Official Euro 2008 thread

[slimbimjim]

Justice for Australia in the World Cup

[Joe King]

I thought it was a football match for the people who love the odd chess match. Not to say it was thoroughly enjoyable but heck, it was good to see the way both teams operated. I thought it picked up in the second half when the players started to tire out and gaps appeared. I felt that Spain needed to pass it quicker around the attacking third and need better movement and more bodies. I fully expected Italy to play like that, what else did everyone expect? Open game with end to end opportunities? No chance, it could have only happened if Spain had got an early goal.

The semi final against Russia won't be as one sided as it was for the Spanish in their opening group game, thats a certainty. Russia will take Saturdays brilliant performance against the Dutch and use that confidence and try and play some football against the Spainsh. With the inclusion of Arshavin, one of the players of the tournament, Spain will have to be wary of their approach with committing their midfielders forward. Arshavin is a brilliant player at picking out space and exploiting the opponents and if given the opportunity, Russia could well sneak into the final. The game certainly will be intriguing with two different styles in terms of attack. Spain use a very fluid attack where they are patient and pass it around and try to pick out holes in the opposition whilst the Russians are very organised, destructive and powerful when attacking; very Dutch if you like. Should be fascinating.

[Shaggy]

Thanks Ben.

Now it's over to Suzie for the weather.

[livvy145]

Thanks Ben.

Now it's over to Suzie for the weather.

Haha.

[Joe King]

Thanks Ben.

Now it's over to Suzie for the weather.

Cheeky ****er

[slimbimjim]

Russia played like Arsenal which could be very interesting for Spain!

[El Diego]

Hmmmmm, I'm stuck in 2 minds. Spain are my favourite team in the tourno but I don't want Aragones to recieve any plaudits. A disgusting human specimen.

[ohhh_yeah]

[badpiggy]

dunno why people are going on about silva (unless he hs been relly good in la liga). doesn't seem a like a game changer to me. substitutions made by aragones were unbelievable.

[slimbimjim]

What is that tattoo on his arm?

[Reece]

Thanks Ben.

Now it's over to Suzie for the weather.

[fah-q]

You do realise you are starting to sound like a bunch of Arsenal fans.

[Reece]

You do realise you are starting to sound like a bunch of Arsenal fans.

It is a bit hypocritical of us to be honest - the same people criticising Italy's style of play i'm sure weren't complaining when we went to Juve and played like that for example.

I think the problem is because it's been such a great tournament, it frustrates people to watch Italy's spoiling tactics. You can understand it from a team such as Turkey who don't have the obvious talent that Italy do. At the end of the day though, a team has the right to play whatever style the feel fit to, especially if they feel it will get the best out of their players (which incidentally I don't think it has for Italy).

Hard luck anyway Andy, I'm sure you'll agree the best team won yesterday. Italy have had their fair share of success over the years, time to let someone else

[fah-q]

Im not denying that Spain deserved to win, but it makes me laugh that some people seem to think that you should roll over and let the other team walk to victory. Not an excuse but we had our first choice of CM's and our CB's unavailable through injury or suspension and were facing the best strikeforce in the tournament, so we had to adjust our tactics or we would have been trounced.

Whilst some of you lot would have been supported Spain for the obvious links to LFC if they had lost it would mean nothing to you personally, so I think a bit more respect should be shown to those who are directly affected by the result.

[Reece]

Whilst some of you lot would have been supported Spain for the obvious links to LFC if they had lost it would mean nothing to you personally, so I think a bit more respect should be shown to those who are directly affected by the result.

I actually agree with this, and it annoyed me somewhat last night to see the amount of "**** of Italy you cunts" style posts. Really is no need. Especially as most on here know your are Italian.

You will notice I made no such post, as you are my friend and I respect you greatly