UEFA EURO 2012 (Fitbaw)

**Warboss_Al** · 24th Jun 12 2:42 PM

I would really rather that england didn't qualify for anything ever. It just seems like a pointless charade to pretend that they're a world class team. And it would cut down some of the smugness from the continentals when they beat them, since they can't lose if they don't participate in the first place.

**Argonaut** · 24th Jun 12 2:46 PM

man. No surprise tonight.

Rooney pointless. Completely pointless.

Ashley Cole - Jesus... my nan could've hit the ball harder than that.

Not happy, but not surprised. Italy deserved to win.

**Kirjava** · 24th Jun 12 2:46 PM

Yeah, England's like the little kid that's convinced it can do well every time, but comes back and gets beaten up again. I think eventually the continentals will stop feeling superior and start feeling sorry for us. I think that'll be better, but only a little bit

**Codex** · 24th Jun 12 2:47 PM

If we had won that I would've said that Lady Fortuna herself must've been on our side. Now that we rightfully lost we can just call it fortuitous.

31 shots, 18 on target, 63% possession. Bloody hell. How did Italy not score?

**Flagg** · 24th Jun 12 2:58 PM

Because Hart, Terry and Johnson were absolutely magnificent. Those three players prevented a rout.

I cannot begin to say how furious I was at Wayne, fat useless lump of shit, Rooney. When are we going to have the bottle to tell this lazy, cant jump, terrible first touch, no speed lump, that he is not good enough to play for England. Do we have to wait ANOTHER 9 months?! Every time we start a match with him, we may as well be starting with 10 fucking men.

Carol and Milner didn't impress either. Great first touches, but he gave the ball away too much. Gerrard was very quiet, not the most spectacular way to go out because I wonder if he's going to get another Cap any time soon.

But this team has potential. Get rid of the Rooney, Gerrard and Cole. They've had their crack, it's time for them to move on. I knew the reason he didn't sub Rooney for Chamberlain is because Hodgson wanted Rooney for the penalty shoot-out, plain and simple. But im still happy with what Hodgson has done in a very short space of time. I think he saw this tournament more of a "trial run" for the World Cup so he can see where to improve in the next 2 years.

I wish people like Shearer would stop saying England are the 5th best team in the world. We're barely in top 10. It's shit like that that give the fans so much false hope. Just come out and say Rooney was shit like everyone else thinks. That player is not bigger than the team.

**Kalimac** · 24th Jun 12 3:00 PM

Originally Posted by Cpt.Tycho

Pfff! and Italy wins...so its the germans for champions for me only, the others are just lazy gypsy nations...

WhatthefuckamIreading.jpg

Well deserved win for Italy, no idea how England even got as far as penalties. Pirlo's shot was amazing, and Buffon proceeded to save the day on Cole's pretty lame attempt.
And yeah Argonaut, Rooney was pretty invisible for big parts of the match. I thought your criticism was harsh before, but tonight he really didn't bring much to the table.

**Ultimatum** · 24th Jun 12 3:08 PM

That game so was close,good game Italy.

**scoiatollo** · 24th Jun 12 3:12 PM

What game have you watched Ulti? The only thing close where Italy's shots on the English goal... I mean the English team had like 10min in the second half where they weren't terrible, but other than that it was just a "WTF?! how the hell did they made it that far?!"

**Coey** · 24th Jun 12 3:20 PM

I think by the end Italy had 800+ completed passes and England about 200

**Ultimatum** · 24th Jun 12 3:22 PM

Same match as everyone else,Scoia.

**Tiresias** · 24th Jun 12 3:22 PM

Playing for penalties when you're england...not a brilliant idea. Deserved to go out, and should have been out of it much earlier if Italy could finish.

Meanwhile I'd be more upset if I wasn't hopelessly in love with Pirlo. What a player!

**Coey** · 24th Jun 12 3:29 PM

All of his long balls out wide were beautiful, I think he was getting better towards the end.

**Codex** · 24th Jun 12 3:33 PM

The result was close, the balance of play was far from close and Italy totally outplayed England.

In no uncertain terms.

**Ultimatum** · 24th Jun 12 3:35 PM

The result thingy was what I meant.

**Tiresias** · 24th Jun 12 4:57 PM

I think what says it all is that Joe Hart completed the most passes of any England player.

**Codex** · 24th Jun 12 5:04 PM

@ Tiresias

...

That is really telling.

**Tiresias** · 24th Jun 12 5:24 PM

It gets worse, the most frequent pass combination was from Hart to Carroll.

Carroll who wasn't even on the pitch the whole game.

**Codex** · 24th Jun 12 6:05 PM

Yeah, but as my housemate noted that was because of Hart booting it and Andy Carroll flicking it on, and flicking it on to no one in particular 80+% of the time. =/

**corncobman** · 24th Jun 12 9:09 PM

Well I'm really glad I didn't watch this match, and I can't say that I'm all that surprised by the result.

I think I'll give the highlights a miss, unless I really want to laugh at England's performance.

**sporty** · 25th Jun 12 12:37 AM

Well, sorry for being the "smug continental", but England and penalties are a running gag. Was even impressed with their start, took Italy quite some time to gain control over the match.

Edit: Noticed that I hadn't said much about France yet, very disappointing. Looked to me like they still aren't completely over the problems that humiliated them in 2010. Not much of a team effort at all, and some usually great players like Benzema even failed to throw in their individual class.

**marmoo** · 25th Jun 12 9:38 AM

Well.......here goes

Last nights performance was a shambles but there is no shame in being beaten by a better side - Well Done Italy

I am hoping now that the media led campaign of Wayne Rooney being labeled as 'World Class' will finally come to an end
I am in full agreement of many of the posts on here which have called him an 'oaf' amongst other things. What the hell has he been doing for 5 weeks to be so ineffective in the 2 games he has played? He didn't really help his cause by opening his mouth before the Ukraine game and telling everyone how well we were going to do now because he was back. He couldn't pass further than 5 yards, he could not run with the ball, he could not hold up the ball...the list goes on. I would go as far as to say that the dire performances that England had at these championships worsened with him in the team.

The inability to retain possession, to be unable to pass a ball to a player and to resort to long ball football from the 2nd half was our downfall
The substitutions were a joke
Why was Milner taken off? - yes he is very limited in what he can actually do but the boy can run and also slip into midfield when Parker was taken off
Young should have been yanked out of the team after the Sweden game - waste of an airfare taking him
As soon as I saw both Henderson and Carroll on the pitch in extra time I was on the verge of putting my foot through the screen.To be fair to Carroll he won every header he went up for, it was just that England were encamped in their half that no one was there to use it, apart from that 'Oaf' Rooney who of course lost every ball that he received
Henderson was like a rabbitt in the headlights. Did anyone actually see him touch the ball when he came on in extra time?. If yes, please post it on you tube because the English audience needs to see actual proof
Gerrard and Parker ran their hearts out again - 2 players who can actually say they had good championship
John Terry was also Ok and Glen Johnson and Lescott did their duty. Cole was caught out once or twice but recovered well. His penalty was dreadful but penalties are 1/2 skill 1/2 luck so not going to moan at him on that one

Don't get me wrong, In my view we had a good championship. I was expecting us to get hammered all 3 group games so getting to the quarters was a bonus

Thoughts about the semi's?

Portugal V Spain
Can Ronaldo conjure up his magic against Spain all on his own - answer is no - he needs help and apart from Fabio Coentrao, Portugal have been ordinary
Spain will bore us all to a victory on that one

Germany V Italy
As bad as England were, Italy were not that much better and 30+ shots on goal and 60%+ possession with no goal must be a worry for the Italians.
Germany will be licking their lips at that one

**Tiresias** · 25th Jun 12 12:53 PM

Milner should never have been on the pitch in first place imo, he is absolutely useless, just runs up and down the flank without doing anything, can't cross when he gets the opportunity...bleh.

Hopefully we should have a better midfield for the future with Wilshere restored Oxlaide Chamberlain cementing his place and Cleverly and Rodwell too, all of whom more technically adept than the current two. Jones imo is a very over-rated player in many ways but wonder if he'll become a decent defensive midfielder (not at all convinced by him at CB).

**Codex** · 25th Jun 12 1:21 PM

I actually thought John Terry had a good game. We were lucky not to concede, but he got a lot of blocks in and was constantly under pressure. If the outfield caved in you'd expect a goal or two, so he must've done something right.

It's a shame that Rooney and Ashley Young never performed. I mean, they perform amazingly for the Prem and suddenly they're silent... sigh.

**Tiresias** · 25th Jun 12 2:59 PM

I dunno think Ferguson kept Young away from the big important games somewhat, bit of a bottler, was very good in the friendlies...

Rooney didn't look up for it at all, either through lack of match fitness or his usual mental issues, for some reason the mental strength of england players is assumed beyond question by the whole media when it's pretty clear to see that half our players very much are susceptible to pressure etc

**Flagg** · 26th Jun 12 3:00 PM

It would have been embarrassing had England gone through and it pains me to say this, but at least Italy vs Germany will be a thrilling game because Germany vs England would have been 90 minutes of England defending.

Serious question, where are the Iniestas, Pirlos, Messi's in England? I know we're an Island, but countries of comparable size have produced great players, France and Zidane (arguably the greatest player ever) as an example. Is our talent scouting really that effing useless as well.

And please, for the love of God, no more Rooney in our team. He couldn't give a toss, and always looks like he's just been to the chip shop prior to an England game. I remember newspapers like The Sun saying he was going to be the next Maradonna two years ago.

**Tiresias** · 26th Jun 12 3:25 PM

Rooney needs man management, I agree he underperforms but can't think of a striker we have even close to his ability when he wants to...do sort of agree though, he hasn't been good for England since that Euros he came through...and is often a liability.

We don't have any creative players because our youth system has long been atrocious as clubs just buy in from abroad and that at the very grassroots youth level any kids playing football are discouraged from taking time on the ball, but rather encouraged to boot it up to a big man up front etc etc, whereas in Holland, Germany and Spain from a young age tactics, and control of the ball are taught.

as for England, our ball retention will improve when Wilshere is fit again and Scott Parker and Gerrard leave, but no confidence in ROy Hogson to move us into a formation that can actually compete against good teams, 'two banks of four' will defend well but will not get past the quarter finals of any tourney.

Were I in charge of England here's my guess at England squad for World Cup, assuming some youth players come good and I can man manage rooney. And also because I'm mad.

GK: Hart

3 Man defence: Lescot, Cahill, Smalling

Wingbacks: Baines and Richards

Midfield 3 of Rodwell, Wilshere, Oxlaide-Chamberlain (Cleverly maybe see how he does season coming)

Rooney up front with Carroll (Carroll is sort of comical but Baines is a great crosser and is much more likely to get them into the box than just about any other england player imo, and Carroll can be brilliant even if he has for large portions of the time be poor. He does however if sticks high up allow Rooney to roam)

Logic behind the mad - 3-4-1-2 (oxlaide chamberlain as the playmaker 1) is simple, not convinced by our wingmen as of now, Lennon and Johnson maybe deserve to be there, but we need to compete for midfield, but we are also at our best with 2 strikers up front on the counter, only solution is to remove our troublesome wingers (Milner in dustbin please) rely on great attacking wingbacks in baines and richards have some fun.

Ok never in a million years.

**Codex** · 26th Jun 12 3:43 PM

We're getting a national football centre to improve the youth coming in and "reinventing" football. Apparently.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18579009

Sounds good to me.

**Tiresias** · 27th Jun 12 4:16 AM

**Codex** · 27th Jun 12 5:33 AM

Not Euros, but you made me think of this Tir:

http://illustratedray.tumblr.com/

**Flagg** · 27th Jun 12 8:10 AM

Actually im impressed with Arsenals youth squad and while players lament Wenger for not buying big, I applaud him for growing great players. I couldn't never stand the thought of him leaving Arsenal, but imagine what he could do with the England team.

**Codex** · 27th Jun 12 8:22 AM

Arsene epitomises the long term thinker. He has a great eye for spotting talent while they're young. He used/uses his knowledge of the French markets to really get ahead of the game and breed good young players. That said, if the problem with England is grassroots, and with English players not being as technically gifted due to worse training at a young age (e.g. Spain and Germany consider under-manned games to be important to learning how to play: 6, 7, 8 a side and so on, because it gives players longer on the ball which allows them to practice their techniques. England has plans to implement this now), and also having fewer opportunities than most other major footballing nations in their own domestic leagues.

IF this is the crux of the problem, no manager would be able to make England great. They'd make them defensively and perhaps even offensively sound, but let's face it, we're lightyears behind the top countries in Europe.

**Wargrim** · 27th Jun 12 2:33 PM

Really strong game by Portugal, at least for the first 70 - 80 minutes. By far the best they played in this tournament. But then they wasted that chance that was served to them on a silver plate shortly before the end of the 90 minutes... And Spain had more luck in the Penalties.

**Flagg** · 27th Jun 12 2:35 PM

That was such a tense game, and I take back my previous criticism of Portugal and Ronaldo but all I will say is that was the most bizarre set of Penalties by Portugal.

Why was Ronaldo saving himself for last? Why did Nani insist on taking the 3rd one, rattling Bruno Alves. I just can't understand Ronaldo, he didn't impose himself enough in the game, and what was he thinking with the penalty line up? The world must have literally paused for what seemed like hours for Fabregas as he saw his shot hit that post.

**darkelf** · 27th Jun 12 3:11 PM

To be honest, Alves looked far more nervous going forward the first time, don't think he would have done any better then.

**Codex** · 27th Jun 12 4:39 PM

My housemate's interpretation of what happened: (and I agree)

Ronaldo wanted all the glory of scoring the winning penalty against Spain, so he wanted to go last. Sadly, he had no idea that his teammates were going to 'let him down'. Ah well, looks more and more like a Germany vs Spain final.

**Kalimac** · 28th Jun 12 12:23 AM

Haven't seen Spain under such pressure for a very long time, great job by Portugal in the first half. Germany (or Italy) got a free instruction video on how to bother the spanish players, hope they can use it so we get a more exciting finale.

**SpinDizzy** · 28th Jun 12 8:03 AM

Flagg, according to the commentators, Nani was supposed to take the 3rd one, Bruno Alves got mixed up and thought he was 3rd not 4th.

Bruno Alves never looked like scoring, I even said loud to the others watching I'd be surprised if he actually scored, he looks utterly shaken, even before Nani took over from him the first time. I thought good decision, then when he came back for the next one I thought oh dear, lol.

I agree with Codex about why Ronaldo was last to take a penalty. As Alan Shearer said, always have your best penalty takers go first, it makes no sense to do anything else.

**Coey** · 28th Jun 12 9:58 AM

I was impressed with Rui Patricio, didn't see him put a foot or hand wrong all night when he looked quite nervous in all the other matches.

**Codex** · 28th Jun 12 10:27 AM

Also, great quality penalties last night, the ones that went in. Ramos was inspired by Pirlo, clearly :P Great saves from Patricio and Casillas too.

**scoiatollo** · 28th Jun 12 12:12 PM

You know, I just switched on the TV and 2min later I see this magnificant goal from Italy! I am happy! GO ITALY!

edit: I am pleased! also the Italian game is imo way more interesting than the Spanish one, I wonder how their second encounter will be

**Wargrim** · 28th Jun 12 12:36 PM

The same old fucking story against Italy, Germany 10 chances 0 Goals, Italy 2 chances 2 goals. Crappy sloppy defense and ineffective in the front. Damned. I bet Germany will shoot goals, maybe even 2, but they will also catch at least one more and lose 2:1 or 3:2...

**Kalimac** · 28th Jun 12 12:37 PM

Holy shit Italy and Balotelli look great. Wonderful play by Cassano on the first goal, and the second one is just an amazing shot. If Italy continue to play this way in the second half I hope they win and then proceed to steamroll Spain in the final.

**Kirjava** · 28th Jun 12 12:45 PM

Cam orn Deutschland!

**scoiatollo** · 28th Jun 12 12:51 PM

Kir, don't ever come back to Austria! SHAME ON YOU!!!

**Flagg** · 28th Jun 12 1:24 PM

The Italian curse continues to haunt the Germans..

**scoiatollo** · 28th Jun 12 1:45 PM

Really good finish, it could have easily been 4:0 for Italy, I am really looking forward to the finale cause Italy is on fire as it seems!

**Wargrim** · 28th Jun 12 1:46 PM

There is only one word for this: Disaster. I mean, jea the German team played well, they had a great start, put great pressure on Italy for the whole game, good fighting spirit, created a lot of chances, but they were utterly unable to hit the goal - the penalty one doesnt really count tbh. And Italy could have easyly scored 1 or 2 more with the chances they had. A clear cut victory for Italy, well deserved, as hard as that is to admit. Fuck.

**Coey** · 28th Jun 12 1:46 PM

I'd forgotten what football looked like, great match. Would of liked to see Gotze play who I rate higher than Muller or Reus, ad Badstuber was awful. Lahm and Pigsticker weren't that good either leaving the two Madrid men Ozil and Khedira to carry the rest of the team.

**Ultimatum** · 28th Jun 12 1:54 PM

I look forward to Italy vs Spain.

**Shoota Fodder** · 28th Jun 12 2:26 PM

Balotelli is terrifying.

A shame for Germany though. They played great for the first 10 minutes of each half, but then got bogged down and never seemed to be able to regain the momentum, except towards the last 5 minutes(+ injury time). But it was too little too late. A very good game though, and exciting to watch. I think I'm going to end up missing the final though due to other commitments.

UEFA EURO 2012 (Fitbaw)

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