Group C Euro 2012 General Discussion

[shakermaker1982]

Anybody buy the EURO 2012 World Soccer Special Edition mag yet?

Great read.

[Polster]

Anybody buy the EURO 2012 World Soccer Special Edition mag yet?

Great read.

I may get that for the young lad, that is my usual excuse these days, great to have the Panini sticker album on the go again.

Bilic has announced he is stepping down as Croatia coach after the euro's. Bit surprised with the timing of the annoucnement myself. It smacks to me of him putting himself in the shop window for a top club job, or else why would you not wait till afterwards? I know he isn't the first to do this and can't blame him from a personal point of view, but I'm just hoping it may have some kind of negative effect on the squad now, can always hope.

[paul_oshea]

Where can i buy the panini stickers? A normal Newsagents/Magazine place?

[tetsujin1979]

Where can i buy the panini stickers? A normal sticker place?
how many abnormal sticker places do you know?

[Junior]

DFS, Greggs or Bathroomstore.com are the usual places to pick them up ya thick

[Philly]

The Croatia squad is announced now folks. Here's a link: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0510/320446-dfsff/

Interesting the manager says he would prefer Ireland were more attacking. Justification for Trap's boring tactics, or mind games?

[French Toasht]

The Croatia squad is announced now folks. Here's a link: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0510/320446-dfsff/

Interesting the manager says he would prefer Ireland were more attacking. Justification for Trap's boring tactics, or mind games?


I would imagine its a mixture of both mind games (which Trap, the wily old Fox will completely disregard) and his honest opinion, as most teams that will play us will be very fearful that they wont be able to break us down due to our sheer doggedness in defence and never committing full backs forward.

But primarily mind games, was on Off the Ball about a week ago and kept bigging up Ireland and talking down his own teams chances.

Useless piece of information alert. Slaven Bilic is a big heavy metal fan and this is his band's song for Croatia in Euro 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLS6Y3alPLg

[gastric]

An honest assessment when you consider the group we are in. And just as Croatia are targeting this game, so are we. Mind games are all well and good except when they backfire and I am sure the lads will make this happen!

[paul_oshea]

I would imagine its a mixture of both mind games (which Trap, the wily old Fox will completely disregard) and his honest opinion, as most teams that will play us will be very fearful that they wont be able to break us down due to our sheer doggedness in defence and never committing full backs forward.

But primarily mind games, was on Off the Ball about a week ago and kept bigging up Ireland and talking down his own teams chances.

Useless piece of information alert. Slaven Bilic is a big heavy metal fan and this is his band's song for Croatia in Euro 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLS6Y3alPLg

I had heard this before but wasn't sure if it was true, I have even more respect for the man now after learning this.

[geysir]

The Croatia squad is announced now folks. Here's a link: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0510/320446-dfsff/

Interesting the manager says he would prefer Ireland were more attacking. Justification for Trap's boring tactics, or mind games?
He would prefer if Ireland were set up more offensively because when his team wins back possession they can pass the ball through midfield with ease and catch us cold.
As oppose to trying to break through a phalanx, the legion of the rearguard. He wants to win the 3 points.

[paul_oshea]

Truth be told it was a bribe to get them to stop fighting each other while their mum was away.

Truth be told, they were free last week, as i have been informed. Like the rovers game always looking for the free stuff stutts. There is definitely jock in you alright :P

Finally found a newsagent with them, they dont look as cool as they used to though, look too professional now. I think im more excited than the recipient of the album though, i want to open the stickers before i give them to him.

[Stuttgart88]

Well, if they were free my newsagent robbed me. And again, I thought it was a communal curry!

[DannyInvincible]

I had heard this before but wasn't sure if it was true, I have even more respect for the man now after learning this.

He's a qualified lawyer too.

[paul_oshea]

makes sense him liking metal so.

[bennocelt]

makes sense him liking metal so.

pity he played football like a pussy...........

[DannyInvincible]

Jelavić scores for Everton in their game against Newcastle to put them 2-0 up.

[AlaskaFox]

Italy 32 man squad named:
http://greenscene.me/2012/05/cesare-prandelli-named-preliminary-italy-euro-2012-squad/

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Emiliano Viviano (Palermo).
Defenders: Cristian Maggio (Napoli), Domenico Criscito (Zenit San Peitroburgo), Ignazio Abate (Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Salvatore Bocchetti (Rubin Kazan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino).
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta) Luca Cigarini (Atalanta), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Marco Verratti (Pescara).
Forwards: Antonio Cassano (Milan), Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Mattia Destro (Siena), Fabio Borini (Roma).

[DannyInvincible]

Chiellini picked up a groin injury today, but it's uncertain as to whether he'll make the final cut or not: http://www.joe.ie/euro-2012/euro-2012-news/another-irish-euro-2012-boost-as-italian-star-chiellini-limps-off-pitch-0024675-1

[SwanVsDalton]

Chiellini picked up a groin injury today, but it's uncertain as to whether he'll make the final cut or not: http://www.joe.ie/euro-2012/euro-2012-news/another-irish-euro-2012-boost-as-italian-star-chiellini-limps-off-pitch-0024675-1

He'd be a big loss.

[Colbert Report]

Not as big a loss as O'Shea is to us.

[Charlie Darwin]

Potential loss.

edit: in fact, he's not expected to miss the tournament at all


O'Shea has had scan, news good and FAI expects that after week off he will be ready to train next Monday as planned.

[Colbert Report]

Thank Christ.

[DannyInvincible]

Came across this photo yesterday of the scenes at the bottom of Shipquay Street in Derry after Robbie equalised against Germany in 2002 (not safe for work): http://dermot.zenfolio.com/p1068774931/e3B9BEA1A#h3b9bea1a

Similar scenes are expected this summer as the city council are erecting a large screen in Waterloo Place to broadcast the games. Please God, the only thing that will be erect!

[Crosby87]

Hopefully Bilic taking over Lokomotiv will be a distraction for him.

[tetsujin1979]

Puyol confirmed out for Euro 2012: http://fourfourtwo.com/news/euro2012/101464/default.aspx

[BonnieShels]

Puyol confirmed out for Euro 2012: http://fourfourtwo.com/news/euro2012/101464/default.aspx

Still can't decide if this is a blessing or not.

[nigel-harps1954]

Probably the only real defender Spain have had in the past few years. Definitely a good thing.

[Murfinator]

Still can't decide if this is a blessing or not.

You can't decide if a winner of a world cup, European championship, 3 champions leagues, 5 la ligas and current captain of the best club team in the world is a loss?

To put this idiocy in context if Richard Dunne was ruled out for us you'd get the same goons in another country guffawing that its actually a good thing for Ireland because of those few penalties and own goals they'd seen him giving away in the premiership. A "liability" and "headless" they'd shriek smug in their ignorance. They're quite comparable in importance and foreign fan disrespect for their respective countries in fact.
If you can't understand how Puyol would be anything but a massive loss for Spain then I'd request sparing our palms from excessive face time and not commenting on the sport again.

This is a massive and possibly tournament costing loss for them, he's been the glue that held together a very rickety Spanish defence in the past. Theres real implosion potential for them without him because individually few of their back 4 are solid or reliable defenders. If you've ever watched him in person the amount of yelling and instructions he gives out on the pitch is incredible, he never shuts up. I wonder without constant instruction how the likes of Ramos, Iraola Arbeloa and Albiol will get on because they do not look like the same players on teams without Puyol as they have done for Spain.
If they're smart they'll bring an experienced replacement Marchena, either way this is excellent news for us. If Villa was out as well even better, without their lynchpins in attack and defence it'd make them very vulnerable. Spain have an endless reel of quality midfielders and wide players, they're very lean for defence and orthodox forwards.

[Murfinator]

He'd be a big loss.

Chiellini would be a titanic loss, arguably the best defender on the planet at the moment. Signs seem to be favourable for him though. Must admit Juventus having a perfect season is somewhat scary, their players won't be able to fathom how to lose and we realistically will need to beat them!

Their entire spine is made up of those guys (Buffon + Chiellini + Barzaghli in defence. Pirlo + Marchisio midfield), so the more of those guys who pick up the knocks the better.

[bennocelt]

You can't decide if a winner of a world cup, European championship, 3 champions leagues, 5 la ligas and current captain of the best club team in the world is a loss?


If you can't understand how Puyol would be anything but a massive loss for Spain then I'd request sparing our palms from excessive face time and not commenting on the sport again.

This is a massive and possibly tournament costing loss for them, he's been the glue that held together a very rickety Spanish defence in the past.
If you've ever watched him in person the amount of yelling and instructions he gives out on the pitch is incredible, he never shuts up. .

Its a fair point made all the same. Your are right that he is a good captain but he has lost it has a top defender, and hasnt looked right for a long time at the back, but then since when has Spain needed to defend!!
Well we will see, not long now..............:D

[BonnieShels]

You can't decide if a winner of a world cup, European championship, 3 champions leagues, 5 la ligas and current captain of the best club team in the world is a loss?

To put this idiocy in context if Richard Dunne was ruled out for us you'd get the same goons in another country guffawing that its actually a good thing for Ireland because of those few penalties and own goals they'd seen him giving away in the premiership. A "liability" and "headless" they'd shriek smug in their ignorance. They're quite comparable in importance and foreign fan disrespect for their respective countries in fact.
If you can't understand how Puyol would be anything but a massive loss for Spain then I'd request sparing our palms from excessive face time and not commenting on the sport again.

This is a massive and possibly tournament costing loss for them, he's been the glue that held together a very rickety Spanish defence in the past. Theres real implosion potential for them without him because individually few of their back 4 are solid or reliable defenders. If you've ever watched him in person the amount of yelling and instructions he gives out on the pitch is incredible, he never shuts up. I wonder without constant instruction how the likes of Ramos, Iraola Arbeloa and Albiol will get on because they do not look like the same players on teams without Puyol as they have done for Spain.
If they're smart they'll bring an experienced replacement Marchena, either way this is excellent news for us. If Villa was out as well even better, without their lynchpins in attack and defence it'd make them very vulnerable. Spain have an endless reel of quality midfielders and wide players, they're very lean for defence and orthodox forwards.

My my. You really went for it there.

Bennocelt summed it up well.
My problem is not what Puyol has been it's what he is.
He's had a long season.
He has been visibly knackered at the end of the season. He would definitely be picked if fit.
We will see who he's replaced by but imagine if it's someone out to make a claim to his spot.
Whilst I agree with you on his organisational abilities, I have looked at him as a weak link that could be exploited by the likes of McGeady and McClean running inside.
Again, it's a view I have now and have had watching him throughout the season.
You may not agree but your ranting seems out of place so early in the week.

[Stuttgart88]

He has been visually knackered at the end of the season. He needs an optician so.

[Charlie Darwin]

People have been saying for years that the defence is the weak link in the Barcelona and Spanish sides, most persistently and ridiculously the RTE panel. There are certainly areas of his defensive game where Puyol is prone to the odd lapse, but his sides' defensive records speak for themselves and the fact is that what little defending they have to do, they rarely make any errors. Puyol is going to be a huge loss and the onus will be on Pique (if he's even fit) to provide leadership.

[Sullivinho]

Here's something for the Euro buildup pot. The England vs. Ireland game from Euro '88 is being shown in on ESPN classic at 11.10 tonight.

[bennocelt]

The Puyol thing is a bit similar to the situation with England with Ferdinand and Terry - Thing is look how Mattheus and Maldini did more harm than good when germany/italy brought them along for an extended tourno - even the greats can mess it all up

[geysir]

I suppose that can happen when a legend hits the wrong side of 40.

[Crosby87]

who replaces Puyol in the starting lineup?

[Junior]

You can't decide if a winner of a world cup, European championship, 3 champions leagues, 5 la ligas and current captain of the best club team in the world is a loss?

To put this idiocy in context if Richard Dunne was ruled out for us you'd get the same goons in another country guffawing that its actually a good thing for Ireland because of those few penalties and own goals they'd seen him giving away in the premiership. A "liability" and "headless" they'd shriek smug in their ignorance. They're quite comparable in importance and foreign fan disrespect for their respective countries in fact.
If you can't understand how Puyol would be anything but a massive loss for Spain then I'd request sparing our palms from excessive face time and not commenting on the sport again.

This is a massive and possibly tournament costing loss for them, he's been the glue that held together a very rickety Spanish defence in the past. Theres real implosion potential for them without him because individually few of their back 4 are solid or reliable defenders. If you've ever watched him in person the amount of yelling and instructions he gives out on the pitch is incredible, he never shuts up. I wonder without constant instruction how the likes of Ramos, Iraola Arbeloa and Albiol will get on because they do not look like the same players on teams without Puyol as they have done for Spain.
If they're smart they'll bring an experienced replacement Marchena, either way this is excellent news for us. If Villa was out as well even better, without their lynchpins in attack and defence it'd make them very vulnerable. Spain have an endless reel of quality midfielders and wide players, they're very lean for defence and orthodox forwards.

A thinly veiled "I've been to a Barca match" post.

He will be a loss to them no doubt. Both on and off the park.

[bennocelt]

I suppose that can happen when a legend hits the wrong side of 40.

39 (0-3 to portugal, ouch!), 37 (0-3 loss to croatia -was awful that day too, ouch!), 33 (2-1 to korea, ouch):cool:

[Stuttgart88]

He's had a long season. He has been visibly knackered at the end of the season. The main hope I see of getting a result from Spain is that the whole Barcelona team looks jaded. Messi and Alves seemed to have the most energy of any of them and they ain't Spanish. This was apparent even before Christmas. Remember, these guys have had over 4 years now of going all the way in Euro and World championships, all the way in the league and all the way, pretty much, in the Champs league as well as Super Cups and all that. They'll have had little rest other than any breathers they can get mid-season by laying up a little. Barcelona hardly rotate their starting XI so there's some hope that 4 weeks from now that the players may just have heavy legs.

Of course, Barcelona aren't the only team that Spain picks its players from.

[tetsujin1979]

Spanish squad named: http://www.rfef.es/index.jsp?nodo=39&ID=5018


Guardametas:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF)
José Manuel Reina (Liverpool FC)
David De Gea (Manchester United FC)

Defensas:
Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid CF)
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF)
Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid CF)
Jordi Alba (Valencia CF SAD)
Ignacio Monreal (Málaga CF)
Juanfran Torres (C.Atlético de Madrid SAD)
Álvaro Domínguez (C.Atlético de Madrid SAD).

Centrocampistas:
Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid CF)
Santiago Cazorla (Málaga CF SAD)
Beñat Etxebarria (Real Betis Balompié)
Francisco R. Alarcón ‘Isco’ (Málaga CF)
Javier García (SL Benfica)
Bruno Soriano (Villarreal CF SAD).

Delanteros:
David Jiménez Silva (Manchester City FC)
Jesús Navas (Sevilla CF SAD)
Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC SAD)
Roberto Soldado (Valencia CF SAD)
Adrián López (C. Atlético de Madrid SAD)


<EDIT>

sorry, got that wrong
That's the squad for the friendies against Serbia and South Korea

No Barcelona, Bilbao or Chelsea players included, due to the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals

[Charlie Darwin]

Wow, no Bilbao players?

[paul_oshea]

Are there no bilbao players because of the rest required and they will be drafted in later or no bilbao players? That is mad if its the latter.

[jbyrne]

Are there no bilbao players because of the rest required and they will be drafted in later or no bilbao players? That is mad if its the latter.

bilbao play barca on 25th May in the Copa del Rey.
no way they will leave llorente out of their squad for example

[shakermaker1982]

Iker

Albiol Ramos Pique Arbeloa

Busquets Alonso

Iniesta Xaxi Silva

Llorente

would be my best guess for their starting 11. Look at the players they can leave out...Thiago, Fabregas, Muniain, Fabregas, Cazorla.

Will Villa make it? If Torres bangs in a hat trick in the Champions League this weekend then I suppose he could end up getting the nod as the lone striker.

[paul_oshea]

Ya they can leave out fabregas twice and still be class.

[Crosby87]

Looking at that lineup on paper...its going to take a miracle. Yikes.

[French Toasht]

Regarding Barca and their over reliance on Messi up front, this is possibly the most telling stat I've ever seen. Without Messi or Ronaldos goals factored in, Real would still have won the league, Barca would have come 6th and just scraped the last Uefa Cup spot.

http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/la_liga/124415/stat-attack-how-the-la-liga-table-would-look-without-messi-and-ronaldos-96-goals.html?utm

[Junior]

Looking at that lineup on paper...its going to take a miracle. Yikes.

Tut Tut... you souldnt be printing this stuff out. Think of the environment wil ya!

But yeah - we can do it. Defensively we can put in an almighty shift. We just then have to hope that our outlet (the two wide boys) play with confidence and can retain possession, win free kicks, generally get us out of our own half with a degree of control.

We will need a hell of a lot of lady luck but with the 'system' and concentration we can get something out of this game - BELIEVE

[passinginterest]

I know it's mad to suggest leaving out the team captain and top scorer but I think for the game against Spain there might be a case for some comination of Walters/Doyle/Long. Let's face it there's not going to be any ball coming through the middle and getting played into Robbie's feet. 90% of the ball Ireland play forward will be hoofed into the channels for the front men to hold up and the wingers to come and support them. Walters, Doyle and Long would be much more physically imposing against what is Spain's possible weak spot and they can all run the channels well. Keane would be more inclined to drop into the middle of the pitch looking for ball to feet and possibly inviting more pressure as his strike partner will be left to run the channels and attempt to hold the ball up and phsically battle the Spanish defence alone.