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2011-12 Football/Soccer Thread
- Thread starter The_Chaser
- Start date
- Status
Correct, because Tottenham would get Europa League.
I just saw Stoke's goals vs Bolton, First was definately a foul not a goal and second only had 1 look but seemed a bit of a dive to me. It would suck to go down like that. Stoke have to be the luckiest team in the prem...
Also Newcastle are guaranteed Europa league. Liverpool/Chelsea/Newcastle currently have it. Only thing that can change is Chelsea upgrading at Tottenhams expense.
Also Newcastle are guaranteed Europa league. Liverpool/Chelsea/Newcastle currently have it. Only thing that can change is Chelsea upgrading at Tottenhams expense.
Lescott must've hugged Aguero more than anyone else on that ground lol.Everyone's like 'Yay City won!' 'What an exciting end to the season' that he's been forgotten.I saw Mancini's face when Cisse scored.He looked like he wanted to box the shit out of Lescott lol
It's do or die time now.Cahill and Luiz look set to be fit for the game in Munich so no need for a makeshift defence thank god for that.Champions league is a must for us and winning it will help us forget what was a very disappointing season,Premier League wise;6th place is the lowest we've finished under Abramovich.Winning the CL will also help attract the attention of our summer targets especially those for the signature of whom we are going to be facing stiff competition from the top clubs of the world.LETS GET IT!
It's do or die time now.Cahill and Luiz look set to be fit for the game in Munich so no need for a makeshift defence thank god for that.Champions league is a must for us and winning it will help us forget what was a very disappointing season,Premier League wise;6th place is the lowest we've finished under Abramovich.Winning the CL will also help attract the attention of our summer targets especially those for the signature of whom we are going to be facing stiff competition from the top clubs of the world.LETS GET IT!
wow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=polBiE5pSAw
no one but me cares about Turkish football, but here's Eboue and Melo celebrating
no one but me cares about Turkish football, but here's Eboue and Melo celebrating
yes, and they did, and damnit bartman come back!
Cos Turkish football has too many match-fixing scandals..but I do love that song btw.
cristiano ronaldo scores against all 19 other la liga opponents
REY WANTS TO TALK EURO, ALSO BORED SO HERES MY ANALYSIS
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Weakest group imo. The stand out being, imo, Poland. They have 2 of the base players in Dortmund who have been fantastic, both the great striker Lewandowski who is on fire, and a great RB in Piszczek. Lets not forget a great keeper in Szczesny. That and the other teams arent that good. Russia have gone down ever since the Arshavin flop, Czech Republic lost their stars, and Greece has a few interesting players but nothing big, I dont see Poland having much trouble.
First place: Poland
Second place: Russia
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Dayum what a group lol. I think we can all agree poor Denmark stands absolutely no chance of winning even a single game. Portugal have the second best player in the world, and if they want to advance, they will need Ronaldo to be extremely in form and carry them. The bad news being Ronaldo tends to disappear in games against big sides, as proven by his UCL and La Liga stunts. They do have some interesting players in Nani, Moutinho, Pereira, etc. Germany are my favorites to win the whole thing, that like 8 of their starters are under 25 and none are 30 or more speaks loads of how much this country has worked on the youngster academies. Netherlands are also a great team, but they remind me too much of Argentina, one of the greatest attacks, that is held back by a very weak defense. At least they have a sick goalkeeper. Then again Germany have a better one. If they want to advance over Portugal theyll need to get their shit on and play like they played in World Cup. Hopefully Sneijder starts doing what he knows how to do, RVP mantains form, and Robben gets a big morale boost from the inminent UCL championship. And then theres the fucking badasses of Bas Dost and Luuk de Jong.
First place: Germany
Second place: Netherlands
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
A is weakest, B is most intense. C would be the most interesting for me. On one side we have the most recent World Cup champions (who in my opinion have been slowly going in the decline). We also have a side that has gone on the decline, but much faster, and is in the reconstruction process -- Italy. Ireland have the most determination of every team probably, ill give them that, they also have some good talent. Croatia can do interesting things, but im afraid they might be too reliant on Modric playing at his best, just like Ronaldo for Portugal. Spain, even though going down, I think are the favorites in this group, because theyre still the same squad that won World Cup. Italy, even though looked down by many, are one of my must watch teams as well, due to the amount of talent they hold. Di Natale (this guys insane), Miccoli (him too), Giovinco (named the new Del Piero for good reason), then a backbone of Nocerino (improved a shitload) and De Rossi (beast). And lets not forget the others such as Marchisio, Maggio, and an as-good-as-ever Pirlo. Buffon is on the same vein as Pirlo, and their defense, although not as good as 6 years ago, is still quite powerful. Im gonna go with Italy to win this group because I consider their attack to be way too explosive. Their defense is better than Spain's, too.
First place: Italy
Second place: Spain
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
The group that holds the other hosts. I think theyre pretty much done tbh lol. Theyre probably the weakest side in this Euro, and theyre playing 3 very big teams. France, although many say theyre weak, imo theyre everything but that. Sure they lost brilliant players such as Zidane, Henry, Pires; theyve gotten quality replacements such as Cabaye, Benzema, and Ribery. Theyre also one of my favorite teams to take the cup, theyve been working really nicely together, they have a great and consistent keeper, what is arguably one of the best offenses in Ribery - Benzema/Giroud - Ben Arfa (if hes taken, id love to see him because hes been nothing short of excellent) or Valbuena. Solid defensive backbone with Yann M'Vila in the midfield, as well. England may do good and advance over Sweden, but theyre just terribly inconsistent. And they wont have Rooney, their best player, in the first two games. If we see a replic of the 2012 England theyre done really. Otherwise they can comfortably advance, but they shouldnt take Sweden for granted, as Ibrahimovic is probably the best striker in the world right now and can take a dumb on any defense. Specially a young and inexperienced one such as England's. Sweden has the same problem as Croatia and Portugal though, they rely on Ibra to perform fantastically. This time however, I do think Ibraman will pull it off.
First place: France
Second place: Sweden
Quarterfinals
Poland vs Netherlands
Ah man poor Poland, theyre a good squad but they are not too brilliant defensively, and that will cost them against one of the most offensive sides, Netherlands. Expecting Robben to have a field day and Van Persie to use his rocket leg and blast it from everywhere.
Germany vs Russia
Well, I dont think Russia will do much this Euro, much less vs the machine that is Germany. Germany is just so solid everywhere man. Their style is so fluid as well, Russia stands no chance imo.
Italy vs Sweden
Ibra will see some known faces in this game. Again, Sweden will rely on Ibra to make a good game, but sadly, this time, Ibra is going to face some players that already know how he plays and have him read, specially the likes of Chiellini, who are just as strong and tall. Sweden's defense wont be able to contain Giovinco, hes far too fast and Sweden's defense far too slow.
France vs Spain
Oof big game, probably the most attractive one so far for me hehe. Again, its Spain, but this time its not the World Cup France, its a whole renewed one which I think will be able to beat Spain. Spain are extremely solid, but as Ribery showed vs Real Madrid, hes just too much. He made fun of Ramos and Coentrao, and I do think Coentrao is more experienced than Jordi Alba, so he might repeat that in this game. Then theres Giroud, who hurts Spain in their weakest point -- crosses. M'Vila might be able to contain the passes being thrown around by Xavi and Iniesta, as he can read the game really well, but it might be too much of a job for him alone, so we might see Cabaye there helping him out. The Casillas factor is also nullified by France having a sick goalkeeper as well in Lloris. Torres has been gaining form, but I dont think he will be the striker choice, instead theyll go with Llorente, which is a mistake IMO, as France has good aerial game with their very tall CBs. Benzema is also in there, he knows how football in Spain works, a plus for France.
Semis
Netherlands vs Italy
Another excellent game, Italy's offense, being very fast, may do work with Netherlands' slow defense, so Van der Wiel, who is arguably their fastest defensive player, may need to stay back for the whole game, or get risked to be hit in an explosive counter attack. That being said, Netherlands do have what is the best offense in this tourney imo, so it will be a matter of who can contain the other offense best. Italys defense which is good vs Netherlands offense which is excellent, or Italys offense which is good vs Netherlands defense which is bad. Its a coin toss really, im going with the underdogs on this one.
Germany vs France
Oh shit oh fuck, my favorite game so far. Germany are far too solid, even more than Spain imo, and even though France's defense is good, I dont think theyll be able to handle such build up speed in Gotze / Ozil / Kroos. Gomez is also a better striker than anyone Spain has right now, so France's defense will be in trouble. That being said, France can win by attacking Germany's soft spot, their right side. Lahm is solid as fuck, so I doubt theyll attack there, instead going on the other weaker side. That being said, Hummels and Badstuber are excellent CBs, so I dont think Giroud will do good this game. Benzema can use some of his tricks, but im afraid Germany might be too much for France.
Finals
Italy vs Germany
Entertaining as always, I think Italy might be an easier side to face than France, but that may not be the case for Germany due to their styles. Italy are a much more defensive side, which means that even with fast build up play Germany is known for, Italy should be able to easily disrupt it. Also BUFFON. Miccoli might be specially important here, due to his sick dribbling, which is something Badstuber has been seen to not handle too well. Even then, theres still a lot in Germanys favor I think. They just have an overall much better squad, their way more trophy thirsty and motivated, and theyre just awesome in general.
Shit son that was long, well thats my prediction, if anyone wants to post his/hers as well, ill gladly read them, I enjoy doing Theory-Football :)
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Weakest group imo. The stand out being, imo, Poland. They have 2 of the base players in Dortmund who have been fantastic, both the great striker Lewandowski who is on fire, and a great RB in Piszczek. Lets not forget a great keeper in Szczesny. That and the other teams arent that good. Russia have gone down ever since the Arshavin flop, Czech Republic lost their stars, and Greece has a few interesting players but nothing big, I dont see Poland having much trouble.
First place: Poland
Second place: Russia
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Dayum what a group lol. I think we can all agree poor Denmark stands absolutely no chance of winning even a single game. Portugal have the second best player in the world, and if they want to advance, they will need Ronaldo to be extremely in form and carry them. The bad news being Ronaldo tends to disappear in games against big sides, as proven by his UCL and La Liga stunts. They do have some interesting players in Nani, Moutinho, Pereira, etc. Germany are my favorites to win the whole thing, that like 8 of their starters are under 25 and none are 30 or more speaks loads of how much this country has worked on the youngster academies. Netherlands are also a great team, but they remind me too much of Argentina, one of the greatest attacks, that is held back by a very weak defense. At least they have a sick goalkeeper. Then again Germany have a better one. If they want to advance over Portugal theyll need to get their shit on and play like they played in World Cup. Hopefully Sneijder starts doing what he knows how to do, RVP mantains form, and Robben gets a big morale boost from the inminent UCL championship. And then theres the fucking badasses of Bas Dost and Luuk de Jong.
First place: Germany
Second place: Netherlands
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
A is weakest, B is most intense. C would be the most interesting for me. On one side we have the most recent World Cup champions (who in my opinion have been slowly going in the decline). We also have a side that has gone on the decline, but much faster, and is in the reconstruction process -- Italy. Ireland have the most determination of every team probably, ill give them that, they also have some good talent. Croatia can do interesting things, but im afraid they might be too reliant on Modric playing at his best, just like Ronaldo for Portugal. Spain, even though going down, I think are the favorites in this group, because theyre still the same squad that won World Cup. Italy, even though looked down by many, are one of my must watch teams as well, due to the amount of talent they hold. Di Natale (this guys insane), Miccoli (him too), Giovinco (named the new Del Piero for good reason), then a backbone of Nocerino (improved a shitload) and De Rossi (beast). And lets not forget the others such as Marchisio, Maggio, and an as-good-as-ever Pirlo. Buffon is on the same vein as Pirlo, and their defense, although not as good as 6 years ago, is still quite powerful. Im gonna go with Italy to win this group because I consider their attack to be way too explosive. Their defense is better than Spain's, too.
First place: Italy
Second place: Spain
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
The group that holds the other hosts. I think theyre pretty much done tbh lol. Theyre probably the weakest side in this Euro, and theyre playing 3 very big teams. France, although many say theyre weak, imo theyre everything but that. Sure they lost brilliant players such as Zidane, Henry, Pires; theyve gotten quality replacements such as Cabaye, Benzema, and Ribery. Theyre also one of my favorite teams to take the cup, theyve been working really nicely together, they have a great and consistent keeper, what is arguably one of the best offenses in Ribery - Benzema/Giroud - Ben Arfa (if hes taken, id love to see him because hes been nothing short of excellent) or Valbuena. Solid defensive backbone with Yann M'Vila in the midfield, as well. England may do good and advance over Sweden, but theyre just terribly inconsistent. And they wont have Rooney, their best player, in the first two games. If we see a replic of the 2012 England theyre done really. Otherwise they can comfortably advance, but they shouldnt take Sweden for granted, as Ibrahimovic is probably the best striker in the world right now and can take a dumb on any defense. Specially a young and inexperienced one such as England's. Sweden has the same problem as Croatia and Portugal though, they rely on Ibra to perform fantastically. This time however, I do think Ibraman will pull it off.
First place: France
Second place: Sweden
Quarterfinals
Poland vs Netherlands
Ah man poor Poland, theyre a good squad but they are not too brilliant defensively, and that will cost them against one of the most offensive sides, Netherlands. Expecting Robben to have a field day and Van Persie to use his rocket leg and blast it from everywhere.
Germany vs Russia
Well, I dont think Russia will do much this Euro, much less vs the machine that is Germany. Germany is just so solid everywhere man. Their style is so fluid as well, Russia stands no chance imo.
Italy vs Sweden
Ibra will see some known faces in this game. Again, Sweden will rely on Ibra to make a good game, but sadly, this time, Ibra is going to face some players that already know how he plays and have him read, specially the likes of Chiellini, who are just as strong and tall. Sweden's defense wont be able to contain Giovinco, hes far too fast and Sweden's defense far too slow.
France vs Spain
Oof big game, probably the most attractive one so far for me hehe. Again, its Spain, but this time its not the World Cup France, its a whole renewed one which I think will be able to beat Spain. Spain are extremely solid, but as Ribery showed vs Real Madrid, hes just too much. He made fun of Ramos and Coentrao, and I do think Coentrao is more experienced than Jordi Alba, so he might repeat that in this game. Then theres Giroud, who hurts Spain in their weakest point -- crosses. M'Vila might be able to contain the passes being thrown around by Xavi and Iniesta, as he can read the game really well, but it might be too much of a job for him alone, so we might see Cabaye there helping him out. The Casillas factor is also nullified by France having a sick goalkeeper as well in Lloris. Torres has been gaining form, but I dont think he will be the striker choice, instead theyll go with Llorente, which is a mistake IMO, as France has good aerial game with their very tall CBs. Benzema is also in there, he knows how football in Spain works, a plus for France.
Semis
Netherlands vs Italy
Another excellent game, Italy's offense, being very fast, may do work with Netherlands' slow defense, so Van der Wiel, who is arguably their fastest defensive player, may need to stay back for the whole game, or get risked to be hit in an explosive counter attack. That being said, Netherlands do have what is the best offense in this tourney imo, so it will be a matter of who can contain the other offense best. Italys defense which is good vs Netherlands offense which is excellent, or Italys offense which is good vs Netherlands defense which is bad. Its a coin toss really, im going with the underdogs on this one.
Germany vs France
Oh shit oh fuck, my favorite game so far. Germany are far too solid, even more than Spain imo, and even though France's defense is good, I dont think theyll be able to handle such build up speed in Gotze / Ozil / Kroos. Gomez is also a better striker than anyone Spain has right now, so France's defense will be in trouble. That being said, France can win by attacking Germany's soft spot, their right side. Lahm is solid as fuck, so I doubt theyll attack there, instead going on the other weaker side. That being said, Hummels and Badstuber are excellent CBs, so I dont think Giroud will do good this game. Benzema can use some of his tricks, but im afraid Germany might be too much for France.
Finals
Italy vs Germany
Entertaining as always, I think Italy might be an easier side to face than France, but that may not be the case for Germany due to their styles. Italy are a much more defensive side, which means that even with fast build up play Germany is known for, Italy should be able to easily disrupt it. Also BUFFON. Miccoli might be specially important here, due to his sick dribbling, which is something Badstuber has been seen to not handle too well. Even then, theres still a lot in Germanys favor I think. They just have an overall much better squad, their way more trophy thirsty and motivated, and theyre just awesome in general.
Shit son that was long, well thats my prediction, if anyone wants to post his/hers as well, ill gladly read them, I enjoy doing Theory-Football :)
here be the prediction of champions. bold is 1st place. underline is 2nd.
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
if there was any physical evidence to prove why home teams shouldn't be seeded in pot 1 it's this group (and b's). so many sub par teams it's just such a shame but anyway greece is solid and poland is at home so yeah
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
much easier to predict than group A. germany is just THAT good, same with the netherlands. portugal is an ok team but i don't think they're in the same league as the germans and dutch
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
before you ask, i'm croatian. but in all honesty croatia plays well as a team and managed to beat germany at the last euros. again this isn't a league with 30+ games, it's 3 where pretty much anything can happen. (see: greece 2004) also croatia is undefeated against italy alltime wooooo.
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
france vs england is always good, should be the good fights. anyway i like france and as much as people hate on england, they still are a fairly good team. sweden might finish second but i honestly think england has a better chance.
as for the eventual winner i'm gonna jump on the german bandwagon and call them taking it.
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
if there was any physical evidence to prove why home teams shouldn't be seeded in pot 1 it's this group (and b's). so many sub par teams it's just such a shame but anyway greece is solid and poland is at home so yeah
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
much easier to predict than group A. germany is just THAT good, same with the netherlands. portugal is an ok team but i don't think they're in the same league as the germans and dutch
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
before you ask, i'm croatian. but in all honesty croatia plays well as a team and managed to beat germany at the last euros. again this isn't a league with 30+ games, it's 3 where pretty much anything can happen. (see: greece 2004) also croatia is undefeated against italy alltime wooooo.
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
france vs england is always good, should be the good fights. anyway i like france and as much as people hate on england, they still are a fairly good team. sweden might finish second but i honestly think england has a better chance.
as for the eventual winner i'm gonna jump on the german bandwagon and call them taking it.
My predictions are kinda a mix between Atticus and Rey.
Group Stage
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
Quarter Finals
Poland vs Germany - Despite Germany being second in their group it's the deepest group vs the thinest group so Germany takes it here.
Spain vs England - The most interesting match up, in the quarters, both are big footballing nations with relatively flawed national squads, but I take the world champs in a great match.
Netherlands vs Russia - Easy call to make, russia will be lucky to lose by one goal.
France vs Italy - too close to call
Semis
Germany vs Spain - Germany are better imo, but spain could upset.
Netherlands vs France/Italy - Netherlands will sweep either team aside imo.
Finals
Germany vs Netherlands - I know I only picked Germany as the groups runner-ups, but I think they'll take the finals in a classic.
Also:
Di Natale called up into Italy's squad. He's one of my favourite Seria A guys so I'm pretty happy for him.
Group Stage
Group A
Poland
Greece
Russia
Czech Republic
Group B
Netherlands
Denmark
Germany
Portugal
Group C
Spain
Italy
Ireland
Croatia
Group D
Ukraine
England
France
Sweden
Quarter Finals
Poland vs Germany - Despite Germany being second in their group it's the deepest group vs the thinest group so Germany takes it here.
Spain vs England - The most interesting match up, in the quarters, both are big footballing nations with relatively flawed national squads, but I take the world champs in a great match.
Netherlands vs Russia - Easy call to make, russia will be lucky to lose by one goal.
France vs Italy - too close to call
Semis
Germany vs Spain - Germany are better imo, but spain could upset.
Netherlands vs France/Italy - Netherlands will sweep either team aside imo.
Finals
Germany vs Netherlands - I know I only picked Germany as the groups runner-ups, but I think they'll take the finals in a classic.
Also:
Di Natale called up into Italy's squad. He's one of my favourite Seria A guys so I'm pretty happy for him.
he didnt call miccoli
-headdesk-
-headdesk-
I love how Rey is such a profound connoisseur of italian football. I was shocked as well when I didn't see Miccoli in the list but with Cassano, Di Natale and Giovinco I think we're covered in his role (and characteristics). I really hope that Balo finally manages to show us all his potential.
Italy rarely fails in important occasions, I'm pretty sure we'll advance to the quarter finals at least.
Oh and I love Di Natale as well, he's a great player and a magnificent person. He's also from Naples, which is an added bonus :)
Italy rarely fails in important occasions, I'm pretty sure we'll advance to the quarter finals at least.
Oh and I love Di Natale as well, he's a great player and a magnificent person. He's also from Naples, which is an added bonus :)
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