LEN Teh Footy God's Footballodium

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Does anybody know what is decisive in case of a tie in points, goal difference or results against each other?

As far as i know...
1º - Results against each other;
2º - Goal difference from each other;
3º - Nº of victories;
4º - Goal difference in general;


Hmmm, I kind of wonder how Kazakhstan BARELY lost to Portugal....

Barely? In fact they played well and they are not so bad as you think as they beat Serbia 2-1! ~:eek:
However, Portugal totaly control the match and missed several opportunities. Kazakhstan managed to keep 0-0 until 82' m when we first score. Then we put the result 0-2 at the 90' and Kazakhstan score at 93' puting justice in the result i must say! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ2AmRhAEyU


and we are the first to go to Euro 2008!!

Congratulations! very good news. Now i'll cross my fingers for Romania and Portugal in the same group.~D

[scotchedpommes]

Don't be a ******. It's all open yet.
:laugh4:
Thanks Louis, but I think you should save the motivational material for a while
yet. I know we can beat them. It just feels like a matter of keeping some very
depressed players thinking the same thing. I'm glad I'm not in Big Eck's shoes.
As long as our key players can come back in I think we'll have a chance; there
were just too many new faces coming in, and while they could do a shift, they
couldn't drive us forward. Murty is a good example there - it was too much to
bring him into that.

Believe me, I can already picture the pitch invasion to end all pitch invasions.
Gattuso's crying, and his Weegie wifey is in the stands doing a wee jig. Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Aberdeen are obliterated in the celebrations that follow...



Does anybody know what is decisive in case of a tie in points, goal difference or results against each other?
KOP has the gist of it. Here's the rest of the mince:

Higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question.
Superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question.
Higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question.
Higher number of goals scored away from home in the group matches played among the teams in question.
If, after applying criteria 1. to 4. to several teams, two or more teams still have an equal ranking, the criteria
1. to 4. will be reapplied to determine the ranking of these teams. If this procedure does
not lead to a decision, criteria 6. and 7. will apply.
Results of all group matches: 1. Superior goal difference 2. Higher number of goals scored
3. Higher number of goals scored away from home 4. Fair play conduct.
Drawing of lots / Blatter's whim




Hmmm - looks like the Germans did exactly what some predicted
Sad, I'd say. First European qualifying loss for a ridiculous length of time, and
apparently their performance was abject. Surely the fans would be more content
with their team putting up a fight. If they get a difficult draw as a result, well,
we'd see an entertaining tournament. Hopefully they get Greece, who appear to
be back on form.

Edit: Germany - Czech Republic highlights (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvHjW7ZolH4). [Until removed. Should point out that
the Czech table at the end is incorrect.]

[edyzmedieval]

Congratulations! very good news. Now i'll cross my fingers for Romania and Portugal in the same group.~D

Cristiano won't stand a chance against Rat and Chivu. Even if Chivu is in a sort of bad form atm, he still is good, and with Rat, say bye bye to Cristiano...

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Cristiano won't stand a chance against Rat and Chivu. Even if Chivu is in a sort of bad form atm, he still is good, and with Rat, say bye bye to Cristiano...

Ok, let's wait and see...

[naut]

Edit:

[edyzmedieval]

Why not switch over to rugby Rythmic? At least there England has more chances of winning something. :beam:

[InsaneApache]

Ahh but Rugger players handle odd shaped balls. :embarassed: :book: :laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[edyzmedieval]

At least support something that Romania hasn't beaten. :beam:
(Romania -Spain 1-0...last year or this year I think)

@IA

True, but it's a hardy sport where you can kick something. :laugh4:

[Louis VI the Fat]

True, but it's a hardy sport where you can kick something. :laugh4:Unless you are Johnny Wilkinson. :shame:

[ShadesPanther]

Well Spain might yet not go through if Northern Ireland beat Denmark and them and Spain lose to Sweden.

[scotchedpommes]

Well, before Zuid Afrika puts England to the sword [I know I'm dooming them
now] there are some mildly significant football matches to be decided. Of
course the Scouse have their first encounter of the season, and down in the
enlightened city of Glasgow there is the small matter of the first meeting of the
Old Firm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Firm). It should be an interesting affair, what with our mini-ascendency at
club level. If Celtic win at Ibrox [I'll be surprised] they'll pull away slightly, but
any other result hands the initiative to Hibernian.

Hibs are unbeaten, having just brought down both Glasgow sides, and they're
threatening to do what their Edinburgh rivals did a couple of seasons ago -
namely fool us into thinking they're capable of mounting a significant challenge.
I'd be all for it, but I have a suspicion that if they do manage to sustain those
kinds of results, it won't be long before their manager is gone. He's already
turned down Bolton.

As for the internationals, I could just about see Northern Ireland beating the
Danes, but with the Spain game being away it will be just too difficult, won't it?

[ShadesPanther]

As for the internationals, I could just about see Northern Ireland beating the
Danes, but with the Spain game being away it will be just too difficult, won't it?

Well Northern Ireland are just like Scotland in that they are amazing when they are underdogs but collapse spectacularly when only about 1 foreigner expects them to win.

[scotchedpommes]

They say Inverness can be a tough place to go, and really one has to worry
for the more vulnerable players at times up there.
https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/58a37811242n9u7.jpg

[drone]

Today's CL Scores...

Rangers 0 - 0 Barcelona
VfB Stuttgart 0 - 2 Lyon
Dynamo Kiev 2 - 4 Man Utd
Roma 2 - 1 Sporting Lisbon
CSKA Moscow 1 - 2 Inter Milan
PSV Eindhoven 0 - 0 Fenerbahce
FC Sevilla 2 - 1 Steaua Bucuresti
Arsenal 7 - 0 Slavia Prague

Well done to Rangers for getting a point from that match, and it appears that Arsenal is good. :yes:

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed, they are good.
Watched the Rangers game here. Very much backs to the wall, but they could
have stolen a win with slightly better delivery [Adam was woeful for the entire
match] and a bit more luck for Cousin.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Wow, I know it was Slavia, but that was a glorious, joyous performance. I dread to think how good this team is going to be in a few years time.

Walcott actually looks like the money we paid for him! who'd have thought it?

[naut]

Edit:

[edyzmedieval]

Dammit! In my FIFA 2008 game with Ajax, Walcott is worth 3.4 million euros. I tabled a bid of 4.2 but they refused because they didnt have enough players.

Damn. :grin:

[scotchedpommes]

Scots close in on England ranking

Scotland have moved from 14th to 13th - two places behind England, who fell to 11th from ninth after losing to Russia.

The top nine European teams are seeded for the 2010 World Cup qualifers.

Argentina head the rankings, Brazil are second, Italy third, the managerless Republic of Ireland are 32nd, Northern Ireland 36th and Wales 58th.

If Scotland maintain their current position, they will qualify for the second group of seeds, a significant improvement from their Euro 2008 campaign, where they were among the fourth-ranked teams. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7059726.stm):sweatdrop: [No whistling smiley?]

More importantly, though:
Old Firm matches before Italy game called off (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7057094.stm)


Tonight's Champions League results:
Beşiktaş 2-1 Liverpool
Marseille 1-1 Porto
Rosenborg 2-0 Valencia
Chelsea 2-0 Schalke 04
Werder 2-1 SS Lazio
Real Madrid 4-2 Olympiacos
SL Benfica 1-0 Celtic
AC Milan 4-1 Shakhtar

Tomorrow's UEFA Cup fixtures:
Zenit - AZ
Everton - Larissa
Panathinaikos - Aberdeen
Lokomotiv Moskva - Atlético
Elfsborg - AEK
Villarreal - Fiorentina
Brann - HSV
Basel - Rennes
Sparta Praha - FC Zürich
Bayer Leverkusen - Toulouse
Bolton Wanderers - Braga
Crvena Zvezda - FC Bayern
Tottenham Hotspur - Getafe
Anderlecht - Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Helsingborg - Panionios GSS
Bordeaux - Galatasaray

[If you're in the UK, you can see the Everton game on five, the Spurs
game on ITV4 and the Aberdeen game on BBC2 Scotland.]



Edit: The Turks need to hold on against Liverpool. It's 2-1, and the Turks could
have had more goals. They were creating an incredible atmosphere there, but
it's died down a bit since Liverpool scored.

[InsaneApache]

Oh hell, christ on a bike, not bloody Megson!

I was depressed, now I'm suicidal. :thumbsdown:

[scotchedpommes]

:laugh4:

[What alternatives were there?]

[naut]

Edit:

[Subedei]

I am very very very happy Werder Bremen won this time...and in the 1st half they played again like the Werder I know...The axis of brilliance worked again...Fringgs, DIEGO, Sanogo & Almaida...winged by Fritz...Great play!

[scotchedpommes]

Liverpool have been shocking recently, I'm hoping for a blood bath this weekend.
Liverpool will be looking to hit back hard, but we know Arsenal can destroy them
at Anfield, so I think there's every reason to be positive about this one.


And it pains me to say it, but Scotland definitely deserves to be further up the ranking after the recent performances. Unfortunately I can't say the same for England.
Oldest international fixture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland_v_England_(1872)), anyone?
[Eight years is too long to wait for a rematch, regardless.]

[edyzmedieval]

Ouch, Liverpool and Shakhtar got dumped pretty hard....

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

:laugh4:

[What alternatives were there?]

Souness.

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

[InsaneApache]

I know that you're just being kind and trying to cheer me up.

:furious3: :wall: :no: :shame: :sweatdrop:

[scotchedpommes]

Souness.

:laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4::laugh4:
:grin2:
Completely forgot him! After Christmas, when Megson's gone, Gartside will
announce to the press that he's finally brought a World Class Manager to
the Stade de Reebok. Just listen for the collective groan when Souness
crawls out.

UEFA Cup Results:

Crvena Zvezda 2-3 FC Bayern

Crvena Zvezda took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to Koroman, with
Bayern coming back through Klose four minutes later. Milijaš then scored
for C. Zvezda in the 74th minute, and it looked like being a winner, but
Klose equalised in the 86th minute, and then Kroos scored a winner in the
fourth minute of stoppage time. I wouldn't like to see DukeofSerbia right
now.

Panathinaikos 3-0 Aberdeen

The score flatters them, because Panathinaikos do not look like a good
an exceptional side - at least not as I remember them. Aberdeen have had
some good chances, but just not the final ball, and the Aberdeen manager
had been going mental on the sidelines for the past half an hour seemingly
trying to get the team to push forward. Hopefully Everton can put the other
Greek side away. Lokomotiv Moscow come here next month.

Spurs 1-2 Getafe

There are reports tonight that Martin Jol has agreed severance terms and
will leave Spurs tonight after the Getafe game, Juande Ramos has agreed
to take over at the start of next season, but it's anyone's guess who'll
take over until then.

Everton 3-1 Larissa

Beautiful play in the build-up to the second goal for Everton.

Bolton 1-1 Braga

Late equaliser for Braga. Next Bolton go to play some team called Bayern.

Other scores:

Anderlecht 2-0 Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Basel 1-0 Rennes
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Toulouse
Bordeaux 2-1 Galatasaray
Helsingborgs IF 1-1 Panionios GSS
IF Elfsborg 1-1 AEK
Lokomotiv Moscow 3-3 Atlético
SK Brann 0-1 HSV
Sparta Praha 1-2 FC Zürich
Villarreal 1-1 Fiorentina
Zenit 1-1 AZ

[InsaneApache]

Well, well, well.....viddy thee Aberdeen.

Gives me the chance to use this smillie.......:laugh4:

Oh; and Jol out!

:laugh4:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Firing your manager mid-season is completely thick. Who do they think they're going to get that's better than Jol until Ramos arrives?

Maybe they will get Souness...

[InsaneApache]

I hate Phil Gartside. :shame:

[scotchedpommes]

Well, well, well.....viddy thee Aberdeen.

Gives me the chance to use this smillie.......:laugh4:

We'll just have to see how many I shall use when the Mighty
Megson returns with your lot from Bayern. ~;p

[naut]

Edit:

[edyzmedieval]

Crvena Zvezda put up a nice fight, but you cant do it with Bayern. They are just too good for a small team like that. Expect a hard thumping in Munchen.

Oh, apart from Jol s ransacking, do you reckon Sevilla will let go of Ramos?

[scotchedpommes]

Crvena Zvezda is not a small team, or club.

As for Ramos, there are [or at least there were] some Sevilla representatives in
London yesterday already attempting to negotiate the terms of the compensation
agreement. That being the case, I think he might well go, despite giving his word
that he wouldn't on a number of occasions.

Edit: Ramos has resigned from his post at Sevilla (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7064928.stm). Not a good time for Sevilla
fans, obviously, but I suppose Spurs should be heartened that he's so enthusiastic
to come over and attempt to rescue them.

[edyzmedieval]

It's smaller than Steaua Bucharest though. :beam:

Even if I'm an Ajax fan, I would go and be the manager of Sevilla. It's a wonderful club (Ajax is the best though), and they need a good manager. :grin:

[Help me! I spent in 3 days, 22 hours playing FM08! :help: ]

[scotchedpommes]

Aha, yep. :book2:

A rare event taking place for me just now - watching Serie A. AC Milan - Roma.
Roma should win this and just came very close to going infront.

[Oh and I'd expect another 20 hours in the first three days before any help is
required.]




Edit: Closer to home, the Tangerines lead the Buns. Make of that what you
will.

[Lorenzo_H]

Roma beat AC Milan 1-0, despite De Rossi, normally a world class player, missing a penalty. Mirko Vucinic is proving a worthy replacement for Totti, I have to admit.

Does anyone know how I can get Serie A games here in the UK? Sky never does them...

[ShadesPanther]

Does anyone know how I can get Serie A games here in the UK? Sky never does them...


Channel 5
Football Italiano

Theres a live game on sundays

[scotchedpommes]

Does anyone know how I can get Serie A games here in the UK? Sky never does them...


Channel 5
Football Italiano

Theres a live game on sundays

http://www.footballitaliano.tv/

They replay highlights of the game at some point midweek - always early morning
and usually after one of the North American sports programmes. [There's also a
highlights programme on Saturday morning.] None of it really comes close to the
old Football Italia programmes on four; the presenting's as wooden as you'd
expect if you've ever seen five's other non-Uefa Cup football programmes, and
well, Laura Esposto's clearly not there to add to any analysis. The plus is the
match.

[Lorenzo_H]

Channel 5
Football Italiano

Theres a live game on sundays
Can I get that on Sky?

[scotchedpommes]

It's terrestrial, so you can get it regardless of service. Should be 105 on Sky.

[edyzmedieval]

WOOT! Ajax won in the weekend against FC Utrecht, away, with 1-0!!

[scotchedpommes]

After a double take I saw it really was Arsenal playing at Bramall Lane. It would
seem that with the slight chance of Tottenham going down, Arsenal have taken
the opportunity to replace them completely...

https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/5a9175204e6.jpg
[Excellent strike by Eduardo.]
https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/37854hv453941i.jpg


The draw for the Scottish League Cup semi-finals was made today, and the eejits
managed to get confused with the numbers. [There were so many, you see.]
So instead of going to Ibrox, Aberdeen escape and go to Dundee instead. :sweatdrop: Hearts
have the privilige of travelling to Glasgow again after beating Celtic, [fantastic goals
from Velička] so it sets up the possibility of a final against the scum. In all likelihood,
United will mince Aberdeen comprehensively, and then do away with the buns just as
they did in the league recently.

[Velička's second strike to kill off Celtic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ6u2J7t7RA). Courtesy of Lithuanian tele, of course!]

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

:grin2:

Yes, that certainly was a satisfying equaliser.

[edyzmedieval]

:laugh4:

How has our beloved Cristiano dived again?

[scotchedpommes]

Like a true continental.

Elsewhere, an unlikely victory, at home to Dundee United, drives the Red Army
forward. There's a player on loan here from Brum, Sone Aluko, really looks to be
the business, and deservedly scored his first goal today. Should've started
against Panathinaikos.

[Of course I should mention today's fixture is also known as "The New Firm Derby" and
in keeping with that, two of theirs were sent off. Thankfully the right side came out intact.]

[Afonso I of Portugal]

:daisy: you Ronaldo, go join the Olympic diving team you poncy prig.

WOW, wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!

Fantastic!!! i've read he score a goal and assist the other one in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, but i didn't saw the images yet! Gallas score an own goal and score again in the last minute saving Arsenal from the defeat.:laugh4:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Any opinions on the old/new firms European prospects in midweek? I predict:

Celtic 2 v 0 Benfica
Barcelona 1 v 1 Rangers
Aberdeen 1 v 0 Lokomotiv Moscow

EDIT: OK so I'm being a little optimistic, but hey...

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Benfica is playing very bad!!! so i think it will be an easy victory for Celtic.

[scotchedpommes]

A little optimistic, Rhyfelwyr? Celtic should win; wasn't too impressed by the
new Benfica side, and the old, better side crumbled in Glasgow.

It's going to be very difficult for your lot to get anything from the Nou Camp.
I'd think if you're going to get anything it's going to be 0-0 again, because I
just can't see you scoring. But it depends on who you play up front, I think.

Lokomotiv are going to rip us an additional orifice, I fear. Hoping we go at them
with everything from the kick-off, but just know we'll sit back and invite them
to have a go. Want to see Aluko starting, as well.


Sidenote on the English Uefa Cup games: All of them are on five from 3:40
onwards.

Hapoel Tel-Aviv - Spurs [4pm kick-off]
Bayern - Bolton :laugh4: [6pm kick-off]
Nürnberg - Everton [8:05pm kick-off, Aberdeen kick-off at the same time, so
will be flicking.]

Should be some excellent games, but I don't see any of them going the way
of the English teams. Hapoel are slighty troublesome away from home, and
Spurs throw away leads for fun. Bolton are going to Bayern. :laugh4: And Nürnberg
are a decent side while I think Everton are too hot and cold to back them for a
win.


By the way: watched Empoli 2-2 Roma earlier today. Some cracking goals from
Empoli, if a little flukey.

[Rhyfelwyr]

I watched that Empoli game on Five aswell. I think he did actually mean that 90 minute wondergoal. Doni was quite a bit off his line and the cross/shot was hit so powerfully it seemed like he was going for goal.

OK, I was perhaps being very optimistic, but at the same time, no-one predicted 3 goals away to Lyon, and remember Aberdeen beat a Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk side that had just been Shaktar Donetsk I think 3-1 away from home and were flying in the Ukranian league.

I agree it will be tough for the English teams, although two of those three games could go either way. Not much hope for Bolton I fear. They looked OK in the highlights on MOTD, but not up to Bayern Munich standard.:no:

[scotchedpommes]

and remember Aberdeen beat a Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk side that had just been Shaktar Donetsk I think 3-1 away from home and were flying in the Ukranian league.
As far as I remember the mauling they'd dealt out before playing us was actually
against the Metalists, the side that ran Everton quite close. But in any case, aye,
still trying to work out how we got through that one.

One point about the CL group of death worth mentioning would be that Stuttgart
apparently dominated Lyon in their last game and still managed to lose. Perhaps
they'll have some luck this time and get a draw away in France.

[LittleGrizzly]

Hapoel Tel-Aviv - Spurs [4pm kick-off]
Bayern - Bolton [6pm kick-off]
Nürnberg - Everton [8:05pm kick-off]

i think spurs will get a win no more than a 1 or 2 goal lead..

Bolton have to pull off a miracle, i think they'll lose

not to sure on everton's opposition but im going to back an everton win

[InsaneApache]

Oh I dunno, didn't Bayern have 38 shots on target Saturday and still come away with a scoreless draw?

Plus we're on a two match unbeaten run. :embarassed: :help: :clown:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

the best diver in the world is Liedson :laugh4:

Are you talking about this guy??? the one that scores the second goal? Uhau! what a GOAL, i want him on my team forever!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKFgRna2Hq0

[scotchedpommes]

Oh I dunno, didn't Bayern have 38 shots on target Saturday and still come away with a scoreless draw?

Plus we're on a two match unbeaten run. :embarassed: :help: :clown:
I'd actually take a little encouragement from the fact that a team like Eintracht
could hold them. They're just two points clear of the only title challengers this
season [HSV] which was a surprise to me.

And your lot will have had a boost from that West Ham game. Is Anelka playing?
And how many fans are going over there, any idea?

Edit: Wigan offload Hutchings (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/7078772.stm). Not an earth-shattering surprise, really.

Edit2: It's been announced that the Fizzy Pop League and below are to be
shown on the BBC from 2009. Apart from that obviously being good news for
Bolton and Spurs fans, I do hope they bother to broadcast it here, because our
equivalent of ITV just broadcasts Gaelic programmes in the Championship slot.
And it is an interesting league in terms of genuine competition. [Sky retains full
rights to the play-offs.]

Tonight's Champions League Fixtures

Celtic - SL Benfica [Must-win, stv.]
FC Porto - Marseille
SS Lazio - Werder
Liverpool - Beşiktaş [Must-win for the Scouse, ITV1.]
Olympiacos - Real Madrid
Schalke 04 - Chelsea [Chelsea qualify with a win* and a win for Rosenborg in Spain, ITV4.]
Shakhtar - AC Milan
Valencia - Rosenborg

*[And I might even back Schalke to take them.]

[scotchedpommes]

CL Results:
Celtic 1-0 SL Benfica
FC Porto 2-1 Marseille
SS Lazio 2-1 Werder
Liverpool 8-0 Beşiktaş [Record win. Liverpool still need to win their remaining games to be sure of going through.]
Olympiacos 0-0 Real Madrid
Schalke 04 0-0 Chelsea [Close game which former Rangers player Peter Løvenkrands should have won at the death.]
Shakhtar 0-3 AC Milan
Valencia 0-2 Rosenborg [The Rosenborg of old? Excellent double over Valencia.]

[Rhyfelwyr]

Just watched the CL highlights. And Liverpool hit the bar when at 8-0! Also did anyone see Beni's tackle on Scott Brown. Thats a real legbreaker.:no:

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed, didn't realise when watching it before. Hopefully he's fine for the Italy game.
Think you could probably use Løvenkrands back for tomorrow night, judging by his
play against Chelsea.

Forgot to post them, but here are the goals from Crvena Zvezda 2-3 Bayern (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU5Ee2m77J4), in the
Uefa Cup.

[naut]

Edit:

[Subedei]

Werder won't make it I guess...now I am a very sad Green bunny....:shame:

Plus: Red card for Diego, Sanogo injured, same for Fringgs....close to impossible to qualify.....

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Wenger is resting Hleb and Fabregas for the Slavia game, with Toure and Rosicky on the treatment bench already. I can see the logic, but I can't help thinking it might be wiser to play them in this match, to ensure the whole first team can be rested for the remaining group games.

[scotchedpommes]

Werder won't make it I guess...now I am a very sad Green bunny....:shame:
A Werder fan in Bayern? :book2:

[Wiese should've stopped that penalty, but I think he's done worse in the
Champions League in years gone by.] Hopefully you can make the Uefa Cup.

Elsewhere, Binya is to be investigated by Uefa for his 'tackle' on Scott Brown.
Won't be a lengthy affair, I think, as Brown delicately put it himself, Binya
"obviously tried to do me as hard as possible."

Tonight's Champions League Fixtures:

Barcelona - Rangers
Fenerbahçe - PSV
Inter - CSKA Moskva
Lyon - VfB Stuttgart
Man Utd - Dynamo Kyiv
Slavia - Arsenal
Sporting CP - Roma
Steaua - Sevilla

[naut]

Edit:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Seems luck was not on our side.:no: We're still going through though.:yes:

[Subedei]

A Werder fan in Bayern? :book2:

[Wiese should've stopped that penalty, but I think he's done worse in the
Champions League in years gone by.] Hopefully you can make the Uefa Cup.

:


Yes, Niederbayer who is Werder fan by heart. I don´t have too much against Bayern, but they dominate our 1st league too much, so being a Werder fan is more thrilling. And Wiese: yes, he makes his mistakes, but well, he is pretty cool I think.

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, Niederbayer who is Werder fan by heart.
Excellent.

And thinking of Bayern, how on earth did Bolton get the opening goal?! I missed
the firsr 25 minutes or so. Kevin Davies should've put Bolton two up, I saw that,
and then the equaliser of course.

2-2!!!! Superb result. Well done, Bolton.

Just kicked off against the Russians and they just about scored. Seems the
decision's been made to wear the Bolton-esque away kit at home.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Excellent results for all the English teams, well done to them.:2thumbsup:

Not so much luck for your two teams though rdece. Not a disaster for Aberdeen, but what happened to Red Star?!:smash:

[InsaneApache]

Bloody hell! Now a 3 match unbeaten run! :dizzy2:

Oh! and kudos to rdeče.jabolko :bow:

[scotchedpommes]

My two teams? I'm adopting sides all over the shop, it would seem.

C. Zvezda are never my team, and they got humped, yes. Everything caved in
late on, with all the goals coming in the last 15 minutes. For a moment I
thought they were done by PAOK Thessaloniki which would've been all the
more painful for our missing Delije Serb, as PAOK happen to be cosy pals with
Partizan... but it was only Aris Thessaloniki; no need for tears.

We should've had the Russians in the first half. Again, wee Sone Aluko was a
different class, but they completely nullified him in the second half. Atmosphere
seemed about as good as any game against the buns, and really all the better
considering most of the game was played in a blizzard.

Anyway, Aberdeen are as good as out. Needed a win because next is the trip
to Atlético, then Copenhagen at home. Everton had a good last 10 minutes, by
the looks of it, so they're as good as through. And let's not forget Les Girondins,
who won thanks to a penalty in the dying minutes in Vienna.

Uefa Cup Results:
AaB 1-1 Anderlecht
Aris Thessaloniki 3-0 Crvena Zvezda
Bayern München 2-2 Bolton
Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 FC Basel
FC Copenhagen 0-1 Panathinaikos
FK Austria Wien 1-2 Bordeaux
Fiorentina 6-1 IF Elfsborg
Galatasaray 2-3 Helsingborgs IF
Hapoel Tel-Aviv 0-2 Spurs
Larissa 2-3 Zenit St Petersburg
Mladá Boleslav 1-2 Villarreal
Rennes 1-1 SK Brann
1. FC Nürnberg 0-2 Everton
Spartak Moskva 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Toulouse 2-3 Sparta

Not the best night for home sides.

And what do you think of Megson now, IA? [He was in the Norwich side that beat
Bayern, wasn't he? Should've minced them tonight, to be honest.] ~;)

[Rhyfelwyr]

Sorry rdece I just remembered you supporting Crvena Zvesda over Rangers when they met. I wouldn't say its completely over for Aberdeen just yet. They have a slim chance if they beat Copehagen at home, considering 3/5 go through. If Panathanaikos and Athletico Madrid go through, then Aberdeen could just nip by Lokomotiv if Loko lose to Panathanaikos and are held to even a draw by Copenhagen. Unlikely, but who knows?

EDIT: Also, why did CV change their name? Red Star was so much better.

[scotchedpommes]

Sorry rdece I just remembered you supporting Crvena Zvesda over Rangers when they met.
Yes, no need for apologies, I did support them against Rangers.

[Crvena Zvezda is Red Star in Serbian. "Servenna Svezda" just about
does it. No pronunciation butchery here, mind. Won't bother with sorting
out "Saša Papac" or indeed Pršo, unless you insist. It's mostly just the
long-term result of my allergic reaction to David Pleat, and select Scottish
commentators, who could not pronounce two syllables sobre.]

[Rhyfelwyr]

:oops:

I thought Red Star must have had an official name change, considering they've always appeared as Red Star before over here in Scotland, but now its Crvena Zvesda. Also Dougie Donnelly called them Crvena Zvesda and then said that they're still Red Star to us.

I've heard Prso (can't get the little accent thing over the 's') pronouned in quite a few ways. There's the obious one and most common, 'Pir-so', but I've also heard 'Pree-so', 'Pree-zo', 'Preecho', and even 'Peugeot' like the make of car. Papac is always pronounced 'Papatch' on Scotsport.

Could you clarify what it actually is?

[scotchedpommes]

[It must be your lucky day Rhyfelwyr, because I've quite disturbingly taken far
too much time to explain it for you elsewhere.]

:book2:

In other football matters, Beckham has been recalled for England's friendly against
Austria next Friday, as well as the Croatia match - and it seems like he's back
in on the basis of a game played against Hollywood United. i.e. a kick-about.

Austria are fairly dire, so they should be winning that comfortably. And it
should probably be said, if Macedonia take Croatia at home there's still a
chance regardless of the Israel game. Oh, Rooney is out as well, so no
giving away ridiculous cards.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Thanks for the PM rdece.

Watching the Fiorentina game right now. Sounds like the trouble in Italian football is really boiling over. A Lazio fan shot by a policeman who was apparently protecting the Lazio crowd from a bigger Juventus mob. And now the AC v Atalanta game called off after 6 minutes for crowd trouble...:sweatdrop:

[edyzmedieval]

Dissapointed. Feyenoord - Ajax finished 2-2. :no:

[Ronin]

Are you talking about this guy??? the one that scores the second goal? Uhau! what a GOAL, i want him on my team forever!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKFgRna2Hq0

yeah that´s him..

he scores a lot of good goals that true....and that´s not even his best ability....

the guy could get gold medals in the Olympics if he went into the diving team :laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

yeah that´s him..
he scores a lot of good goals that true....and that´s not even his best ability....
the guy could get gold medals in the Olympics if he went into the diving team :laugh4:

Are you sure???
Well, for me this is my favourite diving!!! i hope he can do that often!!! :laugh4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxrk19sQvGE


Now, if you want real diving maybe this site can help you and a few other folks around here, obsessed about diving:
http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/disciplines_uk.asp?DiscCode=DV

[InsaneApache]

I just came across in a footy forum.


PLEASE, DON'T EVER COME BACK AGAIN

Dear Rangers supporters- never come back to Barcelona again. And not because your players themselves aren't a legitimate team. No, it's not because of that- the Nou Camp frequently hosts teams who are lazy, boring, who only defend, who run and kick their opponents, and who shouldn't be in elite competition. On top of this, Rangers merely defend, run at the opposition and play dirty. Their defenders are butchers, their midfielders, heavy-footed; and their strikers just stand there like the furniture.

But even apart from the footballing aspect, the best thing would be for Rangers never to return to Barcelona, because every time they do, they make a mess of the place. 35 years ago, you (the Rangers supporters) destroyed the seats at the Nou Camp. This time we have enjoyed no less than 48 hours of brawls, provocation, rackets, fights and common drunk women throughout the whole city, which you have fouled however you pleased.

Stay at home and vomit in your own living-room, urinate in your sitting-room corners, fight with your neighbours, the Celtic supporters (who deserve a prize just for putting up with you) and foul the streets of Glasgow instead. Don't come back here again, because it is not a laughing matter. And, by extension, don't play in the Champions' League either. You are not at that level neither in a sporting nor human sense.

There are noisy groups of supporters who, although they drink vast amounts of beer, make friends at the same time. But you? Not you, because everywhere you go, you turn into a rubbish tip. You are undesirables. And so are those who fraudulently sell, or "rent out" their tickets. These people screw Barca over, because they trade their season tickets illegally. And in doing this they cause massive annoyance for other members of the club. A true Barcelona fan would not re-sell their ticket for the match. If you are not going to the match, give it to a family member, or you could even use the 'Seient Lliure' service (an automated ticket service used by some Spanish clubs including Barcelona).

From now on, the responsibility lies with UEFA and the club itself to ensure who the ticket is sold to. The best thing for all of us would be that you as a supporter, in a moment of lucidity, decide not to travel if you do not have tickets. As that is never going to happen, those who sell the tickets illegally must be brought to justice. But the best thing would be if we never had to play Rangers again.

(Printed in El Mundo, 8/11/2007)

Shock, horror, Glaswegians get drunk! :drama3: :laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

What did they expect? There was trouble when Rangers went to Spain last
season.


Regarding their opinions on the football matters, [not to mention our status
as members of the human race...] well, they should come to Glasgow or any
Scottish city this Saturday, and we'd see how they fare with that attitude.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Quote:
"...the Nou Camp frequently hosts teams who are lazy, boring, who only defend, who run and kick their opponents, and who shouldn't be in elite competition. On top of this, Rangers merely defend, run at the opposition and play dirty. Their defenders are butchers, their midfielders, heavy-footed; and their strikers just stand there like the furniture."

:yes: I can live with this :laugh4:

But i don't agree with what is said about the fans! :no:

[Rhyfelwyr]

I'll not even try to argue that Rangers fans are perfectly behaved when travelling abroad, but I'd hardly say the Celtic fans are saints compared to us. They deserve a prize for putting up with us!:laugh4:

And the comments on our football are ridiculous. I don't think the team he described would beat Lyon 3-0 away and sit on seven points after four games in a group containing the French and German champions.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Any predictions for the Scotland game tomorrow? Watching the news tonight I suddenly realised all the hysteria surrounding this game. I predict either a 0-0 draw, or a 1-0 victory for Scotland.

[scotchedpommes]

You only just realised?

If we score first, I think it will end 1-1. If they open the
scoring, 2-0 or worse.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Well I knew the importance of the game to Scottish football and the fans were on a bit of a high with recent results, but even schools were having non-uniform days just so the pupils could wear their Scotland tops.

Even if we draw its not the end of the world, we would still go through ahead of France if they lose away to Ukraine.

[InsaneApache]

It's so beautiful to see a Dons and Huns lovefest! :shakehands: Aww....bless. ~:pat: :tomato2: :tomato:

:egypt:

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed... [who knows, before the day is out I may even hug a Hun, and if Barry
Ferguson scores the winner, my footballing world will cave in.]

The situation we find ourselves in is nothing short of absurd, and I find myself
wondering why I have to care about this sport. I could almost believe we're
going to the bloody Somme. But I'll be entrenched in the pub from about half
three, wearing a Scotland shirt, yes. [Won it in said pub when we beat France
the first time. Too tight to actually buy one, course.]

[InsaneApache]

Too tight to actually buy one, course.

Aye you've summat in common with the lot that live around me. Whitworth spanners and fifty pence pieces spring to mind. :laugh4:

May I wish you good luck with your task against the Azzurri. :2thumbsup:

[edyzmedieval]

I relish the upcoming match called Romania - Bulgaria. :beam:
We're already qualified, and the only thing I could say is the opposite of what Mr. Stoicikov said to us "Mamalicki, go home!"

Our turn to say: "Castravecki, stay home!"

Ah, what a joy. :mellow:

[scotchedpommes]

Well, I'm running late to say the least. Will be lucky to get a seat anywhere.


Gentlemen, the moment has almost arrived. Come five o'clock, be sure to raise
your glass and bottle, and be sure it is filled with Stella, [or Grolsch if you can't
stand it; mineral water if your name is Andres] for today we drink to victory.
Victory not only for Scotland, but for France, the continent of Europe, and
maybe just that most non-European of European nations - aye, even to Dana
International (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_International) and co.

We march on, march on to victory! And if not, well, let those masters of the
corrupt know they've had a game, that's all anyone can ask.

To the pub! To the fight, to the victory, and onward!

~:cheers:

[edyzmedieval]

Aye! Let us all drink to bask in the glory of the glorious sport called football! ~:cheers:

[InsaneApache]

The jocks are 1- nil down already! Knowing Italy they will sit back now and hit on the counter. :shame:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Och, michty me. 0-1 down. Go Scots!

Even though a loss by Scotland guarantees France a place in the EC I desperately want Scotland to win. This will see Italy out, and France trough if we beat the Ukraine.

So go Scotland! (Who am I kidding, we all knew what would happen tonight...)

[Rhyfelwyr]

Sitting listening to it on the radio right now. Even a draw would do, we would still go through then if France lose away to the Ukraine - maybe a 1/3 chance? At least we've proved threatening, Italy have already made a clearance off the line and one with a hand apparently.

[scotchedpommes]

someone please tell me how it was a free kick. hutton was mauled and the
Italians are given the kick. shower of *****, impossible for them to stay on
their feet.

there was no way that was a free kick. how?

our goal was offside, and they had a good goal disallowed. I accept that, but I
can't see how that was a free kick. just can't.

there were a lot of angry, upset people here. I wouldn't want to be an Italian
in Glasgow. win fairly and right, it's ok. but they didn't play well after 5 minutes
and they were diving and falling over every chance they had.

I know it's a revelation that Italians win like this, but just explain to me why
that was a free kick.

if he hadn't missed that open goal. if.

and no louis, it was possible. that only makes it worse.




Israel have just gone 2-1 up. lucky, lucky boys. go and do the Croats on
Wednesday, eh ~:)

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Yeeeeeeeees!!!! Those wonderful, glorious Jews! I am supporting Israel in all of those backroom threads from now on, no matter what they do.

Hiddink's face was priceless.

I'm very sorry for Scotland, it was never a free kick. Italy were their usual cheating selves, and looked decidedly ordinary apart from when you decided not to mark Toni again.

[scotchedpommes]

Italy were their usual cheating selves, and looked decidedly ordinary apart from when you decided not to mark Toni again.

spot on. and yes, what was that about? :laugh4: I could've marked Toni there.
we knew the reason we lost in Bari was because we let Toni go wherever he
wanted. he had the freedom of Glasgow.


Oh well. did somebody say we beat the real world champions twice? that was
nice. back to normal.

Macedonia 2-0 Croatia
Thought the Macedonians would nick it, but 2-0 is good.

[edyzmedieval]

Yeeeeeeeees!!!! Those wonderful, glorious Jews! I am supporting Israel in all of those backroom threads from now on, no matter what they do.

Hiddink's face was priceless.


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

That is priceless! Your post is priceless!!

[scotchedpommes]

Mon Northern Ireland. Healy just put them 2-1 up. Šuker's record is gone.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

2-0 Macedonia!!!! We might actually top the group!

[InsaneApache]

Hard luck Scots, you deserved it more than the preening millionaires down here.

McClaren out!

[Rhyfelwyr]

Cheated at the last.:no:

The decisions that went our way were marginal decisions. And even some of those went in Italies favour, such as the handball in the first half. That decision in the last minute just appears worse every time you see it, the referee is a disgrace and the linesman should have put him straight, but he was just as useless.

On the whole though we're leaving this campaign with positive thoughts. I can actually look forward with hope for Scotland now, we've finally got our pride and place back in the footballing world. And the world cup qualification draw is just a week away (for which we'll be in the second pool)....

Looks like the panics over for the English now, two big results in their favour tonight. I'm glad for them, they can at least meet Croatia at Wembley with their fate in their own hands.

And well done to Northern Ireland. It's still a long shot for them with themselves needing to beat Spain and Latvia needing to beat Sweden, but there's a small chance. NI are another team who can look forward to a much brighter future in football.

Also rdece you came pretty close to having to hug a Hun after Ferguson's equaliser and Hutton and Weir both coming close with their headers.:sweatdrop:

[Louis VI the Fat]

France is in. :balloon2:

Pity the Italians are trough. They are a major competitor for the title, and there was also this game we played against them one and a half years ago...

But even though I may have wanted the Scots to win, Scotland's loss is good news too. Now the result against the Ukraine is irrelevant. A French win against them on Wednesday was by no means a foregone conclusion. Away, minus 25 degrees, Shevshenko...
It may not necessarily have gone our way, so I am somewhat relieved. :sweatdrop:



someone please tell me how it was a free kick. hutton was mauled and the
Italians are given the kick. Yeah, I thought the ref gave a free kick to the Scots at first. Ridiculous. :wall:

There were rather a lot of controversial decisions. Not all of them in Italy's favour though. Can't say that Scotland was robbed.

Ah, what to say? I could go one how Scotland drew the number one and two of the World Cup and still managed to stay in all the way to the last minute, but nothing will be of any consolation now.

It's a shame, I think this Scotland team deserved to be in the Championship. Such a lousy draw, and such a good fight they put up. And some seriously good football too. Sorry lads, you deserved it.

[scotchedpommes]

Also rdece you came pretty close to having to hug a Hun after Ferguson's equaliser and Hutton and Weir both coming close with their headers.:sweatdrop:
Nah, I was referring to the "hug nearest person when you score the winner"
policy. ~;) The nearest person to me last time was a Tim, I believe. This time
it was a rather nice American girl, [who needed most things clarified, and to
her credit managed to look and sound just about as aggrieved as everyone
else.] Alas, it wasn't to be.

[On Ferguson, well, when he scored, and our disbelief wore off, I may just have proclaimed
rather loudly that I would eh, ... raise his offspring if he scored the winner?!] :laugh4:


Alan Hutton was immense. Craig Gordon has been exceptional throughout the
campaign. Scott Brown too. I feel sorry for old man Weir, who clearly wanted
to get to his last tournament badly, and also Christian Dailly, who will have
felt he was cheated again, especially thinking back to the game against the
Germans under Berti.

Don't really want to think about South Africa just now, but the draw is in a
week's time, in Durban. I'm not so confident really, looking at the other Euro
qualification groups. [Like A, with Serbia, Poland, Portugal, Finland. I don't
know what the seeding was for that group, but those are all strong teams;
Finland unexpectedly so, yes.]

It's a terrible experience when you start to care about international football,
and I'd forgotten just how gutting it was. Euro 96, France 98 less so, the Euro
2000 playoff against England which we should've won, and just the inevitability
of the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff against Holland. I should've been
ready for it.

Looking forward to seeing someone expose that Italian side. Because they are
beatable, there's no doubt about that. I think the Germans will do for them,
and I won't lie about being very pleased if it happens.

[scotchedpommes]

Should say of course that with England qualifying, there goes the hopes of a
Home Nations tournament. My understanding was that the FA were actually
becoming unusually receptive to the idea, seeing as they'd just about lost hope
of going to Austria and Switzerland.

[InsaneApache]

Should say of course that with England qualifying, there goes the hopes of a
Home Nations tournament. My understanding was that the FA were actually
becoming unusually receptive to the idea, seeing as they'd just about lost hope
of going to Austria and Switzerland.

Will you be bringing our goalposts back? :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

Well, if you're going to be rampaging through Vienna, nah, I should think not.
They probably have a nice little spot in the Hampden museum. ~;p

Forgot to mention to you, BKS, Rythmic and all other England fans;
if you get the chance to hear it, try and listen to Leroy Rosenior's commentary
on radio Five Live. [He was actually the summariser.] When the Israeli boy Golan
goes through on goal at the end, you can clearly hear him in the background
having [how should I put it] a complete emotional breakdown trying to will him
to score. That alone provided me with some amusement.

Oh, and our under-21's deserve a mention for destroying Slovenia, just across
the Italian border.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I'm not so confident really, looking at the other Euro
qualification groups. [Like A, with Serbia, Poland, Portugal, Finland. I don't
know what the seeding was for that group, but those are all strong teams;
Finland unexpectedly so, yes.]

Indeed, group A was a bit complicated because of Portugal's selfish players :furious3: they should have our qualification guaranteed by now...but the situation is:
- Poland is already qualified;
- Portugal needs 1 point and we play home wednesday against Finland;
- Finland needs to win away against Portugal and at the same time Serbia must not win home against Poland or Kazakstan;
- Serbia must win home against Poland and Kazakstan (this match was cancelled again today because of a snow storm), but at the same time Finland must win away against Portugal;
- Confused? blame Portugal because they made horrible matches!:whip: :wall:

[Rhyfelwyr]

I know there were tough groups like Group A with Portugal, Poland, and Serbia, but whatever we draw for the WC qualifiers cannot be as bad (or anything like as bad really) as what we were up against right now. The two WC finalists and one quarter finalist? Especially now we're in the second pool, we've got a really good shot at going for Durban.

Right now Scotland can beat anyone. Our problem is going to be doing it consistently and getting results away from home. Although it will be a bit tougher with only the top team getting auto-qualification, then only the 8 top second-placed teams go through, although granted that will be most of them I suppose.

I can still remember our last major international tournament at the 1998 WC, when I must have been about 8 years old. I remember the Brazil game when we lost 2-1, and I also remember thinking Gordon Durie should have got a penalty. And then we drew with Norway, I think? And then in true Scottish hearbreak/disaster fashion we lost 3-0? to Morocco. Then all the Moroccans were crying because Norway went ahead of them after a shock win against Brazil.

Can't believe I still remember all that. And no such memories worth having (except 1-0 v. Holland, and a 1-0 victory over Germany), until this last campaign. I'm getting desperate to see Scotland in some serious international action.

[IrishArmenian]

I know there were tough groups like Group A with Portugal, Poland, and Serbia
Eghem! (Throat Clearing)
we beat Poland and drew against Serbia and Portugal--only at home for Portugal, we shall defeat Kazakhstan

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, many teams are capable of throwing the odd spanner in the works.


I can still remember our last major international tournament at the 1998 WC, when I must have been about 8 years old. I remember the Brazil game when we lost 2-1, and I also remember thinking Gordon Durie should have got a penalty. And then we drew with Norway, I think? And then in true Scottish hearbreak/disaster fashion we lost 3-0? to Morocco. Then all the Moroccans were crying because Norway went ahead of them after a shock win against Brazil.
Lucky you missed 96, eh. And 3-0 to Morocco is correct. My overriding memory
of the tournament, other than Bergkamp's goal against Argentina, is Jim Leighton
chasing the ball into our own goal.

As for us being capable of beating anyone, I'm almost convinced, but then I see
us putting in an utterly insipid performance against Georgia with a couple of key
players gone, and not being able to get out of the blocks at all in Kiev.

Looking at possible teams in our groups, I see plenty that could give us a
vigorous going over. There's going to be one group of five, and I imagine only
the winner will go through from that, while most of the second-placed teams
in the larger groups go to playoffs[?]

Just back on the subject of Euro 2008, the lineup is looking like this:
Austria :austria:
Switzerland :switzerland:
Germany :germany:
Greece :greece:
Czech Republic :czechrepublic:
Romania :romania:
Italy :italy:
France :france:
Croatia :croatia:
Poland :poland:
Holland :netherlands:
Spain :spain:


Plus:


Portugal :portugal: or Finland :finland: or Serbia https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/serbia.png

Turkey :turkey: or Norway :norway:

England :england: or Russia :russia:

Sweden :sweden: or Northern Ireland :northernireland:


And here again just for the sake of it are all the goals from what was, to
my knowledge, the highest scoring European Championship in its current
format.

Euro 2000 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMmiw-hMlfM). Some excellent goals in there, and exciting games. [Virtual
drinks all round if you spot the lost Scotland fans at one of the games.]

[Dutch_guy]

Euro 2000 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMmiw-hMlfM). Some excellent goals in there, and exciting games. [Virtual
drinks all round if you spot the lost Scotland fans at one of the games.]

I had just about forgotten about that one, thanks for the reminder. :shame:

:balloon2:

[scotchedpommes]

Hey, you had a great team, capable of some truly impressive performances. And
even the best Dutch teams are woeful at taking penalties. ~;)

[Besides, I only watch it for the first three goals in the Yug-Slo match, really.
And maybe the two games England threw away.]

[Rhyfelwyr]

It'll take a minor (okay major) miracle, but c'mon Northern Ireland!

:northernireland:

[edyzmedieval]

I still recall the wonderful penalties of the Dutch team at Euro 2000. :beam:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Euro 2000. Some excellent goals in there, and exciting games. [Virtual drinks all round if you spot the lost Scotland fans at one of the games.]Great tournament!

Maybe this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxN0tMPqozA&NR) will cheer you up a bit. Italy pwned in the 92th minute. :smash: :jumping:

[scotchedpommes]

Aye, but further pwned in the 103rd minute by a man I despise; so my thoughts
turn to the fact that he shall be playing in another tournament, when he should
be forced to watch it from his sofa most plush. [with legs in plaster?] :shifty:

[IrishArmenian]

Oh, the qualifiers have been quite memorable. What with defeating Poland, drawing Portugal, defeating Kazakhstan-- once more on Wednesday-- and the passing of the legend Ian Porterfield. Truly a poetic story-- a kid from Scotland achieving great fame playing football and after retiring, managing the team of a struggling former Soviet republic, becoming a national hero in the process.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Armenia's coach was sacked 1 day before the match with Portugal, right?

[IrishArmenian]

I was talking about Ian Porterfield, who passed on 11 September, 2007.
And where did you hear of this?

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Ah, ok sorry my mistake :oops:. I thought you were talking about Armenia's coach.

[scotchedpommes]

He was talking about Armenia's coach. Ian Porterfield was the coach of
Armenia. No idea who's been coaching them since his death, KOP.

His death was marked in the media down in England, IA, though seemingly only
due to the fact that he scored the winner for Sunderland in the FA Cup many
moons ago.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Go on, we might as well ask him. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/7105752.stm)

Bizarre. I think the Brum board might have got a little carried away.

[Dutch_guy]

Hmm... England 0 - Croatia 2. First goal has to be one of the saddest attempts at a save by a keeper I've seen in a long time...

If Russia wins this, and England loses - it's game over, right ?

:balloon2:

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed. England are out. Croatia came to win, and simply outplayed them.
Always knew Croatia are a very good side, and you have to play to beat
them, and I don't think they did in the first half. It's probably for the best
that England won't go to Euro 2008, because you'd have seen a worse
performance than Euro 2000.

No Home Nations; but strong teams and hopefully a good tournament.

[naut]

Edit:

[Rhyfelwyr]

I was completely neutral in that England game until they got that disgraceful penalty. A blantant dive by Defoe, when you saw the slow motion replay the defender litteraly didn't touch him.

England are out and they deserve to be out, both for thier poor quality of football and by the rules of the game.

Overall, there's been some surprisese this tournament. Praise needs to go to Scotland :scotland:, Northern Ireland :northernireland:, Finland :finland:, Romania :romania:, Croatia :croatia:, Kazakhstan :kazakhstan, Poland :poland:, and Liechtenstein :liechtenstein: for excellent campaigns by their own respective standards.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I was completely neutral in that England game until they got that disgraceful penalty. A blantant dive by Defoe, when you saw the slow motion replay the defender litteraly didn't touch him.

It was a shirt tug, the assistant got it spot on.

[ShadesPanther]

It was a shirt tug, the assistant got it spot on.


It was a foul but they are never given, just ask Carragher. It was a blatent swan dive though and he was never going to get the ball anyway. It was extremely soft.

Well Northern Ireland are out. Our miracle never hapened. But, we threw it away with the losses to Latvia and Iceland away and also losing to Iceland 3-0 at home in our first game :furious3:

[Rhyfelwyr]

There might have been an incredibly soft shirt-tug, but looking at the replay I'm not sure his hand even touched Defoe never mind actually grab his shirt. Also Defoe decided to run after the ball for a second before glancing at the ref and throwing his arms up in the air.:dive:

EDIT: Damn, no dive smilie...

[scotchedpommes]

Hm, yes, credit to those teams mentioned above, but I wouldn't say Croatia
would have expected anything other than this. Large sections of the media
in England seem to have underestimated, and indeed still continue to
underestimate the opposition in that group.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I've said all along that Croatia are a good team-I think they've got a decent chance of reaching the semis. I just didn't expect us to fold like a house of cards in the way we did tonight.

[scotchedpommes]

Did you need to play more than one up front? I've heard that enough
already, but I think Croatia might have torn England apart completely.

Wales got a draw in Frankfurt tonight, against a strong side. [Although
the fact still lingers that Germany wanted to finish second in their group.]

[Louis VI the Fat]

I think Croatia could well be the surprise package of the next EC. All European championships traditionally have one fabulous small country.
Greece 04 - champions
Czech 96 - runners-up
Danmark 92 - champions
Netherlands 88 - champions
Belgium 80 - runners-up
Czechoslavakia 76 - champions


I do think tonight wasn't the fairest night in world sports. The Croatians played with a fevour like, oh say, some Russian billionaire promised them a huge bonus or something. They were trying too hard for a win for a team that had nothing to gain by it, that coach looked too happy at the 2-3.

And what of the Dutch and the Germans. Both had qualified already, but both tried to avoid ending up in the diffucult top group for the draw. First the Dutch lost 2-1 against Byelorussia. But that did't help them - the most prolific scoring team in Europe, the Germans, later tonight made sure to finish below them by drawing 0-0 against Wales.

[scotchedpommes]

I don't think the promise of a few extra Mercedes will have spurred them on.
They wanted to play to win because they clearly have a coach in Bilić who
could instill in them the will to play for their pride, the scalp, and the win.
[Dare I say also, their nation.]

And there wouldn't be any surprise. Maybe that's just my view, yes, but the
only surprise was '98 as far as they are concerned.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

We are in! :yes: Yes, like Poland and Serbia, Finland made an excelent qualifying campaign but surprisingly, tonight they just defend! they need to win but they just play in the counter-attack and trying to take advantage of our defensive mistakes.
To be honest, i think Portugal made a bad campaign loosing many unexpected points and giving a lot of hope to the opponents. In the end Poland deserves finish 1st.

[IrishArmenian]

He was talking about Armenia's coach. Ian Porterfield was the coach of
Armenia. No idea who's been coaching them since his death, KOP.

His death was marked in the media down in England, IA, though seemingly only
due to the fact that he scored the winner for Sunderland in the FA Cup many
moons ago.
That would be Vartan Minasyan. That is quite sad that his goal is all he's remembered for.
Anyway, I never thought I'd say this, but England needed Paul Robinson. McLaren=dumb. Simple arithmetic.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, Bridge was poor, and his mistakes could easily have led to more goals being
conceded. I think we should have seen James playing in goal for England after
the game in Zagreb, but it had clearly already been decided that he was finished.

If you picked players based on performances, maybe there'd be a difference; but
who is going to leave out the 'big names'? As things are, I think Aston Villa are
probably worried that they're going to lose Martin O'Neill now.

[Fragony]

LOL@England

[InsaneApache]

Has he got his P45 yet? :inquisitive:

He's a doolally tap yitten wassock, with mard, nesh players who need braying!

Just my 'penneth worth you understand. :sweatdrop:

:laugh4:

Try putting that through your spellcheck!

[Ronin]

We are in! :yes: Yes, like Poland and Serbia, Finland made an excelent qualifying campaign but surprisingly, tonight they just defend! they need to win but they just play in the counter-attack and trying to take advantage of our defensive mistakes.
To be honest, i think Portugal made a bad campaign loosing many unexpected points and giving a lot of hope to the opponents. In the end Poland deserves finish 1st.



yes...if we go into the European Championship playing like that and we get a tough group we won´t make it pass the first stage.

and I´m really losing patience with our team coach.......no Mr. Scolari...it´s not just good enough to qualify....you´re supposed to play good football.

[scotchedpommes]

Would love to see a five nations tournament develop off the back of this
campaign. [Ideally this time I would've said make it an eight team tournament,
including the Scandinavian bloc that didn't make it, but I realise that could
never be.]

Primarily and predictably, yes, because I believe Scotland and Northern Ireland
would skin all the opposition, but also because it simply makes good footballing
sense, at least to me. It'd allow the managers [including England's new coach,
of course] to go into qualification without appearing completely clueless as
to what combinations work, and would the majority of you not care about such
games more than a friendly against Jamaica?

Just to add: England's next game of any description is in March 2008, in Paris.



Edit: PM backs home internationals (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7107705.stm). Obviously he thinks we'd give you a doing. ~;)

[The Stranger]

poor poor england... lucky lucky hiddink... no more left to say :P

[Rhyfelwyr]

Unless England get themselves sorted I could see Scotland or Northern Ireland taking first place, England third, and Wales bottom (of course).

I think it would be a nice idea for a one off in 2008.

BTW, this eveing Mr. Mourinho's agenst have stated he will not be applying for the England job. Looks like O'Neill is the most likely candidate.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Didn't Capello say he might fancy it? Although the language barrier might be a problem.

I must admit, it would amuse me if we could get Klinsmann, just for the novelty of having a German manager. Won't happen, though.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

yes...if we go into the European Championship playing like that and we get a tough group we won´t make it pass the first stage.

and I´m really losing patience with our team coach.......no Mr. Scolari...it´s not just good enough to qualify....you´re supposed to play good football.

I agree with you but we already know Scolari's style. First he goes for the points and after that good football. In fact, only against Belgium at home that we score 4-0 there was showtime.

However, if you look for the last tournaments, the winners were ultra defensive teams, like Greece in the Euro2004 and Italy WC2006. Teams who played with a lot defensive players, secure defensive tactics, deadly counter-attacks, corners and free-kicks, but without showtime!

[Afonso I of Portugal]

BTW, this eveing Mr. Mourinho's agenst have stated he will not be applying for the England job.

He already said that before. He also said he will not be applying for any national team job for the next years, he wants a club because he likes the "bench pressure" every week as a national team job is for lazy!:laugh4:. In my point of view what he really likes is controversy, provocation, media coverage and those stupid mind games!
However he admit to coach Portugal in the end of is carrear.

[scotchedpommes]

Didn't Capello say he might fancy it? Although the language barrier might be a problem.
[Capello isn't renowned for attacking, progressive football. Although it seems the
English FA doesn't take football into consideration, but merely bases decisions
on how well the candidate rubs them up in the interview.]

If someone refers to the possibility of being given the job as a "beautiful
challenge" and says he's the right age for it, as Capello has, I think that
just might indicate he wants it. Don't think he should get it though, and
Martin O'Neill has supposedly had clauses in his last few contracts allowing
him to speak to the FA should they ever come calling - perhaps why Villa say
they won't stop him going now. Could be just a matter of whether they're
willing to take someone who isn't going to say what they want to hear.

Klinsmann had astounding tournament players, and the [eventual] host nation
lift to compensate for lack of experience. Wouldn't go there. You'd be better
off, and just as likely, taking our manager.


And you're not getting Lippi, in any case. You know he was just lining himself
up for Scotland as soon as he came out with that 'emerging nation' gem.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

[Capello isn't renowned for attacking, progressive football. Although it seems the
English FA doesn't take football into consideration, but merely bases decisions
on how well the candidate rubs them up in the interview.]

Well, yes, but he does win things. I think we need to face facts-as they stand, England are never going to be the 1970 Brazil side, playing joga bonito and popping passes all over the pitch, and I think if we hired someone on that basis we'd be in for a let down. We need someone who can organise the team, and make us hard to beat. Once that's done, we can go from there.

I must say, though, I do wish we had just one creative midfielder, with an eye for a clever pass-a Fabregas, a Pirlo, an Elano (Has anyone else been watching him? Signing of the season, no question). While we've traditionally had a poverty of such players, we've normally had one, at the very least; but at the moment, there's no-one. Apart from Scholes, but I don't blame him for retiring.

[scotchedpommes]

I'd be the last person to think anyone could get England playing like Brazil, but
to get them playing like they know their roles and are willing to go for it would
be a start, yes.

By the way, do you realise the reason the Croats were so up for the game was
because the Englishman singing the Croatian anthem mispronounced one of the
lines? In fact, he sang about his mountainous penis instead of the beauty of the
mountains of Croatia. :smash:

As for your midfield, Hargreaves isn't too shabby, but he shouldn't have left
Germany. Perhaps not out-and-out creative no, but you could have used him
controlling things in there, and keeping some possession.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Where's the link for that rdece.:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

Here (http://www.anorak.co.uk/strange-but-true/177860.html) you go. [Wasn't sure I'd find anything in English, but you're in luck.]


And did you join in the Croatian anthem, too? That was a still more original rendition. It was a joyous moment indeed as British singer Tom Henry [sic] gave full throat to “My penis is a mountain”.

The lyric might have gone “mila kuda si planina” (“You know my dear how we love your mountains”) but in Mr Henry’s maw it became “mila kura si planina” (”Dear Penis, you are a Mountain”, or “My Dear, my penis is a mountain”).

Mate Prlić, publisher of Croatian football magazine Torcida says: “It would be great if Tony Henry could join the Croatian team and fans at the European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

“He obviously relaxed the Croatian players before the match at Wembley and if that’s a winning combination why not invite him to join the team at Euro 2008 to keep the winning streak going?”

And in the Metro (http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=76724&in_page_id=34):


Immediately after Henry sung the line, which is written in old-style Croat, players including Vedran Ćorluka and Luka Modrić started grinning. Even the team's child mascots had a giggle at the gaffe.

Croat fan websites have called for the Londoner, who now lives in Inverness, to get a medal for helping the players relax ahead of their 3-2 victory.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Cheers rdece.

Scotland is applauding that man for putting England to the sword, he was Croatia's 13th man (fans were great, deserve mention as 12th).:2thumbsup:

[edyzmedieval]

That is the shabbiest and funkiest story ever made. The guy will now get the key of Croatia, be made as a national hero and he'll have a huge fan club!! :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

Cheers rdece.

Scotland is applauding that man for putting England to the sword, he was Croatia's 13th man (fans were great, deserve mention as 12th).:2thumbsup:

The Croatian fans were indeed outstanding. For 7,000, they made it sound like
the Maksimir. Of course I'm obliged to hope Croatia fail, but :shrug:. I have already
decided to give my passive support to Poland for the tournament.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Well since you obviously have connections with both Scotland and Serbia(?), you should be reasonably happy whatever the outcome was (execpt a draw, that would have put them both through).

[scotchedpommes]

I'm teh neutral.

I don't imagine our man in Serbia, [the absent Duke] would have been
waving his checkerboard flag. Just a hunch.

Here are the pots for the World Cup Draw on Sunday:

Pot 1:

Italy
Spain
Germany
Czech Republic
France
Portugal
Holland
Croatia
Greece


Pot 2:

England
Romania
Scotland
Turkey
Bulgaria
Russia
Poland
Sweden
Israel


Pot 3:

Norway
Ukraine
Serbia
Denmark
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Finland
Switzerland
Belgium


Pot 4:

Slovakia
Bosnia and Hercegovina
Hungary
Moldova
Wales
Macedonia
Belarus
Lithuania
Cyprus


Pot 5:

Georgia
Albania
Slovenia
Latvia
Iceland
Armenia
Austria
Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan


Pot 6:

Liechtenstein
Estonia
Malta
Luxembourg
Montenegro [First campaign]
Andorra
Faroe Islands
San Marino


Eight groups of six teams and one group of five.

Nine group-winners qualify directly

The highest ranked eight of the nine second-placed teams will enter two-legged playoffs.

Rank of second-placed teams decided by results against those finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th only.


Greece
Scotland
Norway
Wales
Slovenia
Faroe Islands

That'd do nicely, ta.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Greece
Scotland
Norway
Wales
Slovenia
Faroe Islands

That'd do nicely, ta.

Nice group! :beam: However Greece is not easy as they play ultra defensive football...

[IrishArmenian]

Yeah, the King is right.

[scotchedpommes]

Wishful thinking, it was. I wouldn't be surprised if we draw Italy again. It would
be our third consecutive group shared with the Italians.

I know Greece are renowned for defensive football, of course, all of Europe
knows it. That said, have you seen their qualifying campaign? Looks like they've
played some good football, scoring more than a single goal a game. [This may
be the way of things when they play teams weaker than them, granted.]

Would still take Greece over any of the other teams in Pot 1. Here I think is a
more likely outcome, given our luck, and one which would ensure our manager
legs it to the English Premier League.

Bearing in mind that we usually draw teams we've had in recent groups.

Czech Republic
Scotland
Ukraine
Belarus or Lithuania
Armenia
Montenegro

Random possibility for another group:

[b]Portugal
England
Denmark
Macedonia
Iceland
Luxembourg

:sweatdrop:

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Any of those top seeds other than Greece could maul us, and if we get Serbia
or Ukraine out of Pot 3 I won't fancy our chances of making the playoffs.

Anyway, Martin O'Neill has said he doesn't want the England job, apparently he
told the English FA they blew it when they turned him down before. Capello is
clearly going for it, and I think Harry Redknapp looks like he would as well.
Birmingham City want Big Eck, and will probably take him after the World Cup
draw.

In far more important news, you can now watch a video of Tony Henry
singing of his manhood (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7109058.stm), complete with two sets of subtitles, on the BBC
website.

[InsaneApache]

Blimey we beat the Salford Red Sox :2thumbsup: and we're out of the relegation zone. Anelka = God. :beam:

[scotchedpommes]

Yes! I just knew the BD's would come out and get something against the Mancs.
[Good thing I never said so, mind.]

:grin2:

[IrishArmenian]

Blimey we beat the Salford Red Sox :2thumbsup: and we're out of the relegation zone. Anelka = God. :beam:
Love you guys!

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Did anyone hear Stuart Hall commentating on Everton v Sunderland for 5Live? He was absolutely effusive, and quoted about four pages of Shakespeare verbatim at the end of the game. Love it, the man's a legend.

[IrishArmenian]

Czech Republic
Scotland
Ukraine
Belarus or Lithuania
[B]Armenia
Montenegro

If this happens, we only have obstacles in the Czech Republic, Scotland and the Ukraine! Yes! Belarus/Lithuania or Montenegro would definitley taste defeat!

[scotchedpommes]

Did anyone hear Stuart Hall commentating on Everton v Sunderland for 5Live? He was absolutely effusive, and quoted about four pages of Shakespeare verbatim at the end of the game. Love it, the man's a legend.
Unfortunately didn't, as I thought, quite typically, that it would be a dull game.


If this happens, we only have obstacles in the Czech Republic, Scotland and the Ukraine! Yes! Belarus/Lithuania or Montenegro would definitley taste defeat!
And the Czechs would be some obstacle. As long as we don't draw France, Italy,
or Germany, I think I'm going to have to be happy with the situation. More
concerned about who our new manager is going to be. I dread to think.

[IrishArmenian]

Yes, I said the Czechs, Scots and Ukrainians would be the tough opponents.

[naut]

Edit:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Trying to listen to the WC draw and follow the Cagliari v AC game on Channel 5 right now.

EDIT: Oh god they're putting us through some modern dance thing, get on with the draw!!!

[Rhyfelwyr]

Netherlands
Scotland
Norway
Macedonia
Iceland

Croatia:laugh4:
England
Ukraine
Belarus
Kazahstan
Estonia

I nearly had a heart attack when there was a 50/50 chance the Scots would draw Italy, just after England got Croatia as well.

Its going to be tough for Scotland, I think they should be able to get second spot, Norway haven't been themselves recently.

And thats a tough group for England. I can see them not reaching the WC now, although Ukraine haven't been inspiring of late either.

[scotchedpommes]

Full list:

Group 1:

Portugal
Sweden
Denmark
Hungary
Albania
Malta


Group 2:

Greece
Israel
Switzerland
Moldova
Latvia
Luxembourg


Group 3:

Czech Republic
Poland
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
Slovenia
San Marino


Group 4:

Germany
Russia
Finland
Wales
Azerbaijan
Liechtenstein


Group 5:

Spain
Turkey
Belgium
Bosnia-Hercegovina
Armenia
Estonia


Group 6:

Croatia
England
Ukraine
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Andorra


Group 7:

France
Romania
Serbia
Lithuania
Austria
Faroe Islands


Group 8:

Italy
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Cyprus
Georgia
Montenegro


Group 9:

Holland
Scotland
Norway
Macedonia
Iceland


Group 2 looks great. Israel could make the World Cup from that. Can we take their place, please?

[cegorach]

Czech Republic
Poland
Northern Ireland
Slovakia
Slovenia
San Marino


yes, Yes, YES !!!!:2thumbsup:

It couldn't be better, I guess + there are two of our neighbours in the group which means that it will be really easy for the fans to support our team.:beam:

[IrishArmenian]

Group Five is quite tough. Spain and Turkey will definitley be difficult opponents and I doubt Belguim shall roll over either.
Can we stop getting the controversial opponents? First we have Azerbaijan in the Euro 08 qualifiers and now Turkey? Give us a damn break!

[Rhyfelwyr]

These are my predictions for the results, having drawn up some tables. (OK I have too much time on my hands, I always ending up doing something stupid like this when I sit down to do an essay:sweatdrop: )

NB: Bulgaria are the runners-up that don't make it through here.

Group 1:


SWEDEN 23
PORTUGAL 20
DENMARK 17
ALBANIA 8
HUNGARY 6
MALTA 5

Group 2:


GREECE 24
ISRAEL 22
SWITZERLAND 20
MOLDOVA 8
LATVIA 6
LUXEMBOURG 2

Group 3:


CZECH REPUBLIC 23
POLAND 21
N IRELAND 14
SLOVAKIA 12
SLOVENIA 10
SAN MARINO 0

Group 4:


GERMANY 23
RUSSIA 22
FINLAND 19
WALES 8
AZERBAIJAN 8
LEICHTENSTEIN 4

Group 5:


SPAIN 25
TURKEY 21
BOSNIA-HERZ 13
BELARUS 11
ARMENIA 7
ESTONIA 3

Group 6:


CROATIA 26
ENGLAND 20
UKRAINE 19
BELARUS 12
KAZAKHSTAN 6
ANDORRA 1

Group 7:


FRANCE 25
ROMANIA 25
SERBIA 18
AUSTRIA 11
LITHUANIA 7
FAROE ISLANDS 0

Group 8:


ITALY 30
BULGARIA 15
IRELAND 13
GEORGIA 11
MONTENEGRO 9
CYPRUS 4
Group 9:


NETHERLANDS 17
SCOTLAND 17
NORWAY 12
MACEDONIA 6
ICELAND 3

[Afonso I of Portugal]

In general i agree with you but regarding Group 1, i think Portugal will finish 1st instead of Sweden. In fact i think it will be hard for us against both Sweden and Denmark but in the end, with more or less difficulties, we should manage to went to the tournament.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

In group 8, are you sure Italy finishing with 30 points? shouldn't be 20?

[Rhyfelwyr]

I can't really see any teams in Group 8 giving Italy any trouble. They may drop 2 points, but I doubt any more than that, unless they are seriously off form.

As for Portugal, they weren't inspiring in the Euro Qualifiers, I think they may struggle to get the neccessary points away from home. Also because of the gap in quality between the top three / bottom three in that group, I think Sweden and Denmark will be close on their heels.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I can't really see any teams in Group 8 giving Italy any trouble. They may drop 2 points, but I doubt any more than that, unless they are seriously off form.

As for Portugal, they weren't inspiring in the Euro Qualifiers, I think they may struggle to get the neccessary points away from home. Also because of the gap in quality between the top three / bottom three in that group, I think Sweden and Denmark will be close on their heels.

Yes, agreed but maybe they may drop 4/5 points playing away against Bulgaria and Ireland, but no doubt they will finish 1st!
Also agreed about Portugal. We definitely need to struggle against Sweden and Denmark to get our points.

[IrishArmenian]

I have to dissagree with you on group 6. We would most definitley place over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

It's all very well approaching these with our own biases and opinions, isn't it?
I had something similar in mind complete with tables, but now that Rhyfelwyr
has gone to the trouble I don't think I'll bother with that much. ~;)



Now, for the biased approach: BiH are a strong side, particularly at home. I
really cannot see any circumstances in which Armenia would finish above them,
other than factoring in some key retirements which I won't look into at the
moment.

As for each group...


Group 1 is difficult. I would see Portugal progressing automatically, with Sweden
or Denmark taking the playoff place and possibly being eliminated. Hungary have
some definite quality coming through, and would without any doubt take more
than 6 points from that group. Feel free to hold me to that.


2 for me is Greece, although I think they could be a diminished side after Euro
2008. Israel could well take the playoff over Switzerland, but that should be
close. Both of those teams I could see being eliminated, but playoffs involving
the Swiss have thrown up surprises before.


Group 3, of course, pwned by Slovenia the Czechs. Poland could well sneak
the lead in reality, and I don't see Northern Ireland being too close.


The Germans to take Group 4, with Finland taking the playoff spot after the
Russians bottle it. Finland have done too well in this campaign to make me
think they'd let another tournament go by without at least taking a gubbing
in a playoff.


Group 5 would go to Spain. Playoff spot, to me, will be decided by BiH and
Turkey's results against other teams. In this campaign they both took 3 points
off of each other in close games.


Group 6 goes to Croatia. And I can't decide about the second place. Probably
England, and if not it'll be because they're denied in the 93rd minute of their
crucial match, by Shevchenko taking a penalty [for which he took a superman
dive] with his zimmerframe.


France will win Group 7, barring some major upset in the space-time
continuum. Romania might take the playoff spot, but I don't think it'll be
anywhere near as comfortable as a 7 point gap. Serbia will be close, and by
rights should be.


Italy will cheat their way to the top of Group 8. [I'm not bitter.] Bulgaria
underperform, in my view. They were extremely disappointing in this campaign
and might well hand Ireland second spot.


9, you would expect, will be won by Martin Jol's[?] Dutch side. They didn't
look too hot to me, from what I saw of this campaign. Remember Ireland beat
them in the 2002 playoff. [Nevermind the Euro 2004 playoff, eh.] I think Norway
will take second place. I look at John Carew, or more likely Braaten, and Morten
Gamst Pedersen, and I already see future tears, from a free-kick, in the 82nd
minute.


That makes it:

Portugal
Greece
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Poland
Germany
Spain
Croatia
England
France
Italy
Holland
Norway



In response to Rythmic. Macedonia surprised me in this campaign in that they
didn't do better. Their coach is a lucky man [whose name just happens to be
"Lucky" when translated.] who qualifies small nations for fun. Ukraine's young
players are full of promise, and while I joked about Shevchenko above, I can't
see what way that will go. Their players are technically decent, in terms of
skill, and they can keep possession with the best of them.

As for Scotland's group. We have experience of beating Holland at home, and
being utterly obliterated by them away. Given how poor Holland are now, and
how poor they were when we beat them then, I could see us getting a home
win. In our last World Cup qualification group Norway beat us in Glasgow, and
we beat them, quite convincingly, in Oslo. We then went on to hand them a
playoff place by losing at home to Belarus. I believe that a similar set of
events will occur again, and they will take second place, which seems reasonable.
Last time they were put away in the playoffs quite easily by the Czechs. And
again, I can see an exact repeat.

[Quid]

Switzerland will win the group. If not, we don't deserve to be in it. It's one of the easiest groups we have had in a long time. Greece will be depleted after Euro '08. Their squad is ancient. Israel is beatable; I reckon a draw away and a win at home (last time we played them we gave away a win twice and ended up drawing both games).

Quid

[IrishArmenian]

Now, for the biased approach: BiH are a strong side, particularly at home. I
really cannot see any circumstances in which Armenia would finish above them,
other than factoring in some key retirements which I won't look into at the
moment.

We did pull quite the upsets over Portugal and Poland.:idea2:

[scotchedpommes]

[For a moment I was concerned you might've actually beaten Portugal and I'd
somehow managed to forget.] Yes, you beat a good Polish side, but I still don't
think you threatened qualification.


Billy Davies has left Derby (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/7112846.stm) - I am pleased. Paul Jewell is going to put himself in
another ridiculously difficult position by taking over there, I'd think.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm not sure that sacking Davies is the way to go. The only reason they're so absolutely shocking this season is that he wildly overachieved in getting them up last term.

They should accept they're going to go down, not buy anything in January, take their parachute payments and go straight back into the top of the championship. Perhaps after yo-yoing for a few more years they'll have the quality to stay in the Prem.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Are you really that despondant about Scotland's chances rdece? Fair enough Macedonia will not be pushovers, but that goes for everyone who plays them, and the Netherlands have struggled against the smaller sides recently. 1-0 at home to Luxembourg?

Also Norway are a good side, but nothing like Scotland have been recently. If we have another relatively consistent campaign, there's no reason why we shouldn't finish ahead of them.

As for Serbia they are a strong side nowadays, but Romania have been excellent of late and France will no doubt finish top, if not by much.

Also, I think its a shame Davies has left Derby, he was a capable enough manager. Never mind the Old Firm moving to the Premiership, Derby were practically a Scottish side anyway.

[edyzmedieval]

Reportedly Benitez is on the short side of the Liverpool owners and rumours say that he will be sacked at the end of this year.

What do Yankees know about soccer? :no:

[Rhyfelwyr]

And Jose Mourinho seems to like signing for the rich clubs...

And thats not mentioning that Mr. Irons is in trouble at Gretna and Mr. Milestone might be looking for a replacement...

[Louis VI the Fat]

Group 7:

France
Romania
Serbia
Lithuania
Austria
Faroe Islands

Romania is strong, one of the strongest from the second group. Serbia is fine but I don't expect them to finish in the top two.
I think we'll see a close finish between Romania and France...


I think the top two from most groups will finish as the number one and two in their groups. Czech / Poland maybe as the closest contested finish. And I think that Andorra, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine and Croatia had the easiest draw.

[scotchedpommes]

Are you really that despondant about Scotland's chances rdece?
Of course I am. Eternal realist, here. We just about qualified from the Group of
Death™. The only way it can go now is down. Big Eck is about to leave for
Birmingham City, and half of our players seem to have managed to get
themselves stuck in English teams that are going down from the top flight, if
they're not playing for the Old Firm. Who's going to come in for us now? Craig
Brown again? A masterstroke like Berti? I'd sooner get the razors out than
watch that kind of torture.

Yes, the Clogsters probably saved their bacon in the last minute against
Albania, [very nice, lucky goal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEV_W9LMmFc)] and I think we can risk being slightly confident
against them as I said, but everyone knows what we're about now.

We need players going abroad, and it just isn't happening. There was a slight
glimmer of hope when O'Connor went to Moscow, but look where he is now -
warming that Brummie bench.

Macedonia could easily do to us what they did to the Croats, and kill us off
just like Georgia. You know that as good as some of our players are, [and as
underrated as the best of them may be] the Derby contingent - the likes of
Teale, Pearson, McEveley, don't cut it. As for Derby's current predicament, I'm
glad Davies is gone because that signals to me that the team aren't coming
back. Don't want to see them in the Premier League, though I have little
doubt that they will turn into a yo-yo side like Watford will soon be.

On a positive note, I'm glad the games with the Irish and the Welsh look to be
going ahead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7114148.stm). Everything I've heard and read in terms of reaction appears to
be negative, but I think it could be beneficial, and at the least something of
interest for when we fail to qualify for tournaments.

Oh, and how's this for a deflection (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_CTrrpLaC4)? :smash:

[edyzmedieval]

Group 7:

France
Romania
Serbia
Lithuania
Austria
Faroe Islands

Romania is strong, one of the strongest from the second group. Serbia is fine but I don't expect them to finish in the top two.
I think we'll see a close finish between Romania and France...


It will be a hard qualification for both Roumanie et France, mon ami. We shall see who will bring the happiness to the fans. Allez Les Blues et Allez Les Jaunes, Rouges et Blues. :beam: (did I get the words right? my French is starting to improve)

[Afonso I of Portugal]

And I think that Andorra, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine and Croatia had the easiest draw.

:laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Beckham got a red? Or is that just wishful thinking?

[Rhyfelwyr, Billy Davies wants to become Scotland manager.]

:shame:

[Rhyfelwyr]

[Rhyfelwyr, Billy Davies wants to become Scotland manager.]

:surrender:

And Rangers let it slip tonight as well, though they're still in a good position.

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Arsenal faced their first defeat of the season, it'll be interesting to see how we approach the next few games.
Not playing Gilberto or Senderos would be a good start.

[InsaneApache]

Crikey, and I thought 'Flash' was having problems!


Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager, was one of five people arrested today by police in their ongoing probe into alleged corruption in football.

Redknapp and Milan Mandaric, the Leicester City chairman and former Portsmouth chairman, were held after early morning raids this morning involving officers from the City of London Police.

Amdy Faye, the Rangers midfielder formerly with Portsmouth, football agent Willie McKay and Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie were also held as officers searched eight addresses across the UK.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article2962818.ece

I take it Redknapps' out of the frame for the England job then?

Kinnel for that. :sweatdrop:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Not playing Gilberto or Senderos would be a good start.

Too right. I'd rather have the bloke in your sig playing at centre-back than Senderos.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Another jammy late winner for Celtic.

So all British teams look set to go through, though Liverpool and Celtic are borderline I feel.

Redknapp can have the Scotland job. Oh and I nearly forgot, McCabe is still available...

[scotchedpommes]

I don't think Lyon are going to come over to Glasgow and sit back, somehow.
Your best chance was last night, and unfortunately just too many chances
were wasted.

[scotchedpommes]

Uefa Cup football underway tonight.

Here are the fixtures and results:

AEK - Fiorentina
AZ - Larissa
Atlético Madrid - Aberdeen (1945, BBC1)
Bolton - Aris Thessaloniki (2000, five)
Braga - Bayern
FC Zürich - Toulouse
Getafe - Hapoel Tel-Aviv
HSV 1-0 Rennes
Helsingborgs IF - FK Austria Wien
IF Elfsborg 1-0 Mlada Boleslav
Lokomotiv Moskva 0-0 FC Copenhagen
Panionios - Galatasaray
SK Brann - Dinamo Zagreb
Sparta Praha 0-0 Spartak Moskva
Tottenham - Aalborg (1945, ITV4, 5live)
Zenit St Petersburg 2-2 1. FC Nürnberg


Will be flicking between Aberdeen and Bolton. Hope the Red Army
haven't gone to Madrid too concerned about the football and more
concerned about the party. As long as there's one Atlético banner
saying "thanks for 1983" or something to that effect, I think they
can be happy however bad a gubbing comes out of it.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

The Atletico-Aberdeen game should be really interesting. Atletico have been scoring for fun this season, but their defence is shocking. Their last three home games have ended 4-3 or 3-4.

[Rhyfelwyr]

I don't think Lyon are going to come over to Glasgow and sit back, somehow.
Your best chance was last night, and unfortunately just too many chances
were wasted.

The odds are still in our favour, we did beat them 3-0 away, although I realise they've returned to form somewhat since then.

Also Dumbarton have drew St.Mirren in the cup.:balloon: That'll be a fun trip to Paisley. I see East Stirling drew Rangers, I'm not sure their recent resurgence will go far enough for that. And Celtic for Stirling Albion.

[scotchedpommes]

Well, I can have no problem with a loss from a penalty and a deflected freekick.
Some good players out injured, and a team that cost not much over £600,000
against a £70 million group of highly skilled players.

Bolton equalise as late as they possibly can.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Yes Aberdeen did themselves proud last night, apart from the first five minutes they were pretty unlucky, and created decent chances themselves.

They've still got a reasonable chance of going through if they beat Copenhagen.

[Fragony]

Oh great surprise surprise we are in the pool of dead again, as always :thumbsdown:

[Dutch_guy]

Oh great surprise surprise we are in the pool of dead again, as always :thumbsdown:

So, who did we draw ?

:balloon2:

[Fragony]

So, who did we draw ?

:balloon2:

France, Italy, and Rumania, we play Italy first. Timber.

[Dutch_guy]

Wow, tough group !

EDIT: here's a Link to all of the groups:

http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/euro/index.html

:balloon2:

[Bava]

Time for a big ROFL. We managed to get into the easiest group once again. :laugh4:

[Fragony]

Wow, tough group !

For a change ~;) At least give us france instead of these italian actors :wall:

Where you from Bava?

[edyzmedieval]

Congratulations to Romania. Even in our worst nightmares we wouldn't dream of getting such a wonderful group. :thumbsdown:

[Fragony]

Congratulations to Romania. Even in our worst nightmares we wouldn't dream of getting such a wonderful group. :thumbsdown:

Tough luck for all of us, it's going to be spectacular though. In a way it's a good group, win here and easy road ahead.

[Louis VI the Fat]

What a ridiculous draw. The UEFA must have the world's worst statisticians employed for them.

I don't mind the quality of the opposition - it is a championship after all, the whole point is to play the best against each other and one of them comes out on top. But the whole point of a seeding system is that the best teams don't play each other at the beginning. Either you don't have a seeding system, or you have a functioning one. This is nonsense.

Holland, Italy, Romania and France in a single group. :wall:

Good luck to all of you. France and Italy are strong, but both have their weaknesses - as Scotland showed. Romania is simply a very, very strong team. If Van Basten finally lives up to his promise, so are the Dutch. They've got the players. If they get their act right, they are a good outsider.

What a group. :skull:

[Fragony]

It's not going to be boring, but it is rediculous alright. I don't mind we are in the toughest group but this is insane, look at the other groups, balance is completily lost.

[Bava]

Where you from Bava?

"Small" hint: We lost against the italian actors in the WC 2006 semifinals ^^

Go, Holland and France!

[scotchedpommes]

What a fantastic draw for the neutral. :grin2: Let's hope the teams that are
capable of doing so play open, attacking football, and aren't dominated by
their fear of conceding.

Will be backing the Clogsters in the Group of Death, as they appear to be the
underdogs to me. Van Basten needs to get his ship in order to plan some kind
of escape from this one.

Elsewhere I shall be backing Poland to the hilt, especially against the Germans.
Hopefully they can exact the sweet revenge they deserve, and give the likes of
Podolski and Klose a nice lesson.

[Fragony]

We do good against the big teams but we appear to have an attention-span problem, when thinking it over this might actualy be good for us to get the guys in shape. Italy is about the worst thing that can happen to us -Portugal who will always pwn us for some reason only know to -censored-

[Afonso I of Portugal]

What a ridiculous draw. The UEFA must have the world's worst statisticians employed for them.
I don't mind the quality of the opposition - it is a championship after all, the whole point is to play the best against each other and one of them comes out on top. But the whole point of a seeding system is that the best teams don't play each other at the beginning. Either you don't have a seeding system, or you have a functioning one. This is nonsense.

I agree with you, but seeding system is for a long long time debate. Maybe Austria and Switzerland shouldn't be seeding teams just because they are the tournament organizers and France, Italy and Germany should be putted on their right places.

Nice group for Portugal!!! :yes: :beam:

[scotchedpommes]

Italy is about the worst thing that can happen to us -Portugal who will always pwn us for some reason only know to -censored-
The Italians are a beatable side. I say that despite the fact that they beat us
twice, as I think they have clear weaknesses. As for Portugal, well, that's an
outside bet for the final, isn't it? 3 red cards or 4? ~;) I think the Turks might
edge them out of their group, though.

On another note, we're going to see Austria - Germany. I almost feel sorry for
Austrian fans, because their team is clearly the worst in the tournament by far.
Can't remember if it was mentioned here, but some fans set up a petition to
prevent their own team from playing in the tournament. I hope that as hosts
their defeats aren't too punishing.

[Fragony]

Italy has never beaten anyone, they just won.

[Rhyfelwyr]

This is my prediction:

Group A:


Portugal 5
Czech Rep 5
Turkey 2
Switzerland 2

Group B:


Poland 7
Croatia 5
Germany 2
Austria 0

Group C:


Italy 7
France 7
Romania 3
Netherlands 0

Group D:


Spain 6
Greece 4
Sweden 4
Russia 2

[Afonso I of Portugal]

As for Portugal, well, that's an
outside bet for the final, isn't it? 3 red cards or 4? ~;) I think the Turks might
edge them out of their group, though.

Indeed...we must be careful with dirty "hammer" :smash: players, like Boulahrouz :hmg:, in order to keep our best men out of injuries...fortunately we don't face Holland ate the group stage.
Turkey is a strong side as they have sufficient quality to beat us, no doubt about that. However, we began the campaign against them, facing the Czechs on the second match. That means we must beat the Turks to face the Czechs on a comfortably situation.

[Subedei]

Haven´t visited in a while...so a very late, but important: YES...WERDER beat REAL....3:2 :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

They kick butt these days...feels like being a Bayern fan with all the winning in the last weeks....

[Fragony]

Indeed...we must be careful with dirty "hammer" :smash: players, like Boulahrouz :hmg:.


Aww don't be such a wuss, at least he had a reason to lie down like Paris Hilton after a bottle of champagne :beam:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Aww don't be such a wuss, at least he had a reason to lie down like Paris Hilton after a bottle of champagne :beam:

He's a muslim, therefore he can't drink alcohol and no sutch kind of excuse. A hammer is always a hammer...:laugh4:

[Fragony]

I meant the prima donna's of the portugese team, man do they fall! I like physical defenders like Balou, even if it isn't always clear if it is defending or attempted homocide.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I like physical defenders like Balou, even if it isn't always clear if it is defending or attempted homocide.

Oh my...you just said everything...
Are you sure you're on the right thread? this is about football, not murderers!!!

[Fragony]

Let's look at the worst match in the history of football, it was entertaining though :beam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKXq7xcnkis

I guess the dutch and portugese are quiek to anger, better game next time :2thumbsup:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Let's look at the worst match in the history of football, it was entertaining though :beam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKXq7xcnkis

I guess the dutch and portugese are quiek to anger, better game next time :2thumbsup:

Nothing to be proud off as that was un ugly match for sure. It started when that hammer intentionaly injured Ronaldo and putted him out the pitch early in the game. I wish the same as you, lets hope a better game next time and our victory...again :2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Robben dives almost as shockingly as the other side, it has to be said. Though
the blatant [failed] attempt to kick him in the face was amusing.

Was surprised Ronaldo hadn't been dealt with like that before that game.

[Fragony]

Robben is well-known for diving, don't like him.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I would prefer to remember this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GynLE9k3Uv8&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH8vMNre_Lo

[scotchedpommes]

For those of you who watch football in England, I feel it would be wrong of me
not to mention this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHyryCtOsFw). Fantastic goal, though you'll most probably have to view
it soon. [Via this source, at least.]

[Fragony]

My favorite goal ever, I think he didn't had a clue what he was doing but something took over, can't think that up. You have to wait for the slowdown to see what he just did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoQJNppmeT8

[scotchedpommes]

Superb, yes. And yet he would have us believe he visualised and somehow
planned each touch prior to taking it.

My favourite goal was the other one. [Yes, no further elaboration should be
required; but I will say 'that one he scored against Argentina'.] Gushed enough
about that some time ago (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=65638).

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

The Newcastle goal is my all-time favourite too. If it was anyone else, I'd say it was definitely a fluke, but Denis? I don't know. I like to believe he meant it, anyway.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

My all-time favourite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8LttAHuYpY

[Rhyfelwyr]

My favourite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltn13sMvJSs

[Louis VI the Fat]

My top five!!


Five (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfunSWTfHnw). When our Saviour first made His presence known, in Bordeaux.

Four (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeOmNgC6vio&feature=related). At His feet...

Three (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyVTKs8hXxc&mode=related&search=). Ressurection.

Two and One. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EExcybwwh00)The first is the greatest goal ever: at 0:50 seconds Louis exploded and realised there realy is a benevolent God.



No more Zizou... http://smileys.sur-la-toile.com/repository/Triste/xpleure3.gif

[scotchedpommes]

That goal in the Champions League final and the third against Spain were both
magnificent, for differing reasons. Should probably stress that the Bergkamp goal
remains my choice for World Cups and that player specifically, and is by no means
a suggestion for an all-time, all competitions favourite.

That kind of selection is, unfortunately, just not possible.