Euro 2012 Chat

The_Spiel

I'm starting this thread mid-tournament (and post- the inevitable England exit) so I reckon it might be a bit late.

Germany or Spain, then? Italy threatened a lot against England but I think the fact that they failed to put in a goal from the outfield argues against them having a chance at advancing further.

OBollocks

Germany, I think. Perhaps it's just because I feel they're playing more exciting football than the Spanish. The Spaniards are really efficient and superb technically, but not as exciting.

Italy were the better team last night, but they've gone through here only to get mauled.

Owen

I think the Italy that showed up for extra time was quite convincing, but the first 90 minutes were awful. Germany will have them.

I wonder if Portugal might surprise the Spaniards. Ronaldo in the form he was for the last match is the best player on the planet.

OBollocks

I particularly enjoyed England showing that most players still had touches as light as that of a rapist. Andy Carroll was a particularly obvious example; great to play a long ball to because he is approximately seven feet nine inches tall, and he tried hard, but short, direct passing was awful.

It's better for it to end here than end up comprehensively thumped by ze Germans.

Germans to outgoal Italy, I think. 3-2.

The_Spiel

Andy Carroll looked like Gulliver out there stomping amongst the Liliputians.

OBollocks, I am sympathetic to your prediction but 3-2? That's a lot of goals against Italy, poor form or no. Buffon is a legend.

OBollocks

He's fallible just like any other human! Right? His reactions just can't be that good any more (disregarding the proof they are from last ngiht and the rest of his career), and I think Germany will get so many chances they'll get some in by default.

Balotelli will get one or two, if he doesn't stab someone. Germany will go on to outscore Italy. We'll then have an amazing Germany vs Spain match.

I wonder how hilariously wrong events will show me to be!

athros13

Come on Germany! In the 70th minute, and it's Italy 2-0 over Germany

Owen

Welp, I predicted a German victory AND suggested that an on-form Ronaldo could beat Spain. I think I lose my psychic guild card now.

OBollocks

Where's my humble pie? Bloody Germans, they always let you down.

athros13

Being a dirty American, I've been doing my research (since I like to know about a sport), and I'm realizing there is a lot more to Football than the USA would lead you to believe.

OBollocks

We all make assumptions from time to time. Like me when I met Owen. :-/

Owen

We all make assumptions from time to time. Like me when I met Owen. :-/

Wait, what assumption was that?

OBollocks

The one where you politely introduced yourself and asked me where I was from. I half-smiled and said "The UK." in that slightly pitying fashion I try so hard not to use with my transatlantic cousins, because I knew you had heard me speak and anyone who wasn't deaf or retarded would OF COURSE have been able to figure out what country I was from. I had a vision of getting you a bib and teaching you how to use a fork.

"No." You replied. "I meant, what organisation?"

Long story short: the twist ending was that the Brit was the stupid dick in this tale, Internet.

Owen

Love it.

OBollocks

And that was an absolute thumping. Spain just seemed totally impregnable. Did they shut Pirlo down entirely there?

Owen

Pirlo wasn't even there, basically. It seemed like they were pressing him as soon as he got the ball, never had a chance to do any thoughtful.

The second half was basically a clinic.

The_Spiel

Being a dirty American, I've been doing my research (since I like to know about a sport), and I'm realizing there is a lot more to Football than the USA would lead you to believe.

Welcome to a wider, more beautiful world sir. Did you watch the final?

I don't think there can be any doubt that this Spain side is the best one to ever play.