Euro 2008 - UEFA

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

You have to bear in mind that Italy plays a very frustrating game... they toy with their opponents, allow them deep into their zone, and then spring the trap. They often look outplayed in this system because they give the other team a lot of the field. They rely heavily on their defenders, wingbacks and defensive midfielders....

I think you're giving Italy a lot of credit for what could essentially be chocked up to luck.

How about not even making it out of the group stage at the last Euro despite being in a relatively easy group with Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria and managing the only win against an uncompetitive Bulgarian side.

And even further back, barely managing to squeak out of the group stage at the 2002 World Cup again managing only one win in the entire tournament. Against Ecuador, only to be immediately knocked out by Korea.

I dont share the optimism for Italy at this tournament, I thought they were incredibly fortunate to win the World Cup rather than good. Further, most of the players from that squad havent looked that good for their clubs since.

[Phaneuf]

Netherlands / France.

[kdogg]

Lets Go Poland!
________
Thai property for sale

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Locke

I think you're giving Italy a lot of credit for what could essentially be chocked up to luck.

How about not even making it out of the group stage at the last Euro despite being in a relatively easy group with Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria and managing the only win against an uncompetitive Bulgarian side.

And even further back, barely managing to squeak out of the group stage at the 2002 World Cup again managing only one win in the entire tournament. Against Ecuador, only to be immediately knocked out by Korea.

I dont share the optimism for Italy at this tournament, I thought they were incredibly fortunate to win the World Cup rather than good. Further, most of the players from that squad havent looked that good for their clubs since.

Italy, like all teams, have good and bad tournaments. You mentioned the ones they struggled in but they had strong starts in 1998 and 2000 but fell short. They got knocked out of 3 consecutive world cups in shootouts.
They have had many heartbreaks so finally they got some luck on their side and won in 2006.

They are still very difficult to breakdown. Teams will still have trouble scoring on them.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Locke

I think you're giving Italy a lot of credit for what could essentially be chocked up to luck.

How about not even making it out of the group stage at the last Euro despite being in a relatively easy group with Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria and managing the only win against an uncompetitive Bulgarian side.

And even further back, barely managing to squeak out of the group stage at the 2002 World Cup again managing only one win in the entire tournament. Against Ecuador, only to be immediately knocked out by Korea.

I dont share the optimism for Italy at this tournament, I thought they were incredibly fortunate to win the World Cup rather than good. Further, most of the players from that squad havent looked that good for their clubs since.

I agree with what Girlysports said. But to be specific:

As well, almost every major team choked at the last Euro cup, which is why Greece somehow defied logic and won. They also had a poor coach in Trapattoni that they inexplicably held onto after 2002 WC, and had a lot of bad luck.

As for 2002... Korea won on very suspicious circumstances. Again, a terrible coach, and a horribly picked roster... this was almost none of the 2006 team and before they found a competent coach in Lippi. Trapattoni was incompetent, and that's why he coaches Ireland now, instead of a big club team or a top NT.

Many of their squad players haven't looked as good for their club teams. This I agree with. Like I said, the core of this team is getting older and aside from probably Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Del Piero, Toni, Borriello and Cassano... the majority of the team did not have great campaigns, and are on the team because of pedigree.

Will the trust pay off? I think it might with some players (Gattuso, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Materazzi) it will. With others (Barzagli, Panucci, Ambrosini, Perrotta), it will be a mistake. How that plays out is anyone's guess... but anyone who doesn't think Italy is not deserving as the #1 ranked European team is out to lunch. They are ranked where they are for a reason.

The wildcard is Donadoni. If he's half as good as Lippi, they'll be alright. If he's as bad as Trap, they'll never make it out of the group stage.

[Suave]

Originally Posted by KTown

Czech Republic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now this man has good taste. Though I don't think we have the depth to overcome the lose of Rosicky, just like in the WC we couldn't get by with our injured strikers. But I am hoping we can pull of a '96 anyways.

[KTown]

Originally Posted by Suave

Now this man has good taste. Though I don't think we have the depth to overcome the lose of Rosicky, just like in the WC we couldn't get by with our injured strikers. But I am hoping we can pull of a '96 anyways.

Being born in Prague one of the greatest cities in the world it's not hard to have good taste.

This year will be tough I am worried about the midfield, the goaltending is A+ with Cech in net. The defence is solid, the forwardsare hit and miss. Koller is getting on in age and hasn't had the best year for his club this year. Baros, has dissappeared since the 04 tourney. This could be a breakout tourney for Fenin I like what I saw from him in the under 20's last year. However, I'm thinking he will come off the bench.

[Suave]

Well being born in Prague as well its no wonder we see eye to eye. I was worried about Koller but I watched the Lithuania match and am hoping that he gained some confidence from it. I love our style of play but I am not sure its the best for us with this lineup. Hopefully we make it to the quarters and then anything can happen.

[Thunderball]

Interesting developments for the group of death:

-Vieira out for France, Flamini called up.

-Cannavaro out for Italy, Gamberini called up.

The two top teams with critical injuries... advantage Holland?

[cSpooge]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

Interesting developments for the group of death:

-Vieira out, Ribery likely out for France, Flamini called up.

-Cannavaro out for Italy, Gamberini called up.

The two top teams with critical injuries... advantage Holland?

Babel is out for us though as well

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by cSpooge

Babel is out for us though as well

Advantage Romania?

LOL

Actually, I think I might have made a mistake with Ribery... I thought I read a recent article saying he was hurt, but I can't find it now.

Either way...critical starters out for three teams then.

[troutman]

Canadian Broadcast Schedule (all games in HD!):

http://euro08.sportsnet.tsn.ca/feature/?id=3

[JohnnyO]

Forza Azurri!!

Since the Flames were ousted I can finally watch something to cheer about. Although the Lakers vs Celtics brings back memories of some epic battles.

June 9th My Birthday vs Netherlands
Friday the 13th - vs Romania (13 is actually a lucky number in Italy)
June 17th vs France WC Rematch.
plus all games in HD!!

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by JohnnyO

Forza Azurri!!

Since the Flames were ousted I can finally watch something to cheer about. Although the Lakers vs Celtics brings back memories of some epic battles.

June 9th My Birthday vs Netherlands
Friday the 13th - vs Romania (13 is actually a lucky number in Italy)
June 17th vs France WC Rematch.
plus all games in HD!!

Yes and 17 is an unlucky number :P

[dissentowner]

No England for me ='s no interest.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

No England for me ='s no interest.

Give it a shot. The other teams play better than England.
Or if you look really carefully, England's in Group E.

[united]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

No England for me ='s no interest.

Same for me. I'm cheering for team no Manchester United players suffer injury! Good luck to United players and their teams though, I guess Portugal/Netherlands...

[Locke]

It sucks that Babel is out, he is an impact player that could really help the Dutch in this tournament.

Ribery is fine, which is bad news for anyone that has to play France.

I expect Torres to really step it up for Spain, especially since he has always seemed to play in the shadows of David Villa and Raul, this is a good opportunity to become the next spanish striker.

I've also heard that Portugal are going to make C. Ronaldo their captain? I guess we'll see how that turns out, at the very least he will lead his team face first into the turf everytime the wind blows....

[sadora]

I think Germany might win it, but I'm hoping that either Portugal or Spain get to the finals.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by united

Same for me. I'm cheering for team no Manchester United players suffer injury! Good luck to United players and their teams though, I guess Portugal/Netherlands...

Same here. GirlySports, I just can't do that, I could never cheer for any other team then England, that would be wrong!!!