European Championship thread

[cutch]

Germany should have got about 8 but the goals they did get were well taken, good to see my man Samaras scoring for Greece, even if they did play like **** for most of the game.

[boonebaker]

I honestly don't think Greece played like **** as much as Germany didn't play up to their ability. There was one person on Greece who played really poorly, but mostly got away with it...does Sifakis know that it is better to catch a ball rather than push it away?? I don't think I can remember a single ball he caught, he parried everything and luckily got away with it. I'm trying to remember Reus' goal, but I can't remember what set it up. If that was a rebound then that was the only one that Sifakis got punished for, the other 3 goals were all clean, first shots. I was obviously pumped to see Germany move on, but I think they could have played a lot better and there were a couple of balls that I think Klose misplayed that Gomez would've played better. I have a ton of respect for Klose, but he has run his course, Gomez is the new top striker for Germany and needs to play.

Pumped for tomorrow's game...this is one of the very few times that I will say this, I AM GOING ALL OUT CHEERING FOR FRANCE. I hate Spain that much. I think it will be a good game...I expect Extra Time...I think it goes to a Shoot-Out, but unfortunately I think Spain wins in the end.

[boonebaker]

Well those last two games have been pretty ****ty. Hopefully, tomorrow's game is more exciting in terms of goal scoring, but still a relatively easy win for Germany. If Spain plays the way they did in the first 100 minutes or so in the Final, they may be in for a rough day. I don't think that style will work against Germany. It might work against Italy, but I don't think Italy gets through. Germany is the stronger side, they have the benefit of not only not coming off a 120' game, but also have 2 extra days of rest. Everything is in favor of the Germans and they should walk through pretty easily. I'm just a little worried because it's always the games that I feel really confident that my team ends up letting me down.

[Budo]

****ty, ****ty game from the Germans. They came out strong and then went into a shell after the 1st goal.

I live in a VERY Italian neighborhood and will have to deal with their booooo**** now.

I'm actually headed to the pizzeria I watch all non-German futbol matches at to congratulate them.

[boonebaker]

Yeah that was painful to watch. I thought they were gonna do much better, and you really have to tip your cap to Buffon. Germany has some good shots but Buffon played great. Schweinsteiger was again a nonfactor, essentially, and its probably because his ankle is still worse than he is letting on. I feel so bad for Manuel Neuer at this point. He plays a huge role in getting Bayern to the Champions League final, only to be let down by his defense giving up an 87' goal off of Chelsea's only corner of the game. Then the PKs come around, not only saving one PK, but stepping up because the outfield players were being a bunch of panzies, and drilling his own PK, yet Schweini, one of the best PK takers in the world, stutters and misses. Fastforward to today's game...again let down by poor defense. Both of Italy's goals came on counters. The first was somewhat forgivable as that kind of run and cross happens, but the over the top pass where no defenders are near Balotelli was ridiculous. 85' comes around, Germany's down 2-0 and Neuer is pushing up the field like a crazy mother****er determined to get his team through. I have never before seen a keeper even attempt a diving header, let alone at midfield, that was nuts. I absolutely love Neuer for his heart and general attitude.

I'll be pulling for Italy against the Spaniards, hate Spain.

[lion king 2]

Neur is a great goalie but he seems like a dick when he talks. Buffon seems to just be enjoying himself in this tournament. He seems so relaxed but then jumps like an eagle!

[lion king 2]

so what's everyone's prediction for the game? I think italy can pull it off 2-1

[boonebaker]

God I hope you're right, Simba. I see it going extra time, probably 1-1, and eventually going to a shootout. I've never believed in Spaniards abilities in shootouts, so I have Italy winning after a 2 hour nap.

[Jackel585]

Italy 3-1

I got booed on Thursday wearing my Italia jersey to the beer tasting. Didn't realize there were so many Germans in the area.

[Budo]

Italy 3-1

I got booed on Thursday wearing my Italia jersey to the beer tasting. Didn't realize there were so many Germans in the area.

Haha, nice try with that prediction!

Spain is looking untouchable right now!