- 15 Jun 08, 10:00 AM
Vienna
Spain passed a big test by beating the Swedes and booking their passage to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 in the process. After ripping apart Russia in their opening game, Fernando Torres and co were made to work really hard for their second win in Group D.
We always recognised that the Spaniards possessed bags of flair and talent. What we didn't know was if they had the steely resolve that is also needed if you are to win a major tournament. I think we have the answer now.
They had to be very patient at times against Sweden, whose game plan was to keep the game as tight as possible. But they kept their focus and their cool, even when a few decisions went against them. I liked that.
Spain deserved to win because they were the team chasing victory - they weren't content with just a point - and, in Torres and David Villa, they have two strikers who can win a match with one stroke of genius. I was very impressed.
How can you not fail to be bowled over by the Dutch, too? They continue to play Total Football - and in Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder have a diamond of a player.
Their ethos seems to be "you attack us and then we'll attack you". They are clearly very confident of scoring more than the opposition. That's seven now in two games. But, after conceding just one goal against Italy and France, their defence is looking solid as well. They destroyed the World Cup finalists.
A number of things impress me about the Dutch but especially the power they have on the bench. We all saw what Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie did when they were introduced against the French. Simply devastating.
As for the other two 100% teams - Croatia and Portugal - well, they've shown their credentials, too.
Croatia's win over Germany was a shock. I thought Slaven Bilic's side might be a surprise package, but I wasn't sure how they would fare after Eduardo's injury.
Against Austria in their first game, they looked very good for the first 20 minutes or so after scoring an early goal. Luka Modric was everywhere, dictating the play. But then they faded. Against Germany, they never really let their standards drop and deserved the win. Ivica Olic played up front on his own, with Nico Kranjcar just off him, and the tactic seemed to work.
I like Bilic. He oozes self-belief, which rubs off on his players. He reminds be a bit of Kevin Keegan, able to make his players think they are better than perhaps they are.
Portugal were the first team to qualify for the last eight, but then came the news of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's appointment as Chelsea boss. Some think that may upset Cristiano Ronaldo and co, but I don't. They are looking very good.
So, as we enter the final round of group games and with 14 teams still in the mix, it's all about second place.
There are some cracking games coming up, too, starting with Turkey v Czech Republic on Sunday night. There's been a lot of talk about the Group A match going to penalties if it ends in a draw after 90 minutes. I don't think it will come to that. The Czechs to win in normal time.
Austria are still alive, but not after Monday's Group B clash with Germany. They may have come unstuck against Croatia, but Joachim Loew's side won't make another mistake.
On Tuesday, it's the big one: Italy v France. My two tips for the quarter-finals before the tournament started could both bow out. They've been very poor so far, but for different reasons. France have lost the dynamic attacking edge they have become famous for, while Italy's defence has lost its aura of invincibility.
Victory is a must for either side, but even then it may not be enough. That's because Romania are still very much in the hunt.
It will be interesting to see what kind of team the Netherlands put out against Victor Piturca's side. I expect Marco van Basten to rest a few of his star players, but that doesn't mean victory is a given for their opponents. The players that come in will want to make the most of their opportunity while the Romanians are no mugs. Let's not forget that they finished above the Dutch in the qualifying stages for the Finals.
Still, after thinking long and hard about this one, I think Italy will join the Netherlands in the last eight. Roberto Donadoni's side will beat France and Romania won't get the win they need.
Finally, Sweden and Russia meet in Group D's crunch encounter on Wednesday. For Sweden, so much depends on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. For Russia, Guus Hiddink could recall Andrei Arshavin. Zenit St Petersburg's gifted playmaker, who missed the first two games because of suspension, could make a big difference.
Quarter-final predicitions:
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v Italy.
Do you agree with me? Let me know what you think?
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My Quarter Final predictions:
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v France
To be honest i cannot see how italy will score past france as none of their strikers have hit form in these past 2 matches, whereas with thierry henry in an improving and devoloping french side he will make the difference and put them through to the quarter finals
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How can you say Spain have just proved they are the complete package? They scored a goal in the last minute, which was in no way a guarantee. Please do not tell me you saw it coming. Everyone can agree they attacked more. So they did against France in the World Cup. Remember how that one finished? On the contrary, I think Spain showed why they are always a let down.
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I have to aggre with you there those fixtures all look pretty strong and good for the viewers. Croatia have tooken me by suprise there work ethic is amazing they like to help each other out. Spain are also brilliant, yesterday was not their day but sweden are a strong bunch they too should get the QF i have a feeling this time round the champions will be Holland they are very strong at the back and upfront they have an amazing attack Robben who i have admired for quite some time even though i am an Arsenal fan is Hollands most dangours threat In my oppinoun spain just look shaky at the back and without pyoul they dont know where there heads are at times take nothing away from there midfield and front line thats where there hopes lie in Torres and David Villa both are an undefendble pair who cause all sorts of problems and you could see that in the russia match there movment quick and intelligent. The Final in my oppinoun will be Croatia vs Holland with Holland coming out on top.
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if youre going to beat spain you need to work hard, sweden looked lacklustre, but when they showed phisicality they outmatched the spanish, rough 'em up!
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My Quarter Final predictions:
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v Romania
I think Romania can sneak through, a Dutch time which has already been beset by injury problems (babel, robben van persie) and withdrawls won't risk injuries by playing their best side. I would except a second string team. In addition can see italy and france fightig to a draw.
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my 1/4 final predictions
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Russia;
Spain v France
Semi-final predictions
Portugal v Czech
Netherlands v France
Final
Portugal v France
Winners
Portugal
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I think Gavin has got it just right.
Somehow Italy always seem to scrape through in the first round of these tournaments after a poor start.
And you always know that Germany will at least get to the quarter-finals, even when they don't have a great team.
Portugal against Holland in the final???
Now that would be a great game.
But I still believe Holland will take the trophy home.
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I think that France vs Italy may fizzle out as a draw, in which case Romania would go through. France havent been able to attack, and Italy havent been able to defend.
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I think in a straight winner takes all games between Russia and Sweden, Russia will edge it as they just seem to be so fluid up front. Their wastefulness in front of goal could prove costly though...
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I'm unsure as to how Gavin Peacock can describe Spain as the complete package. I think it was Ljundberg that pointed out in an interview yesterday Spain's inability to deal with the game played mainly in the air and not on the ground, which is true. They had trouble breaking down Sweden's solidity at the back; a better side than Sweden would have beaten Spain yesterday.Maybe even the Sweden side with Ibrahimovic would have had a fair crack.
Frankly Spain's last minute goal was manufactured out of simple defensive error rather than creating space and providing good movement, granted David Villa is an excellent player but if the Swedish centre backs did their job properly that ball would have been high in the Innsbruck air rather than settled in the back of the net.
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I feel that Spain did not play with sharpness, if not too slowly and too many redundant passes, in the midle area. Individual ball-skills are excellent, without a doubt. However, they looked just as good as that and very short of idea. If Villa did not score the last-gasp goal against Sweden, Aragones would not have any complaints.
With too much effort having been burned out and all cards having been played in the group games, Spain will come short when face teams who play with discipline
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I wouldn't bet on a much weakened Dutch team to play Romania. And the squad wants to keep the winning mood. So a full second team against the Romanians will not happen. Some players will be rested, but I think they really don't need it. I have never seen the Dutch as fit as they are this tournament.
It's a shame France and Italy will cancel each other out on Tuesday. I do not agree that they are playing badly at the moment. Both were just outclassed by Holland.
France impressed me much more than either Spain or Portugal. Spain are not in their best form, see the match against Sweden. I don't see Spain get past the quarter finals.
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I'm inclined to agree with the 1st comment - despite them possibly being a slightly better side formwise, I can't really see Italy scoring past France.
However, I'm also very inclined to agree with those who suggest Romania may make it. And I have to say, I hope they do. You can say what you want about how good the Netherlands and Romania have been, but France and Italy both lay claim to being two of the best footballing nations in the world, and on that basis, their performance thus far is simply pathetic, whatever excuses they have. It's certainly feasible. If France/Italy is drawn, Romania go through on goal difference whatever their result, unless the Netherlands destroy them. And after all, who can say that Romania won't sneak a win against a weakened Dutch side? I have no doubt Marco van Basten's side are professionals and will be motivated, but lets not kid ourselves - they're playing for pride and respect (and maybe even for fun), whereas Romania play for progression.
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Poster #13 ... "I don't see Spain get past the quarter finals" ... your name may betray why that is ;)
I agree that France and Italy have played better than their results suggest, but my point was it's the results that matter, and the results they've got, for World Cup finalists, are plain silly.
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People seem to be completely dismissing Austria's chances of going through, when statistically the hosts almost always make the knockouts:
WC2006: Germany - Semi Finals
Euro 2004: Portugal - Final
WC2002: South Korea- Semi Finals
Euro 2000: Holland - Semi Finals
WC1998: France - Winners
Euro 1996: England - Semi Finals
I'm sticking my neck out for Austria to beat the Germans.
I expect the 1/4 finals to look like this:
Portugal v Austria;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v Romania
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Czech Republic should beat Turkey in normal time, a tight 2-1 win I'd think. Germany will thrash Austria and Croatia will beat Poland so the Croats will progress as group winners. The Dutch will probably beat Romania 2-0, and I'd fancy France to beat Italy 2-1 or 2-0. Italy, and their defence especially, look very poor. France's defence was most of the time breached by Holland because defenders were put forward to attack, as the French were chasing the game. Henry and Ribery could wreak havoc. Although Raymond Domenech has come under scrutiny for France's results, he should topple Roberto Donadoni, who from what I've seen looks out of his depth. In the final group, Spain will beat Greece to win the group, and I think Sweden will narrowly beat Russia. So my remaining group predictions are:
Group A:
Switzerland 0-2 Portugal
Turkey 1-2 Czech Republic
1: Portugal
2: Czech Republic
Group B:
Poland 0-2 Croatia
Austria 0-3 Germany
1: Croatia
2: Germany
Group C:
Holland 2-0 Romania
France 2-0 Italy
1: Holland
2: France
Group D:
Greece 0-2 Spain
Russia 1-2 Sweden
1: Spain
2: Sweden
Which would leave the quarter - finals looking like this:
Portugal v Germany
Prediction: 1-1, Germany win on penalties
Croatia v Czech Republic
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Czech Republic
Holland v Sweden
Prediction: Holland 3-1 Sweden
Spain v France
Prediction: Spain 2-1 France
Semi - finals:
Germany v Croatia
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Germany (AET, 1-1 at 90 mins)
Holland v Spain
Prediction: Holland 2-2 Spain, Holland win on penalties
FINAL:
Croatia v Holland
Prediction: Croatia 2-3 Holland
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You're mislead about the Dutch playing "Total Football". Michels and Cruyff have said that Van Basten is not playing Total Football.
The Dutch are playing possesion and counter-attack football. The defence stays fairly deep and the team is spread out in an attempt to create gaps in the opposition and exploit them (a la goals by Van Persie, Van Bronkhorst, Sneijder...).
If anything the Spanish are playing Total Football. There's lots of movement in the midfield, the defence is pushed fairly high up the pitch, occasionally even the defenders join the attack.
Total Football doesn't really exist anymore though - should our BBC football "experts" know that?
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Spain are not the complete team some think them to be. As the "shortest" team in the competion they will find it very difficult against taller teams with more attacking options (Holland, Germany Czech Rep.).
They found it nigh on impossible to break down the Swedes and somehow managed to win at the death, deserved but not convincing.
In complete contrast to Holland, who if they continue must win it, they were very lucky to in the first game but have since sent out a warning.
To those that proclaim, the Germans will march through (as they always do) don't forget they didn't make the last 8 the last two Euros.
The hosts nearly always make the knockout stages and given the reffing and the fact that Sepp Blatter's influence I wouldn't be surprised to see Germany go out Monday.
That said, if they survive lets hope that they don't meet Holland in the final, as the old Holland v Germany complex will mean Germany win, even if on penalties.
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I can see the France v Italy match to be an absolute crackerjack with lots of goals as both teams know they have to win.
Holland will most likely play a second string team, however, their style of play is perfect to defeat the romanians (who will try to win but conceed when holland hit back on the counterattack)
1/4 Finals
Portugal v Germany
Croatia v Czech Republic
Netherlands v Sweden
Spain v France
1/2 Finals
Germany v Croatia
Netherlands v France
Final
Germany v France
Winners
FRANCE
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I think Gavin peacock is right sweden are a tough team to beat they are very physical
what spain did yesterday is play with what the spanish call cojones
they kept on going till the end and with torres villa and fabregas in the side i think they will cause all the teams in the comp major problems.
consider the fact that spain and sweden met in the qualifying group stages who else will be more clued up on spain then sweden.
as for italy or france spain should be them if they get through
the tricky one for me romania ..
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The Dutch conceded one goal, allright. But this goal was clearly scored from an offside position. The goal should have been disallowed. So in fact, Holland have the best defence so far.
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I agree with Gavin on his 1st 2 selections.
I can see both fixtures in group c being a draw, putting Romania through and i think the Russians will beat Sweden.
Wouldn't you just love to see Austria beat Germany though (i know i would). It,s not beyond the realms of possibility that Turkey could beat the Czechs, giving a fairytale quarter final line up as such:-
Portugal v Austria
Croatia v Turkey
Holland v Russia
Spain v Romania
Spain will do what they always do(nothing). Holland are the total package.
I hope Croatia or Russia win the final at least that way we can say we went out to the winners!!!
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Romania have been kept in the comp by dodgy reffing.
Sweden were the victims of their manager's conservative tactics, if they had pressed and forced a second, they would have their draw, as Spain would have scored a second in the end eventually too (probably)
As were Spain very nearly, they stopped pressing and ended up chasing the two points for the next 50 odd minutes. After that shocking "non-penalty" decision they won deservedly, but Italy have come unstuck due to poor reffing so it could well have been two points dropped in the long run.
Everybody seems to be convinced that France or Italy will make the last eight, but due to poor starts and in some cases abysmal reffing both sides are more likely than not not to make the last eight.
Hope Italy or France do make it though, you want some quality in the last eight and not just 11 men behind the ball rubbish tactics
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mine would be;
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v romania.
i don't see neither italy or france making it,i swear i even predicted it and bet on it before the tournament starts,i see romania either winning or gettin a point of holland,and a tie in italy vs. france,it's just a hunch,hope i dont lose my money:)
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@ 17. At 12:18 pm on 15 Jun 2008, moggydave1990 wrote:
You're mislead about the Dutch playing "Total Football". Michels and Cruyff have said that Van Basten is not playing Total Football.
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I doubt Michels has made that comment, as he has been dead for quite a while now.
The concept of total football is that you basically turn strikers into defenders. In other words: every player on the pitch is primarily focussed on attacking.
Total Football is about taking the initiative, strike first - defend later.
And this also means that your front line has to be able to defend as well. Look at Van Bronckhorst and Kuyt. They have been playing exactly according to the total football concept.
The way the game is played nowadays by Holland is focussed on both attacking from possession/domination and from counter attacking. And the counter attack is new to Dutch football. So I guess that's where the commentators say that it's not total football anymore. They should actually say that the whole concept as evolved and improved.
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I see mr peacock changed his prediction of poland making it through the group stages after the Austria game, i cant believe the bbc has not reported on the decision made by howard webb in the last seconds to give Austria the most controversal penalty i ve seen for some time. I think Howard has made a huge mistake, he is a ref i respect but after this decision there are a lot question that need to be asked and i dont see anyone except the Polish even interested in asking them. Shame. Shame on you Howard Webb, Shame on you BBC.
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I agree with Gavin on 6 of the quarterfinal places but it will be one of Czeck or Italy not both. The matches are fifty fifty and both Turkey and France have as much chance as the their opponents.
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Gavin Peacock is right to be impressed by Spain. They DO look good. However, they almost always look good in the early stages and then fizzle out once the pressure is really on in the latter stages. Think about how they destroyed a good Ukraine team in their first match at the 2006 world cup but then ended up being eliminated in the 2nd round.
People on here saying that Italy are pathetic need to watch a little more football and appreciate the finer points of the game before making such sweeping statements. Italy were good in the second half against Holland but were denied by excellent goalkeeping and poor finishing, before being hit with a lovely counter-attack goal. They played well and positively against Romania without much luck; disallowed goal, rebounds favouring defenders, unlucky attempts on goal etc.
I think Van Basten would be daft to make too many changes against Romania; he risks losing the wonderful rhythm they've found. On that basis either Italy or France will make it to the QF and I wouldn't be surprised to see them go further.
Some teams, Italy and Germany included, have a knack of playing well (or well enough. at least) when it matters most.
Having read a lot of the BBC's website it's clear there are a lot of very bitter England-could-do-better-than-that fans out there. NO YOU COULDN'T. England talk the talk but never walk the walk and sniping at other big teams doesn't show football knowledge, just that there's a big chip on your shoulder.
Watch, learn and appreciate WHY at least 10 of the 16 qualified nations are better than England.
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Unless i'm mistaken... Romania can lose to Holland 2-0 and still go through... if France and Itlay draw, which is more than possible.
Has a team ever qualified on 2 points before? It would be pretty amazing in the so called group of death.
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Congrats truevillain
The most common sense I've heard on the BBC
for a long time.
(Apart from myself)
lol
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This is a tournament of big name attacking players which is great for the neutral (the English).
The team with the most quality in attack i think will win....Spain, Holland, Portugal and France i think will be in the semis.
My dark horses are Sweden, they are organized and work hard and in Ibrahimovic they really have world class striker who can fashion a goal out of thin air. They were also unlucky to lose to highly tipped Spain in the last seconds.
Hero so far- Villa
Loser so far- Howard Webb
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Unless i'm mistaken... Romania can lose to Holland 2-0 and still go through... if France and Itlay draw, which is more than possible.
Has a team ever qualified on 2 points before? It would be pretty amazing in the so called group of death.
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It'll be a sad day for the comp if Romania go through, we don't want a repeat of 2004 and that awful German.......... um Greek side that won the tournament.
I'd prefer to see France stay in as Italy apart from having no luck with decisions don't really seem to be firing on all cylinders.
Time will of course tell
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Gavin I think your wrong about France. You of all people should know your only as good as your last game. France I think still have something in the tank..but then again Romania will fancy their chances aganist Holland..who look the best team so far.
Also i dont agree with you about Bilic making his players believing they are better than they are. The brutal fact as ENGLAND found out not once but twice and rightly so, is that Croatia are an emerging force...
Also why your fellow pundits stupidly made Germany as favorites its beyond comprehension. Yes they do well in competitions but they dont really have any outstanding players that can turn a game.
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Have to agree that Austria didn't have the strongest claim for a penalty but then the Polish goal was clearly offside so I guess the end result was a fair one.
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England-could-do-better-than-that fans out there. NO YOU COULDN'T. England talk the talk but never walk the walk and sniping at other big teams doesn't show football knowledge, just that there's a big chip on your shoulder.
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I think not, I think you'll find other foreign contributors praising the English for following and praising teams that play "attractive football"
As for not doing better ourselves, during the last Euro, Urs Meier disallowed a pefectly good goal against Portugal subsequently Portugal won on penalties and went into the final.
I don't know if you'd noticed or not but Croatia are doing rather well at the mo, one of the teams that beat us, even if was due to nerves, poor tactics and that numpty Mc Claren, we should still have qualified, when you look at Russia what are they doing. That last game in Russia, with that ridiculous decision........................
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Also why your fellow pundits stupidly made Germany as favorites its beyond comprehension. Yes they do well in competitions but they dont really have any outstanding players that can turn a game
**********************
As Germany have never failed to qualify for a major tournament and have won the cup three times already and the current crop of players (until last night joint top scorer Podolski) Ballack who can turn a game, Lahn one of the best right backs in Europe at the mo (scored Germany's opener at WC '06) three top quality keepers (unfortunately for them Lehmann in goal at mo) I think there's a case for a favourite role there.
If they win on Monday and I think they will, we'll see who will bet against them.
BTW if they meet France or Holland in the Final Germany will win.
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spain had 2 penalties shouts that wearnt given on a different day by another ref than they would of been
they had 9 shots on target to swedens 3 and 8 corners to sweden zero corners
i think they people on these blogs are being over critacal about spains performance
as sweden are a tough side to beat look at englands record againsts them
puyol coming off for spain caused a big shake up and the team then suffered for the remainder of the first half
its was never going to be anything less than a spain win
and its winning that counts
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I thought you were leaving to be a monk gavin? you seem like a nice man so good luck to you.
However! Puyol is massive loss, for some reason argooones has picked lots of off form valencia players and one of them is a centre back to replace Puyol.
Need Puyol back or they might go out.
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its was never going to be anything less than a spain win
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Diagree, it was going to be a draw, if the ref had blown for a foul when the two players colided before Villa scored that is how it would have ended.
Not only were Spain all over the place as soon as Sweden attacked them but their crossing was poor, not that there was much point given their height disadvantage
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englandcomeon
yesterday
spain 2 sweden 1
qualifiers
spain 3-0sweden
sweden 2-0 spain
thats 2 wins out of 3 so spain are better
and spain 1-0 england also england 0-1 spain in recent matches
oH bet your going to say they where friendlies
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From the way the Euro 2008 has gone so far, and having watched all the teams, My predictions for the rest of the tournament are as follows:
QUARTER FINALS:
Portugal v Germany (Portugal wins)
Croatia v Czech (Croatia wins)
Netherlands v Russia (Netherlands)
Spain v Romania (Spain wins)
SEMI FINAL:
Portugal v Croatia (Croatia wins)
Netherlands v Spain (Netherlands)
FINAL: Netherlands v Croatia (Netherlands wins)
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France are embarassed. Italy on a high after buffons save. Italy to go through.
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The only prediction i disagree with peacock is the France vs Italy match. Italy has always struggled in European Cup and the present one would not be an exception. France may have been destroyed by dutch but it if Henry put away that chance before holland scored the second goal, the match would have ended differently. Italy did not impress me with their attack when Holland destroyed them. France have a good attack but it did not click against Romenia and Holland, it might click against Italy. France will go through to the Quarter final.
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Under Domenech, France has never had a "dynamic attacking edge", and never will.
They rarely manage to score more than 1 goal.
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"Spain the complete package?"
No, they are A complete package.
and.. do they have to hump each other like that every time they score a goal? Disgusting.
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i think Spain will prevail in QF and go through to SF against Holland, there anything can happen, let´s hope Xavi is fit for the game vs. Romania, who´ll be our opponent in next round because Italy and France do not deserve going through, then Holland and eventually Portugal who will have the easy match-ups in that part of the competition-chart.
so, let´s see
ESPAÑA!!! PODEMOS!!!
SPAIN!!! WE CAN!!!!
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Spain have definetly put together a decent side. Am not that convinced they can go far though. They were passing the ball lots, but not creating any real chances against the Swedes. At times it looked like the Swedes were actually going to win it... until Ibrahimovic had to come off and the sting had been taken out of the Swedes.
Still the Spanish could only win with a bit of luck from a defensive mix-up.
Spain against either France, Italy or Romania? No chance.... it will be there normal early exit again.
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I don't think you understand what is meant by "total football", Gavin. Because the Dutch certainly aren't employing it in this tournament.
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I think Gavin's predictions are now better than his previous ones (also because some teams have already won their groups leaving fewer to guess wrong). There are still some obvious mistakes in many furrher predictions though. The Netherlands will not go far in this tournament. Their luck will run out and they will need more chances to score and score fewer.
The Dutch are most likely to go out in the QF against Sweden, less likely against Russia. It would still be a major surprise if they make it to the final, they have a tendency to overestimate themselves when things go well. Romania will prove that on Tuesday and so they will also progress.
If Portugal can avoid Germany in the QF, they look most likely to win it. They are pretty skillful, efficient, mean, good actors (always handy when you want the opposition booked) and often very lucky when it counts most. I don't see Spain playing them off the pitch and Spain are usually not lucky when it counts.
predictions
scenario 1
QF
Portugal - Austria (Portugal wins)
Croatia - Turkey (Croatia wins)
Netherlands - Sweden (Sweden wins)
Spain - Romania (Spain wins)
SF
Portugal-Croatia (Croatia wins)
Sweden- Spain (Spain wins)
Final:
Portugal-Spain (Portugal wins)
scenario 2: replace Austria with Germany,
Germany beating Portugal and Croatia and
Spain to win the final against them.
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Spain will lose in the quarter-final match be it against Italy, France or Rumania. The Spanish have a suspicious defence and without Torres and Villa they wouldn't have scored many goals. Both Russians and Swedes could have scored a few goals against the Spanish and a more ruthless team will definitely punish the Spanish by scoring goals against them. Italy, Holland and Portugal can all do that.
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and spain 1-0 england also england 0-1 spain in recent matches
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In a friendly against a team that didn't qualify, great credentials that
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My Predictions:
QF:
Portugal - Germany
Croatia - Czech Rep.
Netherlands - Sweden
Spain - France
SF:
Portugal - Croatia
Netherlands - Spain
Finals:
Portugal - Spain - Spain winning it all.
(i.e. Winner of Netherlands - Spain to win the Cup.)
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grumpy40 wrote: 'they have a tendency to overestimate themselves when things go well.'
Yes, I know the dutch and the english are so alike!
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"Spain are the complete package"
Spain are good theres no doubt about that for sure, but the "complete package"?. For me there still hangs a question mark over there defence. I think that if they come up against, a disciplined, solid and well organised team they will struggle a bit, and they lack a bit of steel in the midfield.
Although they did play well against the Swedes but it was nearly a stumbling block also, Villa got them out of jail at the last minute.
If teams can frustrate the spanish midfield and perhaps put them under a bit of pressure, then i think we will see some very different results.
Still along with the likes of Portugal and the Netherlands they have been truely entertaining, with some fantastic attacking displays.
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Pretty much agree with Gavin, but I see both remaining games in group C ending as draws, and Romania progressing.
QF:
Portugal v Germany;
Croatia v Czech Republic;
Netherlands v Sweden;
Spain v Romania
SF:
Portugal - Croatia
Netherlands - Spain
Finals:
Croatia - Netherlands
Winner:
Netherlands
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How do you come to this conclusion Gavin,the Spaniards were lucky to get the winner in what has become a farce in my eyes,as its always 3 mins.extra time regardless is seems,at least in all the televised matches.
I cannot see how they can progress much further in the contest.
They,the Spanish won't stand a chance against a team such as the Dutch or Portuguese and Croatia.
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Cloggie1976 wrote:
Yes, I know the dutch and the english are so alike!
(see #53)
yes, sad isn't it? Although I have a suspicion that we English overestimate ourselves regardless of how we play (always expected to win), whereas the Dutch have been a bit more realistic lately. In all fairness, they were the first to admit their success took them by surprise as well.
The Dutch were under a lot of pressure from both Italy and France but were very efficient in taking their chances and lucky with some of the decisions not going against them. I really hope Romania will give them a good and difficult game; the Dutch now desperately need to grind out a result if they are to succeed in the knock out stages. It is all about mental fitness and whereas things going very easy may help to increase confidence, it does not help one prepare for tougher contests.
I have been supporting the Dutch for years, so I know what it feels like to expect too much.
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Sorry, but how can anybody count out Russia getting to the next round. Admitted, the defence is a little bit more than shakey but the speed that they break at is wonderfull. It's only needed for Pavlyuchenko to get his scoring boots on and Sweden are out.
Even though I think Henrik Larson is a god that walks our planet.
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I can hardly fancy a quarter final pairing without France or Italy. This will be a disgrace to football that the best two teams in the world two years ago are merely rubber stamp in Europe. The Dutch should do the footballing world a favour by beating Romania. That is the only way one of the big fish can qualify because that match is a must -win-match. It is really the match of death in the group of death. I favour Italy to win but this can only be possible if the un-inspiring Luca Toni will not be on the pitch to reduce the number of Italian players. In like terms, the Czech-Turkey match is a match that can be won by either side, else a tournament record of the first shoot-out at the group stage. I stick my nerves for the Czech Republic.
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Well if Slaven reminds one of Kevin, that doesn't bode very well for Croatia's prospects. Both appear amiable enough chaps, at least from a distance, but Kev's record at international play leaves something to be desired, to say the least. Or maybe that's the way we should take it, that Bilic's boys will go out early too, like Keegan's teams always did. It's really impossible to pedict in these kinds of tournaments, anyway where upsets are very common. Belabouring the obvious by saying Spain and Holland have looked sharp so far doesn't take any special insight but the road from here will get trickier, and Spain especially, has been known to wilt under pressure in many past tourney's. Expect the unexpected; that's what makes these affairs so interesting (albeit boring when it turns out to be Greece).
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I can imagine Romania going through. If they draw whilst France and Italy draw, they go through.
France and Italy could well cancel each other out, whilst the Dutch will surely take their foot off the gas a wee bit.
Just a thought........
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With Portugal and turkey already out i dont believe for one minute that all the favourites will go through. Therefore I am backing Romania to go and beat Holland. It seems sensible to me to allow Romania the three points on Tuesday as it would eliminate the possibility of meeting Italy/France in the semis. As for group B i expect Germany to go out for the win. Germany and Croatia will both win i think which will leave Germany with Portugal in the quarters. Spain will not have an easy game against Greece as the former champions - who are already out - will try and do what switzerland done and beat a big team in their last game. I believe Spain will win however and set up a quarter finals tie with Romania. Russia would be the other team i would say for the win to play Holland in the quarters.
I expect the quarters to look like this
Portugal v Germany
Croatia v Turkey
Holland v Russia
Spain v Romania
I would then back Portugal to beat Germany as they will have a fresher side and i believe they will be more hungry for it. I would say Croatia to beat Turkey as the Turks got lucky when Czech Republic switched off when they thought the game was won. Holland have been un-faultable so far and they would be certs for me to reach the semis and I am backing Spain for the semis.
I expect the semis to look like this
Portugal v Croatia
Holland v Spain
I am going to have to go for a Portugal - Spain final as Portugal won't by any means have ot easy against Croatia but they will win and Holland will become un-stuck at Spain. For the final i am going to have to go for Spain. They have been huge under-performers in the past major competitions and i believe this is their year.
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Sorry i meant to say with Portugal and Turkey already through
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I think many times when a team goes out, its cause they have a little slip from their defense or a mental lapse. Now that Germany have their slip out of the way, itll be smooth sailing into the finals while the other teams are due for a slip up.
QF: Portugal v Germany (1-3)
Croatia v Turkey (2-0)
Holland v Russia (4-1)
Spain v France (2-1)
SF: Germany v Croatia (3-0)
Holland v Spain (1-0)
F: Germany v Holland (3-1)
Champs: Germany
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completely agree with members disagreeing with the comment Spain are the complete package. you can not base a statement like that on 2 games.
Portugal vs Germany
Croatia vs Turkey
Holland vs Russia
Spain vs France
Portugal vs Croatia
Holland vs France
Portugal vs France
Portugal champions!!!
Ronaldo the greatest player to grace the game at present.
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My predictions for the quarter finals are as follows:
PORTUGAL VS GERMANY 1-0
CROATIA VS TURKEY 2-1
HOLLAND VS SWEDEN 3-1
SPAIN VS ROMANIA 2-0
Semi-finals:
PORTUGAL VS CROATIA 3-1
HOLLAND VS SPAIN 2-2 Spain win on penalties
Finals:
SPAIN VS PORTUGAL 2-1
Ole Ole Ole Ole! VIVA ESPANA!
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