The Official Football Thread

[Eps~]

First half was entertaining, even though we didn't see any goals. Russia is pretty damn good at the moment.

[risingstar3110]

Even Netherlands is considered as a better team, Russia do play better at this match. It will be a pity if they lost overall (after was so close to victory)

[Eps~]

Another potential winner is out. Was cheering for Holland, but gg for Russia, they deserved the win.

[Sheba]

Is it exagerrated if I say "Upset victory of the euro 2008"?

[Kinny Riddle]

Guus Hiddink has done it once again. He really has got the Midas Touch when it comes to national teams.

Holland was simply disappointing, whatever happened to the team that tore France and Italy apart? Instead, the team that was playing Total Football tonight was actually Russia.

Now we have 3 group runners-up in the semis. Aragones and Spain must be hoping it won't be 4 tomorrow.

[2H-Dragon]

Russia deserved the win. Atleast we got knocked out by a team that actually played better. But seeing on how this Euro 2008 is going. Turkey vs Italy final? For what it's worth Van the vaart and Van de Sar showed some nice plays. Ashwin is definitly a hot item. =o

Anyhow the Dutch team finally showed some potential after 8years of medicoreness. Too bad no more van de Sar though. :|

[Sazelyt]

Two teams unexpected to go far before the tournament made the semifinals. If they both play in the finals, it will be an altogether surprising year. Anyways, congratulations for Russia, I am sure after winning Eurobasket, they set their eyes on this cup too (kind of how it did go for the Greeks, in reverse direction, with their 2004-2005 1st place finishes in European football and basketball championships).

[Kinny Riddle]

Originally Posted by 2H-Dragon

But seeing on how this Euro 2008 is going. Turkey vs Italy final?

Deliberately ignoring the Germans I see? Not surprising seeing where you're from.

From some of the older fans, I hear that they're feeling the vibes of the USSR teams of ages past from this Russia team.

What was Van Basten thinking taking out the industry that is Dirk Kuyt? Once he got taken out, the Dutch quickly exposed gaps which the Russians wasted no time in exploiting. And then why not bring in Robben? Instead he brought in Van Persie.

[2H-Dragon]

Originally Posted by Kinny Riddle

Deliberately ignoring the Germans I see? Not surprising seeing where you're from.

From some of the older fans, I hear that they're feeling the vibes of the USSR teams of ages past from this Russia team.

What was Van Basten thinking taking out the industry that is Dirk Kuyt? Once he got taken out, the Dutch quickly exposed gaps which the Russians wasted no time in exploiting. And then why not bring in Robben? Instead he brought in Van Persie.

Nah the Germans have a very good chance to win, but it seems favourites lose. I predicted a German Dutch(have to be biased towards the dutch :> ) final before the EC started. xD

Robben was injured.

[nikorai]

I was actually pretty pessimistic about Russian team. Seeing them win 3 to 1 was very surprising. Compared to the first match it looked like they changed the players but the people are the same.

[Sazelyt]

Originally Posted by 2H-Dragon

Robben was injured.

If that is all, it shouldn't be a big deal. If what I read was correct, Turkey currently has 4 injured (Nihat is the last one to join this list) and 4 suspended players for the next game.

But, I believe, continuous injuries and suspensions is one reason why they were able to reach semifinals. It prevents the Turkish coach to form ridiculous lineups and the opponents to predict the type of team they will face during the game.

[2H-Dragon]

Originally Posted by Fipskuul

If that is all, it shouldn't be a big deal. If what I read was correct, Turkey currently has 4 injured (Nihat is the last one to join this list) and 4 suspended players for the next game.

But, I believe, continuous injuries and suspensions is one reason why they were able to reach semifinals. It prevents the Turkish coach to form ridiculous lineups and the opponents to predict the type of team they will face during the game.

Nah wasn't saying really saying Robben could make a real difference. Kinny Riddle was asking why Van Basten didn't bring out Robben. Or are you especting Robben to play with an injury? =o

[Sazelyt]

Oh, so that's why. Nope, I don't expect a player to play through injury unless he can and he has no problem of risking or sacrificing some of his future. One of our players was like that.

[Shinndou]

Whoa. Just whoa. I wasn't expecting this result. GG Russia!

[bubbleum]

Russia definitely deserved the win in this match. Actually if they continue to play like this they should take the cup (no, I'm not russian ).

Anyway the final - after Portugal and Holland got eliminated, I'd go with Germany - Italy.

[Shinndou]

I don't know, I still can't feel completely confident about Donadoni so you better not bet on us making it to the final

[KiNA]

Originally Posted by KiNA

At least you did.. I still think the ManU players will curse their national team progress

Frances out, Portugal out, Poland out, England waaaaaay out.. Next is Holland XD

I tooooooooooold youuuuuuu ^_^

[WONDERMIKE]

wow, Russia facing the Germans in the final would be awesome the last two games made clear that everything is possible right now.. I have absolutely no idea how Italy - Spain could turn out

[Sazelyt]

Interesting stats: Turkey had played for 414 minutes, and they were the leading side only during a 9-minutes period. Despite that, they are in the semifinals (though, after paying a huge price of being reduced to only 14 players available for the next game).

[Kinny Riddle]

Hiddink: National Treasure in Korea; National Hero in Australia; and now National Idol in Russia. xD

I didn't notice Robben was injured, that more or less contributed to Holland's inability to counterattack. But I still don't understand taking out Kuyt, he wasn't injured or anything as well, was he?