Well, there's a turn up for the books - beautiful team performance from Denmark and a stark reminder for Holland that they have to do more than just turn up to win. Romm not a happy bunny at the substitution, and I have to say that the bloke they brought on wasn't a patch on him.
Game I was most excited for ended up being the worst. Typical. Gives Denmark a good chance of going through though. Come on, group upset!
That was a pretty dull game, wasn't it? Ronaldo always good to watch and Hummel massive at the back for Germany, but the amount of passes that went to opposition players and the number of misdirected/overhit crosses was unbelievable.
I thought it was a bit strong that Mark Lawrenson was saying that Poleland thought Podolski should be playing for them because he was Poleish.....now then...Mark Lawrenson played for Rep of Ireland because his Grandfather was born there. Isn't there something about glasshouses and stones?
One boring game out of four is pretty good in my opinion. Poland showing toothless endeavour Greece determination and calamitous defending Russia simply spooky cookies going forward Czechs looking decent despite taking a tonking Denmark showing the Dutch it's a team game, and no matter how many times you pass it across the box you have got to stick it in the back of the net It's sad that Portugal played for a draw, but as the Germans have shown throughout the last 40 odd years it is that same pragmatism that usually wins tournaments. Looking forward to tomorrow evening, crossing everything for an Irish win.
I think that's a pretty fine assessment, Salford. I agree, wouldn't it be great for Ireland to start with a win?
Yes, right AllHell. The other thing to think about this particular debate is that the countries of "Germany" and "Poland" are modern constructs and there's large chunks of the eastern provinces of Germany where Polish is a first language and ethnic Poles are in a substantial majority.
What I liked about Russia was that even at 3-1 they still kept attacking, sort of an Arsenal of the International world. Germany on the other hand, have obviously learned a lesson from Chris and have built their team on a strong defence with the ability to score goals up front the Addicks of International football
Italy vs. Spain - this is god-awful game. Why would you voluntarily play without a striker? I do remember a couple of Charlton games with Steve Gritt filling in as a lone striker when everyone else was injured, but at least he was up there (and scored, I seem to remember). Shockin', juss shockin'
Two sublime goals that the quality of the game didn't deserve. How bad was Torres tonight? What Chelsea should do is lend him out, at no cost, to an up and coming Championship side, possibly London based - he gets twenty or so goals by Christmas, then goes back a refreshed and invigorated player...sound like a plan? Bring on The Irish - looking forward to this one.
Second half was decent to be fair. First was pretty awful. To be expected when both teams know that a draw would see them through the group pretty much. While Torres certainly didn't play well, you have to remember he wasn't on the pitch long...so can at least put down one of the missed chances to that
Correct. Totally wrong. Firstly, Germany doesn't have "provinces" it has "states" roughly modelled on the US system but with a lot more autonomy. Secondly, most Poles living in Germany are recent economic immigrants, as in the UK. On the contrary, it is Germany that lost vast areas of its traditional and German-speaking territory when it was confiscated after WWII and given to Poland to compensate for Polish territory taken away and given to the (then) Soviet Union. Thus Berlin which used to be more centrally placed in Germany is now much closer to the eastern border. The "lost lands" are still a matter of bitterness in Germany and were the original motivation for the re-emergence of the far-right parties there.
I think Andrews looks mince! Mind you I thoroughly enjoyed Spain v Italy too so what do I know. The paddys could get a caning here if they are not careful.
No happy ending then, whole-hearted performance, but too slack at the back and the penalty shout being turned down didn't do them any favours. Still think McLean should have been on at some stage. Now - deep breath everyone...
