polish team.
:unsure:
Much hotter here. And yes, he is not a classic pretty boy but very masculine and hot. We are not all grallons who are into young feminine boys, you know. And I love square-jawed blond guys with a stubble.
Defensive much?
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 07, 2012, 06:19:38 PM
It's the day before the Euros start and we've the first problem with racism:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/07/euro-2012-holland-racist-abuse
Admittedly, John Terry has been warned.
Meh. I hate the football subculture, but it's rather idiotic to make an issue out of this. It's not like these people are well mannered and educated - they are scum. I also hate how words like "racism", "homophobia" or "bullying" are being used against people guilty of making bad jokes.
Why is it fine to make fun of someone's social class (by calling them chavs or rubes) but not of someone's race or sexuality?
What's the joke in a crowd making monkey noises at a black guy?
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 08, 2012, 10:50:36 AM
What's the joke in a crowd making monkey noises at a black guy?
Negro = jungle = monkey. It was "popular" in German stadiums in 80s/early 90s, too. Same with throwing bananas their way.
The last player in Germany who famously had bananas thrown at him was Oliver Kahn, though.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 08, 2012, 10:50:36 AM
What's the joke in a crowd making monkey noises at a black guy?
Are you saying it is legitimate and serious? Because there is no alternative.
Sounds like a good game, the radio commentating is quite good here. I hate that it's not showed on national tv though.
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 11:59:41 AMAre you saying it is legitimate and serious? Because there is no alternative.
You have got to be the dumbest poster on these boards, even compared to the ones whose stupidity is an act for effect.
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 12:13:46 PM
Sounds like a good game, the radio commentating is quite good here. I hate that it's not showed on national tv though.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 12:13:46 PM
Sounds like a good game, the radio commentating is quite good here. I hate that it's not showed on national tv though.
The BBC radio guys are genuinely surprise at the excitement of the game.
Quote from: Syt on June 08, 2012, 12:19:49 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 12:13:46 PM
Sounds like a good game, the radio commentating is quite good here. I hate that it's not showed on national tv though.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/
Well that was easy, thanks.
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 08, 2012, 12:20:39 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 12:13:46 PM
Sounds like a good game, the radio commentating is quite good here. I hate that it's not showed on national tv though.
The BBC radio guys are genuinely surprise at the excitement of the game.
It's pretty entertaining :yes:
Quote from: Jacob on June 08, 2012, 12:19:43 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 11:59:41 AMAre you saying it is legitimate and serious? Because there is no alternative.
You have got to be the dumbest poster on these boards, even compared to the ones whose stupidity is an act for effect.
Nice personal attack, idiot. Go fuck your gook's pussy.
Fun second half. The whole game's been kind of ridiculous.
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 12:43:17 PM
Quote from: Jacob on June 08, 2012, 12:19:43 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 11:59:41 AMAre you saying it is legitimate and serious? Because there is no alternative.
You have got to be the dumbest poster on these boards, even compared to the ones whose stupidity is an act for effect.
Nice personal attack, idiot. Go fuck your gook's pussy.
:lol:
I love Languish.
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 12:43:17 PMNice personal attack, idiot. Go fuck your gook's pussy.
:lol:
That's not making you look any smarter.
The Greece-Poland game is pretty entertaining.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 08, 2012, 12:43:59 PM
Fun second half. The whole game's been kind of ridiculous.
I am just getting updates on the score.
Pity Poland couldn't shut them down. Horrible second half for the White Eagle guys.
Injury time now.
Russia shouldn't have any trouble with this lot.
Typical score for an opener....not so much about the game itself though. :huh:
Hrm Poland seemed to be dominating early on but then...relaxed? Not really sure what exactly happened but it seems to me Poland blew it.
But granted I was just following tweets and commentary online. They don't let me watch TV at work :(
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 12:55:10 PM
Hrm Poland seemed to be dominating early on but then...relaxed? Not really sure what exactly happened but it seems to me Poland blew it.
But granted I was just following tweets and commentary online. They don't let me watch TV at work :(
From my radio feed it sounded like a Polish defender made a no-no and gave up a chance to Greece, and then the whole offside fuckup and following goalie expulsion.
Fun game even as it slowed down in the second half. Greece got its act together defensively and Poland had no solution to it.
Poland looks crap defensively IMO. They seem to have a decent option offensively down the wings, especially the right side.
Much of this game:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_110wcPq1TEY%2FSy2UKbyQI2I%2FAAAAAAAAF2E%2FFld_CQAdb3w%2Fs320%2Fcripple_fight.jpg&hash=88425d7a8f4ac3e76d0a01cf95f00713a43fdc48)
Euro Cup legend, John 'Faxe' Jensen, says we "have a chance to surprise" tomorrow. Beware Holland. :menace:
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 12:55:10 PM
Hrm Poland seemed to be dominating early on but then...relaxed? Not really sure what exactly happened but it seems to me Poland blew it.
But granted I was just following tweets and commentary online. They don't let me watch TV at work :(
It's very typical for our team (and really metaphorical for the Polish spirit). We are very good at early rush but then lose steam. If this goes by our usual pattern, the second game will be an abysmal defeat for Poland, with the morale at its lowest and the third game will be a grand moral victory when it doesn't matter anymore and other teams win on points. :P
Danes, who's that guy in the studio that sounds like that guy from Kryster's Kartel? :p
Oh LORD. The ITV intro to the Euros is horrifying. It's stop motion footballers (past and present) towering above their nations, with a plastic Roy Hodgson in England.
Weirdly Ronaldo looks more human in plasticene.
Good match so far. :)
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 01:14:15 PM
Danes, who's that guy in the studio that sounds like that guy from Kryster's Kartel? :p
The bald guy on DR1?
Quote from: Octavian on June 08, 2012, 02:03:10 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 01:14:15 PM
Danes, who's that guy in the studio that sounds like that guy from Kryster's Kartel? :p
The bald guy on DR1?
The way to tanned guy next to him.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultimedia.ekstrabladet.dk%2Farchive%2F00697%2FKrysters_Kartel_697985m.jpg&hash=dfc3aaad5b5d80a457d0ab3bd63dc77aba6d4750)
Also, the Russian counterattack is very good.
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 02:05:14 PM
Quote from: Octavian on June 08, 2012, 02:03:10 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 01:14:15 PM
Danes, who's that guy in the studio that sounds like that guy from Kryster's Kartel? :p
The bald guy on DR1?
The way to tanned guy next to him.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultimedia.ekstrabladet.dk%2Farchive%2F00697%2FKrysters_Kartel_697985m.jpg&hash=dfc3aaad5b5d80a457d0ab3bd63dc77aba6d4750)
Ahh don't know then. I only know the bald guy and the host :P
I like these Russians.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 08, 2012, 02:08:56 PM
I like these Russians.
Indeed. I can't really tell if it's just the Czechs being horribly slow though. :unsure:
The Poles aren't very good at finding the hotties for the slowmotion celebration/reactions.
Russians haven't kicked Czechs around this badly since 1968.
Oooooooh things just got interesting.
Number eleven needs to score.
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 03:12:25 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 08, 2012, 03:10:47 PM
Number eleven needs to score.
Like, really.
I think I can say without fear of contradiction that number 11 shall not score in this match....at least on the Russian side.
Heh just as I was typing this #11 came on the pitch for the Czechs.
And game.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *gasp*
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL
Wow.
stick a fork in the Czechs
Well that was fun.
The Slavs got to dominate today's proceedings...tommorow the Germanic peoples shall show their stuff.
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 03:47:21 PM
Well that was fun.
The Slavs got to dominate today's proceedings...tommorow the Germanic peoples shall show their stuff.
I thought we decided in 1945 whether the Slavs or Germanic people would dominate. :shifty:
Despite being an autocratic state, I've decided that blood will indeed win out and I am rooting for Ukraine.
Despite being not at all interesting in soccer, having accidentally been in Austria for Euro 2008 the event now has a lot of fond memories for me so I do think I'll try following it. It should be easier to do that in 2008, since I can watch English, not German, language broadcasts.
Saw this on Facebook. A picture of the Danish national team training.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250936_10150953587667287_705207618_n.jpg)
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 03:47:21 PM
Well that was fun.
The Slavs got to dominate today's proceedings...tommorow the Germanic peoples shall show their stuff.
:(
Wait, maybe you'll curse them :shifty:
There's a soccer team there?
Quote from: HVC on June 08, 2012, 04:17:42 PM
:(
Wait, maybe you'll curse them :shifty:
Yes the Greeks and Portuguese are there also. I meant dominate in the sense that three of the four teams involved.
Quote from: Octavian on June 08, 2012, 04:17:11 PM
Saw this on Facebook. A picture of the Danish national team training.
Well there is something for everybody there.
Only saw the first half of that last game but it looked good. Judging from the scoreliene I missed a good second half.
The Czechs looks okay but their defense is shit.
You're a upstanding individual Octavian.
Is this stuff being shown on US TV?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 08, 2012, 05:01:11 PM
You're a upstanding individual Octavian.
Is this stuff being shown on US TV?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/fixtures/_/league/uefa.euro/european-championship?cc=5901
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 08, 2012, 05:01:11 PM
You're a upstanding individual Octavian.
Is this stuff being shown on US TV?
As funk's link shows, games live on ESPN or ESPN2 and then replays at night on ESPN2.
Now getting rdy for USA's first World Cup qualifier of this round. Bring on Antigua!
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:09:46 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 08, 2012, 05:01:11 PM
You're a upstanding individual Octavian.
Is this stuff being shown on US TV?
As funk's link shows, games live on ESPN or ESPN2 and then replays at night on ESPN2.
Now getting rdy for USA's first World Cup qualifier of this round. Bring on Antigua!
If we lose I may actually laugh myself to death.
Don't even joke about losing Funkster. Some friends who are working down in Tampa are at the game.
AMERICA 7 - 0 Antigua&Barbuda :)
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:09:46 PM
As funk's link shows, games live on ESPN or ESPN2 and then replays at night on ESPN2.
Roundabout what time are live broadcasts?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 08, 2012, 05:43:06 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:09:46 PM
As funk's link shows, games live on ESPN or ESPN2 and then replays at night on ESPN2.
Roundabout what time are live broadcasts?
um todays were at 7:30 and 10:30am my time so....10:30 and 1:30 Iowa time?
Next game is in 17 hours and will be one to watch.
Denmark getting squashed is gonna be Awesome :w00t:
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:54:16 PM
Denmark getting squashed is gonna be Awesome :w00t:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wearysloth.com%2FGallery%2FActorsA%2F492-19453.jpg&hash=8042bfbfbb6ee76ca453c26d1842a3f00c1fc6c6)
Germany will score three goals.
Nicklas Bendtner to score four goals.
Quote from: Maladict on June 08, 2012, 05:11:44 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 08, 2012, 03:43:02 AM
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 07, 2012, 08:30:55 PM
Also I love the BBC's advert. It reminds me of the Game of Thrones credits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoFc4X7Tx8
Nice one. Can someone explain all the animals. I noticed Polish eagles, English lions, Russian two-headed eagle... :blush:
English lions, Polish eagle, Ukrainian trident, Greek flag in the gate (aptly disappearing into the ground), Croatian shield, Russian doubleheaded eagle and French roosters, Italian something, Dutch orange lion and Danish shield, Portuguese flag on the drawbridge and white lion (Czechs?), cross(?), Irish shields, Spain.
Ok I got it, you got most ones right. There are:
English lions, Polish eagles, Ukrainian trident, German eagles flying over Greek gate, Croatian shield, Russian eagle with French roosters, Italian shields, Dutch lion and Danish shields, Czech lion screaming at Portuguese shield, Swedish cross, Irish shields, and English lions again roaring at the Spanish flag. These are actually emblems of national teams (the nations that do not have heraldic animals but various symbols got the shields).
Tuesday is going to be fun. Poland faces Russia. If yesterday is any indicator, Russians will make a quick work out of Poles. I predict a riot.
It will be Katyn all over again. :(
I've read that there's rumors that Russian fans planned to unfold a transparent during the game reading "Smolensk" and then release lots of paper planes. :lol:
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:20:11 AM
It will be Katyn all over again. :(
I've read that there's rumors that Russian fans planned to unfold a transparent during the game reading "Smolensk" and then release lots of paper planes. :lol:
Yes, I read that too. :lol:
See, for me this is along the same lines as making monkey sounds when an African player is playing - it's a crude joke. But people tend to get all up in arms over stuff like this for some reason.
Quote from: Martinus on June 09, 2012, 01:34:47 AM
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:20:11 AM
It will be Katyn all over again. :(
I've read that there's rumors that Russian fans planned to unfold a transparent during the game reading "Smolensk" and then release lots of paper planes. :lol:
Yes, I read that too. :lol:
See, for me this is along the same lines as making monkey sounds when an African player is playing - it's a crude joke. But people tend to get all up in arms over stuff like this for some reason.
You have every reason to get worked up on monkey-sounds thrown at black guys, Mr. Polack. It is so primitive that. It implies that the person is actually an animal from the jungle.
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:54:16 PM
Denmark getting squashed is gonna be Awesome :w00t:
Why?
Just trolling Liep, the no good bastard never introduced me to his sister. <_<
and rooting for the Dutch.
Quote from: Tamas on June 09, 2012, 02:07:32 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 09, 2012, 01:34:47 AM
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:20:11 AM
It will be Katyn all over again. :(
I've read that there's rumors that Russian fans planned to unfold a transparent during the game reading "Smolensk" and then release lots of paper planes. :lol:
Yes, I read that too. :lol:
See, for me this is along the same lines as making monkey sounds when an African player is playing - it's a crude joke. But people tend to get all up in arms over stuff like this for some reason.
You have every reason to get worked up on monkey-sounds thrown at black guys, Mr. Polack. It is so primitive that. It implies that the person is actually an animal from the jungle.
But that's not really different from us making fun of you that you live in a swamp, use beets and goats as a currency and are a gypsy. Or making jokes about a plane crash or 911.
What I resent in the modern society is the double standard that gives some groups a protected status (even if I belong to a group that is rapidly coming to a forefront of such special status) that the other groups do not enjoy. So it's better to throw the door wide open and allow everything than having arbitrary political correctness like this.
Edit: And I never said this was a good or a sophisticated joke - I called it primitive and crude myself. But people are not calling it a bad joke - they are calling it racist and want someone to be punished for that.
That is actually a broader issue - as long as people are not actually and directly calling to violence or committing violence, they should be free to say whatever they like. I want to live in a society where a Swedish pastor may preach that gays go to hell and a London-based imam may call homosexuals to be worse than pigs and not be punished for it, as long as I can likewise draw a caricature of Mohammad being sodomized by Jesus - the alternative is illiberal and ultimately much much worse.
Hell, I am even reconsidering laws that ban discrimination in (private) workplaces or in access to privately offered goods and services - because you are unable to arrive at a universal standard that is not unfair (why is it fine for a gogo bar to turn down an ugly girl but not fine for a right wing organization to turn down a flamboyantly gay clerk or for a butchery store to turn down a muslim - the ugly girl can do just as much about her ugliness as the gay guy can do about his homosexuality; not to mention the universally accepted discrimination against the naturally-born stupid).
So you end up with inequality, where groups with better lobbyists get better treatment than the ones who do not have that.
Coming back to football, there is this joke that has so far been true for the last decade or so (and looks like it may be true this time as well) that Poles always play three games only in any championship:
- the opening game
- the game for everything, and
- the game for honor.
It looks like we are on the good way to fall into the same pattern again. The game for everything will be the game with Russia which I predict we will lose ignominiously, and the third game will be the game with Czech Republic which we will win, thus giving us a (honorable) third place in the group.
Russia and Greece will leave the group. :P
My predictions for "our" group:
Russia - Poland 2:1
Russia - Greece 1:1
Greece - Czech Republic 2:0
Poland - Czech Republic 2:1
Greeks have been traditionally very good in defensive so I think they will stop Russians, and Poles are good in offensive but weak in defensive so while we will score a goal on Russians they will score more.
Marty, two things:
-for years you got into a blind rage if anyone made a slight gay joke on the forum
-the ones who think it is funny to make monkey-sounds toward black people are dumb savages who are a waste of oxygen. It is not a witty joke FFS. They are convinced they are superior to the black guys on the merit of skin color, and you would know this full well if you would leave the confines of the Warsaw gay aristocracy for a while.
Quote from: Tamas on June 09, 2012, 03:23:21 AM
-for years you got into a blind rage if anyone made a slight gay joke on the forum
People can change.
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 03:47:21 PMThe Slavs got to dominate today's proceedings...tommorow the Germanic peoples shall show their stuff.
One of the ITV Commentator's yesterday was saying how 'Poland is the perfect choice for both of these teams. They've just had to travel a short distance from Poland's flanks to get here.' The historically aware in the nation flinched.
I take your points from a libertarian perspective Marty, though I disagree because I don't mind political correctness.
But I think the national teams with black players are entirely right to not tolerate racism and I think that UEFA have every right to try and stop it happening in football grounds by players or by fans. If you want to go and chant monkey noises at black players, do it in your pub. Football as a private organisation is, in my view, entirely right to say that regardless of where they are that racism won't be tolerated. This isn't about society at large, or laws but a private organisation whose goal is to deliver entertaining football matches.
Dammit, the French satellite dish is down due to a card burning out, so I won't be able to watch the EC at all. :cry:
Are you able to watch an online stream? I'm sure there are dozens of legal (and illegal) streams up.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 09, 2012, 11:04:56 AM
Are you able to watch an online stream? I'm sure there are dozens of legal (and illegal) streams up.
Our commercial internet service has been down for two weeks and will be down for another two weeks. You can't stream thru NIPR at work and the MWR network is far too slow. :(
The Dutch do look like they've got their shit together more.
Uh oh... free kick just outside the box.
Quote from: Hansmeister on June 09, 2012, 11:06:53 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 09, 2012, 11:04:56 AM
Are you able to watch an online stream? I'm sure there are dozens of legal (and illegal) streams up.
Our commercial internet service has been down for two weeks and will be down for another two weeks. You can't stream thru NIPR at work and the MWR network is far too slow. :(
Damn that sucks man. :(
Damn commo. :Embarrass:
HahahahahHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Oh yeah! :)
Quote from: Jacob on June 09, 2012, 11:25:54 AM
HahahahahHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Oh yeah! :)
Great goal. :bowler:
A little too much passing to the goalie there :ph34r:
Quote from: Jacob on June 09, 2012, 11:37:37 AM
A little too much passing to the goalie there :ph34r:
Ole :lol:
Still think at the end of the game, when Holland wins 3-1 we'll be saying, "damn, those Dutch couldn't buy a goal in the first half."
I think that the Dutch need to rethink their strategy of "Pass-Pass-Pass-Run to the box-Scream for handball-Give up cheap goal"
Quote from: PDH on June 09, 2012, 11:59:11 AM
I think that the Dutch need to rethink their strategy of "Pass-Pass-Pass-Run to the box-Scream for handball-Give up cheap goal"
Steady now, it is only halftime. No need for radical changes at the first sign of adversity.
Listening on the radio and I can't really understand how were not behind, the commentators seems about ready to die from strokes every time the Dutch have the ball.
Robben is trying too hard and trying to do everything himself. He's making himself look silly.
Quote from: Liep on June 09, 2012, 12:17:05 PM
Listening on the radio and I can't really understand how were not behind, the commentators seems about ready to die from strokes every time the Dutch have the ball.
They're right... the Dutch have had a lot of good chances. We've been lucky so far.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Take that. Stupid Dutch.
Somewhere thousands of big-boobed Dutch chicks are crying...and I am a hemisphere away to help console them.
!!!!!
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.sportsworldcards.com%2Fekmps%2Fshops%2Fsportsworld%2Fimages%2Fdenmark-barcelona-michael-laudrup-29-euro-96-panini-snickers-cap-19761-p.jpg&hash=058a59245117d69fdc48f8ca08ceb686833d9525)
Well it's always good to see an underdog win, and I'd rather it be the danes than the Portos. Good job Denmark, you've effectively taken the world cup finalists out of this tournament.
Am I hearing things, or is the US commentator pronouncing L'viv as "Ell Vee"? :bleeding:
Quote from: Josephus on June 09, 2012, 01:11:08 PM
Well it's always good to see an underdog win, and I'd rather it be the danes than the Portos.
:o :(
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 09, 2012, 06:50:17 AM
Quote from: Valmy on June 08, 2012, 03:47:21 PMThe Slavs got to dominate today's proceedings...tommorow the Germanic peoples shall show their stuff.
One of the ITV Commentator's yesterday was saying how 'Poland is the perfect choice for both of these teams. They've just had to travel a short distance from Poland's flanks to get here.' The historically aware in the nation flinched.
Fighting it out in Poland and Ukraine the Germans and Russians fight for Europe while Denmark, Poland, Holland, England, France, Italy, Greece and the Czechs; beaten; watch from the sidelines while the Chetniks and Ustasha fight out their own battle on the sidelines.
Only this time The Yanks are NOT coming and the English are bitching how the only thing that really counts is that they conquered half the world in 1763.
Quote from: katmai on June 08, 2012, 05:54:16 PM
Denmark getting squashed is gonna be Awesome :w00t:
Post-game quoting is funnier when you win.
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:19:10 PM
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
That's understandable. It's like Germans calling Kaliningrad Konigsberg: they're allowed to do it, because they held it for a little while.
I forgot Pepe played for Portugal, I now wish more than before for a German win.
A reckless tackle from a Portutard? Colour me surprised.
Well done Danes.
So far British commentators are moaning about the refereeing - getting ready for our torrid tournament :lol:
From here it looks like the Ukraine stadia have had better atmospheres.
I hope Germany get a bit of their swagger back later in the game and destroy the Portuguese :menace:
Ronaldo with eight successive stepovers. :moon:
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:19:10 PM
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
All right then, let's call it Leopolis as it should be.
:lol: 'Please. Throwing objects is not sportsmanlike.'
Mother fucker!
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 01:18:45 PM
Quote from: Josephus on June 09, 2012, 01:11:08 PM
Well it's always good to see an underdog win, and I'd rather it be the danes than the Portos.
:o :(
Nothing personal. Just don't like Ronaldo. :hug:
Hard for me to decide which national team I dislike more.
Oh hell, who am I kidding. Nothing better than see Germany lose.
Rooting for the Nazis. Not fond of the Corkistani practice of bribing Brazilians to defect.
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:19:10 PM
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
The proper name is "Lwow". It's a Polish city. Ukes and Krauts can go fuck themselves. :P
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 02:40:49 PM
Rooting for the Nazis. Not fond of the Corkistani practice of bribing Brazilians to defect.
Germany is full of turks and poles :P
Quote from: Josephus on June 09, 2012, 02:36:24 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 01:18:45 PM
Quote from: Josephus on June 09, 2012, 01:11:08 PM
Well it's always good to see an underdog win, and I'd rather it be the danes than the Portos.
:o :(
Nothing personal. Just don't like Ronaldo. :hug:
Messi fan, huh? it's ok, i forgive you :P
Ronaldo is my favorite. :perv:
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 02:44:21 PM
Germany is full of turks and poles :P
They were acquired honestly, through slave labor.
Quote from: DGuller on June 09, 2012, 01:36:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:19:10 PM
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
That's understandable. It's like Germans calling Kaliningrad Konigsberg: they're allowed to do it, because they held it for a little while.
d'oh the american is calling 690 years "a little while"
Dammit
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 03:18:29 PM
it's ok, your daughters shall marry porkchops and I'll get the last laugh :P
Do your gypsy curses still work if they're spelled incorrectly?
Fuck sakes, Hillary has started editing for typos.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 03:18:29 PM
it's ok, your daughters shall marry porkchops and I'll get the last laugh :P
Do your gypsy curses still work if they're spelled incorrectly?
Fuck sakes, Hillary has started editing for typos.
I know not of what you speak :shifty:
:P
Final whistle.
PHEW!
*wipes sweat off brow*
Germany's destiny is to win, and then all the Southern lands will have to accept austerity.
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 03:39:57 PM
Final whistle.
PHEW!
*wipes sweat off brow*
Now you must beat denmark.
Quite the Iberian explosion at the end. Krauts dodged a bullet.
Syt: what does Schweinscteiger mean?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 03:48:50 PM
Quite the Iberian explosion at the end. Krauts dodged a bullet.
Syt: what does Schweinscteiger mean?
pigfarmer iirc
Quote from: HVC on June 09, 2012, 02:44:45 PMMessi fan, huh? it's ok, i forgive you :P
FWIW...he scored 3 today v. Brazil. :D
Quote from: Viking on June 09, 2012, 03:05:18 PM
Quote from: DGuller on June 09, 2012, 01:36:32 PM
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 01:19:10 PM
Austrian media often call it Lemberg. :habsburg:
That's understandable. It's like Germans calling Kaliningrad Konigsberg: they're allowed to do it, because they held it for a little while.
d'oh the american is calling 690 years "a little while"
Today I'm Ukrainian. The day after tomorrow I will probably be an American again, unless the Swedes somehow choke.
You'll always be a dirty Uke to me Dguller. :hug:
DG is a helot.
Quote from: katmai on June 09, 2012, 05:44:06 PM
You'll always be a dirty Uke to me Dguller. :hug:
Hey! :mad: I'll have you know I took a shower just last week. :contract:
Either a dirty uke or a disreputable Miami Hurricane lover, your pick!
Quote from: katmai on June 09, 2012, 05:44:06 PM
You'll always be a dirty Uke to me Dguller. :hug:
But he can take a shower and no longer be a dirty Uke, while you will always be a Mexican't. :console:
I wouldn't expect a Uke to be smart enough to understand. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Viking on June 09, 2012, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 03:48:50 PM
Quite the Iberian explosion at the end. Krauts dodged a bullet.
Syt: what does Schweinscteiger mean?
pigfarmer iirc
It's where the name comes from, yes. It could also be understood as pig climber.
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 11:43:52 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 09, 2012, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 03:48:50 PM
Quite the Iberian explosion at the end. Krauts dodged a bullet.
Syt: what does Schweinscteiger mean?
pigfarmer iirc
It's where the name comes from, yes. It could also be understood as pig climber.
so basically his name is pig fucker? :lol:
The Polish media apparently are unable to take a reasonable middle ground on the whole event and are either doing the "OMG THIS IS SO AWESOME WOOOOOOOOHOOOOO POLSKA! POLSKA! POLSKA!" extreme or (the minority) the "OMG THIS IS SUCH A WASTE OF MONEY AND HOLIDAY FOR RACIST TROGLODYTES WE NEED TO CASTRATE ALL MALE SPORT FANS AND SEND THEM TO REEDUCATION CAMPS" extreme. :rolleyes:
FOr the people who want to memorize the German players' names:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5u00iLFI5U&feature=player_embedded
Quote from: Syt on June 09, 2012, 11:43:52 PM
Quote from: Viking on June 09, 2012, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 09, 2012, 03:48:50 PM
Quite the Iberian explosion at the end. Krauts dodged a bullet.
Syt: what does Schweinscteiger mean?
pigfarmer iirc
It's where the name comes from, yes. It could also be understood as pig climber.
I always understood it that way. :smarty:
According to some German comedians, he also gets passionate love letters from Angela Merkel. :)
LOL tomorrow's cover of Newsweek Poland:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fm.natemat.pl%2F52daf707cbc6296b11978f86d33e3038%2C641%2C0%2C0%2C0.jpg&hash=0ac0121e60fe3e84e478c5ee8315878cfd64982a)
In case someone does not figure it out, it says "Poland - Russia, Battle of Warsaw 2012" and the Polish coach wearing Pilsudski's uniform. :lol:
Why is he giving the boyscout salute?
Quote from: Syt on June 10, 2012, 07:04:17 AM
Why is he giving the boyscout salute?
That's Polish military salute.
Quote from: Syt on June 10, 2012, 07:04:17 AM
Why is he giving the boyscout salute?
Boy scout salute is three fingered, I believe.
ESPN says Italy will play 3-5-2 and Spain with no formal strikers.
Excellent. :lol:
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 10, 2012, 10:51:17 AM
ESPN says Italy will play 3-5-2 and Spain with no formal strikers.
Excellent. :lol:
If you play with no strikers, are you hoping to bore the other team to death? Is this a common strategy?
I'm sure the Italians will act like they're being murdered no matter what Spain does. Italians are divers and cowards.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 10, 2012, 11:00:48 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 10, 2012, 10:51:17 AM
ESPN says Italy will play 3-5-2 and Spain with no formal strikers.
Excellent. :lol:
If you play with no strikers, are you hoping to bore the other team to death? Is this a common strategy?
Barcelona played with no real striker a lot this past season, but of course they have Messi.
Quote from: Josephus on June 10, 2012, 09:46:53 AM
Quote from: Syt on June 10, 2012, 07:04:17 AM
Why is he giving the boyscout salute?
Boy scout salute is three fingered, I believe.
You're right, cub scouts is two fingers.
I'm enjoying this match a lot. And cheering on Italy.
Yeah, game seems to be better than thought it would. Italy's 3-5-2 formation is certainly not defensive-based. They're taking the game to Spain and had the better chances.
But Balotelli will be sent off soon.
We need a 9 there.
[edit] Llorente warming up. :)
Better than I expected, till now.
Balotelli better be subbed between halves, because otherwise he'll surely get a red card.
L.
Quote from: Iormlund on June 10, 2012, 11:53:07 AM
We need a 9 there.
[edit] Llorente warming up. :)
Yeah, and we have Di Natale wrming up. :glare: Good player, but completely unable to stand the pressure, and always severly underperformed with the national team.
L.
Good game so far. Italy will win unless del Bosque puts on someone who will actually shoot. Balotelli to get a red in the 80' unless subbed off.
LOL Balotelli just froze :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao:
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU BALOTELLI FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
L.
Well this just turned interesting. :)
Two great goals. :)
Quote from: alfred russel on June 10, 2012, 11:00:48 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 10, 2012, 10:51:17 AM
ESPN says Italy will play 3-5-2 and Spain with no formal strikers.
Excellent. :lol:
If you play with no strikers, are you hoping to bore the other team to death? Is this a common strategy?
It is traditional for Italy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catenaccio
FFS, why Torres? :weep:
Quote from: Iormlund on June 10, 2012, 12:32:26 PM
FFS, why Torres? :weep:
He's a parody of himself now. Maybe now Llorente will get a look in???
Quote from: Pedrito on June 10, 2012, 11:58:32 AM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 10, 2012, 11:53:07 AM
We need a 9 there.
[edit] Llorente warming up. :)
Yeah, and we have Di Natale wrming up. :glare: Good player, but completely unable to stand the pressure, and always severly underperformed with the national team.
L.
I liked him.
Of course 90% of the goal was Pirlo's (:wub:), but all in all, Di Natale was great getting behind the defense and finishing.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 10, 2012, 12:50:06 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on June 10, 2012, 12:32:26 PM
FFS, why Torres? :weep:
He's a parody of himself now. Maybe now Llorente will get a look in???
He's always been like that at the National team. He could be the greatest player in the world if only he got a lobotomy. As long as he operates on instinct alone he can do anything. But once he has time to think, he always fucks up.
Torres. :lol:
An unexpectedly good game between two teams who 20 years ago would have bored us to death. Best game of the tournie so far, I think. Italy had the better first half, I thought, taking the game to Spain but in the second half felt they let off a bit and no longer threatened Spain's weak left flank. Even before Italy scored I thought Spain were starting to control the game. 1-1 fair score.
Torres was a parody of himself flubbing that chance. I still have hopes for Balotelli. Italy impressed more than I expected. Fun game though.
Croatia v. Ireland is pretty good too. Though that last goal was clearly offside. :mad:
Jelavic :wub:
I take that back. On reflection, that second goal was clearly NOT offside, since the ball was played back by Irish defender.
Ireland is getting slaughtered.
:yeah:
Quote from: Syt on June 08, 2012, 11:46:15 AM
The last player in Germany who famously had bananas thrown at him was Oliver Kahn, though.
a.k.a the missing link between ape and man. QED :contract:
See? That's the point. I have a somewhat elongated skull, so back at school some people made fun of me, comparing me to a horse - including making horse-like noises etc. While I certainly wasn't amused, I wouldn't consider it anything particularly objectionable, like serious bullying or anything (I didn't cry myself to sleep or consider killing myself over it*). Hell, even at work I got a nickname "bison" for the same reason (which I found out only after a while - again, it's not my fault I look like this and I'm not particularly fond of being reminded of this, but I laughed). And I probably look less like a horse/bison than your average black athlete looks like an ape (hint: athletes are not very smart and usually look the part). So what gives?
Edit: Let's have another question: why is it more acceptable to compare a fat white person to a walrus than a fat black person to a gorilla?
*Incidentally, if you commit suicide as a result of people making fun of you at school, your mental health is the culprit, not the people making fun of you.
Apes are second-class cousins of humans and a lot of people who still bother with insults like that actually mean it.
While it is pretty safe to assume that nobody actually thinks you are a half-horse subhuman. (altough it's Poland, so who knows).
That said, neither should be banned by law (as Sheilbh pointed out, FIFA is a private organization and is free to install whatever rules at its tournaments), but neither should be accepted by society either.
Quote from: Tamas on June 11, 2012, 06:08:09 AM
Apes are second-class cousins of humans and a lot of people who still bother with insults like that actually mean it.
While it is pretty safe to assume that nobody actually thinks you are a half-horse subhuman. (altough it's Poland, so who knows).
That said, neither should be banned by law (as Sheilbh pointed out, FIFA is a private organization and is free to install whatever rules at its tournaments), but neither should be accepted by society either.
It's UEFA not FIFA and I think the controversy is about the Brits and the Dutch complaining that UEFA is not actually doing enough. So the argument should go the other way.
BTW Marty, your seemingly sudden change from "you said gay? YOU HOMOPHOBIC SHIT I HOPE YOU GET CANCER AND YOUR FAMILY DIES BURNED ALIVE IN A CAR ACCIDENT" to "people say stuff. I don't care, I just chill" is positively frightening.
Quote from: Martinus on June 11, 2012, 06:34:59 AM
It's UEFA not FIFA and I think the controversy is about the Brits and the Dutch complaining that UEFA is not actually doing enough. So the argument should go the other way.
The Dutch captain said it was an issue and they had to go and train at the other end of the pitch. UEFA and then some of the Dutch media said that actually it was just a few people making monkey noises. Then video came out which suggests it's a bit more than a few people:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/video/2012/jun/08/euro-2012-racism-dutch-training-video
UEFA has every right as a private organisation to take whatever steps they think necessary to stop racism. The teams have to train publicly and UEFA have to provide them with decent training grounds for that which should include not having to move because you're being racially abused and not being abused in general during the training.
You're right the English and Dutch have made an issue of this (though it's also been an issue in the Czech-Russia game and Balotelli has said he'll walk off if he's abused). But I think in part they made this an issue early in the game to make it clear to UEFA that they won't tolerate much and will walk off or expect the ref to stop a game (as they're meant to) if there's serious racism. Given that the first UEFA instinct was to cover it up as a few isolated people that was probably for the best.
QuoteEdit: Let's have another question: why is it more acceptable to compare a fat white person to a walrus than a fat black person to a gorilla?
Well because there's no racial slur and racism is socially unacceptable, fat jokes aren't. Racism isn't unacceptable because it's bullying - that's a problem for different reasons - it's unacceptable because it's racist. So even if you take Suarez's defence at face value, he may have meant 'negro' as a term of endearment but that doesn't make it okay.
:) Mart still fails at analogies.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 11, 2012, 08:20:55 AM
Well because there's no racial slur and racism is socially unacceptable, fat jokes aren't. Racism isn't unacceptable because it's bullying - that's a problem for different reasons - it's unacceptable because it's racist. So even if you take Suarez's defence at face value, he may have meant 'negro' as a term of endearment but that doesn't make it okay.
See, I think this summarises where the problem lies. I can see how how post-colonial/post-slavery societies can be much more sensitive to racism (actual or perceived) but don't you allow that there might be societies where "racist" jokes are as acceptable (or as unacceptable) as fat jokes? After all, UK and US aversion to racism is largely informed by historical systemic oppression of non-white people - something that, for obvious reasons, never happened in countries like Poland. Why would you then demand that such societies conform automatically to your view of this? I mean, it is conceivable that there may be teams from even more diverse cultures, who may find some other tolerated behaviour from the sport fans to be unacceptable. And conversely, for Poles, the stuff about Smolensk flag and paper airplanes is more offensive than making monkey sounds. Why would you usurp a right to decide what is and what isn't acceptable at a game which features players and sport fans from different cultures.
You are using British/Western standard and considering it universal. That is not the case. Deal with it.
Incidentally, stuff like this is the great example why words like racism or homophobia, that get thrown around a lot, lose their potency and become a caricature.
Being weirded out, amused or disgusted by the "other" is a primitive and crude but "natural" reaction a lot of people who are not accustomed to experiencing diversity have. A bunch of white Poles making fun of a black guy, or a bunch of straight guys being disgusted by two guys kissing may be an example of bad manners but it is not "racism" or "homophobia", because the latter for me should involve an element of "evil" (such as physical violence, or say, denying someone his or her rights). Again, an ugly person cannot stop being ugly the same way a black person cannot stop being black and a gay person cannot stop being gay - and when they meet people who are not accustomed to them, these people will react strangely, because we have a built in "danger" mechanism when we spot things that are different from our usual experience. This may be dumb and primitive, but as long as these people do not cause actual hurt ("stick and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me", by the way - why the fuck did we forget about this in the recent years in this silly attempt to build social harmony by making everyone shut up is beyond me) they are not evil - they are not racist, homophobic etc.
racist jokes derive from racism, which implies a qualitive difference between races.
Are you saying that it is acceptable to do so? Not allowing that just falls behind cultural relativism?
I am glad the typical backwater Polack is finally surfacing.
"it is natural" is the lamest fucking excuse ever.
Quote from: Tamas on June 11, 2012, 09:12:04 AM
racist jokes derive from racism, which implies a qualitive difference between races.
Are you saying that it is acceptable to do so? Not allowing that just falls behind cultural relativism?
I am glad the typical backwater Polack is finally surfacing.
I think you are trying too hard to appear cultured to a Languish crowd, but they will continue making their "non-racist" jokes about qualitative differences between beet-growing, swamp-dwelling Hungarians and Westerners, nonetheless. ;)
Incidentally, I do think you are racist - because of the stuff you say about the Roma. I don't consider jokes to be racist. I consider advocating displacing entire cultures to be racist. :P
White guilt, it hurts.
Quote from: Martinus on June 11, 2012, 09:11:12 AM
Again, an ugly person cannot stop being ugly the same way a black person cannot stop being black and a gay person cannot stop being gay -
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages1.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20120213055636%2Funcyclopedia%2Fimages%2F5%2F52%2FDouble-facepalm.jpg&hash=311ca2804daa7bab866329e2e96cbbef4800ce5b)
Don't project yourself on me, buddy.
Quote from: Tamas on June 11, 2012, 09:19:14 AM
Don't project yourself on me, buddy.
Sorry, I met you and you are not my type.
I thought this was just a shtick you were trying to develop, but now I am starting to realize you actually have really no understanding of why demeaning racist jokes are bad for society and why they are consequently shunned. Amazing. No wonder there are no more jews in Poland.
Quote from: Tamas on June 11, 2012, 09:24:56 AM
I thought this was just a shtick you were trying to develop, but now I am starting to realize you actually have really no understanding of why demeaning racist jokes are bad for society and why they are consequently shunned. Amazing. No wonder there are no more jews in Poland.
There are many Jews in Poland. There is a thriving Jewish religious community in Warsaw, headed by a gay rabbi. Your stereotypes about Poland are pretty racist, by the way. But I guess it is allowed since we have different skin pigment composition. ;)
Yeah whatever.
So back to football. Slow start to England game. Two nice goals though. England expectedly fairly unimpressive. Fairly sound defence, though Hart worries me.
Quote from: Josephus on June 11, 2012, 11:49:32 AM
Yeah whatever.
So back to football. Slow start to England game. Two nice goals though. England expectedly fairly unimpressive. Fairly sound defence, though Hart worries me.
He showed great reflexes on the Diarra header.
England plumbing new lows of sucktitude. Only good thing about them is Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Fortunately for them France also sucks. Still pegging a French win here though.
Quote from: Martinus on June 11, 2012, 09:00:04 AM
You are using British/Western standard and considering it universal. That is not the case. Deal with it.
You're defending racial abuse based on a culturally relativist argument against the West? :blink:
It's worth saying that black players who've played in England in recent years do tend to say it's better than other European countries. That's not because of some post-colonial thing but due to an immigration society - which will happen in Poland - and concerted effort by anti-racism campaigners and the authorities. It's not an accidental choice - and I don't think anti-racism in the UK (or US) is terribly informed by anti-colonialism or anything like that.
Also as I say the complaints so far have been by the English, the Dutch, Italians and Czechs. This isn't some 'Anglo-Saxon' thing and to the extent it's a 'Western' thing I'd always considered Poland part of the West :mellow:
QuoteWhy would you then demand that such societies conform automatically to your view of this?
You're hosting the Euros. If you want to have racist-friendly football tournaments, go wild. Similarly I expect FIFA to take steps with the Russians on racism and to make it clear (Blatter's comments notwithstanding) what's expected of Qatar with relation to gays and women.
QuoteI mean, it is conceivable that there may be teams from even more diverse cultures, who may find some other tolerated behaviour from the sport fans to be unacceptable. And conversely, for Poles, the stuff about Smolensk flag and paper airplanes is more offensive than making monkey sounds. Why would you usurp a right to decide what is and what isn't acceptable at a game which features players and sport fans from different cultures.
Well let's be clear the abuse at black players isn't because they're from a different culture or an attempt to hit a sore point. The 'jokes' aren't that they're a bit stupid or ugly. It's that they're inferior to white people and basically animals.
Having said that I take your point about other offensive abuse. It could be an issue with Russia-Poland and should be dealt with. Generally though I think that's more at the club level - Hillsborough or Munich chants.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 11, 2012, 12:00:10 PM
England plumbing new lows of sucktitude. Only good thing about them is Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Joe Hart too.
Boring second half.
French class showed in the second half. Credit to England for not losing to a superior team. This group will get interesting.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 11, 2012, 12:42:06 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 11, 2012, 12:00:10 PM
England plumbing new lows of sucktitude. Only good thing about them is Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Joe Hart too.
Meh, I'm not entirely sold on Hart. IMO he should have stopped Nasri's goal. He's merely better than all the other England keepers.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 11, 2012, 12:53:54 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 11, 2012, 12:42:06 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 11, 2012, 12:00:10 PM
England plumbing new lows of sucktitude. Only good thing about them is Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Joe Hart too.
Meh, I'm not entirely sold on Hart. IMO he should have stopped Nasri's goal. He's merely better than all the other England keepers.
I don't think he saw the ball because of how many England players were around Nasri. Better than most other England keepers (not Southall), but also I think he was very good last season.
Edit: Though he probably should have stopped it.
Quote from: Martinus on June 11, 2012, 09:11:12 AM
stick and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me
:blink:
Everyone be aware that Martinus' account has been hacked.
Wait Marty said that? But he is a lawyer, his entire career is based on using words to destroy others.
England's play, especially in the second half, reminded me of Chelsea v. Barca. Two solid walls of defence and praying for a set play or two. Very negative play. The sort of play you'd only expect from a mediocre team and....oh wait, yeah that makes sense now.
Ukraine and Sweden aren't going to be much easier than France, IMO.
well it should now be obvious that England will be thrashed by the first team that isn't actively self destructing itself
My thoughts on the weekend games: meh.
I expected to be more entertained by the Germans after the last WC but at least they were playing Portugal...so maybe later.
The French and the English play to a tie after 90 minutes by both turtling in the second half. Pity they couldn't have called the Hundred War the same way. Edward declares himself King of France then Philip declares himself King of France then they hide in their castles for 45 minutes then just agree to both be Kings of France.
The Ukrainians are looking good.
Quote from: Liep on June 11, 2012, 02:01:20 PM
The Ukrainians are looking good.
:XD: Thank you. :)
Watching TV online is great: "Zlatan in a breakaway!" ...buffering 1%...
Great game. I'm loving the Ukrainians.
Heja Sverige! Horrible defending by Ukraine though.
Oh dear, I found myself cheering when Shevchenko scored. :D It was a great play though, number 7 popping up between 5 Swedes.
YAY UKRAINE! :w00t:
He still has it.
England vs. France amply demonstrated fodbol's two greatest flaws: too easy for an inferior team to pack the defense and scoring off set pieces usually depends on fouling better than the other team.
I nominate Ribery for most French Frenchman.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 11, 2012, 03:34:23 PM
I nominate Ribery for most French Frenchman.
:yuk: :lol:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 11, 2012, 03:40:04 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 11, 2012, 03:36:58 PM
:yuk: :lol:
He's a retard and looks like a retard.
Fixed it for you :)
But then going through a windshield when you're a toddler explains many things.
Schevchenko scored more goals today than he did for his entire career at Chelsea.
OK, not quite.
;)
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 11, 2012, 03:34:23 PM
England vs. France amply demonstrated fodbol's two greatest flaws: too easy for an inferior team to pack the defense and scoring off set pieces usually depends on fouling better than the other team.
I nominate Ribery for most French Frenchman.
Tournament Football is different from league football. Once teams need to win it gets more interesting, once both teams need to win it gets really entertaining.
:w00t: I knew we could do it.
:w00t: Ukraine and Italy are my second teams. I wanted Germany to do well but they didn't seem to have the same vim of 2010 :(
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 11, 2012, 04:03:40 PM
:w00t: Ukraine and Italy are my second teams.
It's Ukraine and Russia for me :blush:
Quote from: Maladict on June 11, 2012, 04:15:55 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 11, 2012, 04:03:40 PM
:w00t: Ukraine and Italy are my second teams.
It's Ukraine and Russia for me :blush:
You sir, are worse than Hitler.
Why would anyone support Russia?
Anyways, today, Poland plays Russia in Warsaw. And Russian sport fans will do a short march in Warsaw to the stadium, celebrating their Independence Day. I predict a fun day.
Make sure you don't go to any forests with them.
Quote from: Neil on June 11, 2012, 07:16:30 PM
You sir, are worse than Hitler.
Tis true, I'm a terrible dancer. :(
Quote from: DGuller on June 12, 2012, 01:30:20 AM
Make sure you don't go to any forests with them.
Well, one of the Ukrainian Euro 2012 stadiums is in Charkov. :P
Quote from: Martinus on June 12, 2012, 01:19:04 AM
Why would anyone support Russia?
Because I like how they play and I think they have a shot at winning the tournament?
Because they are playing Poland.
should be a memorable day for the warsaw police
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Italians again. They surprised me when they played the Visigoths. If they can keep it up and continue to play interesting football I think I'm going to support them for the second place after Denmarks takes the cup :P
Or first place in the unlikely event that Denmark fails. I'm going to Italy in early July so I want them to be happy :)
Apparently, about 300 Spanish sport fans imitated monkeys during the Spain-Italy game, when the black Italian player was controlling the ball. Spaniards: racist like Poles. :(
And German sport fans threw paper serpentines at Ronaldo. :(
I succesffully avoided seeing any mention at all of the game today.
Watching it now....1-1 at 60 mins....
Quote from: Octavian on June 12, 2012, 03:08:27 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Italians again. They surprised me when they played the Visigoths. If they can keep it up and continue to play interesting football I think I'm going to support them for the second place after Denmarks takes the cup :P
Or first place in the unlikely event that Denmark fails. I'm going to Italy in early July so I want them to be happy :)
Italy had to keep the "unbeaten in official competitions since 92 years" record against Spain (except for penalties) ;)
I was surprised too by Italy, given the grim premises: very little time to play together and experiment with tactics, absence of a real striker, Cassano having undergone heart surgery in the winter, Balotelli being the cunt he usually is, a big big betting scandal involving some first tier players, and so on.
De Rossi must be careful playing so well as centreback, he's putting at risk his career as midifielder :P
On a totally unrelated note, where are you going in Italy?
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 12, 2012, 05:03:02 AM
Quote from: Octavian on June 12, 2012, 03:08:27 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Italians again. They surprised me when they played the Visigoths. If they can keep it up and continue to play interesting football I think I'm going to support them for the second place after Denmarks takes the cup :P
Or first place in the unlikely event that Denmark fails. I'm going to Italy in early July so I want them to be happy :)
Italy had to keep the "unbeaten in official competitions since 92 years" record against Spain (except for penalties) ;)
I was surprised too by Italy, given the grim premises: very little time to play together and experiment with tactics, absence of a real striker, Cassano having undergone heart surgery in the winter, Balotelli being the cunt he usually is, a big big betting scandal involving some first tier players, and so on.
De Rossi must be careful playing so well as centreback, he's putting at risk his career as midifielder :P
On a totally unrelated note, where are you going in Italy?
L.
To be honest, if DeRossi had been born a Catalan he'd be a central defender at Barca.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 12, 2012, 05:03:02 AM
Quote from: Octavian on June 12, 2012, 03:08:27 AM
I'm really looking forward to seeing the Italians again. They surprised me when they played the Visigoths. If they can keep it up and continue to play interesting football I think I'm going to support them for the second place after Denmarks takes the cup :P
Or first place in the unlikely event that Denmark fails. I'm going to Italy in early July so I want them to be happy :)
Italy had to keep the "unbeaten in official competitions since 92 years" record against Spain (except for penalties) ;)
I was surprised too by Italy, given the grim premises: very little time to play together and experiment with tactics, absence of a real striker, Cassano having undergone heart surgery in the winter, Balotelli being the cunt he usually is, a big big betting scandal involving some first tier players, and so on.
De Rossi must be careful playing so well as centreback, he's putting at risk his career as midifielder :P
On a totally unrelated note, where are you going in Italy?
L.
Lake Garda.
England did surprisingly OK. The referee was French too. They may not embarass themselves yet.
I almost get the impression though that England and France had came to an agreement that they were the two teams who would go through and so a draw would be best.
My two year old daughter really enjoy watching football with us. She watched Denmark-Holland all dressed in the appropriate colors. When Denmark scored she celebrated with us by jumping and yelling etc.
Afterwards she asked if a new goal was about to be scored every time she noticed the ball. After a while she shifted her focus to the players falling (incl. the goalies) to the ground by saying "he's hurt himself... up again!" or "there there" consoling them :lol:
I suspect we are going to hear that a lot when she's watching Portugal tomorrow. :P
Quote from: Octavian on June 12, 2012, 05:19:25 AM
Lake Garda.
Lovely. It's always nice to travel in the southern countries when they win. I remember being in France in '98 and Italy in '06, good stuff.
Quote from: Tyr on June 12, 2012, 05:25:22 AM
England did surprisingly OK. The referee was French too. They may not embarass themselves yet.
I almost get the impression though that England and France had came to an agreement that they were the two teams who would go through and so a draw would be best.
I really doubt the ref of the England France game was French.
He was Italian.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-r1AC1wGzqXM%2FT6u8c7mPfmI%2FAAAAAAAAAXM%2FrwbxefKkuZQ%2Fs1600%2Ffoto%2525C4%25259Fraf%2B1.JPG&hash=9d5f4748df489e1a2edc186ef1ff5eeae5713f84)
Means he was paid off by the Italian gamblers.
Quote from: PDH on June 12, 2012, 07:34:42 AM
Means he was paid off by the Italian gamblers.
or he leads the racket.
Odds on a riot starting during the Poland/Russia match today?
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 09:02:23 AM
Odds on a riot starting during the Poland/Russia match today?
during? no. after? guaranteed
Are there any teams left that doesn't have a pending UEFA sanction for fan troubles? :P
Quote from: Tamas on June 12, 2012, 09:10:38 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 09:02:23 AM
Odds on a riot starting during the Poland/Russia match today?
during? no. after? guaranteed
Actually, I am predicting it's going to be quite calm and uneventful - both groups know everybody is looking at them and they will behave.
That was quick. A nice run, a nice play and a lucky finish.
Quote from: Liep on June 12, 2012, 11:05:40 AM
That was quick. A nice run, a nice play and a lucky finish.
Quote from: Martinus on June 12, 2012, 01:19:04 AM
Why would anyone support Russia?
The way they play is nice.
What was wrong with the Greek keeper? Besides being not very good that is.
Who paid Petr Cech to suck?
You know, I don't have any particular like for the Greek team, but the incessant whistling of the Czech fans is pretty obnoxious.
Quote from: Liep on June 12, 2012, 11:23:06 AM
What was wrong with the Greek keeper? Besides being not very good that is.
shellshock
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 09:02:23 AM
Odds on a riot starting during the Poland/Russia match today?
The before odds just plummeted.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmultimedia.pol.dk%2Farchive%2F00650%2FSoccer_Euro_2012_Po_650495p.jpg&hash=6197783ddddcb908d2715ab08a46f5eba6d24674)
Quote from: Jacob on June 12, 2012, 12:32:01 PM
You know, I don't have any particular like for the Greek team, but the incessant whistling of the Czech fans is pretty obnoxious.
Since this moment
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgfx.dagbladet.no%2Fpub%2Fartikkel%2F5%2F52%2F527%2F527880%2FOverRSScan_1203881882.jpg&hash=b4b4d436bf6e2d7db57baba9df1d059448419986)
I have hated all greek soccer players... more than mere scorn of greeks.
Euro 2012: Polish and Russian fans injured in clash as march decends into violence on Russia Day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/euro-2012/9327483/Euro-2012-Polish-and-Russian-fans-injured-in-clash-as-march-decends-into-violence-on-Russia-Day.html
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 01:08:46 PM
Euro 2012: Polish and Russian fans injured in clash as march decends into violence on Russia Day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/euro-2012/9327483/Euro-2012-Polish-and-Russian-fans-injured-in-clash-as-march-decends-into-violence-on-Russia-Day.html
Comment on that page:
QuoteRussians fighting in Warsaw? Bit late, should have done that in 1944
:lol:
Quote from: Syt on June 12, 2012, 01:17:17 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 01:08:46 PM
Euro 2012: Polish and Russian fans injured in clash as march decends into violence on Russia Day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/euro-2012/9327483/Euro-2012-Polish-and-Russian-fans-injured-in-clash-as-march-decends-into-violence-on-Russia-Day.html
Comment on that page:
QuoteRussians fighting in Warsaw? Bit late, should have done that in 1944
:lol:
QuoteTen thousand Russia fans crossed the Vistula river towards the
Quoteflanked by riot police,
QuoteThey also threw missiles
The telegraph isn't reporting the news here, they are cutting and pasting from battle reports from 1939 and 1944.
Quote from: Martinus on June 12, 2012, 04:10:55 AM
And German sport fans threw paper serpentines at Ronaldo. :(
Yeah, and in the first half it was announced over the tannoy that if German fans kept throwing 'missiles, even soft missiles' then the game would be suspended and Germany penalised. In the second half it was less of an issue because the Germans were attacking towards the German fans.
QuoteThe telegraph isn't reporting the news here, they are cutting and pasting from battle reports from 1939 and 1944.
Well that's the way the Telegraph reports all news from FOREIGN places. Especially European summits and meetings between British PMs and US Presidents. The only exception is when they're reporting anything to do with the French in which case they get the archive from 1793-1815 open.
The ESPN co-commentator is shit.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 12, 2012, 01:08:46 PM
Euro 2012: Polish and Russian fans injured in clash as march decends into violence on Russia Day
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/euro-2012/9327483/Euro-2012-Polish-and-Russian-fans-injured-in-clash-as-march-decends-into-violence-on-Russia-Day.html
Stupid Polish hooligans. Fortunately, this government is quite tough on football hooligans (whereas PiS defends them as "real patriots" :roll eyes: ).
:( Until that point I was far preferring the Poles.
Beautiful shot!
So is the whistling and jeering whenever the opposing team has the ball a common East European thing? I don't recall it being much of a feature in other games I've watched from elsewhere.
Great game. I enjoyed it.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.minus.com%2FiNPc2GccAbrud.gif&hash=818a88e4df77eba2717f708e8ff398a628dea4be)
What a perfect shot. :o :o
goal of the tournament so far for sure.
Blaszczykowski. :wub:
Heh, our group got interesting, as now each of Russia, Czech Republic and Poland has a chance to progress (poor Greeks) and who does it depends on the result of the Poland-Czech Republic match on Saturday.
If we win with the Czechs, we and Russia leave. If Czechs win or draw, them and Russia leave. Until yesterday I was sure we win with Czechs and lose to Russia. This is quite surprising.
Apparently, the set up is such that after yesterday draw with Russians in Warsaw, if we win with Czechs in Breslau on Saturday, we are bound to face Germans in Danzig next. :lol:
I know in whole scheme of things it isn't that impressive, but remember the games are on live at Noon and like 2:30 in afternoon here.
Hell i remember having to buy the 2000 Euro's on PPV.
QuoteBRISTOL, Conn. (AP) -- The European Championship's viewership is up big from four years ago.
Through six matches of Euro 2012, ESPN's English-language games were averaging 1.3 million viewers, more than triple the number in 2008.
The Italy-Spain game Sunday was watched by 2.1 million people, more than any Euro 2008 match other than the final on ABC.
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Poland has filed a complaint that this flag is racist/nationalistic because it allegedly depicts some guy from the 17th century who led a revolt against Poles in Kremlin. :D
That's a big flag. How do you sneak that in?
Hell, how do you transport that?!
How do you fucking hold on to it?
And why is it in English? Isn't English the language of traitors in Russia?
I don't think Greece is out of it. They beat Russia, (by a few goals) they still have a chance if the Poles beat the Czechs.
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 07:16:07 AM
I don't think Greece is out of it. They beat Russia, (by a few goals) they still have a chance if the Poles beat the Czechs.
Russia will rape Greece.
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 01:04:41 AM
Apparently, the set up is such that after yesterday draw with Russians in Warsaw, if we win with Czechs in Breslau on Saturday, we are bound to face Germans in Danzig next. :lol:
Please god let this happen :lol: :lol:
I'd be pissed to be under that flag haha
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 04:45:30 AM
Poland has filed a complaint that this flag is racist/nationalistic because it allegedly depicts some guy from the 17th century who led a revolt against Poles in Kremlin. :D
German newspaper Die Zeit has an editorial called "History Lesson on the Pitch" where they discuss the troubled history between the two countries.
Quote from: Tamas on June 13, 2012, 07:19:26 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 07:16:07 AM
I don't think Greece is out of it. They beat Russia, (by a few goals) they still have a chance if the Poles beat the Czechs.
Russia will rape Greece.
Probably. But Marti was saying they were out already. They're not.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 13, 2012, 06:59:27 AM
How do you fucking hold on to it?
And why is it in English? Isn't English the language of traitors in Russia?
If you turn it over it's in Russian.
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 08:47:58 AM
Quote from: Tamas on June 13, 2012, 07:19:26 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 07:16:07 AM
I don't think Greece is out of it. They beat Russia, (by a few goals) they still have a chance if the Poles beat the Czechs.
Russia will rape Greece.
Probably. But Marti was saying they were out already. They're not.
You are right, I said that in the heat of the moment but yeah everyone has a theoretical chance to advance.
Quote from: Tamas on June 13, 2012, 07:19:26 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 07:16:07 AM
I don't think Greece is out of it. They beat Russia, (by a few goals) they still have a chance if the Poles beat the Czechs.
Russia will rape Greece.
I wouldn't be so sure - this game is full of surprises. For example Russia beat Czech Republic badly, which beat Greece badly which tied with Poland which tied with Russia.
The fun part is that everyone has a chance to advance and everyone needs to win the last game on Saturday to be sure (although there are set-ups with Czech Republic and Russia tieing with their respective opponents and still advancing, depending on the outcome of the other game, whereas both Poland and Greece need a win to advance) so everyone will give everything and noone will dare to game the system.
Not at all looking forward to tonight :(
The scenarios for our group are:
1. Poland ties with Czech Republic, Russia ties with Greece -> Czech Republic and Russia advance.
2. Poland wins with Czech Republic, Russia ties with Greece -> Poland and Russia advance.
3. Poland loses with Czech Republic, Russia ties with Greece -> Czech Republic and Russia advance.
4. Poland ties with Czech Republic, Russia wins with Greece -> Czech Republic and Russia advance.
5. Poland wins with Czech Republic, Russia wins with Greece -> Poland and Russia advance.
6. Poland loses with Czech Republic, Russia wins with Greece -> Czech Republic and Russia advance.
7. Poland ties with Czech Republic, Russia loses with Greece -> Russia, Greece or Czech Republic advance depending on the number of goals.
8. Poland wins with Czech Republic, Russia loses with Greece -> Poland and Greece advance (Russia does not advance despite having the same score as Greece as it lost their direct match)
9. Poland loses with Czech Republic, Russia loses with Greece -> Czech Republic and Greece advance.
Greece seems to be the only team that does not have a guaranteed advancement if it wins the match on Saturday. Russia is the only team that can advance despite losing and has a guaranteed advancement as long as it does not lose. Poland must win.
And looking on the bright side of this, if Poland ties and leaves the championship, we can claim to be the only team (except the eventual champions) that did not lose a single game through the entire championship. Poland: The Unbeatable. :lol:
Denmark - Portugal.
After the Holland win everybody can't stop talking about '92 (even if we only got 1 point in the first two games that round) and when hype starts in Denmark we start to lose. But here's hoping we at least injure Ronaldo.
Quote from: Liep on June 13, 2012, 09:40:30 AM
But here's hoping we at least injure Ronaldo.
That's always a good thing :thumbsup:
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
screw you guys <_< :P
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 13, 2012, 09:47:53 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
He's Portuguese. Same thing.
When searching for Ronaldo on google images there's only 4 pictures of the real Ronaldo, and they're all from his fat days. Football has lost. :weep:
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 13, 2012, 09:47:53 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
He's gotten better and less whiney... but ya. Then again nearly everyone does, he just gets challenged more and gets more opportunities :lol:
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 09:48:43 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 13, 2012, 09:47:53 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
He's Portuguese. Same thing.
You arab son of a bitch!
*edit* i don't know enough about malta to know what bothers you guys, but when in doubt go arab :lol:
Quote from: Martinus on June 12, 2012, 11:17:54 PM
Blaszczykowski. :wub:
Apparently the guy had a traumatic childhood, his dad murdered his mother right in front of his eyes.
I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever Denmark passes back to the keeper. Too much of that.
Bah!
And Pepe of all non-people. Just shoot me.
Damn it.
Bunch of cheaters, should've been booted for that.
Well, we just need a win against Germany. :rolleyes:
Heh.
It wouldn't be Denmark if the last game wasn't a drop dead game.
He had better start if he wants the golden boot in 3 games.
Of course
Quote from: HVC on June 13, 2012, 12:38:31 PM
Of course
It seems we have about as much faith in our respective countries. :lol:
!!!!!!!!!!!!
Indeed lol. If Portugal ties and Germany wins they're screwed. Germany will have enough to go through win lose or tie, and their effort will go down accordingly. A tie or win for Denmark against Germany and they're through.
I hate sports :P
Fucking Ronaldo. Messi would have scored <_< :D
Fuck ya!
Haha, I hate this game. :D
Definitely an entertaining game...
Most entreating so far. A come back, a last few minutes go ahead goal.
Four minutes? WTF.
That sounded like a big chance for Schøne... bah!
Woo hoo. A win by the Dutch would really make this a group of death. Game 3 would decide it
Bendtner MOTM :wub:
Now we need Germany to win and secure a group win which will have them relax in the last game against us and Holland aggressive against Portugal for a 2nd spot. GO ÖZIL.
NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
FFS Simon Poulsen. Sure it wasn't his fault Nani made him his bitch but don't be afraid of the ball.....
AND NO ED ANGER. MY DANISH TEARS ARE NOT DELICIOUS.
They taste of broken dreams, despair and are kinda salty.
Come on Germany. Crush the dutch so they wil rape the Portugese so you can take it easy against us.
Portugal! :swiss:
Quote from: Viking on June 13, 2012, 10:11:19 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 12, 2012, 11:17:54 PM
Blaszczykowski. :wub:
Apparently the guy had a traumatic childhood, his dad murdered his mother right in front of his eyes.
Yeah. I could console him. :ph34r:
Quote from: Liep on June 13, 2012, 01:00:13 PM
Now we need Germany to win and secure a group win which will have them relax in the last game against us and Holland aggressive against Portugal for a 2nd spot. GO ÖZIL.
they won't. They could still go out on point differential in your scenario. Sudden death would be the most exciting option. Though it pains me to say it, go Dutch! (you orange assholes!)
Quote from: HVC on June 13, 2012, 01:14:22 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 13, 2012, 01:00:13 PM
Now we need Germany to win and secure a group win which will have them relax in the last game against us and Holland aggressive against Portugal for a 2nd spot. GO ÖZIL.
they won't. They could still go out on point differential in your scenario. Sudden death would be the most exciting option. Though it pains me to say it, go Dutch! (you orange assholes!)
Hmm, you're right. But it's still the better result for us. :P
Or is it? Bah, we need points against Germany in either case. Unless Germany goes through with 9 points and we have 3 with goal difference of 3-4 and Holland beats Portugal with less than 1.
EDIT: And Germany rapes Holland with more than 1.
You have to win either way. I don't think Germany would play for a tie. Too risky. So in denmarks case it's down to Germany.
Yeah, fuck playing those games. We have to beat Germany, and that's that.
Ram den lige i røven.
I want to switch my support to France. Ronaldo is not hot compared to the hot meat the French are shipping.
Edit:
Ok, I really do:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kickette.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F03%2Ffrench-national-team-soccer-players-kiss-france-NT-football.jpg&hash=b90018845c22a4e1f9d1e2eced349b395c03c9b7)
Quote from: HVC on June 13, 2012, 09:49:33 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 09:48:43 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 13, 2012, 09:47:53 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
He's Portuguese. Same thing.
You arab son of a bitch!
*edit* i don't know enough about malta to know what bothers you guys, but when in doubt go arab :lol:
Well, yeah. If you want to insult a maltese, calling him an Arab is about as good as it gets.
Seems there's a better atmosphere on the French team now than in South Africa '10.
Holland takes the lead in cutest football fan.
Quote from: Liep on June 13, 2012, 02:02:21 PM
Holland takes the lead in cutest football fan.
Football - that strange game where everyone runs around and kicks the ball and then Germany wins.
well there goes a dutch win. Makes me feel better about the portugal game, though.
Gomez! :w00t:
Schade Holland, alles ist vorbei.
Where was this Germany on Saturday? Or are the Dutch just not the team they were?
Quote from: HVC on June 13, 2012, 02:56:05 PM
Where was this Germany on Saturday? Or are the Dutch just not the team they were?
Holland is incredibly passive right now.
Quote from: Liep on June 13, 2012, 01:50:31 PM
Seems there's a better atmosphere on the French team now than in South Africa '10.
Not that difficult. That and Gourcuff was not chosen so no bullying by Ribéry ;)
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 13, 2012, 09:49:33 AM
Quote from: Josephus on June 13, 2012, 09:48:43 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 13, 2012, 09:47:53 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:45:41 AM
Why is Ronaldo getting so much hate? :P
He flops so much he should be Italian.
He's Portuguese. Same thing.
You arab son of a bitch!
*edit* i don't know enough about malta to know what bothers you guys, but when in doubt go arab :lol:
Well, yeah. If you want to insult a maltese, calling him an Arab is about as good as it gets.
I suddenly feel a gap in my knowledge of ethnic slurs. Besides arab, what does one call a maltese in order to insult them?
Quote from: Martinus on June 13, 2012, 09:39:48 AM
And looking on the bright side of this, if Poland ties and leaves the championship, we can claim to be the only team (except the eventual champions) that did not lose a single game through the entire championship. Poland: The Unbeatable. :lol:
That's like New Zealand in the World Cup and I loved them :)
QuoteYeah. I could console him.
:lol: Nothing says sexual opportunity like childhood trauma.
I loved Germany in that game. The first half especially was brilliant.
Everyone hates Ronaldo, Marty, when asked why he said everyone was jealous because he's good at football, handsome and very rich. He's probably right :(
http://gif.mocksession.com/2012/06/joachim-low-trolls-the-ball-boy/
lolz
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 13, 2012, 05:55:05 PM
http://gif.mocksession.com/2012/06/joachim-low-trolls-the-ball-boy/
lolz
Best part of the match. :D
If I were Dutch I'd be embarrassed right now. What a terrible display.
I'm actually amazed that in a side with Sneijder, van Persie, Robben, and van der Vaart, Huntelaar got absolutely zero service. Fucking amazing. :lmfao:
This Dutch team deserves to be Rotterdam'd.
Quote from: Barrister on June 13, 2012, 04:40:41 PM
I suddenly feel a gap in my knowledge of ethnic slurs. Besides arab, what does one call a maltese in order to insult them?
You have to understand the context for that. The Maltese language and much of its traditional culture is very Arabic. Our towns and cities, Sliema, Mdina, Zebbug, are Arabic. [the capital city, VAlletta, of course, is the exception, but tha city was built by the Knights. ] And they're very self-conscious about this kinship they share with the Arabs (its proximity to North Africa as well) and want to be European.
Everything Arabic is considered, rightly, dirty. So the worst insult you can throw on the people, collectively, anyways, is to call them Arabs.
Another ethnicity we also hate are the Turks. We still hate them for the Great Siege. A common Maltese "curse word" is Haqq-it-Torok".....blame the Turks, or more poignantly, fuck the Turks.
By the way are the Dutch going to implode now? Robben's strop was...striking.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 13, 2012, 08:10:47 PM
By the way are the Dutch going to implode now? Robben's strop was...striking.
They've been imploding since the first minute of the Denmark game. :nelson:
Fucking Dutch <_<
Don't rule dutch out yet. They beat porto by 2 and Germany win then they go through .
Josephus:
I think Beeb's point was that calling a Malt an Arab is very obvious, while there's nothing else that comes to mind.
Perhaps the only country in the world where being called a Sicilian would be taken as a compliment. :hmm:
Well that sucked. Our defense was unbelievably weak, even by Dutch standards.
Now Germany has to beat Denmark and we need to beat Portugal with a 2-goal margin.
Should be easy, no? :(
Queen Beatrix prepares for the homecoming of the Dutch team.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiesvrijheid.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F09%2FBeatrix_startschot.jpg&hash=99faedf03478c837c88ff084407d2e6e44b3c774)
:lol:
I like De Rossi's tattoo:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orf.at%2Fstatic%2Fimages%2Fsite%2Fnews%2F20120624%2Ffussballer_taetowierungen_mode_body01_rossi_r.2152570.jpg&hash=a0514b81bbcdb7039ef6dbc3c3fe90c045bd7fd1)
Croats prove they are biggest savages at the championship. What a surprise.
What'd they do?
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
Copy cats. Germans started that lol
What kind of rocket? ICBM?
Fuck.
After today's results, Spain and Croatia will eat the cake, and Italy will be out, even winning against Eire. Just like 2004.
Well, it's our fault. Tant pis. :rolleyes:
L.
If Italy is out, then who will be the diving cheaters?
Quote from: Martinus on June 14, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
You'd think the Croat fans were having street battles with Russians before the game. Oh wait, that was your lot.
Quote from: Warspite on June 14, 2012, 04:35:24 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 14, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
You'd think the Croat fans were having street battles with Russians before the game. Oh wait, that was your lot.
I've told people for a while that eastern europe is, generally, a good place to be and up and coming. So far this tournament is making me look a bit foolish.
Classy Irish fans, singing as their team got their asses kicked.
So...if Croatia and Spain tie 2-2 or higher, if italy beats Eire by any score they go home. Right?
Quote from: Warspite on June 14, 2012, 04:35:24 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 14, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
You'd think the Croat fans were having street battles with Russians before the game. Oh wait, that was your lot.
Cripplefight!!!!!!!!
How is that team from Iceland doing in Euros anyways?
Quote from: katmai on June 14, 2012, 10:49:45 PM
How is that team from Iceland doing in Euros anyways?
couldn't afford the airfare to compete.
Quote from: Josephus on June 14, 2012, 08:17:32 PM
So...if Croatia and Spain tie 2-2 or higher, if italy beats Eire by any score they go home. Right?
Yes. But at this point I'm doubting Italy could beat Eire. Pirlo is preaching in the desert.
L.
Quote from: Warspite on June 14, 2012, 04:35:24 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 14, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
You'd think the Croat fans were having street battles with Russians before the game. Oh wait, that was your lot.
Apples and oranges. The people who were having the "street battles" were some street hooligans, not people who had tickets to the games, and they were quickly rounded up and arrested by the police - people like this exist in every nation (at least noone was torching cars or looting shops like the hordes of hooligans were doing in London last year). It's different when people who are actually attending the game do shit like that.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 14, 2012, 06:11:06 PM
Quote from: Warspite on June 14, 2012, 04:35:24 PM
Quote from: Martinus on June 14, 2012, 02:17:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 14, 2012, 01:44:46 PM
What'd they do?
Throwing rockets into the game so the referee had to stop it. :P
You'd think the Croat fans were having street battles with Russians before the game. Oh wait, that was your lot.
I've told people for a while that eastern europe is, generally, a good place to be and up and coming. So far this tournament is making me look a bit foolish.
Why is that? The incidents that have happened are far and between, and quickly dealt with by the police. You will always have stuff like that happening, whether it is the UK or Poland.
Bendtner might get suspended for this:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.cdnds.net%2F12%2F24%2F618x670%2Fodd_nicklas_bendtner_paddy_power.jpg&hash=9aa9becdf84779f9097c505f8fe0b487c46c1c48)
Good. You guys really need to lose the last match. :Embarrass:
Quote from: Martinus on June 15, 2012, 02:55:17 AM
Why is that? The incidents that have happened are far and between, and quickly dealt with by the police. You will always have stuff like that happening, whether it is the UK or Poland.
I agree with you.
But, few and far between, when reported by the media, often seems rampant. And to be fair, if the tournament was in Paris, I don't think the English would stage a provacative march of a few thousand fans that required riot police, and was stopped by violence from French hooligans. We also probably wouldn't get stories of some german fans in Paris with nazi related crap to support their team.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 15, 2012, 08:25:28 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 15, 2012, 02:55:17 AM
Why is that? The incidents that have happened are far and between, and quickly dealt with by the police. You will always have stuff like that happening, whether it is the UK or Poland.
I agree with you.
But, few and far between, when reported by the media, often seems rampant. And to be fair, if the tournament was in Paris, I don't think the English would stage a provacative march of a few thousand fans that required riot police, and was stopped by violence from French hooligans. We also probably wouldn't get stories of some german fans in Paris with nazi related crap to support their team.
Well, the Russians weren't that bad in Warsaw - this was mainly some Polish hooligans stirring shit up and being racist/fascist.
Incidentally, today media are reporting a huge brawl of English and Swedish hooligans in Donetsk.
Quote from: Martinus on June 15, 2012, 08:48:06 AM
Well, the Russians weren't that bad in Warsaw - this was mainly some Polish hooligans stirring shit up and being racist/fascist.
Traitor
Quote from: Martinus on June 15, 2012, 08:48:06 AM
Incidentally, today media are reporting a huge brawl of English and Swedish hooligans in Donetsk.
Euros just can't put that ball bearings deal behind them, can they? :rolleyes:
Quote from: katmai on June 14, 2012, 10:49:45 PM
How is that team from Iceland doing in Euros anyways?
The croat and the pole were competing over who was more civilized, that was the cripplefight.
But, seriously, when we catch up with Luxembourg in population and, y'know, get some grass on our pitches then you can mock.
I take back what I said about our group, as things are even more interesting (I thought the rules for tie breaking are different).
If Greece wins with Russia tomorrow then everything depends on the result of the match between Poland and Czech Republic.
If Poland and Czech Republic ends with a win of either Poland or Czech Republic then there is only a tie between Greece and Russia at 4 points (with Poland being at 5 if it wins or Czech Republic being at 6 if it wins). This means Greece advances as you only take into account the result between it and Russia.
However, if Poland and Czech Republic tie, then you get three teams at four points (Czechs, Greece and Russia). This means Russia's crazy score from the game with Czech Republic (4:1) gets taken into account which gives it a lead, with either Czechs or Greece advancing.
So by (as we hope) winning tomorrow with the Czechs, Poles would not only advance but give Greece a chance to send Russians home. NAPRZOD POLSKO!
Hehe, just read that Croatia and Spain can both advance if they tie with 2-2 or more. I still remember the 2-2 game against Sweden in '04 and the delicious tears of the Italians crying unfair game.
La Marseillaise :cry: :wub:
Go France.
People are fleeing the rain. Also, go Ukraine!
Game suspended due to thunder!
Quote from: Liep on June 15, 2012, 10:46:01 AM
Hehe, just read that Croatia and Spain can both advance if they tie with 2-2 or more. I still remember the 2-2 game against Sweden in '04 and the delicious tears of the Italians crying unfair game.
Get ready to taste them again. I just bet with a colleague that Spain-Croatia will end 2-2.
L.
At least some guys in the stands are having a blast.
Quote from: Liep on June 15, 2012, 11:05:25 AM
Game suspended due to thunder!
What happened? Did Yanukovich decide to attend?
Quote from: DGuller on June 15, 2012, 11:18:46 AM
Quote from: Liep on June 15, 2012, 11:05:25 AM
Game suspended due to thunder!
What happened? Did Yanukovich decide to attend?
God was displeased that Shevchenko had more support than him.
They showed a shot of a wet, young woman who seemed like she was wearing a slip. She seemed annoyed that her unshaved arm pits were on the big screen. :D
Kick-off not before 19.00 :(. Not gonna be able to see it then.
Looks like I'll be able to see the Uke-Frog game tomorrow.
Quote from: Josephus on June 15, 2012, 11:25:46 AM
They showed a shot of a wet, young woman who seemed like she was wearing a slip. She seemed annoyed that her unshaved arm pits were on the big screen. :D
They have become better at finding the guys who are having a great/miserable time and the cute girls.
Go go cutie in my avatar. :ph34r:
I like most stuff about the championship - the tribalism of supporting home team, the following and predicting of scores, the cute players. The only part I won't do is sitting for 90 minutes and watching the boooooooring spectacle of some people running after a ball.
Ed hasn't been by cheering for Andy Carroll?
Quote from: Liep on June 15, 2012, 02:59:02 PM
Ed hasn't been by cheering for Andy Carroll?
I don't see why I should be. I don't have a dog in this hunt.
LOL England
Go Sweden! :P
I don't care for that Ibramivoic fellow. I would have like to seen Carroll the Centaur kick him in the stomach.
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUR! *splat*
Really nice goal by Welbeck.
:bowler:
Did England have Terry Silver playing for them?
Hymn of the Soviet Union. :cry: :wub:
Go Russia.
Poland has more Germans than Germany has Poles in the team...
Quote from: Zanza on June 16, 2012, 01:44:31 PM
Poland has more Germans than Germany has Poles in the team...
Europe. :cool:
Greece scored. Lead 1-0. If they win they qualify, regardless of what happens in the other game. At least if I did my calculus right.
Go Greeks. Go Poles.
Quote from: Josephus on June 16, 2012, 02:35:26 PM
Greece scored. Lead 1-0. If they win they qualify, regardless of what happens in the other game. At least if I did my calculus right.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=1818000.html
Poland is getting its ass kicked.
Meanwhile, a high ranking Polish ex-military-general (creator of the Polish anti-terrorist forces who later fell out of favor with the government) shoots himself right before the match. If someone was trying to make sure people were not paying attention, it was a perfect moment. :secret:
Looks like Czechs and Greeks advance. At least Russians don't. :P
So...what has to happen for Greece to play Germany?
Group A :lmfao:
Russia :lmfao: :lmfao:
Watching all the Russians go completely nuts in the stadium as they lost was worth these two hours.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 16, 2012, 03:38:52 PM
So...what has to happen for Greece to play Germany?
Germany has to draw or win against Denmark.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 16, 2012, 03:42:25 PM
Group A :lmfao:
Russia :lmfao: :lmfao:
Watching all the Russians go completely nuts in the stadium as they lost was worth these two hours.
Heh, Czechs did an awesome comeback from losing 4:1 to Russia in the first match and then slowly crawling back to the first spot. Same with Greeks.
Quote from: Martinus on June 16, 2012, 03:44:01 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 16, 2012, 03:42:25 PM
Group A :lmfao:
Russia :lmfao: :lmfao:
Watching all the Russians go completely nuts in the stadium as they lost was worth these two hours.
Heh, Czechs did an awesome comeback from losing 4:1 to Russia in the first match and then slowly crawling back to the first spot. Same with Greeks.
I like the Czechs and admire the pluckiness of the Greeks. Fun results overall.
I loathe the super slo-mo shots of crowd reactions.
Under the older "traditional" goal difference rules, the Russians would have qualified. Greece advances despite having a worse GA than Russia.
Now tomorrow, its not so cut and dry I think. The scores in both games may have a bearing on who qualifies.
One more thing, and I'll shut up.
Was watching the end of the Poland game, seeing Poland try hard to score and I thought it would be ironic if Poland scored and in so doing put Russia through into the next round. :D
Group A to me is almost a morality play - everyone got what they deserved.
Poles and Russians were proud, loud and jingoistic, dismissive of the "weaker" Greece and Czech Republic, and focusing on beating each other, whether in the playing field or in the streets of Warsaw. They got their "honorable" tie which is all they really cared about.
Greeks and Czechs were humble and modest, and came back to the front because they focused on what was important, i.e. advancing from the group stage. And they both got it.
Not to mention, to orchestrate a beautiful charge (Blaszczykowski's score in the game with Russia), but fail to win a single battle, and then completely lose the war - it's the quintessential Polish m.o. :P
If God was giving out points for "presentation and style", Poland would be a superpower. We are just bad at mundane stuff, like scoring points.
If Germany draws at least a tie today they'll clinch Group B - meaning they'll meet Greece in the next round. That should be fun. :lol:
Other than the French, I think I'm going to root for the Czechs now. They are the closest cousins of Poles in the championship, but from the "no chip on the shoulder" side of the family.
Quote from: Syt on June 17, 2012, 02:28:47 AM
If Germany draws at least a tie today they'll clinch Group B - meaning they'll meet Greece in the next round. That should be fun. :lol:
I think Germany will have an easier time against the Czechs.
Yeah the Czechs will probably try to not just defend against them (as they couldn't, anyways) and lose.
Since when Marti is interested in football? :hmm:
Funny thing I didn't listen to mind and bet on Poland to qualify, but I should have known better, Polish teams rarely disappoint when you bet against them. :nelson:
Quote from: szmik on June 17, 2012, 05:29:46 AM
Since when Marti is interested in football? :hmm:
Funny thing I didn't listen to mind and bet on Poland to qualify, but I should have known better, Polish teams rarely disappoint when you bet against them. :nelson:
Did you go to Warsaw to beat up some Russians? Your hero, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, did.
Quote from: Martinus on June 17, 2012, 05:36:05 AM
Did you go to Warsaw to beat up some Russians? Your hero, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, did.
You still beat that 10 year old dead horse. :lmfao: I didn't know you're into necro-bestiality now. :D
You started with the passively-aggressive post about me being interested in football.
Anyway, I'm not interested in football per se - I posted in this thread before that I find the game itself to be extremely boring. I am just interested in the simulacrum of football that is now dominating the media - the whole pop culture event around it. And predictions of Polish victories meeting reality are a really juicy part of it.
Edit: Plus some guys are hot.
Is it me, or did the Czechs spend a lot of time falling down like a bunch of little girls?
Quote from: Martinus on June 17, 2012, 06:24:43 AM
.... I am just interested in the simulacrum of football that is now dominating the media - the whole pop culture event around it. And predictions of Polish victories meeting reality are a really juicy part of it.
Anyway, I generally share your sentiments regarding this circus tournament.
and OT, I doubt poor general would comit suicide just like that... too many poor souls are claimed doing it last few years, seems more like a pattern of people who knew too much and weren't sure not to share. :hmm:
Quote from: Scipio on June 17, 2012, 07:10:40 AM
Is it me, or did the Czechs spend a lot of time falling down like a bunch of little girls?
It's not fair to single out the Czechs as almost all professional footballers will fall like little girls if it's to their advantage.
Quote from: Syt on June 17, 2012, 02:28:47 AM
If Germany draws at least a tie today they'll clinch Group B - meaning they'll meet Greece in the next round. That should be fun. :lol:
The Germans will bail them out with a gift of two goals to start.
Quote from: Josephus on June 17, 2012, 08:47:07 AM
Quote from: Syt on June 17, 2012, 02:28:47 AM
If Germany draws at least a tie today they'll clinch Group B - meaning they'll meet Greece in the next round. That should be fun. :lol:
The Germans will bail them out with a gift of two goals to start.
But greece will have to field one less player and the rest must take massive pay cuts.
Quote from: Liep on June 17, 2012, 08:09:02 AM
Quote from: Scipio on June 17, 2012, 07:10:40 AM
Is it me, or did the Czechs spend a lot of time falling down like a bunch of little girls?
It's not fair to single out the Czechs as almost all professional footballers will fall like little girls if it's to their advantage.
But I only watched the Czechs yesterday. And they were flopping like a double chins at the Old Country Buffet.
It would be fun to see Denmark and Portugal to win today and send Germany home. :D
Italian ref in the Portugal Netherlands game? Well Portugal is gonna lose this one :P
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
Goal for the NL.
<_<
A win for NL is a present for Germany as this means they will advance no matter the score with Denmark.
If Denmark wins with Germany, then Denmark and Germany will advance. If Germany wins its third game, then Denmark, NL and Portugal will be tied.
And a score for Germany...
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
:yeah:
And Denmark ties.
Quote from: DGuller on June 17, 2012, 02:11:17 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
:yeah:
you hillbilly freak :D. And Denmark tied.
Finally Ronaldo!
Apparently if Denmark and Portugal both win (2:1 in each case), Germany does not advance. :lol:
And tomorrow, as long as Croats tie with Spain 1:1 or more, they both advance and Italy does not even if it wins 10:0 with Ireland. I hope they have a deal. :D
Germany would still go through in differentials (they're plus two right now), but Portugal would go through.
Both Group A and Group B have been awesome. Thank you Europe. :)
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 02:42:29 PM
Germany would still go through in differentials (they're plus two right now), but Portugal would go through.
Not +2, but +1, since they score against the Netherlands would not count - you are only looking at the score against countries they tie with in the table (new UEFA rules) and only if there is still a tie there, you look at the entire differential table (there are like 10 different criteria you go down through btw).
The results would be (as you ignore their results against the Netherlands):
Germany - Portugal 1:0
Denmark - Portugal 2:3
Denmark - Germany 2:1
They would all have the same differentials (0) but Portugal would have 3 for and 3 against, and Denmark would have 4 for and 4 against, so Germany with 1 for and 1 against would be third.
Germany beat Portugal so they're go through. Denmark or Portugal would need a 3-1 win to oust Germany.
Oh, new rules you say? Nm then lol
Damn dirty Dutch.
Woo!
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
Because Germany-Denmark is on CTV.
Well, it was about as much fun as we could've hoped for from this group. Go Czechs!
Brilliant Orange :lmfao:
Besides maybe the Irish, by far the worst team in this tournament.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 17, 2012, 02:44:39 PM
Both Group A and Group B have been awesome. Thank you Europe. :)
I think so far this has been a really, really good tournament.
The poor Dutch. Apparently the attack for that second goal started while van der Vaart and Robben were arguing :lol:
I still hate Ronaldo <_<
I still hate Robben and van Persie... and blame them for failure :menace:
Anyway, I got both results correct :yeah:
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
It was on CTV...you saw that right?
Quote from: Josephus on June 17, 2012, 07:45:20 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 01:55:54 PM
And tsn 2 is showing nascar instead of the Germany-Denmark game. Wtf
It was on CTV...you saw that right?
Ya, i noticed later :blush:
So, did you enjoy Ronaldo's game? :P
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 17, 2012, 03:58:03 PM
Apparently the attack for that second goal started while van der Vaart and Robben were arguing :lol:
i think they started fighting after the goal.
Quote from: HVC on June 17, 2012, 08:00:31 PM
So, did you enjoy Ronaldo's game? :P
Well, can't deny he played well today. ;)
Too bad Denmark did not win - this would have kept Germany out of the championship. And now they are going to win. <_<
Quote from: Martinus on June 18, 2012, 12:54:30 AM
Too bad Denmark did not win - this would have kept Germany out of the championship. And now they are going to win. <_<
Unlikely. The defense looked shaky and the offense looked very uncreative apart from the first twenty minutes or so.
What a mess. :Embarrass:
Good riddance, they never would have gotten anywhere even if they had made it out of the group.
Now there's only the unseemly mudslinging to look forward to. <_<
I hope Czechs win with Portuguese. :)
:yes:
When the Portuguese win, nobody wins.
Quote from: Martinus on June 18, 2012, 02:30:55 AM
I hope Czechs win with Portuguese. :)
you're so fickle :P Let a new French man into your heart and your old love and his teams are cast aside :D
Also, kat, screw you :P
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2012, 01:39:51 AM
Now there's only the unseemly mudslinging to look forward to. <_<
Apparently Robben was telling the coach to STFU a few times during the match. Classy.
Quote from: katmai on June 18, 2012, 02:34:19 AM
When the Portuguese win, nobody wins.
True. :yes:
On the first page of Marca,major spanish sports newspaper, there's a photo of Luis Enrique with a broken nose, following infamous Tassotti's elbow hit, World Cup USA '94 quarter finals ( Tassotti hasn't been sent off but subsequently has been disqualified for eight games), with the title:
"No Problem Italy, we do not hold grudges" :lol:
L.
We don't forget. :ph34r:
That being said, I hope we beat Croatia anyway. Sorry Arkie. :console:
Holy shit, Bendtner was fined €100.000 and suspended for 1 game for his underpants stunt. :lol:
Quote from: Liep on June 18, 2012, 08:47:34 AM
Holy shit, Bendtner was fined €100.000 and suspended for 1 game for his underpants stunt. :lol:
THOU SHALL NOT LEAVE US OUT OF ADVERTISEMENT REVENUES!!!
Quote from: HVC on June 18, 2012, 02:39:13 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 18, 2012, 02:30:55 AM
I hope Czechs win with Portuguese. :)
you're so fickle :P Let a new French man into your heart and your old love and his teams are cast aside :D
When he was Cristiano Ronaldo's groupie, CR7 seemed so unuseful that I wouldn't worry too much about Martinus' fickleness. ;)
I hope Merkel & Co. go to the match in Danzig. It should be fun watching her and any Greek politicians in the VIP area together. :lol:
Quote from: Syt on June 18, 2012, 09:11:23 AM
I hope Merkel & Co. go to the match in Danzig.
Will she arrive with a friendly visit on: battlecruiser? :ph34r:
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2012, 02:59:22 AM
Quote from: Maladict on June 18, 2012, 01:39:51 AM
Now there's only the unseemly mudslinging to look forward to. <_<
Apparently Robben was telling the coach to STFU a few times during the match. Classy.
Well he stropped off in the Germany-Holland game :rolleyes:
Apparently, Croatian and Spanish fans are walking through Danzig together and singing "Arrivederci Italia". :lol:
The Croat and Spanish game will be the study in the prisoner dilemma, btw. :D
Quote from: Liep on June 18, 2012, 08:47:34 AM
Holy shit, Bendtner was fined €100.000 and suspended for 1 game for his underpants stunt. :lol:
That's four times the highest penalty for racist slurrs. At least it's good to see UEFA got its priorities straight, as always.
Quote from: Martinus on June 18, 2012, 10:38:21 AM
The Croat and Spanish game will be the study in the prisoner dilemma, btw. :D
Really? :hmm: If Italy beats Eire with more than 1 goal, which is highly likely, Croats have to win to advance.
Anyway it will be interesting how it develops. I recall Scandinavian plot during Euro 2004 to kick Italians out. :D
Quote from: szmik on June 18, 2012, 11:15:22 AM
Quote from: Martinus on June 18, 2012, 10:38:21 AM
The Croat and Spanish game will be the study in the prisoner dilemma, btw. :D
Really? :hmm: If Italy beats Eire with more than 1 goal, which is highly likely, Croats have to win to advance.
Nah, they'd all be on 5 points and then goals against Ireland won't count. So if they tie with more than 1-1 Italy is fucked, if it's 1-1 it comes down to UEFA rankings or something.
If Italy beats Ireland, say 1-0 and Spain Croatia draw 1-1 then:
Spain 5 points GD 2-2 (not including game v. eire)
Croatia 5 points GD 2-2
Italy 5 points GD 2-2
So because it's all tied, then they do the GD involving the whole group so:
Spain 6-2
Croatia 5-3
Italy 3-2
So that means with a 1-1 draw, Spain and Croatia qualify.
With a 1-1 draw Italy can still qualify if they beat the living shit out of Ireland.
Are there any rules against implicit collusion? That is, intentionally letting in a goal not because you explicitly colluded to fix the results with the other team, but because it's in your advantage to do so? I can see a situation where Italy is destroying Ireland, and one of the other two teams have no shot. They let the other team score a couple of goals, because they're desperate and have nothing to lose anyway. Then the other team can itself allow a couple of goals, because they're in either way, but they'd rather knock Italy out than their opponent.
There are no such rules, during Euro 2004 that was exactly what happened, with Italy kicked out because of it. :nelson:
Quote from: DGuller on June 18, 2012, 11:54:57 AM
Are there any rules against implicit collusion? That is, intentionally letting in a goal not because you explicitly colluded to fix the results with the other team, but because it's in your advantage to do so? I can see a situation where Italy is destroying Ireland, and one of the other two teams have no shot. They let the other team score a couple of goals, because they're desperate and have nothing to lose anyway. Then the other team can itself allow a couple of goals, because they're in either way, but they'd rather knock Italy out than their opponent.
See:
Nichtangriffspakt von Gijón (lit. Non-aggression pact of Gijón) or Schande von Gijón (lit. Disgrace of Gijón), while in Algeria it is known as the Anschluss. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Germany_v_Austria_%281982%29)
Quote from: szmik on June 18, 2012, 12:00:38 PM
There are no such rules, during Euro 2004 that was exactly what happened, with Italy kicked out because of it. :nelson:
I object. Denmark and Sweden were the better teams and thus qualified. The score of 2-2 was merely coincidental. Although the Danish defense didn't look rock solid when Sweden scored the late equaliser. :unsure:
Quote from: DGuller on June 18, 2012, 11:54:57 AM
Are there any rules against implicit collusion? That is, intentionally letting in a goal not because you explicitly colluded to fix the results with the other team, but because it's in your advantage to do so? I can see a situation where Italy is destroying Ireland, and one of the other two teams have no shot. They let the other team score a couple of goals, because they're desperate and have nothing to lose anyway. Then the other team can itself allow a couple of goals, because they're in either way, but they'd rather knock Italy out than their opponent.
If it's a 2-2 draw you can guarnatee that the wops will be crying collusion. They call it the bischotte scandal.
Apparantly when they did the scoreboard test it showed a 2-2 between Spain and Croatia :)
The odds on 2-2 are plummeting.
Italy complaining about game fixing? That's funny.
Quote from: Liep on June 18, 2012, 12:04:22 PM
Quote from: szmik on June 18, 2012, 12:00:38 PM
There are no such rules, during Euro 2004 that was exactly what happened, with Italy kicked out because of it. :nelson:
I object. Denmark and Sweden were the better teams and thus qualified.
agreed
QuoteThe score of 2-2 was merely coincidental. Although the Danish defense didn't look rock solid when Sweden scored the late equaliser. :unsure:
really really? :yeahright:
Bookies are still paying 7:1 for 2:2 :hmm:
Quote from: szmik on June 18, 2012, 12:23:32 PM
Bookies are still paying 7:1 for 2:2 :hmm:
Unusually low for a bet placed on the specific score of 2-2.
Maybe the bookies expect the teams to see that a 2:2 score would be too obvious, and that they would instead go for 4:4?
Quote from: HVC on June 18, 2012, 12:22:49 PM
Italy complaining about game fixing? That's funny.
Buffon was just buying watches!
Quote from: Liep on June 18, 2012, 12:04:22 PM
Quote from: szmik on June 18, 2012, 12:00:38 PM
There are no such rules, during Euro 2004 that was exactly what happened, with Italy kicked out because of it. :nelson:
The score of 2-2 was merely coincidental.
:lmfao:
But you're right, Sweden and Denmark were better teams, because they weren't in that sticky situation. This time it's the same, and I have no problem in saying that a team that cannot win against Spain and Croatia, having gained the lead in the two matches, deserves to go out of the tournament.
BTW, if I were one of the players of Spain or Croatia, I'd do anything and more to have the game ending with a 2-2.
L.
Did Croatia buy Greece's play style on the cheap?
Man, croatia & spain needs to start scoring some goals.
Both teams have 9-10 players behind the ball at all times.. booooring.
I hope that Croatia will get a late goal and kick boring Spain out of the tournament.
Wow, Spain with a 5-4 counter attack and nothing remotely resembling a chance.
Awwwww, fuck!
Razor sharp on the offside there, twice.
Too bad. Croatia played well.
Spain was weaker than expected.
True, but at least we get one more game with Iniesta playing. :fanboy:
I don't care what anyone says, Mario Balotelli is my favorite footballer.
bah....no conspiracy for the Italians to bitch about for four years. :mad:
Quote from: Josephus on June 18, 2012, 05:38:19 PM
bah....no conspiracy for the Italians to bitch about for four years. :mad:
Yeah, this tournament has disappointed so far, no more Arshavin, no crying Ronaldo, no Italian tears. We can still hope for a French meltdown.
Mob hit during the Italy game :ph34r: ... Well a shooting in little Italy in Toronto so there's a good chance it was a mob thing.
As someone who mostly just watches the World Cup, why aren't there more red cards and penalty kicks (has there even been a penalty kick yet?)? You can almost count on one of these a game in the World Cup, I feel as though we are being cheated entertaining indignation from the slighted side.
Also, as I say every time I watch the sport, in the voice of an uneducated and cliched American, you need to make the goals bigger. Yes it was funny to watch Russia lose to Greece. But on the balance of play Russia was the superior side. So few goals means the results are much more random, which doesn't justly reward quality.
Only one PK so far, in the first game. It wasn't scored.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 18, 2012, 09:11:29 PM
Also, as I say every time I watch the sport, in the voice of an uneducated and cliched American, you need to make the goals bigger. Yes it was funny to watch Russia lose to Greece. But on the balance of play Russia was the superior side. So few goals means the results are much more random, which doesn't justly reward quality.
The other side of this is saying Greece deserved the result for playing a very determined and organized game. Couple that with a lackluster Russian performance and the outcome looks fairly reasonable to me.
There is an element of luck and uncertainty in these cup tournaments. That's part of the magic. :P
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 09:25:28 PM
The other side of this is saying Greece deserved the result for playing a very determined and organized game. Couple that with a lackluster Russian performance and the outcome looks fairly reasonable to me.
There is an element of luck and uncertainty in these cup tournaments. That's part of the magic. :P
On the other hand, there's Chelsea :(
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 18, 2012, 09:27:31 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 09:25:28 PM
The other side of this is saying Greece deserved the result for playing a very determined and organized game. Couple that with a lackluster Russian performance and the outcome looks fairly reasonable to me.
There is an element of luck and uncertainty in these cup tournaments. That's part of the magic. :P
On the other hand, there's Chelsea :(
The hilarious thing about Chelsea winning the Champions League is that it took hundreds of millions of pounds to win it like that when they probably could have spent a tenth of what they spent and gotten a similar squad to play in the same way and still win it all.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 09:25:28 PM
The other side of this is saying Greece deserved the result for playing a very determined and organized game. Couple that with a lackluster Russian performance and the outcome looks fairly reasonable to me.
There is an element of luck and uncertainty in these cup tournaments. That's part of the magic. :P
As I've said before, if there are 10 equal quality chances in a game, and Russia gets 9 and Greece 1, if the score ends up 1-0 Greece has a 10% chance of winning even though they were thoroughly dominated. That may be why the tournament is so popular though: if the quality side almost always prevailed, most of the small countries of europe (which are most of the countries) wouldn't have much hope.
My suggestion to improve the game would be to install a more forgiving surface in the penalty box area. It seems like in every game there are a couple of players who suffer devastating (though luckily temporary) injuries in that relatively small patch of the field. It delays the game too much while the horribly battered players are nursed back to health.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 18, 2012, 09:47:28 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 09:25:28 PM
The other side of this is saying Greece deserved the result for playing a very determined and organized game. Couple that with a lackluster Russian performance and the outcome looks fairly reasonable to me.
There is an element of luck and uncertainty in these cup tournaments. That's part of the magic. :P
As I've said before, if there are 10 equal quality chances in a game, and Russia gets 9 and Greece 1, if the score ends up 1-0 Greece has a 10% chance of winning even though they were thoroughly dominated. That may be why the tournament is so popular though: if the quality side almost always prevailed, most of the small countries of europe (which are most of the countries) wouldn't have much hope.
That's true. I think a major part of it is seeing just how far your crappy national team will make it. They may lose nine times out of ten to one of the Big Countries, but to be there and see your team win that one chance out of ten is wonderful and invigorating. Like a lot of other sports, to be honest.
Generally, the cream does tend to rise to the top. A list of World Cup winners:
Brazil 1958, 1962,1970, 1994, 2002
Italy 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Germany 1954, 1974, 1990
Argentina 1978, 1986
Uruguay 1930, 1950
France 1998
Spain 2010
England 1966
Uruguay might seem like the odd man out, but historically they've been pretty decent (they also recently won the South American equivalent of the European Championship.)
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 10:24:34 PM
That's true. I think a major part of it is seeing just how far your crappy national team will make it. They may lose nine times out of ten to one of the Big Countries, but to be there and see your team win that one chance out of ten is wonderful and invigorating. Like a lot of other sports, to be honest.
Generally, the cream does tend to rise to the top. A list of World Cup winners:
I don't know if it is so much like other sports: american football isn't like that, and most other US sports use a best of 7 format.
Crap teams have a tough time winning major tournaments because with a lot of good teams it is like drawing an inside straight a bunch of times in a row (though Greece won the euro not too long ago). The issue isn't just that Russia has a small but decent chance to go down to Greece after controlling play, it is that being just a little bit better than a more quality opponent leaves the game almost a toss up.
Obviously my opinion on this is not being solicited, people like the sport the way it is, and the goals won't become larger--no matter how much sense it makes. :P
Al, March Madness.
Quote from: katmai on June 18, 2012, 10:48:23 PM
Al, March Madness.
Ah yes, the college tournament. :P
Well an international tournament is different because of the condensed timetable. Generally I think the 'better' teams win. But there are exceptions like the Greeks in Euro 2004. In the various leagues and in club football I think it's far less likely for the small team to do well but sometimes they do.
Personally I think that's part of the tactical attraction of the sport. Can your team get around their higher quality of players and dominant play by having better tactics? Can a solid defence beat out their perhaps slap-dash attacking skill - which is the Greek strategy.
I think someone did a statistical analysis of sports and 'unexpected' results like that. I can't remember where football came on the list but it wasn't an outlier.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 18, 2012, 10:24:34 PMGenerally, the cream does tend to rise to the top. A list of World Cup winners:
Brazil 1958, 1962,1970, 1994, 2002
Italy 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Germany 1954, 1974, 1990
Argentina 1978, 1986
Uruguay 1930, 1950
France 1998
Spain 2010
England 1966
Uruguay might seem like the odd man out, but historically they've been pretty decent (they also recently won the South American equivalent of the European Championship.)
Some of those victories, mostly the ones from the earlier tournaments, should really have an asterisk next to them because they involved plenty of shenanigans. In 1930 Uruguay won, yeah, but in a tournament that was almost entirely south american because very few European squads could make the trip to Uruguay, where the World Cup took place. In 1934 Uruguay, butthurt for so many European teams not going to their WC, declined to compete in Italy, which won. In 1938 both Uruguay and Argentina boycotted the WC because it was played for the 2nd time in a row in Europe. 1950 also had plenty of withdrawals due to travel costs to Brazil, as well as political meddling (Germany was banned from participating and all Eastern bloc countries boycotted the WC) and was the first time that England participated because before that they didn't want to be part of FIFA. Ultimately Uruguay won in one of the earlier mythical games of the history of footie, the "Maracanazo", but the whole tournament had a really funky organization. Both in 1934 (Italy) and 1978 (Argentina) the tournaments were played in countries ruled by dictatorships with home teams winning, which make the whole thing slightly suspect.
So yes, Uruguay is a two time WC winner, but it has to be seen in perspective. They're a good team, yes, and they have their 4th place from 2010 to show for it, but...
Who knew the Spanish were so petty, gosh Larchie! :o
:P
In 1930 Uruguay was the champion of the last two editions of the Olympics, the only official football competition for world nations. And while only 4 European countries presented themselves on the Conte Verde (the ship), two of them were from the East (Yugoslavia and Romania), clearly way poorer than many of their Western counterparts (Italy, Netherlands, Austria etc.). In Romania, the king personally helped with the costs of transport... can't see why Italy (at the height of Mussolini's influence) couldn't do the same. Besides, Uruguay was a great, great team. Unlike in 1950, where they were the underdogs, in 1930 they simply confirmed their status as the best team in the world (as they were considered throughout Europe and South America).
Of course, we should point out that only after WW2 (and I should say from 1954 to 1998), the World Cup truly was the greatest competition in the world, considered as thus by everyone. Of course, this doesn't diminish the four wins of Italy and Uruguay, just places in perspective the influence of the game during the Cold War, after the establishment of the continental competitions for both club and country. After 1998, the World Cup lost its appeal while the Champions League took its torch towards higher ground.
One observation: for Brazil the World Cup was always the most important competition. Not only the Brazilians competed in every separate edition but until the 1980's they didn't even take Copa America seriously (did you know that Pele didn't win it once, even if he competed 5 times?)
Does "well organized defense" actually mean something, or is it just a euphemism for 8 guys playing back?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 19, 2012, 06:57:35 AM
Does "well organized defense" actually mean something, or is it just a euphemism for 8 guys playing back?
Well, yes, as in every player knows exactly what he should be doing at all times, who to cover, when to press, etc. It can be very effective and very frustrating for the opponents and their fans.
It means a defence that is well-drilled. For example, they will step up together in a line to spring an offside trap and know who they are marking at set pices. They also have midfielders who cover their positions when they push forward (especially on the wings).
Yeah it actually requires training and discipline. Very unattractive to neutrals, and frustrating for opponents, but tactics and formations ARE part of the game, so...
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 19, 2012, 06:57:35 AM
Does "well organized defense" actually mean something, or is it just a euphemism for 8 guys playing back?
Oh not at all. For example I think this German side at their best have a very solid well-organised defence that's then able to spring into a very quick counter-attack. A few teams play a midfielder in defence so that they can move from defending to attacking very rapidly, but that relies on the rest of the defence being able to work effectively.
Quote from: Tamas on June 19, 2012, 07:35:12 AM
Yeah it actually requires training and discipline. Very unattractive to neutrals, and frustrating for opponents, but tactics and formations ARE part of the game, so...
:lol: I was disappointed at the Italians last night. 2-0 is just wasteful.
The thing American newcomers don't get (hard to see from TV sometimes) is that good defense requires formation, marking, movement away from the ball, return to shape, and ability to clear competently (and counter).
At work I have been watching the ESPN feeds, and it seems the view is better and wider - but see some of this in person and it is easier to see. 8 men back who don't know their ass from an underwear endorsement will get beaten. A solid and well played defense does not have to just be a bunker.
Quote from: DGuller on June 18, 2012, 10:01:28 PM
My suggestion to improve the game would be to install a more forgiving surface in the penalty box area. It seems like in every game there are a couple of players who suffer devastating (though luckily temporary) injuries in that relatively small patch of the field. It delays the game too much while the horribly battered players are nursed back to health.
Time management is also an issue. It needs to stop when the ball isn't in play.
I agree - if the game is interrupted (out, free kick etc.) - stop the clock.
Though I have to say it's much better today than in the 80s when the pass back to the goalie was very ubiquitous because they were still allowed to pick it up, draining all life from games.
I disagree, don't stop the clock. But they could card more players for timewasting, especially the ones who are injured on the field but fresh as soon as they hit the sidelines.
One thing I really like about MLS is that diving is actively discouraged - not just lip service. Refs give a fair amount of yellows in games for dives, but also the League itself sanctions and gives post-match fines and penalties for players who dive and fake injuries. This has not eliminated the time wasting dives or attempts to garner penalties, but it does seem to cut into it.
I looked this up because I saw it (probably on languish) referenced in the news before, but a study done found that:
Quoteresearchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have found that soccer is the most unpredictable sport, as it more likely that a team with a worse record can defeat a team with a better record. The researchers looked at the results of over 300,000 soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football games, and found that the likelihood for an upset was greatest in soccer.
http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/soccer-most-exciting-sport-watch
[it has a link to the study]
I stand by the idea that goals need to be bigger or some other modest innovation to up scoring (such as one less man per side, goalkeepers can only use one hand, 2 point shots from outside the box, players can pick the ball up and throw it to each other, etc).
A real question I have: are there less red cards / penalty shots because the referees aren't idiots from Trinidad and Tobago picked to add geographical diversity, European football just tolerates rough and tumble play more, or these tend to be higher quality sides that don't do stupid things to result in red cards and penalties?
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 10:38:45 AM
A real question I have: are there less red cards / penalty shots because the referees aren't idiots from Trinidad and Tobago picked to add geographical diversity, European football just tolerates rough and tumble play more, or these tend to be higher quality sides that don't do stupid things to result in red cards and penalties?
Red cards and penalities are just as random as everything else about soccer.
In general, good teams perform well in soccer, but there is a lot of potential for upsets. That makes the sport more attractive to me though.
The easiest way would be to award 0 points to each team if the final score is 0-0.
Quote from: Alexandru H. on June 19, 2012, 05:14:57 AMOf course, we should point out that only after WW2 (and I should say from 1954 to 1998), the World Cup truly was the greatest competition in the world, considered as thus by everyone. Of course, this doesn't diminish the four wins of Italy and Uruguay, just places in perspective the influence of the game during the Cold War, after the establishment of the continental competitions for both club and country. After 1998, the World Cup lost its appeal while the Champions League took its torch towards higher ground.
Really? You rate the Champions League above the World Cup? Is that a widespread opinion?
Quote from: Jacob on June 19, 2012, 12:45:51 PM
Quote from: Alexandru H. on June 19, 2012, 05:14:57 AMOf course, we should point out that only after WW2 (and I should say from 1954 to 1998), the World Cup truly was the greatest competition in the world, considered as thus by everyone. Of course, this doesn't diminish the four wins of Italy and Uruguay, just places in perspective the influence of the game during the Cold War, after the establishment of the continental competitions for both club and country. After 1998, the World Cup lost its appeal while the Champions League took its torch towards higher ground.
Really? You rate the Champions League above the World Cup? Is that a widespread opinion?
No, it's not. They're totally different competitions.
Btw, it seems that Shevchenko won't be starting for Ukraine. I'd say that they're done if he can't play.
Of course. And it's very easy to see why.
In the 90's, several factors helped to cement the CL as the greatest competition in the world:
a) Bosman law
b) The destruction of the old internal rules concerning foreign footballers (in the 90's, Spain dropped the old rule of having just 3 foreigners in their starting 11, for example)
c) Explosion of mass-media and TV football deals.
d) More money meant higher salaries and transfer fees
e) Mobile phones/internet were great help in the scouting process. Especially in Africa.
f) Players began to depend too much on the money received from the club and prefered to use his national team time to "slide" through. A great example is Giggs, a potent and reliable footballer who chose not to play friendlies for Wales for 6 years in the row, I think. There are other examples, of course: Ronaldo's club level wasn't translated at national level, Messi was criticized for his commitment to the Argentinian cause, the great English generation of the last 10 years was a dissapointment at WC and EC level etc...
In this moment, 99% of all great footballers in the world play in European championships (Brazil and Argentina keep several of them, as trophyes). The best of them were bought by the best clubs in Europe, that also play in the Champions League. The level of competition is tremendous: Barcelona has a squad of half of the world/euro champions plus the best player in the world plus starters for France, Brazil, Argentina or Holland. Real Madrid has the second best player plus Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilians, Argentinians and French players that are assured of their place in the main squad of their home country. Take Chelsea, United, Juventus or Bayern... same cases.
The level of play in the last World Cups was abysmal, to be frank. Take 2010 or 2002, classic examples of boring football. The last interesting one was 1998, but in my opinion it was its swan song. After playing 50+ games in a season, a great player simply drifts through the competition...
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 10:38:45 AM
I looked this up because I saw it (probably on languish) referenced in the news before, but a study done found that:
Quoteresearchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have found that soccer is the most unpredictable sport, as it more likely that a team with a worse record can defeat a team with a better record. The researchers looked at the results of over 300,000 soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football games, and found that the likelihood for an upset was greatest in soccer.
http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/soccer-most-exciting-sport-watch
[it has a link to the study]
I stand by the idea that goals need to be bigger or some other modest innovation to up scoring (such as one less man per side, goalkeepers can only use one hand, 2 point shots from outside the box, players can pick the ball up and throw it to each other, etc).
A real question I have: are there less red cards / penalty shots because the referees aren't idiots from Trinidad and Tobago picked to add geographical diversity, European football just tolerates rough and tumble play more, or these tend to be higher quality sides that don't do stupid things to result in red cards and penalties?
Would increasing goals scored really make the game that much more exciting, though? There are games that end 1-1 or 1-0 that are really quite good and exciting not because of the number of goals scored but because of the quality of play and the natural tension between teams in the match. For an American comparison, look at the defensively-minded teams in the SEC, where scores like 6-3 or 9-6 can be common.
Personally I really enjoy watching soccer games with scores like 5-3 or 6-1, but if such scores become more prevalent overall it could cheapen the thrill. Scoring in soccer is one of the hardest things to do in sports if your opponent is of good quality. I wouldn't mind seeing the laws of the game changed to better the game overall, but changing them to increase scoring just for the score's sake doesn't seem like a good enough reason. What does it really fix?
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 19, 2012, 01:28:16 PM
Would increasing goals scored really make the game that much more exciting, though? There are games that end 1-1 or 1-0 that are really quite good and exciting not because of the number of goals scored but because of the quality of play and the natural tension between teams in the match.
I wasn't arguing for more scoring to increase excitement, but rather to reduce the randomness of outcomes.
For those of us at work, which sides look stronger at the half? How is Wayne Rooney's hair holding up?
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 02:50:58 PM
How is Wayne Rooney's hair holding up?
His hair just scored the first goal for Engerland.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 02:50:58 PM
I wasn't arguing for more scoring to increase excitement, but rather to reduce the randomness of outcomes.
Why would you want that?
Quote from: Alexandru H. on June 19, 2012, 01:24:10 PM
Of course. And it's very easy to see why.
...
The level of play in the last World Cups was abysmal, to be frank. Take 2010 or 2002, classic examples of boring football. The last interesting one was 1998, but in my opinion it was its swan song. After playing 50+ games in a season, a great player simply drifts through the competition...
I wasn't wondering about the reason, I was wondering how widespread the notion was. Who else agrees with you (other than possibly the CL's marketing department)?
I should hope there are plenty of knowledgeable people that agree with me. Take 2010 and tell me what part was so amazing that it put CL to shame? Aside from controversies, of course...
Quote from: Jacob on June 19, 2012, 03:13:03 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 02:50:58 PM
I wasn't arguing for more scoring to increase excitement, but rather to reduce the randomness of outcomes.
Why would you want that?
There is always a balance to be struck in such matters. You don't want no luck at all, because you may as well not bother watching. You don't want it to be all luck either, because watching a coin flip is not a captivating spectator sport, and the winner of sporting events needs some legitimacy. Obviously you want the balance to be somewhere between those extremes.
I see Carroll got in for 10 minutes, just to clip clop around and run over a few Ukes. HURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
There, I watched this one. happy now?
The French team cost me a lot a money today.
The Spanish, Italians and the English did their part but the Frenchmens inability to defeat Team Ibrahimovic shall not be forgotten!
The have made a powerful enemy!
Quote from: Alexandru H. on June 19, 2012, 03:22:35 PM
I should hope there are plenty of knowledgeable people that agree with me. Take 2010 and tell me what part was so amazing that it put CL to shame? Aside from controversies, of course...
Nothing is putting the CL to shame, but it's two entirely different things.
In the World Cup, teams representing most of the nations in the world compete to qualify. For some countries it's about how they do in the qualifying rounds, for others it's about qualifying for the first time, for some it's about making it out of the group stage and for others again it's about winning or at least placing well. But pretty much every person on the planet is represented somehow when it comes to the world cup. Even when your team doesn't qualify, the spectacle matters because next time your team might... and you can still care based on how you feel about different countries (assuming you care at all).
The Champions League may have better games in terms of the skill level of the teams and it's definitely exciting. It's probably more lucrative for the players and coaches as well, but in terms of the emotional investment nothing beats the World Cup. No shame in that.
Quote from: Jacob on June 19, 2012, 05:31:08 PM
Nothing is putting the CL to shame, but it's two entirely different things.
In the World Cup, teams representing most of the nations in the world compete to qualify. For some countries it's about how they do in the qualifying rounds, for others it's about qualifying for the first time, for some it's about making it out of the group stage and for others again it's about winning or at least placing well. But pretty much every person on the planet is represented somehow when it comes to the world cup. Even when your team doesn't qualify, the spectacle matters because next time your team might... and you can still care based on how you feel about different countries (assuming you care at all).
The Champions League may have better games in terms of the skill level of the teams and it's definitely exciting. It's probably more lucrative for the players and coaches as well, but in terms of the emotional investment nothing beats the World Cup. No shame in that.
This is true.
International competitions are for the casual fans like me.
I watch the WC and the Euro. I will not watch any games of the CL, it has no appeal to me.
Champions league always struck me as for people from euro countries with a weak national team. but maybe that's my bias, because like GF the champions league hold no real appeal to me. there's no domestic league/team i follow.
Quote from: Jacob on June 19, 2012, 03:13:03 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 02:50:58 PM
I wasn't arguing for more scoring to increase excitement, but rather to reduce the randomness of outcomes.
Why would you want that?
My perspective is that a competition should be a test to reveal the stronger side. Once in a blue moon a crazy set of circumstances resulting in an upset of a stronger side is exciting, but in soccer/football it happens so often I'm usually just frustrated.
You sound like mono... reflect on that ;) :D
Quote from: HVC on June 19, 2012, 06:33:42 PM
You sound like mono... reflect on that ;) :D
:Embarrass:
Let me clarify: I don't want to see favorites win; I like to see the underdogs do well. But I'd like to see them win by matching the opponent during the balance of play, not by having lightening strike on one of their few chances while their opponent comes up snake eyes.
It really doesn't matter, I know no one is going to make the goals larger.
I just hope the eggplants lose.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 06:43:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 19, 2012, 06:33:42 PM
You sound like mono... reflect on that ;) :D
:Embarrass:
Let me clarify: I don't want to see favorites win; I like to see the underdogs do well. But I'd like to see them win by matching the opponent during the balance of play, not by having lightening strike on one of their few chances while their opponent comes up snake eyes.
It really doesn't matter, I know no one is going to make the goals larger.
:P
The only real change i want is no back passing across the center line. the last 15 minutes of any game that isn't tied is so damn boring.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 19, 2012, 06:46:30 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 19, 2012, 06:45:39 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 19, 2012, 06:44:52 PM
I just hope the eggplants lose.
:hug:
My TV started to ooze grease when they were playing.
i thought they were in the most exiting games of these euro's. or maybe that because they're the only games i really cared about the outcomes.
I think they stole my silverware through the TV. :mad:
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 19, 2012, 06:48:35 PM
I think they stole my silverware through the TV. :mad:
once more, that's mexicans :contract: Portuguese don't steal, we're just lazy... and often late. also, we're pork chops. Eggplants are italians. Damn languish and its misuse of ethnic slurs and stereotypes.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 06:43:42 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 19, 2012, 06:33:42 PM
You sound like mono... reflect on that ;) :D
:Embarrass:
Let me clarify: I don't want to see favorites win; I like to see the underdogs do well. But I'd like to see them win by matching the opponent during the balance of play, not by having lightening strike on one of their few chances while their opponent comes up snake eyes.
It really doesn't matter, I know no one is going to make the goals larger.
But favourites do tend to win, as you saw the winners of the big tournaments are almost always the same teams.
Portugal is the thieves guild hideout of Europe.
Quote from: HVC on June 19, 2012, 06:46:32 PM
The only real change i want is no back passing across the center line. the last 15 minutes of any game that isn't tied is so damn boring.
What? No no no. That should never ever happen. The last 15 minutes of the game (even a none-tied, maybe especially those) can be the most exciting minutes all depending on who's got the lead. Many of the most memorable games are memorable exactly because of the last minutes.
it's just 15 minutes of keep away and back passes. can't stand it.
Quote from: Liep on June 19, 2012, 06:53:07 PM
The last 15 minutes of the game (even a none-tied, maybe especially those) can be the most exciting minutes all depending on who's got the lead.
:hmm:
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 19, 2012, 06:20:29 PM
International competitions are for the casual fans like me.
I watch the WC and the Euro. I will not watch any games of the CL, it has no appeal to me.
Pretty much this. I usually watch two games per week and I'd be dead in a world where only international competitions for national teams exist. CL (and the better national leagues) offer quality football 9 months per year, while the WC/EC are simply shows of national pride... but lack the quality and gamesmanship of CL. For the casual fan, maybe the WC has more appeal (even though I'd argue that derbies like Real-Barca, City-United, Bayern-Borussia and CL spring games are 100 times more fun to watch than your Greece-Nigeria group game).
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 19, 2012, 07:06:43 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 19, 2012, 06:53:07 PM
The last 15 minutes of the game (even a none-tied, maybe especially those) can be the most exciting minutes all depending on who's got the lead.
:hmm:
Well, I will grant you a match between Barcelona and Ossasuna might be boring in the last 15 minutes if Barca is already up by 4.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 10:38:45 AM
I looked this up because I saw it (probably on languish) referenced in the news before, but a study done found that:
Quoteresearchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have found that soccer is the most unpredictable sport, as it more likely that a team with a worse record can defeat a team with a better record. The researchers looked at the results of over 300,000 soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football games, and found that the likelihood for an upset was greatest in soccer.
http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/soccer-most-exciting-sport-watch
[it has a link to the study]
I stand by the idea that goals need to be bigger or some other modest innovation to up scoring (such as one less man per side, goalkeepers can only use one hand, 2 point shots from outside the box, players can pick the ball up and throw it to each other, etc).
A real question I have: are there less red cards / penalty shots because the referees aren't idiots from Trinidad and Tobago picked to add geographical diversity, European football just tolerates rough and tumble play more, or these tend to be higher quality sides that don't do stupid things to result in red cards and penalties?
But then it wouldn't be football :wacko:
And making bigger goals would only up the chances of offsets as lesser teams would increase their scoring chances
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
V
My pick of Spain looking pretty good eh?
Teams to be blessed by Valmy in the first knock out round:
Portugal
Italy
Germany
Spain
Go forth and conquer ye PIGS of glory!
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:15:41 PM
My pick of Spain looking pretty good eh?
Teams to be blessed by Valmy in the first knock out round:
Portugal
Italy
Germany
Spain
Go forth and conquer ye PIGS of glory!
nooooooooo!!!! :vader:
and i want to see a italy-portugal final so that downtown toronto can burn :lol:
Alfred's ideas are worse than Sepp Blatter's.
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
This is the kind of balance that can apply to any sport. The same thing happens in racing: you want drivers to be able to pass each other. However, if there are 40 lead changes in the race, then it just means that they're all meaningless, and that the real race only happens during the last few laps.
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 01:32:15 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
You ready for a new season of the CFL? I'm excited, I miss football.
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 20, 2012, 01:39:02 PM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 01:32:15 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
You ready for a new season of the CFL? I'm excited, I miss football.
Yes. :w00t:
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 01:32:15 PM
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
My only point really is that Soccer needs to cater to the tastes of those who love the sport. It is their love that makes it the biggest thing in the world of sports. So any changes need to be done for their sake not people who probably would not pay any attention to the changes anyway.
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:21:17 PM
Alfred's ideas are worse than Sepp Blatter's.
I agree with Alfred, in that if there is a lack of scoring chances the better team will lose too frequently.
Let's assume that the two teams both have 20 chances to score, and for one team it'll score 15% of the time and the other 5%. The stronger team is seriously stronger than the other, and should dominate. The weaker team has about an 8.27% chance of winning and a 12.59% chance of drawing. If we drop the number of chances for both to 10 the weaker team will now win 11.22% of the time and draw 24.93%. If we raise it to 30 shots for each the weaker team will only win 5.77% of the time and the draws only occur 7.56%.
There's a balance between ending up with the score fests of basketball and having too few chances resulting in a lot of draws and upsets. It shouldn't be heresy to be concerned about the issue.
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:46:26 PMMy only point really is that Soccer needs to cater to the tastes of those who love the sport. It is their love that makes it the biggest thing in the world of sports. So any changes need to be done for their sake not people who probably would not pay any attention to the changes anyway.
Yeah exactly.
If you want games to play like American or Canadian rules football, rugby, hockey or basketball, you can watch those games. Association football has a pretty wide appeal as it is, so don't mess with it. I mean, sure, maybe there can be some adjustments made, but not for or by people who don't really care about the sport to begin with. That'd be daft.
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on June 19, 2012, 10:38:45 AM
I looked this up because I saw it (probably on languish) referenced in the news before, but a study done found that:
Quoteresearchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have found that soccer is the most unpredictable sport, as it more likely that a team with a worse record can defeat a team with a better record. The researchers looked at the results of over 300,000 soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and football games, and found that the likelihood for an upset was greatest in soccer.
http://www.sciencebuzz.org/blog/soccer-most-exciting-sport-watch
[it has a link to the study]
I stand by the idea that goals need to be bigger or some other modest innovation to up scoring (such as one less man per side, goalkeepers can only use one hand, 2 point shots from outside the box, players can pick the ball up and throw it to each other, etc).
A real question I have: are there less red cards / penalty shots because the referees aren't idiots from Trinidad and Tobago picked to add geographical diversity, European football just tolerates rough and tumble play more, or these tend to be higher quality sides that don't do stupid things to result in red cards and penalties?
But then it wouldn't be football :wacko:
And making bigger goals would only up the chances of offsets as lesser teams would increase their scoring chances
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
V
I was trying to be funny, I wasn't making serious proposals. :p
Yes, bigger goals would make more scoring chances for everyone, but if you have a thorougly dominated team it becomes far less likely they win (the same principle that a poor poker player will win more hands by playing more hands, but at the same time the chance of finishing ahead plummets).
Also, the other four billion might have valid opinions too. :p
I don't think the problem is so much the randomness of the results, rather that inferior teams game the system to increase their chances.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 20, 2012, 05:03:56 PM
I don't think the problem is so much the randomness of the results, rather that inferior teams game the system to increase their chances.
How is it gaming the system to try and win with your resources? Surely that's just playing the sport as it's meant to be played. You look at your opponents and your own team change your plan accordingly :mellow:
I got that you were joking Alf :P :console:
Let me step back. Baseball is also a random sport--in the major leagues they play 162 games, and the saying goes you know every team is going to win 60 and lose 60, it is what happens in the other 40 that matters. The randomness of single games is eliminated by playing so many, and most playoff / world series are determined by a best of 7 series.
Soccer is arguably more random than baseball (at least that is what the study I found said). Playing lots of games, such as in the Premier League, overcomes that randomness. But in a tournament with very few games, the randomness has a major impact. For example, in baseball they thought up the World Baseball Classic--basically like the World Cup. I find the thing stupid: the US hasn't finished in the top 3 in the first two times it has been played. Is that because the US sucks at baseball? Hardly, it is just that a short tournament means the cream won't necessarily have time to rise.
Anyway, games start back tomorrow.
DON'T MESS WITH OUR BELOVED GAME MADE FOR CHILDREN!!!!11 :mad: :mad: :mad: :P
When citing billions of soccer fans figure, let's not go overboard and assume that they made the informed decision that soccer as it is right now works best. When it comes to sport, a huge component of watching it is cultural. When I lived in Ukraine, I too watched soccer on TV religiously, because that was the main sport there. However, once I lived in US long enough, I just found it unwatchable, even though the soccer I can watch here is way better than the abortion that was Soviet soccer. It's just that there is no more cultural attraction for it, few people watch and live it here, and on its merits alone, soccer is a horrible spectator sport.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 20, 2012, 08:39:01 PM
Let me step back. Baseball is also a random sport--in the major leagues they play 162 games, and the saying goes you know every team is going to win 60 and lose 60, it is what happens in the other 40 that matters. The randomness of single games is eliminated by playing so many, and most playoff / world series are determined by a best of 7 series.
Soccer is arguably more random than baseball (at least that is what the study I found said). Playing lots of games, such as in the Premier League, overcomes that randomness. But in a tournament with very few games, the randomness has a major impact. For example, in baseball they thought up the World Baseball Classic--basically like the World Cup. I find the thing stupid: the US hasn't finished in the top 3 in the first two times it has been played. Is that because the US sucks at baseball? Hardly, it is just that a short tournament means the cream won't necessarily have time to rise.
Anyway, games start back tomorrow.
Why is randomness a problem, though? I think it's one of the reasons that makes it exciting for the fans, despite their occasional bitching when their favorite team falls prey to Lady Luck.
Plus I don't think it necessarily is randomness. A worse team can beat a better team by having better tactics and playing better together. Just look at the Dutch :lol:
Randomness for me is things like the Ukrainian goal that wasn't or a ref getting the decision wrong.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 21, 2012, 01:17:54 AM
Plus I don't think it necessarily is randomness. A worse team can beat a better team by having better tactics and playing better together. Just look at the Dutch :lol:
True. The alternative would be Germany, Spain or Portugal always winning which would be much worse.
Quote from: Martinus on June 21, 2012, 01:28:08 AM
True. The alternative would be Germany, Spain or Portugal always winning which would be much worse.
Portugal?
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 01:32:15 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
But BB, its the low number of goals that adds the thrill... one goal early on.. can they hold it? Do they need to close it down with another goal?
If it gets too easy, then tha one goal and the tactics of digging in, not digging in, subbing more defensive/offensive players go away.
V
Quote from: frunk on June 20, 2012, 02:31:24 PM
Quote from: Zanza on June 20, 2012, 01:21:17 PM
Alfred's ideas are worse than Sepp Blatter's.
I agree with Alfred, in that if there is a lack of scoring chances the better team will lose too frequently.
Let's assume that the two teams both have 20 chances to score, and for one team it'll score 15% of the time and the other 5%. The stronger team is seriously stronger than the other, and should dominate. The weaker team has about an 8.27% chance of winning and a 12.59% chance of drawing. If we drop the number of chances for both to 10 the weaker team will now win 11.22% of the time and draw 24.93%. If we raise it to 30 shots for each the weaker team will only win 5.77% of the time and the draws only occur 7.56%.
There's a balance between ending up with the score fests of basketball and having too few chances resulting in a lot of draws and upsets. It shouldn't be heresy to be concerned about the issue.
That why we have country championships, where they play the entire season and the team with the best cosistent wins take the title
The EC, WC and Cups (incl Champions leaque) are all with a great element of hit and miss, in which bredth of squad, tactics, planning, and pure luck is part of the exitement, part of the entire setup, not something to fix.
I'm sorry, but you are missing the whole point of that kind of tournemants
V
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 20, 2012, 05:03:56 PM
I don't think the problem is so much the randomness of the results, rather that inferior teams game the system to increase their chances.
Hence the two different tournament forms in most soccer nations.. a national championship played over the course of a season, in which points are gathered and the best teams come out on top, and the underdogs rarely manage to truly upset things
and the local cup formats, in which EC and WC is a hybrid, where underdogs CAN and will upset things by knocking out a better team once in a while.
For the strategist the championships are the one to follow, for the thrill of hit and run, follow the cup
V
I agree with Valdemar, the league title rewards consistency, a major cup rewards a streak of great play supplemented (often) with luck. There is great joy when a second-string team (Stoke City, Sunderland,,,etc) actually get it together and win a cup.
I think that football have got that degree of randomness just about right.
But, if you Americans don't like low-scoring games maybe you should try cricket? There are literally hundreds of runs in a match :cool:
Quote from: alfred russel on June 20, 2012, 08:39:01 PMBaseball is also a random sport--in the major leagues they play 162 games
:bleeding:
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 21, 2012, 05:08:10 AM
But, if you Americans don't like low-scoring games maybe you should try cricket? There are literally hundreds of runs in a match :cool:
And there's enough math to keep them engaged too :)
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 21, 2012, 05:08:10 AM
But, if you Americans don't like low-scoring games maybe you should try cricket? There are literally hundreds of runs in a match :cool:
:bleeding: :bleeding:
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 21, 2012, 05:08:10 AM
But, if you Americans don't like low-scoring games maybe you should try cricket? There are literally hundreds of runs in a match :cool:
We already have plenty of sports thanks. The real reason soccer is not super popular is the big three of Football, Basketball, and Baseball are plenty to occupy our attention.
Quote from: The Larch on June 21, 2012, 05:20:16 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on June 20, 2012, 08:39:01 PMBaseball is also a random sport--in the major leagues they play 162 games
:bleeding:
That is not really the reason they play so many games. Back when pro teams made virtually all their money from ticket sales and fans actually attending the games it was in the league's interest to mash as many games into the summer as they could. Of course after 140+ years that is now a beloved tradition.
Also baseball is played every single day generally so it is pretty equivalent to a standard season in every other sport.
Quote from: Valdemar on June 21, 2012, 04:48:52 AM
Quote from: Barrister on June 20, 2012, 01:32:15 PM
Quote from: Valmy on June 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Quote from: Valdemar on June 20, 2012, 02:54:37 AM
I cannot understand the non soccer nations incessant cry for more goals, why does that have to be a requirement for success??? 3 billion ppl on this planet doesn't seem to agree :)
It is pretty idiotic. If they change it the non-soccer nations STILL won't like soccer. But then the soccer nations would be pissed off. So basically then nobody would like soccer. Great thinking there reformers.
I say soccer needs more goals for the same reson I say hockey needs more goals - because scoring is the most exciting part of the game. It's what gets people out of their seats. It's what gets shown on the highlight reels. It's what you want to see.
Now there comes a point where if the scoreboard is flipping around like a pinball game it loses all excitement (I think basketball has this problem), but soccer is far from that. The ideal is probably about 5-10 total goals or scoring plays per game. I remember watching that ridiculous 9-8 Jets/Flyers game this past year and thinking it was getting out of control, but the 3-2 games were a lot more exciting than the 1-0 ones.
But BB, its the low number of goals that adds the thrill... one goal early on.. can they hold it? Do they need to close it down with another goal?
If it gets too easy, then tha one goal and the tactics of digging in, not digging in, subbing more defensive/offensive players go away.
The thing is... it isn't thrilling. It's boring. You see the same thing in hockey - score the first goal then shut down and hold on. Leads to few scoring opportunities, few exciting plays. I know there is skill involved in playing that way. It just isn't entertaining.
The number of goals in professional football has been steadily increasing for years - the game is faster, more attacking and more exciting than it has been for ages. The scoring first and holding on strategy is not often applied these days - unless the first goal is scored in the last 10 minutes or so.
Quote from: Valmy on June 21, 2012, 07:55:25 AM
We already have plenty of sports thanks. The real reason soccer is not super popular is the big three of Football, Basketball, and Baseball are plenty to occupy our attention.
Wasn't some Languish pundit saying that people really like 3-4 sports and not too many more (perhaps others only casually). With the US year saturated with the other leagues it is rather interesting that MLS gets as much attention as it does.
Quote from: Barrister on June 21, 2012, 08:52:41 AM
The thing is... it isn't thrilling. It's boring. You see the same thing in hockey - score the first goal then shut down and hold on. Leads to few scoring opportunities, few exciting plays. I know there is skill involved in playing that way. It just isn't entertaining.
We just have to agree on disagreeing, :hug: defending desperately, or masterfully, both can be fun to watch.. ofc the exception is Italian football where both teams do it amidst incesant diving <_<
V
Quote from: The Larch on June 21, 2012, 05:20:16 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on June 20, 2012, 08:39:01 PMBaseball is also a random sport--in the major leagues they play 162 games
:bleeding:
Sometimes they even play 2 games in the same day! Baseball isn't that tireing to play.
Except if you are the catcher. Poor, poor knees.
Looks like Ronaldo is bent on proving his detractors wrong.
The team that showed up won today.
Quote from: Martinus on June 21, 2012, 03:27:23 PM
Looks like Ronaldo is bent on proving his detractors wrong.
I think most people recognize that CR is a great player. If he's the number one it's a completely different question.
People don't like him because of his personality and shenanigans in the field. That won't change even if Portugal is Euro champ and he's the player of the tournament, though.
Portugal winning: :mad:
Balotelli chillin' while the rest of his team-mates do their push ups. :lmfao:
(https://p.twimg.com/Av8GlywCAAA0KcW.jpg:large)
Maybe Milner on the England squad and Balotelli will collide is some sort of sucky player(Milner)/sucky attitude(Balotelli) implosion during the game.
Edited to clarify. Because you idiots are idiots.
Balotelli is the best player. :mad:
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 21, 2012, 05:23:03 PM
Balotelli is the best player. :mad:
He is the 'sucky attitude' part.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 21, 2012, 05:23:53 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 21, 2012, 05:23:03 PM
Balotelli is the best player. :mad:
He is the 'sucky attitude' part.
Balotelli has the most entertaining attitude. :mad:
How did a person of color get a wop name?
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 21, 2012, 05:30:24 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 21, 2012, 05:23:53 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 21, 2012, 05:23:03 PM
Balotelli is the best player. :mad:
He is the 'sucky attitude' part.
Balotelli has the most entertaining attitude. :mad:
When he thinks he is Ryu delivering a flying kick to the leg, yes. Otherwise, no.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 21, 2012, 05:31:42 PM
How did a person of color get a wop name?
Born in Italy to parents from Ghana, adopted by an Italian family when he was a toddler.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 21, 2012, 05:31:48 PM
When he thinks he is Ryu delivering a flying kick to the leg, yes. Otherwise, no.
He can be a petulant child yep, but his off-field antics are amazing.
Like when he set off fireworks in his bathroom, went out to buy some groceries for his mother and instead brought back a van with a trampoline in the back, or walked a truant kid back to his school and told off a bully. :wub:
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 21, 2012, 05:42:25 PM
Like when he set off fireworks in his bathroom, went out to buy some groceries for his mother and instead brought back a van with a trampoline in the back, or walked a truant kid back to his school and told off a bully. :wub:
:lol:
In preparation for today's match:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2gJamguN04
;)
:lol: always good!
L.
If Greece win the Euros again, I am quitting soccer and will look for another sport.
Quote from: Josephus on June 22, 2012, 09:58:35 AM
If Greece win the Euros again, I am quitting soccer and will look for another sport.
You will not. You will just cry & say it was your fault just like last time. Soccer fans are the Abused women of the sports world.
Quote from: Josephus on June 22, 2012, 09:58:35 AM
If Greece win the Euros again, I am quitting soccer and will look for another sport.
I'm with you there, it'll be easy with tour de France and the Olympics coming up.
Germany will field a different offensive line with Reus, Schürrle and Klose this time. Let's see if that means they are a bit more active in attack than against Denmark.
Quote from: Zanza on June 22, 2012, 11:20:45 AM
Germany will field a different offensive line with Reus, Schürrle and Klose this time. Let's see if that means they are a bit more active in attack than against Denmark.
No Gómez? No Özil? No Müller? :huh:
Özil will play. Podolski, Müller and Gomez on the bench. At least according to Bild, but they probably know.
So, Germany plays Greece, for real?
Quote from: DGuller on June 22, 2012, 11:36:23 AM
So, Germany plays Greece, for real?
Yup, in about an hour and 45 minutes.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15173/match=2003344/prematch/index.html
Is that going to be like USSR-Hungary water polo match in 1956? :hmm:
Quote from: DGuller on June 22, 2012, 12:04:03 PM
Is that going to be like USSR-Hungary water polo match in 1956? :hmm:
We can only hope. :sleep:
My guts predict Germany beating France in the final. :sleep:
Khedira's goal :wub:
Very weak defenses in this half.
Well, that's that then.
Any predictions on who will face Germany next round?
Was that penalty against Germany a bit of a pity call? Isn't handball a foul only if you actively reach for the ball?
By the rules that's a penalty. But I did say to my dad whom I was watching the game with, that if the score was closer the ref wouldn't have called that.
Quote from: Josephus on June 22, 2012, 07:09:48 PM
By the rules that's a penalty. But I did say to my dad whom I was watching the game with, that if the score was closer the ref wouldn't have called that.
Seriously? If you're an attacker, shouldn't you just aim for the hands of the defenders rather than try to get through them?
Yeah. some intention is required. Basically, the ref needs to judge whether it was a natural movement of the arm out of the situation or an intentional grab. As you can guess, the lines are blurry on that.
Good game. Germany scored all the opportunities in the second half that they missed in the first half though. Even so it was their best performance this tournament.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 22, 2012, 03:24:08 PMAny predictions on who will face Germany next round?
I predict it will be either England or Italy.
Quote from: DGuller on June 22, 2012, 07:08:48 PM
Was that penalty against Germany a bit of a pity call? Isn't handball a foul only if you actively reach for the ball?
Arms extended away from the body -> penalty. It was silly, but clear nevertheless.
Quote from: Martinus on June 23, 2012, 02:46:37 AM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 22, 2012, 03:24:08 PMAny predictions on who will face Germany next round?
I predict it will be either England or Italy.
Not a very good prediction to be honest. :secret:
Ribery is the Frenchiest looking guy I've ever seen.
Just heard Fabregas is replacing Torres in the line-up, so Spain is playing a 4-6-0 style? Great. :lol:
Vive la France. :cry:
Clear penalty.
So many current and former Arsenal players, I can't make heads or tails of this.
Quote from: Liep on June 23, 2012, 01:51:06 PM
Clear penalty.
Are you talking about that dive?
Was that Martinus' favourite who stumbled and gave away the goal?
Quote from: Neil on June 23, 2012, 01:21:04 PM
Ribery is the Frenchiest looking guy I've ever seen.
:thumbsup:
I like the way he plays. Super high energy, *tries* to stay on his feet. I like the way France plays in general.
Great work tracking that midfield runner, France. :thumbsup:
Anyone rooting for France is a douche.
Always bet on douche.
Iniesta. :wub:
Ribery and Benzema don't deserve having to play with the rest of that team.
You mean they are playing with them now?
Quote from: Iormlund on June 23, 2012, 02:33:45 PM
Ribery and Benzema don't deserve having to play with the rest of that team.
You mean attitude or skill?
The French towelheads seem pretty good. But what do I know.
Attitude, mostly. While France is not the same as 10-15 years ago, it does have enough talent to at least contest the game.
Pity about the heat. It looks like both teams are very tired.
Go you dirty Spanish bastards!
Basque super man puts the game away.
What was France doing, playing for the 0-1 tie? :huh:
All the teams I support lose. I guess I should just stick to supporting Portugal. :homestar:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 23, 2012, 03:35:30 PM
What was France doing, playing for the 0-1 tie? :huh:
I don't know. These quarter finals have been weird, one team has been completely outplayed in all. The Czechs, Greeks and French looked like they didn't even want to try.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 23, 2012, 03:35:30 PM
What was France doing, playing for the 0-1 tie? :huh:
CDS, or Coach Diarrheic Syndrome. Fairly common when facing an a priori superior team.
Terrible, terrible France.
Hopefully Spain won't get complacent against Portugal :ph34r:
Who should I root for tomorrow? Italy or Italy 2.0?
Pirlo. :wub:
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 23, 2012, 04:22:18 PM
Who should I root for tomorrow? Italy or Italy 2.0?
THE ANGLO-SAXONS. :mad:
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 23, 2012, 04:42:22 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 23, 2012, 04:22:18 PM
Who should I root for tomorrow? Italy or Italy 2.0?
THE ANGLO-SAXONS. :mad:
You clearly haven't seen the English team.
So rooting for Italy then!
Quote from: katmai on June 23, 2012, 05:13:43 PM
So rooting for Italy then!
NEVER. HORSE CARROLL UBER ALLES!
I HATE THE ANGLOS
God watching Spain play is boring. Or is that just me?
Quote from: HVC on June 23, 2012, 08:11:42 PM
God watching Spain play is boring. Or is that just me?
No you're right. I hope they lose to Portugal.
Quote from: HVC on June 23, 2012, 08:11:42 PM
God watching Spain play is boring. Or is that just me?
I think it's kind of cool the way the ball just sticks to their feet like they have ball magnets.
It would be one thing if they were playing keep-away in their own half but typically they don't.
The French looked worse than a 5 year old's girl team.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 23, 2012, 08:35:13 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 23, 2012, 08:11:42 PM
God watching Spain play is boring. Or is that just me?
I think it's kind of cool the way the ball just sticks to their feet like they have ball magnets..
Wouldnt ball magnets be potentially painful?
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 23, 2012, 08:16:01 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 23, 2012, 08:11:42 PM
God watching Spain play is boring. Or is that just me?
No you're right. I hope they lose to Portugal.
They are more boring than watching paint dry. I don't understand why so many commentators talk about the fun beautiful spanish football.
http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/Euro2012/Nasri-to-journo-Go-Fk-yourself-20120624
QuoteDonetsk, Ukraine - Samir Nasri launched a foul-mouthed tirade against a French AFP journalist when asked what he thought of France's 2-0 defeat by holders Spain in the Euro 2012 quarter-final here on Saturday. The player, who during France's opening group game with England mouthed "shut your mouth" to television cameras in a message aimed at a L'Equipe journalist who had written a critical article of him that upset his sick mother, also suggested the two go outside the mixed zone and settle the matter.
[...]
"Go f*** yourself, go f*** your mother, you son of a bitch. You want us to have it out, go f*** yourself. There, like that you can now write that I am badly brought up," he said before leaving the mixed zone.
I bet it sounded positively charming in French, though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXTe5GOYGz8
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ztrOa8thLQs%2FTnBc9sB9MEI%2FAAAAAAAAJkE%2FvrtQtavSELs%2Fs1600%2Fsamir%25252Bnasri%25252Bpicture%25253D02.jpg&hash=b2cb5f61d1c1284c51ad62724389109e79cce6ac)
It's not a crime to tell a reporter to fuck off.
Both sides today play The Italian Way. This ought to be interesting.
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 24, 2012, 01:35:35 PM
Both sides today play The Italian Way. This ought to be interesting.
Lively start, doesn't look very Italian to me.
Quote from: Liep on June 24, 2012, 01:50:56 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on June 24, 2012, 01:35:35 PM
Both sides today play The Italian Way. This ought to be interesting.
Lively start, doesn't look very Italian to me.
Yeah, it's already better than yesterday's crapfest.
Quote from: Liep on June 23, 2012, 03:38:44 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 23, 2012, 03:35:30 PM
What was France doing, playing for the 0-1 tie? :huh:
I don't know. These quarter finals have been weird, one team has been completely outplayed in all. The Czechs, Greeks and French looked like they didn't even want to try.
They know it's all set for Germans to win. :nelson:
Is that Gerrard guy retarded?
Quote from: Neil on June 24, 2012, 03:01:20 PM
Is that Gerrard guy retarded?
Carroll is. And part horse.
Italy, especially Pirlo, look tired now before the extra time. They were the better team for most of the game.
Well, this has turned into a snoozefest.
As a Germany supporter, I approve of this game. :P
England going for penalties is a bold tactic. :bowler:
England and penalties LOLOLLOLOLOOOOOL
Pirlo and Buffon :wub:
Italians were superior in style. And what a terrible penalty shot from the last Brit.
Italy deserved it. Still don't like PK though.
Boring, boring England! Boring, boring England!
Pirlo. What a man. :wub:
With 3 out of 4 countries left being lazy greaseballs, I've lost interest.
So, Premier league starts in August?
Andy Carrol is useless. How many times did he head the ball to a defender?
I hope there won't be a backlash against British blacks because of the missed penalties. :ph34r:
Maybe they'll finely stop naming their kids Ashley (or variations thereof).
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.minus.com%2FixSNKeWYY7zCQ.gif&hash=bd4a4d6001f22a4051c7d97fc197b92eb3ecc5c9)
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 05:06:04 PM
With 3 out of 4 countries left being lazy greaseballs, I've lost interest.
So, Premier league starts in August?
Were you seriously expecting England to contend? :bowler: :lol:
Quote from: The Larch on June 24, 2012, 05:39:57 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 05:06:04 PM
With 3 out of 4 countries left being lazy greaseballs, I've lost interest.
So, Premier league starts in August?
Were you seriously expecting England to contend? :bowler: :lol:
I wasn't going to root for greasy people.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: The Larch on June 24, 2012, 05:39:57 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 05:06:04 PM
With 3 out of 4 countries left being lazy greaseballs, I've lost interest.
So, Premier league starts in August?
Were you seriously expecting England to contend? :bowler: :lol:
I wasn't going to root for greasy people.
You still have Germany around.
Are there some up and coming players for England? To my amateur eyes, they look terrible.
Quote from: The Larch on June 24, 2012, 06:53:53 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 06:00:29 PM
Quote from: The Larch on June 24, 2012, 05:39:57 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 24, 2012, 05:06:04 PM
With 3 out of 4 countries left being lazy greaseballs, I've lost interest.
So, Premier league starts in August?
Were you seriously expecting England to contend? :bowler: :lol:
I wasn't going to root for greasy people.
You still have Germany around.
Germans are pussies nowadays.
At least there were no expectations for England this time around anyways. So, long, farewell...etc etc.
Axis powers certainly obliterated the Allies during these semi-finals.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 24, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Are there some up and coming players for England? To my amateur eyes, they look terrible.
Yes. There's some hope about the midfield in future - Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell should do well. But I don't think there's a great deal. England were good for around 30 minutes and then just stopped. It was very curious.
The Pirlo penalty was stunning.
QuoteI hope there won't be a backlash against British blacks because of the missed penalties.
What? :blink: :P
Nice game by Italy, even if the lack of a proper striker is really a burden.
All in all the semifinalists are very good teams, all of them playing nice, different styles of football.
Germany-Italy :wub:
Pirlo is simply awesome, in every aspect. Moreso when he's not pressed hard by the opposition :P
L.
If Italy believes they can defeat the Germans, they can win!
They MUST win!
Altough I am pretty sure the Spanish would humble the Germans in the final, which should be fun to watch.
Spain seemed to outclass Germany in the Cupo Mondial. Are there reasons to think things will be different this time?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 25, 2012, 04:52:26 AM
Spain seemed to outclass Germany in the Cupo Mondial. Are there reasons to think things will be different this time?
Two years on. Germany's fresh young things from 2010 are now more bedded in and experienced - like Ozil - while they've got new, young players coming up like Reus and Hummels (I think). Plus I think Germany had equally good form coming into the tournament. They've been playing very well so far.
Plus it's been a few years since Germany's won a major tournament. They're sort of due one.
Quote from: alfred russel on June 24, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Are there some up and coming players for England? To my amateur eyes, they look terrible.
It's a terrible England team, probably the worst in 20 years. For about 25 minutes yesterday we looked quite good, passing the ball nicely out of defence but then reverted to mediocrity.
Had we been playing Germany we would have got spanked.
Bugger. I was sure England would win. Despite my best efforts I'd caught a glimpse of a headline which in my head I'd pieced together as England avoiding penalties and getting through. It wasn't to be.
Oh well, nobody cares this year, me particularly.
Quote from: Tyr on June 25, 2012, 06:01:32 AM
Bugger. I was sure England would win. Despite my best efforts I'd caught a glimpse of a headline which in my head I'd pieced together as England avoiding penalties and getting through. It wasn't to be.
Oh well, nobody cares this year, me particularly.
:lol:
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 25, 2012, 04:55:28 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 25, 2012, 04:52:26 AM
Spain seemed to outclass Germany in the Cupo Mondial. Are there reasons to think things will be different this time?
Two years on. Germany's fresh young things from 2010 are now more bedded in and experienced - like Ozil - while they've got new, young players coming up like Reus and Hummels (I think). Plus I think Germany had equally good form coming into the tournament. They've been playing very well so far.
Plus it's been a few years since Germany's won a major tournament. They're sort of due one.
And Spain is missing Villa and Puyol.
It's not that clear but in this pic you can just make out an English fan trying to distract Italy's final shooter by pulling his pants down. He's wearing green shirt, behind goal, no pants:
SMALL PENIS ALERT:
https://twitter.com/ilMonz/status/217210413882941440/photo/1
Quote from: Josephus on June 25, 2012, 10:09:56 AM
It's not that clear but in this pic you can just make out an English fan trying to distract Italy's final shooter by pulling his pants down. He's wearing green shirt, behind goal, no pants:
SMALL PENIS ALERT:
https://twitter.com/ilMonz/status/217210413882941440/photo/1
:D
L.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 25, 2012, 04:55:28 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on June 25, 2012, 04:52:26 AM
Spain seemed to outclass Germany in the Cupo Mondial. Are there reasons to think things will be different this time?
Two years on. Germany's fresh young things from 2010 are now more bedded in and experienced - like Ozil - while they've got new, young players coming up like Reus and Hummels (I think). Plus I think Germany had equally good form coming into the tournament. They've been playing very well so far.
Plus it's been a few years since Germany's won a major tournament. They're sort of due one.
Indeed, Germany has grown more experienced and has developed a broader bench. Incredibly, the team is younger today than it was in South Africa (where, just like now, it was the youngest team on the pitch). The young starting players have grown more experienced while a whole new wave of even younger players are starting to apply pressure to the stars of 2010.
Germany have been the best team to watch this tournament and I think are the best team.
Germany's defence is a bit suspect, but they won't have to worry because Spain's offence isn't that strong. Germany's problem is going to be getting and keeping the ball. Although I don't think Spain is as good as they were 4 or even 2 years ago, they still master the game of ball possession. Basically their strategy is going to be "you want to win, come and get it."
I do think Germany is overall a better team, and want a more attack-minded team to win this tournament; but Spain's control of the game is still tops.
And all this is assuming we don't have a Portugal v. Italy final. :D
Quote from: Josephus on June 25, 2012, 10:59:32 AM
Germany's defence is a bit suspect, but they won't have to worry because Spain's offence isn't that strong. Germany's problem is going to be getting and keeping the ball. Although I don't think Spain is as good as they were 4 or even 2 years ago, they still master the game of ball possession. Basically their strategy is going to be "you want to win, come and get it."
I do think Germany is overall a better team, and want a more attack-minded team to win this tournament; but Spain's control of the game is still tops.
And all this is assuming we don't have a Portugal v. Italy final. :D
We'll see :moon:
L.
Germany has never won a competitive game against Italy. Let's first see if they can beat the Italians before we talk about Spain. I reckon they have a fair chance, but Italy is at a similar level as Germany, unlike e.g. Greece.
Quote from: Gups on June 25, 2012, 05:01:41 AM
Had we been playing Germany we would have got spanked.
While Italy deservedly won, I had hoped for England. Because of what you say. While I am a bit sceptical whether Germany can beat Italy, I was pretty sure that Germany would beat England.
Quote from: Zanza on June 25, 2012, 11:23:41 AM
Germany has never won a competitive game against Italy. Let's first see if they can beat the Italians before we talk about Spain. I reckon they have a fair chance, but Italy is at a similar level as Germany, unlike e.g. Greece.
Nope you're a significantly better team than Italy.
You think any of the German forwards would have missed the chances Baliotelli did last night?
I was amazed at Italy's inability to score last night :hmm:
They seem to lack a finisher, which is unusual.
In any case, Germany has a fairly big advantage having rested two more days (and no extra time). And they are fairly young.
That alone should give them the edge, especially beyond the 60th min.
Quote from: Gups on June 25, 2012, 11:27:51 AM
You think any of the German forwards would have missed the chances Baliotelli did last night?
Aren't you aware of the reputation Gomez had in the English press before this tournament?
Quote from: Josephus on June 25, 2012, 10:09:56 AM
It's not that clear but in this pic you can just make out an English fan trying to distract Italy's final shooter by pulling his pants down. He's wearing green shirt, behind goal, no pants:
SMALL PENIS ALERT:
https://twitter.com/ilMonz/status/217210413882941440/photo/1
That's false advertising, you can't see anything there.
Nice semifinal coming up this evening, Ronaldo vs. Spain. :)
Useless statistics: Portugal's better scoring first then try to preserve the lead, because the last time Spain lost a game after scoring first was in 2006 :huh:
L.
I am looking forward to see annoying Ronaldo humbled by round-passing Spaniards. Seeing him run around in circles chasing the ball will be hillarious.
I am also looking forward to see if the Germans manage a good performance against a team which actually has the means to put up a meaningful opposition.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 27, 2012, 04:32:56 AM
Useless statistics: Portugal's better scoring first then try to preserve the lead, because the last time Spain lost a game after scoring first was in 2006 :huh:
The last time Spain conceded in the knock out stages was in 2006 :ph34r:
It's strange. I used to follow all the big tournaments since 1984 extensively, watching all the coverage, reading articles etc. However, this year the tournament is leaving me oddly empty and unaffected.
I think its been a great tournament, possibly the best major one since USA 1994. Refereeing standards have been superb, players have been noticably less whiney than usual and the quality of the play has been generally very good with contrasting styles and tactics.
It's missing a really epic match though.
Quote from: Tamas on June 27, 2012, 04:42:45 AM
I am looking forward to see annoying Ronaldo humbled by round-passing Spaniards. Seeing him run around in circles chasing the ball will be hillarious.
Already happened.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gifsoup.com%2Fview6%2F2409315%2Fcr69-o.gif&hash=7f83e490221244b8ea41b734159a6123e37865a7)
Wonderful gif. :lol:
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 05:49:30 AM
Wonderful gif. :lol:
Temper tantrum and everything. :lol:
Quote from: The Larch on June 27, 2012, 05:58:10 AM
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 05:49:30 AM
Wonderful gif. :lol:
Temper tantrum and everything. :lol:
Indeed, even if it's small and low quality you can't miss that tell-tale tantrum.
Tantrum aside that gif looped for 90 minutes is every god damn spain game :(
If Portugal can't beat them I hope Germany crushes them to the point of embarrassment. They deserve to be punished for the grave injustice they do to the game.
Quote from: The Larch on June 27, 2012, 05:47:15 AM
Quote from: Tamas on June 27, 2012, 04:42:45 AM
I am looking forward to see annoying Ronaldo humbled by round-passing Spaniards. Seeing him run around in circles chasing the ball will be hillarious.
Already happened.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gifsoup.com%2Fview6%2F2409315%2Fcr69-o.gif&hash=7f83e490221244b8ea41b734159a6123e37865a7)
:lmfao:
Oh stop with the injustice thing. Bullshit.
They dominate the opposition both tactically and in individual skills in one-on-one situations.
It's boring as hell. It's not soccer, it's keep away. I can watch the elementary school kids do that in the park next to my apartment. Everyone complains about the Italian style of playing for the tie, but Spain's tactics are worse (IMHO anyway).
Quote from: HVC on June 27, 2012, 06:56:18 AM
It's boring as hell. It's not soccer, it's keep away. I can watch the elementary school kids do that in the park next to my apartment. Everyone complains about the Italian style of playing for the tie, but Spain's tactics are worse (IMHO anyway).
If it's boring, it is the other team's fault. They should get the ball. They can't? Well, they should get better.
Quote from: The Larch on June 27, 2012, 05:47:15 AM
Quote from: Tamas on June 27, 2012, 04:42:45 AM
I am looking forward to see annoying Ronaldo humbled by round-passing Spaniards. Seeing him run around in circles chasing the ball will be hillarious.
Already happened.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gifsoup.com%2Fview6%2F2409315%2Fcr69-o.gif&hash=7f83e490221244b8ea41b734159a6123e37865a7)
:lol: is there a youtube video of this? it screams for bennyhillification
Quote from: Tamas on June 27, 2012, 07:13:38 AM
Quote from: The Larch on June 27, 2012, 05:47:15 AM
Quote from: Tamas on June 27, 2012, 04:42:45 AM
I am looking forward to see annoying Ronaldo humbled by round-passing Spaniards. Seeing him run around in circles chasing the ball will be hillarious.
Already happened.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gifsoup.com%2Fview6%2F2409315%2Fcr69-o.gif&hash=7f83e490221244b8ea41b734159a6123e37865a7)
:lol: is there a youtube video of this? it screams for bennyhillification
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIaldl0cHOw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIaldl0cHOw)
It's the first part of the video.
it works great :lol:
http://bennyhillifier.com/?id=VIaldl0cHOw
:lmfao:
Quote from: HVC on June 27, 2012, 06:56:18 AM
I can watch the elementary school kids do that in the park next to my apartment.
Get those school kids to play for the national team.
Quote from: Syt on June 27, 2012, 04:52:36 AM
It's strange. I used to follow all the big tournaments since 1984 extensively, watching all the coverage, reading articles etc. However, this year the tournament is leaving me oddly empty and unaffected.
That's living in Austria for you. :)
That's funny. If I was Ronaldo I would have tackled the goaler.
FUCK YOU.
The goaler? wtf is a goaler?
Goalkeeper/tender.
Are you serious?
So, I'm rooting for Portugal. :unsure:
Yes I'm serious. We in English speaking communities use Goalie or Keeper. Fucking french speaking quacker.
I just expanded your knowledge. Be thankful.
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 27, 2012, 12:17:11 PM
I just expanded your knowledge. Be thankful.
I don't think he should be, if he uses goaler in a conversation people will laugh at him.
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 12:17:59 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 27, 2012, 12:17:11 PM
I just expanded your knowledge. Be thankful.
I don't think he should be, if he uses goaler in a conversation people will laugh at him.
No kidding, i'd punch somebody in nuts if used it in actual conversation.
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:16:06 PM
Yes I'm serious. We in English speaking communities use Goalie or Keeper. Fucking french speaking quacker.
Goaler is as French as Grey Fox i.e not if you hadn't understood yet :contract: :D
Quote from: Martinus on June 27, 2012, 12:15:38 PM
So, I'm rooting for Portugal. :unsure:
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 12:21:33 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:16:06 PM
Yes I'm serious. We in English speaking communities use Goalie or Keeper. Fucking french speaking quacker.
Goaler is as French as Grey Fox i.e not if you hadn't understood yet :contract: :D
It must be a Canadian thing since Beeb uses gaol. :rolleyes:
Isn't gaoler a type of fish?
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:27:16 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 12:21:33 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:16:06 PM
Yes I'm serious. We in English speaking communities use Goalie or Keeper. Fucking Québécois French speaking quacker.
Goaler is as French as Grey Fox i.e not if you hadn't understood yet :contract: :D
It must be a Canadian thing since Beeb uses gaol. :rolleyes:
FYP :)
Maltese say goaler. :lmfao:
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 12:30:25 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:27:16 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 12:21:33 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 12:16:06 PM
Yes I'm serious. We in English speaking communities use Goalie or Keeper. Fucking Québécois French speaking quacker.
Goaler is as French as Grey Fox i.e not if you hadn't understood yet :contract: :D
It must be a Canadian thing since Beeb uses gaol. :rolleyes:
FYP :)
Sigh Duque Quacker covers the Québécois French part already :P
Quote from: Martinus on June 27, 2012, 12:15:38 PM
So, I'm rooting for Portugal. :unsure:
Why? :blink:
If a goalkeeper is also a goaler, then he's either very good, or very bad.
Tim Howard scored a goaler this year in a Premier League match.
Goalers aren't in soccer, they're in football. :rolleyes:
Soccer officially announces it is gay:
http://www.theonion.com/video/soccer-officially-announces-it-is-gay,17603/
Quote from: PDH on June 27, 2012, 12:48:54 PM
Tim Howard scored a goaler this year in a Premier League match.
He was pleasantly humble about that. Clearly felt really bad for the Fulham goal..er?
I take it Spain-Portugal's the big rivalry for both sides?
Iniesta is on fire today.
I can see why the Spanish players don't bother playing it for touch because Nani is down, we all know he's faking it.
Quote from: Martinus on June 27, 2012, 01:01:25 PM
Soccer officially announces it is gay:
http://www.theonion.com/video/soccer-officially-announces-it-is-gay,17603/
Are you going to become a fan? :w00t:
Spain looks pretty tired today. Pretty good Portugal so far, capitalizing on that with relentless pressure on our defense.
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 01:55:06 PM
Iniesta is on fire today.
Yep, unlike the referee such as Coentrão booked for instance for Hod knows why.
I think the Danish colour commentator has a sheet with various football cliché phrases he randomly reads out. Also, he sounds hungover.
The rule about erasing cards for the semis is terrible.
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 02:41:37 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 01:55:06 PM
Iniesta is on fire today.
Yep, unlike the referee such as Coentrão booked for instance for Hod knows why.
He got in a row with Reina and the assistant caught him making a Michael Jackson signature dance step.
All in all mediocre refereeing, though not really biased at least. Kind of amusing how Alves was the only defender without a card for most of the game despite being the one who tried the most.
On one hand I don't necessarily want more of Spain trying and pass their way to a goal creating pass, but on the other hand I really wish that Pepe, Nani, Ronaldo and all the other diving crybabies lose.
Quote from: Iormlund on June 27, 2012, 03:47:33 PM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on June 27, 2012, 02:41:37 PM
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 01:55:06 PM
Iniesta is on fire today.
Yep, unlike the referee such as Coentrão booked for instance for Hod knows why.
He got in a row with Reina and the assistant caught him making a Michael Jackson signature dance step.
All in all mediocre refereeing, though not really biased at least. Kind of amusing how Alves was the only defender without a card for most of the game despite being the one who tried the most.
Except for the fact that Ramos should have got a second yellow card.
Haha, Ronaldo loses a ball to Ramos, realises he cannot beg his way to a freekick, rolls around and cries.
So Portugal didn't show up for the extra time, and Spain were allowed to do what they do. Iniesta should've scored on that one chance.
Penalty kicks.. bah.
I repeat myself: bah!
Wooo!
Poor Alves though, the coach should never have allowed him to take that second walk up to the spot.
Great. I have to support Spain now. <_<
Meh.
Well I´m cheering for ze Germans.
That was boring.
I was watching at a public beergarden and was surprised to see how many Spaniards and Portuguese live in my city.
Haha fu Hilario and all you Porto scum.
First half was fun :(
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 27, 2012, 04:46:31 PM
That was boring.
You can say that again.
Hey any of you Portos catch what Ronaldo was saying at the end. Right after Spain scored the last kick, the cameras panned to him and he seemed to be saying somethign in Portuguese. My lip reading had him saying something like "Zweiiiiggg...zwiigggg"...which I realize could be anything in Portuguese.
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 27, 2012, 04:50:02 PM
First half was fun :(
Yeah, when Portugal actually pressed the Spaniards and wanted a game.
Quote from: katmai on June 27, 2012, 04:49:48 PM
Haha fu Hilario and all you Porto scum.
didn't watch the game (boo work) but I'll take my fu humbly. Go Germany! :P
Also, is it true the fans were booing Spain during the game?
Quote from: Josephus on June 27, 2012, 04:51:50 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 27, 2012, 04:46:31 PM
That was boring.
You can say that again.
Hey any of you Portos catch what Ronaldo was saying at the end. Right after Spain scored the last kick, the cameras panned to him and he seemed to be saying somethign in Portuguese. My lip reading had him saying something like "Zweiiiiggg...zwiigggg"...which I realize could be anything in Portuguese.
From the looks of it he was repeating "injustice, injustice" in Portuguese.
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 04:54:52 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on June 27, 2012, 04:50:02 PM
First half was fun :(
Yeah, when Portugal actually pressed the Spaniards and wanted a game.
It's weird, isn't it? The Portuguese dominated physically for one half, were still superior for the second and then went and simply collapsed in extra time.
Quote from: HVC on June 27, 2012, 04:56:24 PM
Also, is it true the fans were booing Spain during the game?
Yep, when they reached the 10th or so pass around the middle of the field they booed. I don't really get why, Spain does passing better than anyone else, it's how they win. The crowd didn't boo Portugal for going all defensive in the extra time because that's how they thought they could win.
Quote from: Zanza on June 27, 2012, 04:49:18 PM
I was watching at a public beergarden and was surprised to see how many Spaniards and Portuguese live in my city.
Hamburg has the biggest Portuguese community in Germany IIRC.
Heh. Did nobody learn anything from the Dutch? You cannot hope to beat Spain at its own game. They were doing better when they were attacking.
And I am not just saying that because the overtime WAS FUCKING BORING.
Honestly.
That was so boring, I never want to see Spain or Portugal play ever again.
Quote from: Liep on June 27, 2012, 05:00:20 PM
Quote from: HVC on June 27, 2012, 04:56:24 PM
Also, is it true the fans were booing Spain during the game?
Yep, when they reached the 10th or so pass around the middle of the field they booed. I don't really get why, Spain does passing better than anyone else, it's how they win. The crowd didn't boo Portugal for going all defensive in the extra time because that's how they thought they could win.
From a neutral perspective it is very boring though. I can appreciate that this strategy won them two major tournaments (three if you count the Confederations Cup which everyone forgets). It's a lot like chess. Which is why chess is not very popular on television.
Quote from: Josephus on June 27, 2012, 05:32:05 PM
...three if you count the Confederations Cup which everyone forget...
We didn't win that one. US knocked us out. There was a very amusing thread, I think at EUOT, where Stonewall was claiming the US was a WC contender after having defeated the EC champion and got quite annoyed when I pointed out it was still a third rate team and the Confederation's Cup no better than a friendly.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 27, 2012, 05:07:42 PM
I never want to see Spain or Portugal play ever again.
Quote from: Iormlund on June 27, 2012, 05:42:14 PM
Quote from: Josephus on June 27, 2012, 05:32:05 PM
...three if you count the Confederations Cup which everyone forget...
We didn't win that one. US knocked us out. There was a very amusing thread, I think at EUOT, where Stonewall was claiming the US was a WC contender after having defeated the EC champion and got quite annoyed when I pointed out it was still a third rate team and the Confederation's Cup no better than a friendly.
I was also beating my chest about that here. Sure, I know that it was a crappy tournament, but had we won I would never admit that, and continue to point out that we were once world champions. Since 2nd place really doesn't carry as much cache, and it is obvious we suck again (still), I'm letting it go. :swiss:
After the last two games, I also now understand why the goals don't need to be bigger: almost all the penalties go in. However, I'm confused as to why the actual games need to be played. :whistle:
Grr, my DVR recording crapped out right before the first penalty shot. :ultra: And I set it with plenty of time to spare, it's the quality that crapped out. :(
Quote from: alfred russel on June 27, 2012, 07:12:33 PM
After the last two games, I also now understand why the goals don't need to be bigger: almost all the penalties go in. However, I'm confused as to why the actual games need to be played. :whistle:
You need to tire out the penalty kickers, to make it more interesting.
You got a Time Warner Box? I hate their set top boxes.
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 27, 2012, 07:18:59 PM
You got a Time Warner Box? I hate their set top boxes.
No, Comcast, or whatever the fuck they they're called now.
Quote from: Iormlund on June 27, 2012, 05:42:14 PM
Quote from: Josephus on June 27, 2012, 05:32:05 PM
...three if you count the Confederations Cup which everyone forget...
We didn't win that one. US knocked us out. There was a very amusing thread, I think at EUOT, where Stonewall was claiming the US was a WC contender after having defeated the EC champion and got quite annoyed when I pointed out it was still a third rate team and the Confederation's Cup no better than a friendly.
See....even I forgot. :lol:
Quote from: DGuller on June 27, 2012, 07:17:46 PM
Grr, my DVR recording crapped out right before the first penalty shot. :ultra: And I set it with plenty of time to spare, it's the quality that crapped out. :(
That sucks. :(
I set my DVR up this morning and I had a feeling it would go into extra time at least, so I added an extra 30 minutes too. The full game plus pens just barely sneaked in.
I have a feeling tomorrow's game won't have to go to extra time. :hmm:
That was shit. One of the best scorers in the game doesn't get to kick 30 feet over the goal in PKs? I feel cheated!
I could have laughed at Ronaldo playbacks for WEEKS!
YOU FUCKING PORKCHOPS!
In case anyone missed this priceless image:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYepEX.gif&hash=c71f20fc88747996360172f3643c7feed980b13c)
At least he wasn't pouting this time :P
Quote from: Josephus on June 27, 2012, 07:28:53 PM
See....even I forgot. :lol:
We blew the title game against Brazil. We had a 2-0 lead at the half and then they decided they wanted to win and creamed us in half 2. At least it was exciting.
It seems unfair we only get one meaningful tournament every four years while the Euros get two. Surely the Confederations Cup is worth...you know...something. I mean should I instead be crowing about winning the CONCACAF title four times (keeping in mind Guadeloupe once finished third in that tourney...yes France's little island) instead of playing teams like Spain and Brazil?
Why do you guys hate Ronaldo so much? Only because he is rich, handsome and great at football? :P
Quote from: Martinus on June 28, 2012, 03:03:10 AM
Why do you guys hate Ronaldo so much? Only because he is rich, handsome and great at football? :P
That, and he is a whining douchebag who probably grew up watching too much Dragonball Z or something, seeing his heroic posings before free kicks and such.
Quote from: Tamas on June 28, 2012, 03:05:12 AM
seeing his heroic posings before free kicks and such.
Those are hilarious. Too bad he doesn't cry anymore when his team gets eliminated.
Quote from: Maladict on June 28, 2012, 03:16:41 AM
Quote from: Tamas on June 28, 2012, 03:05:12 AM
seeing his heroic posings before free kicks and such.
Those are hilarious. Too bad he doesn't cry anymore when his team gets eliminated.
He almost did yesterday
Super Mario. :w00t:
:o I did like Italy-Spain.
Wouldn't mind a rematch :mellow:
For Hod's sake, shoot!
2-0!
Super Mario. :w00t:
Great game, del Bosque should take notes.
mamma mia mamma mia mamma mia!
L.
:lol:
Don't count on it. I'm afraid the lesson Del Bosque extracted from last night's game is that it's better to dominate with no forwards than get dominated with them.
I can't believe Schweinsteiger is still there. It's Ballack all over again.
Master race my ass. Now I'm stuck with either a team whose Canadian fans I dislike or a team whose soccer style I dislike.
finding a viewable streamm of the italy germany game is impossible <_<
Quote from: Tyr on June 28, 2012, 03:26:06 PM
finding a viewable streamm of the italy germany game is impossible <_<
http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/128305/4/watch-germany-vs-italy.html
Di Natale just wants to make sure Super Mario is the first choice.
I love the fact that Germans are getting their ass kicked. :D
Exciting.
Silly to not take advantage of that last chance, but hey, Italy was the better team.
:weep:
Too fucking bad. I guess Germany will have to hand over some more bailout money now.
It matters not. Spain can not be beaten.
Based on the poll in this thread, Languish posters suck at predictions. :D
Germany simply conceded after the first 15 minutes.
Except Özil, that is.
Quote from: Iormlund on June 28, 2012, 03:44:37 PM
Germany simply conceded after the first 15 minutes.
Except Özil, that is.
Based on the "OMGWTF" faces on players, coach, and fans, I think that the Germans considered themselves already in the final, if not having won the whole thing. They just couldn't fathom the concept of being outplayed.
A historically German mistake.
Ozil was great, I liked Reus too. Aside from that though the Italians were far better.
Mario :wub:
Oh well, too bad. This team had real talent. The Italian team was tactically much better prepared and Löw blundered on the initial line up. Italy showed the ruthless efficiency on counterattack that was still Germany's trademark in the last tournament. Germany went out in a honorable fashion as they at least contested the game to the very end, even if their means today were clearly lacking. Well done, Italy. Poor show, Germany.
Not sure if I'll cheer for Italy or Spain in the final...
I think I'll be cheering for Mario and Pirlo in the final.
I didn't like how he faked that injury before he was substituted. Is that shit really necessary?
You disgust me Liep.
Fricking Italians can't even field a team of Italians. Need to steal Americans, Ghanaians, and brazilians.
Quote from: Martinus on June 28, 2012, 03:43:08 PM
Based on the poll in this thread, Languish posters suck at predictions. :D
Mine can still be the right one. :smarty:
Quote from: Zanza on June 28, 2012, 04:09:59 PM
I didn't like how he faked that injury before he was substituted. Is that shit really necessary?
Was that the first time you saw Italy play? :P
Quote from: katmai on June 28, 2012, 04:11:44 PM
You disgust me Liep.
Fricking Italians can't even field a team of Italians. Need to steal Americans, Ghanaians, and brazilians.
Montolivo is a half-German apparently. And he still missed his penalty.
Ok...so all the pundits who predicted a Germany--Spain final....LOL.
I still think a Germany Spain final would be better than one with Italy...but Italy deserved it. I'm actually gonna cheer for them now.
Italia, Italia (never thought I'd hear myself say that.)
Quote from: katmai on June 28, 2012, 04:11:44 PM
You disgust me Liep.
Fricking Italians can't even field a team of Italians. Need to steal Americans, Ghanaians, and brazilians.
We don't want stinking americans in our lineup! :mad:
L.
They don't know football. :yes:
Btw, considering this resort I am in right now is full of Krauts, what's German for "Your tears are delicious"?
If only there was a German word for schadenfreude.
Quote from: Valmy on June 28, 2012, 04:52:12 PM
If only there was a German word for schadenfreude.
:lol:
Now that game was enjoyable to watch. Even though the team with the extras from a Waffen SS recruiting poster lost.
Quote from: Valmy on June 28, 2012, 03:42:29 PM
It matters not. Spain can not be beaten.
BOOOOOOOO
Italy owns. Prandelli owns. Balotelli owns. Great game.
Spain 1 - 2 Italy
Quote from: Pedrito on June 28, 2012, 04:41:03 PM
Quote from: katmai on June 28, 2012, 04:11:44 PM
You disgust me Liep.
Fricking Italians can't even field a team of Italians. Need to steal Americans, Ghanaians, and brazilians.
We don't want stinking americans in our lineup! :mad:
L.
Giuseppe Rossi. :moon:
Quote from: Valmy on June 28, 2012, 04:52:12 PM
If only there was a German word for schadenfreude.
I didn't watch the game, but in Vienna you usually hear when goals are scored against the German team because there's a collective cheer/jeer as if Austria had just won the tournament.
For the finals, I think Spain is the favorite in terms of pre-championship predictions, but considering what Italy has shown so far Spain may prove too defensive.
Btw, funny to see two teams from the group stage meet again, and they are not from the "group of death" either. :D
This has really been the championship of surprises. Only if Spain wins it may be seen as somewhat predictable in the end.
Quote from: Martinus on June 29, 2012, 05:04:24 AM
For the finals, I think Spain is the favorite in terms of pre-championship predictions, but considering what Italy has shown so far Spain may prove too defensive.
Btw, funny to see two teams from the group stage meet again, and they are not from the "group of death" either. :D
This has really been the championship of surprises. Only if Spain wins it may be seen as somewhat predictable in the end.
Do list the surprises please. Dutch being shite? Well yeah that was one. Polacks and Russians lazy-ing away their chance to proceed from their group? Hardly. Italy defeating Germany? Not one bit.
Quote from: Liep on June 28, 2012, 04:07:53 PM
I think I'll be cheering for Mario and Pirlo in the final.
Me too since I wil be in Italy a week later :)
Quote from: Martinus on June 28, 2012, 04:49:58 PM
Btw, considering this resort I am in right now is full of Krauts, what's German for "Your tears are delicious"?
Well I don't know German but google translate gave me this:
Ich möchte Ihre Füße in meinen Mund stecken
:P
I'm getting pretty nervous... :ph34r:
don't tell me...
L.
Let's go Spain, beat those dirty Wop bastards!
Italy anthem sounds like opera.
Joder, Silva y Cesc otra vez ...
:yeah:
Crack broadcast there ESPN.
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 01, 2012, 02:03:31 PM
Crack broadcast there ESPN.
Must have been my ESPN fanboy posts from the other thread.
I wouldn't know. Fucking stream is shit tonight. I'm gonna have to go to my mom's place ...
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 01, 2012, 02:03:31 PM
Crack broadcast there ESPN.
It's those damn storms back your way, so I blame you!
Quote from: katmai on July 01, 2012, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on July 01, 2012, 02:03:31 PM
Crack broadcast there ESPN.
It's those damn storms back your way, so I blame you!
Erin Andrews is getting one last fucking on the equipment at Bristol before she leaves for Fox.
:yeah::yeah:
Wow, this Spain is fucking incredible when they feel like it. They might score four or five today if they keep it up.
And look at who is out of the Spain side with Injury to boot.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
I've missed the whole half.
The US Marines ad(the beach one) they run during the half of these soccer games give me a Murder Boner.
Shame, it was a good first half :P.
Spain plays keep away. Spain is boring to watch. Waaah! Homos.
I'm rooting for the dagos.
I want Balotelli to go all Ryu and give a dago a flaming dragon punch. Or a flying kick.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 01, 2012, 02:37:30 PM
Spain plays keep away. Spain is boring to watch. Waaah! Homos.
I'm rooting for the dagos.
so far they haven't played keep away so I'm glad they're winning. Second half probably will be keep away, but every team does that when ahead in the second so they get a pass :D
Quote from: Iormlund on July 01, 2012, 02:34:39 PM
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
I've missed the whole half.
:console:
We here in US missed about 7 mins when transmission crapped out.
How was that not a penalty? The hand seemed way more out of position than that German defender's hand was in the game against Greece.
Quote from: DGuller on July 01, 2012, 02:54:11 PM
How was that not a penalty? The hand seemed way more out of position than that German defender's hand was in the game against Greece.
Should have been a penalty.
Well that was a costly substitution.
Why was that Italian holding his forehead in his hands when he was elbowed in the chin? Does he have a crossed nerve on his face?
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Now they're just rubbing it in :lol:
hats off to Spain.
L.
Italians are laying down, and not to draw a penalty.
Lol 3 minutes? Ref is cruel
And Spanish still haven't allowed a goal since opening draw vs Italy.
Must have been saving all the goals for tonight.
Excellent display by Spain, well deserved win. :cheers: Now that's truely a Golden generation.
Quote from: katmai on July 01, 2012, 03:34:31 PM
And Spanish still haven't allowed a goal since opening draw vs Italy.
They haven't gotten a goal in a knock-out game since Zidane in 2006.
I thought that guy in the green apron was really getting into the spirit of celebrating by picking up that guy from the human circle energetically. Turns out it was a security guard removing a guy who was dancing with the Spanish players.
I feel bad for Italy. :(
Funk the traitor <_<
Portugal finally got some medals... as refs :D
Quote from: katmai on July 01, 2012, 03:45:23 PM
Funk the traitor <_<
3rd goal was iffy. 4th was just mean. I kind of feel for italy too. they were fighting back until they went a man down.
You disgust me Hilario.
Quote from: HVC on July 01, 2012, 03:47:06 PM
4th was just mean.
Might have been's Mata first time touching the ball in the whole tournament as well. :lol:
I'll never kneel to a Spanish king.
Quote from: katmai on July 01, 2012, 03:49:52 PM
You disgust me Hilario.
Ya, but i did thay way before this tournament :lol:
This team is going down in history.
Most players are also fairly young. Xabi Alonso and Xavi are the only ones that will be past their prime (33 and 34) in the next WC.
Quote from: Valmy on May 22, 2012, 08:14:50 AM
Valmy shall be blessing the heroic Spaniards.
You are welcome guys. It was all me admit it.
¡Viva España!
What if they win Brazil 2014 too? OMG :ph34r: :ph34r:
Quote from: FunkMonk on July 01, 2012, 02:30:40 PM
Wow, this Spain is fucking incredible when they feel like it. They might score four or five today if they keep it up.
Nah...I think you're exaggerating. ;)
:D
Quote from: katmai on July 01, 2012, 03:49:52 PM
You disgust me Hilario.
I thought you were Hilario.
Whose on first?
Spain are, without doubt, the best international team I've seen.
That was a truly awesome performance.
I love that someone voted for Spain in the poll today. :D
Extraordinary game for Spain. Really impressive.
I felt really sorry for Italy after Motta's injury.
Quote from: FunkMonk on July 01, 2012, 08:57:54 PM
What if they win Brazil 2014 too? OMG :ph34r: :ph34r:
I want Brazil to win that. Just for the party afterwards :o
Quote from: Sheilbh on July 02, 2012, 06:42:28 AM
Extraordinary game for Spain. Really impressive.
I felt really sorry for Italy after Motta's injury.
Quote from: FunkMonk on July 01, 2012, 08:57:54 PM
What if they win Brazil 2014 too? OMG :ph34r: :ph34r:
I want Brazil to win that. Just for the party afterwards :o
Languish meet in Brazil 2014. Party on, Wayne. :punk:
a quick analysis:
a coach cannot concede one, almost two players to this Spain (Cassano can play 30 to 45 minutes, Chiellini just back from a double injury).
I think the italians were completely emotionally discharged after the quite miraculous win against Germany, and by the fact that there was really no one who predicted they could arrive to the final.
Prandelli is a good coach, but he's lacking when he needs to make substitutions; furthermore, like many other coaches before him, he'd rather play physically exhausted players that got him tho the final than playing someone fresher but less experienced.
The use to play at very high levels during the year of almost all the spanish players did quite a difference - I mean, which one of the Spaniards did NOT play the Champions League 2011-2012? Maybe only Alba and Llorente.
This said, these spanish players are martians, and deserve this victory by large. I see no cracks in their mindset, and no generation change is going to upset them at least for four more years. Busquets, Alba, Fabregas, Navas, Piqué are all under 25 years; Iniesta himself, while playing at exceptional levels since several years, is only 28. I predict they will be the team to be beaten in Brazil 2014 too, at least.
Hats off. :worthy:
L.
Quote from: Martinus on July 02, 2012, 03:55:06 AM
I love that someone voted for Spain in the poll today. :D
I decided to go for accuracy rather than speed :cool:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2012/07/euro-2012 (http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2012/07/euro-2012)
QuoteONLY four years ago, Spain's national football team were considered the great underachievers of the game. That changed in 2008, when they won the European championship, their first trophy for 44 years.
[...]
But if the Spanish have become Europe's footballing superpower, which country has inherited its old mantle of underachievement? With no claim to scientific accuracy, Game Theory presents four possible pretenders to the unwanted crown.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.economist.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fimagecache%2F290-width%2Fimages%2F2012%2F07%2Fblogs%2Fgame-theory%2F20120707_woc521.png&hash=ac5c0b0039e9ec098f8bdeafc24346c7c598edf1)
Start with the obvious, to an Englishman, anyway. The English have won only one major tournament ever, the World Cup on home soil in 1966 (see chart), and have not even reached a semi-final since 1996 (again, at home). England has more people than Spain, a bigger economy and a league of similar quality: shouldn't the country that gave birth to the game have a team as good as Spain's? But as Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski pointed out in "Why England Lose" (first published in 2009 and reviewed here), "England are a good team that does better than most". They win matches (and tournaments) about as often (and as infrequently) as you would expect given the country's size, wealth and experience in international football. English fans at last seem to understand this. At Euro 2012, in which England were deservedly knocked out by Italy in the quarter-finals, the expectations of both press and public were roughly in line with the team's capabilities.
A second candidate is Turkey [...]
A third option is Russia [...]
The last choice is the most surprising: Germany. The Germans, of course, are a mighty footballing force. For them anything less than a semi-final is a catastrophe. The trouble is that they haven't gone on to win a tournament for a long time: 16 years, or eight competitions. Meanwhile, France, Italy and Spain have all picked up World Cups, European titles or both. The Germans seemed to have a great chance this time, with a side full of fine, young players, until they were floored by two first-half Italian goals in their semi-final. It is difficult to believe that this brilliant generation of Germans will not be World or European champions, putting an end to years of disappointment. But at each tournament there can only be one winner. And for now, that winner always seems to be Spain.
I don't think England qualifies. Sure, it has a big population, and a top league.
But it also has a distinct style that hasn't worked for ages. Rich clubs can work around that by hiring foreigners, but the national team can only field kids that have been trained around concepts that have been proven obsolete. It's a huge disadvantage.
Quote from: HVC on July 01, 2012, 03:34:17 PM
Lol 3 minutes? Ref is cruel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KW4e-CGkE8
Quote from: Iormlund on July 02, 2012, 01:22:29 PM
But it also has a distinct style that hasn't worked for ages.
Please elaborate.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 02, 2012, 03:01:04 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on July 02, 2012, 01:22:29 PM
But it also has a distinct style that hasn't worked for ages.
Please elaborate.
England has usually played a game focused on physical strength, aggressive tackling and punting balls to trigger counter-attacks. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_ball. [In Spain we call it '¡Patapum parriba!'.]
The problem is that doesn't cut it at certain level. Modern, successful teams are built around pressure. If your side lacks players that can comfortably move the ball around, that means you are much more vulnerable to said pressure, which means you a) cannot attack effectively and b) are likely to lose a lot of balls close to your own area which is very dangerous.
What do you mean by punting the ball? Is that a long pass to Andy Carrol so he can head it out of bounds?
Sort of. I used punting to try to (unsuccessfully?) imply urgency and lack of precision, since the main objective is for the player subjected to pressure to get rid of the ball as fast and easily as possible, rather than the build up to a goal itself.
I was an excellent punter when I played football.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on July 02, 2012, 03:27:08 PM
What do you mean by punting the ball? Is that a long pass to Andy Carrol so he can head it out of bounds?
I'm glad Yi has joined me in Carroll dislike. Now join me with Liverpool sorta fandom and we can hate on him, father and son.
Quote from: Iormlund on July 02, 2012, 03:37:07 PM
Sort of. I used punting to try to (unsuccessfully?) imply urgency and lack of precision, since the main objective is for the player subjected to pressure to get rid of the ball as fast and easily as possible, rather than the build up to a goal itself.
I think successfully.