Football (Soccer)

[admin]

Didn't someone mention that Barthez was given videos of Beckham penalties, and he found a pattern to it or something.

But regardless of the win, France are still crap because of their stupid tactics - probably the only manager that would play Wiltord over Pires and somehow stifles the attack in a team that contains both Henry, Trezeguet and Zidane. Glad he's going to Spurs

There's also a rumour around that Zidane and Henry doesn't get along, haven't done so since WC 98, and that Zidane has never assisted in a Henry goal. More possibly reasons why Henry will never end up at Madrid, perhaps.

[Oriphus]

Yeah, and it was a fantastic save. Beckham hit the ball very well in my opinion.

[Oriphus]

2-0 in Denmark match as they beat Bulgaria. Italia only managed to draw as Imbrahimovich scorecd a fantastic back flick to get the draw. Looks like Italy will be out unless they manage to beat Bulgaria by a good few number of goals incase Sweden and Denmark draw their match. If Italy draw they are out.

[MPS]

italy is getting better and better with each game, they are like ze germans, a tournamentish team
the play by italians yeasterday was great, but made the same mistake that england made - when 1-0 they settlleed for that and focused on defending that lead instead of increasing it - and you know how that always ends...

[Oriphus]

Yeah i agree. I know the other team will always change its tactics and really push for a goal, so the defending teams tactics needs to reflect this. But, i think that they should keep a strong midfield and attack as well and try and play their way out of the situation rather than sitting back soaking up pressure and then lobbing the ball up field and giving away posession again.

[Mig$y]

Latvia 0 Germany 0

Mmm, bit of an embarassment for Germany, he he
I know what they are saying..... "Ballaks"

Latvia should have been awarded at least one penalty as well.
Nice one Latvia

[admin]

I was cheering on the Latvians to win the game, mainly due to Stepanov's Arsenal connections, and also the underdog factor. The Latvians could have easily won that game, if one of the two penalty decisions was given in their favour, or if Verpakovskis' amazing run had ended with a better finish.

[Oriphus]

Yeah, the Germans are looking poor in that match, not as strong as a team as they did in the first match.

After watchin the Czech v Holland match, were Holland were narrowly beaten 3-2 by the Czechs, i think it easily has to have been the best international game i've watched in a long time and certainly the best game of this tournament. Sooo many candidates for man of the match, including Nedved and Davids, but i think the small Barcelona man should really get, though both Van Der Sar and Czech had amazing games in nets. Im really disappointed with the referees decision to send off Heitinga when it was clearly a dive by Nedved, but hopefully Uefa will overturn that decision and he will play in their next match. Also, as soon as Arjen Robben went off, the whole game changed. It lost momentum i think.

Overall, what a performance that leaves Czech Republic through to the last 8 and very serious contenders for the title with the performance they gave there today. We need the Czech republic to beat Germany and the Holland team to beat Latvia. If Holland dont win, they are out, unless of course if germany win, then they are out. I really hope the Czechs atleast hold them to a draw, as id love to see both the Czechs and the Dutch in the last 8.

Ideal last 8 for me:

Spain
Greece
France
England
Italy
Sweden
Holland
Czech Republic

Lets cross our figners (unless you disagree)

[MPS]

portugal instead of greece, but i dont think itll happen

[Oriphus]

lol - It cant happen instead of Greece. Only either Spain or Portugal can go through since they play each other next.

[MPS]

what a game that holland v. czechs, wow! i'm pizzed off that dutch lost, but the game was amazing. so many opportunities it might well have ended 5-5. unfortunately, the referee fu*ked the game, so many wrong decisions,like with that second yellow card for huizinga (damn nedved took his diving lessons in italy), or no penalty for holland.

[Oriphus]

Yeah, im blaming the ref on that one as well. Should never have been a red card, and thats what messed it up. however, even with 10 men Holland looked quite good. The team that started for both Holland and the Czechs was amazing.

Getting close to the Spain v Portugal match - cant wait

[MPS]

yup, should be a classic, and i see spain go thru and portugal unf'ly out.
spain & greece both thru, just like in quali's

[Oriphus]

Yeah - i think your probably right. Although, if young Ronaldo comes on i think i will be wanting him to score. Ronaldo and Figo make for a very exciting wide midfield players. I think that it could come right down to the end with maybe a 3-2 scoreline. Portugal need a win, anything less and its out for them. Im getting excited, more excitend even that the England v Croatia game

[MPS]

0-0 @ halftime. ronaldo starts, brilliantly playing... the commentators in polish tv are well impressed with him - they called him "a young god of football" even

go ronaldo! go raul! go draw!