2012 UEFA EURO CUP

[torontosubway 11]

The once in 4 years event is starting in a few months, who do you think is going to win this years Euro Cup?

[Cantona_21 3]

I fancy Germany for it. Their players have had chance to develop more since the World Cup.

Im writing off England already, Ill be happy if we make it out of our group to be honest.

[torontosubway 11]

I fancy Germany for it. Their players have had chance to develop more since the World Cup.

Im writing off England already, Ill be happy if we make it out of our group to be honest.

I think England still have a chance, they've got some young stars that can contribute to the team for at least 2 or 3 Euro or World Cups.

[Cantona_21 3]

True. The youngsters should be played as much as possible. They need the experience. If we get rid of the likes of Gerrard and the so called 'golden generation' who have underperformed at every given opportunity then we may have a chance in the future. I dont think it is fair that Gerrard etc are given another chance. We would do well to learn from Germany. People wrote them off at the last world cup as they opted to include the likes of Ozil ahead of the likes of Frings, but their youth surprised the world, the players gained vital experience and they will be much stronger now.

If we give the English youngsters some tournament experience now and admit that we probably won't win, then the team may have some experience to do well in Brazil in 2014. Otherwise, stick with Gerrard et al, fail again, then bring in the youth in 2014, who will have no experience and fail again.

We need to take a risk.

[torontosubway 11]

True. The youngsters should be played as much as possible. They need the experience. If we get rid of the likes of Gerrard and the so called 'golden generation' who have underperformed at every given opportunity then we may have a chance in the future. I dont think it is fair that Gerrard etc are given another chance. We would do well to learn from Germany. People wrote them off at the last world cup as they opted to include the likes of Ozil ahead of the likes of Frings, but their youth surprised the world, the players gained vital experience and they will be much stronger now.

If we give the English youngsters some tournament experience now and admit that we probably won't win, then the team may have some experience to do well in Brazil in 2014. Otherwise, stick with Gerrard et al, fail again, then bring in the youth in 2014, who will have no experience and fail again.

We need to take a risk.

absolutely agree

  Edited April 25, 2012 by torontosubway  

[anotn 222]

Let's bring the groups in to the discussion, even if I think most people who're interested already know them.

Group A

• Poland
  
• Greece
  
• Russia
  
• Czech Republic
  

Group B

• Netherlands
  
• Germany
  
• Denmark
  
• Portugal
  

Group C

• Spain
  
• Italy
  
• Ireland
  
• Croatia
  

Group D

• Ukraine
  
• Sweden
  
• France
  
• England
  

Looking at the groups I see that Group B seems to be the hardest group of them all, Germany is always great and play a lovely football, the Netherlands of course, finalists in South Africa and Portugal, with a number of great players, and also Denmark who won their qualifying group ahead of Portugal.

Group A can be tight too, I think Poland manages to go trough to the knock-out stage as they're playing at home and will have immense support. I think the team that probably wins in Group A is Russia, at least I hope they will, I really liked the fotball they were playing the last time. I really don't want Greece to go through as I'm still pissed about the way they won the whole thing 8 yrs ago.

Now Group D is the group I will have my main focus on during the group stage, as I'm Swedish and well, would like to see Sweden go a long way in a major tournament, it was 18 yrs since we last won a match in the knockout-stage. This group will be tight I believe, Ukraine is playing at home, but it's their first appearance (as an independent nation) in UEFA play. England and France are of course both strong teams, but not impossible for Sweden. Usually when Sweden go against England it's a draw (got no statistics but thats my feeling). Best thing for Sweden here would of course be to win the group, then they won't have to meet Spain, (as I don't really see them losing against any of the teams in their group) in the Quarter final, so no point in coming second as they would just be beaten in the first knockout stage.

Last, Group C, I've already said that I believe Spain will win this group runner-up would probably be either Croatia or Italy, Ireland is not strong enough.

These are just my guesses, and frankly I don't have much to back up my opinions but still, it's fun to guess the outcome of the tournament. And of course it's still a over a month until kick off, stuff can happen, key players can be injured.

Looking forward to june 8, I love these even year summers with major football tournaments, and I will watch as many games as I can.

[Cantona_21 3]

I will miss the first couple of days as Im at Download Festival. Maybe I could take a radio with me.

[dazza262 133]

What chance have England got when we don't even have a manager ?

Seriously, it should have been sorted months ago. If we go with Pearce then we're doomed, he's the most negative manager around !

The alternatives being mentioned don't really inspire much confidence either. Redknapp with his team imploding when the pressure is on, or journeyman Roy Hodgson. Great.

For me it's gonna be the Spanish again. Despite Barcelona coming up a little short this year (literally), Xavi and Iniesta are still quality.

[Silur 3,297]

My favorite is Holland from 1972 ...

[anotn 222]

What chance have England got when we don't even have a manager ?

Seriously, it should have been sorted months ago. If we go with Pearce then we're doomed, he's the most negative manager around !

The alternatives being mentioned don't really inspire much confidence either. Redknapp with his team imploding when the pressure is on, or journeyman Roy Hodgson. Great.

For me it's gonna be the Spanish again. Despite Barcelona coming up a little short this year (literally), Xavi and Iniesta are still quality.

Looks like it's gonna be Hodgson, he has been contacted by FA for discussion, and West Bromwich agrees to let them talk to him, he's the only manager who has been contacted according to FA chairman David Bernstein. Let's say Hodgson will be Englands manager, as you say it still is way too late, it will be hard for him to do anything substantial for the team before june 8. But I guess proper management won't hurt at least.

[Silur 3,297]

There is England from 1966 ...

May be in 2012 ...

  Edited April 30, 2012 by Silur  

[gutterclub 2,729]

Hodgson is a good choice, he will be in it for the long term, to build an infrastructure..it's not all about this tournament for us, it's about building from the ground up.

[torontosubway 11]

One more day left, too excited!!!!!

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

In view of all the racial BS coming out of there, I think it is something I am not going to give a hoot about.

[matheuspaulo 62]

Denmark is about to advance. Group B will have some draws and i guess that no one will made 9pts. they just need 1pt.

Portugal had no chances with Germany and Holland. they have Cristiano Ronaldo but he play all alone. they dont have humility.

Holland will need earn 3pts against them. otherwise, dont advance.

Germany is favourite for win the competition.

[Silur 3,297]

This a rural thread for some Europeans funs only ..

North America with Stanley Cup ( NHL Cup) only - 88% never hear about folk England game named football ...

Is this a WORLD FOOTBALL CUP - NO ...

My favourite is NED vs DEN = 0:1 ... Weeping ...

The best goal today - by Pavluchenko (Russia - Czech) - fantastic work ...

The best and solid team today - Germany ... - this is strong and clever football machine from 1920 ...

I'm Russian, but I'm with ORANGE NED team from 1972 and forever ...

And we must remember about France and England ...

My mind about final: England vs .....something from continental Europe ...

I see Spain vs Italy now 1:1 - crazy game ... but there are many emotions ...

And my mind - European Champion is Real or MC or MU - we haven't any normal football team without Africa, South America and Asia today ...

But this is very interesting for me ...

P.S. " Give chance to ... (PEACE) [beatles] - NO - "England" !!! - with 60th of Queen and Olympic Games 2012 and ...

This is a birthplace of football and You must win Euro Cup this year ... Greeting ...

  Edited June 10, 2012 by Silur  

[dazza262 133]

Well Russia has looked one of the best teams so far. They destroyed Czech Republic, and considering that the other two teams in their group are Poland and Greece, they should now qualify comfortably.

Holland are one of my favourite teams with one of the best players in the World (Robin van Persie), but they ran out of ideas against Denmark.

I still think Spain will win it.

[Wiecher 192]

@dazza262 Seeing how van Persie failed miserably, I doubt he's still one of the best players in the world. He never really does well on international tournaments.

Better get Huntelaar in his position.

[Silur 3,297]

Well Russia has looked one of the best teams so far. They destroyed Czech Republic, and considering that the other two teams in their group are Poland and Greece, they should now qualify comfortably.

Holland are one of my favourite teams with one of the best players in the World (Robin van Persie), but they ran out of ideas against Denmark.

I still think Spain will win it.

I'm from Russia - but I'm with NED forever ... ROBIN - my favorite today ... solid state !!!

Before him - Tremendous names: --- Cruijfff, Neeskens, Krol, Koeman,Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Berg Kamp, Peter Schmeichel, Cocu, Van Der Sar, Davids, Seedorf, Overmars, Kluivert, Reiziger,- etc.

Simple but with fantastic spirit country with hundreds geniuses of football ...

Sometimes NED have any collapse - but NED team show me real knight and fair football play from 1972 ... ORANGE FIRST for me ... Yes, there are no enough stars in NED team today - sometimes I saw a game without any idea ...

I saw Greece - this is a dirty play the game from 1990 - this is another side of the modern football ...

May be Germany, may be France, may be England in Euro Cup 2012 ...

In NED I trust !!! This is a very attractive team - Yes ?

  Edited June 10, 2012 by Silur  

[dazza262 133]

@dazza262 Seeing how van Persie failed miserably, I doubt he's still one of the best players in the world. He never really does well on international tournaments.

Better get Huntelaar in his position.

As an Arsenal fan I know just how good RvP is, he has been fantastic for us this season. I know he had a poor game against Denmark, but it's a team game, and the team did not play well. I do think Huntelaar is a great strker too though.

Silur - I can understand why you like the Dutch team so much, they do produce a lot of great players (although Peter Schmichel is Danish), but Russia have a very good team at the moment, you should support your motherland.

As for England today, they were solid but very unadventurous. They need to play better than that if they want to progress.

Just watched Ukraine v Sweden, good for the home nation to get a victory and Shevchenko is still a great striker.

[Silur 3,297]

Oh, yes, Dazza262 ...

P.Schmichel is Danish of course ... Excuse me ...

But about NED: first love it's a love for years ...

[dazza262 133]

Looking forward to the Germany v Holland game tonight, should be a spicy affair.

Kom op Nederland, bots de jongens van Duitsland !

[Silur 3,297]

Germany vs Holland = 1:0 now ... I'm crying ... There are many ideas in my mind with this EURO-2012 ... I can't see any interesting and strong team today with any pretty idea - may be only German "Machine Head" ...

EDIT:

Current Flash: GER vs NED 2:0 and very poor game by NED, may be another time help NED ...

This is a crazy EURO without any real interesting teams- only "grey" playing, except GER and, may be Russia in attack ...

There are thousands football players from Africa, South America and Asia in Europe today ... and we haven't any interesting Europe national team today ... Excellent example is England - with an great rich national championship - and poor national team from 1966 ... They are unlucky persons about 50-th years ...

EDIt: My Favorite NED team on EURO-2012 - RIP ...,

but I'm with Yours for years ...

  Edited June 13, 2012 by Silur  

[matheuspaulo 62]

How could England reveal player if "sheiks" laundry money with south american and african players ? this ask goes to every team of the competition. European teams win World Cups due to lack of competitiveness with other continents. i mean, only Brazil and Argentina dispute with them.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

Germany vs Holland = 1:0 now ... I'm crying ... There are many ideas in my mind with this EURO-2012 ... I can't see any interesting and strong team today with any pretty idea - may be only German "Machine Head" ...

EDIT:

Current Flash: GER vs NED 2:0 and very poor game by NED, may be another time help NED ...

This is a crazy EURO without any real interesting teams- only "grey" playing, except GER and, may be Russia in attack ...

There are thousands football players from Africa, South America and Asia in Europe today ... and we haven't any interesting Europe national team today ... Excellent example is England - with an great rich national championship - and poor national team from 1966 ... They are unlucky persons about 50-th years ...

EDIt: My Favorite NED team on EURO-2012 - RIP ...,

but I'm with Yours for years ...

I watched that game and the Dutch did not adjust to the German strategy. The Germans placed most of their guys on defense and one guy (Mario Gomez) stood by the dutch defense so he wouldn't be offside, but was ready to score any moment. He pretty much hung out on the Dutch side the entire game. It was a dirty tactic but it worked unfortunately.

[Silur 3,297]

Now I can see Spain vs Ireland ...

First time on EURO 2012 - I can see fine, clever and attractive command game playing by Spain ...

Excellent spirit and mastery - magicians ...

  Edited June 14, 2012 by Silur  

[dazza262 133]

Spain are probably still the best team in the world, but after watching the Germany v Holland game last night I've got a feeling that the Germans are going to win this tournament.

Element, you say that the Germans played a dirty tactic. I'm sorry but I have to disagree with that, they played with efficiency. They let the Dutch have a lot of the ball knowing that they have good enough defenders to deal with the threat, while also knowing that the Dutch defence is very poor and they could hurt them with good passing and movement.

By the way, I expect Germany to beat Denmark in the last group game, so if Holland can beat Portugal 2-0 they can still progress to the next round, although they will have to play a lot better than last night !

[Silur 3,297]

Spain vs Ireland = second time ...

I'm with football from 1966 but never saw it before on Championships and World Cups - Eagles vs Turtles ... It's not a game - this is a show ..

0:2 -

Edit 01: 0:3 (minute 72),

Edit 02: 0:4 (minute 82),

= very good score for Ireland ...

This is a real excellent football from Spain Artists ...

  Edited June 14, 2012 by Silur  

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

Element, you say that the Germans played a dirty tactic. I'm sorry but I have to disagree with that, they played with efficiency. They let the Dutch have a lot of the ball knowing that they have good enough defenders to deal with the threat, while also knowing that the Dutch defence is very poor and they could hurt them with good passing and movement.

I know. I was just ranting.

It was a fair game. Germany played extremely well, especially with defense.

[Silur 3,297]

I see only two teams for EURO-2012 final game; Germany and Spain ... I can't tell about first place - different styles, but equal possibilities ...

  Edited June 14, 2012 by Silur