It's not only about Spain but any game with the midfield crowded like this would end up being a boring game. Anyways Spain was playing like a headless chicken throughout the tournament I wonder how they will fare in the final. I hope they don't do some weird experiment like throwing in Negredo or something.
Let's all pray that Italy does not qualify otherwise it would probably be the most boring final in Euros history!
The word boring was taken to another level last night.
Seriously, the first save by keeper that I could remember happened on extra time when Patricio deflected Iniesta's effort from close range.
Now I'm rooting for Germany even more.
I hope they defeat Italy, bring their beautiful game to the final match and defeat Spain
I hope Germany loses and everyone itt cries alot and is really upset about it.
@Monkey:
I hope Germany loses and everyone itt cries alot and is really upset about it.
Boo to you .
@gotta<3OP:
Why 2 defenders, why??? I don't get it. :/
Germany for the win. I don't want this professional borers to be champions once more.
Pique and Ramos took penalties and both scored, pepe scored.
It is really common that defenders take penalties in penalty shootouts, they are normally often the leading packs in the locker room and the most confident. I would as well say that moutinhos and alonsos penalties were worse although hitting the goal. If we look at it that way defenders scored from 3/4, midfielders (4/6, 2/3). Defenders did better in the penalty shootout yesterday than midfielders. Easy math.
Spain vs Portugal game was a cruel reminder to those thinking football is all about beautiful games like Italy vs England.
Forza Italia.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/olympics–david-beckham-left-off-great-britain-olympic-team.html
Since this is our big soccer thread at the moment, David Beckham has been cut in the final round of the England Olympic Soccer team, which I would assume will piss off some people, including the English Olympic committee.
@xan:
It's not only about Spain but any game with the midfield crowded like this would end up being a boring game. Anyways Spain was playing like a headless chicken throughout the tournament I wonder how they will fare in the final. I hope they don't do some weird experiment like throwing in Negredo or something.
Let's all pray that Italy does not qualify otherwise it would probably be the most boring final in Euros history!
Did you somehow miss the group stage match? I for one believe a rematch would be a decent final. The only thing that makes Spain's passing game boring is their complacency and lack of urgency. They are content to retain the ball even if it means camping a little past the half-way line. They're honestly not living up to their potential and just not creating enough chances. IMO, it doesn't matter that Spain don't have a CF, because their intricate passing can create clear, open, almost tap-in-like chances where shot accuracy is not a major concern.
BUT, their attacking strategy is a bit like a one-trick pony. They need to be a little more adventurous. They could attempt a counter-attack every now and then. With players like Xabi and Xavi, an accurate long pass taken quickly would add a good degree of unpredictability. To score off this counter-attack they could use Silva/Navas/Iniesta working with Llorente, perhaps?
As for today's game; I began the tournament supporting Germany, but I'm having a hard time choosing between them and Italy atm. Balotelli may be a colossal prick, but he's got great potential. He needs to stop attempting too many long range shots and not be as wasteful as he has been. But whatever, I don't mind who wins as long as we see plenty of chances on goal created and a good overall game. Heck I don't even mind penalties if the score was 2-2 or 1-1 at the very least. But please, for the love of football, no goalless draw.
Super Mario. There can be only one!
It's good to be home. The party has already started here. All my family in the surrounding area made it down to my parent's house, as well as anyone with even the slightest Italian heritage. All in all there's about 30 people crammed in our house.
We've got flags flying, and, for some reason, we're blasting nothing but Adriano Celentano.
Also, there is so much food.
Good times.
Go Italia!
I mean, we're partying no matter what after the match, but it be better if it were a victory party.
Man they were so close.
Germany looking good so far, attacking early and often
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
Balotelli just got the super mushroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are gonna shoot, shoot. Don't talk
RIP Eli Wallach
3DS Friend Code: 3454-0518-6166
Germany looking good so far, attacking early and often
Except for that goal thing.
Mama Mia mothafucka.
Nice goal but still, dammit. Step it up Germany.
I assume Nex approved
If you are gonna shoot, shoot. Don't talk
RIP Eli Wallach
3DS Friend Code: 3454-0518-6166
This happened because I opened a live stream.
Six seconds after I open it they scored.
@Monkey:
This happened because I opened a live stream.
Six seconds after I open it they scored.
Then I assume the second you look away from the screen or turn to something else Germany will score.
Hey, what's that behind you?
Great. We'll lose again ;__;
My nightmare is coming true.
Germany has had more chances, but damn, Italy's have all been pretty.
I assume Nex approved
Very much so!
Great. We'll lose again ;__;
My nightmare is coming true.
Never should have messed with South Europe. Cosa Nostra~
Though, I did notice that Buffon is acting very skittish by goal. That was the first real shot that he actually caught, and he almost didn't.
FUCK Gomez was a second too late. Germany so many chances so far hopefully they get one in before the half
I thought Europeans beat eachother up over sports. This thread is boring.
Close again!!!!!
Come on germany
EDIT: Jesus that was close
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
BALOTELLI has the Super Star ladies and Gentlemen. God damn
Okay, I go crying.
And I just went deaf!
Today is a good day!
Absolutely beautiful.
If Germany doesn't come back and win I am all for Italy trying to break the monotony of the dreaded Spanish defense
This thread:
FORZA ITALIARA OEOEOE! OE!
Super Mario time! :3
German defence :\
Is Ozil the only German trying any more?
No no no nonononononono!
Well at least it's an exciting game.
Is Ozil the only German trying any more?
@Monkey:
This thread:
I could start hurling racial epitaphs at Balotelli like a lot of soccer (Russian) fans do, but that would be in poor taste
If you are gonna shoot, shoot. Don't talk
RIP Eli Wallach
3DS Friend Code: 3454-0518-6166
Those damn dagos are making a fool of the superior aryan defence.
OH YEAH! Italy showing them how it's DONE!
I wish I was at the game right now just to console the hot female German fans they keep on showing
I like how that guy scored and then took his shirt off and just stood in the middle of the field.
I like how that guy scored and then took his shirt off and just stood in the middle of the field.
That was Crazy Mario Balotelli that came out right there
I could start hurling racial epitaphs at Balotelli like a lot of soccer (Russian) fans do, but that would be in poor taste
Come on lol, can't you guys figure out how to scuffle WITHOUT racism? Euope europe europe.
Those damn dagos are making a fool of the superior aryan defence.
Dago only refers to Italian-Americans (Me) and Italian-Australians, and it really doesn't cause a stir anymore, at least in my family.
Gotta get better with your racial slurs if you want to start a stir. 
Why is the ESPN coverage of a European soccer tournament sponsered by the US Marine Corp?
@Nex:
Dago only refers to Italian-Americans (Me) and Italian-Australians, and it really doesn't case a stir anymore, at least in my family.
Gotta get better with your racial slurs if you want to start a stir.
You Guinea brat you!
@Monkey:
Come on lol, can't you guys figure out how to scuffle WITHOUT racism? Euope europe europe.
As an American that's how I figure at least a third of riots/fights start in Europe with the two-thirds being nation pride mixed with copious amounts of booze
If you are gonna shoot, shoot. Don't talk
RIP Eli Wallach
3DS Friend Code: 3454-0518-6166
As an American that's how I figure at least a third of riots/fights start in Europe with the two-thirds being nation pride mixed with copious amounts of booze
Well Russia is the giant imperial trash heap on the edge, can't really judge the rest of them countries by that standard.
… I am so sad right now.
"Unicorns can't see into your heart. All our dumb horns can do is glow, point towards the nearest rainbow and play rave music!"
Visit my Etsy Shop: Heart'n'Skull or Tumblr
@Monkey:
You Guinea brat you!
Oh snap. I can't believe you just went there!
Eh…I'd get worked up if I could, but I can't.
I could maybe put my grandfather on. I know he starts fights over wop, so I'm sure he could get pretty nasty over Guinea.
An avalanche of babby tears comes over the alps >8D
Zephs comprehension of European football is just so entertaining to hear.
Just don't praise Ronaldo and be forever lost in the sea of 'my hair is lookin faaaaaabulouuuus' fans.
