FOT Forum
FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: Martin on June 07, 2008, 02:07:48 PM
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Come on! Someone! Samir?
Just watched the opening match between Switzerland and the Czechs, which the Czechs won 1-0. The Swiss were unlucky, should've gotten a penalty. Poor Sebastian Frey...
Oh who am I kidding
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I believe Mr. Leo is a fan; you might find some company there.
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I'm normally a fan of England whenever a major tournament rolls around (a vestige of this American's adolescent fascination with Britpop, 'Cool Britannia' and the 'Three Lions' team of Euro '96)... Unfortunately, England and the rest of the UK and Ireland forgot to show up for the qualifiers. So I guess I'm pulling for the other Euro teams I enjoy watching like The Netherlands and Portugal.
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I always root for England and Sweden and of course the USA but they obviously aren't involved in this one. I guess in Euro 08 I only have Sweden but I don't know much about the national team this year. It's really tough to pay attention to non-World Cup soccer here in America. You really have to put effort into it and find the places that show it. You can't really sit down and watch it on your TV with out paying an arm and a leg for it.
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I'm kind of glad that England didn't qualify this year. They're getting a bit overconfident thinking they have a god given right to win everything just because they invented the game. I also don't have to listen to their analysts whine when they get knocked out. Because Ireland didn't qualify either, I can take solace in the fact that we're not the only embarassingly underachieving team around.
If they can gain the momentum they did in the world cup, my money's on Germany.
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I saw the first half of Swiss vs. Czech today, then had to go out and play a three-game soccer tournament myself in 98 degree heat. Absolute murder. Glad to hear the Czechs came out on top. Looking forward to watching Germany tomorrow (also very happy to know the FoTs started a Euro 2008 thread).
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the admin of nhl torrents (http://www.nhltorrents.co.uk/), a hockey torrent site i frequent, just started a soccer torrent tracker footytorrents.co.uk (http://www.footytorrents.co.uk/). which is great news for me, since i don't have to shell out any cash or head out to a bar to see the games now. the site has a ratio setup that rewards time seeded, not just total uploads.
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Ireland didn't get in, and my next choice would be England.
I chose Holland for something in the mid-90s because Pierre Van Hooijdonk played for them and I thought he was cool.
Then it was France for some reason cos I love France, but I'm against them now cos they got to the World Cup final without playing very well.
I supported South Korea for the South Korea/Japan World Cup after Ireland were knocked out. But Korea's not in Europe.
So it's Sweden for me this year, you may be pleased to hear! Partly cos I like Sweden a lot, and partly cos if they do really well, I'll be in Stockholm when the semi-finals are on, which would be exciting.
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Actually, the only football I enjoy watching are European championships and World Cups. So this is a once-in-a-two-years thing for me, but I hadn't even realised!
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Watched both matches today, plus the typically mindblowing opening ceremony.
Here's a tip: the team that has fewer players singing along to the national anthem, will win the match.
As an Arsenal fan, I'm partial to France, although they're in the group of death, and I like Holland pulling an upset in that one, despite the last minute loss of Ryan Babel. Germany are supposed to be the team to beat, but once they walk through the first round, I don't know how much to expect from them. I'd like to see Croatia do well, since they beat us so humiliatingly, but without Eduardo it's hard to see where the goals will come from. That said, even without him, they should stomp all over Austria tomorrow.
Martin, I saw that Sweden picked Henrik Larsson again - sorry to say this but that's a strike against them. I remember the Champions League final in 2005.
Watching it in the States means we have to put up with the commentary and insight of Andy Gray, who is a c-word.
Thought Switzerland were unlucky today, but Turkey weren't. I cheered for Big Phil Senderos out of loyalty, but he really is rubbish, isn't he?
Without Milan Baros or Queresma starting today, my fantasy league team is already fucked.
Edit: the Guardian's brilliant football team is doing a daily podcast - check out episode one: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/06/08/euro_2008_football_daily.html
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Happy now, crimestick?
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I bet he's never been happier.
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Now I'm sad.
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Happy now, crimestick?
...well, he asked.
this is my specialist subject!
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I was only sad at the thought that his joy at finally getting responses would be the biggest happiness he's had thus far in life. (This after just getting funding for the documentary, no less.) I'm absolutely ecstatic about this thread otherwise.
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I have never been happier.
I though the Turks were a bit unlucky last night. Before the deciding 2-0, they put the Portugese under severe pressure. You never know what you gonna get with the Turks, but on a good day they can win against anyone.
Portugal plays some good football, but I don't think they will win the whole thing, I don't see the depth of the squad. Plus, I tend to judge a lot of teams on the basis on sportsmanship (call me old-fashioned), and in the last few tournaments, the Portugese have often come across as whiny, cocky and downright ugly - from manager down to the players. Still, they are media darlings and probably one of the most popular team to support for neutrals - I noted several exaggerated newspaper headlines today claiming they "breezed" past Turkey last night.
The aforementioned Guardian Euro daily podcast is indeed great. I've been a faithful subscriber to their regular podcast since the start. As a Swede, then, I was a bit disappointed with their casual dismissal of Sweden in their pre-tournament episode. True, the Swedes are sporting a pretty shakey side with lots of injuries and a few over-the-hill players who will steal positions from younger talents (I could go on and on about our Mr Lagerbäck and his selection and tactics), and no-one expects them to win it all, but have some respect, please? They were basically dismissed by the Guardian team in half a sentence. Of course, I'm hoping for a few upsets, I think we can finish second in the group behind Spain. (Good to see some support for Sweden in this thread, btw!)
And of course, I'm hoping that this young man delivers:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x57ef_un-but-de-fou-de-zlatan_sport
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/v/HOnh2CNuLWU&hl[/youtube]
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I have never been happier.
I'm sorry, crimestick. But glad you're happy.
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No Ireland means it's a free-for-all with me.
Because of my roommates, I'll usually route for Germany. Or against Germany... I'll know when I see if my new carton of OJ has been opened or not.
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Oh, and Samir: I feel you re Larsson, but come on - how about Ljungberg? Seb Larsson? They're no longer with the Gunners, sure, but still...
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in the last few tournaments, the Portugese have often come across as whiny, cocky and downright ugly - from manager down to the players.
Tell me about it. World Cup 2006: why I can never support Ronaldo, however good he may be.
Also, to answer your other question, I was cool with Freddie Ljungberg, but his recent rants (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-23489987-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&) do not do him any favours.
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in the last few tournaments, the Portugese have often come across as whiny, cocky and downright ugly - from manager down to the players.
Tell me about it. World Cup 2006: why I can never support Ronaldo, however good he may be.
Also, to answer your other question, I was cool with Freddie Ljungberg, but his recent rants (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/article-23489987-details/article.do?ito=newsnow&) do not do him any favours.
Those quotes were completely fabricated by a Russian newspaper, as has been confirmed by both Ljungberg and Wenger this week. So, you can still be cool with Freddie. :)
Re: the Portugese. Wouldn't it be very fitting if Big Phil was made manager of Chelsea after the Euros? Match made in heaven.
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whiny, cocky and downright ugly
Also a reason not to support Italian football, no?
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Those quotes were completely fabricated by a Russian newspaper, as has been confirmed by both Ljungberg and Wenger this week. So, you can still be cool with Freddie. :)
Re: the Portugese. Wouldn't it be very fitting if Big Phil was made manager of Chelsea after the Euros? Match made in heaven.
I'm glad to hear the first part. Now I can sing it again: (to the tune of 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You') "We love you Freddy / Because you've got red hair / We love you Freddy / You're Arsenal through and through!"
And Big Phil would work it at Chelski - I think Grant's main problem was that he didn't have a big personality and was Abramovich's stooge. It'll be nice to see someone fierce back in charge over there - and just maybe they'll play football with some flair for once.
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whiny, cocky and downright ugly
Also a reason not to support Italian football, no?
Yes and no. I can't stand furbo, that catch-all word the Italians cherish which basically means "anything goes" (in football). Diving, cheating, interfering, etc is all part of the game and should be respected, as much as a beautiful tackle or a well-taken free kick. That kind of attitude - and the tendency by some to legitimize it as something profound and inherent - sickens me. (It's much more complicated than that, obviously, but it goes deep and it's messy and cultural, and I don't wanna go there.)
On the other hand, Italy have some great players. I like Luca Toni, Pirlo, even Gattuso some days. The elegant Cannavaro is injured, which is too bad. We'll see how they play their first game tomorrow, then I'll make my judgment.
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For me, the former always cancels out the latter, great players or no :P
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Watching all this from NYC...which is a pity. How and ever...
Portugal the only team to look in any way impressive so far. Mind you, considering the other teams that have played, that's no surprise.
Germany vs. Poland will definately be the start proper for me, interest wise. 17 people already arrested before the game for acting the ginnet. I see Germany winning the thing, which saddens me, but there you go. They love the big time.
My 'Denmark in 92' choice would be Romania. My 'Greece in 04' choice would be...again. Romania.
If anyone in the NYC area wants to meet up and watch the rather exciting group C games tomorrow, let me know.
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I thought Your Arsenal was Morrissey.
I love the World Cup because everyone out there really, really cares. And while I don't find watching soccer per se exciting, I do like watching a solid month of it every four years.
The only annoying thing is that the same teams win it every time. I wish one of the upstart nations that come along every time would actually WIN the damn thing, or even finish second, so that I wouldn't have to sit through another Italy-Brazil-France final. Do you realize that every final game since 198-freaking-2 has featured one of these five teams: Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Argentina? And no team other than those five has won since 1966. And if you add in England (1966) and Uruguay (last win 1950), you have the ENTIRE ROSTER of the seven teams that have ever won the World Cup. For shame, 180-odd countries that make up the rest of the world.
Seriously. Just a 2010 final featuring none of those five teams would be a great start.
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Watching all this from NYC...which is a pity. How and ever...
Portugal the only team to look in any way impressive so far. Mind you, considering the other teams that have played, that's no surprise.
Germany vs. Poland will definately be the start proper for me, interest wise. 17 people already arrested before the game for acting the ginnet. I see Germany winning the thing, which saddens me, but there you go. They love the big time.
My 'Denmark in 92' choice would be Romania. My 'Greece in 04' choice would be...again. Romania.
If anyone in the NYC area wants to meet up and watch the rather exciting group C games tomorrow, let me know.
You know what, this fellow is.
Send me an email or reply to this if you want to finalize these plans for global destruction.
C
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I thought Your Arsenal was Morrissey.
I love the World Cup because everyone out there really, really cares. And while I don't find watching soccer per se exciting, I do like watching a solid month of it every four years.
The only annoying thing is that the same teams win it every time. I wish one of the upstart nations that come along every time would actually WIN the damn thing, or even finish second, so that I wouldn't have to sit through another Italy-Brazil-France final. Do you realize that every final game since 198-freaking-2 has featured one of these five teams: Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Argentina? And no team other than those five has won since 1966. And if you add in England (1966) and Uruguay (last win 1950), you have the ENTIRE ROSTER of the seven teams that have ever won the World Cup. For shame, 180-odd countries that make up the rest of the world.
Seriously. Just a 2010 final featuring none of those five teams would be a great start.
Greece won the last European Cup. It wasn't exciting though. They didn't score one goal from open play.
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The Euros are more exciting that way - there's fewer teams, and it's arguably harder to win than the WC, plus there's been many more upsets historically: Greece in 2004, Denmark in 1992, even France in 2000 (even though they were the world champs at the time). On the other hand, you just can't beat the World Cup for excitement. I just love it.
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I thought Your Arsenal was Morrissey.
I love the World Cup because everyone out there really, really cares. And while I don't find watching soccer per se exciting, I do like watching a solid month of it every four years.
The only annoying thing is that the same teams win it every time. I wish one of the upstart nations that come along every time would actually WIN the damn thing, or even finish second, so that I wouldn't have to sit through another Italy-Brazil-France final. Do you realize that every final game since 198-freaking-2 has featured one of these five teams: Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Argentina? And no team other than those five has won since 1966. And if you add in England (1966) and Uruguay (last win 1950), you have the ENTIRE ROSTER of the seven teams that have ever won the World Cup. For shame, 180-odd countries that make up the rest of the world.
Seriously. Just a 2010 final featuring none of those five teams would be a great start.
Greece won the last European Cup. It wasn't exciting though. They didn't score one goal from open play.
Yeah, the World Cup's all I care about, baby. I mean, who cares who wins the AFC West? It's all about the Super Bowl.
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I thought Your Arsenal was Morrissey.
The only annoying thing is that the same teams win it every time. I wish one of the upstart nations that come along every time would actually WIN the damn thing, or even finish second, so that I wouldn't have to sit through another Italy-Brazil-France final.
Greece won the last European Cup. It wasn't exciting though. They didn't score one goal from open play.
Yeah, the World Cup's all I care about, baby. I mean, who cares who wins the AFC West? It's all about the Super Bowl.
I would not be surprised to see either an Asian or African team in one of the next two World Cup finals.
I'm pulling for Portugal this year. Cocky? Please, show me a good team that doesn't have its share of those. I think the dislike of them boils down to one play. Samir, if Rooney can forgive Ronaldo for his acting at the last Cup, I think you can, too. I'll also pull for Sweden out of deference to Crimestick and because of their underdog status. I can't pull for Italy.
Not sure if anyone caught the US-Argentina friendly yesterday but jeepers, Tim Howard had a heck of a game in goal. (But the US still cannot score...)
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I would not be surprised to see either an Asian or African team in one of the next two World Cup finals.
I hope you're right, but I've heard it all before. And then, Italy struggles in the round robin. They don't look like they care. This is not their year... Tune into the finals, and they're floppin' all over again.
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France looked like they were struggling just now with Henry on the bench. Otherwise not the exciting game I'd thought it would be.
But on the upside, god bless ESPN360 (never tried it before today).
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Boring match. My friend summed it up: "it looks like Greece v Sweden". :)
I predicted a draw, but Domenech's tactics baffle me. Why take off a forward (Benzema) and throw in a midfielder (Nasri) when the score is 0-0 and there's 20 minutes left? What kind of signal is that? "Alright boys, let's settle for a goalless draw?" I think almost anyone could do what Domenech does with a squad like France's, if not more.
Here's hoping Holland and Italy will redeem that snoozefest.
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Holy shit Schneider's goal was beautiful.
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Here's hoping Holland and Italy will redeem that snoozefest.
Wow, they sure did. What a game.
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I'm very happy for GVB. He really was sensational today. Also, it's always nice to see the Italians lose.
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Yeah, their first half in particular was horrible. They picked up a lot in the second, with Grosso, Del Piero and Cassano on the pitch, but too late. To be fair they should probably have scored at least once, considering their chances. But they got their work cut out for them now. Although the evening's other result makes the group wide open, and I can definitely see gli azzurri ease past both Romania and les bleus. France needs to do something radical.
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I think I'll root for Spain this year. They've got good strikers in Villa and Torres and their football is pretty entertaining compared to what we've seen so far.
I'm still bitter about Ireland being robbed of the only chance they had of getting into the final by them in the Japan/Korea world cup but I'll put that aside if they play some exciting football.
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They've got good strikers in Villa and Torres and their football is pretty entertaining compared to what we've seen so far.
Villa was on fire. The poor Russian coach is trying to look calm and dignified after Spain's 4th goal, poor guy.
Is there really a player named Jerkov?
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They've got good strikers in Villa and Torres and their football is pretty entertaining compared to what we've seen so far.
Villa was on fire. The poor Russian coach is trying to look calm and dignified after Spain's 4th goal, poor guy.
Is there really a player named Jerkov?
There's a guy called Zhirkov.
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I ♥ Zlatan
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I do too... my fantasy team is doing well!
glad to see your boys win. Greece were so negative - hoo boy.
Also Cesc!!
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Greece were so negative - hoo boy.
I kept thinking of that Simpson football parody - it was just like that, just passing the ball back and forth between the defenders. Appalling. Shameful. It's difficult to play with any flair against an opponent like that.
Spain was on fire. We'll be lucky to get out with one or two down on Saturday.
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Greece were so negative - hoo boy.
I kept thinking of that Simpson football parody - it was just like that, just passing the ball back and forth between the defenders. Appalling. Shameful. It's difficult to play with any flair against an opponent like that.
Spain was on fire. We'll be lucky to get out with one or two down on Saturday.
Now who's negative?
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I am about an inch from throwing myself out the window for all the Portuguese horn-honking downstairs. That would show them.
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Is it fair to say C Ronaldo is like the Jeff Gordon of football - young, attractive, talented, and hated for all those things? Or are people mainly hard on him for the whininess and dramatics? My girlfriend is in love with him which makes me kind of want to hate him more, but I really do like to watch him play. Fantastic goal today.
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This seems like a tournament of upsets. Croatia over Germany, whoohoo! Now let's see Netherlands beat France.
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I'm rooting for Italy right now - Donadoni has learnt his lesson and replace like half the side that lost to Holland. Del Piero, De Rossi... good players.
If Domenech doesn't change anything from the first game, yeah, France deserves to crash out.
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Gooooooooal
Mutu Panucci!
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Those poor Italians. One wrongly disallowed goal in the first half, a breathtaking penalty save by Buffon in the second, controlled the game, produced tons and tons of goal chances, but were still left with 1-1. Pending the result of the late match, group B is all up in the air.
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I've been so out of the loop with all the traveling (and not having a TV, currently) and all that, but I'm parking it somewhere for the Sweden game tomorrow!
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I've been so out of the loop with all the traveling (and not having a TV, currently) and all that, but I'm parking it somewhere for the Sweden game tomorrow!
The FOT Board is a pro-Sweden zone.
Although I'd still like to see Cescy score again tomorrow against them.
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Any way to watch this online? My ISP isn't down with ESPN360.
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Any way to watch this online? My ISP isn't down with ESPN360.
Not that I know of, sadly.
101greatgoals.com provides highlights pretty quickly, but I haven't found any full match streams.
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Augh, my ISP does support it, but both English and Spanish streams have been frozen for ten minutes. At least I got to see the first goal.
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ok well tvu it is then... the pq is crummy though
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Total Football 2008.
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I've been so out of the loop with all the traveling (and not having a TV, currently) and all that, but I'm parking it somewhere for the Sweden game tomorrow!
The FOT Board is a pro-Sweden zone.
Although I'd still like to see Cescy score again tomorrow against them.
Mark my word, Spain will walk all over us. Which is almost OK. That's why I'm actually breaking my own rule and will watch it at a sports bar (pro-Sweden of course). My friends and I will make it an event, going in with low expectations, and drink a lot of beer regardless of the outcome. Now the match against Russia, that will be a whole other thing - that's when I'll be chewing my nails off.
Half-time FRA-HOL: Henry looks tired. Benzema on the bench - unbelievable. Holland impressive.
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http://www.indonewyork.com/contents/Multimedia/livetv/espnasia/index.html
Pros: the game is playing
Cons: it's in Chinese and requires Internet Explorer
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France are not in this at all. Very bad stuff. Malouda was concentrating so hard on pulling Kuyt's shirt that he didn't even look at the ball for the goal. France are done. Scotland would've been far better in that spot.
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let's chat
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Netherlands is looking unstoppable. My tournament favorites, so fast and fun to watch.
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Netherlands is looking unstoppable.
Indeed.
France, I love you, but you're bringing me down. The way you're playing, you have no place in the Euros.
The conclusion to group B is bound to be dramatic. If we assume Holland beat Romania (I can't see how they won't), it's do or die between Italy and France for the second spot. The way they were playing today, Italy are big big favorites.
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myp2p.eu (http://myp2p.eu) is a good place for sport streams.
Croatia look like this years dark horse. I'd like to see another underdog win but not if they're going to resort to Greece-like tactics.
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Netherlands is looking unstoppable.
Indeed.
France, I love you, but you're bringing me down. The way you're playing, you have no place in the Euros.
The conclusion to group B is bound to be dramatic. If we assume Holland beat Romania (I can't see how they won't), it's do or die between Italy and France for the second spot. The way they were playing today, Italy are big big favorites.
That's gonna be an ugly game - France will be out for blood - with the World Cup loss and that TROUNCING by the Dutch? And we all know the Azzuri can match you, shirt grab for shirt grab, prat fall for prat fall, etc.
I wish there was some way I could catch Spain/Sweden today. I might be able to see some of the second half in an airport bar...
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I might be able to see some of the second half in an airport bar...
Showing off a little? Talk about a first-world problem.
a small joke
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Sorry, Martin.
Your boys were desperately unlucky.
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I might be able to see some of the second half in an airport bar...
Showing off a little? Talk about a first-world problem.
a small joke
Fair enough, but my real first world problem is that I was able to watch the game, but only because my flight's delayed for a few hours. >:(
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Sorry, Martin.
Your boys were desperately unlucky.
Thanks.
Another 30 seconds... very, very bitter indeed.
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my flight's delayed for a few hours. >:(
Well, now, that's the worst thing ever. But that's what happens when the world is in the turlet.
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The Turkey-Czech Republic game turned into a whole lot of awesome in the last 20 minutes.
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The Turkey-Czech Republic game turned into a whole lot of awesome in the last 20 minutes.
Agreed. Incredible scenes.
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Holy shit yeah. Whatta game.
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That's the game I want to show to convert all of my "soccer is so boring" friends. Czech were so strong in the first half, the Turks could barely get past midfield. And then something snapped in those last 15 minutes. It shows how much soccer can depend on momentum, and who wants it more. Volkan's little homage to Zidane in the end was uncalled for. Though it does take huevos to push down a 6'7" striker.
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That's the game I want to show to convert all of my "soccer is so boring" friends. Czech were so strong in the first half, the Turks could barely get past midfield. And then something snapped in those last 15 minutes. It shows how much soccer can depend on momentum, and who wants it more. Volkan's little homage to Zidane in the end was uncalled for. Though it does take huevos to push down a 6'7" striker.
I was happy to big this match up, last night on the Show.
Can we also talk about how diabolical France were in this tournament? Shades of World Cup 2002 about them. Just dire.
Martin, we're rooting for your boys today - beat those Russians!
(Also, I've got Henrik on my Fantasy Team so it's time to make good)
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I'm hoping for a win tonight, obviously, and I think we can do it (a draw would be sufficient to go through). But I'm super nervous about what's in store... Holland. They look fucking unbeatable at this point, and I'm afraid that if we go through to face them, they will demolish us. I mean, just look at what they did to Romania with their b-team, not to mention France and Italy.
The oddest thing is that after Saturday's game against Spain, I'm almost emotionally spent. Still! And midsummer's eve is coming around this weekend, with all that entails, and I'll be out in the countryside, possibly without access to a TV... I've almost already shut myself off from the drama, so I won't be that frustrated if/when I miss it.
France really have been abysmal. There was a great throwaway line during BBC Five Live's podcast this morning, about how Domenech avoided answering questions about his tactics and/or his future as a manager, and instead proposed to his girlfriend on the air.
How will Italy fare without Pirlo and Gattuso against Spain? Key players. Potentially fantastic game.
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Go Sweden!
A Holland matchup will be great. Do not fear it. Every team can be beat. If it should come to Sweden-Holand, I recommend you watch this great American movie called The Edge, starring Sir Tony Hopkins, for a lift. Its lesson is simple: in the face of great, seemingly overwhelming, adversity, men will plumb the depths of their character to reach their moment of triumph, if survival and Elle McPherson depend on it.
Good luck! What one man can do, another man can undo!
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Can we also talk about how diabolical France were in this tournament? Shades of World Cup 2002 about them. Just dire.
They were terrible during the group stages of the 2006 W.C (toilet?) as well, but scraped along. They've really gone down the turlet.
C'mon Sweden!
Boo Holland!
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I was just going to post about France, specifically Henry who has always been one of my favorites but has just looked seriously distracted and off his game. I know the deflection wasn't a cardinal sin, he was trying to block the ball, but his reaction/expression after it went in the goal made me really depressed.
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I've always loved Henry, it's painful to see him not at his finest.
I thought it was very sweet how Henry was comforting Ribery as he was carried off the pitch.
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martin what is happening??
your defense is NOWHERE.
this is bad.
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That was so humiliating. I changed channel halfway into the second half. Embarrassing. Awful. Terrible. Horrifying.
I seriously have no idea what happened. I have never, never ever in my thirty two years on this planet, seen Sweden play this badly (save Italy '90).
Russia deserved the win, no question. It could've been 3-, 4- 5-0 - It would not have surprised me.
Last on every ball, hardly a completed pass, no initiative, no spark, nothing. All the while the Russian U21 (looked like) run rampant through our defense like nobody's business.
Fuck this team. And the worst thing, the absolute worst consequence of this game and this tournament will be this, since Sweden's FA is a spineless organization which hates change: business as usual. Our manager will never, ever ever resign (he wouldn't, even had we lost 10-0), he won't get the boot, and we will continue down this destructive, pointless, resultless path until we are an utter joke.
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I blame Rednex.
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"If it hadn't been for Cotton-Eyed Joe..."
Martin, this is why I love country-level soccer but not league-level soccer. Your depression (sorry, by the way - you deserved better) extends way beyond the pitch. Only Bostonians feel those heights of ecstasy and lows of depression in US sports.
I mean, people fucking SHOOT people over this stuff.
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I completely get what you're saying, buffcoat. One of the biggest thrills about international championships is that it really involves a lot of people - basically all of Sweden were cheering the team on last night. It's dominating all major media outlets (with some competition from a new "big brother"-type bill that was passed the other day, which is even more depressing). When it comes to league games, I'm all over that too, but only to a certain extent (but 100% when it comes the Champions League).
By the way:
And the worst thing, the absolute worst consequence of this game and this tournament will be this, since Sweden's FA is a spineless organization which hates change: business as usual. Our manager will never, ever ever resign (he wouldn't, even had we lost 10-0), he won't get the boot, and we will continue down this destructive, pointless, resultless path until we are an utter joke.
I was completely, ridiculously, right about this. During the press conference today, our manager said stuff like "we were unlucky", "they had a good day", "no need for change", "takes a while to get over this, but we look forward to the world cup qualifiers", etc... An absolute disgrace. Sickens me.
I'm torn about tonight's game. The Germans certainly haven't impressed, and I'm still on the fence re: Portugal. We do have a few cracking fixtures coming up:
Germany v Portugal (toss-up, edge to Portugal)
Turkey v Croatia (big up Turkey, but I gotta go with Croatia, and pretend they're not ultra fascist/nationalist for a moment)
Spain v Italy (this could be awesome - I favour Spain but you never know with Italy, again they just barely get by the group stage, but I think they're picking up steam. Not having Pirlo and Gattuso on the pitch will be a major blow though)
Russia v Holland (Holland for the win, but this could be a really fun game to watch - kamikaze-style attacking total football from both sides!)
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I'm hoping Portgual v Germany today will be epic, with Portugal coming out on top. Frankly I'd be happy with an semifinals/finals scenario that didn't involve either Germany or Italy.
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I'm hoping Portgual v Germany today will be epic, with Portugal coming out on top. Frankly I'd be happy with an semifinals/finals scenario that didn't involve either Germany or Italy.
Sucka! They fooled you again. It will be Germaboring vs. Itaboring in the final. >:( >:( >:( >:(
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I'm hoping Portgual v Germany today will be epic, with Portugal coming out on top. Frankly I'd be happy with an semifinals/finals scenario that didn't involve either Germany or Italy.
Sucka! They fooled you again. It will be Germaboring vs. Itaboring in the final. >:( >:( >:( >:(
Damn your prophecy.
Our hopes for attacking futbol now rest on the Dutch. Proost!
And Spain beats Italy this weekend...right?
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Only Bostonians feel those heights of ecstasy and lows of depression in US sports.
What about Cubs fans? Pro football does a wonderful job of building fans spirits up only to crush them.
But, the US really lacks national teams.
-We're way too good at basketball and it's hard to care much about the national team blowing out opponents and embarrassing when they lose. It's not much fun either way and I don't blame b-ball players who don't want to participate.
- For some reason baseball isn't a world sport and it's a shame they removed it from the Olympics. It's tough to get behind an MLB run "world tourney" even though it was fun to watch.
-Does the rest of the world know what American football is?
-Hockey is the closest thing we have to a good national team, but unfortunately we don't produce many good hockey players and are always mediocre. Plus, 90 percent of the country doesn't give a rip about hockey....
-....and 99 percent of the country doesn't give a rip about soccer and we produce one good soccer player every 20 years or so. :D It sure would be nice if soccer could catch on over here so we can share in the festivities but I doubt it ever will.
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When have Cubs fans felt ecstasy?
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Sucka! They fooled you again. It will be Germaboring vs. Itaboring in the final.
I'll be bummed if you're right.
I know I could be appreciating this on a level of "these are the best players in Europe, playing against each other in the prime of their careers", but I can't lie - I unrepentantly hate both teams.
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I completely get what you're saying, buffcoat. One of the biggest thrills about international championships is that it really involves a lot of people - basically all of Sweden were cheering the team on last night.
You're damn right. I'll never forget the day we got knocked out of World Cup 2002 by Brazil. Because of the time difference, that was in the morning, UK time, and after that heartbreak, we had to spend the day at work. Walking from the pub to work (they were open early for the football), with 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' by Oasis playing everywhere, to an office with three Scots and a Northern Irishman, was just awful. Several hours later, the Tube ride home was one of the saddest ever. Nobody was happy.
Wait, what?
Oh... Wouldn't want to be you, Portugal.
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When have Cubs fans felt ecstasy?
I felt ecstasy in 2003. Oh wait, it was the complete opposite of that, soul crushing defeat.
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I'll never forget the day we got knocked out of World Cup 2002 by Brazil.
Didn't you score first too, on an Owen goal?
I watched that same World Cup in Italy (not bragging -- it was my honeymoon, maybe a little bit of bragging). TV's everywhere, in the piazzas and the train stations, the backyards, everyone in the azzurri jerseys. Oh boy, when the Italians lost to South Korea -- after a dubious offside call and Italy's best striker missed a tap in extra time. What misery. I felt like such an intruder in the country after that, like I had walked into a funeral of someone I didn't know. People were mourning.
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anyone watching turkey croatia? chat room?
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I think everyone will agree with me when I say:
FUCKING HELL.
THE TURKS ARE INSANE.
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If they can pull off another of their insane comebacks in the game against Germany, it would be truly tubular. Of course, they've arrived where they are by the skin of their teeth, I guess anything could happen.
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In Russia, soccer plays you!
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Heh, heh.
Germany won.
The weaker team won to face Germany.
The weaker team won to face Ita... the winner of Spain-Italy.
Spain is the biggest choker soccer nation on earth.
Here it comes!
Srsly... I was very disappointed in the Dutch. They played tentatively to say the least. The Russians played very well. But they'll never beat the Spain-It... the Italians.
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I'm rooting for the Russia vs Turkey final. My prediction ... Russia defeats Turkey 2-0 in regular time.
There is NO WAY I could be wrong!
In Russia, soccer plays you!
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The Russians played very well. But they'll never beat the Spain-It... the Italians.
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Spain v Russia the second time around will be very interesting, now that Russia have picked up so much steam.
I didn't root for anyone in particular tonight, but I hate penalties. Hate hate hate them. So cruel. Still, as penalties go, I think everybody did reasonably well, no-one missed the goal (hello Croatia!), instead we got a couple of quality saves.
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I like that I called them "the Spain."
I'm very happy the Italians lost, but that game was everything that's wrong with soccer among the great teams. One team not even remotely trying to score, one team only barely trying and stumped by the other team not trying to score. A bunch of long-haired Mediterranean momma's boys cavorting around and diving and crying. The "magic spray" has turned into the "magic sports bottle."
Croatia-Turkey was much more entertaining, and those teams' players aren't nearly as good.
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Fab Fab Fabregas FTW!
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More info on the "Magic Spray." Fake injuries and the terrible diving are killing the sport. It was like watching Duke vs. Duke out there.
http://www.slate.com/id/2144194/
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My mother briefly tried to watch soccer last year but then had to stop, so disgusted was she with all the shenanigans and histrionics.
One of the reasons I briefly enjoyed watching rugby a few decades ago is that it was so straightforward. If a player got hurt, someone would rush in from the sidelines to squeeze water on him, and that would be that. It was great.
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Even though they were taking some flaky shots on goal yesterday, I really like watching Torrez/Villa/Silva play together. As someone mentioned, Russia seems to have built momentum so the Spain-Russia sequel should be fun.
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killing the sport
Overstatement, maybe?
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The more I watch that Torbinski goal, the more beautiful it is -
http://www.tribuntv.com/russia-netherlands-3-1-goals-and-highlights-news374.html
He crashes the goal at incredible speed, dinks it in with his outside foot, and rolls his body away from the post to avoid racking his nuts on it. It's one of the most athletic feats I've ever seen.
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killing the sport
Overstatement, maybe?
Hey! I'm an American. I can't be bothered to care what 6.5 billion foreigners think is entertaining.
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I like that I called them "the Spain."
I'm very happy the Italians lost, but that game was everything that's wrong with soccer among the great teams. One team not even remotely trying to score, one team only barely trying and stumped by the other team not trying to score. A bunch of long-haired Mediterranean momma's boys cavorting around and diving and crying. The "magic spray" has turned into the "magic sports bottle."
Croatia-Turkey was much more entertaining, and those teams' players aren't nearly as good.
Are you kidding? Because the ball didn't actually find the net? That Italy Spain match was brilliant. Italy's defense and Spain's beautiful flowing football! Plently of chances - OK so some bad reffing but come on. And the pay off after 2 hours to see the Italian's blow the penalties after it was their only hope? Surely this is a troll!
JP
I must disclose that i'm supporting Spain (as a liverpool fan) and that may have tainted my opinion.
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I like that I called them "the Spain."
I'm very happy the Italians lost, but that game was everything that's wrong with soccer among the great teams. One team not even remotely trying to score, one team only barely trying and stumped by the other team not trying to score. A bunch of long-haired Mediterranean momma's boys cavorting around and diving and crying. The "magic spray" has turned into the "magic sports bottle."
Croatia-Turkey was much more entertaining, and those teams' players aren't nearly as good.
Are you kidding? Because the ball didn't actually find the net? That Italy Spain match was brilliant. Italy's defense and Spain's beautiful flowing football! Plently of chances - OK so some bad reffing but come on. And the pay off after 2 hours to see the Italian's blow the penalties after it was their only hope? Surely this is a troll!
JP
I must disclose that i'm supporting Spain (as a liverpool fan) and that may have tainted my opinion.
I'm a Space Champion, Honky Lips. And you're going to seriously defend that flop-fest?
There are plenty of entertaining 0-0 ties in international soccer. But you're in the very minority opinion on that being a great game. Even among yer European commenters.
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Premature to even be contemplating, but Turkey has been owning the first 25 minutes!
Oh never mind.
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Turks got a taste of their own medicine with the last minute winner.
But they can hold their heads up high.
Also, I have Lahm, Schweinsteiger and Podolski on my fantasy team, so I can hold my head up high as well.
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Cracking last goal!
Our TV feed kept coming and going during the second half, the network blamed Basel - how about you guys?
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Cracking last goal!
Our TV feed kept coming and going during the second half, the network blamed Basel - how about you guys?
Yes, heard it was lightning strikes in Switzerland.
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Cracking last goal!
Our TV feed kept coming and going during the second half, the network blamed Basel - how about you guys?
Heard it was an electical storm in Vienna, where the signal was going through.
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Same in the U.S.
Looks like the whole world was connected to one feed.
And that one feed bit it.
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chat room for russia spain? anyone?
also - have iniesta and mickey dolenz ever been in the same room?
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Unfortunately can't chat at work. I love Torrez and Villa, but also really liking Arshavin. This should be exciting.
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Thunder and lightning!
(Unfortunately, not on the pitch.)
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I'm going to quit saying things like, "Can't wait to see the Dutch in the finals" or "This game should be exciting". I've got jinx tendencies.
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The Spain did it! Well-deserved. Fuck those Russkies.
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Russia: A one man team? Before Arshavin was in, they were totally anonymous.
And today Spain were able to keep him out of the match and the team was again totally anonymous.
Spain very worthy winners - nice to see Cesc have a blinder.
Hope the ink hasn't dried on that Barca contract yet, Arshavin!
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2nd half - I didn't even care if they scored - I just loved watching Spain set up a couple of those plays - they had some beautiful moments!
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Yes! In the last ten-fifteen minutes, when the match was essentially over anyway, Spain played some lovely one touch football all across the pitch. Just beautiful to watch.
What a final this will be!
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chat room for russia spain? anyone?
also - have iniesta and mickey dolenz ever been in the same room?
What about Carlos Marchena and Ted Leo? Same kind of deal.
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(http://d.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sp/empics/20071005/16/544027957-soccer-uefa-champions-league-group-b-valencia-v-chelsea-mestalla.jpg)(http://stereogum.com/img/ted_leo-msg2.jpg)
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(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4237/3445210549socceruefaeurye8.jpg)
Billy Bragg?
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1817/billybragg31dd52b7yd6.jpg)
Romania's Dorian Goian?
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(http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/9330/4939631e104f5yn0.jpg)
Gravelly-voiced Hollywood bad guy Michael Wincott?
(http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4448/count31e0ec37kk2.jpg)
Croatia's Niko Kovac?
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Hell.
Yes.
Torres was fighting so hard for a goal the first 30min, it was brilliant to see him pull off a game-winner. What an amazing tournament.
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Great game, well-deserved winners. I'm so glad they pulled through.
It felt like everybody in Europe was rooting for (the) Spain tonight.
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I was happy for the Spain. They played well an were so clearly the better team. Good for them - they've been underachievers for so long that in a lot of ways, getting out from under that was the hardest thing.
I was very happy my prediction of the Germany vs. the Italy was only half true. Now, if only someone other than the big 5 can win South Africa 2010, I will be most pleased. I vote for Cameroon.
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You mean the Cameroon, surely.
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You mean the Cameroon, surely.
Policing even the made-up grammar now, Lubec?
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His armband proved he was a red - Torres, Torres
You'll never walk alone it said - Torres, Torres
We bought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball he scores again
Fer-nan-do Torres Liverpool's number 9!
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Policing even the made-up grammar now, Lubec?
Go to hell, NC.*
*I'd be more scathingly precise, but I don't know the name of the town where you live. Boy, are you lucky.
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Policing even the made-up grammar now, Lubec?
Go to hell, NC.*
*I'd be more scathingly precise, but I don't know the name of the town where you live. Boy, are you lucky.
That's just as well. But you can find out from the member map.
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I have no idea what to do with my time until the Premiership restarts.
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I know what I will do - finally take the plunge and get digital tv and all those fancy pay-channels that carry the Premiership, La Liga, Serie A, and all the Champions League games. Up until now, I've been relegated to my local pub for most of the high-profile games. I might even get the HD package if I feel like I can afford it.
Then I won't have any idea what to do with my time until the Premiership restarts.
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I don't know if you've ever used SopCast, but I've been able to access games from all over the world throughout the year. You have to download their software, though.
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Surely not in great quality though, right? I've tried various streams in the past, and I've found them to be generally disappointing. Also: chinese commentators, lags, impossible to see the ball, and stuff. I take it they've gotten better.
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Quality's ok, but Chinese commentary is still pretty hard to adapt to.
And yet, still better than Tommy Smyth (http://areyougenehackman.blogspot.com/2008/06/lad-from-knockbridge-county.html).
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How is Tommy Smyth viewed in Europe? I guess I sort of like him because he's colorful and passionate about the game, though also over-the-top and cartoonish. Most games I watch have Geordie/Irish/Scottish commentators with a similar style.
And then there's Ray Hudson -
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=499TYSKaxKY[/youtube]
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I have no idea what to do with my time until the Premiership restarts.
Who do you support?
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(http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/arsenal-badge.jpg)
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I like Andy Gray, despite his, uh, personal pecadillos.
I would really like to hear John Madden or Tim McCarver jump all over the referees and the players for ruining the game. When Andy was smacking the Italians and the Spanish for their embarrassing dive-fest, and the referees for refusing to call penalities on the Italians, I was thinking, "Jesus, Ahmad Rashad's head would be exploding right now at the disloyalty."
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How is Tommy Smyth viewed in Europe? I guess I sort of like him because he's colorful and passionate about the game, though also over-the-top and cartoonish. Most games I watch have Geordie/Irish/Scottish commentators with a similar style.
And then there's Ray Hudson -
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=499TYSKaxKY[/youtube]
I'm surprised that even he can take 90 minutes listening to himself.