The 2012 UEFA European Championship - Poland/Ukraine - The Thread!

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

yeah, you said that already.

What you didn't explain is how you are saying you are in favor of match fixing if it scews over the italians. I don't and will never get that, even if they are bad for their own domestic match fixing scandals.

I'm not in favour of any perceived match-fixing, allegations or otherwise. I just find it amusing that when Italy crash out of tournaments early or against teams that they should beat, there seems to be some sort of conspiratorial element that they play up to.

My personal preference is for the Spain-Croatia match to end 2-2 or a higher goal draw, legitimately. If this scenario plays out - which it probably will not - I could see some (not all) Italian football fans thinking that Spain and Croatia colluded to knock them out of the tournament, which we know would be a ridiculous assumption.

[GirlySports]

it wasn't a conspiracy 8 years ago..

but if spain and croatia draw 2-2 it really would be one.. Spain can't score 2 nor give up 2 goals the way they walk the ball around.

[Thunderball]

Judging by the first half... if four goals period get scored in the 2nd half of Spain-Croatia, there's no doubt of collusion. Thankfully, so far, it looks like both teams are playing it straight.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

yes

Italy 2-2 would win the group
Spain 1-1 would be 2nd*
Croatia 1-1 would be out

*spain ahead of croatia due to ranking.

Not due to ranking, rather because Italy would have 2 goals for in the games amongst tied teams, vs, 1 for Croatia and Spain.

I think the only scenario that would get the the UEFA ranking tiebreaker is if SPA/CRO ended 1-1, and ITA beats Ireland either 3-1 (to exactly tie Croatia) or 4-0 (to exactly tie Spain).

Tiebreakers:
1. Points earned in matches involving only tied teams
2. Goal differential in matches involving only tied teams
3. Goals for in matches involving only tied teams
4. Goal differential amongst the whole group
5. Goals for amongst the whole group.
6. UEFA Ranking
7. Fair Play ranking
8. Lots.

If the halftime scores hold up, Italy would win the group based on tiebreaker 3, and Spain would take second place based on tiebreaker 4.

[You Need a Thneed]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

Judging by the first half... if four goals period get scored in the 2nd half of Spain-Croatia, there's no doubt of collusion. Thankfully, so far, it looks like both teams are playing it straight.

The thing is that collusion only really helps Croatia, so why would Spain care? Spain just needs to draw by any score.

[NBC]

Just like the Non-aggression Pact of Gijon. Those cheating Germans...

[NBC]

Man that was close. Should have scored.

[NBC]

You know, Spain crashing out would soften the blow of Italy qualifying. Come on Hrvatska!

[d_phaneuf]

come on Croatia!

[GirlySports]

come on croatia!

[NBC]

Pique looks dead.

[Notorious Honey Badger]

My dad mentioned Croatia was screwed out of a penalty and the got a yellow for bitching. Awesome.

[NBC]

Could have easily been something. Corluka protested and was booked.

[GirlySports]

got that feeling italy will give up an equalizer... italy on edge. Buffon just got a yellow card for calling referee a blindman.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Notorious Honey Badger

My dad mentioned Croatia was screwed out of a penalty and the got a yellow for bitching. Awesome.

No way it was a penalty.

[GirlySports]

This Italian team plays like Brent Sutter's Flames.

[NBC]

The Croats have been the most entertaining side in this group. Would be a shame to see them out.

[Notorious Honey Badger]

Can't even be mad, just disappointed. The Italians get thru with the identical record as Croatia, but because they scored 1 more goal (in a game they ended in a draw just as Croatia) they get thru. NM that Croatia schooled Ireland 3-1, and Italy squeaked by 1 nill.

Lame. Can't wait for Italy to get ousted.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by Notorious Honey Badger

Can't even be mad, just disappointed. The Italians get thru with the identical record as Croatia, but because they scored 1 more goal (in a game they ended in a draw just as Croatia) they get thru. NM that Croatia schooled Ireland 3-1, and Italy squeaked by 1 nill.

Lame. Can't wait for Italy to get ousted.

Nothing is decided yet.

[Notorious Honey Badger]

Well now it is.