Quote:
Originally Posted by Thunderball
I'm guessing you don't want Alonso leave because you're a Liverpool fan, but at the same time, if you're a Spain fan, wouldn't you want Alonso to get out of Gerrard's shadow and be displayed as a #1 midfielder in the Champions League? (I think they're nuts swapping Xabi Alonso for Gareth Barry, but Juve is happy to take him off their hands)
As for Spain's chances... they come out of a relatively easy group, so they should come out flying. They have good depth in every position, so they should go far. Spain and Portugal play with passion moreso than any other team, and that is typically their undoing in big games. If they can stay cohesive and calm, either team can win it.
Personally, I don't see the love for Holland... that team is built to get knocked out by big opponents, and unfortunately for them, they drew the wrong group. That defense couldn't repel a mid-table club, let alone what France, Italy and maybe even Romania can throw at it. I simply despise France, so I hope the Dutch knock them out, but all three Group C superpowers are weaker than usual.
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I guess having alonso leave to the serie A is better than him going to rival EPL club.. because he's too good of a player to let go.... he will be great at the champions league.. Juve guys are lucky.. getting momo and alonso together.. thats pretty much the midfield of last year's liverpool.. and they have great success together playing in the CL.. they allow gerrard plays a free-role behind the striker without back tracking to help out much on defence....
barry just not the same player.. but he is good with gerrard (see England).. better than fat lamps.. but then rafa really do not need to let go of alonso just to get barry.. barry can play left or right wing (which at the right wing liverpool desperately need a player, no kuyt please)..
Holland defence is questionable.. they have major firepower.. but in these knockout tournaments.. you need to have defence to win.. a lucky break here and there will get you through.. but I do see them advancing from their group.. along with Italy.... I despise france as well..... even more than Italy.... But Italy are always do good at tournaments.. so I take them and the dutch to go through