Euro 08 Pool

[yayson]

Originally Posted by EastBay

Without Gatusso and Pirlo this could be an end for Italy, you can't simply replace the workhorses of the team and compete with Spain. And without midfield supplying Luca Toni this could be a long day for Italy. I could see Del Piero starting tomorrow alongside Toni, though, this could change the game a lot.

Cannavaro and Barzagli as well. But it's difficult to ever dismiss an Italian side. Sometime when a damn good player has been riding the pine a bit they come on and explode (Cassano, Materrazzi, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Aquilani) and players like like Del Piero and Panucci fight like mad dogs when the chips are down, they don't seem to mind being played in alternate positions either.

Donadoni may get the mix right and the reaction could be dramatic.

This is my fantasy anyhow

I've been rooting for Russia since the draw and the Zenit run in the UEFA Cup. I would not mind seeing them do really well, I admire the style of play coupled with their strong mentality. Admirable bunch, Hiddink's teams always are.

[aldukes]

threadjack- US wins 1-0!!

[yayson]

Originally Posted by aldukes

threadjack- US wins 1-0!!

buttplug!!! I'm still nerves from the Italy Spain shootout and you go and tell me that score.

wait, you saved me a boring game sounds like

how heck we only beat Brabados 1-0 after the 8-0 thrashing? I heard he was taking as many off-week MLS players as he could but still, Barbados?! For shame off week MLSers

[bobarian]

I am sure those who care, know. But just in case, now on Telemundo.
Brazil v Argentina in a WC qualifier.

[aldukes]

Originally Posted by yayson

buttplug!!! I'm still nerves from the Italy Spain shootout and you go and tell me that score.

wait, you saved me a boring game sounds like

how heck we only beat Brabados 1-0 after the 8-0 thrashing? I heard he was taking as many off-week MLS players as he could but still, Barbados?! For shame off week MLSers

i barely watched-looked like a very young team.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

Spain, over the Italians... there's still hope... got to see the second half, was pretty back and forth, but the Italians only looked really dangerous once or twice.

[EastBay]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

Spain, over the Italians... there's still hope... got to see the second half, was pretty back and forth, but the Italians only looked really dangerous once or twice.

Most boring game so far, IMO, save for the Italy France. And typical for Italian futball, 80 minutes of sitting back and then 10 minutes of trying to do something, they have been doing this for decades now. I knew this will be the type of game when Del Piero was left on the bench, he's the only "holding" player they have and one capable of keeping 2-3 defenders busy. The obvious thing to see, though, was the size disparity between teams, Ramos and Torres being the tallest Spaniards on the pitch, looked like kids in the midst of Italian mids and backs. Italians were not really troubled save for a few occasions. Senna and Puyol are warriors, though, with Ramos playing a great game as well, easily best back 4 in the business today (international level, although I'll take ManU back 4 any day).

I envisioned this game going to penalties as I expected Italy to stick to their usual game plan, but then expected them to win on penalties with Buffon doing his thing. Actually glad Spain won, I am hoping for probably best game of the cup so far come Thursday with both teams playing attacking game. And hate to say it, but Spaniards have a much better back 4. Arshavin will need more than Pavlyuchenko to win the game.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

I think Russia's problem is going to be so many players suspended from cards.

[hotreds]

Damn catenaccio!

[EastBay]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

I think Russia's problem is going to be so many players suspended from cards.

Actually, just one.

[mastershogun]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

I think Russia's problem is going to be so many players suspended from cards.

turkey has it much worse

[EastBay]

Turkey is a done deal, I have no idea how they will cope without key players and no subs.

Russia may have a good chance depending on how they start the game. If they run at Spain, as I expect them to do now that Arshavin is playing (he missed the first Spain game) this could be an interesting affair. Arshavin will keep both Ramos and Senna busy, at least I hope and expect him to, and this will open up other mids to attack, something they didn't do during the second half of the first game (first half was actually pretty even).

Kolodin is out, I am curious who will start in his place. So far, defender or not, he has exhibited by far the best kicks in the tournament, tremendous power and precision. And I hope Ignashevich pays attention during set pieces, he was mostly sleeping during Dutch game and allowed Ruud to roam freely.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

I was sure that more than 3 Russian players were missing because of cards, I'll have to check my sources...

[theycallmedan'lboone]

I have a feeling that the Russia-Spain match will be one of the most exciting games seen this summer.

[aldukes]

spain v russia game could easily wind up 4-3 or 5-4.

hopefully the germany/turkey match wont be as boring as it sounds.