BS: Euro 2004

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 01:15 PM

All the pressure is off the Czechs as a team - but for the reserves playing who wouldn't normally be playing it'll be a do or die situation. They'll go all out to score.

I've got a feeling that Shambles might find he is a Dutchman after all.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: C-flat
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 04:34 PM

Repeat after me, Shambles,.........."Ik ben een Nederlander!"

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 05:28 PM

Repeat after me Shambles,......... "Ik heb geen flauw benul van voetbal"

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 06:02 PM

I am really sorry Wolfgang - but Kevin is right - would appear to be a Dutchman!

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: C-flat
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 06:20 PM

I should think there are many people unexpectedly wearing clogs tonight. It's amazing how many times the Germans managed not to score!
The one time they did hit the net was an absolute stunner though. Likewise the Czech first goal from their free kick.
Apparently the German press is no kinder than ours in the UK. The returning team is in for a hard time it would seem.

C-flat.


P.S. Good call on the Dutch result Den! I hope you had a small wager.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 07:12 PM

Anyway Wolfgang, you're in the World Cup in two years time.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: John Routledge
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 07:44 PM

The German tabloid press had already superimposed player's heads on the top of sausages because of earlier failure. What will they say/do now.!!

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 02:05 AM

Prediction:

England are not going to get knocked-out of Euro 2004 in a penalty shoot-out, well with the German team, anyway.....

Before the game Des Lynham said to Terry Venables, (ex England manager whose side was knocked out of Euro 96 by the German team on penalties) "what have the German team ever done to you"?

Usually when the England team are winning, why do the comentators come out with, 'I don't wish to tempt fate but' - and then proceed to do just that?

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Wolfgang
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 09:18 AM

Well, a comment from a real newspaper this morning was that there is no reason to be disappointed about this German team. They did what they could and that was not good enough. A bit more luck in one of the games only would have concealed the fact (like it did in the world cup) that the German team since at least ten years is no longer among the top teams in Europe.

If the English coach could pick players from the German team to improve the English team he might take two or three, if the German coach could pick players from the English team to improve the German he'd pick five to seven.

Even back in the times of brilliant Fritz Walter and Beckenbauer, the majority of the German players were from the technical point of view underendowed, too bad for a forth league team in Brazil. What made them strong was the physical aspect and the teamwork. They could outrun most teams they played late in the second half. Which is why we had so many famous comebacks after being down during the game. There is no other team in the world that has an even remotely similar record in World cups of still winning a game or drawing after being 2-0 down.

The physical strength is still there but the other teams, with the technically better players, don't break down anymore in the second half. The physical advantage of German teams has more or less disappeared while the technical skill gap is still there.

The German team will still be able to beat one of the best European teams on a good day, but les frequently.

The number of German players in the German first league is decreasing since many years. Last year, for the first time, we had one team starting the game with 11 players uneligible for the German team. If you look at the 18 teams of the first league in Germany and count the German players that play more than half of the games during the season, you'll find between fifty and sixty. These are the ones Rudi Voeller had to chose from. So if you are a German player playing regularly in your team you have a fair chance to be at least among the 22 nominated.

Often someone has played for Germany who in his home team was only the replacement for a better foreign player.

One particular problem is that there was no good German striker at all since Rudi Voeller himself and Juergen Klinsmann. I see no one to change this soon.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 10:15 AM

English football is a bit similar in lots of ways, Wolfgang. We've had Premiership teams with only one or two England-eligible players for quite some time. And players in the England squad like Phil Neville and Nicky Butt are basically reserves for foreign players in the Manchester United squad. English teams stand the best chance of winning if they play at a higher tempo (more physical effort) than their opponents.

Would Owen Hargreaves get a place in the Germany squad if he was German (rather than being Canadian!)?

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: C-flat
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 11:39 AM

I agree Wolfgang, the sheer size and fitness levels of previous German squads was very intimidating. These days strength, fitness and speed are in abundance everywhere.
Another great leveller for what used to be the top European sides is the quality of coaching throughout all clubs. Teams without recognised stars are turning in quality performances by being well organised and working to a game plan.
It makes for more interesting competition but it's still hard to watch your team being overturned by, supposedly, less skillfull players.
There will always be a handful of players that stand out above the rest but one, or even two, in a side may not be enough.(I'm hoping this applies to Figo and Ronaldo tonight!)
C-flat.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 11:54 AM

the streets are VERY VERY QUIET. Why? Whats happening???

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 12:08 PM

England will be praying for rain, rain and more rain. It looks like the only thing which will save them from a certain exit this evening. I expect the technically superior Portuguese to pass the ball at whatever speed they wish until the inevitable mistakes are made by the English defence. There is no harm in England having a run at goal though, They have done all that can reasonably be expected of them and I wish them luck. England have bee wonderful to watch, but I am afraid their defence couldn't stop a taxi. They have done us proud and put the smile back on my face for sure. Now we shouldn't burden them with unrealistic expectations.
It looks like a Holland France final. The Dutch are back from the dead and I think they will continue to improve. I wouldn't mind another helping of the thrilling football they served up last Saturday.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Wolfgang
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 12:08 PM

Hargreaves?

My guess is he would be among the nominated but not play in the first team. He would play as substitute.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 12:15 PM

The other day the only player on the French team who plays in France was the goalie. It's a general picture - it's always applied for the smaller countries that most of their best players pay abroad, and now it's the bigger countries as well. I imagine it must make life difficult for the manager getting people together to train and so forth.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 12:39 PM

Now we shouldn't burden them with unrealistic expectations.

Amen to that. It is a real shame that at a time when the England outfield squad is really strong - that the long-term strength of England teams for so long - the goalkeeper is now the weak point. There are only four goalkeepers qualified for England selection that are regular Premiership starters.

Is it unrealistic to expect the outfield players to score more goals than our goalkeeper lets in?

I hope not and we will soon find out.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 02:27 PM

Good point, Shambles. And these three Premiership goalies, where did their teams finish at the end of the season? 2 relegated, 1 almost relegated. God knows how many goals they let in between them! It certainly seems that goalkeeping is no longer an English skill. Their inability to cope with crosses rivals Dracula's.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 06:14 PM

What more has poor Sol Campbell got to do to score a championship goal for England? Poor sod, him and Ashley Cole do not deserve to be on the losing side after tonight's game.

I don't really go along with the idea that Portugal were the better team at all. They were as good as England but without more than a little help from the referee, they would be out.....

Prediction:

England are not going to get knocked-out of Euro 2004 in a penalty shoot-out, well with the German team, anyway.....

What idiot said that?

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 04:05 AM

Repeat after me Shambles,......... "Ik heb geen flauw benul van voetbal" :-)

you are worse than the TV Pundits. You put the mockers on it.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 06:19 AM

I am sorry for putting the 'mockers' on things but, in all truth when it came to the penalty shoot-out - did anyone really think England would win it?

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 06:22 AM

not really :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: sledge
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:09 AM

No, 'fraid not :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: sledge
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:11 AM

Busy making Swiss referee voodoo doll.    :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:21 AM

LOL

Don't eat Swiss Chocolate for a year. That will ruin their economy :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:28 AM

and if England had won the ref would not have been mentioned.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: sledge
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 08:57 AM

Too late, the pins are going in :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 09:36 AM

Go for it sledge.

I have removed all chocolate with the slightest hint of Switzerland in it from the shelves. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: sledge
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 09:42 AM

Should you wish to let the ref know your feelings on the matter try sending to:-

[e-mail]

I'm sure he'll be interested.

Apparently Asda are offering Swiss nationals free eye tests, referee Meier is also being offered free spectacles if required hehe.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: ex-pat
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 05:23 PM

Ha!There go our amphibian friends.....that'll teach 'em not to pick Nicolas Anelka.
I'm off for a nice Greek salad.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: GUEST, TheBigPinkLad
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 05:32 PM

... and suddenly the black misery of yesterday fades and the sun shines again ;o)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: C-flat
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 06:28 PM

.......and my £3 bet on Greece provides me with my first win of the tournament!!!
Only a tenner, admittedly, but still......
C-flat.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: GUEST,patriot1314
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:36 PM

have to agree with noddy I'm afraid.
if the penalty incident had happened half way through the game, we would have heard no more about it

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:41 PM

Did Greece win then?

Just got back from the Ceilidh at my club, so haven't seen any football.

If Greece won, ther will be no stopping El Greko :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 07:53 PM

YES!!! The boys deserved it too, which is even better.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 03:36 AM

How were you able to watch it George. I thought you were at the MWR show? Did they give you a Tv on the night.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 04:13 AM

I was MCing there, Les, you're right. But I visited frequently the main lounge across the yard over some pretext or another (another beer, a cigar, a Number 1...) and luckily, actually caught the goal.

"Hell-ASSS, Hell-ASSS" (as in "...kicking...")

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: sledge
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 04:35 AM

The Swiss Ref has so far failed to reply to my constructive and helpful email :-) How rude.

Go Greece, a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Sledge

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 11:47 AM

It should be said that the Greek team have played very good football. So far, they have beaten both France and Portugal, something certain other more fancied teams teams have struggled to do.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 05:49 PM

Good on yer Holland.

Could it be Holland V Greece in the final????????

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: The Shambles
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 05:33 AM

Was it just me or was Holland v Sweden the most boring game so far?

Sol Campbell was on David Frost's show this morning and saw for the first time, the reply of his last minute 'winning goal'.

He was still convinced that it was a pefectly good goal and was also convinced that had it been scored, at this late stage in the game at the other end by the Portugal team, that the referee would have considered it to be a pefectly good goal.

Sadly I tend to agree with him. I can only hope that his England glory day goal is yet to come, he certainly deserves it.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Wolfgang
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 09:04 AM

Had you been given the choice, before the Euro2004, to pick your semi-finalists from one of two sets of teams,
A: France, England, Italy, Spain, Germany, or,
B: Greece, Denmark, Portugal, Czechs, Netherlands,
which would you have chosen to predict from?

Same as me? That is, the wrong set?

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 05:57 AM

There does seem to be a pattern emerging. Small is beautiful.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 06:54 AM

Now the Greeks are the substitute German team over here because they are coached by a Bavarian. In TV they are mostly called not "The Greeks" but "Rehhagel's team".
The German Football Association denied that they will offer the national coaching to Rehhagel - he is too old for the job!
Best of all is the notion that the Davids still have their chances.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 07:55 AM

How are The Mighty fallen!! Fantastic to see the 'little' teams of 'no-hopers' kicking arses. Come on Greece, let's see you take the cup - a nation of kind, generous, hospitable people like you deserves the pleasure.
J :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: GUEST,Petr
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 01:03 PM

yaay Czechs,
kdo neskace neni Cech, hop hop hop.
p

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Firecat
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 02:52 PM

I'm STILL furious about that ******* Swiss referee! I was screaming at the screen!! Probably just as well I wasn't there!

Poor Darius Vassell. I feel so sorry for him.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Wolfgang
Date: 01 Jul 04 - 12:06 PM

Last night I could hear who was winning when I was cycling through my town: The German crowd was cheering, that only could mean the Dutch were losing.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 01 Jul 04 - 12:20 PM

Nice people, the Dutch.

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 01 Jul 04 - 12:20 PM

JUST JOKING WOLFGANG!! :0) :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Euro 2004
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 01 Jul 04 - 07:34 PM

YES!!!
The dream continues...