Is anyone watching the Euro 2008 football games? Or taping/tivoing/dvring them, given the afternoon timing?
My husband, Abhi, is an Italy supporter, while I don't have any strong ties to any of the teams. I wouldn't mind seeing Portugal do well, though, and I'm rooting for Austria & Switzerland since they're the hosts and underdogs.
The Italy vs Netherlands game is just now wrapping up, and it looks like it's going to be a shutout, 3-0 for the Dutch. Quite a blow for Italy, given that they were the World Cup winners two years ago. And, while the first goal was scored by a player blatantly offsides, the second & third were just excellent play by the offensive side. Italy looks outclassed.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: Is anyone watching the Euro 2008 football games? Or taping/tivoing/dvring them, given the afternoon timing?
My husband, Abhi, is an Italy supporter, while I don't have any strong ties to any of the teams. I wouldn't mind seeing Portugal do well, though, and I'm rooting for Austria & Switzerland since they're the hosts and underdogs.
The Italy vs Netherlands game is just now wrapping up, and it looks like it's going to be a shutout, 3-0 for the Dutch. Quite a blow for Italy, given that they were the World Cup winners two years ago. And, while the first goal was scored by a player blatantly offsides, the second & third were just excellent play by the offensive side. Italy looks outclassed.
There was an Italian player down inside the goal--to me, this makes the play on-sides and the goal legit.
The Dutch have a knack for imploding at the worst time. It'll be interesting to see how they perform against Romania and France.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Yeah, Fusiachi, I was listening closely to the commentators on the rule regarding players off the field after the game. I do think it's an odd situation. I'm not sure if you can count that player who was down as "deliberately" off the field (which would make it not offsides) - he got a pretty hard accidental hit from the goalie. But if it was ruled as offsides that would certainly give a bit of an incentive for defenders to "fall" off the field when they get injured in the scuffle. So I'm a bit ambivalent about it.
Either way, though, I don't think the goal was decisive in the game. Sure, I'm sure it turned the momentum, but, despite a few good shots on goal, Italy just wasn't playing at the level of the Dutch. Abhi will disagree, I'm sure. It was a fun game to watch - especially since he's at work and wasn't moaning in my ear.
Any thoughts on the games tomorrow? I really don't follow any of the teams in Group D, so I'm not sure what to expect.
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
Rootin for Portugal and Netherlands! Pretty psyched about the win, sorry about Italy though. van Persie is amazing, even in the fifteen minutes he played for Holland he did great, Hope he's fit for the whole game against France Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
im watching the games. i saw germany win. looking forward to the france/italy game, cuz you know both teams will win their first game. overall im cheering for germany.
i watched some of the Croatia game
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
I'm watching the tournament, although the French-Romania nearly put me to sleep. We're playing like crap, but the French didn't do any better. And after seeing how the Dutch and the Italians played, I think those two sides have the greatest chance of making it to the quarterfinals. The Dutch were simply sublime, but the Italians didn't play as bad as the score says either.
From other groups I like Germany and Spain (although Spain is a constant underachiever at final tournaments). I'll keep an eye on Portugal too.
[ June 10, 2008, 04:24 AM: Message edited by: Corwin ]
Posted by Bella Bee (Member # 7027) on :
England isn't even in it and it's still all over the TV. I'm sure Europe won't miss the England fans.
I'm not a big footie fan, but apparently most people here are meant to be supporting Poland or wherever their favourite immigrant player or neighbour comes from instead, which is nice.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
The Dutch and the Germans are my teams this year.
Posted by Szymon (Member # 7103) on :
Germany wins it. Just because they have Podolski and Kloze... ;p
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
quote:Originally posted by Szymon: Germany wins it. Just because they have Podolski and Kloze... ;p
and Ballak and Schweisteiger (Germany has a good squad) Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Yeah, I'll be cheering for Greece. I have fond memories of the mini-riot we took part in (in Chicago) after they won 2004. Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I'm rooting for Polska! It bums me out that so many Polish-born players play for the German side though.
-Bok
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Yay for Ibrahimovic!
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
Anybody watch the Spain Russia game? i was real curious why they didnt start Fabregas. He won the youth player of the year award and is crazy good. (Torres is all hype, David Villa is the man!)
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Well, so much for that side. Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
quote:Originally posted by LargeTuna: Anybody watch the Spain Russia game? i was real curious why they didnt start Fabregas. He won the youth player of the year award and is crazy good. (Torres is all hype, David Villa is the man!)
Fabregas is very good, but he doesn't fit well into Spain's game, and they have more talented midfielders anyways. Fabregas is slow on the ball and is at his best when he is the playmaker. In Spain, they're all about the counterattack and moving it up with speed and one-touch passing.
I heard the coach said he'll be starting as soon as he gets in better form, but I think they're better off with their current midfield lineup.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I work at a sports bar, and the crazy rush of Europeans who swarmed in and demanded the game be put on all screens with the sound on took the whole restaurant aback on Sunday. I don't remember them being this crazy four years ago, but I can hardly blame them. I just got done being that crazy when the hockey finals ended.
I mildly root for France, just because it's where my ancestry dates back to. But I can't say I really care.
One thing I do find rather fascinating, is that if you actually watch some of the games and listen to the announcers, you see that the different nations have really diverse and different styles of play. It's something you really don't see as much in sports like baseball, American football or basketball, though to somewhat of a degree on hockey. I wonder if anyone has ever done a study linking the style of play of different nations to something about that nation.
Posted by anti_maven (Member # 9789) on :
I'm mostly supporting the Dutch. Last night I had the dubious pleasure of watching the Spain - Russia match. I'm not convinced that the socreline was a far representation of the quality of the two teams - but that's football...
One aspect ofthe game I did enjoy was the referreeing. I thuoght the man in yellow did a great job at keeping the gaen going and not falling for the diving tactics of one or two players. He had a couple of tricky decisions, but I though he played them well.
To be honest, Spain have one of the most capable midfields in the tournament (I'm a heavily predujiced Xabi Alonso fan) and when you couple that with Torres and Villa there are going to be goals.
Good luck to them, but I'm staying with my mates the Cheese Heads...
In response to your query Lyrhawn, I think there is a noticable difference national 'styles'. The Dutch have always played a considered pasing game, the Italians fall over at the slightest provocation, the English play well, then get knocked out (or don't even qualify) and spend the whole tournament moaning... Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Does anyone know where I can find a schedule for the round robin on line?
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
The Portugese showboat and make simple plays look complicated...(mostly Ronaldo and Quaresma)
Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :
I watched the Spain/Russia game when it was replayed. I don't know if that was a particularly good match or if my expectations are low since I usually watch MLS, but it was pretty to watch. Very pretty.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Rabbit, the BBC has a pretty good schedule page - you can see it listed day-by-day, or by group, or whatever.
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Thanks Jhai, Now I just need to find when they are being broadcast locally.
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
Do you have ESPN2? If so, go here.
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
YAY Portugal win Deco had a great game, and ronaldo is a natural attakcer. There were a couple times when is seemed scary because Portugal's midfielders don't like to play defence. GO Portugal and Holland!
Posted by anti_maven (Member # 9789) on :
Just watched Switzerland v Turkey. A good passionate game with a fine result, which I won't spoil for those who are in a different timezone.
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
umm ... i thought all the games were live, oh wait, are they replaying them so people can watch the ones that are at strange times? (i only watch the live ones) pssst. what was the score of the Switz/Turkiye game? Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
LargeTuna, they replay them here in the States in the evening, I think, as well as showing them live. Just go to the BBC link I posted above to see the score.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
GOLTV is a beautiful channel.
Posted by bootjes (Member # 11624) on :
and 4 to 1 against france just now. The colour orange is getting pretty dominant around here. (today I saw dogs wearing orange t-shirts)
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
And we kind of have to beat those guys to qualify... (Ok, we qualify with a draw if France - Italy is also a draw...) The upside is that the Dutch are now qualified, and in first place for sure, so they should be less motivated. The downside is that they're Dutch, and will continue to play even if qualified. Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Italy kinda got cheated on that offsides call early on. I really don't understand why they don't use technology to review the close ones. I understand not wanting to slow down play, but when the ball has been shot, play has stopped anyways. If they had another ref watching the camera, he could immediately signal if there seemed to be an issue with the call, and they could stop game play for a minute for the head ref or linesman or whatever to hustle over to the sideline to review the tape.
Still, I think both the games today were pretty good - and the Dutch are looking amazing. Clear favorites in the betting pools now, I bet.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Yeah, both the guy who scored and the one who was in front of the goalkeeper were onside. We were lucky I guess that the referee missed it... And I agree about using video reviews, especially for the decisive situations. It's stupid that they don't when it would take a few seconds to check things out, and as you said in the most important situations the ball will be out of play anyway (after a false offside, or a missed offside leading to a goal, etc).
Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
Go Brilliant Oranje
Posted by Bisbigliando (Member # 11646) on :
A friend stopped by and saw that I was watching Netherlands v. France. I got the standard, "But nothing ever happens in a soccer game" complaint. A minute later, that minute French/Dutch goal exchange happened. I think we may gain another fan!
Posted by bootjes (Member # 11624) on :
and everything is getting oranger and oranger.
orange wigs orange wooden shoes orange windmills orange schoolbags on flagpoles (highschool exams) orange cakes orange bread orange tea I can have a complete orange breakfast with even orange juice!
Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :
Fussball ist wie Schach, nur ohne Würfel. -- Lukas Podolski
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Oh yeah, saw that on eurosport.com. Laughed my ass off.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
quote:Originally posted by bootjes: and everything is getting oranger and oranger.
orange wigs orange wooden shoes orange windmills orange schoolbags on flagpoles (highschool exams) orange cakes orange bread orange tea I can have a complete orange breakfast with even orange juice!
I'm eating an orange Popsicle right now.
Posted by Szymon (Member # 7103) on :
quote:Originally posted by aspectre: Fussball ist wie Schach, nur ohne Würfel. -- Lukas Podolski
Chciales napisac: Pilka nozna jest jak szachy, tylko bez szachownicy - Lukasz Podolski
Btw. please, lose against Austria. Please do. We should have won but the referee was bought.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
What a turnaround from Turkey! I was sure the Czecks got the match in the bag at 2-0... Then I figured they'll win it on penalties. And then nothing. What a comeback...
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Turkey should have won - they were making all the challenges, especially in the second half.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Only game I've managed to catch thus far was Austria V Poland. That penalty at the end was heartbreaking for the Poles I'm sure, but the guy should have kept his hands off the Austrian.
The fact it happened in extra time is even more frustrating I'm sure as all Poland had to do was hold onto the ball.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jhai: Turkey should have won - they were making all the challenges, especially in the second half.
Yeap. It's strange that in the first half, even if the Turks had more possession, it was still the Czechs that seemed to control the match. And then in the second half it was like two completely different teams were playing.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Well, we suck, and the French are no better. Italy and Netherlands qualify, Italy struggling but still there (as always), Netherlands in brilliant fashion, easily winning against us with their B team.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
quote:COMING UP: It's another winner-takes-all scenario in Group D as Sweden take on Russia for the right to get trounced by the Dutch.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
Hehehe.
The Dutch really have an embarrassment of riches this year, Corwin, you shouldn't feel bad for not winning against their "B" team. There are plenty of other teams that would love to have half of the B players.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Oh, I don't feel bad. Romania hasn't really shown much in this tournament. Defense was our strong point against Italy and France, but we were almost certain that we needed to win at least one match to qualify. Our coach showed no intention to switch to a more attacking strategy when needed, and our players simply didn't look motivated. Look at what the turks did in the last 15 minutes against the Czechs, coming back from 2-0 to win in the dying minutes. That's motivation! I would have been happier had they scored even one goal, but they didn't manage to create any clear chances to test the Dutch reserve goalkeeper. So yeah, we're not final eight material this time, better to lose, realize we have work to do, and come back next time.
Posted by bootjes (Member # 11624) on :
hup holland hup
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Well, I guess the Germans had to start playing at some point.
And the Turks are incredible. They just came back in the dying seconds of extra time to equal 1-1 and go to penalties. They're just about to start. Third time they come back at the end of the game, lets see if they can go all the way in this one.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
The turks won. Wow... So Germany will be in the final... Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
That was a crazy final - Turkey sure is the comeback kid this year, aren't they?
...
Crap. And I just realized that while I was watching the show playing out on TV the dvr stopped recording (since the game overran) and now my husband won't be able to watch the penalty shots.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Yikes, those shots were the culmination of a depressing few minutes for Croatia.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
Yep.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Ouch, that must have hurt. Russia in the semis; never thought I'd see this after the way they played against Spain in their first match.
So far all the teams qualified for the semis have finished second in their groups. Let's see if Spain can beat the odds. Posted by LargeTuna (Member # 10512) on :
Noooooo, Portugal and netherlands out? Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
I was confident that the Germans would play better than in the group phase, so beating Portugal was never out of reach.
But the Russians came from nowhere. I saw their game against Sweden, but I thought even after that one that they would be no match for the Netherlands... Boy was I wrong. No matter, the Russians' win was totally deserved, I just hope they'll play like that in the semis and then we'll see another great match.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
The domination was a little unreal. If the Russians had lost it would have been a shame. I went into the game hoping for a Dutch win, but after a few minutes I was rooting for Russia just because they were playing so well.
Posted by bootjes (Member # 11624) on :
Russia deserved it though. I hope it's them against Turkey in the finals.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
Yeah, I've never seen Russia play that well.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
And Italy is out... Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Winning your group seems to be a curse this year...
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Italy didn't win their group, the Netherlands were first in that one. Spain did. So not a very effective curse, only 75% efficiency. And with such a small sample... Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Germany win, despite being outclassed for most of the game by a depleted Turkish team. But in interviews after the match the Germans said they were very wary of the "usual" end-of-game performance of the Turks. Wasn't meant to be a fourth time around, I guess. Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I watched the Germany Turkey game in a pub here on campus (I'm at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich, for a conference); it was a very good game. As you say, the Turkish team was outclassing the Germans for most of the game, but the Germans definitely earned their goals. Some excellent play on both sides.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
You have to admire the dedication of the Turks. The player's head had to be stapled together, and he played on.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Yeah, definitely.
In the Russia - Spain match, Russia was really disappointing, though. Luckily it was still fun to watch, because there were a lot of spaniards in the audience.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
Well, Spain totally deserved last night's victory. I was rooting for the Germans, but except for maybe 15 minutes in the first half they were consistently dominated by the Spanish. Well done!
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Yeah, the Spanish played really, really well. The goal was an excellent bit of play.
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
van Persie is amazing, even in the fifteen minutes he played for Holland he did great, Hope he's fit for the whole game against France ![[Wave]](graemlins/wave.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Noooooo, Portugal and netherlands out? ![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)