Euro 2012 - Official Discussion Thread

[Franzl]

Well done , truly.

[Franzl]

This tournament has been great! Best game so far. I want more.

[Franzl]

Now for the game we've all been waiting for. Never underestimate Ireland. We have a history of upsets in football, rugby (Australia last year) and even cricket (England last year, Pakistan a few years ago).

And, of course, you should have qualified for the World Cup.

[Franzl]

Hoping that France continue their unbeaten run again today. Should be a good match to watch; a confident France at the start of the game will put England off their stride. England don't create opportunities, they have to wait for their opponents to miss them.

I was in Scotland shortly before England-Germany in the 2010 World Cup. I think everyone I talked to wished us luck.

Do Scots hate anyone more than England in football? Seems like real hatred

[Franzl]

Boring game really.

[Franzl]

Same old Dutch story? Van Marwijk apparently "facing a revolt" within his camp.

Very good

[Franzl]

Ukraine is playing well.

Slightly better than Sweden, I guess. But it's really another boring match. Unfortunately. I'd be happy for Sweden if they got their act together...

[Franzl]

Well...I'm very nervous, as always. The Dutch are desperate. Not sure if that makes them more or less dangerous.

[Franzl]

Denmark would be lucky to get a draw.

[Franzl]

Hahaha Ronaldo

[Franzl]

OMG I love this tournament!

[Franzl]

Pity

[Franzl]

So I'm having a beer now to calm down my nerves...

[Franzl]

Ich habe Angst.

Nicht nur du

[Franzl]

Let's hope Holland wins, because then everyone has 3 points.

Now why would this be a good thing?

[Franzl]

I understand why people with heart problems aren't supposed to watch this stuff...

[Franzl]

Toooooooooor!!

[Franzl]

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL GOAL

this is wonderful

^^^^^^ !!!!!

[Franzl]

Jaaaa!

Not pretty towards the end, but good game, performance and result!

[Franzl]

I was in Winterswijk, Netherlands last Thursday (only a 30 minute drive from my grandma), and took this picture with my phone. Thought now would be a good time to share this and mock them!

[Franzl]

Italy really should be able to hold onto leads like that...

[Franzl]

The Irish fans were still apparently in a good mood at the end, lol

[Franzl]

As expected, cynicism has swept across Italy: it seems like an overwhelming majority believe Italy will be knocked out, regardless of what they do against Ireland, because Spain and Croatia will agree to draw 2-2. It would be 2004 all over again. 

I'm not sure what to think. At first, I'm inclined to agree but then I think Croatia will want to play for the win in order to claim top spot in the group (a draw means Spain remain in first). That will force Spain to play, too, and likely win. It would be hilarious if Croatia fought for the win at the very end, got it and we see Spain eliminated assuming Italy beats Ireland. That's why Spain can't just let Croatia do whatever they want. They should be almost as concerned as the Italians.

Of course, none of this matters if we lose or draw with the Irish which is also a worry of mine. This could be the exact same ending as 2010: two opening matches ending 1-1 and then a surprise defeat. The Irish are playing for pride and they have Trap. He'd love to make a statement against us. Plus, we tend to screw up games we should win...

Bottom line: Monday is going to be a real headache.

Really shocked that Italy has allowed this to happen. After the fight they put up against Spain, I was reasonably sure they were in good shape.

[Franzl]

Ok, bottom line: the current tiebreaker rules suck.

Yes. What's wrong with just looking at goal difference?

[Franzl]

Balotelli loses starting spot!

Even for Italian football standards (), he's quite an unlikeable person.