Girkassa wrote on 11/23/07 at 13:40:26:


Well, I've watched the game and we should have definitely beaten you. Our keeper was fouled many times (including during the 1st Norwegian goal). I like tough games, but that was a bit illegal.. at least to my Mediterranean eyes!

I think Greece has a decent squad. Our attack has improved somewhat and Her Otto   has managed to renew the squad in a decent way. Still, it seems a bit far-stretched to put Greece as a favourite for the medals. I'll be glad if we perform well and won't be dissapointed even if we don't qualify for the next round.

As for Spain and England, what can anyone say: constant dissapointment. I like to bet on Euro games and never tried my luck with these two as they are so incosistent re performance..

Oe! De stamato pote! De stamato pote! De stamato na tragoudo pote! Oe!
            (I'll never stop! I'll never stop! I'll never stop singing! Oe!)

Surely Greece must be counted in as they've won before, but seriously, drawing against Norway can't be a good sign...

I guess I should have been sad for Norway not qualifying, but I would probably be embarrassed on behalf of my country to see their play in the Champs!

BTW, I'm glad England didn't make it. Not that they play that badly, but I'm just tired of the newspapers over-estimating them every single time. I just don't understand why they are always counted among the hottest candidates for medals (at least in the Norwegian media).

Don't worry, it is something continental and it is not meant for people living on far Islands 

It's difficult to see a clear favourit for this EC but I think Greece (easy qualification, very effective game style) and Zwitserland (very good defence, maybe the best in Europe now and hoelm advantage) could surprise.
Italy doesn't lose matches but are they able to win against the strong teams?
Germany could go far if they play as agressively as during the WC but are they able to do this?
France is a lot weaker without Zinedine "Coup de boule" Zidane 
Spain will burn again in the group stage or in the quartet-finals (business as usual)
Czechia has become old and without Nedved and Poborsky they lack creativity
The other teams are, imho, there to get 16 participants at the start of the tournament

I was going to wait until I saw the draw, but I like Italy as well.  Cannavaro remains one of the best defensive players in the world, and Italy will be sporting a full defensive complement by Euro 2008.  Germany is getting better, too.  And I already mentioned my soft spot for Spain.  I don't like France as much; they're a combination of too old and too young...

Lou_Cyber wrote on 11/21/07 at 23:21:41:


To try to put a positive spin on this: it would be wonderful to see Spain win.  They've had a very good squad for some time and they play a very attractive game.  I wouldn't go so far as to say they've been unlucky not to win anything in the past decade, but my instinct is that their finishes in Euro and World Cups have been somewhat disappointing considering their abilities.  Frankly, I think they've been more hard done by in recent years than any other side.  They bring real quality and it would be nice to see them stick it out...

Mnb,
You may want to read this:
http://www.vi.nl/Achtergronden/ColumnsOverzicht/JohanDerksenColumns/BondscoachVa...

Especially the part of the consultant is imo exactly what is wrong.

The Netherlands-Portugal 2006 will not be forgotten. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKXq7xcnkis&feature=related But really, Boulahrouz should have got the red card for the tackle on Ronaldo.