Cannavaro can offer Italy advice on Spain's players http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8262478/Cannavaro-can-offer-Italy-advice-on-Spain's-players
Croatia captain Kovac to retire after Euro 2008 http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8261008/Croatia-captain-Kovac-to-retire-after-Euro-2008
Italy hit by injuries and suspensions ahead of QF http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8263134/Italy-hit-by-injuries-and-suspensions-ahead-of-QF
Boulahrouz available for QF despite loss of daughter http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8262548/Boulahrouz-available-for-QF-despite-loss-of-daughter My condolences.
Spain ready to ditch underachiever tag http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8262292/Spain-ready-to-ditch-underachiever-tag
France's Ribery to have surgery after Euro exit http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8262238/France's-Ribery-to-have-surgery-after-Euro-exit
He's the second best player in the world against Derby and Middlesbrough and Sunderland and Bolton. He's not the second best player in the world against good teams. He's NEVER and I repeat NEVER played well in a big game or a big tournament and he's NEVER taken over a game the way people think he does.
I am in no way, shape, or form defending C. Ronaldo as I can't stand him and his unnecessary antics on the field, but: Until this year's Champion's League tournament, I'd agree 100%. But now I'm not so sure. He played pretty well in the CL Tournament this year and he did have a pretty good final where he did score MU's goal. Not great in the game, but he did play well I believe. Didn't he lead the tournament in goals as well?
I have to agree with both of you guys, and also remind you, he is so young. He has to mature plenty, but by no means has he yet reached his potential. That is why experience is such an issue in any sport. A veteran knows how to handle the pressures of the big game, and Ronaldo will eventually get there. He can be a special player, more so than he already is, but like Eop mentioned, his on field antics need to stop. That part of the maturing process I guess. In regards to his international play, you kind of have to feel for the guy. The entire Portuguese nation depends on him, and is asking him to carry the team. That is a lot of weight for someone in his EARLY 20s to bear. He seems to be dealing with the pressure fine, but then again, look what it did to Beckham. Even with Beckham's outstanding performances, it eventually got to him. With all that being said, Ronaldo is an outstanding player that is only getting better. He has a long way to go though, and I'm not referring to him developing his physical skill set.
Is Simao the best Portugal has up front? It simply can't be. I don't get to watch him much in Club football, but he was awful this tournament.
Andy Gray was about to leave the booth, go downstairs and smack Scolari in the head for leaving Simao in the game. Simao was dreadful yesterday.
He really didn't play very well in the Champions League though; yes he scored goals, but Daniel Guiza and Luca Toni and Mario Gomez all won their respective leagues's scoring titles and no-one's annointing them as the best in the world. Ronaldo, for all the hype, scored in the CL Final and then might as well have been substituted for all that he did.
2 things; Deco is the influential Portugese player and not Ronaldo. Secondly, ask most English fans; not sure when the last time Beckham turned in an "outstanding performance". Beckham is an even bigger media creation than Ronaldo.
Simao's a right winger. Can play both sides. Not a striker though. Portugal play one up, which is usually Nuno Gomes. Used to be Pauletta, but he just retired. He wasn't particularly prolific either. Postiga hasn't trained on either. They struggle for goals from up top.
I did not understand why Scolari left Simao in and pulled Gomes from the game. That didn't make much sense to me. Also, why not play Ronaldo up front as well? Seems to me he'd be better served as a striker.
Now now Boomer, Beckham was a phenom early in his career. The same situation that Ronaldo is in now. And thats my point, Beckham was always expected to play outstanding, all the time, and couldn't live up to the expectations. I see that happening with Ronaldo as well. In fact, you already share that oppinion with many, but you can't discount his skill. Same goes for Beckham. You may be right about Deco being the influential player, on the field, and in the minds of the players, but I'd have to disagree with you if you think the general Portuguese public are counting on Deco more so than Ronaldo.
Did anyone see Podolski's near miss yesterday? A blast from outside the box... I don't think the goalie moved...
Probably because he's not a very good manager. You and I could have coached that Brazilian side to the world cup and he's heinously underachieved with Portugal.
I don't recall Beckham every being a "phenom". Good player, but a winger who can't go past anyone? Do me a favour. Crosser of the ball, passer, free kick taker; exquisite, but he wasn't even the best player on that United team - in fact he probably wasn't in the top 3/4. I think the Portugese fans that know and care about football more than where the nearest mirror is, know that Deco is the most influential player in that side. Why? Because he's a better player. Deco runs games, Ronaldo contributes to them.
Podolski's strike was great - but if it had gone in, Xabi Alonso's shot from his own half which missed by an inch, would have been goal of the tournament for Spain against Greece.
For Alonso's shot, take the video to 1.50 in. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/7363473.stm
Good game between Turkey and Croatia right now. Can't believe Olic hit the top post. It was a good pass by Modric.
Holy SH___ Great finish by Turkey The Turkish goalie looked horrible on the Croatia goal On to Penalty kicks