***OFFICIAL*** UEFA Euro 2004 thread

[ndee]

Sweden will kick Italy's ass. They played very smart against Bulgaria.

 

[spherrod]

C'mon Sweden! I'm fervently hoping that Italy and Germany crash out in the first round. Although Bulgaria deserved more luck against Sweden, I'm backing Denmark to beat them while Italy v Sweden draw

 

[joohang]

I :heart: the Danish wingers.

 

[joohang]

Bulgaria could have scored 2 but somehow messed up their chances.

Then Denmark went up 1-0. The carved up the Bulgarian defense and Tomasson tapped in an easy cross.

Too bad that Rommedahl is out but I also like Gronkjaer.

Update:
The second half was rather boring. Then Bulgaria took an appeal for penalty too far so the captain got sent off. They completely broke down and Denmark took full advantage of it. In the stoppage time, Gronkjaer scored out of a one-two with Tomasson and sealed the win. (This goal sooo reminded me of Wayne Bridge's goal that knocked out Arsenal.) Then just before the whistle, Ebbe Sand hit the crossbar.

 

[memo]

how have makaay and hasselbaink been doing for holland?

i dont get any games here in the US so i dont have a good concept of whats going on but why is owen always subbed in ~60 minutes or earlier, is this not the striker who is considered to be the best the england has to offer, it seems like even when he is playing well, in critical games he gets subbed. is it because the reserves are that good? he always seems fairly match fit when playing for liverpool.

 

[joohang]

Ruud is the lone striker in Holland, and he is supported by 2 wingers.

Kluivert, Makaay and Hasselbaink haven't played yet and I am doubtful that they will make much appearance.

Owen was subbed because he failed to make impact in the game. You'll notice a lot of people criticizing Owen's performance in this thread.

 

[joohang]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Ibrahimovic

 

[kalster]

Come on Italyyyyyyyy

 

[brigden]

Originally posted by: joohang
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Ibrahimovic

Pure class. Absolutely top shelf stuff.

 

[brigden]

Originally posted by: joohang
Ruud is the lone striker in Holland, and he is supported by 2 wingers.

Kluivert, Makaay and Hasselbaink haven't played yet and I am doubtful that they will make much appearance.

Owen was subbed because he failed to make impact in the game. You'll notice a lot of people criticizing Owen's performance in this thread.

Owen's been far too quiet. We need to see more of him if we want to advance with confidence. The English midfield really doesn't exist.

 

[joohang]

Originally posted by: brigden

Originally posted by: joohang
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Ibrahimovic

Pure class. Absolutely top shelf stuff.

Yup.

And definitely wasn't fluke since he scored a very similar goal a couple of months ago. Against Feyenoord, I believe.

I also liked how Buffon gave him credit at the end of the match.

 

[joohang]

I am so glad I didn't go to a pub in commercial drive to watch this one. The Italians would have killed me.

I yelled so loud that my cat ran away to hide.

 

[Grakatt]

Hah, reeeally nervous last minutes there, yessir

 

[joohang]

Originally posted by: Grakatt
Hah, reeeally nervous last minutes there, yessir

Italy was clearly the better team in the first half.

But I have noooo idea why Cassano was substituted. Then Italy switched to their typical defensive formation to invite Sweden to attack. Italy still looked very dangerous at attacking in the second half so I don't understand what need there was to make those changes.

And Vieri needs to work on his headers. His season wasn't particularly good and his form doesn't seem to have improved much for the Euro either.

 

[nCred]

Wow...
The Italians really showed their class in the first half, but what a goal by Ibrahimovic. I almost died of nervousness at the end.

 

[Grakatt]

Yeah, sulky Italians, super Italians, sulky Italians, splendid Italians..

 

[biostud]

Damn, now we need to win over Sweden, it'll be a hard one.

Denmark played nice first half, second was pretty boring.

Swedens goal tonight might be the best so far, it was just amazing.

 

[brigden]

Any radio stations available in Ontario going to be playing the Germany game tomorrow?

 

[Martin]

Originally posted by: joohang
Bulgaria could have scored 2 but somehow messed up their chances.

Then Denmark went up 1-0. The carved up the Bulgarian defense and Tomasson tapped in an easy cross.

Too bad that Rommedahl is out but I also like Gronkjaer.

Update:
The second half was rather boring. Then Bulgaria took an appeal for penalty too far so the captain got sent off. They completely broke down and Denmark took full advantage of it. In the stoppage time, Gronkjaer scored out of a one-two with Tomasson and sealed the win. (This goal sooo reminded me of Wayne Bridge's goal that knocked out Arsenal.) Then just before the whistle, Ebbe Sand hit the crossbar.

That was an appeal (totally justified IMO) for a free kick and that yellow was uncalled for. I'd like to see nothing better than us dragging down Italy with us, but with the captain and key defenceman gone, it\;; never happen.

Oh well, the important thing is vodka and gin are still extremely cheap here, and I'll be taking full advatage fo that, come what may

 

[maddogchen]

Originally posted by: joohang

Originally posted by: brigden

Originally posted by: joohang
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!

Ibrahimovic

Pure class. Absolutely top shelf stuff.

Yup.

And definitely wasn't fluke since he scored a very similar goal a couple of months ago. Against Feyenoord, I believe.

I also liked how Buffon gave him credit at the end of the match.

That was an awesome goal! It looks bad for Italy now. They seriously need help to advance. Its so sad! my predictions of Owen and Italy doing well look horrible!!! AHHHH What was I thinking?

 

[Grakatt]

It doesn't look bad for Italy..does it? They'er not likely to lose against Bulgaria now, and Denmark and Sweden are unlikely to play a high tie.

 

[maddogchen]

Originally posted by: Grakatt
It doesn't look bad for Italy..does it? They'er not likely to lose against Bulgaria now, and Denmark and Sweden are unlikely to play a high tie.

Okay, maybe I jumped the gun. They would be eliminated if its a 2-2 draw. Its all confusing.

LISBON, June 18 (Reuters) - Italy face direct elimination from Euro 2004 whatever the result of their last match if Scandinavian rivals Denmark and Sweden play out a high-scoring draw of 2-2 or more in their final group game.

If that happens, Sweden's late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw with Italy on Thursday in Porto would have cost the Italians very dear indeed.

The situation in Group C is complicated to say the least.

At present Sweden and Denmark head the group with four points from two matches and Italy follow with two after drawing both of their games against the Scandinavians. Bulgaria, who lost to both, are already eliminated.

If Italy beat Bulgaria, as expected, in Guimaraes on Tuesday and Sweden and Denmark draw the same day in Porto, all three would finish with five points.

Under tournament rules, the results of the three teams against each other would then count -- so the matches against Bulgaria would not be taken into immediate consideration.

This would leave all three teams on two points from the draws with each other. In such a case, the teams with the highest number of goals would then go through.

Sweden would by now be certain to qualify because they had scored more goals against Italy in the 1-1 draw than Denmark did in their 0-0 tie.

Italy's goals total would stay on one. If the Denmark- Sweden game finished 2-2, Denmark would have two goals for and Sweden three, both more than Italy. The same would apply with any higher scoring draw.

If the match finished 0-0, Denmark would be eliminated as they would have no goals.

But it gets really complicated with a 1-1 draw. Sweden would top the group with two goals and Italy and Denmark finish level with one. At this point the team with the best result against Bulgaria would qualify.

The Danes beat Bulgaria 2-0 so Italy would have to do better in their last game.

Can Italy rely on the Nordic teams not to make an unofficial pact to go for a 2-2 draw? Luckily for them, Scandinavians are renowned for their honesty.

Of course, if Italy fail to beat Bulgaria, they would be eliminated anyway.

On the other hand, if Sweden beat Denmark or vice versa, any win against Bulgaria would see Italy through.

 

[ndee]

Anyone has the two goals from the Italy - Sweden game on video? Didn't see them, I could also host them, just PM me

 

[spherrod]

Missed both games yesterday but just seen the highlights - what a goal by Ibrahimovic! I'd love to see Sweden and Denmark both progress but can't see Italy not getting a win against Bulgaria

 

[spherrod]

Originally posted by: brigden

Originally posted by: joohang
Ruud is the lone striker in Holland, and he is supported by 2 wingers.

Kluivert, Makaay and Hasselbaink haven't played yet and I am doubtful that they will make much appearance.

Owen was subbed because he failed to make impact in the game. You'll notice a lot of people criticizing Owen's performance in this thread.

Owen's been far too quiet. We need to see more of him if we want to advance with confidence. The English midfield really doesn't exist.

Owen looks like he might be carrying (or protecting?) an injury - he doesn't seem able to accelerate normally at the moment. Vassell should be starting with Owen in this form