Andreas Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 (edited) With 3 days to go I thought it would be good to start a thread where we can all discuss the matches/up coming matches but also just have one thread to discuss anything about the tournament really so it doesn't get spread out all over the forum. This could almost be seen as the "following our nearest and dearest rivals" thread but more in-depth. Euro 2012 Poland/Ukraine Group A Poland (POL) Greece (GRE) Russia (RUS) Czech Republic (CZE) Group B Netherlands (NED) Denmark (DEN) Germany (GER) Portugal (POR) Group C Spain (ESP) Italy (ITA) Republic of Ireland (IRL) Croatia (CRO) Group D Ukraine (UKR) Sweden (SWE) France (FRA) England (ENG) Fixtures: Group Stage 8th of June Group A Poland v Greece, 8 June 2012, 18.00 CET, National Stadium Warsaw, Warsaw Russia v Czech Republic, 8 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Municipal Stadium Wroclaw, Wroclaw ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9th of June Group B Netherlands v Denmark, 9 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv Germany v Portugal, 9 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Arena Lviv, Lviv ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10th of June Group C Spain v Italy, 10 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Arena Gdansk, Gdansk Republic of Ireland v Croatia, 10 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Municipal Stadium Poznan, Poznan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11th of June Group D Ukraine v Sweden, 11 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Olympic Stadium, Kyiv France v England, 11 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Donbass Arena, Donetsk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12th of June Group A Poland v Russia, 12 June 2012, 20.45 CET, National Stadium Warsaw, Warsaw Greece v Czech Republic, 12 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Municipal Stadium Wroclaw, Wroclaw ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13th of June Group B Netherlands v Germany, 13 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv Denmark v Portugal, 13 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Arena Lviv, Lviv ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14th of June Group C Spain v Republic of Ireland, 14 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Arena Gdansk, Gdansk Italy v Croatia, 14 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Municipal Stadium Poznan, Poznan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15th of June Group D Sweden v England, 15 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Olympic Stadium, Kyiv Ukraine v France, 15 June 2012, 18.00 CET, Donbass Arena, Donetsk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16th of June Group A Greece v Russia, 16 June 2012, 20.45 CET, National Stadium Warsaw, Warsaw Czech Republic v Poland, 16 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Municipal Stadium Wroclaw, Wroclaw ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17th of June Group B Portugal v Netherlands, 17 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Metalist Stadium, Kharkiv Denmark v Germany, 17 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Arena Lviv, Lviv ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18th of June Group C Croatia v Spain, 18 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Arena Gdansk, Gdansk Italy v Republic of Ireland, 18 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Municipal Stadium Poznan, Poznan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19th of June Group D Sweden v France, 19 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Olympic Stadium, Kyiv England v Ukraine, 19 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Donbass Arena, Donetsk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUARTER FINALS 21st of June QF 1 Winner Group A v Runner up Group B, 21 June 2012, 20.45 CET, National Stadium Warsaw, Warsaw ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22nd of June QF 2 Winner Group B v Runner up Group A, 22 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Arena Gdansk, Gdansk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23rd of June QF 3 Winner Group C v Runner up Group D, 23 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Donbass Arena, Donetsk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24th of June QF 4 Winner Group D v Runner up Group C, 24 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Olympic Stadium, Kyiv ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEMI FINALS 27th of June SF 1 Winner Quarter Final 1 v Winner Quarter Final 3, 27 June 2012, 20.45 CET, Donbass Arena, Donetsk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28th of June SF 2 Winner Quarter Final 2 v Winner Quarter Final 4, 28 June 2012, 20.45 CET, National Stadium Warsaw, Warsaw ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL 1st of July Winner Semi Final 1 v Winner Semi Final 2, 1 July 2012, 20.45 CET, Olympic Stadium, Kyiv ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is what it looks like people, should be a great tournament, note that the times are CET which basically means 1 hour ahead of UK time. Bring it on! Edited June 5, 2012 by Andreas
ace Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Russia/Netherlands Spain/Sweden Germany/Poland France/Italy Netherlands/Spain Germany/France Germany/Spain Germany That's how my bracket is looking at the moment, any thoughts?
Arq Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 (edited) Russia/Netherlands Spain/Sweden Germany/Poland France/Italy Netherlands/Spain Germany/France Germany/Spain Germany That's how my bracket is looking at the moment, any thoughts? Not sure if Poland is going to make it out of the group stage. I actually believe it'll be the Czech Republic that will pull through. Italy is a mess. After the whole talk about the national team possibly missing the Euros, I wouldn't be surprised if Croatia takes runner up in Group C. I believe the final will be Germany/Spain (again). And I agree that Germany will win the whole thing. If they meet Spain in the finals they certainly have the talent to beat them, they just need to mentally get over that roadblock. Germany's only weakness is their back 4. It can be exposed. If Löw can keep them organised, Germany should prevail. Edited June 6, 2012 by Arq
ace Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I had the Czechs going through originally, but Poland, specifically Lewandowski and the home-field advantage, have my attention. Who do the Czechs have going for them besides Super-Cech being in the form of his life? Serious question, I want to win my pool amongst friends. I have also been considering Croatia over Italy...
Arq Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I think, for the Czechs, Rosicky is going to be the catalyst. Obviously having our Petr in form is going to be a huge advantage but Rosicky will be the driving force. Baros should also be a threat to score. That might be just enough to get them through. Second place is surely up for grabs though, I can't say I'm super confident in picking the Czechs to take second.
evissy Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I just read a news that Italy's Mario Balotelli is using his original Ghanian name Mario Baruwah. He is going to have Baruwah Baloteli in his shirt for Italy. Again one indication of a totally self indulgent person. He is naturally entitled to do anything with his name but instead of LOOKING IN THE MIRROR(not talking about the paper here) he decides it is the name that does him all the injustice. If it is not clear I'm implying he wants the dust to settle and don't want his name to be connected to all negative. He is a complete idiot and a total disgrace of a role model. He is young and will grow but what a w**ker. He is a 14 year old boy in a 20-odd mans body. City would need Eyebrow-Carlo or Capello to teach him a lesson as it seems Mancini is not able to do anything about him. Great player on his day though. Can't be denied. You could think he just wants to respect his roots but I take this as a selfish act.
dkw Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I dont know why but I have a feeling France are gonna do well in this tournament, as long as their defence sorts itself out. Going forward they have all kinds of scary players, but they will give chances away.
Tallchris Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Not really worth making a new thread for this but: has anyone else noticed that Malouda keeps playing really well for France? Scored a cracker last week and seemed to have a very decent game yesterday. Why doesn't he do it in a Chelsea shirt anymore?
Mike 93 Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Got Germany on 6/1 odds with Paddy Power, thought I'd give it ago and put a tenner on it. We'll see how it goes but they'll definitely be there or there abouts.
The Moos Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Got Germany on 6/1 odds with Paddy Power, thought I'd give it ago and put a tenner on it. We'll see how it goes but they'll definitely be there or there abouts. I think Germany has a good chance to go far this year. Seems really strong all over the pitch and one just has to admire their midfield. So much talent and skill. It's scary. Apart from Germany I think France can surprise some people. They've been crap for quite a long time, but I think they're getting better and better since that moron Domenech left (how on earth was he allowed to stay on for so long!?) and they've got the squad to go far. Spain has to be up there as well, even though I think they're weaker compared to Euro 08 and WC 2010. And after winning both, will they be as hungry as before? Netherlands should be a threat as well. Their strikers have been leathal this season. Think they've scored like 117 goals in 144 games if you don't count Kuyt. If players like Sneijder can play better than with Inter they can beat most teams. I also has to say Sweden. They seem quite strong and many players have had great seasons. Ibrahimovic scored for fun, Larsson did we in the Premier League and some others are performing well at the moment. Could surprise quite a few. Unfortunately I think they will only finish 2nd in their group and that will probably mean they will face Spain the quarter finals, which might be too difficult.
Pauly Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I just read a news that Italy's Mario Balotelli is using his original Ghanian name Mario Baruwah. He is going to have Baruwah Baloteli in his shirt for Italy. Again one indication of a totally self indulgent person. He is naturally entitled to do anything with his name but instead of LOOKING IN THE MIRROR(not talking about the paper here) he decides it is the name that does him all the injustice. If it is not clear I'm implying he wants the dust to settle and don't want his name to be connected to all negative. He is a complete idiot and a total disgrace of a role model. He is young and will grow but what a w**ker. He is a 14 year old boy in a 20-odd mans body. City would need Eyebrow-Carlo or Capello to teach him a lesson as it seems Mancini is not able to do anything about him. Great player on his day though. Can't be denied. You could think he just wants to respect his roots but I take this as a selfish act. Give me a god damn break. Well done Mario- be proud of who you are. What anyone could possibly have against this gesture given the conditions in Poland & the Ukraine is beyond me.
ace Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 It's a shame that Guidetti is missing the Euros, really wanted to see him link up with Zlatan for Sweden.
Pauly Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 (edited) The excel spreadsheet is attached for anyone who wants to make their own predictions;) Hmmm. Or not! anyone know how to post an excel spreadsheet? http://www.excely.co...-schedule.shtml Golden Boot: Di Natale- 27 goals Player of the tournament: Robben ps. Looks like this starts V spain: Edited June 6, 2012 by Pauly
Liam Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 You're not usually that kind to Ireland, Pauly. Are you softening in your old age?
Pauly Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Would love to see Trap do well but it's a tough group. I think Ireland will definitely have chances but it that way!
Andreas Posted June 7, 2012 Author Posted June 7, 2012 I'm very optimistic abour our chances this euros, believe we can quality out from the group - wheter it will be with england or france is the question. I like how we are very much underdogs though, no pressure.
Liam Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 Would love to see Trap do well but it's a tough group. I think Ireland will definitely have chances but it that way! Would love to see Trap do well but it's a tough group. I think Ireland will definitely have chances but it that way! I'm predicting a draw with Croatia, defeat to Spain and glorious victory over Italy. Scoring 3 goals and conceding 5.
erskblue Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 Okay I'm going to predict Germany to win it. No real reason, just a gut feeling And I got them in local sweep.
Remodez Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 Can't be bothered to do the whole thing right now but I think Russia and Croatia will do quite well. Not sure who will win it, certain it won't be Germany or Spain though. Not really worth making a new thread for this but: has anyone else noticed that Malouda keeps playing really well for France? Scored a cracker last week and seemed to have a very decent game yesterday. Why doesn't he do it in a Chelsea shirt anymore? He plays attacking mid for France and has excelled in that role for a good few years now, he doesn't get the chance to play there for Chelsea. Not sure why really, he's declined as a winger massively over the years.
ace Posted June 8, 2012 Posted June 8, 2012 De Jong and VDW were apparently targets of racist chants and monkey noises already at their open training session today. UEFA said the fans were just booing the fact that Krakow wasn't a host city. I hope this tournament isn't remembered for the wrong reasons.
evissy Posted June 8, 2012 Posted June 8, 2012 It should be interesting. I don't think Spain can win it although they must be the favorites. Lot harder to win it again. Germany, Netherlands and France. One of those maybe. Germany has a great young squad that's been close to success with this team already. Netherlands also. France is interesting and it would be a surprise if they'd nick it but they have a solid group of players.
dkw Posted June 8, 2012 Posted June 8, 2012 De Jong and VDW were apparently targets of racist chants and monkey noises already at their open training session today. UEFA said the fans were just booing the fact that Krakow wasn't a host city. I hope this tournament isn't remembered for the wrong reasons. UEFA are a disgrace, on the Panorama programme last week (which was way over the top to be honest) they showed Ukraine fans doing the "Sieg Heil" salute and a UEFA representative said they were just pointing at fans in the other stand, I kid you not.
BlueBeard Posted June 8, 2012 Posted June 8, 2012 UEFA are a disgrace, on the Panorama programme last week (which was way over the top to be honest) they showed Ukraine fans doing the "Sieg Heil" salute and a UEFA representative said they were just pointing at fans in the other stand, I kid you not. Yeah, I watched that programme and was quite surprised at the 'Sieg Heil' stuff, and the racial violence by fans towards asian fans of the same club. Not to mention that the policing was almost non-existent, the coppers and stewards didn't seem to want to get involved - maybe they're part of the same mob when off duty? I must admit though, the reporter seemed to be going out of his way to make his point, and some of the clips seemed set up to me - he was like a poor man's Danny Dyer at times.
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