Oh England...(And other Euro 2012 stuff)

[Zed]

I can't back Spain as I'm still bitter at Iniesta for the WC final goal v NED.

really - Netherland in the WC were abominable - everything that was bad about their game was on show (yes Van Bommel I'm talking about you)
I can't back Spain because they've become a cliche of themselves

I have a lot of Oranje blood. I've watched some excellent Dutch squads underachieve, lose leads in seemingly arrogant fashion, and get knocked out of tourneys before their time over the decades. BTW don't forget De Jong. He's a goon a la hockey.

I can't back Germany on principal.

I can't back Germany because they've gone back to being uber-efficient and quite dull (Ozil aside) Where has Klinsmanns crazy gang mentality gone

See above. Klinsmann's a yank, now, haven't you heard. lol

I can't back the Italians because they play like Italians.

Ditto, except Pirlo

I 'spose. The pk was quite "cheeky".

I can't back POR because of that Ronaldo thing.

Ditto, if he gets closed out or injured Portugal are goners. I haven't seen such a one player team since Argentina circa 1986

I think he and Torres (SPA) have let way too much go to their head. Ronaldo at least has kept his form on the pitch.

Other than all that it's been a good tourney. I guess I'll have to just enjoy the footy at face value in the semis. We'll miss it when its gone.

EPL will be back within 6 weeks
At least no-one to support means no cares about who wins
Its funny to dislike all the teams left and have no genuine underdogs

That should leave us with a good last matches. Or, it could leave us w/ more like the last. 0-0 through 120min.

If ever there was a fan base that was entitled to expect better, it is English football fans.

You know the "media" in the UK is all in everyone's business. It's has always seemed to me like UK players get an inordinate amount of scandal. Terry is playing through all sorts of shit with his infidelity, and his big mouth, and Ashley's affair was and is still relevant. It just seems like it always comes to light in the UK, where, in Spain or Italy the spin on the story might be different. Not saying Terry or Cole aren't idiots.

Pox on this useless over-rated bunch. (buy me a beer and I'll tell you what I really think.)

I would love to catch a few beers and an A League match. We actually get 1-2 a week over here. I actually prefer A League to MLS, any day. I can't find the talent over here. After watching the competition in the EPL/CL watching MLS is like watching the USWNT, and they're GOOD.

Argentina

I have followed Messi as he came up. That guy is a star. I would pay to watch him play no matter who they were up against. Although if it's Barca I'd be cheering against. But millionario, I would think that whole Falkland thing would be enough. Cheating bastards.

I can't imagine anyone playing THAT crap

Ireland is another underachiever. They have the well-known names out there. They got the raw deal going to the WC '10, though. Pinche Henry!

[salticrak]

Mustn't grumble...

[anselmo]

Ireland is another underachiever. They have the well-known names out there. They got the raw deal going to the WC '10, though. Pinche Henry!

Nah
I can tell you the only real household names are Keane and Given and they are past it

And Keane was only ever good for a few years at club level, at international level the only reason he's been around as long as he has is being the best of a bad lot

[punchanello]

Argies hey? How exactly did you become a UK supporter? Disconnect.

Because he is a very sick man. As if to prove the point, he also goes for Sydney FC, River Plate and Man U and from memory had a brief flirtation with Real Madrid in the 90's.

It's like he woke up one morning and said, how do I make myself less attractive to women and more endearing to pond-scum?

England FFS, you could get stabbed up for that kind of talk in Argentina.

[punchanello]

Does anyone think Germany can beat Italy in a competitive match for the first time since the Big Bang?

[Ado]

Does anyone think Germany can beat Italy in a competitive match for the first time since the Big Bang?

One can only hope.

[Zed]

Well, there you go. But wouldn't Keane Long-Cox be more appropriate?

[Zed]

Top 3 roll on the ground and cry leagues:
La Liga (SPA)
La Premiera (POR)
Serie A (ITA)

Bottom 2:
Bundesliga (GER)
A League (AUS)

That said, yesterday's match was ugly and boring. Too much dramatic rolls and chippy play on both sides with not much quality. Pepe is due for an indictment, IMO.
Today's match, Italy really showed up and played clean, crisp, and impressive ball. I take back some of what I said about them.
GER didn't have the passing or control in the last 1/3. Baloteli really is skitzo. Who knows which version shows up to play, bit both his goals were sweet.

[punchanello]

I have no love for the Azzuri, but they were so impressive this morning.

[anselmo]

Yes they were
Super Mario was on the pitch today
Pirlo was quieter but still head and shoulders
Final should be very interesting as a neutral

[bruus]

I've never gone for Italy but if they play like the did this morning in the final then I can't wait. But if they play like Italy then a Spain vs Italy final has the possibility of being the slowest and least shots on goal ever. I am really hoping they both go for it.

[Zed]

SPA finally got serious and played to their ability. Don't know of a club or country that could compete with them as they played in the final.
Tores gets the golden boot? Sheesh, not bad for a sub, picking up garbage goals.

I was impressed w/ the postgame awards etc. I appreciate the wellwishes after. Only other sport I know like that is Hockey. The teams play hard and physical for a 7-game series and when it's over they line up and shake hands and congratulate each other, then get on with the celebration.