BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)

Subject: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 05:47 PM

Soooo? Whaddya think?

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 07:26 PM

I think Germany may well win it. We shall see though. There are plenty of other sides with enough talent to do the job. No side is going to play well and be lucky in six consecutive games, so it will go to the side which has the most momentum (and luck) in two weeks time. This is probably the weakest England squad to go to a major tournament for over twenty years. Mercifully the expectations are lower this time around - which is a healthy sign of realism. Taking any more than three points from the group stages would be a fine achievement - and no one should really get upset if England do worse than that. Ireland look well organised and with a run of luck they could surprise us all.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 07:32 PM

I have NO basis for predictions. I'll just cheer for ENG and IRL to start. In any case, it's about watching good football, innit?

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:27 PM

The German v Portugal game is actually on TV here now! We seldom get good coverage.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 05:29 PM

That was the first one I have seen too. It was no classic, but there was plenty of skill on show, if not much free flowing football. Germany deserved to win on balance and had some deserved luck on the way. It will be interesting to see what Holland have to put up against them on Wednesday.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 12 - 06:38 PM

The sched.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 04:43 AM

Thanks Gary. I have bookmarked that link. I am not sure yet whether I shall watch England tomorrow. This is our weakest team for many years and I fear we are in for a right mauling this time around!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jun 12 - 07:41 PM

I cannot believe the yellow cards. It was obvious that the intentions on three of four fouls on Iniesta were to injure him. Absolutely sickening. Should they have been red? or am I over the top on this?

Please... I am a Canuck and I don't know a lot about football so take it easy and educate me. Thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 04:16 PM

I would have to see the incidents again , so for the time being I had better not comment too much. It does seem hard to be sure what the intent behind the tackles was. These players are so strong and they move so fast that a very slight difference in timing can make the difference between a perfect tackle and a ghastly foul.
I watched the second half of the England game tonight and I felt that England performed reasonably considering the dearth of talent available to the current manager.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jun 12 - 07:31 PM

I agreewith your comment but what I THINK I saw was gahstly.

I also only caught the second half... I thought England performed very well from about 55 to 70 and then the French precision passing took their monmentum away. The ability of the French to keep possesion in tight quarters is quite amazing to watch.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 01:31 PM

England were lucky to come away with a result. They defended deep in their own half the entire game and really only looked to catch France on the break. Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain were really the only players who played with any confidence as far as I could see and they are two of the youngest players. I think the stats speak for themselves France 19 attempts on goal 15 on target. England 3 attempts on goal 1 on target.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Den
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 01:38 PM

Sorry, GUEST above was me.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 03:27 PM

I can't disagree with that Den. France ought to have been the better team because they had more talent at their disposal. I think that most teams who play against teams who they know are better than themselves sit back and defend. A part of me says this is cheating, but this has long been a part of the game. England were lucky not to be well beaten, but they did play with a fair bit of guts and determination to get a draw. We have often seen better players do less and lose! All credit to them for sticking to it last night.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 06:28 PM

I am taken aback by the crap being thrown at the Russians by the crowds. Yes, "it" goes back many years but to whistle and boo on every possession and to start fights and violence in public venues is not in the spirit of football competition or in moving forward to better relations. This is a sporting event... not a chance to beat the shit of someone who had nothing to do with what happened in the past.

Am I wrong in my assessment? in my sadness that I think this sullies the games?

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST,cujimmy
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 07:26 PM

I was thinking myself - a good outside bet would be Russia - il go for them - lets see

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: michaelr
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 07:39 PM

I agree, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jun 12 - 08:02 PM

Russia does look like a winner. Veterans and talented youth. Very smart offense and defense... fluid according to play. I was surprised at their waning in the last "quarter"... almost as if they became terribly cautious and were satisfied with the tie... maybe that is because of the veterans and knowing they had to become reserved due to the average age of their players?

BTW... I only say such because of the commentators' comments... I didn't look up the ages or player profiles.

In any case, I hope all the shit with the violent fans and thugs gets sorted.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 03:35 AM

I couldn't agree more gnu. I have often said before that the real "sport" of hooligans is not football - or come to that ice-hockey, rugby or darts - it is fighting. It is a tribal urge among some young men which offers excitement, a sense of common purpose and a chance of breaking out of the usual social restraints and rules which inhibit them. I think what we really need is a World Hooligan Championships so that these aresholes can beat each other up away from fans of other sports. It could be held perhaps on a disused industrial estate or somewhere in the California Desert and the participants could be allowed to proceed with their preferred line of activity unfettered by the restraints which the rest of us prefer. Until that happens, I fear they will always attach themselves to large social gatherings (such as football matches) where they can target the "other tribe" as enemies rather than sporting opponents. It is not a football problem, it is a society problem which has infested football.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 07:37 AM

"I am taken aback by the crap being thrown at the Russians by the crowds." There is no excuse for violent behaviour which I think came mainly from the Poles but at the same time there was an element of provocation so some blame has to with the Russians too. It had been known for some days that thousands of Russians were planning to march through Warsaw to commemorate "Russia Day" and they had been told that it would be viewed as provocative by some and that violence was possible. Likewise there was a massive banner unfolded prior to the game which took up a huge area which proclaimed "this is Russia". Again unfurling that massive banner in Warsaw could be viewed by some Poles as an attack on the idea of Polish delf determination. It seems both sides could do with an injection of common sense and restraint. Booing the away team by the home crowd is not unusual when it is close rivals!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 08:46 AM

It is still boorish though Allan, and I detest it when English "fans" boo the away team's national anthem at Wembely. Those bastards make us all look like small minded bigots.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 10:41 AM

"It is still boorish though Allan," Yes I quite agree. Just because it is common (ie the booing) doesn't mean it is good behaviour!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 01:51 PM

Amen to that!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: michaelr
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 03:25 PM

I predict Germany to be the winner (hmm, long shot that, eh?). The most exciting and entertaining match so far was Sweden vs Ukraine - great pace, very few fouls, and impressive ball skills. That's why I like the game!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 08:37 PM

I think Germany will win the tournament too. It is not a particularly exciting team, but they are in the habit of getting the job done. There is a ruthless functionality about them, which I do not think any other team can match. They are well drilled and well managed. At the moment I can not see any of the "flair" teams beating them.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 07:56 AM

And indeed the Germans march on...

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jun 12 - 03:47 PM

The "German Efficiency" is certainly evident. Still too early to predict a winner but I am leaning toward Germany at this point.

In the end, I just want Portugal to not win. I just can't stand Renaldo The Diva. Yes, I know that is a very unsportsmanlike thing to say but he is worse than me in that aspect.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 02:27 AM

Spain the current World and European Champions put on a mightily impressive show last night. Saying that anything can happen in this game. Who'd have predicted either a Greek or Danish win during the group rounds of their rspective succesful campaigns.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Musket
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 04:18 AM

The reality may well be that Germany win. (If France kick up a gear, especially Riberi, they could stand a good chance too.)

But not wishing to miss the point...

Of Course England are going to win it. I have every faith in them and won't hear anything otherwise.

(The reason we have spectator sport with partisan fans in the first place????)

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 04:35 AM

Well Ian, let's see if the Swedes get confused by England's "Hoof it up to the big men" plan this evening!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 05:10 AM

That Dutch goal was the best I've seen. right between the guys legs.

Felt sorry for Ireland. I thought Spain looked pretty good.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 06:25 AM

Of course England will win. I shall be hoarse from cheering each time they score.

The last 20 minutes of the Ireland game was hard to watch. The only thing that kept me watching was the amazing passing game of Spain.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Musket
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 08:36 AM

Hoof it up to the big men.. Fair do's alanabit.

Worked for Sheffield Wednesday in the early '80s when we worked our way up the leagues again.

Howard Wilkinson used to say "They all leave Hillsborough with hard luck stories and no points."

Mind you, it wasn't very pretty......

Plus England have other options, like Gerrard orchestrating the mid field by letting the defenders defend and getting a bit more forward this time. Welbeck can look good going deep to get the ball too. Looking at Sweden the other night, they will have to change quite a bit in order to combat England's tactical game against France and there is no guarantee they will play the same game tonight.

I'm driving down to Hampshire tonight so will be following it on the radio, but recording it for Sunday night viewing. (Or deleting it if all I said above turns out to be bollocks.)

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 04:54 PM

That was a thrilling game!

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 05:23 PM

I've just got my breath back. That was a bit of a game too, wasn't it Gary? I don't think one could have asked for a lot more from England. We don't have a group of outstandingly gifted footballers at the moment, but they gave it their best shot and got the luck which they deserved. All three England goals were beautifully executed. I think that Andy Caroll was a little lucky not to have his name taken. He was even luckier the time when he blatantly fouled Mellberg - and was awarded a free kick for England! If England can keep cool and win a point against Ukraine, they could reach the quarter finals. I still think Germany would eat them for breakfast - as would a couple of other teams. Not complaining though. They are performing as well as one could possibly hope.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 05:23 PM

Yes ~ best & most exciting so far. Two superb goals, of quite different kinds, by Walcott {long swerving, from distance}, and Welbeck {slight backheel touch on volley to narrowly evade the goalkeeper -- who, incidentally, Sweden's Isacksson. I thought played a v fine game}.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 06:55 PM

The best bit so far was the way the French-Ukraine match started, with those crowd members singing and dancing and rolling about as the rain streamed down and the lightning exploded around the stadium. Very impressive response

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 07:21 PM

Well, if ya got a VCR or a PVR, record em so's ya can watch it again in slo-mo. Nuff said.

In the end, yes, England doesn't have the combined abilities of Spain and Germany and... and... but they bloody well won what I see as the most exciting game so far. Luck? Skill? Fortitude? I don't care!

Now. A serious question. Will the return of Rooney be a... well... um... well... you know? Will it? I mean, his Irish temper? which I understand completely, being of Irish decent (yes, I know) myself. I know that sometimes, ya just gotta shove Renaldo in the chest when he's bein a pussy asshole. OOPS! There goes my Irish temper again. Of course, Rooney just gave him a little shove... I'd'a knock his clock forward a day or two. Sorry... long ago and far away... for most people... >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 02:29 AM

After Wayne Rooney's vicious and unprovoked assault on the Montenegro player, I feel very uneasy about him ever wearing an England shirt again. And yes, I concede that he is a very fine player. It is just that there are one or two things in life which are more important than England winning football matches (not many of course!) ...but there are some.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 05:41 AM

They took that link away - here's another - Rain starts play

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 08:04 AM

The bastards! The RUS-GRE game will not be live but aired at midnight so they can televize the US Open.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Stu
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 08:15 AM

gnu - have you tried looking for an online stream? Some of them are pretty good and I use them to watch premiership matches that would otherwise be available only on Sky.

As for Rooney coming back . . . he was champing at the bit to get on the park yesterday and I think he's well up for it. He plays well off Young and runs at defenders which they hate, so I for one will be glad to see him back.

Full marks to Hodgson for his positive substitutions, and great to see England still going forward to the very end.

Gutted about Ireland losing, but the fans did them proud. Great stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 09:50 AM

I agree about Ireland Jack. Great fans. I could easily see England taking a similar caning from the Spaniards, Germans or Russians. We just got a bit luckier with the draw I guess.

As for Rooney coming back, the simple fact is that he will. I do not feel comfortable about it though.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 10:25 AM

But I can't see the England fans able to take defeat in such good spirit. Bad losers.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 12:16 PM

Some are some aren't Kevin. Unfortunately all the headlines go to those who behave the worst.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 12:24 PM

Some are some aren't Kevin

Any chance of explaining what that means?

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 01:46 PM

Some English fans are bad losers and some English fans are not.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 02:50 PM

Oh my! They didn't preempt the live RUS-GRE game... they chose which game to air because UEFA sheduled both games to start at the same time!!!?????? Apparently, UEFA doesn't care about advertising dollars OR fans.

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 05:06 PM

Well played Greece. I decided to watch that Match and was not dissapointed. I think the Greek Captain, should have his yellow card rescinded. Poor refereeing.

Where is George Papavgeris. I bet he is happy. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 05:14 PM

Pig in sh1t, mate, pig in sh1t. Now for the Euro... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: UEFA EURO 2012 (football)
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 05:22 PM

Poland nearly pulled out a tie in the final seconds. Pretty good game overall... except for the fans. The whistling at every Czech touch was annoying, to say the least.