EURO 2012

[niamh]

We know that the boys are mad about soccer but any other European girls watching the Euros? Even though I have always felt myself a girl I have always been interested in rugby and soccer and other games like tennis and table-tennis. I used to play rugby, tennis and table-tennis for my school and even though I loved the games I didn't like being thought of as one of the boys. I always hated that. I regret that  by the time I will be able to transition I'll be too old to get back to playing rugby. I'd love to play in the women's league.

This Poland-Greece game is so exciting! Looking forward to all the games of the championship!

[niamh]

*Snif* I feel all lonely here on my own! What a great victory for Denmark! Who would have thought it?

[Sephirah]

I might have a slight spark of interest when England plays on Monday. At least enough to catch the scoreline on the news or something, and find out just how badly they lost, lol.

[Nov413]

omg, I didn't expect to find this here!
But, yes. I'm so pumped about this Euro 2012!

So far the surprise was definitely Denmark. But let's not forget what happened to Spain in 2010.
The Netherlands vs Germany match should be good.

[niamh]

The Netherlands vs Germany match should be good.

Yes! I am looking forward to that too!

[Nov413]

I thought it was fairly good. The Netherlands kinda got a little frustrated at the end. Although they still have a chance to go through, it's just a little harder than the rest.

The Denmark vs Portugal match was a lot better than I thought it'd be. I was pretty pumped throughout. I was cheering for Denmark, so I was a little bummed at the end, but it was nevertheless an enjoyable match.

[niamh]

Denmark has been the surprise of the tournament so far I think. I had hoped that they would draw against Portugal. That last goal to win the game for Portugal was a shame.

Unfortunately Netherlands would have to beat Portugal and beat them with a big goal difference to get out of the group. I don't know if I can see it happening. I think the best Netherlands can hope for is a draw. Wouldn't it be funny if Germany intentionally lost to Denmark so Denmark might go through (depending on how Portugal get on)? 

[justmeinoz]

SBS shows all the top competitions, and I normally watch.  My son played so I had to learn about it.  Just hoping Australia can get their finger out in the World Cup qualifying.  Once my next two Uni exams are over tomorrow and Saturday i will be watching.
I took time off from the study to watch the Rugby League State of Origin match last night.  NSW might break Queensland's 6 year hold on the trophy.  Are you a League fan?  Next match should be a ripper, and should be on pay TV.

Karen.

[niamh]

I don't watch rugby league but I do watch rugby union international games. Sadly Ireland are not doing so well on their tour of NZ at the mo! 

[Bexi]

Whoa I didnt expect this thread here either! 

I'm a huge sports fan, before and during transistion, and watch just about anything (except baseball and cricket - they bore the bejesus outta me ). Even though I prefer Union, I always try to catch the State of Origin matches, if only for the fights  ! As specimens of fitness, those guys are something else.

RE the Euros. I was quite surprised at how poor the Dutch were/are. The only player who has appeared the most dedicated and hardworking has been Sneijder whereas the rest have been virtual passengers. Even in their match yesterday against Germany, around the 80th minute, he was tracking back to win the ball whereas De Jong and Willems (who were arguably closer and had the role of ball-winnners) didn't even close the player down.

Tonight's games will be good, although I can't see the Irish get anything other than an ass-whupping against the Spaniards. 

[Bexi]

  C'MON YOU EN-GER-LAND!

~ Long rambling football(soccer) related post ~

I'm lucky - all my exams are outta the way and the weather has been rubbish, so i've managed to catch a lot of the games. Strangely enough, even the unfancied matches on paper, Greece v Poland and Ukraine v Sweden per se, all turned out to be tense affairs with multiple swings in momentum and a few fairy-tale moments (Shevchenko's double for instance)

So far, the Russians, and Germans (as always) seem the on-form teams, although Spain always take a while to warm-up (hence their easy win against Ireland tonight!). Torres needed to get a goal, just to remember what a quality player he actually is  !

You were lucky with the England match lol! They sat back and let France dominate, which they didnt do to any real effect. It was a rubbish game and - I agree - don't see either of them getting far!

Lol drinking during the football is mandatory, right? 
X

[Nov413]

Dang it!
Could Russia have had a worse game? I was thoroughly disappointed today. Oh well. One of my top contenders is out though. Guess we'll have to see.

And the Czech Republic really turned around. They look a lot better today.

[niamh]

Yes definetly shocked about Russia. Looks like Italy will also be out especially if Ireland can force a draw. We have a history of doing that against Italy.

[Bexi]

Yeah that was a major upset last night! The russian striker (Kerzhakov) had 17 shots in his 3 games - he didnt get a single one on target!

[niamh]

The Azzuri soldier on to the next round, oh yes! I found the Irish played very dirty, lots of shirt tugging and little nudges wherever they could. Balotelli's goal was great! and cassano's barely nudged by (not a cassano or milano fan myself.)
Thing is, people often times quote history for how they think a game is going to go. I dont like doing that... Italy always beats spain and , well, we all know what happened last world cup..

Were you watching the same game as me?!

De Rossi was so dirty and Pirlo was crying to the ref most of the game! Everytime the Irish had a chance the Italians fouled us or threw themselves to the ground and tried to get the attention of the refer. The Italians played like little girls. Rubbish team. But as it always happens the big nations get through by playing dirty (France v. Ireland and Uruguay v. Ghana in World Cup 2010). I am sorry but you are dellusional.

[niamh]

...

We can still be friends. 

[Nov413]

Once again, the need for technology was seen again today.
I was so mad that the Ukraine goal didn't count! So much for the extra linesmen.
Seriously is it so hard to simply allow the refs to look at a video replay? Jeez, Blatter can be such an idiot.

[niamh]

Soccer should so bring in the camera as a ref! Remember Germany v. England? Rugby has done it and it works very well.

[Bexi]

@ShiningStar - Blatter has actually called for video technology today as a result. I suppose you win some and you lose some. I can never understand why the fourth official, who is presumeably near a screen most of the time can't check out incidents, especially bad tackles or off the ball incidents.

Anyway, onto the game - I really really hate watch England at times! Hodgson's new tactics about sucking up the pressure then getting a goal on the break makes me nervous as anything lol! These are a group of players who play in one of the top 3 leagues in the world and yet when they play they make the opposition look dangerous. It happened against a poor Sweden side, and last night against an ordinary Ukraine team. Its worked so far but im still not optimistic about how far we progress in the tournament.

Although saying that, Sweden did us a favour with beating the French. I'd much rather have Italy than the Spanish. It'll be interesting to see if Prandelli starts with Balotelli or di Natale upfront alongside Cassano.
X

[gennee]

I have watched some of it. Caught some of the England-Ukraine match. I played soccer when I was in the service.