Euro 2004 Football discussion

[MonsterMash]

So the Czechs go through and Denmark go out. I only saw the second half and though the Czechs didn't look that much better Nedved set up Baros well for the second goal and Koller wasn't marked properly on the first. At least the Danes were trying to win the game and playing a fairly attacking style, and the Czechs didn't just sit back even at 2-0 up.

 

[johnsemlak]

Originally Posted by DarkMaster
Does anyone knows why the Golden goal rule was removed. I would have prefer to see Portugal win with a golden goal then on the penality shootout.

I think a lot of traditionalists didn't like matches ending on a goal; it seemed harsh and inapproprite, and the other team had no chance to respond.

That and what someone posted earlier that it in fact made teams more cautious and didn't have the intended effect of reducing the number of games decided by penalties.

 

[johnsemlak]

Well, no football for two days, it's going to be difficult for me to adjust

Might catch up on some sleep; in Moscow these matches were finishing at 12:30 and after nearly 1:30 a.m. if they went to penalties.

 

[Turanil]

When the Greeks win over the French, a friend of mine told me that "the greek had never been seen playing that good". I answered that in fact "the greek had never been seen playing at all". Our "top champions" get really too much money... They have grown lazy, and their performance was worse than worse. Inacceptable.

 

[johnsemlak]

When the Greeks win over the French, a friend of mine told me that "the greek had never been seen playing that good". I answered that in fact "the greek had never been seen playing at all". Our "top champions" get really too much money... They have grown lazy, and their performance was worse than worse. Inacceptable.

Interesting how a quarterfinal appearance, which would be a cause for national celebration in some countries, is viewed as a national failure in others. France's success lately has set very high expectations for their team. True, though, the manner of the defeat was disappointing.

It'll be interesting to see if France can maintain their football superpower status by striking a balance between keeping the old guard who are still capable of performing and bringing on new players. My understanding is France does have younger talent to fill voids left by Desailles and Zidane, but I'm not sure anyone can replace players of that caliber.


Moving on to tonight, we have a scintilating matchup between Portugal and the NEtherlands. Portugal have the advantage of being the home side and having two more days rest. I think that just might tip the match in their favor, though I do believe the Netherlands are the stronger side. Should be a dandy.

 

[DarkMaster]

Go Portugal Go, If they lose the Euro is over for me so Go Portugal Go

 

[MonsterMash]

Well done to Portugal. Figo played much better this match than previously in the tournament so Scolari probably did the right thing by substituting him last game. So tonight can the Greeks get another upset or will the Czechs prevail?

 

[johnsemlak]

Well, when the Greeks went up against France, I thought 'no way, this is the end of the Greeks' luck.'

So it would be foolish to rule them out. Still, The Czechs are playing very well right now, wheras the French, though talented, had some visible of problems.

I certainly can't imagine the Czechs will go scoreless as the French did.

 

[glass]

I wish I had found this thread earlier. Although, onsecond thoughts, perhaps it's better that I didn't. I might have have been very rude to Darkmaster if I'd read his comments about Englands second goal last Friday.

As to the notion that that whit Meier should be given then final. Disciplinary action wouldseem more approriate.


glass.

 

[MonsterMash]

And the Greeks do it. I don't think even their most optimistic supporters would have expected it to happen before the tournament started. Of course it means that the same match for the last and first game of the tournament.