Euro 2004 Football discussion

[MonsterMash]

As D&Ders should we be supporting Switzerland as they have a player called ?Daniel Gygax?

 

[johnsemlak]

As D&Ders should we be supporting Switzerland as they have a player called ?Daniel Gygax?

Yeah, I noticed that a while back. Wonder if he's a relation?

 

[LizardWizard]

Yeah, I noticed that a while back. Wonder if he's a relation?

Gygax is a widespread last name in Switzerland (do a search for 'Gygax' & see for yourself ), and Gary Gygax must have some Swiss ancestors.

 

[LizardWizard]

The star players right now seem ot be Dmitry Alenichev, who scored a goal in the Champions League Final for Porto, as well as Alexander Mostovoi, Alexei Smertin, and maybe Dmitry Bulykin. Their captain Victor Onopko is getting old but his experience is vital.

Onopko is out of the squad due to an injury ((((((.
The defence is really crippled without him.

In a group with Spain, Portugal, and Greece, I'd say that finishing in the top two would be a near-miracle for Russia.

True. But I'm an optimist, so a 3:0 win over Greece and draws with Spain and Portugal will satisfy me . Advancing past the quarterfinals would be a real marvel.

I'm naming France and Portugal as among my favorites this time but with reservations. A lot of the key players on the France squad are really showing their age.

France has a fantastic squad and overruns almost every opponent. I think the French will be the first team in history to win two consecutive Euro championships. Portugal is also strong and has a trump card: the supporters.
I'd also watch out for Holland, with its superb attack line, and Sweden. And, of course, you can never tell what to expect from Latvia .

 

[AGGEMAM]

I'd also watch out for Holland, with its superb attack line, and Sweden.

Since the Netherlands is only playing with Nistelroy in front and him along with the other strikers from that team being hopelessly out of form for international football. These are not my words but Dick Advocat the dutch coach.

 

[johnsemlak]

Onopko is out of the squad due to an injury ((((((.
The defence is really crippled without him.

Yes, that is true. That's a vital blow.

True. But I'm an optimist, so a 3:0 win over Greece and draws with Spain and Portugal will satisfy me . Advancing past the quarterfinals would be a real marvel.

Hey, be optimistic Really, as much as I believe Spain and Portugal are favorites in that group, anything can happen. Both countries have spotty records in tournaments, especially Portugal. I just think the familiar weather and home fans will be a big plus, for both teams.
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[LizardWizard]

Since the Netherlands is only playing with Nistelroy in front and him along with the other strikers from that team being hopelessly out of form for international football. These are not my words but Dick Advocat the dutch coach.

That's really weird, because wasting such an excellent striker as Makaay would be a real shame.
Nevertheless, van Nistelrooy is worth two or even three players even alone.

 

[LizardWizard]

Really, as much as I believe Spain and Portugal are favorites in that group, anything can happen. Both countries have spotty records in tournaments, especially Portugal. I just think the familiar weather and home fans will be a big plus, for both teams.

Yeah, Spain and Portugal are very much like our team, because they are really good in qualifying rounds and in friendlies, but can't advance past the group stage.
But it would be a real shame for Portugal to waste a chance of a lifetime to win the Championship.

 

[Lichtenhart]

I wonder why Zappo hasn't showed up here yet, so let me speak about Italy.

It's true that we haven't got a good team. IMHO our champions think too much of their money and too little of their fans, and they aren't people who get along very well with each other. But they are very good players, and if our coach directs them in a decent way (totally differently from what he did in Korea, that is) they have always good chances to shine.

I think our Under 21 team is much more motivated than the bigger team, and it's no wonder they already won the title.
Honestly, I think we'll do better in Greece than in Portugal.

 

[NewbyDM]

as someone from holland i can only hope one thing.... 'NO PENALTIES'

I know the dutch team is not playing well lately, but they never did at the beginning of a tournament, so nothing new .
The only thing that stopped holland in the last decade is penalties... so maybe if we avoid them....
One other problem of the dutch team is that they don't 'die' on the field. They look most of the time like spoiled kids
Im often jealous of other teams, that maybe don't play as well, but rather die then roll over on their backs

Owell lets not be tooo pessimistic... HOLLAND EURO 2004 CHAMPIONS!!!