The Megatastic Euro 2012 Thread

[Cluttered]

I know we have a pre-Euro 2012 thread but since we're getting pretty close to kicking it off, I hope JNip won't mind if I start up the official one here. I don't think I'm going to do daily threads with long previews for each match like I did for the 2010 World Cup so I encourage anyone else to toss in match previews into this thread.

The story of the tournament could be injuries. We've seen a lot over the last few days, Lampard and M'Vila to name a couple, and I'm sure we'll see more either before or in the tournament.

Here are your groups:

Group A:
Czech Republic
Greece
Poland
Russia

Group B:
Denmark
Germany
Netherlands
Portugal

Group C:
Croatia
Italy
Ireland
Spain

Group D:
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine

The action gets started on June 8th with Poland vs Greece followed by Russia vs Czech Republic.

Questions for the popcorn gallery:
A. Who do you think wins?
B. Who do you want to win?
C. Who wins the golden boot?
D. Who is the surprise team?

A. I'd like to be somewhat original here but I've got to say Germany.
B. Always the Netherlands (seems to have become a popular team on this board).
C. I'm going to homer it up with RVP as my choice.
D. Croatia.

Lastly, if you'd like to join the Euro 2012 Shaggy competition that JNip started, here is the information:

http://games.espn.go.com/euro-bracke...r/en/frontpage
Group name: Shaggybevo
password: shaggy

[TexonLongIsland]

A-




B-





C-




D-

[alincoln]

A. Who do you think wins? GERMANY
B. Who do you want to win? PORTUGAL or IRELAND
C. Who wins the golden boot? KLOSE
D. Who is the surprise team? CROATIA

[JNip]

I thought that I'd be the only one who thinks that Klose will win the golden boot. I only hear his name in internationals, sometimes I think that he vacations for two years and shows up for Euros and WCs.

[Dixie Normous]

A. Who do you think wins? Germany
B. Who do you want to win? Germany
C. Who wins the golden boot? Ronaldo or Ibrahimovic
D. Who is the surprise team? Sweden

[JNip]

Questions for the popcorn gallery:
A. Who do you think wins? Deutschland
B. Who do you want to win? España
C. Who wins the golden boot? Miroslav Klose
D. Who is the surprise team? Guinness

[atllonghorn]

A. I'd like to be somewhat original here but I've got to say Germany.
B. Always the Netherlands (seems to have become a popular team on this board).
C. I'm going to homer it up with RVP as my choice.
D. Croatia.

I'll be damned if those weren't exactly my answers to the questions before I read yours. It's late, but I'll do more comprehensive thoughts later (tomorrow perhaps?)

[Cluttered]

Cahill ended up with a double fracture to his jaw from that push yesterday and is out of the Euro. Wonder how Mertens feels. I feel bad for chuckling at the push yesterday.

[TexArcher]

Questions for the popcorn gallery:
A. Who do you think wins?
B. Who do you want to win?
C. Who wins the golden boot?
D. Who is the surprise team?

A. Germany
B. England
C. Klose
D. Russia (someone has to win Group A and I don't see Croatia advancing over Italy and Spain)

[atllonghorn]

D. Russia (someone has to win Group A and I don't see Croatia advancing over Italy and Spain)

It's entirely possible that Russia pulls a repeat of 2008 and beats the Dutch in the quarterfinals, but I think the Netherlands are better now than they were then and Russia isn't quite as good. Croatia doesn't have to advance over both Spain and Italy, just Italy. Spain is the class of that group by far and it's possible they'll lay up when they play Croatia in the 3rd game of the group stage. Italy doesn't have a lot of scoring punch and they're embroiled in a domestic match fixing scandal (although it didn't hurt them at WC 2006). Whoever finishes 2nd in that group has a fair shot to beat the winner of Group D in the quarters and make a surprise run to the Semis.

[Long Rod Von Hugendong]

1. Nazis
2. Italy or England
3. Polodksi or Ronaldo
4. Greece

[4UT]

A. Who do you think wins? Germany
B. Who do you want to win? Germany
C. Who wins the golden boot? Müller
D. Who is the surprise team? Croatia

[The Moral Compass]

A. Deutschland
B. England
C. Klose or my dark horse Torres
D. Czech Republic

[Bodowned]

A. Germany
B. Germany
C. Klose
D. Poland

[Durant Durant]

Holland
Holland
Sneijder
Sweden

[alincoln]

Cahill ended up with a double fracture to his jaw from that push yesterday and is out of the Euro. Wonder how Mertens feels. I feel bad for chuckling at the push yesterday.

It is amazing that Hodgson replaced him with Martin Kelly rather than Richards or Ferdinand. Incredibly strange that the FA strips Terry of the captaincy yet makes every decision based on how Terry will react to it. The worst kept secret in the England team is that every black player in England despises Terry

Serious question: Is there a more despicable $#@! in sports today than John Terry?

[Harry J.]

The Irish have got to be ecstatic that Olic is out for Croatia now. Although Jelavic finished the club season strong with Everton, the Croatian striker situation should be an interesting development

A. Who do you think wins? Spain
B. Who do you want to win? Ireland
C. Who wins the golden boot? Llorente
D. Who is the surprise team? Russia

[alphaville]

A.
B.
C.
D.

[JNip]

I know that this is not the most exciting fantasy league in the world but you can win prizes at Fado's so it might be worth joining:

http://fadoeuro.fantasyleague.com/#

[406W30th]

A. Who do you think wins? Germany
B. Who do you want to win? Croatia
C. Who wins the golden boot? Gomez
D. Who is the surprise team? Croatia

It is amazing that Hodgson replaced him with Martin Kelly rather than Richards or Ferdinand. Incredibly strange that the FA strips Terry of the captaincy yet makes every decision based on how Terry will react to it. The worst kept secret in the England team is that every black player in England despises Terry

Serious question: Is there a more despicable $#@! in sports today than John Terry?

I heard that Micah Richards was offended at not being in the original 23 and thus refused being on the standby list. Kelly won't play, and shouldn't, but that was still a strange move. Re: Terry, no. No there's not.

[Grammer Police]

Somebody care to double check this:

Group stage games will be played at 11am and 1:45pm Austin time on ESPN. First kick is this Friday, 11am Poland vs. Greece.

[hobbes2702]

It is amazing that Hodgson replaced him with Martin Kelly rather than Richards or Ferdinand. Incredibly strange that the FA strips Terry of the captaincy yet makes every decision based on how Terry will react to it. The worst kept secret in the England team is that every black player in England despises Terry

Serious question: Is there a more despicable $#@! in sports today than John Terry?

Richards refused to be on the stand by list so he has no right to be upset.

[hobbes2702]

Oh and John Terry is a piece of $#@!. How was he ever the captain of Chelsea let alone England

[Kip Jordy]

A)
B)
C) Gomez
D)

[skipperj]

Somebody care to double check this:

Group stage games will be played at 11am and 1:45pm Austin time on ESPN. First kick is this Friday, 11am Poland vs. Greece.

Yes.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/fixture...onship?cc=5901

[atllonghorn]

Benzema and Ribery appear to be in fine form heading into the Euros

[406W30th]

Yeah, Poland could definitely be a surprise team. Lewandowski is a very good #9 and never underestimate the advantage of being the (co)host nation.

[alincoln]

Yeah, Poland could definitely be a surprise team. Lewandowski is a very good #9 and never underestimate the advantage of being the (co)host nation.

In a very manageable group as well. Of course, they get matched up with Group B (the GOD) in the quarters so a deep run will be very unlikely.

The reward of qualifying out of the GOD is a very manageable quarterfinal. Similar to whoever qualifies out of Group C that avoids France in the quarterfinal.

[shnsajax]

1. Germany
2. Holland
3. RVP
4. Ireland

In Amsterdam right now. $#@!ing pumped.

[atllonghorn]

In a very manageable group as well. Of course, they get matched up with Group B (the GOD) in the quarters so a deep run will be very unlikely.

The reward of qualifying out of the GOD is a very manageable quarterfinal. Similar to whoever qualifies out of Group C that avoids France in the quarterfinal.

Playing in the group of life I could definitely see Lewandowski being the breakout player in the tournament.

If Germany and Spain win their groups I have a hard time seeing anyone other than those two making the final. Maybe the Dutch can beat Spain, but I wouldn't bet on it. If the Dutch somehow manage to win Group B, I could see France shocking them in the Semifinal.

[406W30th]

I'm getting anxious for this tournament to start. We have tickets to Spain-Croatia and I'm hoping Spain doesn't have it wrapped it up by the third game, since they would play their second-teamers. But if France wins their group, Spain will definitely want to avoid them. Not that Spain's second team wouldn't be fun to watch, but I really want to see Xavi and Iniesta.

Anything could happen in group C. Last time Italy was wrapped up in a match-fixing scandal (a whopping six years ago), they went out and won the World Cup.

[406W30th]

In a very manageable group as well. Of course, they get matched up with Group B (the GOD) in the quarters so a deep run will be very unlikely.

The reward of qualifying out of the GOD is a very manageable quarterfinal. Similar to whoever qualifies out of Group C that avoids France in the quarterfinal.

If it's a Poland-Germany quarterfinal, the stadium might just explode.

[Harry J.]

I've been reading Zonal Marking's preview of each nation this afternoon. It's really helpful if you have a question about a certain team, or if you just want to nerd the $#@! out and get some great info on all the teams.

http://www.zonalmarking.net/category/euro-2012/

[TexonLongIsland]

this will end well

Euro 2012 was plunged into its first racism controversy after the black players in the Holland squad were subjected to monkey chants during an open practice session in the same city where England will also invite the public to watch them train on Friday.

Several hundred people targeted players such as Nigel de Jong and Gregory van der Wiel when 25,000 spectators attended the Dutch practice session at the Stadion Miejski, the home of Wisla Krakow.

The players, on the instructions of the captain, Mark van Bommel, responded by moving their training drills to the other side of the ground. "It is a real disgrace especially after getting back from Auschwitz [the Dutch squad had visited the concentration camp on Wednesday] that you are confronted with this," Van Bommel said. "We will take it up with Uefa and if it happens at a match we will talk to the referee and ask him to take us off the field."

The problems occurred as the players began the session by jogging a lap of the pitch only to be greeted at one end of the stadium with monkey noises and loud jeers. On the second circuit, they were even louder and it was then the players decided not to go around again. "At least now we know what we can encounter," the Holland coach, Bert van Marwijk, said with heavy cynicism. "Very atmospheric."

But maybe it wasn't what we think

Uefa subsequently tried to deny that it was racially motivated, saying they had checked with the Dutch squad and had been told it was not thought to be of that nature. Instead, the official line is that a small part of the crowd was protesting about the fact that Krakow had not been made one of the host cities. Another theory that has been put forward is that Wisla's supporters did not want their stadium being used by anyone but their own club and were simply booing the Dutch players.

on the other hand

Van Bommel, however, responded angrily when it was put to him not everyone had heard monkey noises. "You need to open your ears," he said. "If you did hear it, and don't want to hear it, that is even worse."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2...d-racist-abuse



This will be fun

[dbecks]

But maybe it wasn't what we think

No, it's definitely what we think. Racism is far more accepted in Eastern Europe than the rest of the West.

[dbecks]

1. Germany
2. England
3. van Persie
4. Czech

[Harry J.]

god I hope this doesn't turn into a $#@!storm

[dbecks]

I know that this is not the most exciting fantasy league in the world but you can win prizes at Fado's so it might be worth joining:

http://fadoeuro.fantasyleague.com/#

Here's another one I'm in with some folks. No prizes, just bragging rights.

http://en.euro2012fantasy.uefa.com/m...e=249457-56692

League Code: 249457-56692

[4UT]

Day 1 (tomorrow) brings us:


11am ESPN
Poland vs Greece


2pm ESPN
Russia vs Czech Republic


Great tournament. I'm eager for it to get started.

[Kevin O'Shea]

I assume Poland vs Greece is a toss up?

[TexonLongIsland]

No, it's definitely what we think. Racism is far more accepted in Eastern Europe than the rest of the West.

Duh.

[BaylorHistory]

Balotelli says he's quiting the tournament if there's any racism against him...that'll show em.


I hope Greece puts on a better show than they did in South Africa. We'll find out in about 10 hours.

[YeaTexasFight]

Balotelli says he's quiting the tournament if there's any racism against him...that'll show em.

seriously? not a gambling man, but glad I didn't put anything on Italy.

I hope Greece puts on a better show than they did in South Africa.

...and the EU.

[BaylorHistory]

seriously? not a gambling man, but glad I didn't put anything on Italy.

I think he's all talk (hopefully). Here is the first story

http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/sports/soc...li-racism.html

And here is the "yeaaaah don't do that" response
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...2-7821102.html

[alincoln]

There is a good chance that this tournament descends into complete chaos.

[406W30th]

There is a good chance that this tournament descends into complete chaos.

Well, everyone was absolutely sure that South Africa would be a $#@!storm but everything I heard from friends that were there said it was incredible. Obviously it's different because of the right-wing $#@!s, but the reputation of the two host countries is on the line. If there are problems, they're gonna crack some skulls. I have no doubt that there will be some blemishes on the tournament (and most definitely some sensationalized journalism covering it) but I think it will be mostly minor.

I get into Warsaw tomorrow. Can't wait.

[alincoln]

Well, everyone was absolutely sure that South Africa would be a $#@!storm but everything I heard from friends that were there said it was incredible. Obviously it's different because of the right-wing $#@!s, but the reputation of the two host countries is on the line. If there are problems, they're gonna crack some skulls. I have no doubt that there will be some blemishes on the tournament (and most definitely some sensationalized journalism covering it) but I think it will be mostly minor.

I get into Warsaw tomorrow. Can't wait.

Definitely a different set of problems. Racial taunting of England, France, Holland or Balotelli will lead to a walk-off imo. Isn't the entire tournament $#@!ed if there is one walk-off?

[Cluttered]

Tournament football is back. Heading off to the pub for the Russia match this afternoon. Can't wait for Germany-Portugal and then France-England.

[crackamacgowski]

His Italian teammates were hinting yesterday that he needs to be there for his team on the pitch and keep it together. Obviously, they could be talking about his behavior that's gotten him in trouble in the past, but you could read between the lines and see that they would prefer if he didn't walk off - the taunting will be inevitable, just suck it up. Is that right? Probably not. But you have to be there for your team no matter the circumstance, I think. On the other hand, Prandelli said the team would back him if that happened. I agree with alincoln, this could get really interesting.

[mdmost]

Day 2 will kick much ass:

12:00 ET Netherlands v Denmark Group B Metalist Stadium
2:45 ET Germany v Portugal Group B Arena Lviv

Sunday features Espana vs. Italia.