Euro 2008

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

The draw is at 11.00am. Crossed fingers for England and Scotland in the same group!!!!!

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:22 (twenty years ago)

sadist

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:23 (twenty years ago)

It must be weird for Eriksson to be at the draw but also thinking 'what do I care, I won't be here then'. Scolari too.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:26 (twenty years ago)

Rubbish, Scotland are much likelier to beat England than they are any of the other top seeds (xpost)

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:26 (twenty years ago)

it's all immaterial ;)

worst case scenario for England would be something like:

England
Germany
Denmark
Belgium
Hungary
Belarus
Faroe Islands

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:28 (twenty years ago)

tho i suppose yes in a way playing Scotland would be more difficult than Belgium

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:30 (twenty years ago)

... exactly, just as Scotland are more likely to beat England than beat Italy

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:32 (twenty years ago)

wcs for Scotland?

France
Spain
Ukraine
Scotland
Lithuania
Macedonia
Azerbaijan

exciting!

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:35 (twenty years ago)

Ach, piece o' piss!

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:35 (twenty years ago)

I think England struggle to beat teams that they're obviously better than - I'd rather we had as many 'big' teams or meaningful local fixtures as possible. I'd happily take Germany or Italy or Spain from the second pot - I think we'd raise our game more than we would against Croatia, Poland, etc. I wouldn't mind getting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 10:44 (twenty years ago)

Group One
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group Two
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

This is really exciting, BBC.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:11 (twenty years ago)

It's hotting up now:

Group A
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group B
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group C
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group D
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group E
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group F
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

Group G
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxx

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:21 (twenty years ago)

You can never write off xxxxxxxxx, they've got a number of players at top European clubs and with xxxx xxxxxxx, the fomer Djibouti, Antigua and Western Sahara coach at their helm, they've got experienced leadership and a real will to show the world what they can do.

― Markelby (Mark C), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:22 (twenty years ago)

Someone on the radio this morning was hoping that England don't end up in one of the 8 team groups, because that would be 14 games to qualify (as against the 7 team groups' 12 games, obv.) in about as many months. I say 14 games is better than 12.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:24 (twenty years ago)

Oh what a load of xxxx, Markelby!

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:24 (twenty years ago)

xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx
Scotland
Lithuania
Georgia
Faroe Islands (oh no)

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:26 (twenty years ago)

Filling the groups up from the lowest-ranked teams to the highest is aces.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:32 (twenty years ago)

Group D
xxxxxxxxx
Germany
Slovakia
REP OF IRELAND
WALES
Cyprus
San Marino

I feel almost certain that England are destined for this group

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:33 (twenty years ago)

A
KAZAKHSTAN
AZERBAIJAN
ARMENIA
FINLAND
BELGIUM
SERBIA & MONTENEGRO
POLAND
PORTUGAL

B
FAROE ISLANDS
GEORGIA
LITHUANIA
SCOTLAND
UKRAINE
ITALY
FRANCE

C
MALTA
MOLDOVA
HUNGARY
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
NORWAY
TURKEY
GREECE

D
SAN MARINO
CYPRUS
WALES
REP OF IRELAND
SLOVAKIA
GERMANY
CZECH REPUBLIC

E
ANDORRA
FYR MACEDONIA
ESTONIA
ISRAEL
RUSSIA
CROATIA
ENGLAND

F
LIECHTENSTEIN
NORTHERN IRELAND
ICELAND
LATVIA
DENMARK
SPAIN
SWEDEN

G
LUXEMBOURG
BELARUS
ALBANIA
SLOVENIA
BULGARIA
ROMANIA
NETHERLANDS

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:34 (twenty years ago)

We're totally fucked and you're jammy bastards as usual

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:34 (twenty years ago)

Yeah nothing to do with actual quality/seeding D.

England came spectacularly close to being in Group D there. Would've been more exciting than Group E I must say.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:35 (twenty years ago)

Chin up you plucky Scots! That does look a bit tricky though, I must admit.

― Tim (Tim), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:36 (twenty years ago)

I'm sure the Scots will be able to take something away from Tblisi at least. A few stitches in the forehead, for example...

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:38 (twenty years ago)

We'll lose to France and Italy of cousre but I think we can beat everyone else

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:39 (twenty years ago)

Haha a Scot at uefa chat thingy: "lucky draw for scotland. we've missed some really big teams there" Erm, well, yeah, true. :)

Norway = HELLA LUCKY yay! I mean, Turkey aren't easy or anything, but they aren't Spain or Italy (or even Germany maybe) -- and drawing Greece as a top seed makes me send many warm thoughts to the Greek Euro 2004 team who put them in that position.

― The Vintner's Lipogram (OleM), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:44 (twenty years ago)

Oh no, The Faeroe Islands, again.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:48 (twenty years ago)

Wales are going to struggle. Again.

A fiver says the England-Israel game will be disrupted by Guardian readers waving Palestinian flags who haven't noticed that professional footballers get excused from National Service in Israel, thus meaning that by playing for their country they're actually getting off house-bulldozing duties.

― Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Friday, 27 January 2006 12:02 (twenty years ago)

Greece, Turkey and Malta in the same group is a political humdinger.

Group E looks harder than the World Cup qualifying group to me.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:36 (twenty years ago)

Greece, Turkey and Bosnia is more of a political humdinger than Greece, Turkey and Malta. I take it Cyprus aren't allowed to play Turkey? And vice versa.

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:41 (twenty years ago)

That looks like a dodgy group for us tho. We'll draw against croatia, lose against russia, and then need a point from our last game against israel to go through.

― Johnny B Was Quizzical (Johnney B), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:44 (twenty years ago)

Russia are rotten just now tho

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:46 (twenty years ago)

Yeah, those rampaging Guardian readers cause so much trouble at football matches, the bastards.

That's a great draw for England, no one terrific at all, though obviously only one looks like a total walkover, I imagine. The rest of the British Isles is totally fucked in spectacularly bad draws.

Losing an extra place through joint hosts, plus the fact that the two countries removed are mediocre ones, makes this an unusually tough-looking draw generally. Imagine putting Switzerland and Austria in and removing an Italy, France, Germany or England, then offering an extra place.

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:48 (twenty years ago)

Portugal have got some fun away trips to look forward to. Hasn't Kazakhstan got a border with China?

― Daniel Giraffe (Daniel Giraffe), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:48 (twenty years ago)

As I said on the Liverpool thread before seeing this one "Ireland and Wales also have Slovakia, a really rough draw with 3 strong teams, even a manager with the skills and experience of Steve Staunton will have trouble getting us through that group".

urgh.......

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 27 January 2006 13:53 (twenty years ago)

Rampaging Guardian readers:

http://www.bigcampaign.org/gallerypitchinvasion.html

― Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:01 (twenty years ago)

England games tend to have slightly tighter security than Leyton Orient.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:03 (twenty years ago)

france will be shit by 2008 anyway

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:09 (twenty years ago)

Xpost

I know, they tried something similar a couple of years ago at Man Utd Big Cup game and got nowhere, but I assure you that they will try something.

And I wouldn't be too shocked if some newspaper has a column in it tomorrow saying we shouldn't be playing them at all, which will contain the word "millionaires" at least once.

― Hello Sunshine (Hello Sunshine), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:10 (twenty years ago)

... and Scotland will be fantastic (xpost)

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:11 (twenty years ago)

I still think England would be better off in a tricky group, where they could treat every game like a cup final. You just know that we're going to scrape through this group at the last minute, having drawn with Macedonia along the way. And everyone will expect us to thrash Andorra but it will be a tepid 2-0 win.

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:34 (twenty years ago)

Better to have the next manager work to dispel the complacency that mires England in such situations then. Spain, Italy and France have breezed through 'easy' groups in the past despite their teams being comprised of pampered millionaires just like England's, without experiencing problems such as 'not scoring enough against the minnow' and dropping points at home against teams like Macedonia. Sure it will happen now and then but there is no reason at all why England could not win every single game in their group, home or away. The ability is there, the manager must also instil that belief (but not so that it gives way to arrogance then complacency).

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:40 (twenty years ago)

but, as dave pointed out after the norn iron debacle, the pampered millionaires of the premiership (TM) DON'T LIKE IT UP 'EM. they haven't toiled up through the leagues or even cleaned boots as ye players of olde did, so they really aren't used to facing players with lower skill levels but higher belief levels. having said that, i don't think there is a similar bananaskin to NI in this group, but we've never been the sort of team that cruises qualifying...

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Friday, 27 January 2006 14:51 (twenty years ago)

but we've never been the sort of team that cruises qualifying...

But why is that? That's something the next England manager needs to address and hopefully resolve.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:05 (twenty years ago)

How many games did you actually lose in the World Cup qualifiers? One, wasn't it?

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:07 (twenty years ago)

I'm thinking there should be more emphatic, convincing victories though :)

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:08 (twenty years ago)

Fair point though - when Italy, Spain and France have dominated their groups in the past, they have gone on to amount to very little in the resulting tournament. Ultimately it doesn't really matter how teams qualify as long as they qualify.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:09 (twenty years ago)

France qualified at the last minute for WC06 and the opposition was far from stiff...

― Baaderonixx, born again in Xixax (baaderonixx), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:10 (twenty years ago)

Indeed. Frinstance, Sweden seem to win every qualifying group they're in by a mile...

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:12 (twenty years ago)

My references predate that.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:12 (twenty years ago)

If memory serves me right we walked through the qualifiers for Euro 88, then when we got to the finals we lost all three games.

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:15 (twenty years ago)

well apparently, this world cup qualifying was the first time we've qualified before the last match since, [possibly making it up now] spain 82? (possibly italia 90).

steve, WHY should we be cruising?

― CarsmileSteve (CarsmileSteve), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:19 (twenty years ago)

... because English football is the best in the world?

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:20 (twenty years ago)

steve, WHY should we be cruising?

because England will be World Cup champions by then ;)

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:20 (twenty years ago)

All in all, I think this is an extremely good group for England. I'm also looking forward to Ireland vs Germany in Group D.

― M. White (Miguelito), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:24 (twenty years ago)

I remember the Czechs won all ten of their qualifying matches in the run up to Euro 2000 (inc. that memorable 3-2 win over Scotland in Prague) but then flopped in the tournament after being drawn with hosts Holland and World Cup champions France. The challenge is really for a team to be that impressive in qualifying and continue the form beyond that despite experiencing the superior opposition in the climactic tournament.

Anyone remember how Germany qualified for Euro 96?

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:25 (twenty years ago)

If England were to play Germany or Brazil or Italy or France or Argentina in the summer, I would fancy our chances. But when England travel to Israel or Macedonia half-way through the season, and everyone expects us to win, and the players all have half their minds on their next game against Arsenal / Juventus or whatever, we keep getting caught out.

― Teh HoBB (the pirate king), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:28 (twenty years ago)

Well if it really is a trade-off and you can't have both a worry-free qualification campaign AND a successful tournament then I'm happy for England to drop points against Russia, Croatia etc. but still qualify.

At least this time there is no play-off for the group runner-up, not that I don't expect England to win the group, regardless of how pretty it turns out to be.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:31 (twenty years ago)

I fancy Israel for the runner-up spot actually.

― Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:32 (twenty years ago)

I'll be supporting Israel in this group... along with England of course!

― Dittoismus (Dada), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:33 (twenty years ago)

Oh, I like Andorra. I have seen the club side. Rather portly, some of them.

― PJ Miller (PJ Miller 68), Friday, 27 January 2006 15:42 (twenty years ago)

five months pass...

So we might as well revive this one and look ahead, since...

New Italian coach: Donadoni

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 13 July 2006 19:28 (nineteen years ago)

eight months pass...

Robinson, P Neville, Ferdinand, Terry (capt), Carragher, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Lampard, Lennon, Johnson, Rooney.

Lennon starting on the left, supposedly.

possibly the least confidence-inspiring full backs i've seen on an England team sheet for a while. if i were Mr Israeli Coach i know where i'd be telling 'em to put the ball.

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:10 (nineteen years ago)

oh, and well done to Scotland. still top of the group. truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:11 (nineteen years ago)

P.Neville is really underrated! He's been one of Everton's best players recently, and they've been one of the better teams in the Premier League. He's also at right-back, which is an improvement over the dark days.

Carragher is the least attack-minded full-back EVER (except perhaps Seitaridis) but he is a fantastic defender so I don't foresee many problems there either.

England's weakness is between the sticks. Apart from that, it's an excellent team.

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:16 (nineteen years ago)

Carragher is a very good centre half, but he's neither fast nor mobile enough to be a full back, in defence or attack. a half decent winger will always get a stride on him and put in the cross.

and as for Neville, P in an England shirt...the lesson should've been learned by now.

poor old Gareth Barry, eh? will he ever win. even i feel bad for him and i hate the Villa.

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:26 (nineteen years ago)

Hmm.

I agree I'd have picked Barry ahead of Carragher. I maintain that P.Neville has shown good form for Everton.

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:34 (nineteen years ago)

Although Luke Young arguably deserves better. [/partisanship]

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:35 (nineteen years ago)

Israel have Robert Pires in goal. they may be some hope for us yet.

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 18:59 (nineteen years ago)

Fucking hell.

http://www.fourfourtwo.premiumtv.co.uk/javaImages/66/5c/0,,11442~2972774,00.jpg http://neil-warnock-news.newslib.com/img/logo/4779.jpg http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42475000/jpg/_42475125_warnock270.jpg

― caek, Saturday, 24 March 2007 19:35 (nineteen years ago)

oh god NO MORE

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 20:27 (nineteen years ago)

o the crushing inevitability.

tell me, if you need to change the game up at 0-0 with 18 minutes to go, do you really make a like-for-like substitution at right back? i mean really?

why isn't Rooney delivering for England? why is Lampard so so miserably useless? why can't Gerrard attempt a pass under 30 yards? where did all our strikers go? why don't any of them seem to care anymore?

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 20:33 (nineteen years ago)

LAMPARD + GERRARD = NO

this has been common knowledge amongst england fans for the past 3 years. mclaren, let's face it, is as useless as we knew he'd be. whether the FA will be bold/sensible enough to dump him NOW before any further damage can be done is not so clear.

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 20:39 (nineteen years ago)

itll be interesting to read the interviews with dj martian in the papers tomorrow

― 600, Saturday, 24 March 2007 20:49 (nineteen years ago)

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 24 March 2007 20:51 (nineteen years ago)

is anyone in the Norn Ireland team apart from David Healy allowed to score?

― Roberto Spiralli, Saturday, 24 March 2007 21:03 (nineteen years ago)

Is anyone in the England team allowed to score at the moment? (I would imagine they will against andorra)

― Brigadier Lethbridge-Pfunkboy, Saturday, 24 March 2007 21:08 (nineteen years ago)

xpost: yeah, grant mccann by the looks of things.

― unfished business, Saturday, 24 March 2007 21:14 (nineteen years ago)

okay, maybe an overreaction having watched the highlights, but if mclaren isn't dumped, some of his players need to be.

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 00:35 (nineteen years ago)

the day's surprises:

Kazakstan 2 Serbia 1
Czech Rep 1 Germany 2
Greece 1 Turkey 4
Holland 0 Romania 0
Rep Ireland 1 Wales 0
Montenegro 2 Hungary 1

Holland and Serbia will be even more disappointed than England, although how the hell Kazakstan, which was deep in Central Asia next to China last time I checked, are in European qualifying remains baffling to me.
I'm beginning to suspect that the Czechs aren't actually all they're cracked up to be. I already knew Greece aren't actually all they're cracked up to be, but they will hate to have shipped 4 to their friendly neighbours, especially after going 1 up, and especially given that they both went in with 100% records.
Rep Ireland winning under Staunton is a shock, whoever it's against.
and congratulations to Montenegro, winning their first ever international. Maybe all the good Serbian players were really Montenegrin.

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 00:51 (nineteen years ago)

ROI-Wales was one of the worst matches I've seen in my fucking life. A *festival* of misplaced passes and bobbles. I ate a pizza with about half a pound of cheese on before the England game and felt so sick I had to go home shortly after the second half began, but was fairly confident I wouldn't miss anything much

― DJ Mencap, Sunday, 25 March 2007 08:50 (nineteen years ago)

I'm not sure what was worse, the inspirational right-back for a right-back substitution (surely just an admission McClaren picked the wrong team from the start?), or taking off Lennon, who was providing most of what little service there was, for Stuart Downing.

England will not qualify from this group, especially as we still have to play Russia away, and I think Guus Hiddink is going to give a timely reminder of why the FA were so stupid to plump for McClaren.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 25 March 2007 13:56 (nineteen years ago)

Such is England's midfield drudgery that one would almost be tempted to pick a) two wingers (and two full-backs) who can cross the ball and b) two strikers who can win it in the air, regardless of whom the best 'players' are.

A team, for instance, such as:

Robinson (or James)
Barry - Terry - Ferdinand - G.Neville get well soon
Lennon - Gerrard - Parker/Hargreaves/Carrick - Pennant
Crouch - Bent

with Rooney and Lampard as super-subs.

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 14:05 (nineteen years ago)

for the benefit of DJ Mencap and anyone else who missed any or all of the England match, the following is a visual representation in the style of the MS Paint/mundane thread, to which it could easily be cross-posted.

http://www.freewebtown.com/storex/England.JPG

P Nev and Carragher are on the wrong sides, but you get the picture.

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 14:20 (nineteen years ago)

England don't deserve to qualify on this evidence. I think Israel parked the team bus in front of their goal and didn't bother to do much else...and a point in Tel Aviv wouldn't be so bad if not for the poorness of the game...but none of this can really excuse them. The game reminded me a lot of the World Cup match vs Portugal - just so lacking in....everything...anything...

Highlights programmes only for me for the rest of the campaign now, serious this time!

― blueski, Sunday, 25 March 2007 14:25 (nineteen years ago)

i think Lampard is a decent midfielder who can make things happen in a game, but he clearly doesn't give a fuck about playing for England. OR, for all i know, it's the other way around entirely and he's so anxious to do well that it paralyses him, but either way his time has come and gone. with the return of Cole J from injury, Lampard will surely disappear from the first team.

i'm beginning to wonder if Rooney is really bothered about playing for England either. i don't undestand why he doesn't have more impact on matches. it seems ludicrous to drop him, even if his is wickedly overrated in England, and it'll never happen, but as things are he's dead weight.

i'd stick with AJ up front. he has shown enough quality domestically to have earned a run in the side to see if he can establish himself. Defoe's confidence seems shot from Jol constantly fiddling around with his strikeforce and I don't think Bent has it in him. Crouch is useful but he's not the answer.

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 14:38 (nineteen years ago)

Maybe all this talk of England's 'Golden Generation' is complete bollocks anyway. I mean, obviously it is in terms of what they actually achieved, but maybe the potential was never really there anyway. A quick look back some of the names in the squads from the not too distant past:

1986: Shilton, Butcher, Robson, Hoddle, Wilkins, Lineker, Waddle, Barnes, Beardsley
1990: Shilton, Pearce, Walker, Butcher, Robson, Waddle, Beardsley, Lineker, Barnes, McMahon, Gascoigne, Platt
1996: Seaman, G Neville, Pearce, Campbell, Ince, Adams, Platt, Gascoigne, Shearer, Sheringham, McManaman, Fowler

Would you definitely say that the players we've got now (imagining that Cole, Owen, etc. weren't injured) are better than them?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 25 March 2007 14:45 (nineteen years ago)

of course it's bollocks! people only started using the term after Euro 2004 iirc in response to the use of it towards Portugal's team - at least i don't remember hearing it before.

say what you will about Eriksson but at least England never went three qualifiers in a row without scoring a goal under him. as predicted by many after the World Cup things have actually gotten worse since he (and Becks) left, not better.

― blueski, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:01 (nineteen years ago)

Stevem and I were discussing this while watching the game yesterday. I said I would take Alan Shearer, Robbie Fowler, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, even Les Ferdinand and Ian Wright in their prime, over any of England's current (fit) strikers other than Rooney.

One of the main problems is paucity of options. I don't think anyone really feels their place is under threat, because Scott Parker, Jermaine Jenas, Kieron Dyer, Gareth Barry or Stuart Downing aren't going to be forcing their way into the first choice XI any time soon. The 'on paper we've got the players to beat anyone' complacency is still going strong despite everything and the Gerrard-Lampard problem sums that up perfectly.

Beckham will be back soon, I think, and one other intriguing question is if and how Carrick and Hargreaves will dovetail at Man Utd next season.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:03 (nineteen years ago)

maybe Paul Scholes really was our best player...

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:16 (nineteen years ago)

England could probably best be do with looking at the history of Italian football 1998-2006, and how "Look, best squad of players ever!" means fuck all until you have a manager prepared to crack a few skulls and not pick a first eleven based on which players have the most commercial sponsorship deals.

― Dom Passantino, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:20 (nineteen years ago)

yeah, but you guys could afford to ditch vieri, totti and del piero! a couple of strikers down the line from owen, and we're into andy johnson country. i.e. ouch.

i agree, though, lampard and rooney need that rocket up their arse. preferably in the form of a spell on the bench.

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:24 (nineteen years ago)

Dom is so OTM it makes me cry on the inside

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:45 (nineteen years ago)

Capello for England!

Sometimes it's more enjoyable to watch a major tournament when your country isn't involved.

― jel --, Sunday, 25 March 2007 15:54 (nineteen years ago)

England need Neil Warnock.

― caek, Sunday, 25 March 2007 16:07 (nineteen years ago)

dont forget scholes had a long barren spell for england

― 600, Sunday, 25 March 2007 16:10 (nineteen years ago)

super xposty

I'm beginning to suspect that the Czechs aren't actually all they're cracked up to be.

For the Czechs, it really was the Golden Generation, and they are well and fully on the downside now. I am surprised that anyone still rates them that highly. (Love 'em though I do.)

― mitya, Sunday, 25 March 2007 16:11 (nineteen years ago)

Let's scrap international football!

― jel --, Sunday, 25 March 2007 16:14 (nineteen years ago)

Germany will beat Portugal on penalties in the final next year, is my prediction.

― blueski, Sunday, 25 March 2007 16:56 (nineteen years ago)

1 Argentina
2 Italy
3 Brazil
4 France
5 Germany
6 England
7 Netherlands
8 Portugal
9 Czech Republic
10 Spain

re. the Czech Republic, i thought i'd check the FIFA world rankings to see if they're still 2nd in the world, and look at this shit!! i know that's it's bollocks and it always has been bollocks, but this seems to be setting a new bar. they really do just make it up, don't they? i think i'm right in saying this is the highest England have been in a long time. how??

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:08 (nineteen years ago)

Scholes had a long barren spell for England in terms of goals, but he mostly played very well over that time. We're missing his link play and his eye for a pass now.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:11 (nineteen years ago)

Scotland are the unofficial champions of teh world, btw. (I fully expect to have this title taken off us by Italy on Wednesday)

― ailsa, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:17 (nineteen years ago)

by the time 08 comes (if england are there), a couple of players will probably have broken through, who are not currently in the squad. theres often a couple that are comparatively off the radar now, but a summer transfer to a top 4 club and a good season can rocket a player in

david bentley?

― 600, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:19 (nineteen years ago)

Steve Sidwell, surely?

― Dom Passantino, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:21 (nineteen years ago)

Kevin Nolan? (j/k)

― ailsa, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:22 (nineteen years ago)

jerome thomas

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:25 (nineteen years ago)

Phil Jagielka

― Dom Passantino, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:26 (nineteen years ago)

He might as well try out for the reserve goalkeeper's slot, I can't think of many better.

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:28 (nineteen years ago)

lol at pennant complaining hes not being picked

― 600, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:28 (nineteen years ago)

well, I think they should give him a go!

― unfished business, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:29 (nineteen years ago)

Michael Brown

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:30 (nineteen years ago)

Seth Johnson

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:39 (nineteen years ago)

i'm not convinced scholes played that well in his last couple of years for england, though this can partially be put down to the manner in which he was deployed. he would be more than welcome back in his current club form, though. there's only one personnel change england need though, and that is to replace the manager.

a lot of ireland and england fans (and perhaps welsh ones too?) may be tempted to root for the opposition in their country's games, in the hope that a bad result will be the last straw; the manager will be replaced, and a competent one will be brought in, meaning that the negative result could, indirectly, aid the long-term health of the nation's football. quite a few (irish) people i know were rooting for wales yesterday - though i can't say i've succumbed to this as yet. i still want ireland to win whenever they play, even though i do understand that a short cluster of bad results may not be a bad thing, if it results in a change in manager.

as it turns out, dismal performances by both ireland and england did not result in scorelines bad enough to warrant the manager's sacking. oh well.

beckham will surely not be back? there was a chance of a short-term recall if he had been fit for yesterday's game, but given that he will be playing in the MLS when england's next important games take place, i don't see why they would recall him. i really don't think he's the answer to your problems, lennon on the right in place of gerrard, gerrard in the centre ahead of lampard - that's yr best bet.

― Weasel Diesel, Sunday, 25 March 2007 17:49 (nineteen years ago)

Kudos to The Observer for yesterday's headline:

[i}Zhumaskaliyev Stuns Serbia For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan[/i]

― Dom Passantino, Monday, 26 March 2007 11:40 (nineteen years ago)

Hilarious dude in the BBC comments box at the moment blaming the Israel result "entirely" on Sam Allardyce and Mark Huges. The rationale seemingly because Ben Haim is a Bolton player.

― Matt DC, Monday, 26 March 2007 11:57 (nineteen years ago)

I love that Serbia are crap since Montenegro split.

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:03 (nineteen years ago)

One of the main problems is paucity of options. I don't think anyone really feels their place is under threat, because Scott Parker, Jermaine Jenas, Kieron Dyer, Gareth Barry or Stuart Downing aren't going to be forcing their way into the first choice XI any time soon. The 'on paper we've got the players to beat anyone' complacency is still going strong despite everything and the Gerrard-Lampard problem sums that up perfectly.

OTM

Given the generally lacklustre play by england over the last god knows how many years (three?) I think there's an argument for junking the lot and playing a team drawn from lower league clubs / U21's. The desire would be there more than with the likes of say, Lampard, who still, ludicruously seems to feel that he doesn't get enough "respect". I am aware that this would never happen in a million years, and I'm not saying they'd necessarily be a better team for it, but something radical needs to happen.

― Matt, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:09 (nineteen years ago)

Ronnie Whelan on Goals on Sunday made the point that there is so much pressure heaped on England not to lose that that's how we've started playing, i.e. don't lose at all costs (even though we still manage it), rather than go out there and take a few risks, show a bit of creativity and FUCKING WELL RUN ABOUT A BIT. He didn't actually say the last bit, but it needs saying. If you're going to minimise risks by keeping possession, you really do need a bit of movement off the ball, rather than continually picking out static targets, allowing whoever you're playing to get themselves completely settled.

Also, this has prolly been said before, but first name on that team sheet should be S. Gerrard, centre midfield (and not the holding role, either). Pick the rest of your team around him. Why both club and country refuse to do that is beyond me.

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:11 (nineteen years ago)

this has probably been mentioned so many times it has become boring to those here, but some of these teams are not european.

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:12 (nineteen years ago)

I don't know about this supposed pressure increase on England not to lose. England's qualifying record since 1996 has been good, with only five defeats in ten years of qualifiers.

I'm just sick of the players (more than the manager) saying "we've got to perform, we've got to play well" and then just doing the opposite. Mclaren's probably to blame for tactical naivety and being far too nice to them, but there should still be individual expression and ideas from the players themselves - just not seeing it.

I said to Matt on Saturday it's funny but I don't think I've ever seen Rooney score a header or receive a cross particularly well (i.e. scoring from it)...has it happened more than a couple of times for Utd even? this is where a fit back to form Owen is sorely needed imo - at least if England insist on reverting back to using the pace of wingers like Lennon to fly down, float it in and hope for the best.

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:24 (nineteen years ago)

England's qualifying record since 1996 has been good, with only five defeats in ten years of qualifiers.

six if you include the second leg of the play off against Scotland tho.

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:26 (nineteen years ago)

I'm just sick of the players (more than the manager) saying "we've got to perform, we've got to play well" and then just doing the opposite.

Do you not think that this is at least partially because at the back of their minds they know how much they'll get pilloried by the media if they lose? It may well not be all of the explanation, I just think that Ronnie had a point. Note here that we ALWAYS play better in games we are expected to lose (pressure off).

Owen scores far more headers than he has a right to, being a dwaaarf and all, but surely staple fodder=ball played through the defence along the floor for him to run onto? I think Shearer was the last striker we've had that you could semi-dependably launch a cross at, which is one of the reasons I think we need a bit more movement and creativity in the middle of the park.

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:39 (nineteen years ago)

i dunno. all football-passionate countries have media pressure on underperforming players don't they? Brazil get pilloried, Italy get pilloried, i'm sure Germany do, Argentina...the difference is these teams actually win stuff. Are England's press/media really much worse? I think they're bad but the players shouldn't bother reading or watching any of it. they know they under-achive and shouldn't need to be told. i don't believe they don't take it seriously because they're so well paid anyway, as some do.

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:46 (nineteen years ago)

You may well be right, there. I dunno, either. But, find me another explanation for the fact that people who have been picked to play for their country have so little drive to win that they don't even bother running when they don't have the ball. The suggestion of an incredible fear of losing made a small amount of sense to me.

I'd really like to see Matt's suggestion happen. Get a few lower leaguers in who really would play their hearts out. There's been far too little of that, lately.

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:53 (nineteen years ago)

USA! USA! THESE COLORS DONT RUN BABY

― cankles, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:57 (nineteen years ago)

tbh, I think England's press are too hard on the team when they're winning (see: Beckham text message wanking) and too soft on them when they lose (see: kill cheating Argie/Swiss/Portugese x 2 scumbags).

Compare this to, yes, Italy, France, or Argentina, where players can pretty much rape an entire orphanage and have it hushed up if they're doing well, and get mock ceremony funerals for a mildly disappointing goalless draw away to Turkey.

― Dom Passantino, Monday, 26 March 2007 12:59 (nineteen years ago)

This is where someone explains to me why we are so bloody negative, then.

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:11 (nineteen years ago)

find me another explanation for the fact that people who have been picked to play for their country have so little drive to win that they don't even bother running when they don't have the ball

shiftless
lazy
over-paid
pampered
soulless
cunts

i would guess that the average England 'star' player mentality is: "i'm volunteering for free and how dare anyone criticise me for playing badly, do you know how much i get paid to play for Chelesa, omg hope i don't get injured better not try too hard, much rather win the Champs League anyway."

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:22 (nineteen years ago)

I'll paraphrase blueski: and other countries' players don't fit that bill? (the list, that is; the mentality seems to be unique).

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:25 (nineteen years ago)

(not that the list was wrong, you understand)

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:26 (nineteen years ago)

if you look hard enough, the answer is probably something intrinsic to being English - a deep-seated national self-loathing and fear of facism that makes it hard for people to actually love the country anymore with the sincerity and passion that other nations do, for mostly sound historical reasons.

whatever the reason, the easy solution, as Dom pointed out, is to crack a few skulls together, and more to the point, to install a manager capable of doing that.

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:36 (nineteen years ago)

you know, i'm not sure i've fully developed that theory. it could do with some work.

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:37 (nineteen years ago)

The answer to England's problems...an annual competitive trial match in front of 90, 000 fans at Wembley

Steve "The Red Faced Clown" Mclaren has first dibbs on an England A Squad

put Harry Redknapp in charge of selecting an England B Squad

Have a competitive match between the "big time charlies" and "the pretenders" [England B] - let them fight for the right to wear the England shirt.

― djmartian, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:46 (nineteen years ago)

Good idea... Needs more chariots, and rivers of blood, though.

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:48 (nineteen years ago)

Reality TV show required. If the GBP can decide that Tara PT can win a singing contest it can surely sort out an England XI.

― onimo, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:50 (nineteen years ago)

Celebrity England XI.

Oh, wait, that's what we have at the minute...

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:51 (nineteen years ago)

does not compute!

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:52 (nineteen years ago)

I reckon a motivated Harry Redknapp England B team would win !

― djmartian, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:52 (nineteen years ago)

Home Nations tournament!!

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:55 (nineteen years ago)

xpost: You could stick Leigh R.M.I. out and they'd have a fair chance at the minute...

― peteR, Monday, 26 March 2007 13:56 (nineteen years ago)

there should definitely be a five nations (inc. Republic) tournament every two years. there are not many British players left in the top flight so people can't really used 'too many games' excuse on the majority of them.

― blueski, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:01 (nineteen years ago)

The problem isn't that they're unmotivated. The problem is that they're devoid of imagination and inspiration.

― Matt DC, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:09 (nineteen years ago)

thought andy johnson played well.. was quite clever and that.

and lennon did okay.

the problem with england i think is that too many in the team seems to be kind of skillful, but STUPID. they only seem to know how to play one way. and sadly that way seems to be "ball goes to ferdinand, ferdinand patiently build up play from the back by passing to terry, terry patiently passes to ferdinand, ferdinand passes to the left back, left back passes to ferdinand, ferdinand passes to terry, terry passes to the right back, right back panics under pressure and boots the fucking ball upfield for nobody in particular to pick up. bypassing the supposedly "talented" midfield.

why can't Gerrard attempt a pass under 30 yards?

he can't. he's ste gerrard gerrard, he'll pass the ball (exactly) 40 yards.

favourite bit of the game: the end, where they showed a prolonged footage of frank lampard topless with spare tyres frailing freely in the breeze.

― ken c, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:27 (nineteen years ago)

swap left and right back obv.

― ken c, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:28 (nineteen years ago)

Totally agree with Ken's chalkboard analysis of the patient build up. It drives me mad too, just as it has done during the past three tournaments - once the midfielders get closed down it comes back to Rio to lump it down channels to a forward with his back to goal. It seems like such a primitive approach to the game.

As for Israel, b'seder gamur!

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:35 (nineteen years ago)

The problem is that they're devoid of imagination and inspiration.

and
[quote]once the midfielders get closed down it comes back to Rio to lump it down channels to a forward with his back to goal[quote]
are both right; they also can't keep posession to save themselves. they will always, ALWAYS get found out if they treat it as another premier league-style "blood'n'thunder hoof it run run run" fest and turn the ball over all the time to half-clever opposition.

― haitch, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:41 (nineteen years ago)

The problem isn't that they're unmotivated. The problem is that they're devoid of imagination and inspiration.

it's all 3, no? they don't look like they really care, it's in their body language - it looks like it's an imposition. they're devoid of inspiration because there isn't a genuine team captain among them - Terry and Gerrard are much too bothered about their own performances - and because of the maanger, and they're devoid of inagination because, as Ken sayd, they're dumb as posts and they've only been trained to play one way.

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:41 (nineteen years ago)

http://www.cantstopthebleeding.com/img/marbury2.jpg

they don't look like they really care, it's in their body language - it looks like it's an imposition. they're devoid of inspiration because there isn't a genuine team captain among them and because of the manager, and they're devoid of inagination because, as Ken sayd, they're dumb as posts and they've only been trained to play one way.

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:50 (nineteen years ago)

are the Harlem Globetrotters still top of the league?

i live in Boston, see. people don't like to talk about basketball round these parts.

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:55 (nineteen years ago)

not of late, anyhow.

― Roberto Spiralli, Monday, 26 March 2007 14:56 (nineteen years ago)

Ken's chalkboard analysis of the patient build up

Plz to watch this clip from 1:30 onwards and see if it reminds you of anything:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmsAqO_QQFE

― Mark C, Monday, 26 March 2007 15:01 (nineteen years ago)

Lampard ruled out due to fractured wrist. Hurrah!

― caek, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 12:53 (nineteen years ago)

Smokescreen

― onimo, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 12:57 (nineteen years ago)

is this on tonight?

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 12:59 (nineteen years ago)

Sky for England game. BBC2 for Italy v Scotland, Regional BBC (not sure if it's 1 or 2) for Wales and Northern Ireland games. I don't have Sky Digital (or any digital) and want to watch Group F improbable top of table clash NI v Sweden. What to do?

― Bocken Social Scene, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:03 (nineteen years ago)

scratch that.
[link]http://www.livesportontv.com/sportindex.php?id=1[/link[
19:30 Setanta Ireland (N. Ireland only) Poland v Armenia
19:45 Sky Sports 1 Andorra v England
19:45 Sky Sports 2 Republic of Ireland v Slovakia
19:45 Sky Sports 3/Sky Sports HD2 Wales v San Marino
19:45 BBC2 Northern Ireland/BBC Interactive Northern Ireland v Sweden
19:50 BBC2 (BBC1 in Scotland, not available in N. Ireland) Italy v Scotland

― Bocken Social Scene, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:06 (nineteen years ago)

Apparently it was a Rooney powershot that broke Lampards wrist. Ha!

― caek, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:07 (nineteen years ago)

i'll be watching the Scotland game.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:08 (nineteen years ago)

i assume scotland are going to get creamed

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:18 (nineteen years ago)

I predict one all draw in Scotland game.

― Grandpont Genie, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:19 (nineteen years ago)

I bet they put some bloody effort in whilst they're getting creamed, though.

― peteR, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:19 (nineteen years ago)

Keep it as tight as possible for about 89 minutes then unleash Kris Boyd on them and nick a 1-1 draw.

― onimo, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:22 (nineteen years ago)

Italy to dominate the first 30 minutes, go 1-0 up, then spend the rest of the game on the back foot before scoring a fluke 88th minute goal, is my guess.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:28 (nineteen years ago)

Christian Dailly will be given a holding role in front of the defence.

:(

― onimo, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:36 (nineteen years ago)

I am looking forward to watching the Scotland Regional Selection in action, but will it be good enough to keep me from The Apprentice?

― PJ Miller, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:36 (nineteen years ago)

predictions:

Italy 3 Scotland 1
Andorra 0 England 2
Northern Ireland 0 Sweden 1
Rep of Ireland 2 Slovakia 2
Wales 5 San Marino 0

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:38 (nineteen years ago)

Andorra 0 England 0 right up to the 89th minute, when England score from a penalty following a hugely controversial Andy Johnson dive.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:40 (nineteen years ago)

well at least england winning 3-0 with "i think frank has certainly proved a few doubters wrong tonite" is off the cards now

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:42 (nineteen years ago)

Italy 1 Scotland 1
Andorra 0 England 3
Northern Ireland 2 Sweden 1
Rep of Ireland 1 Slovakia 0
Wales 1 San Marino 0

― Grandpont Genie, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:45 (nineteen years ago)

Italy 1 Scotland 1
Andorra 0 England 7 (seven)
Northern Ireland 1 Sweden 1
Rep of Ireland 2 Slovakia 0
Wales 2 San Marino 0

― onimo, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:46 (nineteen years ago)

top scorer of the night, and the only player to score more than one goal, will be David Healey.

― Grandpont Genie, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 13:47 (nineteen years ago)

Do I want to watch England or Scotland? I honestly don't know.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 14:16 (nineteen years ago)

Welcome to the Berwick resident's world.

― Grandpont Genie, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 14:17 (nineteen years ago)

Italy 4 Scotland 0.

Time to get back to earth I think.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 14:17 (nineteen years ago)

Do I want to watch England or Scotland? I honestly don't know.

No

― Michael Philip Philip Philip philip Annoyman, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 14:21 (nineteen years ago)

if Rep. Ireland score more than once i'll be very surprised.

England against Andorra is a kind of 4 goals in the 1st half, none in the second game. however, i will personalise this and say that the gods will have England win 8-0 just so i am tormented by Maclaren's leering, self-congratulatory face.

i also suspect that Italy will administer something approximating a whupping, but i really really hope they don't. i am enjoying seeing Scotland on top of that group way too much.

i'd like to think Norn ireland will win but i can't really see it. Wales will likely struggle against San Marino but still come away a couple of goals clear.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 14:37 (nineteen years ago)

Predictions:
Italy 0 Scotland 0
Andorra 0 England 0
Northern Ireland 0 Sweden 0
Rep of Ireland 0 Slovakia 0
Wales 0 San Marino 0

― ken c, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 15:31 (nineteen years ago)

Italy 2 - Scotland 1
Andorra 0 - England 3
Northern Ireland 0 - Sweden 2
Rep. Ireland 1 - Slovakia 1
Wales 2 - San Marino 0

― Stevie T, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 15:33 (nineteen years ago)

Wales managed to beat Cyprus so i'm sure they'll be quite comfortable against San Marino.

i wonder if Roy Keane would've been happier playing for Staunton than McCarthy?

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 15:36 (nineteen years ago)

I think Ken C is right - it's like Children of Men, except with goals. There will be no more, ever. We've run out of goals.

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 15:38 (nineteen years ago)

I think what England need to do, in order to win this soccer game, is score some goals.

(c) every article in today's sport sections

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 15:43 (nineteen years ago)

I thought they were erring closer to 'lynch the manager'.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:02 (nineteen years ago)

i liked the photo in today's guardian, with mclaren hoofing a strike himself at practice; the implication, situated as it was next to the word "desperate", was that mclaren was considering taking the field himself, i.e. "i'd piss on the sparkplug if i thought it'd do any good"

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:05 (nineteen years ago)

what england needs is paul scholes. because he scores goals

― ken c, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:05 (nineteen years ago)

I hate that Gerrard, Terry, Mclaren whoever all keep parroting the same line. "It's about results now, not performances".

Yeah, with Eriksson it was about results not performances and didn't it show. He did actually get the results tho (most of the time). You guys are now only fulfilling 50% of the deal (the not performances bit).

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:11 (nineteen years ago)

I'm watching Scotland, because that way I won't have to leave the flat.

It would be interesting to see how England get on without Lampard, as everyone knows he should be dropped anyway, but McClaren is too much of a wimp to piss of the almighty superstar. He might have caught a lucky break.

I'm still surprised McClaren isn't doing better, considering how his super-advanced-tactic of throwing on every forward you've got and just hoping to come back from a 3-0 deficit worked so well at Middlesbrough.

― Gukbe, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:15 (nineteen years ago)

McClaren must ride out storm

Graham Taylor says Steve McClaren needs time to ~~save England~~ make sure England don't qualify for a major tournament, so hopefully everyone will get off of my back already.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:35 (nineteen years ago)

He may be a wimp, but he did at least drop Beckham. It was clear the wind was blowing in that direction, but I think a lot of people were quite surprised that he did it as soon as he did.

I think a lot of the general malaise and ill feeling from England fans toward the team would go away if the team became a bit more entertaining. I don't just mean they need to start playing more attractive football, swashbuckling up and down the park like Arsenal. I mean they need to look like they're enjoying themselves, and they give a shit, and this has to start with the manager. Which is why I wasn't joking _at all_ when I suggested Neil Warnock upthread. Someone to get them through Euro 2008 without humiliating themselves while snapping both the team and the fans out of their current mutual contempt.

― caek, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 16:35 (nineteen years ago)

The thing is Beckham should have been dropped in 2004. He was fucking shite in Portugal, but still carrying around a massive ego. I thought he was actually alright in Germany 2006. Lampard was the one who was fucking shite last summer (but still carrying around a massive ego). It's not brave to drop players two years too late.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 17:22 (nineteen years ago)

I agree. Beckham was off in 04 but good in 06 and good nowThe only problem was they depended on him too much. Perhaps he should never have been skipper. Lampard was good in 04 but not so much now (for England).

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 17:30 (nineteen years ago)

Jaime Redknapp: "Tonight would be a good night to show how much they don't care."

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 18:50 (nineteen years ago)

2027: If Steve McClaren is looking for some crumbs of comfort, England are looking very comfortable at the back.

2030: Maybe not that comfortable. Andorra shoot at goal - but Justo Ruiz's effort flies high over Paul Robinson's goal. Meanwhile, "what a load of rubbish" is sounding from the stands. Andorra or England fans? Wayne Rooney's verbal war with big Oscar Sonejee continues - not one for the faint hearted.

I'm glad I don't have any access to Sky at the moment.

― Billy Dods, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:36 (nineteen years ago)

scotland doing ok though!

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:39 (nineteen years ago)

HARRY REDKNAPP for England.

― admrl, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:43 (nineteen years ago)

srsly

― admrl, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:43 (nineteen years ago)

david moyes: "i think england will win"

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:47 (nineteen years ago)

With a big shit eating grin on his face.

― Billy Dods, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:48 (nineteen years ago)

0 - 0 at half time. Come on you Andorrans!

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:48 (nineteen years ago)

half-time verdict:

http://itrocks.biteus.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/top_10_cutest_asian_baby_faces_10.jpg

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:49 (nineteen years ago)

its good to see that those in the know think that england can beat this team

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:49 (nineteen years ago)

I'm glad I don't have any access to Sky at the moment.

I do. The England fans (who make up virtually the entire support in the stadium) cracked after about 40 minutes: 'What a load of rubbish' followed by 'You're not fit to wear the shirt' followed by 'one David Beckham' followed 'Steve McClaren is a wanker' and lots of boos. The players left the pitch to an amazing amount of abuse.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:52 (nineteen years ago)

cracked after about 40 minutes

25 mins, tops.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:53 (nineteen years ago)

45 minutes to save your job...

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:54 (nineteen years ago)

scotland weathering the storm at the minute

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:55 (nineteen years ago)

Gordon's playing a blinder for Scotland

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:56 (nineteen years ago)

OMG this is like watching a really, really slow car accident. Mouth opening and closing; no words coming out.

― peteR, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:56 (nineteen years ago)

Turkey have salvaged a point at home to Norway after being 2-0 down.

The second most boring team in Europe, the Netherlands, also yet to score tonight.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:58 (nineteen years ago)

fuck off Redknapp you cunt. stop talking, stop talking! it takes something to appear alongside Ray Wilkins and Glenn Hoddle and come across like the thick, boring one.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 19:59 (nineteen years ago)

Roberto are you the guy who spammed my youtube clip of Redknapp's one England goal with abuse?

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:00 (nineteen years ago)

ha ha! no i didn't, but i like to think i would have. i didn't mind him when he played, it's just now.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:02 (nineteen years ago)

quite enjoying the Scotland match! Italy frequently threatening but seem a little limp with the finishing so far luckily.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:02 (nineteen years ago)

Northern Ireland now 2-1 up, fantastic.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:11 (nineteen years ago)

healy again!

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:11 (nineteen years ago)

Healy with a brace again, eh? good lord. my kingdom for a Championship striker. put Nugent on!

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:12 (nineteen years ago)

46 mins: Andorra get the second half underway, and will look for a much better performance in the second 45.

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:12 (nineteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42739000/jpg/_42739925_eng3.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:26 (nineteen years ago)

http://www.freewebtown.com/storex/steve.JPG

cowabunga

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:36 (nineteen years ago)

Bollocks. Andorra will be disappointed about losing to the part-timers of England.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:38 (nineteen years ago)

england have proved a few doubters wrong tonite clive

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:40 (nineteen years ago)

Still, the first capped Preston player for 49 years. That's something.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:40 (nineteen years ago)

Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Sweden FT

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:42 (nineteen years ago)

"They parked the team bus in front of the goal, our highly paid stars were powerless."

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:43 (nineteen years ago)

Top of their group, Northern Ireland.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:43 (nineteen years ago)

http://www.ayresome.co.uk/images/1966/winners.jpg

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:45 (nineteen years ago)

Nugent misses a sitter.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:47 (nineteen years ago)

HO HO! poor old Jermaine.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:50 (nineteen years ago)

"But...there are stiffer tests lying ahead, of course."

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:52 (nineteen years ago)

on BBC they said Defoe had scored but it's gone to Nugent?

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:52 (nineteen years ago)

Sounds like the keeper stopped it on the line and Nugent kicked it out of his hand.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:54 (nineteen years ago)

no, it was right on the line, going over, and Nugent walloped it

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:55 (nineteen years ago)

A historic result for England! What a night in Barcelona Clive, what a night.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:55 (nineteen years ago)

i haven't been this proud since Rorke's Drift

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:56 (nineteen years ago)

Lee Dixon just unironically said "See? Everything's alright now."

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:58 (nineteen years ago)

Albert Pintat Santolària!
Michèle Gazier!
Ramon Villeró!
Your boys took one hell of a beating!

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 20:59 (nineteen years ago)

don't forget norghero

― admrl, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:00 (nineteen years ago)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Andorrans

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:00 (nineteen years ago)

Surely McClaren must be knighted NOW.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:01 (nineteen years ago)

the better team on the night won

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:01 (nineteen years ago)

(cur) (last) 16:00, 26 March 2007 Alexsanderson83 (Talk | contribs) m (←Replaced page with 'CUNT')

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:02 (nineteen years ago)

England was the winner, though I thought Football were a touch unlucky really. They'll be disappointed.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:03 (nineteen years ago)

(cur) (last) 14:44, 26 March 2007 Moreschi (Talk | contribs) (→McClaren and England - cut POV - the man's a muppet but he doesn't deserve this)

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:03 (nineteen years ago)

Keys reckons that Nugent goal has cost Preston 25 grand. it just gets better.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:07 (nineteen years ago)

(cur) (last) 08:40, 26 March 2007 Haatlawyer (Talk | contribs) (←Replaced page with 'CUNT')

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:07 (nineteen years ago)

hmmmm...isn't it?

― admrl, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:08 (nineteen years ago)

I've just heard the first cock-jockey of the night whining about Andorra's "spoiling tactics".

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:10 (nineteen years ago)

where? 606 on radio 5 live or talksport phone in?

― djmartian, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:12 (nineteen years ago)

Wilkins pulls rank on journos!!

"we were footballers, we know football - with all due respect to the journalists (none), we know Gerrard and Lampard can play together"

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:12 (nineteen years ago)

606 xpost

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:14 (nineteen years ago)

If by footballer he means "shit baldy bastard who passed the ball 2 yards left and right for his entire career" then yes, yes he was.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:15 (nineteen years ago)

what are some other examples of two players supposedly not able to play together at international level? i can't think of any (Zidane and Henry? they may not have always got on and Henry certainly didn't always play well for France...but still).

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:15 (nineteen years ago)

Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:17 (nineteen years ago)

we would've been unstoppable with Shiltona nd Clemence in the same side

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:19 (nineteen years ago)

Result of the day:
Liechtenstein 1 Latvia 0

remember when Latvia went to the World Cup?

Runner-Up: N Ireland 2 Sweden 1
Honourable mention: Germany 0 Denmark 1

Azerbaijan 1 Finland 0
Georgia 3 Faroe Islands 1
Israel 4 Estonia 0

...ASIA ATTACKS!

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:21 (nineteen years ago)

georgia and azerbaijan aren't asia!!!!

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:23 (nineteen years ago)

remember when Latvia went to the World Cup?

No!

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:23 (nineteen years ago)

everything East of the Black Sea is Asia. i promise.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:27 (nineteen years ago)

what about Israel?

Spain also struggling tonight. time running out for Arrogantes.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:28 (nineteen years ago)

georgiard and lampardijan can play together in europe, take it from me

― 600, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:28 (nineteen years ago)

Leeds fans wondering why Healy only turns it on for Northern Ireland: it's because you're a shit team with a cunt for a manager.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:29 (nineteen years ago)

Latvia were at Euro 2004 in Portugal

― djmartian, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:29 (nineteen years ago)

yes, that was what i meant.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:33 (nineteen years ago)

England's next challenge is to try and score a goal in both halves of a match, against a half-decent team (sorry Andorra). This hasn't happened since the Sweden game in the World Cup.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:37 (nineteen years ago)

Luca Toni is a diving cnut. I actually uttered the phrase "we could do with Nigel Quashie back" at one point tonight. Still, I'm enjoying Scotland's elevated run at the top of our group, even though I'm pretty sure it won't last (next two games = Faroes away, Lithuania at Hampden = banana skins ahoy)

― ailsa, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:48 (nineteen years ago)

Should I bother watching the replay of this? Does anybody shine for England? I'm getting to the point where I don't really feel like following them anymore.

― Michael White, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:48 (nineteen years ago)

Italy now official world champions & unofficial world champions, taking the latter title from Scotland (the most successful nation of all time).

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:55 (nineteen years ago)

xpost

search: David Nugent outrageously nicking Jermaine Defoe's goal as it crossed the line
destroy: everything else.

you don't need televised highlights, you need YouTube

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 21:57 (nineteen years ago)

lol at Nugent's goal-snatch

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:05 (nineteen years ago)

Oh, I toasted Scotland Unofficial World Champion status rather exuberantly on Saturday, believe me.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:07 (nineteen years ago)

"they couldn't win in many ways...but at least they HAVE won"

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:07 (nineteen years ago)

And Iniesta uses shield to block the frozen eggs hurtling towards Spanish faces tonight with minutes to spare.

― blueski, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:13 (nineteen years ago)

would a 1-0 win for england have been enough to get mcclaren the sack? if so, it would have been an ideal result, as the next manager would not lose the 2 points that came with avoiding a draw.

damn, i woz glad to see the republic bag the 3 points, with a much better performance (and against a much better team) than saturday. staunton has earned himself a stay of execution - this isn't actually as insulting as it sounds, cos he's actually *earned* it, with 6 points from 2 tricky(ish) games - not just achieved it by glossing over a disastrous display with a couple of flourishes (a la ireland in san marino, or mcclaren tonight)

and, of course, well done to northern ireland. david healy, i kiss you.

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:39 (nineteen years ago)

well ok, we glossed over a crap display on sat too, but tonight was pretty good!

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 28 March 2007 22:43 (nineteen years ago)

I'm quite pleased that many of my score predictions came true.

there was quite a bit of talk on 606 about the idea of making all the low ranked nations eg Andorra, San Marino playing a mini-tourney of their own to compete for one qualifying place. I quite like that idea.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:27 (nineteen years ago)

alternatively its quite useful as it is now, because in terms of goal difference, should a group be tied, it gives reason for these matches to exist, and makes a larger victory more important

(england winning only 3-0 dropping them a place due to isreals 4-0 win)

― 600, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:29 (nineteen years ago)

Why though? If these teams were just cannon-fodder, getting thrashed 14-0 by everyone, then fair enough. But Leichtenstein actually won last night, and England never seem to score more than three against any of these teams.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:32 (nineteen years ago)

TS: "There's only one David Beckham" vs "are you Scotland in disguise?"

(Personally I think England would quite like to be Scotland in disguise right now...)

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:32 (nineteen years ago)

Still, I'm looking forward to another Martian post about how a team full of young, hungry and passionate players like Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker would have scored 12 against Andorra.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:34 (nineteen years ago)

billy SHARP and FREDDIE eastwood would have worn shirt with PRIDE

― 600, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:37 (nineteen years ago)

(my last post was a x-post)

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:44 (nineteen years ago)

Why though? If these teams were just cannon-fodder, getting thrashed 14-0 by everyone, then fair enough

well shurely last night's Andorran performance was a v good illustration of why the minnows *don't* always get thrashed 14-0? Andorra not only 'parked the team bus in front of goal' but also wasted time, fouled, picked fights (speshly with Rooney, guaranteed to disrupt a match) ect ect.

in fact, it does beg the question -- when they *do* get thrashed 14-0, is this more either an illustration of their (i) sense of fair play or (ii) lack of imagination that they don't employ the above tactics???

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:45 (nineteen years ago)

italy employed same tactics and won a world cup:D

― 600, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:47 (nineteen years ago)

I think it's more (iii) playing shit against top-class players.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 08:50 (nineteen years ago)

when they *do* get thrashed 14-0, is this more either an illustration of their (i) sense of fair play or (ii) lack of imagination that they don't employ the above tactics???

... or perhaps that they're playing better teams than the current England team?

Well done Norn Iron!

Well done Liechtenstein!!!!!!!!!!

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:01 (nineteen years ago)

Andorra not only 'parked the team bus in front of goal' but also wasted time, fouled, picked fights (speshly with Rooney, guaranteed to disrupt a match)

Every team should do that against Rooney, it amazes me that they don't

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:03 (nineteen years ago)

but faced with those kind of tactics what should a team, regardless of its "quality", do?

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:05 (nineteen years ago)

Well, not lose the rag like England did last night

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:07 (nineteen years ago)

As FM2007 has shown, just switch to a 4-5-1 that switches to an erstatz 4-3-3 when in posession.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:13 (nineteen years ago)

Every team should do that against Rooney, it amazes me that they don't

Erm, they don't?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:22 (nineteen years ago)

Celtic didn't.... 'course we won anyway

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:24 (nineteen years ago)

Rooney's a liability. stick him on the bench.

there has been a lot of speculation about what goes wrong, but what ppl are missing is: the idea that if someone is playing well for their club then they are fit for international duty is fundamentally flawed. Sven actually said in interview that he used this as his major criterion and McLaren is following that lead.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:27 (nineteen years ago)

I don't think anyone criticising England is missing that point.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:31 (nineteen years ago)

If McClaren is using "plays well for his club" as his major criterion then why does Lampard keep getting picked?

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:33 (nineteen years ago)

See also: Rooney.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:34 (nineteen years ago)

And Robinson

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:35 (nineteen years ago)

I felt strangely ambivalent about England last night. Ultimately, I want England to qualify because it's not as much fun watching a major tournament when your country isn't there. But on the other hand, my expectation levels if England do qualify are virtually zero. When all the booing and anti-England chanting (from the England supporters) started it actually felt quite exciting, and I found myself wanting England to lose just to see how bad it got. I can't say I celebrated any of the goals. At the same time, when the camera zoomed in on the England fans they looked like total scum, and I think the last place I would want to be is stuck together with them singing God Save The Queen.

There's something so grey about the England team. They never seem to inspire much excitement. In my life the highpoints are the 4-1 against Holland in 96 and the 5-1 against Germany in 01 (I know we got to the World Cup semis in 90, but we did fuck all along the way), but most of the rest of the time there seems to be little of interest. When I made those comments upthread about struggling against Macedonia and Israel, and failing to beat Andorra convincingly, that was when the draw was made, long before the non-performance at the World Cup last summer, but it still seemed inevitable.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:35 (nineteen years ago)

There's something so grey about the England team. They never seem to inspire much excitement.

But that's how you won the World Cup, that's why you play that way

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:36 (nineteen years ago)

But that's how you won the World Cup, that's why you play that way

interesting, i know nothing of the earlier stages of the '66 tournament.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:38 (nineteen years ago)

the use of 'you' is curious seeing as none of the personnel are the same, are you implying that English footballing tactics havre remined unchanged for the last 41 years?????

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:39 (nineteen years ago)

were the Italian supporters repeatedly singing a White Stripes chant against Scotland?? Dom?

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:42 (nineteen years ago)

singing a White Stripes chant

"I'm finding it hard to be a gentleman"

?

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:44 (nineteen years ago)

"offend in every way"
?

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:45 (nineteen years ago)

"wasting my time"
?

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:45 (nineteen years ago)

I'm not bitter :)

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:46 (nineteen years ago)

In a way, I've always suspected that has somehting to do with how boring England are... you could argue that Ramsay won the World Cup by substituting flair for "hard graft" and commitment, ditching wingers, dropping Greaves, picking Alan Ball and Nobby Stiles and Geoff Hurst

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:46 (nineteen years ago)

But then, I suppose, Germany have never been very entertaining either

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:47 (nineteen years ago)

I think you're forgetting Harald Schumacher.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:50 (nineteen years ago)

were the Italian supporters repeatedly singing a White Stripes chant against Scotland?? Dom?

Yeah. Italy use the "Seven Nation Army" intro as a basis for a lot of their chants. Cam-pi-o-ni-del-mon-do. It scans, see?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:51 (nineteen years ago)

German goalkeepers are a hoot, it must be admitted

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 09:52 (nineteen years ago)

was the world cup '66 final the most boring 4-2 ever or something?

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:00 (nineteen years ago)

The final was good!

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:03 (nineteen years ago)

As we discussed before, England have been consistently dull over the years but failed to capitalise on it as well as Germany in the past - that's what really hurts!

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:03 (nineteen years ago)

The tournament was probably the worst yet

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:03 (nineteen years ago)

Thank god that's over. On with the serious business of failing to win the Premiership and being annoyed that Ronaldo is so good.

And Fat Frank can come home to the Bridge where only a quarter of his own supporters can't stand him.

(My god, though, those England fans abusing McClaren. What a bunch of arseholes. It's like they siphon off the worst 5 per cent of supporters from every club in the country.)

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:04 (nineteen years ago)

i just want to say that Italy was a joy to watch, it seems like they go from 0-60 in the blink of an eye! frightening!

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:04 (nineteen years ago)

Yes, but the two goals they scored were bog standard crosses that David Weir's been dealing with for all 73 years of his time in professional football

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:06 (nineteen years ago)

Oh, I liked Nugents goal-stealing (like vintage Brian McClair) and chipped-tooth combo. He's like a cheeky pirate!

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:07 (nineteen years ago)

whatever!

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:07 (nineteen years ago)

xpost

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:07 (nineteen years ago)

Let's be honest though, Scotland were never gonna give Italy enough room for us to beat six men and nail it home from 30 yards, so "cross and crowd keeper" was the obvious solution.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:07 (nineteen years ago)

I will not have Brian McClair's name taken in vain!

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:09 (nineteen years ago)

Has any player ever fell from public favour as fast as Lampard? As recently as last June people were saying he was one of the best five players in the world. Now it's all "lol fattey".

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:09 (nineteen years ago)

RE: Frank - big parellels with Beckham for club and country.

Did McClair ever score from outside the six-yard box?

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:11 (nineteen years ago)

I don't get why Chelsea fans would hate Lampard - even if he's often appearing 'lazy' or under-performs he's still one of the club's most prolific goalscoring midfielders for years? Many would argue that any medicore player would be able to do the same thing in the same team in the same situation...but Gerrard is the only other England midfielder in that similar situation.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:15 (nineteen years ago)

Pete: somewhere I have a page from pulled out from Shoot or Match of McClair scoring a Denis Law-style scissor kick against Chelsea in August 1987. That was the moment the world knew Old Trafford had a new King, and the championship would be heading back to Manchester (after at least three more years of mediocrity and the replacement of virtually everyone else in the squad).

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:15 (nineteen years ago)

(Pause while NB&S frantically searches for youtube footage of McClair scoring from the penalty spot.)

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:16 (nineteen years ago)

I suppose most Chelsea fans would happily swap Lampard for Gerrard tho?

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:16 (nineteen years ago)

He scored a long shot against Spurs in early 93, but other than that he was a bit of six-yard box man.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:17 (nineteen years ago)

When was that guy from Flaming Lips appointed manager of Italy anyway?

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:19 (nineteen years ago)

It really is one of the creepiest lookalikes in football, huh?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:20 (nineteen years ago)

Think a lot of the Lampard-hate has trickled down from his England performances, but he has undeniably been a lesser player in the last 18 months despite all the goals and there's a hint of a player starting to believe his own hype. He was never as gifted as, say, Xavi or Deco, or even Gerrard, but for a while he was playing at that level week-in week-out largely through sheer determination. Now, he's starting to show his limitations.

He's still a good player, and very popular at the Bridge, but there are more than a few raised eyebrows at the amount of wayward passes and shots.

A lot of us are kinda beginning to think if he moved on and we had a midfield of Diarra-Essien-Mikel-Cole we'd be playing a lot more enjoyable stuff on a more regular basis.

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:21 (nineteen years ago)

McClair scored a cracker from Nugent-range in the 94 Cup Final.

But back to Frank. Of course, if he does get dropped from England and continues to score goals for CFC, it's going to be very interesting if McClaren can hold his nerve, cos the fans will quickly change their minds when it becomes clear that England haven't suddenly improved. Which they won't, at least not until Ashton and Owen are fit.

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:25 (nineteen years ago)

Chelsea fans don't hate Lampard, what fresh mentalism is this?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:29 (nineteen years ago)

the idea that if someone is playing well for their club then they are fit for international duty is fundamentally flawed

Astonishing. Plz to come up with a concept that is 1/4 as pertinent when selecting a team (I am following the principle here that players get selected in their correct position with experience and continuity contributory factors, which is common sense)

― Mark C, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:34 (nineteen years ago)

Are you saying John Barnes should have got all those caps for England, despite displaying his Liverpool form at international level a grand total of one time?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:37 (nineteen years ago)

aka 'did a Wyclef'

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:53 (nineteen years ago)

Well either you choose players who are playing well for their clubs or players playing poorly for their clubs. What point am I missing here?

― Mark C, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:55 (nineteen years ago)

Or a Gary McAllister

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:55 (nineteen years ago)

(xpost)

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:56 (nineteen years ago)

Steady on, John Barnes didn't display his Liverpool form at Liverpool, a lot of the time. Prone to going very very missing for 98% of the game.

― peteR, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:56 (nineteen years ago)

Do you think flair players of the 60s and 70s are overrated as footballers because we didn't see their full matches, just their Match of the Day highlights?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:58 (nineteen years ago)

Probably

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:59 (nineteen years ago)

Not as overrated as flair players of the 40's and 50's who you only get to know things about from your dad.

― peteR, Thursday, 29 March 2007 10:59 (nineteen years ago)

"Stanley Matthews was shit: Official"

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:00 (nineteen years ago)

see this is why soccer needs more stats

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:13 (nineteen years ago)

Football and stats don't work

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:14 (nineteen years ago)

Football and stats don't work

take the "who was the best England manager?" question for example.

In term of most wins by number - Sven

In terms of most wins by % - Hoddle

but most ppl would still say Ramsay coz GODDAMMIT THAT WAS OVER 40 YEARS AGO!

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:17 (nineteen years ago)

bosko balaban to thread

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:19 (nineteen years ago)

Lies, damned lies, etc etc. What if we had a manager that was in place for one game, and he won it? Doing things simply by stats is inherently flawed.

― peteR, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:19 (nineteen years ago)

Perhaps homesickness was the problem

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:20 (nineteen years ago)

Doing things simply by stats is inherently flawed.

it's not inherently flawed, it just depends on how you weight the stats against each other.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:21 (nineteen years ago)

it does lead to one to speculate. if asinine ppl hadn't decided that one's religious beliefs had anything whatsoever to do with managing a football team, who knows what Hoddle might have achieved?

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:22 (nineteen years ago)

What all that yards rushed and assists nonsense you get in American sports? Lies, damned lies, damn Yankees!

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:23 (nineteen years ago)

Having watched Hoddle fuck up Spurs for a couple of years I imagine he would have achieved bugger all with England. He's a very poor manager.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:27 (nineteen years ago)

There's something so grey about the England team. They never seem to inspire much excitement. In my life the highpoints are the 4-1 against Holland in 96 and the 5-1 against Germany in 01 (I know we got to the World Cup semis in 90, but we did fuck all along the way),

i thought england in euro 96 were very exciting. i thought they were actually quite good! gazza, shearer, sheringham it was bloody good! that game vs scotland (which could have ended up a draw except for that missed penalty)! and yeah omg that holland game!

― ken c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:27 (nineteen years ago)

I don't like the way he chews gum with his mouth open.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:28 (nineteen years ago)

bosko balaban to thread

Even better, Bosko Balaban to Rangers

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:28 (nineteen years ago)

Having watched Hoddle fuck up Spurs

someone told me this proverb once, summat about a sow's ear.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:29 (nineteen years ago)

Hoddle was a good (player)manager at Swindon, and Chelsea (tho the tenure was maybe too brief to be really sure), mediocre everywhere else.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:29 (nineteen years ago)

Balaban cost Villa £6m when he joined from Dynamo Zagreb in the summer of 2001, but only appeared 11 times and failed to score.

He's a bit too good to be a Rangers' striker surely?

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:30 (nineteen years ago)

Chelsea under Hoddle finished 11th on three occasions, they did better under Gullit. People just think he was a good manager because he was at Chelsea.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:33 (nineteen years ago)

yeah, football doesn't lend itself to stats at all - it's not situational, and few of the things the players do are really repeatable

in baseball, you might have two good hitters who, without keeping track of their stats, you wouldn't be able to tell apart - one hits safely 26% of the time and the other 29% - the latter will get a lucrative multi-year contract, the former might be released

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:35 (nineteen years ago)

Was Glenn Hoddle the first time the FA set their sights so low for an England manager, btw? El Tel had won the league with Barcelona, even Graham Taylor had taken Watford to 2nd in the First Division.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:35 (nineteen years ago)

Who was the best English manager at the time of Hoddle's appointment though? Howard Wilkinson? Roy Evans?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:39 (nineteen years ago)

Kevin Keegan!

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:40 (nineteen years ago)

Wilko won the league - last English manager to do so. I guess it's true about football and stats then.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:41 (nineteen years ago)

Not as overrated as flair players of the 40's and 50's who you only get to know things about from your dad.

If you listen to my Dad, he'll tell how rubbish almost of them were when marked out of the game by some fiery Everton defender. Or they didn't fancy it cos it was raining. Or they limped off after one tackle.

DadFact: Dave Hickson, Alex Young and Roy Vernon were better than Garrincha, Matthews, Finney, etc...

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:45 (nineteen years ago)

I was talking to a guy (a Liverpool fan) in the pub about Alex Young the other week! He was raving about him, I never really knew who he was...

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:47 (nineteen years ago)

The Golden Vision, Tom. There's a Ken Loach TV film of that name from the late '60s - was shown on BBC4 a couple of years ago and was available on Google Video for a while. It's ace.

Actually, my most shocking memory of contrarian behaviour by my Dad was at a Goodison derby in '82. The one where Rush scored four. Late in the first half, with EFC already a goal and a man down (Glen Keeley sent off on his debut - he never played for us again), Liverpool string together a dazzling move which ends with Dalglish looping a header beyond Southall. My Dad applauds, applauds - "Brilliant goal, that." A second later, we spot the linesman's flag. My Dad smiles.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:53 (nineteen years ago)

that's the other nice thing about stats, they keep alive the memories of players from other eras just by virtue of them sitting there in the record books.. otherwise who would remember even those who were giants in their time, people like nap lajoie, paul waner, cap anson, charlie gehringer?

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:54 (nineteen years ago)

xpost that's a good story, mike

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:55 (nineteen years ago)

Alex Young only won 8 caps for Scotland! But we were spolied for choice in those days, how times change :(

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 11:58 (nineteen years ago)

Well, from the greatest midfield trio Everton ever had, Kendall was never capped and Harvey got just one. Alan Ball sort of made up for it.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 29 March 2007 12:08 (nineteen years ago)

Alex Young only won 8 caps for Scotland!

Actually, having read that Gary Imlach book (highly recommended) about his father Stuart, I wonder how many actual physical caps that translates into for Young?

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 29 March 2007 12:11 (nineteen years ago)

surely the greatest midfield trio Everton ever had was Parkinson, Horne, and Ebbrell? ah, the glory days. the university days. student season ticket for 95 quid.

― Roberto Spiralli, Thursday, 29 March 2007 12:12 (nineteen years ago)

(xpost) Not one of the Celtic team that won the European Cup won as many caps as they should have

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 12:13 (nineteen years ago)

Ah, the Dogs of Wah! Heat.

(Thing about my Dad is, he comes from an era when, if Everton were playing away, you just went to Anfield - and vice versa. Thousands must've watched both sides, week in, week out. It was only when they started winning everything that it all went wrong...;) He'll never hate the Reds as much as me but it is there, certainly).

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 29 March 2007 12:15 (nineteen years ago)

re: statistics in football

Boothroyd told me about the people he has poring over ProZone statistics and running them through various computer programs. The raw numbers come courtesy of cameras and sensors around the pitch that track everything a player does and how he does it. Is he waiting for the right software? 'We got the software. What we're waiting for is the right formula.'

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 13:18 (nineteen years ago)

Ha ha, it would have to be Boothroyd, the manager of Watford. Didn't some ex-army guy do a statistical study of how goals were scored in football games and come to the conclusion that the long ball was the best method? And didn't this have something to do with Graham Taylor, when manager at Watford, adopting the long ball game? I must away and research this...

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 13:53 (nineteen years ago)

that's a great and fascinating article, r|t|c, thanks!

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:01 (nineteen years ago)

Didn't some ex-army guy do a statistical study of how goals were scored in football games and come to the conclusion that the long ball was the best method?

He did, he died about two/three years back, WSC had an obituary for him... the book was called something like "The Art of Football".

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:12 (nineteen years ago)

Ha ha, it would have to be Boothroyd, the manager of Watford.

ha yeah. also u have to credit the guardian for spotting the glint of comedy gold from miles away when they did their whole "positive thinking with alan [pardew] & aidy" bit in the clogger. it's practically a cult at watford - i noticed malky mackay put 'the tipping point' as his favourite evah book the other month.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/fink_tank/

is always a good squiz too.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:22 (nineteen years ago)

final word goes to slaven bilic tho!

"But we are talking about systems. Systems are dying. It's about the movement of your players, up and down, left and right. There are no lines any more."

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:24 (nineteen years ago)

also i would like to think there's a statistic somewhere proving once & for all that ROBERT HUTH IS THE BEST STRIKER EVER

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:26 (nineteen years ago)

I wouldn't be surprised if Graham Taylor thought that anyway

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:28 (nineteen years ago)

tracer do this for lollards!!!!

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:28 (nineteen years ago)

It's about the movement of your players, up and down, left and right. There are no lines any more.

Watching Italy vs Scotland last night it was notable how we played, for the most part, in lines and Italy didn't. They ran between the lines to commit opposition players into either leaving their line and exposing their teammates or to running backwards as a unit and conceding territory.

Gordon Strachan frequently discusses pairs of players rather than lines or zones and this makes sense to me (e.g. two centre halves, each centre half with his full back, each full back with his winger, each winger with the midfielder inside him, two central midfielders, two strikers, each striker with his corresponding winger, etc.). You can see how much they work on this in training, particularly on the wings.

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:36 (nineteen years ago)

(and I know I'm talking about a team that's just lost 3 in a row and couldn't score in a barrel of fannies)

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:39 (nineteen years ago)

Oh, bloody Strachan and his crackpot theories

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:41 (nineteen years ago)

Eat bananas!

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 14:57 (nineteen years ago)

For about 10 minutes in 2002 or 2003 it was statistically proven that CARLTON COLE was the best striker in the world, in terms of goals to minutes played ratio. Then they started letting him play a bit more and it all went tits-up.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:01 (nineteen years ago)

i've noticed pass completion percentages listed in match reports, but it hardly seems like a good barometer. not only will the quality of defending significantly change that number, but more adventurous passers are penalised, even though theirs are probably the passes that lead to more goals (not to mention the fact that fullbacks are always going to have a higher pass completion since they're not being challenged nearly as much). is there ANY player statistic that hedz cite to one another?

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:08 (nineteen years ago)

Cricket's the game for stats!!

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:10 (nineteen years ago)

Important statistics in football:
1) the final score

That's about it. The rest of it is just Sky Sports trying to be American.

Strachan once used statistics to tell us that John Hartson didn't have a fat arse.

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:13 (nineteen years ago)

occasionally tho you get the one odd statistic that somehow ends up filtering thru into everyone's mind, like "jermaine pennant - prem's top cross master omg" last season. dunno what this year's version will be yet, maybe that vidic is more important than ronaldo or something like finktank said.

i do like those diagrams that show runs players make wot just look like furious computer squiggles all over the place, mainly cos u sit back and think "yes an impressive mess indeed, well done aaron lennon." obviously they fail to mention him not having a scooby what he's doing all day, but still.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:51 (nineteen years ago)

I think Sky once showed that Lee Bowyer ran about 20 marathons per match or something, including breaks to punch team mates.

The weird thing is that despite Sky wholly embracing the culture of the stat, Andy Gray still says "the only important statistic is the one in the top left corner of your screen" in every single game.

I like the shots/shots on target/goals ratios - usually because they help me explain how Blackburn are boring lucky bastards.

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:55 (nineteen years ago)

the alltime groupthink parroting classic is probably "andy cole needs 10 chances for every goal"! hoddle killed him with that.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 15:59 (nineteen years ago)

I find it most disturbing that, as time goes by the appearance of Andy Gray and Dave Gilmour gets progressively more similar.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:01 (nineteen years ago)

Yes, but if he makes 10 chances in every game, he scores

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:01 (nineteen years ago)

goal attempts + goal scored would be quite good stats to read for strikers. both should be high.

― ken c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:02 (nineteen years ago)

it was weird to see that England had about 68% of the possession last Saturday. it wasn't clear what the possession was OF, but they definitely had a lot of it.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:02 (nineteen years ago)

Whereas some other striker with a better chance/goal ratio might not get enough chances to score - as Andy Cole's goals-to-games ratio would suggest

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:02 (nineteen years ago)

Dave Gilmour needs 10 minutes for every verse

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:03 (nineteen years ago)

it was weird to see that England had about 68% of the possession last Saturday. it wasn't clear what the possession was OF, but they definitely had a lot of it

The moral high ground

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:03 (nineteen years ago)

Possession must be the most useless stat of the lot. Plenty of teams are happy to let you have as much possession as you want in your own half.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:05 (nineteen years ago)

'Attempts off target' is my favourite. Number of RUBBISH SHOTS.

― blueski, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:06 (nineteen years ago)

i spose ive a bit more faith in defensive stats than i do attacking - something more reliably repetitive about the tasks involved? when john terry was injured for chelsea they showed the number of interceptions and headers out he usually makes, and subsequently carvalho having to leave his station less and stuff, and it was all fairly persuasive.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:07 (nineteen years ago)

for posession do they have a dude with a lever moving one way and then t'other for the entire match?

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:08 (nineteen years ago)

No they have a bloke with 5,400 counters. Every second he puts a counter into either a red bag or a blue bag, dpeending on which team is in possession. At the end of 90 minutes they count up the counters in each bag.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:11 (nineteen years ago)

MOTD once showed that Newcastle concede more goals when Michael Owen isn't playing (which is all the time these days I know but at the time was about 50/50).

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:11 (nineteen years ago)

They certainly concede more goals when Titus Bramble is playing

― Tom D., Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:12 (nineteen years ago)

― onimo, Thursday, 29 March 2007 16:12 (nineteen years ago)

Many many x-posts, but actually I'd make a case that everything that's happened at Chelsea over the last 15 years was built on foundations laid by Hoddle. As well as the basic coaching stuff - he got us passing, thinking tactically and introduced many of the off-the-pitch innovations latter accredited to Wenger (who he played for at Monaco of course) - he got the whole club believing again, firstly by getting us into our first cup final for 23 years (forget the result, many of us never thought we'd ever see Chelsea in a final) and secondly by bringing in players like Gullit, Hughes and Petrescu, which made us realise we were allowed to think big.

Apparently most of the players hated him, though, and that's really what cost him the England job in the end.

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 18:13 (nineteen years ago)

yeah, i'd go along with that. him and er, mark stein. to an extent he still remains the last forward-thinking coach england ever had - i definitely remember a big complex the country had at the time about england playing 'like the europeans do' (this wz when man utd were plugging away manfully but uselessly at the champs league every year), and hoddle satisfied that whimsy even tho we scoff at 3-5-2s and wingbacks now.

the main story i always remember with hoddle tho is one about a young beckham being a billy big balls in training, at which point hod contemptfully starts firing in the same ridiculous freekicks and generally playing everyone off the park. i don't think he was ever far away from that kind of vanity. seemed ok at southampton tho.

also remember when he randomly turned out to be a frontrunner for the french national job before santini?!?! in a weird way i think that could have worked an absolute treat.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 29 March 2007 19:36 (nineteen years ago)

The Beckham story - apparenty he did something similar in his first day of training at Chelsea, but it worked better then cos it made the players realise what a talent he had been.

The 0-0 draw he got in Italy is still one of the best results (and performances) by an England team in the last decade.

His obsession with 3-5-2 possibly cost Chelsea a place in the final in 96 when he insisted on playing wingbacks even though Petrescu and Phelan were injured, which meant we had Peacock and Duberry at wingback.

― Pete W, Thursday, 29 March 2007 19:56 (nineteen years ago)

I've dug around in my loft and unearthed that legendary football moment for PeteW:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/439900409_d4dcecad8d_m.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/439900413_381c4122d1_m.jpg
bigger view here

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Friday, 30 March 2007 17:32 (nineteen years ago)

Foul surely - he's climbing all over Big Joe McLaughlin! Did you win that game?

Continuing the Chelsea/United 80s theme, check out these highlights from 86. The quality of football for two top five teams is absolutely dreadful, Jesper Olsen excepted.

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chelsea+man+utd+dixon

― Pete W, Friday, 30 March 2007 22:09 (nineteen years ago)

Jesus Christ - the state of the pitch! I remember that game (the youtube one) clearly, but I've never seen it before. I was in hospital (I'd just had my appendix out) listening on the radio. United needed to win to stay in the title race, instead Kerry Dixon broke my heart. United had won their first ten games that season but still managed to limp home in fourth place in the end.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Friday, 30 March 2007 22:32 (nineteen years ago)

one month passes...

that's Northern Ireland's chances dashed then. poor them.

― blueski, Friday, 11 May 2007 13:50 (nineteen years ago)

poor fulham too

― 696, Friday, 11 May 2007 13:51 (nineteen years ago)

poor them if England don't qualify and Sanchez replaces Mclaren by Christmas aye.

― blueski, Friday, 11 May 2007 13:53 (nineteen years ago)

no look, it's ALL SORTED. david dein becomes independant chair of FA, mclaren fvcks up the qualifying, arsene wenger becomes england manager, PEASY.

― CarsmileSteve, Friday, 11 May 2007 14:28 (nineteen years ago)

but Wenger hates international football. he will pick only Championship players and sabotage aplenty.

― blueski, Friday, 11 May 2007 14:53 (nineteen years ago)

two weeks pass...

flutters:

Brazil win 3-2 (33/1)
Smith to score first, England win 2-1 (55/1)
England win 2-1 (17/2)
Brazil win 2-1 (9/1)
Germany win 7-0 (10/1)
Czechs win 2-1 (7/1)

― blueski, Wednesday, 30 May 2007 12:32 (nineteen years ago)

Gotta love those odds of Germany delivering another tumping.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 30 May 2007 12:43 (nineteen years ago)

damn u germans why u couldn't score one more.

meanwhile, crazy shit in copenhagen:
The most thrilling game of the night, Danmark vs Sverige ended abruptly, in disgrace. SW reached a 0-3 lead, but DK managed to get back and equalise... and in the last minute, Poulsen punched his opponent in the stomach inside the penalty area. The ref showed him a red card, but then smth suddenly happened!! A Danish fan rushed into the field and attacked the ref and slapped him across the face! Three Danish players tried to push the fan back into the stands, but the ref went off to discuss the situation with his assistants, and they eventually decided to suspend the game. Both teams were called to exit the pitch. In the following minutes, when nothing was still certain and everyone waited for the final decision of the match officials, another Danish fan ran kicking a ball through the empty field and scored a goal in the empty Swedish net, just in front of the Swedish fans LOL! After several minutes, the message board said: "The game is suspended and Denmark loses 0-3". The teams came out again to greet their fans, and there was generally a very friendly atmosphere, but it was obvious that a single fan had ruined the game for Denmark (it would be a penalty, which might not be scored).

― blueski, Saturday, 2 June 2007 21:44 (nineteen years ago)

"nothing was still certain"

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 2 June 2007 21:55 (nineteen years ago)

crazy shit in copenhagen

viewable here

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 4 June 2007 09:39 (nineteen years ago)

so Swedenn get the 3-0 win. it's going to have an impact on Northern Ireland and Spain tho so seems a bit unfair. perhaps they should just replay the game behind closed doors.

― blueski, Friday, 8 June 2007 12:40 (nineteen years ago)

Big lulz in Sweden/Iceland as well: http://youtube.com/watch?v=h6FZ3_-XVv8

― Dom Passantino, Friday, 8 June 2007 12:53 (nineteen years ago)

so Swedenn get the 3-0 win. it's going to have an impact on Northern Ireland and Spain tho so seems a bit unfair. perhaps they should just replay the game behind closed doors.

As an NI fan I'm pretty annoyed about this, more at the referee for abandoning it a minute from the end though. Even if the penalty had been scored and Sweden won anyway, their goal difference would be 2 worse than it is now. It's fairly well established that this is the procedure when a game is abandoned due to the actions of one team or their fans so no complaints at the decision really. But 1-0 would be much fairer - in real games 3-0 is a bit of a stuffing. (cue comments about England's last 2 games!)

― Chris in Belfast, Friday, 8 June 2007 14:12 (nineteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QsyL96BrJbQ

Richard Keys "daft little ground, silly game, fuck off". Plus Jamie Redknapp (circa 5 minutes) giving a big shout out to Spy Durman.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Friday, 8 June 2007 21:09 (nineteen years ago)

http://im✧✧✧.guard✧✧✧.c✧.uk/Guardian/sport/gallery/2007/jun/08/photography/GD3603✧✧✧@A-European-eagle-owl--3✧✧✧.j✧✧

Helsinki, Finland, June 6 2007: A European eagle owl (Bubo Bubo), the world's largest owl, sits above the goal and interrupts the Group A Euro 2008 qualifying match between Finland and Belgium.

― r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2007 22:18 (nineteen years ago)

http://im✧✧✧.guard✧✧✧.c✧.uk/Guardian/sport/gallery/2007/jun/08/photography/GD3603✧✧✧@A-European-eagle-owl--3✧✧✧.j✧✧

waht

― r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2007 22:19 (nineteen years ago)

http://im✧✧✧.guard✧✧✧.c✧.uk/Guardian/sport/gallery/2007/jun/08/photography/GD3603✧✧✧@A-European-eagle-owl--3✧✧✧.j✧✧

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2007/jun/08/photography?picture=329996592

tsk

― r|t|c, Friday, 8 June 2007 22:20 (nineteen years ago)

three months pass...

Two great performances by England. Personally, I'd stick with this team for now. Congrats to Scotland too.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 12 September 2007 21:03 (eighteen years ago)

Well it's the first `team' we've had for years, rather than just a collection of players, so yes.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Wednesday, 12 September 2007 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

I can't believe we beat france home and away. I just hope we don't blow it in the rest of the games. Gotta watch out for cheating chelsea strikers when playing Ukraine though after his dive last time.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 12 September 2007 21:08 (eighteen years ago)

Who else do Scotland play? Do France and Italy have to play each other?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 12 September 2007 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

Host countries have been stinking up the joint: Hickesberger's Austria are trying to play like the Switzerland of two years ago (*yawn*) and the defense isn't up to it. Switzerland, meanwhile, just suck.

― Nubbelverbrennung, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

Who else do Scotland play?

Plenty of opportunity left for us to fuck up

― Tom D., Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:10 (eighteen years ago)

Ukraine (H), Georgia (A), Italy (H)

7 points needed from that lot to guarantee qualification. I'd take 5.

― onimo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

Georgia is the potential banana skin but Ukraine at home will be tougher

― Tom D., Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:16 (eighteen years ago)

My guess is Scotland take four points from those (beat Ukraine, draw Georgia, lose Italy). They probably need six to guarantee qualification... Georgia probably is the must-win game. I'm sure Italy could take their foot off the accelerator if it comes to a "draw sees both teams through" situation as well...

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:20 (eighteen years ago)

I'd love Scotland and Italy to go through! Let's do a W. Germany v. Austria 0-0 in the last game!

― Tom D., Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:21 (eighteen years ago)

These qualifiers are going on forever. It's like the march on Moscow.

― Pete W, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:22 (eighteen years ago)

We need to join the USSR, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia back together again. And have Andorra and San Marino subsumed into their neighbouring countries ~~and make the home nations play as Team GB and unite Ireland~~.

― onimo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:24 (eighteen years ago)

Ottoman Empire 3 Southern Holy Roman Mainland 1

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:26 (eighteen years ago)

That Holy Roman Empire would be some team

― Tom D., Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:27 (eighteen years ago)

Finding someone to play on the right might be a problem though.

― aldo, Thursday, 13 September 2007 10:35 (eighteen years ago)

united scandinavian team to play in horned helmets amirite

― Just got offed, Thursday, 13 September 2007 11:14 (eighteen years ago)

Scottish football will know what a doofus Stuart Dougal is, but this must qualify as one of the worst refereeing decisions ever; up there with failing to sport Maradona's handball and failing to spot that Toni Schumacher tried to kill Battiston:

― The Boyler, Friday, 14 September 2007 11:42 (eighteen years ago)

that is fairly astonishing

― Just got offed, Friday, 14 September 2007 11:51 (eighteen years ago)

woah he sent off Gera for being fouled and brought down by the Turkish keeper

nice to see Big Phil beating up Serbian players also

― blueski, Friday, 14 September 2007 12:02 (eighteen years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6993901.stm

Saulius Mikoliunas has been suspended for Lithuania's next two Euro 2008 qualifying games after Uefa found him guilty of diving against Scotland.
The Hearts midfielder tricked referee Damir Skomina into awarding a penalty in Lithuania's 3-1 defeat at Hampden.
Uefa's control and disciplinary body confirmed Mikoliunas will miss matches against France on 17 October and Ukraine on 17 November.
A misconduct charge was submitted after a review using video evidence.
When asked after the game if he was worried he may be criticised in Scotland over the incident, Mikoliunas said: "I don't care. I play for Hearts not other clubs.
"If Hearts fans want me to apologise I will, but not to Scotland fans."
Mikoliunas has yet to feature for Hearts since the incident, having picked up a hamstring injury on international duty.

― Brigadier Lethbridge-Pfunkboy, Thursday, 20 September 2007 18:00 (eighteen years ago)

4 match ban for Scolari as well.

― Brigadier Lethbridge-Pfunkboy, Thursday, 20 September 2007 18:02 (eighteen years ago)

That is just incredible.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 20 September 2007 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

Someone on the Radio Clyde phone-in tonight was moaning about Mikoliunas' ban meaning he can't rip the piss out of France (thus doing Scotland a favour), which he might actually have been quite good at, having looked fairly menacing against us to start with. Shit argument, like, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 September 2007 22:03 (eighteen years ago)

three weeks pass...

Scotland 2 up already!

― blueski, Saturday, 13 October 2007 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

Refs a cheating bastard though. two penalty claims and both were stonewall. esp the last one

― pfunkboy, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

are scotland good at football

― RJG, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:06 (eighteen years ago)

Nice to see Lescott become the first Vulcan to play for England.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:12 (eighteen years ago)

I am getting a bit bored of watching England calmly disposing of teams with a two or three goal margin.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:30 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah yeah...
:-/

― t**t, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:32 (eighteen years ago)

just pretend it's Spurs, Matt. this will be the last calm disposal for quite a while tho so try and enjoy it while it lasts.

― blueski, Saturday, 13 October 2007 15:39 (eighteen years ago)

just pretend it's Spurs

Made easier by Robinson fucking up one of the two shots on target Estonia had.

Pretty decent performance overall tho albeit w/ a few duds

― DJ Mencap, Saturday, 13 October 2007 16:01 (eighteen years ago)

Was Lampard booed just because he's Lampard and England fans are morons, or is there something in the news?

― caek, Saturday, 13 October 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

just the former i think. england still struggle to make both halves of a football match decent to watch.

shock of the day = Luxembourg beating Belarus

― blueski, Saturday, 13 October 2007 17:07 (eighteen years ago)

Was Lampard booed just because he's Lampard and England fans are morons, or is there something in the news?

-- caek, Saturday, 13 October 2007 16:32 (36 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Message to kids to warn them off childhood obesity.

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 13 October 2007 17:08 (eighteen years ago)

TBF Lampard's mum probly boos him when he goes round to see her.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 13 October 2007 17:12 (eighteen years ago)

To be fair to the "cheating bastard" ref, he also denied Ukraine a stonewaller as well.

― ailsa, Saturday, 13 October 2007 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

(take your pick of "also" and "as well" as you see fit)

― ailsa, Saturday, 13 October 2007 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

Wales getting caned off the park by the mighty Cyprus an hour or so ago on the worst pitch this side of, oh, Wembley

― DJ Mencap, Saturday, 13 October 2007 18:51 (eighteen years ago)

i'm distantly related to yiannas okkas. just sayin'.

― Just got offed, Sunday, 14 October 2007 00:59 (eighteen years ago)

To be fair to the "cheating bastard" ref, he also denied Ukraine a stonewaller as well.

Actually two, if you count Naismith knocking it down with his hand for Shevchenko to score.

He also apologise to McFadden in the 2nd half and admitted he'd called it wrong. I think we can safely demote him from "cheating bastard" to "ref who called a couple wrong".

― onimo, Sunday, 14 October 2007 11:13 (eighteen years ago)

I'm kind of interested in why the referee would cheat rather than just be a bit incompetent. What's in it for him? Also, bit shite how McCulloch and Ferguson both got booked, meaning McCulloch misses the Georgia game and Ferguson is a booking away from missing the Italy game, as a consequence of pointing out the ref's error for the McFadden incident (McCulloch for asking why it wasn't a penalty, Ferguson for asking why McCulloch got booked).

― ailsa, Sunday, 14 October 2007 13:00 (eighteen years ago)

Hutton said he didn't complain about his non-penalty as "the ref was booking everyone who spoke to him" - you'd think he'd have let his team mates in on that one.

The "Alan Hutton = The Scottish Cafu" thing is back lol

― onimo, Monday, 15 October 2007 09:14 (eighteen years ago)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pYHggzKlAi4

I wonder if Lampard was responsible for this video?

― Pete W, Monday, 15 October 2007 09:50 (eighteen years ago)

England are 1-0 up incidentally, route one goal involving Robinson hoofing it up to the big lad, well, Michael Owen at any rate, flicked on for Rooney to volley in.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 15:47 (eighteen years ago)

That wz ah beautiful 'un alright.

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 15:49 (eighteen years ago)

I couldn't really give a toss about the scores today, I just want Lescott and McFadden back home in one piece. Each. Not fused together, that would be grotesque. But potentially devastating.

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

I think I am going to watch some football tonight

― RJG, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

Rooney was offside, Jamie Redknapp and the others agree but say "who cares"

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 15:57 (eighteen years ago)

i wouldn't care if the winning scotland goal was offside

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:02 (eighteen years ago)

Me neither funnily enough

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:02 (eighteen years ago)

There's a few French people who might...

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:03 (eighteen years ago)

FUCK THE FRANCE

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:13 (eighteen years ago)

1-1. Russian player dived outside the area for the penalty, of course.

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:27 (eighteen years ago)

F.U.K.K.K.

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:30 (eighteen years ago)

well done commentator "i think england can score another goal here, you know"

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:30 (eighteen years ago)

please to be more helpful to us text-only viewers here?

― darraghmac, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:30 (eighteen years ago)

Russayans ahead now 2-1

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:31 (eighteen years ago)

RIP Robinson

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:31 (eighteen years ago)

For fuck's sake you fat fuck Robinson.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

bbc commentary is hilarious. total distortion. over a mobile phone. unbelievable. interactive.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

amazing how quickly England can switch from being in control to looking as bad as they did a year ago.

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

Fuck I meant to have a tenner on 2-1 to Russia

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

ffs?! is yer great grandma russian or something?
;)

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:36 (eighteen years ago)

as last throws of the dice go, peter crouch and stewart downing are fairly idiosyncratic choices.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

The stage is set for a Fat Frank thunderbolt.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

oh tell me that fatty mcfatt ate another howler.

― darraghmac, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

Sammy Lee for England manager

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:40 (eighteen years ago)

Just sayin': I turned the radio on precisely half a second before Russia scored their first goal.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:41 (eighteen years ago)

like a b-b-bunch of footballers' wives' desparate husbands, teh last fifteen minutes. bah.

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

Graham Taylor's quickly identified Gerrard as the scapegoat.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

...wow.

― ^@^, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

hahaha, yeah. england unlucky to some extent but picking robinson kinda makes your own luck for you.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

not one decent chance created in the last 15 mins. yet another very poor second half.

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

Paul Roflinson

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

Gerrard was woeful actually.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

xxpost campbell had a clear chance didn't he?

oh wow, 606 now presented by tim lovejoy *turns radio off*

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

Referee didnt have a great game dodgy offside goal and a dodgy penalty. Im amazed England lost that, but Russia played really really well the last 30 mins.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:57 (eighteen years ago)

Wont be surprised if they dont beat Israel though.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:58 (eighteen years ago)

xxpost-Wouldn't call that header a clear chance. A good chance.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 16:58 (eighteen years ago)

shiiit so if Russia beat Israel England are screwed (because 3 points in Andorra really is a foregone conclusion here). this sucks.

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:11 (eighteen years ago)

yes that is teh math, alas.

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:15 (eighteen years ago)

lol world class manager

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:16 (eighteen years ago)

1-0 Georgia

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:17 (eighteen years ago)

so we have to beat croatia away by two goals, huh?

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:17 (eighteen years ago)

croatia at home

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

Georgia's goal scored by a 17-year-old

lol home nations

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:20 (eighteen years ago)

If Scotland don't win then we have to beat Italy to qualify. If we won tonight then we only need a draw.
Not looking like we will get anything though against Georgia at the moment.
x-post

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:21 (eighteen years ago)

I hope Chelsea weren't hoping for Hiddink to take over soon, because it looks like he's still got a job in Russia at least until the end of the summer.

― James Mitchell, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:28 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland just denied a stonewall penalty.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44182000/jpg/_44182545_losers_getty416.jpg

Check the filename

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:38 (eighteen years ago)

Do I not like that:

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1020/twatkv6.jpg

― James Mitchell, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 17:52 (eighteen years ago)

Don't think Scotland are going to get anything from this

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:23 (eighteen years ago)

not now :((

― zappi, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:24 (eighteen years ago)

Not now. It's 2-0.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:24 (eighteen years ago)

Dom will be pleased, he knows Italy wont lose to Scotland.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:25 (eighteen years ago)

football is bloody ridiculous.

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:33 (eighteen years ago)

football is bloody ~~ridiculous.~~hilarious

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

As soon as I saw todays papers about the 17 year old keeper, I thought of Costa Rica in 1990.
The Daily Record still pillories Roxburgh over that but they were saying the same thing he did before that match.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

Would've been different if we had got that penalty in 1st half today though.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:37 (eighteen years ago)

Play in a hearts strip and we play like hearts,sadly.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:39 (eighteen years ago)

Rooney was the villain after 69 minutes, hauling down Zurianov to concede a penalty, even though the initial offence took place outside the area.

/\ bbc report - was there any real contact tho?

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 18:44 (eighteen years ago)

That McFadden penalty was weird. It didn't look like a penalty live, but from behind the goal it was the most stonewall I've ever seen. Wouldn't have changed anything though, judging by our other set-pieces tonight. Oh, and Barry Ferguson is dreadful - why does no-one realise this?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

Liechtenstein 3-0 Iceland!

Sigur Ros! Olafur Ragnar Grimsson! Eggert Magnusson! Bjork! etc etc

― Matt, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

'm sure the Scots will be able to take something away from Tblisi at least. A few stitches in the forehead, for example...

-- Sororah T Massacre (blueski), Friday, 27 January 2006 11:38 (1 year ago)

― Alba, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

2 late goals from Thierry Henry and France win 2-0. France are now top. Scotland HAVE to beat Italy now as the faroes aren't going to take anything off Italy in italy in the last match.
Have Scotland ever beaten Italy in a competitive match in the last 30 years?

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

It's nice going for a win rather than a draw, though, in a way.

― Alba, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

It's much harder and I KNOW that old cliche is going to be used for the next month.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:54 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland are better when teams are coming to us and we hit on break. Now we have to force the game. Something we're not good at. Italy are the best in the world for stopping other teams scoring. We needed to win tonight to force them to attack us.

― pfunkboy, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

Liechtenstein 3-0 Iceland!
Sigur Ros! Olafur Ragnar Grimsson! Eggert Magnusson! Bjork! etc etc

They wot? All scored own goals?
(Didn't even know Björk played footie)

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 23:34 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe I should instead say: "It's nice/exciting to watch Scotland going for a win rather than a draw". I am not a Scotland fan, as such.

― Alba, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 23:38 (eighteen years ago)

t**t -- it's a reference to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjørge_Lillelien

― Alba, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 23:42 (eighteen years ago)

WE'RE ALL DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED

― blueski, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 23:55 (eighteen years ago)

What now, blueski?

― t**t, Wednesday, 17 October 2007 23:57 (eighteen years ago)

why were England complaining about the penalty, Rooney's goal looked offside. On Sky Sports Redknapp said "it was offside but look at how he hits it! it doesn't matter!"

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 01:14 (eighteen years ago)

Ony McClown has complained about it from what I heard. Rooney was fairly magnanimous in his interview. Plus, the Russian TV directors clearly have a lot to learn--when a decision goes against you, you're supposed to repeatedly replay the incident ad-infinitum. They didn't show the goal from anything like a good angle to judge whether he was offside during the initial live coverage.

― aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Thursday, 18 October 2007 07:57 (eighteen years ago)

what did blueski mean about tblisi?

― RJG, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:00 (eighteen years ago)

'ENGLAND'S pampered footie stars snatched defeat from the jaws of victory yesterday - and let down the nation yet again.

'The soccer heartache compares to the wonders worked by Jonny Wilkinson and England's other rugby stars, who defied the odds to reach the World Cup final in Paris this weekend.

'Sun man Nick Parker last night summed up the frustration of England fans.

'As the final whistle sounded and delirious Russian fans erupted in joy, I turned to my mate with a tear in my eye and shrugged, 'If only Jonny Wilkinson played football'' - Nick Parker, The Sun.

BAN THE SUN

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:14 (eighteen years ago)

Plus, the Russian TV directors clearly have a lot to learn--when a decision goes against you, you're supposed to repeatedly replay the incident ad-infinitum. They didn't show the goal from anything like a good angle to judge whether he was offside during the initial live coverage.

what they need to learn is negotiation skills, to negotiate a larger budget allowing them to purchase more cameras, so the incident can be shown from every conceivable angle.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:29 (eighteen years ago)

That Arshavin was certainly skinning some English hides, wasn't he? Like Ronnie Goodlass in his prime. But with an extra hand. Seemed like a cracking cup-tie judging by the highlights.

It'll be odd for ENG and SCO to go out with, conceivably, 8-2-2 and 8-1-3 records. I remember England stumbling into WC82 with a 4-1-3 record (I also remember Tony Wilson doing the arts round-up on Granada Reports the night after England's "dramatic" qualification [a comedic Paul Mariner goal], pretending to be asleep, prodded awake by the floor manager with an "oh, they're through? Fell over while scoring? Riveting stuff."). Bigger groups, more whipping boys now, I s'pose.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:48 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah Dom but you have to admit the rugby side have done well to shrug off their minimum wage pay packets, go out there and do it for God and St George

― DJ Mencap, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:52 (eighteen years ago)

'As the final whistle sounded and delirious Russian fans erupted in joy, I turned to my mate with a tear in my eye and shrugged, 'If only Jonny Wilkinson was Prime Minister'' - Nick Parker, Facebook.

― DJ Mencap, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:53 (eighteen years ago)

Jonny Wilkinson said, there was great music...

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:57 (eighteen years ago)

At least Boris Johnson can tackle, for goodness' sake!

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 08:58 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland were bound to lose to Georgia, I've been saying it all week - and then, when they ran out not even wearing a Scotland strip I knew we were fucked! In a way, I'd rather Scotland went in to the Italy game having to beat them than having to draw with them.

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:04 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland and Italy can still go through if France fuck up against Ukraine which is, y'know, mildly feasible.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:04 (eighteen years ago)

It is always amusing to watch one of the home nations sit top of their group by threee points, beat an established world class side away, and inexplicably fail to beat Georgia/Austria/Azerbaijan and blow the whole thing. You can usually rely on Wales for this sort of thing but it's nice to have a bit of variety.

'If only Jonny Wilkinson played football'

Because there weren't enough big hoofs and shot blazing miles over the bar yesterday?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:14 (eighteen years ago)

If only Frank Lampard played Rugby.

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:17 (eighteen years ago)

Cos he'd get maimed, I mean.

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:17 (eighteen years ago)

Why no England call-up for Dame Judi Dench, shows PRIDE in Three Lions and BEATS yank planks for ACTING AWARDS. Has McLaren even BEEN to a Vue Cinema this year?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:18 (eighteen years ago)

Macca's an Arts Picturehouse man.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:20 (eighteen years ago)

If only Frank Lampard played Rugby.

there's no one better at hoofing a ball over the bar from 20 yards.

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:20 (eighteen years ago)

Normally when you're 20 yards out, Ken, you go for a try rather than a drop-goal. Just sayin'.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:21 (eighteen years ago)

How did England win that world cup again?

― onimo, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:25 (eighteen years ago)

If only Frank Lampard played Rugby.

No need for him to "bulk up" either

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:25 (eighteen years ago)

lol he'd probably try and eat the ball!!

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:26 (eighteen years ago)

Is "Frank Lampard is fat lol" the best currently extant infantile running joke in football?

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:27 (eighteen years ago)

Guus in the house!

― SeekAltRoute, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, you'd think "J*****n D**** refers to his multicoloured penis as The Hulk" might be more spectacular but nothing beats the mileage of the Lampard Chub

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:29 (eighteen years ago)

The "Next England manager" betting shows how fucked this country really is:

Bookies favourite is Jose at 10/1, with O'Neill, Scolari, and VENABLES at 12s.

Capello and Stuart Pearce at 16s, Lippi, Hiddink and Curbishley at 20s.

Further down the list, Klinsman is 50/1, Paul Ince 66/1, Warnock 100/1, and Southgate is 125/1. Southgate is less likely to be the next England boss than Beckham (100/1).

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:33 (eighteen years ago)

Is "Frank Lampard is fat lol" the best currently extant infantile running joke in football?

OK, let's talk about Kierkegaard instead then

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

Fat bastard, lay off the bacon, miseryguts

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:36 (eighteen years ago)

lol england sense of entitlement.

what the F*CK do you guys have to complain about?

Staunton out.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

You can probably get away with that one.

I didn't mean to imply that Fat Frank jokes should not be made.

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:40 (eighteen years ago)

Sometimes I like to make a Frank Lampard is Fat joke while kissing my engagement ring, and then mouthing the words "thass wo' it's all abaht" in an exaggerated fashion.

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

lampard- andy reid

again, what hardship you are suffering. someone please to post a pic of andy reid's beergut.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

Thing about Reidy is that his fatness somehow makes him even more awesome.
http://eur.i1.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/util/anysize/355,http:%2F%2Ff3.yahoofs.com%2Fymg%2Fukfantasyfoot%2Fukfantasyfoot-714617149-1175181835.jpg%3FymM4WQ9C.KhYsjmD?v=2

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

again, what hardship you are suffering

The fact that they keep telling the rest of us about great their players are and how great their league is and yet they're having to rely on Israel to qualify?

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

I was at work till late, so I didn't see the game, just the goals on the news and the last minute + punditry on MOTD, but they were of the opinion that England had played well and were unlucky. Does that seem a fair analysis? If so, given the lack of an obvious replacement at the moment, is there a case for just sticking with McClaren? I never wanted him to get the job and I thought he was awful for his first year, but England basically in a terrible position because of that first year. He seems to have put right what was going wrong then and I thought England were really impressive in those recent Wembley victories. Russia away was always going to be the trickiest game, and a 2-1 defeat with a dodgy penalty isn't that bad a result, it's just made bad because of the utterly shit results earlier on. It just doesn't strike me that there's an awful lot wrong with England at the moment, we're just paying for earlier mistakes, so I'm not sure how much difference someone else would make. Having said that, I don't really care, and I'm 90% certain that we won't qualify and he'll get sacked.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 18 October 2007 09:56 (eighteen years ago)

It just doesn't strike me that there's an awful lot wrong with England at the moment, we're just paying for earlier mistakes

McClaren's earlier mistakes

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:00 (eighteen years ago)

Assuming England don't qualify, the post-qualifying groups period should be enough downtime to find a replacement surely?

― DJ Mencap, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:07 (eighteen years ago)

Is it wise to appoint a replacement until after Euro 08 though? I'm sure Donadoni will be out of a job by then, you can have him.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:08 (eighteen years ago)

I would assume England will qualify

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

Not many teams win in Israel

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

I thought MOTD were a bit too kind to England. They defended too deep for a lot of the game, with the entire defence across the 6 yard box and the midfield on the edge of the box. They completely lost the plot especially after the penalty.

As for Ireland, why mock Andy Reid, he's just had two fine games for us. I was at the game last night and most of the other players were useless. Neither Keane nor Doyle get the ball at their feet even once because there's nobody coming through the middle of midfield, we need somebody alongside Reid who can move with the ball.

Anyway Staunton must go, it's just unfair at this stage. He should even resign, the booing at the end and when Cyprus scored was just insane.

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

WOULD YOU LET HIM DRIVE THE TRAIN TO CORK TOMORROW MORNING?

― onimo, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:11 (eighteen years ago)

what did blueski mean about tblisi?

it was a reference to the time ireland played there and glass bottles were thrown on the pitch by some people in the crowd behind the goal.

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:12 (eighteen years ago)

Not many teams win in Israel

The chance of them beating Israel away is much bigger than the English beating Croatia in Zagreb....

― Lovelace, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:16 (eighteen years ago)

Didn't watch the highlights. Was the plastic pitch an issue?

― caek, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:17 (eighteen years ago)

England weren't really that unlucky last night - once Russia got back level England were all over the place, before the winning goal went in there was some serious division 2 type shit going on all over the England penalty area and i was surprised a goal hadn't gone in earlier!

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:18 (eighteen years ago)

England are at home to Croatia aren't they?

― onimo, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:18 (eighteen years ago)

Indeed. Croatia aren't that good anyway.

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:19 (eighteen years ago)

I'm sorry! You're right, onimo.

They're equal to England, Tom.

― Lovelace, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:21 (eighteen years ago)

Exactly

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:22 (eighteen years ago)

what England needs for the croatia game is for lampard to get re-injured, and then beckham to be uninjured, and maybe downing injured just in case we need a sub.

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:22 (eighteen years ago)

I wouldn't get on that train. I wouldn't let him drive the bus to my house.

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:23 (eighteen years ago)

Drop Gerrard. He's the new "most overrated player in world football", isn't he?

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:23 (eighteen years ago)

Steve Staunton was destined for disappointment every time he wrote to Jim'll Fix It as a nipper.

A friend of mine once saw Andy Reid, in a pub in Charlton, standing in front of a sign reading PIES. Cue much juvenile mirth.

I will admit this isn't a very good story.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:25 (eighteen years ago)

Andy Reid is the best passer of the ball in the modern game.

Kevin Kilbane is a tenacious midfielder.

Andy Keogh is a naturally gifted right winger.

John O'Shea is as cool as a cucumber at the back.

Aidan McGeady is, as Martin O'Neill said, "the next Ronaldinho".

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:27 (eighteen years ago)

i thought reid was super against germany, but fairly lazy with his distribution last night. and if his passing is off, then there is really no other reason for him to be on the pitch. wasn't he carrying an ankle injury?

robbie keane, ah. i dunno. paul mcshane is too short, too slow and too stupid to be an international central defender. o'shea is o'shea, concentration and positional sense is just not there. the rest of them were clueless about what they were meant to be doing, to be fair to them. i really feel for o'brien, who was excellent at CB against the germans, hope he doesn't take last night too badly.

anyway, yeah, staunton should go while people can still remember what a great player he was, but he won't quit. Ideally, Delaney will get rid of him and then walk in front of a crocodile stampede or something on his way to lunch.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:29 (eighteen years ago)

Aidenho's been great this season. He's finally learning Passing. Next up, Shooting.

― onimo, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:29 (eighteen years ago)

Aiden McGeady, or as we know him, Aiden McGreedy

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:30 (eighteen years ago)

Radio Five were saying two weeks ago that Gerrard was far from playing at full fitness, performances for club and country this season would seem to prove that.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:31 (eighteen years ago)

otoh-

WHAT A BUNCH OF GUTLESS MORANS, STAUNTON OUT!</reverting to type>

xposts- if i were aiden mcgeady, i wouldn't have passed to anyone else on that pitch last night either. why would you bother?

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:32 (eighteen years ago)

england lack a disciplined, yet technically gifted central midfielder who can dictate the team's rhythym. barry may be the answer, but i haven't seen enough of him to say.

as johnny giles would lament- no one with a bit of moral fibre, who can put his foot on the ball.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:33 (eighteen years ago)

Gerrard does look knackered, it's a shame he can't transpose his club form to the...oh wait. Bentley should've played.

I expect clamour for Beckham to return will be big if Russia do fail to beat Israel.

No idea who the next Ireland and England managers will be.

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:34 (eighteen years ago)

McGeady was actually good last night when he came on.

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:35 (eighteen years ago)

Radio Five were saying two weeks ago that Gerrard was far from playing at full fitness

BBC = Liverpool Suppporters Club ("Steven Gerrard Branch")

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:35 (eighteen years ago)

Martin O'Neill for Ireland!

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:36 (eighteen years ago)

but he's NI!

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:37 (eighteen years ago)

gerroffim

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:38 (eighteen years ago)

(xp) But we know what side his bread is buttered don't we?

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:41 (eighteen years ago)

DON'T EVEN LOOK AT HIM

― That mong guy that's shit, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

Sanchez for England

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

xxpost: Ah, that old chestnut.

He sent his daughter to my college, actually. Long before my time, though.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

he's "one of us"

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

any Sanchez, not bothered really

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

four welsh morons Sanchez?

― Just got offed, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:45 (eighteen years ago)

jol for ireland? it's more his level.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:45 (eighteen years ago)

some serious division 2 type shit going on all over the England penalty area

Yes, ken, there was mayhem in our area every time the Russians attacked. We were so defensive, with Joe Cole playing left-back most of the game, but it doesn't matter how many players you get behind the ball, what is needed is some composure.

― Daniel Giraffe, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:45 (eighteen years ago)

the movement off-the-ball in the premier league is just mindblowing to watch. at international level england and ireland are suffering from this- there is never an outlet when a player is closed down.

gerrard in midfield for england is about the best example there is of this- as soon as they win possession, he just puts his head down and legs it forward, or puts his hands out and demands it right where he is. one of the main reasons he will never help england to major success.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

but rooney did a little fake run the other day that earned him some space to lob the ball over mark poom and the goal.

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:00 (eighteen years ago)

that was good

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:00 (eighteen years ago)

ha ha ha england.

― Pete W, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:09 (eighteen years ago)

lolololol

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:10 (eighteen years ago)

well, obviously wayne rooney is the best young player in the world, and has been since 2003. you expect something special every year or two from a player of that special ability.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:10 (eighteen years ago)

Like a goal, you mean?

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:13 (eighteen years ago)

they should coach that little fake run to kids

except, you can't coach talent like that

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:14 (eighteen years ago)

you can't coach egos like that.

most over-rated player for england isn't gerrard, or lampard, it's the ugly brat.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:18 (eighteen years ago)

that's bollocks

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:21 (eighteen years ago)

POLL

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:24 (eighteen years ago)

most unrated referee ever

― ken c, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:25 (eighteen years ago)

rooney bolix- most overrated bollix evah

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 11:28 (eighteen years ago)

Still, having learnt the lesson of giving Eriksson a contarct for four years, the FA won't have done that again, and certainly won't have put McClown on a 4 year deal to the South Africa World Cup, costing them a fortune to sack him.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:00 (eighteen years ago)

staunton seems to be tipped to get the boot everywhere in the Irish press this morning.

it was really abusive last night. I felt a bit sorry for him, out of his depth and all that. I mean, he was loved as a player and now you have 60000 fans booing him and people running to the front of the lowest stand to shout in his face as he leaves the pitch.

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:33 (eighteen years ago)

I have felt sorry for the last three Ireland managers.

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:37 (eighteen years ago)

maybe not Kerr so much in the end.

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:37 (eighteen years ago)

bookies stopped betting on stan being sacked.

david o'leary 2-1
john aldridge 6-1
roy keane 12-1

vomit

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:43 (eighteen years ago)

other candidates, tommy coyne, bernie slaven, gay byrne

― Ronan, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:44 (eighteen years ago)

LOL @ O'Leary

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:44 (eighteen years ago)

mrs doyle ftw

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:45 (eighteen years ago)

You'd do better with Dermot O'Leary in charge

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:45 (eighteen years ago)

with David O'Leary doing X Factor

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:46 (eighteen years ago)

Louis Walsh 5-1

― Tom D., Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:47 (eighteen years ago)

Walsh would insist on recalling the Connolly sisters

― blueski, Thursday, 18 October 2007 12:50 (eighteen years ago)

maybe not Kerr so much in the end.
-- blueski,

What harm did I ever do you?

― pfunkboy, Thursday, 18 October 2007 13:04 (eighteen years ago)

o'leary is my most despised manager ever. where's the thread for boys who wear makeup?

― darraghmac, Thursday, 18 October 2007 13:04 (eighteen years ago)

YOUR SECRET GOTH SHAME

― onimo, Thursday, 18 October 2007 13:07 (eighteen years ago)

Teh Buck Stops With Barwick

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 18 October 2007 17:26 (eighteen years ago)

four weeks pass...

I feel really fucking nervous right now.

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

We're going to a party so I will miss the Scotland game and probly miss the lols when Russia win too :(

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:39 (eighteen years ago)

Lawro made a point I hadn't considered on Footy Focus earlier, that if Croatia qualify this weekend then their foot is going to be off the pedal totally for the game at Wembley*. All academic if Russia win tonight and, yeah, Owen injury lol.

Every time McClaren opens his mouth these days he seems to be either hopelessly banal or dig himself deeper into a hole.

*1-0 win a Beckham free kick.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:49 (eighteen years ago)

I'm digging in at the pub for the Scotland Italy game anyway. Could be a cracker.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:50 (eighteen years ago)

Some bell-end on 5 Live this morning was going on about how "nobody knows where Macedonia or Croatia is" then I put the radio through the window.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:54 (eighteen years ago)

You should have sent him the bill

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:55 (eighteen years ago)

It's gonna be weird the Scotland/Italy game... you'd think that the Scots would just come at Italy from the off, but I get the feeling they'll just soak up pressure and try and hit us on the counter. 2-0 to Italy, Toni and DiNatale scoring.

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:55 (eighteen years ago)

It looks very draw-able.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:57 (eighteen years ago)

you'd think that the Scots would just come at Italy from the off, but I get the feeling they'll just soak up pressure and try and hit us on the counter

That's exactly what they should do but I don't think Mcleish as the nous for that

― Tom D., Saturday, 17 November 2007 13:58 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland will sit back for 70 mins and hope not to concede a goal then go all out.
If Italy score however it's all over. Crowd will go quiet.
If only Scotland could get an early goal, then things could be very interesting.
Personally I don't see Scotland winning, Italy always do enough to get through dodgy situations. Lets hope im wrong!

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.livius.org/a/1/romanempire/scipio_naples.JPG vs http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/William_Wallace.jpg

Slobberknocker, folks

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 15:38 (eighteen years ago)

ireland wales match was a cracker.

paul mcshane will never be international standard though- himself and finnan were so poor that shay given was probably man of the match in a game where we completely outplayed the opposition and still managed to draw.

― darraghmac, Saturday, 17 November 2007 17:01 (eighteen years ago)

0-1 already

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 17:04 (eighteen years ago)

1701: GOAL Scotland 0-1 Italy
How to take the wind out of your sails. Antonio Di Natale crosses and Luca Toni is all on his own to stab the ball high into the net. Awful start for Scotland.

1701: Hold on to your hats. We're off.

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 17:07 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland were set up to defend and steal a draw. These tactics aren't what are required now. But they wont change

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 17:10 (eighteen years ago)

huht

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:26 (eighteen years ago)

Scotchland level, Israel leading the hated Russians

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:27 (eighteen years ago)

Adj. 1. plucky - marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited; "you have to admire her; it was a gutsy thing to do"; "the gutsy...intensity of her musical involvement"-Judith Crist; "a gutsy red wine"

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

n/m

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:52 (eighteen years ago)

That goal should never had happened, scotland shouldve had a free kick.

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

terrible shame

ANYWAY GUYS IT LOOKS LIKE ENGLAND MIGHT BE IN LUCK WHAT A TURN UP FOR THE BOOKS DO YOU THINK THEY CAN MAKE IT

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

Thread needs pfunkboy to turn up and discuss the massed global conspiracy of referees against teams of plucky Bravehearts

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:57 (eighteen years ago)

Two posts up, Sherlock

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:58 (eighteen years ago)

Be fair Dom, it's not like Italians buying referees needs a conspiracy behind it now, is it.

― aldo, Saturday, 17 November 2007 18:59 (eighteen years ago)

Don Camillo > Scottish stuff

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:00 (eighteen years ago)

Anyway, can we call a Scottish/Italian truce here and hope that Russia pull two back? Thanks

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:00 (eighteen years ago)

I do think the thread needs Michael Philip Philip philip Philip Annoyman to turn up and insist that Carson, Barry and Young must start against Croatia, with Agbonlahor called up to replace Permaknack Owen, mind

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:01 (eighteen years ago)

Ref did disallow allegedly entirely onside Italian goal, aye?

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:02 (eighteen years ago)

I love the way Dom called it almost to the letter. If only "Charlton will stay up, I'm saying it now" had been so accurate.

ferg otm

― Just got offed, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:03 (eighteen years ago)

Dom would basically have been bang on had the Di Natale goal not been ruled out

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:04 (eighteen years ago)

oh shi

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

Uh-oh:

http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/images/spaghettios.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:26 (eighteen years ago)

Two friends at work had a bet on Italy to win 2-1, Toni first scorer. They are feeling sheepish about this win.

― Alba, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:33 (eighteen years ago)

Shalom

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:54 (eighteen years ago)

Israel 2-1.

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:55 (eighteen years ago)

Steve McClaren remains england manager

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 19:58 (eighteen years ago)

Yaow.

― caek, Saturday, 17 November 2007 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

Hiddink for England

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

Frank Lampard to eat his way through 60 matzo balls as a gesture of thanks

― Dom Passantino, Saturday, 17 November 2007 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

Macedonia are leading Croatia 2-0. At this rate, I believe a two goal England win on Wednesday would see them win the group on goals scored. This is fucking ridiculous.

― That mong guy that's shit, Saturday, 17 November 2007 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

Mystic Billy predicts a draw with Croatia on Wednesday and Russia beating Andorra 9-0, with Russia going through on goal difference.

― Billy Dods, Saturday, 17 November 2007 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

I believe a two goal England win on Wednesday would see them win the group on goals scored.

And that's why Steve McClaren is the right man for the England job. Qualifying as group winners, and to think some people wanted him sacked..

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 17 November 2007 21:33 (eighteen years ago)

ENORMOUS CONSPIRACY ALERT - Perhaps Roman Abramovich and Pini Zahavi don't really want to see the value of certain players go down and therefore knobbled this match.

REALISM ALERT - I think maybe we were overrating the Russians away from home all along.

DOUBLE REALISM ALERT - Croatia won't really be bothered, and England (playing well because they're at Wembley) will roll right over them. Or at least win 1-0 through the inevitable Beckham free kick - Lescott (or someone similarly unlikely) goal.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 18 November 2007 00:41 (eighteen years ago)

yeah it hadn't occurred that the Israel result would mean that Croatia would be entirely liberated from giving a shit about Wednesday.

Beckham probably shouldn't play though, ay? He does not appear to have adjusted from the less rigorous demands of Soccerball. Playing Robbo is also asking for hilarious trouble.

― That mong guy that's shit, Sunday, 18 November 2007 01:57 (eighteen years ago)

Somewhere at the back of my mind I feel cheated, in that England just going back to being completely unutterably shit would have been actually quite liberating and allowed me to focus entirely on petty club rivalries, whereas we are now staring down the barrel of baseless June optimism and subsequent quarter final defeat

Scotland don't realise how lucky they are

― That mong guy that's shit, Sunday, 18 November 2007 02:00 (eighteen years ago)

I think we do. Ridiculous free kick decision aside (which might have been immaterial had McFadden not skied a shot from six yards out with no-one to beat, had Weir not had his shot headed off the line just before half-time, had the ref spotted the blatant handball in the first half etc etc etc - haha, the clarity when you're not crying in the fucking street with a stomach full of beer), we have jumped about 60 places in the world rankings to probably guarantee pot 2 in the World Cup qualifiers, and let's face it, no-one thought we had a chance in hell of getting even near still fighting for a place at this stage. Out of this team, I think it's only David Weir and Paul Hartley who are the wrong side of 30, so we've got the basis of a pretty good team for the next few years and we surely can't get such a crappy group again next time *crosses fingers* and we get to feel better than we were without actually going to Euro 2008 and getting our arses kicked off everyone.

― ailsa, Sunday, 18 November 2007 08:00 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, this is bullshit.

Really.

― King Boy Pato, Sunday, 18 November 2007 09:01 (eighteen years ago)

Have Scotland always been that good? Cos I watched the Georgia game and they looked fairly useless...

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 18 November 2007 11:32 (eighteen years ago)

Always my favourite sort of YouTube football clip (I'm addicted to the Goodison ones):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jNQ2_4E-Uxo

Bad luck, Scotland. I knew Faddy would let you down eventually. He's not our 5th-choice striker for nothing.

― Michael Jones, Sunday, 18 November 2007 11:46 (eighteen years ago)

Incidentally, I would like to apologise to the famous Ukranian historical figures I inadvertedly included in my drunkenly overexcitable 'your boys took one hell of a beating!' text messages yesterday. They didn't deserve that.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 18 November 2007 11:58 (eighteen years ago)

Any Ukranian living in Scotland probably got that beating regardless.

― Just got offed, Sunday, 18 November 2007 12:11 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland were useless against Georgia, but that was a one-off with a bizarro team selection through injury and suspension and things.

― ailsa, Sunday, 18 November 2007 12:19 (eighteen years ago)

In other news, NORN IRON CAN STILL (but won't) QUALIFY!

And healy broke Davor Suker's record of goals scored in Euro qualifying with 13 in 11 games so far.

Come on Latvia! They need to beat Sweden in Sweden for us to have a chance, and even then we need to beat Spain in Spain. Which isn't going to happen. Still, we go into the last game with a chance of qualifying. Fantastic.

― Chris in Belfast, Sunday, 18 November 2007 12:29 (eighteen years ago)

If Sanchez had stayed they'd be there.

― blueski, Sunday, 18 November 2007 12:40 (eighteen years ago)

i agree with ailsa. this was almost - almost - as sweet as when scotland won the world cup in 1967.

― Tracer Hand, Sunday, 18 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

Greece vs Malta was the only World Championship play-off yesterday. (Scotland were champs for 4 days earlier this year though.

― Michael Jones, Sunday, 18 November 2007 13:46 (eighteen years ago)

I quite like the way the UFWC list happens to include the 1958/66/74/78/98 World Cup finals as playoff matches [and 1982/86 WC semis], to lend an accidental air of legitimacy to its just-a-bit-of-fun factor. Come on Hungary on Wednesday! Never got their just deserts in the '50s.

― Michael Jones, Sunday, 18 November 2007 13:59 (eighteen years ago)

I think Hungary, rubbish as they are, will nick a win but then does that mean the title won't be defended again until their first WC10 qualifier (am assuming friendlies don't count)?

― blueski, Sunday, 18 November 2007 16:43 (eighteen years ago)

anybody getting the fear? also, i would like to see dom's prediction(s). my own = 2-1 victory for england.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:15 (eighteen years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7103110.stm

Robinson and Beckham dropped, McClaren fudges the Gerrard/Lampard issue and the fat kid who shat himself from the chess club at my old school is now more likely to be picked for a football team than Jermain Defoe.

On the plus side, Slaven Bilic is moaning about the pitch at Wembley which probably means he's expecting Croatia to lose.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:16 (eighteen years ago)

No fear, just severe temptation to put money on Croatia.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:17 (eighteen years ago)

you win either way!!!!1

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:18 (eighteen years ago)

If that really is his starting 11 then he's a bigger dick than I thought he was.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:19 (eighteen years ago)

it'll be alright as long as Gerrard pushes forward

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:20 (eighteen years ago)

Wasn't this formation a resounding failure last time they tried it?

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

(and plays well) xp

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

lampard can play up front tbh, with no owen or rooney he'd be pretty handy. defoe had better get at least 20 minutes.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

England to draw or win 1-0, come second and then get put in Euro 2008 group with HOSTS and therefore TOP SEEDS Switzerland, come 2nd in Euro 2008 group anyway

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

L & G push up for Christmas Tree greatness

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:22 (eighteen years ago)

Unless the Guardian was being FLIPPANT about the SEED bit

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:22 (eighteen years ago)

then lose to portugal in the quarters xposts

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

this is in danger of turning into one of those things that makes people who don't understand soccer think that soccer is more ridiculous

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

lampard can play up front tbh, with no owen or rooney he'd be pretty handy

I must've missed the change in the laws where they've made the goal 20 feet high and 50 wide.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:24 (eighteen years ago)

When have you ever seen Lampard play upfront?

Defoe will come on for the last 10 minutes, run around snatching at everything, fail to get a decent shot in and be promptly dropped again. Beckham will come on 20mins from time, fail to do anything good at all and then set up an England goal.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:25 (eighteen years ago)

I was gonna say, 0-0 til the 85th minute then Becks comes on and scores a free kick.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:26 (eighteen years ago)

I haven't seen Lampard play up front, but he has all the attributes of a class centre-forward (excepting genuine pace). Touch, movement, finishing, power and heading, all present and correct.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:27 (eighteen years ago)

Beckham undeservedly putting England through is pretty much a given.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:28 (eighteen years ago)

Touch, movement, finishing, power and consistent ability to hoof it 10 yards over, all present and correct.

Fixed.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:29 (eighteen years ago)

I must've missed the change in the laws where they've made the goal 20 feet high and 50 wide.

This guy was on that trip

http://laweekly.blogs.com/turf_toe/2006/07/how_to_save_soc.html

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:30 (eighteen years ago)

His vision and link-up play with the other striker would be pretty good as well, I'd wager. He has a nice line in killer through-balls. Him and Crouch, though, possibly not quite as good as him and Defoe.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:31 (eighteen years ago)

More annoying: people who know fuck all about football who want the goals enlarging, or people who know fuck all about golf wanting three foot wide holes?

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:32 (eighteen years ago)

Louis, are you on crack?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:32 (eighteen years ago)

Billy Hill's "First Goalscorer" odds:

Beckham 2-1
Crouch's Arse 4-1
Campbell 5-1
Wright-Philips 10-1
Carson 50-1
Jimmy Greaves 200-1
Lampard Googol-1

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:33 (eighteen years ago)

If you simply added a foot in width and six inches in height to the goalmouth, balls that now skim the bar would go in, as would every shot that hits a post (of which there's almost always at least one a game) or whistles inches past.

Best logic ever.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:34 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, like, greatest league in the world TM and all that, and the best you can find for a striker is a midfielder with a (mostly deserved) reputation for woefully-misplaced shots?

xposts

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:35 (eighteen years ago)

I got pretty short shrift that one time I said they should half the size of NFL fields so that gifted quartermasters like Chuck Steenbakker would be able to initiate more spectacular zone drives

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:35 (eighteen years ago)

Jagger, please try and get a gig coaching your college's football team. That is all.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:35 (eighteen years ago)

Three-foot-wide golf holes would be perfect for footgolf! A sport I long to play. lol quartermaster, this is a meme that needs upkeep.

How can I coach a team I play for?

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:36 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, the world needs to see that 3-2-1-1-6-1-3-2 rotating midfield modern dance formation you developed

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:36 (eighteen years ago)

Y'know if baseball bats were widened to, say, 6 feet, it'd make the game a lot more compelling.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:37 (eighteen years ago)

Lampard's other reputation is the highest-scoring midfielder in the Premier league over the past 4 or 5 seasons y/n?

Ferg, it was 3-5-2 that mutated to 4-4-2.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:37 (eighteen years ago)

I think the Baltimore Tarzan Boys are gonna clean up in the Wal Mart Conference this year, Zakkari O'Bronsonvitch has really been the standout quartermaster this trimester

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:38 (eighteen years ago)

it's much harder to get deflections when you're playing upfront, because you have less defenders to deflect the ball with. so lampard will score nothing upfront and it'd be rubbish

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:43 (eighteen years ago)

http://football.guardian.co.uk/theknowledge/story/0,,1924393,00.html

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:46 (eighteen years ago)

You can prove anything with facts.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:48 (eighteen years ago)

ok lamps upfront then

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:49 (eighteen years ago)

Alongside Shearer.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:51 (eighteen years ago)

i reckon a lampard robinson combo.

robinson was the highest scoring goalkeeper in the premiership last season!

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:52 (eighteen years ago)

(I was really trying to find out how many of Lampard's midfielder goals actually came from the penalty spot, but then Ken posted the deflection things and, y'know...I don't dislike Lampard or anything, but the idea of playing him upfront when there are actual proper strikers around seems ludicrous)

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:53 (eighteen years ago)

Ailsa is Captain Save-A-Hoagie Eater

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:54 (eighteen years ago)

McClaren fudges the Gerrard/Lampard issue and the fat kid who shat himself from the chess club at my old school is now more likely to be picked for a football team than Jermain Defoe

how did he manage to shit himself from the chess club?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:56 (eighteen years ago)

Gerrard would be the more logical choice for striker than Lampard (who tends to cover far more pitch area in an average game, even if a lot of this is just running after the ball he just gave away). In the same way that the McGanns are more logical choice to watch your kids than Chris Langham (< I do not feel altogether comfortable with this quip but what the hell).

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:56 (eighteen years ago)

that deflection thing was surprising. i really thought it would have been more than one goal in ten.

i don't think alan smith is being given enough of a chance. probably because he seems like a twat.

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:56 (eighteen years ago)

AlanSmithisamidfieldernow.wav

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:57 (eighteen years ago)

For shame. Chris Langham's dad says he's been treated terribly.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:57 (eighteen years ago)

stevem is a more logical choice for making a quip than stephen fry

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:58 (eighteen years ago)

In the same way that the McGanns are more logical choice to watch your kids than Chris Langhamp

FoxyKnoxy in the boxy.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:58 (eighteen years ago)

Fry alongside Crouch eh? Would the two big men work together do you think?

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:59 (eighteen years ago)

I was only suggesting that Lampard play up front in bursts. If Mclaren wants to pick 4-5-1 then fine, but there has to be the option of playing one of the midfielders up front at periods of the game in which England are exerting pressure. Lampard is surely the one to do it.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 13:59 (eighteen years ago)

Fry no good in the box

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:00 (eighteen years ago)

there has to be the option of playing one of the midfielders up front at periods of the game in which England are exerting pressure.

I think I see the logical flaw here.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:00 (eighteen years ago)

xpost

But he goes in strong on the tackle.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:01 (eighteen years ago)

we can solve this problem with phil neville and paul robinson. when england has the ball robinson can just go up front and phil can go in goal and pull off cracking saves like this one

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/10_03/Neville2010GETTY_468x307.jpg

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:03 (eighteen years ago)

In the same way that the McGanns are more logical choice to watch your kids than Chris Langham

Doctors are handy to have around

http://galleries.lycos.co.uk/d/17893-3/paul-mcgann.jpg

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

don't think he's a real doctor though

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 14:12 (eighteen years ago)

apparently the co-efficients top 4 seeds for Euro 2008 are Holland, Switzerland, Austria and Greece

wtf Holland?

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:00 (eighteen years ago)

total football innit

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:01 (eighteen years ago)

I thought Italy was top seed along those three other scarecrows

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:02 (eighteen years ago)

Italy crashed out first round in Euro 04, remember?

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:03 (eighteen years ago)

Wot no Italy, France, Germany?

xposts

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:04 (eighteen years ago)

surely the World Cup results count too. did Holland somehow get more points against the other top 4 or 5 teams in their group than anyone else tho?

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:05 (eighteen years ago)

Like, is it not based on FIFA rankings, somehow, even without past performances, or do Greece just get top because they won 2004, even though defending champs have to qualify like everyone else?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:05 (eighteen years ago)

(lol me suggesting France even though they couldn't beat Scotland. Twice.)

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:06 (eighteen years ago)

Lol chances of GROUPS OF DEATH right across the board.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

But, erm, what no Portugal?

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

Portugal's place in the draw will be surely be decided to allow maximum possibility of knocking England out in the quarter-finals on penalties (if England and their Lamps-inspired strikers can get a result tonight)

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:10 (eighteen years ago)

Greece have won 8 qualifiers in a row or so it feels, but they haven't played anyone good. I reckon Russia are better but I'm sure I'll be proved wrong when the Greeks get to the final again (to lose to Germany).

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:11 (eighteen years ago)

DEBATE ON 606: "I hope the decision to drop some of the most experienced players does not backfire" - ST

WHO ACTUALLY SAYS THIS SHIT?

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:12 (eighteen years ago)

Steve TcLaren

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:13 (eighteen years ago)

England will get an early goal or 2 and win 3-0 and everyone will be wondering why they were ever worried and the media will get excited that England are going to end 40 odd years of hurt or whatever.
Til the next penalty shoot-out.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:13 (eighteen years ago)

Also lol at Ian Wright in The Sun praising the recent great under-21 international appearances of 25-year-old Joleon Lescott.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:14 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, pretty much.

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

It would actually be really nice if England scraped a draw (but equalising ffs, not just going 1 up and throwing it away in the second half as per) and then we can all anticipate a tournament with nobody talking them up for once.

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

Ian Wright just likes to say things, let him have his fun

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

Ian Wright reckons newcastle win will the premiership

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

but this selection is genius in a way from mclaren?

basically if england loses he will be out of the job no matter what.

if england draw/win he can claim that it was all down to his BRAVE SELECTIONS and thus he will keep job forever.

it's a no-loss gambit.

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:18 (eighteen years ago)

i don't think he wants to lose his job

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:19 (eighteen years ago)

(French) news reports that depending on tonight's results you could get a group withh France, Holland, Germany and Italy

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:19 (eighteen years ago)

bring it

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:19 (eighteen years ago)

it's besides the point but i wonder what mclaren's contract is like and how much compensation he'd get if he does lose his job.

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:20 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe it would suit England getting a tough group, play the underdog card less pressure, fans actually get behind the team etc.
It works for Scotland.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:24 (eighteen years ago)

Btw What's the odds on lampard scoring the goal that gets England through and wins BBC Sports Personality Of The Year?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:25 (eighteen years ago)

13/2

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:26 (eighteen years ago)

wanted:

Group whatever:
Austria
Portugal (would rather play them in group and get a point than risk knockout)
England
Romania (last minute Phil Neville penalty to send them out plz)

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:27 (eighteen years ago)

No it doesn't! How many group stages have we got through? Oh that's right, NONE. How are we doing on the qualifying for tournaments thing? Oh, that's right, we aren't qualifying for them. Also, yeah, no pressure on Saturday at all that I noticed...

xposts

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:27 (eighteen years ago)

depends if mclaren does the logical thing and put him up front

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:27 (eighteen years ago)

this is totally jinxing tonight shit

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

^That 13/2 was just to score the last goal btw. The rest would follow naturally as Andy Murray is Scottish, Joe Calzaghe is a Welsh Italian, Ricky Hatton is fat and northern, and Lewis Hamilton is a tax-dodging traitorous choker.

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:31 (eighteen years ago)

If England needed a win i could maybe see them blowing it if they didn't get an early goal, but really they cant fail to qualify. I think they will win easy enough. Only way it will go wrong is if the crowd got on their backs, which is unlikely I would've thought.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, ordinarily you'd expect a cold, clinical England performance to shut the Croatians out 2-0. Best not jinx that eh?

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

Will Beckham go to Euro 2008 if England do qualify?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:34 (eighteen years ago)

yes as a centre back under new manager louis jagger

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

xpost

Yeah he can probably afford the tickets.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

Only way it will go wrong is if the crowd got on their backs, which is unlikely I would've thought.

Maybe the England fans have only been booing Fat Frank because he was being wasted in midfield when he's quite obviously a world class centre forward.

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

I am building tonight up in my head as a slapstick classic.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:36 (eighteen years ago)

Scott Carson going off injured after three minutes, and then Paul Robinson doing a David James circa 97 tribute act in goal would be classic.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:37 (eighteen years ago)

Onimo i would've thought tonight the England fans will get 100% behind the team and leave any booing til after the final whistle should England blow it.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

Crouch sent off after 20 minutes.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

Hedging your bets much? England can't fail, except that they can.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

Robinson isn't even the bench - we'll have to rely on David James to do a David James c.97.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

SORTED

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:40 (eighteen years ago)

James '03 would be alright too (neva4get that superb Turkey save)

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:40 (eighteen years ago)

Onimo i would've thought tonight the England fans will get 100% behind the team and leave any booing til after the final whistle should England blow it.

You'd have thought that would have been the case in previous games, where Lampard has been booed while the team was winning...

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:41 (eighteen years ago)

Ah come on, Croatia is gonna field an unmotivated B team.

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:43 (eighteen years ago)

So many punchline options.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

Right, and that's going to make a difference how, exactly?

xpost - there's one for starters

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

Unmotivated B Team were always my favourite 2-step DJs.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

blaming the opposition pitch before kick-off. England would NEVER do that.

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

Things that will definitely happen tonight:

- Comedy Lescott/Carson clanger
- Whistle blows against Crouch in a goalscoring position for the crime of jumping while being tall
- Crouch goal anway
- Beckham winner
- SWP giving Wrighty something to jizz himself over in the studio
- Last gasp Croatia equaliser despite England dominating play for whole last 20mins

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

Call me biased but I love Joleon.

- Crowd cheering for Crouch's arse.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:45 (eighteen years ago)

- Ukraine beat France leading whole of Scotland to cry about how we'd have been through if we hadn't played a motivated-but-not-very-good B team against Georgia

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

it's impossible for a B team to have enough motivation to score goals like these
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abioqGXPQdU

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

One day soon the legendary goal-off-the-arse will actually happen and all of ILE will be so, so happy.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

- BBC commentator accusing Croatians of being dirty cheating foreign scum

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

scored by nicky butt

xpost

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

- Motson mentions '66

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

- Hansen clearly pissed by half time.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

- Sarky post from Scottish ILXer

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

- Kerr to post a conspiracy theory about the ref and/or people diving

(xpost!)

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

- Ian Wright pensive and subdued

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

- a good pun from lineker

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

- Shearer controversial slating the England players

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

- Ian Wright to deny anything he's ever said about English managers being better than them nasty furriners if England fail to win

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

- Me getting pissed and shouting "SLOTH LOVE CHUNK!" if Lescott and Lampard are seen celebrating together.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

ha ha

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

- Junior pundit broadcasts live from pub full of England supporters. England supporters knowledgeable, tactically savvy.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

- Crouch to do one of those cartwheely goal attempt thingies which doesn't quite come off but he still persists with anyway

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

Bring back the robot dance.

― Pete W, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 17:01 (eighteen years ago)

when insects become 5 times bigger
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41404000/jpg/_41404669_crouch_overh416.jpg

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 17:23 (eighteen years ago)

0-1. England out.

Saw some Croats in Soho Square at lunchtime. Lovely bunch of fellas.

I think Hungary, rubbish as they are, will nick a win but then does that mean the title won't be defended again until their first WC10 qualifier (am assuming friendlies don't count)?

No, friendlies do count - hence Scotland/England dominating this entirely made-up championship in a highly retrofitted kind of way between 1880-odd and 1920-odd. There is a variant in which only FIFA-sanctioned competitive fixtures count and I think Argentina are champs there. But maybe not.

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

- Gareth Barry to hit the woodwork

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 18:54 (eighteen years ago)

I would love England to not qualify but sadly I really can't see any result other than a win for them. Even a draw would be surprising. You lot are worrying over nothing. 2-0

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 19:00 (eighteen years ago)

Not worrying but loling.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 19:00 (eighteen years ago)

I am quite excited.

― PJ Miller, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

Perfect! Haha!

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

Carson out

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/tracerhand/fail.jpg

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK SHILTON

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

sheeeeeeit

― caek, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

lol

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

That was funny on so many levels.

― Pete W, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

wow - wright-phillips with a completely open shot i think even i could have made (on the PS2)

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

Fucking hell!

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

lolz

― caek, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

LOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOL

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

hahahahaha oh dear....everybody out

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

LOL

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK BOBBY MOORE

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

Russia still need to win right?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK DIXIE DEANE

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

that's some keeper you got there, england

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

this is so great

― Frogman Henry, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

though not exactly a "keeper" amirite

xpost

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK CB FRY

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

ROBINSON OUT

xpost

BRING BACK WILLIAM WEBB ELLIS

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

Bring back mob football.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

I guess booing might just happen after all if england dont score quick.
I cant believe SWP missed that sitter.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:19 (eighteen years ago)

You can't?

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:19 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK "FATTY" FOULKES

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:19 (eighteen years ago)

If Andorra can keep the Russians at bay for the next 70 minutes, then England can still go through!

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

Even his dad thinks he shouldn't be playing.

xposts

BRING BACK EDDIE NIEDZWICKI

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

TBF I think McLaren should persevere with 1 striker for as long as possible.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

If england lose and russia dont win does mclaren stay in the job?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

I love watching John Terry getting rained on.

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

Is that right, Dom? England qualify whatever if Russia fail to win. I've got a good feeling about this.

― caek, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK CARLTON PALMER DRESSED AS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40299000/jpg/_40299727_picture8.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

Will Ian Wright be able to speak at half time, or will he just kick a sofa and cry?

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:22 (eighteen years ago)

Motson invokes the Andorra result. Vague rolls off settee laughing again.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

You can never have enough of that.

If England are relying on Andorra getting a result against Russia then they in no way deserve to qualify. Not that they do anyway.

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

How about Lawro's Frank Carson gag though, he was up most of the night writing that

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

So does Boyle. This is so awful it's hilarious. Perry Suckling for ingerland.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

This unmotivated Croatian B team are shit, eh?

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:25 (eighteen years ago)

there's only one thing for Maclaren to do here - get Gerrard and crouch off.

― Porkpie, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:25 (eighteen years ago)

Russia to qualify: 4/5
England to qualify: 11/10

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:26 (eighteen years ago)

watching england play is like watching myself play the PS2 on "pro" mode

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:26 (eighteen years ago)

Foreigners don't fancy away matches, or it up 'em.

Ladbrokes had Croatia at 6-1 this morning

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44253000/jpg/_44253877_sm2_getty416.jpg

When the sun shines
We’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'm-a stick it out 'til the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

My Dad told me about the Ladbrokes price tonight. To late by then of course.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:29 (eighteen years ago)

jol out

― That one guy that hit it and quit it, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Russia arent even gonna win!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

England could lose, qualify, Mclaren gets sacked and the whole of england gets what they really wanted.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

If you watch this with the sound down and "Yakety Sax" on the stereo it makes a lot more sense.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

i jinxed it!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Hiddink in.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Darn those pesky andorrans! There goes the mcLaren master plan.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Russia to qualify: 2/5
England to qualify: 2/1
Israel to qualify: 500/1

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

I should never have doubted Onimo and Ailsa over the fans booing.
Apologies to you both.
(one goal for england and it all changes tho)

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

Scott Carson for Russian Sports Personality of the Year

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

in these desperate times i require stattage. last time england went 2-0 down at home in a competetive match?

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

30 mins ago hoho

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

Oooh, a peach of a free kick from Gerrard there.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

Boo!

― caek, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

England were always accused of only scoring from set-pieces because of playing Beckham. So what do England do? Drop Beckham and now set-pieces are utter shit and England don't look like scoring ever.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

I hear the beating of the wings of chickens as they make their way back to their houses.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

srsly the only thing keeping me going here is the little buzz fom just how unprecedented this situation is

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

I was hoping Croatia would have the decency to finish us off there rather than dragging Mottie's delusions thru another dire 45 minutes.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

Get a striker on, get Beckham on and go for it. Micah Richards has been very poor.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

Does Carson come off?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

James ,Defoe and Beckham on . Carson, SWP and Lampard off. That's what I'd do.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

(just watch SWP and Lampard score now I said that)

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

You can't waste a sub on Carson. I wouldn't bring Beckham on yet either. Lampard off, Defoe on, 4-4-2. Don't panic.

None of this will happen, obv.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:54 (eighteen years ago)

Hahahahaha. Shearer says england should go and foul someone. This is a man who has captained england many times. Dear God.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:54 (eighteen years ago)

I bet the Russian team wouldn't be that expensive to bribe.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:54 (eighteen years ago)

I'm enjoying this perhaps more than I should - the torrential rain, the pitch cutting up, the mud on the shirts. It's like Leeds-Chelsea '70 or something. The second-half will be one hilarious onslaught.

Ava has already turned the TV off twice at England free-kicks (she knew what was coming) and she thinks Peter Crouch is Batman. She joined in the booing at half-time too!

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

McLaren might want to have a word with Barry about staying in the fucking position he's supposed to be playing.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

amateur's question: why doesn't wembley have some kind of sliding roof-type device?

― That one guy that hit it and quit it, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

He's taking Barry off!! Ferg to thread!!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

Because they'd still be building it if it did.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

Beckham and Defoe on. Feel the force.

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:57 (eighteen years ago)

Only a handful of football stadiums in the world have a roof over the pitch.

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:57 (eighteen years ago)

Apart from missing a sitter SWP was by no means the worst player on there. Beckham is a bit of a WTF substitution at this stage.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 20:58 (eighteen years ago)

99 caps and a bitch of a problem

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

I was wondering how long until the greece game was mentioned

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

At least Beckham can get crosses in and decent set pieces. But that all means the tactics are predictable.
Still anything can happen in next 45 mins. One goal will change everything if they can get it.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

SWP off and not Barry?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

Not exackly a tactical masterplan is it? "Get Becks on and, erm, hope he does something."

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:03 (eighteen years ago)

McLaren really doesn't have a scooby, does he?

Comedy text exchanges and roffles-a-go-go at Motty's desperation to believe in Andorra's ability to keep England in it. Also, yeah, masterstroke on the change of goalie. Robinson must be pishing himself laughing that he can't get the blame for this one.

Kerr, have you swallowed a copy of Football Cliches 101 or something?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

"this is going to be one of the most seminal second halfs seen at wembley"

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

seminal bobbins 2007

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

worst thing about this: no THOSE FUCKING ENGLAND FLAGS revive cum June

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

I borrowed them from Steve Mclaren and Motty

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

He means that the England strip makes them look like jism.

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

Beckham free kick

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:08 (eighteen years ago)

Gerrard to the rescue.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:09 (eighteen years ago)

CARSON MAKES A SAVE

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

Carson made a save!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

do we need this running commentary? lols only pls

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

(sorry it's kicking in)

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

penalty lol

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

nooooooooo penalty - how the hell are my boys going to get a decent rest this summer?

― Porkpie, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

That post about conspiracies from me please!
Lampard!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

BBC SPORTS PERSONAILTY OF THE YEAR

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

Personality

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

i like the commentary sincei can't watch the game.

― Will M., Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

Defoe went down very easy there, but hey ho, once he had his shirt pulled it was a foul.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

GOGOGOGOGOGOAAALLLL

― Will M., Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

get that man a £4 pie

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

bugger, dream situation right there buggered, England go out with a whimper, Fat Fwank vilified (even more) for a season or so and Gerrard gets a summer off.....

― Porkpie, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

Hasn't Crouch been resting all season?

xposts

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

Me and Mrs Vague both went "OH FUCK NO" together when Fatso stepped up to the spot.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:16 (eighteen years ago)

SAVE OF THE SEASON

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:16 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK CARSON

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:16 (eighteen years ago)

england 1-2 croatia... looks like the final score i was expecting about 1 hour ago. nobody score now so i can be right (and sad)

― Will M., Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:17 (eighteen years ago)

England 4/5
Russia Evens

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:18 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.comedynightout.co.uk/mediac/400_0/media/Frank~Carson.jpg

― James Mitchell, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:18 (eighteen years ago)

in these desperate times i require stattage. last time england went 2-0 down at home in a competetive match?

From a quick scan of eloratings.net, it appears the last four times England even conceded >= 2 at home in competitive match were

October 2002: 2-2 vs Macedonia (never 0-2)
October 2001: 2-2 vs Greece (never 0-2)
April 1993: 2-2 vs Netherlands (unable to find goal times)
April 1972: 1-3 vs West Germany (blimey)

― anatol_merklich, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:19 (eighteen years ago)

Carson saves again haha

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:20 (eighteen years ago)

I'm enjoying this game, open football where both teams could score.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:21 (eighteen years ago)

BRING BACK DAVE ALLEN

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:21 (eighteen years ago)

Bridge showing his positional awareness yet again.

― Billy Dods, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

YES!

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

'April 1993: 2-2 vs Netherlands (unable to find goal times) '

England went 2-0 up in this one. great Barnes free kick, ah those were the days

xp ooh allo

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

Oh ffs

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

The boy Crouch done well there.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

Beckham to Crouch! I should be manager

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:23 (eighteen years ago)

Cross wasn't too shabby

― Matt, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:23 (eighteen years ago)

wow croatia are getting rooked

cross was a thing of freakin beauty - can you imagine if it was beckham taking all those corners in the first half instead of gerrard??

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:24 (eighteen years ago)

Last time England went two down at home was prolly against Hungary in 53.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:27 (eighteen years ago)

1966 been mentioned yet?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:27 (eighteen years ago)

it's true what the color commentator guy said about beckham, he's like a "special teams" guy in american football

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:31 (eighteen years ago)

(not that soccer doesn't have these too, i.e. gattuso and every striker or defensive guy brought in in the closing minutes - i guess beckham's special skill in the context of the england squad is just that he's really good)

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:33 (eighteen years ago)

does anyone know why BBC site can never ID Serbian goal scorers and times live?

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:33 (eighteen years ago)

OMG

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:34 (eighteen years ago)

OMG OMG OMG

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

WOW

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

jeeeeeeeeeeeesus h corbett

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

Would you credit it

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

stat people: what is the loliest game ever?

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

It's a Partizan Party! :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-krM6erRs7M

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:36 (eighteen years ago)

just think of all the irritation you'll be avoiding

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:36 (eighteen years ago)

I'm amazed at 2-2 a defender didn't come on.
Could Andorra score and make it the most surreal night ever?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

Bent on for Cole

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

And heart attacks, stress, fighting. The beer companies won't be happy about it though.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:38 (eighteen years ago)

joe cole i love you but don't clap your hands like a ninny as you go off having just gone down 3-2

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:38 (eighteen years ago)

Tactics to be get as many free kicks and corners as they can?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:38 (eighteen years ago)

Ladbrokes have another England penalty 4/6

― Eyeball Kicks, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:39 (eighteen years ago)

I wish dadaismus was online at home. This thread needs him.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:39 (eighteen years ago)

When was the last time no UK country was present at the Euros?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:39 (eighteen years ago)

where's that assistant ref when you need him

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:40 (eighteen years ago)

1984 xp

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:40 (eighteen years ago)

england look dog tired, dead on their feet

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:41 (eighteen years ago)

I'm, like, 80% sure England will equalise, because you're the jammiest fucking national team ever.

Except South Korea, obviously.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:41 (eighteen years ago)

The game needs a dodgy penalty in the last minute.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:41 (eighteen years ago)

I can see Croatia scoring a breakaway and the mclaren out chants to start

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:41 (eighteen years ago)

Why aren't they just giving the ball to Beckham to cross? that's when they look dangerous.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:42 (eighteen years ago)

to tihnk, all of this drama just to qualify to get beat down next summer.

― Will M., Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:44 (eighteen years ago)

a step too slow, david

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:44 (eighteen years ago)

andorra been rmeotely close to threatening the russian side? no? anyone?

― Will M., Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:44 (eighteen years ago)

Russia just missed a penalty.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:46 (eighteen years ago)

3 mins injury time

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:48 (eighteen years ago)

I think its up to andorra now

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:49 (eighteen years ago)

haha the announcer just said "beckham to take it - please!"

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:49 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia are a good side, eh?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:50 (eighteen years ago)

Wembley pitch:

http://www.rawe.info/images/photogallery/next_photo_31.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:51 (eighteen years ago)

Taxi for McLaren.

― Billy Dods, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:52 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.users.bigpond.com/kceg/artimages/wasteland.jpg

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:53 (eighteen years ago)

Russian player sent off, two minutes to go.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:53 (eighteen years ago)

Russia won 1-0

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:55 (eighteen years ago)

The Croatians are going bat shit insane! Eastern pride, or a Mercedes each? :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:55 (eighteen years ago)

according to the match of the day host, tonight russia "snuck ahead" of england in the league table

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:56 (eighteen years ago)

Four out of five British-isles teams end up in 3rd, along with Bulgaria, Finland and argh Norway. :(

― anatol_merklich, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:58 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.nightfolio.co.uk/night_photography_splash.jpg
http://www.pipeknife.com/pipeknife/images/longknives2.jpg

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:58 (eighteen years ago)

I had to check the filenames of those images to get that one, louis...

― anatol_merklich, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 21:59 (eighteen years ago)

how long until official mclaren outage I GIVE IT SEVEN MINUTES

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:00 (eighteen years ago)

pipecock out

― That one guy that hit it and quit it, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:01 (eighteen years ago)

hedge your knives? xposts

― G00blar, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:01 (eighteen years ago)

People will try and defend this shower of shit, I'm sure. But y'know what? They were a shower of shit, have been throughout McLaren's tenure, and not going to the finals ought to be a good thing if it makes the FA address the underlying crapness of England's approach to international football.

So Allardyce in by next Friday and the whole sorry saga continues, innit.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:01 (eighteen years ago)

Mourinho is almost certainly getting a a big money offer to manage England that he cant refuse isn't he?
x-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:02 (eighteen years ago)

Made seperate thread for those of us who wish to pay our respects to one of the greats of football management:

Steve McLaren RIP

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:02 (eighteen years ago)

I'm still quite excited.

Well done, Wales, also.

― PJ Miller, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:09 (eighteen years ago)

At least Euro 2008 might be worth watching and the return of England vs Scotland game!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:26 (eighteen years ago)

I just found out that this "soccer competition" called "Euro" exists, but I'm going to be over in Switz./Italy this summer and I'm excited that people will be excited about it!

― Jordan, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:29 (eighteen years ago)

Has everyone forgotten England 1-3 Australia, Feb 2003? That was a full international, wasn't it? And England were 0-2 in that.

Hugely entertaining evening. Really looking forward to AutSui08 - it could be the best tournament since USA94!

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:30 (eighteen years ago)

English managerial jobs for the English!

― Alba, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:31 (eighteen years ago)

Lots of people (including McLaren) moaning about the pitch/conditions. At least Bilić got his complaint in before the game.

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:38 (eighteen years ago)

Yes, it was impossible to play slick one or two touch football and score three goals on that disgrace of a pitch.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:40 (eighteen years ago)

I am building tonight up in my head as a slapstick classic.

-- Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 16:36 (6 hours ago) Bookmark Link

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:46 (eighteen years ago)

if that wayne bridge chip had gone in, nv would have physically split his sides

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:48 (eighteen years ago)

you know Beckham's you know you knowing his you know little head of you know yeah you know

"we should have you know showed the you know England mentality you know of you know shutting up shop you know"

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 22:53 (eighteen years ago)

the two "bold" decisions of bringing carson and dropping beckham don't look brilliant now does it?

― ken c, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:19 (eighteen years ago)

Someone on the radio said "I don't blame Carson, Robinson would have made the same mistake."

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:31 (eighteen years ago)

if that wayne bridge chip had gone in, nv would have physically split his sides

-- Just got offed, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 10:48 PM

if wayne, on x thousand a week, had remembered the offside rule and to not ball-watch at the same time, england would never have been 2-0 down in the first place.

― whatever, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:36 (eighteen years ago)

"Swing low, swing low...sweeeeeeet char-iiiii-ot...!"

― SeekAltRoute, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:38 (eighteen years ago)

The only thing that can possibly save English football now is an array of comedy Scott Carson fumble gifs.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:38 (eighteen years ago)

Tomorrow would be a good day for whoever's got Maddy to own up.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:40 (eighteen years ago)

"Swing low, swing low...sweeeeeeet char-iiiii-ot...!"

<guffaw>

-- SeekAltRoute, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 11:38 PM (1 minute ago) Bookmark Link

wrong sport, dick

― whatever, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:40 (eighteen years ago)

Unless it turns out Lampard ate her

― That mong guy that's shit, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:41 (eighteen years ago)

I move we just pin it on McClareng anyway. That way everybody gets closure.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:42 (eighteen years ago)

Has everyone forgotten England 1-3 Australia, Feb 2003? That was a full international, wasn't it? And England were 0-2 in that.

not a "competetive" game.

― blueski, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:44 (eighteen years ago)

Hey - Lampard scored our first goal!

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:45 (eighteen years ago)

Some really good points from WSC:

British children are coached to kick the ball very far, "get rid" and "hoof it". They are rewarded for being big strong athletes who run around very fast for a long time. Hence Gerrard being praised all the time when most of what he does is run very fast with the ball into a crowd of opposition players, sometimes tripping on the way.
Look at the language pre-match tonight from the pundits and McLaren pre-match tonight "get into them" "get about them" "taking the game to them" "starting at a high tempo" and Shearer's ludicrous suggestion that they start fouling people.
In Britain, it is all about that stupid "Pride, Passion, Belief" thing. I am sure that a lot of the criticism about England tomorrow will be that they weren't "up for it" or passionate enough when, in fact, they should have been calmer, kept the ball better.
Also, there seemed to be so much importance put upon getting the crowd going and getting the atmosphere going, not letting the stadium go quiet. Do other international teams rely on this so much?
Croatia and Russia were the two better footballing teams and deserved to win. Croatia looked excellent on the ball today, kept possession well yet were still throwing bodies in the way of the ball in defence. The difference being they then got the ball out of defence to one of their players who was close and passed it out.

Once again we're told by pundits that the opposition are 'technically very good' which translates in my mind as 'can play football'.

Quite.

― The Boyler, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:50 (eighteen years ago)

Perhaps they do like it up 'em after all.

― Alba, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:55 (eighteen years ago)

That's what I noticed during the match, England were playing like they were massed underdogs: Crotia got time on the ball, passed it out of the back four, stayed balanced and poised (apart from ten minutes in the second half), and were keener on pulling a few tricks out of the bag. England just ran around a lot and hoofed the ball upfield hoping that someone would get fouled in the box.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:58 (eighteen years ago)

Has a nation ever retired from international football?

― Alba, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:59 (eighteen years ago)

Tomorrow would be a good day for whoever's got Maddy to own up.

With English football's demise and the government in turmoil the Daily Mail is going with "McCanns still suspects".

― onimo, Wednesday, 21 November 2007 23:59 (eighteen years ago)

In 1992, France went to the Euros unbeaten in qualifying, but limped out having played poorly; their failure to qualify for 1994 USA was taken as the confirmation - after failing to qualify for 1990 and 1988 that they needed to rebuild. They completely restructured youth training and since then, have won two tournaments, reached the final of another and the semis of another, out of the last 6.

In 1992, England went to the Euros unbeaten in qualifying, but limped out having played poorly; their failure to qualify for 1994 USA was taken as the fault of a dodgy decision in Rotterdam alone. They have failed to tackle the problem at all, and since then, have got to the semi-finals on home soil thanks to dodgy linesmen, limped out of three tournaments in the quarter-finals, stunk out the group stage in another, and heroically gone out in the first knock-out phase elsewhere.

I'd love to say this is a France 1994 wake-up call, but it won't be. We have the bestest league in the world, and bestest superstars like super Stevie G and Frank the mobile TV station king, an FA completely captured by said league, and a government in thrall to them. Ho hum.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:04 (eighteen years ago)

Express, not Mail

xpost to me

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:07 (eighteen years ago)

Dave, be thankful the ILX search function is now so rub it won't let me dig out the many many times you have ended a post with "PS - France were shit".

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:07 (eighteen years ago)

We don't have a foreign empire to pillage.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:07 (eighteen years ago)

There's a lot of gutted Swiss and Austrian bar owners out there tonight

― Lovelace, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:11 (eighteen years ago)

I was just jealous. They were a bit lucky, to be sure, but like Chelsea under Mourinho, you didn't have to like them to recognise that really, they were quite good really. I was being contrary.

xpost - there won't be a lot of Swiss and Austrian bars gutted in 7 months,

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:11 (eighteen years ago)

i'm gutted england can't lose again on a bigger stage.

go mcclaren!

― whatever, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:13 (eighteen years ago)

Ah fuck it, I remember USA 94 as being better than any other World Cup I can remember. At least I'll actually be able to enjoy the tournament now.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:14 (eighteen years ago)

It was! Sweden came third! I was 10 and it was probably the best summer of my life :)

― Lovelace, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:15 (eighteen years ago)

Great stuff from Sweden & Bulgaria. The final was shit, though. (xpost)

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:17 (eighteen years ago)

^^^4-4-2

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:20 (eighteen years ago)

lol baggio

― Just got offed, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:20 (eighteen years ago)

(this is all i got as solace. pathetic innit?)

― Just got offed, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:21 (eighteen years ago)

WHERE'S YOUR BUDDHA NOW?

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:22 (eighteen years ago)

In 1992, England went to the Euros unbeaten in qualifying, but limped out having played poorly; their failure to qualify for 1994 USA was taken as the fault of a dodgy decision in Rotterdam alone.

Hmmmm. Yes, I remember the back pages of the tabloids with Graham Taylor's head superimposed on a massive trophy with the headline "HE'S A WINNER! DODGY DECISION ROBS OUR HERO OF DESERVED VICTORY! MASTER TACTICIAN IS NO TURNIP, THAT'S FOR SURE!' followed by a lengthy public singsong about just how great Charles Hughes was.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:23 (eighteen years ago)

Pour one out for Bert Millichip

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:23 (eighteen years ago)

crouch in tv pundit nonsense?

― whatever, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:24 (eighteen years ago)

buddha 6 wheelchair hoddles 5

― whatever, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:24 (eighteen years ago)

xp obv (new to thiw)

― whatever, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:25 (eighteen years ago)

thiw : this

― whatever, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:26 (eighteen years ago)

Jamie - So we beat up on the lino, the ref, the weather, the pitch, the turnip headed manager. Anything but the structure. As Einstein said, to do the same thing time and again and expect a different result is the definition of insanity, and English football is fucking insane.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:36 (eighteen years ago)

i think you'll find it's cause you've got a crap keeper and crap defenders.

and yeah, i don't know enough about it so say one way or the other on the structure (?), but it seems to me that everybody on england plays very individually - it reminds me of those patrick ewing-era knicks teams that were so full of invidual moments of brilliance but you always just kind of knew they wouldn't be able to stand up to top-flite teamwork

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 22 November 2007 00:40 (eighteen years ago)

agree with a lot of those points but

Croatia and Russia were the two better footballing teams and deserved to win. Croatia looked excellent on the ball today, kept possession well yet were still throwing bodies in the way of the ball in defence.

but then

Once again we're told by pundits that the opposition are 'technically very good' which translates in my mind as 'can play football'

so were croatia "excellent", or just "can play football"?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:02 (eighteen years ago)

it's hard to see how the structure would change either, cos i'm under the impression that the premiership being the best league in the world makes loads more money than winning the world cup ever would and money's what makes decisions isn't it

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:04 (eighteen years ago)

It only became the best league in the world when teams stopped playing british players though!

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:05 (eighteen years ago)

i know. isn't it brilliant that playing in the league is through the merits of players rather than silly things like their nationality?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:11 (eighteen years ago)

i think it's rubbish

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:14 (eighteen years ago)

can't we just send 11 kids to a french academy as double agents and then they come back as superhuman football adults?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:15 (eighteen years ago)

the real problem is domestic football is so exciting in this country the kids are spending too much time WATCHING football rather than playing it

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:16 (eighteen years ago)

Why not have decent english and scottish football academies instead?

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:18 (eighteen years ago)

Brilliant!

FOR FUCK'S SAKE, WAS THIS A FUCKING PITCH OR A FUCKING PADDYFIELD? YOU'D THINK, GIVEN THE FUCKING MILLIONS WE POOR FUCKING TAXPAYERS HAVE BEEN FUCKING PROPAGANDISED INTO COUGHING UP BY THE UNACCOUNTABLE, BLAZER SUITED, RED NOSED SIX MAN COMMITTEE OF BEAKWETTING CUNTS WHO LAUGHINGLY PASS FOR THE POWERS THAT FUCKING BE? GIVEN THAT THE FUCKING STADIUM WAS ABOUT SIX FUCKING YEARS LATE IN APPEARING, THEY COULD AT LEAST HAVE PROVIDED US WITH A PITCH THAT HAD A SLIGHTLY MORE ROBUST FUCKING CUNTING CONSTITUTION THAN A FUCKING CESSPIT!
ANYWAY, COME THE FUCKING GAME! RIGHT FROM THE FUCKING GET-GO THIS WAS SHITE PLAYING ON FUCKING SHITE! THIS IS FUCKING CROATIA, A FUCKING NATION WHOSE FUCKING FLAG IS A FUCKING TABLECLOTH AND WE'RE FUCKING LETTING THEM CUT THROUGH US LIKE FUCKING MELTED BUTTERSHIT? OH, FUCK, THEY'RE NOT EVEN FUCKING TRYING, THEY'RE JUST PUNTING THE FUCKING BALL IN THE VAGUE FUCKING DIRECTION OF OUR FUCKING GOAL AND WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT, SCOTT FUCKING “WORK EXPERIENCE” CARSON, OUR FUCKWIT BUTTERSHIT FINGERED KEEPER MAKES A FUCKING HASH OF IT AND NOW WE'RE EATING FUCKING CESSPIT FUCKING SANDWICHES! JESUS H CUNT!
OH MY FUCKING CUNTING CHRIST ALMIGHTY WILL YOU GET A FUCKING GRIP, YOU GQ FILLING, PORSCHE CRASHING, NIGHTCLUB PROWLING, WAG SLAVERING WANKERS! JOE TWATTING COLE! YOU'RE IN A FUCKING TEAM! STOP FUCKING DUCKING AND DIVING, YOU HORRIBLE LITTLE COCKNEY FUCKING WANKER AND FUCKING PASS THE FUCKING BALL! CAMPBELL! YOU TURN SO FUCKING SLOW THEY SHOULD ATTACH FUCKI NG SIDELIGHTS TO YOUR FUCKING ARSE! WRIGHT-PHILLIPS! BASICALLY, YOU'RE TOO FUCKING SHORT! YOU HAVE A FUCKING SHORT PERSON'S FUCKING LOSER MENTALITY – BECAUSE FACE IT, SHORT PEOPLE ALWAYAS ULTIMATELY FUCKING LOSE – AND IT FUCKING TELLS ON OCCASIONS LIKE THIS! OH, MY FUCKING GODCUNT, 2 FUCKING NIL? WHY DOESN'T THE FUCKING BACK FOUR JUST WEAR FUCKING BLUE BERETS AND JUST HAVE FUCKING DONE WITH IT? JUST LIE DOWN AND LET THE FUCKING CROATIANS DO WHATEVER THE FUCK THEY FUCKING TWATTING ARSEING WANT, THAT'S THE CUNTING SPIRIT!
SECOND HALF! FUCKING BECKHAM ON! IT'S FUCKING COME TO THIS! IT'S LIKE WHEN THEY BROUGHT FUCKING BET LYNCH BACK TO FUCKING CORONATION STREET, IT'S THAT FUCKING DESPERATE! OH, RIGHT! PENALTY! WHAT, LAMPARD'S BEEN FUCKING PLAYING? DOING FUCKING WHAT? SUBMERGING YOURSELF IN THE FUCKING PITCH LIKE A FUCKING FROGMAN ONLY TO FUCKING POP UP WHEN THERE'S A FUCKING CHANCE FOR FUCKING GLORY? ALL RIGHT! 2-2!
FUCKING GERRARD, YOU PUDDING BOWL, FUCKING GUTS AND PRIDE AND PASSION AND PHLEGM-SPRAYING EPITOME OF ABSOLUTELY FUCKING EVERYTHING THAT IS FUCKING WRONG WITH THE PRESENT FUCKING ENGLAND SET-UP! YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING, REPEAT, FUCKING NOTHING OF ANY SHITTING USE ALL PISSING FUCKING NIGHT! IT'S THIS FUCKING SIMPLE! YOU CANNOT FUCKING PASS THE FUCKING BALL! IT'D BE AS EASY TO CATCH A FUCKING BULLET IN MID-AIR AS IT WOULD BE TO LATCH ONTO ONE OF YOUR SO-CALLED FUCKING PASSES! BEING PASSED TO BY YOU IS LIKE BEING FUCKED BY FUCKING SUPERMAN, THE FUCKING DISCHARGE PASSES RIGHT THROUGH YOUR FUCKING BODY AND SPLATS AGAINST THE FUCKING WALL AND THE POOR FUCKING DISCHARGEE BLEEDS TO FUCKING DEATH! YOU USELESS, POINTLESS SCOUSE CUNT! IT'S NO USE CHARGING RANDOMLY AROUND THE FUCKING PITCH LIKE FUCKING CORPORAL JONES, ENGAGE THAT FUCKING CAULIFLOWER FLORET OF YOURS THAT PASSES FOR A FUCKING BRAIN! NO, TOO FUCKING LATE, YOU'VE FUCKING LOST THE BALL IN FUCKING MIDFIELD FOR THE ONE HUNDREND AND CUNTING FIFTIETH TWATTING TIME AND NOW IT'S 3-2 AND THAT IS FUCKING THAT!
TWO THINGS EMERGE FROM THIS RANCID COCK OF A FUCKING FIXTURE! THE FIRST IS THAT STEVE, FUCKING CARROT TOPPED CUNTMEISTER MCCLAREN NEEDS TO BE SACKED, NOT JUST FUCKING METAPHORICALLY BUT LITERALLY, SEWN IN A FUCKING SACK, LOWERED INTO A POOL AND SLOWLY NIBBLED TO DEATH BY FUCKING GOLDFISH, HIS OWN FUCKING GINGER CUNTING FUCKING SORT!
THE SECOND IS FUCKING JOHN TERRY, YOU INJURY PRONE, MOURINHO-ALIENATING FUCKING SYMBOL OF ALL THAT IS FUCKING OBDURATELY BONEBRAINED, GORMLESSLY PATRIOTIC AND ULTIMATELY UTTERLY INEFFECTUAL ABOUT THE FUCKING ENGLAND MENTALITY AND FUCKING SET-UP! DRINK YOUR OWN FUCKING SPUNK FROM NOW ON! SUCK YOUR OWN FUCKING COCK AND DRINK YOUR OWN FUCKING SPUNK, YOU USELESS, FUTILE, INJURED FUCKING CUNT! I SPIT YOUR OWN FUCKING REFRIGERATED SPUNK IN YOUR FUCKING FACE!

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:19 (eighteen years ago)

The real solution is to let the press pick and train the england team. They seem to know whats best.
x-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:20 (eighteen years ago)

i reckon though we will have a breakthrough in approx 7 years time, because kids of an impressionable age back in 2003 would all have just bought their copy of pro evo 3 just then, who will grow up with the kind of vision and cerebral aspects of the game that's sadly missing in our current team.

they will all understand the importance of keeping possession and also they know lashing one from way out never works.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:21 (eighteen years ago)

What could happen is England install a youth coach set up that has its coaches playing Football Manager 2008 and sees who the good English kids are then get them in the England set up that way. The English Saviola could be out there waiting to be discovered.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:26 (eighteen years ago)

i reckon though we will have a breakthrough in approx 7 years time, because kids of an impressionable age back in 2003 would all have just bought their copy of pro evo 3 just then, who will grow up with the kind of vision and cerebral aspects of the game that's sadly missing in our current team.

You mean no one can take a decent fucking free kick and every attempt sales 6 feet over the bar? Now we know what Lampard does at "training".

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:28 (eighteen years ago)

um sails

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:29 (eighteen years ago)

they'll learn that direct freekicks are a waste of time and they should instead do a short pass round the wall and shoot! YES!

I wish someone would buy christiano ronaldo a copy of pro evo

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:30 (eighteen years ago)

I wish someone would show me how to take free kicks.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:34 (eighteen years ago)

The 2027 England manager's formation will be 3-3-4.

― Eyeball Kicks, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:50 (eighteen years ago)

Dave, I've no idea where that post came from but it strikes me as fair

England just ran around a lot and hoofed the ball upfield hoping that someone would get fouled in the box.

seriously, fill in your own punchline, bring back dan leno, woeful

― Matt, Thursday, 22 November 2007 02:02 (eighteen years ago)

i'll tell you what, they didn't pass it enough. or they passed it too much. one or the other.

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 22 November 2007 03:20 (eighteen years ago)

sorry, britishes

― mookieproof, Thursday, 22 November 2007 03:22 (eighteen years ago)

or rather, englishes

― mookieproof, Thursday, 22 November 2007 03:23 (eighteen years ago)

WHY DID WE PLAY RUSH GOALIES?

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 08:39 (eighteen years ago)

can't we just send 11 kids to a french academy as double agents and then they come back as superhuman football adults?

-- ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 01:15 (8 hours ago) Bookmark Link

China did this, sort of! About ten or so years ago they sent their under-12s national team to go and live in Brazil until they became good footballers.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:23 (eighteen years ago)

did it work?

― Weasel Diesel, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:25 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-09/05/xin_050902050913030316234.jpg

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:27 (eighteen years ago)

The Chinese government sent the Jianlibao youth team to Brazil in 1993 for a five-year training programme under the guidance of a man called Zhu Guanghu, who now coaches the national side. It was no vanity project either, and one of the youngsters, a certain Li Tie, is currently with Sheffield United. Numerous others, such as Li Jinyu and Li Weifeng [who also had trials at Everton], have played for the national side. "It was the most important time of my football career when I was in Brazil," said Li Weifeng of his two years' training. "What I learned there was more than what I got from my five-year spell at the domestic league in China."

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

Then they tried Germany: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200412/01/eng20041201_165749.html

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:32 (eighteen years ago)

Li Tie was pretty good at Everton for about three months - he was seen as key in the NuMoyesEra upswing in autumn 2002. He got sent off on the opening day of 2003-04, got a broken leg on international duty and drifted off into intermittent reserve-team action. I had no idea he was still in the English game. Never scored for us in a competitive game but got one in the 3-2 win away at Rangers, pre-season '03 (which was pretty competitive as it turned out; Rooney got stretchered off and Stubbs [who got the winner] was booed throughout).

More Goodison memories tomorrow.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:43 (eighteen years ago)

lol at Shearer "get in a couple of fouls, at least to get the crowd going"

― Ste, Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:52 (eighteen years ago)

Weird game. I honestly didn't think Croatia would give a fuck but I suspect what happened is they quickly realised, "Hey, hold on here... we could give these mugs a serious doing!" Good team. And well done to their fans for consistently outsinging 80+ thousand England fans. Now, let me go and find that post where Louis claimed Micah Richards was world class...

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 09:59 (eighteen years ago)

Also well done to groudstaff for comedy pitch: brought back many happy memories of 70s/80s football

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:03 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia were awesome. Bilic for Chelsea.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:03 (eighteen years ago)

Avram for England.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:05 (eighteen years ago)

You can ave him.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:12 (eighteen years ago)

I've got a theory that this is why the Croatians were so fired up for this game

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:14 (eighteen years ago)

The ghost of Bobby Moore in Bogota comes back to haunt us.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:16 (eighteen years ago)

Did England think that magically Croatia would stop marking players up the middle of the pitch, where England constantly hoofed up to ?

And as usual we refused to put any pressure on their players, and for some god knows reason sat back after the second equaliser thinking wtf 'job done' ??

― Ste, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:16 (eighteen years ago)

Where are the hard-nosed bastards (like Shearer or Keane) who can roll up their sleeves and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT in situations like last night? Where are the players who can think on their feet, keep possession, try something different, communicate to their team-mates what they want? Where are the leaders?

Gerard no doubt sees himself like this. But I am so sick of the miserable twat totally disappearing in games that matter (for England). Stop pulling faces, stop gobbing off to the ref and live up to your overblown fucking reputation. Go and watch some videos of Zidane too.

Bridge - it's not unusual for an England left-back to be totally one-footed, but at least Ashley Cole has some pace to get him out trouble. Funny how other teams seem to have genuinely 2-footed players in every position, though. But Bridge is not only one-footed, but slow of thought and deed. Useless.

The Back Four - made me almost cack myself with fear everytime Croatia had the ball. Campbell's legs have gone, Lescott's positional sense isn't up to it. God knows how much I hate the tool R. Ferdinand, but he's streets ahead of these.

Lampard. Whatever the 'formation', he can't play in the same team as Gerard. Can't tackle, can't make things happen, can't beat players. Horrible, last night. Just horrible.

Dead Balls. The delivery from corners and free kicks in the first half had me howling with rage. Barry and Gerard were the main culprits. WHY?

Beckham. Admirable - he ran, he tackled, what a cross for Crouch's goal. At least has the basic skills to create chances and actually looks like he cares.

Joe Cole. So easy to nullify for a well-drilled defence - buzzes about in a small triangle on the left, occasionally beats a defender, but is ineffective and ineffectual.

A ball-winner. Why do we think we can play without one? Don't confuse 'defensive midfielder' and 'ball-winner'. Barry can pass nicely when he has it, but doesn't have that terrier-like instinct to win it time and time again (Gattuso, Nobby Stiles, Makelele, Keane). Hargreaves is the nearest we have and should have played.

The last ten minutes - totally embarrassing and a short summary of all that is wrong with English football. We couldn't create a single chance (apart from Bent's admirable effort), we didn't have the wit to keep the ball on the floor and work it into the box to try and make defenders challenge and commit themselves. All Croatia had to do was wait for us to give the ball away. Hopeless.

The future. I want to see some of the big name players have to fight like hell to get back in the side after that. The new manager has to look wider afield and try to create a TEAM, not a collection of individuals. Everyone bleats on about experience of big tournaments, experience of the big occasion, bbut how many more chances do we give the likes of Lampard, Gerard, J Cole, and to some extent Owen, Rooney and Terry. Every single time they've needed to be strong, they've let us down. They simply don't have what it takes, and we need others. Look at Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Turkey - pragmatic, solid, mobile teams with few stars.

Enough.

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 10:42 (eighteen years ago)

The new manager has to look wider afield and try to create a TEAM, not a collection of individuals.

This is the bottom line as far as I'm concerned. The new manager, whoever he might be, has to not give a fuck about the profile of the players and even how well they play each week in the Premiership. If they don't fit into his vision of what a team is, and what the team should be, then they don't make it into the 11.

That's why you need a manager with a level of vision infinitely higher than either McLaren or Sven had, with the balls to stand up to the FA and the press. I don't know if it should be Martin O'Neill or not but certainly someone with his approach to being a manager.

Of course, the cunts at the FA will never appoint someone like that will they?

― Upt0eleven, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:04 (eighteen years ago)

Interesting comments from Bilic - basically said he told his team to let crouch win it in the air (and I thought he was doing brilliantly considering HE ISN'T A FECKING TARGET MAN) and concentrate on closing down the runners from midfield.

So England saw Crouch was winning everything and kept knocking it up, not realising that was exactly what Croatia wanted them to do.

Gerrard, Bridge and Carson gave three of the most inept international performances I have seen in a long, long time.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:08 (eighteen years ago)

has to not give a fuck about the profile of the players and even how well they play each week in the Premiership

But quite a few of the team last night don't even play in the Premiership "each week" - Crouch, Bridge, Defoe, Bent

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:08 (eighteen years ago)

Dream scenario: Wenger overhauls youth training; Mourinho makes the best of a bad lot with the first team. Bingo! And imagine the bickering!

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:09 (eighteen years ago)

question 2: does croatia have a really good youth academy then or something?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:18 (eighteen years ago)

Name a team (in any sport) that has had any degree of success without having a core of HARD-NOSED BASTARDS in the team and/or running it.

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:40 (eighteen years ago)

Harlem Globetrotters

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:41 (eighteen years ago)

They were using a freakin' ladder, for gods' sakes

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:43 (eighteen years ago)

Arsenal - after Vieira left?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:43 (eighteen years ago)

roger federer

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:43 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.arthurshall.com/images/custom_images/eddie_guerrero.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:45 (eighteen years ago)

Arsenal - after Vieira left?

A league cup isn't really "success" though, is it? Even McLaren won one of those.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:46 (eighteen years ago)

Runners up in Champions League isn't bad

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:47 (eighteen years ago)

Or was Vieira in that team? OK, you win.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:48 (eighteen years ago)

no he was in juventus by then

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:52 (eighteen years ago)

hard-nosed bastards don't leave home without...

www.englandsupportersband.com

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:52 (eighteen years ago)

who played arsenal actually and vieira got pwn3d by fabregas i think?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:53 (eighteen years ago)

Runners up in Champions League isn't bad

I meant successful teams - teams that WIN something.

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 11:55 (eighteen years ago)

man u last year.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:03 (eighteen years ago)

The guy who manages them is, uhhhh, somewhat hard-nosed

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:04 (eighteen years ago)

who was the hard nosed bastard in the greece football team in 2004?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:06 (eighteen years ago)

Who was the last hard English footballer anyway? It couldn't have been Paul Ince could it?

*I mean on the pitch. No Jody Morris for England campaign just yet.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:06 (eighteen years ago)

stuart pearce?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:07 (eighteen years ago)

wait he cried

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:08 (eighteen years ago)

JOEY BARTON for ENGLAND and HARD NOSED BASTARD of the SEASON.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:08 (eighteen years ago)

lol at Shearer "get in a couple of fouls, at least to get the crowd going"

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:10 (eighteen years ago)

joey barton's only hard when the opponents' faces are turned

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:10 (eighteen years ago)

I don't know he was prepared to speak up about England players putting books out about how shit they were, and he's been instrumental in Man City's resurgence.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:12 (eighteen years ago)

we need Thaksin Shinawatra to manage england.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:14 (eighteen years ago)

Terry is hard, surely.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:15 (eighteen years ago)

being tory != being hard

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:16 (eighteen years ago)

But sometimes being Tory = hard

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1204412.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6A2D97A4B2F224B8E9930FDCFC4C15FBB

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:18 (eighteen years ago)

wait no that's lampard. i meant being racist != being hard

(easy mistake)

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:18 (eighteen years ago)

good to see venables out. no bigger charlatan in football.

― haitch, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:22 (eighteen years ago)

since lippi had turned down birmingham maybe he'll manage england?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:23 (eighteen years ago)

Vladimir Romanov for England

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:25 (eighteen years ago)

My sides my side

A board director and Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards defended Barwick, saying: "Brian has taken a lot of stick about him being the sole person to appoint McClaren. "This responsibility has to be shared among us all. It's unfair to say he was Brian's man - he was the FA's man."
On the issue of the number of overseas players in the top flight, Richards added: "You would know as well as anybody that the Premier League is the best in the world, because it has the best stars in the world."

Brilliant. And also, Gordon Brown has said that it would be good to have a home international tournament, but this was a decision for 'football associations and clubs'.

IT'S NOTHING TO DO WITH CLUBS, YOU TWAT.

By this statement, the Prime Minister shows that he is the bitch of the cockfarmer making the first statement.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:28 (eighteen years ago)

you want a hardman? look no further. Ben Thatcher's 'horror tackle' on Pedro Mendes

― Just got offed, Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:29 (eighteen years ago)

But if the clubs don't want it, it won't happen? Sorry, if Premiership clubs don't want it, it won't happen? (xp)

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:30 (eighteen years ago)

you want a hardman? look no further.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/VirtualContent/84882/boris2.jpg

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 12:34 (eighteen years ago)

Richards added: "You would know as well as anybody that the Premier League is the best in the world, because it has the best stars in the world."

He didn't really say this did he?

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:01 (eighteen years ago)

People who represent the product will always hype the product.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:02 (eighteen years ago)

And so will the media who report on the product?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:04 (eighteen years ago)

Yes because the product sells a lot of papers.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:10 (eighteen years ago)

the problem with the 'not enough English players getting club games' argument:

1) Lampard, Gerrard and a few others play every game for their club (when fit enough) but are still frequently poor for England.
2) Playing less games is theoretically good - less chance of injury and tiredness
3) It implies the current England squad is not good enough (evidently) but also that there is no-one else good enough to replace them anyway (note the argument is not quite 'not enough good English players...getting Prem games')...I mean why not just say there aren't enough great players coming through full stop - if they were good they'd be playing for their clubs more, cheaper imports notwithstanding.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:12 (eighteen years ago)

But personally I think England will always have enough players good enough to at least qualify and that it is still primarily a managerial/tactical issue that is preventing this. Tournament performance itself is another matter.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:14 (eighteen years ago)

i.e. the structure isn't working

xpost

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:15 (eighteen years ago)

capello has to be the target for england. he's touting himself for it, surely the standout applicant?

gerrard last night, oy, oy. i'm not sure either himself or lampard should be considered first team at this stage, at this level.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:16 (eighteen years ago)

Having the balls to drop those two will be the new having the balls to drop Beckham for whichever manager comes in

― DJ Mencap, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:21 (eighteen years ago)

should have dropped one/both of them rather than beckham.

Question 4: if beckham wasn't dropped for political reasons ("lol look i' make bold decisions") at the beginning of the "mcclaren era", would england have qualified?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:22 (eighteen years ago)

xpost

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:22 (eighteen years ago)

Hargreaves and maybe Bentley in the centre for a bit

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

I'd drop both of them. Especially Gerrard. At least Lampard scores occasionally.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

gerrard/ lampard are irrelevant now in a way - they'll be way too old by the time the next competitive internation game come around

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:24 (eighteen years ago)

It'd just be great to see Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson and Alan Green and the rest of the BBC Liverpool Supporters Club's faces if Gerrard was dropped

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:25 (eighteen years ago)

alan hansen totally turned on gerrard last night!!!

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:25 (eighteen years ago)

Judas!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:26 (eighteen years ago)

Question 4: if beckham wasn't dropped for political reasons ("lol look i' make bold decisions") at the beginning of the "mcclaren era", would england have qualified?

Yes, we would.

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:27 (eighteen years ago)

out of the two last night, and generally for england lately-

lampard- missing. didn't contribute once over ninety minutes last night. scored a penalty.

gerrard- refused to include any team mate that wasn't forty yards away. gave away possession more times than the entire croatian team combined. was noticeable, involved, and utterly cack. his positioning and passing was england's biggest problem.

i'm not hargreaves' biggest fan, but the necessary work he does for the team totally eclipses the contribution of these two.

i think you'd have qualified with beckham/crouch used properly throughout the tournament.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:28 (eighteen years ago)

gerrard- refused to include any team mate that wasn't forty yards away.

yeah well, you've heard the song.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:30 (eighteen years ago)

darraghmac OTM.

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:31 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe Gerrard and Lampard could do with having others who could get in the squad to help motivate them?

In Serie A, 73% of players are Italian. The last weekend of Premiership fixtures saw 36 English players take the field.

36. McLaren was a poor managewr playing a poor hand.

This isn't fiable today or tomorrow. It needsa a root and branch reform, it needs an honest debate. It needs something the PL won't allow to happen because even though they said they created the PL to make the England team better (stop laughing at the back!) the PL cannot be anything other than the finest jewel in the English crown, and it can't be seen to be a problem of any form.

Hence Brooking banging on about how in 10 years time, England will regularly be playing players from the second tier, and playing the odd player with a tenous attachment to the country, via grandparents etc. Oh, we're doing it to a lesser extent already, what with Darren Bent and Owen Hargreaves.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:40 (eighteen years ago)

france are doing well with the tenous attachments thing

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:42 (eighteen years ago)

alan hansen totally turned on gerrard last night!!!

That's pretty hott - how on earth do you know though?

― Mark C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:42 (eighteen years ago)

Question 4: if beckham wasn't dropped for political reasons ("lol look i' make bold decisions") at the beginning of the "mcclaren era", would england have qualified?

Yes, we would.

-- Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:27 (13 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Yeah, Beckham's star presence would have flattened the ground in Croatia and stopped Robinson conceding that first goal.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:42 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland and Northern Ireland came as close to qualifying as England despite 'crappier' players and the same 'lack of players at top clubs' problem. The managerial/tactical mistakes made still outweigh all these other problems.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:43 (eighteen years ago)

Hansen seemed shaken and upset last night saying silly stuff like "Croatia could've won by six or seven." Wright just shouldn't be on the panel - conflict of interests and all that. How can anyone provide analysis (in far as anyone actually offers any insight) when SWP's dad is sitting there?

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:44 (eighteen years ago)

English Goalkeepers = The New "Scottish Goalkeepers"

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:44 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, we're doing it to a lesser extent already, what with Darren Bent and Owen Hargreaves.

Or decades ago with Steve Bull and John Barnes...

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:45 (eighteen years ago)

and Wright will always say "and I'm disappointed for Shaun..." well duh. it's a shame they never got Neville Neville in.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:45 (eighteen years ago)

You seem to be assuming that Alex McLeish has superior managerial/ tactical skills than Steve McClaren, which I seriously doubt... Walter Smith, no question! Also is McClaren any worse than Lawrie Sanchez or Nigel Worthington?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:47 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, Beckham's star presence would have flattened the ground in Croatia and stopped Robinson conceding that first goal.

when beckham's around, gary neville ALWAYS passes to him, so the own goal would never have happened

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:48 (eighteen years ago)

Fair point.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:52 (eighteen years ago)

Not necessarily better, maybe just the 'underdog' element and ability to gel better teams without egos getting in the way...but the point is they've excelled on the whole (not just gettings results but also playing well much of the time) despite the dearth of British players at big clubs.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:57 (eighteen years ago)

The problem with this "only 35 English players in the Premiership" line is that while undoubtably having a tiny pool of talent to choose from doens't help, England were shit even when virtually all the players in the top flight were English.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:58 (eighteen years ago)

yeah i meant to add Wenger's salient point.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 13:59 (eighteen years ago)

Never mind good players, priority should be to produce good managers.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:00 (eighteen years ago)

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:02 (eighteen years ago)

England were shit even when virtually all the players in the top flight were English.

There's always been a lot of non-English players in the English league - since its inception in fact! Maybe not as many as now admittedly.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:04 (eighteen years ago)

i thought the euro 96 team was actually pretty good and england could have won it.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:05 (eighteen years ago)

Spanish quarter-final to thread!

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

You beat me to it!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

Spain woz robbed

xxposts!

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:10 (eighteen years ago)

It was the clash of the Overrated Overpaid Overhyped Undercooked Underachievers!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:13 (eighteen years ago)

Good England performances of the past 15 years:

vs Holland in 1996
vs Germany in 2001

Please continue

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:14 (eighteen years ago)

The foreign players is more a symptom of the real issue which is, in a nutshell:

1) We're incredibly short-termist and make kneejerk decisions and never get to grips with the major issues. I expect nandor hidegkuti is laughing his tits off at all of this.

2) Our failure to get to grips is hampered by over-powerful clubs, imbecilic analysis, imperial hubris.

3) The manifestations of this are legion:

a) PLayers who hate to go abroad and are moncultural, in many cases because they are just too dim to survive outside of England

b) Kids get picked for being big, for being winners, rather than being good

c) coaching is a short-term thing to deliver clubs talent now, not the country talent at some point in the future.

AKA England's football team is shit because, to a large extent, English is shit too.

xpost - against Germany, we had a terrible first half really - that was like two past their prime old boxers fighting on a shite Channel 5 show where both have traded dignity for cash.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

PLayers who hate to go abroad and are moncultural, in many cases because they are just too dim to survive outside of England

They also get PAID more in England

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:18 (eighteen years ago)

But France is an institutionally racist country populated entirely by arrogant dim-witted fucks that can't get over the fact it doesn't have an empire anymore as well, and they seem to do OK.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:18 (eighteen years ago)

I think it's bad news for the English game
We're not creative enough; we're not positive enough
We'll go on getting bad results

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

But Dom, they acknowledge that they ahve a rubbish league and not very big clubs and they also are cool about having not invented football and thus possessed of a divine right to be good at it.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:20 (eighteen years ago)

i think the moaning about the quality of players available is a huge straw man- all of your players have the ability to perform at this level, and some of them undoubtedly have the talent to build cup-winning teams around.

getting these players to perform in a structure that suits the team is the problem, and was never going to be addressed by a dithering nobody like McClaren.

the grass roots argument doesn't really hold up. are the thirty best footballers available to the england manager really that much worse than they've ever been?

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:21 (eighteen years ago)

possessed of a divine right to be good at it.

Oh I think there's a fair chunk of that in the French team.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:21 (eighteen years ago)

But not on the basis that they started it in the first place, just arrogance borne of actually having good players (admittedly, not players who can stop thirty yard shots)

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:22 (eighteen years ago)

Best England performance of last ten years 0-0 v Italy in 98.

Totally buy the grass roots argument - youth coaching in this country isn't good enough, too results-based, not enough focus on technique (and these players HAVE technique when they are encouraged to use it - look at Adams under Wenger).

But having a crap manager doesn't help.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:24 (eighteen years ago)

The only player who looked like a Croatian player last night was Cole, in terms of being comfortable on the ball.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:24 (eighteen years ago)

More than anything else I want a manager who wears a flat cap. REAL teams with REAL HARD-NOSED BASTARDS in them, have managers who wear flat caps. Car coats also good. Have the FA considered this?

Am I talking myself into 'Arry Wedknapp here?

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:25 (eighteen years ago)

as far as i can make out, the person with the best technique in the england set up is peter crouch.

what's this scoring record like, compared to 'boy wonder' rooney?

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:26 (eighteen years ago)

might as well say it first- keano for england, giving it the full flat cap gun at gerrard after a wasted pass. epic.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:26 (eighteen years ago)

The only player who looked like a Croatian player last night was Cole, in terms of being comfortable on the ball.

Be fair tho, Croatian players don't dive and play-act as much as him

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:27 (eighteen years ago)

The only player who looked like a Croatian player last night was Cole, in terms of being comfortable on the ball.

And in terms of being grotesquely ugly.

Wait...so why didn't Lescott, Bridge, Lamps and Gerard perform then?

― Dr.C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:27 (eighteen years ago)

Never have england needed Little Alan Ball and his cap more than now.

xpost - Lescott - played like Krusty the Klown with hair to match. Bridge just isn't international class I reckon, and don't me staretd on the fat knacker and scouse git.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

what's this scoring record like, compared to 'boy wonder' rooney?

Crouch: 15 goals in 25 games
Rooney: 19 in 47

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

I'm not convinced Bridge is Championship class let alone international class

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

Bridge been doing well at the Bridge recently - yesterday was the worst I've seen him play ever.

How many England players would get into a current Premiership XI?

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:32 (eighteen years ago)

But not on the basis that they started it in the first place, just arrogance borne of actually having good players (admittedly, not players who can stop thirty yard shots)

hah - that's the reason I can't make fun of English GKs today :-(

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

Mourinho would look good in the flat cap.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

That would be entertaining, Mourinho as manager - not to watch obviously

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

Mourinho would look good in anything.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:36 (eighteen years ago)

Ooooooh, get her

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:36 (eighteen years ago)

How many England players would get into a current Premiership XI?

i don't think this means much given the sheer range of nationalities AND quality. Keane before Rooney tho...

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

it's more relevant to ask how many premiership players would curerntly get into an england XI, surely.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:40 (eighteen years ago)

the mourinho man crush is something over which I have no shame.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:41 (eighteen years ago)

Um, eleven? Or am I missing something?

xpost

― ailsa, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:41 (eighteen years ago)

x-post
not that there's anything wrong with that.

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:42 (eighteen years ago)

But France is an institutionally racist country populated entirely by arrogant dim-witted fucks that can't get over the fact it doesn't have an empire anymore as well, and they seem to do OK.

One difference is that football simply doesn't matter as much to the French as it does to the English. Their national identity isn't so much wrapped up in it. And there's less virulently bad feeling when the national team loses. I think in the long term there might be a slight advantage there.

― Zelda Zonk, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:43 (eighteen years ago)

How many England players would get into a current Premiership XI?

I may be biased, but Lescott has regularly featured in newspaper Team of the Week selections this season - Richards too, I think. Shame they don't know how to play together.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:44 (eighteen years ago)

-- Zelda Zonk, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:43 (50 seconds ago) Bookmark Link

But what about Italy, Argentina, and Turkey then?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:44 (eighteen years ago)

i think too much analysis over knock-out tournaments that happen once every two years is kind of futile anyway. sample size is pretty poor.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

I thought last night's team selection was McLaren's best ever, and honestly I don't see any reason to deny it now.

― Mark C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:49 (eighteen years ago)

Comparing and contrasting England and Turkey fortunes this decade is pretty fucked.

But Italy is an institutionally racist country populated entirely by arrogant dim-witted fucks that can't get over the fact it doesn't have an empire anymore as well, and they seem to do OK. also works btw

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:49 (eighteen years ago)

You mean the Roman Empire? Or Italian Somaliland?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:50 (eighteen years ago)

So: which teams are you all rooting for come Euro 2008? Italy for me (no shit huh), though the empire comment is a pretty weak one - Italians seemed surprised as anyone when they briefly obtained a tiny empire and then quickly lost it. Also I'm not sure how dim-witted applies to either France or Italy.

― Mark C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

But what about Italy, Argentina, and Turkey then?

I dunno! I think the burden of expectation can be a negative though. Seems to be for England, has been for Brazil in the past (although on a different level admittedly), is maybe less so for France.

― Zelda Zonk, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:52 (eighteen years ago)

Ottoman Empire anyone?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:52 (eighteen years ago)

i want Croatia to win now. or Spain.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

Germany! Or Italy! Anyone but France!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

Things that will definitely happen tonight:

-- Matt DC, 21 November 2007 16:44 (Yesterday) Bookmark Link

this wasn't so bad, as predictions go....

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:54 (eighteen years ago)

Poland!

http://republika.pl/blog_yn_129148/3221749/tr/celtic_mistrz_zurawski_boruc_feta_duze.jpg

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:55 (eighteen years ago)

it'll be THOSE FUCKING POLAND FLAGS round my way

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.nafcsc.com/graphics/polishMap.gif

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:58 (eighteen years ago)

who's in euro 2008 then?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:58 (eighteen years ago)

2008 is looking well dark. England out. Cameron in. Kate Nash cleaning up at the Brit Awards.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

But Italy is an institutionally racist country populated entirely by arrogant dim-witted fucks that can't get over the fact it doesn't have an empire anymore as well, and they seem to do OK. also works btw

-- blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:49 (8 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Yeah, we're still pretty shook over the loss of Eritrea. Unless you meant Corsica?

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

I'd like to "Best New-come-r" all over I can't be bothered.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

how can cameroon play in euro 2008?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:01 (eighteen years ago)

0/10

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:02 (eighteen years ago)

^^^4-4-2

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:02 (eighteen years ago)

^
^^
^^^
^^^^
^

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

Now that England are out I'm switching my allegiance to France as the team I don't want to win Euro 2008

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

romania are gonna win it i think

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

Only another 400 posts until we overtake the Chicago thread for the week, lads.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

you're still bitter about that

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.artistdirect.com/Images/Sources/AMGCOVERS/music/cover200/drg800/g846/g84670v85of.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:05 (eighteen years ago)

Now that England are out I'm switching my allegiance to Italy as the team I don't want to win Euro 2008

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:07 (eighteen years ago)

Germany, Italy or Portugal winning would be annoying. Anyone else is great.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:09 (eighteen years ago)

Now that England are out I'm switching my allegiance to France as the team I don't want to win Euro 2008.

I'll maybe punt a few quid on Italy, despite them being Not All That in qualifying.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:11 (eighteen years ago)

We beat Faroe Islands 3-0!

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:12 (eighteen years ago)

Italy were OK in qualifying. They did what they had to do etc.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:12 (eighteen years ago)

why are Scots so against France? there's the 'eeh, we beat the champs twice' gloatation prospect

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:13 (eighteen years ago)

Do you value more a victory of the team you support or a defeat of the team you most despise?

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:14 (eighteen years ago)

has any team successfully defended the european championship?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:15 (eighteen years ago)

fingers crossed for that Holland-Italy-Germany-France group of death

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:16 (eighteen years ago)

why are Scots so against France? there's the 'eeh, we beat the champs twice' gloatation prospect

Generally because France are a bunch of overrated fanny-dancers who don't deserve to be there.

Personally because of:

1. The experience of supporting Italy in a posh wanky pub full of Arsenal supporters and general all-round tossers ALL supporting France in the World Cup Final because "We don't like the way Italians play football" (like, have they ever watched England play football?)

2. The entire career of David Trezeguet

3. Thierry "Look At Me, I'm Wonderful" Henry

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:19 (eighteen years ago)

My theory that Lampard can't actually play football unless the system is entirely built round him (ie Chelsea) has yet to be disproven. You put him in an unfamiliar context (ie England) and he's just lost.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:20 (eighteen years ago)

or a salad bar

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:23 (eighteen years ago)

has chelsea really been built entirely around lampard?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

Can teams be in the same Euro 2008 group as teams who were in their qualifying group then?

― Mark C, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

yep

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:26 (eighteen years ago)

2. The entire career of David Trezeguet
^^^4-4-2

http://www.creative-restraint.co.uk/assets/img/trezeguet.jpg

Fucking prick.

Still, we got to turn it into
http://80.media.vimeo.com/d1/5/13/93/44/13934462/13934462_125x94.jpg

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:27 (eighteen years ago)

He's a greetin' faced bastard

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:27 (eighteen years ago)

he's tres gay amirite

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:29 (eighteen years ago)

is that Trezeguet going "4-0 aaaahhhh"? lol

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:29 (eighteen years ago)

Yes, to Gary Caldwell, who went on to score the winner against them next time we met, then beat them again the next time.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

The race to not be a seeded team was lost by the Netherlands. Coatia's defeat to macedonia ensured they'd be out, and germany's cunning draw last night kept them out of pot 1.

Seeds:

Pl Pt Aver
Switz
Austria
Greece
Holland 24 58 24.1
----------------------------
Pot 2
Croatia 22 53 24.0
Italy 22 52 23.6
Czech 24 56 23.3
Sweden 22 50 22.7
----------------------------
Pot 3
Germany 12 27 22.5 (GD 2.33)
Romania 24 54 22.5 (GD 1.20)
Port 26 57 21.9
Spain 22 48 21.8
----------------------------
Pot 4
Poland 24 52 21.6
France 22 46 20.9
Turkey 24 47 19.5 GD (1.17)
Russia 24 47 19.5 GD (0.92)

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

Here's hoping James McFadden gies him the vicky next time we beat them (xp)

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

is there a carson animated gif yet?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

This seeded hosts shite is a fucking joke.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

I always like to see the Czech Republic do well

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:34 (eighteen years ago)

i don't think either host will get to the QFs

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:35 (eighteen years ago)

Austria = worst host country in living memory? (In either Euros or World Cups?)

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:35 (eighteen years ago)

I don't. We were beating them 2-0 in Prague in 99 and threw it away. Not like Scotland to do that eh?

xpost re Czechs

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:36 (eighteen years ago)

Oops, forgot about the USA! (xpost)

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:38 (eighteen years ago)

USA weren't that bad in the end. Easier to get thru the group back then tho. Belgium were pretty bad in 2000.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

Belgium?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

(xpost)

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

Yes. But Austria are terrible.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

USA did well to remain undefeated in euro 2004

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:42 (eighteen years ago)

Hang on - so Holland - Italy - Germany - France could actually be a group? AWESOME.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:42 (eighteen years ago)

why are france at the bottom pot? aren't they supposed to be brilliant?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:46 (eighteen years ago)

haven't won enough qualifiers in the last 2 campaigns

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:47 (eighteen years ago)

The seedings will make for pretty crazy groups

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

aren't they supposed to be brilliant?

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:51 (eighteen years ago)

GROUP OF ZZZZ
switzerland
sweden
germany
turkey

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:52 (eighteen years ago)

But aren't they actually merde? (xp)

http://sport.ard.de/wm2006/wm/news200607/09/img/bg_stimmen_trezeguet_dpa_40.jpg

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.folkstory.com/images/zidane1.jpg

^^^still makes me lol

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:55 (eighteen years ago)

"Don't worry David, we probably won't have to play Scotland again for a few years yet"

http://english.people.com.cn/200607/11/images/fft2.jpg

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:56 (eighteen years ago)

Whatvr

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38812000/jpg/_38812179_trezeguet_300.jpg

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:57 (eighteen years ago)

http://secure1.mppglobal.com/Preview/204/10113/275959L.jpg

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:58 (eighteen years ago)

Yes, that's right David, France 0 Scotland 1

http://i.esmas.com/image/0/000/003/457/defu0506_trezeguet_N.jpg

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:58 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.loonyalba.com/match_reports/match_photos/2006_france_06.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/uk_enl_1192005962/img/laun.jpg

― ailsa, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:59 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41873000/jpg/_41873488_tears_getty300.jpg

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 15:59 (eighteen years ago)

"Meanwhile, former England captain Paul Ince believes the FA should re-appoint Glenn Hoddle.

The 50-year-old was England boss for three years before being sacked in February 1999 after suggesting that disabled people were being punished for sins in a previous life.

Ince told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle. He did a very good job and he wasn't sacked for footballing reasons.

"The FA has got to forget about what happened years ago, they've got to be bold and brave.

"Hoddle is sharp, bright, meticulous and he's English, but whether the FA is prepared to go back is not my decision."

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:05 (eighteen years ago)

"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."
"I wouldn't look any further than Hoddle."

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:06 (eighteen years ago)

lol wingbacks

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

We get the football team we deserve

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

the FA can't make a decision on a job based on the fact that someone's English! Isn't that illegal?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

paul ince, who is not going to be considered for the england job "because he is black" presumably.

― darraghmac, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:08 (eighteen years ago)

John Barnes has good experience of managing a top club.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:09 (eighteen years ago)

Or perhaps because he is currently managing in the fourth division.

x-post

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:10 (eighteen years ago)

Jean Tigana as well, he'd bring CONTINENTAL FLAIR to the team

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:10 (eighteen years ago)

Leroy Rosenior to thread

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:11 (eighteen years ago)

England must have done something pretty shitty in a past life to deserve this shower of shite they are now.

― Ste, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:14 (eighteen years ago)

karma's a bitch

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

John Barnes has ~~good~~ experience of managing a top club.

Also, can teach them to dance:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/images/gallery/john05.jpg

― ailsa, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

No more roastings ever again.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:17 (eighteen years ago)

John Barnes has good experience of mismanaging a top club.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:17 (eighteen years ago)

on a completely unrelated note Ronaldo was the second most fouled player of this qualification campaign. (xp)

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:18 (eighteen years ago)

Only the second? Who beat him?

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:19 (eighteen years ago)

gerrard?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:22 (eighteen years ago)

who dives a lot?

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:22 (eighteen years ago)

most fouled player was, of course, San Marino's Andy Selva

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:24 (eighteen years ago)

natch

― Pete W, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:24 (eighteen years ago)

Selva is hailed as the greatest player in the current San Marino national football team. He has appeared 30 times for the national team and has scored 7 goals.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:25 (eighteen years ago)

...The experience of supporting Italy in a posh wanky pub full of Arsenal supporters and general all-round tossers ALL supporting France in the World Cup Final because "We don't like the way Italians play football" (like, have they ever watched England play football?)

To be fair, I think English people support England because they are English, not because of the football they play. If you could choose which country to support I don't think anyone of us would choose England.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:25 (eighteen years ago)

Holland scored only two more goals than David Healy in this campaign.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

They deserve to be in shitty pot 1 for that.

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:32 (eighteen years ago)

I've been to at least two other countries where people actually choose to support England. It's fucking wierd. Then again I chose to support Spurs.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:37 (eighteen years ago)

You've been to Scotland then?

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

I haven't noticed any Terru Butcher rants lately. Has he just given up? That's not like him.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

oh look i typed u instead of y. sure hope no-one picks up on it.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

*picks up u, points to blueski*

― t**t, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:41 (eighteen years ago)

*drops u; returns to following the hysterical hysteria in a neighbouring country after neighbouring country's "heroic" qualifying thanks to "shaman" hiddink*

― t**t, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:45 (eighteen years ago)

Big Shaman for England

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

Tom -- not quite; for "big shaman" can be only one; therefore hiddink is just "a shaman".

― t**t, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

we can has big sham man

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

who's that "we can" your'e talking 'bout?

― t**t, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

You need to shay it in Sean Connery's voishe, t**t

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

wigan???
:)

― t**t, Thursday, 22 November 2007 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

"Useless, pathetic, insipid, spineless, desperate, rubbish and all those other words we are not allowed to print. There have been some black nights in the history of English football. But this, surely, was the darkest of them all" - Shaun Custis, The Sun.
"Take your pick from the forlorn sights which followed the night when England and the game it loves so much was decked in the rain; when it was savaged, toyed with, carved up and then thrown out of the big-time and told to press its face against the glass and watch those who know how to play properly next summer" - John Dillon, Daily Express.
"Having lost to Israel it seemed our team was denied all hopes of going to Euro 2008. But Croatia rebutted all pre-match prognoses with an unbelievable display of football in London, deservedly beating England and dispatching us to Austria and Switzerland" - Sovetsky Sport, Russia
"It was a splendid show by Croatia, whereas England should bow to our lads and feel blessed to have seen a team of such quality play at Wembley" - Vecernji List, Croatia
"The temple of soccer got to know new Gods" - Jutarnji, Croatia
"It looked surreal at times how our guys dominated the game ... showing to the team that invented modern soccer how soccer is actually played" - Robert Matteoni, Sportske Novosti, Croatia
"Jekyll and Hyde, goodness and horror. England's long-standing condition, the white and the black darkness. An exaggerated, mind-blowing, grotesque drama unfolded at Wembley, 90 minutes of two faces which first humiliated, then deceived, then damned the heirs to the inventors of football" - La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy.
"Although England is used to a national team that drops out in a tragic way, the illness has reached a new dimension" - Stern, Germany.
"Just about the limit: England is out! Oh no, England! How 'stupid' the Tommys could be. The Motherland of football again writes a tragic capture of football history" - Koelner Express, Germany.
"This is a sensation! England lose to Croatia 2-3 - and therefore won't participate at Euro 2008!" - Bild, Germany.

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:11 (eighteen years ago)

"Just about the limit: England is out! Oh no, England! How 'stupid' the Tommys could be. The Motherland of football again writes a tragic capture of football history" - Koelner Express, Germany.

Klassik!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:15 (eighteen years ago)

time the motherland and fatherland got it together

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:16 (eighteen years ago)

... and had a child? Ugh, what a thought. Hold on tho, they did and it's call THE USA

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:17 (eighteen years ago)

An exaggerated, mind-blowing, grotesque drama

about sums it

― baaderonixx, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

England should bow to our lads and feel blessed to have seen a team of such quality play at Wembley" - Vecernji List, Croatia

TBF this is faintly embarrassing

― DJ Mencap, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:47 (eighteen years ago)

I live in Canada, and what's happening to the English football team is what has just started happening to the Canadian hockey team, actually. We're still winning some youth cups, but our last Olympic run was a joke (I think we were knocked out by... Switzerland? Clean sheet, actually, to a goalie whose consistency is at ABSOLUTE BEST Robbo-like).

What's even more comparable, though, is the media panic that's going on. Why are we losing? How do we stop it?

Hockey's certainly a lot different from soccer, in that it takes a fair bit of affluence to even begin playing. Countries like Brazil won't ever place, simply because there's no means for kids to skate around, let alone dream of winning the sport's biggest prize. It's also a game in international infancy, with many countries only now starting to put together teams that can play (for a long time, only Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the Soviet Union were impressive; but over the past thirty years, central and eastern Europe have begun to impress).

One thing that I notice, though, is that England and Canada both are used to punching above their weight. The ability to play the game is getting more distributed across the world, but how many people can you even choose from? The UK, altogether, is the 22nd-most populated 'country' in the world. Not sure how that's broken down by England/Scotland/NI/Wales, but surely that puts England even further down the ladder.

Then you look at the kids-- someone mentioned that in seven years when the pro evo kids grow up they'll have amazing vision. I doubt this! They're so used to an overhead view, they'll be useless. Also, they are PLAYING VIDEO GAMES instead of, you know, running around and playing soccer. So maybe the problem is that kids don't NEED sport like they used to-- their urge to compete is satiated without sport, they're taught from a very early age that NOBODY actually MAKES it in sport, and that it's a much better option to get educated and work in an office than try and be the next <insert hero here>. While some people will still play the game, and fair play to them, how many potential heroes does this weed out?

I'm not trying to clear McClaren or Gerrard or Lampard or Bridge or the FA, but really England, get used to losing. We are!

That said, we but a gutsy head coach on the Canadian side who mostly picked hard-working, hard-nosed guys for the 2007 hockey world cup, and we won it. With nary a multimillionaire celebrity-before-sport type to be seen. So there.

― Will M., Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:52 (eighteen years ago)

agree with a lot of it but not this
So maybe the problem is that kids don't NEED sport like they used to-- their urge to compete is satiated without sport, they're taught from a very early age that NOBODY actually MAKES it in sport

maybe that's different about hockey in canada and football here.. cos like, i watch teh telly with the football players and i see that they all earn MEGABUCKS, even those who are a bit shit and those who don't ever even have to play a game cos they're so rubbish! if i have kids i'm totally going to make him practice curling a ball around a wall into a top corner every day.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

the real problem is that the kids are all about being on x factor these days

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

The UK, altogether, is the 22nd-most populated 'country' in the world

That's not that bad tho, esp. when you take out countries where they don't play much football. In fact, England has big population in comparison to most of the countries in Euro 2008.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 17:59 (eighteen years ago)

Population of England = 50,690,000
Population of Croatia = 4,493,312

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:00 (eighteen years ago)

each kid in croatia can get more focused training because there are fewer of them about.

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:01 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, I was going to say that at times like this I'm reminded that England:football::Canada:hockey ... we invented the game, the heavens have bestowed on us the right to win every tournament, we have more heart and guts than players from other countries, etc. When Canada craps out in a tournament, our gang of millionaires usually lose to well-disciplined teams that play well as a unit.

Americans have recently discovered this themselves via international basketball :)

― NoTimeBeforeTime, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:02 (eighteen years ago)

and also will m just said canada won the hockey world cup 2007..

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:03 (eighteen years ago)

Canadians are still far better at hockey than the English are at football

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

And, by the way, England haven't actually won anything for 40 years. That's FORTY years.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:05 (eighteen years ago)

tournoi de france, tom

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:06 (eighteen years ago)

the cup that made glenn hoddle the most successful manager in recent history and the reason we should look no further than him when trying to find a new manager

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:07 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland won the Kirin Cup last year! We're the most successful of the home nations!

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:10 (eighteen years ago)

omg you're right!

― ken c, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:11 (eighteen years ago)

The annual hockey world championships don't mean much because it happens at the same time as pro hockey season. A lot of the best players have to miss the tournament for that reason. The Olympic hockey tournament is pretty much the real World Cup of hockey. I think people even put a lot more stock in the annual world junior tournament than in the "actual" world championships, because a) the best junior (under 18) players from every country are involved, b) whoever wins the junior tournament can put claim to having the best development program, plus future success for that country's future professional players. Canada has performed fairly well in junior tournaments lately, it's only when they get to the pros that they become corrupted :)

― NoTimeBeforeTime, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:13 (eighteen years ago)

England's Last Training Session

― The Boyler, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:20 (eighteen years ago)

lol sorry but there's absolutely no comparing canada's losing streak to england's. give it another 30 years or so, will.

― ^@^, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:21 (eighteen years ago)

anyway i'm sure the last thing the british people on this thread want to read is hockey talk.

― ^@^, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:23 (eighteen years ago)

I remember England being quite good at trad hockey in the 80s.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:28 (eighteen years ago)

Germans still better than them tho?

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:29 (eighteen years ago)

It's all just a popularity contest.

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:30 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry I was thinking of the British gold medal at Seoul '88. How many of the players were non-English tho eh? EH?

― blueski, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:33 (eighteen years ago)

Probably only the really talented and influential ones. Hockey as in "hockey", not as in "ice hockey", always strikes me much more akin to "soccer" than rugby or any of that other shit that calls itself football. Always irritates me when people say why can't football be more like rugby when they really have absolutely nothing in common.

― Tom D., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

I don't think anyone was comparing losing streaks, just the attitudes of those countries' people toward their sport.

― NoTimeBeforeTime, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:38 (eighteen years ago)

Is this where we mention that hockey (and baseball) are actually sports for 13-year-old schoolgirls? I forget.

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:52 (eighteen years ago)

jokes bruv, jol in

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry I disappeared for a it and didn't get to keep conversing on this, but yeah, I meant to say that there are a LOT of differences between canada:hockey and england:soccer. for one, canada is JUST NOW entering the kind of world that england has been in for those forty years... TBH, the "hockey world cup" i referred to is the IIHF world championship, and is nowhere near the most important as the big one, which is actually the olympics for hockey. Looking at some of the other teams' rosters, it's like a Reserve World Cup, as players in the NHL playoffs are, err, sill playing in the NHL playoffs. :P

I didn't intend for the population thing to be a sole excuse, but an example more as to why a team like England shouldn't be miffed if they lose in the World Cup to a team like Brazil (or even Russia). A very poor excuse, I know.

I still think that less little boys per 1000 in England want to be football superstars and REALLY WORK AT IT, though, than there were 20 or 30 or 40 years ago. Let alone compared to other countries where there's little else to do because you can't really afford electricity, let alone an Xbox and pro evo, KNOMSHAAANG?

― Will M., Thursday, 22 November 2007 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/Juror8/442.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 22 November 2007 19:05 (eighteen years ago)

Re:England and Canada both are used to punching above their weight
and
I'm reminded that England:football::Canada:hockey ... we invented the game, the heavens have bestowed on us the right to win every tournament

I don't think anyone would say we're used to the England football team punching above its weight. Given the population of the country (which, in terms of footballing nations is very high), the relative wealth, and the huge interest in the game here (the attendances at games right down to the lowest level dwarf anything anywhere else), you'd expect that England would have managed to get to more than one final ever. Instead their natural level seems to be quarter-finalists. Scotland in the 70s/80s and Ireland in the 80s/90s punched above their weight well. I don't think anyone has felt that England have a God-given right to be considered the best in the world since 1953. All this wailing and gnashing of teeth isn't about England not winning something, it's about them failing to even get into the tournament despite being handed the easiest qualifying group and at least three miraculous lifelines in the past few days.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 22 November 2007 19:18 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah but look at Ireland's football association. A total fucking shambles.

Surely tons of small countries succeed with a woeful setup because the long and short of it is a good manager and good set of players is the key.

England have a decent set of players but they appointed a manager who was completely unproven, or proven to be poor if anything. One UEFA Cup run and a lamentable league position with a wealthy club, how could it end any other way?

― Ronan, Thursday, 22 November 2007 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, what I'm saying is, no matter what the structure of the game, that England team should be able to do better than it is doing.

― Ronan, Thursday, 22 November 2007 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

Would you let Steve McClaren drive the train to Cork in the morning?

― onimo, Thursday, 22 November 2007 23:29 (eighteen years ago)

Here we go, dentist's chair 2007

So, which 'top England player' was it who got absolutely hammered and was fellated in a lapdancing club a matter of days before the game?

My guess = someone that didn't actually play.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 25 November 2007 11:54 (eighteen years ago)

Darren Bent or Joe Cole

― Dom Passantino, Sunday, 25 November 2007 11:59 (eighteen years ago)

Nah, they've said not Joe Cole. I'm going with Wayne Bridge.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 25 November 2007 12:05 (eighteen years ago)

Well if Bridge is gay it's probably not him either.

― Mark C, Sunday, 25 November 2007 12:42 (eighteen years ago)

maybe he's experimenting. don't be so close minded.

― darraghmac, Sunday, 25 November 2007 13:34 (eighteen years ago)

'Matter of days' AKA 4 weeks. The event took place on October 27th.

― The Boyler, Sunday, 25 November 2007 18:26 (eighteen years ago)

John Terry's picture being the only one used on the front page was pretty classic NOTW

― DJ Mencap, Sunday, 25 November 2007 19:00 (eighteen years ago)

What's the population of Hampshire?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 25 November 2007 21:20 (eighteen years ago)

Haha! Wrong thread.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 25 November 2007 22:34 (eighteen years ago)

Lolololol

― Matt DC, Monday, 26 November 2007 11:46 (eighteen years ago)

maybe he's interested in the reading job.

― darraghmac, Monday, 26 November 2007 12:19 (eighteen years ago)

Also lolol: My dear, my penis is a mountain

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 26 November 2007 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

Not actually true that one. The word for cock is 'curac', but lets not let being fucking ignorant about someone else's culture get in the way of a larf.

This is hilarious:

The Uefa president Michel Platini has been warned by the Premier League to keep out of its affairs, after he claimed that there were not enough homegrown players and coaches in the English top flight.
Platini also accused the Premier League of being "ultra liberal" and claimed that England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 was damaging the "soul" of the national game.
However, the Premier League's spokesman, Dan Johnson today insisted there was little wrong with the structure at elite level. "He should really mind his own business," he said. "Uefa should look after the Champions League, Uefa Cup and the European Championships. We run the Premier League and we run it successfully, which is beneficial to the English game and that is our business and not Platini's business.
If you look at the current crop of players we have a world-class group and the investment that is going in right across Premier League clubs in academy players is high in terms of finance and intellectual commitment.

Intellectual committment? Hein?

"I think there are various factors as to why we didn't get through [to Euro 2008] this time but the quality of the players was not one of those factors."

O RLY?

― The Boyler, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 10:53 (eighteen years ago)

What is it with these cunts? Are they scared of offending the players or something?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 10:57 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, of course, can't knock the product.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 10:58 (eighteen years ago)

I think there are various factors as to why we didn't get through [to Euro 2008] this time but the quality of the players was not one of those factors.

loads of highly respected and successful coaches all over Europe have been saying this too, but they're not blaming the manager either.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:02 (eighteen years ago)

The quality of Paul Robinson, Scott Carson, Wayne Bridge is undeniable

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:04 (eighteen years ago)

I don't understand (part 73)

There are loads of footballers, right?

skim off the 'genius' players, and there are tons of workmen. They do what they are told to. Is it not down to the 'formation', the 'instruction', the damn script?

― Mark G, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:05 (eighteen years ago)

Rofflez

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:08 (eighteen years ago)

Owen simply recognises that none of the Croatian players are English.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:18 (eighteen years ago)

None of the Croatian players have large scale gambling problems.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:19 (eighteen years ago)

All of the Croatian players WAGs are prettier than Cheryl Tweedy-Cole.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:20 (eighteen years ago)

I just noticed who wrote that piece:

http://www.btinternet.com/~jp1885/reeves-mortimer/img28.gif

It certainly bears his signature style

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:20 (eighteen years ago)

i don't think the quality of most of the english players is very questionable at all, just their work ethic, desire, fitness, mental strength and tactical awareness.

nobody is prettier than cheryl.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:21 (eighteen years ago)

I like Slaven Bilic more and more.

― Mark C, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:31 (eighteen years ago)

workshy as you are, Owen, you have feet, use them

I do like this new media process of consulting Slaven Bilic on everything that happens in English football

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:36 (eighteen years ago)

He's like Dear Deidre for the Facebook generation

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:37 (eighteen years ago)

I'm questioning the quality of these players. I'm questioning whether the Premiership has been beneficial to the development of quality players. I'm also questioning whether it matters seeing as England were shit long before the creation of the Premiership.

Time and time again it's been shown that, in knockout football, you can do a lot with technically limited players if they're adaptable and well organised. The biggest problem with this England team, and possibly English footballing culture, is that they're not.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:41 (eighteen years ago)

HE SEEMS TO KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT SPORT, MAYBE HE CAN GIVE SOME ADVICE TO DONNIE MICKLEBURG JR ABOUT HOW TO ARREST THE CONNECTICUT LEAFBLOWERS' MID POSTSEASON COLLAPSE

xpost.

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:43 (eighteen years ago)

mdc otm

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:43 (eighteen years ago)

Time and time again it's been shown that, in knockout football, you can do a lot with technically limited players if they're adaptable and well organised

They don't need to be adapatable, they just need to know what they're supposed to be doing and to not try to do anything else

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:44 (eighteen years ago)

so matt to sum up are you questioning the adaptability of the players or the organisation of the coaches? if your answer is "a bit of both innit" then i'm questioning your questioning.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:49 (eighteen years ago)

Time and time again it's been shown that, in knockout football, you can do a lot with technically limited players if they're adaptable and well organised. The biggest problem with this England team, and possibly English footballing culture, is that they're not.

Hello, Greece! Which is why I've been saying for 4 years that they should offer the job to King Otto Rehhagel.

― The Boyler, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:58 (eighteen years ago)

I would take either at this stage. (xpost)

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 11:58 (eighteen years ago)

i think "adaptability" is such a hazy criticism of a player that it only really serves to let coaches off the hook at the end of the day. it's nice if michael essien can play right back and be awesome but most of the time we're talking robert huth up front.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:00 (eighteen years ago)

REASONABLY POPULATED, REASONABLY WEALTHY EUROPEAN COUNTRY HAS REASONABLY GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM SHOCKER.

Everything to do with the England football team is the "When did you stop thinking of Spurs as a big club" writ massive.

― Mark C, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:01 (eighteen years ago)

Time to call in Walter Smith I think

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:02 (eighteen years ago)

also in england's case adaptabliity = being savvy enough to work out how to win the game themselves in spite of the non-instructions they'd received right?

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:03 (eighteen years ago)

it's the coach, stupid.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:08 (eighteen years ago)

as in there are plenty of players out there who will do what they are required to do by the manager. but when the manager either doesn't know what's required, or wont pick the players most suited, then there isn't much that a player can do.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:10 (eighteen years ago)

Well yeah, organisation trumps adaptability really but the two aren't mutually exclusive. Adaptability doesn't mean 'being able to play in some mentalist inverted Christmas tree formation designed by Louis Jagger with Peter Crouch as sweeper' it just means Frank Lampard being able to play outside the Chelsea midfield without looking like a fucking loser.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 12:11 (eighteen years ago)

Time and time again it's been shown that, in knockout football, you can do a lot with technically limited players if they're adaptable and well organised

i thought time and time again it's been shown that knockout football has always a huge portion of pot luck involved that it's easy to over analyse it all

― ken c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 13:43 (eighteen years ago)

hmm, yeah fair enough. the kind of pot luck that sees brazil, germany and italy win most of the time, though?

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:04 (eighteen years ago)

How are Italy are suddenly deemed consistent powerhouses? Until they won last year, they'd gone 24 years without winning anything.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:26 (eighteen years ago)

Two finals in that time ain't bad.

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:28 (eighteen years ago)

One win and two final appaerances in 12 years of major tournaments: pretty impressive, right?

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:28 (eighteen years ago)

Also robbed blind in 2002.

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

I thought we were talking about winning.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

not even that- just more consistent than england over the past twenty years, say.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

That's hardly difficult tho

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

England have been kind of consistent

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:32 (eighteen years ago)

Peter Crouch as sweeper would be an interesting tangent from conventionally-applied football wisdom. I'd like to see it utilised, perhaps during the proposed home internationals. If it fails then at least it will have sparked some debate, and shaken the complacency of a few staid 4-4-2 tacticians.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

Fake Louis?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

Uh-uh. Bored Louis.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:35 (eighteen years ago)

Can we talk about why Spain and the Netherlands have never won the World Cup instead, for a change?

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

bulls/clogs

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:40 (eighteen years ago)

in 20 years only Germany and France have won more than one major tournament each (not including Brazil's WC and Copa America successes). Netherlands, Denmark, Greece and Italy all 1 trophy each.

England have done marginally better than Spain in tournaments in that time despite Spain's slightly better qualification record. Netherlands qualification record is slightly better than England's as is their tournament record by virtue of winning Euro 88 and appearing in one more tournament semi-final than England.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:42 (eighteen years ago)

The Netherlands didn't develop fully as a football nation until the late 60s - that's, uhhhhhhhhhhh, after England won the World Cup

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:42 (eighteen years ago)

siestas/racists

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:42 (eighteen years ago)

I reckon they are doing their fair bit of soul-searching in Uruguay actually. Champions in 1930 and again in 1950. Since 1950, they haven't even qualified for six out of the fourteen finals. Are there many foreigners playing in the Uruguayan league? What's Spanish for "fifty-seven years of hurt"?

― Grandpont Genie, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:43 (eighteen years ago)

England have done marginally better than Spain in tournaments in that time

Would that be the Spain, who, every major tournament without fail, get dubbed "perennial underachievers" by the English media?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:44 (eighteen years ago)

What political system produces the best footballers? Unstable democracy?

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:45 (eighteen years ago)

cincuenta siete años del daño

xpost

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:45 (eighteen years ago)

What's the population of Uruguay? 3 or 4 million?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

Less than Scotland anyway!

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

What political system produces the best footballers? Unstable democracy?

-- Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:45 (1 minute ago) Bookmark Link

Facism, duh.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, I was surprised to discover recently that Uruguay only has a population of 3.4 million. I think that's a fair excuse.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:47 (eighteen years ago)

I know, even less than Croatia

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:49 (eighteen years ago)

Trinidad and Tobago is the only team to play at a World Cup finals to come from a country with a sub-1 million population

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:50 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe it's all the good beef that produces these almost-but-not-quite teams. Scotland, Uruguay, Argentina?

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:50 (eighteen years ago)

If only Scotland deserved to be in that company!

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

New Zealand?

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

Faroe Islands - 48,000. Just sayin', like.

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

What does population have to do with international football success?

It is largely irrelevant.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

erm, huge population => higher likelihood of 11 talents emerging in the same timeframe?

what political system does brazil have?

― ken c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:52 (eighteen years ago)

fitness of the population is far more relevant!

― Grandpont Genie, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

why has jimmy white never won a world championship?

― ken c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

erm, huge population => higher likelihood of 11 talents emerging in the same timeframe?

behold those soccerball titans the Chinese

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

And India!

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:54 (eighteen years ago)

And the USA!

lol

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:54 (eighteen years ago)

A largeish population is necessary but not sufficient.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:54 (eighteen years ago)

OK, not completely necessary BUT IT SEEMS TO HELP A LOT.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:55 (eighteen years ago)

It seems to help in winning World Cups but not Euro Championships

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

I was just fantasising about eleven renegade friends (all of whom are brilliant at football) moving to a country with a population of about 50 (Pacific island?), qualifying by marrying residents (I think that works) and steering their new nation to glory. There's a story in there somewhere...

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

451

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

china are too busy pwning all of table tennis to play soccer.

― ken c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

somebody must have worked this out on a graph somewhere.

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:57 (eighteen years ago)

yeah well how come timo boll wins so often then xpost

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:57 (eighteen years ago)

you need a population of over 1 billion to produce a couple of good table tennis players for real

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:57 (eighteen years ago)

you need a population of over 1 billion to care about table tennis

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:58 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/business/news/40.htm

'They found that the most significant influences on a team's performance were the size of a country's population, the funding available to develop football talent among young people, and cultural features, such as language and religion, that are shared by some of the world's top footballing nations. Of the top ten countries in the FIFA ranking, eight have predominantly Catholic populations and seven speak a Romance language. The exceptions to this trend are Germany and England. The authors contend that these common factors reveal a shared culture that apparently promotes the footballing success of the countries concerned.'

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:58 (eighteen years ago)

catholic=fascism innit?

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

Sounds like someone needs to watch a little movie called Forrest Gump

xpost to stevem

― DJ Mencap, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

BBC reporting mcleish has resigned to takeover at Birmingham, before the supposed offer of a new contract at a special SFA meeting tomorrow.
What is it with traitors and Scotland? Smith should've been ran out the country for what he did and now big eck is doing it with a shitty football club that will never win anything.

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

442

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:00 (eighteen years ago)

Good riddance, McLeish is a shit manager anyway

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:01 (eighteen years ago)

McLeish just misses O'Neill.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:02 (eighteen years ago)

What pithy value-judgements can we describe with formations other than 442 and 451? Does 433 mean anything? 352? 4222? 32131? 1432? 541?

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:02 (eighteen years ago)

he will have revenge

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

All McLeish has ever done is take over someone else's team, coast on their success for a while and then when he had to actually make his own choices and buy his own players, fuck it up - he did it at Hibs, he did it at Rangers, I think he even did at Motherwell

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

McJol in.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

^ lampard up front

― ken c, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

433 = I probably agree with this statement but am vaccilating because I am spineless and indecisive

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

yes how dare McCleish take any credit for the two wins over France.

because of the Premiership (and SPL Big Two) pulling power, the UK FAs will always struggle to keep a manager who is doing well. this is really bad news for N Ireland (who I'm convinced would've qualified had Sanchez stayed) as it was when Hughes left Wales and now Scotland.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

32131 = I am going to post this comment to a noize board catch-all thread

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

McCleish

i keep doing that and still writing McLaren

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

Don't forget selfish Martin O'Neill refusing to do the right thing and abandon his mid-table sloggers to save us all, (c) Martin Samuel

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:06 (eighteen years ago)

5-3-2 = poster is Hoddle sockpuppet

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:07 (eighteen years ago)

yes how dare McCleish take any credit for the two wins over France.

Yes, like he'd have won those games if Walter Smith hadn't been the manager before him

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:07 (eighteen years ago)

like Walter Smith would've got that draw at home to Italy without all the great groundwork carried out by Vogts.

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:08 (eighteen years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7114028.stm

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:09 (eighteen years ago)

NOVEMBER 19TH:

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has denied he is preparing to leave his post as speculation grows linking him with a return to club management.
McLeish said he was committed to the 2010 World Cup campaign, which begins with the draw in Durban on Sunday.

"I'm flattered by the speculation but at the same time I don't have any plans to leave the job," he said.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:10 (eighteen years ago)

McLeish certainly can't take credit for the first win over France because he wasn't the manager.

I'm not desperately sad to see the back of him, tbh. His record as Scotland manager - took over a team on the ascendency, played 10, lost 3 (home and away to Italy and the game away to Georgia that arguably cost us our place at Euro 2008). His stock will never be higher and it's as good a time for him to go as any. He'll get found out at Birmingham.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:11 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, for him personally, it's as good a time to go as any.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:12 (eighteen years ago)

Season 2005/2006 got off to a bad start, with Rangers only winning six league games out of the first 17, being knocked out of the League Cup by Celtic in the process. The period from October through to early December saw the team embark on statistically the worst run in their history, going ten games without a win

Happy days! Alex McLeish in action!

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:13 (eighteen years ago)

yes how dare McCleish take any credit for the two wins over France.

I think Walter Smith might want some credit for the first one...

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:14 (eighteen years ago)

xxxxxposts bah

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:15 (eighteen years ago)

It's a pity Luggy didn't hold off for a couple of days.

― aldo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:16 (eighteen years ago)

'arry for England and Big Joe Jordan for Scotland.

DJ Martian won't be happy.

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:17 (eighteen years ago)

The build-up to this game is gonna be the worst in English history, or since Piers Morgan was Mirror editor anyway:

Mmm, It s Nice - England To Win Both Kazakhstan Games 2/9
High Five - England To Score 5 Goals In Either Kazakhstan Game 4/1
Jagshemash - Any Moustached Kazakhstan Player To Score In Either Game 6/1
Why You Laugh - Kazakhstan To Score An Own Goal In Either Game 8/1
I Like You, You Like Me -Both Kazakhstan Matches To Finish With No Bookings 40/1

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:17 (eighteen years ago)

Almaty Cockup - England to lose 2-0 away to Kazakhstan - 8/1

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:18 (eighteen years ago)

Borats Leave Sinking Ship!

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:19 (eighteen years ago)

Let's talk about the great Walter Smith, 1998-2002. What was that all about, eh?

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:20 (eighteen years ago)

Wrong club

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:21 (eighteen years ago)

Running of the Jew - David Beckham to be sent off for a two-footed tackle 12/1

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:21 (eighteen years ago)

i.e. not Rangers or Scotland (xp)

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:21 (eighteen years ago)

In My Country There is Problem - Gordon Brown to be in crowd for all England qualifying matches 33/1

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:22 (eighteen years ago)

Damn, I was just about to do that one.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:23 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe if we'd had Croatian Sniper related betting jokes we would have qualified for Euro 2008.

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:24 (eighteen years ago)

Who Killed Jill Dando anyway... no, hold on, that was the Serbians wasn't it?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:24 (eighteen years ago)

This is a pretty good chance for Kazakhstan to take revenge for being sleighted so

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

"I try to hit goal, but I hit post"

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

England manager's face superimposed on photo of Pamela Anderson's vagina 100/1

― DJ Mencap, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

'Back pussy'.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:26 (eighteen years ago)

in 20 years only Germany and France have won more than one major tournament each (not including Brazil's WC and Copa America successes). Netherlands, Denmark, Greece and Italy all 1 trophy each.

i still don't understand why we can just leave out brazil? just for the hell of it, like?

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:27 (eighteen years ago)

It's confirmed that McLeish has quit, anyway.

― Alba, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:27 (eighteen years ago)

RIP

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:29 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44264000/jpg/_44264923_mcleish_birmingham_203.jpg

One day, Birmingham will appoint a handsome manager. Tomorrow is not that day.

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:29 (eighteen years ago)

He was in a house fire as a child, right?

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:30 (eighteen years ago)

They'd have been much better sticking with Eric Black

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:30 (eighteen years ago)

They'd have been much better sticking with CILLA Black, amirite?

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Events/1416/WoodyAllen_Vespa_461307_400.jpg

Note the sharp contrast with the nerdish good looks of his opposite number

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

surely billy davies was their man.

arie de haan has expressed interest in the ireland job.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

Wee Billy for Rangers, once Watty retires?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:34 (eighteen years ago)

Oh man, Billy Davies is also very ugly

I don't mean to harp on this or anything but shit

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:35 (eighteen years ago)

Back to England.

http://www.morethanmindgames.co.uk/fabio-capellos-greatest-hits/

― Pete W, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:37 (eighteen years ago)

At least our manager's a looker. One small step away from the dark days of Curbishley, Dowie and Reed.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:37 (eighteen years ago)

Who do we want / are we going to get as Scotland manager? In the pub at the weekend under mucho alcohol-influence I decided it would be Alex Miller once Rafa gets his jotters from Liverpool. I'm now not sure I think that.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:37 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.paulmorris.co.uk/beano/strips/snooty2001.jpg

Maybe it's B Davies' resemblance to Lord Snooty that upsets me

― That mong guy that's shit, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:38 (eighteen years ago)

Burley's in danger of getting the boot from Southampton? He'd do.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:39 (eighteen years ago)

No he wouldn't.

― onimo, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

Well there's always Souness

http://www.peoplesrepublicofdis.co.uk/albums/album16/tumbleweed.sized.jpeg

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:41 (eighteen years ago)

poor souness. he's the type of tough guy that sometimes you might dream about coming into training and kicking the arses off some of the pampered millionaire brats.

then you think a bit more about it, and you realise that he's just no good at all.

― darraghmac, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:44 (eighteen years ago)

Feeling sorry for Graeme Souness? Has this ever happened anywhere and at any time in history?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:47 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland are a bit short of pampered millionaire brats who need a good kicking right now.

(I heard Souness touted for Scotland the other day and chuckled heartily. So not going to happen)

xpost

― ailsa, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:47 (eighteen years ago)

Dale Winton

― blueski, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:47 (eighteen years ago)

Feeling sorry for Graeme Souness? Has this ever happened anywhere and at any time in history?

The false nail story?

― DJ Mencap, Tuesday, 27 November 2007 15:51 (eighteen years ago)

Anyway, good news, England are going to win Euro 2008, with the world's best keeper, Chris Kirkland, playing behind England mainstays such as Martin Taylor, David Dunn, Neil Mellor, and Darius Vassell, a player in the peak of his form

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2641675.stm

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:04 (eighteen years ago)

Ha ha, I love these. I remember seeing a team for the 1998 World Cup in the early 90s that featured Frank Sinclair, Darren Caskey and Danny Hill.

― Pete W, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:14 (eighteen years ago)

all England need is for Gerrard (27) to end his current run of form which is, unfortunately, rubbish

Hahaha

― aldo, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:15 (eighteen years ago)

I remember the Sun, shortly after Hoddle's England debut in '79, running a feature showing him as England captain with 100+ caps, leading the nation into the 1990 World Cup. They'd put a dodgy 'tache on him to indicate a decade had passed.

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:17 (eighteen years ago)

What's the best section of Neil Mellor's Wikipedia page? Is it?

a) In 2006, despite a relative lack of first-team football at Liverpool, Mellor was voted into 90th position in a poll to find 100 Players Who Shook The Kop, ahead of such players as Mohamed Sissoko and Nigel Clough.

b) An injury hit spell at Upton Park plus playing under three different managers and being forced to play out of position proved unsettling. His build and gait saw him nicknamed "the Mellorphant" and "Gerdy Man-Breasts" by the decidedly unimpressed West Ham fans.

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:19 (eighteen years ago)

oh WHAT i at least thought 'taylor' would be steven ;_;

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 12:51 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/1127/lyonbarcelona_av.html

play top clip for classic dunphy vs giles, on venables' possible appointment to irish job. also love souness sitting sheepishly in the corner going "er...i can't really comment..."

is it just me, or is dunphy seeming entirely sensible these days?

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 22:39 (eighteen years ago)

^^^this is pretty lulz

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 22:52 (eighteen years ago)

(skip until about 4.50 into the clip, much of the beginning stuff is dull)

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 28 November 2007 23:11 (eighteen years ago)

So, ILX was down when the draw was made.

Group A:
Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey

Group B:
Austria, Croatia, Germany, Poland

Group C:
Netherlands, Italy, Romania, France

Group D:
Greece, Sweden, Spain, Russia

― Alba, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 00:25 (eighteen years ago)

lol @ group D, lol for all time if spain don't get out of it

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 00:28 (eighteen years ago)

lol at Group C = Group of Death. Obv.

― SeekAltRoute, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 02:24 (eighteen years ago)

lol @ group B = lol central europe circa 1939

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 02:29 (eighteen years ago)

lol @ group A = only unremarkable group

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 02:30 (eighteen years ago)

it's gonna be a summer of laffs!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 02:30 (eighteen years ago)

i would say Group B is the group of DEATH really. Well, other than Croatia.

― bakerstreetsaxsolo, Tuesday, 4 December 2007 23:57 (eighteen years ago)

two weeks pass...

John Collins for Scotland?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/7153893.stm

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

5/2 for the Scotland job from nowhere a week ago.

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:32 (eighteen years ago)

Could do worse, I s'pose. Meh.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:33 (eighteen years ago)

Strange

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:43 (eighteen years ago)

BlueSq just removed their "Next Scotland Manager" book. Collins now even money favourite with BetFair (which has just been suspended while I typed that).

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:48 (eighteen years ago)

Can't see him being the one to end the "do one campaign, do alright at it, fuck off somewhere else for more money at the end of it" cycle. Career jumps'R' us.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:49 (eighteen years ago)

Odds on now. Should have jumped in at 5/2. Oh well, hopefully it's all mug punters putting 2 and 2 together and getting 4-5-1.

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:50 (eighteen years ago)

^4-2-4

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:51 (eighteen years ago)

John Collins resigning to take over at Motherwell when Mark McGhee gets the Scotland gig? Lol mug punters.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:51 (eighteen years ago)

Can't wait for him to go up to Capello or someone and say "Punch me in the stomach... go on try it..."

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:52 (eighteen years ago)

I reckon Lawrie Sanchez is leaving Fulham and he's off there.

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:54 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, that's a good theory!

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:55 (eighteen years ago)

Other theory: Strachan's going to Scotland and Collins is taking over at Celtic.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:58 (eighteen years ago)

Nah, Strachan knows when he's on to a good thing

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 13:59 (eighteen years ago)

Paul Ince is going to Scotland and Collins is going to MK Dons

― Dom Passantino, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:01 (eighteen years ago)

Yogi for next Hibs manager though?

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:02 (eighteen years ago)

I'd put money on it

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:03 (eighteen years ago)

So no then :-)

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:05 (eighteen years ago)

Cheeky

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

You might be right re fulham but I still suspect it's the Scotland job.
When Strachan gets sacked will he jump to the Celtic job? Maybe thats why Burns isn't being considered. Everyone knows I dislike Tommy Burns , but I thought he should've got the Scotland job when Smith left and I think he should get it now. But Collins has to be better than Billy Davies.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:15 (eighteen years ago)

How can you dislike Tommy Burns?

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

How would everybody know?

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

oh it goes back to when he was killie manager, and only of interest to accies fans
x-post because I have repeatedly stated so on ilx!

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

you think I can remember what people say on ilx?

I'm assuming Tommy dissed Hamilton and/or Liverpool when he was at Kilmarnock?

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:22 (eighteen years ago)

When he was at Kilmarnock Football Club you mean

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:26 (eighteen years ago)

no it was to do with the andy millen transfer

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

Um, you know us (sort of) and I don't see much hate for Tommy Burns around here.

Why is Strachan getting sacked? Did I miss something? What's that got to do with Tommy Burns anyway? You suggesting he'd get another shot at managing Celtic? Or that anyone vaguely related to Celtic in with a shout of the Scotland job shouldn't take it because they might leave as soon as Strachan gets sacked? And that no-one should ever leave their job ever? I R confused.

(Billy Davies' record in Englandshire is better than Burns', FWIW, so if we're judging them on a like-for-like basis, not that club management means fuck all with regard to international management, then Davies is a pretty good candidate, I would've thought)

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

also, googling andy millen transfer hamilton kilmarnock gets nothing useful at all. Elaborate?

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:36 (eighteen years ago)

Burns for Scotland is the implication I think

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, I thought Burns NOT for Scotland because he'd just leave as soon as Strachan gets the sack for whatever reason he's getting the sack for?

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:41 (eighteen years ago)

No chance of Tommy ever managing Celtic (Football Club) again!

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:42 (eighteen years ago)

Well that's what I thought, but I was after Kerr's view on it, since he seems to think that's why Burns isn't being considered for Scotland (which I thought he was, initially, despite publicly saying the last time round he was none too chuffed with the SFA for not offering it to him the last time)

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

... when he played for killie he used to blatantly dive and get away with it against us. when he was killie manager he signed andy millen and at the tribunal he said he was only worth 10,000. 6 months later he tried to sell to celtic i think it was and wanted £300,000. we got £25,000 at the tribunal. as i said only accies fans feel aggrieved. he didnt act any differently in what an accies manager would do. but you know how petty we footie fans are. :)

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:55 (eighteen years ago)

Tommy Burns dive! Never!!

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

I remember reading his book Tommy Twists Tommy Turns Tommy Dives or something like that ;)

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:58 (eighteen years ago)

Kerr hates diving cheats
http://fernandocosta.com.sapo.pt/Imagens/Gerrarddiving.gif

― onimo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

But I still wanted him as Scotland manager as he does get his teams playing nice football. I think he is a decent manager and has more experience of being a manager at a top level. I think players would have more respect for him too, they already worked with him with Smith.
Collins I thought would be a more somewhere down the line appointment.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 14:59 (eighteen years ago)

Hey I dont like it either when players for accies or liverpool or scotland dive.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:00 (eighteen years ago)

Gerrard looks less like a diver than usual in that gif.

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:01 (eighteen years ago)

Oh no, you're not a Liverpool fan are you? That's just a ba' hair away from being a Rangers fan in my book.

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:02 (eighteen years ago)

Who me? Naw. I'd rather have my left bollock removed than support those diving, cheating, long ball bores.

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:06 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, in that gif there's very nearly a hint that the guy coming in from the right might have the intent to come within 6" of him, plus he hasn't done that starfish thing he usually does.

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:08 (eighteen years ago)

Oh noes clubs (not necessarily managers, it's not their money after all) trying to buy cheaply and sell on at a profit! Terrible! I'm sure you similarly felt deep shame at Billy Reid taking nearly all of Clyde's players off them for cheapness when Clyde were strapped for cash and handed back your Accies season ticket in disgust at the capitalist horror of it all.

― ailsa, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:10 (eighteen years ago)

No no, Kerr! (xxp)

― Tom D., Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:10 (eighteen years ago)

Thank God for that.

― aldo, Thursday, 20 December 2007 15:12 (eighteen years ago)

I reckon Lawrie Sanchez is leaving Fulham and he's off there.

-- aldo, Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:54 PM (Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:54 PM) Bookmark Link

A winner, quite possibly, is aldo !

― ailsa, Friday, 21 December 2007 10:42 (eighteen years ago)

MORE OF A WINNER IF I'D PUT MONEY ON IT.

― aldo, Friday, 21 December 2007 10:48 (eighteen years ago)

lol mug non-punter :-)

― ailsa, Friday, 21 December 2007 10:48 (eighteen years ago)

hopefully a good lesson to be learned re sanchez i.e. if you're onto a good thing with national side don't jack it in halfway thru to manage a prem club with 0 prospects just for the money

― blueski, Friday, 21 December 2007 11:27 (eighteen years ago)

Time machine for Alex McLeish! (not that I particularly care if he falls flat on his arse at Birmingham)

― ailsa, Friday, 21 December 2007 11:33 (eighteen years ago)

one month passes...

ITV give up showing the final

― blueski, Friday, 25 January 2008 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

three months pass...

Hurrah http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7399871.stm

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:33 (eighteen years ago)

Is that Sweden squad ageing as much as I think it is, or is my view just skewed because I've never heard of the younger players?

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:42 (eighteen years ago)

i didn't know they were still going ahead with this tournament.

― Roberto Spiralli, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:44 (eighteen years ago)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2008_squads

Currently announced provisional squads

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:46 (eighteen years ago)

how many from the Championsip? Southampton's Saganowski in the Poland squad i see - anyone else?

― blueski, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:48 (eighteen years ago)

Sebastian Larsson

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 13:50 (eighteen years ago)

Holland are still picking Mario Melchiot?

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:02 (eighteen years ago)

I am looking forward to Euro 2008, there's nothing better than a football tournament where you have no emotional interest, it's like looking at pretty girls in the park. I wonder if Eurovision would be as enjoyable without a British entry?

― jel --, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:25 (eighteen years ago)

British nations slightly better at football than Eurovision in recent years.

― blueski, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:27 (eighteen years ago)

Charlton brothers arguing over a comb but still

― blueski, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:28 (eighteen years ago)

I hope ITV re-hire Gazza to do his Man of the People bit this year

― Tom D., Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:29 (eighteen years ago)

we'll probably see more foreign pundits - Rijkaard? Mourinho might be fun

― blueski, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

They'll be wheeling out Leonardo for the ladies.

― jel --, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

we'll probably see more foreign pundits - Rijkaard? Mourinho might be fun

-- blueski, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 15:30 (1 minute ago) Bookmark Link

http://footbuzz.jp/index.php/uploads/gnavi/56.jpg

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:32 (eighteen years ago)

Doesn't Jose have a pundit slot on Portugese TV as it is?

― Dom Passantino, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

No Ian Wright, that's a bonus. Imagine if England had made it, and Shaun Wright-Phillips missed the penalty in the quarter-final?

― jel --, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

Hope to see O'Neill, always guaranteed big yuks there

― Tom D., Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

Ivan Campo could easily present one of those antiques TV shows.

― jel --, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

O'Neill will be spending the summer being pissed off at Gareth Barry, I think.

― jel --, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:35 (eighteen years ago)

Imagine if England had made it, and Shaun Wright-Phillips missed the penalty in the quarter-final?

Man I would join an international drug ring, work my way up to the top by killing dozens of people and pay exorbitant bribes to fix the entire tournament just to see that happen.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:35 (eighteen years ago)

O'Neill is always fun when he's punditing, dude could start a fight with a paper bag.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:36 (eighteen years ago)

o'neill will be mad at barry using benitez as a proxy.

he's not particularly argumentative, he just tells hansen/shearer when he doesn't agree with them, which doesn't seem to be allowed. he'd be quiet as a mouse beside giles and brady.

villa should put in an offer for gerrard, he'll be looking to do his usual tug-of-love schtick soon won't he?

― darraghmac, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

yeah me too, plus i don't have sky and so it's the rare moments like this where i get to watch footy on the box.

― Ste, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:39 (eighteen years ago)

he's not particularly argumentative

He's letting Ulster down there, so he is

― Tom D., Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:39 (eighteen years ago)

Man I would join an international drug ring, work my way up to the top by killing dozens of people and pay exorbitant bribes to fix the entire tournament just to see that happen.

There's still time! Get England a wild-card entry after getting Russia thrown out for being mostly Asian.

― onimo, Wednesday, 14 May 2008 14:56 (eighteen years ago)

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis
Defenders: Barzagli, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Materazzi, Panucci , Zambrotta.
Midfielders: Ambrosini, Gattuso, Aquilani, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Perrotta, Montolivo e Pirlo
Forwards: Toni, Borriello, Del Piero, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Cassano.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

no goals 4 u

― Roberto Spiralli, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

Needs Superpippo.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 14:35 (eighteen years ago)

France's squad looked v o_O with about 20 strikers but none of them Trezeguet - the BBC listed Malouda and presumably one or two others as strikers tho

― blueski, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 15:11 (eighteen years ago)

at first glance, Spain seems to have the strongest squad (altho they will of course fail again). looking over the list they really do have quality in every department. the one thing that stands out is that, although they will play with wing-backs, if they need to push things forward, they can't bring wingers on because they don't have any. a team with an organized defence and midfield will probabaly be able to stop them without too much fuss.

i didn't realize how poor Holland are on defence, and they aren't exactly overflowing with world class midfield talent either.

France is a motley mish-mash of the notquitegoodenough and the usedtobegoodenough, but there's probably enough there for them to scrape it or at least get close.

and the Germany squad is the usual list of duffers (+ Jermaine Jones) that will somehow contrive to win it anyway.

― Roberto Spiralli, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

dom, a cannavaro appraisal?

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 00:38 (eighteen years ago)

Holland's attacking midfield looks tasty, ditto their front line, but then you see the Premiership journeymen clogging up their defence and think oh dear. I can see France and Italy getting out of that group without too much trouble.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:24 (eighteen years ago)

dom, a cannavaro appraisal?

-- Just got offed, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 01:38 (8 hours ago) Bookmark Link

We fucked. At least we can bleed Chiellini in earlier, a triumph to his position as THE ONLY PLAYER UNDER THE AGE OF 25 IN THE FUCKING SQUAD.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:25 (eighteen years ago)

I meant more of a "so this is it then" career retrospective/eulogy, but I guess he might well try and play WC '10.

I didn't know Italy had such a policy towards youth! Makes a certain sense, but no Pazzini? :(

I guess your other strikers are half-decent.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:30 (eighteen years ago)

Our strikers are good, our midfield is good, our defence is good, we have the best goalkeeper in the world. We're still going to exit after the first round on goal difference, possibly after Di Natale misses an open goal in the 94th minute against France.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:31 (eighteen years ago)

Don't suppose a D. Boyle spreadsheet is available?

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:32 (eighteen years ago)

Pazzini's not even _capped_ yet, LJ. Although the thought of a Pazzini/Balotelli strikeforce in 2012 is one of the few things that keeps me going in life.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:33 (eighteen years ago)

What is Romania's surprise package potential?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

Slightly higher than Austria's.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:36 (eighteen years ago)

Ach, I guess my hopes of Italy pulling an ARSENAL CHILD trick was a step too far. The man who christened Wembley. With the aid of a deflection and a goalkeeper called Lee Camp.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:37 (eighteen years ago)

Good outside bets? Russia? Croatia?

Gonna waste some money on this.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

russia. 33/1 under guus. if not them, maybe the czechs

― sonderborg, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:45 (eighteen years ago)

I think everyone's tending to overrate Croatia because they beat England, as if that's an indicator of world class football these days. Some very very good players but didn't Eduardo score like half their goals in qualifying?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

My tip are Portugal. I think it's gonna come together for them this year, and they're the only major team with no obvious massive problems.

― Dom Passantino, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 09:50 (eighteen years ago)

What is Romania's surprise package potential?

Very high.

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 10:00 (eighteen years ago)

Just have a suspicion Portugal might again fold against a well-organised pressing game. But on paper they're pretty awesome.

Czech republic, Poland and Greece all qualified strongly
(ahead of Germany, Portugal and Turkey respectively )

― Thomas, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

xp - I predict Romania is going through the group stage, while the three other favorites are busy killing each other

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 10:11 (eighteen years ago)

Either Ronaldo will light up this tournament like he did the Premiership or he'll be exhausted. Where are the goals going to come from without him?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

nani lol

― ken c, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 11:56 (eighteen years ago)

I've been sorely tempted by some of the odds floating around on Russia

― Matt, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 12:40 (eighteen years ago)

BBC Sport's fifteen pundits predict as follows: 8 for Germany, 6 for Spain, 1 for Portugal.

The Euros do throw up some unexpected winners. This time I'm inclined only to rule out Poland (brittle), Russia (no good), Sweden (old, journeymen), Holland (Mario Melchiot's good enough for their squad) and the two hosts. I didn't even realise Turkey had qualified - any good? Either Croatia or Portugal to win, with the Czechs in third place. I'll go with Portugal because Eduardo's crocked.

To be honest, though, I'll be happy with anyone but Greece.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 17:06 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/06/poland.poland

― Dom Passantino, Friday, 6 June 2008 10:06 (eighteen years ago)

"Poland, which has never beaten Germany"

Even Scotland's beaten Germany

― Tom D., Friday, 6 June 2008 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

I think we can safely rule out Austria.

― Matt DC, Friday, 6 June 2008 10:14 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1252696.ece

^^^this is actually the best piece of football writing I've seen in a newspaper for fucking ages

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 6 June 2008 13:54 (eighteen years ago)

That's more text than an entire edition of the Sun.

― Mark C, Friday, 6 June 2008 14:17 (eighteen years ago)

The likes of Bristol City, whose average gate is xxxx, somehow manage to conjure up ***** to go to Wembley.

Who are these extra **** fans?

hmm

― MPx4A, Friday, 6 June 2008 14:27 (eighteen years ago)

haha so he's saying he can't stand people who only watch football when their team is on and he also can't stand people who watch football even when their team isn't on?

― ken c, Friday, 6 June 2008 14:38 (eighteen years ago)

I think we can safely rule out Austria.

b-b-but they've just LEAPT into the top 100 of the FIFA ranking!! (and are placed between Mozambique and Thailand lol)

I'm less sure about the ruleoutage of Switzerland, though.

― anatol_merklich, Friday, 6 June 2008 14:52 (eighteen years ago)

Have you seen the bit in Adrian Chiles's autobiography about when West Brom stayed up on the last day of the season? He's really fucking good at writing things like that.

― Matt DC, Friday, 6 June 2008 14:57 (eighteen years ago)

Here we go, boys and girls.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 7 June 2008 11:39 (eighteen years ago)

yeah, Romania, despite tough group - gotta feel France are there for the taking.

Plus this year/18 months has been great for Romanian cinema...these things tend to come together.

― xyzzzz__, Saturday, 7 June 2008 12:05 (eighteen years ago)

anyone doing a fantasy team this year?

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 12:23 (eighteen years ago)

Tomas Brolin, Alan Shearer, Savo Milošević, Milan Baroš ... who will follow these to be this year's Capocannoniero? Middling Premiership teams seem to favour non-qualifying hitmen these days, so this one's wide open.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 12:37 (eighteen years ago)

Nice diacritics, Ismael

― Daniel Giraffe, Saturday, 7 June 2008 12:49 (eighteen years ago)

I heard a phone-in this morning, in which people were asked to name the players who'd earned themselves a big money move to the Premier League by performing well in a big tournament then flopped really badly.

Tomas Brolin's name certainly came up...

― Daniel Giraffe, Saturday, 7 June 2008 12:53 (eighteen years ago)

Thäñk yøu. I'm backing Adrian Mutu to reverse the move-of-shame pattern this year. Hat-trick against the Dutch, two to beat a hitherto rampant Spain in the quarters, followed by complete anonymity as they lose to Croatia in the semis

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:07 (eighteen years ago)

anyone doing a fantasy team this year?

-- ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:23 (44 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

My fantasty team from the work league:

Rehhagels of Funk

Lehmann

Materazzi
Gallas
Ferreira
Jankulovski

Ballack (c)
Pirlo
Niko Kovač
Basinas

Villa
Nuno Gomes

SUB: Arshavin

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:11 (eighteen years ago)

Stockport County XI

Čech
Kyrgiakos
Mellberg
Torosidis

Cristiano Ronaldo
Ballack
Modrić
Kranjčar

Gómez
Villa
Baroš

plus a two grand bet on Croatia to win

― cedar, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:37 (eighteen years ago)

My fantasy team on the UEFA site:
čech
Kyrgiakos-Materrazi-Grosso
Kranjčar-Modric-Kuyt
Pavelyuchenko-Torres-Ronaldo

The site is rubbish - a big registration procedure, designing a strip and all that, and then you can't nosey on anyone else's team at the end of it. Typically, I couldn't think up a clever name: Rehhagels of Funk is quite good though.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:38 (eighteen years ago)

who is your eleventh player?!

― cedar, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:39 (eighteen years ago)

Rehhagels of Funk is quite good though.

-- Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 14:38 (3 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Was gonna be stuck with "Young, Gifted, and Ballack" until I came up with that

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:43 (eighteen years ago)

It's Mutu, and Ronaldo's down as a midfielder. Obviously taking my reference to his non-performance in the semis a bit too literally.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 13:54 (eighteen years ago)

I have spent too much time this week watching Apres Match on Youtube. It is very good though.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 14:07 (eighteen years ago)

I've got one in the Metro league, but it's knacked just now. Didn't get round to the UEFA one, might try just now on the run-up if the site's not too busy to do so.

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:42 (eighteen years ago)

As bemused by this opening ceremony I am, it's still better than a bloke dressed up as a shitty knight on a horse.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:45 (eighteen years ago)

Mark Bright: unimpressed by modern dance.

Should have got Signature on.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:45 (eighteen years ago)

To dance or commentate, either really.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:46 (eighteen years ago)

Very Swiss this is, a bunch of boxes.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:48 (eighteen years ago)

Why do the BBC persist in doing this shit? It's like getting Wogan to commentate on the Eurovision Song oh wait

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

SHOULD CRANELIFT A HUGE BLOCK OF CHEESE INTO STADIUM

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

I'm apprehensive that the Czechs won't be the beautiful team of previous competitions.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:51 (eighteen years ago)

My metro team, am about to try and get similar in for UEFA one

Artur Boruc
Philipp Lahm
Patrice Evra
Christoph Metzelder
Michal Kadlec
Andrea Pirlo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Michael Ballack
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Henrik Larsson
Daniel Niculae

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:51 (eighteen years ago)

^^ spot Celtic-supporter bias

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:51 (eighteen years ago)

Balloons all over the pitch again then.

― Matt #2, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

and Kadlec isn't playing. Whoo, good start, me.

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

BALLOONS!! THOSE SWISS KNOW HOW TO PUT ON A SHOW

OK, thank fuck, here are the teams.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:54 (eighteen years ago)

Cracking Derby today anyway. Not expecting a lot from either of today's matches.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:55 (eighteen years ago)

Tomáš Ujfaluši looks like he should have been the bassist of Kyuss or Fu Manchu or something.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:57 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, watching major football tournaments around my way means that you get a Martin Tyler monologue that lasts several weeks included. Even if you don't ask for it.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:57 (eighteen years ago)

They've found the one black person in Switzerland to sing their national anthem.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:58 (eighteen years ago)

Both these anthems suck, btw.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:58 (eighteen years ago)

Tomáš Ujfaluši looks like he should have been the bassist of Kyuss or Fu Manchu or something.

That sums up 3 quarters of Czech players ever.

Quite liked the second anthem, whose was that? Was listening on radio, am now gonna go watch telly.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 15:59 (eighteen years ago)

Have Switzerland ever been anything other than completely fucking tedious btw?

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:00 (eighteen years ago)

I thought the Swiss didn't like the black people. Or the Arabs. Maybe it was just the Arabs.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:02 (eighteen years ago)

Less than two minutes in for the first "the goalies don't like this new-fangled football they're using in this tournament".

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:05 (eighteen years ago)

"Goalkeepers tend to do that. Get their excuses in early."

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:06 (eighteen years ago)

Bad: signage for McDonalds
Good: signage for KINDER and NUTELLA

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:07 (eighteen years ago)

Adrian Chiles was on the motherloving money in that Sun article.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:08 (eighteen years ago)

Nice to see George Galloway's Respect bringing the sponsorship too.

What the fuck was that Czech corner supposed to be?

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:09 (eighteen years ago)

Nice to see Jack Lemmon coaching Switzerland.

"Ahhhh, old Gil's gonna have to leave the country now."

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:11 (eighteen years ago)

"STAY UP TO WATCH THE COPA LIBDORATES SEMI FINALS ON SBS AT 3.30am!!"

No thanks. I'll be asleep by half time of this match anyway.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:12 (eighteen years ago)

Cheeky little flick from the Swiss lol Beckham there.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:13 (eighteen years ago)

Magnin's combover is a nod to all the ironic When Saturday Comes fans.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:14 (eighteen years ago)

Of which I am one, obv.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:14 (eighteen years ago)

Have Grygera and Sionko _both_ got cursive script tattoos on their inner arms?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

nice lego pixel numbering on the swiss shirts.

czechs are really pretty rubbish arent they? average randoms buzzing around koller and a rugged old defence. swz can def turn them over.

haha this magnin guy. heaven needed a john hartson/tom waits lovechild.

― r|t|c, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:15 (eighteen years ago)

This is like watching Bolton-Fulham in a 3rd round League Cup tie.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

xpost Yeah can see the Swiss doing them on the counter here.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

Czech's have been a dead prospect in football ever since 2005 though, right? People forget how gash they were at WC2006, they were able to bully the US off the pitch but when they came up with teams like Ghana and Italy who can fizz it about a bit, they struggle.

However, fizz is in pretty low quantities in the Swiss team.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:17 (eighteen years ago)

They only beat Scotland because Burley kept taking off all our best players, and even I could turn Christian Dailly these days.

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:18 (eighteen years ago)

Jesus Christ. You'd think they could have put Portugal in the opener.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:18 (eighteen years ago)

Frei should've scored that.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:22 (eighteen years ago)

The best thing about Switzerland is that the Toblerone logo has a hidden bear in it:

http://fosta.typepad.com/sleepinginmyhead/images/2007/09/13/dsc08954.jpg

― James Mitchell, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:25 (eighteen years ago)

A bear fucking a fish

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:25 (eighteen years ago)

Czech assistant manager is wearing a black shirt with silver tie. That doesn't bode well for anyone.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

The Czech headband industry must be massive.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

Can someone tell Blatter to ban five-man midfields?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:29 (eighteen years ago)

He's proposing that all club sides must field a midfield composed of 5 homegrown players.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:31 (eighteen years ago)

Jesus at least the Africans and South Americans kick lumps out of each other to keep it entertaining.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:34 (eighteen years ago)

Wow, the Swiss are PISSWEAK.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:37 (eighteen years ago)

What do you expect when your key centre forward is the dude from the Ocean Finance adverts?

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

Even the Socceroos trying to kick the shit out of hapless Iraqis last week was a million times more exciting than this.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:39 (eighteen years ago)

I hear Jan Koller may be slightly taller than the average height for a male. Could someone confirm/deny this, the commentators don't seem to be mentioning it at all.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:42 (eighteen years ago)

That free kick sums up this half.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:43 (eighteen years ago)

Why is Leonid Brezhnev sat next to Platini?

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:45 (eighteen years ago)

OH NOT AN INJURY STOPPAGE PLEASE MAKE IT END ALREADY

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:45 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.nataliedee.com/032003/excitement.jpg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

Psyche

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

Looking forward to the BBC pundits trying to find 15 minutes worth of discussion about this shite.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

Has this been a good game then? Am I missing much? With such a progressive, exciting attacking team as Switzerland on the field I fear the manifold delights of this worthy opening encounter are escaping me.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

I'm betting on 10 minutes of trailers and a 5 minute argument about the Thai bird on Big Brother.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

Frei is having the first cry of the tournament. Wow, the Swiss are truly pissweak. Half time of the first game and they're being bloody girls.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

I expect the SBS pundits will talk up that exciting Copa Liberadores semi final coming up next after all...

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

Dude his advertising career could be finished, go easy on him.

Hansen, Shearer and O'Neil all lying thru their teeth here.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

Some British people aren't dead. NEWS.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

Really thrilled that 3 posh wankers haven't drowned, like.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

lol snap

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

Man I used to love the Czechs around 2004, that game against Holland was one of my happiest football watching experiences but they're not anywhere near the same force without Nedved.

I really felt for Alexander Frei - that's a fucking horrible thing to happen.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

xpost: ha!

meanwhile two kids have been killed by some footballer

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

RIP little men.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

(i take it you've been through this already)

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah that was a great team the Czechs don't have any more.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

We need a 2008/9 non-Premiership thread, but I don't wanna start it with potentially homicidal Plymouth goalies.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

"It's 0-0...and it looks like it'll stay that way."

Getting some REAL TALK in the opening comments here.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

Also the prospect of Wolves starting next season with 37 strikers and no defence is too unbearable to contemplate at the moment.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

Urgh... man, losing Nedved and Rosicky has really taken the wind right out the Czechs, hasn't it? They seem shit-scared of carrying out any attack that doesn't involve lumping it onto Koller's head. Unless I've forgotten, they've not had a single shot on goal. They've also looked hugely cock-up prone at the back. They're good enough to stop the Swiss putting anything together in midfield, but they're giving them a good few opportunities...

The thing is, they're still more likely to win, cos Petr Cech is a much better keeper than Diego Benaglio, and Phillippe Senderos has spent most of the first half falling over. I've liked the look of Gelson Fernandes and mebbes Lichtsteiner. The lack of ideas in the final third for the Czechs is very disappointing. I'm gonna call it 2-0 for the Czechs, Koller capitalising on a Senderos cock-up then Baros comes on and nicks one on the break in the 87th minute then celebrates like he's won the entire tournament, because he's a twat.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

Next Prem thread should be called Tonight We Dine In Hull: Premiership thread 08/09

or maybe 'liverpool won't win the title again' lmao

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

If all else fails, we still have the Gazza Death Pool open to everyone.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

Switzerland had at that one moment when they were 4 on 2 and the dude decided to shoot from outside the box. And they've lost a striker. If the Czechs don't go on to win this they might as well give it up now.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

Switzerland will get through this group at the Czechs' expense, 1-0 win here I think despite everything. Home advantage and all that.

Oh good, another tournament of everyone whingeing about the ball.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:57 (eighteen years ago)

Was that first thinly-veiled reference to Plank McClown of the tournament, there?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:57 (eighteen years ago)

"You FAILED... you FAILED... you FAILED..."

God love Slaven.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:58 (eighteen years ago)

lol Lineker's make-up

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

The Swiss would win 1-0 if they weren't pissweak. But they are, especially with Frei out now.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

Think whoever was in the dressing room was having a New Romantic day.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:00 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah real talk from Pato, the Swiss will not be able to score no way.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:00 (eighteen years ago)

this thread will have like 2000 new answers by next wednesday :D

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:01 (eighteen years ago)

It depends how this sub striker does. Streller has stunk hard in this first half. They've snatched at shots a bit, Frei's whippet the only thing that's forced a proper save thus far. They need to settle down - their communication and coherency up front, possibly due to Streller being a lazy get, has been a touch lacking. Given that their opportunities have mainly been unexpected thus far, they've rushed them.

Hakan Yakin (it rhymes if you work for the Beeb) is more of an attacking mid, isn't he?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:04 (eighteen years ago)

Gawd, this is punditry on autopilot isn't it? Hansen: "I'm going to go for the Germans. Any big tournament, they're always there or thereabouts - they never let you down." Last time Germany won a match at the Euros - 1996 at Wembley BUT DON'T LET THAT BOTHER YOU.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:08 (eighteen years ago)

I lied, Switzerland have started like they kind of mean it here.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:10 (eighteen years ago)

Ehhh, they've ramped it up a bit. Almost to Flaxmill Primary Under-10s Level aggressiveness here.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:11 (eighteen years ago)

This sounds like the perfect post-cricket wind-down. Might go and snooze in front of the telly.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:14 (eighteen years ago)

Hakan Yakin has been around forever, and used to be linked alternately with Celtic and Rangers up until a few years ago. I'm kind of surprised to find out he's (only) 31.

Hurrah, no more hoofing it up to the big lad. This seems to have mystified our experts at the Beeb.

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:14 (eighteen years ago)

Eh up, Koller's off, and this dude replacing him can only be about 6'1"... what're they building in there?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:15 (eighteen years ago)

I'm going to bed about now. I have to get up somewhat early tomorrow so I can get drunk.

― King Boy Pato, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:19 (eighteen years ago)

I already hate that balding Swiss Nicky Butt that got booked. He looks like a standard issue moaner.

Phil Senderos has got his best 'there's a fly on my nose and I'm not sure whether to punch it really hard' face on. Good work.

What is Charlie Brooker doing running the line, incidentally?

― Matt DC, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:22 (eighteen years ago)

lol goal

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:28 (eighteen years ago)

Why is Sverkos' celebration finding a vein?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:29 (eighteen years ago)

Opening goalscorer of 2008, or Formula 1 driver of the 1950s?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Vaclav_Sverkos.jpg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:30 (eighteen years ago)

Vonlanthen's only been on a minute and they've found at least four pronunciations for his surname.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:34 (eighteen years ago)

Interesting how the youngest player in this tournament is just short of 20. Sad this tournament won't have a wonderkid like Rooney and Ronaldo in 2004.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:42 (eighteen years ago)

One for the purists, that match.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Pfft. Maybe the Czechs can push on from that... be interesting to see how good Turkey are later on. Swiss spirited, but ultimately a bottom-half Championship side at best.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:56 (eighteen years ago)

Was on the phone to me Dad second half. Comedy goal, Swiss probly should've had a penalty, one for the purists as the big man said. Can't see the Czechs doing anything this tournament. Quarter finals tops.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 17:59 (eighteen years ago)

I'm just looking at that Czech striker and thinking Stephane Guiv'arch has a World Cup winner's medal. Then again, Rozehnal's not exactly Laurent Blanc.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

ITV punditry still awful.

― ailsa, Saturday, 7 June 2008 18:37 (eighteen years ago)

ITV's website is also coping exactly as well with streaming this as one would expect...

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 7 June 2008 18:59 (eighteen years ago)

"Goalkeeper didn't even see it" says David Pleat, accompanied by a slow motion replay showing him getting about 3/4s of his hand to it.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:29 (eighteen years ago)

Kazim-Richards and Perrotta are the only two UK-born players at the tournament, yes?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:30 (eighteen years ago)

it's a far cry from euro 2004 with the fans booing ronaldo every time he got the ball! i still never understood what that was about, besides the fact that he is obviously a complete cock

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:44 (eighteen years ago)

that didn't happen

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:45 (eighteen years ago)

That's a good enough reason, tho.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:45 (eighteen years ago)

Need to poll "most objectionable moment of the Ladbrokes advert".

Gonna go with that weird twisted face Lee Dixon pulls.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

Euro 2004 was in Portugal. Ronaldo is from Portugal. Portugal got to the final, considerably helped by Ronaldo who edged Figo out of the team. He was cheered.

He was booed a lot at the last World Cup, I think mostly after the Rooney-red-card-Ronaldo-winking incident. Whether this was by the world at large, or just contingents of English fans at non-England games, I don't know.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

woops you're right. i am a complete cock.

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:50 (eighteen years ago)

I wouldn't go that far, old bean.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:51 (eighteen years ago)

one thing hasn't changed for ronaldo since euro 2004 - not only is he a complete cock, he's still king of the fannydangle

― Tracer Hand, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

This Nihat is something special. Glad to see he's repaying the faith I've shown in him building my Palermo team on Football Manager 2008 around him.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 19:54 (eighteen years ago)

What an awful challenge on Nani. Cant believe that wasn't a red card.

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 7 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

ITV is already the bane of my Euro 2008. And we got Motty/Lineker/Lawro/Bright on the other side. WOE

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:09 (eighteen years ago)

Why does ITV even exist anymore? I love you Michael Grade but jeez, bud, sort out yr football staff.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

Dude doesn't even wear red braces anymore.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe he should wear a cape.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

Aside from the sycophantic overbearing cunts eulogising CHRIStiano RoNALdo's every last fart, and trying to make the popular scoreline 1-0 that little bit less popular by insisting that it is "only" 1-0, we got that grinning imbecile Doyle doing ground work at continental London bars, I mean I preferred him when he was hitting on Clare Balding during the BBC's 2004 Olympic coverage, at least he brought some lols then.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:21 (eighteen years ago)

DAVID PLEAT combined with THOSE SHIT-STUPID ADVERTS and TOWNSEND ONCE OF ASTON VILLA is some kind of lobotomised footballing nightmare tbh

and that instance where he claimed the keeper hadn't seen it when he was clearly shown saving the ball? yeah i logged that too bitch

― Just got offed, Saturday, 7 June 2008 21:23 (eighteen years ago)

I can't gauge quite how bad Turkey were tonight but Portugal are tremendous. The movement leading up to both goals was worthy of that Argentina game in the last World Cup when they smashed Serbia and Montenegro. If it weren't for repeatedly hitting the post they could have won 3 or 4 nil.

They are awesome. They are not going to win.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 02:44 (eighteen years ago)

Story of Portugal's life, that.

― Ned Raggett, Sunday, 8 June 2008 02:46 (eighteen years ago)

Germany playing Poland is an unfortunate fixture...

― SeekAltRoute, Sunday, 8 June 2008 03:20 (eighteen years ago)

i thought turkey had some tight d goin on in the first 20 minutes or so but i may have only thought that because they were being tested so sorely

― Tracer Hand, Sunday, 8 June 2008 13:19 (eighteen years ago)

Glimpses I saw suggest that Turkey are still fairly technically accomplished and can finish second in that group.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 13:30 (eighteen years ago)

Would agree with that. CZE and SWI looked fairly average and think they're both there for the taking.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 14:24 (eighteen years ago)

Hey was there an English born player in that Turkey team? I'm not sure but I think I heard Tyldesley mention it about a HUNDRED FUCKING TIMES.

― onimo, Sunday, 8 June 2008 15:14 (eighteen years ago)

HE HAS ASTOUNDED US ALL TONIGHT WITH HIS STANLEY MATTHEWS-ESQUE SKILLS HE MUST HAVE LEARNED FROM GOOD HONEST TUTORS OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME IN THAT HOTBED OF FOOTBALL BEAUTY, LEYTONSTONE

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 15:19 (eighteen years ago)

Not patronising at all "who'd thought a guy from Leytonstone would be here at a tournament like this?" etc etc etc AYE NOT LIKE BECKHAM, EH?

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 15:22 (eighteen years ago)

OT:

Listen to Mozart and you become a better player, says Trapattoni

Hamburg - Footballers should listen to classical music because they can learn a lot from it for their life on and off the pitch, famous coach Giovanni Trapattoni said. "Listen to Mozart and you can be a better footballer," the Italian coach told German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.

"You learn a lot about tension, tempo, rhythm and structure. You learn to read a game. It was a great experience for me. I believe that I grew as a player and a human through (classical) music."

Trapattoni, 69, left Red Bull Salzburg recently to coach Ireland but is back in the city of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for the music festival named after the famous Austrian composer and Euro 2008 football games there as well.

Trapattoni, who names Mozart "a god," said he started listening to classical music as a player but that today's footballers have no idea about life off the pitch and showed no interest in issues beyond their sport.

"The players believe that their life takes place on the pitch. They don't realize that they can learn a lot for their game in the real world."

"Their life takes place in the stadium and not in the world. They miss almost everything that is important for a modern football game.

"Good players know the world, the developments, they now about constant changes and draw inspiration for their game from life," said Trapattoni.

"In the end athletes are public figures, they meet politicians, artists, journalists. They can't talk only about football. They must have an opinion on world events, on what happens in China, in South Africa and elsewhere, they should have a knowledge about literature and music - but unfortunately that is only rarely the case."

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 15:46 (eighteen years ago)

Austria have a _lot_ of the "League One team trailing 3-1 to Championship opposition at home, League cup round 1" about them. And we're only two minutes in.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:03 (eighteen years ago)

Penalty.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:03 (eighteen years ago)

Referee looks a little like the monkey from the Powerpuff Girls.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:04 (eighteen years ago)

Modric 1-0

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:04 (eighteen years ago)

I can see this going down 0-4, 0-5. Austria are being degraded.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

I nearly had a tenner on Croatia to win 4-1.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:18 (eighteen years ago)

"Now below Mozambique in the FIFA rankings, this is a nation that has produced greats like Toni Polster in the past"

Toni Polster. Now an all-time great. Colin Kazim-Richards could well be the new Toni Polster, being as they're clearly the two best footballers in history.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:19 (eighteen years ago)

Kovac's haircut and reaction to fouls seems to be part of some elaborate Pippo Inzaghi tribute act

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:22 (eighteen years ago)

Pogatez very lucky to still be on the pitch. Austria = predictable cloggers. Croatia look very comfortable but not really like the potential winners they're being talked up as.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:37 (eighteen years ago)

I have them in a sweepstake, so less of that talk please Mr DC.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

Ah yes, the great Toni Polster!

http://shop.viola-rum.at/catalog/images/legend_polster.jpg

(shirt says: 'Heroes live long, but legends never die')

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:40 (eighteen years ago)

@Matt DC, otm. Croatia should take it up a notch to destroy Austria. But playing as slow as they are doing now, it can easily become a lucky draw as well.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:42 (eighteen years ago)

Who was that handy Austrian goalkeeper who played for Bologna or Vicenza or someone in the mid-90s?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

Listening on the radio did Austria really get back into it in the last 15 minutes?

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia got shitter, put it that way

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

Who the fuck is this guy doing the outside broadcast?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

He looks like the head boy for a grant maintained high school in Wealdstone.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

Austria were much more positive toward the end of the half and had a couple of chances. Croatia didn't capitalise on their early dominance as much as they should have.

I can see Pogatetz scoring now for the "shouldn't even be on the field" cliché value.

― onimo, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

Talking of clichés, I heard at least 10 people saying yesterday "opening games are always dull scoreless draws" which is so fucking wrong yet seems to be the received wisdom.

― onimo, Sunday, 8 June 2008 16:58 (eighteen years ago)

For Croatia 08 read Romania 94, they won't win but they're going to dish out a spanking at some point.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:02 (eighteen years ago)

Not today tho. It sounds like they're making this heavier going than it ought to be.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:25 (eighteen years ago)

This second half is quite dreadful.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:30 (eighteen years ago)

Austria now deserve the equaliser.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:45 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia playing the kind of nervy, ineffectual shit you expect from England's first match of a tournament.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:45 (eighteen years ago)

Germany vs Poland better have a 21 man brawl, now.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:52 (eighteen years ago)

Will settle for a dazzling display of one-touch football and 3-1 victory for the Poles.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Can't help wondering if Federer was still mourning yesterday's Swiss performance today.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 8 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Why are all the Beeb pundits wearing the same shirt?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 8 June 2008 18:51 (eighteen years ago)

Beast of Klagenfurt finally explained.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 18:58 (eighteen years ago)

Poland are just rubbish, Germans totally running through them.

This is the first game I've watched on proper telly on my computer, rather than through a shitty stream. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology I replayed the goal 10 times, yay.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:20 (eighteen years ago)

Maciej Zurawski looking every inch the striker Celtic didn't want any more there.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

James Richardson sat outside a cafe >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>*infinity Garth Crooks sat outside a cafe

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:40 (eighteen years ago)

This match needs a Jens Lehmann comedy clanger.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:46 (eighteen years ago)

Zurawski has gone off and has been replaced by a Brazilian. Erm, no, Motty, he'll be a Pole.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:47 (eighteen years ago)

ah, OK, the Poles all refuse to accept him as Polish as well because he doesn't sing the national anthem.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:49 (eighteen years ago)

This match needs a Jens Lehmann comedy clanger.-- Matt DC

Das ist teh truth.

― t**t, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:49 (eighteen years ago)

This match needs a Jens Lehmann comedy clanger.

-- Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:46 (3 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Dude's in my fantasy team, fuck that.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:50 (eighteen years ago)

Could do with a fantastic clanger, yeh! :)

― t**t, Sunday, 8 June 2008 19:51 (eighteen years ago)

Why haven't England got a token Brazilian in yet? No wonder we're not going anywhere.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

This game is a bit like the one last night in that Germany (like Portugal) are definitely the better team and deserve to win, but Poland (like Turkey) have made a decent game of it and are unlucky not to have scored and had several chances to make it a surprise 1-1 draw before eventually succumbing to a late second goal.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:26 (eighteen years ago)

Also, excuse my international football ignorance, but which club does/did Klose play for? He only ever seems to register in my mind when Germany are playing in a major tournament.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

Bayern munich.

― jim, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:28 (eighteen years ago)

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/JonMC/September2007/Bastian-Schweinsteiger-205.jpg
http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2003/2003-10/31-king-hill-inside.jpg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Can anyone with a decent knowledge of German football explain Schweinsteiger's fall from grace over the last couple of years? One of their best players in the World Cup but I got the impression people have been kinda down on him lately?

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Haha stickman, I was just looking for a Freddy Krueger/Schweinsteiger picture comparison.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

-- Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:37 (2 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Antonio Cassano with less talent and a dumber haircut

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

http://thethao.vietnamnet.vn/dataimages/200709/original/images1404623_bg_schweinsteiger_afp_400.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/98/Fredkruegermoviefirst.png/250px-Fredkruegermoviefirst.png

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

Also nice of Germany to let monotonous left-wing "comedian" Mark Steele run their touchline for them.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

STFU: ppl proclaiming that second goal as "fucking brilliant" in the bar, if you stopped to think for a second you'd realise that it was a finish as simple as any we'll see in these championships, and that the build-up play was sufficiently crap to ensure its place atop my Worst Goals of Euro '08 pantheon thus far. I mean it had everything: bad through-ball, terrible defensive blunder, hilarious scuff, lucky follow-up. A spectacular finish such as that isn't NEARLY as difficult for a professional footballer as most other non-open-goal situations, 1-on-1s or snapshots.

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

The STFU is directed at English tv I guess?

He only got the chance because Klose had a bad touch on the ball (he did neutralize the spin of the ball nicely though).

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

So we're going to compare every linesman to a middle-ranking British media personality then?

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

Could be an entertaining diversion.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

Kill your baby, Matt, kill it now.

I'm talking to the ppl I was watching it with, couldn't hear much of the commentary thank fuck, although it was clearly Pearce rather than Motty; he's, like, only 2/3 as bad.

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

Lawrenson described Klose's sclaff as an excellent pass to set up Podolski!

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

yeah well he was obv trying to be WELL FUNNEH INNIT

AND SUCCEEDING

FUCK

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

yeah, it made me laugh.

― ailsa, Sunday, 8 June 2008 20:57 (eighteen years ago)

that Jake person is really bad

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

odd amount of filler / empty time after the Germany game

at least we got to see Platini; I marvelled

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

Garth outside cafe: good

making whole report out of one silly-sounding thing Raymond Domenech once said (and quoting that one thing, over and over, in various ways): not good

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

when the sound went, Hansen said 'apart from Garth, that was like the Polish defence' -- which was nice of him, to Garth

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

thread started in Jan 2006: christ, a different world

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:11 (eighteen years ago)

I think the Polish number four has probably overtaken Streller as worst player I've seen thus far this tournament. He was abominable for the Germans' second. Poland have some useful looking fellers going forward, so they might not be dead and buried yet. Germany have to be fancied for a run to at least the semis though - can't see them being unduly troubled by the runners up from Group A, whoever that winds up being.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:24 (eighteen years ago)

Kind of the same narrative playing out in every game, so far. I suppose this will be the same with France vs Romania tomorrow, and that Holland vs Italy will necessarily be the first game to break this pattern.

A lot of the goals thus far seem to have involved laborious, gradual passing of the ball into the net, a la those with a more boringly mechanistic approach to winning at Pro Evolution Soccer. Podolski's second tongight was a welcome dose of [freakish chaos -----> BOSH], by contrast, even if L Jagger is correct that it was more routine than it is being credited for. There have been a lot of poor shots from distance so far, and I hope that this will be corrected once the players have got used to the unusually retro-styled new ball's idiosyncratic design/possible demonic possession.

Jake Humphrey is a fuckin plastic faced retard, man

― MPx4A, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

is Jake Humphrey the BBC's man-on-the-spot equivalent of Craig Doyle?

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:41 (eighteen years ago)

He lives in south-west London and married his childhood sweetheart, Harriet in a ceremony in his home village near Norwich in August 2007. He is a supporter of Norwich City and names his heroes as Bear Grylls, Des Lynam and Jeremy Goss

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:43 (eighteen years ago)

yes

oh, yes, black and white ball! I knew there was something un/familiar about that.

don't know who L Jagger is, can't see them upthread

passing ball into net: OK I think; eg Portugal's goals both good!

France might beat Romania ... but nah, I think I see a draw.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:45 (eighteen years ago)

don't really know Romania at all now. but France so toothless. started last Euros terribly, didn't they? or was that World Cup? or World Cup before that? guess so. I am forgetting, nowadays. but still remember 1982, 1986 results.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 8 June 2008 21:48 (eighteen years ago)

yeah I think Ferg has sold the Portugal goals a bit short

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 22:50 (eighteen years ago)

Both of the Portugal goals were good but the second one was yoga flame for all time. Really nice bit of play, the turn by Moutinho(?) and the lad who scored taking the touch and then slotting it in coolly. Great.

― jim, Sunday, 8 June 2008 22:52 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah I did, I'm just hankering for a netbuster, World Cup 2006 delivered early in that regard

― MPx4A, Sunday, 8 June 2008 22:54 (eighteen years ago)

did we ever work out whether frings' or lahm's goal was better

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 23:33 (eighteen years ago)

also one of the poland shots, first-time from 25 yards, was fucking TRAVELLING, and most probably headed for some propitious area of the goal, before some german defender got in the way as they always seem to do

― Just got offed, Sunday, 8 June 2008 23:51 (eighteen years ago)

I got a bit bored of 25 yard screamers during that World Cup, my favourite was the Cambiasso goal against Serbia & Montenegro. But an unstoppable half volley on the turn would be nice.

Pinefox are you still rooting for France in this tournament? I could never love a team containing Henry, Gallas, Viera and Anelka. Also any of us have any fucking clue how good Romania actually are? If the rest of the team can play well around Chivu and Mutu we could finally see an upset or two.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 06:20 (eighteen years ago)

Romania did beat the Dutch in qualification, and ended up winning the group. So I don't know if it'd be an upset; they are just being shamefully ignored up to now.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 07:14 (eighteen years ago)

Romania has the best record of the qualifs I think so they're definitely not gonna go down without a fight. As I've said before, I suspect they will go through, along one of the big teams of the group.

Matt - it looks like all the players you mentionned will be out or on the bench.

― baaderonixx, Monday, 9 June 2008 07:31 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, I predicted while I was watching the Portugal game that Romania would go through with either Italy or France, Holland to go out by scoring too few goals.

― aldo, Monday, 9 June 2008 08:47 (eighteen years ago)

Romania has the best record of the qualifs I think so they're definitely not gonna go down without a fight

I can't believe people still think that how a team performs in the qualifying stages has that great a bearing on how they perform in the finals - in the face of ample evidence to the contrary over the years

(have i post this message twice?)

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 08:55 (eighteen years ago)

My favourite '06 goal was the oh-shit-what's-Puyol-doing-BAM-Torres strike against teh Ukrainez

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 08:58 (eighteen years ago)

vividly remember interrupting somebody trying to talk to me to shout "FUUUUUCKIN' ELL" at Maxi Rodriguez' chest and volley, while a large facepainted man draped in a Mexican flag watched on in mute horror

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:03 (eighteen years ago)

^^^those were easily the three best IMO, Frings and Lahm were just the warm-up act, and Joe Cole was lucky

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:07 (eighteen years ago)

Strange moment (first of many to come no doubt) from O'Neill last night, discussing playing the guitar or playing in a band or something. But good on him for comparing Boruc to Cech.

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:08 (eighteen years ago)

He said he would have liked to play in Jethro Tull!

― Stevie T, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:10 (eighteen years ago)

LOL, yes that was it!

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:12 (eighteen years ago)

Are we now going to assign TV pundits to 70's folk-rock groups, Matt?

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:12 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,1201129,00.jpg

very much Doing The Germans' Team Talk For Them, there

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:15 (eighteen years ago)

Because I've got a vision, and that vision is Crosby, Stills, Nash and Townsend

OH SHIIT xpost!

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:16 (eighteen years ago)

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker was shocked when he was shown the paper. "This is shit," he said.

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:17 (eighteen years ago)

haha he's the guy who masterminded my favourite big-tournament game of the decade, Sweden 0-0 Trinidad & Tobago

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:19 (eighteen years ago)

^^^if you watched that match with words such as "plucky" and "impudent" upon your lips, it suddenly became hilarious as fuck, and perhaps the only time the (I think ITV) commentators really made the game

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:20 (eighteen years ago)

Trinidad and Tobago easiest the best motley crew of footballers at any major tournament ever, the white guy really pushed them over the edge.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:22 (eighteen years ago)

Port Vale, wasn't he? Chris something.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:22 (eighteen years ago)

Clayton Ince as the one goalkeeper who could actually throw it further than he could kick it out of hand, also a Crewe player

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:23 (eighteen years ago)

Birchall. Englishness mentioned approx as many times as Colin Kazim- Richards' was the other night.

― ailsa, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:24 (eighteen years ago)

Trinidad and Tobago easiest the best motley crew of footballers at any major tournament ever

Oh I don't know, that USA team in the 1950 World Cup could give them a run for their money

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:24 (eighteen years ago)

yeah there was something of OUR MAN IN AUSTRIA about CKR. loving the in-depth ITV interview afterwards. couldn't hear a word of it owing to being in crowded bar but he looked sufficiently statesmanlike.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:26 (eighteen years ago)

They asked him about Ronaldo.

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:27 (eighteen years ago)

And whether he wanted to play in the Premiership.

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:27 (eighteen years ago)

NO WAI

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:27 (eighteen years ago)

As Ronaldo and the Premiership was the basis of 90% of the commentary of the game, then that's fair enough

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

I was saying this upthread. Fookin' ridic.

CKR isn't even my favourite English Turk. That honour would have to fall to Leicester's finest, Mustapha Izzet. Great little player in my formative years of footy-watching, one of the nice guys, and I maintain he should have been an England international.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:33 (eighteen years ago)

I have noticed the teams that don't have a Brazilian playing for them often have a Turk playing for them

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

Turkey had a player called "Aurelio", wonder where he's from

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:36 (eighteen years ago)

Terry Wogan would not approve

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

They asked him about Ronaldo.

-- Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 10:27 (11 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And whether he wanted to play in the Premiership.

-- Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 10:27 (11 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

I think it's pretty clear that Ronaldo doesn't want to play in the Premiership.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

LZBC's Italian signing pulls it out.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

Are LZBC more a club or a country?

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:40 (eighteen years ago)

That was a tap-in (xp)

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:40 (eighteen years ago)

the Marco Gabbiadini of LZBC

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:40 (eighteen years ago)

LBZC? Was never really on board with this acronym shit

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

I'm gonna call my team in Football Manager Live AC LBZC.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

the Lol Britpop Zoccerball Club

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

Levski Borussia Zenit City

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

Left back Zanetti's catenaccio

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

And yes I am aware he plays at right-back

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

On a similar note, Jonathan Wilson on the death of the centre forward: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/06/08/the_end_of_forward_thinking.html

Admittedly it's based solely around United chasing penalties in the CL final and how Roma play when Cassano is injured/banned/has just walked off the pitch after ten minutes because he was bored, but it's not a bad read.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

During the last World Cup, one of my friends described Portugal as one goalkeeper and ten midfield players.

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:48 (eighteen years ago)

They have been playing without a proper forward for years, of course they've never won anything

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:49 (eighteen years ago)

I _think_ he's arguing about the death of the traditional "Big Number Nine", but I think Klose and Toni would have something to say about that.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:51 (eighteen years ago)

Jan LOLler

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:51 (eighteen years ago)

yeah that was a pretty good article although drawn from a limited source, would be nice to see charlton playing some total football next season but i severely doubt they will

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:54 (eighteen years ago)

By the way, did you notice Lawrenson's dig at Charlton last night?

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:55 (eighteen years ago)

WHAT? Illuminate me.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 09:56 (eighteen years ago)

Oh I've just realised it wasn't a dig at Charlton it was a dig at the Polish player:

Motty: "Heh, the Polish centre back who, heh, of course once had a trial at Charlton!!!!!"
Lawro: "Lucky escape."

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 09:59 (eighteen years ago)

I think we're all pretty much damned there. Motty, Lawro an' all.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 10:00 (eighteen years ago)

regarding portugal and until recently, they had pauleta, you know...
not exactly a bad striker...

― AleXTC, Monday, 9 June 2008 11:44 (eighteen years ago)

Not a bad one, a rank rotten one... but let's not get into discussing the merits of Pauleta or Trezeguet again

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 11:48 (eighteen years ago)

In the last few WCs and ECs, there was some site with animations allowing you to experience the goals etc from various viewpoints. Anyone know if that exists this time around?

(I thought I remembered it being linked to from ilx with the words "Be Maris Verpakovskis!", but search doesn't find that.)

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 9 June 2008 12:10 (eighteen years ago)

hah - yeah Pauleta doesn't exactly inspire fear. I wish he would have scored as many goals for his club as Trezeguet though...

― baaderonixx, Monday, 9 June 2008 12:29 (eighteen years ago)

there have been some awesome slow motion shots of dudes grimacing like fuck when challenging for headers and stuff

― MPx4A, Monday, 9 June 2008 12:37 (eighteen years ago)

Aye those ultra slow shots of the shockwaves running across their cheeks are great. I've noticed that it also turns out that everyone (that I've seen so far) closes their eyes when they head the ball - something people used to slag each other off about.

― onimo, Monday, 9 June 2008 12:46 (eighteen years ago)

At school I was told if you headed a ball without closing your eyes they just fell out.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 13:01 (eighteen years ago)

not so sure about the stop-start slow-motion-fast-motion replays that make the coverage look like a student film-maker's idea of a football match

xpost lol

― ailsa, Monday, 9 June 2008 13:02 (eighteen years ago)

I noticed the BBC doing arty stuff like this for their highlights of the Austria v. Croatia, INSTEAD OF JUST SHOWING US THE GAME. People who don't understand football be editing football matches, oh noes

― Tom D., Monday, 9 June 2008 13:17 (eighteen years ago)

Editors be bored watching Croatia - Austria

― baaderonixx, Monday, 9 June 2008 13:20 (eighteen years ago)

some site with animations allowing you to experience the goals etc from various viewpoints

Ah found it. BBC sport obv.

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 9 June 2008 13:37 (eighteen years ago)

My favourite thing about the tournament so far = Louis bitchin' about the people he watches football with. Keep up the good work son.

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

Castrol Index is a nice site for stat-geeks. It tracks speed, movement, shots etc. with a bunch of cameras, for teams as well as individual players. So far, Nihat Kahveci is the fastest player of the tournament, reaching a top speed of 31.11 km/h on the pitch. Just so you know.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

I thought all international tournaments used the same camera team? You can usually tell by the embarrassed and uncomfortable sounds that Motty occasionally makes to assure us that those jiggling Brazilian breasts certainly wouldn't be onscreen for so long if the Beeb were filming.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:20 (eighteen years ago)

lol

― Ste, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:23 (eighteen years ago)

okay, whether to watch France and Romania or get out in the sunshine after work ????

― Ste, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:23 (eighteen years ago)

how about both!!

― baaderonixx, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:25 (eighteen years ago)

could be tricky, would mean sitting next to a busy main road looking through my living room window. Wouldn't be able to hear it.

― Ste, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:28 (eighteen years ago)

i'm off in 20m to the nearest bar with a terrasse abd a big screen

― baaderonixx, Monday, 9 June 2008 14:52 (eighteen years ago)

ERGH curse you work... curse you eastern time zone... first game at noon?! i am going to have to use bbc's "live" text web site thing :(

― Will M., Monday, 9 June 2008 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

it's like not being able to play GTA IV but instead being able to play the zork version of GTA IV only less awesome than that sounds

― Will M., Monday, 9 June 2008 15:31 (eighteen years ago)

DC, or anyone, do you fancy watching any of France in London? I have been trying to persuade people to come out but sans success.

― the pinefox, Monday, 9 June 2008 15:39 (eighteen years ago)

Sadly I will miss too much of the game due to work commitments to make it worthwhile, so I'm going to go home during the course of the second half to ensure I'm home in time for Holland v Italy.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 15:40 (eighteen years ago)

Will M. OTM

I have used ESPN360 at work for the Champions League final and for USA v. Spain, but I can't quite justify it for this.

― dan m, Monday, 9 June 2008 15:43 (eighteen years ago)

Man that's a shit France team.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:10 (eighteen years ago)

Because of individual players? Cause they're full on attacking ever since the start of this.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:13 (eighteen years ago)

I'm liking this French side, yeah. Good tempo, passing, movement.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:33 (eighteen years ago)

BBC website says there has been one shot on target so far in the entire match. I'm going to the pub for the seconds half. Can't wait...

― onimo, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

seconds half

and that's before I've had a drink

― onimo, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:36 (eighteen years ago)

Nah, that was a good half. Romania not to shabby on the counter either.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

Anelka really has no place being in an international football team.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

Best game of the tournament so far. I like the pace of the French, but it's good to see Romania getting into this as well.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

Anelka really has no place playing with other people who might want him to pass the ball to them occasionally.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

OTM about Anelka. Had a great chance to play it to a teammate but decided to shoot in the side net from an impossible position. Duh.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/noodle_vague/DSCF5204.jpg

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:52 (eighteen years ago)

I really like Romania, they're a bit like Greece if Greece could attack. They've even got a horrendous novelty keeper. Watching him try and deal with backpasses is great fun for all the family.

Particularly impressed by Rat, oddly.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

0-0 would be a great score from this game, if you ask me.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, I was thinking about Greece at the end of the half there when Romania had the corners, had half a feeling they'd sneak in front right on half time.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:55 (eighteen years ago)

lol Dom still bitter over Zidane's brutal unprovoked assault in the last World Cup Final.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:56 (eighteen years ago)

lol terrorist whore

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 16:57 (eighteen years ago)

Alan Hansen being pretty lol there. "I don't care what happens. I'm sick to death of this game." or something like that.

― caek, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:02 (eighteen years ago)

Bemused at English pundits moaning about this, it's been almost exactly like watching Chelsea-Liverpool or another match from the High Tempo Best League in the Universe ((c) some twat, 2002).

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:06 (eighteen years ago)

Dutch commentators said they fell asleep as well the first half. Now he's digging teh excitement though.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:11 (eighteen years ago)

I think 5 Live need to stop putting Ket in the commentary team's Bovril.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:13 (eighteen years ago)

Cos you know, it all somehow comes off as slightly "WAH WAH WHY AREN'T ENGLAND THERE WE ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THESE BORING CHEATING FOREIGNERS" lol forgetting every England tournament performance of the last 12 years.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:14 (eighteen years ago)

The BBC live text is insufferable with that attitiude.

― Michael White, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

Why oh why did Romania not start with 5 men up front against 2006 World Cup Finalists France?

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:23 (eighteen years ago)

lol hansen's lost will 2 live

― Frogman Henry, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Roflmania

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

shittest most boring game so far.

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

Neither teams created a single big chance, did they? Also, Rat played a great game.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Lol @ Noodle Vague

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Best game of the tournament so far. I like the pace of the French, but it's good to see Romania getting into this as well.

Alan Hansen just now "without a shadow of a doubt the worst game I've ever seen in my life".

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Fortunately for everybody in the group, the Dutch are due to start smacking each other in training and forming 3 separate teams by, say, Wednesday?

xpost I thought that was a decent game, better than Switz-Czech and Croatia-Austria no problem.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:56 (eighteen years ago)

Whehhhh. Think I realised that what I liked most about Romania was how enthusiastically they all sang their anthem. Very lusty.

Man, I love Desailly.

xp - man, Switz-Ukraine fades from the memory fast, eh?

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:56 (eighteen years ago)

Noodle bringing teh lolz again re. the Dutch. I phearzor 'we' are going te get whacked cattenacio style tonight.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

it was like watching scotland, or worse, rangers in uefa cup.

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

Commentators get all twitchy if nobody scores a 30-yard screamer after 15 minutes. I've sat thru christ knows how many England first matches that were infinitely duller than that one.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

William OTM. It wasn't that bad. Always nice to see Anelka FAIL.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

whole lotta toothless anti-vowsah yawn

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

Anelka will be lucky to get a start the rest of the tournament after that "contribution".

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 17:59 (eighteen years ago)

I've sat thru christ knows how many England first matches that were infinitely duller than that one. -- Noodle Vague

some relief, eh?! ;)

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:00 (eighteen years ago)

You knows it.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:02 (eighteen years ago)

That's true also.

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:03 (eighteen years ago)

That was the biggest load of unmitigated wank I have ever witnessed in my short and hitherto bountiful life, unaided by my "friend" chatting the most astounding crap (if there was a nadir, it was probably "I think castration would turn Lou15 on"). Jesus fucking Christ you'd imagine an international team at a major tournament would be able to muster some sort of heartfelt effort upon the big area 8 yards wide and one Edwin Van Der Sar high, and when the cleanest strikes in an entire half come from the two left-backs, you've gotta despair for the health of the spectators who shelled out megabucks for this pigswill.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:06 (eighteen years ago)

Further to any Rom-Greece comparisons - the problem they'll have is that Greece had a proper, quality centre-back in Dellas, and Goian and Tamas didn't look all that great. They scrambled, closed and contained, but you'd think someone will find their way by them eventually. Plus, Contra's booking probably won't be topped for idiocy this tournament.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:08 (eighteen years ago)

Hansen (as above) says that was the worst game he's ever seen. But I don't think that can be true. I didn't really think it looked that bad.

― the pinefox, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:10 (eighteen years ago)

Well to be fair I only saw the second half. Don't know if there was a dramatic down-turn in quality over the Lucozade'n'oranges, because that's what would have had to have happened for the first period to be anything like acceptable as a top-level sporting encounter.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:12 (eighteen years ago)

it was
x-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:13 (eighteen years ago)

I love games where one side sets up to keep the other out, maybe hit them on the break (which Romania had chances, maybe half-chances, to do) and then the favourites have to try and incompetently break down their opposition's defence.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:15 (eighteen years ago)

There is a VERY fine line between those games being amazing and brilliant lolfests (the aforementioned 0-0 between Sweden and T&T) and abortive chyme-reflux-inducing trash such as today's sorry shower.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:17 (eighteen years ago)

If getting home after work to lie about on the sofa in sweltering heat supping cold drinks and watching the plucky underdogs slug their way to a victory draw is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:21 (eighteen years ago)

Noodle Ingram otm.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:22 (eighteen years ago)

Thing is, Romania didn't feel like plucky underdogs because France were so inept and Romania were always too comfortable. It didn't have the right feel. There was no pluck, only negativity.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:23 (eighteen years ago)

Apres Match for this tournament thus far. Not quite up with their finest stuff, but infinitely preferable to Shearer and his Invisible Quality Stick.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:24 (eighteen years ago)

Last time Holland beat Italy was in 1978 in Argentina...
I'm gonna go, flee the ridiculously orange draped streets here, and watch the game. Prediction: 0-1 Italy. Too bad, but I don't see Holland pulling this off. 'So not gonna happen', uh-huh.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:25 (eighteen years ago)

May a swarm of sweet bumblin' bees sting yer propheteerin' tongue, o Le Bateau Ivre.

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:28 (eighteen years ago)

Romania running the ball into the corner with two minutes to go and a five-man break on was pretty dismal viewing

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:29 (eighteen years ago)

I'm stocking up my jpegs of this guy

http://estaticos01.cache.el-mundo.net/elmundo/imagenes/2007/09/13/1189636612_0.jpg

for hilarity later in the week.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:32 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, exactly. Romania had the firepower to at least have a go, something they signally failed to do. Hence my sympathies towards them drained quicker than my sweat-glands while attempting to run a 200-metre course in under 30 seconds during a fit of madness at the park. 33.9 apparently. Jesus.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:33 (eighteen years ago)

Man, Berne looks beautiful. And hell, football stadiums surrounded by Actual Fields!

Also, say what you like about ITV's coverage - at least their credits give Theo Zagorakis and the boys a spot of due recognition...

Zenden on the couch!

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

May a swarm of sweet bumblin' bees sting yer propheteerin' tongue, o Le Bateau Ivre.

-- t**t, Monday, June 9, 2008 6:28 PM (5 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Let's hope so!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

Who are you watching tonight's match with, Just Got Offed?

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:36 (eighteen years ago)

Just the same half-cocked loose-tongued college buddies as ever! Will report back in 2 hours or so with choice observances and enraged invective where it's due.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:39 (eighteen years ago)

Also, the nice thing about the Romanian anthem is that the mics were far enough away that you couldn't hear the actual players singing. Materazzi's voice + Materazzi's teeth = OWWWWW

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:42 (eighteen years ago)

Right, I'm not liveblogging this shit, see youse all after these messages.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:43 (eighteen years ago)

Tyldsley not v optimistic "our first goalless draw of the day earlier between France and Romania"..

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

lol Gattuso introduces himself

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

kuyt introduced himself on the right wing earlier, when he fell over.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:02 (eighteen years ago)

as I posted that he just played a great through ball, sorry dirk

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:03 (eighteen years ago)

lol Van Nis screwed by his own honesty

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:03 (eighteen years ago)

And they wonder why players go down so easily

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:04 (eighteen years ago)

standard of football way higher in this game so far

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:05 (eighteen years ago)

Then scores from 2 yards offside?

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:12 (eighteen years ago)

Can't see how the linesman could've doubted that.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:12 (eighteen years ago)

Oh man there are few sights more satisfying in football than Italy conceding a beyond dubious goal. Lololol.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

I liked the way they all had to wave Andre Ooijer into the celebratory huddle - "No, seriously, it's cool, we're all bros..."

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

did tyldsley just say "spikey!"

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:14 (eighteen years ago)

Congrats to Bateau, if he was still here.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:14 (eighteen years ago)

THAT ONE WAS LEGIT

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

brilliant

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

WHAT A GOAL!

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

Excellent goal, best of the tournament thus far.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:17 (eighteen years ago)

Shoddy defending tho

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:17 (eighteen years ago)

but yeah, cracking goal

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:17 (eighteen years ago)

That was just fucking great, impregnable Italian defence totally sliced open.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:18 (eighteen years ago)

could be a great game now, lovely move by Italy for that Di Natale shot too

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:20 (eighteen years ago)

Tyldsley's mention of "Van-Basten's injury-kerbed career" - cheeky dig at Pleat?

― Frogman Henry, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:28 (eighteen years ago)

Oh man Van Nis shoulda done better than that.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:28 (eighteen years ago)

Don't think this is over yet.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:32 (eighteen years ago)

Donadoni out

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:33 (eighteen years ago)

Oh man there are few sights more satisfying in football than Italy conceding a beyond dubious goal. Lololol.-- Matt DC

I drinkst to that! :)

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:34 (eighteen years ago)

Di Natale looks a bit of a handful though. Watch Donadoni take him off now.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:36 (eighteen years ago)

Haha Van Nistelrooy so knew that was offside, his first reaction was to look over at the linesman.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:37 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, Burt Kwouk. You can do better than this.

Really good half. Oddly enough, I can't think of any player who's having a bad game, which is a first for this tournament (possible exception being Luca Toni At A Major Tournament; oh, and Materazzi, seeing as how he's, y'know, Materazzi), and Sneijder has been especially awesome.

Also, I think Dirk Kuyt's workrate might well prove to be the undoing of Romania. Hassle them enough and they'll crack, and he will hassle them hard.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:37 (eighteen years ago)

Di Natale looks great. If Italy can get one back early in the second half this could wind up being a thriller.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

Also Gattuso reminding me of why he's brilliant when he's actually playmaking and not, y'know, kicking dudes at random.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:39 (eighteen years ago)

Right, what's the offside rule when there's a defender off the pitch? The rules don't specifically say whether he counts or not.

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:39 (eighteen years ago)

"INNIT BOLO INNIT BOLO, BOLO WILL TELL YOU, "YEP YEP YEEEP YEP YEP YEP YEP YEEEP"

is andy townsend on coke or something?

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:40 (eighteen years ago)

xpost

If he's off the field of play he doesn't count.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:40 (eighteen years ago)

Hm! I'm listening to a football coach (NOT a Hollanderer or anything:) commenting on that situation on TV - he sayeth that the lol-lying-down 'talian defender beside the goal maketh Van'lroooy on-side!?

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:41 (eighteen years ago)

I thought the Italian guy was behind the line, and he don't count from there. If he was sprawled across the line that'd be different.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:42 (eighteen years ago)

I love how the entire ITV panel is going "yeah, Van Nistelrooy should've dived, definitely".

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:42 (eighteen years ago)

Van Nistlerooy not diving followed by lol offside goal = Instant Karma

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:44 (eighteen years ago)

Pure Lollapaalooza

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:46 (eighteen years ago)

Tyldesley drops "lol Italians are rapey" gag

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

I love that Julia Roberts is his go-to reference for a hot lady when talking about a bunch of Italian sportsmen mainly in their 20s

― DJ Mencap, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:55 (eighteen years ago)

they wouldn't bat an eyelid if Cleopatra herself walked through the team hotel

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:57 (eighteen years ago)

Tyldesley drops "lol South Korea 2002" joke

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 19:59 (eighteen years ago)

Quoted in an american minute-by-minute (many xpost):

Advice to Referees 11.11:
"A defender who leaves the field during the course of play and does not immediately return must still be considered in determining where the second to last defender is for the purpose of judging which attackers are in an offside position. Such a defender is considered to be on the touch line or goal line closest to his or her off-field position. A defender who leaves the field with the referee's permission (and who thus requires the referee's permission to return) is not included in determining offside position."

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

It is almost like the ref at half time was all "Hai guyz think we effed up that first goal like, tell you what, let's not give anybody anything second half".

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

xpost okay hmmm interesting. Can't remember ever seeing an off the field player being treated like that tho.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

I spent the half-time break trying to find this thing, but no doubt Andy Townsend said exactly the same in his analysis.

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

That mean's the tv's gonna be full of incompetent former hacks like Poll smugly explaining why dude was correct for the next three days.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

lol Townsend understanding the laws.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:04 (eighteen years ago)

T/S: Bringing del Piero on when you're 2-0 down with half an hour to play vs Bringing Owen on

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:06 (eighteen years ago)

Hard to choose 'txixt those.

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

I think I might learn Estonian just so I can butcher it on the internet >:(

― Mark C, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

(p.s. don't mind me, I'm grumpy right now)

― Mark C, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

(yo welcome to be grumpy all you want by me, as long as 'talians bite teh turf)

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

lol "here comes the bad boy of Italian football" singular

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

bad bad miss. enrico chiesa would have put that in.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, International Striker Luca Toni...

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

I think Toni was just off, but if Pleat says otherwise who am I to argue?

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

Jebus that was some Chuckle Brothers defending right there.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

!!!

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

3:0

― t**t, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

Soon as they broke from that save you could see them scoring, tho they took their time over it.

Romania rubbing their hands looking forward to Friday.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:22 (eighteen years ago)

I don't want this to end.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:22 (eighteen years ago)

Van der Sar's save looked even better in the replay

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

Oooh this dude Afellay is good. Gave Spurs the right run around earlier this year. Insert zing here.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

So typical of Kuyt to miss then set up the goal.

Afellay looks about 11.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

I don't want this to end.

Me neither, this is great.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

THEY'LL BE DANCING IN THE STREETS OF DE SUBJECTIVISTEN TONIGHT

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

haha amazing, right as pleat says "never resort to the big kick" a dutch player roots the ball out of play.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:25 (eighteen years ago)

UEFA official explains the van Nistelrooy goal

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:29 (eighteen years ago)

This is great stuff

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:30 (eighteen years ago)

You always felt Holland were playing within themselves just waiting to break for the 3rd.

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:32 (eighteen years ago)

Pleat praising the Dutch there for having the courage to continue going forward despite only being 3-0 up in the ninetieth minute.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:32 (eighteen years ago)

Hey Dom, apparently this is "a night that reminds us why we love football".

― Mark C, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

shame this is over soon, will have to work again before seeing another game.

and it's sweden vs greece.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

Man, Sweden vs Greece has got classic written all over it.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

some say johan elmander is the swedish luca toni

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

I might go and put £20 on Italy dumping Holland out in the semis now. They didn't actually play that badly tonight, Holland were just amazing on the break. I'd still fancy them to get out of that group.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah I wd fancy them but I don't think France or Romania were as woeful as some people claimed today, just cagey. Group of Death for reals.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

great game, and that was a totally legal goal - the player was surely still 'in play' as he hadn't left the pitch for any special reason.

Second goal was utterly fantastic, as was the third.

― Ste, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

I dunno, France were pretty poor today. Compared to both Italy and Holland they had no organisation going forward.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

So how are the Dutch gonna cock up from here, then? Cos... wow, they were good. I think I might call Engelaar for man of the match, oddly - he was always there to pick up and get things going again. They all worked so well together - great, great stuff. So not gonna win.

lol Townsend "We don't even go that far for our holidays - 45 yards!" and then you remember he's a host on Talksport so that's quite possibly true.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

yeah Engelaar was very good.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

Roberto Donadoni got the role of Italy manager because he was the best Italian manager not involve in Moggiopoli. Which is a bit like being the best white boxer of the 90s.

You want to make excuses and say "A tournament too far", but... we looked like we were all recouperating from injury out there. Not just the fact that the Dutch had half a yard on us in seemingly every single move both side made, but just the lack of vision and knowledge the team had between them. So many passes five feet off, runs down blind channels, guys not getting forward on the attack... So if Donadoni is our punishment for our crooked league, I'm pretty sure we're gonna engage in straight-up Opus Dei levels of pennance over the next few weeks.

Positives? Buffon wasn't at fault for any of the goals. Del Piero and Cassano both looked like they were up for the "scorned Italian striker who starts off on the bench and ends up as their top scorer" role. Toni is the kind of player to build a team around, but building a team around him doesn't mean "he's big, shove a little guy up there as well", easy. Matterazzi hasn't gotten any more stupid tattoos in the past year. That's about it for positives.

I really worry about Romania now, being as they're a tidy defensive outfit who can rustle up a counter-attack. Simply put, that was the shittiest I've seen Italy play in a majour tournament since the game against the Czech Republic in 96.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

Now THAT was more like it. Although one of our number fell asleep midway through the second half, just as the pace if anything got even quicker. Very exciting stuff.

The best bit about the second goal was Sneijder's volleyed pass just outside his own box to set the move going. Absolutely nobody else remarked on it, but I'm convinced it was a thing of wonder. Fucking superb goal. Holland were perhaps lucky with Van Nistelrooy's but as NV said there was an element of karma at work. Also they were denied a clear 1-on-1 by an incorrect linesman decision when it was still only 2-0, so things just about evened up.

My "friends" were, sleeper aside, quite rowdy, although their respect for and knowledge of European Championship history was sorely lacking. When I launched into a piece on Pedro Munitis (which quickly became one on Zlatko Zahovic) I was shouted down and told to shut up and watch, while a conversation about testicle-shaving sprung up unchallenged across the sofa. Shameful.

Is it me or was there an element of the Italian chap clearing it onto his own leg for the third goal?

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

And, y'know, at the end of the day, has any Dutch band ever recorded a song this good?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl204CfCGRg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

D'you reckon there's any situation in which Steve Ryder would not talk in the Steve Ryder Intonation?

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

And, y'know, at the end of the day, has any Dutch band ever recorded a song this good?

You checked my UEFA official link, right?

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

Don't make me break out the piano house.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_PLsoFFEHqo

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

I also think Dom's being hysterical, and as one who understands the Mediterranean passion in the heat of the moment I can assure him that from where I sat, Italy strung some nice moves together and frequently not only controlled play but looked threatening. Grosso had a major positive influence after coming on, although he really should have scored. They'll bounce back, no question. The only worry is that their midfield didn't exert as much control as perhaps they'd have hoped.

Ach, Steve Ryder is, as I have oft said before, the slimiest, most condescending piece of shit currently connected with televised sport, a gusher of empty platitude and airbrush-faced mundanity. He has the personality of a defeated emperor's crown and is the antithesis of what makes football great (see: Mediterranean passion etc).

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQHZgkeSW48

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

Pirlo was off-colour, if anyone's gonna take the hit today.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

Fuck y'all

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lbi2i0j0k9M

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

I thought Italy were good, nice passing at times, looked a bit better with Grosso in maybe.

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7IpEnsdXwFM

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

Italy's was the second best performance of the day, yes.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rt6Co7EMNCU

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

Actually, I wound up watching Best Ever Football Funnies on ITV4, narrated by... Peter Brackley. That's a run of football bloopers, narrated in the style of the intro screen from Pro Evo 4. As good as you'd think except worse.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah RONAN I just said that

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:57 (eighteen years ago)

Patriotic techno from one of Eiffel 65 and Little Tony, the crooner from above: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Msh1_bpEk

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:58 (eighteen years ago)

sorry I only read the first part of your post and was agreeing. didn't see the Grosso part. x-post

― Ronan, Monday, 9 June 2008 20:59 (eighteen years ago)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZCti-yENAG0

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44732000/jpg/_44732009_mauro_getty.jpg

He looks so peaceful.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LtYaCm5njY

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

The last 15 minutes worth of posts = best nightclub soundtrack ever

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

Time to take it to the chillout room: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZiUn8RwpcfY

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:03 (eighteen years ago)

Particularly the bits where Louis starts shouting.

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:03 (eighteen years ago)

As the bouncer escorts him to the exit.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:04 (eighteen years ago)

LEAVE IT LOUIS HE'S NOT WORTH IT

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

lololoololol good times!

very good first half obv. everyone thought van nistelrooy's goal was a scandal, so did i. has that debate been settled yet? sneijder's goal was good stuff. engelaar, van bronckhorst, boula and sneijder were great. second half started poorly, thought it was going to be a physical battle. but the italians seemed too tired to come back in.

THEY'LL BE DANCING IN THE STREETS OF DE SUBJECTIVISTEN TONIGHT

-- Noodle Vague, Monday, June 9, 2008 8:24 PM (17 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

rofl! this here subjectivist let himself, indeed, be seduced to a little dance.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

I think I might call Engelaar for man of the match, oddly

lol. Van Bronckhorst, surely.

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

xpost
Didn't dance, just poured myself a whisky :)

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:06 (eighteen years ago)

congrats guillame :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

xp just as good!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

has that debate been settled yet?

Yep, ctrl+f for "11.11"

Three days now where afternoon game has been a bit lacklustre and evening game much more intense, speedy & fun. Weather/heat vs fixtures vs random?

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:08 (eighteen years ago)

Merci! What a match..
xpost

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:09 (eighteen years ago)

Don't know, the radio commentator on Saturday's afternoon match said it was cold, but I don't know if he meant sitting still in the shade of the stand or everywhere.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

I was genuinely doing my nut over Zlatko Zahovic. When accused of inundating my fellow spectators with "stats" I went off on one. "THESE ARE NOT STATS!!! This is history, this is storytelling! These are things that OCCURRED! If I was just feeding you STATS I'd recite Zahovic's games played, goals scored international record, but I'm not doing that am I? I don't know that shit! I'm giving you the vital and incredibly interesting backdrop to these European Championships and if you fairweather latecomers just want to natter away about what's in front of you without knowing a FUCKING THING about the way this tournament has blessed us, then I don't want to know!!!"

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

Dutch players in tv-interviews sooo subdued - yeah, that was ok. must remain focussed. cannot smile.

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:10 (eighteen years ago)

More promising evening fixtures all 3 days more likely the reason.

xpost NO LOUIS LEAVE HIM THEY'VE PHONED THE OLD BILL

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:11 (eighteen years ago)

haven't seen 'm play this good under van basten's reign. hope the only way is up now.

@willem: i know! they should learn how to party some more.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

or be genuinely happy, at least.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

-- Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 22:10 (1 minute ago) Bookmark Link

posts mainly in character

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON THE INTERNET, HOLLANDERS

fucking enjoy yselves

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

yeah indeed. less like me

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

(xpost lol drinking whisky = enjoying myself)

― willem, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

Come on lads, we've all had a drink. Let's leave it eh? Come on mate, let's go and get something to eat.

― Noodle Vague, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

super-xp - Kuyt looked happy enough, but then again that's just Dirk Kuyt. I can imagine him and Edwin van der Sar going off to a park after the game, Edwin booting long balls into the air, yelling "Fetch!" and Dirk running merrily after them. While some Swiss people look a bit confused.

Re: afternoon/evening - look at tomorrow - Spain-Russia is gonna be a really intriguing litmus test for both sides; have Spain really shaken off their hoodoo? Are Russia, seemingly everyone's dark horses, actually good enough to really give the big names a fright?

And then, er, Sweden and Greece. Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally not be shit on the world stage? Has Angelos Charisteas learnt to dribble? How's Olof Mellberg's beard looking these days?

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

I've put Basinas in my fantasy team!

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:16 (eighteen years ago)

Haha, at the final whistle of Germany-Poland, the German contingent of our college bar, who had ever-so-promptly decked themselves across the entire front row of the bar, burst into a spontaneous and thoroughly polite round of applause, observed with complete vocal silence. I wish we were a bit more like that. Dignified in victory, passionate in recollection.

I thought Sneijder's goal celebration was very measured, in fact, and I delighted in the way he didn't run about like a moron with contorted features, but instead beamed his way into the manager's arms. There ARE goals which call for a wilder response, but no matter how good they are, they NEVER come half an hour into the first game of a tournament, they come in the last 10 minutes of a knock-out.

― Just got offed, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:18 (eighteen years ago)

Although the performance wasn't all that bad, the result and the group they're in makes me think I might not be trotting out the old "my great-grandfather was from the Piedmont so I have a reason to support Italy" weasel line.

― jim, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:21 (eighteen years ago)

If I read eloratings.net correctly, this is only the third time ever that Italy loses by three goals in EC/WC finals, following 1-4 vs Switzerland in 1954 and 0-3 vs Brazil in 1970...

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 9 June 2008 21:34 (eighteen years ago)

italy are old and their centre forward is clumsy. i also think the zip has gone out of pirlo and gattuso's play, and ambrosini is a nonentity.

― Weasel Diesel, Monday, 9 June 2008 22:02 (eighteen years ago)

maybe i am being harsh, but i thought some of the assessments of their performance here were generous.

― Weasel Diesel, Monday, 9 June 2008 22:04 (eighteen years ago)

As the dude managing Italy in Europop 2008, I applaud the direction this thread has taken.

― Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 22:09 (eighteen years ago)

Italy's central defense was a joke. I never thought they'd really miss Cannavaro but it turns out no-one's ready to fill his shoes. Anayway, despite the spectacular defeat, Italy has a much bigger chance of going through than France.

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 07:25 (eighteen years ago)

As the dude managing Italy in Europop 2008, I applaud the direction this thread has taken.

-- Matt DC, Monday, 9 June 2008 22:09 (Yesterday) Link

http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=8gsWhAKlaA0

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 08:54 (eighteen years ago)

Calm down Louis. France worse than Italy, Romania nothing special, so still hope for Italy.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 09:16 (eighteen years ago)

yeah, Italy and Holland will get through easy

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 09:26 (eighteen years ago)

Calm down Louis. France worse than Italy, Romania nothing special, so still hope for Italy.

Weirdly enough this is one of the points I was making!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 09:45 (eighteen years ago)

No, I meant calm down in general!

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

Ach, it isn't harming anyone!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 09:48 (eighteen years ago)

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was ONSIDE according to Keith Hackett

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/euro2008/2008/06/you_are_the_ref_special.html

Panucci was playing him even though he was off the pitch.

― Jarlrmai, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 11:35 (eighteen years ago)

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v253/135/36/724609957/n724609957_572515_6385.jpg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 12:17 (eighteen years ago)

Finally, a goal for my fantasy team

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:24 (eighteen years ago)

Good, hoping Russia flop in this tournament

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:26 (eighteen years ago)

Oh wau, the 'latest highlights' thing on the BBC Sport site is really fucking useful.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:29 (eighteen years ago)

LOL Fabregas on bench

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:43 (eighteen years ago)

excellent goal

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:46 (eighteen years ago)

Russia look good going forward so this game might not be over. Spain look really good though.

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:47 (eighteen years ago)

love strachan.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

Spain scoring early has made this a really good game.

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

seriously, shut lee dixon the fuck up and just strachan talk more.
what on earth has hansen done to his eyebrows, btw?

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

^ lol girl comment

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

Gazprom dudes 0:2 behind = there might be a god after all.

― t**t, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:50 (eighteen years ago)

^ lol 'stonian boy comment

― t**t, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

Very good play by Spain the first half, with Russia not playing poor either.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:51 (eighteen years ago)

This is a good game - very much like last night with one side playing solid build-up play with little or no penetration and one playing on the break against two centre halves who look tired of football.

wtf is the commentary like? Oh aye, Russia don't have any players in The Best League In The World, so they must be mince to Lawro.

― aldo, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:54 (eighteen years ago)

All the Beeb's coverage is on iPlayer, btw. In case you didn't know.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:58 (eighteen years ago)

Ramon Vega looks more or less exactly like you'd imagine he would these days, eh?

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

Stubbs cannot stand under Desailly's umbrella.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:01 (eighteen years ago)

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was ONSIDE according to Keith Hackett
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/euro2008/2008/06/you_are_the_ref_special.html
Panucci was playing him even though he was off the pitch.

i looked at this goal for the first time - panucci is totally further from the touchline than ruuuuuuud was, so clearly that's offside regardless?!!?

― ken c, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:02 (eighteen years ago)

Why did spain take torres off??

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:14 (eighteen years ago)

Why is Stubbs shouting all the time? Please make him stop.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:16 (eighteen years ago)

perhaps because they're already 2-0 up and might want to rest him for games where he might be more needed?

xpost

dear commentators, please shut up about the eurovision song contest, kthankbye

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

russia's back line barely looks alive at this point!

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:31 (eighteen years ago)

haha

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:31 (eighteen years ago)

oooh-key... 3:0 was on the cards for a while.

― t**t, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:32 (eighteen years ago)

Should have made him my fucking Captain...

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:33 (eighteen years ago)

Lawro claiming the Premier League is the reason for Spain's success there.

― Neil S, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:36 (eighteen years ago)

Hence England's presence at these finals

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

Funny, but I thought they got knocked out by RUSSIA?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:38 (eighteen years ago)

I should have said upthread, but Russia were _easily_ the most overrated nation at this tournament.

The two most underrated play each other tonight.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:39 (eighteen years ago)

When did Villa play in the EPL? OR Iniesta? Or Denis Kolodin (ZING!)? xp

― Will M., Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

Spain's deeefence lettin' their fences down again, huh.

― t**t, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:43 (eighteen years ago)

...And ...and ...AND ?! LOLOLOLOL! 4:1, eheheh

― t**t, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:47 (eighteen years ago)

That was very nice. The Spanish attacking unit were wonderful, Russia could not do a thing. Villa's work on the third was brilliant, he was just bullying the poor sods by that point. Thing is, their defence has made the odd mistake - I think the Dutch all-round were stronger, and seem a bit more likely as winners. Spain are ruddy dangerous tho.

Stubbsy does not get an umbrella until he wins his first World Cup.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

Wau, this is pretty neat: Virtual replays of every goal!

You can choose your perspective on the action, ie. see through Van Nistelrooy's eyes when he scored. Or, lolol, from Panucci's perspective. Great fun!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:30 (eighteen years ago)

Classic punditry on ITV now - Townsend and Redknapp tying themselves in knots over van Nistelrooy's goal

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

'Arry offers the views:
a) that the decision was correct; and
b) that the linesman made a mistake
in his opening sentence.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:39 (eighteen years ago)

Olof's beard is marvellous, so that's the evening's first big question sorted.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:43 (eighteen years ago)

Judging on anthem-singing is not perhaps the most reliable of assessment methods, but the Greek lads looked petrified.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:45 (eighteen years ago)

The sky over Salzburg looks totally awesome.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:02 (eighteen years ago)

Funny, but I thought they got knocked out by RUSSIA?

As opposed to getting knocked out by the French and Italian teams that have set this tournament on fire? ;-)

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:03 (eighteen years ago)

Greece are going to grind through this tournament like they did the last one aren't they? Sweden aren't getting any time on the ball at all.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:17 (eighteen years ago)

this is woeful

― Ronan, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

Greek back four have spent the last minute passing it between themselves at a snail's pace.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:27 (eighteen years ago)

*suddenly wakes up from hearing the commercials*

this isn't boring, this is hideous.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:33 (eighteen years ago)

Greece still boring the world 4 years on. Thank fuck they didn't make the last world cup.

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:34 (eighteen years ago)

In what way were the fans "enjoying" that, exactly, Steve?

HOLY SHIT ITV HAVE A TRACTOR BEAM

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:39 (eighteen years ago)

lol soto kyrgiakos still playing anti-football, that year at Ibrox taught him everything he knew, etc.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:46 (eighteen years ago)

Also note Sweden are playing roughly the same attacking line-up they've had since... did they have Zlatan in 2002? The Spain-Greece game is the one where Greece will find out exactly how far they can go.

(holy crap is that Felicity Kendal on the Sky+ ad?)

Russia might give them the odd problem too - both very quick, physical sides.

This second half, however... I dunno. I grew to love watching the Greeks (good grief did Pierce Brosnan just equate protecting the environment to moisturising his chin?) basically daring teams to beat them in 2004, but that's cos they were constantly under pressure and constantly somehow digging themselves out of it. This pass-the-parcel stuff at the moment, less so.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:47 (eighteen years ago)

Don't worry, Samaras will totally sort this out, just you watch.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

beglin really on his high horse isn't he?

― Ronan, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

Preferable to Lawrenson's high horse, to be fair.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 19:58 (eighteen years ago)

I like Lawro!

― Ronan, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

The European commentary sounds even worse than the ESPN talking heads. Is this really the case?

― dan m, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

ESPN always has a token Britisher to led "credibility" to their analysis. Usually an older Scottish guy.

Actually pretty much every American broadcast has a guys like this.

― dan m, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

Kind of perversely loved that four minute spell of the Greek back three exchanging passes, with Ibrahimovic too haughty and Larsson too senile to chase them down. Beglin kind of started a sentence in "you have to give them credit, their approach works" mode and gradually just became apoplectic at how much of an affront to the beautiful game it was

All the goals so far have been right footed shots inside the area or headers from three yards out, SOMEBODY GIVE ME A PILEDRIVER OLOF I'M LOOKING AT YOU

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

Really? I find he's symptomatic of the sulkiness that you get with the Beeb's punditry, really, all his complaints about people on the internet being geeks and so on. No-one has yet quite reached the hellish heights of Gareth Southgate at the World Cup, though.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:04 (eighteen years ago)

I like his ultra-dry puns and I sort of like the way they don't actually commentate much on the Beeb, like these big silences then a grim one liner from Lawro.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:06 (eighteen years ago)

Why ARE Larsson and Ibrahimovic not bothering to press the Greek back four or put them under any pressure when they do that passing thing? They just sort of stand there and wait for them to finish. I think even Dimitar Berbatov would look more arsed out there.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

Will otm re: Desailly though, I like seeing him become increasingly manic and suggesting teams need to "play with THE RHYTHM"

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

beautiful.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

Ibrahimovic! THERE'S A HIGHLIGHT!

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

that'll do

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

that wasnae a bad goal, I suppose.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

Just when Samaras looked SO ready to claim the goal of Hanson's header would've went in, there's Zlatan!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:11 (eighteen years ago)

Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic finally not be shit on the world stage? Has Angelos Charisteas learnt to dribble? How's Olof Mellberg's beard looking these days?

So basically, I'm Nostradamus.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:11 (eighteen years ago)

Right guys that's all we're getting. I'm going to go and clean my kitchen or do something equally exciting.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

thank fuck
xxxxxpost

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

There are posts on the Scottish football thread where I decry Samaras for having a rotten first touch. He's not doing anything to disprove that here.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

OK, scrappiest goal ever.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

LOL

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

that's all we're getting

Hang on, they've taken off Dellas and brought on a striker, and now, er, Zlatan's off for... Elmander.

And there's the second, and Greece do not have a clue anymore, here comes the avalanche...

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

Keystone

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

any goal against those boring bastards is a great one imo

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

That's about as close to the Messianically-awaited goal off the arse as we might ever get.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

lol samaras falling on his arse. celtic had better not stump up the £3m man city are wanting for him.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

Redknapp says game was shit because all of the players failed in the Premier League, lol.

The BBC are lacking the punditry flair of Leonardo but Strachan is good.

― Mr Raif, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

Why ARE Larsson and Ibrahimovic not bothering to press the Greek back four or put them under any pressure when they do that passing thing?

Instructed to patience, according to half-time interview with Andersson. Reportedly.

Looking forward to the multi-viewpoint virtual replay of Hansson's goal, heheh.

― anatol_merklich, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

ITN news trailer "England's big match in Europe, Wayne and Colleen's wedding", lol desperation.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 21:01 (eighteen years ago)

Right, so having essentially mis-predicted everything in that game, I'm gonna go for Russia taking out Greece in a 3-2 thriller, Zlatan opening his legs and showing his class to edge Spain 1-0 (Sergio Ramos gets sent off), then Greece roll back the years with another 1-0, nicked via a Dellas header in the 92nd minute as Russia and Sweden play out the most tedious 0-0 ever, Mellberg and Hansson imitating the Greek back-line in a John Virgo-during-the-interval-at-the-Crucible stylee.

Or Spain and Sweden to go through with relative ease. That might also happen.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

oh wait, it gets better, ITN have sent a reporter round some foreign streets to laugh at the foreign people who don't recognise Colleen McLoughlin from a photo! lol stupid foreigners!

― ailsa, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 21:18 (eighteen years ago)

Watched the second game briefly towards the end, Larsson's free-kick nearly brought the house down (in tears of laughter). Hansson's goal has comfortably leapfrogged Podolski's second as most laughably terrible of the tournament.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 23:50 (eighteen years ago)

Basically, I laughed a bit then buggered off.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 23:51 (eighteen years ago)

^^^waiting for LZBC corruption, suggested serving "Basically, I buggered a bit then laughed it off"

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 00:06 (eighteen years ago)

Podolski's second was a neat finish.

― Scik Mouthy, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 08:39 (eighteen years ago)

yes but the way it went all up in the air before he kicked it in was an affront to the beautiful game

― MPx4A, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 08:41 (eighteen years ago)

Hansson's goal was a kneet finish.

― anatol_merklich, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 08:42 (eighteen years ago)

Redknapp says game was shit because all of the players failed in the Premier League, lol

Ha ha, yes, silly twat, they failed in the Premier League and yet succeeded in qualifying for the European Championships

As opposed to getting knocked out by the French and Italian teams that have set this tournament on fire? ;-)

You mean the World Cup winners and the World Cup runners-up?

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

Please let Ronaldo get sent off or miss a penalty or both today.

― jel --, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 10:47 (eighteen years ago)

yo, megadeath to teh fukkker! :)

― t**t, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 12:24 (eighteen years ago)

Ha. Noticed on ITV last night that Portugal aren't called Portugal anymore, they're called Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal now

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 12:26 (eighteen years ago)

there'll cum a day when he'll be called portugal's once-famous cristiano ronaldo again, uhuh.

(not too sure 'bout that really, but...)

― t**t, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 12:29 (eighteen years ago)

I doubt, in the 16th century, Portugal was ever called Ferdinand Magellan's Portugal

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 12:31 (eighteen years ago)

"Thatcher's bloody Britain"

― Ste, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 12:44 (eighteen years ago)

At the same time, saying 'Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal' still implies swashbuckling attacking football and ooh wow type stuff. People only ever said 'Steve McClaren's England' when they were talking about some almighty cockup.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:08 (eighteen years ago)

I think Francis Drake's England were the last to be described as swashbuckling and attacking

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:11 (eighteen years ago)

Josef Friztl's Austria

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:12 (eighteen years ago)

btw, the other day in the pub I was talking about something I wasn't really listening to on the telly where some pundit or other was slagging off Phil Scolari for not speaking English, which I assume is a terrible crime for a Brazilian coach of a Portuguese football team conducting press conferences in Switzerland. Did anyone else hear this? Was it just a "lol, he'd never have made it as the boss of England, lol foreigner" thing?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:19 (eighteen years ago)

Speculation linking him with Chelsea, presumably.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:27 (eighteen years ago)

http://images.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2008/06/11/lippidonadoni--346x212.jpg

"I'm not saying... I'm just saying"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:36 (eighteen years ago)

"Hey look! It's Enrico Pallazzo!"

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:39 (eighteen years ago)

"Hey look! It's Wayne Coyne!"

― onimo, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:41 (eighteen years ago)

The fire alarm above Donadoni's head looks a lot like the FA Cup logo

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:46 (eighteen years ago)

Wayne is fulfilling the Dennis Miller role for the Euro.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:53 (eighteen years ago)

Watched part of a replay, yesterday and was struck by the fact that the score counter in the corner of the screen had Ned beating someone named Ita. Ned, you brute, you!

― Michael White, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 15:18 (eighteen years ago)

Who is Dennis Miller?

― Tom D., Wednesday, 11 June 2008 15:20 (eighteen years ago)

Oh Spain, you never fail to disappoint me (though the Russian goal was kinda avoidable).

― remy bean, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

Google tells me Dennis Miller is an American comedian who looks a bit like Donadoni.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 16:33 (eighteen years ago)

David Pleat corrects himself halfway through naming one team: 'Czechoslovak... Republic of Czechoslovakia'

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 16:34 (eighteen years ago)

apparently the Czech Republic won this tournament before, when they were called Czechoslovakia. ITV should just hand back all rights to this stuff now.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 16:38 (eighteen years ago)

Czech yourself.

― remy bean, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 16:44 (eighteen years ago)

and i see ITV commentators still don't know the rules of football, and *still* believe the Holland goal was a farce. idiots.

― Ste, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

"1804: "Is the Portuguese commentator next to us trying to break the world record for the number of words you can speak in a minute?"
BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Chris Waddle"

Channel 9, maybe?

― Michael White, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:06 (eighteen years ago)

hey you guys, Jan Koller's quite tall!

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:34 (eighteen years ago)

Clive Tyldsley kept saying a win means Portugal are "all but through" to the knockout stages. My head was going round in circles trying to think of a scenario in which they miss out.

― Alba, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

Switzerland win twice, Czechs beat Turkey by enough to leave Portugal on worse goal difference

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

I thought tied teams got decided on their head-to-head match before goal difference came into it?

― Alba, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

Indeed, may I refer you all to Section V, Article 7.07, criteria a) of the Regulations of the UEFA European Football Championship

"If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of all the matches in their group, the following criteria will be used to determine the rankings in the order given:

a) number of points obtained in the matches among the teams in question"

― Alba, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 18:14 (eighteen years ago)

Yes, but there would be 3 teams equal with one win each in head to head so it would come down to goal difference in games between the three - like Italy/Sweden/Norway in 2004 (except that had to go to goals scored too as they were all draws)

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 18:39 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, arse. Tyldesley was right after all. How annoying.

― Alba, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 18:41 (eighteen years ago)

Italy/Sweden/Denmark even (oops)

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 18:41 (eighteen years ago)

Afraid so. Czech-Turkey goal difference would be irrelevant tho, it would be Switzerland trouncing Portugal that would matter. This is more complex than I realised.

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 18:45 (eighteen years ago)

jesus, this weather

― caek, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

it's like the end times.

― caek, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:14 (eighteen years ago)

It's enthralling weather.

― Alba, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:14 (eighteen years ago)

Aye, no chance of seeing a decent game now, the ball's just skidding to a halt whenever anyone tries to play it along the ground.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:15 (eighteen years ago)

could do with more shots of the weather and less of wet footballers, tbh.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:15 (eighteen years ago)

Has a match ever been abandoned because of the weather in a major championship before? what would happen if it was?

OMG, the ball actually stopped for Yakin there.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:17 (eighteen years ago)

I dont think this game will be abandoned while Switzerland are winning

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:19 (eighteen years ago)

lol sitter

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:20 (eighteen years ago)

this is preposterous

― caek, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:20 (eighteen years ago)

The game wasn't great before, but it's compelling now. It reminds me of an 3rd round Cup game.

― The Wayward Johnny B, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

£5 on when the first guy sprains his ankle?

― jim, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:25 (eighteen years ago)

I dont think this game will be abandoned while Switzerland are winning

Right, so if it got more dangerous to play on they'd carry on hoping for an equaliser before a broken leg, yes? Come off it.

I don't think it'll be abandoned now because the rain's stopped, but it was more a general "how do they reschedule it" query. Which people can still feel free to answer for me if they like.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:27 (eighteen years ago)

Is there a few days break between the group stages and the knockout? I guess they could restage it then.

I'm sure the groundkeepers will sort it out for half time.

― The Wayward Johnny B, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

Reply tomorrow if it gets abandoned.

― caek, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

They can't reply after the other two teams in the group have finished all their games. The last games must kick off at the same time.

― caek, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

Lineker just confirmed tomorrow if needs be.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:40 (eighteen years ago)

Ray Stubbs has just said that UEFA considered halting it to try and drain the pitch a bit, but decided to gamble and see if it stopped.

Jake seems to be unaffected, which is surely a great relief for the viewing public.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:45 (eighteen years ago)

Lee Dixon displaying his land management skills there "it filled up quickly so it'll drain off quickly". Er, yes, that's EXACTLY how it works.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44738000/jpg/_44738595_cr226170px.jpg

― Alex in SF, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

Oh cristianopaws, you portuGAL

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 19:55 (eighteen years ago)

I'm rather enjoying this mudfest, to be honest.

But goddamn, why does the ref send off players who are bleeding a little? To keep up the illusion that football's a clean sport? It's not. Next they're gonna send players off for 'treatment' of dirty trousers.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

health and safety, innit?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

Yep.

There was something funny about watching this but it's really a total disgrace they've let the game continue.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

Chelsea have confirmed Scolari as their new boss from 1 July..

― Mister Craig, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:20 (eighteen years ago)

Man, both Switzerland and Turkey were embarassingly ineffective in front of goal, the Czechs will go through.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

Is it me or have the BBC folks, both lineker and one of the commentators, both said that Holland and Italy are playing each other this Friday?

― Ste, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Okay that was the worst timed comment ever.(xpost)

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

What's wrong with Hansen's eyebrows? Has he shaved them at either end?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

I've only just seen the Swiss goal, that is incredible.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

Chelsea have confirmed Scolari as their new boss from 1 July..

http://www.nu.nl/img.db/1608916+s(120!x120!)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

Looking at Portugal, this is such a two-tier tournament it isn't funny. A load of teams are getting rolled over in the group stages but the knockout rounds should be amazing.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 20:56 (eighteen years ago)

2 poor host nations innit.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:14 (eighteen years ago)

2 easy groups and one group of ultradeath.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:15 (eighteen years ago)

So what happens if Czech Republic-Turkey is a draw? Same head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored. Do they go to ET and pens?

― Matt #2, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

Do they go to ET and pens?

http://www.star.le.ac.uk/edu/Root_folder/et.jpg
"Say what?"

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:38 (eighteen years ago)

I think the Czech Republic might qualify on the grounds of coming first in the alphabet.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:47 (eighteen years ago)

That happened to me on Championship Manager once. And it was only because it had Eire and not Ireland or Republic of Ireland too.

― if, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:50 (eighteen years ago)

So what happens if Czech Republic-Turkey is a draw? Same head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored. Do they go to ET and pens?

I do know it will go to penalties, don't know if those will be preceded by extra time though.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 11 June 2008 21:53 (eighteen years ago)

Hooray, Gygax came on for La Suisse last night! Now if only we could get him to come back to ILX.

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 09:58 (eighteen years ago)

haha when i saw that name last night i immediately thought of ilx too.

― Ste, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:06 (eighteen years ago)

am in munich staying in a turk-heavy area so last night was carhorns galore. also funny overhearing some americans comments ("so was that, like, the final or just a heat?" etc.) here and there.

austria might get something from poland to keep them in just a bit longer but even winning and then drawing with probably-already-thru-by-then germany wouldn´t be enough i expect

same thing may happen in 2012 given co-hosts then are similar(y) rank

― blueski, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:36 (eighteen years ago)

aw the swiss. when federer was on tv last weekend emma was like i don't like him. where is he from, she said. i said i thought he was swiss and she goes "oh that explains it." and i was like what does THAT mean?? she said "we don't understand the swiss", "we" meaning "french people" i guess.

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

How can you not like Roger Federer?

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:45 (eighteen years ago)

i didn´t get why many of them said ´merci´ before you´ve even asked for anything but that´s my problem

under-rated beer too

― blueski, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:47 (eighteen years ago)

same thing may happen in 2012 given co-hosts then are similar(y) rank

that's if they ever complete the stadia....last I heard they were threatening to take it away from them and give it to Scotland.

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:50 (eighteen years ago)

at least that would solve the problem of having crap hosts

― MPx4A, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

....

― MPx4A, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

...

― MPx4A, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

Hehe, me too re: Gygax.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland could get through the group stages if you could guarantee that France were in their group

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:52 (eighteen years ago)

worst pun so far in the tournament..... Lineker: "There's no Turkish Delight for Frei".

― Grandpont Genie, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:52 (eighteen years ago)

and it was only two teams in the group xp

― blueski, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:54 (eighteen years ago)

True, we could play them twice and beat them twice as usual

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:55 (eighteen years ago)

gygax still posts: ASK STEVE SHASTA ANYTHING SERIOUSLY DUDES

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 10:55 (eighteen years ago)

It was good to see Mannion still playing for the Swiss too.

― Stevie T, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:00 (eighteen years ago)

i´m hoping Portugal will field their reserve keeper for the next game - it would be some consolation for the Swiss if they could get in the box and beat Quim

― blueski, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:01 (eighteen years ago)

Send that one to Lineker

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:01 (eighteen years ago)

it just needed a touch

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:06 (eighteen years ago)

Just stroked it in.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:08 (eighteen years ago)

Thought the worst was supposed to be turkish delight as swiss roll over?

― cedar, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:29 (eighteen years ago)

swissshapes swisstakes swissfits

― ken c, Thursday, 12 June 2008 11:40 (eighteen years ago)

In the event of a Czech Rep-Turkey draw it comes down to the their performance in WC2006 qualifying and Euro2008 qualifying (points gained divided by matches played).

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 12 June 2008 12:06 (eighteen years ago)

Oh no, hang on - in the event of the teams tying actually playing each other in the final group match, it IS penalties, as suggested above.

― Michael Jones, Thursday, 12 June 2008 12:08 (eighteen years ago)

After scoring a goal and being heavily involved in the other two, Ronaldo was still asked about his future after the game and opted to see the lighter side..

"I like a white kit," he said to the reporters, who all thought they may have an exclusive. "The white kit of the national team that is."

― MPx4A, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:27 (eighteen years ago)

I opened the BBC's report on last night's match and mentally bet myself a fiver that the first words would be "Cristiano Ronaldo". So fucking predictable.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:29 (eighteen years ago)

Did you mentally pay up? What were the mental odds?

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:30 (eighteen years ago)

The mental odds were "this is pretty much a 1-100 shot" so I'd have won 5p had real money been involved.

(I hadn't seen the game, and I didn't know Ronaldo had scored or assisted any of the goals. I knew Deco had gotten the first one.)

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

At least Torres hasn't scored yet, that'll set them off again

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:33 (eighteen years ago)

i would have given myself better mental odds so that i could get more mental profit.

― ken c, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:40 (eighteen years ago)

Torres is probably gonna start on the bench in the game vs Sweden, because in anger he refused to give Aragones a hand when he was taken off against Russia.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:43 (eighteen years ago)

fair point, ken, but i think we're steering the ship through Custos-infested waters, a new direction would perhaps be propitious

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:46 (eighteen years ago)

what?

― ken c, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:49 (eighteen years ago)

betting with REAL MONEY

or at least organising another ILX kickaround

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:50 (eighteen years ago)

Have never bet on football

― Tom D., Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:50 (eighteen years ago)

Nor have I, it's like another continent.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

Great goal Srna!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 16:23 (eighteen years ago)

Picked the right time to drop Lehman, I see.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Thursday, 12 June 2008 16:28 (eighteen years ago)

Stuck at work listening to Steve "I lost to Croatia, twice" McLaren explaining how Croatia should defend...

― onimo, Thursday, 12 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

It's Germany who should worry about their defence right now. Could've - maybe should've - been 3-0.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, Jansen - to blame for the goal and allround defending misery - is taken off.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

get in!

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

LOLolic 2-0!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:19 (eighteen years ago)

Croatastic

― burt_stanton, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:23 (eighteen years ago)

No!! Just left pub to return to work. They scored again? :-( Although am German citizen am also 25% Croatian so I guess I can be happy whomever wins but still c'mon Germany!

― ENBB, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:25 (eighteen years ago)

I have Croatia in a sweepstake, hope this is not them shooting their bolt a bit prematurely.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:25 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia are walking through Germany at the moment. They suddenly look very ordinary.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:26 (eighteen years ago)

jens lehman looks hilarious. shaking his head after the corner.

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:26 (eighteen years ago)

Dave Boyle 0 - 2 the rest of the right thinking English-speaking world

― Mark C, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:27 (eighteen years ago)

I can't believe how poor Germany are playing, it's really surprising. They can't bring themselves to speed it up a bit.

(although I know should probably have waited till the end of the match before saying this)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:34 (eighteen years ago)

2-1

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:35 (eighteen years ago)

curses

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:35 (eighteen years ago)

See what I did there? :(

xp to self

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:35 (eighteen years ago)

makes you wonder why podolski didnt start up front in the 1st place

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:35 (eighteen years ago)

To make the whole world believe Germany finally will be beaten, but no, not actually, they won't because they always win the game in the last minutes?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

YAY!

― ENBB, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:39 (eighteen years ago)

woah, temper temper.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:48 (eighteen years ago)

Among many other things, I'm impressed at the way Croatia closed out the game. The way they sat back after the second goal, they were asking for a German comeback. But Germany didn't have any of it after Podolski's goal.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:51 (eighteen years ago)

Exactly, Germany didn't really seem able to turn the match. Croatia played really nervous the first game, but today was pretty good. Efficient, also.

Red card for Schweinsteiger = a break from that horrible hairdo the next match. Yay!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

Pigsticker shown red = happyhappy joyjoy!
Here's hoping Pigsticker weeps a lot also.

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Seconded!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:56 (eighteen years ago)

I love Dietmar Hamann's accent - there's a man who learned his English in Liverpool if ever I heard one.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 17:57 (eighteen years ago)

Hamann = ein übercool Deutschman.

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

Austria must be loving this.

― Mark C, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:14 (eighteen years ago)

Didi Hamann loves cricket. He turned up gabbing about it on Test Match Special last summer, so this isn't his first go at punditry.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:29 (eighteen years ago)

i work for a german company. now my boss is all butthurt

― carne asada, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:30 (eighteen years ago)

Anyway, enough of that, Howard Webb is in charge of tonight's match. I'm going to need this to be mentioned at least twice a minute. In fact, it's only that feature on a few Portuguese folk watching the match in Vauxhall that has kept me interested so far.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:31 (eighteen years ago)

I love Howard Webb. There is a big feature on him in the current issue of Refereeing called "DEALING WITH MASS CONFRONTATION - PART 2".

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:33 (eighteen years ago)

The cafe I went to for lunch had the game on. I asked the owner (who I know is of Greek descent) who he was supporting in the tournament. He said "Portugal, I suppose. Definitely not Greece, the boring bastards. I'll be dancing on the tables when they are out."

― dan m, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

haha

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:41 (eighteen years ago)

Ach, it's on BBC - no mention of Howard Webb yet. If it was ITV, they would've led with it.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:41 (eighteen years ago)

(And I've no bloody idea wotsoevah who's this "Howard Webb" chap, btw. Lucky me??)

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:44 (eighteen years ago)

england's top referee and sheffield-based policeman

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 18:47 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, I see now (literally). Thanx!

Ah, Austromen wasting several chances...

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:01 (eighteen years ago)

did boruc save that with his arse?

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:05 (eighteen years ago)

which one do you mean? :)

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:06 (eighteen years ago)

Wish commentator would stop calling him Borat. Must have added a couple of quid to his potential transfer fee here already :-)

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:08 (eighteen years ago)

Austria should be about 5-0 up by now

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:11 (eighteen years ago)

Howevers, 'tis 1:0 to the Polemen now.

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

Gah! The injustice! I didn't expect to be feeling sorry for Austria.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:16 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, the benefit of an awesome goalie </smug Celtic fan>

Notice the commentators are a bit more reticent about bigging up everyone who plays in the Premier League when Pogatetz is all they have to work with...

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:21 (eighteen years ago)

Why can pundits not recognise that there's no point in nearly scoring lots of goals if you don't actually score them, and that a goalie is as much a part of the team as anyone else?

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:34 (eighteen years ago)

Can't hear 'your' pundits, but Boruc played a great first half.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:37 (eighteen years ago)

Ach, what does that matter when we can talk about Chelsea?

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

lol simulation

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

Not watching with the Bullingdons tonight, Louis?

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:57 (eighteen years ago)

wrong uni, wrong friend circle, but yeah i am having a chilled night in with the bbc online player

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:58 (eighteen years ago)

tbh i don't really have a "circle of friends", i have a few mates none of whom really like football and shitloads of people i know quite well but wouldn't rly go outta my way for

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 19:59 (eighteen years ago)

I tell youse what, the standard of free-kick taking in this tournament has been non-league.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

I reckon it's the legendary 'new ball' syndrome. I can't remember a major tournament free kick stunna since Ronaldinho in 2002.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:04 (eighteen years ago)

What was the tournament that had the "new ball" which possessed a lot of the qualities of a plastic petrol station "flyaway" so everyone kept taking inadvisable digs from 30 yards to try and capitalise on this? World Cup 2002?

― jim, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

If Bottleopenerpaws was a fluke, Carlos vs. one of the oriental nations also in '02.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

Well that was nearly one there

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

lol at bottleopenerpaws :-)

every major tournament has a dubious ball, doesn't it? it's one of those things that always happens, people blaming the fact that they aren't skelping about a pig's bladder held together with bootlaces.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

LOL at Lawro suggesting the keeper should have held that

― Just got offed, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

WAHT

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

Bonkerissimo.

― t**t, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

The Austrian players didn't even seem pleased afterwards.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

That was quite high up in the dodgy penalty stakes there.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

i was watching the croat german game today and some mexican dude walked in and he was like "ah, you like football boss?"

― burt_stanton, Thursday, 12 June 2008 20:58 (eighteen years ago)

That was quite high up in the dodgy penalty stakes there.

Eh?!

― Mark C, Thursday, 12 June 2008 21:29 (eighteen years ago)

Oh come on, there was a little shirt tug, not obviously worse than any jostling that goes on at corners, not even at other points during that game.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 21:30 (eighteen years ago)

Thought pigsticker's red card was a bit harsh as well, tbh.

― ailsa, Thursday, 12 June 2008 21:31 (eighteen years ago)

The penalty was soft but reasonable, but I'm wondering why the free kick was retaken.

― maciej recognizing trill, Thursday, 12 June 2008 22:03 (eighteen years ago)

he'd already stopped play to warn them about shirt-pulling. the penalty was harsh but correct. and this is one of those times I agree with lawro: if you don't pull the guy's shirt, you don't concede a harsh penalty.

― caek, Thursday, 12 June 2008 22:09 (eighteen years ago)

is there any particular reason I shouldn't love Slaven Bilic? Has he ever killed anybody or craftily kicked your favourite player in the face? I mean, I guess his band's probably not too good but I'm gonna need more than that.

― MPx4A, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:30 (eighteen years ago)

He's probably gonna end up managing West Ham, so you may as well start hating him now

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:31 (eighteen years ago)

I decided to like him from the moment I saw him before the recent Scotland v Croatia game wearing a silly little beanie hat and standing out in the car park smoking a fag because of the smoking ban not allowing him inside Hampden. So don't ask me.

how can you not like a man with a silly hat? (note: he appears to have dropped his lighter right behind him)

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_03/bilicDM1811_468x753.jpg

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:33 (eighteen years ago)

woops, huge. sorry.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:34 (eighteen years ago)

Was he explaining tactics to you on the car park?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

(cool pic btw)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

is there any particular reason I shouldn't love Slaven Bilic?

I imagine Laurent Blanc has no great love for him

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:36 (eighteen years ago)

yeah this was what i was about to say

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:37 (eighteen years ago)

also shoes caked in mud. he just looks sloppy, which is quite stupidly endearing.

(xpost i didn't meet him, I was watching him on the telly)

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:37 (eighteen years ago)

Quick reminder about everyone's favourite Croat since Tudjman:

"He (Blanc) missed the World Cup final in 1998 after being sent off in the semi-final against Croatia for elbowing Slaven Bilić, although replays showed that Bilić had clearly feigned the injury. The Croatian was heavily criticised afterwards."

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

...and that's not my picture, and probably not even from the same day

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

Everyone's favourite Croat? Someone I know rates Niko Kranjcar as the best-looking footballer currently active.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

The guy that wrote "Moon River" was Croatian, according to Wikipedia

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

Henry Mancini?

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:40 (eighteen years ago)

Enrico Nicola Mancini??!?!?

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

The lyricist of it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Mercer

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

Johnny Mercer Croatian?!?

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

I'd throw in a vote for Goran Ivanisevic as a fairly popular Croat.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

Alida Valli is my favourite Croatian

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:45 (eighteen years ago)

http://psych-www.colorado.edu/~tito/tito.jpg

YOOOOOUUUUU crank dat soulja boy

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

Ha ha, yes, how could I forget him

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 09:46 (eighteen years ago)

viz. Ivanisevic, indeed. In the minuscule window between Sampras and Federer lay Tim Henman's only chance, and up pops this outrageous joker wildcard to reduce the Hill to silence.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:47 (eighteen years ago)

Aye, exactly.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:48 (eighteen years ago)

and he played that thru-the-legs shot IN THE FINAL against an AUSTRALIAN

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 09:49 (eighteen years ago)

I never actually used to like him first time round, but 2001 made all the difference. (whatever the tennis equivalent of the romance of the cup and jumpers for goalposts would be, that'd be him in 2001)

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:04 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry for derailing a football thread into tennis, btw.

Erm, Robert Prosinecki. There you go. He wasn't a bad player.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:05 (eighteen years ago)

Kranjcar's total inability to score probably costed me my potential £258 winning :\

― ken c, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:06 (eighteen years ago)

Suker lobbing the ball over the Schmeichel ("best goalkeeper in the world", i.e. he plays in the Premiership) was a Croatian highlight

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 10:12 (eighteen years ago)

One of the best things about Ivanisevic's win was that only months before he'd had to bow out of a tournament after angrily smashing all his rackets during a game. Everyone then assumed he was finished.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

modric could well take this mantle for me if he plays anything like that for us.

― darraghmac, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:15 (eighteen years ago)

Suker lobbing the ball over the Schmeichel ("best goalkeeper in the world", i.e. he plays in the Premiership) was a Croatian highlight

haha that was amazing, and schmeichel fell over backwards like a penguin seeing a plane

― ken c, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:17 (eighteen years ago)

This was better though: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lmagUpl67RA

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 10:22 (eighteen years ago)

Lol Polish prime minister taking defeat well:

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk made it clear he was also finding it hard to accept and admitted he had difficulty controlling his anger after the match.

He said: "As the prime minister I have to be balanced and collected. But last night I was speaking very differently about the whole thing, I wanted to kill.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:15 (eighteen years ago)

lol

― Ste, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:17 (eighteen years ago)

lol is that the polish PM's name?! :D

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:18 (eighteen years ago)

Donald, Where's Your Spodnie?

― Tom D., Friday, 13 June 2008 13:23 (eighteen years ago)

the captain's called Bonk (albeit spelt Bak) and his name means horsefly, fart and spinning top!

― Grandpont Genie, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:25 (eighteen years ago)

That Suker clip usually misses the fact that Schmeichel had just ran the entire length of the pitch to get back in goal.

― Jarlrmai, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:26 (eighteen years ago)

the captain's called Bonk (albeit spelt Bak) and his name means horsefly, fart and spinning top!

and he's been around since actua soccer 1, i know this because i played as poland and aced the league within about 2 days

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:28 (eighteen years ago)

Croatia down to 8s now. Too early to dream yet but...

― cedar, Friday, 13 June 2008 13:39 (eighteen years ago)

Ah, Bilic - a little reminder of those crazy Walter Smith days at Goodison:

Everton decided cut their losses on Bilić in July 1999, leaving him free to choose a new club but unwanted in England he continued to play only for Croatia on a £27,000-a-week contract with Everton while living in Zagreb.

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 15:44 (eighteen years ago)

Here goes nothing...

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 15:45 (eighteen years ago)

Slaven Bilic has a band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RYg8Dy3xk4

"We were together in '98
World has heard of us
And still the bronze medal shines
When Japan, Holland, Romania, Germany have fallen

And now, 10 years later
Again the same hope, we have the same dream
We have the tickets, backpacks, and a crest on our chests (Crest 3x)

Fieeery Madness, when it starts, Fieeery
Let everything burn when through our veins
Red,white and blue starts flowing"

― zappi, Friday, 13 June 2008 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

That Suker clip usually misses the fact that Schmeichel had just ran the entire length of the pitch to get back in goal.

shouldn't have bothered lolololol amirite

― ken c, Friday, 13 June 2008 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

I give in. I really fucking give in.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

Lee Dixon pretending to be a car mechanic isn't improving my mood either

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 16:49 (eighteen years ago)

No way was that offside

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 16:53 (eighteen years ago)

I missed the first half-hour. The match I saw was all Italy, but the highlights are telling me otherwise.

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

Italy have had three or four clear cut 50/50 chances, but Romania look dangerous as fuck on the break.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

What the hell were they doing against France then?! They were actually running the ball into the corners with a five-man break on, rather than go for goal.

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:07 (eighteen years ago)

Italy being robbed by shite decisions has become something of a tournament staple in the last few years.

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:09 (eighteen years ago)

Inevitable

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:13 (eighteen years ago)

almost immediate equaliser though...

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:16 (eighteen years ago)

well well

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:16 (eighteen years ago)

Panucci, of all fucking people.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:17 (eighteen years ago)

Fucking Panucci, yep.

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:18 (eighteen years ago)

Italy being robbed by shite decisions has become something of a tournament staple in the last few years.

I didn't have much sympathy for them the other night after what happened at Hampden, but I was cheering when Italy scored there. Too many dodgy decisions going on this tournament.

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:23 (eighteen years ago)

I still fancy Italy to go through instead of France or Romania.

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:26 (eighteen years ago)

Italy being robbed by shite decisions has become something of a tournament staple in the last few years.

-- onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:09 (23 minutes ago) Link

Ehm, remember round of 16, World Cup 2006? Italy were saved by the ref there, who gave Italy a scandalous penalty five minutes into extra time against Australia.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

wtf

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:39 (eighteen years ago)

penal f*ing ty!?

― StanM, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:39 (eighteen years ago)

WHAT A SAVE!!!

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

that's the best save ever

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

badly taken, almost in the middle of the goal

― StanM, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

Take that you coked up fuckwit.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

oh football passion

if only i could understand you :( CURSE YOU CANADIAN BIRTH

― Will M., Friday, 13 June 2008 17:41 (eighteen years ago)

Mutu with tears in his eyes... Italy can win it now!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:42 (eighteen years ago)

roffles @ Will M.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:42 (eighteen years ago)

in my work pool i picked holland and italy to go up, but somehow france now needs to out-suck italy's game vs. the netherlands for me to win (unless italy wins this one) so... i... guess... i am cheering for italy...

― Will M., Friday, 13 June 2008 17:44 (eighteen years ago)

# Euro 2008 [Started by Dittoismus (Dada), last updated 3 minutes ago] 666 new answers

this just in: Buffon's save was brought to you by SATAN

― Will M., Friday, 13 June 2008 17:48 (eighteen years ago)

I actually enjoyed the game as a neutral, poor dom on the other hand, I don't think will have enjoyed it too much.

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Well, at least we're not going to go out of the tournament without scoring.

What odds Romania beating a second strength Dutch team 1-0 in the final game of the round?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

jol out?

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Holland beating France 4-0 tonight would cheer me up, though

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

I really don't regret that Romania missed their wtf-penalty.
Nor do I regret that Italy didn't win.

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

jol out?

-- Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:53 (11 seconds ago) Bookmark Link

If Donadoni is in charge of Italy this time in July I will pull this face:

:-O

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:54 (eighteen years ago)

Sitting Duck Donadoni.

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Ehm, remember round of 16, World Cup 2006? Italy were saved by the ref there, who gave Italy a scandalous penalty five minutes into extra time against Australia.

It was a penalty. Grosso turned his man (Lucas Neill?)who proceeeded to fall over and lean back into his path. Grosso decided he couldn't magic the guy out of the way and fell over him instead.

Even if it was a dodgy one they'd still be owed 158 or so after Japan/S Korea.

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 17:59 (eighteen years ago)

there's no guarantee holland will win, im not sure they're as good as made out to be. Bit like i had that feeling Germany werent as good as made out.
France however i think will bottle it. Cant see france beating holland or italy tbh based on their performance the other day. Esp if Anelka plays.

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:01 (eighteen years ago)

I'm wondering now if I call him a diving cunt on the 2006 thread :)

xpost to me

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:02 (eighteen years ago)

Just checked - ailsa's calling him a cheat while Mark Citalianname is defending him. I must have been on holiday.

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:05 (eighteen years ago)

haha

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:07 (eighteen years ago)

ok, i am supposed to be the work expert on euro 2008, but my coworker has befuddled me

let's say france beats holland today,
then on the last day, romania and holland tie, and italy bats france.

who goes up?

― Will M., Friday, 13 June 2008 18:08 (eighteen years ago)

I forgot Materazzi was sent off harshly in the same game so that levels that one up anyway.

xpost Italy will be disqualified for use of the bat.

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:09 (eighteen years ago)

Yop-Tvoyu Materazzi, is what I have been calling him for the past couple of years.

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:24 (eighteen years ago)

Can I reiterate what I was saying about the standard of free-kick taking in this tournament?

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:25 (eighteen years ago)

Will, in your scenario, the table looks like this:

FRA 4pts
NED 4pts
ITA 4pts
ROM 3pts

In a three-way tie of this sort, head-to-head records don't resolve anything so it comes down to goal-difference across the group. Which could also be tied of course, so then it's goals scored and, beyond that qualifying records for WC2006/EURO2008. Eventually, lots could be drawn.

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:25 (eighteen years ago)

Can I reiterate what I was saying about the standard of free-kick taking in this tournament?

Del Piero and Pirlo's 25m free kicks on goal were abominable. Blame the new ball?

― willem, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:28 (eighteen years ago)

Not just them, the Romanian free-kicks were terrible, and in every othe rgame in the tournament, free-kicks have been woeful. Even those crossed into the box have often failed to cause any sort of problem. The only dead-ball shot at goal (other than Austria's penalty) I can recall having any sort of purpose to it was Pirlo against Holland.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:30 (eighteen years ago)

Ronaldo? Keeper tipped it onto the post

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:31 (eighteen years ago)

Didn't see that one.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:32 (eighteen years ago)

The number of free-kicks simply dumped over the bar has been staggering, though.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:32 (eighteen years ago)

Nothing unusual there

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:33 (eighteen years ago)

That Dutch breakaway goal seen from the overhead camera just gets more and more beautiful

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:34 (eighteen years ago)

When we were watching it in the bar half the audience groaned when the guy on the left put that long ball over to Kuyt. His header back was almost as good as the finish.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:36 (eighteen years ago)

lawro off to another cringeworthy start

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:46 (eighteen years ago)

how many times will lawro go "mmmm" tonight?

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:48 (eighteen years ago)

oh van nistlerooypaws, your only goal from outside the box for manchester united was as the result of a charlton athletic goalkeeping error

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

makalele getting away with murder as usual

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

oh lawropaws, that isn't a red card offence in any footballing context

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

oh linesmanpaws, you blind?

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

this has been inept thus far

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

was a booking though
xpost to louispaws

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:51 (eighteen years ago)

Dutch home game then, judging by the crowd's attire.

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

lol kuyt scored

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:54 (eighteen years ago)

mottypaws

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

lol malouda

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

Goal!

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

terrible defending - Malouda wasn't even looking at the ball

― StanM, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

oh MOTTYPAWS

"france...one down to Romania, losing here..."

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:56 (eighteen years ago)

Maloudapaws for sure

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:57 (eighteen years ago)

hang on, is murder only a bookable offence now? (just catching up, having been trying the novel idea of watching the game without my laptop on my knee)

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:18 (eighteen years ago)

lol makalele face massage

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:19 (eighteen years ago)

Espn360 feed crap out for anyone else?

― wmlynch, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:28 (eighteen years ago)

"They are playing too down in their hearts."

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:42 (eighteen years ago)

haha an extremely attacking change from holland, they're winning the battle for hearts and minds all right

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:47 (eighteen years ago)

Someone should add Robben to that list of people who always look like they're about to cry.

― Stevie T, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

Who's gonna get sent off in this one?

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

LOL HENRY :D

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 19:55 (eighteen years ago)

Awesome goal.

― Stevie T, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

THAT WAS FUCKING AMAZING FROM VAN NISTLEROOY

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

OK. THAT WAS AWESOME.

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

Death by velocity. But... what was Coupet doing?

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

I don't think many goalkeepers would have done much about that.

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

France v Italy is gonna be amazing, somehow

Domenach´s record looking more and more like Voller´s

― blueski, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

Haha, it was almost an amazing miss! He had 3/4 of the goal to aim at from 5 yards, somehow hit the other 1/4 and got away with it...

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

also i got excited and misspelt ruud's name ;_;

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

"it's not a good name for a striker - Go Miss"

OH SHUT UP.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

Is it just me or are they all chanting for Khalid Boulahrouz?

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

There's always one workmanlike player of limited skill who becomes a popular crowd mascot. Didn't you sing Francis Benali's praises way back when?

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

"Booo la rues"

they´ve heard that new Mike Skinner single

― blueski, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:11 (eighteen years ago)

Oh, game on!

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

FUUUUCK

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

No f-ing way!

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

I don't understand how he did that.

― wmlynch, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

UN-fekking-believable -- wot, two goals in, wot, 30 secs??

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

Oh Robben!!

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

"Hey Bobby, what's the French for whatever the hell happened there?"

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

haha, didn't even get round to getting my "GAME ON!" post through the xposts before Robben did that.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

Jesus, that was amazing.

― Alba, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

I´m so glad the Dutch figured out how to score again

Robben and Van Basten both look 20 years older with that Jolcut tho

― blueski, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

unbelievalol.

― Frogman Henry, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

Awesome goal. I do wonder how Holland would cope if they were a goal down and had to chase the game as obviously they're amazing on counter attacks.

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

Ruud keeping life interessant for Coupet :)

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:25 (eighteen years ago)

Now, what's to stop the Dutch chucking their last game, thereby eliminating France and Italy?

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

Wos that but a rhetorical question?

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:28 (eighteen years ago)

I dunno, was that?

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:29 (eighteen years ago)

Mm, I don't quite believe the Dutch 'd bluntly lose...

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:33 (eighteen years ago)

Holland to finish touranment with 15 goals and 0 trophies

― Roberto Spiralli, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:33 (eighteen years ago)

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

FU
CK
IN
GH
EL
L

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

I would think UEFA might insist on something approaching a full-strength side vs Romania.

Oh, FOUR. I bet their reserves are shit-hot too.

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

V-2 Sneijder!

― Stevie T, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

Well that's just humiliating them now.

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

You could be nearly right 'bout the goals, Roberto...

(x-fkn-post)

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

But if Holland win and France win, then France go through... I have no idea why Holland might possibly want that.

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania could lose and still go through.

― if, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

lol Italy and France level on points and goal difference and goals scored

could be PENALTIES

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

didn´t the Czechs play mostly reserves against Germany in 2004? still won tho

― blueski, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

'Tis a slow death group after all.

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

Btw, I'd rather watch the Dutch reserves, for a change ;)

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

woah. i can't belive how they did that. France was much better than Italy (even though their goal was off-side ;) )

― Ludo, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

lol Italy and France level on points and goal difference and goals scored

could be PENALTIES

Yeah, I'm sure I just heard Lineker say "France must now beat Italy to have any chance of progressing" but as you say, they're completely level, so I don't understand how that can be right. Still, after my group A confusion on Wednesday, I have no faith in my own maths.

― Alba, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

Holland's reserves today included Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Klass-Jan Huntelaar. I wouldn't fancy taking them on, to be fair.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

"France must beat Italy to progress," says Lineker. Well, yeah - but Italy can't progress with a draw either. They have identical records right now. Could be pens if Romania get thumped by four!

― Michael Jones, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

lol spot the odd one out ^^^^ ;-) xpost to ailsa

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

V-2 Sneijder!

Thanks for that one - magnificent!

― willem, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

Desailly explains France failings: "They do not get the craziness!"

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

Come again, Desailly?!

― t**t, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

yeah i have changed my facebook status in honour of that fantastic man

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

Good times again! Brilliant stuff. Wahey!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

oi, 20 goals in a team that got to the last 16 of the Champions League isn't to be sniffed at...

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:50 (eighteen years ago)

Fantastic match. I actually thought France played well, much better than they did against Romania, and Ribery looked pretty useful. Robben was sensational, wasn't he?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

Easily my favourite game of the tournament so far.

― ailsa, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

that touch by ruud was unbelievable

― mizzell, Friday, 13 June 2008 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

"France must beat Italy to progress," says Lineker. Well, yeah - but Italy can't progress with a draw either. They have identical records right now. Could be pens if Romania get thumped by four!

D'oh, I forgot Romania had two points. Maybe it's the wine. But hang on, if Italy v France is 1-1 and Romania lose to Holland, then the rools say goal difference and then goals scored in the matches between tied teams take precedence over overall goal difference and goals scored. So the margin of Romania's beating is irrelevant. And in any case, things can only be settled by penalties if there are only two teams tied. I'm losing myself. I think I'll pour another glass.

― Alba, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

Oh wait, yes, you're right. Romania would be out of it on goals scored between those three.

― Alba, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:02 (eighteen years ago)

Oh yeah true, penalties isn't possible then, is it? France and Italy can't be the only two teams on the same points unless Romania go through

― if, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

0-0 and a 2-0 defeat for Romania definitely funniest possible outcome.

― if, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

Robben was sensational

Aye, Lawro saying "Robben hasn't kicked a ball" seemed to flick a switch somewhere.

Scotland's two "historic" wins over France looking more and more routine by the day.

― onimo, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:08 (eighteen years ago)

The thing is Robben had had a touch before Lawro said that.

― Jarlrmai, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:13 (eighteen years ago)

Oh wait, yes, you're right. Romania would be out of it on goals scored between those three.

Err.. more the fact that they'd only have two points, not three, Alba. So if they get a draw against Hollan- STOP DIGGING.

― Alba, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

0-0 and a 2-0 defeat for Romania definitely funniest possible outcome.

A 3-0 defeat you mean surely. With that the goal difference between the 3 teams would be the same, as would the goals scored. The goals scored in games between the tied teams would mean France would fail as their only goal came against Holland. But there would still be nothing to separate Italy and Romania. A penalty shoot out wouldn't be possible as the two teams would be in two different cities. Uefa is fucked should this happen, unless i am missing something.

― arghkaybee, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:26 (eighteen years ago)

Scotland's two "historic" wins over France looking more and more routine by the day.

-- onimo, Friday, June 13, 2008 10:08 PM (18 minutes ago)

otm.

But maybe I'm just bitter because I'm a Scot who doesn't really care about the national team and get ribbed for it senselessly whenever we start doing a little bit better than shite and everyone becomes a tartan army die-hard.

― jim, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:28 (eighteen years ago)

lol they should make romania send their reserve team across to the france-italy game in case of penalties

― Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:29 (eighteen years ago)

Holland beating France 4-0 tonight would cheer me up, though

U happy now?

Second quarterfinalist? Winner of Italy vs France. Judging by their respective matches my money's on France.

― willem, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:30 (eighteen years ago)

arghkaybee, Italy would go through on qualifying resul coefficient. But ah, revise that to 4-1 and Romania would still be through!

― if, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:32 (eighteen years ago)

Well, that's the something i'm missing then. At what stage would that come into play, before or after the 'goals scored in the games between the tied teams' decider?

― arghkaybee, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

The criterion after coefficient is fair play. If we get to that, I think Man City go through.

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 13 June 2008 21:37 (eighteen years ago)

Calculation in this group really very simple, not?

1) Bad idea for Netherlands: put 2nd string team out vs Romania (players might want to impress to be picked later).

2) Good idea for Netherlands: put 1st team out, but tell them not necessarily to overexert ahem ahem. Romanian win? France & Italy out; RESULT.

Am v v tempted to place major bet on Romania to qualify @ about 1.85 ... but then Teh Neds may have grown so cocky on these performances as to spurn easy advantage, hm...

― anatol_merklich, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:11 (eighteen years ago)

ILE I AM FUCKING DISAPPOINTED IN YOU WHERE THE FUCK IS THE ANIMATED GIF OF THIERRY HENRY FALLING TO HIS KNEES AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN IN PERPETUITY FOREVER?!

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:13 (eighteen years ago)

Anyway, that was stonking, all of it, apart from the first half of Romania v Italy which I missed anyay. Thoughts:

- The look on Mutu's face just before the penalty was classic. "Oh shit, I can't do this, help, what the fuck am I supposed to do?" followed by an imploring "guys, please, anyone but me, please", all caught close up by the cameras. Obvious he was going to miss.

- That Buffon save was overrated, Mutu charged it straight down the middle and Buffon was very lucky it bounced off his foot in the right direction.

- HENRY HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA loser.

- Dirk Kuyt did some harcore charging and hustling to get to that header.

- Robben OMG.

- Schneider OMG OMG OMG.

- Holland won't win this. They are just too good, and I've got a feeling they've peaked early. Holland 08 = Argentina 06. On the other hand, six players back and four lethal ones bombing forward largely uninhibited is pretty hard to play against in a tournament with no decent defences whatsoever. Out to Turkey on penalties, possibly, or maybe a lucky Greek side playing 11 men in their own half.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:22 (eighteen years ago)

RIP Big Fellas

Heaven needed somebody to play 6 across the back

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:31 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry I hadn't read the thread. That RIP went out to Donadoni and his boys.

I understand yr logic Matt but the Dutch have just gubbed the 2 incumbent World Cup finalists, and they looked within themselves whilst they did it.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:35 (eighteen years ago)

Two World Cup finalists without the two key players who ultimately made it happen and with most of their players a couple of years past their prime at least, but yeah I get your point.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:41 (eighteen years ago)

France wouldn't have got anywhere near the final without Zidane, he pretty much dragged them kicking and screaming there.

Italy 06 without Cannavaro is less damning but Gattuso and Pirlo don't seem anywhere near the force they once were either.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:44 (eighteen years ago)

To be fair, the 3 sexiest-looking teams so far - Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands - are all notorious bottlers, and once the tournament goes knockout anything can happen. I've really enjoyed watching the Netherlands tho, which makes a change from the comedy ineffectualness they usually serve up. Also fuck off did Romania deserve a penalty, sorry I haven't read upthread yet. Also the seeding that produced Italy-France-Romania-Holland and Switzerland-Czechamania-Toikey-Portugal is a bit munted, really.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 00:50 (eighteen years ago)

- Schneider OMG OMG OMG.

LANGUAGE SON, it's Sneijder, only seven letters :p :p

― anatol_merklich, Saturday, 14 June 2008 01:15 (eighteen years ago)

(but your point is hypervalid; the Dutch finishing has been ^^^^ scale for two matches now)

― anatol_merklich, Saturday, 14 June 2008 01:17 (eighteen years ago)

What I still don't get is this: why did they decide to make the quarters between 1st/2nd of group A/B and 1st/2nd of group C/D? Why not A/C and B/D? Fat chance some teams will play a team for the second time this tournament in the semis, a team they already played against in the group. I still don't get this. Why not intertwine the A/B and C/D groups in the quarters, and make it A/C, B/D?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 01:56 (eighteen years ago)

Happened in the WC in 2002 as well, IIRC -- yeah usually groupmates could meet in the final, but not now and not then. I call geography; made sense when the hosts were S Korea and Japan (do not let us shuffle the squads across seas), less so now.

― anatol_merklich, Saturday, 14 June 2008 02:10 (eighteen years ago)

What I still don't get is this: why did they decide to make the quarters between 1st/2nd of group A/B and 1st/2nd of group C/D? Why not A/C and B/D?

http://www.sportweek.nl/voetbal/61573/EK_speelschema_op_verzoek_Oranje_gewijzigd
(in dutch)

(basically it has to do with the amount of rest between matches, each team gets)

― Ludo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 07:09 (eighteen years ago)

I have a hangover :(

― baaderonixx, Saturday, 14 June 2008 10:27 (eighteen years ago)

It's Saturday, give us three games!

― onimo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:13 (eighteen years ago)

Noooo, we're driving down to my ma and pa's this afternoon, won't get there till 4-ish.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:18 (eighteen years ago)

Funniest bit of Anglocentric commentary to date:

*Van der Vaart swings over corner. Henry jumps and misses. Kuyt rises to head past Coupet*

Motson: DIRK KUYT OF LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:37 (eighteen years ago)

Not so funny for the 2nd Dutch goal, when he said, "Made in Chelsea, scored by Arsenal!", because the goal was actually made in Holland, scored by Holland. You see Holland qualified for the finals and England didn't.

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:40 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, could've said "Put your hands up for Dirk Kuyt".

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:41 (eighteen years ago)

Whoever signed McLareng to pundit on 5 Live has a nice sense of humour tho. He basically just cries into his beer for 90 minutes every time he's on.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:42 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe, in deference to Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Dirk Kuyt has changed his name Dirk Kuyt of Liverpool

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 11:44 (eighteen years ago)

why? that would translate as "dirk kuyt or liverpool"

― Porkpie, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:17 (eighteen years ago)

Thank you for that. I know. Thank you. It's called humour. Might not have been funny, but certainly isn't now. Thank you again.

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:22 (eighteen years ago)

Thanks for the link Ludo. So it's the Dutch themselves who are responsible for this :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:28 (eighteen years ago)

Funniest bit of Anglocentric commentary to date:

*Van der Vaart swings over corner. Henry jumps and misses. Kuyt rises to head past Coupet*

Motson: DIRK KUYT OF LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!

lol kuyt scored

-- Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:54 (Yesterday) Bookmark Link

mottypaws

-- Just got offed, Friday, 13 June 2008 18:55 (Yesterday) Bookmark Link

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:29 (eighteen years ago)

Hoping Russia and Spain win today. Would like Russia to qualify out of that group with Spain, some of their passing in the first match was on a par with Spain's and Holland's.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:38 (eighteen years ago)

Obv. want Sweden to win for Henrik. Russia have been hyped so much that I was hoping they'd fail, but hearing some pundit on the radio today say, "They have no Premiership players in their team", in a 'therefore you won't be interested in them' way, changed my mind a bit.

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:43 (eighteen years ago)

I was having a look at the squads for the 1980 Euros. There were two Spanish-based Germans, two German-based English players, and four Dutch players based abroad (one for Vancouver Whitecaps!), but otherwise every other player in the tournament played in his own country.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:49 (eighteen years ago)

German-based English players: Keegan and Woodcock?

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:50 (eighteen years ago)

Correct. I wonder if the other matches were even televised in those days?

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:52 (eighteen years ago)

Hmmmmmm, I think probably yes. Haven't seen all the games of course, but I've enjoyed every game I've watched this year, apart from France v. Romania.

― Tom D., Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:55 (eighteen years ago)

jesus christ that game was a waste of lifespan

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:56 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah they were from what I remember. Used to keep me wallchart up to date and everything.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:56 (eighteen years ago)

I still maintain that really dour games are an essential and fun part of the football experience.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 12:58 (eighteen years ago)

yeah but only when they're dour for a good reason

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:00 (eighteen years ago)

They've nearly all been good games. I think it helps that the more adventurous team has won in nearly every match. A team like Greece boring their way through the tournament really kills the mood.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:01 (eighteen years ago)

It's the dour games that make it possible for other games to be fantastic, amirite?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:01 (eighteen years ago)

not if you're (half) greek (cypriot) xpost :D

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:02 (eighteen years ago)

@Ismael, exactly. It still amazes me that Greece won four years ago with the same anti-football.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:02 (eighteen years ago)

nah i didn't feel that overjoyed about 04, i got much more of an allegiance to cyprus than to greece

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:03 (eighteen years ago)

There's so much to focus on in a boring, unskillful grinder of a match. It feels like watching football for real, like the beautiful matches are these overly showy evanescent things that draw in the mug punters who lack the real taste for the mundanity of the game.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:03 (eighteen years ago)

NB I'm very aware that this is kind of challopsy bollocks.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:04 (eighteen years ago)

dude i watch charlton, anything beautiful or exciting is fucking welcome, and watching romania and france play out a game at LEAST five times as dull as anything i've seen at the valley this season is pretty much the epitomy of footballing disappointment

― Just got offed, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:05 (eighteen years ago)

NB I'm very aware that this is kind of challopsy bollocks.

No I agree. It's a much more rational watching experience, but still very enjoyable, pointing at mistakes in yer head, trying to figure out what/why/how etc. A great game is just simply baffling, let's you be amazed. But a poor game gets the mind going more. I like that too.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:07 (eighteen years ago)

'pointing at mistakes in yer head' = watching players/teams make mistakes and think them through obv.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:08 (eighteen years ago)

What I don't get is why Romania didn't have a go against France. If they'd treated France like they treated Italy they'd have won easily. I get the feeling that their whole strategy has been based on having Holland's number, and hoping desperately that they could somehow scrape draws in the first two games.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 13:11 (eighteen years ago)

Thanks for the link Ludo. So it's the Dutch themselves who are responsible for this :)

to expand on this.. it would be wise, i think, to lose against Romania with a substitutes team, which would probably mean Sweden in the quarters and then hopefully either Spain or Romania again (with the A-squad)
this would obviously avoid another encounter with either Italy or probably France, which i think we would lose.

― Ludo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 14:10 (eighteen years ago)

(i am still rooting for Greece though, i know it's ridicilous anti-football, but that's the great thing, it proves the rules are wrong. or something.)

― Ludo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 14:12 (eighteen years ago)

I think losing to Romania would set back this whole 'flow' they're in. Sure, rest three or four players, but play to win please. Who cares about other countries? We beat Italy, and can beat them again in the semis if necessary. That's how I think they should regard the Romania match. If only to prove that the two previous wins weren't accidental.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 14:14 (eighteen years ago)

i wonder how much of these "we" have played in the past. I can remember 2 (against Argentina, WC06, 0-0, against France, EC00, 3-2 win)
heck probably a lot more. :)

― Ludo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 14:24 (eighteen years ago)

Holland were marvelous (was it only a week ago I was reading reports how the Dutch were going to do zilch in this tournament due to form, and Cruyff saying the odd word about how they weren't that great this time round?), but yes its almost tourney footie iron law rule that they won't win it! Hopefully we'll be wrong about that. To go through w/Romania (Italy had a have no cutting edge, they usually tend to show it in the later stages, but needed to do so earlier than usual, and have not).

Want Greece to finish 2nd. I'm a sucker for cagey 1-0s (v fond of the George Graham years :-)).

― xyzzzz__, Saturday, 14 June 2008 15:15 (eighteen years ago)

Spanish goal celebratory pile-on beared strong resemblance to a Razzle 'stack' for a second there

― DJ Mencap, Saturday, 14 June 2008 16:16 (eighteen years ago)

x-post ha ha

Teams really are going for the "all pile on top of each other" goal celebration in this tournament.

― Neil S, Saturday, 14 June 2008 16:17 (eighteen years ago)

I'm thinking Dunphy on this will be fun.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 16:59 (eighteen years ago)

Ibrahimovic off for Rosenberg. Erm?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:02 (eighteen years ago)

Ibra's still a bit injured.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:05 (eighteen years ago)

CHAMPION BRINGS THE ENRIQUE IGLESIAS PUN

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

This isn't particularly good, is it?

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:40 (eighteen years ago)

Seriously, this needs recording:

"At this rate, the only Spaniard at the final will be Enrique Iglesias, singing the official song before kick-off. 'Can You Hear Me', it's called - from a Spanish perspective, 'Tired of Being Sorry' might be more appropriate!"

(He's clearly had that on file for months, yes, but no-one ever believes I heard Tyldesley respond to Big Ron describing someone as a "wild child" by saying "With the ill behaviour!" and I CANNOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN DAMMIT)

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:41 (eighteen years ago)

xp - not really, no. To be fair, there is NO atmosphere in this stadium. At all.

Kim Kallstom coming on, CM 99/00 represent etc.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:42 (eighteen years ago)

I thought the stadium looked great, but maybe the lopsided design lets all the noise escape. The upper tiers at St James's Park are terrible that way - all the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a mountaintop.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:46 (eighteen years ago)

Källstrom, obv.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:48 (eighteen years ago)

lol goals

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:49 (eighteen years ago)

Well, it wasn't like Sweden were gonna score, so Villa may as well have done.

The next round of matches in this group is gonna be bloody insufferable, isn't it?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:51 (eighteen years ago)

Spain off the hook totally there.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:53 (eighteen years ago)

Thought Spain was dissapointing today.

The next round of matches in this group is gonna be bloody insufferable, isn't it?

I think Russia and Greece are happy with the Spanish win. Maybe even Greece will go for a win now tonight. Oh wait, nah, probably not.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:55 (eighteen years ago)

Not to mention Spain being fucking lucky because I could see Greece frustrating them if they play again like they did today.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:56 (eighteen years ago)

Townsend is punditting literally every single game for ITV, isn't he?

Why?

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 17:58 (eighteen years ago)

Something for the laydeez

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 14 June 2008 18:04 (eighteen years ago)

This next game is going to be torture, isn't it? The only thing that might make it worse would be if Shearer and Hansen constantly go on about how bored they are.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 18:24 (eighteen years ago)

Woo-hoo! It's on ITV instead! I never thought that would ever make me happier.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 18:35 (eighteen years ago)

The Greek goalkeeper apppears to be about 60 years old

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Saturday, 14 June 2008 19:21 (eighteen years ago)

He reminds me a lot of Philip Schofield

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

Allardyce and Townsend appear to be forgetting about the whole attacking players needing to be active with regards to the offside rule. Sigh.

I've missed the first half, but Nikopolidis was crap in 2004 and he's crap now. Ho-hum.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 19:38 (eighteen years ago)

Also lol Allardyce slagging the Greeks for negative play.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 19:40 (eighteen years ago)

"Reminiscent of Oleg Luhnzy at his best"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:04 (eighteen years ago)

Russia take the wrong option every single time they get into the final third. That was a decent free kick though.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

What the fuck was up with that Pavyulchenko shot?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:33 (eighteen years ago)

Shocking miss. Some good flag-waving from the Russkis there

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

I think that means four winner-takes-all games in the next four days (assuming the Dutch beat Romania). Great stuff, if they pick the right matches for the telly

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Pfft at Allardyce irate at the greek disallowed goal:
"when you draw the line across, there's no gap"
*angle changes to show striker a yard offside*
"... no, there's no real gap"

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

They all go on telly, but some (presumably the less essential) go on the digital channels.

― William Bloody Swygart, Saturday, 14 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

Finally won some money today, Spain at 4/6 and a very generous 11/10 on Russia.

Thankfully a Russia v Sweden decider means I won't need to watch Greece again.

― onimo, Saturday, 14 June 2008 21:07 (eighteen years ago)

I thought tonight's game was very good to be fair, though mostly due to the Russians.

― Ronan, Saturday, 14 June 2008 21:54 (eighteen years ago)

I agree. The finishing was abysmal, but they had several well played attacks. That and the return of Arshavin next game, I can see them beat Sweden. And then there's Holland vs Hiddink!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 14 June 2008 22:01 (eighteen years ago)

David Villa really is superb.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 22:09 (eighteen years ago)

Spain looked pretty ropey at times today (defensively anyway - their attack is fantastic). Holland should beat whoever they come up against in the semis and quarters ('twas called 'the difficult half of the draw' before anyone had seen France or Italy). I could see Croatia, Portugal and maybe even Czech Republic beating them in the final though.

― Ismael Klata, Saturday, 14 June 2008 22:23 (eighteen years ago)

last minute goals galore, but no Beckham style free-kick goals yet

― Jarlrmai, Saturday, 14 June 2008 23:56 (eighteen years ago)

Yup

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Sunday, 15 June 2008 00:26 (eighteen years ago)

wow this thread size!

― Ste, Sunday, 15 June 2008 01:48 (eighteen years ago)

I know I'm alone in this, but its a shame about Greece...in 2004 they would've scored first (and they had a chance to do that) and held on. I would've liked them to make a good defence of their title. Russia were really good tho'.

"Holland should beat whoever they come up against in the semis and quarters ('twas called 'the difficult half of the draw' before anyone had seen France or Italy). I could see Croatia, Portugal and maybe even Czech Republic beating them in the final though."

If Sweden go through to the QF I can see them frustrating the Dutch, should they not get an early goal. Portugal and Spain play the sort of attcking football that Holland are, just right now, better than anyone at.

Not happy to say this, but I'm enjoying not having England there.

― xyzzzz__, Sunday, 15 June 2008 10:36 (eighteen years ago)

"I know I'm alone in this, but its a shame about Greece"

you're not alone!

― Frogman Henry, Sunday, 15 June 2008 10:38 (eighteen years ago)

English referee Howard Webb will officiate Wednesday's Group C match between Greece and Spain despite being subjected to death threats.
The 36-year-old came in for fierce criticism after awarding Austria a late penalty allowing them to snatch a 1-1 draw against Poland on Thursday.
Webb has been subjected to a vicious hate campaign sparked by comments made by the country's prime minister.
The day after the match Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime Minister, admitted he had found it hard to control his anger.
"As the prime minister I have to be balanced and collected. But last night I was speaking very differently about the whole thing, I wanted to kill," he said.

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

Now he knows how Urs Meier felt.

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:20 (eighteen years ago)

So what's the game to watch tonight? It can be interesting to see if Portugal keep up their good play, but Turkey - Czech will probably be a way bigger fight.

Dutch tv will broadcast both games. So I guess I'll click to and fro, and miss all the goals in the process...

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

Turkey/Czech Republic has the look of a good ol'fashioned donnybrook about it, lots of niggly tackles, audacious dives, and probably some handbags after a controversial 88th minute penalty decision.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:32 (eighteen years ago)

Pretty weak that the best advert for Euro 2008 is an insurance company's, but this is pretty sweet. Ribery and Toni engaging in some one-upsmanship at the Allianz Arena: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBLxTlUEA3g

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:44 (eighteen years ago)

I like Toni's wee slide at 1:15 as he followed up the free kick.

― onimo, Sunday, 15 June 2008 15:53 (eighteen years ago)

I like that. Not overplayed.

― Just got offed, Sunday, 15 June 2008 16:03 (eighteen years ago)

First match that actually means something of the tournament.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:44 (eighteen years ago)

ok wtf "At one end: Turks On Tour, at the other end: respectable supporters of the Czech Republic."

― onimo, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:44 (eighteen years ago)

Gonna go with the Czechs 1-0. My fantasy team still keeping faith in Jankulovski, despite some indifferent performances so far.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:44 (eighteen years ago)

It's knock-out pretty much from here on in. Head says Czechs, but Turkey looked pretty resilient against the Swiss

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:46 (eighteen years ago)

Heart says Czechs because of residual love for Jan Koller.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

Can't believe the ITV commentary. Yesterday a reference to 'midfield midget gems' and just now 'the geriatric giant'.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

I'd rather crass and offensive than repeat mentions of anything tangentially related to the Premiership, tbh

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:51 (eighteen years ago)

Koller is younger than Christian Panucci, yes?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 18:53 (eighteen years ago)

Am I seeing things, or does Tuncay look a wee bit like David Cameron?

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:08 (eighteen years ago)

Three yellow cards for Turkey in the first 10 minutes. They're gonna end this with 10 men or less, right?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:09 (eighteen years ago)

Dude on 5 Live just described Koller as "a tall version of Nic Cage, I always think". Calls into question the factual accuracy of the rest of his commentary.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:21 (eighteen years ago)

KOLLER'S BACK, GIRL

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

(subs: does this work as headline?)

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

Ooh, well done Nic Cage.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

Bouncing Czechs

― jim, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

Great header!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

"He was literally right up his backside"

― caek, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:43 (eighteen years ago)

ARGH BURT KWOUK STEREO GAMBLING TERROR

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:47 (eighteen years ago)

It was only whilst watching that advert last night with my mum that I found out Burt Kwouk had done a stint in Last of the Summer Wine.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 15 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

* It Ain't Half Hot Mum (1977 - 1978), Me Thant
* Tenko (1981), Major Yamauchi
* Doctor Who: Four to Doomsday (1981), Lin Futu
* The House of Eliott (1991), Peter Lo Ching
* Lovejoy - The Peking Gun (1993)
* The Harry Hill Show (1997 - 2000)
* Banzai (television show) (2001 - 2004), voiceover
* Last of the Summer Wine (2006), Entwistle
* Honest (2008), Mr Hong

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

Could do without That Cunt With The Ref's Whistle in the crowd.

― onimo, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

GET OUT THE ENGLISH FLAGS AND BUNTING ITS COLIN "KAZIM" KAZIM RICHARDS

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

RULE BRITANNIA, BRITANNIA RULES SOME WAVES NEVER NEVER EVER DA DA DARRRR

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

According to the commentator, 'Colin' 'Kazim' 'Richards' went to the school about a minute's walk from my flat.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:07 (eighteen years ago)

champion befoe the game "this will be a passion play".....is he stealing lines from Pro Evo? I'm sure he said this before too.

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

Goodnight, Istanbul.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

2-0, Fatih Terim looks like he's about to lamp someone

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:09 (eighteen years ago)

Bjorn Borg seals it for the Czechs

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:11 (eighteen years ago)

so turks are snivelling, complaining and they can't keep their temper

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:11 (eighteen years ago)

oh these volatile turks

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

xp ^^^don't remember that from Pro Evo.

Champion got ripped off on the last batch of heroin he brought, so he's probably still bitter against the Turks.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:12 (eighteen years ago)

And they like their conspiracy theories.

Mind you, Graeme Souness on the Russians is almost as bad.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

don't think that exact line was in it, but it should have been.

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:13 (eighteen years ago)

This is the first time the UEFA are boss of what's being broadcasted, and boy does it show this tournament. Fcuking UEFA never bringing the fun on the screen: we didn't see the whole protest after the second Czech goal did we, which lead to a yellow card for Arda. Meh.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:16 (eighteen years ago)

btw anyone hear beglin earlier? "he scored an ABSOLUTE BLOOTER against liverpool in the CL"

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

We also didn't see fireworks in stadiums, a crazy Croatian fan on the pitch etc. It's a great annoyance.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

Switserland 1-0?!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:18 (eighteen years ago)

Fantastic kick in the head on Polak from Asik there. Reminds me that Kung-Fu Hustle is on later tonight.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:19 (eighteen years ago)

Aaaiight!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:22 (eighteen years ago)

Yes! C'mon you Turks!

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:22 (eighteen years ago)

SAMBA.....DI JANEIRO

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

I frowned upon hearing that :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

Plz Turkishesh, I want to see lolpenalties!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

SAMBA....DI JANKOLLER, morelike

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

Switserland 2-0 (penalty)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

The Walthamstow lad looking suspiciously like a third division clogger who's somehow found himself playing in a major international tournament.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

2-2!!!!!!!!

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

Bring on teh penalties :-)

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

OHHHHH

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

Aaahaha! PNEALTEIS!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

lol@cech

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:35 (eighteen years ago)

also, lol Cech, as if that needed saying...

xpost

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

That catching was, frankly, me-esque.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

Cech oh nooooooes!!!!

― SeekAltRoute, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

BLOOTER

― onimo, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

NIHAT!

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

OMG!

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

GET IN!

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

At exactly the same moment that goal went in, I scored this third goal on FM2008:

http://www.imagecabin.com/?view=213562174b847ccb93d84e618

twilightzone.mp3

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

NOOOOOOOOO!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

jaysus

― Porkpie, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

Beglin whinging about offside even though he was miles on.

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

Cech - anything to avoid the penalty shootout.

― SeekAltRoute, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

(and by miles I mean about six inches, obviously)

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

Tonight we are all Turkish. So, I dunno, if you're a Jamaican in Harringey probably best to lock your doors.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

the turkish bloodlust is sated....for a time

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

er, what penalty shoot-out? (watch as egg connects with face as CR equalise 4 minutes into injury time)

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

as, it nearly did then! OMG! OMG!!!

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:39 (eighteen years ago)

Last two minutes with no goalkeeper!

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Lol great entertainment!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Although I don't know why he gets sent off

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

No cameras watching the keeper on Koller there?

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

for lolz, obviously. Now we need a goal so Turkey have to do the penalty shootout with no keeper.

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

Has there ever been a less suitable sub keeper?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

what a game

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

Never seen a dude in goal look less like a goalie, and I've played a lot of park football

― DJ Mencap, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

shite, I think I have the Turkish keeper in my fantasy football team.

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

ujfalusi is like he man's dark nemesis

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:42 (eighteen years ago)

And Baros gets booked. For the sake of it?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

Best game of the tournament so far?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

what can you say?!

― czn, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

Best 45 minutes, at least.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

OH WTF AT THIS GAME, I AM FLABBERGASTED COMMENTATOR

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

everytime I hear Hamit Altintop's name, I start singing love on a mountain top.

― Porkpie, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

"If a spaceship landed in the centre circle, direct from Mars, you wouldn't be fazed."

― czn, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

"I think we have to reassess our parameters of what's possible in a football match"

― DJ Mencap, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

Crikey

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

lol @ return of rustu!!

― czn, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

A FOOTBALLER WAS SENT OFF, AND TWO GOALS WERE SCORED IN FIVE MINUTES. IT'S LIKE FOOTBALL A MAD MAN WOULD CREATE

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

Bloody hell. And Turkey's next game is going to involve Slaven Bilic. PLANK Blatter THROWS AWAY golden GOOSE at QUARTER-FINAL STAGE etc.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

IF THE CAMERA CUT BACK TO ANDY SNOGGING DAVID MOYES WITH STEVE RYDER PLAYING THE HARP I WOULDN'T BAT AN EYELID JIM, NOT AFTER THAT GAME

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

I don't know jack fuck about Euro football because I am an ugly American, but I am in the olde world for some weeks and completely into this tourney now, and that game just now was awesome. I am in Munich and am looking forward to madness tomorrow.

― Euler, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:46 (eighteen years ago)

M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN'S "THE HAPPENING"... IF IT INVOLVED FOOTBALL

― czn, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

If in the middle of this iPod advert Chris Martin was sent off for showing dissent at the purple backdrop, I would not be any more surprised, David

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

INNIT BOLO

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

RIP Jan Koller's international career. Pushing over tiny American defenders in heaven now.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

"petr cech proved a weakling"

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:50 (eighteen years ago)

if Elvis walked in with a portion of chips, you could hear the vinegar sizzle on them

― caek, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

OK lol at keeper shoving Jan Koller

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:52 (eighteen years ago)

Volkan seemed to be suggesting Koller had said something...

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

I hate the way you can tell the producers on ITV told Andy several thousand times, "ASK THE GUEST WHAT THEY THINK" so now he says "innit David???" "amirite David/Bolo/Sam" in the middle of all his points

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

David Moyes is surprisingly inarticulate

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:53 (eighteen years ago)

I wonder what Koller called him..
xxx-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:54 (eighteen years ago)

Son of a terrorist whore

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:57 (eighteen years ago)

an absolute blooter

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:58 (eighteen years ago)

So, regretting my decision to sit thru Big Brother now.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:58 (eighteen years ago)

I wonder what Koller called him..

prolly said said samthung 'bout demirel's sister

― t**t, Sunday, 15 June 2008 20:59 (eighteen years ago)

Turks never short of confidence, sez Ryder.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 21:00 (eighteen years ago)

INNIT BOLO

-- Ronan, Sunday, June 15, 2008 8:48 PM (32 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

Genuine roffles! They still doing that on Brit tv?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 15 June 2008 21:22 (eighteen years ago)

Went out for dinner with my dad for Fathers' Day. I haven't read this thread but judging by the number of recent posts, I'm assuming all those texts going 'OMG best Euro game ever!' were more or less correct.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 15 June 2008 21:32 (eighteen years ago)

IF YOU TOLD US YOUR DAD REVEALED HE WAS ACTUALLY YOUR UNCLE, IN A SPACESHIP, WE WOULDN'T BAT AN EYELID

― Ronan, Sunday, 15 June 2008 21:34 (eighteen years ago)

xp No.

― caek, Sunday, 15 June 2008 21:34 (eighteen years ago)

fantasy team knacked by having Turkish goalie + lots of Portugeezers in it :-(

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 22:05 (eighteen years ago)

But hey, at least Kadlec finally got some face time, eh?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 15 June 2008 22:18 (eighteen years ago)

Between Ferreira and Jankulovski got a grand total of ONE point.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 15 June 2008 22:19 (eighteen years ago)

aye, just in time to let in two goals. Brilliant.

xpost

― ailsa, Sunday, 15 June 2008 22:20 (eighteen years ago)

Little disappointed we didn't get more lolz with Tuncay in goal but otherwise, judging by the highlights, A++++.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 15 June 2008 22:33 (eighteen years ago)

i was in a kebab shop in brighton when turkey scored their first (then had to get a train and missed the rest) so am delighted for them. bravo turkey.

― Upt0eleven, Sunday, 15 June 2008 23:45 (eighteen years ago)

can just say?

"hamit altintop"

― Tracer Hand, Sunday, 15 June 2008 23:57 (eighteen years ago)

My turkophone friend told me "altintop" translates as "golden ball."

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:02 (eighteen years ago)

Of course, you don't need a Turkish-speaking friend to learn that, you could just google it up.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:03 (eighteen years ago)

Although having the Turkophile friend come over to your house for the second half of the match and, through his well-wishing, seemingly influence the course of the game, is kind of unnerving.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:05 (eighteen years ago)

I mean it was DVR-delayed, but still.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:05 (eighteen years ago)

That dotless i is kind of hard to pronounce though.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:07 (eighteen years ago)

Although perhaps not as hard as, say, the aspirated g, or gh, in Hindi.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:07 (eighteen years ago)

In any case, I guess it's time to start preparing for the Aufschluss tomorrow.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:12 (eighteen years ago)

Or maybe I mean Abschluss.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:12 (eighteen years ago)

I guess those German prefixes are pretty hard too.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:12 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry. While Europe is sleeping, I'm running around on this thread like some nutty Jimmy Jump pitch invader.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Monday, 16 June 2008 00:30 (eighteen years ago)

oblivious to any bbc hyperbole that turkish victory was pretty fucking amazing though

― Michael B, Monday, 16 June 2008 01:44 (eighteen years ago)

And the Anglocentric LOLs keep on coming...

Beglin: "... best keeper in the world."
Drury: "When you're the best keeper in the world..."
Beglin: "He is the best keeper in the world..."
Drury: "The best keeper in the world..."

*half time*

Townsend: "Best keeper in the world..."

*second half*

Beglin: "It's the best keeper in the world."
Drury: "If you're the best keeper in the world..."
Beglin: "Easy for the best keeper in the world..."
Drury: "The best keeper in the world... OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 09:22 (eighteen years ago)

Lousy end to a cracking night in the Czech Club last night.

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

Given that Marco Aurélio Brito dos Prazeres has become Mehmet Aurelio for the purposes of playing for Turkey, and Colin Kazim Richards is now Kazim Kazim, I wonder what other players would be called if they became Turkish.

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

Hakan Bullard.

― Matt DC, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

Moustapha Campo

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

Islamo Ronaldoglu

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 09:45 (eighteen years ago)

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080204032424AAMY8nk

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:49 (eighteen years ago)

Brett EMREton

(Islamo = LOL)

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:49 (eighteen years ago)

Hasan Wenger

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 16 June 2008 09:56 (eighteen years ago)

Willie Donachiebabb

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:00 (eighteen years ago)

Istan Bullard

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 10:02 (eighteen years ago)

Kazim Kazim Kitson.

― Matt DC, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:11 (eighteen years ago)

Jimmy Bulent

― Daniel Giraffe, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

The Young Lad From Walthamstow (since that's what Coca-Cola Colin seems to be called now he's playing for Turkey)

― ailsa, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:14 (eighteen years ago)

Surely he'd have to change his name to Kitson Kitson? (xxxp)

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 10:14 (eighteen years ago)

some good lolz already today :D

hopefully germany will trump y'all later tho

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:17 (eighteen years ago)

And the Anglocentric LOLs keep on coming...

Beglin: "... best keeper in the world."
Drury: "When you're the best keeper in the world..."
Beglin: "He is the best keeper in the world..."
Drury: "The best keeper in the world..."

*half time*

Townsend: "Best keeper in the world..."

*second half*

Tuncay isn't English is he?

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:43 (eighteen years ago)

He plays in England, so as good as

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 10:44 (eighteen years ago)

Tuncay Hill

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:46 (eighteen years ago)

oops it's spelt with a hyphen:
Tun-cay Hill

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:46 (eighteen years ago)

Tuncay isn't English is he?

He plays in England, so as good as

So, virtually, 'twas Englad that won last night?

― t**t, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:51 (eighteen years ago)

Colin "I'm from Leytonstone" Kazim "Kazim" Richards to thread. Again.

― ailsa, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:52 (eighteen years ago)

'Which national football team is riddled with herpes after sharing the local bike in a nightclub VIP room?' - Holy Moly.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:53 (eighteen years ago)

Gotta be France, right?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:53 (eighteen years ago)

"bike"?

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:57 (eighteen years ago)

Can't be England, we all know Stevie Me and Fat Frank can't play together.

― aldo, Monday, 16 June 2008 10:57 (eighteen years ago)

"bike"?

-- Tracer Hand, Monday, 16 June 2008 11:57 (5 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

As in "everyone gets a ride"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 11:03 (eighteen years ago)

can't be france cos they no longer have a decent play-maker

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 11:03 (eighteen years ago)

Can't be the Czech Republic either, Petr Cech couldn't catch herpes or anything else for that matter

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 11:10 (eighteen years ago)

As for Italy, I'm sure most nightclubs have a door policy of not admitting senior citizens

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 11:12 (eighteen years ago)

my band is playing at one of these games! in Bern, i think! not sure when but probably in the next week or two.

― Jordan, Monday, 16 June 2008 14:26 (eighteen years ago)

if you play awesome in this show you might end up with a hot bike waiting for you in your nightclub VIP room.

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 14:35 (eighteen years ago)

If you don't mind sitting on a saddle previously occupied by 22 French footballers

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 14:36 (eighteen years ago)

... allegedly

― Tom D., Monday, 16 June 2008 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

I think it might be best to watch this with the sound off.

― onimo, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:31 (eighteen years ago)

10 seconds in and we're onto the Nazis.

― onimo, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:31 (eighteen years ago)

Austrians: Germans without the guilt complex?

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:32 (eighteen years ago)

lol

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:49 (eighteen years ago)

what a miss!

― onimo, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

hahahaha!

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 18:50 (eighteen years ago)

austria putting up a really good fight now

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:04 (eighteen years ago)

so wot's the acceptable-to-germs-as-well-as-austroman score this year?
(1n 1978 'twas 2:1, wasnnit, that let them both advance?)

― t**t, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:08 (eighteen years ago)

croatia are already through

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:11 (eighteen years ago)

this is the very stoppable force against the very moveable object.. which one will give first?

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:24 (eighteen years ago)

lol managers

― Mr Raif, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:26 (eighteen years ago)

the german manager by the looks of it

oh wait did they BOTH go?

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:26 (eighteen years ago)

mark lawrenson is jealous of dude who got to chat with angela merkle

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:28 (eighteen years ago)

and again! he bloody loves her

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:30 (eighteen years ago)

the merkel-chattin' dude was pigsticker, eh?

― t**t, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:34 (eighteen years ago)

Jonathan Pearce is refreshingly avoiding jingoism & multiple mentions of Premiership/England/The War.

― onimo, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:37 (eighteen years ago)

(1n 1978 'twas 2:1, wasnnit, that let them both advance?)

Probably thinking of 1:0 in 1982, leading to Algeria being eliminated after beating Germany 2:1 in first match?

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:39 (eighteen years ago)

LOL austria bottled it there

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:48 (eighteen years ago)

a last a free kick goal!

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:51 (eighteen years ago)

fucking hell

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:51 (eighteen years ago)

BAM!

at LAST a fucking FREEKICK worthy of the name

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:51 (eighteen years ago)

lol telepathy w/ kerr

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

i enjoyed that, what a strike!

― Herman G. Neuname, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

A NATION IN ONE MAN.

That was a fucking belter.

― Matt DC, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

Thought he toepunted that at first

― DJ Mencap, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:52 (eighteen years ago)

a bullet.

although shouldn't the defence/keeper have been better organised to invite a straight shot?

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

than to

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:53 (eighteen years ago)

stick that up your ballack

― Ronan, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:54 (eighteen years ago)

we're gonna see more than one austria red card, is my bold prediction

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:54 (eighteen years ago)

bet you £2 we won't

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:55 (eighteen years ago)

If Austria had anyone who could actually shoot they'd be winning this game

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:56 (eighteen years ago)

and they'd have won the last game

― Ronan, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:57 (eighteen years ago)

because in 20 mins we have gotten so bored of austria's futile attempt of trying to score ~~any~~2 goals we'd have turned off the telly before any red carding will happen and we won't see it

xxpost

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:57 (eighteen years ago)

ken we have still not played pool, i'll bet you 2 quid that i'll beat yr ass

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:58 (eighteen years ago)

when are we going to play pool?

we can use those £2 that i will win in the red cards bet for pool

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

INNIT BOLO

xxpost

(I'm still lolling at that Ronan)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

I'm on my own with Croatia v Artur Boruc here then, am I? It is pretty much Croatia v Artur Boruc, honest. 1-0 to Croatia here. Had just been explaining the "no free kicks due to cheap 99p-out-of-the-petrol-station ball" thing to the other half approx 30 seconds before they cut to Ballack proving me wrong.

Strachan still bringing truth and lolz on BBC3 at half-time, despite punditry being chaired by Rubbish Jake.

― ailsa, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

ken if we both attend the same FAP we will contest the dark arts of cueing. so far we have magically avoided each other although i DID beat mark c at darts which was superfun

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

OOOOH wait guys we're forgetting austria still can has calamity lehmann as their saviour

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

Apparently the stadium in Klagenfurt is "literally bouncing". Which would be interesting if true. Sadly it literally isn't.

― ailsa, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

when was the last fap you went to??

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

Btw, what a dreadful tournament is this Gomez having!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

some places do literally bounce!! my room does everytime a bus goes past

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

art...

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

last major fap was xmas/new year pub crawl, curtailed when i lost a book full of poems, notes n shit, i mean the whole world was spared a load of my shit i guess

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

you'll thank yourself one day, effusively.

― Ronan, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:14 (eighteen years ago)

and your poems and notes
xpost

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

haha

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

God this is an awful match

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

God that was an awful match

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:37 (eighteen years ago)

Poland v Croatia wasn't much better second half. Poland = good goalkeeper, not much cop elsewhere.

― ailsa, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:38 (eighteen years ago)

Beginning to wish I'd spent my evening reading the race thread

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:40 (eighteen years ago)

Well, that was the most boring Euro night 'till now. Them Germans are gonna git it against Portugal amirite?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:41 (eighteen years ago)

I feel a bit sorry for Michael Ballack - he should be in the long line of German greats, he was just born at the wrong time.

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:44 (eighteen years ago)

He's like those birds that joined Elastica for the second album.

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:48 (eighteen years ago)

Bollocks, they'd never have scored that free kick.

― Ronan, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

BBC Interviewer: "So Michael, it wasn't a BAD free kick was it, lol amirite?"

Michael Ballack: (angry) "No, it was a very good free kick, I hit it very well."

― Ronan, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

loooool

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:03 (eighteen years ago)

BBC Interviewer: "So Michael, it wasn't a BAD free kick was it, INNIT BOLO, lol amirite, INNIT BOLO?"

Scusi, I'll behave now, but this slays me every fucking time.

(Bolo in Dutch news today btw, saying he's not 'over the top' and wants to fight for a place in the Dutch squad LOL)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:05 (eighteen years ago)

Is it true that Italy and France, if they draw, could end up taking penalties to determine who comes third and who comes fourth?

If so, THIS MUST HAPPEN.

― Matt DC, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

OMG YES

― Just got offed, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:35 (eighteen years ago)

oh em gee
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7457863.stm

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:45 (eighteen years ago)

xpost re FRA-ITA 3rd place penalties (sorry, "kicks from the penalty spot"): I just read the official Regulations (articles 7.07 and 7.08) and haha yes it appears so! Doubt it'll happen though...?

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:46 (eighteen years ago)

Therefore, a shoot-out would be played even though both sides would be out.
Therefore, a shoot-out would be played even though both sides would be out.
Therefore, a shoot-out would be played even though both sides would be out.
Therefore, a shoot-out would be played even though both sides would be out.
Therefore, a shoot-out would be played even though both sides would be out.

MUST. HAPPEN.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:47 (eighteen years ago)

this is the most awesome batshit rule ever

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:49 (eighteen years ago)

Batshit rules rule!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:49 (eighteen years ago)

LOLLLLLLLLLL

― dan m, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:50 (eighteen years ago)

"Yeah of course you're mad and disappointed, lads, but forget about that, now our association's coefficient is at stake!"

― anatol_merklich, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:51 (eighteen years ago)

Reporter: "Andrea Pirlo, what can you possibly say about your dreadful missed penalty kick?"
Andrea Pirlo: "LOL MISSESDD LOL WHO CAERS!"

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 21:56 (eighteen years ago)

i hope just before the end of an 1-1 draw someone will headbutt someone in the chest and get himself sent off

― ken c, Monday, 16 June 2008 22:14 (eighteen years ago)

...to undiscovered galaxies courtesy of conveniently placed spaceship

― DJ Mencap, Monday, 16 June 2008 22:29 (eighteen years ago)

Wall & keeper badly out of position but what a fantastic BLOOTER from Ballack. Rest of the evening: meh.

If Romania lose and France and Italy draw, who goes through with 2 points? Has any team ever qualified before with 2 points?

― onimo, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:01 (eighteen years ago)

I think that'd come down to goal difference - Romania would have to lose by less than three goals to go through in that case. Lose by exactly three and then... erm...

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:07 (eighteen years ago)

great sport, you guys

* slow claps *

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:12 (eighteen years ago)

If Romania lose and France and Italy draw, who goes through with 2 points?

I think it's down to the number of goals scored in matches between the teams that are tied. So, Ita 1-1 Fra and Romania lose by any scoreline and Italy are through, I think (Ita: 2 goals vs Fra/Rom, Rom: 1 goal vs Fra/Ita, Fra: 1 goal vs Rom/Ita). If it's 0-0, then Ita/Rom can't be separated this way and overall goal diff comes into play (hence margin of Romanian defeat becomes significant - less than 0-3 and they're through). So, way upthread when we were querying Lineker saying "France must win" - well, he (or the researcher feeding him the line) was right - they're at a disadvantage cos they didn't score vs Romania.

Ita 0-0 Fra, Ned 3-0 Rom = Italy/Romania ranking is sorted out by qualifying coefficients.

Oh hang on, this is all in that BBC link.

― Michael Jones, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:30 (eighteen years ago)

I'm looking forward to the least-celebrated penalty saves ever from Buffon and Coupet at 90min tomorrow night. We might see some party tricks.

― Michael Jones, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:36 (eighteen years ago)

Higuita party tricks!

http://gfx.dagbladet.no/sport/2004/11/24/Higuitaskorp.jpg

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 16 June 2008 23:48 (eighteen years ago)

Is it true that Italy and France, if they draw, could end up taking penalties to determine who comes third and who comes fourth?

If so, THIS MUST HAPPEN.

haha we're all rooting for this amirite?

But again we play "lets'channel hop and see how many goals we can miss seeing tonight". bah.

― Ste, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

Predictions:

Romania 1 - Holland 0
Italy 0 - France 0

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

Toni to miss open goal, Thuram to be sent off

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:41 (eighteen years ago)

in which case what's yr prediction for the all-important shoot-out

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

France to sit sulkily in the centre circle as Domenech declares that only Taureans can take penalties and there aren't any in the squad.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:49 (eighteen years ago)

I think the managers should have to go in goal.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:52 (eighteen years ago)

Henry to attempt some ridiculously elaborate indirect penalty kick - and fail spectaculalry

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:53 (eighteen years ago)

Toni and Ribery to start "hilarious" shenanigans

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:54 (eighteen years ago)

Berne-back Mountain

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:55 (eighteen years ago)

everybody to be doing a "john terry slip" and have a rofl.

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 09:56 (eighteen years ago)

The Netherlands have won Group C and will play the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals.

Romania will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat the Netherlands, eliminating France and Italy.

If Romania fail to beat the Netherlands, the winner of France v Italy will go through.

If France and Italy draw, a point against the Netherlands would be enough to send Romania through. France must win to have any chance of qualifying.

If France and Italy share a score draw (1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc), Italy will go through if Romania lose (by any score). In this scenario, Italy, Romania and France will be level on two points each but Italy would have scored more goals in games between the 3 teams.

Romania will finish bottom of the group if they lose and France and Italy draw 2-2, 3-3 or 4-4. France will finish bottom if they draw 1-1 unless Romania lose 3-0 or by a four-goal margin.

If France and Italy draw 0-0, Romania can lose by one goal, two goals or by a three-goal margin other than 3-0 but still qualify. In this scenario, Italy and Romania would have identical head-to-head records, but Romania would have better goal difference in ALL group matches or, in the case of the three-goal defeats, goals scored. France would finish bottom, having scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose 3-0 to the Dutch, Italy would qualify with a 0-0 draw against France because of their superior coefficient points. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If Romania lose by four goals or more and the other game ends 0-0, Italy would proceed with a better overall goal difference than Romania. France would finish bottom as they would have scored fewer goals head-to-head v Italy and Romania.

If France and Italy draw AND Romania avoid defeat, then Romania go through.

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:04 (eighteen years ago)

lol football

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:04 (eighteen years ago)

There are no circumstances which result in a shootout in the Italy France game, btw.

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:05 (eighteen years ago)

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:06 (eighteen years ago)

So there's no chance of a three way tie?
:(

I was hoping for a play-off on this:
http://aaa.t0.or.at/images/feld.jpg

http://aaa.t0.or.at/documents/aaarules.htm

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:08 (eighteen years ago)

There are no circumstances which result in a shootout in the Italy France game, btw.

I'm starting to believe in that.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

omg onimo

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:10 (eighteen years ago)

The game deconstructs the mythic bi-polar strcuture of conventional football, where an us-and-them struggle mediated by the referee mimics the way the media and the state pose themselves as "neutral" elements in the class struggle. Likewise, it is no psycho-sexual drama of the fuckers and fucked - the possibilities are greatly expanded!

YES this is MY KIND of bullshit bluster :D

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:11 (eighteen years ago)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/italy/7457863.stm

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:12 (eighteen years ago)

The game deconstructs strcuture bipolar mythical of the conventional soccer football, where the way we-and-fights half-full by the mímico referee the means and the attitude of the state they themselves like " neutral" elements in the class fight. Also, n is not ninguÌ psicosexual of fuckers and taken drama - the possibilities are extended greatly!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:12 (eighteen years ago)

YES this is MY KIND of bullshit bluster :D

No offence like, but that's the first thing I thought when I read it.

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:14 (eighteen years ago)

fuck i came up with the 3-sided football game years ago

― Ste, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:15 (eighteen years ago)

sounds to me like les bleus have got a pretty good chance! if holland wins, which they should, then all they gotta do is beat the italians, right?

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:15 (eighteen years ago)

If the ball duw by team' is; s the opening, the team is considered an aim to have permitted - in an emblematic manner this this way anal anal-holding homophobic continue techniques of conventional football as a result of which the homosexual-homosexual-erotic tension is only built, are sublimated and are oppressed for. However the trialectic credit of this technique discharge homo-erotic/homo-phobic the bipolariteit on since a successful attack will involve generally cooperation with the third team. This would have overcome the prominent capacitance against women who play their complete role in football. In the meantime the penetration of defence lays two adversaries to defence the task their disadvantage by sowing the seeds of dispute in an alliance on which to compensate only can temporary be.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:16 (eighteen years ago)

Holland will rest all their key players and have a vested interest in making sure Italy and France don't go through, because they might have to play one or the other in the semis.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:17 (eighteen years ago)

Holland will rest all their players, Romania beat at home and drew away with Holland in qualifying, and France are fucking awful. France are not going through.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

Personally, I think instead of penalties, if France and Italy draw they should just wheel out Fabien Barthez and Attilio Lombardo to fight over a comb.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

Romania beat at home and drew away with Holland in qualifying

well surely holland would rather play a side they can beat by 3 then

omg matt

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:20 (eighteen years ago)

To qualify from group C:

Romania: 5/6
Italy: 11/4
France: 17/5

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:21 (eighteen years ago)

Tempting 11/4 Italy there. Am I too trusting of the Dutch that they will carry on their good form?

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:23 (eighteen years ago)

well surely holland would rather play a side they can beat by 3 then

precisely

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:31 (eighteen years ago)

that bbc article seems to contradict itself?!?! it says uefa says blah blah blah no penalties and then quotes the official rules that says penalties.. or is that their subtle ways of saying that uefa aren't following their own rules?!?

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:34 (eighteen years ago)

Both France and Italy have a history of starting tournaments slowly and then hitting their stride. You forget that France still have some exciting attacking talent Domenech has so far decided not to use for no apparent reason, and Italy can't carry on defending this badly. If Holland play Romania in the semis they might have a tricky time getting past them but could beat them on penalties.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:37 (eighteen years ago)

"If two teams which have the same number of points, the same number of goals scored and conceded, play their last group match against each other and are still equal at the end of that match, the ranking of the two teams in question will be determined by kicks from the penalty mark, provided no other teams within the group have the same number of points on completion of all group matches."

^^^ I think the point is that this only matters for deciding who qualifies. They don't do it to determine who comes 3rd and 4th, and there's no scenario which ends up with France and Italy inseperable at 2nd and 3rd.

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:40 (eighteen years ago)

I think.

― caek, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:40 (eighteen years ago)

fair dos

also: brilliant choice of jpg!
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44755000/jpg/_44755351_italy_france_226x170.jpg

"awwww! what no penalties?!??!?!? ;_; ;_;"

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:48 (eighteen years ago)

haha that pic

― Ste, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:51 (eighteen years ago)

That's the most Italian facial expression ever

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:53 (eighteen years ago)

Henry's French you silly.

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 14:55 (eighteen years ago)

Henry's expression isn't remotely Italian. Outraged, slightly bemused arrogance (on the right) is far more like it.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:01 (eighteen years ago)

rofl i never knew there was a stadium called WANKDORF.. presumably for the teams that haven't had the luxury of the local bike in the VIP room

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

Henry's face says "oh no not herpes!"

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:03 (eighteen years ago)

rofl i never knew there was a stadium called WANKDORF

Best headline ever: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=337901&&cc=5739

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:04 (eighteen years ago)

Ken, you mean you missed this? Shame on you.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=337901&&cc=5739

ha xpost

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:05 (eighteen years ago)

http://content6.flixster.com/photo/53/68/77/5368772_tml.jpg http://www.bundesliga.de/media/images/00_vereinsbilder/bayern/fcb_toni_torjubel_468x345.jpg

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:08 (eighteen years ago)

oh em gee that headline

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:13 (eighteen years ago)

Somebody mentioned Barthez upthread who I thought Petr Čech was channeling when he dropped the ball.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:19 (eighteen years ago)

yeah because barthez' trademark was bad handling, muppetry and general inability to keep goal, that's why he had such an unsuccessful career

seriously though when barthez DID fuck up it was almost NEVER from bad handling

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:21 (eighteen years ago)

you don't try you can't fail

― ken c, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:22 (eighteen years ago)

Favourite Barthez clanger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSRlcUPslR4

Hailing a taxi while Paolo plays to the whistle.

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:23 (eighteen years ago)

Maybe he was trying to trick Paolo into returning a salute.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40703000/jpg/_40703427_canio203ap.jpg

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:25 (eighteen years ago)

It's the futile hand gesture at the end that makes it.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:26 (eighteen years ago)

That wasn't really a clanger because Di Canio would have been expected to finish that off anyway. Favourite clanger = surely the Wes Brown Champions' League confusion, or maybe the Henry clearance shorts-hoist

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:28 (eighteen years ago)

Oh wait, the shorts-hoist was after a different clanger in the SAME game!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:33 (eighteen years ago)

Still my favourite:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQIzqXMYhd8

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:36 (eighteen years ago)

Aye, ridiculous injury time own goal winner. £9M for that kind of talent.

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:38 (eighteen years ago)

There are no circumstances which result in a shootout in the Italy France game, btw.

:( I feel abused. We've been had!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:43 (eighteen years ago)

Lets all judge a goalkeepers value on 1 mistake...

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:48 (eighteen years ago)

:( I feel abused. We've been had!

It's the incredible Amazon sale all over again.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:50 (eighteen years ago)

I enjoyed that Craig Gordon blooper - when I finally found it among the forty-five minutes of powerpoint, end credits and soft-rock soundtrack.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

Sorry, it was the only one that I could find that wasn't on someone's mobile phone :-(

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 16:35 (eighteen years ago)

So dom, what do you think will happen tonight in both games?

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 16:48 (eighteen years ago)

'm no dom, but. i suppose in one of tonight's matches, contrary to the much-expected, shit will miss the fan. in the other one, hopefully, shit will hit the fans again and again.

― t**t, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:17 (eighteen years ago)

Dom Passantino is eagerly awaiting a bad-tempered 1-1 draw in which a bunch of players get sent off and Romania go through. For fuck's sake.
2 hours ago

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:21 (eighteen years ago)

The Dutch will probably rest nine of their players. Presumed starting eleven: Stekelenburg; Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Bouma, De Cler; De Zeeuw, Engelaar; Van Persie, Afellay, Robben; Huntelaar.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:37 (eighteen years ago)

Or, alternatively if you aren't Dom's friend on Facebook, you could even try the novel idea of reading the thread:

Predictions:

Romania 1 - Holland 0
Italy 0 - France 0

-- The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:41 AM (Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:41 AM) Bookmark Link

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toni to miss open goal, Thuram to be sent off

-- The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:41 AM (Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:41 AM) Bookmark Link

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:38 (eighteen years ago)

xpost, obviously

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:39 (eighteen years ago)

As we know from this thread, ailsa, that IS a novel idea.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:42 (eighteen years ago)

Prediction: Holland to play very well but somehow fail to convert their numerous chances (i.e. they play Vennegoor of Hesselink) while Romania sneak a goal and everyone walks off trying not to smile while France and Italy carry huge grudges into the next World Cup meaning we can probably anticipate a quarter-final bloodbath in two years.

― onimo, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 17:52 (eighteen years ago)

we can probably anticipate a quarter-final bloodbath in two years

Nostalgia time!

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:20 (eighteen years ago)

Hahahaha - now THAT'S how to do a youtube clip! I was so pissed off at the referee's performance that night, but now I'm just glad we have these memories. My favourite is Deco's trip at 2:10. This would be a pretty good rematch for the final.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:39 (eighteen years ago)

"1910: I don't want you to think I'm becoming at all exasperated... but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop texting/posting on 606 to ask what happens if Romania, France and Italy all finish on same points, goal difference and goals scored. ITALY WILL GO THROUGH OK? It's because of their superior co-efficient (record in qualifying for the last two major tournaments). Thank you."

― Alex in SF, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:45 (eighteen years ago)

"^^^ I think the point is that this only matters for deciding who qualifies. They don't do it to determine who comes 3rd and 4th, and there's no scenario which ends up with France and Italy inseperable at 2nd and 3rd."

What if Romania loses by more than 3?

― Alex in SF, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:46 (eighteen years ago)

lolcat toni

why is it Italy have to have one striker who's done well in Serie A but performs woefully in practically every tournament.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:51 (eighteen years ago)

Alex, All three teams forced to consume as much Tafelspitz and fondue as possible in 90 minutes under watchful Austrian and Swiss officials.

xpost

― Michael White, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:52 (eighteen years ago)

That looks to be Ribery done for the tournament in any case. Eep.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:55 (eighteen years ago)

Ribery the new Zidane. The new Euro 1996 Zidane.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:57 (eighteen years ago)

Nom de Dieu!

― Michael White, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 18:59 (eighteen years ago)

this is bloody awful

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:08 (eighteen years ago)

Flicking through the 2006 World Cup threads to see what we said about that Holland v Portugal game at the time, I seem to have been very very harsh on Artur Boruc, as in calling him shite at every possible opportunity :-(

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:09 (eighteen years ago)

Oh my...

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:10 (eighteen years ago)

Pearlo!

― Mr Raif, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:11 (eighteen years ago)

Righto, we can probably forget about those permutations for the draw, then.

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:11 (eighteen years ago)

BOUM shake shake shake the room

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:11 (eighteen years ago)

toni should be playing for Austria

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:15 (eighteen years ago)

QUAGLIERELLA IN

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:19 (eighteen years ago)

using my powers of googling and deduction, i think i'll be at the game in Basel on either saturday or next wednesday?

― Jordan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:20 (eighteen years ago)

Rolando Bianchi in

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:23 (eighteen years ago)

Someone please make Motson call him 'pier-low' instead of 'purr-low'. I might have to eat my words, but this game is as good as over already.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:27 (eighteen years ago)

Shearer: "Luca Toni should have at least three or four"

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:37 (eighteen years ago)

Shearer scored a hat-trick in the womb.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:45 (eighteen years ago)

O'Neill clearly makes the other two very uncomfortable, expressing emotions and getting in the way of the clichéfest.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 19:50 (eighteen years ago)

Turned over to listen to Strachan pwning Jake on BBC3 at half-time and got to idly wondering what they've done with Gabby Logan these days.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:00 (eighteen years ago)

Huntelaar scores 1-0 for Holland in what, up to now, has been a snoozefest.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:01 (eighteen years ago)

If Italy somehow contrive not to win this, they'll only have themselves to blame as they seem to have adopted England's failed approach of deeply defending a 1-0 lead and inviting the opposition to attack endlessly (although, to be fair, the Italians are probably a lot better at that than the English).

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:02 (eighteen years ago)

On the pundit front, well done to Desailly for venturing the view that the automatic red card rule is wrong - predictably, Shearer's insight was of the "he's the last man, he's got to go" variety

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:03 (eighteen years ago)

France do click into inexplicable genius mode from time to time, fingers crossed. Or is that just the rugby team?

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

Guess who has transferred Pirlo and Huntelaar out of her fantasy football team and didn't put them back in again?

― ailsa, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:05 (eighteen years ago)

Jade Goody? Margaret Thatcher? Madonna?

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

Raymond Domenech?

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:08 (eighteen years ago)

lol at toni running

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:10 (eighteen years ago)

http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/51579756.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A687FA99E0D9DADBB5A96D640C844286CF

YAHHH TRICK YAHHH

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:45 (eighteen years ago)

http://soccerlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/340_henry.jpg

ABOOGA-DA-BA-ABOOGA-DA-BA

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:47 (eighteen years ago)

http://www.jgrantcollectables.co.uk/productimages/nPatrice-Evra390.jpg

YAHHH YAHHH TRICK

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:49 (eighteen years ago)

well done, you truly cruised thru that group with all the panache and style we've come to expect of you

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:50 (eighteen years ago)

Blah blah 1982 blah blah draws with Cameroon and Peru blah blah.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 20:55 (eighteen years ago)

Watching the French play like they did last night makes you realise how incredible Zidane actually was, the whole team was held together around him and they built around him for ten years. You can't replace that overnight, or even in two years. Although you can teach them how to pass to one another, and make crosses that don't go over the head of every single player bar the grateful Italian fullback. It was like watching England.

Italy v Germany final, sadly inevitable now. Especially once Italy finally put Luca Toni out of his misery.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 08:38 (eighteen years ago)

Benzema looked pretty great though, I'm going to be really fucked off when he signs for Arsenal.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 08:38 (eighteen years ago)

Italy v Germany final

That's exactly what I was thinking on the way to work.

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 08:53 (eighteen years ago)

And when Italy win it we can all thank Adrian Mutu. Well worth 2nd spot though - the 0-3 vs the Dutch was a bit ridic considering the chances they had.

I dunno, French squad selection was a bit odd, wasn't it? Or am I just being Premcentric by thinking there should've been more of those amazin' Arsenal dudes in there?

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:00 (eighteen years ago)

Italy v Germany final

Not an 'musing thought to me it ain't.

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:00 (eighteen years ago)

they sent Flamini home so they could keep Vieira sitting on the bench, bless em

― MPx4A, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:04 (eighteen years ago)

Also Philippe Mexes not anywhere near the squad, and BOUM SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE THE ROOM in there.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:07 (eighteen years ago)

oh well, the disaster and humiliation has been so thorough that we can now start from scratch with a new batch of players.

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:07 (eighteen years ago)

As Dom said, Italy '82 blah blah blah. German model is maybe 2002, when apart from horsing Saudi they looked fucking rotten all the way to the final (draw with RoI, unconvincing vs Cameroon, 88th minute winner vs Paraguay, daylight robbery 1-0 vs USA, stole match from Korea).

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:12 (eighteen years ago)

I'm basing this on Spain's last performance but do they stand a chance against an Italian midfield without Gattuso and Pirlo? Kind of hard to tell, although Daniel De Rossi looked their best player by some distance last night.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:17 (eighteen years ago)

De Rossi looks more and more like Paul Dannan with every match.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:17 (eighteen years ago)

Real talk though, Italy miss Cannavaro so much, the defending last night was fucking atrocious.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:18 (eighteen years ago)

Possibly Spain might do well, but as they showed against Sweden they struggle against aging, lashed together underperformers so it doesn't look that likely.

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:20 (eighteen years ago)

Spain has got zero chance. The scenario is so played out: whip ex soviet overhyped team for your debut, stir some media frenzy and then crash against reliable old war horse

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:24 (eighteen years ago)

Also Donadoni (or Lippi) really has to rethink the attack in September. Whether that means dropping Toni and making a recalled Gilardino the focus of attack, or bleeding in Palladino, Balotelli, and Acquafresca as quickly as possible, I dunno.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:25 (eighteen years ago)

Toni really is in shocking form, isn't he? He could have done enough yesterday alone to win the golden boot.

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

97 vintage Vieri would have probably had seven goals last night.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:28 (eighteen years ago)

Perhaps there should be a golden "boot-to-ass" award.

(xpost)

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:29 (eighteen years ago)

I mean, strikers who fail to convert club form to international level is nothing new for Italy:

http://www.purofutbol.com/crack/alexrobi.gif
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5610/vialli2ye6xc.jpg
http://www.gazzetta.it/Hermes%20Foto/2007/07/23/0JLL1ATM--346x212.jpg

But Toni is taking it to a whole new level.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:30 (eighteen years ago)

ah, the beautiful game

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:32 (eighteen years ago)

Thuram and Makelele have both retired from international football.
Domenech proposed to his girlfriend last night.
Timing.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:32 (eighteen years ago)

I thought Del Piero looked tidy when he came on against Holland and he's had a great season so I thought we'd see more of him.

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:33 (eighteen years ago)

Wasn't much cop against Romania though, was he?

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:35 (eighteen years ago)

True, but no-one seems to want to play well against Romania.

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:36 (eighteen years ago)

Except Buffon, maybe.

Del Piero will have to start against Spain though, I would think.

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

except pat bonner

― Ronan, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:38 (eighteen years ago)

Domenech proposing live during the press conference on the night his team has been embarrassingly eliminated is one of the most surreal things i have seen in a while. Ah Raymond...

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:39 (eighteen years ago)

Domenech looks like the uptight owner of a gay boutique somewhere in Manhattan. He really could be part of a two-episode story arc in Will and Grace.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

^^^omg YSI

XPOST!!!

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:42 (eighteen years ago)

haha

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

Well, messieur gotta do wot messieur gotta do. Innit.

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:44 (eighteen years ago)

TBH what I really want to see is the next instalment of Ribery vs. Toni

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:45 (eighteen years ago)

http://desourcesure.com/uploadv3/domenechpanini.jpg

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:47 (eighteen years ago)

great tache!

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:51 (eighteen years ago)

Just viewing those highlights and can we be honest here, most of Toni's chances were difficult. Only the first and maybe the fourth were particularly glaring.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:55 (eighteen years ago)

I mean given how much he creates by his presence and first touch, is there not an argument for keeping him in the side now that Italy are through to the knock-out stages?

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:57 (eighteen years ago)

Also, he came very close to scoring what might have been goal of the tournament. I'll have to look at that one again, but it seemed like some kind of roundhouse scorpion kick volley.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:58 (eighteen years ago)

Lawro on that effort: "Well you'd argue that was his most difficult chance of three"

well done you stupid fucking moron

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 09:59 (eighteen years ago)

I you accept that in top level international football you don't get a lot of chances and therefore need someone who can stick away one out of the two or three he gets then Toni, who missed seven or eight (even though none of them were tap-ins), doesn't fit the bill. Andy Cole for England?

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:06 (eighteen years ago)

Actually that's not fair, Cole never needed that many chances - I basing that on perception rather than fact.

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:07 (eighteen years ago)

Toni created most of those chances himself. The first one was only brought about by some astounding chest-control from over the shoulder, and the power to hold off the French defender while he did so. I value strikers who create chances over strikers who stick away one or two but contribute nothing else to the game.

You're basing it on a cliche that stuck. Cole was a fantastic footballer and England should be so lucky to have someone of his prime standard in their squad now.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:09 (eighteen years ago)

Would you make Toni the centrepiece of your 1-6-2-9 Christmas Tree formation?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:10 (eighteen years ago)

I know we shouldn't really be talking about England now but I would take ANY of England's prime 90s strikers over all of the current lot, bar Rooney who isn't really a striker.

Everyone's been banging on about the midfield for so long they've lost sight of the fact that there just isn't a reliable English goalscorer anywhere in the Premiership.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:11 (eighteen years ago)

And until there is, England aren't doing anything.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:12 (eighteen years ago)

what about crouch?

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:12 (eighteen years ago)

xxxxposts

benzema is clearly never going to arsenal : either man u or real. in 1 year.

― AleXTC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:13 (eighteen years ago)

I know we shouldn't really be talking about England now but I would take ANY of England's prime 90s strikers over all of the current lot, bar Rooney who isn't really a striker.

-- Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:11 (1 minute ago) Bookmark Link

Nigel Clough?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:14 (eighteen years ago)

Nah, Chris Sutton.

If I was Italy manager (hold that thought Dom) I'd have Toni alongside Pazzini, get some sort of apprenticeship shizzle going.

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:15 (eighteen years ago)

otm

― baaderonixx, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:15 (eighteen years ago)

Crouch is far from being a reliable goalscorer, certainly not one in the Cole/Sheringham/Fowler/Wright/Shearer/Ferdinand mould. Honestly, in the 90s we didn't know we were born.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:16 (eighteen years ago)

errr. why are there discussions about england... in a EURO 08 thread ??

― AleXTC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:17 (eighteen years ago)

We're taking our cue from Clive Tyldesley.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:18 (eighteen years ago)

lol Cole

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:18 (eighteen years ago)

lol "cue" :)

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:19 (eighteen years ago)

as for strikers, I value those who can score even with half a ball very badly passed on a whole game ! (i.e not henry...)

― AleXTC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 10:19 (eighteen years ago)

Gennaro Gattuso: "De Sanctis and Borriello were pretending Holland were leading 2-0 and you cannot joke about that. Borriello made another joke that Marco Van Basten had scored with an overhead kick, so I slapped him"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:30 (eighteen years ago)

Gattuso had me roffling like a maniac last night. Classic foul for his yellow card, the way he casually swept the dude's leg from under him. Then about a minute after Italy have gone 2 up he gets his ankle tapped in an innocuous challenge and does the dying swan for 5 minutes to eat up the clock. Goddam I love that dude so much.

― Noodle Vague, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:32 (eighteen years ago)

Eventually they'll make a live action version of Captain Caveman, and then his Hollywood career will take off

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:34 (eighteen years ago)

Prime Motty/Lawro last night...

"How highly would you rate Buffon, Mark?"
"Up there. Definitely up there."

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:36 (eighteen years ago)

The best bit of Italian batshit play was everyone getting all huffy that France kept playing when Italy had a player down, so Pirlo went over and just dumped a player on the turf in order to get the ref to stop play. I would consider that worth missing a match for.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 11:57 (eighteen years ago)

The fact the ref then stopped the play from the resulting free kick so a French player could get treatment only increased the hilarity.

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:10 (eighteen years ago)

of course the italians complained about that too.

― Tracer Hand, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:15 (eighteen years ago)

http://images.football365.com/08/06/Others/227723.jpg

― aldo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:48 (eighteen years ago)

German coach Löw has to sit next to Angela Merkel again in the quarter finals! He's been suspended for one game.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 12:58 (eighteen years ago)

lawro's gonna be livid

― ken c, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:05 (eighteen years ago)

Nobody else likes Holland-Portugal for the final (although hopefully not a bustup like two years ago in the round of sixteen)?

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:25 (eighteen years ago)

It's the final everybody wants (either that or Holland vs Spain) so that's the final everybody aint gonna get.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:26 (eighteen years ago)

Aah

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:33 (eighteen years ago)

German coach Löw has to sit next to Angela Merkel again in the quarter finals!
-- Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:58 (52 minutes ago) Bookmark Link

She had those applebottom jeans, with the fur...

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:51 (eighteen years ago)

It's the final everybody wants (either that or Holland vs Spain) so that's the final everybody aint gonna get.

Matt DC yous middle name ain't Washington but Killjoy aarrrgh!
:)

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 13:56 (eighteen years ago)

Re: Portugal-Netherlands - It's my predicted/wanted final in the office pool. Maybe Boulahrouz will make Ronaldo cry again ;-)
To give an indication of my predictive powers this year: at the moment I'm ranked near the bottom.

― willem, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:09 (eighteen years ago)

I kinda hope Frings will make Ronaldo cry first ;) Holland-Germany is my dream final, but yeah, I think Portugal will get through.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:13 (eighteen years ago)

By poking him with his broken rib?

― willem, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:15 (eighteen years ago)

I think it's more likely that Ronaldo will run right past Boulahrouz and make him fall over like Robbie Keane did a couple of seasons ago.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:18 (eighteen years ago)

If he can make Ronaldo cry by just yelling at him, or calling him a girly girl, that would be fine too.

xpost

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:19 (eighteen years ago)

By dressing up as a giant "Father's Day" card

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:20 (eighteen years ago)

With Carlos Queiroz's face on it.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 14:23 (eighteen years ago)

Whoah good goal for Russia!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 19:09 (eighteen years ago)

Russia have been playing Sweden off the park for a lot of this game but god, watching them try long range shots is funny.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 19:32 (eighteen years ago)

Tonight's least surprising news: Greece 1-0 up with a headed goal from a set-play

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 19:50 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, Russia are at times attacking quite fluidly. Second goal was a joy to behold.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:15 (eighteen years ago)

s.h.i.t.

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:21 (eighteen years ago)

Wot?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:23 (eighteen years ago)

I said captain

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:24 (eighteen years ago)

Neuros 2008

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:26 (eighteen years ago)

I'd say I've commenced feeling sorta painfully Swedish :(

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:27 (eighteen years ago)

I think the Russian supporters are shouting YAAAH TRICK YAAAH over and over again.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:29 (eighteen years ago)

Wishful thinking, Matt DC.

― t**t, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:29 (eighteen years ago)

Talking of which: "A huge country, so desperate for European acceptance"

― Alba, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:34 (eighteen years ago)

I guess there was never any doubt that the mighty Russia and Croatia would get out of the group stage after the way they managed to dispense with The World's Second Favourite Team in the qualifiers.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

Yes, lots of riffing on Russia being big. It was "vast surface area" at one point.

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:36 (eighteen years ago)

Ned Boulting appears to have mortally offended Henrik Larsson.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 20:51 (eighteen years ago)

How likely that the four runners-up make the semis?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 21:25 (eighteen years ago)

Where is this on TV in the US?

― burt_stanton, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 21:25 (eighteen years ago)

ESPN2, ESPN Classic

― dan m, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 21:26 (eighteen years ago)

and ESPN Deportes

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 21:27 (eighteen years ago)

Ned Boulting appears to have mortally offended Henrik Larsson.

Aye "old team, old legs, past it. Aren't you just about finished you old cunt?" kind of has that effect on people.

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:22 (eighteen years ago)

it only struck me earlier but i suddenly desperately want to know what music the BBC are using for their title sequences. i could either wait another week to find out or someone could satisfy my curiosity here and now. it's importantish.

― blueski, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:34 (eighteen years ago)

It's something by Mozart, but I can't remember what exactly. There, wasn't that helpful?

― ailsa, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:36 (eighteen years ago)

Is it UNKLE? http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storycode=1034404

― Stevie T, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:37 (eighteen years ago)

Symphony 41 - by Unkle, it says here: http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storycode=1034404

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:37 (eighteen years ago)

what he said

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:37 (eighteen years ago)

BBC Executive can't see past ~~the end of his nose~~ the Premiership.

BBC executive producer Phil Bigwood says, “We wanted the title sequence to reflect just how much footballing talent viewers can expect to see at the Euros. There will nearly 50 players at this year’s tournament who play regularly in the Premier League. So even without any Home Nation teams involved viewers will get to watch footballers they recognise - meaning a lot of familiar faces to make the games more appealing.”

― onimo, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:39 (eighteen years ago)

damn i was hoping for Yello's 'Jungle Bill'

― blueski, Wednesday, 18 June 2008 22:39 (eighteen years ago)

Prematurely born daughter of defender Boulahrouz dies

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:13 (seventeen years ago)

Sad

― Tom D., Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:13 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, that's horrible news..

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 12:14 (seventeen years ago)

LOL @ Run of Play blog

"At this point the Dutch could order pizza and it would somehow beautifully demonstrate a freewheeling commitment to total football."

― dan m, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:08 (seventeen years ago)

Great goal by Germany there

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:08 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, just when it looked like Portugal were taking over, extra painful for them

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

Ze staan nu 1-0 voor, door Schweini.

― Roberto Spiralli, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

the hell? 2 - 0

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

lol 2-0

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

jesus....portugal need to wake up

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:12 (seventeen years ago)

They're not bad at all, Germans are just everywhere as soon as portugal get on the german half at the moment

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:13 (seventeen years ago)

Let the Portugal crying game commence!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:13 (seventeen years ago)

Zwei! - Nul!

― Roberto Spiralli, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

come on over to the subs spiralli

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:21 (seventeen years ago)

only a blooter can save them now innit bolo

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:23 (seventeen years ago)

game on

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:25 (seventeen years ago)

Nunoooo

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:25 (seventeen years ago)

it was only a matter of time, wasn't it?

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:26 (seventeen years ago)

Three cheers for centre-forwards that don't exist!

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:26 (seventeen years ago)

FUCK OFF TYLDESLEY

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:29 (seventeen years ago)

willem - i don't know why you guys have to hide out in DS and talk about the match in your secret code instead of joining in with the folks here. break down the barrier, dude

― Roberto Spiralli, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:29 (seventeen years ago)

lol @ pathetic "a russia croatia final is still a possibility here"

― czn, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:29 (seventeen years ago)

I cannot believe I'm actually willing Ronaldo to score. Man, this tournament is awes...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:31 (seventeen years ago)

MATT SMITH? Where is Rider? I cannot be doing with unfamiliar intonations!

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:32 (seventeen years ago)

FUCK OFF TYLDESLEY

was this for eulogising CHRIStiano roNALdo as sublime architect of that goal rather than chap who couldn't beat the keeper

― Just got offed, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:37 (seventeen years ago)

No, that'd be "the only qualifying group that still has two teams in was - YOU GUESSED IT..."

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:38 (seventeen years ago)

Don't Mention The War Watch - currently Pleat 1, Tyldo 1. Pleat wheels out the line that the Germans will shoot on sight for the second tournament running, Tyldesley's 'the midfield is a minefield' is just half arsed.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:39 (seventeen years ago)

3-3 after extra time. Germans will beat Portugal on penalties, I'm calling it.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:40 (seventeen years ago)

i am very happy with both this match and the tournament as a whole thusfar

― dell, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:41 (seventeen years ago)

"the only qualifying group that still has two teams in was - YOU GUESSED IT..."

hahahahaha oh yeah

FUCK

― Just got offed, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:41 (seventeen years ago)

Germany hasn't won this by a long way yet, says ex trainer Aad De Mos on belgian TV - he blames their newly adopted 4 2 3 1 system, that - because they're not used to it - only succeeds in making everyone return to their own half too late and doesn't help them build pressure up front.

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:43 (seventeen years ago)

oh, c'mon, they are killing. if they don't end up winning this one, then i will eat my non-existent ballack bobblehead figure

― dell, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:45 (seventeen years ago)

pictures or it didn't happen!

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:50 (seventeen years ago)

Friedrich could have received a red card for stepping on Ronaldo's foot there, IMO

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:50 (seventeen years ago)

ref losing control a little?

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:51 (seventeen years ago)

This is turning into Holland-Portugal '06 all over again... tee-hee...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:52 (seventeen years ago)

See, it wasn't our fault :)

Seriously, this is all still quite subltle. Ronaldo was just seriously overreacting again..

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:55 (seventeen years ago)

they need to stop passing the ball to ronaldo lol

― ken c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:55 (seventeen years ago)

Oh wait, almost crying now..

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:56 (seventeen years ago)

ok pass it to him. i thought it'd shut them up about ronaldo but NO it doesn't actually make a fucking difference they'll just say "PASS DOESN'T FIND RONALDO THIS TIME"

― ken c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:56 (seventeen years ago)

Are the british radio commentators just as annoying? Sometime I kill the sound of the telly and turn on the radio.

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:58 (seventeen years ago)

(sometimes)

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:58 (seventeen years ago)

oooo

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:59 (seventeen years ago)

Lehmann's actually having a good tournament, isn't he?

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:59 (seventeen years ago)

3-1

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

thats it. game's over.

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

Oof. Did Tyldesley just call Ballack "easy to like"?

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

"It's not his fault his team don't defend properly"

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

this is a joke....countries that aren't Germany/Italy/France, GROW A PAIR

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

the game is good, not only because its good, but also because the players don't spit in the close ups, as usuall

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

When in this tournament have France grown a pair?

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

There's still half-an-hour left. Can't see them doing it though.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

those countries should definitely avoid growing a pair that are like france's
xxxpost

― ken c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

Well I meant over last few tournaments. Is it really so hard for Holland or Portugal or someone to not just play nice football but also win? Germany aren't even playing well.

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

it aint over till its over, but its over, i think

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

CAPTAIN RONALDO

On comes Jermaine Jackson.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:09 (seventeen years ago)

Free kick just got offed

― willem, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

france had a pair in that last match vs italy

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

Next time I wanna call something rubbish, I will describe it as "having a bit of a floaty feel". Cheers Tyldo!

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

France had 11 pairs all tournament

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:12 (seventeen years ago)

No! That's no good.

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:16 (seventeen years ago)

I like Portugal's playing style more, but Germany's just better today. (Now don't let them win the tournament, m'kay?)

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

What the hell was that?

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

Germany barely created anything, two set pieces woefully defended.

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

CT on ballack "another imperious game in his strolling manner".

Please fuck off.

― Thomas, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

Lehamnn goes down 84:55

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

always good to waste some time,for germany

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

Lehmann back up 86:10ish

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

HALLLOOOOOO

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

lol postiga

― ailsa, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

ach nein

― burt_stanton, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

COME ON

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

First good Portuguese cross all night

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

GLORY GLORY TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR!

― Matt DC, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

get josé dominguez in

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

For a nanosecond Borowski looked just like Judge Reinhold. That nanosecond has now passed, tho.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

4 minutes

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

"four minutes to dig an escape tunnel" YES WE GET IT GERMANY WERE THE BAD GUYS IN THE WAR

― ailsa, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

will the Portugese roll over as Austria and Poland did?

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

nani's like man of the match lolololol

― ken c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

best euros ever btw

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

(lol, britishes and jews the only ones in the world unable to get over that damned war thing)

too late for Portugal, unfortunately

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

NEVER WRITE THEM OFF

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

zooming in on Ronaldo's face just because he has weepy eyebrows all the time = meh

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

the final:
Germany vs... holland?

― Zeno, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

englanders not britishers, stan.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

Hadn't even been able to start the stopwatch in time for the first "never write them off"...

Like the way the camera was lingering expectantly on Ronaldo at the end.

(xpost)

(twice)

(dangit)

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

i love ballack! what's wrong with ppl.

― r|t|c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

NEVER.......NEVER.......WRITE THEM OFF.

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

Didn't see much of Ronaldo tonight

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

xxxxpost: yeah, I know, that was a totally wrong & politically incorrect comment, please ignore

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

I like Ballack too btw, a lot. but not the rest of them.

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

So the better Gazprom team still going strong (un)lol.

― t**t, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

Tell you what Gary, I'm giving the pundits a miss tonight

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:41 (seventeen years ago)

What?! No Cirstaino Ornaldo tears?!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:41 (seventeen years ago)

Who is this charismatic co-host

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:42 (seventeen years ago)

Cristian "Tony" O'Orlando

― t**t, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:43 (seventeen years ago)

how the hell was that ballack goal allowed?!

― czn, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:45 (seventeen years ago)

I only like lahm for germany, and sebastian "depression" deisler

― czn, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:45 (seventeen years ago)

annoying commentators aside, i quite enjoyed that. It seemed to go real quick tho.

itv really start to look at hiring some likeable pundits and presenters for their footy games don't they.

― Ste, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:50 (seventeen years ago)

NEED

― Ste, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:51 (seventeen years ago)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VBMQ03HHL._SL500_AA240_.jpg

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 19 June 2008 20:57 (seventeen years ago)

the final:
Germany vs... holland?

I'm scared of that happening. Dunno who I'd support

― dell, Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

Germany v Italy, get used to it.

― Matt DC, Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

Well I've seen Germany v Italy, now and again. Haven't got used to it. Won't now.

― t**t, Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:29 (seventeen years ago)

Croatia v. Spain. I am calling it now (because if I'm right, I'm awesome. and if I'm wrong nobody will remember)

― Will M., Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:57 (seventeen years ago)

this whole never write off germany thing - i wrote them off in 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000 and 1998 and i've been right

― ken c, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:05 (seventeen years ago)

I have Germany v Spain final predicted for a thing I might win money at, and Croatia in a sweepstake. So I reckon Turkey v Russia or something.

― ailsa, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:08 (seventeen years ago)

I keep thinking Turkey is the country not to write off. Only team to come back from behind to win in this Euro, no?

― Michael White, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:10 (seventeen years ago)

Spain came from behind to beat Greece.

― Alba, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:15 (seventeen years ago)

Okay, I thought there was one, maybe, but Spain vs. Greece wasn't a game of any real import at that point.

― Michael White, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:19 (seventeen years ago)

What was Spain doing behind Greece? Ew! (xpost)

― StanM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:19 (seventeen years ago)

carry on

― Ronan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:24 (seventeen years ago)

So, Croatia - Turkey. Croats going to win, according to everyone, but I can imagine Turkey going trough, they've turned into never-giver-uppers

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 18:51 (seventeen years ago)

wtf is shearer wearing....a shellshirt?

― Ronan, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:36 (seventeen years ago)

Alan Shearer has the worst selection of shirts of any BBC sports pundit for anything ever, and I'm including Bobby George in that.

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:38 (seventeen years ago)

What about Lawro?

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:39 (seventeen years ago)

What about him? Can you *see* what Shearer's got on?

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:43 (seventeen years ago)

(I can't from where I'm sitting:)

― t**t, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:45 (seventeen years ago)

He is wearing a silvery grey shirt with black collar and cuffs and a thick black trim down the bit at the front where it buttons up. It is horrific, but still, it is distracting from the shite they are talking.

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:47 (seventeen years ago)

The black trim is shiny - I think it's satin, but it might actually be leather

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 19:49 (seventeen years ago)

Modric's performace is looking like Deco's from last night. Very good player. Croatia are better than Portugal, but it's starting to look a bit like Turkey's name is on this thing.

I also enjoyed the fact that, after an entire tournament where every pundit has used every event to glorify the premiership (especially that dutch goal 'made by chelsea, scored by liverpool'), the panel unanimously scoffed at the idea that Portugal's exit might have been anything to do with Chelsea.

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

did...lawrenson call someone a twat..?

― Frogman Henry, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

ILX is like my mom and dad watching football: dad comments on the football, mom comments on the clothes everyone's wearing. :-)

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

when are you going to settle down stanley?

― Frogman Henry, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

sorry, carry on

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

the croatian strikers have gone all luca toni

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:15 (seventeen years ago)

Ohhh, non non non non...

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:16 (seventeen years ago)

Terrific save

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

wake me up when it's over

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

sorry, carry on

-- StanM,

haha twas not an admonition. poor gag.

― Frogman Henry, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

Can't wait to see how much Modric fails to perform like this for Spurs

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

I thought that was a decent match. Why are they telling me how bad it was?

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 20:41 (seventeen years ago)

Indeed, decent & never boring. Neither deserve to lose, so a penalty lottery is only fair.

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:14 (seventeen years ago)

lol, 1-0

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

who said theres justice in the world

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

yes!

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

That was brilliant by Modric

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

YES!!!

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

woooooooooo

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

unbelievble!

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

HOLY F*CK !!!!

1 - 1 !!!!!

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

what the!!!!±

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

amazing

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

jesus wow fuck

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

LOL @ Bilic

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

!!!

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

turks across the street going mental :)

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

Sadface, thought my sweep money lived another day there, 'mon teh Croatia...

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

Without wanting to bite Matt DC's style, but

BEST

EUROS

EVER

― Stevie T, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

"the last minute turkey" routime
never forget

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:19 (seventeen years ago)

Holy cow!

― SeekAltRoute, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:19 (seventeen years ago)

dunphy on RTE makes a good point- would turkey have had time to score that if croatia hadn't invaded the pitch after thier goal?

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:19 (seventeen years ago)

New fact about Turks - don't know when they're beaten, those volatile, paranoid bastards.

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

though the worst euro 2008 game.till the last minute

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

but I can imagine Turkey going trough, they've turned into never-giver-uppers

-- StanM, Friday, June 20, 2008 8:51 PM (2 hours ago) Bookmark Link

StanM OTM

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

France-Romania, much? (xp)

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:21 (seventeen years ago)

commentator here says "extra time" instead of last minute. extended play is strictly 2 x 15 min, right? ah whatever. this is spectacular..

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:21 (seventeen years ago)

those pics from the fan zone are brilliant

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:22 (seventeen years ago)

still think ref has discretion in adding time in extra time.

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:22 (seventeen years ago)

it was done before

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:23 (seventeen years ago)

o boy

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

lol 16.5 million oh fuck wait

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

he didnt look confident

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

he's never going to get over that, is he?

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

fucking dire penalty

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:24 (seventeen years ago)

that's how you do it (srna)

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:25 (seventeen years ago)

Turks have got this, I reckon. Pletikosa's shot.

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:26 (seventeen years ago)

miss!

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:26 (seventeen years ago)

noooo

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:27 (seventeen years ago)

pletikosa moving very early. not good. missed two now.

― darraghmac, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:27 (seventeen years ago)

oh noes, there goes my money :-(

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:27 (seventeen years ago)

saved!

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:28 (seventeen years ago)

bring on the cars & horns

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:28 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey! Can't say they don't deserve it, but then so would Croatia have. Oh well, that's football, eh?

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:28 (seventeen years ago)

I'm pretty unhappy about that. Croatia were a good side.

― Ismael Klata, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:29 (seventeen years ago)

Germany Vs Turkey might be a belter of a game if Turkey get their players back from injury/suspension

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:29 (seventeen years ago)

it will be more difficult againt germany

― Zeno, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:29 (seventeen years ago)

Srna is devastated

― Herman G. Neuname, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:30 (seventeen years ago)

poor dudes

― ken c, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:30 (seventeen years ago)

I think with all their suspensions Turkey are much less likely to beat the Germans :/

― Stevie T, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:30 (seventeen years ago)

Aw. Hope Croatia hang onto Bilic, tho - another two years and he'll have quite the team.

Still, first semi features the un-rule-out-able vs. the un-count-out-able.

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:30 (seventeen years ago)

looooooooooool

― Just got offed, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:31 (seventeen years ago)

Football man. FOOTBALL.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:31 (seventeen years ago)

They have a lot of cards, haven't they? I wonder how many suspensions for Germany game?

― Michael White, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:31 (seventeen years ago)

pretty incredible last minute heroes: swiss, czech ánd this game. i feel bad for the croatians though...

― willem, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:31 (seventeen years ago)

also yeah i made that remark too (xposts to swygart), germany and turkey are teams you just don't wanna mess with especially if yr an english commentator

― Just got offed, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:32 (seventeen years ago)

green lanes man.

― Frogman Henry, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:32 (seventeen years ago)

Loads of Turks live in Germany, party all over (tonight & even more for the semi final)

― StanM, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:32 (seventeen years ago)

dunphy on RTE makes a good point- would turkey have had time to score that if croatia hadn't invaded the pitch after thier goal?

Yes. Because the game would have carried on for the same length of time, just with a few seconds timelag, butterfly-effect timey-wimey-stuff notwithstanding. You do understand WHY they add time on, yes?

― ailsa, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:33 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.ziyaabi.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/terim_adsform.jpg

A few days ago we had Raymond Domenech's awesome moustache from his playing days, so let's re-up with how Fatih Terim looked during his active career.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 20 June 2008 21:33 (seventeen years ago)

Thing pundits don't seem to point out about Turkey - their physical condition. Terim bringing on the second striker on 75 minutes suggests their plan was always to grind down Croatia, keep em pressured then hit them when their legs have gone. In this way, they're similar to Greece - Greece were not that organised at the back, but they always got back, there was always a Greek body in the way, they always pulled themselves together to keep the opposition out. The Turks don't play in the same way as such - they have more attacking intent, and more skill on the ball - but the superior fitness approach is perhaps worth a mention (see also Allardyce's work on fitness at Bolton - it's not an ineffective approach).

It'll be interesting to see how that works on Germany - losing Arda and Tuncay to suspensions will hurt them upfront, but at the same time, Josip Simunic was very good tonight, certainly better than Metzelder or Mertesacker has been so far this tournament. One would reckon Ballack, Podolski, Klose and chums will find a way through their defences, though, especially given that Emre Asik is another player suspended.

― William Bloody Swygart, Friday, 20 June 2008 22:09 (seventeen years ago)

In between pubs tonight, I walked into a shop on Gray's Inn Road and realising it was run by Turks and full of 15 of their mates watching the match on TV, I stayed for about half an hour, buying cans of lager from their fridge. They kept singing songs I didn't understand. It was glorious.

I left before any of the interesting stuff happened and missed it all.

― Matt DC, Friday, 20 June 2008 23:48 (seventeen years ago)

i don't think the next game is gonna get any arda for turkey to be honest

― ken c, Saturday, 21 June 2008 00:27 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.thebillbios.co.uk/burnside5.jpg

Fatih Terim ponders how his suspension-dented squad can get past the Germans.

― Matt DC, Saturday, 21 June 2008 12:26 (seventeen years ago)

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/290/4hiys5fdr4.jpg

^^^real talk

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 14:04 (seventeen years ago)

OMG

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 14:05 (seventeen years ago)

btw i just had my first real bout of unconfined hysterics this week

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 14:05 (seventeen years ago)

http://zoo.parkingspa.com/dspa/hcimages/nonadult/sports-47-soccer/main.jpg

www.philiplahm.de

― willem, Saturday, 21 June 2008 14:17 (seventeen years ago)

Predicting cagey Russian win here

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 18:40 (seventeen years ago)

A mate of mine who writes for DiS and also likes Los Campesinos just predicted a Russian win as well.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 18:42 (seventeen years ago)

Peter Drury has apparently rented a condo on Holland's ballsack for this match

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 18:43 (seventeen years ago)

TBH you don't need to be telling us what the ITV fuckwits are saying. Should do a running tally for "England" and "Ronaldo".

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 18:44 (seventeen years ago)

Holland are playing, now.

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:04 (seventeen years ago)

Drury also said that the Dutch knew nothing other than to go forward and attack - which seemed to me inaccurate. vs France and Italy they were all about *counter*-attacking despite the possession the opponents had, etc.

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:05 (seventeen years ago)

For the love of god can they stop mentioning Van Basten's volley?

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:15 (seventeen years ago)

Number one in Holland right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZhzzXTEGqs

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:24 (seventeen years ago)

has an Irish feel to it...

btw did any of you ever see Van Basten's volley against Russia in Euro 88?

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:28 (seventeen years ago)

Van Basten very much the original Cristiano Ronaldo, of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:31 (seventeen years ago)

Beglin randomly insulting Titus Bramble was a bit harsh.

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:35 (seventeen years ago)

it was!

someone should talk about Beglin's defending.

I like Van Basten though, historically. come on, Ronan, you must like his 1988 performance vs England at least.

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:45 (seventeen years ago)

I really like the goal, I just think they have mentioned it far too many times so far this tournament.

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:49 (seventeen years ago)

I hope Russia go out, just so the ESPN commentators will stop making "Culloden" cracks.

― Gukbe, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:53 (seventeen years ago)

1-0

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:57 (seventeen years ago)

Hiddink looking a brewery sales rep who's just hit a 180 in a darts match

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:58 (seventeen years ago)

otm, that's exactly what I thought, that celebration had darts written all over it!

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 19:59 (seventeen years ago)

russia looking good for a 2-0

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

Just not happening for the Dutch is it.

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:17 (seventeen years ago)

why are they all so bunched into the centre, they keep trying to tee up shots on the 18 yard line with nobody on the flanks

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:18 (seventeen years ago)

Russia are too organised to be hit on the counter attack, and you're right that Holland are showing no width at all.

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:19 (seventeen years ago)

Okay game on!

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

oh yes

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/290/4hiys5fdr4.jpg

VAN NISTLEROOY SCORES

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

That was the only way they were going to score....is the reason this is the best Euros ever because all the defences are fucking woeful?

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

Kolodin red.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

lol 10 men

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

wtf

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

Wait

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

What the fuck?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

11 vs 11 in extra time, then

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

I THINK IT'S OUTSTANDING

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

THAT NOBLE ASSISTANT REFEREE HAS TAUGHT US ALL A LESSON TONIGHT

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

SLOVAKIAN REFEREE FOR KNIGHTHOOD

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

i thought the ref wasn't allowed to change his decision? hence the whole "its a waste of time protesting as he cant change his mind".

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

OBAMA/SLOVAKIAN REFEREE 08

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

i bet the linesman has actually said the ball was out of play so therefore it cant have been a foul and not "he dived"

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

THE REFEREE THAT SAID NO TO RED CARDS

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

Applauding a linesman for wrongly calling a ball out of play wtf

― onimo, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

x-post herman otm I reckon...commentators too dense to notice this

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

It was called out Kerr, Russia got a goal kick after the red card was reversed.

― onimo, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

ITV producers tell the two guys what actually happened

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

I don't fancy Holland if it goes to penalties.

― Herman G. Neuname, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:53 (seventeen years ago)

Cast iron penalty there.

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:57 (seventeen years ago)

wtf is Holland's gameplan or tactic here, they have been absolutely terrible.

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 20:58 (seventeen years ago)

Great goal

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:02 (seventeen years ago)

at long last

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:02 (seventeen years ago)

Tonight we are all gun-toting oil magnates

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:02 (seventeen years ago)

I wanted penalties.

Ooijer has had a fun time with Arshavin all night.

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

well deserved

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

the man who gave them the semi finals wont play there.irony.

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:04 (seventeen years ago)

3-1 get in!

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

finnito

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

The Dutch just weren't all there tonight, I don't know if they didn't know how to handle the Russian formation and how much of that is Hiddink's doing, but yeah, well deserved.

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

King of Shavs headlines in the papers tomorrow, then

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

Arshevin is some player

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

Hiddink not welcome in the Netherlands ever again, I imagine.

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:07 (seventeen years ago)

Like he was ever going to manage there again. Forthcoming Hiddink managerial gigs: Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, USA

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:10 (seventeen years ago)

That wasn't cagey in the slightest. Dom you so wrong. ;-)

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:12 (seventeen years ago)

Oh well, the Dutch are still favorites for the next world cup, right?

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:13 (seventeen years ago)

any bets what will be the final?
germany vs.?

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:13 (seventeen years ago)

ALTOGETHER NOW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQAKRw6mToA

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:13 (seventeen years ago)

Germany vs Russia or Italy

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

that's not very decisive

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

holland were average/ordinary/awful all night

― czn, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

or Spain
xpost

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

How come teams who start extremely well never seem to get far in tournaments and teams who start out shoddily seem to grow, like Germany and Russia?

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

saving their powers

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

cos you can get away with being shit in groups but not in knockout

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

never helped england though..

― Zeno, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:19 (seventeen years ago)

not that shoddily

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

(sorry - Belgium wasn't in there either, not laughing at England in particular)

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:23 (seventeen years ago)

Arshavin was just BRILLIANT tonight. Surely the best individual performance of the tournament so far (except Villa v Russia, perhaps)

― bakerstreetsaxsolo, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:25 (seventeen years ago)

yeah he is unbelievable....surely chelsea bound?

― Ronan, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:26 (seventeen years ago)

Zenit St. Petersburg and now this, time to buy some stocks in Russian teams, stockbuypeople.

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:27 (seventeen years ago)

The more the Dutch paint their whole country orange, the more everyone else enjoys them losing - ok, one day they may win something, but they keep setting themselves up for disappointment :-(

(not like us Belgians, who only start caring when we reach the quarter final or something, can't remember)

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:32 (seventeen years ago)

Jan Mulder, on Belgian TV: "the Dutch team wasn't better than France or Italy for large parts of those games, except when they scored those goals. Today, they never got into their rhythm."

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:35 (seventeen years ago)

Kolodin never even touched Sneijder, it wasn't yellow at all. But a ref changing his mind and retracting a decision? Don't know if that's even possible.

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:40 (seventeen years ago)

Tomorrow, Spain - Italy! What do we think?

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 21:57 (seventeen years ago)

I ain't saying shit

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 21 June 2008 22:01 (seventeen years ago)

Holland were lost tonight but good lord don't the Russians do some spectacular diving?

i foresee them getting rather trounced in the next round.

― Ste, Saturday, 21 June 2008 22:20 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, Semak will have to play the next game in a Mihajlovic mask if his face took anything like the battering he made out.

― Just got offed, Saturday, 21 June 2008 22:21 (seventeen years ago)

Just fyi re: the game tomorrow night - the Spanish for "to fail" is "fracasar".

― jim, Saturday, 21 June 2008 22:21 (seventeen years ago)

Spain to win tomorrow, agonising semi final defeat afterwards.

― Neil S, Saturday, 21 June 2008 22:37 (seventeen years ago)

Italy to win

― the pinefox, Saturday, 21 June 2008 23:11 (seventeen years ago)

If Italy wins then none of the group winners will have survived the quarter finals. (Turkey was second on goal difference)

― StanM, Saturday, 21 June 2008 23:56 (seventeen years ago)

http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/06/21/arshavin276.jpg

― r|t|c, Sunday, 22 June 2008 00:02 (seventeen years ago)

Portugal win first two group games, rest most of team for third and then lose quarter final.
Croatia win first two group games, rest most of team for third and then lose quarter final.
Holland win first two group games, rest most of team for third and then lose quarter final.
Spain? Uh oh...

― zappi, Sunday, 22 June 2008 00:27 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah it's looking bad for group winners, isn't it?

Italy v Germany final, I told you guys ages ago. This Russian team will come unstuck against the Italy in semis. This tournament will be all about brilliant flair teams falling at the penultimate hurdle, or before. No way will Spain beat Italy.

That Dutch game was the sort of epic, heroic and ultimately inept performance we usually get from England. What the hell happened? Still, at least we got lots of shots of pretty girls looking worried.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:04 (seventeen years ago)

Like he was ever going to manage there again. Forthcoming Hiddink managerial gigs: Japan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, USA

Theory was posited in the pub tonight that Hiddink's career is actually dictated by sex tourism. Next four managerial gigs = Spain, Morocco, Thailand, and yeah probably the USA.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:14 (seventeen years ago)

EPISCHE MISLUKKEN

― James Mitchell, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:22 (seventeen years ago)

Gus Hiddink's wikipedia page is a bit of a weird one:

South Korea named a stadium after him for getting them to the semis of the world cup.

He was fined and given a suspended-sentence for evading almost £940,000 in tax by pretending to reside in Belgium.

Relatives of his have set up a "Guuseum" in his hometown (which is a popular attraction with South Korean tourists).

He is respected in Israel because his family helped Jews during the holocaust.

― jim, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:22 (seventeen years ago)

Pretty sure every nation in the world except maybe Italy, Brazil, Argentina and Germany love Guus, because they all would like him to manage them. But at the same time, has he ever won an international tournament?

Arshavin was quality tonight, but I still think this tournament's best player has been Deco. Modric, De Rossi and Pony Boy have all had their moments as well.

― Matt DC, Sunday, 22 June 2008 01:30 (seventeen years ago)

Only four games left, sob sob.

That^^^^^^s a great picture. I only caught the highlights last night, but from what I saw Arshavin looked absolutely unplayable. What kind of player is this guy? He looked like no-one so much as Maradona, which is pretty high as praise goes.

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 08:08 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/18/euro2008.spain

"I go to fill the car with petrol and there's Luis Enrique vomiting blood behind the pump; I go to take a piss and there's Luis Enrique in the cubicle, doubled over, cleaning the blood off his disfigured face; I climb into bed and there's someone there next to my wife - it's Mauro Tassotti".

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 22 June 2008 08:59 (seventeen years ago)

Never knew Luriqua was a Spanish football pundit

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 22 June 2008 08:59 (seventeen years ago)

continuing the theme: Guus Hiddink

http://www.ajax-usa.com/teams/assets/GraafschapHiddink-1.jpg

and with Rinus Michels and moustache:

http://www.sportgeschiedenis.nl/userfiles/michelshiddink.jpg

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 10:21 (seventeen years ago)

(are they singing?)

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 10:25 (seventeen years ago)

can anyone translate? (I can only imagine it says "I'm a manager! Suck my dick! I'm a maaanaaageeeerr!")

http://www.ljplus.ru/img4/n/o/notm/_football_magic.jpg

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 10:29 (seventeen years ago)

That's a fantastic picture that r/t/c posted last night

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 22 June 2008 11:37 (seventeen years ago)

Arsenal are poised to offer £10m for Zenit St Petersburg's wantaway star Andrei Arshavin. (The People)

lol

― Ronan, Sunday, 22 June 2008 12:13 (seventeen years ago)

oh spain, plz do not holland it up

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:36 (seventeen years ago)

(Italian national anthem = my favourite)

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:43 (seventeen years ago)

I wasn't really bummed at the Dutch defeat yesterday, it was a well-deserved win for the Russians. They were like the big bad wolf; they huffed, puffed and just blew Oranje down, hitting us where it hurts.

Excited about Spain-Italy though. Italy must be the team with the most changes in their squad since the beginning of the tournament, aren't they?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:43 (seventeen years ago)

xpost Italy's anthem is good, but doesn't stand a chance against the German anthem! That one just has it all.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:44 (seventeen years ago)

Why are the Dutch so reasonable? Even the players were saying the same thing last night. xpost.

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:45 (seventeen years ago)

uh-oh, have we had a national anthem poll yet? (after the match)

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:45 (seventeen years ago)

There was a great piece on the TV show 60 minutes about how countries with low national sports expectations are consistently more impressed with even a /decent/ performance, and tend neither to exaggerate nor mourn their wins/losses.

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:46 (seventeen years ago)

Because it's true? It's not a shame to lose to a team that plays like Russia did yesterday. (xxpost)

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:47 (seventeen years ago)

@Ismael, I dunno. The games against Italy and France were sheer brilliance, but they just played shite last night, and the Russians were ace. What's more to say? I thought Van Basten was a c*nt before the Euro's started, and still do. So nothing to gain in anger there.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:47 (seventeen years ago)

How weird, StanM: the Higgs and I were sitting in this bar, talking about the same thing (best anthem poll) exactly two minutes before anything was posted on it.

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:48 (seventeen years ago)

uh-oh, have we had a national anthem poll yet? (after the match)

Fire it up!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:48 (seventeen years ago)

Hurrah! At least France have a decent shot at winning this.

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:49 (seventeen years ago)

the spanish footwork is pretty amazing so far, huh?

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:51 (seventeen years ago)

Re Dutch reasonableness, it's quite impressive to see players who can have sufficient powers of analysis to realise that they got a spanking by a better team. If England lost that way it would all be due to the dirty foreign referee changing his mind about the sending-off.

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 18:52 (seventeen years ago)

too many midfielders in both teams, Italians waiting for counters, could be pretty boring

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:02 (seventeen years ago)

not quite relevant yet, but I just found this gif again:

http://i31.tinypic.com/j7djwh.gif

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:04 (seventeen years ago)

seems relevant enough for me :)

it's like a game of chess these first 20 minutes isn't it?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:07 (seventeen years ago)

It's pretty much exactly what Italy would have been hoping for.

On the upside, I think we had the best gratuitous Premiership commentary of the tournament:
Motty: "In Frankfurt, I saw Italy beat Spain 1-0 with a goal from Gianluca Vialli"
Lawro: "with hair?"
Motty: "With hair. *pause* AND LATER OF COURSE WITH CHELSEA!"

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

I'm putting off reviewing the Cool Kids album so I can watch this match. It's instilled so much ennui in me that setting zings up is all I got

― DJ Mencap, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:26 (seventeen years ago)

Spain iz going to be robbed

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:29 (seventeen years ago)

1st half has been dreadful

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:31 (seventeen years ago)

all they need to do is sink one of six dozen shots they're gonna make

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:32 (seventeen years ago)

I really want Mark Lawrenson to a) stop pronouncing Real Madrid as Reel Madrid, and b) fuck off.

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:32 (seventeen years ago)

I can't face the half-time punditry.

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:33 (seventeen years ago)

and stop going "mmmm"
x-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:33 (seventeen years ago)

as lauded as the italian defense is, they're really about as effective as cheesecloth against the spanish offense -- or would be, if every damn goal-shot wasn't miles wide.

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:33 (seventeen years ago)

Torres and Cassano between them look like ineffectual punks ruining the good honest kids' fun from a late 80s teen film

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:35 (seventeen years ago)

I've had the Radio 5 commentary on, and Graham Taylor's come up with the line of the tournament:

"Mark Lawrenson in shorts - how can that be right?"

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:36 (seventeen years ago)

And now, Jake Humphrey tells us all about The Third Man. Blue Peter ain't what it used to be.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:42 (seventeen years ago)

I might rewatch The Third Man instead of the second half, taking a short break for the penalty shootout.

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:44 (seventeen years ago)

Well they've just spoiled the ending for ya

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:45 (seventeen years ago)

Jake Humphrey is a bit of a useless cunt isn't he? What is it with the BBC moving non-sports presenters to football presenting. Adrian Chiles wasn't exactly an inspired choice and now this CBBs twat is even worse.

― jim, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:47 (seventeen years ago)

Iniesta has been shocking this tournament.

― jim, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:49 (seventeen years ago)

So has toni but would you be surprised if he headed the winner from a set piece?

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:51 (seventeen years ago)

that was kind of the italians to kick the ball out of play for the injured spanish player lol

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 19:53 (seventeen years ago)

We took off Cassano :(

― Mark C, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

wow Buffon got lucky there

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

lol

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

see you and raise you by a torres, mark

― remy bean, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

The Italian defense finally looking good this tournament, but their attacking style is so one dimensional. How many high balls in the box does it take to realize it's just not the way to score?

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

This is so fucking boring

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 22 June 2008 20:59 (seventeen years ago)

Does anyone imagine Spain are going to win on penalties?

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:11 (seventeen years ago)

Italy 3-1 Spain I reckon.

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:12 (seventeen years ago)

I've been trying to figure out if Toni's gonna miss... have not decided yet. I can certainly see Villa and Guiza skying it.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:13 (seventeen years ago)

Exciting isn't it?

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

Toni will miss

― ailsa, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

That's me shown, then.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

Will lol if Del Piero misses as well

― ailsa, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

Oh dear, Cazorla...

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

Cazorla to miss. Look at his face.

― jim, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

I hate penalties.

― Mark C, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

I'm not good at this.

― jim, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

OK, mebbs not then.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

Arf

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

I hate penalties even more now.

― Mark C, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

Actually I'm off now as I'll just be rude to people who laugh at Italy losing. Laters.

― Mark C, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

Mark will be back shortly, then...

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

Or not.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:20 (seventeen years ago)

Spain-Russia rematch!

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:21 (seventeen years ago)

Well that's saved us from an Italy-Turkey final.

― Matt #2, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:22 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.epiphone.com/images/N_flaminglips.jpg

RIP big man. Heaven needed a complete lack of development over a period of two years culminating in one of the most haphazard displays of catenaccio I've ever seen.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:25 (seventeen years ago)

Is he playing Stairway?

― Ismael Klata, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:26 (seventeen years ago)

He's playing that old blues standard "Stupid Fucking Cunt Who Only Got The Job As National Team Coach Because He's The Only Italian Sports Personality Not On The Fiddle"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:28 (seventeen years ago)

Dom OTM. If you gamble on catenaccio and you don't win, you've only yourself to blame. And it's frustrating to watch too. I usually want the Squadra to win before the match, but Spain deserved to win tonight.

― StanM, Sunday, 22 June 2008 21:47 (seventeen years ago)

i watched this in bordeaux. my father-in-law called that 'petit football'; said spain reminded him of brasil in all the wrong ways

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:04 (seventeen years ago)

you know, I genuinely read that as 'I watched this in boredom'.

― the pinefox, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:05 (seventeen years ago)

Hand, you are fulfilling all of Dr Morbius's worst suspicions about you.

― the pinefox, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:05 (seventeen years ago)

yes. and as loverboy says, i'm lovin every minute of it

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:14 (seventeen years ago)

Thing is, until Italy won the World Cup two years ago, they were even worse at penalty shootouts than England. I remember being amazed they even won that one.

The BBC really missed a trick by not casting Adrian Chiles as Orson Welles in their Third Man mock. Hugely disappointing.

― Matt DC, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:25 (seventeen years ago)

I asked Dr Morbius about this the other day. I pointed out that his comment 'why do you have a vote? don't you live in fucking France or something?' was unreasonable.

― the pinefox, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:35 (seventeen years ago)

I was nice of them to squeeze in England winning a penalty shoot-out at half time, lest we forget.

Motty was once again incredulous at the thought of Liverpool's Fernando Torres being substituted despite him being ineffectual for most of the match. Thankfully Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was there to win it.

Italy need to stop using Toni as a focal point of their attack. I felt Spain were beatable last night but Italy didn't have enough invention about them. They looked more likely with Di Natale and Camoranesi playing but even then the majority of their forward play was "lump it up to Luca".

― onimo, Monday, 23 June 2008 11:35 (seventeen years ago)

*pours self drink, relaxes into favourite armchair, cracks knuckles, flips telly on*

― Ismael Klata, Monday, 23 June 2008 18:31 (seventeen years ago)

*oh shi-*

― Just got offed, Monday, 23 June 2008 19:06 (seventeen years ago)

bored :-(

― StanM, Monday, 23 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

people complaining about england references has kinda become as omnipresent as england references for me

― Ronan, Monday, 23 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

yeah, especially for the casual foot-hockey viewer like me it is actually pertinent and interesting that a certain player can be seen playing locally. i fail to see what's wrong with speaking to one's audience.

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 23 June 2008 20:46 (seventeen years ago)

Desperate need amongst certain sections of football writers to prove how liberal and cosmpolitan they are.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Monday, 23 June 2008 20:49 (seventeen years ago)

i fail to see what's wrong with speaking to one's audience.

Going by the amount of moaning I hear (and occasionally do) about it I think they may have misjudged who their audience is. I think the average fan is capable of understanding that a team have a 60+ caps player from an entirely other country without reference to a goal he scored in a meaningless game against England eight years ago.

― onimo, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 00:40 (seventeen years ago)

Also the convoluted hypothetical situations they come up with are a tad annoying.

"If England had qualified for the tournament and then came second in their group and then won their quarter final how do you think they would do against this Spain side?"

― jim, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 00:44 (seventeen years ago)

aw bless.

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 01:17 (seventeen years ago)

i really liked the little presentation the BBC put together just before the spain italy penalties that they must have made JUST IN CASE the game went to penalties!

― ken c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 09:58 (seventeen years ago)

I was nice of them to squeeze in England winning a penalty shoot-out at half time, lest we forget.

It was entirely relevant though! Spain had lost three previous penalty shootouts on June 22 (which is a semi-amazing stat), one of them happened to be against England. And Rafael Nadal's uncle missed the vital kick, which was a nice tie-in for their Wimbledon coverage.

I just tune out the England chatter.

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:10 (seventeen years ago)

LOL Italians rubbish at penalties except against Everton

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:13 (seventeen years ago)

So Spain-Russia, the rematch then. Predictions?

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:21 (seventeen years ago)

Spain

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:23 (seventeen years ago)

Russia to continue with their diving tricks but this time the ref ain't fooled, and Spain therefore repeat said walloping.

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:25 (seventeen years ago)

It seems it only takes a dense midfield to neutralise the Spanish flow, so on the basis of the Holland game, I could see Russia force them into sterile passing.

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:36 (seventeen years ago)

Russia. They're improving while Spain are seemingly going backwards. And they'll know all about what not do to against Spain this time.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 10:42 (seventeen years ago)

Spain, because I have money riding on it.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:02 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey-Russia final = Terry Wogan goes apeshit.

― Noodle Vague, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:03 (seventeen years ago)

"Euro 2008 Final interrupted when confused elderly Irishman runs on to pitch waving Union Jack"

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:05 (seventeen years ago)

"for some reason he can't stop repeating the words HAMIT ALTINTOP"

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:06 (seventeen years ago)

spain only really had one bad game this tournament though

― ken c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:13 (seventeen years ago)

I wish I could tune in the England chatter, or any other chatter really. I don't actually seem to have watched many games of this tournament, or tourneymount as Ron used to say. The most memorable so far have been

France 1-4 Holland (Zum Schneider, east village, with a load of Germans, Dutch and whatnot, anda few bleues - the clientele in that place is remarkably glamorous, I must say; all these zaftig chicks turn up and seem happy to watch the game, like some Carlsberg fantasy ad)
Turkey 3-2 Czech (croxley ales, east village, with a Benjamin scholar)
France 0-2 Italy (spike hill, Williamsburg, with this oddly knowledgeable character beside me - an economist who knew about footy and Zizek and Simon Critchley, for goodness' sake)

really can't remember seeing much else. couldn't concentrate that much on Holland-Russia; Spain - Italy was silent in the corner of the Windmill; Turkey-Croatia I missed entirely; I did see Germany 3-2 Portugal though, and the second half of Holland 3-0 Italy which seemed corking. But missed Spain 4-1 Russia, all of Sweden's games (find it hard to believe they were involved at all), all of Spain's games fo far in fact. I guess my feeling is ... this has probably been a great tourneymount, it just hasn't included me that much, for contingent reasons etc. But maybe this heightens my sense of what a great tourneymount is probably going on.

But anyway, surely Mike's right: if you have all this fab footy being beamed at you for, in effect, free, what need complain about the odd reference to the country we're in (if we are, indeed, there)? In a world of pain and bitterness, it seems the least of anyone's troubles.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:28 (seventeen years ago)

At risk of sounding like Matt DC's parody of me, we aren't all in England and we don't all need to hear about them. There were several Scotland-based players, and several more who have played in Scotland in their past, and this doesn't seem to need to be brought up quite so much as the fact that Colin Kazim Richards could have played for England if anyone had thought to pick him first.

In a world of pain and bitterness, it seems the least of anyone's troubles.

If you're going to take that tack, then why are we bothering watching football at all when we could all be out raising money for victims of disaster, tyranny etc. It is impacting on my football-viewing in the here and now (not so much that I can't watch it or anything), no-one claiming it's the dawn of the apocalypse or anything.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:43 (seventeen years ago)

Kazim looks a bit fat to me

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:45 (seventeen years ago)

Also not very good

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:45 (seventeen years ago)

b-b-but he's from Leytonstone! (you might have missed this, to be fair)

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:47 (seventeen years ago)

I'm sure I sure one Turkish player making "don't pass to him, he's shit" gestures at another wrt Kazim Richards. Which seeing as he doesn't understand a word they're saying is probably quite likely.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:48 (seventeen years ago)

Gaytonstone, morelike

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:48 (seventeen years ago)

Also, to be fair, that guy who plays for Inverness Caley was mentioned a lot.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:50 (seventeen years ago)

I've heard Northern Ireland and David Healey mentioned more than Scotland this tournament.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:51 (seventeen years ago)

Crap teams who didn't qualify for tournament shouldn't be mentioned at all, e.g. Scotland, Norn Iron, England, Wales, RoI

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:54 (seventeen years ago)

I didn't say they weren't being mentioned, but not with the reassuring regularity that "it's OK, don't worry about these foreigners you've never heard of, lots of these guys play in The Best League In The World TM" is.

xpost

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:57 (seventeen years ago)

so it's not localism that's the problem - it's that the localism isn't spread evenly? (wales, n. ireland, scotland and england being the toast, and informative FA chatter the, well, it would be lurpak in this metaphor wouldn't it)

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:57 (seventeen years ago)

so it's not localism that's the problem - it's that the localism isn't spread evenly?

How long have you been in Britain?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 11:59 (seventeen years ago)

yeah i know. being from tennessee i got used to the idea that every tv show was about new york or l.a. a LONG time ago

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:03 (seventeen years ago)

So are we gonna see the third Turkish goalie playing upfront?

― baaderonixx, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:24 (seventeen years ago)

Could he be any worse than Kazim-Richards?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:25 (seventeen years ago)

The one thing this tournament is lacking is a major punch-up/scrap with several players getting their marching orders, looking to Turkey to remedy this

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:29 (seventeen years ago)

It is because I know that many people who watch footy and are on ilx and are on this thread that I wrote: "the odd reference to the country we're in (if we are, indeed, there)?". The last clause admits that many are not there. I was not here myself for a week of the tournament, as my post above says.

[In a world of pain and bitterness, it seems the least of anyone's troubles. / If you're going to take that tack, then why are we bothering watching football at all when we could all be out raising money for victims of disaster, tyranny etc]

Nope. the footy is fun, and it's understandable that we're watching it (if we are), rather than doing those arduous things. So we shouldn't let the commentary thing spoil our fun.

Anyway, my own sense of a world of pain and bitterness does not really centre around disaster and tyranny, tsunamis and ethnic cleansing (though it might, and you might say it should), but just around the woes that affect us (all of us, I expect) individually -- which is another thousand stories. I think that life is like this, and I thus think it shows a lack of perspective to get worked up about people who work for UK TV occasionally mentioning English clubs.

like I said, I just wish I could catch some of this freaking tourneyment already.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:32 (seventeen years ago)

For some people (myself included) though, getting worked up about the commentators is part of the fun. i get angry whenever i hear a commentator talk nonsense, but it's when that is gone (like at the windmill the other night) it always feels empty, like something is missing.

in a way for me it is precisely to lose perspective and forget about the bigger things in life, while i can concentrate on the things that i can handle i.e. mark lawrenson talking shit and me feeling intellectually superior about it.

it's like watching a movie that features an annoying guy, perhaps.

― ken c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:54 (seventeen years ago)

I caught myself looking at the semi-finals line-up and thinking: 'Hmm, Europe's corners have done really well at this tournament - I wonder how we'd have done if we'd qualified'

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:55 (seventeen years ago)

Zum Schneider? Haven't been there since my German friend went west. I wish I could have watched that game with the pf.

― James Redd and the Blecchs, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:56 (seventeen years ago)

while i can concentrate on the things that i can handle i.e. mark lawrenson talking shit

I am finding Mark Bright and David Pleat harder to handle

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:57 (seventeen years ago)

Brighty: "He kicked the ball, it rolled along the ground for a little bit and it went into the net. It was a goal."

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:59 (seventeen years ago)

David Pleat apparently deliberately mispronouncing every foreign name time and time again is the thing that bothers me most. Either that or he's just an idiot, which is also a possibility.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:03 (seventeen years ago)

By the way, who was ITV's commentator on the Russia v. Holland game? I get the mixed up, it was the one who kept ARSHAVIN!!!!!!!! shouting whenever SNEIJDER!!!!!!!!! anyone so much as TORBYNSKI!!!!!!!! rolled the VAN NISTELROOY!!!!!!!! ball in the direction of ARSHAVIN AGAIN!!!!!!!! the goals.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:10 (seventeen years ago)

yuh we were alternatively laughing and cowering at that

― G00blar, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:12 (seventeen years ago)

That was Drury, wasn't it?

Ken's point makes sense, I think. He likes getting annoyed, in a way, and it's healthy for him to lose perspective - OK.

I am fond enough of Pleat but I have to admit that his inability to pronounce foreign names does baffle me. He couldn't even handle 'Helder Postiga' the other night, a player who was at his club for a year.

Redd: well, I wish I coulda watched with you aussi! I did like that venue though I am no Teutophile du tout.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:15 (seventeen years ago)

At least Lineker, Hanson, Shearer, and O'Neil have made half time punditary watchable.

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:15 (seventeen years ago)

At least ~~Lineker, Hanson, Shearer, and~~ O'Neil have made half time punditary watchable.

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:17 (seventeen years ago)

The trouble with Lineker, Hansen, Lawrenson and Shearer is that they just don't come across as being very nice people. And Mark Bright comes across like a junior estate agent out of his depth at the office Xmas party. At least David Pleat seems to have some idea of what he's talking about, although the unable-to-pronounce-foreign-names thing is maddening.

― Matt #2, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:24 (seventeen years ago)

Oh for the day when one of the terrestrial channels throws a load of money at Jeff Stelling.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:26 (seventeen years ago)

I personally have been enjoying BBC coverage a lot more this year due to Ian Wright being nowhere fucking near the thing. I am fine with Lineker, Hanson and O'Neill really. Shearer is terrible.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:29 (seventeen years ago)

Jim Beglin and Mark Bright are the twin pillars of pointless 20-20 hindsight smugness, all they ever seem to do is go "he's sliced the ball and it's curved round the right post, he really should have kicked it with his instep and got it on target so it went into the goal" with a curious moral indignance. I wonder if the sound of Bright's voice would make me less suicidal if he didn't have a Stoke accent.

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:29 (seventeen years ago)

i've found jonathan pearce to be quite enjoyable, in a windbag drama darling way, when it comes to watching matches where you're less overfamiliar with the players involved and have little at stake in what transpires. (fantastically overblown intro to austria v poland or something, "mountains serrating the vista" etc.) i suppose this has something vague to do with him clearly being more of a radio man than television; he needs a remove.

even at his very worst he still towers over the preening, mealy-mouthed drury however.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:32 (seventeen years ago)

Pearce has some fantastic bits of trivia under his belt, like he's researched a match to fucking death before he comes on.

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:34 (seventeen years ago)

Matt OTM about the lack of Wrighty. If Shearer could have been replaced permanently by Strachan, and Chiles does all the OB things instead of Jake, then that'd be just about spot on. Oh, and don't let ITV cover anything.

Has anyone seen Gaby Logan anywhere?

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:36 (seventeen years ago)

(also OTM about Stelling, obviously, but that'll never happen)

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:37 (seventeen years ago)

Oh, and don't let ITV cover anything.

in our dreams ...

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:37 (seventeen years ago)

As said here before, Stelling really should host QI.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:38 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah I really like Pearce just because he seems to know a lot, in an across the board not just England kind of way, and is enthusiastic

Also because he keeps referring to the Hitz as "Der Hammer"

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:38 (seventeen years ago)

I worry about Jeff Stelling

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:39 (seventeen years ago)

If Shearer could have been replaced permanently by Strachan

No Englishmen at all then...

What about Gavin Peacock jacking it in to become a priest?!?!?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:39 (seventeen years ago)

Would this have been a good time for them to bring back Gazza? Who is the court jester this time around anyway, Mark Bright? Or is he meant to be serious?

― Matt #2, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:39 (seventeen years ago)

Wee Gogs brings the LOLs

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:40 (seventeen years ago)

itv are obviously terrible, and townsend is div of all divs, but i think i'd rather their bland uselessness than the poison you see on the bbc now; watching o'neill get all emotional and fall into lineker/hansen/shearer's boorish little traps is beyond bearable now. it's almost as if the whole crew are in on it as well, tracking lineker's every little sideways glance while the other is talking.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:41 (seventeen years ago)

Peacock reportedly hadn't decided whether he was a Catholic or a Protestant, he just wants to be a priest, any priest

Think Desailly is the over-animated strange word choices comic relief and O'Neill the rambling curmudgeonly comic relief

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:41 (seventeen years ago)

MO'N provides the dark edgy comedy, sometimes unintentionally

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:43 (seventeen years ago)

also townsend's desperate bids for matey rapport with the foreign ex-pros they have on are hilarious. "tell you what, bolo".

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:43 (seventeen years ago)

I really hated JP and his ridiculous bluster when he first came to television - it was around the time that Barry Davies left the BBC (though he now freelances on tennis and the like) and it did seem like Desmond Carrington making way for Chris Moyles or something. But I've totally changed my mind about him - he's passionate and informed and seems to have little interest in going down the wince-inducing jokey banter with colour-commentator route.

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:43 (seventeen years ago)

1, 2, 3: INNIT BOLO

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:44 (seventeen years ago)

I threw a street party the day Barry Davies quit

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:44 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, I know you don't like him, Tom D.

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:45 (seventeen years ago)

This tournament's been a bit lower on comedy clangers over all though. Nothing comes close to Leonardo talking about golden showers or Ian "aww man those little people I luv 'em" Wright or Shearer having his "there were no poofs in the game in my day hey get a look at the pair on that Swedish fan" staring-into-the-dark-heart-of-the-beast moment.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:45 (seventeen years ago)

Ray Stubbs is made entirely of wood

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:47 (seventeen years ago)

watching o'neill get all emotional and fall into lineker/hansen/shearer's boorish little traps is beyond bearable now.

wow - i know exactly what you mean. there was a lot of this in france v italy and it was very unpleasant to see.

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:48 (seventeen years ago)

Shearer does have this new line in "did you see that striker bottle that challenge? I tell ya if that'd been me I'd have been attacking that ball like it was Neil Lennon's face" outrage whenever somebody fails to dive head first into a crowd of players

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:48 (seventeen years ago)

Lawrenson's "One for the cameras" after almost every good save by a goalkeeper continues to rankle

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:50 (seventeen years ago)

it's interesting with jp cos he's only seemed to cultivate this respectable sort of character quite recently; he always did use to recite henry v at england games, but his blokey cab driver side is long gone. (need i remind you of "HOW HARD? GERR-ARD.")

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:51 (seventeen years ago)

haha was it during an England game that Shearer ventured the option of England 'perhaps maybe even the occasional foul might help'

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:52 (seventeen years ago)

That was on Channel 5? (xp)

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:52 (seventeen years ago)

No Englishmen at all then...

That wasn't intentional, it's just that the Englishmen they do find are usually terrible. There must be good ones somewhere, rather than Shearer or Wright. I quite like Lineker, to be fair.

― ailsa, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:53 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, I think there's a Small Talk interview on the Graun website where Peace is bizarrely adamant that he hasn't toned his style down at all

there have been some fucking great saves in this tournament, c. 50% of them by deposed King of Goalkeepers Van der Sar

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:54 (seventeen years ago)

'Awwy, Curbs and Big Sam have not been a roaring success on ITV

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:54 (seventeen years ago)

good posts here! too many to respond to.

Desmond Carrington!

priest !! ??

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:55 (seventeen years ago)

tell you what, Bolo

spot-on!

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:56 (seventeen years ago)

there was a lot of this in france v italy and it was very unpleasant to see.

-- Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:48 (3 minutes ago)

yeah that was really the nadir, but it was also the one where o'neill sort of won; impassioned (and quite ludicrous, really) sympathising with domenech made everyone shuffle in their shoes until they could quickly cut to a feature. i think also that was when the tournament's best bit happened - o'neill's "well, whenever you decide to be a manager you'll know" to shearer.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:56 (seventeen years ago)

Jonathan Pearce used to be amazing on Capital Gold back in the early days of the Premiership, back when he'd have one ridiculous soundbite for pretty much every goal. 'JUUUUUUUURGEN KLINSMANN, SON OF A BAKER, THAT'S THE ICING ON THE CAKE!' etc.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:57 (seventeen years ago)

o'neill's "well, whenever you decide to be a manager you'll know" to shearer.

pwned

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:58 (seventeen years ago)

I think they secretly have a lot more respect for O'Neill than they let on, when the new season starts Hansen will be in his usual position right up MON's arse after every set of Villa highlights.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:59 (seventeen years ago)

* When Brian Wilson of Bristol City scored in 2007, Stelling commented that Wilson had just moved from Cheltenham and that "He Gets Around". While commenting on the score later in the game Stelling asked "Wouldn't It Be Nice" if Wilson got another, before going on to say that if the opposition equalised then Wilson would have to "Do It Again".

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 13:59 (seventeen years ago)

Was it Drury covering Ned-Rus? When Van R's header went in it was "The Orange are bright! And they have a future!" Jeez.

― Michael Jones, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:00 (seventeen years ago)

I hate those rehearsed lines

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:01 (seventeen years ago)

yep, that's the drurester.

i pine for barry davies. "and they WILL NOT LEARN!"

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:02 (seventeen years ago)

real talk

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:04 (seventeen years ago)

'JUUUUUUUURGEN KLINSMANN, SON OF A BAKER, THAT'S THE ICING ON THE CAKE!' etc.

lololol READY! STEADY! TEDDY! SHERINGHAM!!!!!!

― ken c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:06 (seventeen years ago)

I vaguely recall Branco's almighty hoof being a recurring theme of USA 94, and Davies responding to his placed penalty in the final with "he scores, with calmness, with precision, BUT. WITHOUT. POWER.", with near weapons-grade pomposity, it was beautiful

― MPx4A, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:06 (seventeen years ago)

I recall a lot of Davies responding with pomposity, it's my overarching memory of him

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:08 (seventeen years ago)

I think they secretly have a lot more respect for O'Neill than they let on, when the new season starts Hansen will be in his usual position right up MON's arse after every set of Villa highlights.

-- Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:59 (2 minutes ago)

this ... sort of rings true as well actually. o'neill seems fearfully earnest, or rather just has a sense of banter so subtle as to be imperceptible, sometimes. it doesnt really excuse the pointlessness of the atmosphere they're trying to foster though.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:08 (seventeen years ago)

This thread has been hugely entertaining (and largely 4-4-2) reading today. However, I have this to add:

FUCK.
GARY.
LINEKER.
AND.
FUCK.
STEVE.
FUCKING.
RYDER.

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:14 (seventeen years ago)

http://codalmighty.com/images/tees/whittle-zoom.gif

― William Bloody Swygart, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 14:18 (seventeen years ago)

donadoni out, jol in

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:10 (seventeen years ago)

we agreed the other day that if I could get a rider for playing my gig at the Windmill, it should be Steve Rider. on TV.

I always used to think it was Ryder, but don't think so now.

it's true, this thread today has got BETTER AND BETTER AND BETTER

I mean, READY - STEADY - TEDDY - yes!

and Mike, yes, I heard that dire orange moment also

Davies on that penalty, wow

and - I wish I'd heard MO'N on Domenech, and that amazing put-down to Shearer!! why can't there be a highlights package featuring that?

I really do feel now that most of this tourneyment, which sounds great, has tragically passed me by. I realize that going to the US for a week was not exactly a STONEWALL way of avoiding that happening.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:11 (seventeen years ago)

Lippi to replace Jol?

McClaren's already taken.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:11 (seventeen years ago)

I've enjoyed this tourno loads more than when england are usually in it, all that passive emotion for teams losing on penno's and looking on at the sad faces of the people in the stands. I feel like GOD

― Ste, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:20 (seventeen years ago)

Absence of England means cameramen can seek out attractive foreign ladies in the crowds and not endless shots of spud-faced English boozebags of both sexes

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:27 (seventeen years ago)

One thing I loved was as the Spain/Italy game wore on, Andy Gray (on ESPN) made less and less effort to hide his total dislike for the Italian team's play, especially regarding the calling and non-calling of fouls.

― dan m, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:36 (seventeen years ago)

ha i didnt get that there was bias against italy in that regard but he fucking crucified that one ref man

― deeznuts, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:38 (seventeen years ago)

lololol READY! STEADY! TEDDY! SHERINGHAM!!!!!!

That versus 'IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE LANE TODAY YOU'RE SURE OF A BIG SURPRISE BECAUSE THIS IS TEDDY SHERINGHAM'S PICNIC!!!!!' after he'd just scored a hattrick against Newcastle or someone.

I wonder what he did when John Jensen scored.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:42 (seventeen years ago)

Phoned the Guinness Book of Records?

― Tom D., Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:43 (seventeen years ago)

Steve Rider makes football seem like a fast form of golf.

Football needs more golf-like commentators, a shot of a tern sitting on the byline, hello there little fellow

― cedar, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 15:52 (seventeen years ago)

the poi~~ntles~~s(o)n~~ess~~ of the atmosphere they're trying to foster

Nice posts today. ^This^ bit (see what I've done?), and the bit about Lineker, Hansen, Shearer and Lawrenson being unpleasant people is right. The thing I've hated most about this tournament is their synchronised moaning for as long as any match stays 0-0. Croatia-Turkey the other night was a perfectly good game - skilful, tactical and with the result in doubt until the very last moment. Any comment on that? No, it's all 'that was worse than France-Romania'.

What the fuck makes the BBC think this is what we want to hear? It's like a night out with someone who's already decided that it's going to be shit.

― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:16 (seventeen years ago)

you're right probably IK.

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:25 (seventeen years ago)

no footy and this thread hits heights!

― the pinefox, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:25 (seventeen years ago)

Football needs more golf-like commentators, a shot of a tern sitting on the byline, hello there little fellow

-- cedar, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:52 (29 minutes ago)

haha. there was that squirrel at highbury one time but naturally it turned some THE GREATEST SQUIRREL IN THE WORLD(tm) type uproar.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:26 (seventeen years ago)

also the giant owl, perched on the crossbar, that held up a world cup qualifying playoff involving one of the scandinavian countries a few years ago.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:28 (seventeen years ago)

The poon of the atmosphere?

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:30 (seventeen years ago)

also the giant owl, perched on the crossbar, that held up a world cup qualifying playoff involving one of the scandinavian countries a few years ago

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/images/jb2/warnock_rk205.jpg

― Noodle Vague, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:31 (seventeen years ago)

looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool

shame he's a Blade :p

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:31 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMKGuoLGvo8

amazing.

(colin still doesn't look like an owl dude.)

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:32 (seventeen years ago)

^^^ Poll

― Noodle Vague, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:33 (seventeen years ago)

Hello there little fellow!

― cedar, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:34 (seventeen years ago)

1:02-1:06: GIF IT AND LOOP IT

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:35 (seventeen years ago)

apparently it was owned by david o rly.

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:37 (seventeen years ago)

Q: Why are owls bad at football?

A: They are always making howlers (owls)!

― Just got offed, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:39 (seventeen years ago)

did it really fly from goal to goal?? amazing

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 16:41 (seventeen years ago)

that orange pun was woeful...and so contrived/rehearsed.

I still don't get the England referencing thing....(a) it's the BBC and is only visible in the UK (b) I think you only are annoyed by such things if you choose to be before they happen and (c) I can't stand the way people born in English colonies or former English colonies think hyper-vigilance about imperialist attitudes is somehow freeing themselves of that past and not just diving back into it. it's just so silly, England is a pretty modest country and the BBC is particularly modest about nationalism.

― Ronan, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 22:26 (seventeen years ago)

It's meant to be the BBC not EBC

― Herman G. Neuname, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 22:50 (seventeen years ago)

man, Scotch ILX just gets touchier and touchier lately

― MPx4A, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 10:34 (seventeen years ago)

Ken otm a million miles up-thread. Moaning about pundits and commentators is an integral part of the tournament.

I can't stand the way people born in English colonies or former English colonies think hyper-vigilance about imperialist attitudes is somehow freeing themselves of that past and not just diving back into it. it's just so silly,

Yes, it is. That's why no-one's doing it. Me saying "for fuck's sake Motty enough about Russian linesmen you old cunt!" is hardly an attempt to free myself from imperialist shackles. It's me moaning about a cunt being cunty.

England is a pretty modest country

I love the modest humility of that song about counting World Wars and World Cups.

― onimo, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 10:40 (seventeen years ago)

Where were the Germans?

― the pinefox, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 11:00 (seventeen years ago)

... Frankly, who cares?

― the pinefox, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 11:01 (seventeen years ago)

English people are very good at counting. Who is to begrudge them this pleasure

― cedar, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 11:02 (seventeen years ago)

2 girl wars 1 girl cup

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 12:11 (seventeen years ago)

Moaning about pundits and commentators is an integral part of ~~the tournament~~ football-on-TV watching, every day forever and ever.

sometimes it's OK tho yeh

― blueski, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 14:10 (seventeen years ago)

have put a tenner on Russia to win on penalties. COME ON SPAIN.

― blueski, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 14:26 (seventeen years ago)

err...mmm,guys theres a game thats about to start here

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:28 (seventeen years ago)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pKbILoAtL._SS500_.jpg

Mmmmm... yes.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:39 (seventeen years ago)

Derek Rae and Andy Gray on ESPN for this game, yay.

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:43 (seventeen years ago)

Motty channelling babelfish on the BBC

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:45 (seventeen years ago)

gemany:3
turkey:1

place yr bets

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:48 (seventeen years ago)

Rae: "Welcome to part four of ESPN's new compelling series: The Adventures of Fearless Fatty and his Tenacious Turks"

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 18:56 (seventeen years ago)

Man I hope the Turks beat Germany. They're looking cleverer at the moment anyway.

― jim, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:01 (seventeen years ago)

turkey just hit the bar. Good start to the game from them

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:02 (seventeen years ago)

they have more motivation as the underdogs
(wake up germany)

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:03 (seventeen years ago)

I'm sure Motty actually pronounced Aurelio correctly once at the start of the match but then decided to change pronunciation and stick with it.

― jim, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:07 (seventeen years ago)

GET IN!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

Holy heck but the Germans are for shit at the moment.

1-0 for the lovable ragtag bunch of scamps (Turkey)!

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

lol lehman

― jim, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:10 (seventeen years ago)

@William, I know, they've won my heart this tournament with their fighting till the end mentality. Something Germany used to be know for...

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

turkey are the new italy

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

know=known

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

Terrible from Lehmann just then.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:11 (seventeen years ago)

For his part in that goal, I think Arne Friedrich might have just put in the worst performance at the tournament so far. His attempt to claim offside may be the most pathetic I have ever seen...

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:13 (seventeen years ago)

Heh heh heh. Now, do I keep watching this, or do I try to find coverage of tonight's Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman reunion instead?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:13 (seventeen years ago)

awesome goal

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

best goal ever!

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

Oh bawz. 1-1.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

Gah!

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

There's the undeserved equalizer, as you could expect.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:14 (seventeen years ago)

It's like watching England

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:15 (seventeen years ago)

this is far better than watching England (or Scotland)

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:16 (seventeen years ago)

lol lehman

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:19 (seventeen years ago)

I'm watching this with Five Live commentary (UK folks can access this by pressing the red button) and Lehmann's every action sounds like it's giving Alan Green a hernia.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:20 (seventeen years ago)

OUCH

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:27 (seventeen years ago)

Stapled together on the sideline, awesome.

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:31 (seventeen years ago)

This has been a brilliant 1st half. Hugely enjoyable.

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:33 (seventeen years ago)

Alan Green has just described Chris Waddle's criticism of Rolfes' performance this evening as "a bit harsh".

That's Alan Green saying someone else is being a bit harsh.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:34 (seventeen years ago)

But yes, excellent game thus far.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:34 (seventeen years ago)

Why are they suddenly all 'this is the most ordinary German team in 25 years'? Do they not remember Euro2000?

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:37 (seventeen years ago)

Perhaps by 'ordinary' they mean 'ordinary', rather than 'poor', so whereas the Class of 2000 was the worst German side in living memory, the 2008 Vintage should be hailed for it's averageness.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:43 (seventeen years ago)

Jackie Oatley's coming off a bit Libby Shuss here.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:44 (seventeen years ago)

The skies have suddenly gone rather dark. We're gonna get a downpour.

THUNDERBOLTS AND LIGHTNING!

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:48 (seventeen years ago)

lol@ "frings can only get better" - lineker

― czn, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:49 (seventeen years ago)

I actually did lol : /

― czn, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:49 (seventeen years ago)

O'neill thought it was good

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:51 (seventeen years ago)

How can that not be a penalty?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:55 (seventeen years ago)

Indeed

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:56 (seventeen years ago)

It was at least a free kick if it was outside the box

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:56 (seventeen years ago)

Much craziness

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:57 (seventeen years ago)

so ballack is playing then. He's been anonymous

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 19:59 (seventeen years ago)

lawro is unhappy

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:00 (seventeen years ago)

Has picture just gone for everyone else?

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:02 (seventeen years ago)

yep

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:02 (seventeen years ago)

lol my mates in germany have lost their picture too

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:02 (seventeen years ago)

wtf is this commentary

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

I've somehow got the radio 5 commentary instead

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

Doesn't Chris Waddle have a beautiful voice?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

Fail TV.

― jim, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

Waddle's a decent analyst, even if he can't say "penalty".

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

Rubbish BBC, resign.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

Plus John Murray! Y'can't hate on John Murray!

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

It's back

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

It's allover europe. Not just here. Noone has pictures

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

(@Willem: lol @ Jack van Gelder giving commentary of a wooden quality)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

it aint back on rte!

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

@Herman, picture is back here in Holland

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

Strange. Nothing on the BBC here!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

Ah, there we are.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

Germans and portuguese friends have pictures

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

Everything back to normal here now, screen and restored connection with the commenter in the stadium. (Dutch tv that is)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

ESPN died too, so Rae and Gray are commenting on the comings and goings of the German "fan zone".

ESPN now saying that power went out in Basel.

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

I think they should play those four minutes over!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

I cant believe they had a 10 second announcement there to say they have the pictures back GET THE FUCKING GAME ON!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

calm is restored to the world of (k*l*an)

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

Lovely few minutes of pan-European solidarity there

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

lol

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:09 (seventeen years ago)

I've got the pictures back but still can't see Ballack anywhere!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:09 (seventeen years ago)

If y'all had being listening to the Five Live commentary earlier you'd have had the strange experience of hearing John Murray doing his "rolling news" contractually obligated bit and announce that that Entwistle chap had been found guilty of murdering his wife in Boston and...oh, Turkey have hit the bar!

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

OK, the Five Live commentary is now slightly ahead of the pictures...

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

lol now they're saying something important for TV got hit by lightning. Also "you haven't missed anything".

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

Commentary track is a bit ahead of the images for me. Lawro said "what a turn" about a second before Colin "Kazim" Kazim Richard turned.

― jim, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:15 (seventeen years ago)

NEWS AT TEN: Alan Green is deeply unimpressed by the referee.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:15 (seventeen years ago)

This picture delay is useful for not missing the action when you're on the laptop, but it's going to be bloody annoying when someone finally scores

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:17 (seventeen years ago)

I hope they get it sorted before any penalty shoot-out

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:19 (seventeen years ago)

haha

― t**t, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:19 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey are gonna get caught on the break, aren't they?

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:20 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah I thought it seemed a it ahead of the pictures

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:20 (seventeen years ago)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

Picture's gone again...

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

This is good. Allows me to get the dishes done.

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

This would be a good time for one of the players to make the worst gaffe of his life, apparently the picture's out for the whole world.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

just the commentary here... (@drunkenship - wooden quality :-))

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

Here only commentary's gone, still got picture. I'll tell you what you're missing: Schweini's ugly face!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

They need to move the commentary to radio style.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

(@Willem, I know, not well put, but you get the drift ;) )

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

Imagine the game goes to penalties and the pictures cut out

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

fuk its a goal

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

Klose scores :-((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

AW FUCK

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

That sounded terrible

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

was it a good goal?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

WILL WE EVER SEE THAT GOAL?!

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

i blame the picture cutting out

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

"just getting a replay of the goal and rustu was terrible"

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

Haha Matt DC

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

kut

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

its back

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

thank god all those TV stations paid billions of euros for the rights, otherwise we wouldn't have seen those goals either.

oh wait

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

i thought we are in 2008

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

with no commentary!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

This is how sneaky the Germans score their goals. They turn down the screen, make a goal, and turn it back on. Falsch!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:26 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey should have buried this lot

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:26 (seventeen years ago)

They'll be quiet on Greens Lane.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

This is how sneaky the Germans score their goals. They turn down the screen, make a goal, and turn it back on. Falsch!

My suspicion 'xactly!!

― t**t, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:27 (seventeen years ago)

Now there's 5live commentary about 2 seconds ahead

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

If I move my radio 300 metres from my house, will it make the sound and pictures match up?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

lol @ platini busy texting and missing the goal while merkel yells and gets up

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

lol Merkel (can't get her arms up? was she tortured in Nam?)

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey appear to be pinning their hopes on subs who look like Nigel Pearson and Roberto Duran. It's a plan...

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

YEESSSS

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

Yaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!1

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

tootoo!

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

YES! OF COURSE

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

SEMIH!

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

GOAL!!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

THAT XPOSTED FOUR TIMES! BEST GOAL EVER!

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

I knew it was a goal before the shot was even took

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

LAME-MANN MORE LIKE!

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

tootoo lehmann!

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

Now win it

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:31 (seventeen years ago)

Right, keep it tight lads - remember what happened to Croatia

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:31 (seventeen years ago)

haha smack in the face for terim at last

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:31 (seventeen years ago)

"There isn't a decent goalkeeper on the pitch" - Alan Green. I quite liked hearing the Green goal-growl half a second before I could see the goal.

And now we've got the clock back...and Motty...

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

aw man show us the protester!

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

lol @ platini busy texting and missing the goal while merkel yells and gets up

"Don't worry Franz, lol, we broek teh tv-connektionz lol" is what I was gonna say, Willem, but Semih put a stop to it :)

Breaking: There's a riot going on! This game's got it all!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

Protester on the pitch now. This game is slipping away from all concerned.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

Tootoo Lehmann, hahaha!

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

Green on the pitch invader: "Four of them have got him - two arms, two legs and they're pulling him off"

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

BBC HD still has 5 Live and no scoreline/clock

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

So im staying here :)

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

THE FUTURE IS HERE

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

come on, turx!

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

goal

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

bollox

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

damn

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

nein!

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

Wow!

― Michael White, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

Ah, cack.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

no worries, still one minute to go

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:34 (seventeen years ago)

The Lahm Lies Down On (Mill Hill) Broadway!

― Michael Jones, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

I love how they've zoomed in on the same hot German girl three times now.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

Hat-trick from Roberto Duran-lookin' feller, just you watch.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

the director is in "love"

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

sorry for screwing up the picture, here's some hot women.

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

Just as well Germany scored otherwise we wouldve missed extra time probably

x-post
whos complaining?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

freekick edge of area

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

no no, this blonde's got straight hair and the other was curly

both corkers though

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

free kick bolo!

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

And they've brought on Jansen. Who's useless. Things Will Be Fine.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

.....

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

This must be the worst performance ever to qualify for a major final

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

....

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

last minute turkey,never forget

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

or rather,forget

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

It's the 93rd minute, and what do you know, there's Ballack, bickering at the ref.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

Aw, pish

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

boo

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

This is a great injustice.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

Russia will destroy them

― Jarlrmai, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

last shot of the women

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

How did Germany win that?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

by scoring more goals?

― mizzell, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

Turkey should really be embarrassed to have lost that

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

wot worst performance? it was a hugely enjoyable match.

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:40 (seventeen years ago)

Not mutually exclusive, terrible teams and great matches

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:41 (seventeen years ago)

Fuckin'... fuckin'... grrmph. Fortunately, Andrei Arshavin is clearly The Best Player Since St Francis of Assisi, and the final will clearly be a slaughter inspired by a man - blimey, how short is Oliver Neuville? - who basically looks like Nicholas Hoult aged 11.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:42 (seventeen years ago)

How can this tournament top that?

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:43 (seventeen years ago)

Who stands the better chance at beating Germany?

― Michael White, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:45 (seventeen years ago)

by losing both video and audio for the complete lenght of the final? (xpost)

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:45 (seventeen years ago)

russia xpost

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:46 (seventeen years ago)

Good grief, you're right!

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00010/F_200701_January23TV_10657a.jpg http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/06/21/arshavin276.jpg

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:47 (seventeen years ago)

(see also world war 2)
xpost

― Zeno, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:47 (seventeen years ago)

I hope Russia will destroy the Germans in the final. This also applies in the very unfortunate event of Spain winning against Russia.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:49 (seventeen years ago)

A minute prior to Germany's second:

This would be a good time for one of the players to make the worst gaffe of his life, apparently the picture's out for the whole world.

-- Matt DC, Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:22 PM (10 minutes ago)

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:49 (seventeen years ago)

ESPN heads are riding Ballack's nuts hard.

― dan m, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:50 (seventeen years ago)

Ballack was awful.
How good was that winning goal though?

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:51 (seventeen years ago)

I hope Premiership clubs don't go having words in Colin Colin's ear, btw - playing in Turkey has clearly brought the guy on some way from where he was, and he'll do much better to stay at Fenerbahce than spending a year competing for a place with Rory Delap.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:52 (seventeen years ago)

haha look at the fan zone

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:55 (seventeen years ago)

they missed all the goals from 1-1 . wonder if theres been trouble

― Herman G. Neuname, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:56 (seventeen years ago)

Just as I say that, Five Live announces that Aragones is gonna be Fener's new manager. Hmm.

"The Danube canal". Yes Jake.

― William Bloody Swygart, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:56 (seventeen years ago)

Haha xp

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 20:56 (seventeen years ago)

Gary's Silenced by the Lahm pun was particularly excruciating, and, yes, Jake's Danube canal was uh-tastic.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:04 (seventeen years ago)

True, Lahm's goal was pretty great - both the attack and the finish.
LBI, why would a Spanish victory be v. unfortunate?

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:04 (seventeen years ago)

great game, lots going on including all the outage chaos.

Did the commentators say that a 'demonstrator' had invaded the pitch? what was he demonstrating?

― Ste, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:11 (seventeen years ago)

outage outrage

― StanM, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:12 (seventeen years ago)

did people who were watching the match on something other than espn also get denied the feed? wtf?!! there was almost a riot in the place where i watched

germany, ah

― dell, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:14 (seventeen years ago)

it wasn't off for long on the beeb, but they lost lawro and motson near the end but still had the pics.

― Ste, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:16 (seventeen years ago)

outage was everywhere - i believe the reason was nasty weather in Vienna

― willem, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:17 (seventeen years ago)

When they got Lawro and Motty back at the end, no-one told them we had pics back, they were saying a lot of "of course, you can't see this" type things when in fact we could.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:18 (seventeen years ago)

such a crazeh but rewarding tournament

― dell, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:19 (seventeen years ago)

i'll miss this after Sunday. After the final should we do like a montage of ilx posts played to appropriate music, like they do on the telly?

― Ste, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:27 (seventeen years ago)

haha

yeah, i'm gonna feel sad after this wknd

― dell, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:34 (seventeen years ago)

Wah that's the last game I'll see of this tournament due to Glasto things. It's been a fucking belter hasn't it.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:40 (seventeen years ago)

LBI, why would a Spanish victory be v. unfortunate?

That was just from a personal stance. I think Spain have been playing mediocre this whole tournament, except for their opening match. It's like a rich man's Germany. I wouldn't begrudge them a deserved victory, but there's something very unsatisfying about a squad that has the quality of two nations that just doesn't deliver. Good luck to Fenerbahce with that...
I feel the team that should win these Euro's is the team that grows and grows from match to match. That makes Russia the perfect candidate, because I still don't think they've showed all they're capable of.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:41 (seventeen years ago)

So if Russia wins tomorrow, Mike from work wins the office pool outright.

If Spain beats Germany in the final, I win outright.
If Germany wins, Jeff will win, UNLESS Fernando Torres scores four more goals than Klose and Villa combined for the duration of the tournament.

Pick now! Who will win?! Mike, Jeff, or me?! (Note that Russia doesnt even need to beat Germany in the final for Mike to win)

Note: I don't care who you want to win, just who you think WILL win. I can't separate the threee of us.

― Will M., Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:48 (seventeen years ago)

won't they show euro at glastonbury anyway matt? they did for euro 2004

― ken c, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 22:42 (seventeen years ago)

germany will win. jeff will win.

― Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 22:49 (seventeen years ago)

jeff winning means a good chance I may win some money in a competition I've been doing. So I'm rooting for Jeff as well.

― ailsa, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 23:30 (seventeen years ago)

I'm have Russia in my housemates office pool. £200 or something if they win.

― caek, Thursday, 26 June 2008 00:35 (seventeen years ago)

Hugely enjoyable match last night. Slightly spoiled by technical problems but maybe they added to the whole spectacle. Alan Green does my head in, it was actually comforting to get back to Motty's commentary and Lawro's couldn't-give-a-fuckness.

During the half time analysis I realised that having three pundits doesn't work if one of them speaks slowly. MO'N is thoughtful and deliberate making the other two worry they won't get their pre-prepared insightful analysis in - this ends up with MO'N being interrupted or never getting to finish making a point. Not sure if that makes him a bad pundit or not.

― onimo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 06:59 (seventeen years ago)

What was the protestor protesting about?

Fuck Motson talking about BBC's forthcoming Wimbledon coverage in the middle of the fucking European Championship semi-final, what is this, Channel 5? Well done, to Lawro for pointing out to him there was a football game still going on.

LOL @ Shearer, "The Germans, well organised... well, maybe not tonight". You're shit, Shearer.

LOL @ seeing hott blonde German girl more times than Ballack and Klose put together.

― Tom D., Thursday, 26 June 2008 09:36 (seventeen years ago)

I'm sure the hott German blonde who keeps getting shown is Bastian Schweinsteiger's missus.

― aldo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 09:37 (seventeen years ago)

I'm sure the hott German blonde who keeps getting shown is Bastian Schweinsteiger~~'s missus.~~

― Tom D., Thursday, 26 June 2008 09:37 (seventeen years ago)

COME ON SPAIN - i hate it when a team who have already lost a game win the tournament

otoh i did predict Germany v Russia final

― blueski, Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:00 (seventeen years ago)

Pundits pre-match "there's no way Turkey can win this, it'll be a cricket score, German efficiency, blah blah, received-wisdom-a-go-go"
Pundits post-match "poor wee Turkey, they were quite good, eh?" Yes, guys, anyone with eyes and an ounce of common sense that extends beyond cliche could have told you they got to the semis by being Not Rubbish. Still, you can never write off the Germans.

Also lol at Motty, Beeb's toppermost football pundit trying three times (and failing dismally) to pronounce Galatasary.

― ailsa, Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:16 (seventeen years ago)

The Foxgloves watched this, technical hitches and all, in a boozer, and could not hear a word of commentary or punditry, so are unaware of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage, the fact that the Germans are well-organized, or the fact that one of the players had something to do with Galatasaray. We had to make up for it by talking about Paul Morley instead.

I was annoyed when Germany won a game recently and Lineker said 'you can never write off the Germans', given that I had expected them to win the game and they went into this tournament as favourites.

In an international conflict, involving covert operations and aerial bombardment, never write off the United States.

Also, in a media circulation war, never write off Rupert Murdoch.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:21 (seventeen years ago)

We were sad that Germany won, but I think it better that it was won by a proper goal than by pens.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:22 (seventeen years ago)

i'm still writing off the germans.

― ken c, Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:24 (seventeen years ago)

Oh no no no, you can never do that. Actually, "You can never write off the Turks" became a punditing meme this year, turning the Turkey v. Germany clash into a sort of Moebius strip of inanity

― Tom D., Thursday, 26 June 2008 10:35 (seventeen years ago)

Funny thing was - when England beat them in 2000, I'm sure Lineker ended the programme by announcing 'you know what? you can write off the Germans'.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 11:32 (seventeen years ago)

come to think of it, it might even still have been Desmond Lynam at that point.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 11:32 (seventeen years ago)

probably said by Lynam after the quarter final exit in '98, and by numerous people in '04

― blueski, Thursday, 26 June 2008 11:44 (seventeen years ago)

COME ON SPAIN - i hate it when a team who have already lost a game win the tournament

This happens very often in the Euros - well, certainly in terms of not winning every match imperiously. Only one team has gone through winning every match since it became a tournament (France 84).

I have a good feeling about Germany. I had Turkey in the sweep at work, but was delighted to sacrifice money for the mannschaft.

― The Boyler, Thursday, 26 June 2008 12:09 (seventeen years ago)

Come on the next World Cup.

― Mark C, Thursday, 26 June 2008 12:31 (seventeen years ago)

What was the backing music to that clip just now?

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 26 June 2008 18:32 (seventeen years ago)

"Shades of Terry Shedingham"

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:23 (seventeen years ago)

Torres playing well tonight but shame Villa is off injured. It's gonna be hard for them now.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:27 (seventeen years ago)

"Shades of Terry Sherrinan"

he was right, though!

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:38 (seventeen years ago)

Please don't tell me I was the only one to marvel at the greatest line of the tourneyment, up there with Keegan's chest of treasures in 1998 (?):

"He looks a bull of a defender - but at the moment he's playing like a *cultivated* bull, or cultured bull, is it?"

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:39 (seventeen years ago)

Mmm. Interesting first half, two very good sides trying to unpick each other without a hell of a lot of success, full-backs marauding all over, a few decent chances but nothing especially clear-cut. Arshavin's not had a good half, and Pavlyuchenko's starting to look isolated, which is a worry for the Russians. Ramos is having a decent game - he's not exactly got Zhirkov in his pocket, but he's coped well enough with him thus far. Not sure which way it'll go; Spain have looked a bit more likely, but only a bit.

The rain is only gonna make the pitch heavier, too...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:40 (seventeen years ago)

Oh, Townsend.

"Don't you know what you think, Didi, that might just favour them tonight, it could work in their favour Steve, whether that short passing game could be the order of the day tonight"

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:44 (seventeen years ago)

Not sure why 'Baby Driver', a song I seem to hear oddly often, should be relevant to ITV's future coverage.

Steve Rider just said 'Lippi hasn't had a serious job since 2006'. Write your own response.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:50 (seventeen years ago)

Pleat: "Ramos usually plays at centre-back of course."
Tyldesley: "Yeah, he has been playing at right-back for Real Madrid for the past couple of years - actually he played in that position for Spain at the last World Cup - but he did start his career as a centre-back."

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:52 (seventeen years ago)

What an utter beauty!

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:54 (seventeen years ago)

wow that goal made me jump

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:55 (seventeen years ago)

Excellent pass from Iniesta, really quite something.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:55 (seventeen years ago)

Excellent goal and just what the game needed. Russia will have to not be so defensive now.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 19:56 (seventeen years ago)

ITV haven't realised that Sychev's come on, they seem to reckon it's Bystrov instead...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:02 (seventeen years ago)

Think spain have been the better team but Im just waiting on a piece of brilliance from Russia. You know both teams are capable of it.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:02 (seventeen years ago)

"It's Ole's, but it's early days"

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:04 (seventeen years ago)

"possession 9 tenths of the law here for Spain"
FUCK OFF!!!

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

That pass just there had me out of my seat

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

I don't think Russia are, though, not tonight. The conditions really don't seem to be helping them at all, which, given that most of them play their club football in Russia, is a bit weird. They seem to be needing Spain to make a mistake and let them in...

First "Russian teams can't travel" of the night there, marvellous.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

what about that dive?
x-post

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, I was rolling on the floor clutching my face at that one

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:12 (seventeen years ago)

Torres off for Guiza. Not so sure about that...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

"He *is* a bull ... Torres is a matador"

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:14 (seventeen years ago)

I cant believe he's taken Torres off. He's had a really good game!

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:14 (seventeen years ago)

Aragones must have money on Villa finishing top scorer

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:15 (seventeen years ago)

I reckon Spain think they have this, so Torres is being rested for the final.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:16 (seventeen years ago)

And they may well have a point.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:18 (seventeen years ago)

Another brilliant goal, sadly.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:19 (seventeen years ago)

Guizaesthetics.

― Stevie T, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

I wish Pleat would shut up.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

You can actually see Arshavin's valuation shrinking by the second, can't you? Carry on like this and Newcastle might be interested.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

With Villa possibly out I suppose he maybe wanted to rest him and of course it worked with the sub scoring a beauty. Fabregas has been outstanding tonight (again)
wow 3-0

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

wowowowow

― max, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:26 (seventeen years ago)

Much too good. Please let them play like this against Germany.

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:26 (seventeen years ago)

http://powerlineblog.com/archives/fat_lady.jpg

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:26 (seventeen years ago)

C'mon you Russkis - Turkey would come back from here

― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

Considering the conditions, this performance and the quality of the goals has been incredible.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:28 (seventeen years ago)

i do i do i do i do i do i do luv teh short trouserered spaniards playing fussball tonite!

― t**t, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:29 (seventeen years ago)

I find it hard to love Spain. Not sure why. Obviously can admire some absolutely beautiful football they've played again tonight.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

Incidentally, ITV's bingo card has crossed off matadors, Franco and tapas, which I think leaves them with flamenco dancing and Julio Iglesias. Five minutes or so left...

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

Just came home from work. Didn't miss anything I see? :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

I wanted Spain all along to win it (Tournament) but I really thought Russia would win tonight.

― Herman G. Neuname, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

Oddly, I think Senna may well be my favourite of the Spanish players - anything goes loose, he snaps it up and they're in control again. He's basically sucked the fight out of the Russians, but Ramos has been a massive help too - Zhirkov's had nothing out of him all night.

THERE GOES FLAMENCO - JULIO FTW!

― William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:35 (seventeen years ago)

xpost to Noodle

Fair 'nuff, Noodle. For me 'tis just pure joy that teh Gazprom bunch gets beaten - by whom exactly, ain't even that much of a deal at the mo' :)

― t**t, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

lol did you know aragones turns 70 next month

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

also loooooooool "fer-nan-do torr-es liverpool number nine!"

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

I think I wanted the Russians to do it as underdogs, inasmuch as they were underdogs, but mostly I'm in love with Arshavin since the Beeb posted that picture from the quarters. Also like I said I tend to admire Spain without ever emotionally rooting for them.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:40 (seventeen years ago)

ALSO,

that Bulmers advert is honestly the most putrid, sick-making piece of trumped-up bullcrap I have ever been unfortunate to set eyes upon and it is ALWAYS, ALWAYS on.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:41 (seventeen years ago)

I'm getting fed up with the outrage every time Torres is taken off (every game so far?). I think probably half of Spain's goals have come when Torres hasn't been playing. He's done well in every game but doesn't look as likely to score as the other strikers.

― onimo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:46 (seventeen years ago)

Total domination from Spain in that second half. Russia just couldn't get going and Senna (as someone said upthread) bossed them.

I shall be supporting Spain in the final but don't write off the Germans.

― onimo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:48 (seventeen years ago)

Was it Bulmers who did the awful kill-everybody-responsible aspirational chilled beats poster campaign I was ranting about last year? It was even worse, maybe.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:49 (seventeen years ago)

commentary for this game:

TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES

where is ARSHAVIN oh he's having a wank by the touchline

TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES TORRES

oh SHIT NO TORRES :(

FABREGAS!!!!!!!

FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS TORRES FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS STEVEN GERRARD FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS

HAHAHARSHAVIN

FABREGAS TORRES FABREGAS FABREGAS FABREGAS

FIN.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:50 (seventeen years ago)

The current Bulmers advert is perhaps the most perniciously evil advert I've ever seen. Nothing they've previously come up with even touches this one.

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:51 (seventeen years ago)

>>> Considering the conditions, this performance and the quality of the goals has been incredible.

yes!

"Tapas tonight, Clive?"

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:51 (seventeen years ago)

(I could have checked before posting)
Torres wasn't subbed against Sweden so he's played one full game. Spain have scored 11 goals, 6 of them without Torres.

― onimo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:52 (seventeen years ago)

arshavin going to major premiership club west brom next season then

― ken c, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:53 (seventeen years ago)

I think Fabregas really should be starting in the final. He's had a massive influence every time he's played.

― onimo, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:53 (seventeen years ago)

If there's one thing this tournament has done for me, it has made me never want to hear Seven Nation Army ever again.

I have just taken a massive leap towards winning wads of cash, and shall be wishing for Germany to grind out a terrible 1-0 win to ensure that I win it.

― ailsa, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:55 (seventeen years ago)

I think this could happen, and you could become a rich lady.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

belated response: chilled beats was Gaymers. Current Magners takeoff of already bad Jack Daniels posters also atrocious.

― if, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:26 (seventeen years ago)

When I first saw a Gaymers poster campaign I was convinced it was a spoof

― Just got offed, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:28 (seventeen years ago)

I thought it was Gaymers. Obviously the brand name called for a strong campaign.

― Noodle Vague, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:33 (seventeen years ago)

russia didn't look like the same team after going down 1-0 - the doom seemed settled on them immediately

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:50 (seventeen years ago)

So one of the best players in the tournament, leading scorer in fact, gets crocked in the semi-final and will now miss the final, the biggest game of his career, and what does Andy Townsend say? "Great news for Fabregas". I despair sometimes. By the way, Louis and onimo OTM upthread.

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 09:29 (seventeen years ago)

Current Magners takeoff of already bad Jack Daniels posters also atrocious.

yes

― MPx4A, Friday, 27 June 2008 09:46 (seventeen years ago)

Most of my time at the platform of Angel tube station is spent grinding my teeth with rage while being confronted with these Blarney Stone fellating pretend yokels and their idyllic jobs for life at the magical fucking Magner's factory in the land of the fucking fairies

― MPx4A, Friday, 27 June 2008 09:47 (seventeen years ago)

Those Magners adverts never make me think of Ireland - the TV ones I mean, doesn't look like Ireland and the people don't look Irish

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 09:49 (seventeen years ago)

there was a "Bolo, innit" last night but not "innit, Bolo"

If I was him I would insist on being referred to as "Boudewijn"

― MPx4A, Friday, 27 June 2008 09:51 (seventeen years ago)

'Twould be funny if he Anglofied his name totally and called him Baldwin

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 09:52 (seventeen years ago)

Arshavin only proved anonymous by being in Carlos Puyol's pocket the whole night, which I would have thought said more about the effectiveness of one the world's best defenders than open up the floodgates of "lol Arshavin", but hey.

Was getting mightily fed up with "lol Arshavin, he's meant to be brilliant, but where is he, eh?". What, like Chelsea's Michael Ballack TM the night before, eh?

― ailsa, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:00 (seventeen years ago)

I agree - far too much was made of his alleged failure.

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:04 (seventeen years ago)

It's football - players come and go, games go against you, etc.

It was DIDI last night, not Bolo!

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:04 (seventeen years ago)

Liked Didi's "Roosians". LOL @ Steve Slimer making some cricket reference and turning to Hamann and saying , "You wouldn't understand that", little realising that Didi was a guest on Test Match Special last year, proclaiming his love for cricket!

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:05 (seventeen years ago)

of course it was, sorry

― MPx4A, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:08 (seventeen years ago)

just hold your hand up and step away from the thread before it becomes a 500-post flameout

― Just got offed, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:12 (seventeen years ago)

that WAS bad of Rider - all he said was sth like 'hitting them for six at Lord's', and he made a very unnecessarily big deal of Didi's alleged incomprehension. even if the latter had been true, it was unwontedly rude in a Partridge way.

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:12 (seventeen years ago)

In the spirit of appreciation of Spanish football that has swept our nation, tonight I plan to phone up every black guy I know and hurl racist abuse into the handset.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:13 (seventeen years ago)

And if Russia had won, I'd have gone round university campuses up and down the land beating up ethnic minorities.

― Just got offed, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:15 (seventeen years ago)

Aragones managing a Turkish football team next season really does lend itself to being a 1970s style sitcom.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:15 (seventeen years ago)

In the spirit of appreciation of Spanish football that has swept our nation, tonight I plan to phone up every black guy I know and hurl racist abuse into the handset.

You could have done the same if Russia had won, and throw in some Jews for good measure

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:16 (seventeen years ago)

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_03/SmethurstWalkerMOS_468x514.jpg

Aragones and Mehmet Aurelio share a lighthearted moment during pre-season training

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:17 (seventeen years ago)

Comedy whitey is dressed like a member of the Young Knives there

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:18 (seventeen years ago)

If you phone up every black guy you know and hurl racist abuse at them, how do you think that will affect their opinion of you?

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

Last night was a racist vs a tax evader for the right to play against a German, there are no good guys left here

― MPx4A, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

Well I was always gonna be supporting Germany in the final no matter who it was against. Just a nicer country all-round tbh. Their national pastime is drinking beer, Spain's is barbarically and incrementally killing a near-defenceless animal in front of a baying, bloodlusting crowd.

lol new rave

actually that shitty Carling advert YOU KNOW WHO YOUR MATES ARE is a sort of nu-rave/steampunk crossover

― Just got offed, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

I really really hope Aragones drops Torres and leaves Fabregas on the bench for the entirety of the match... and still wins. Of course you realise that if Spain win, England will now be officially undisputed Biggest Underachievers in World Football... pundits will have to come up with some new shité cliché for Spain... sorry for Torres, Fabregas and some other players.

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:21 (seventeen years ago)

Take it here, boys: http://www.ilxor.com/ILX/NewAnswersControllerServlet?boardid=40

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:22 (seventeen years ago)

Or even here: Which of the following countries is the least morally objectionable?

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:22 (seventeen years ago)

re: Love Thy Neighbour, I never knew Mark Heap had been working that long.

― Noodle Vague, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:23 (seventeen years ago)

They all look alike

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:24 (seventeen years ago)

England are already Biggest Underachievers, at least if you reckon salaries, turnover and domestic-league hype vs international success. Only way we are not Biggest Underachievers is that most of our players are not generally as good as other countries' players in the first place.

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:24 (seventeen years ago)

Would argue that in terms of national league stature + money invested into the national team divided by national team success, Russia are far greater underachievers than England, being as, since the USSR broke up, this is the first time they've ever gotten past the first round of a tournament.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:26 (seventeen years ago)

Hold on, salaries, turnover and domestic-league hype are massive in Spain too! Well obv, not the domestic-league hype, nothing beats the Premiership for that.

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:26 (seventeen years ago)

I'm not sure that any country as a whole is morally objectionable. All countries contain many people with many differing views. Anyone who thinks that all Spanish are racists or bullfight fans is an idiot. Probably no-one does think that.

Most countries also have a state / government which may be in various ways morally objectionable (as I think Iran's, Israel's Russia's and the USA's are), but even when these have been democratically elected, the entire nation cannot be blamed for the actions or policies of the government.

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:27 (seventeen years ago)

Making that list started me wondering if there was a decent government anywhere in the world. Then I thought of a country whose governance seems to reflect quite progessive views on the part of much its population.

SCOTLAND!

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 10:29 (seventeen years ago)

Nothing wrong with Spain's government

― Tom D., Friday, 27 June 2008 10:30 (seventeen years ago)

ooh la la - I think some of this 1984 footage
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qza4Gn05DRQ
has just altered my sexual orientation.

― the pinefox, Friday, 27 June 2008 14:06 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.bild.de/BILD/sport/fussball/EM-2008/2008/06/27/lukas-podolski-party/lukas-podolski-faesst-schweinsteiger-zwischen-die-beine-9647834-mfbq,templateId=renderScaled,property=Bild,width=465.jpg

PODOLSKI FAESST SCHWEINSTEIGER ZWISCHEN DIE BEINE

― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 27 June 2008 14:13 (seventeen years ago)

boy, did i like the second half of this game.

― remy bean, Friday, 27 June 2008 17:44 (seventeen years ago)

Was the 1st Spanish goal a great pass by Iniesta, or a sliced shot that went wrong and just found Xavi? I can't decide. Anyhow, it was an excellent run and finish, and Iniesta was excellent from that point onwards.

― xyzzzz__, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:14 (seventeen years ago)

A pass, I'm sure. There wasn't enough weight on it to be even a scuffed shot. It was Xavi's arriving on the scene like a brakeless freight train that turned it into a wonder goal.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:20 (seventeen years ago)

Watching Jake struggle through Football Focus here, I wonder if Tim Lovejoy is thinking his move to the BBC from Sky hasn't quite gone according to plan. Surely he'd be much better at all the crap that Jake can't quite get a handle on, like knowing stuff.

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:26 (seventeen years ago)

This tournament is missing a Fantasy Football League/soccer AM type show, btw. You'd think that'd be a good use of Adrian Chiles/Tim Lovejoy and another cheapo filler programme for the Beeb.

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:30 (seventeen years ago)

The whole coverage has got that contractual obligation vibe to it in the absence of a home nation. The Beeb knows that the only people watching are weirdo spods who actually like football when Engerland aren't playing.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:33 (seventeen years ago)

You'd think that'd be more reason to make a programme fronted by and aimed at weirdo spods then. If The Apprentice can have one, surely this can too? Get to it for the World Cup, BBC dudes.

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:38 (seventeen years ago)

Of course, it'll be fronted by Alan Shearer and Jake, and it'd be shite.

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:39 (seventeen years ago)

haha, Gordon Strachan's highlight of the tournament was pwning so-called experts with his explanation of why the Ruud van Nistelrooy goal wasn't offside "it was nice to know I wasn't off my head"

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:41 (seventeen years ago)

-- ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 12:26 (25 minutes ago)

tim lovejoy, knowing stuff ... no.

― r|t|c, Saturday, 28 June 2008 11:54 (seventeen years ago)

So ITV don't have the final? What happened there?

― Mr Raif, Saturday, 28 June 2008 12:22 (seventeen years ago)

Can't be arsed to be completely caned by the Beeb in a competition with no England interest/presumably not huge advertiser value.

― Noodle Vague, Saturday, 28 June 2008 12:24 (seventeen years ago)

In comparison to Jake, he does. He's fashioned not a bad career out of being slightly better than mediocre presenters (he looks like the best telly presenter ever next to Andy Goldstein), which is why losing the young-blokeish-roving-reporter gig to someone who talks like he's never watched a football match in his life must be a fair kick in the knackers for him. I would have thought getting to do stuff like that would have been part of whatever tempted him off Sky and onto terrestrial, because it can't just have been to introduce old clips of the Wombles and be really bad at cooking when no-one's actually watching him.

xpost

presumably realised no-one was going to watch it on ITV if given a choice

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 12:24 (seventeen years ago)

Ballack out (apparently)

― zappi, Saturday, 28 June 2008 16:17 (seventeen years ago)

Anybody else gonna be supporting Germany and absolutely loving it if the golden boys of Iberia come a cropper? Helps of course that my new heartthrob will be watching the game with me in a Schweinsteiger shirt! :D

(Languages doctorate, not nationality)

― Just got offed, Saturday, 28 June 2008 16:41 (seventeen years ago)

I will, for purely financial reasons, as mentioned upthread. I'm not that fussed either way, tbh. Let's hope football is the winner, etc.

― ailsa, Saturday, 28 June 2008 16:53 (seventeen years ago)

Eine Pocken in Spanien. Ehre sei dem Vaterland!

― The Boyler, Saturday, 28 June 2008 17:06 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.imgbox.de/users/public/images/t29975r36.jpg

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Saturday, 28 June 2008 23:01 (seventeen years ago)

crikey:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/jun/29/euro20081

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 16:42 (seventeen years ago)

Including:
--

[Torres turns a whole team into a work of art]
really?

[Ballack's free kick against Austria - to see him make up his mind, compose himself, and then concentrate all that exact power into one movement was truly splendid.]
...
I didn't enjoy it

[The two Turkish comebacks and last-minute goals against both the Czech Republic and Croatia - these were the dramatically most satisfactory and uplifting moments of the whole tournament - indeed, the most exciting moments of football I have ever seen.]
EVER?? ... that sounds like someone who has never *supported* a football team.

[Luis Aragonés, the Spanish manager. It is very good to see someone almost 70 years old overseeing passionate, lovely football. His face doesn't change much - he has a Spanish kind of dignity.]
No comment, let others do what they will with this.

...and finally

[I know the Turks are not in the final but they were far and away the most exciting side - they had heart, they loved what they were doing, they went grimly on when they should have given up hope, and not only went on, but turned defeat into victory.]
were they really the most exciting side? weren't they on the back foot most of the time vs Croatia and others?

[The saddest team - and probably the worst - was the French, a collection of ghosts of once awe-inspiring and fluent players, who appeared lost and bewildered.]
sad, yes, but the worst? they outplayed Holland for long stretches of their 4-1 defeat (odd but true); they battled against Italy when a man down and with their playmaker's leg broken and a free-kick deflected in. Unlucky, disappointing, underachieving, but anyone who recalls them making a score of near things against the Dutch will find it hard to think them the worst team in the tournament.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 16:47 (seventeen years ago)

I'm not sure Byatt's piece is terrible, though (I haven't really read it all), and I would not want to find myself mocking a woman novelist on footy with the undertone that she's a woman or, for that matter, a novelist. She's probably better here than Rushdie or Amis would have been.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 16:48 (seventeen years ago)

Fatih Terim, the Turkish magician. I've never seen a manager so much part of his team. I loved his rapid, spell-casting movements with his fingers. He conveyed complete belief and willpower.

http://www.saynotocrack.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/doing-it-wrong.jpg

― jim, Sunday, 29 June 2008 16:54 (seventeen years ago)

[I myself tend instinctively to substitute northern European teams if there is no English interest]

what an odd statement -- so she'll instinctively back Sweden, Norway, Irelandm, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium or Luxembourg (for instance) against ... Italy, Spain, Greece ... France? who knows? I don't think I know of anyone else with this structure of feeling, in which eg Germany and Netherlands belong to the same gang against the Mediterranean rest.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 16:59 (seventeen years ago)

[I surprised myself in the Turkish-German semi-final by becoming an ardent supporter for the first time and heard my own voice calling 'Come on, the Turks'. They came on, and were as brave and fierce and indefatigable as ever. The Germans were careful and intelligent but the Turks - despite so many of the players being different because of injuries and suspensions - were more than ever a team with one identity and one purpose. They so nearly managed again to take the match to extra time, which would have felt better. Lahm's last-minute goal did to them what they had done to the Czechs and the Croats. I am quite happy that Germany reached the final - they scored clever goals, and also do not give in or give up.]

Thanks for that.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 17:00 (seventeen years ago)

e.g. hitler

― remy bean, Sunday, 29 June 2008 17:02 (seventeen years ago)

the striding swedes

― Ronan, Sunday, 29 June 2008 17:34 (seventeen years ago)

I liked the part about Aragones apparently being a man of "dignity"

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 17:45 (seventeen years ago)

I'm so sad that Motson is going.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:35 (seventeen years ago)

He is running through memories - lovely.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:35 (seventeen years ago)

http://i27.tinypic.com/r7oefl.jpg

ESPN getting into the spirit of things

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:37 (seventeen years ago)

why the f are we watching enrique iglesias please?

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:37 (seventeen years ago)

"Enreek Ingleesias"

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:38 (seventeen years ago)

Incidentally, anyone got any tips for cleaning ovens?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:39 (seventeen years ago)

banriquit inglisia

― ken c, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:39 (seventeen years ago)

lol @ HAUNTING LIGHTNING in that pic

― J0rdan S., Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:40 (seventeen years ago)

mr muscle oven. it worked even on my oven that i hadn't washed for 5 years

― ken c, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:40 (seventeen years ago)

7 nations army bassline = the ultimate modern classic la la la la line

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:41 (seventeen years ago)

i thought to clean an oven you just turned the heat up extremely high and left it on for like an hour so it incinerates anything in there

― J0rdan S., Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:43 (seventeen years ago)

vinegar

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:44 (seventeen years ago)

"They'll be looking to Fabregas to be a Gerrard."

Thanks for that Mark.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:46 (seventeen years ago)

baking soda + vinegar

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:46 (seventeen years ago)

Belgian commentator: "Deutschland über Alles - of course, they're not singing that anymore, they kept the melody but changed the lyrics into something less patriotic because of the second World War, but let's not bring that up now" (duh)

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:47 (seventeen years ago)

ramos out

― ken c, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:51 (seventeen years ago)

My friend says Sergio Ramos looks like Sarah Silverman.

― jim, Sunday, 29 June 2008 18:54 (seventeen years ago)

great header from torres there off the post

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:09 (seventeen years ago)

Not the best match ever but totally not boring

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:18 (seventeen years ago)

I think a goal would liven it up.

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:18 (seventeen years ago)

haha there we go!

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:18 (seventeen years ago)

thanks to you!

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:19 (seventeen years ago)

Get the fuck in.

― jim, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:20 (seventeen years ago)

wonderful goal, too

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:20 (seventeen years ago)

1st 5 mins was even then Germany did really well the next 5 but Spain came back. Pretty even basically but I felt a goal was coming. Torres looked really lively from the off and looked the most likely to score.

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:21 (seventeen years ago)

I keep on thinking there's a Spanish player named "Jarvey".

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:24 (seventeen years ago)

Ballacks in some mess

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:24 (seventeen years ago)

What on earth was Casillas booked for there?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:29 (seventeen years ago)

Coming over for a fight because he saw Ballack was angry at someone -> yellow

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:30 (seventeen years ago)

(I think)

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:31 (seventeen years ago)

He was breaking it up, tho ("The Barnet System", if you will), just seemed to be talking to the ref rather than protesting.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:33 (seventeen years ago)

Shearer invited us to see Torres pulling off the full back, but having seen it in slow-motion from several different angles I still didn't spot it.

― Nasty, Brutish & Short, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:37 (seventeen years ago)

Torres, que bueno!

German players look like all their parents just died, five minutes prior to the match.

― Le Bateau Ivre, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:38 (seventeen years ago)

Apres Match hits form at just the right time

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:39 (seventeen years ago)

Ah, Marcel. Ever the aesthete.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:43 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah terrific action+goal by Torres. Lehmann looking quite bad there, not for the first time this tournament. Bit of a nervous start with which Germany seemed to cope much better but luckily that all changed around the time Iniesta and Silva switched places.

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:44 (seventeen years ago)

Here's Jake with some racial stereotypes.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:44 (seventeen years ago)

That was a "klose" one amirite?

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:53 (seventeen years ago)

uhu-h, a klose kick in his ballacks...

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:54 (seventeen years ago)

uh-oh. here come the germans.

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:03 (seventeen years ago)

Excellent stroppiness from Schweinsteiger there.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:05 (seventeen years ago)

Actually, Bastian's rather woken up in the last few minutes. He's like Andy Reid with definable muscles.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:06 (seventeen years ago)

david villa should have been sent off but I think it's repugnant for other players to call for it

― czn, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:07 (seventeen years ago)

^truth bomb

― czn, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:08 (seventeen years ago)

(ya meant david silva)

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:09 (seventeen years ago)

Are my eyes failing or was Podolski just as much at fault there as Silva?

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:09 (seventeen years ago)

Noodles yer eyes are OK :)

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

villa?!?

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

ah. silva. well, he's just been sent off. sorta.

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:10 (seventeen years ago)

iniesta's gonna score on one of these

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:11 (seventeen years ago)

Iniesta shoulda scored then.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:11 (seventeen years ago)

david villa should have been sent off for being so good

― czn, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:12 (seventeen years ago)

Walk into defender, get free kick. always works

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

I just want to say one thing here.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

...

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

You can't write the Germans off.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:13 (seventeen years ago)

never.

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:14 (seventeen years ago)

Spain need a 2nd here cos one of these German counters is gonna get through.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:14 (seventeen years ago)

Noodle's eye sights well again.

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:15 (seventeen years ago)

'ere comes Gomez... uh oh... this would be quite the time for redemption, wouldn't it?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:21 (seventeen years ago)

ok, ABC just left the game for a weather report. wtf???

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:22 (seventeen years ago)

so can the germans do teh turks?

(perish the thought!!)

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:23 (seventeen years ago)

Senna...

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

It was harder to miss that one than score it.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

Ohhh. But the run was Marsden-esque.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:24 (seventeen years ago)

if Spain don't win now, Aragones is gonna have Senna lynched.

― Roberto Spiralli, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:25 (seventeen years ago)

No 'Miracle in Vienna'.

― SeekAltRoute, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:30 (seventeen years ago)

If I was Spanish/had money on Spain I'd be wanting Motson to stop trying to kiss of death it.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:31 (seventeen years ago)

Kevin "Gazprom 04" Kuranyi. The sad fukk.

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:32 (seventeen years ago)

clear foul

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:33 (seventeen years ago)

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

Olé!

― willem, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:36 (seventeen years ago)

Best team won.

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, pretty much. Germans are going to whine about the ref, but even then

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

There's gonna be some surly germans coming out of the bavarian beer hall down the street.

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:37 (seventeen years ago)

Fully deserved. Awesome tournament. Only one Marcos Senna.

http://english.sabah.com.tr/2008/06/20/im/5D4732C084975E46AC04C868b.jpg

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

Caddyshack is on BBC3.

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:38 (seventeen years ago)

The reign of Spain.

― SeekAltRoute, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

xpost Awes.

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

Caddyshack is on BBC3.

GET IN

― Noodle Vague, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

itv3 innit

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

22 grown men in shorts run around for 1 hour and a half and, surprise-surprise, the team that wins 1-0 is not germany!
i like that. lots.

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

itv3 innit

-- G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:39 (6 seconds ago) Bookmark Link

^^^meant this

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:39 (seventeen years ago)

now i know why tigers eat their young, you know?

― G00blar, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:40 (seventeen years ago)

Disappointing amount of oven cleaning discussion during the match, ILX.

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:40 (seventeen years ago)

Best tournament in quite a while (thanks to Belgians and British not participating, perhaps ;-) )

― StanM, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:45 (seventeen years ago)

This steak still has marks from where the jockey whipped it

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:53 (seventeen years ago)

The stickman - you should ask StanM over to co-eat it. Perhaps.

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:55 (seventeen years ago)

What is the Spanish for "yahh trick yahh"?

― jim, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:56 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erLcKsLO9YQ

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 20:57 (seventeen years ago)

i've been in and out of the oven, have I missed Marcel?

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:00 (seventeen years ago)

Don't look at me, how the hell could I kno?

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:02 (seventeen years ago)

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

So if Russia wins tomorrow, Mike from work wins the office pool outright.

If Spain beats Germany in the final, I win outright.
If Germany wins, Jeff will win, UNLESS Fernando Torres scores four more goals than Klose and Villa combined for the duration of the tournament.

Pick now! Who will win?! Mike, Jeff, or me?! (Note that Russia doesnt even need to beat Germany in the final for Mike to win)

Note: I don't care who you want to win, just who you think WILL win. I can't separate the threee of us.

-- Will M., Wednesday, 25 June 2008 21:48 (4 days ago) Link

germany will win. jeff will win.

-- Weasel Diesel, Wednesday, 25 June 2008 22:49 (4 days ago) Link

YAY ME! BOO WEASEL!

― Will M., Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

$80 CANADIAN DOLLARS. IT'S LIKE SIX EUROS! ALL MINE!

― Will M., Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

That'll buy you a wheelbarrowful of condoms, you happy sir you.

― t**t, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:04 (seventeen years ago)

Jake Humphrey makes Rishi Persad look characterful.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:06 (seventeen years ago)

no marcel

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:10 (seventeen years ago)

bye motty

― Herman G. Neuname, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:11 (seventeen years ago)

Le sigh.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:14 (seventeen years ago)

so where's the 2010 thread?

― Will M., Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:15 (seventeen years ago)

I'd start it, but, y'know, palpable sense of loss, realisation that next to that club football is gonna be kinda dogshit, etc. That and I have to mop the floor.

― William Bloody Swygart, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:39 (seventeen years ago)

Already here:

World Cup 2010 Qualification thread

― The stickman from the hilarious "xkcd" comics, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:42 (seventeen years ago)

Zum Schneider - your bar staff and, to some extent, clientele took a hell of a beating.

― the pinefox, Sunday, 29 June 2008 21:49 (seventeen years ago)

Coach Luis Aragones, who now steps down after four years in the job, paid tribute to Torres after the final whistle.

"Fernando is a great player for Liverpool and for our team and he can go anywhere because he has really extraordinary speed and he knows how to dribble," said the 69-year-old.

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 30 June 2008 07:54 (seventeen years ago)

So, their time came. Which is good, because it was the right time for it - their coming that is. We thought it was their time last time, and times before that, but, nope, it didn't come - their time that is.
But this time, the time, their coming, it all came together. The pundits have been getting it right for twenty years.

― Frogman Henry, Monday, 30 June 2008 08:21 (seventeen years ago)

Germany could still do this! Never write them off!

― Ste, Monday, 30 June 2008 08:30 (seventeen years ago)

lol

― Frogman Henry, Monday, 30 June 2008 08:36 (seventeen years ago)

Last night I decided Joachim Low looked like Alan Vega. A quick GIS reveals I was very drunk.

I was a bit disappointed with the final but the Spanish were deserved winners. Best tournament in a long time.

― onimo, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

Fabregas looks like Britney Spears. It's the eyes.

Good tourneymount. Not quite as good as Euro 2000.

― Michael Jones, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:23 (seventeen years ago)

You have a point, about the eyes, Mike.

And of course it doesn't match 2000, but I'm glad it's made people happy.

Does anyone look like Suzanne Vega?

I was just looking through my football records (no, not the one with the application form to meet Kevin Keegan) and found this exchange, a spontaneous marvel je crois, from the end of World Cup 1998, in the Paris studio:

Hansen: It'll be mayhem in the streets.
Lynam: Well ... I like a bit of mayhem now and again.

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:28 (seventeen years ago)

Surely Motson deserves a proper record of his last international final.

1. "Thanks for those kind words, Gary, though before you make me sound as old as Methuselah I should point out that I wasn’t born when this stadium was built"

2. asking us to indluge him with European memories, from 1976 (only time Germans beaten on pens) through 1984 la la, 1988 Van Basten, 2000 the French … we know all this, but it seems a meaningful gesture for him.

3. "He’s started so he’ll <heh> finish", of the ref who also handled the opening game: "I don’t know if he’s a mastermind of a referee, but he’s here on merit."

4. "Fernando Torres of Liverpool has put Spain ahead in the final" -- just to get the antiPremiercentric hackles up.

5. BY the way, Lawro’s assertion that "you just know that Germany will have one gilt-edged chance before the end" turns out not really to be true, BY the way.

6. "Spanish subtlety has triumphed over Teutonic tenacity" - he fumbles the end of this, the kind of moment that almost makes you think it's a good thing he's on a farewell tour.

7. "The senors have become the seniors, of European football!"

8. Platini (who looked wrly pleased at the goal) beaming as he hands Ballack a loser's medal; Lawro: "I don't think he's happy that Platini keeps smiling", Motson, uncertain, "No".

9. "It’s magnificent if you’re from Real Madrid … it’s brilliant if you’re from Barcelona … it’s a vindication if you’re from Valencia or Villareal!" (correct me if I have the wrong adjectives here, or if the list was even longer -- it's a zinger if you're from Zaragoza?)

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:35 (seventeen years ago)

"It's lovely if you're from Liverpool."

― Venga, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:43 (seventeen years ago)

How could I forget that?

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:46 (seventeen years ago)

well, that makes a round 10 anyway.

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:46 (seventeen years ago)

Motson seemed uncomfortably aware of his legacy

That pretentious The Life of a Fly With A Funny Accent video seemed an odd choice to end with

― MPx4A, Monday, 30 June 2008 10:49 (seventeen years ago)

It was very odd, especially as the tourneymount did not, in fact, last for a month.

OK Motson's final set-pieces were prepared as a goodbye flourish, I shouldn't wonder, but for most of the game there was no sense of this at all, just a professional job. If anything, I fancy, more could have been made of it, in a very real sense. I remember Big Ron making a valedictory speech to Brian Moore late in the 1998 world cup final, followed by Mooro's embarrassed, touched 'Thanks, old friend'. But Motson isn't really finished yet, in a footballing sense, so perhaps some FA Cup Final will be the moment for it.

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 11:10 (seventeen years ago)

It was very odd, especially as the tourneymount did not, in fact, last for a month.

Yes! The foreign fly said itself that it was born on the 7th June! The stupid cunt.

Motson's just doing highlight commentaries from now until whenever he goes, I think, though I suppose given what the BBC actually has rights to as of next season he doesn't have that much choice. He sounded pretty bewildered at a couple of points last night.

It seems as though Steve Wilson is being groomed as his successor rather than Jonathan Pearce, which is a shame because Wilson seems like, for want of a better term, a fuckin plant pot

Unless it's all a smokescreen for Barry Davies to return in a firestorm of clipped haughtiness

― MPx4A, Monday, 30 June 2008 11:22 (seventeen years ago)

oh, I want to walk into that firestorm.

― the pinefox, Monday, 30 June 2008 11:26 (seventeen years ago)

: - O

― Just got offed, Monday, 30 June 2008 11:28 (seventeen years ago)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44793000/jpg/_44793400_aragonesnew_afp_220.jpg

― blueski, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 16:12 (seventeen years ago)

it has to be said, motson does wholly deserve some sort of lifetime achievement award for services to "heh".

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 17:23 (seventeen years ago)

... heh

― r|t|c, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 17:25 (seventeen years ago)

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff169/brumspur/lehmann.gif

haha so glad someone else spotted this! i will miss mad jens, thnks fr th mmrs big man

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 9 July 2008 12:46 (seventeen years ago)

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u129/axiertxo/fotos/2rojqfmjpg.gif

skillz

― r|t|c, Wednesday, 9 July 2008 12:50 (seventeen years ago)

:D we need a british santorum.jpg, jens involved for sure

ok capdevila having been anonymous all tournament finally comes to the party

― Just got offed, Wednesday, 9 July 2008 12:54 (seventeen years ago)

one month passes...

Quick question from an American, for something I'm copy-editing at work: It's just "Euro 2008," right? Would it ever make sense to call it "the Euro 2008," as in "Spain won the Euro 2008"?

― jaymc, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:23 (seventeen years ago)

no 'the'
unless you want to write 'the 2008 European Championship' or similar

― blueski, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:25 (seventeen years ago)

Right, that's what I thought.

― jaymc, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:29 (seventeen years ago)

Source: some British guy on the Internet

― jaymc, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:30 (seventeen years ago)

If you want to use 'the', the correct thing to say would be simply "The Euro's". Otherwise, it's "Spain won Euro 2008".

xxxpost

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:30 (seventeen years ago)

you might want to lose the apostrophe if you want that version to be correct.

― ailsa, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:32 (seventeen years ago)

Heh yeah, sorry. "Source: some Dutch guy on the Internet" :)

― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 21 August 2008 17:33 (seventeen years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.