European Tribune - Community, Politics & Progress.

Euro 2008 knockout stage

by DoDo
Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:16:37 AM EST

So group matches are over - time to review your betting success in Helen's European Championships 2008 - Predictions thread - and bet again for the knockout stage!

For measure, the upcoming matches are:

Quarterfinals:

19 June: Portugal-Germany
20 June: Croatia-Turkey
21 June: Netherlands-Russia
22 June: Spain-Italy

Semifinals:

25 June: [winner 19 June]-[winner 20 June]
26 June: [winner 21 June]-[winner 22 June]

Final:

29 June: [winner 25 June]-[winner 26 June]

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Euro 2008 knockout stage | 57 comments (57 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

My bets, this time with score too:

Quarterfinals:

19 June: Portugalia 3-1 Germany
20 June: Croatia 1-2 Turkey
21 June: Netherlands 5-4 Russia
22 June: Spain 2-0 Italy

Semifinals:

25 June: Portugalia 2-1 Turkey (aet)
26 June: Netherlands 2-2 Spain, 5-3 in penalties

Final:
* 29 June: Portugalia 1-0 Netherlands

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:16:56 AM EST

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

My bet success...

DoDo:

Copying Nomad, two versions:
1) Judgement of chances, probably tainted by some wishful thinking:
Group A
Portugal
~~Czech Republic~~ Turkey
Group B
Germany
Croatia
Group C
~~France~~ Italy
Netherlands
Group D
Russia
Spain

Not bad... as opposed to:

2) Cruel version:
Group A
Portugal
~~Switzerland (good defense)~~ [spirited attack!]
Group B
~~Poland~~
Croatia
~~(Germany implodes due to team troubles)~~
Group C
Italy
Netherlands
(pre-tournament match really shows that France is again impotent at scoring)
Group D
~~Greece~~
~~Sweden~~

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:23:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Ah, and for the record :-)

Re: Euopean Championships 2008 - Predictions (none / 1) by nanne

Group A
~~Czech Republic~~ Turkey
Portugal
(order reversed)
Group B
Croatia
Germany
Group C
Italy
Netherlands
(order reversed)
Group D
Spain
Russia

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:37:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

As for the losers (none / 1)

I hope that for Les Bleus, the era Domenech is now over, and his successor(s) (Deschamps?) will return to a more attacking play... and a play with less fouls and more wizardy... and the fostering of a better team morale (loss was written on the faces already when the Italian fans hissed during the Marsellaise).
Ribéry, Ribery... is he okay? His injury (in which I can't decide whether Zambrotta was the cause intentionally with very professional execution - later in the match Pirlo showed the fine art of kicking the opponent's leg with the referee in back, only the referee was Ľuboš Micheľ - or was it just the unlucky result of Ribéry's own stupid attempt at fouling Z) and Abidal's immense stupidity of reaching after the easily toppling Toni really killed that mach.
Old Karel Brückner also made a big big mistake in the best match of the tournament so far, when he tried to strengthen the defense instead of replacing a tired Koller with Baroš, opening the way for the Turkish pressure that resulted in 2-0 going 2-3.
Quite spirited play from the two hosts, even if with little result.
Names to remember: Sionko/Czech Republic, Barnetta/Switzerland, Derdiyok/Switzerland (he who gave that dream pass to Hakan Yakın, one of the nicest goals of the tournament IMO)

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:40:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As for the losers (none / 1)

Not to go dweeping (too much) with my national team, I knew most of these guys were very good, just not that they could play well together.

Khalid Boulahrouz is really a surprise, though, as is Andre Ooijer. Ooijer is a bit too late in his career to be up for a big transfer, but Boulah should be hot if he keeps playing this professionally. He used to have problems controlling his aggression, but he's been very clean these three matches.

For Germany, Mertesacker is long overdue for a transfer to a major Spanish or Italian club and Podolski should consider going to the Premier League if he doesn't get more play in Bayern.

Would comment on the players of other teams, but I have not watched them closely enough.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:18:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

As for the winners (4.00 / 2)

Portugal: everyone talks about Ronaldo, and he played well, but IMO the Man of the Tournament so far is Deco. He moved all the wheels in the first two matches. I think the only thing that could undercut the A selection of the Portugal team is internal conflicts.
Netherlands: whom could I lift out?... This is a completely different game from what van Basten made 'em play in the World Cup.
Russia: it seems the boys were just shocked of the new in the first match, but are finding back into their game. If they improve their scoring (with less mistakes in the finish, they could have won 10-0 against Sweden - they could cut across the defense like butter...), Netherlands-Russia could prove very interesting. And I was missing a playmaker - now Arshavin impressed me very much.
I have to give to the Azzurri that they played on the attack, and didn't excel in faults. Even if under pressure to win.
Spain: overcame Sweden, Greece too. Still I'm not impressed enough - now comes the real test.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:59:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As for the winners (none / 0)

Team B (against Greece) reminded me of the way Spain used to play, and Team A was much better. So I'm hopeful that Spain can outperform its normal standard which is to get out in the quarterfinals.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:04:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As for the winners (none / 0)

Against Sweden, even Team A showed something reminding of the Primera División: a slow passing game after scoring.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:07:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As for the winners (none / 0)

They got comfortable, I guess. A tie worked for them.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:10:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Portugalia

Sorry, forgot the English rendering...

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:09:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

The result of a straw poll among colleagues was that everyone expects Portugal-Netherlands in the final.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:32:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Well, I got the order in two groups right and only had one team in the quarterfinals that didn't make the cut (the Czechs, who were dissapointing but almost made it, instead of Turkey). Not too bad.

But the rest of my predictions are in tatters, so here are the new ones.

Portugal - Germany: 2-0
Croatia - Turkey: 3-1
Netherlands - Russia: 3-1
Spain - Italy: 2-1

Semis:

Croatia beat Portugal
Netherlands beat Spain

Final:

Netherlands wins.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:31:19 AM EST

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

What he said.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:32:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Migeru:

Group A: Czech Republic, Portugal.
Group B: Germany, Croatia.
Group C: France, Italy.
Group D: Spain, Russia.

I was disappointed by CZ (I thought they'd win!) and I was impressed by the Netherlands.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:35:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Me, too.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:39:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

I agree with your predictions except that the cynic in me predicts Italy 1-0 or even 0-0 going through in penalties.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:41:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Italy's defense is far from perfect, so I see Spain at least scoring one. Plus, Pirlo is out and he was the only constantly good player in all three matches aside of Buffon. Gattuso is also out and he was quite good in the last match.

Spain should avoid getting a red card. Better to let Italy score one.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:50:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

brilliant..

And Spain fails in QF... ej ejje

A pleasure

I therefore claim to show, not how men think in myths, but how myths operate in men's minds without their being aware of the fact. Levi-Strauss, Claude

by kcurie on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 10:38:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Interesting that only I pick Turkey vs. Croatia. But Croatia failed to impress me. Meanwhile, Fatih Terim corrected his biggest lineup mistakes from the first match (except for playing Emre Aşık), Arda is great, Rüştü should be no worse than Volkan, and no way this team will be shaken by being behind.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:18:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

You know, I find lots of satisfaction in Croatia doing well because it shuts up all those idiots who were decrying the fact that they qualified over England. I bet they're more entertaining to watch.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:21:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

There were idiots decrying the fact that Croatia qualified over England? Not Russia?

About more impressive play, I am ambiguous. England today has not much to provide for impressive play beyond Rooney (the much decried Beckham at least made an art of long passes, underappreciated at home). However, Croatia can combine impressive ball control with abysmal brutality. And they had some notable bad matches recently (drawing with Russia 0-0 twice, or the 1-1 preparatory match against Hungary with Nico Kovać scoring for both sides...).

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:28:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Yes, Croatia and England were in the same qualifying group.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:38:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Croatia, England and Russia were in the same group. Croatia was in the lead, the question was whether Russia or England will finish second. Russia was against the wall, then lost to Israel, but Cratia 'saved' them by beating England in Wembley. For which reason, many commentators said that Russia was only lucky and some speculated that a superior Croatia drew against them but beat England on purpose. I hear of England fans' low views of Croatia's capabilities for the first time from you.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:50:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Hmm, I forgot about Russia. But the thing is, England was playing Croatia at home in Wembley and lost 2-3. The last game by Russia was a victory in Andorra.

Somehow, that's the impression I got from watching some of the Euro2008 coverage on BBC: they asked the Croatian coach about England, but they didn't ask Hiddink.

I was not really paying attention to the qualifying so I assumed when Croatia beat England they were competing for a qualifying slot, when clearly they were not.

Oh well.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 10:12:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Croatia 1st (29 pts), Russia 2nd (24 pts), England 3rd on goals before Israel (both 23 pts). Croatia also finishes 1st in the group with 9 pts (admittedly, the weakest of the groups). At some point you have to recognise that they don't lose a lot of matches.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:53:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (4.00 / 2)

Croatia have a very good defense. They only allowed one goal and that was IIRC Podolski firing in a volley from outside the penalty box and through a forest of legs. I predict that Turkey will try playing it with heart and will run into a well-set trap.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:45:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

So, you think Croatia the new Italy?

However, the most attacking football Croatia has been faced by in Group B, IMO, was (surprisingly) from Austria, and I think only nervousness near the goal prevented Austria from scoring. That defence trap could collapse like Greece's (and Sweden's).

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 10:05:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Well, Greece really overdid it by putting up 5 defenders in their first match. If you have a good defense, you don't need 5 defenders. Croatia plays 4-4-2 with two attacking midfielders. So I don't think Croatia is going to play purely on the counter. I do think that they are going to play cautiously.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 11:15:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Portugalia-Germany 1:3
Croatia-Turkey 2:0
Netherlands-Russia 4:0
Spain-Italy 2:1

by Martin (weiser.mensch(at)googlemail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:59:09 AM EST

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

And thereafter?

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:07:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Germany-Croatia: 2:1
Netherlands:Spain: 3:1

Germany:Netherlands: 0:2

Which would mean, that the Netherlands win all games in the whole tournament with at least 2 goals difference ;-( but they seem unstoppable to me.

by Martin (weiser.mensch(at)googlemail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:17:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Portugal
Turkey
Netherlands
Italy

then

Portugal
Netherlands

Netherlands to win

Interviewer: What do you believe is behind this recent increase in terrorist bombings? Helpmann: Bad sportsmanship

by ceebs (bunchofwankers (at) gmail (dot) com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:34:05 AM EST

What the hell just happened? (4.00 / 3)

Everyone supporting the Orange monsters now? Fine by me.

Having merrily failed in my objective prediction, I will only tinker with the one version that matters:

Blatantly Clockwork-Orange-going-to-beat-everyone-mode:

Quarter finals:
Portugal - Germany
Croatia - Turkey
Netherlands - Russia
Spain - Italy
Semi-finals:
Germany - Croatia
Netherlands - Spain (Woot!)
Final:
Netherlands - Croatia

The core of evil is a lack of empathy

by Nomad on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 10:42:08 AM EST

What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 1)

Could some of you with more experience with Fussbal please enlighten me as to what's happening with the German team? I didn't understand the cave-in against Croatia. I did understand the attempt to beat Austria with the minimum effort necessary.

Why did DoDo comment on team strife, if i read that right? I hadn't heard anything there, though i'll bet Mario Gomez is in for his share of ribbing, at a minimum, if not ridicule. Is Klose just too tired from the season? Frings wasn't yet fit, and now gone?

Metzelder seems to be progressing more back to form each match, and Mertesacker is just tops. Lahm seems just under WM form, Marcel Jansen outclassed, and i expect Friedrich or Fritz to pick up the tempo.

I like Poldi on the wing if it must be Klose - Gomez, and I'd like to see "pig-climber" atone for his erratic play/mind, and reach his WM form.

They sure don't look like they did most of the past two years.

Skennah Kowa

by Crazy Horse on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 12:09:54 PM EST

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 1)

Don't understand more of it than you do. Frings and Ballack were not on top of their game, Frings especially in the last match. Klose has been out of form since mid-season. Borowski should substitute for Frings now that he's injured, Germany has to hope that he has good form. I think they should start with Fritz and Schweinsteiger on the sides on the midfield and Podolski as a striker (if he's in any way fit) alongside Klose or perhaps even Kuranyi.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 12:26:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 0)

Why did DoDo comment on team strife, if i read that right?

It was more a shot in the dark as part of a worse-case-scenario speculation, I was more thinking of the Lehmann trouble and possible lack of coherence after the players spent so much time in different clubs than team strife. But I applied strikethrough now because the team seems to work.

To be honest, I don't understand what's up with the German team, either. Gomez seemed so good in the first match, then became weak. Lahm is nowhere near WM form, but we saw signs in the UEFA Cup already and the first match, too.

"pig-climber"

Heh :-) The pornographic associations are unjustified: I looked it up, it comes from the Bavarian village name Schweinsteig, meaning pig stable.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 01:07:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 1)

Pig-climber is just the joke to my football friends from WM days, the first tournament of my life, about my habit of translating everything literally. ("I wish you what.")

I know that Portugal is the deserved favorites tonight, but i expect quite a battle from our Jungs. I think Ballack's fierce strike was the wake-up call, together with the slo-mo video of his face.

I expect the entire team to up-level, across the board. If not a win, which i really desire, it will go to elf-meter schiessen, which despite history will be dangerous for us this time.

But i also expect the Portuguese to bring much more than they brought in the 3rd place match two years ago. I agree that deco is tops this tournee, and can only hope we can stay with him.

Without the incredible sunny "public-viewing" weather from the WM the signs aren't good, it's raining here right now; but one thing i know for sure (as if i knew anything about Fussbal for certain) is that we will give a good accounting of ourselves.

You can imagine me watching in my Deutsche Tricot, inklusive kürze Hose.

Simon Rolfes will play for my injured favorite, the long-haired Frings.

Skennah Kowa

by Crazy Horse on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 02:26:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 0)

Of course, as soon as i posted the above, the Sun came out...
and Lehmann said if it goes to elf-meter schiessen, he'll have the zettel (note paper) they've prepared.

Skennah Kowa

by Crazy Horse on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 02:30:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 1)

Finally, this is exactly what Germany's been showing the past few years, and was missing so far this tournee (except vielleicht gegen Polen.) No matter what happens, i'm satisfied we've finally seen the Deutsche Mannschaft.

Rolfes and Hitzelsberger have been fine (everyone's had a lapse or two) but the team is playing like a team.

Looked like a lapse of concentration by the Portugal goal, but...

The match lasts 90 minutes.

Skennah Kowa

by Crazy Horse on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 03:37:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What's Up w/ Deutschland? (none / 1)

I know that Portugal is the deserved favorites tonight,

You probably have heard in the meantime that the Portugues press took this 'favourite shifting' as kind of psycho attack. Being the favourite is more a burden than a positive thing.

Indeed the German team was much too hard judged after the Croatia game, where it had more ball possession, more passes, more won duels, and about the same amount of shots on goal as Croatia, which, after all, won its qualification group ahead of Russia and England, which it beat in both matches.
Already the game against Serbia in the preparation showed that the German team has problems with this kind of defensive teams, and it was as well in the past years obvious e.g. against Italy (before Donadoni decided, that defense doesn't matter).
I don't know why the German team didn't run more against Croatia, but I was as well tactically surprised, that Odonkor came into play instead of Hitzelsperger. Already before Germany had many flanks without much success, so I would have expected to try more distance shots, for what Hitzelsberger is unique.

by Martin (weiser.mensch(at)googlemail.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 08:28:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Spain takes out Italy, and after that I don't really care. (And what is up with Les Bleus? They were supposed to have taken care of Italy already. Bof.)

But for the rest:

Holland beats Russia, Croatia beats Turkey, and Germany beats Portugal.

(Oh, crap, late as usual. I swear, I wrote the above before I checked the Germany-Portugal result.)

Semifinals:

Germany beats Croatia, and Spain beats the Netherlands.

Final:

Spain beats Germany

"C'est bien vrai, n'est-ce pas, que les moutons mangent les arbustes?" — Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint Exupéry

by dconrad (dai {point} conrad {arobase} gmail {point} com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 09:25:20 PM EST

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Spain will lose in QF as always.... :)

A pleasure

I therefore claim to show, not how men think in myths, but how myths operate in men's minds without their being aware of the fact. Levi-Strauss, Claude

by kcurie on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 04:46:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

I'm sorry, did you say something? I couldn't hear that over the sound of those Spanish penalty kicks. :-)

"C'est bien vrai, n'est-ce pas, que les moutons mangent les arbustes?" — Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint Exupéry

by dconrad (dai {point} conrad {arobase} gmail {point} com) on Sun Jun 22nd, 2008 at 11:57:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

So Turkey after the penalty shootout. Incredible end of the game with Croatia scoring and Turkey equalizing in the final minute...

It seems the problem for Germany in the Semis will be to score and then prevent the Turks from coming back as that seems to be their strong point...

Auferre, trucidare, rapere, falsis nominibus imperium; atque, ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.

by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 05:30:53 PM EST

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

The Turks always win crazy! I again do not give them any chance against Germany, but let's see. Should be fun.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 05:33:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Wooooooowwwwwwww......

I was jumping from my seat at the equalizer! After that, I was certain that they win the penalty shootout on being more mentally fit, but even I didn't expect such a collapse from Croatia.

For me, this match beat even Turkey-Czech Republic, despite the fewer goals: Turkey definitely didn't swallow that Croatian defense trap, they played hyper-concentrated, and throughout the 117+6 minutes of 0-0, I felt the tension.

Oh yeah, and what a fair match! Despite the yellow cards - for tactical faults, which didn't lead to serious injuries or hot heads.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 05:40:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

so my Never bet against the Germans rule is going to collide with a team that just doesn't seem to know how to lose.

Interviewer: What do you believe is behind this recent increase in terrorist bombings? Helpmann: Bad sportsmanship

by ceebs (bunchofwankers (at) gmail (dot) com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 05:44:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

By the way, just to dramatise:

During the match, the Hungarian commentator of the match was talking about "never write off the Turks, especially when they are behind" like, every five minutes.

Then after the 118th minute goal, he told ambiguous things like: "even the fanaticism of the Turkish team can't do it in 30 seconds... or?" "Look how they don't show Fatih Terim rather than the winning coach first... er, it's not yet certain, but the now likely winning coach..."

Then in extension time, he finally gave up, telling: "a few more forward balls, but they don't matter anymore..."

When the goal came, he was just speechless.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:12:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

The UK commentators were pointing out that Turkey had been in the lead in the whole competition for less than two minutes.

Interviewer: What do you believe is behind this recent increase in terrorist bombings? Helpmann: Bad sportsmanship

by ceebs (bunchofwankers (at) gmail (dot) com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:16:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

"Look how they ~~don't~~ show Fatih Terim

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:43:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

I am amused by the way the French commentators, too, speak as if the broadcast was done by an unnamed "them" despite the fact that the UEFA provides 9 canals beyond to main signals to broadcasters ; similarly wondering why the director can't show the proper replay - what prevents the broadcaster to makes its own replays, pray tell ?

Auferre, trucidare, rapere, falsis nominibus imperium; atque, ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.

by linca (antonin POINT lucas AROBASE gmail.com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 07:48:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Turkey did not let themselves be lured into playing too much on the attack, true. But what they showed defensively was not really all that good, there were several scrappy scenes in front of the goal and they were lucky that the Croatian finishing was poor.

by nanne (zwaerdenmaecker@gmail.com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:38:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

Well, I didn't expect a good defense from Turkey, that's not their game - it was definitely good compared to themselves. Even Emre Aşik. Except Rüstü running out before the 1-0, that was below himself. I recall only three cases when only poor finish prevented a Croatian goal (especially the one on the top post), ad in one of them it may have been down to Olić's tiredness rather than bad luck (Bilić should have replaced him earlier).

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:50:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 1)

that's not their game

and Fatih Terim had troubles assembling a defender line.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:51:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

This time, I agree with you: I'd pick Germany as favourites. But only if Turkey scores first...

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 06:15:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

BTW, my damn broadcaster switched to the studio soon after the match was over, so I ask you: did I see it right that the Turkish players and trainers went to console the Croatian players, who accepted it? (Despite the complaints about the injury time?)

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 05:43:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Euro 2008 knockout stage (none / 0)

Bilić is a good loser. BBC SPORT | Football | Euro 2008 | Croatia | Bilic philosophical at Euro exit

"I thought that it was finished, that we had won and then in a flash this fantastic goal by Semih," added Bilic, whose side are in the same group as England for the 2010 World Cup.
"After that, it was the drama of penalties. Oh well life goes on. Tomorrow is another day. We will now get back into the groove in the World Cup qualifiers."
He added: "I want to congratulate both teams for a great game of football.
"This match shows why it's the most dramatic and most popular game in the world.
"I congratulate Turkey but we have beaten beaten better opponents and the last two minutes I cannot begin to describe, both our goal and theirs and then penalties.
"The pain of this defeat will stay with me for a long time.
"It will haunt us forever."

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 07:09:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Euro 2008 knockout stage | 57 comments (57 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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