Euro 2008

[Dutch_guy]

Italy 1-2 France

Holland 1-1 Romania

:balloon2:

[scotchedpommes]

Teams walking out now, so I trust I'm not too late.

Matchday 11 Predictions

France 2-1 Italy (2045)

[So tempted to go for a 1-1 draw, but I think France have enough quality to beat the Italians yet again.
Italy should shake up their attack; they looked utterly inept up front, delivering useless crosses to Toni.
However, I think France will prevail.]


Netherlands 0-1 Romania (2045)

[Momentum aside, and nine Dutch changes made. Put that together with a defence that a good
Netherlands qualifying side failed to break down, and Romania can nick it.]

[Geoffrey S]

I'm hoping for the Dutch to go 5-0 up just to show that they can, then in the last fifteen to all go home. Stuff the Italians and French.

[Ser Clegane]

Russia - Sweden 2 - 1
Greece - Spain 1 - 2

[Quintus.JC]

Leader board updated......

[Quintus.JC]

France is falling apart, i can't see them coming back..... Azzurri should win this convincingly

[Quintus.JC]

Match Day ?
Final Predictions
Greece 0 - 1 Spain
Russia 1 - 2 Sweden

[drone]

That was Holland's B-team, right? Against a team that knew they had to win with the Italians up a goal and a man?

:bow:

[Adrian II]

That was Holland's B-team, right? Against a team that knew they had to win with the Italians up a goal and a man?

:bow:Yup. Of course the Romanians played like wet concrete tonight - not a stimulus for a great game anyhow. But apart from that the Dutch looked a bit stiff and jerky, I thought. Except for Afellay who is my favourite among the young-uns. In case you didn't look close enough, Afellay orchestrated the entire Dutch game tonight. And it wasn't his fault that Van Persie and Robben wasted five or six fine chances between the two of them. Oh well, 2:0 is good enough.

Not good enough for my prediction though.. :help:

[cegorach]

Things are not looking good! :furious3:

[/whinging and sulking Louis, on the verge of panic]




Anyone seen Louis ?

I can only fear what is happening in Paris - I hope we won't see any new riots starting tonight, especially involving Italian cars.

[Adrian II]

Anyone seen Louis ?

I can only fear what is happening in Paris - I hope we won't see any new riots starting tonight, especially involving Italian cars.Louis is probably out rioting..

That was a textbook penalty in every sense. Tough luck.

Oh, and besides Ballack I now have a second favourite hate object. That insufferable twit of a Buffon deserves to be hung by the neck from the Zugspitze until he is dead, dead, dead.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Poor Romania, Holland is a far better side but it seemed that Romania was already dead when the game started ... they never believed they could win...thinking about that missed penalty kick against Italy...:wall:.

[LittleGrizzly]

I was blinded by my love of the underdogs !

Damn romanians giving me hope and then dashing it!

ohh well... there's always tomorrow!

Match Day 12:

Greece 0-2 Spain

Spain have a good squad, Greece have shown nothing and not even scored yet

Russia 2-2 Sweden

Really unsure on this one, i went for the draw but i think sweden might steal it...

[Adrian II]

Greece has nothing to show for, and nothing to win either. Spain will eat them alive.

Russia I think will upset the apple cart tomorrow. Don't ask me why. Ask the gerbil I sacrificed this evening.

Yup, The Netherlands will play a quarter final against Guus Hiddink's team.

Day 12
Final prediction

Greece 0:3 Spain

Russia 2:1 Sweden

[woad&fangs]

Spain 2:0 Greece
Sweden 2:0 Russia

Henry was fun to watch but the rest of the match stunk. Neither of tomorrow's games look real interesting. Spain and Sweden should win easily.

edit: :mad:

[LittleGrizzly]

Russia I think will upset the apple cart tomorrow. Don't ask me why. Ask the gerbil I sacrificed this evening.

:laugh4: Now i have something to think about...

[Craterus]

Greece 0 - 2 Spain
Russia 1 - 1 Sweden

[Adrian II]

:laugh4: Now i have something to think about...The night before the final we'll both be sacrifing lions and elephants. :laugh3:

[Dutch_guy]

Poor Romania, Holland is a far better side but it seemed that Romania was already dead when the game started ... they never believed they could win...thinking about that missed penalty kick against Italy...:wall:.

Yes indeed, didn't see the energetic and spirited Romanian team I was expecting to. Shame, since they could have done better than what they did last night.

:balloon2:

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

Adrian: I agree with you that Afellay is a very exicting player to watch, was disappointed by Huntelaar though (got up at 4.30am to watch the game... and was disappointed by Romania for the record).

France lost the game as soon as they picked Abidal... what a clown...

Coupet seems to have had a suprising good game in goal, and from what I've seen France didn't play all that badly.

Predictions:

Spain B 1 - 0 Greece

Greece are just having one of theose tournaments, the goal that Russia scored was a joke. Spain should win... just.

Russia 2 - 2 Sweden

I'm going to go with an exicting draw, here hoping (I'm planning on getting up early again). While Pavlychenko (I think thats how you spell it) was unconvincing for me (played well but can't seem to finish), Andriy Arshavin is now eligible for selection, and he is incredible. He'll lift the Russians. On the Swedish side, I'm not sure if Zlatan 'I am God' Ibrahimovic is fit. If he is he should be good for at least one. If not... I'm stuffed.

[Tamur]

Heja Sverige!

Agreed, too much emphasis on Zlatan. I long for the good old Larsson days... if Henrik puts on his shooting boots and has some decent service, Russia could still be in trouble.

[Decker]

Match Day 12

Spain 3-0 Greece

Sweden 2-1 Russia

[naut]

Match Day 12

Spain 3 - 0 Greece

Edit: See other post.

Sweden 1 - 0 Russia

[Ferret]

Woooo I got another score right!

Match Day 12

Spain 2 - 0 Greece

Sweden 1 - 0 Russia

[Geoffrey S]

Good thing for the Dutch is that yesterday showed that they don't really have B players. Yesterday was a B team, sure, showing sloppy passes and finishes, but there was plenty of individual talent should any of the main team be inconvenienced.

[scotchedpommes]

A terrible sequence of events out of their control did for France last night. As soon as Ribéry went off I
knew the game was up. As for tonight's matches...


Matchday 12 Predictions

Greece 0-2 Spain (2045)

[The Spanish are already panicking about Italy - glee over Pirlo and Gnasher aside - as they tend to
do, so I feel they will go all out to try and maintain momentum. Greece have simply been a resounding
disappointment.]


Russia 2-1 Sweden 'Sure Bet' (2045)

[That's right, lads! The impossible game to call, and I will call it, despite all sense dictating I should
sit comfortably on the fence. Why will Russia win? Andrei Arshavin*. He is the creative lifeblood of that
team, and he has just returned from the Andorra suspension, boosting morale ... and ensuring that
Russia will now bottle it and get tanked. No, no. They will win. Sweden have failed to impress me, and
while history says they might well be favourites to qualify for yet another knockout stage, I say
no. Win it for me, Andrei, I need the points!]





*{I am aware that Hiddink has said Arshavin may not play due to lack of 'match fitnesx.' However it would be madness to leave him out.
If he does not play, feel free to add -50,000 points to my score just to aid my implosion due to unparalleled frustration.}

[Fragony]

Good thing for the Dutch is that yesterday showed that they don't really have B players. Yesterday was a B team, sure, showing sloppy passes and finishes, but there was plenty of individual talent should any of the main team be inconvenienced.

Ya, And the good news is that they really did their best. We gave away a lot and Italy better apreciate it.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I had a lovely day yesterday! I was watching the game in a relaxed atmosphere. I even met some fun Italians along the way and we all had a good laff about it all. http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature%20(3).gifhttp://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature.gif

I had a swell time! http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature%20(4).gif

http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/mechant%20(1).gif No I bloody well didn't and there's nothing I can write that won't get me instagibbed so I'll move straight on to tonight's matches:

Spain - Greece 2-0.
Sweden - Russia 1-1.

[Fragony]

GO SWEDEN!!! http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/140331/e78fdfdb/hup_zweden_hup_.html

[cegorach]

I had a lovely day yesterday! I was watching the game in a relaxed atmosphere. I even met some fun Italians along the way and we all had a good laff about it all. http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature%20(3).gifhttp://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature.gif

I had a swell time! http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/nature%20(4).gif


I am glad you did.


http://www.ruedusmiley.com/smileys/mechant%20(1).gif No I bloody well didn't and there's nothing I can write that won't get me instagibbed so I'll move straight on to tonight's matches:

hmmm

Look at the brightless horrible side - others sucked more - for example our team returned today. a whole two of the players (Boruc and Żewłakow) and the coach - the rest stayed behind ashamed (damn they should).
So in the spirit of the PolishFrench-Polish friendship we can at least relax a bit seeing there are others who are even worse - you to us, we to you (at least taking the difference in goals).:yes:

[Husar]

Relax Louis, I hope the german team will have to go home tomorrow.

About today, Day 12:

Spain 2-0 Greece

Sweden 1-0 Russia

[naut]

Updated Match Day 12

Spain 2 - 0 Greece

Sweden 1 - 0 Russia

Edit: If Arshavin plays I wont get any points. :sweatdrop:

[Adrian II]

Adrian: I agree with you that Afellay is a very exicting player to watch Wouldn't you say? Yeah, he has huge potential. The point with the little geezer is you never know what he'll do. He is not yet beefed-out and sturdy enough to win duels, although he can if he puts his mind to it. But he's constantly looking around when he's playing, always thinking of some surprise move. A subtle pass to a striker; a high ball to the other side of the field that breaks open the opponent's defense; a little fake attack followed by a relaxed pass back to his own defense, leaving the opposition on the wrong foot. He just never does what you would expect.

[InsaneApache]

Riiight!

Spain 2-0 Greece

Sweden 0-1 Russia

[Proletariat]

Sweden 0 2 Russia
Spain 2 1 Greece

[Dutch_guy]

Sweden 1 - 0 Russia
Spain 2 - 0 Greece

Spain 'll easily beat the weak Greeks with their B team, and Sweden 'll prove to just beat an unexperienced Russia.

:balloon2:

[drone]

Looking at the standings, the Greeks need to get a point to avoid being the last place team. From champs to chumps in 4 years. Maybe that will give them a sense of urgency.

If they get a point, it's France for worst on goal differential. :creep:

[Fragony]

Dutch team stinks http://www.spitsnieuws.nl/archives/ek2008/2008/06/van_der_vaart_stinkt.html

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Match Day 12 Prediction

Spain 1 - 0 Greece

Sweden 2 - 1 Russia

[atheotes]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Match Day 12 Prediction

Spain 1 - 0 Greece surebet

Sweden 2 - 1 Russia surebet

[Quintus.JC]

Leader board updated...

Their will be a new point system for the Knock-out Stages, please revise the rules. Thank you. :bow:

[LeftEyeNine]

Dutch team stinks http://www.spitsnieuws.nl/archives/ek2008/2008/06/van_der_vaart_stinkt.html

:netherlands: Van der Faart :netherlands:

[Adrian II]

Halftime. I love my Russians. What a pleasant surprise. And they play Dutch football, too: left, right, and through the middle - never a dull moment. Only thing Hiddink has to teach them is to change gears from a fast pace to a slow one (control) and back to fast when you see an opening. But maybe that just doesn't suit this Russian team. Anyway, great game to look at.

[InsaneApache]

Buggerbumpoo!

[scotchedpommes]

Two great team goals. Nothing surprising about this, for me. There's a definite increase in speed and
accuracy with Arshavin driving the team.

[Tamur]

I can't watch anymore... *bangs head on table* Nice playing by the Russians, I must admit. Where did this team come from anyway?

[scotchedpommes]

Zenit provides the quality. All of them are home-based, though, bar Saenko on the bench.

[Fragony]

I like love this Russia. Looks like we have two teams.

[Craterus]

Portugal 2 - 1 Germany

I hope it's the other way around but I can't see it happening.

[Limbs]

I'm almost pleased that sweden went. Perhaps now my country's team will sack Lagerbäck and get someone who values and emphesizes real football. As was brilliantly illustrated by the russian team the key is to have a good offence. Defence is a requirement yes, but that wont put the ball in the other goal, and to base the entire game startegy on it is just plain shameful. Out with the old and in with the new, and with luck I will never have to once again hear how the national football team got ready for a match by drinking tea and eating cookies.

As for what went wrong with this match, I shouldn't even have to state the obvious. Considering the hype in sweden regarding this team this is truly a good wake up call. That ridiculous commercial with lagerbäck in Gladiator only shows that they have no focus on the challenge up ahead. All the best to Russia, a good team which understands the key to victory even though they'll most likely get beat by the invinsible Holland.

[Ser Clegane]

Germany - Portugal 1 - 2

[Louis VI the Fat]

Zenit provides the quality. Yeah I was wondering about that all tournament. I followed Zeniths brilliant performances earlier, and was wondering what became of all those players. Those Russian names don't stick in my mind, so I was never sure whether Hiddink was playing them or not. Until I saw Russia play tonight. What a delight! :2thumbsup:

Hiddink - Holland...hmmm. Should be good. Spain will collapse against Italy. Not a chance. Part of the reason why Spain always bottles tournaments is their mental inability to beat their fierce rivals France or Italy. They haven't won from Italy since before WWII. And have never won from France at all. Something in their minds about these games. An inferiority complex maybe?

Portugal I think will reach the final. Turkey - Croatia can go either way, could be a real winner, this game. :2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

I needed Henrik's header to sneak under the bar for my points. :sweatdrop:
Ah well, the boy Arshavin did me proud.

[Husar]

Leader board updated...

No it's not, it says updated after France-Italy here and some of the scores are also wrong. :inquisitive:

Maybe you should check it?

[Adrian II]

No it's not, it says updated after France-Italy here and some of the scores are also wrong. :inquisitive:

Maybe you should check it?Hold your horses.

Our friend updated yesterday evening at 21.00 (that's 9 pm) CET. That was during the last two games.

Quintus J. Cicero is doing us all a favour by organising this and I am sure he will update asap.

[Husar]

Heh, maybe I sounded a bit demanding, wasn't the intention and I might have missed the exact posting time, thought the last games were already over on the last page, my bad, sorry.

[LittleGrizzly]

The russians were great, enjoyable game, i don't now if the swedish didn't turn up or the russians made them look bad, should be a good game against holland

Portugal 3-1 Germany

I just think Portugal have got the better technical players and that will shine through on the day, will be a close match though....

[Adrian II]

Heh, maybe I sounded a bit demanding, wasn't the intention and I might have missed the exact posting time, thought the last games were already over on the last page, my bad, sorry.Yeah, you're probably all worked up about tomorrow's game.

Well, I have slaughtered a hare today (yesterday's gerbil has outlived its liver) and I'm afraid the omen is not good for nations above the garlic line.

Day 13
Final prediction

Germany 1:2 Portugal

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

Based on the fact that everyone above me has gone for a Portugal win, and I'm not winning yet....

I'm going to do something that I'm probably going to regret.

Germany 1 - 1 Potrugal

Germany to go through on penalties (3-2, Ronaldo to miss the deciding penalty).

[Decker]

Quarter Final Match #1

Portugal 3-2 Germany

I hate to say it but even though I want the Germans to get through...they aren't the best looking team yet...I hope they can pull it together and win but so far Portugal is one of the sides in the Quarters looking quite put together.

[naut]

Quarter Final Match 1

Portugal 3 - 1 Germany

Portugal is much more impressive (that is if Scolari decides to put on the right team ~;)).

I predicted right, I knew I wouldn't get points from Russia - Sweden if Arshavin played. :laugh4:

[Quintus.JC]

Leader Board updated.....

[Quintus.JC]

Quarter-Final 1

Portugal 2 - 0 Germany

[Ferret]

Quarter-Final 1

Portugal 2 - 1 Germany

[PBI]

Portugal 1-1 Germany

Germany to go through on penalties.


Portugal have looked better than the Germans in the group stage but Germany always go up a gear in the knockout rounds.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Quarter-Finals 1 Prediction

Portugal 2 - 2 Germany

Portugal to go through on penalties. (5-4, Ballack to miss the deciding penalty).

[Adrian II]

Here's one for Geoffrey.

What song do you think the Dutch and Hiddink's Russians should sing together next Saturday?

1. We shall overcome
2. Ik ben Olga van de Wolga
3. Welpielied

[Husar]

Quarter Final 1:

Portugal 3-1 Germany

And Adrian, I will only be worked up over this game if Germany wins.

[Fragony]

We won't be seing balou anymore his daughter passed away :no:

God that's sad :shame:

[Mediolanicus]

Portugal 0-1 Germany

[Adrian II]

We won't be seing balou anymore his daughter passed away :no:

God that's sad :shame:Yes, very sad. Even more so if you consider that the excitement of the tournament may have played a role in it. And this had to happen to one of the nicest, most modest, hardest working guys in the team.

Are you sure he won´t be playing, though? He's made from stainless steel, you know. It would be typical if the pair decided together that Boula should go on.

[Fragony]

He was at the training so he probably plays, hope he doesn't do it for the wrong reasons, feeling obliged or anything. He should be home with his wife if you ask me, in the end it's just game.

[Proletariat]

Portugal 3 - 2 Germany

Edit: Ignore this prediction, changed mine to what you see below

[Adrian II]

He was at the training so he probably plays, hope he doesn't do it for the wrong reasons, feeling obliged or anything. He should be home with his wife if you ask me, in the end it's just game.Funny thing you say that. This afternoon I was thinking what I would do.

If I were Van Basten I would tell him: "Do what you have to do, first things first, after all football is only a game."

And if I were Boulharouz I would asnwer: "I'm playing. I'm playing precisely because football is a game, it brings out what sort of man you are, and I'm no quitter."

But what do I know? Maybe I am just too romantic.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Portugal - Germany 1-1.

Portugal wins on penalties.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Getting tense now...two and a half hours to go. :sweatdrop:

[woad&fangs]

Portugal 3-2 Germany

I have no idea how this game will turn out so I'm going steal Proles prediction :shrug:

:mad:

[Adrian II]

Portugal 3-2 Germany

I have no idea how this game will turn out so I'm going steal Proles prediction :shrug:

:mad:She's ahead of of me on points, too.

There you go, Proletariat, already you have guru status. When in doubt, follow the lady.

[Proletariat]

I got a lucky boost yesterday with two right on guesses, but my over all track record isn't very impressive.

:clown:

I was gonna go over what most people were thinking with 3-2, but I think I'm gonna wuss out and get more in line with the consensus here.

Portugal 2 - 0 Germany

I agree with Louis looking ahead, Spain is too pretty for gritty Italy, Pirlo or no.

Go Portugal!
:portugal::portugal::portugal:

[InsaneApache]

Portugal 2 - 1 Germany

Esta biem!

[Adrian II]

Portugal 2 - 0 GermanyNot a single German goal, my lady? But the indomitable Sebastian Schweinsteiger is back tonight, after his one-match ban over that red card.

Said Mr Schweinsteiger is a considerable offensive force, provided he keeps his trap shut and his hands where they belong.

[Quintus.JC]

Surprised that King of Portugal_2 and Louis predicted that Portugal will go through on penalties, Germany never looked likely to lose on a penalty shoot out...

[Quintus.JC]

Quarter-Final 2

Croatia 2 - 0 Turkey

Croatia looks overwhelmingly as favourite to go through, Turkey is a good side but if Croatia play the way they did against Germany then Turkey probably won't make it to the semis. Unless......

[PBI]

Edit: Nevermind :beam:

[scotchedpommes]

Tonight's game presents me with more problems. Both sides are countries for which I have a healthy,
footballing derision, say. The Portuguese should win, we all know that [and how painful that would be]
but we're talking about Germany. The forces of darkness. They will raise their game, because there is
no alternative for Germany outside group stages of a major tournament. The Portuguese are far from
invincible, and the Germans have clear defensive and attacking weaknesses. No Frings, either. Argh.

[Part of me still wants to see a Portugal - Netherlands final, but in calling this game in favour of the
Portuguese, I'm denying the possibility that the Germans might be felled by the Dutch in the most
delicious of hate-filled finals.]

Quarter-final Prediction

Portugal 2-1 Germany

[After extra time, possibly.]

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I'm pretty impressed with Lahm so far in the game. :2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Another great team goal.

Astonishing. What a collapse.

[Quintus.JC]

OMG, how did that happen. Seems that Portugal is out.


Erm, I picked Germany to go through. Using exactly that logic, i.eshootouts..

Sorry. It was King of Portugal that fancied Portugal to beat Germany in penalties.

[Husar]

Ouch, I give up.

My own country is letting me down, 2-0 for Germany...

[Adrian II]

I am afraid, my lady, that said Mr Schweinsteiger is unchained, as it were.

God, what beautiful goals! Germany is back, all guns blazing.

[Whacker]

Still rootin' for my Dutchistan buds!

Bonus image:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2964/engel159601bmh5.jpg

:balloon2:

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I am afraid, my lady, that said Mr Schweinsteiger is unchained, as it were.


Cry 'Havoc!’, and let slip the Germans of war.

What a half! Schweinsteiger and Klose, magnificent! Lehman, playing well in between the pipes. And Ballack! He's actually playing football! Amazing.

I only hope our luck stands up...

[Adrian II]

Cry 'Havoc!’, and let slip the Germans of war.

What a half! Schweinsteiger and Klose, magnificent! Lehman, playing well in between the pipes. And Ballack! He's actually playing football! Amazing.I still believe Ballack deserves to be shot (team Germany wouldn't miss him anyway) and Schweinsteiger should see a barber asap, but some of those German combinations in left field were magic and Schweinsteiger simply owns right field.



Klassespiel!

[Fragony]

Go Germany

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I still believe Ballack deserves to be shot


Yes, I agree, but he played! He played football! It's a start. ~;)

And LAHM! :2thumbsup:

[Adrian II]

Yes, I agree, but he played! He played football! It's a start. ~;)

And LAHM! :2thumbsup:Ballack didn't score, Schweinsteiger scored that third goal using Ballack's head for a third goal post. But Lahm was a force, I totally agree.

That was quite the comeback, and what a fine game to watch. Alle Achtung, meine Herren!

Hare obviously don't cut it. I'm going back to sacrificing gerbils.

[Husar]

What a desaster!

Now I hope Croatia will beat Turkey tomorrow and then repeat what they did last week. ~D

[Louis VI the Fat]

Great game!

So far, the Germans have been ballacks, a bit lahm. So I expected a klose game. I should've known that they were just laying löw in the group stage and would show what they really kahn during the knock-outs.

[drone]

Someone PM Tosa, Gregoshi has hacked Louis' account. ~D

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Congrats to Germany!

No doubt they were the better side in the pitch. Like i have said before Portuguese side is too young and unexperienced for favourites at least compared to 2004 and 2006.
Tactically German game was perfect and we made terrible defensive mistakes. Only Deco manage to play at a high level. Both teams had several opportunities to scores but they score 3 and we just 2, so i think it was totally deserved...:yes:

They are favourites now, like Holland and Italy (yes...they are back...:smash:) and maybe Croatia...:beam:

[Ferret]

I still don't think Italy will make it to the semis. The Spaniards are looking strong and the Italians only got through by the skin of their noses, and will be missing two of their best players. But after Germany's performace, anything can happen...

[scotchedpommes]

I still don't think Italy will make it to the semis. The Spaniards are looking strong and the Italians only got through by the skin of their noses, and will be missing two of their best players. But after Germany's performace, anything can happen...
It shouldn't be disregarded that Spain fear [and loathe] the Italians more than any other side. No
competitive victory over them for 88 years.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Tonight's game presents me with more problems. Both sides are countries for which I have a healthy,
footballing derision, say. The Portuguese should win, we all know that [and how painful that would be]
but we're talking about Germany. The forces of darkness.

:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

I'm thinking that's not just a problem...so much hate in your head...that's only because Scotland is not in the tournament?

[scotchedpommes]

Eh? Naw, that's just years of conditioning through watching football as a neutral. All my hate is
reserved for another continental nation. Answers on a postcard.

[cegorach]

Still rootin' for my Dutchistan buds!

Bonus image:
https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/2964/engel159601bmh5.jpg

:balloon2:


Heh, she is from Latvia. ;)

[atheotes]

I was busy predicting a German win to all my friends and forgot get in my prediction :wall:... what an idiot :furious3:

[Decker]

Dangit!!! Germany got by with the skin of their teeth!! Those two bumbling bone heads in the back sure got lucky! As for my prediction! Had the numbers right but the teams wrong lol:wall: But who cares~:confused: GERMANY IS THROUGH PAAARTTTAAAY!!! not at my place tho:no:

Quarter Final #2

Croatia 3-1 Turkey :knight:

[Craterus]

Croatia 2 - 0 Turkey

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Can I still get in on this? If so;

Croatia 2 - 1 Turkey

[Adrian II]

Heh, she is from Latvia. ;)I hear her breasts are from Italy?
I'm thinking that's not just a problem...so much hate in your head...that's only because Scotland is not in the tournament?Nasty! :laugh2:

Remember, the Brits always have England who are still unbeaten in the Euro 2008 tournament...







:creep::whip:

[PBI]

Somehow I suspect they'll still find a way to go out on penalties. Wouldn't be a big football tournament otherwise.

Actually, I must say it's been a blessed relief that thanks to England not being there, the Euros have been such a low-key event. Means that it doesn't need to dominate every inch of the media for months in advance and means the coverage actually pays attention to the other games rather than interrupting Netherlands-France to give us updates on Wayne Rooney's foot.

Anyway, tomorrow's match:

Match Day 14?:

Croatia 2-0 Turkey



Turkey looked bright and energetic but Croatia should have the class to see them off.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Remember, the Brits always have England who are still unbeaten in the Euro 2008 tournament...


:laugh4:

[LittleGrizzly]

Betting against the Germans is usually done for good reasons but always turns out to be a stupid idea, note for the next round....

[LittleGrizzly]

Oops forgot my score sorry for the double post...

Croatia 3-1 Turkey

Croatia are one of those from England's qualifying group, the further they go the less incompetent the English team looks...

[InsaneApache]

I'm just glad that I didn't mention the war! :laugh4:

Croatia 2-1 Turkey

[Adrian II]

Betting against the Germans is usually done for good reasons but always turns out to be a stupid idea, note for the next round....I've been thinking too where I went wrong in my prediction (2:1 for Portugal).

I was thinking that at least Schweini would be good for one goal, provided Germany got its act together. But of course if they get their act together, they have five other fine players who can easily do the same.

Turns out they did get it together. The good old German game: no flicks, no frills, just straight, fast passing and lots of physical contact. The combination preceding that first goal was a classic German beauty.

Predicting gets hairier and hairier these days. Not unlike a certain small bear.

I'm just glad that I didn't mention the war! :laugh4:
That's 1:0 for Godwin. :laugh3:

[Adrian II]

Double post

[Whacker]

Heh, she is from Latvia. ;)

Hell she can be from the moon (that :daisy: is outta this world baby!! sorry... :whip:), but I still wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers in it!

GO ORANJE!!!

[Ser Clegane]

What a great match :beam:

High respect for Portugal as well who did not even show a hint of giving up even after being down by two goals twice and kept this open (and me grinding my teeth) until the very end :bow:

Let's see if our team can repeat such a performance in the semi :2thumbsup:

Next match:

Croatia - Turkey 1 - 2

[cegorach]

Remember, the Brits always have England who are still unbeaten in the Euro 2008 tournament...



That was sadistic...



Anyway - I was suprised by Portugal, so many mistakes in defence, well exploited by Germany.

[naut]

I am so glad my prediction was wrong. Germany finally got their act together and played some decent football. Portugal looked horrible in defence, especially Ricardo in goal. Great game. But Germany simply out-muscled the Portuguese. I did enjoy Ronaldo squirming on the ground.

Only Deco manage to play at a high level.Yeh, he was brilliant. So calm on the ball and always in a metre of space.

Predictions Quarter-Final 2

Croatia 2 - 1 Turkey

The comeback kings wont comeback against a classy, top notch Croatia side.

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

In contrast to Rythmic, go the comeback Kings!

Turkey 2 - 1 Croatia.

Hard to see it happening with Volkan suspended, but you never know...

[Quintus.JC]

Gah! The Germans never let you down do they, in this case they did it by winning. You'd never think they would be able to play like that after their recent forms, the Euros is lighten up now.

[Subedei]

What a comeback! Both teams played well, but it was veeeery hard for the Portugese to show all the magnificence they showed in the rest of the tounament.

Mertesacker and Metzelder are not to be underestimated for their defence. They saved our backs every now and then....:juggle2:

[Husar]

Second quarter final:

Croatia 2-1 Turkey

[LeftEyeNine]

Well, obviously this tournament has proved itself to be a WTFying one. I can remember a dead asleep Germany few days ago who just trashed Portugal. Just never forget that these teams are tournament teams, fyi.

We've made it off the most fearsome team in the group (Czechs that is). Their style of play was the most dangerous for our team and it proved to be. "By heart" kind of play and unpredictable leadership of Arda saved us.

The reason we played like **** generally in all matches was due to the team being quite new to each other and to a tournament. However the latest wins have surely boosted the morale and confidence. We are a nation, hence a team of emotional intensivity and we now have what we need to push it.

The boys will be playing with the reality in mind that they are the only team to turn a match around, so conceding one or two goals won't break them down. The most experienced and self-confident players of the team have succeeded to score/assist so you'll be seeing more of them.

And Croatian defense is no big deal. Cech was was overwhelmed, Pletikosa shall suffer.

Turkey are not the underdogs tonight.

Croatia 1-3 Turkey

[Scurvy]

QF2:

Croatia 2 v 1 Turkey

Croatia have looked very good so far, and although i was impressed by Turkey's comeback against Czech Rep. I think they have too many players missing.


QF3:

Netherlands 4 v 3 Russia

Too attacking + good teams to watch, hopefully many goals



QF4:

Spain 1 v 2 Italy

Very hard to call, but i think Italy might do it, Toni is due some goals...


:2thumbsup:

[Mediolanicus]

Croatia 3-2 Turkey

Probably after penalties.

[Geoffrey S]

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten is set to revert back to his favoured starting XI after resting a host of players last time out against Greece.
Gah, talk about idiotic slip-up.

[scotchedpommes]

Contrary to an above space cadet's beliefs, Toikey are underdogs tonight. Rakitic could, if fit enough to
play, provide enough dynamism in an attacking midfield role to frustrate the Turks no end. Ivica [that's
Iveetsa] Olic has already demonstrated his willingness to be the tireless runner up front, while the
likes of Klasnic coming off the bench could provide the kind of clinical impact that the Czechs sorely
lacked. I would love to say it ain't going to be so, but I can't see Turkey getting past this unless Croatia
have a collective shocker.

[Adrian II]

Um, Geoffrey? (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1950565&postcount=567)

[Geoffrey S]

Um, Geoffrey? (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showpost.php?p=1950565&postcount=567)
Gah! Apologies, topic's almost as fast as the Dutch play.

Anyway, can't we have the Wuppielied back? I've still got a whole collection of the blighters on my desk.

[Fragony]

Here are a few suggestions on what to do with them

http://www.geenstijl.nl/mt/archieven/2006/06/wuppies_moeten_doooood_3_1.html

The best http://dump.geenstijl.nl/mediabase/1729/8231f89f/index.html

[Subedei]

Usually I would just watch the game as a nuetral soccer fan, but well the Turks [have their own faction in MTW2] and they lack a lot of imoprtant players. So well, I am with Turkey 2nite

...Altintop played very well against the Czech. on the other hand:Very good Rakitic is my favourit new player in the Bundesliga, he shoots very precise free kicks....We will see....:inquisitive:

[Proletariat]

One of you Euros could've warned me that the German team was 3 feet taller than then Portuguese! All in all that was a pretty exciting match, even without seeing anything exciting from Ronaldo, which I was hoping for.

Can someone explain all the praise for Deco? I saw him look impressive in some of the group games, but I didn't really see much yesterday. I did fast forward through about 20 minutes of the match right after Germany went up 3-1 so maybe I missed it. The guy with the curly hair stood out to me more, think he was Simoan or something.

Czech 3 1 Turkey

[Dutch_guy]

Can someone explain all the praise for Deco? I saw him look impressive in some of the group games, but I didn't really see much yesterday. I did fast forward through about 20 minutes of the match right after Germany went up 3-1 so maybe I missed it. The guy with the curly hair stood out to me more, think he was Simoan or something.

Czech 3 1 Turkey

Yeah, I'd even go as far as to say that Deco's lack of creativity this match resulted in the German win. Seriously, the only thing Simao, Meireles and Ronaldo were doing in the second half was shooting from way too far out. The occaissional shot is fine, but hoping for a miracle goal when you're down 2 - 0 is not the way to go about the match. You never see the Portugese do this, but it was seemingly necessary because of the lack of ...creativity from the midfielders. I would have thought the static German defenders would have their hands full on the fast and nimble Portugese strikers and attacking midfielders, but that didn't seem to be the case at all.

And by the way, Prole, Turkey's facing Croatia - not the Czech Republic.

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

Czech 3 1 Turkey


NAAA NAA NA NAAA NAAA ! NAAA NA NA NAAAA NAAA ! :smash::smash::smash:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

One of you Euros could've warned me that the German team was 3 feet taller than then Portuguese! All in all that was a pretty exciting match, even without seeing anything exciting from Ronaldo, which I was hoping for.

Can someone explain all the praise for Deco? I saw him look impressive in some of the group games, but I didn't really see much yesterday. I did fast forward through about 20 minutes of the match right after Germany went up 3-1 so maybe I missed it. The guy with the curly hair stood out to me more, think he was Simoan or something.

Czech 3 1 Turkey

Ronaldo's head is already at Madrid as he will announce his transfer for Real in the next few days...:yes:

Deco was the only player who performed as we expected, a real number 10 and as far as i know he's moving to Chelsea...

The guy with curly hair is Simão; yes, he's a very good right/left winger, but like you said...the Germans are taller...

Czech Republic 2 - 1 Turkey

[LeftEyeNine]

Czech Republic 2 - 1 Turkey

NAAA NAA NA NAAA NAAA ! NAAA NA NA NAAAA NAAA ! :smash::smash::smash:

[woad&fangs]

Czech 3-1 Turkey

:mad:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Yeah, I'd even go as far as to say that Deco's lack of creativity this match resulted in the German win. Seriously, the only thing Simao, Meireles and Ronaldo were doing in the second half was shooting from way too far out. The occaissional shot is fine, but hoping for a miracle goal when you're down 2 - 0 is not the way to go about the match. You never see the Portugese do this, but it was seemingly necessary because of the lack of ...creativity from the midfielders. I would have thought the static German defenders would have their hands full on the fast and nimble Portugese strikers and attacking midfielders, but that didn't seem to be the case at all.

And by the way, Prole, Turkey's facing Croatia - not the Czech Republic.

:balloon2:

Partially agree with you. There was lack of creativity from Simão and Ronaldo but not from Deco who always tried rowing against the tide. The German defenders and the team in general were far from static and thats why they've won. In the first 15/20 mins they even played in order to avoid our traditional control and ball possession as they had the possession...like i've said they made a perfect tactical game.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

NAAA NAA NA NAAA NAAA ! NAAA NA NA NAAAA NAAA ! :smash::smash::smash:

Opsss....!!! :laugh4:

Croatia 2 - 1 Turkey

[LittleGrizzly]

I would say Deco was one of the best features of that portugal side... that bosingwa (sp?) was good at getting forward and getting into good positions but how many damn overhit crosses did that go have ? im sure every single one was overhit or badly aimed, the wingers simao and ronaldo had little bits of play now and again but never really got going, deco on the other hand was brilliant on the ball and did some nice passing, and don't get me started on all those damn long shots, what a waste!

did anyone think Ballacks push gave him his goal, the push looked quite weak but moved the player out the way...

[Louis VI the Fat]

Croatia - LEN XI 2-1

[Adrian II]

Geoffrey, that's my boy. A cigar for my favourite Wupp oarsman!

Grizz, re Ballack, the Dutch commentator simply said that good defenders don't allow themselves to be pushed.

And Proletariat, wasn't it exciting to see Ronaldo fall over with no player or ball in sight and then claim a free kick? Ye gads. He must be the biggest [unmentionable starting with an 'f'] whiner in all of Europe.

My black list is growing. Ballack, Buffon, Ronaldo, a bullet in the neck each, before dawn.

Day 14
Final prediction

Croatia 2:1 Turkey

Sorry Len, I'll be rooting for your lads anyway and hope to be surprised. Alımallah!

[Tamur]

An interesting statistic...

32 of the 62 goals scored so far have come between the 61st minute and the end of stoppage time. And of those goals, 25% have been put in after the end of regulation.

What this says to me is, if Croatia go up early in the game, they are in a world of trouble ~:)

[Moros]

If found Deco pretty lame in all of his games. Sometimes he can be super, sometimes he can be the total opposite. Though he wasn't really good, he was that bad either this time. However he can do much, much better.

[Moros]

Geoffrey, that's my boy. A cigar for my favourite Wupp oarsman!

Grizz, re Ballack, the Dutch commentator simply said that good defenders don't allow themselves to be pushed.

And Proletariat, wasn't it exciting to see Ronaldo fall over with no player or ball in sight and then claim a free kick? Ye gads. He must be the biggest [unmentionable starting with an 'f'] whiner in all of Europe.


Yeah cause like no german has done that in that game...:wall::help:

[Proletariat]

And by the way, Prole, Turkey's facing Croatia - not the Czech Republic.

:balloon2:

Look, from what I can see, Czech Republic and England are amongst the undefeated in this quarter final so there will be no smooth talking me out of my prediction.

:dizzy2::help:
Real prediction: Croatia 2:1 Turkey


About Deco and Ronaldo moving on to other clubs or teams or whatever they're called, what difference does that make? How important is the EuroCup to a typical pro-soccer player? I'm hoping that winning some league cup isn't all that matters and this Euro tournament is actually taken seriously.

In the US our basketball and baseball players couldn't care less about winning international tournaments and it completely ruins it.

[FactionHeir]

Jumps on the bandwagon

Croatia - Turkey 2:1
Sure bet.

[Fragony]

Look, from what I can see, Czech Republic and England are amongst the undefeated in this quarter final so there will be no smooth talking me out of my prediction.

:dizzy2::help:
Real prediction: Croatia 2:1 Turkey


About Deco and Ronaldo moving on to other clubs or teams or whatever they're called, what difference does that make? How important is the EuroCup to a typical pro-soccer player? I'm hoping that winning some league cup isn't all that matters and this Euro tournament is actually taken seriously.

In the US our basketball and baseball players couldn't care less about winning international tournaments and it completely ruins it.

International basketball/baseball pretty much is the US league no surprise there. The Eurocup is probably the most important thing besides the really important things.

Imagine the following conversation;

Person A: Your country sucks people are starving half of the population just dissapeared and you women look like mules and smell worse.

People B: Yeah got me there but we beat you in the european championships.

Person A: yeah got me there.

[Louis VI the Fat]

About Deco and Ronaldo moving on to other clubs or teams or whatever they're called, what difference does that make? How important is the EuroCup to a typical pro-soccer player? I'm hoping that winning some league cup isn't all that matters and this Euro tournament is actually taken seriously.

In the US our basketball and baseball players couldn't care less about winning international tournaments and it completely ruins it.Yeah, same here. Nobody cares about this silly tournament. I myself, for example, did not lose any sleep whatsover over France's early exit.

[woad&fangs]

I need to stop copy-pasting Proles predictions...

real prediction

Croatia 3-1 Turkey

:mad:

@Adrian, I don't know if we're thinking of the same one but I remember Ronaldo falling down and then waiting 4-5 seconds before writhing in pain.:laugh4:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Grizz, re Ballack, the Dutch commentator simply said that good defenders don't allow themselves to be pushed.[/i]

~:eek:If I make a shot at you is not my fault is yours because you were in front of me ... amazing what we have to hear in this days...:laugh4:



My black list is growing. Ballack, Buffon, Ronaldo, a bullet in the neck each, before dawn.

:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
Caution, don't bite your tongue or you die poisoned ... :laugh4:
I do not understand so much hatred in these forums, this is a game or is it a war? humm ... that is why some like butchers...:laugh4:

[Dutch_guy]

did anyone think Ballacks push gave him his goal, the push looked quite weak but moved the player out the way...

It did, but as Adrian said a defender should not let himself get pushed around (in the literal sense as it turns out) in his own box. Plus, Ricardo didn't exactly look like he had the situation under control...

:balloon2:

[InsaneApache]

Just in time...

Czech 2 1 Turkey.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

@Adrian, I don't know if we're thinking of the same one but I remember Ronaldo falling down and then waiting 4-5 seconds before writhing in pain.:laugh4:

True! he was fouled and then the German defender stump him on his foot...intentionally...i can't remember if he saw any card!

Do you think thats funny? well, maybe someday you play football with Adrian II and he stumps your foot. Then you will hear him say "It's your fault woad&fangs, don't put your foot below mine!!!".:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

[LeftEyeNine]

Just in time...

Czech 2 1 Turkey.

Naaa Naaa Na Naaaa N-...hrm..

[atheotes]

Croatia 2-0 Turkey

[woad&fangs]

True! he was fouled and then the German defender stump him on his foot...intentionally...i can't remember if he saw any card!

Do you think thats funny? well, maybe someday you play football with Adrian II and he stumps your foot. Then you will hear him say "It's your fault woad&fangs, don't put your foot below mine!!!".:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:

O so that's what happened? Sorry, I didn't see that.

In my defense, a lot of football players make a habit of dropping to the ground at the slightest touch. Not all of them, but way too many.

[scotchedpommes]

Tonight, I drink to victory. Stuff the better judgement shown in the earlier post.

Quarter-final Prediction 2

Croatia 2-4 Turkey (2045)

[Ahahahahaha. Aha. No. Really.]

[Dutch_guy]

Tonight, I drink to victory. Stuff the better judgement shown in the earlier post.

Quarter-final Prediction 2

Croatia 2-4 Turkey (2045)

[Ahahahahaha. Aha. No. Really.]

Gonna take the same stance you are:

Croatia 1-2 Turkey (2045)

Well, perhaps a bit less extreme.

:balloon2:

[Quintus.JC]

A shake up in the point system. 150 points in the final is just too much, this would mean that almost anybody has the chance to win instead of the people who had been consistant.

Quarter + Semi Finals
50 perfect score
30 correct result
+40 sure bet -20

Final
80 Perfect score
40 Correct result.

There will be no point deduction for predicting the wrong.

Ignore the rules in the first page please.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Gah, now I have this nagging feeling Mef and Dutch know something which I don't...~:mecry:

Random stuff:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6383/turkeycroatcompomv5.jpg

A a crow with a hat and a Turkey. You know...a crowhat. :beam:

[Quintus.JC]

Quarter Final 3
Final Prediction

Netherlands 3 - 1 Russia


Quarter Final 4
Final Prediction

Spain 1 - 2 Italy

More hope than judgement, but the Spanish always ran into trouble in the knock-out stages.

[cegorach]

Random stuff:
https://img383.imageshack.us/img383/6383/turkeycroatcompomv5.jpg

A a crow with a hat and a Turkey. You know...a crowhat. :beam:



Wonderful Louis, wonderful...



The best review of the Croatia-Turkey 'clash'...

Three guys are missing today in the Croatian team 'Gonić, Strzelić and Trafić'*






* translated as 'runn-ić, shoot-ić and 'scor-ić'.




Now bow before my superior, (even if 'borrowed') sense of humour Louis...

[FactionHeir]

0:0. Extra time.

[scotchedpommes]

That's got to hurt.

GET IN THERE SON

[LeftEyeNine]

DID YOU SEEE IT !!! DID YOU ******* SEE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

[scotchedpommes]

Simply amazing. How do you explain a finish like that?
[I almost got the penalty score.]

Only ever in front for 2 minutes in this tournament, and now they face Germany.

March on, Turks!

[LeftEyeNine]

DID YOU ******* SEE THIS !!!!

DID YOU ******* SEE THIS !!!!

DID YOU ******* SEE THIS !!!!

[Knight Templar]

Croatian defense was a disaster :wall:

[drone]

I've got the game TiVo'd. I take it from the Gamecast that I should just fast-forward to the end, was most of the game really that dire?

Congrats to Turkey, the cardiac kids of Euro2008. :bow:

[Conqueror]

:jawdrop: Amazing rise from the brink of death. Go Turkey! :turkey:

[InsaneApache]

Wow! Just Wow!

What a forking game!

Well done Turkey.

[woad&fangs]

Hmmm, judging by the reactions here, I'm going to assume the footage I'm watching is at least an hour old and that Turkey somehow won.

If this is the case than someone has to explain to me what happened.

edit: seriously, how did Turkey pull off this win. Croatia is running circles around them.

[InsaneApache]

Hmmm, judging by the reactions here, I'm going to assume the footage I'm watching is at least an hour old and that Turkey somehow won.

If this is the case than someone has to explain to me what happened.

edit: seriously, how did Turkey pull off this win. Croatia is running circles around them.

I won't. :beam:

[scotchedpommes]

Hmmm, judging by the reactions here, I'm going to assume the footage I'm watching is at least an hour old and that Turkey somehow won.

If this is the case than someone has to explain to me what happened.

edit: seriously, how did Turkey pull off this win. Croatia is running circles around them.
Wait for it. It's worth it.

[Louis VI the Fat]

After that devasting goal I just knew Croatia would bottle their penalties...

Sensational game again - we are getting our money's worth in these quarter-finals! But yes, you'll need to fast-forward to the 115th minute, Drone. Both teams were a bit scared throughout the game, they had too much respect for each other.
I think Turkey just doesn't know what to do really unless they are behind. They need free minds. Just a one, single, all-encompassing need to drive forward and score. When all other considerations are off and sheer passion is all that counts.


Three guys are missing today in the Croatian team 'Gonić, Strzelić and Trafić'*

* translated as 'runn-ić, shoot-ić and 'scor-ić'.

Now bow before my superior, (even if 'borrowed') sense of humour Louis... I'm sure there's a phenomenal pun in there for those accustomed to Slavic languages. ~;p:beam:

Wygięcić :sweatdrop:

[Geoffrey S]

Holy ****! Got called in by a housemate saying I had to see it, and see it I did, but I don't believe it!

[FactionHeir]

Tonight, I drink to victory. Stuff the better judgement shown in the earlier post.

Quarter-final Prediction 2

Croatia 2-4 Turkey (2045)

[Ahahahahaha. Aha. No. Really.]

He bribed 'em!

[Dutch_guy]

Wow, meager game all in all but those last minutes sure made up for it !



After that devasting goal I just knew Croatia would bottle their penalties...

Yeah, that goal did them in for sure. They started those penalties knowing they'd lose, no way those Turks were ever missing a penalty and they knew it.

:balloon2:

[Uesugi Kenshin]

That was definitely what Germans would call a "Gürkespiel" or something like that. No goals until the very end? Granted Turkey's was brilliant, they scored just when they needed to, and then they dominated the shootout. I'm really glad Germany will be facing the Turks minus 3 players. Though I'd feel a bit better if Turkey weren't so dangerous in the closing seconds. I haven't participated in the betting up until now since I really don't know the clubs that well, but I'll wager Germany beats Turkey if they play at all like they did against Portugal.

[FactionHeir]

Gurkenspiel

[woad&fangs]

It's in the 84th minute on my end.

Croatia seems to have slowed down a lot and has squandered a couple of good scoring oportunities.

Nice save by the Turkish keeper on the free kick in the 84th minute.

[LeftEyeNine]

Arda Turan picks the ball, it's 90+2, dribbles gently to see the goal, strikes it, deflected ball reaches somewhere unreachable.

It's 75th minute, you're playing against the best keeper of the world while you're 2 goals behind. Arda makes the only shot possible from that angle. A cross swivels in, Cech can't grasp it, Nihat is there so score. While the score is already good to go, Arda waves over keeper Volkan to kick the ball quickly as if there is more to it. Yes, there was. Nihat makes the most confident last ditch shot available which kisses the upright first and sends the kiss goodbye to the Czechs.

It's 119th minute against the Croatians, when Rüştü, who has performed his best up to that point, makes an irrelevant rush out, and Klasnic puts the well put lobbed ball into the net. Hell it maybe the last minute that the rivals are on the lead but there is Semih, the igniter of the Swiss victory, shoots a ball headed down by Emre Aşık, the centre back, and the ball follows the same route as Arda's Swiss winner after getting deflected, giving a good run to Slaven Bilic the rock-star-on-the-pitch, towards the ref this time. Penalty shootout was already decided. Croats were shattered with anxiety while our boys were happy and smiling.

Come on, screw the winner on 29th. "The winner" already is there. I've lost my senses.

Believing is winning.


TÜRKİYE !

[LeftEyeNine]

You just can't stop this by drawing out ridiculous cards to punish them. Boys are coming over to meet my favorite rivals- the Germans. We'll go through the semi-finals, rest assured.

[Craterus]

Well, there's no doubting you'll be completely outplayed but hey, it's worked for you so far.

[Adrian II]

Heh.. Well..

*wrings out shirt*

That was some match. Rüştü won it though. That old hippie looked deep into those Croatians' eyes and their legs starting shaking. Great guy.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Amazing Turkey!!! Amazing!!!

Now i know what team to support! a real outsider...

Let's go Turkey!!! if Greece managed to do it in 2004 you can do it now!!! :balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

Some birthday couldn't be better.

[Adrian II]

Some birthday couldn't be better.I'm two hours late, but congratulations twice over, you old derwish.

Your Anatolian voodoo is getting stronger and stronger. :bow:

[LeftEyeNine]

*sticks a needle in the Orange doll*

Feeling the pain for the 29th of June ? :smoking:

(Thanks :bow:)

[woad&fangs]

:2thumbsup:The Turkish goal was awsome:2thumbsup: The equivalent of a last second hail mary in American football.

Rustu did an excellent job as goal keeper this game.

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

Only seen the goals so can't comment on the rest of the Turkish performance, but where are all these stunning last-minute goals coming from???!!!

Well done Turkey!!!

Prediction:

The Netherlands 2 - 1 Russia

Spain 1 - 1 Italy, Spain to go through. Makes no sense but meh!

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Prediction:

Netherlands 3 : 1 Russia

Italy 1 : 1 Spain, Italy to win on penalties

[LittleGrizzly]

I sacrificed several large animals to help turn my losing streak around...

Netherlands 4 - 2 Russia

[Decker]

Well it looks like the Germans are a sure bet in the final:sneaky:

Quarter Final #3

Netherlands 4-1 Russia

Don't count Russia out tho...The Netherlanders defense has yet to be really tested.

[Fisherking]

Well it looks like the Germans are a sure bet in the final:sneaky:

Quarter Final #3

Netherlands 4-1 Russia

Don't count Russia out tho...The Netherlanders defense has yet to be really tested.

Nothing is sure this year! Which German team will show up? The Turks are very determined.

This year seems a year for upsets. The Russians could surprise us, as well as the Dutch!

Spain vs. Italy… my gut tells me Italy and Toni finally scores but I am leaving number out.

I don’t think any of these games are going to be too boring.

[Subedei]

Congrats to the Turkish team. What a weired match....See you on Wednsday! I hope we won`t have civil war here after the game...but a huge party! There was one yesterday in the town center next to the cathedral and I went there to see it....about 2000 fans from the Bosporus waving flags & singing. That is how it is supposed to be! Great fanbase.

The game itself was not all that great excluding the last 40 minutes me thinks. But the games waiting for us, I think will be de luxe. NL - Russia....very interesting. I like both teams. I hope Spain will come into the final...and meet...well....Germany!

Always remember: public order goes up, when "GAMES" are held....hehe.

[PBI]

Match Day 15

Netherlands 3-1 Russia


Could go either way this game, I think it may depend strongly on who scores the first goal, if Russia get a good start they could well cause an upset, but otherwise if Netherlands can keep up their group stage form they should have enough to win it.


Match Day 16

Spain 2-0 Italy



Spain have slumped somewhat since the first game but I'm going to commit the cardinal sin of football predictions and bet upon them doing well in the knockouts. I just can't see how the Spanish could not score against the chaotic Italian defence, unless the Spanish self-destruct as spectacularly as France did.

[Adrian II]

With a bit of Dutch luck and Russian genius this match will be talked about for years. :balloon2:

Match Day 15
Final prediction

Netherlands 3:2 Russia

[Husar]

ay 15 or third quarter final:

Netherlands 3:1 Russia

No seriously, the dutch have to win the cup this time, doesn't matter who they crush on the way.

[Ferret]

Netherlands 4 - 3 Russia

lucky I forgot to bet on the last game :laugh4:

[InsaneApache]

The Netherlands 2 - 0 Russia

[FactionHeir]

Holland 2 1 Russia

Holland to advance

[Quintus.JC]

Mmmmm... I'm not sure weather I should give the points to the people who predicated the Turks to win, technically the match ended in a 1 - 1 draw. Should I give the points? Although I think I did mention that penalties doesn't count. :idea2:

[Craterus]

Netherlands 3 - 2 Russia

[Adrian II]

ay 15 or third quarter final:

Netherlands 3:1 Russia

No seriously, the dutch have to win the cup this time, doesn't matter who they crush on the way.Actually I think the Russians deserve it. For sheer character and sheer talent. And because it would be a great stimulus for Russian football. Ten years from now, when the Russian competition will have really taken off, Russia will be a major force in European and world football.

Think of the possibilities. Russians are very tactical players, team players par excellence. Their ice hockey players are, their basketball players are. I think this is because chess is their national passtime. I would love to see them play the technical masters, Brazil.

I can see it.

Six years from now: a Russia-Brazil WC final. Hm hmmm hm-hm hmmm... :2thumbsup:

I haven't been so upbeat about football in at least ten years. I had given up to be honest. Teh ugliness. Teh stalling. Teh whining overpaid players.

This championship is a real tonic.

[naut]

Quarter Final #3
Netherlands # - # Russia

Still deciding, it could go either way. Russia can really threaten with Arsharvin, but Pavlyuchenko's finishing is poor. The game will be won in the wide areas. Both teams have fast and talented full-backs, who can provide that attacking spark. The Netherlands have the ability to pose a threat anywhere on the park, and upfront their striker's are a bit more clinical, more likely to be composed in the final third. I'm sure the Dutch will win, but what the final score will be, I really don't know.

[naut]

Quarter Final #3
Netherlands 3 - 2 Russia

[Mediolanicus]

Netherlands 2-0 Russia

[Hax]

Netherlands 3 - 1 Russia

[Fragony]

Netherlands - Hiddink 2-0

[Louis VI the Fat]

Gah! Hiddink's luck is legendary. And he is tactically gifted enough to destroy the Dutch team at their weakness: Orange relies on tactical discipline at back, plus a God in goal. Will they cope with another team that's as sharp on the counter attack as they themselves? Dutch have been great though, and have the more talented squad up front.

Teams need momentum. It is beter to start rubbish in a tournament and then work your way up from there. Both theams that easily won their groups lost in the quarters from teams with the right momentum. Will the Russki's repeat the feat?

Oh!! So difficult to predict!

Holland - Hiddink 2-1. 1-1 after 90 minutes. (I'm still not sure about the rules for extra time and penalties in our prediction game)

[atheotes]

Netherlands 3 - 1 Russia

[Fragony]

Teams need momentum. It is beter to start rubbish in a tournament and then work your way up from there.

More a minute to minute thing with the dutch team, that's why I compare it to manic depression, it can reach the sky but the smallest thing can be the trigger that leads to the fallback. Like a bubble that bursts the dutch team can be beaten.

[LeftEyeNine]

Yeah, momentum.

Get the match in the last minute. Some Spanish newspaper headlined the Turkish victory as "Tactical Miracle".

Who are missing from each team please ?

[Quintus.JC]

Holland - Hiddink 2-1. 1-1 after 90 minutes. (I'm still not sure about the rules for extra time and penalties in our prediction game)

Same here, I think penalties shouldn't count, but not sure about extra time. Let's just keep it normal time for now.

Normal Time

[Adrian II]

More a minute to minute thing with the dutch team, that's why I compare it to manic depression, it can reach the sky but the smallest thing can be the trigger that leads to the fallback. Like a bubble that bursts the dutch team can be beaten.That's Total Football for you: careful manipulation of space + players constantly trading places for tactical purposes. This requires a good relationship between team members and confidence in each other's insight and stamina. Lose one screw or bolt from the machine and the team is done for.

Not tonight though. Today's hamster entrails had victory written all over them.

[scotchedpommes]

Still unsure about this one. Will the Dutch have lost momentum by fielding reserves in the final group
game? I'm inclined to think not. The Russians, as has been demonstrated, are capable of playing football
any classic Dutch side would be proud of when Arshavin drives the team. But inexperience could
cost them. Both sides thrive when playing a counter-attacking game, so this has the potential to be
very open from the off, or cagey with both sides looking too keen to guard against being torn apart.

Argh. We haven't seen how the Dutch cope with going a goal down, and that is the only real seed of
doubt. I think the Russians might nick this game if they press hard from the kick-off and get the first
goal, but I can't back them.

Anthems...

Quarter-final Prediction 3

Netherlands 2-1 Russia (2045)

[Possibly after extra-time.]

[LeftEyeNine]

Hiddi had said something along lines like "I want to be a betrayer tonight". And apparently he's quite determined to.

Oranjes are sinking without a single glimpse of team play while Moskofs are playing collectively.

[LeftEyeNine]

There we have the greatest opportunist of all time. Van Nistelrooy necromances his eleven.

[LeftEyeNine]

Wow very weird instance there.

Lubos Michel showed the second yellow card to Kolodin first. However Kolodin's harsh intervention was right after the ball going out before it was returned to the pitch by Sneijder. So Mr. Michel cancelled his second yellow card.

This tournament possesses all beauties of football indeed.

And the match goes to extra time. :2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Well, the Russians did press from the beginning, and I think it's fair to say they've shown more
ambition. One half of extra-time down, are we due some more penalties?

The Russians should've put this away.

The Dutch are just hanging on, and not very well.

[Adrian II]

В чём дело? I'll tell you what's the matter. The Dutch are outpaced and outclassed by these Russians, most of all by Arshavin. What a talent he is.

Удачи! Kudos! :bow:

[LeftEyeNine]

Is it the end of a prematurely pumped Orange dream ?

[LeftEyeNine]

Yes it is.

Arshavin 3 - 1 Oranjes

[scotchedpommes]

I should have backed Arshavin again.

What odds a Turkey - Russia final?

[Craterus]

Italy 3 - 0 Spain

[Conqueror]

That was a good game. Congrats Russia :2thumbsup: :russia:

[Pannonian]

My goodness this is a wonderful Russian side.

[LeftEyeNine]

What odds a Turkey - Russia final?

At first sight, this matchup seems even weirder than that Porto-Monaco CL final a couple of years ago.

Well, thanks for giving the giants some lesson and violent displays in the group stage, teh Oranjes. As I said in my predictions thread, watch out for them in WC '10.

:netherlands: :balloon2:

P.S. Congrats to the team called Russia. :russia:

[Hax]

Russia deserved a win. Just great play. Great.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Spain 1 : 2 Italy

[Ferret]

Italy 3 - 0 Spain

Are you mad!?

Spain 3-1 Italy

[woad&fangs]

*sigh*

Anyways,

Spain 4-0 Italy

based off of nothing besides my loathing of Italy's team.

[Adrian II]

After reading the entrails of a drunk Dutch football fan on my doorstep, I have decided that I'll be eating pasta tomorrow. Bolognese, with scraps of grada padano, and lots of cheap bubbly wine to go with it.

Day 16
Final prediction

Spain 1:2 Italy

[LeftEyeNine]

Lads, remember the great rule once again. Tournament teams take it further no matter what. Germany has proved it and Netherlands proved it from the opposite (and dutch specific) way.

Italy will take down the Dutch-like-prepumped Spain tomorrow. The Azurri are coming with a huge morale boost, remember.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Another outsider! Congrats to Russia as they were just amazing tonight!!!

Superb teamwork and individual skills totally control the match since kick-off, extra-time was unfair for them. 3-1 was well deserved!
It seems that the oranjes spent all their bullets in the group stage...

After this match i think any team can reach the final and win...

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I would like 1-0 for Spain but sadly i think it will be:

Prediction
Spain 0 - 1 Itay

[Louis VI the Fat]

Teams need momentum. Both theams that easily won their groups lost in the quarters from teams with the right momentum. Will the Russki's repeat the feat?And indeed the Russians repeated the feat. Third team out that destroyed its' momentum. It's better to lose a game in the group stage and then gain momentum from there. Italy and Germany have been the grandmasters of this since forever.

Russia is a bloody good team. This Arshavin is a monster. (ars havin'?)


1-1 after 90 minutes. (I'm still not sure about the rules for extra time and penalties in our prediction game)I want points for my prediction! :yes:


Tomorrow:

Italy - Spain 2-1

Spain doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell. They can't beat their Latin rivals owing to mental inhibitions. Plus the Ritals are right back in it, and lest Hiddink destroys them, will go on to win the tournament.
I predict that Torres will go off with a horrible injury after just seven minutes. Then a few minutes later that 150 kilogram ox Luca Toni will come crashing down on the pitch after the slightests of touches, will receive a penalty, and reduce Spain to ten men and needing two goals to progress.

[Pannonian]

Are there any Jan Koller-type strikers left in the tournament? When England played Russia at Wembley, the Russian defenders didn't know what to do with Emile Heskey, as he held them off at will and won just about everything that came his way.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Edited earlier prediction. Now I'm thinking:

Spain 1 : 2 Italy

[LeftEyeNine]

Interesting note:

All 3 teams that have rested their first choice of elevens in the last match of the groups have failed to qualify.

All 3 leader teams of their groups have failed to qualify.

[LeftEyeNine]

Are there any Jan Koller-type strikers left in the tournament?

Luca Toni.

Pavlyuchenko.

Miroslav Klose.

[Dutch_guy]

Damn, didn't expect that. What a farce.

Oh well, to be realistic we were tactically outclassed and didn't deserve the win at all. But that doesn't make it hurt less.

:balloon2:

[LittleGrizzly]

Hmm unexpected but a good game asharvin is a hell of a player!

Hopefully i can do better with todays predictions..

Italy 3 - 2 Spain

Italy will just take it one step further

[Husar]

Now I really have to rethink, maybe go to my olde chest and dig out that nationalism I stored deep inside it but if I do that I bet Turkey will beat Germany so I say go Russia and go Italy!

Third Quarter final or day sixteen:

Spain 1-3 Italy

[Moros]

A deservede wwin for le erussians, thoug I must att tat Vzan Basten made some wierd choices too, when it czme to staring players. Which was different form the first fase, and though it might hzve mazde a difference, it wouldn't hzave been thzt big. A shame I would hjave liked the dutch to win, but russia definately frderved it.