posted Jun 18, 2008

netherlands to play winner! whoever wins between sweden and russia are going to be in a world of pain...

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posted Jun 18, 2008

I'm still backing Croatia to win the whole thing. They have the best coach and the best team spirit

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Seriously. How brilliant is Hiddink.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Well, he can really make a team out of players, but I must say these Russian players are very talented and skillfull, I can understand why he said he wants to work with them several years, imagine how good these players can become when they can benefit from such a great trainer.

How strange as it may sound, Russia already impressed me against Spain. football-wise they were already top quality, they moved the ball well and with a good pace and they really created chances, even against Spain. The defence was shocking though, but I heard Hiddink changed a lot in defence to get more "football" in it. The mistakes they made against Spain and the lessons learned from it are appearing to pay off and you can see them get better with every match. Arshavin in the team really adds a lot of creativity and with the hardworking players around those talented players (and backs) they really are a threat to everyone, also to us.

Although I do think Holland will play completely different against them, putting them under more pressure.
Awesome confrontation, holland - Russia.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Not that it in anyway excuses the collapse, but Croatia and Russia both making the quarter finals makes England losing out to both in qualifying look at least a little less pathetic.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Probably the worst title defence ever...

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Amazing how you look at this Russia side and think... this is the side we totally outclassed and beat 3-0 at wembley, look how much they've come on.

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posted Jun 18, 2008

Russia are a very good squad. The knockout stages coming now may probably give out a lot of surprises, as ever. The most difficult game is Spain vs Italy, which is 50%. Italy has the mentality and Spain has football quality. Also Portugal vs Germany is a tough game. Semis:

Spain - Holland
Croatia - Portugal

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posted Jun 18, 2008

its funny to see that greece finished the tournament as the worst team. i wasnt particularly impressed with the way they won it back in 2004. qualification for 2010???

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posted Jun 19, 2008

i won £38.77 on a spain russia double bet off £10

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