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

[valo403]

Originally Posted by Locke

The Dutch and Germans should be favourites to win it all, Barcelona arent doing nearly as well as they normally do, the safe money is on Holland and Germany to come out of that group.

As for the tournament itself, my expectations are a little confused. I think this German team is in its prime, but they've been final 4 for years now and I think that will continue, whether they win it all though? I dont know. I think Mario Gomez's current form is going to be crucial, hes absolutely on fire and I think that might see them through. Not to mention, being able to bring Klose off the bench will be huge and Schweinsteiger has really emerged and become dominant. Its still a crapshoot though.

As for England and Rooney; I dont see why they even waste a roster spot bringing him. England should make it through their group, but Rooney is a small game player, when the chips are down he goes home and counts his money. What did he score in the World Cup? One? Not even? Euro 2008? None. 2 in qualifying, 0 in the tournament? Sounds familiar.

They'd be better off bringing Bent or Defoe.

Based upon their massive international tournament scoring records, right?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by valo403

Based upon their massive international tournament scoring records, right?

Haha, at least they'd be eligible to play.

[North East Goon]

I am an England supporter and I wouldnt be upset if Rooney is left home. He becomes to much of the focus for there offensive attacks and he can easily be thrown off his game.

[North East Goon]

My prediction is England doesnt win there group, end up in second and a ruthless next rd. opponent. It's the English way!

[d_phaneuf]

going to be ruthless either way

most likely Spain or Italy, possibly Croatia or Ireland

[Locke]

Rooney 'wins' ban appeal, down to two games.

Wayne Rooney's ban has been reduced to two games on appeal, with the third game suspended for four years.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...eal%22?cc=5901

[valo403]

I still can't comprehend how that gets 2 games and a dangerous tackle that can break a leg gets a yellow card. The priorities are so out of whack it's laughable. Then again, we're talking about international soccer so it should be expected that things are absurd.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

going to be ruthless either way

most likely Spain or Italy, possibly Croatia or Ireland

This is gonna be the most interesting group in my mind.

Spain and Italy should make it through but there are some questions about both teams.

Spain has not been on top form lately and Spain-Italy always play tight games that go either way. Plus Spain tends to have issues with teams that sit back, let them pass it around the middle, and then counter.

Italy always seems to have problems with Croatia in the group stages of international tournaments so their could be some surprises their. And Ireland has recently beat Italy in a friendly.

This group to me will have some surprises amd will come down to the last day for sure. I have a feeling Italy might be the odd team out in this group, even though they have had some good form recently.

[d_phaneuf]

So he misses the opener vs France and the 2nd game vs Sweden

back for the 3rd game against Ukraine, in Ukraine

[Locke]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

This is gonna be the most interesting group in my mind.

Spain and Italy should make it through but there are some questions about both teams.

Spain has not been on top form lately and Spain-Italy always play tight games that go either way. Plus Spain tends to have issues with teams that sit back, let them pass it around the middle, and then counter.

Italy always seems to have problems with Croatia in the group stages of international tournaments so their could be some surprises their. And Ireland has recently beat Italy in a friendly.

This group to me will have some surprises amd will come down to the last day for sure. I have a feeling Italy might be the odd team out in this group, even though they have had some good form recently.

I think that the Spain vs. Italy match has the potential to be a game so mind bogglingly boring that a black hole may open up and swallow the earth.

Spain will pass the ball around incessantly. Italy will let them. Match Over.

[d_phaneuf]

if Spain start like they did at the WC they won't get through this group, you can't start slow at this tournament there are no minnows like the watered down world cup

Croatia going through wouldn't shock me at all, very talented team

[Locke]

Jack Wilshere welcomed the news that Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban had been reduced, claiming the Manchester United striker is the smartest player in the England squad.

"That was a massive decision because we need Wayne there," Wilshere told TalkSPORT. "For me, he's our best player. There is not another England player on his wavelength. His brain is miles ahead of any England player.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...lshere?cc=5901

So, France and Sweden making it through then?

[Mango]

Just saw a tweet that David Villa broke his shin today:

http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/new...voiceofthesite

Bad injury.

[d_phaneuf]

oh wow, hope he has a speedy recovery, that sounds extremely painful

[Mango]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

oh wow, hope he has a speedy recovery, that sounds extremely painful

Sounds like he's probably going to be out six months and will be out for Euro.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...s-breaking-leg

Brutal brutal injury. He's one of my favorite non-Croat players.

[Locke]

Well, if hes out for the Euro then Spain are done. They'll have 99.9% possession but not be able to score a goal.

Torres sure as hell isnt going to score for them. He may not even make the team.

[d_phaneuf]

I think they are just going to play the Barca formation with Silva in the Messi role and maybe Mata out left where Villa would be, Cesc has been the furthest up player for Barca lately

this probly means Cesc is a starter

or they go with Llorente asthe big man up top

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I think they are just going to play the Barca formation with Silva in the Messi role and maybe Mata out left where Villa would be, Cesc has been the furthest up player for Barca lately

this probly means Cesc is a starter

or they go with Llorente asthe big man up top

What are the odds that Torres doesnt even make the Spanish National Team?

[d_phaneuf]

With no Villa he does

Llorente is a definite, and after that it's Torres/Negredo (maybe Pedro but he doesn't really play up top)

[Locke]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

With no Villa he does

Llorente is a definite, and after that it's Torres/Negredo (maybe Pedro but he doesn't really play up top)

Yeah, I would roll the dice and take Pedro instead. He plays with the Barca boys and has been scoring goals.

Theres more scoring going on inside a Monastery than when Torres plays at Stamford Bridge.