Euro 2004 Football discussion

[johnsemlak]

As I've already stated earlier. they don't is this championships. Playing with only 1 forward when you've got 4 of europest top 20 forward is almost comparable to an insult against us spectators. I sincerely hope Netherlands go out so that all teams like them and Italy can be taught a lesson.

That seemed curious to me to. Where was Kluivert? Ruud van Nistolroy, as good as he is, was very well marked for most of that match.

 

[MonsterMash]

Apparently Van Nistelroy and Kluivert have a feud going and Van Nistelroy has point blank refused to play at the same time as Kluivert.

 

[johnsemlak]

Apparently Van Nistelroy and Kluivert have a feud going and Van Nistelroy has point blank refused to play at the same time as Kluivert.

That's a real shame. Kluivert is one of the players I want to see.

I think tonight's Russia-Portugal match will be really important in deciding that group's standings (sounds cliche, I know). Basically, both teams can't lose. Portugal will be most people's favorite, but I think a lot depends on which Portugal team shows up tonight, as the one that played on Saturday will not be sufficient to crack the well disciplined defence Russia showed against Spain.

 

[MonsterMash]

With Russia - Portugal it really depends if Portugal can play as a team, as individually there are some hugely talented players there, but if they don't work together then Russia could edge it. I wonder how much impact Mostovoi being sent home will have?

 

[johnsemlak]

I wonder how much impact Mostovoi being sent home will have?

As LizardWizard noted, Russia has plenty of midfielders. I agree Loskov would be the best replacement, and maybe should have started in any event. Loskov is younger the fresher legs will be important in the heat.

In terms of team quality, I don't think loosing Mostovoi at this point in his career (he's 35 I believe) will be critical. Now, if there's an internal row following his departure, it could be bad. For Russia's sake, I hope coach Yartsev considered the effect expelling Mostovoi would have on the team, and didn't do it to satisfy his ego.

 

[LizardWizard]

As LizardWizard noted, Russia has plenty of midfielders. I agree Loskov would be the best replacement, and maybe should have started in any event. Loskov is younger the fresher legs will be important in the heat.

Yeah, although Los'kov is a bit older than 30, he has been demonstrated speed and playmaking abilities that make you forget his age. Alas, in recent matches Mostovoi has reminded that you can't always play well beyond 30.

For Russia's sake, I hope coach Yartsev considered the effect expelling Mostovoi would have on the team, and didn't do it to satisfy his ego.

Oh, I wish it were this way. Yartsev is known for his patience and trust in his players, and he must have really thought twice about dismissing the most experienced and respected footballer from the team.

 

[MonsterMash]

So the Greeks got another point, largely by hard work and team spirit the way they got their other ones. Spain - are they going to fall prey to their usual problem in major championships of not living up to their collective talent?

 

[DarkMaster]

So the Greeks got another point, largely by hard work and team spirit the way they got their other ones. Spain - are they going to fall prey to their usual problem in major championships of not living up to their collective talent?

If Portugal can win against the Russian, we are heading for a beautiful game on Sunday!!!

 

[LizardWizard]

If Portugal can win against the Russian, we are heading for a beautiful game on Sunday!!!

This game shall be even more beautiful if we win tonight...

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Well done to Portugal, now it's 24 hours of nervous waiting for the next England game...