Euro 2016 starts Friday June 10

[Hard Idle]

France didn't impress me that much with their group matches and i thought they had an easier group and QF than Germany.

So the is the fact that France made Iceland look like they didn't belong (where Portugal, Austria, Hungary & England failed ) owe more to Iceland celebrating one too many national milestones or was Group A THAT much better than the others? OR was Iceland really SO good that their success is not in any way an indictment of Group F??

Too my eyes there has been clear separation in class in favor of Germany and Wales compared to France & Portugal. There are still the variables of Germany's injuries & suspensions, and of Wale's nerve holding up at this stage if faced with adversity - which is , as they say, why they play the games. But I see Germany & Wales as clear cut favorites based on their actual play so far.

 

[K Douglas]

I said Germany all along and will stick with them. Portugal and Wales could go either way. I'm cheering for Wales but my gut tells me the Portugese pull this one out, possibly in shootouts.

 

[AK-47]

Rumor has it Schweini will play tomorrow

 

[basiated]

I was indifferent today from a game perspective. But I have to say the casual racism against the Italians and Portuguese in the GTA is getting to me.

As a neutral fan I have to agree. Why hate on a specific set of people just because they are proud to be of that heritage?

 

[basiated]

Agreed Kathleen. I think the difference in celebration sizes in the GTA may be due to the large Italian and Portuguese immigration here vs much smaller numbers of immigrants from Spain, Germany, France. Oh well, I'm leaving the city this weekend as to not put up with traffic congestion from the Portuguese or French. (Yes I'm predicting Germany to lose)

 

[AK-47]

Confirm that rumor, and I'll no longer consider this conversation just foreplay

Here ya go chickie, right from German media

http://www.thelocal.de/20160707/schweinsteiger-fit-for-start-in-semi

 

[Twister]

Bah.

Germany played a Brilliant game. Ball possession, and utilizing the players they had was excellent. Obviously not the desired outcome I wanted, but an exciting game to watch.
Two penalty kicks in as many games. Ugh.

Good luck to any fans of the finals

Germany played very good during the first period, not bad the second period. Even if you not call the penalty (which it was) they were still a goal behind. Sadly they just couldn't get it in....but it was a very good game. I thought the way Germany was playing they were going to win, but it seems to happen all the time, if the dominant team doesn't score..the other will.

 

[danmand]

Bah.

Germany played a Brilliant game. Ball possession, and utilizing the players they had was excellent. Obviously not the desired outcome I wanted, but an exciting game to watch.
Two penalty kicks in as many games. Ugh.

Good luck to any fans of the finals

Germany has so many brilliant players, but you do not win soccer matches without scoring goals. Moving the ball around expertly does not count.

I thought Germany would win this one narrowly and then destroy Portugal. I think Portugal has a better chance against France than they would have had against Germany

 

[Twister]

Germany has so many brilliant players, but you do not win soccer matches without scoring goals. Moving the ball around expertly does not count.

I thought Germany would win this one narrowly and then destroy Portugal. I think Portugal has a better chance against France than they would have had against Germany

France is heavily favorite against Portugal, but I won't be surprised if Portugal stings them.

 

[AK-47]

Poor Kath :blue:

If there's any blame to be placed you can do it on Muller. He went completely missing this tournament

 

[AK-47]

Portugal are 0-6 vs. France:

http://www.flashscore.com/match/4QdyLF2I/#h2h;overall

 

[GPIDEAL]

France v Germany should have been as good as the final. Very interesting game and hope there are going to be goals aplenty.

Even Italy vs. Germany could've been a final.

Talk of the office says Portugal will win because they have the heart and the motivation to finally win one.

 

[ultistar]

Schweinsteiger is a vet and should know better than to reach with his arm contesting a header. These athletes are incredibly knowledgeable of the rules and have incredible body control. THe french header glanced off his hand leading to the PK. Too bad for Germany, they dominated France before that.

 

[Insidious Von]

In response to a previous statement, there were no expectations on the current Azzurri due to the injuries in midfield: Montolivo, Bonaventura, Marchisio and most of all Verratti were all not available. Once DDR and Candreva went down, it was too much to ask for.

Precedents were set in this tourney: Germany finally beats Italy and France finally beats Germany. In the World Cups of the 80's, Germany defeated France in both the semi-finals of 82 and 86. Those were very physical West German teams! In 82, Der Mannschaft was particularly violent with matters coming to a head (literally) when Toni Schumacher delivered a flying knee to the head Patrick Battiston. In 86, the West Germany grounded the French into the pitch, KH. Rummenigge finally showed his class scoring a brace. No one suspected at the time that his career would go into free fall afterwards.

In other news new Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti has signed Portuguese wunderkind Renato Sanches. Don't know the details but it is now official.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

3rd place today?

 

[AK-47]

3rd place today?

Euro doesnt have a 3rd place match, only World Cup does

 

[ultistar]

In case anyone fell asleep during the finals, Porto won. The most exciting moment was when CR was stretchered off with an injury.

 

[Insidious Von]

Portugal prevails and I thought France would keep would keep it's perfect home record. CR7 finally wins his Major International (meaning Messi wont quit on Argentina) and Pepe is the MVP of the event. The turning point of the Euro was Khidera getting injured, had he stayed fit Germany would have done the double.

 

[danmand]

In case anyone fell asleep during the finals, Porto won. The most exciting moment was when CR was stretchered off with an injury.

France, Spain and Germany were all punished for playing safe and "rolling the ball around" instead of going for goals. The coaches did a poor job, waiting to the last 5 minutes to unleash their teams. Too late.

 

[nottyboi]

France thought they had it in the bag when Ronaldo was stretchered off. But Eder hit just a wonderful shot. It was a brilliant strike. With all the passing, no one expected him to try from that far, and it was a bullet that sealed Frances fate. It was amazing. Loved it, well done Portugal.