Register | Login | |||||
Main
| Memberlist
| Active users
| ACS
| Commons
| Calendar
| Online users Ranks | FAQ | Color Chart | Photo album | IRC Chat |
| |
0 user currently in Sports Center. |
Acmlm's Board - I2 Archive - Sports Center - Euro 2004 (Forza! Forza! Greece are the champions of Europe!) | | | |
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | Add to favorites | "RSS" Feed | Next newer thread | Next older thread |
User | Post | ||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 331/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Now, I know we have quite a few football-fans at this board, but it seems impossible to get any of you to discuss it, except for Colleen, of course. Nonetheless, I'll make this thread, so maybe some of you can join in a nice little discussion around your thoughts on this year's Euros. Here's my prediction of how the tournament will go: Group A: 1. Portugal 2. Spain 3. Greece 4. Russia Russia seems chanceless. Their road to the Euros were marked with allegations of cheating, and what I've seen from them in the pre-friendlies hasn't been very good. As for putting Spain higher than Greece, I know Greece beat Spain in the quals, but I don't think they'll be able to repeat that feat now. Portugal wins by default, having home-field advantage. Group B: 1. France 2. England 3. Croatia 4. Switzerland This group will be all about France and England. Switzerland are weak, and Croatia are simply not what they were 6 years ago, when they finished 3rd in the World Cup. France made fools out of themselves in the last World Cup, but I think we'll see a comeback from the reigning European Champions in this tournament. The match between France and England will decide the outcome of this group, and I think France will win in a very even match. Group C: 1. Italy 2. Sweden 3. Denmark 4. Bulgaria This is the most interesting group from a Scandinavian perspective, and also the hardest group to predict. Bulgaria did win their qualification group, but their oposition wasn't too hard, so I'm putting them last. I have Italy for winner, but look out for an upset, both Denmark and Sweden are good enough to beat them. As for the battle for Scandinavia, I think Sweden is the stronger team, although I'm rooting for Denmark. Group D: 1. Germany 2. The Netherlands 3. Czech Republic 4. Latvia Underdogs Latvia beat World Cup Bronze winner Turkey to secure a place in the Euro 2004. They meet hard opoistion, though, so I'm afraid the Baltic nation will have to settle for last. Germany won silver in the World Cup two years ago, but they screwed up in the Euros two years before that (making me lose a rather large bet). I've got Germany winning this group, but you can never really know with the Germans. Sometimes, they'll play the greatest football in the Universe, other times, they'll be absolutely horrible. And maybe Kahn is a little over the top, no? As for putting the Dutch over the Czech, well, the Dutch should be better. I haven't really seen much good from the Czech since their silver in the Euros eight years ago. Predicting the playoffs will be hard, though. Since any change in my prediction of the groups (which there is bound to be), will cause the playoff-matches to be different. Anyhow, from the way I've set up the groups, this is what the Quarter Finals will be like: Portugal (A1) vs. England (B2) France (B1) vs. Spain (A2) Italy (C1) vs. The Netherlands (D2) Germany (D1) vs. Sweden (C2) It's not coming home this year, either, as Portugal beats England. A mix of England's natural tendency to not win tournaments, and Portugal's home-field advantage, sends Beckham and the lot packing. Spain, the most famous choke of them all, joins England, although they don't have to travel as far as the Brits to get home. The Netherlands will be the only to finish second in their group and make it to the Semi-Finals, as they beat Italy, before Germany takes out Sweden in what seems to be the most one-sided matches of the quarter finals. That makes for these Semi-Finals: Portugal vs. The Netherlands France vs. Germany The Netherlands beats home-favorites Portugal in a very even match, while France takes out Germany, making for a final between France and The Netherlands (which would probably be very funny to watch in Belgium ) France vs. The Netherlands The reigning champions returns to the Euro Finals to take on The Netherlands. I predict a rather one-sided match, with the French taking it all. Sealing an impressive walk through the Qualification Group, the Group Stage, and the Playoffs without losing a single match. |
|||
Jesper Busy, busy, busy. Level: 69 Posts: 416/2390 EXP: 2856000 For next: 13743 Since: 03-15-04 From: Sweden. Since last post: 176 days Last activity: 79 days |
| ||
I'll just predict the final group results. Group A: 1. Spain 2. Portugal 3. Russia 4. Greece Group B: 1. England 2. Croatia 3. France 4. Switzerland Group C: 1. Sweden 2. Italy 3. Denmark 4. Bulgaria Group D: 1. The Netherlands 2. Czech Republic 3. Germany 4. Latvia (edited by Jesper on 06-09-04 04:33 PM) |
|||
Colleen Administrator Level: 136 Posts: 1876/11302 EXP: 29369328 For next: 727587 Since: 03-15-04 From: LaSalle, Quebec, Canada Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 1 hour |
| ||
Group A: 1) Portugal -> Hosts, lots of optimism, Figo was the only guy on Real Madrid playing well at the end. 2) Spain -> Lots of potential, tendency to choke in major tournaments, need to get their revenge on Greece. 3) Greece -> No wins in major international tournaments, defeated Spain in qualifying, needs to duplicate that feat. 4) Russia -> Lucky to get into Euro 2004, dodged doping allegations, may end up as the worst team in the competition. Group B: 1) England -> Team's starting to gel, young guns such as Rooney may be able to take the pressure, opening win against France would let them coast. 2) France -> #1 team in Europe, still have WC 2002 nightmares, need to stay totally healthy and focused to repeat as Euro champs. 3) Switzerland -> Lots of hidden talent, qualified out of a weak group, may be unprepared for France and England. 4) Croatia -> No real success since WC 1998, few major stars, need to beat Switzerland in the opener to compete. Group C: 1) Italy -> Still a team filled with great talent, a fairly easy qualifying group, tactics and use of rising young stars will be key. 2) Sweden -> Strong team with a mix of veterans and youth, interesting style of play, HENRIK. 3) Denmark -> Former European champions, well-balanced team, might not have enough left in the tank after playing one of the top 2 though. 4) Bulgaria -> Breezed through easy qualifying group, terrible luck in warmup matches, few impact players. Group D: 1) Netherlands -> Still one of the most talented teams in Europe, extremely dangerous on offense, should have enough depth to survive this group. 2) Czech Republic -> Defeated the Netherlands in qualifying, hard-working team, wants to silence the critics. 3) Germany -> WC 2002 finalists, suffering a horrible run of form at the moment, rebuilding period isn't far off. 4) Latvia -> First time in a major tournament, no major European stars, should perform respectibly but won't qualify. QF's: Portugal over France, England over Spain, Italy over Czech Republic, Sweden over Netherlands. SF's: Italy over Portugal, England over Sweden. Final: Italy 1-3 England. |
|||
TheDude Micro-Goomba Level: 8 Posts: 3/16 EXP: 1453 For next: 734 Since: 06-04-04 From: Finland Since last post: 435 days Last activity: 339 days |
| ||
France will win the champion. I`m sure of it |
|||
Wheelies Micro-Goomba Level: 8 Posts: 6/17 EXP: 1587 For next: 600 Since: 06-07-04 From: The Northern Part of NJ Since last post: 478 days Last activity: 339 days |
| ||
Here are my predictions 1. Spain 2. Portugal 3. Russia 4. Greece 1. France 2. England 3. Croatia 4. Switzerland 1. Italy 2. Sweden 3. Denmark 4. Bulgaria 1. Germany 2. The Netherlands 3. Czech Republic 4. Latvia Quarterfinals Spain (A1) vs. England (B2) France (B1) vs. Portugal (A2) Italy (C1) vs. The Netherlands (D2) Germany (D1) vs. Sweden (C2) Semifinals Spain vs. Italy France vs. Germany Final Spain vs. Germany Champion: Germany |
|||
Colleen Administrator Level: 136 Posts: 1896/11302 EXP: 29369328 For next: 727587 Since: 03-15-04 From: LaSalle, Quebec, Canada Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 1 hour |
| ||
Germany... I think that's a pretty gutsy choice. If it's the German team that showed up against Hungary and Romania, they'll be home in 2 weeks. |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 347/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Tsk, tsk, Colleen. When will you ever learn that Germany is a tournament-team. Who would have predicted a German silver in the World Cup two years ago, they weren't exactly doing good in the pre-matches that time either. Germany always shape up for the task when a big tournament is starting (well, 'cept for Netherlands/Belgium four years ago). Germany is a very valid choice, I say... Now, Greece yesterday. May I say, great match by the Greeks, their defence is astonishing. I'm fairly sure they'll beat Russia, and if Portugal keep on playing their technical yet ineffective offence against Spain, they'll be out before it's even begin. Now, for the England vs. France match right now. Talk about your undeserved goals, eh? In the words of the Norwegian commentator when England scored "Up until now, England hasn't produced shit". Well, the second half is about to begin, and, well, France should win this (although I'm rooting for an English win), and England shall be lucky if they keep the 1-0 lead. |
|||
Kwan Doesn't have a valid sized userpic. ||bass will be pissed :(((((((( Level: 50 Posts: 575/1137 EXP: 937111 For next: 10206 Since: 03-15-04 From: Durkadurkastan! Since last post: 22 days Last activity: 2 days |
| ||
three words. Best. Fluke. Ever. Zidane free kick in the 90th minute straight into the corner and David James didn't move. 2 minutes later, Henry is fouled by David James inside the box when Gerrard did a weak pass back. Zidane scores the penalty. Goddamn that was good. |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 348/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
I'm normally against capital punishment, but I'm willing to make an exemption for players who make pass backs like Steven Gerrard in that match. What the Hell was he thinking? There were no Frenchmen around him, he could calmly send the ball anywhere he wanted, so his choice of sending it to an unmarked Henry was, *cough*, somewhat strange... Edit: A day by day update would be kinda neat, I thought. UEFA Euro 2004, Day 1 (June 12th, 2004) 17:00 UT Portugal 1-2 Greece Goals: Por: Ronaldo (90+3) Gre: Karagounis (7), Basinas (51 pen) Yellow Cards: Por: Costinha (21), Pauleta (57) Gre: Karagounis (39), Seitaridis (76) 19:45 UT Spain 1-0 Russia Goals: Esp: Valer (edited by ^_____ |
|||
Colleen Administrator Level: 136 Posts: 1939/11302 EXP: 29369328 For next: 727587 Since: 03-15-04 From: LaSalle, Quebec, Canada Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 1 hour |
| ||
Euro 2004 Blog. (Updated later tonight.) It's rare that a match actually LIVES UP to the hype, though... and France/England managed to do just that. Possibly the best game I've seen all year. |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 352/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Damn you, Colleen. Making it look like I stole your idea, simply by starting earlier than me. The Salmonella ain't exactly a Euro-Blog, but it will most likely not cover any other subjects (maybe except once every Sunday, when Troms | |||
Kwan Doesn't have a valid sized userpic. ||bass will be pissed :(((((((( Level: 50 Posts: 577/1137 EXP: 937111 For next: 10206 Since: 03-15-04 From: Durkadurkastan! Since last post: 22 days Last activity: 2 days |
| ||
[18:51:25] < [18:51:43] < [18:52:07] < [18:52:16] < [18:52:23] < [18:52:39] < Anyway, just watched the Denmark - Italy match. My god, Sorenson is amazing. He's been a nice replacement for Schmeichel so far. I think Denmark should've won it, even if I predicted Italy, they did well to survive the attacks to have won it. The nudge for which the Denmark player got a warning for should be appealed. |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 356/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Denmark was the better team. They should have won, but didn't. Yeah, S (edited by ^_____ |
|||
Kitten Yiffer Purple wand Furry moderator Vivent l'exp����¯�¿�½������©rience de signalisation d'amusement, ou bien ! Level: 135 Posts: 2378/11162 EXP: 28824106 For next: 510899 Since: 03-15-04 From: Sweden Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 4 min. |
| ||
Bulgaria is so getting owned by Sweden right now! XD 4 - 0 to us! (currently... ) we probably will win. Edit: 5 - 0 oh god XD XD XD haha (edited by ^_____ |
|||
zbegra Blue Octorok Level: 11 Posts: 30/35 EXP: 4885 For next: 1100 Since: 04-24-04 From: Norway, Trondheim Since last post: 357 days Last activity: 339 days |
| ||
Originally posted by ^_____ |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 358/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Man, I had all my "4-0, well this brings me 10 years back"-jokes ready, and then that last goal came. Ruined everything! Sweden played a great game. After Denmark's performance, I thought the Danes could actually snatch Sweden's bid for a Quarter Final position, but Sweden replied with a fantastic victory. Maybe, just maybe, we can hope for an all-Scandinavian victory in Group C, with Italy being sent home! Although, it has to be said, Sweden were lucky with their timing. Bulgaria were getting into the match, and they were really close to making it 1-1. Then Larsson hit his two goals, and all of Bulgaria's hopes were crushed. I think that if Larsson hadn't scored his two goals, Bulgaria might have come back into the match. |
|||
Kwan Doesn't have a valid sized userpic. ||bass will be pissed :(((((((( Level: 50 Posts: 578/1137 EXP: 937111 For next: 10206 Since: 03-15-04 From: Durkadurkastan! Since last post: 22 days Last activity: 2 days |
| ||
Five-fucking-nil Sweden had it easy. First a goal from the Arsenal Freddy Ljundberg, a nice diving header from Henrik Larsson, followed up by a really nice goal again almost immediately after. A penalty followed up, then the substitute Allb (edited by Kwan on 06-14-04 04:45 PM) (edited by Kwan on 06-14-04 04:51 PM) |
|||
The SomerZ Summer, yay! Level: 45 Posts: 359/862 EXP: 618182 For next: 41982 Since: 03-15-04 From: Norway Since last post: 2 days Last activity: 3 hours |
| ||
Bulgaria need to either quit playing their offside trap, or organize the defence so that it freaking works. Granted, most of the time, it worked, as Sweden had a lot of offsides, but when you play an offside trap, you don't want it to work most of the time, you want it to work all the time. If it doesn't work all the time, you'll have players being alone with your goalkeepers, almost certain to score. So, yeah, either a better offside trap, or no offside trap. That's what I say. | |||
Kitten Yiffer Purple wand Furry moderator Vivent l'exp����¯�¿�½������©rience de signalisation d'amusement, ou bien ! Level: 135 Posts: 2381/11162 EXP: 28824106 For next: 510899 Since: 03-15-04 From: Sweden Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 4 min. |
| ||
Lovely match, I just hope this won't get me into football becuse of this match. But it was very very lovely match! BTW, Henrik Larsson lives in a city which I live close to! Isn't that cool! And he have the same last name as I. Edit: ehhe... was little to happy. Left out name. (edited by ^_____ |
|||
Colleen Administrator Level: 136 Posts: 1946/11302 EXP: 29369328 For next: 727587 Since: 03-15-04 From: LaSalle, Quebec, Canada Since last post: 3 hours Last activity: 1 hour |
| ||
My friend Rob had Bulgaria as his "upset team". I chose Sweden. Guess which one of us knows more about the beautiful game. Awesome performance by Sweden, and if it came down to goal difference... well... They helped themselves in that department. Henrik will make whichever team he signs with very happy indeed. |
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | Add to favorites | "RSS" Feed | Next newer thread | Next older thread |
Acmlm's Board - I2 Archive - Sports Center - Euro 2004 (Forza! Forza! Greece are the champions of Europe!) | | | |