Euro 2012

[Brother None]

Germany is overwhelmingly favorite. Spain is the only one that could match them in potentia, but they're playing way too bad for that. Any of the three would need a lot of luck to match Germany.

I don't think people should dismiss the Greece match as they do. Greece lost only 2 of their preceding 24 matches, and rarely get more than one goal against. Germany's performance was dominant. None of the other teams could've done that. Especially not Spain.

but their class is just overwhelming.

What class? They score once and then pass the ball around ad nauseam. I mean, yes, the 2008 Spain team was awesome. The 2010 team was one of the weakest and most football-destructive WC winners of all time. This version isn't much better.

 

[Sicblades]

That's their game though, one touch passes to bore/frustrate the other side to death. I haven't seen any other team play a passing game like Spain has. It's extremely boring, but the class they show to pass the ball around like they do is phenomenal.

Germany will obliterate Spain though, they are just way way too strong for anyone right now.

 

[Brother None]

Portugal-Spain was one of those "doesn't deserve a winner" match. Terrible. I hope Spain gets thoroughly punished in the finals for their awful anti-football. I didn't think it possible but they're playing even worse, more unattractive football than during the WC.

Also, Bert van Marwijk quit Really bad news for Orange. Doesn't help anything of the actual problems we have, and there's no real capable replacement at the ready. Fucked up.

 

[Ilosar]

That wasn't a very good match. I was (slightly) rooting for Portugal because screw Spain, but they didn't put on a very good show. This match pretty much confirms Germany as the winner already; if Spain has that much trouble with their neightboors, forgot about taking down the German powerhouse. All in all, and Euro without much surprises is what I foresee.

 

[.Pixote.]

The Portugal - Spain match was ugly, and boring. Only in extra time did things pick up. After that effort I'm jumping ship, from Spain to Germany.

 

[maximaz]

I have this strange feeling that Italy will somehow undeservedly eek through tomorrow, in a way that will make a lot of people wtf. They do that sometimes. Germany definitely should have it though.

 

[Dead Guy]

Didn't watch the whole thing but it seemed to speed up a bit in overtime at least. More aggressive attacking from Spain, wish they'd play like that more, more running from Iniesta etc. They even dribbled their way past at times. I'm just glad I won't have to see Ronaldo anymore.

 

[.Pixote.]

Is it his thick neck that disturbs you, or the fact he falls over every time someone looks at him.

 

[maximaz]

He does have somewhat of a douchebag vibe about him but I've got to give it to him--the dude can be lightning fast. The other game, while the ball was in the air toward him, he ran around a defender and headed it in. I mean, that was some Flash shit. He runs weird though.

 

[Sub-Human]

Nice game, Spain kind of sucked and they could have done much more against Portugal. Let's see how those sneaky Italians are gonna have their asses handed to them today.

Finally can watch the whole game, school's over I guess.

 

[Sicblades]

Who the hell told Balotelli to show up today? What the fuck.

C'MON GERMANY!!

 

[maximaz]

Oh boy. My prediction is coming true although Italy is deserving it so far.

Italians are gonna have their asses handed to them today.

...

 

[Brother None]

That's football for you. It's why I don't like such absolute statements on who will win, even though Germany was clearly the favorite.

Who the hell told Balotelli to show up today? What the fuck.

I wouldn't say he showed up as much as Germany's D didn't. Both chances were really easy, wide-open chances created by German defenders failing terribly.

EDIT: well, that shot was really good tho

 

[Sub-Human]

Go Germany! It's in their nature to be winners, after second time they should score 3 goals. It's happened before, why not now?

Damn it... How could they... I'm amazed at this shit. Now rooting for Spain who will probably win again (since FIFA).

 

[maximaz]

Aww, they didn't let them finish that last attack... Anyway, Germany did not deserve to win this game.

 

[Brother None]

Yeah, big deserved win by Italy. I do like that team, great defense, great offense, very complete, unlike previous Italian teams.

Germany truly is the new Netherlands. Pretty football that inevitably washes up against a more efficient team. Pretty football does rarely win prizes.

Italy better win. I don't think I could handle Spain winning again.

With Germany out, most NMA voters were officially DEAD WRONG. Spain has 4 votes, Italy 0, but Italy should be favorites now.

 

[Sicblades]

I'd take the Irish over the Italians.

Forget that noise. Spain all the way.

 

[Brother None]

Do you hate football? How could you be for that awful, ugly anti-football over the frivolous play of the Italians?

Talk about something I never thought I'd be saying ever.

 

[maximaz]

Got to give it up to this Italian coach. They haven't lost a game under him. And that defense was bulletproof.

I was also pretty surprised at the character of this new team. Italy used to spend half their games falling down and arguing over what happened. This time, I barely saw that, they jumped up and played and attacked.

All signs point to Spain going down.

 

[34thcell]

The last time I followed the game I predicted Italy when everyone else called Germany. And I was right, though no one thought they deserved it that time (they were faking or something). I didn't even watch the match so I don't know.