No kidding. They were VERY fortunate to come out of that game with 3 points. After the first 10 minutes or so, Austria dominated play. The Austrians deserved at least a point from that game. By the way, perhaps this exposes how much of a dork I am, but did anyone else appreciate the historical significance of yesterday's matches? Germany-Poland is obvious to most people, as their historical battles have been about as one-sided as the windshield vs. bug rivalry (even on the soccer field). But for most of their history, but Croatia had ample historical reason to resent their opponents yesterday as well. Austria ruled the Croats for about 400 years, and not always with a benevolent touch. Someone once described the Austrian (later Austro-Hungarian) Empire as "a polyglot empire held together by nothing more than brute force". At least Croatia gained a measure of revenge. And how about the USA fighting Argentina to a DRAW?!? WOW! I feel awful that I missed that match.
Way to come out with all guns blazing, France. Yeesh. When you're in a group with Italy and the Netherlands, you've GOT to come out with 3 points against the group's weak sister. Though in fairness, Romania is a good side, and played very strong defense today. I don't think France had a decent shot inside 20 yards in the second half. Still, that's an embarassing result for Les Bleus. The fans really let them have it, and deservedly so. And as a side note, who on earth throws these groups together? Hasn't it dawned on someone that perhaps your system is flawed when you have arguably three of the five best sides in Europe fighting for two spots in the second round?
Yeah I'm with you on the group picking. You ask for the best football to be played and then you go and put together arguably the best teams in one group. Romania impressed me a lot. Dissapointed in the way Domenech played Benzema and Ribery. Should have had Benzema up front. Benzema should have finished the strike that he had just inside the 18 but he kicked it straight to the keeper. Ribery doesn'ts eem the same without Viera.
I just need clarification on this. Did they not call offside on that play because the Italian was down behind the goal? Or does he not count as part of the players on the pitch?
So maybe that's why there was no offside call. I love the Dutch players and kits. They are definitely talented. I think with this win, they win the group. They will be the only team with three points in the group. Btw, I can't imagine how good they will be with Arjen Robben back.
Disappointing certainly, considering the elastic, and disorganized 4-4-2 that was displayed, but far from embarrassing. When you take into account the heat in Zurich affecting both teams, the absence of their captain, Patrick Viera, of the world's best player a year or two ago, Thierry Henry, and the Romanians dropping three mids back, and defending with 7, you're going to get a 0-0 or 1-0 scoreline, as I wrote yesterday. We clearly wern't watching the same game my friend. Benzema did play up front. Ribery was the best player on the pitch in blue. I don't see how Domenech could have played Benzema or Ribery differently, nor how the loss of Viera affects Ribery in particular. In my eyes, the mistakes from a tactical point of view were starting Anelka up front, instead of Gomis. Once again, Malouda was tepid and uninspired. Have never been fond of Toulalan, and he would've been more much more useful against an attacking side like Ned. In other news, Donadoni should've been reading these very forums about Materazzi. He stopped the bleeding at the 55th minute by subbing him, but the damage was already done. Absolute shame De Rossi didn't see the field, as well.
All I can say is WOW!!!!! %$#$%^$$ Italy needs two wins now. We always play better with our backs against the wall. FORZA AZZURRI!!!!
I watched the postgame analysis. The way they described it was if a player goes of deliberatly then its a yellow card and they can still count him as the backline. The way I say the replay he could have come back onto the pitch. The dutch player was also involved in the collision was right back on, so I think they got the call right.
Benzema was playing between the striker and midfielder . Benzema might have moved to the striker position in the second half. Ribery disappeared in the first half. (even the analysts were wondering what Domenech was doing). I thought it was a bad idea as well starting Anelka up front. He was all alone like July Fouty or however you spell her name.
They did NOT get the call right. Panucci collided with Buffon. I don't care if the other player got back on the pitch. Panucci was injured, and made no attempt to even get up. Therefore, Italy is at a disadvantage already, no need for someone to stay on the ground. He DID NOT deliberately leave the pitch. Van Nistelrooy was OFFSIDE. No worries. Italy will smoke Romania and France. The mighty beast has been awaken.
Gonna have to disagree with ya. So you get a slight push in the (which is all it was) and you can't get back on the pitch. As Panucci was falling he faced the pitch and saw the rebound go out, so I think he knew exactly what he was doing and hoping they would call the offsides and not count him as the back line. What the replay herehttp://www.goalcentre.com/netherlands-vs-italy-highlights-and-video-euro-2008.html and tell me how he was hurt or why he couldn't come back onto the pitch. Its usually more advantageous to fein a more serious foul and hoope you get the call. He gambled and they didn't get the call.
Hope to get what call? Did you watch the play? His own goalie hit him out. By no means was Panucci TRYING to get a foul. And you are telling me he saw Ruud there and decided to stay down. I don't buy it. Have another look at the replay. And by the way, Italy is at a disadvantage by him staying down. We each have our own opinion....
The offsides call. They are at an advantage if the ref calls him off the field of play and the offline line moves to put them offsides. Which if that is how the refs saw it then they would have easily called the offsides, cause they were both clearly offsides. But your right, we'll prolly have to agree to disagree. I not rooting for either them as well, so I give neither the benefiet of the doubt.
Fair enough, but Ruud tried to get in an onside position (counting Panucci out) but the pass came too quickly. He knew he was offside. Guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
For sure, but isn't that natural? But Italy still has a good chance to move on, it they can convert V Romania, which they can. And France didn't look all that good either. They hold their own destiny, which is always a good thing.
Agreed. Italy always plays better with their backs against the wall. Plus, I knew Holland was going to be a tough game. Their attack is extraordinary. They are looking very good so far. In the event of an Italian departure, I always went for the Dutch second. Tough to see Italy loose like that, but hey, thats the nature of the sport. They will rebound.
Sorry man, but that offsides call (or no-call) was 100% wrong That's no excuse for the way Italia played today. They were awful, but the call was 100% wrong. Even Ruud didn't believe it. Anyway: Materazzi in the starting XI?!!!! Seriously? He's been awful since before his injury. No De Rossi in the starting XI. Possibly the best DM or Midfielder in the Serie A this year next to Cambiasso and he's on the bench?!!!!! Seriously?!!!!! No Subs at halftime? Not subbing in De Rossi when the midfield was sloppy and being outplayed thoroughly? Donadoni lost all my confidence with those 2 moves and not starting Chiellini who's been wonderful for Juve this season in the Central Defense. And this ain't no monday morning QB talking either. You can trace me back to these statements on these message boards. I almost spit out my drink when I saw the starting XI. So in conclusion: 34 year old Cannavaro goes down and we replace him with Super out of form Materazzi who is also 34 years old. Chiellini who is 23 and is in Superb form sits the bench. Massimo Ambrosini: Has played well for Milan since February at 30+ years old gets the start in the Midfield rather than Danielle De Rossi. The same Danielle De Rossi who was Roma's best player, one of the Serie A's top midfielders the entire season , who plays every game with Heart and determination, a previous world cup champion, and at only 24 or 25 years old. But he was on the bench......good call Roberto. This has to be the lineup for Romania: -----------------Di Natale (or ADP)--------------Toni-------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------Camoranesi----- -------------De Rosi--------------Pirlo-------------Gattuso----------------- --Grosso------Chiellini----------Pannuci (or Gamberini)-----Zambrotta--
Yeah, I'd like to see the same line up with the following changes; Chiellini for Materazzi Zambrotta playing for Panucci on the right Grosso playing left back De Rossi for Ambrosini Cassano for Camoranesi
Brother, I wish I had your faith, I don't remember Italy be so awful in the longest time, I guess was vs Korea in the World Cup. Italy was totally flat, pederestian with no ideas, if this is how Italy under Donadoni plays, is a joke.
LOL. Italy always starts slow. WC '94 we lost to Scotland in the opening game. I am optimistic. Italy always wins when they have to. Keep your head up. PS. I am pissed like hell right now, dont let these smiley fool you.
Pundits always wonder what Domenech is doing. I mean it is like a sport, worldwide people tend to wonder what the hell is that guy doing. (you know leaving Trezeguet off, or not playing him in the WC, there where a lot of questions about his system, why did he play with Barthez and not Coupet in the WC) and somehow the guy still always gets the result. So I guess fans like Dove have learned to trust RAymond Domenech. I would too. I love Wesley Sneijder since his Ajax days. I think the kid is awesome. I was proud to see the dutch fancy attacking system destroy the Italians. I hope that they move on and make the tournament fun to see. Just like the WC was a celebration of defensive football (Italy and France) I would love it if Spain and the Dutch made this Eurocup a celebration of fun attacking football (not gonna happen but I would love it). HAve any of y'all noticed that none of the losing teams in this Euro has scored a goal? check the scores all of them have left the losing team in 0.
Cool Calm Mike, go make fun of a Country that doesn't have 4 World Cup wins. You may find your insults more successful. OWNED! Hi, my name is Tony, and Im a Guido......
Yeah it was a much mor enjoyable matching watching the Dutch counterattack and even few of the italian chances compared snore fest that France-Romania was for the most part. Though the Dutch defense looked really good as well.
