Euro 2004 Predictions

[91]

THAT'S more like it. Kudos for them finally putting something good together. Of course, now the Spanish have to come out and play, we might yet get a good game here...

[The Mask]

PORTUGAL WOOOO COME ON

[Loose Cannon]

christ, this game is getting crazy. So many chances for Spain. Spain is going all out on offense.

[The Mask]

YES COME ON

[Loose Cannon]

PORTUGAL 1
Spain 0. :)

[Cactus Sid]

Fu</>ck sake.

How many times did Deco cheat? What about Nuno Gomes and his "give him a yellow card ref" routine.

They can be a good footballing side, but they are a bunch of fu</>cking cheats. I might be Scottish, but I hope England dick them in the Quarter Finals.

[Loose Cannon]

Wow, that game sounded intense at the end. Greece and Portugal advance. Greece got out of there by the skin of thier teeth

[Dazz]

Try and throw it away more Portugal :|, they bring off Ronaldo who was the only one creating anything, I am aware that Couto is a defender and he came on, but going defensive is asking for trouble, and there were other players more worthy of a substitution. And then the miss by Costinha, what a load of shit he really is, apparently Chelsea are on the verge of signing him, he has done nothing.

[Dazz]

Fu</>ck sake.

How many times did Deco cheat? What about Nuno Gomes and his "give him a yellow card ref" routine.

They can be a good footballing side, but they are a bunch of fu</>cking cheats. I might be Scottish, but I hope England dick them in the Quarter Finals.

Yeah and Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Deco, everythings been agreed but he's not going to officially sign till after the tourney ends.

[Rob]

Holland are good attacking, but they are so inconsistant that you can't really judge their opposistion by Holands attacking. Scotland kept a clean sheet against Holland in the first leg of the play offs, does that make their defence good? No because they got stuffed in the return leg and generally leak alot of goals. The point I'm making is that the Czech's let in two goals against Holland, who are sometimes on form and sometimes are, but who is to say that they wont get trashed in the quarters or semi's. The only reason I think that they might not get stuff, is because like ECG keeps saying, teams play too negative and after scoring a goal they often sit back.

Also, Holland scored twice and then sat back, and made stupid decisions like bring off both their wingers, after Hetinga got sent off they went more defensive, so I think saying Czech's defence is abit far considereing it was largely due to Holland stopping attacking.

Aside from that 2nd leg, when do Scotland ever get tanked? Generally the defense is okay. It's the strikers that are the worry. Can't even comment on what you say about the Czechs and Dutch though. Everyone else saw one of the best games in European Championship history. If that was England then you'd be creaming your pants.

[Rob]

Hansen loves England? I can understand that for Andy Gray, but do you remember that clip from the World Cup when England scored and Lineker and Reid and Wright are running around screaming their heads off, whilst Hansen has a face like a slapped ass, gritting his teeth? Classic stuff. As for Strachan, it's that Scottish accent - you're fine with it, I'm having to listen carefully.

If Hansen got caught running about for England he'd get stabbed by some jock. We are all still convinced that was staged anyway. As for Strachan's accent, you have a nerve! You forget Geordie, Yorkshire and Scouse accents? :p

[Dazz]

Aside from that 2nd leg, when do Scotland ever get tanked? Generally the defense is okay. It's the strikers that are the worry. Can't even comment on what you say about the Czechs and Dutch though. Everyone else saw one of the best games in European Championship history. If that was England then you'd be creaming your pants.

When did I ever say it wasn't one of the best games?

[Loose Cannon]

yeah Dazz, what's up with you hating on everybody and every team? You have to give credit where credit is do.

[Rob]

Oh yeah, Portugal are pretty mince really. Aside from Ronaldo, they have nothing special. They had way too many clear cut chances at the end of blew them and I couldn't believe it when they had the ball and didn't boot it out the ground or run to the corners. Good luck to them but on their performances so far, I don't think they'll trouble England or Croatia much.

[Rob]

When did I ever say it wasn't one of the best games?

Where did you say it was?

[Dazz]

yeah Dazz, what's up with you hating on everybody and every team? You have to give credit where credit is do.

I just gave Ronaldo credit didn't I :mad:

[Loose Cannon]

I just gave Ronaldo credit didn't I :mad:

Yeah Yeah, I saw that. ;)

[Dazz]

Where did you say it was?

I guess you got me there. :'(

[Wengerland]

Alright game i guess, for chances made. I am still unsure as to why Morientes was dropped and was bought on as their last sub, fair enough Raul being captain but he's been badly off form, and his header showed that.

[Dazz]

Yeah Yeah, I saw that. ;)

I have made 70 posts in this thread (71 now) I must have praised more players/teams then Ronaldo.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Pissed off. Wanted Spain to finally do it this year, now they're out because of those fucking Greek cheating bastards.

[Dazz]

The Greeks will get whats coming to them when they play France. They are not going to get far, and anways, its always good to see one of the favourites eliminated :cool:

[Rob]

I don't wanna compare the positive posts against the negative ones.

[Dazz]

I don't wanna compare the positive posts against the negative ones.

Its probably for the best.

[Rob]

Pissed off. Wanted Spain to finally do it this year, now they're out because of those fucking Greek cheating bastards.

Not out because they aren't good enough? Or that they never do anything in major tournaments?

[91]

As for Strachan's accent, you have a nerve! You forget Geordie, Yorkshire and Scouse accents? :p

Believe me, I try.

Quite a good game at the end there. Portugal did OK, but they still seemed to be lacking something. That Costinha header at the end... oh dear god, anyone who gets paid to play football full time should NOT be missing chances like that. That really is one of those chances that I probably could have scored. Assuming England come second in their group (if France were to slip up against the Swiss, we could still top it, and of course Croatia could ruin everything for us) it'll be a tough game. Portugal will need to up their game a bit though.

As for Greece, good for them. I always like to see one of the minnows of the tournament doing well. Pity they didn't top the group though, I would have really fancied us against them. Cest la vie.

[Rob]

Costinha should be sent home or something after that miss. Nuno Gomes wasn't much better. He scored the hardest chance of the lot.

I reckon you'd have a better chance against Portugal to be honest.

And don't count your Croatian chickens before they hatch dude.

[Danny Electric]

I hope England just don't play for the draw against Croatia. They showed how much of a threat they are against France.

[Dazz]

And don't count your Croatian chickens before they hatch dude.

I definitley am not, I could not be any more pessimistic going into that game

[91]

As I said, Croatia could still ruin it for us. If we play to our best, we'll win, but history has shown we don't always play to our best. Still, let's see how it goes...

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Not out because they aren't good enough? Or that they never do anything in major tournaments?

They obviously were good enough. They always tend to come off badly against smaller sides like Greece, but they really should have trounced them. Should have been going into tonight's game already through.

There are only 2 teams in the competition who can say "really do anything" at tournaments, and that's Germany and France.

[Dazz]

:cool: come on the Germans.

and Spain clearly aren't good enough, like in Hollands case, they are good on paper, thats it.

[Rob]

If they were good enough, they'd be in the next round.

[Dazz]

If they were good enough, they'd be in the next round.
:y: I didnt wanna state the obvious.

[91]

If Spain always come off badly against smaller teams, then they aren't good enough and all the should've would've could'ves in the world won't change that.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Why do you all selectively turn into idiots at times?

They were clearly good enough to devour Greece. They just didn't. It's a pity, Raul hasn't been on form this season, and if he was he'd have cleaned up those chances he had against the Greeks.

It was one of those days: nothing went in for Spain, no matter how hard they tried, while the Greeks had one clear chance and it sneaked in.

It's football, sometimes the best or most deserving don't win. I like to see the underdogs do well, but not ones as cynical as the Greek team has been. Their tactics against Spain were a triumph of cynicism and cheating over football, and any football fan should be worried about that, because it's becoming a common feature of the European and international games.

[Rob]

Yeah we are all idiots.

Should I remind you they played 3 games and only won one?

[91]

Yes, all our opinions differ from yours, we're idiots. I could note how you shot yourself in the foot by harping on about how Spains star striker has no form, thus meaning he at least certainly wasn't good enough, but that I guess would involve me selecting to turn into an idiot, so I shan't.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Thanks for reminding of that, cheers.

Yet, they finished equal on points with the two sides who did qualify. It was by virtue of the difference of a single goal that they did not qualify.

You behave like an idiot if you pretend that things in football are so black and white.

If you genuinely believe Greece are a better team than Spain, then maybe you ought to think about having a quiet word with yourself.

[Dazz]

But when was the last time Spain did any good? They haven't actually proved themselves for a while.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Neither have alot of teams.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm disappointed that a team with world class players who aimed to play the right way, were held to a crucial draw by a Greek team whose sole tactic against them involved giving away free kicks and diving to break up the flow of the game.

[Danny Electric]

Thanks for reminding of that, cheers.

Yet, they finished equal on points with the two sides who did qualify. It was by virtue of the difference of a single goal that they did not qualify.

You behave like an idiot if you pretend that things in football are so black and white.

If you genuinely believe Greece are a better team than Spain, then maybe you ought to think about having a quiet word with yourself.

Portugal had 6 points, Greece had 4.

[Dazz]

Thanks for reminding of that, cheers.

Yet, they finished equal on points with the two sides who did qualify. It was by virtue of the difference of a single goal that they did not qualify.

You behave like an idiot if you pretend that things in football are so black and white.

If you genuinely believe Greece are a better team than Spain, then maybe you ought to think about having a quiet word with yourself.

Greece may not be a better team, but they at least know how to take their chances in from of goals, and are a tactically better team then the Spanish.

Things aren't all black and white but your also kidding yourself is you think that only the Greeks cheat, Portugal have cheats in their team too, in fact, all teams have their share of divers and cunts, your a little too harsh on the Greeks.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Saez playing Torres was a big mistake though, and possibly Xabi Alonso too. As brilliant as they are, they're too inexperienced to be starting a game of that magnitude ahead of Baraja and Morientes.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Greece may not be a better team, but they at least know how to take their chances in from of goals, and are a tactically better team then the Spanish.

Things aren't all black and white but your also kidding yourself is you think that only the Greeks cheat, Portugal have cheats in their team too, in fact, all teams have their share of divers and cunts, your a little too harsh on the Greeks.

No, I don't think I am. And yes, Portugal do have a few cheats, Figo being the biggest of the lot, and I think they let themselves down by playing that way, but generally their progress is down to the talent of their players, and not the ability to disrupt the talent of others through foul means.

[Dazz]

Neither have alot of teams.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm disappointed that a team with world class players who aimed to play the right way, were held to a crucial draw by a Greek team whose sole tactic against them involved giving away free kicks and diving to break up the flow of the game.

But its up to the ref to prevent it, its like if a team time wastes constantly, then it pisses me off, but its up to the referee and FIFA to do something about it. I seriously cannot believe you think they are that bad. If you have seen a team like Holland that have Van Der Vaart and Van Nistelrooy who are always cheating. Ferraira of Portugal doesn't exactly have a great reputation either, nor does Deco. Even the Germans and French have their cheaters. If you seriously beleive that the Greek's are the worst, you need to take a look at other teams.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Portugal had 6 points, Greece had 4.

Ok, but the point still stands, as regards to the seperation of Greece and Spain.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

But its up to the ref to prevent it, its like if a team time wastes constantly, then it pisses me off, but its up to the referee and FIFA to do something about it. I seriously cannot believe you think they are that bad. If you have seen a team like Holland that have Van Der Vaart and Van Nistelrooy who are always cheating. Ferraira of Portugal doesn't exactly have a great reputation either, nor does Deco. Even the Germans and French have their cheaters. If you seriously beleive that the Greek's are the worst, you need to take a look at other teams.

I didn't say the Greeks were the worst, but I haven't seen much worse than in their game against Spain.

3 of their 4 midfielders were booked in the first half, for repetitive fouling.

[Dazz]

I didn't say the Greeks were the worst, but I haven't seen much worse than in their game against Spain.

3 of their 4 midfielders were booked in the first half, for repetitive fouling.

But didn't you see the Russians against Spain, they commited even more fouls and they had alot of players booked in the first half too. Maybe the Spanish players are too quick or skillfull, or teams just can't keep up with their play. Russia did no different to Greece, they still have to be a half decent team to advance to th next stage ahead of Spain. The only team that stopped Spain qualifying for the next round is Spain.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

But didn't you see the Russians against Spain, they commited even more fouls and they had alot of players booked in the first half too. Maybe the Spanish players are too quick or skillfull, or teams just can't keep up with their play. Russia did no different to Greece, they still have to be a half decent team to advance to th next stage ahead of Spain. The only team that stopped Spain qualifying for the next round is Spain.

I think the Spanish manager fucked up tonight, by dropping Morientes and Baraja. I'm disappointed, they have been one of the most impressive teams so far.

Still, hopefully Portugal will turn it on now, with a bit of home support and momentum behind them. It'd be good to see them win the lot, but their strikers are a bit shite, which is a problem.

[91]

It doesn't matter how cynical the play of the Greeks might be (and what complaints can you have if all these players got booked anyway) but if Spain were good enough to win the tournament, they would have gotten past a team like Greece. Besides, like Dazz said, there's a lot of teams going around doing the same sort of stuff.

[Dazz]

I think the Spanish manager fucked up tonight, by dropping Morientes and Baraja. I'm disappointed, they have been one of the most impressive teams so far.

Still, hopefully Portugal will turn it on now, with a bit of home support and momentum behind them. It'd be good to see them win the lot, but their strikers are a bit shite, which is a problem.

I think its more morons like Costinha they should be worrying about.

And yeah thats what I mean about Spain, them going through is because of themselves and not Greece. The Greece manager got it right tactically and his team who arrived as outsiders to qualify, shocked alot of people. Spain were never looking like they were going to win today, and if they had gone through I couldn't see them doing much else. As Ranieri showed against Monaco in the 1st leg, if a manager fucks up he has no one else to blame. The manager can't come out and say "we were unlucky, we had so many chances but were unlucky to put them away" IF they were a good enough team then thats what the manager would be saying, but clealy they are not good enough. I find it hard to believe that had he had the two players you mentioned playing that they would have done any better.

[91]

I think its more morons like Costinha they should be worrying about.

And yeah thats what I mean about Spain, them going through is because of themselves and not Greece. The Greece manager got it right tactically and his team who arrived as outsiders to qualify, shocked alot of people. Spain were never looking like they were going to win today, and if they had gone through I couldn't see them doing much else. As Ranieri showed against Monaco in the 1st leg, if a manager fucks up he has no one else to blame. The manager can't come out and say "we were unlucky, we had so many chances but were unlucky to put them away" IF they were a good enough team then thats what the manager would be saying, but clealy they are not good enough. I find it hard to believe that had he had the two players you mentioned playing that they would have done any better.

Too true - the manager is just as an important part of the team as the players. France are heavily regarded as the favourites, but if I was managing them, forget it, there's no way they'd stand a hope in hell.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

It doesn't matter how cynical the play of the Greeks might be (and what complaints can you have if all these players got booked anyway) but if Spain were good enough to win the tournament, they would have gotten past a team like Greece. Besides, like Dazz said, there's a lot of teams going around doing the same sort of stuff.

I know. I believe I already stated it's a problematic trend in international and European football.

I am just wondering why you and Rob are suddenly becoming selectively obtuse about my disappointment over a quality team being undeservedly eliminated. Every person who watches the sport realise the nature of the game that allows that to happen, and bemoans it at some point or another.

Unless you view it without any emotion whatsoever. Spain were my team for this competiton, so I'm disappointed.

[Dazz]

Unless you view it without any emotion whatsoever. Spain were my team for this competiton, so I'm disappointed.

Yeah I would be gutted if the Germans went out at the group stage, I have £15 saying they'll win it :$ And a tenner on Italy.

But I agree about the cheating, and I cannot understand how Blatter tries to get involved in the way the F.A run the English game, yet he turns a blind eye to the dirtiest league of them all, the Argentian league. There should be better rules which are enforced with regards to diving and play acting. It was a joke that Rivaldo got a shit fine for his play acting in World Cup '02. At least with the Totti thing there are taking a step in the right direction, but the bastard should have been fined.

[91]

Because it's typical Spain. They have all these great players on show and every year there's all this hype backing them, and every year they fizzle out without a trace. It reminds me of the Wales-Russia playoff. All this hype is built around Wales qualifying and after they lose (again), Gary Speed, close to tears, states that they just aren't good enough to qualify for a major tournament. I just can't sit here and get attached to Spain. Besides, after their first two games, if England don't win it, I'm much more behind Sweden. They've REALLY impressed me so far.

It's the same sort of thing with England - if they trounce Croatia tomorrow, then they'll definitely be looking like a half decent outside bet. If they blow it again (ala Euro 2000), then it'll just be another case of them not being good enough, and we'll see in two years for the World Cup.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Blatter is a huge fucking idiot. WHat about FIFA docking 6 WC qualifying points from Cameroon for wearing their all in one kit?

I think the 'roonians got the points back on appeal, but is it really such a big fucking deal in the grand scheme of the game.

[91]

At least with the Totti thing there are taking a step in the right direction, but the bastard should have been fined.

He probably should have been, but how much difference would it make what with Tottis salary? If they fine him enough for it to actually make a difference, it'll probably be some ungodly sum that's not entirely fair. Still, maybe if it sends a message to everyone...

Blatter is a huge fucking idiot. WHat about FIFA docking 6 WC qualifying points from Cameroon for wearing their all in one kit?

I think the 'roonians got the points back on appeal, but is it really such a big fucking deal in the grand scheme of the game.

So true. FIFA could have just told Cameroon to stop doing it and leave it at that, but oh well. Did I hear right that Blatter was proposing to abolish all draws in football as well?

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Ariel Ortega was fined £6 million or something crazy like that for breach of contract at Fenebahce.

[Dazz]

Because it's typical Spain. They have all these great players on show and every year there's all this hype backing them, and every year they fizzle out without a trace. It reminds me of the Wales-Russia playoff. All this hype is built around Wales qualifying and after they lose (again), Gary Speed, close to tears, states that they just aren't good enough to qualify for a major tournament. I just can't sit here and get attached to Spain. Besides, after their first two games, if England don't win it, I'm much more behind Sweden. They've REALLY impressed me so far.

It's the same sort of thing with England - if they trounce Croatia tomorrow, then they'll definitely be looking like a half decent outside bet. If they blow it again (ala Euro 2000), then it'll just be another case of them not being good enough, and we'll see in two years for the World Cup.

I would say that Sweden won't get further then the semi's and England won't get further then the quarters, because thats what I truely believe, but in all honestly, no one has really been convincing so far and I guess it seems that teams like Sweden have as good a chance as any at getting to the final. The game tomorrow will be very close, I can see one goal being in it.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

No one has been convincing because the quality of the teams is so high throughout the competition.

The problem with England is the obvious indecision over what the best system is, and the confusion over the best line up. Also, the defence looks decidedly dodgy. A plus point is England's potential to score goals, but a huge negative is the inability to retain possession.

[Dazz]

He probably should have been, but how much difference would it make what with Tottis salary? If they fine him enough for it to actually make a difference, it'll probably be some ungodly sum that's not entirely fair. Still, maybe if it sends a message to everyone... They should have fined him two weeks wages, there shouldn't be a set amount players are fined, it should be a percentage of their salary, in Totti's case, 200% of it.

So true. FIFA could have just told Cameroon to stop doing it and leave it at that, but oh well. Did I hear right that Blatter was proposing to abolish all draws in football as well?

Yeah he does want to abolish draws, but lets save any Blatter bashing for Rob Harveys thread he started last month, this is about the Euro's.

[YOUR Hero]

Bye Bye Spain.

[diothoir]

I wish I had put a bet on the Czechs now. :'(

[Y2Ant]

I wish I had put a bet on the Czechs now. :'(
word :'(

COME ON ENGLAND :mad:

[toxic rooster]

C'ARN THE CHEQUE REPUBLIC :mad:

[yianni]

Well, what can I say. We were fucking terrible in the opening half-hour against Russia, they completely dominated and took two chances and it could have been 3-0 and elimination by the opening half hour. Luckily for us, they didn't capitalise any more and then we started looking a bit better. Still, very tense final few minutes as Russia went forward and nearly scored a third goal.

Fucking glad we got through, it's been a great effort by Greece to get this far. If we get eliminated next game which looks to be against France (and highly unlikely we'll win) I'll be happy. Hopefully France loses and the Poms beat Croatia cos I want to play off against the Poms but I highly doubt that will happen. Then again, I didn't think Russia would kick our arses like they did today so anything can happen. :|

[Cactus Sid]

Ariel Ortega was fined £6 million or something crazy like that for breach of contract at Fenebahce.

I believe he was sued by Fenarbache.

[The Mackem]

I'm glad to see Portugal through, it would have been a shame for the host nation to go out at the first round.

Spain well, they just didn't show enough to me of what I've seen of them. They remind me of England. People make them out to be better than they are for some reason. Must be because they have a strong domestic league or something :-\

Just need England to get a result and then my two picks are still alive. Choke on that Dazz :foc:

[Danny Electric]

I'd laugh my head off if the Greeks beat the French. :)

[The Mackem]

They aren't invincible. Senegal aren't exactly a great team.

[Danny Electric]

I know, France are no way near as good as they were.
Most of there best players are getting old, especially there defence and this was shown in the Croatia match.
Desailly really is a weak link.

[toxic rooster]

Trezeguet and Henry just don't complement each other, I've noticed.

Trez just takes up too much of Henry's room.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I believe he was sued by Fenarbache.

He probably was, but FIFA imposed the fine.

[Cactus Sid]

Yeah your right, just checked it.

Breach of contract is a serious issue though.

[The Mask]

What did he do to breach it?

Also, Senegal could probably be a good team really. Half of the French team is Senegalese as a second nationality.

[Loose Cannon]

Well Im watching France/Swiss today, so I'll have to use UEFA.com to check to England game.

[91]

Oh fucking hell...

[The Mask]

BOOOOOOOOOO

[The Mask]

News just in, Ashley Cole and Michael Owen are shite.

[The Mask]

COME ON YOU MONSTER GINGER BASTARD

[91]

YEEAHH!!!! News just in, England rule (at the moment).

[91]

ROOOOOOOOOONEY! Helluva goal.

[jerichoholic169]

rooney = world class

becks = massively over rated

england = dodgy as hell and getting almost as good as united at playing crap and grabbing goals at the end of the half

[The Mask]

rooney = world class

becks = massively over rated

england = dodgy as hell and getting almost as good as united at playing crap and grabbing goals at the end of the half

Next time I get made mod, you're getting banned.

also. Owen and Cole need shooting.

[91]

By the way, let's not get too confident...

Euro 2000: England need only a draw against highly fancied Eastern European opposition.

Euro 2004: England need only a draw against highly fancied Eastern European opposition.

Euro 2000: England go down to early goal before scoring two goals late in the first half to take the lead.

Euro 2004: England go down to early goal before scoring two goals late in the first half to take the lead.

Euro 2000: England bodge it in the second half.

Euro 2004: ???

[Oxstar]

Rooney is the man

[Tony Montana]

ROONEY !!!!!!!

[Oxstar]

By the way, let's not get too confident...

Euro 2000: England need only a draw against highly fancied Eastern European opposition.

Euro 2004: England need only a draw against highly fancied Eastern European opposition.

Euro 2000: England go down to early goal before scoring two goals late in the first half to take the lead.

Euro 2004: England go down to early goal before scoring two goals late in the first half to take the lead.

Euro 2000: England bodge it in the second half.

Euro 2004: ???
Don't jinx us dude

[91]

england = dodgy as hell and getting almost as good as united at playing crap and grabbing goals at the end of the half

And United won the Champions League by playing like that. If it's good enough for them...

[Wengerland]

Yeah i was thinking of that, 91.:'(

For the meantime though: WOOOOOOOOO

[Loose Cannon]

Next time I get made mod, you're getting banned.
lol

1-1 with the France/Swiss game. Alright game thus far. France dominated the first 20 minuts, but after the Swiss scored, France looked like sh**. A nice chance for Henry wit a header, but he shot it wide of the goal. Zidane has a goal for the French.

[Danny Electric]

FUCKING HAVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[91]

Well, Rob, when you read this - Hansen looked a might happier this year for an England goal. Not as happy as Wrighty or Reidy, but still...

[Danny Electric]

Croatians deserve to be losing after the way the've played. Boring bastards.

[Cactus Sid]

What did he do to breach it?

He said he had really problems with the rest of the players, so he just up and left for Argentina without permission.

One of the fun things about this game is that seemingly everyone on my estate is watching it on Sky Digital except for me. Its quite funny to say "what a goal" for Rooney's finish, put the tv on mute, and hear everyone shout "ROONEY" "YES" "GOAL" "WOOOOO" etc....

Croatia look fairly shocking, although I doubt they'll play like that in the second half. Sol Campbell, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard have been fantastic.

[Wengerland]

SORT IT OUT OWEN

[jerichoholic169]

Next time I get made mod, you're getting banned.

also. Owen and Cole need shooting.

what the.... is that for the becks comment?? i judge my view on the fact that he never delivers in major championships and mostly been anonamous (sp?!) for the last two games?!!


england just scare me without a strong defensive midfield anchorman there....saying that i like the way our midfield plays together at the moment

[Danny Electric]

Owen isn't playing too well but he contributed to both the goals.
Some of the balls played to him haven't been to good.
But at the moment I don't care because we're winning.

[Danny Electric]

Highlights of the Frogs.

[Danny Electric]

I would laugh my head off if the Swiss win and go through. :)

[jerichoholic169]

lol at henry not being able to head the ball.

[Danny Electric]

Look at the Brummies!!!!!!!!!!

[91]

Wow, the Brummies were all sitting on the steps of their local police station watching the match on a Sony Trinatron. Even Manchester got a big screen...

[Oxstar]

WTF is wrong with Michael Owen? It's like a different person in his body

[91]

WTF is wrong with Michael Owen? It's like a different person in his body

Heskey?

[jerichoholic169]

i hope both scores stay the same now - then we get greece rather than portugal.

[jerichoholic169]

Heskey?

no cos he's not falling over all the time

[The Mask]

If Owen still plays in the quarter final, I'm going to cry.

[91]

If Owen still plays in the quarter final, I'm going to cry.

You'll probably do that anyway.

[The Mask]

Don't make me make an "owen is to football what 91 is to sex" comment, 91. :mad:

[91]

Well I bet that miss doesn't appease him to you.

[The Mask]

can't say it did.

[91]

I bet that slip by Cole didn't appease him either.

[The Mask]

I'm just right, I think.

[jerichoholic169]

for once in an england game i actually dont feel worried when the opposition has a shot as opposed to normally being worried with david james in net.

the croatians really dont like becks do they?! good to see owen getting into the game and starting to look dangerous again.

[91]

Oh Wayne Rooney, I want to have your babies.

[jerichoholic169]

well thats the end of this match then - go on rooney lad!!

[The Mask]

God, he's going to be worth about £80m tomorrow now. stupid everton.

[jerichoholic169]

and england concede from a set piece AGAIN

[91]

Oh bugger. Now I'm going to be scared again for the last fifteen minutes.

[The Mask]

they still need to get 2

[Loose Cannon]

Goal Henry. France ahead 2-1

[jerichoholic169]

ah bugger henry's scored. guess we're gonna get the portugese after all.

[91]

YEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!! I'm OK again now.

[jerichoholic169]

lol this match is crazy. how many are england gonna get?!?

[The Mask]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[91]

ah bugger henry's scored. guess we're gonna get the portugese after all.

Pity, but at the end of the day if England are going to win the tournament, we have to beat the big guns at some point.

[91]

Oh good, Phil Neville, he can give away three penalties and send us out.

[jerichoholic169]

and if we play portugal then we're on BBC and not ITV so we stay unjiinxed. lol. or are the games on both channels from now on?!

[Loose Cannon]

GOALLLLL HENRY. 3-1 France

[91]

and if we play portugal then we're on BBC and not ITV so we stay unjiinxed. lol. or are the games on both channels from now on?!

Not sure about the quarters, but I'd imagine the semis would be. In those circumstances, I don't know why ITV even bother.

[The Mask]

I think the swiss must've decided to let Henry have the space he likes. Closing him down, the dirty croat and english cheats.

[The Mask]

Owen is still shit.

[91]

I hope Owen scores eight goals in the final now.

[The Mask]

Useless much, Michael? :mad:

[jerichoholic169]

now lets hope theres no stupidity after the match by 'england fans'.

bring on the portugese!!

[Rob]

Aside from Rooney (yes they went over the top again but he did well), I don't see much there that Portugal can't handle.

And did you see Alan Hansen's mug when England scored? Case closed on that English bastard!

[The Mask]

Rob Harvey, how much does it hurt you to know your Grandchildren will be english?

[91]

You just don't like Scots who show a vague liking to England when they're playing some exotic non UK team. :p

As for Portugal, I think we certainly CAN beat them, but at the same time, they could certainly beat us. Whilst we're capable of making it to the semis though, I would have to edge it to the hosts right now. Still, ask me again on Friday.

[The Mask]

I'm just looking forward to watching cristiano rape ashley cole again.

[Rob]

Rob Harvey, how much does it hurt you to know your Grandchildren will be english?

Won't happen. I was the first Harvey born in England and my sister will be the last. They can be born in Mali or Tazmania for all I care but they won't be English.

[Wengerland]

Well we need to lose the casual part of the game, we became a bit complacent after scoring the 3rd. Gerrard should have been bought off, he spent the last 15 minutes strolling around and giving the ball away.

Portugal haven't looked great, especially if they play with one main striker. Just need to defend better from set pieces.

To be honest i'm just happy we're here, no shame in losing to the hosts if we do and have to remember this is only the second time in the competitions histroy that we've got beyond the group stages.

[The Mask]

Won't happen. I was the first Harvey born in England and my sister will be the last. They can be born in Mali or Tazmania for all I care but they won't be English.

Well, I figured you were going off the nationality of your Grandparents or something, so eitherway, your grandchildren are fucked :mad:

[91]

Won't happen. I was the first Harvey born in England and my sister will be the last. They can be born in Mali or Tazmania for all I care but they won't be English.

He says, twitching nervously...

[Rob]

You just don't like Scots who show a vague liking to England when they're playing some exotic non UK team. :p

As for Portugal, I think we certainly CAN beat them, but at the same time, they could certainly beat us. Whilst we're capable of making it to the semis though, I would have to edge it to the hosts right now. Still, ask me again on Friday.

Fu</>ck off. All I hear is English fans giving it the "We'd support Scotland if they were in it" line and it's pure sh</>ite. You support us until we lose and then are the first to laugh when we lose. All the "are you Scotland in disguise?" chants never went unheard either. Apparently you don't even care about us but you still are bothered by this tiny little country who take the piss out of you. And I don't even care about that really. I expect that from you. What bothers me is when Scots know this and still say they'd support you lot. Biggest embarrassment of the lot.

At the end of the day, I don't give a sh</>it if you would support us or not as long as you stuck to one side of the fence. Lads at my work admit they wouldn't and don't care I ain't supporting England.

COME ON PORTUGAL! :D

[Rob]

He says, twitching nervously...

Sadly true :(

[Rob]

I'm just looking forward to watching cristiano rape ashley cole again.

And Gary Neville :D

[The Mask]

we'll have to get rob in the convo with me and RBFFFFFFFFFFF and baird next match around :(

[91]

Fu</>ck off. All I hear is English fans giving it the "We'd support Scotland if they were in it" line and it's pure sh</>ite. You support us until we lose and then are the first to laugh when we lose.

The second sentence is true. As a neutral I'd back Scotland by proxy, but since I ultimately don't care about anyone bar England, I do get a kick out of laughing at them. Still, you can't say that's unfair since you hate our lot so much too (more than I hate Scotland, at least).

[Rob Ban Fan]

<font face=verdana size=3 color="#ff6600">I back Scotland whenever they play, same with Ireland and Wales. Obviously if it was against England id want England to win but in both the play off games I was cheering for the home nations.

We need to tighten up the marking from setpieces but Croatia have loads of 7' giant players so we were always going to be trouble at set pieces.</font>

[Rob]

Not saying it's unfair. Saying it's annoying. Support someone or don't. More pissed at the support "jocks" like Hansen and Gray.

[The Mask]

I back whatever temas have Utd players in usually, including scotland. If they lose, I'm still going to rub it in though. Not because I have any deep loathing for them, just cause that's what footballs for.

[Rob]

Oh yeah, Molnar is the worst player in the tournament. Just have to stress it again.

[Cactus Sid]

My Dad is born and bred Scottish, and he's with the English on Thursday, purely because he hates the Portugese for being a bunch of cheating, overrated asses, which is also my opinion.

[The Mask]

I don't know, apart from that set up for rooney's header, Owen has been pretty terrible.

[Danny Electric]

The one two for Rooney's second goal.
The part he played in the first goal and second goal.
He hasn't been firing them in but his link up play has been good.

[The Mask]

that one two was awful. he underhit them both times and we were lucky not to lose the ball.

[Rob]

At the end of the day, who can they replace Owen with? Heskey or Vassell? PLEASE! As a jock, I'm begging Sven to do that! :D

[Tony Montana]

stupid everton.

:foc:

[Rob]

Rooney has to be signing for Chelsea or Man United now.

[Jonster]

At the end of the day, who can they replace Owen with? Heskey or Vassell? PLEASE! As a jock, I'm begging Sven to do that! :D
Oh no.
Not Heskey.

[The Mask]

Vassell has looked more dangerous than Owen thus far.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Wow, the Brummies were all sitting on the steps of their local police station watching the match on a Sony Trinatron. Even Manchester got a big screen...

That was centenary square :o And I'm thinking it was pretty empty cause there was trouble after the France game and they banned sales of alcohol there.

Scotland can f</>uck off :) I keep an eye out for any Wolves players when they make appearances but that's it. I semi-support Ireland since I'm half-Irish, that's about as far as I go. I just find it hilarious how unbelievably bitter some Scots (nobody here, mind) get about England (esp when we haven't particularly done anything much worth getting bitter about) - all I ever hear is "You lot never shut up about 1966" - :| I don't know *anyone* who reverts to using 1966 in an argument unless they're either dumb or desperate, so f</>uck off on that count. Having said that, the old "we only have 5 million or so population" excuse is out the window thanks to Latvia eh? :D

Is it me or did John Terry look nervous for a lot of tonight's game? Sort it out lad.

Ashley Cole still can't defend (thank you)...I'm surprised Croatia didn't just go for it and hit a ton of crosses towards Mornar, he would've done Cole every time in the air.

Beckham played better but still didn't do a hell of a lot. About 15-20 minutes in the 2nd half he got within 10 yards of the Croatian penalty area, which was about the first time bar free kicks he had advanced that far up the pitch with the ball.

Owen seems to have lost his touch (literally) but to be honest you can't leave him out. Scholes went for 3 friggin years, and look what the goal did for him, he actually looked vaguely like his club form afterwards. Same with Shearer back before Euro 96, everyone knew he was capable but he hit a barren spell. Then he banged them in. Owen is a bigger goal threat than Heskey or Vassell, even if he's not on top form, so he's got to play.

Gerrard was the man for most of the game. I lost count of the number of times he broke up the Croatian possession or ended up out on the wings covering.

Michael Oakes needs to be called up asap.

That is all.

[Tony Montana]

Rooney has to be signing for Chelsea or Man United now.

Any offers less than £50million would be laughed at.

[Jonster]

Vassell has looked more dangerous than Owen thus far.
I didn't see the 2nd game, but when I've seen Vassell on the pitch, he seems to be doing a lot more than Owen.

[Ogen]

C'mon Ronaldo for a crazy dive going by Neville in the 90th minute to put England out and then get chased out of the country thus fucking England and United in one move.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Vassell has also been brought on when we were ahead against a poor Swiss team and ahead against an already beaten Croatia. Credit to him he did his part against France but then again Silvestre and Thuram were having mares that night.

[Dazz]

Is it me or did John Terry look nervous for a lot of tonight's game? Sort it out lad.

Ashley Cole still can't defend (thank you)...I'm surprised Croatia didn't just go for it and hit a ton of crosses towards Mornar, he would've done Cole every time in the air.

Beckham played better but still didn't do a hell of a lot. About 15-20 minutes in the 2nd half he got within 10 yards of the Croatian penalty area, which was about the first time bar free kicks he had advanced that far up the pitch with the ball.

Owen seems to have lost his touch (literally) but to be honest you can't leave him out. Scholes went for 3 friggin years, and look what the goal did for him, he actually looked vaguely like his club form afterwards. Same with Shearer back before Euro 96, everyone knew he was capable but he hit a barren spell. Then he banged them in. Owen is a bigger goal threat than Heskey or Vassell, even if he's not on top form, so he's got to play.

Gerrard was the man for most of the game. I lost count of the number of times he broke up the Croatian possession or ended up out on the wings covering.

Michael Oakes needs to be called up asap.

That is all.

It's not just Ashley Cole, both full backs, Gary Neville is a fucking pussy, time after time I see him not jumping for headers, or turning away when theres a shot because he is scared, he did it in the second half and it nearly lead to a Croatia goal, the ball just went wide, and he did it against either Japan or Iceland when they scored.

Terry played well, as did Campbell, hardly did anything wrong. Beckham played no different to usual, which reminded me off why I always said he is overrated.

Gerrard was shit attacking, seriously unbelievably shit with his balls, him and Beckham were rubbish throughout.

James is a liability, and the sooner Robinson is in goal the better.

Not one fucking mention of Frank Lampard, you lot discust me :nono:, not only was it a great goal but it put us through, settled our nerves and everything. I would rate it as good as Rooney's second goal, although Rooney's was a better strike, Lampard's was his weaker foot and he turned the defender first.

I knew Paul Scholes was going to score...:mad: I had a £2 bet at 75/1 that Scholes would score first and it would be 1-1, and a £2 bet that Scholes would score first. My mate said to me about how Scholes hadn't scored for 3 years, and I'll say now what I said then "He's gunna score eventually and records are their to be broken" (not a record but that was the most relevant phrase I could think of)

Still don't fancy our chances against Portugal.

[Dazz]

Oh an as for Owen, clearly Mask you do not and never have played up front. Lemme explain why Owen was good today.

Basically Rooney was dropping back and at times playing in front of the midfield, and not across the Croat's defence. When Rooney was getting the ball here, the Croats defence stayed where they were, meaning Owen would be against 4 defenders. Although a player spends the huge majority of the game off the ball, and when attackers are off the ball they are meant to find space, Owen was too outnumbered to do this. Admittedly for the first goal Owen had a bad first touch, and he has lost YARDS of pace and is nowhere near as fast as in '98, but he played a huge part in the first three goals, without Owen we wouldn't have scored them. Just because he didn't see as much of the ball, your often forgetting that although it is Owen's job to score goals, assisting three is not bad at all. I have three critisms of Owen, 1) He is too slow not, 2) He is weak as shit, 3) His first touch is dire. I think we should keep playing him because he is still one of our best strikers.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

There isn't enough movement out of Owen right now. He hasn't adapted his game to make up for his lack of pace. He's stronger now, and he's still an excellent finisher, but he is still trying to play as a pacey opportunist, on the shoulder, looking to slip past defenders when the ball comes over the top or through.

He isn't quick enough to do that any more. He needs to start making more intelligent runs, getting himself into better positions. Generally, he needs to work a lot harder. He offers nothing to England by being so static.

[Dazz]

Owen is good at holding the ball up, and often makes the right passes, he was given a high amount of stupid hopeless balls to him that he was expected to make something out of nothing. If Owen was so static he would not have created three goals. Like I say though, the way Rooney plays means its much harder for Owen to find space, as Rooney moves away from the opposing centre backs which means Owen is tighter marked. I agree that Owen shouldn't try and be a pacey attacker anymore, but the fact is thats how Sven wants him to play so he has to stick with it.

I think he made some great runs today, alot of them resulted in him either fluffing the end product or the balls being played to him sucking and not reaching him.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

I'm not talking so much about this game, more like in how he has been playing over the past several months.

The Croatian defence was tragically static itself, probably because there is absolutely no pace in it, and they did not want to be caught out by Rooney or Owen. They weren't interested in pressing at all.

They ended up being caught out anyway.

[Dazz]

Admittedly I haven't seen too much of him in the last couple of months, just the last week. What I do know about the last week is that he set up Roonaldo's first goal against the Swiss, and had key assists in three today, thats half of our goals he has had a big part in, if he was as bad as people (like Mask) claim, he would not be doing that. Owen also need to just be more confident, you may have noticed I haven't argued with your last post, this is because I agree with you.

On a different note, who should Englands penalty taker be? Owen keeps missing penalties and I wouldn't let him near the spot, and Beckham has taken one good penalty in over two years for England, and that was against (In think) Turkey, not the one he fluffed over the bar, in the other leg. His penalties against the Argies, France and Turky were shit in the last two years. Frank Lampard is Chelsea's penalty taker, having scored against Tim Howard and Shay Given this season, those two are regarded as two of the best keepers in England. When Lampard took the penalty against United there was shitloads of pressure as it was 0-0, likewide against Newcastle it was 2-0 at the time and anything could have happened, the point is Lamprd scored against the top clubs in the Premiership under pressure. Him or Roonaldo would be my pick, trouble with the Rooney Toon if that he is inexperienced at taking penalties.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Lampard or Scholes.

[Dazz]

I can see why you said Scholes, he is the man at shooting, but he doesn't take them for his club, therefore would it be a good idea for him to take them at country level, I would always prefer someone who takes them for his club too. Then again, I am biased towards Lampard.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Scholes is a good penalty taker. I can remember him hitting a few for United.

I'd be pretty confident with either Lampard or Scholes. Scholes maybe just nods it because I think nothing fazes him.

Robbie Keane is my favourite penalty taker. Balls of steel. Last minute in injury time of a WC last 16 game against Spain, and he thumps it into the top corner. Beautiful.

[Dazz]

There are two strikers that I have always wanted Chelsea to sign, Robbie Keane and Morientes. I still wish we signed Keane instead of Spurs.

[El Capitano Gatisto]

Keane is the man. I wish Chelsea had signed him instead of Spurs too, because he is wasted there. One of the best first touches I have ever seen.

One of the biggest tragedies ever for Irish football that Marcelo Lippi got sacked by Inter Milan. If he hadn't, Robbie would have been given a real chance there. With a bit of quality coaching, Robbie could become one of the world's best.

[YOUR Hero]

England wins, France wins.

[BCWWF]

All I have to say is that pass and run by Rooney were unbelievable

[The Mask]

Owen was poor. He might've done a few things of note, but he at least 3 shots that Rooney would've took without a doubt. He was useless at trying to scare the keeper by running at him, as he always pulled out at the last moment, and always came off worst for any 50/50 balls with defenders.

He's lost his pace, which was his main threat anyway. He doesn't have any real physical presence in the game, and when you have a player who has no pace and no physical strength to scare defenders with, you'd want your man to have extraordinairy technical talent, which I don't think Owen has. He's not terrible, but I think we have better options avaliable. Heskey not being one of them.:

[The Mackem]

I couldn't pick fault with any of them last night. I've finally seen the value of Gary Neville being in the team and Ashley Cole, damn, he's got bags of energy and is fast as fuck. Felt sorry for Owen but he's creating goals and he'll get one eventually. Beckham was probably the most quiet player in the team but he was getting fouled quite a bit. And Rooney, well...

The defence can let in as many goals as they like, the creativity in the team is phenomonal and there's always goals on the horizon. Portugal will be an interesting game (my two picks). Either team could do it and go on to win the tournament IMO.

[Danny Electric]

Lol, just watching Wimbledon and they were showing Goran Ivanesivic watching the football match last night.
:D

[The Mackem]

Poor Goran :'(

[Wengerland]

No-one had a particularly bad game, i was impressed with both full backs and James did well in goal, though i felt he maybe could have got a stronger hand to the shot leading to Croatia's first.

May aswell stick with Owen, Vassell is hardly known for scoring loads and that Owen-Rooney partnership is getting better by the game. I would like to see Heskey come on instead of Vassell if we're in trouble against Portugal though, Andrade and Carvalho both have the pace but don't seem as tall as Couto, so i think Heskey could be used to pressurise them in the latter stages.

I think we can beat Portugal because they don't look like scoring too many in all honesty but, considering this is the first time we've reached the quarter's abroad, i won't be mad if we don't.

[The Mask]

I just realized I'm going to miss the quarter final cause I'm at a gig :mad:!!!!

[diothoir]

Playing or watching?

[Dazz]

I couldn't pick fault with any of them last night. I've finally seen the value of Gary Neville being in the team and Ashley Cole, damn, he's got bags of energy and is fast as fuck. Felt sorry for Owen but he's creating goals and he'll get one eventually. Beckham was probably the most quiet player in the team but he was getting fouled quite a bit. And Rooney, well...

Gary Neville is a wank defender, him and Phil are both much better attacking, Neville made one good block all game, and stood up to his man well (when he was acting as a left back) other then that I thought the same as I always have, stick on Carragher at right back.

[Tornado]

FUCK

I'm working on Thursday evening, gonna miss the match.

Bugger...:(

[91]

I don't know, I think Robbie Keane made an EXCELLENT decision in joining Spurs and he's much better off for it. :shifty:

As for Owen, he was poor but I'd still keep him in the starting lineup, he still looks better than our other options and if he did suddenly find his form, we'd be well away.

[91]

Ha, ITV have already updated their opening credits to include one of the Rooney goals from last night. Nice touch.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

Robbie Keane :love:

[The Mackem]

Gary Neville is a wank defender, him and Phil are both much better attacking, Neville made one good block all game, and stood up to his man well (when he was acting as a left back) other then that I thought the same as I always have, stick on Carragher at right back.

Neville is the best English right back, Carragher is not an improvement.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

rofl David Pleat just described Gattuso as a little ferret :'(

[Rob]

Gattuso is the only player they have that I like. Good job Pleat is a proven numpty or someone might actually listen to him.

[91]

Gattuso is the only player they have that I like. Good job Pleat is a proven numpty or someone might actually listen to him.

As a Spurs supporter who had to put up with his constant "one million defeats in a row, yes, but I think he worked really hard so something positive has come out of this loss" all season, I have to agree.

Meanwhile, Italy are creating a few chances, but they're lacking something pretty major (asides from goals). I don't know whether it's conviction or strikers who can stick away five yard tap-ins or what, but they've not been convincing so far.

[Mr. Monday Morning]

1-0 Bulgaria ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[91]

Well Italy are pretty fucked right now. On the plus side, it means every team in the tournament has scored now.

[Wengerland]

They'd finish bottom as it stands :o

Good goal from Tomasson, 1-0 to Denmark against Sweden so far.

[Loose Cannon]

WTF Italy. god dam and to think I picked them to win it all.

[91]

Well, they're not out of it yet, now.

[Rob]

So if Italy win 2-1 and the other game is 1-1 then who goes through?

[Loose Cannon]

So if Italy win 2-1 and the other game is 1-1 then who goes through?

Denmark and Sweden have more goals. Isn't that the next thing to decide it? Because they both drew with Italy.

[Loose Cannon]

So if Italy win 2-1 and the other game is 1-1 then who goes through?

Denmark and Sweden have more goals. Isn't that the next thing to decide it after they look at the results of the previous matchup?

[Loose Cannon]

GOALLLLLLLL DENMARK. COME ON YOU ITALIANS, SCORE A FKN GOAL.

[diothoir]

So if things stay as they are, Denmark win the group and Sweden are second?

[91]

So if things stay as they are, Denmark win the group and Sweden are second?

Yes.

[Loose Cannon]

FU**

[Rob]

2-2! :D

[Rob]

Bye Bye Italy!

[91]

YEAH! Go Sweden. Let the conspiracy theories begin...

[Loose Cannon]

Bring on Sweden then.

[Loose Cannon]

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. WTF WTF WTF. CHRIST, Italy could of went through

[Rob]

Italians are celebrating their goal like they are through! :rofl:

[diothoir]

LOL at the faces falling as the intercom goes

[Loose Cannon]

Well that really sucks

[Ian]

LMAO

The Italians are going to cry about this one.

[91]

AHAHAHAHA! Even funnier - they're going to win and still get screwed out of the tournament (though they would have lost on goal difference too).

[Rob]

Two down, Germany to go.

[diothoir]

Spain out, and now Italy.

Czech Republic play Denmark in the quarters now.

[Loose Cannon]

Czechs will destroy the Danes. They better.

[Wengerland]

Jesus

Didn't really deserve to go through really though, they've not looked special.

[Wengerland]

Czech Republic are going to rest Nedved, Koller and Poborsky. Hopefully they still win or draw with Germany and there's a winner in the other game.

[Loose Cannon]

**Cassano scores.

ITALY :eek: :eek: :D :drool:

Three seconds later: :'( :'( :'(

[Rob]

How long before someone comes on here saying Italy were good enough to go through? :p

[Loose Cannon]

I just thank god I'm not Italian right now. Seeing Cassano score and then seeing the result of the Sweden game a couple of seconds later would of killed me.

[Wengerland]

Had to feel sorry for the lad though, i mean after he scored and was told the news he just lay down motionless on the floor.:(

[Rob]

Boo hoo for Italy. Try being Scottish.

[91]

Hey Rob, there was a piece in todays paper about how Gordon Strachan is unintelligible. Seriously. Told you. :p

[Rob]

What paper? The Sport? :p

[Loose Cannon]

Had to feel sorry for the lad though, i mean after he scored and was told the news he just lay down motionless on the floor.:(

Yeah, I was listening to the game on BBC and they said he didn't even want to play anymore after that.

[Ian]

How long before someone comes on here saying Italy were good enough to go through? :p

Des just said he's sad to see them go,

[91]

Boo hoo for Italy. Try being Scottish.

Now they've gone out of the first round, they can sympathise.

[Wengerland]

England finishing second actually means we avoid Czech Republic until the final, if we get there, i think.:love:

[91]

Daily Mail.

[Loose Cannon]

Did Italy surrender a penalty kick when they lost to Korea in the World Cup too? And what's the conspiracy about? Explain?

[Wengerland]

Yeah, I was listening to the game on BBC and they said he didn't even want to play anymore after that.

I don't think he touched the ball after the kick off following his goal, every player stopped trying their best after that, understandably.

[Rob]

Daily Mail.

The Sport has more credibility than that paper. :p

Okay maybe they don't but the Daily Mail's rep has been nothing but negative for the past 2 years (not just sport coverage).

[91]

"Ee yist tu pli fitba" saidGordon in a Daily Mail exclusive.

Did Italy surrender a penalty kick when they lost to Korea in the World Cup too? And what's the conspiracy about? Explain?

Denmark and Sweden playing out exactly a 2-2 draw meant that Italy could have won 37-0 and they'd still be out and the two Scandinavians would be through.

[Wengerland]

Did Italy surrender a penalty kick when they lost to Korea in the World Cup too? And what's the conspiracy about? Explain?

No penalty, they lost to a golden goal. Trappatoni would have been sacked then had it not been for the Italian public blaming the ref of that game more.

Conspiracy was basically that it (and i don't get this) was figured that if Sweden and Denmark drew 2-2 then both of them would go through. Some Italian players questioned whether those two might play out the 2-2 draw and an Italian TV channel had extra cameras put in the ground to check. Seeing as that game did end 2-2 and seeing the pictures of what looked like both sets of players holding hands and saluting the crowd, i think the Italians may look into this quite vigorously.

There was also an occasion years ago (when last games in the group didn't kick off at the same time) that Germany played Austria in the later game, knowing that a 1-0 Germany win would see both through. Anyway Germany scored and the last 20 minutes or something were played with little attacking and challenging. That game led to Fifa changing the rules so that the last games in group stages would be played simultaneously.

[Rob]

Both sets of players weren't holding hands though. It was the Danish players with the Sweden shirts they just swapped.

[91]

Anyway Germany scored and the last 20 minutes or something were played with little attacking and challenging. That game led to Fifa changing the rules so that the last games in group stages would be played simultaneously.

Last 20? Try last 85. And switch "little" for "absolutely no". Seriously, it was THAT bad. It's not like they scored and both teams thought "oh well, may as well sit back now", the game was rigged, plain and simple.

[Loose Cannon]

Oh shoot. That's crazy stuff.

[Wengerland]

Ok, i did only have the pictures from ITV1 and commentary saying stuff like "and both sets of players celebrating together" but seeing as they would have only seen those pics too,i believe you.

Don't think there's any conspiracy though, the two countries are rivals.

Relating to Italy going home, it will be interesting to see Totti being sodomised as much as Beckham was here after 98.

[Wengerland]

Last 20? Try last 85. And switch "little" for "absolutely no". Seriously, it was THAT bad. It's not like they scored and both teams thought "oh well, may as well sit back now", the game was rigged, plain and simple.

I only saw it mentioned on 100 Greatest World Cup moments briefly, i only said 20 because anything much longer sounded unrealistic :o :$

[91]

Oh yeah WWEngland, let me explain this 2-2 draw thing.

When two teams are level on points, the first thing used to seperate them in this tournament is the result between the two teams, yes? With three teams level on points however, they use the results all three teams had with each other. Essentially you make a little mini table as follows...

Denmark 0-0 Italy
Italy 1-1 Sweden
Sweden 2-2 Denmark

Sweden [2 0 2 0 3 3 2]
Denmark [2 0 2 0 2 2 2]
Italy [2 0 2 0 1 1 2]

That's played, won, drawn, lost, for, against and points there (the reply box won't let me make a little table). The three teams are all level on points and goal difference, so you go next to goals scored, on which Italy are bottom.

Just be grateful than the Danes and the Swedes didn't draw 1-1 and the Italians didn't win 2-0, else Italy and Denmark would have been dead level, and THAT would have gotten confusing.

[toxic rooster]

NORDIC VICTORY

2 - 2

=

CIAO ITALIA

:love:

[Wengerland]

That's just it though, everyone was saying it was impossible for them to go through if the other game finished 2-2. Surely if Italy had won by 4 or 5 goals then they would be through anyway? Seeing as its results against (nothing between) and then goal difference and then goals scored, something which had Italy won by a few goals, they would have been through because of.

Thanks for trying though.:'(

[91]

Don't think there's any conspiracy though, the two countries are rivals.

Agreed entirely. It'd be like if England and Scotland were playing in the same scenario. You think they'd sit back and happily settle for a draw? Hell no, asides from the glory of victory that accompanies the game, both teams have a chance to eliminate the other and screw them other, then get bragging rights for the next six months. Denmark and Sweden don't like each other, in footballing terms, they were both out for nothing less than a victory.

I only saw it mentioned on 100 Greatest World Cup moments briefly, i only said 20 because anything much longer sounded unrealistic :o :$

It was unrealistic, hence why everyone jumped on them right away. Lord knows why they didn't try and be subtle about it, let the West Germans score a late winner or something. Hell, they should have played out a 5-4 thriller. Asides from the fact it'd have the same effect, it would have given everyone a great game to watch, people might have fallen for it and their players stood a better chance of winning the golden boot.