UEFA Euro 2012

[Internets]

Yeah, I actually wanted Ukraine to win. Because France lost 2-0, Ukraine beating England would've seen Ukraine qualify as well as England.

[Sisco]

Yes, I would much rather have watched Ukraine and England in the Quarterfinals than France and England.

[Bilbo Baggins]

That goal alone would not have seen them through. They needed to win, not draw.

Oh you are right. How emabarassed

Edited June 19, 2012 by Bilbo Baggins

[prateek]

That Ukraine goal was offside, so even though it was in, it shouldn't have even happened. Bad officiating all around.

[Palathadric]

Thank you, I am also very pleased with how well they played.

The referee was definitly on their side.

But, considering Spain is the strongest team in the world I am proud of

Croatia.

I made a long post on this subject, but then EB stopped working and I couldn't retain all that I wrote.

Maybe it's all for the better as it was just a rant, but suffice it to say, I totally agree with you. Navas was offside when the ball was passed to Iniesta. So I don't think that goal could have been counted. Also I was absolutely stunned to see at the end of the game that the Spanish had not gotten a single yellow card when they did some quite horrendous tackles.

But all that to say: Well done to Croatia. Really disappointed to not see them in the quarters, but hopefully this is a shadow of things to come from this great side.

Arjen Robben going down the right, then trying to cut in the middle is ridiculously overdone. That's the only thing he does. He's a good player and all but he's selfish, and everyone knows what he's trying to do with his lack of ability on his right foot.

Not necessarily "cheering" for Germany but they were my pick to win this tournament. Good to see them go through. Hummels and Ozil are playing real well. The organized fashion the Germans play with is really a thing to watch.

Spain CAN beat Germany, but I think that depends all on Fernando Torres. They may be reigning champions, but if they're expecting they can play 6 midfielders with no striker to beat the Germans, that ain't happening. They need an actual striker to finish all the chances they create. If Torres plays like this then Spain isn't winning against Germany (if they meet). If he's playing well and in form, then there's a decent enough chance.

Poor Robben, he has not won a game in a while, by my reckoning. First the lose to Dortmund, then to Chelsea, then to Bayern (for Holland, and then the three in the Euro Cup. I hope this whips him into shape a little. Honestly, Spain have not really impressed me much this Euro Cup. Besides the win against Ireland, their performances were shaky at best.

Spectacular game for the Swedes against France! They dominated the entire game, and really deserved the 2-0 win. Too bad they biffed their first two games.

Ibrahimovic's goal was an absolute beauty, but horrendous defending by France. Horrendous playing all around. It said they got 24 shots and 10 or 11, I believe, on target. What they count as shots I wonder? They were definitely the worse team tonight.

What does the referees behind the line do, if they don't point out goals in difficult situations. I'm really disappointed

Spain is definetaly kicking France out. Go Spain!!!!

As others said, the goal would not have been enough, but it certainly would have boosted Ukraine's morale and then anything could have happened. I think this mistake has to have been the worst I have seen in football up until now. The fifth referee was standing right there, how could he have missed it. About France and Spain, I wouldn't be too quick to agree with you. France have a great record against Spain in recent times, and furthermore France often seem to be a team that only shows up in big games. They also are great and grinding out those idiotic 1-0 wins like they did in 2006 which took them all the way to the finals then. After their embarassingly lackluster performance today though, I think I will be all for Spain though.

Yes, I would much rather have watched Ukraine and England in the Quarterfinals than France and England.

I don't think England deserved to be there anymore than France did. The match between the two of them was a humiliation for France, because they were the favourites to win, so the English considered it a good result, but England are ranked way above France in the world rankings, so that result, especially with the lack of serious threat on their part, should have been utterly humiliating for them.

I think Ukraine and Sweden were the ones who deserved to go through.

But maybe I'm just always standing up for the "smaller" teams.

[CaptainCRO]

I made a long post on this subject, but then EB stopped working and I couldn't retain all that I wrote.

Maybe it's all for the better as it was just a rant, but suffice it to say, I totally agree with you. Navas was offside when the ball was passed to Iniesta. So I don't think that goal could have been counted. Also I was absolutely stunned to see at the end of the game that the Spanish had not gotten a single yellow card when they did some quite horrendous tackles.

But all that to say: Well done to Croatia. Really disappointed to not see them in the quarters, but hopefully this is a shadow of things to come from this great side.

Poor Robben, he has not won a game in a while, by my reckoning. First the lose to Dortmund, then to Chelsea, then to Bayern (for Holland, and then the three in the Euro Cup. I hope this whips him into shape a little. Honestly, Spain have not really impressed me much this Euro Cup. Besides the win against Ireland, their performances were shaky at best.

Ibrahimovic's goal was an absolute beauty, but horrendous defending by France. Horrendous playing all around. It said they got 24 shots and 10 or 11, I believe, on target. What they count as shots I wonder? They were definitely the worse team tonight.

As others said, the goal would not have been enough, but it certainly would have boosted Ukraine's morale and then anything could have happened. I think this mistake has to have been the worst I have seen in football up until now. The fifth referee was standing right there, how could he have missed it. About France and Spain, I wouldn't be too quick to agree with you. France have a great record against Spain in recent times, and furthermore France often seem to be a team that only shows up in big games. They also are great and grinding out those idiotic 1-0 wins like they did in 2006 which took them all the way to the finals then. After their embarassingly lackluster performance today though, I think I will be all for Spain though.

I don't think England deserved to be there anymore than France did. The match between the two of them was a humiliation for France, because they were the favourites to win, so the English considered it a good result, but England are ranked way above France in the world rankings, so that result, especially with the lack of serious threat on their part, should have been utterly humiliating for them.

I think Ukraine and Sweden were the ones who deserved to go through.

But maybe I'm just always standing up for the "smaller" teams.

I read somewhere that Spain admitted Croatia should have been given 2 penaltys.

In my opinion, Ramos'' faul was discussable, but Sergio Busquets'(yeah, I probably spelled that wrong) was definitly a penalty.

Ukraine was also robbed pretty badly. I think referees tend to be much more strict for smaller tesms like Croatia and Ukraine.

I must say congratulations to Sweden! Ibra's goal was so awesome. He's such a great player. Surely one of my favourites. I think his goal will be voted for the best goal on Euro 2012.

Now when Croatia is out I am cheering for Portugal.

[Palathadric]

There was another thing that I had mentioned in my rant. Croatia certainly deserved that penalty. Honestly, I think Casillas may have gotten to the ball before the Croatian dude, but Sergio Busquets was pretty nasty there. What was he trying to do? Pull the guy's arm out of socket? Seriously! Normally, I wouldn't give penalties for pushing in the box during corners, but that was exceptionally bad.

Pah! Portugal! I hope Czech beat them. I am in full support of Arsenal's country heroes: Rosicky, Arshavin, and Bendtner.

I still can't figure why they loaned out Bendtner instead of Chamakh. Bendtner can at least score goals, so I think they should have kept him as a replacement for Persie in case of injury, etc. ...or, maybe the lack of goals meant they couldn't loan out Chamakh.

[Rijkvv]

The goal of Ibrahimovic was beautiful. And that for a team that was already knocked out.

I didn't saw if Ukraine's goal was offside, I should check that later on. I think most will remember something similar happened with England (I thought against Germany) two years ago. Strange thing that goals will not count, even if it's very clear they crossed the line, but Zidane was given a red card after the fourth official saw Zidane making a head-butt after watching the replay. Croatia-Spain is something else I'll have to check, especially the penalties (or what should have been). Late in the match Netherlands-Denmark, a Danish player who possibly already made a handsball, made another, now clear, in the penalty area. But all five officials failed to see it.

[CaptainCRO]

The goal of Ibrahimovic was beautiful. And that for a team that was already knocked out.

I didn't saw if Ukraine's goal was offside, I should check that later on. I think most will remember something similar happened with England (I thought against Germany) two years ago. Strange thing that goals will not count, even if it's very clear they crossed the line, but Zidane was given a red card after the fourth official saw Zidane making a head-butt after watching the replay. Croatia-Spain is something else I'll have to check, especially the penalties (or what should have been). Late in the match Netherlands-Denmark, a Danish player who possibly already made a handsball, made another, now clear, in the penalty area. But all five officials failed to see it.

This is something I wouldn't agree on. I am pretty sure they didn't want to see it. Just like Ukrainian goal and Croatian penaltys.

EDIT: Which goal is your favourite for now?

I can't decide between Ibra's and Balotelli's .

Edited June 20, 2012 by CaptainCRO

[Rijkvv]

I haven't seen Balotelli's goal yet. Another favourite of mine is the goal of Welbeck.

[prateek]

I think Ibra's goal is the best so far. It's the one with most skill. Balotelli put his foot up and Welbeck just lunged at it, hoping for a goal.

[streifen]

Ibra's goal has a tinge of kung-fu just like his goal against Italy in Euro 2004.

I thought Welbeck's goal was good as his intention (obviously) was there and he clearly knew what he was doing. and, well, you make your own luck.

[Scorpiox]

True, but you have to think about momentum. If Ukraine's goal had counted, who's to say that the momentum wouldn't have pushed them to score again and beat England?

Because England are awesome.

And it was offside.

I think Ukraine and Sweden were the ones who deserved to go through.

But maybe I'm just always standing up for the "smaller" teams.

Ukraine maybe, but Sweden's single victory against France isn't enough to get them through. I enjoyed their performance and France losing so badly always makes me smile, but I wouldn't give them a place in the quater-finals for that. Consistancy is more important, no matter how great the victory was.

[Bilbo Baggins]

My favourite goal so far, is definetaly Welbeck's. And I just found out Spain has never beat France in an official match.

[Palathadric]

Ibra's was from further out and had power, but he was all alone, besides Mexes' bustle towards him. Balotelli was decently marked, so that was Welbeck's was also really good, but I love the simplicity of Bender's goal too.

Ukraine maybe, but Sweden's single victory against France isn't enough to get them through. I enjoyed their performance and France losing so badly always makes me smile, but I wouldn't give them a place in the quater-finals for that. Consistancy is more important, no matter how great the victory was.

But Sweden fought hard in all their matches whereas England and France were shaking in just about all of theirs. Okay, I think I am going overboard in my support of the "weaker" sides. I can't say I'm supporting either England or France in their next games, though, but I guess I'll need to see how they play. I am seeing a finals between Germany and Spain, or maybe Germany and Italy right now. Predictions will change with the games though and Germany could lose to Greece even.

[Sisco]

Pah! Portugal! I hope Czech beat them.

Yup, because that just happened.

I was rooting for the Czech myself, though. But honestly, it was a very sloppy game for both teams. Two yellow cards back to back for Portugal, multiple injuries, quite a few flops, some pretty rough play, bad referees... I didn't enjoy watching this game. Portugal didn't really deserve the win, but neither did the Czech Republic.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Wahh I wanted Czech to beat Portugal but anyway either Spain or France are kicking them out.

Edited June 21, 2012 by Bilbo Baggins

[Palathadric]

I only watched the last five minutes. Looked like a crappy match though. Someone was telling me that Portugal were tremendous, but almost everyone else said that it was a pretty dull match in general. I can't say I'm disappointed I opted to skip it though. This is certainly not the best of the quarter final matches.

[Sisco]

I can't say I'm disappointed I opted to skip it though. This is certainly not the best of the quarter final matches.

Yes, there wasn't really any reason to watch it. Both teams played rather dirty, and the score wasn't until 75-85 minutes in. There were several injuries and several more "injuries", along with an almost-fight in the 20th minute before a corner kick between (I think) Ronaldo and a Czech defender. (I think it was) Ronaldo took a massive flop on that. Overall a very boring match. I'm definitely looking forward to the Germany-Greece game more. Go Deutschland!

[streifen]

Yes, there wasn't really any reason to watch it. Both teams played rather dirty, and the score wasn't until 75-85 minutes in. There were several injuries and several more "injuries", along with an almost-fight in the 20th minute before a corner kick between (I think) Ronaldo and a Czech defender. (I think it was) Ronaldo took a massive flop on that. Overall a very boring match. I'm definitely looking forward to the Germany-Greece game more. Heil Deutschland!

The good games should be on Saturday and Sunday. although they may turn out so tactical that we, the viewers, get bored especially us in Asia (kick off time 2-4am depending on which [part).

[Canada_7]

Yes, there wasn't really any reason to watch it. Both teams played rather dirty, and the score wasn't until 75-85 minutes in. There were several injuries and several more "injuries", along with an almost-fight in the 20th minute before a corner kick between (I think) Ronaldo and a Czech defender. (I think it was) Ronaldo took a massive flop on that. Overall a very boring match. I'm definitely looking forward to the Germany-Greece game more. Heil Deutschland!

Greece is expected to just park the bus against Germany. Will see how that goes.

[Rijkvv]

The referee (Howard Webb) was in the 2010 final as well. Although I think he did not a good job at the world cup final (not giving a corner, not punishing the Spanish defenders hard enough, and of course not giving Nigel de Jong a red card) I think he was quite good in this match, although I hoped for Czech to win. I agree it was a boring match.

For this evening, I think Greece isn't really a football nation. Sure, they won in 2004, but for now I think they don't really deserve the semi-finals. That being said, most people here in the Netherlands see Germany as the nemesis/rival of the Netherlands (in football) and I'm relieved if they are eliminated from yet another title.

[Palathadric]

I'm definitely looking forward to the Germany-Greece game more. Heil Deutschland!

EDIT: [Not a good idea and you know it]

The good games should be on Saturday and Sunday. although they may turn out so tactical that we, the viewers, get bored especially us in Asia (kick off time 2-4am depending on which [part).

I don't know if I would consider those the "good games." The better teams will be playing in them, but all of those teams have incredibly negative and defensive mindsets, apart from Spain, but Spain are certainly not very offensive themselves without a solid striker. So the games have the potential to be very boring affairs as well, but hopefully, they won't be.

The referee (Howard Webb) was in the 2010 final as well. Although I think he did not a good job at the world cup final (not giving a corner, not punishing the Spanish defenders hard enough, and of course not giving Nigel de Jong a red card) I think he was quite good in this match, although I hoped for Czech to win. I agree it was a boring match.

For this evening, I think Greece isn't really a football nation. Sure, they won in 2004, but for now I think they don't really deserve the semi-finals. That being said, most people here in the Netherlands see Germany as the nemesis/rival of the Netherlands (in football) and I'm relieved if they are eliminated from yet another title.

I agree with you. Howard Webb was quite poor in the finals, in my opinion. How he missed giving De Jong a read is beyond me. Perhaps, he was so impressed with kung fu move. I know I would be.

Down with the Greeks! If Germany loses this game, then doom is on this Euro Cup. They have played the best football thus far... alongside the Russians, of course. The Croatians, in my opinion, were superb as well. Too bad the latter two are already out.

Edited June 22, 2012 by Rick
Removed potentially offending content

[CaptainCRO]

I am really looking forward to this match tonight. I am pretty sure Germany will win, but anything can happen really.

In my opinion, Germany deserves to win the cup. They are better than Spain if you ask me.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Germany did a great game, I think Greece did all they could and it is kind of surprising that they were able to score two goals.