Euro 2008

[ualtim]

Wow, I was expecting the Dutch to sweep through Russia, but I guess I was wrong. I had not seen Russia play yet in the Euro until yesterday, but they are very strong. They play a very attacking/non-european style, while Eracer thinks it more African, I am leaning toward South Amercian like Brazil and Argentina.

I think Spain is more suited to play the Russians than Italy. Italy's traditional miserly defense has been suspect through out the Euro and I think the Russians would run right through them. Spain is in a better position to mount a counter attacking offense with Fernando Torres, and I believe a strong counter attacking strategy would be very effective against the Russians.

[Adam Pettman]

Russia play so well because of their manager, he got south korea to the quarter finals of the world cup playing exactly the same football.

[ualtim]

Originally Posted by Adam Pettman

Russia play so well because of their manager, he got south korea to the quarter finals of the world cup playing exactly the same football.

So, if this is the manager's style, and the owner of Chelsea is looking for exactly this style of football, why not throw money at this guy to manage Chelsea?

[Adam Pettman]

Originally Posted by ualtim

So, if this is the manager's style, and the owner of Chelsea is looking for exactly this style of football, why not throw money at this guy to manage Chelsea?

Because your and my minds work very differently than the one inside the head of Mr Abramovich. Phil Scolari, is a very talented manager and has experience managing top class players and their ego's, Gus Hidink is also more likely to tell the russian to "p**s off" if he tries to interfere wheras Big Scolari is more likely to obey him.

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by ualtim

Wow, I was expecting the Dutch to sweep through Russia, but I guess I was wrong. I had not seen Russia play yet in the Euro until yesterday, but they are very strong. They play a very attacking/non-european style, while Eracer thinks it more African, I am leaning toward South Amercian like Brazil and Argentina.

I think Spain is more suited to play the Russians than Italy. Italy's traditional miserly defense has been suspect through out the Euro and I think the Russians would run right through them. Spain is in a better position to mount a counter attacking offense with Fernando Torres, and I believe a strong counter attacking strategy would be very effective against the Russians.

I wanted to say Brazil, but nobody plays soccer like Brazil. And nobody cheats like Argentina (except maybe Portugal)

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by Adam Pettman

Russia play so well because of their manager, he got south korea to the quarter finals of the world cup playing exactly the same football.

He must be good, because Russia was good in all phases of that match yesterday.

[Adam Pettman]

Originally Posted by Eracer

He must be good, because Russia was good in all phases of that match yesterday.

They were playing for each other and for their country. They showed real passion and have the abilities to get the best final result.

[usa1950]

Originally Posted by Eracer

Reminded me of some of the better African teams, like Cameroon.

Or Nigeria 1994, or Bulgaria from the same year if you're looking for a European nation. Don't forget the the Ivory Coast in some recent years.

I think the Spanish strikers might have a field day on the counterattack against the Russians, but I would not be surprised if the Russians beat the Germans in the final.

[Irish]

Originally Posted by Eracer

He must be good, because Russia was good in all phases of that match yesterday.

Historically Russia(USSR) have always had technically great players...their problem was and still is mental...if they go behind a goal or two they drop their heads, start complaining and turning on each other...
they have a great chance if they can keep their heads out of their arses and not conceed early goals

[ualtim]

Wow, the referee did everything in his power to try and give the game to Italy yesterday but failed. Spain could have had two to three penalty kicks in the first half that were non-calls, and that yellow card on David Villa was just ludicrous. To top it off were the "injury" stoppages when Spain was on a counter attack twice. I hope the keep that guy off the pitch for the rest of the Euro.

[IrishGolfer]

I fancied the Italians to go all the way this year, but last night they were plain disappointing. Almost as if they played for penalties from the start. It was a terrible game to watch. And that guy Toni has probably had more chances in this tournament than most teams put together and he failed to score any of them.

Sad to see the World champions deal out that style of football. Sure they had a few suspensions and injuries but they still have the talent to play an open attacking style of play. Instead they close to lock down Spain and try and score on the break, set-plays. It was a disappointing performance and strategy and I was happy to see Spain win through on penalties. They at least tried to take the game to Italy.

[Eracer]

Finally got to see the game last night, and it was a disappointing game. Like you guys said - poor officiating, poor play. Italy was horrendous. Sure, they swarmed around the box and kept Spain from scoring, but you've got to score a goal if you're going to play in that style. They had no real offense at all. Glad to see Spain through, since they at least showed up for the game.

[LeftyHoges]

Originally Posted by Adam Pettman

Russia play so well because of their manager, he got south korea to the quarter finals of the world cup playing exactly the same football.

Not to mention he got Australia to qualify in '06 for only the second time in our history (the other was in 1978) and we made it to the round of 16 only to be F#&KED over by a diving Italian in the 93rd minute.

I couldn't believe my eyes when it happened...

He will forever be a hero to any Aussie football fan!!!!

[ualtim]

Should be a good one today, Spain Vs. Russia. After watching the Russians outplay the Dutch, I am a believer. I still think Spain has the edge and the right team to beat the Russian style of play, but I would not bet against Russia. I am really looking forward to this game.

[Stanters]

Originally Posted by ualtim

Should be a good one today, Spain Vs. Russia. After watching the Russians outplay the Dutch, I am a believer. I still think Spain has the edge and the right team to beat the Russian style of play, but I would not bet against Russia. I am really looking forward to this game.

It should be a terrific match this one. My only worry is that Spain, with all the pressure after so many years of underachieving, will be too frightened of losing to come out and play. The young Russians seem to play without fear so I think they'll be positive, I just hope the Spanish stick to their guns and it could be a classic.