The football euro tournament thread

[Sammi79]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Germany-Greece today. That will be no easy match, and I disagree with those assuming this is safe prey for Germany. The Greeks will try to destroy the match by playing extremely passive, because that is the only option they have with that lack of individual class of their players. Germany should make an early goal, to force them to open their formation and allow more space for the germans. Ifd the German s do not get that space and just face two concrete walls, then the balance will shift the more in favour for the Greeks the longer the match lasts. The Greeks will also be extremely motivated due to politics, which I expect to play no role for the Germans. I read the rethorics is boiling hot in the Greek press already. It seems they really think they are playing against Merkel's boys, not Löw's boys.

Germany by class is the favourite , but the Greeks are exactly that kind of match-destroying team that the Germans do not like at all to play against, and against which they often show a certain helplessness.

This match will not be a self-runner for Germany, not at all. It is possible that the Greeks win in overtime or penalties. But I hope not, of course. I also hope the Germans win more pace and agility. So far they have not really convinced me. Their play is still too slow.

German win by one goal lead, my tip.

I think you are being hard on what appears to be (yet another) impressive German team. The political thing is unfortunate, I hope it plays little part. Fortunately in football there is no concept of 'negative goals' though if Germany get too many maybe they could give one to Greece.

I really hope England gets to play them, though I think it likely Italy will prevent it, so;

Tonight I am supporting Germany *ducks*

Regards,
Sam.

[Skybird]

I'm not hard on the German team, I just try to be realistic. After the qualification that they won with flying flags everybody was saiyng "This is europe'S best team". I say it is one of the two best teams. They still have not shown the level in the tournament that they have shown in the qualification, they play slower. Spain plays the same kind of football like Germany now, but it seems the Spaniards still are a tick more agile and surprising, although they also are still not in top form. And I recall that Germany easily struggles if either you stand on the German'S feet everywhere and leave them no space to breath, or when you sett up two 5-men-lkines in the backyard in front of the goal and play defensively and only try to destroy the match. Itz'S okay if the Greeks do thgat, since they lack the technical means for any other tctic, it is not okay if a team like Spain or Russia would do like that, they have more technical class. Germany does not like to play against such destructively oriented teams, it finds it difficult to find a solution for how to crack open such a tactic.

After all there is a reason why the Greeks survived the first round. And I think their motivation is skyrocketing, they will play with fever. It is not just any team they play against, it is the team of the great tormentor of their homeland. If you read the Greek press, the headlines, a bit, you know what I mean. Currently the Greek press looks like the British yellow press before a match England-Germany. War-references. Martial rethoric. And the inevitable link to politics. Can't say I like that tone. Glad to say that German press deals with it much more sober.

Anyway, this evening I will do - by hand - one of my famous hand-made tasty tasty yum yum pizzas that the world envies me for, and see what happens. If the germans show a jump in performance level and improve their overall speed, and if they can score early, they have good chances then.

[Sammi79]

Originally Posted by Skybird

War-references.

Come on, you are not still bitter over that are you?

Joking aside I know exactly what you mean, I find the trash rhetoric distasteful also. I think the reality is, everyone (English/German) loves a match between Germany-England, because of the highly motivated spirit that both teams normally play on such occasions, which is identical. Much more often than not it is a great match to watch regardless of the outcome. Though the skills of each team may differ relatively over time, the will to compete and win is so extreme and similar it is always thrilling.

The best way to counter a heavily defensive opposition is the long ball aerial game, which is why pure passing teams like Spain struggle against it, finding themselves out of ideas after being consistently prevented from trying to pass it into goal. Though none may pass as pretty as Spain currently, Germany has better rounded capabilities I think.

Greece will not go down without a fight, that is certain. As long as Germany keep their will to win up and their strategy flexible, I think their technical superiority will tell before 90 minutes is up.

Should be a good game though, can't wait!

Regards,
Sam.

[BossMark]

The Greeks to shock the Germans? any takers?

[Herr-Berbunch]

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Skybird

Germany-Greece today. That will be no easy match, and I disagree with those assuming this is safe prey for Germany. The Greeks will try to destroy the match by playing extremely passive, because that is the only option they have with that lack of individual class of their players. Germany should make an early goal, to force them to open their formation and allow more space for the germans. Ifd the German s do not get that space and just face two concrete walls, then the balance will shift the more in favour for the Greeks the longer the match lasts. The Greeks will also be extremely motivated due to politics, which I expect to play no role for the Germans. I read the rethorics is boiling hot in the Greek press already. It seems they really think they are playing against Merkel's boys, not Löw's boys.

Germany by class is the favourite , but the Greeks are exactly that kind of match-destroying team that the Germans do not like at all to play against, and against which they often show a certain helplessness.

This match will not be a self-runner for Germany, not at all. It is possible that the Greeks win in overtime or penalties. But I hope not, of course. I also hope the Germans win more pace and agility. So far they have not really convinced me. Their play is still too slow.

German win by one goal lead, my tip.

I heard a rumour the Greeks were going to bribe the German team but couldn't afford the asking price

[Jimbuna]

Well if England and Germany proceed further and eventually play each other I want the extra officials to check the goal line at the same time they check the goal nets

[Onkel Neal]

So... can someone give me a summary of this year's edition of the Euro Cup? What's the 5 minute capsule? Who came in favorites, who surprised everyone, where's it going? Thanks!

Neal

[antikristuseke]

Spain and Germany are the major favorites, Spain more so. So far there have been no real surprises other than Ireland making it to the group stage and then burning in a blaze of misery that is their skill at football. Greece getting through to the play-offs is a bit surprising as well, but they are a competent side so Germany are not in for an easy victory. Other than that is is business as usual.

[BossMark]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

So... can someone give me a summary of this year's edition of the Euro Cup? What's the 5 minute capsule? Who came in favorites, who surprised everyone, where's it going? Thanks!

Neal

Spain where and still are the bookies favourites along with the Germans to win the tournament, Greece as also surprised me with getting to the knockout stage but England I hopefully will pull through and beat Eyeties and then lets see what happens then.
But I have had a silly bet on Greece to win 1-0 against the Germans

I heard a rumour the Greeks were going to bribe the German team but couldn't afford the asking price

In latest developments Germany has given Greece the money for the bribe

[kranz]

the biggest surprise of the Euro 2012 was a 21-year old Irish who was presumed to be mugged and killed by Polish bandits but 2 days ago his body was found in a river. Drunk with no bruises, with...surprise, surprise...credit cards, wallet and a mobile in his pockets. Polish hospitality that's how we call it.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by BossMark

Spain where and still are the bookies favourites along with the Germans to win the tournament, Greece as also surprised me with getting to the knockout stage but England I hopefully will pull through and beat Eyeties and then lets see what happens then.
But I have had a silly bet on Greece to win 1-0 against the Germans

Well, that's your money down the drawn already, 1-0 for Germany in the first three minutes.

Would be interesting if they did lose, but very, very unlikely.

[VipertheSniper]

looks like a siege on the Greek penalty box now

And the Germans are not turning their good chances into goals... how Özil did just pass to the Greek keeper was really a prime example of what not to do

[Oberon]

Indeed, apologies, it would seem that the goal I thought was a goal was instead not a goal.

But yes, Germany is all over them.

EDIT: NOW it's 1-0 to Germany.