Euro 2012 Match Discussion Thread
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I think Portugal might have something up their sleeves when they face their local rivals Spain next Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo has finally hit form for Portugal, and in what a fashion!? 3 goals in the last 2 games is remarkable, and he has played fairly well all tournament (barring a few missed chances at the start)!
You can expect Portugal to be organised and try to hit Spain on the counter with their quick and skilful wingers. They should also be able to hamper Spain's passing game with their strong and hardworking midfield trio, who will aim to win the ball back.
Germany are definitely favourites to progress, and possible win, whoever they face; England or Italy. It seems, in my opinion, that Italy have a better chance of winning, and if Mario Balotelli is on form; who knows what can happen against Germany (should they get there)?
However, Germany against Spain is what I think the Final is likely to be, although my gut is telling me that Portugal may be able to pull off a shock result against Spain!
- PZW
You can expect Portugal to be organised and try to hit Spain on the counter with their quick and skilful wingers. They should also be able to hamper Spain's passing game with their strong and hardworking midfield trio, who will aim to win the ball back.
Germany are definitely favourites to progress, and possible win, whoever they face; England or Italy. It seems, in my opinion, that Italy have a better chance of winning, and if Mario Balotelli is on form; who knows what can happen against Germany (should they get there)?
However, Germany against Spain is what I think the Final is likely to be, although my gut is telling me that Portugal may be able to pull off a shock result against Spain!
- PZW
Well, I'm still tipping Germany to win. however, when it comes to Spain v Portugal, it'll be a refs nightmare. It might be presumptious of me, but i've seen spanish football, and we've all seen ronaldo-it'll be a cheats exhibition match tbh and I suspect there'll be no fluidity, simply because of niggly "fouls". Which is a shame. When it comes to the match later on today-if we have a chance to get ANYTHING, we need to keep the ball simple as. Every match I've seen, our short passing has been absolutely shocking. And we need to keep our heads. A la Sweden-if we take the lead, then they equalise, for gods don't fall apart. There's 90 minutes in a match so for gods sake don't lose your cool and fall apart. The longer we keep the ball away from Italy, the better. Yes I know everyone knows that-but it doesn't seem to translate onto the pitch at times. Again-Sweden.
If we beat Italy 1-0, play really boring football and the fans hate it-I simply do not give a flying fig. Because we made it to the semis, and to me, exceeded expectations, because be honest-no one expected it. I'd rather take honest football, over fancy football and getting totally gubbed. We can only hope for the best. If we go out with a fight and bang, I'll be happy-at least we tried. If we go out with a whimper devoid of ideas-i'll be ******. All we want is all out effort.
If we beat Italy 1-0, play really boring football and the fans hate it-I simply do not give a flying fig. Because we made it to the semis, and to me, exceeded expectations, because be honest-no one expected it. I'd rather take honest football, over fancy football and getting totally gubbed. We can only hope for the best. If we go out with a fight and bang, I'll be happy-at least we tried. If we go out with a whimper devoid of ideas-i'll be ******. All we want is all out effort.
I'm torn on this really. Never been much of a fan of spanish football...but... if they would win...they'll be without a doubt the best national team of all times. Something to tell your grandkids about.
"You dont know **** about football , grandson - i saw Spain in 2008-2012"
"You dont know **** about football , grandson - i saw Spain in 2008-2012"
Really looking forward to the England-Italy game tonight and I agree with everything you have said. However judging by how hard we have found it to keep the ball against the last three opponents, I think we will struggle even more so tonight to retain possession.
I honestly do not know how this Italian team is weak either according to pundits, a lot of good players and some great as well such as Buffon, De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio, Di Natale.
Although all of that considered I feel Roy has done a great job and Capello never really seemed to ever have us organised properly in the World Cup and went about it the wrong way. COME ON ENGLAND!
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That was written during the game though, just after the goal when both def mids let Alonso run straight past them without tracking him. I can understand normal mids not bothering, but with a two man defensive pairing you'd expect at least one of them to bother. M'Villa at least had good distribution, but the problem was with the strikers being poor as you say, and the team looking lazy once again. Agree Kos was good in defence though, he seems to have had a great season this year.
Totally agree with this, unfortunately both players have too many players who are happy to dive/overplay injuries. Coentrao, Pepe and Busquets being the worst.
Surely Cesare Prandelli must see Balotelli as someone who Terry and Lescott would want to play against.. instead of someone like Di Natale who is always on their shoulder, has pace and hangs all round the box. I think Di Natale and Cassano would cause Terry and Lescott more problems instead of Balotelli and Cassano. We all know Terry struggles against pace.
Should be an interesting game tonight, both teams are employing very different styles from what they are usually associated with. England playing a lot less gung-ho attack than in the last 10 years, their style is a bit more continental looking overall. Italy ditching fear and discipline and sit back and counter, for more free flowing football, tika taka style. Thought I'd never see as two unpredictable players as Cassano and Balotelli in contention for the Azzuri starting line up.
I think Balotelli would suit Terry and Lescott. But someone like Di Natale would be a problem especially because Terry's lack of pace.
I feel Di Natale will be an even bigger threat of the bench after 60-65 minutes when the concentration and fitness levels have dropped a little. Plus Balotelli complements Casano well by holding the ball up and being strong on the ball.
Di Natale is a better player in general I'd say, but Balotelli has his moments of magic that are hard to find elsewhere.
Pirlo vs Gerard will be an interesting contest. Two of the very best in the world, and in this tournament so far.
Yes two very good players, although I think it will be Rooney's job to deal with him.
Italy used to be much better, and the players you have named are either all ageing or not really world class. Italy arguably do not have a world class player; Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo are extremely good; but very old! However, I do not think they are weak, anyway, no less weakened then England!
Yeah, I agree. I think Wayne Rooney will be deployed in his usual attacking midfield/deep lying striker role and will have defensive duties to harass Pirlo and give him little time on the ball. He should be good at it too; he has fantastic work rate and is a good player, if he can keep his temper in check!
- PZW
Really not sure on tonights game, I feel it is going to be very close and probably few chances. Still can't predict a winner but for the good of English fans hopefully it won't go to penalties, too much drama!
Can't even make a prediction for this game, got to keep Pirlo under control though so we have a decent chance.
Can't even make a prediction for this game, got to keep Pirlo under control though so we have a decent chance.