Roots Archives Forum

Must admit I thought Spain were lacking a certain something. Russia should have scored a 2nd when it was 3-1 and if they had I think Spain may well have *imploded*.

As an *enforced neutral observer* this is definitely the most open and exciting competition I can ever remember with only Romania and Greece playing spoiling games.

Excellent stuff!

France were quite disapointing against Romania as well. If they keep playing like this friday's match will be a walk in the park for Holland! Would be so cool if we beat Italy and France in one week. Yes!

Taco B wrote: Shame that Poland did not score against Germany: thought Smolarek scored a clear goals there.

Yeah, I thought that too:)I don't think he's in his best shape right now. Hope it changes before game with Austria...

Ebi will strike against Austria. If Germany beats Croatia then the Poland - Croatia game will be crucial. Good team Croatia, although Holland beat them in a friendly recently. Hopefully Don Leo comes up with a cunning plan.

Friday night, Netherlands versus France.

Hup Holland hup!

Big up to San Marco and the boys in Orange! Hup Holland hup!

6anbatte wrote:On the other hand the ones that stutter early on (but, obviously, do just enough to progress), often peak at the right time. So, with this in mind I am going for Germany as eventual winners.

True, germany played like this in lots of tournaments - best example was the world cup 2002. But i think they did a good job vs poland - and poland is by far not the worst team. Teams that did stutter were the czech republic -they'll have to improve tonight- croatia and especally the greek. I have to say sorry for calling the czechs play embarrassing; compared to greece they played not bad. The reigning champion played..well..ridiculously bad. Left me speechless.

Spain did well. Still best team so far: the netherlands. That being said by a german should speak for itself..
Enjoy the games tonight everyone!

Hi =Nilo82=

Saying that Germany *stuttered* was probably an exaggeration on my part.

That said, I was looking at their performance relative to those of both Holland and Portugal. My view was that those two both played a lot better than Germany and as I predicted earlier I think these 2 sides will be peaking at the wrong time and Germany at the right time.

Incidentally, I cannot believe how open a majority of the games have been with only Romania and Greece playing, relatively speaking, negative football.

Have watched most of the games so far here are my preductions for the semi finals:

Holland - Spain
Germany - Portugal

All class teams.

Taco B wrote:Hopefully Don Leo comes up with a cunning plan.

We shall see today;)

Btw, Leo Beenhakker did a brilliant job with our team, he changed them mentally:D