posted Jun 13, 2008

First of all, congratulations to Croatia.

This was the exact opposite Germany side we saw against Poland.

We will bounce back though.

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posted Jun 13, 2008

"I have nothing against Germany, but they're trully the most over-hyped team in the tournament. "

Agreed, Croats are underrated and Germans are way overrated. Fortunately for Germany they are in an easy group and will make it to QF.

Putting a dazzling performance against Poland and Russia type teams of the world does not mean any thing. Other than their qualifying home win against the Czech, last time Germany defeated a top tier Footballing nation was for WC qualifiers of 2002 when the beat England. On each occasion they were then thrashed in the return game. Home field advantage and scheduling break gave the Germans their decent record in the last 2 world cups. Take that it away (For example Euro 2000 and 2004) they are exposed.

In 2002 through some genius draw,
Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Nigeria , Swedon, Denmark were in one side.... all considered difficult teams to some degrees; French flopped, but Turkey and Senegal turned out to be much stronger than thought.

Germany were in the same bracket with Spain Italy and Portugal; as it turned out Portugal were still little short in experience , while Spain and Italy were ousted by host South Korea. Leaving the Germans to take care of Paraguy, USA and South Korea, and it was not till the final where they got to play against an elite team. Give them credit for not stumbling against lesser know teams, but poiint stands that they have not done well against Elite teams.

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posted Jun 13, 2008

I'm routing for Croatia as it will be fresh if they win the tournament, much more so than when Grece won cos they actually move the ball around not rely on a 1-0 through a set piece win. I'm a fan of their players but disappointed that Eduardo is missing out as he is a class act and I've heard good news that he might be back as early as pre season training which is good for Arsenal and Croatia.

They seem like they're getting progressively better, didn't start by firing on all cylinders and that's the best way to win a tournament, bring out your best for the business end of it.

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posted Jun 13, 2008

CroatianFan,

I forgot about Petric and Klasnic, I thought he was injured. I remember reading that he was injured for a long time.

Incidentally, has Tudor definitely retired now, because I remember him being one of your best centre backs?

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posted Jun 13, 2008

Mr Pop,

Klasnic had a very serious surgery last year (kidney transplantation) and it is a miracle that he is playing after all - hard to expect good games from him nowadays after such a complicated surgery and longlasting rehabilitation.

Yes, Tudor is a very good player; he didn't have much luck with injuries lately; as far as I know he isn't retired yet, but can't tell for sure. He is not missing that much as we still have a strong midfield

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posted Jun 13, 2008

@lovecroatia

What a funny post. Trying to downplay the Dutch goals. First one off side (it wasn't, your perception of the off side rule is not important, the rules themselves are), the second one was "luck" (wtf?? Also, how much luck did the Croats have when the ball was deflected by a German defender to bounce off the post right before Olic' feet???) and the third goal was nothing special. That one made me laugh the hardest. A goal is a goal is a goal. Beauty has nothing to do with it. The attack that led to the goal was a solid one. I can "erase" the 1st Croatian goal against the Germans as well then, because it was the result of several mistakes by the German defence. Oranje doesn't "fear" Croatia. In fact, we showed just how weak they are not that long ago. Remember? Hope to see you in the final.

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posted Jun 13, 2008

so glad 2 be a croat 2day ! ; )

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posted Jun 14, 2008

@ Suvorov78

Read comments before and then quote me. Your friend Oranje tryed to discredit croatian victory so i just answered the same way. Of course i don't think the Dutch team is bad. On the contrary Holland is my no.1 favorit. Also you speak about our latest friendly match... come on be serious. Friendly match is a friendly match is a friendly match. That's all. And i can't agree more with you when you said goal is a goal. Your victory last nigt was glorious. Congratulations!!!

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posted Jun 14, 2008

upsets happen. i dont think this will affect germany too much and they'll still go through. croatia were the better team on the day thats all

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posted Jun 16, 2008

I really thought that, at the start of EM 2008, Germany would be hard to beat; a really strong-looking squad. Was really shocked by their poor performance against Croatia, and seemed to look a pretty mediocre side, although Croatia did play very well indeed. I would be really surprised if Germany do not see off Austria tonight, but cannot see them beating a full-strength Portugal in the last eight. Strange things happen in sport, but, really, Portugal should beat this German team comfortably.

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