UEFA Euro 2008

[pablo]

Here's the complete schedule:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2008/fixtures?league=uefa.euro&date=20080601&type=month&cc=5901

Will the games on ESPN and ESPN2 be shown in HD?

[jefbal99]

Here's the complete schedule:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2008/fixtures?league=uefa.euro&date=20080601&type=month&cc=5901

Will the games on ESPN and ESPN2 be shown in HD?

Yes, along with the two games on ABC

[Ed Campbell]

Got 'em scheduled!

[paco1986]

Here's the complete schedule:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2008/fixtures?league=uefa.euro&date=20080601&type=month&cc=5901

Will the games on ESPN and ESPN2 be shown in HD?

Only the 5 games on ESPN Classic will not be in HD, but the rest will be!:D

[pablo]

Why even put them on ESPN Classic?

[paco1986]

Why even put them on ESPN Classic?

I know, kinda dumb. But where else can they put these 5 games? For instance, tomorrow ESPN has horse racing and ESPN2 has college baseball and then NASCAR. I guess horse racing, college baseball, and NASCAR are higher on the priority list for ESPN.:(

[CKNAV]

I know, kinda dumb. But where else can they put these 5 games? For instance, tomorrow ESPN has horse racing and ESPN2 has college baseball and then NASCAR. I guess horse racing, college baseball, and NASCAR are higher on the priority list for ESPN.:(

I emailed programming people at ESPN about this. Basically it comes down to contract agreements. All these events have to be either on ESPN or ESPN2, as they are on carried by many more providers than ESPN Classic.

[Ed Campbell]

They've been using ESPN Classic as the catchall whenever they give us something "extra".

For ex: during the Champions League matches, ESPN might only have 1 match per day; but, they'd put a second match on ESPNCL. Usually, I already had it sked for Setanta.

[paco1986]

I emailed programming people at ESPN about this. Basically it comes down to contract agreements. All these events have to be either on ESPN or ESPN2, as they are on carried by many more providers than ESPN Classic.

Exactly. It is what is, I guess.

[bgedney]

I understand contractual agreements, but when not make Classic HD? I wonder, will Classic be affected by the DTV mandates or do they only serve content via D* and other providers?

[Visman]

I know, kinda dumb. But where else can they put these 5 games? For instance, tomorrow ESPN has horse racing and ESPN2 has college baseball and then NASCAR. I guess horse racing, college baseball, and NASCAR are higher on the priority list for ESPN.:(

I guess we know were real Football (Soccer) stands in the U.S. , or at least for E.S.P.N..

[GutBomb]

I understand contractual agreements, but when not make Classic HD? I wonder, will Classic be affected by the DTV mandates or do they only serve content via D* and other providers?

the only channels ever affected by digital tv mandates are over the air broadcast channels.

[CKNAV]

I understand contractual agreements, but when not make Classic HD? I wonder, will Classic be affected by the DTV mandates or do they only serve content via D* and other providers?


ESPN Classic supposed to be converted to ESPN 3 and HD within 18 months. It is supposed to be very soccer oriented and starting in 2009 ESPN will have rights to show English Premiere League.

[CKNAV]

I guess we know were real Football (Soccer) stands in the U.S. , or at least for E.S.P.N..

It is only 5 games. Does Setanta have HD channel? I do not think so.

[jefbal99]

ESPN Classic supposed to be converted to ESPN 3 and HD within 18 months. It is supposed to be very soccer oriented and starting in 2009 ESPN will have rights to show English Premiere League.

Do you have any sources or links that back any of that up?

[kal915]

ESPN Classic supposed to be converted to ESPN 3 and HD within 18 months. It is supposed to be very soccer oriented and starting in 2009 ESPN will have rights to show English Premiere League.


I hope this is true

[vtfan99]

ESPN Classic supposed to be converted to ESPN 3 and HD within 18 months. It is supposed to be very soccer oriented and starting in 2009 ESPN will have rights to show English Premiere League.

If this is correct...it will be one of the happiest days ever. Hopefully it will include announcers who know how to call the game. I have to say, it is very refreshing to have Andy Gray and the others calling the Euros.

[davemayo]

It was tough watching the non-HD games on Classic this weekend.

[CKNAV]

Do you have any sources or links that back any of that up?


I do not have any links. This was told to me by somebody that works at ESPN. Notice that I said supposed to be. Anything can change.

[cmasia]

Do you have any sources or links that back any of that up?


I'm guessing it came from here.

http://www.epltalk.com/premier-league-on-espn/2099

I do know the contracts have not even been put out for bid yet.
IMG is the international rights holder for the EPL ( I'm still having a hard time calling it the BPL ) and all agreements are awarded by them.

If ESPN is successful, I can only hope we continue to get the IMG production and commentary teams we currently get on FSC and Setanta.

[Dan Burgess]

If ESPN is successful, I can only hope we continue to get the IMG production and commentary teams we currently get on FSC and Setanta.They'll probably send over Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.

[tuff bob]

I have to say, it is very refreshing to have Andy Gray and the others calling the Euros.

Andy Gray is fantastic. :)

[bones boy]

They'll probably send over Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.

!rolling

[turey22]

GO SPAIN!!!!

[Ed Campbell]

It is only 5 games. Does Setanta have HD channel? I do not think so.

EPL matches have been available in the UK in HD for a spell.

Correspondance with Setanta assures subscribers that when HD is brought over from Sky to Fox Soccer - the Setanta matches will also be telecast in HD - they will match the competition.

Haven't gotten any answers out of FSC, lately.

Send emails to both of 'em:

http://msn.foxsports.com/feedback

http://www.setantaus.com/en/NA/Contact-Us/

[CKNAV]

EPL matches have been available in the UK in HD for a spell.

Correspondance with Setanta assures subscribers that when HD is brought over from Sky to Fox Soccer - the Setanta matches will also be telecast in HD - they will match the competition.

Haven't gotten any answers out of FSC, lately.

Send emails to both of 'em:

http://msn.foxsports.com/feedback

http://www.setantaus.com/en/NA/Contact-Us/

I was just responding Visman about his remark how ESPN treats soccer in US. ESPN is showing all but 5 matches in HD form Euro 2008. Setanta on the other hand does not have any HD, not to mention that their channel is also one of the worst looking on TV. Some matches are unwatchable on Setanta as the quality is so bad.

[jazzyjez]

I was just responding Visman about his remark how ESPN treats soccer in US. ESPN is showing all but 5 matches in HD form Euro 2008. Setanta on the other hand does not have any HD, not to mention that their channel is also one of the worst looking on TV. Some matches are unwatchable on Setanta as the quality is so bad.

I have to agree with you about Setanta's video quality... I don't know whether it now just seems worse - as we get increasingly used to HD - or whether it really has deteriorated. Either way, they need to address it soon if they want me to continue my subscription (edit: it is noticeably worse than FSC). I've been with them from the start - mainly to see some of the Championship matches (rather than the EPL), but that too has been lacking in the last year. I'd also like to see them show the pre-, post- and half-time interviews that they show in the UK.

Regarding ESPN, I watched the Germany-Poland game and the quality was superb... yes, I could do without the annoying scroll/stats along the bottom of the screen, but overall A+.

[A tip for all HD sports channels - take a look at the Tennis Channel to see how it should be done - discrete logo right in the corner, no continuous scroll bars, reasonable text size for the score, no meaningless graphics bars that just show patterns and otherwise seem to block huge parts of the screen without any real purpose. Speed HD also does a pretty good job from what I've seen watching F1 (OK, that's enough for now!).]

[bgedney]

Andy Gray is fantastic. :)

It is all about Tommy Smyth. I did some work doing production at the Home Depot Center in Carson and he did some games, He is pretty rad.

[dhines]

ESPN Classic supposed to be converted to ESPN 3 and HD within 18 months. It is supposed to be very soccer oriented and starting in 2009 ESPN will have rights to show English Premiere League.

outstanding news. where did you hear this? have a link?

my personal fav for announcer is the scot or irish guy from GolTV. some of his comments have me rolling off the couch. Roy something?

[jorossian]

It's been a while since I've posted in these forums but I have to say it does my heart good to hear some quality discussion in these boards about European football and the coverage DTV provides.

Watching the Euro in HD for the first time has nearly brought tears of joy. The Champions League was ok earlier this year but I hated that ESPN kept the 4:3 aspect ratio all along. Euro '08 has finally shown that a milestone has been crossed by ESPN and DTV. I only wish I could see Italy's Serie A and Spain's La Liga in such superb beauty. The EPL frankly does nothing for me so I hope they don't focus their future programming on that ugly league - however, I'll take what I can get. I was very dissappointed last year when FOX bought all the programming rights for Serie A and GolTV lost it's share. It was always a pleasure to be able to see EVERY game from Juventus, AC Milan, Inter and Roma As GolTV and Fox often split the bill. Rupert Murdoch is a greedy bastage!

Anyway - Kudos to ESPN and DTV for finally giving us what most of Europe has enjoyed for a year or 2 already. I'll be recording every match. Also - I agree with the comments on Setanta sports - I only cancelled my sub last year. Same deal - Fox bought them out of the market and effectively deprived us of a lot of content that used to be beautifully spread evenly througout our US outlets. I'll probably subscribe again if they're still the top source for World Cup qualifiers.

And for the love of god DTV..... Give me RAI International! THE greatest source for Italian Serie A coverage in the US! Ever since FOX bought GolTv's share of coverage it's the only way to get the top matches in Italy week to week. It forces me to go to my dad's house to watch cable where RAI has been available since around 1985!. How can DTV ignore a basic channel like that for so long when cable long ago made it a staple? It's one channel that would instantly cause a POOPLOAD of italian americans to finally switch over from cable or Dish.

[jorossian]

BTW: turey22, and dhines - I also have fallen in love with the Mexican primera as my fiancee is from Guadalajara and introduced me to Chivas. I've seen 2 matches in person at Estadio Jalisco and they were unforgettable. What a beautiful city and what a great atmosphere for football. I also love Atlas and Cruz Azul. Atlas because they're the "little guys" of GDL and I always love the underdog. Cruz Azul because my favorite player for my favorite team (Mauro Camoranesi of Italian Serie A's Juventus) is a Cruz Azul alum.

[turey22]

BTW: turey22, and dhines - I also have fallen in love with the Mexican primera as my fiancee is from Guadalajara and introduced me to Chivas. I've seen 2 matches in person at Estadio Jalisco and they were unforgettable. What a beautiful city and what a great atmosphere for football. I also love Atlas and Cruz Azul. Atlas because they're the "little guys" of GDL and I always love the underdog. Cruz Azul because my favorite player for my favorite team (Mauro Camoranesi of Italian Serie A's Juventus) is a Cruz Azul alum.

Well, I learned something new today. I never new Camoranesi was a cruz azul alum. That's why he's so good then! Haha. Yeah, the stadium in jalisco is nice. I, unfortunately, have never been to a game in mexico but would love too. I would love too see the national team play in the azteca against usa.

Mexican soccer is good but I would like to see it up there with the best, like la liga and epl. A question, what do you think about the new head coach for the national team?

[jorossian]

Sven Goran Erickson has HUGE resume. He's coached for a lot of top clubs in Italy, England and I thing Portugal. He was also England's Nation team coach up until recently.

Frankly - he has a great pedigree, but I'm concerned as I watched his press conference on ESPN Deportes when he introduced himself to the Mexican media. He really knows little to nothing about the Mexican league aside from the small number of players playing in Europe. This is bad news IMO when he has such little time to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers for WC '10. The National needs an influx of youth and he has little knowledge of the young starletts in the Mexican league and for christ sake - it's time for Borgetti to retire! Erickson's going to need some assistants that are far better versed in the league to help him catch up quick. His Spanish is also VERY bad as shown in the presser. He speaks very good Italian (as do I) and Portugese but he brutally mauled his spanish in the presser. I think he'll learn it very quickly as I did since Spanish is so similar to Italian - but does he really have time to take Spanish lessons while his main job for the next 12 months will be to put together a team with players he knows little about?

Lots of question marks here. He was certainly not the Mexican Football Federation's first choice, but so may others turned down the job before he took it. He was just sacked as England's coach and now he's been sacked as Manchester City's coach. Not a good past 2 year for Sven. Hopefully Mexico didn't just go for a "BIG NAME" rather than looking for someone who really knows the pulse of the players he's inheriting and the wealth of young talent that fills the Mexican league waiting for a chance to prove themselves on the world stage.

Either way - As phenominal a player Hugo Sanchez was, he really needed to be replaced. I only hope they made the right choice. Sanchez was a hero in Mexico who knew the league and the players well, but was not a natural coaching talent. I believe Mexico now has the opposite problem. We'll see I guess ;)

[turey22]

Erickson is going to need to make a whole new team like you said. Hugo scr**** us over with his coaching. He talk badly about LaVolpe when all LaVolpe did was actually make mexico be known and considered as a great team. we beat great teams like brazil. Now they lose 4-1 aganist argentina. The mexican youth is all we have left and borgetti should retire, haha.

[Ed Campbell]

I agree with the comments on Setanta sports - I only cancelled my sub last year. Same deal - Fox bought them out of the market...!

Dude, you haven't been watching. Yes, I am a fan of the EPL and SPL and even enjoy some of Ligue Un and the Bundesliga carried by Setanta.

Setanta and Fox split the EPL right down the middle - each have about half the matches every weekend. You're missing a lot of football if you aren't watching Setanta.

[dhines]

Dude, you haven't been watching. Yes, I am a fan of the EPL and SPL and even enjoy some of Ligue Un and the Bundesliga carried by Setanta.

Setanta and Fox split the EPL right down the middle - each have about half the matches every weekend. You're missing a lot of football if you aren't watching Setanta.

bundesliga on setanta? i always see it on GolTV . . . btw, with regard to jorossian missing EPL games on setanta, i don't think he is a fan of the EPL.

jorossian --

good to hear that you are enjoying the FMF. my wife is from mexico (just moved to the states 3 years ago) and i lived in mexico city for a few years, and that is when i started following the league. one thing i will say is this, for the FMF to become a top tier league they need to stop the diving, crying and acting crap. the technical ability in the league can stand up with anyone, but it drives me nuts to see the drama involved.

[ironwood]

Wow what a difference HD makes in watching soccer. Combination of a big screen tv, HD DVR and HD broadcast is awesome. A whole new experience. Especially I love my the DVR. How many time you are sitting there for half an hour waiting for that one and only goal and as soon as you turn away for a split second ........it happened! Now I can pause and rewind. Or instant replay.
Special thanks to ESPN.

By the way if you get spanish package (Para Todos) you can watch all Euro games on different channels with real latin american commentators (you know those screaming Gooooooooooooooool). Not in HD though but still. It requires either 3-sat or 5 lnb dish. Get package for a month and then cancel.

[jorossian]

Amazing tournament so far. Todays do or die game between Turkey and the Czech Republic for the 2nd spot in group A was one of the most amazing sporting events I've ever seen. The Turks won me over after this game. Along with Holland and Croatia they've charged this tournament with some of the most beautiful, aggressive and cohesive football I've seen in years. However none of those teams have shown me the heart when behind the 8-ball that Turkey showed today. Stuff for the ages... and it looked SO BEAUTIFUL in HD!!!

I can't wait for tuesday's matches with Italy/France and Romania/Holland to sort out group C. I love the Azzuri and I hate the ****ty luck they've gotten from the refs this tournament, but regardless of what happens I'll still keep rooting for the Dutch, Croats and Turks. Regardless of what happens in the Holland/Romania match (Romania MUST lose) I hope Italy DESTROYS France. I love much of the French players like Ribery, Vieri, Sagnol and Thuram but I despise coach Domenench more than any coach in all of sport. He's the most classless prick in all of international football. I hope David Trezeguet laughs in his face when he's fired after this tournament and then immediately called up for the 2010 world cup by his successor.

[turey22]

Amazing tournament so far. Todays do or die game between Turkey and the Czech Republic for the 2nd spot in group A was one of the most amazing sporting events I've ever seen. The Turks won me over after this game. Along with Holland and Croatia they've charged this tournament with some of the most beautiful, aggressive and cohesive football I've seen in years. However none of those teams have shown me the heart when behind the 8-ball that Turkey showed today. Stuff for the ages... and it looked SO BEAUTIFUL in HD!!!

I can't wait for tuesday's matches with Italy/France and Romania/Holland to sort out group C. I love the Azzuri and I hate the ****ty luck they've gotten from the refs this tournament, but regardless of what happens I'll still keep rooting for the Dutch, Croats and Turks. Regardless of what happens in the Holland/Romania match (Romania MUST lose) I hope Italy DESTROYS France. I love much of the French players like Ribery, Vieri, Sagnol and Thuram but I despise coach Domenench more than any coach in all of sport. He's the most classless prick in all of international football. I hope David Trezeguet laughs in his face when he's fired after this tournament and then immediately called up for the 2010 world cup by his successor.

Trezeguet is a very good player. Domenench wont get fired over this, i doubt it. he is a good coach but he doesnt know how to chose the players to play for france. Trezeguet would be better than govou. Makelele? why him, he looked lost out there against holland. gomis? very inexperienced and young. thuram? another one that should of stayed home and anelka, i just dislike him. italy will crush france if france plays the same way they did against holland. if henry has a good day and gets some help they might win. Henry is a beast!

Holland might win this cup but we will see when they go up against spain or even portugal.

[turey22]

i feel like spain is going to kill all the competition out there this year and this is thier year. but on the other hand holland, they look unstoppable.

[turey22]

What happened to all the HD games on espn2??????????????? i have to go to espn deportes to watch the games now.

[jorossian]

Spain definitely looks great as well. David Villa is on fire. I loved watching him send Ibrahimovich to the showers all depressed in extra time.

My favorites to win at this point are in this order:

1) Holland
2) Croatia
3) Spain
4) Italy (if they can squeeze through after today - no one can have this much bad luck and bad officiating forever)
5) Portugal (overrated - I friggin' hate Cristiano Ronaldo)

[VeniceDre]

What happened to all the HD games on espn2??????????????? i have to go to espn deportes to watch the games now.

They moved to ESPN HD 206, they still show the other game running at the same on ESPN classic. Today's France v Itlay Mega Matchup is on ESPN HD 206.

[jorossian]

Coverage is switching over to ESPN and ABC as we get closer to the final. The last ESPN2 game will be Wednesday.

Wednesday 6/18 - (Group D)
==============
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Spain (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Russia vs. Sweden (ESPN2) --(ESPN Deportes @ 7pm)

Quarterfinals Stage:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 6/19 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Friday 6/20 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Saturday 6/21 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group C vs. 2nd Group D (ABC)
Sunday 6/22 2:55 p.m.- 1st Group D vs. 2nd Group C (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)

Semifinals Stage:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 6/25 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Thursday 6/26 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Final:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 6/29 2:30 p.m. - Euro 2008 Title Match from Vienna (ABC)

[Ed Campbell]

Still wish they had both matches of the day in HD - live. I'm recording the Netherlands - Romania match in the middle of the night; but, I know someone will tell me the result before I get to watch it.

[turey22]

France better win today

[turey22]

Coverage is switching over to ESPN and ABC as we get closer to the final. The last ESPN2 game will be Wednesday.

Wednesday 6/18 - (Group D)
==============
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Spain (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
2:30 p.m.- Russia vs. Sweden (ESPN2) --(ESPN Deportes @ 7pm)

Quarterfinals Stage:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday 6/19 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Friday 6/20 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Saturday 6/21 2:30 p.m.- 1st Group C vs. 2nd Group D (ABC)
Sunday 6/22 2:55 p.m.- 1st Group D vs. 2nd Group C (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)

Semifinals Stage:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday 6/25 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN, ESPN Deportes)
Thursday 6/26 2:30 p.m.- Winners (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Final:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday 6/29 2:30 p.m. - Euro 2008 Title Match from Vienna (ABC)

hey thank you for this. this helps me alot.

[jorossian]

Forza Italia!!!

[turey22]

Forza Italia!!!

What??? Are you drunk brah?? :lol: France is going to win man but they are just...still tired from the night of drinking! :hurah:

[turey22]

FRANCE R.I.P. :flaiming

[jorossian]

Fratelli d'Italia
L'Italia s'è desta
Dell'elmo di Scipio
S'è cinta la testa.
Dove'è la Vittoria?
Le porga la chioma;
Chè schiava di Roma
Iddio la creò.

Stringiamoci a coorte,
Siam pronti alla morte
Siam pronti alla morte!
Italia chiamò!

eh!

And now in English.... ;)

Italian brothers,
Italy has arisen,
With Scipio's helmet
crowning her head.
Where is Victory?
Let her bow down to us,
For God has made her
the slave of Rome.

Let us gather in legions,
Ready to face death
We're willing to die!
For Italy has called!

Hey!

:)

[turey22]

italy played there best game so far this tournament.

[jorossian]

italy played there best game so far this tournament.

I don't know about that, but it's impossible to judge this game due to the loss of Ribery and the redcard ejection/penalty in the 1st half. France without Ribery is nothing. IMO Frank Ribery is the world's top player right now. Such a horrible loss and I hope he can recover fast enough to be ready for the Bundesliga and upcoming WC qualifiers.

As far as Italy's play - IMO they've been by far the better team compared to France and Romania in the first 2 games yet faaar behind Holland. They just seem to have crossed paths with an army of black cats while walking under a few stepladders and crashing a few mirrors. I've never seen a team miss so many razor close scoring chances over and over. Especially Luca Toni who constantly seems to be shooting at a net with a backdraft blowing out of it. With just a shred of good fortune going their way they could have easily cruised to 2nd spot in the group and avoided being in the tight spot they found themselves today. Aside from that they seemed to get the short end of the stick in officiating more often than not. They should have killed Romania and yet incredulously they found themselves at the 80th minute tied up with a penalty against them. After Buffon's save I thought maybe our luck had changed, but watching Toni miss chance after chance again today I think we can still be far better.

Unfortunately, though, France seemed to have worst luck of the entire tournament today. No one wants to win this way. Losing Ribery was devastating and I would have much preferred the ref just awarded a penalty and not ejected the player on the Toni tackle. A penalty is enough punishment. The ejection more or less ruined any chance of a competetive game.

[jorossian]

I'd just like to say that after today's games I'm happier than a pig in poop. I'd also like to say THANK YOU Van Basten and all of the Netherlands players for playing your hearts out to beat Romania.

Spain awaits my beloved Azzuri next week and we're going to be without Pirlo and Gattuso for the match due to yellow cards. Torres and Villa are going to be a tough mark for my boy Chiellini, Zambrotta and Grosso. How I miss the impenetrable wall of yesteryear when Italy could confidently field the legends of Cannavaro, Maldini and Nesta. Cannavaro is sorely missed. Chiellini is the best young defensive talent to come up in years for us, but he's still very green. I just hope to god we don't have to put Barzagli in.

Should be a great match. Good luck to you and your Spanish side Turrey22 ;) Hope for a great game as long as at the final whistle Italia is the victor!

[turey22]

Thank you, i hope spain gives their best againist italy. I know your a big fan of them, itlay, but i wish its a good game and spain comes out winning. I am going to miss the milan midfielders. Gattuso and pirlo to me they are very good players, some of my favroite players out there.

I was just talking the other day about how italy not having cannavaro is hurting them. He, like in madrid, is the one that makes the defense a solid defense.

I am very excited to see these games in the upcoming weeks. lets see how far netherlands can go. lets see what germany can do, and other great teams.

[jorossian]

Ditto - this has been the best Euro I can remember.

Gotta say I loved the young Russian squad take Ibrahimovic and the Swedes behind the woodshed today. Man do I hate Ibra. He was the one guy I was happy to see jump ship from Juve after the calciopoli farce. Don't let the door hit you in the a@@! The Russian squad - all day - reminded me of the Turks from the second half of the previous night's game. Aggressive and fast on the counterattack. Great to see some great young teams coming up. You just know a lot of these kids are gonna be sweeped up this transfer season by the big clubs in Italy, Spain and England.

On to the Semis!

[turey22]

I missed the germany vs porutgal game but i heard it was good.

[Ed Campbell]

Exciting. Germany played more "as a team" IMHO. Portugal still needs to discover defense.

And Big Phil has the ethics of a Congressional politician - telling his team he's bailing as soon as they're out of the tournament.

[jorossian]

I loved seeing CR sent home. He's so overrated. Another Ibrahimovich. Flashy arrogant showoff with no semblance of teamwork. Germany is the epitome of team play. Shweinsteiger, Klose, Podulski and Ballack schooled them.

And man what a mindblowing finish to yesterday's Turkey/Croatia match! How many more rabbits can the turks pull out of their hat?! Amazing finishes are their specialty. I feel so bad for Croatia... they should have won that game, but it's better to be lucky than good.

What a great tournament!

[ironwood]

Spain definitely looks great as well. David Villa is on fire. I loved watching him send Ibrahimovich to the showers all depressed in extra time.

My favorites to win at this point are in this order:

1) Holland
2) Croatia
3) Spain
4) Italy (if they can squeeze through after today - no one can have this much bad luck and bad officiating forever)
5) Portugal (overrated - I friggin' hate Cristiano Ronaldo)

How about Turkey and Russia? :lol:

[jorossian]

I'm all for Russia now!... Can you just imagine a Russia / Germany final? The historical political ramifications alone should make it electric. ;)

I've always loved the Azzuri, but I'm glad they're out of it after today. Just horrible, horrible offensive production. Ugly even. The bright side is that it pretty much seals the deal that Donadoni will be fired as coach and hopefully Lippi will return to rebuild the squad with Chiellini and Derossi as the new core. Plus it's time for the Giovinco, Lanzafame, Quagliarella, Borriello era to begin. We've got the young exciting talent, just need a coach willing to make the change. Hang on to the key vets who still have some gas in the tank in Pirlo, Camoranesi, Grosso and Zambrotta. Cassano will never be more asset than distraction. Most important though is gettting rid of Donadoni. Any coach could have built a better offense with these players than what Don did.

Go Germany and Russia!

[ironwood]

I'm all for Russia now!... Can you just imagine a Russia / Germany final? The historical political ramifications alone should make it electric. ;)

I've always loved the Azzuri, but I'm glad they're out of it after today. Just horrible, horrible offensive production. Ugly even. The bright side is that it pretty much seals the deal that Donadoni will be fired as coach and hopefully Lippi will return to rebuild the squad with Chiellini and Derossi as the new core. Plus it's time for the Giovinco, Lanzafame, Quagliarella, Borriello era to begin. We've got the young exciting talent, just need a coach willing to make the change. Hang on to the key vets who still have some gas in the tank in Pirlo, Camoranesi, Grosso and Zambrotta. Cassano will never be more asset than distraction. Most important though is gettting rid of Donadoni. Any coach could have built a better offense with these players than what Don did.

Go Germany and Russia!

They called match with Sweden The Battle of Poltava which is a historical event going few centuries back. Russia/Germany final should be called the Battle of Stalingrad. Russians have been waiting for this way too long. And I am sick of the same old teams going to finals every year. Its time for change!

[turey22]

GO SPAIN!!!

[GutBomb]

And I am sick of the same old teams going to finals every year. Its time for change!
You mean like:

2004: Greece
1996: Czech Republic
1992: Denmark
1988: Netherlands
1980: Belgium
1976: Czechoslovakia
1968: Yugoslavia
1960: Yugoslavia

This tournament has never had a shortage of unlikely teams in the finals.

You mention Russia/Germany would be a good final and then say that you hope it's not the same teams as all the time. In the history of the Euro Cup, Germany has played in 5 finals (including appearances as West Germany), and russia 4 (including appearances as USSR). Those are the 2 teams that have made it the MOST, so if your dream of a Germany/Russia final were to come true it would be the DEFINITION of the same old teams again. Of the remaining teams, spain and turkey, spain has been twice and turkey 0.

If turkey AND russia make the finals this tournament is even more of a joke because I don't think anyone would argue that either team was the best overall team through this tournament. Of the remaining teams Spain is really the only team qualified to win the title.


Playing defensive 10 men behind the ball until the last quarter of an hour does not deserve championships. (This specifically refers to turkey, russia has actually been good)

[ironwood]

I dont know man. Its just Italy/France/Germany/Brazil/ Argentina are always the favorites and they get to the final game and bore you to death with their 1-0 game for 90 minutes. Thats why Zinadine Zidane score with the head is the most memorable moment in the last world cup.

[vtfan99]

You mean like:

2004: Greece
1996: Czech Republic
1992: Denmark
1988: Netherlands
1980: Belgium
1976: Czechoslovakia
1968: Yugoslavia
1960: Yugoslavia

This tournament has never had a shortage of unlikely teams in the finals.

You mention Russia/Germany would be a good final and then say that you hope it's not the same teams as all the time. In the history of the Euro Cup, Germany has played in 5 finals (including appearances as West Germany), and russia 4 (including appearances as USSR). Those are the 2 teams that have made it the MOST, so if your dream of a Germany/Russia final were to come true it would be the DEFINITION of the same old teams again. Of the remaining teams, spain and turkey, spain has been twice and turkey 0.

If turkey AND russia make the finals this tournament is even more of a joke because I don't think anyone would argue that either team was the best overall team through this tournament. Of the remaining teams Spain is really the only team qualified to win the title.


Playing defensive 10 men behind the ball until the last quarter of an hour does not deserve championships. (This specifically refers to turkey, russia has actually been good)

Its not about the best overall team. Its about the team that finds a way to win enough to get out of their group and then strings 3 wins together. Sure, they need a little luck, but the best team doesn't always win.

I think Russia has a legit shot. I would like to see them take Spain down and I think they have a real chance to do so.

[GutBomb]

Its not about the best overall team. Its about the team that finds a way to win enough to get out of their group and then strings 3 wins together. Sure, they need a little luck, but the best team doesn't always win.

I think Russia has a legit shot. I would like to see them take Spain down and I think they have a real chance to do so.
I didn't say Russia couldn't win it because they are not the best overall team. I said it would be disappointing if they did, because they are not the best overall team.

That 4-1 victory spain had over them in the group stage certainly makes me differ with your opinion of their chances.

Also I was only saying that Russia vs Turkey in the final would be a joke. The 2 crappiest teams to make it out of the group stage would just be a disappointing final. And with further reflection, if Turkey makes the final at all, regardless of whether they face Spain or Russia, it will be a disappointment in my book, because they clearly don't belong there. If Russia does make it to the final, I don't think I would be as disappointed.

I dont know man. Its just Italy/France/Germany/Brazil/ Argentina are always the favorites and they get to the final game and bore you to death with their 1-0 game for 90 minutes. Thats why Zinadine Zidane score with the head is the most memorable moment in the last world cup.

If france had won that game 10-0 the game would still be remembered for the headbutt. The headbutt wasn't remembered because the game itself sucked, it was remembered because zidane chose to end his career with a silly red card instead of playing to the end.

[kal915]

That 4-1 victory spain had over them in the group stage certainly makes me differ with your opinion of their chances.


I disagree. i think if anything, this score will make them even more determined to show that they are a great team. Spain is an awesome team and they will probably play their best, and this should be an interesting match for the russians.

[spunkyvision]

Ever since Arshavin has come back from his suspension Russia has been one of the best teams. Dude is amazing.

[vtfan99]

That 4-1 victory spain had over them in the group stage certainly makes me differ with your opinion of their chances.


It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. My money is on Russia. They are simply 2 different teams with and without Arshavin. He has a massive impact on the game. I think Arshavin's presence this time coupled with the letdown after Spain's historic victory over Italy tilts the game to the Russians. Hiddink is one hell of a manager. Sure wish the US national team could lure him over here.

[Ed Campbell]

Ballack + Drogba - Grant - Shevchenko = even better offense.

Sorry, I couldn't resist it. :)

[GutBomb]

Hiddink is one hell of a manager. Sure wish the US national team could lure him over here.

That's one thing we can certainly agree on.

[vtfan99]

It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow. My money is on Russia. They are simply 2 different teams with and without Arshavin. He has a massive impact on the game. I think Arshavin's presence this time coupled with the letdown after Spain's historic victory over Italy tilts the game to the Russians. Hiddink is one hell of a manager. Sure wish the US national team could lure him over here.


Good thing "my money" was a figure of speech. Geez...I'd be living in a box by now with my picks.

I still think Hiddink is brilliant. And I still think we should dump Bradley and go after him.

[turey22]

GO SPAIN!!!

[GutBomb]

Good thing "my money" was a figure of speech. Geez...I'd be living in a box by now with my picks.

I still think Hiddink is brilliant. And I still think we should dump Bradley and go after him.
I think even russia started to believe the arshavan hype and thought they could coast with him out there. It's a shame he did absolutely nothing.

[turey22]

GO SPAIN!!!! Yay!!!

[turey22]

i am so happy spain won. they played like a team thru out the whole euro, so i think.

[Ed Campbell]

Truly an enjoyable match and a darn good series.

As I have noted to folks at Fox and Setanta...