Group C Euro 2012 General Discussion

[DannyInvincible]

Spain ended up winning 2-0. Adrián scored their first in the 64th and Cazorla scored theirsecond, a penalty, in the 74th.

[DannyInvincible]

Spain announced their 23-man squad earlier:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina, (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Forwards: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)

[ArdeeBhoy]

Nice to see him quote me from about a month ago without attributing it.


To be fair, some smart ass mentioned that last year....though it may have just been about Hellas. The other lot have won it since.

[Charlie Darwin]

Breaking news, but 19 people have been arrested in connection with match-fixing in Italy, including Juventus manager Antonio Conte, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and, most relevant to us, defender Domenico Criscito, who was certain to make the final squad. The provisional squad were supposedly frisked by police and Criscito's room was raided.

[BonnieShels]

Breaking news, but 19 people have been arrested in connection with match-fixing in Italy, including Juventus manager Antonio Conte, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and, most relevant to us, defender Domenico Criscito, who was certain to make the final squad. The provisional squad were supposedly frisked by police and Criscito's room was raided.

Just coming in here to post this. First time in over a year I go on Twitter and it exploded!!!

[SwanVsDalton]

Last time the Italians had a match-fixing scandal they won the World Cup. So let's hope it's more of a distraction this time...

[French Toasht]

Last time the Italians had a match-fixing scandal they won the World Cup. So let's hope it's more of a distraction this time...

Exactly, they seemed completely unnerved by the whole affair in 2006.

On a seperate note, spent the weekend digesting a Euro 2012 magazine they produce over here. Whilst it always surprises me how Trap has such ardent critics back home despite the fact that he has delivered a major championship and brought us back to the top tier of the rankings, it completely amazes me how low expectations are in Croatia and how critical the media and fans are of Slaven Bilic.

For a country with a similar population to Ireland and only a slightly better domestic league, I really can't understand how the national side could in any way be construed to have underachieved.

[Murfinator]

Ban Criscito please, he's an amazing player. ;)

[DannyInvincible]

'Trappatoni is devastated by arrests': http://www.rte.ie/sport/news/2012/0528/322649-trappatoni-is-devastated-by-arrests/


Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has described the latest match-fixing scandal to hit Italy as "devastating" and believes it further tarnishes the image of Italian football.

The former Italy boss was shocked by the news that several players, including Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto, have been arrested today by police in connection with a match-fixing probe carried out by Cremona prosecutors.

"It is a devastating story," Trapattoni told Gazzetta dello Sport. "If the magistrates are doing something, it is because there is some truth in this.

"I, who have travelled abroad for some time, must say that we give an ugly image of our football.

"As an Italian, the first feeling is that we are mocked abroad, we are always linked to illicit dealings and are considered mafia members.

"This only damages us because I can claim to have paid the price for an attitude that affects everyone."

...

"It's clear that certain stories provoke anger," Trapattoni said. "But it could also give a push (to the team) to prove the clean face of football."

[BonnieShels]

He's out of squad as per FIGC.
Decided to pull out to clear his name etc.
@tancredipalmeri

[boysingreen]

Criscito is normally a starter I take it?

[Charlie Darwin]

Yes, he's their first choice left back.

[Charlie Darwin]

Juventus's Leonardo Bonucci, who is also in the provisional 25-man squad, has also been arrested.

[DeLorean]

Criscito didn't impress me all that much at the last WC. I took an extra bit of notice of him because I couldn't believe they had left Fabio Grosso out of the squad, who had been a massive player for them in the previous WC and also the Euros in 2008. I think Criscito was even replaced at half time in the final group match against Slovakia, although it may have been more to do with tactics than him being particularly poor.

[Murfinator]

Criscito is normally a starter I take it?

He's a top player, a strong bet for being the best left back in the world in a few years. He's still only 25.

(this is good news for us basically)

[SkStu]

all these scandals (Italy), injuries (Spain) and historical mental weakness (Croatia) are giving me palpitations...

[weldoninhio]

all these scandals (Italy), injuries (Spain) and historical mental weakness (Croatia) are giving me palpitations...

All of the above will make it all the more embarrassing when we are turfed out bottom of the table on June 18th.

[boysingreen]

We must trust. M'Gedy. Paul Green. The mentality.

[SkStu]

All of the above will make it all the more embarrassing when we are turfed out bottom of the table on June 18th.

Embarrassing?? Im just proud that we're there.

[paul_oshea]

welcome back weldondhino.whatever happened that 3-0 massacre you predicted for us.

id love if you opened a bookies id be yer best customer!

[paul_oshea]

welcome back weldondhino.whatever happened that 3-0 massacre you predicted for us.

id love if you opened a bookies id be yer best customer!

[Charlie Darwin]

Final squad announced. McShane in, Foley out.

1 Given
2 St Ledger
3 Ward
4 O'Shea
5 Dunne
6 Whelan
7 McGeady
8 Andrews
9 Doyle
10 Keane
11 Duff
12 Kelly
13 McShane
14 Walters
15 Gibson
16 Westwood
17 Hunt
18 O'Dea
19 Long
20 Cox
21 Green
22 McClean
23 Forde

[paul_oshea]

i posted this already on the other thread CD.

[Charlie Darwin]

Don't you dare steal my thunder, Paul O'Shea.

[paul_oshea]

How dare you I was first. You can see by the fact your post to this thread was up top of the list, therefore my post was before yours :P

Interesting "Ironically, Foley trained at the Stadio Comunale Alberto Benedetti in Borgo A Buggiano last night, while McShane did not after suffering a bruised heel during Saturday's 1-0 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dublin'"

If this is true sounds to me like a football call rather than a fitness one. Not fair on Foley in fairness, unless he hurt himself in training last night.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yep, confirmed by Trap it's a footballing decision. Awful for Foley - shades of Gary Waddock.

Trap: "Kevin has been recovering well, I have made the difficult decision after completing fitness tests on O’Shea and McShane."

I assume the decision is because of the ongoing fitness concerns over O'Shea, Dunne, O'Dea and St Ledger, meaning extra centre half cover is needed.

[John83]

Final squad announced...
18 Green
...
21 Green
...

I know he covers a lot of ground, but still?

[Murfinator]

Should we read into the squad numbers 1-11 being the expected starting side as a confirmation? I don't massively disagree with it but I'd like to think he's keeping an open mind about Long over Doyle or alternatives to Ward.

[nigel-harps1954]

Should we read into the squad numbers 1-11 being the expected starting side as a confirmation? I don't massively disagree with it but I'd like to think he's keeping an open mind about Long over Doyle or alternatives to Ward.

Exactly my thoughts, seems to be his starting XI numbered as so.

[French Toasht]

Croatia and Lyons Dejan Lovren, dropped from the 23 with an Achilles injury. Thats good news as he is a regular at centre back and further weakens an already questionable defence.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2012/05/29/sp-croatia-name-squad.html

[gastric]

Love this article from an Australian rag. Hopefully, the PM makes them withdraw!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/italian-pm-suggests-ban-on-soccer/story-e6frfg8x-1226373190838

[Kingdom]

all these scandals (Italy), injuries (Spain) and historical mental weakness (Croatia) are giving me palpitations...

So tell me Kevin, you're a male right? oh Lord....any penalty points? yeah, 2! Oh sweet Lamb of Devine....Fully Comp? Yippeee!
Nononsense.ie?

[Zizou]

Strange.
When the draw was made I thought, we're screwed. We won't get a goal never mind a point...
Then a few months passed and I thought, we may take a point off the Croats. I mean they're not as good as they were.
Then I started thinking, well neither are the Italians right????
Now we're a week away, I'm thinking we'll draw with the Croats, rattle Spain but lose and beat the Italians for sure!
Am I getting carried away here on pure blinkered optimism, or can we actually get out of this group????
Strange..

[jbyrne]

Strange.
When the draw was made I thought, we're screwed. We won't get a goal never mind a point...
Then a few months passed and I thought, we may take a point off the Croats. I mean they're not as good as they were.
Then I started thinking, well neither are the Italians right????
Now we're a week away, I'm thinking we'll draw with the Croats, rattle Spain but lose and beat the Italians for sure!
Am I getting carried away here on pure blinkered optimism, or can we actually get out of this group????
Strange..

we have a chance of getting out of the group but when have we last beaten anyone ranked higher than us in a competitive match? All 3 of our group opponents are top 10 ranked.

my hope is that we are still in contention in the Italy match and by some freak three draws does it for us!

[Zizou]

we have a chance of getting out of the group but when have we last beaten anyone ranked higher than us in a competitive match? All 3 of our group opponents are top 10 ranked.

my hope is that we are still in contention in the Italy match and by some freak three draws does it for us!
The Fifa World Rankings are the biggest load of poop ever. I pay them no attention. Looking through the final squads, Italy and Croatia look like the weakest squads they have ever taken to a major tournament. I know we're not exactly choc full of world class talent, but both these teams are beatable. I'm sure of it now. It's not just the excitement. I think we'll do it. And then in the quarters, Engerland.... :D

[SkStu]

So tell me Kevin, you're a male right? oh Lord....any penalty points? yeah, 2! Oh sweet Lamb of Devine....Fully Comp? Yippeee!
Nononsense.ie?

i dont know what this means... :(

[SkStu]

The Fifa World Rankings are the biggest load of poop ever. I pay them no attention. Looking through the final squads, Italy and Croatia look like the weakest squads they have ever taken to a major tournament. I know we're not exactly choc full of world class talent, but both these teams are beatable. I'm sure of it now. It's not just the excitement. I think we'll do it. And then in the quarters, Engerland.... :D

Agree - that Croatian team is overrated plus they have the capacity to bottle it, big time as i keep ribbing my father in law about :D. The Italians are under a cloud of controversy, have a pretty weak squad by their standards and we have a good record against em but in a big fight they usually pull out their big cojones and do the job. Its going to be tough. But we have a chance.

[DannyInvincible]

Love this article from an Australian rag. Hopefully, the PM makes them withdraw!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/italian-pm-suggests-ban-on-soccer/story-e6frfg8x-1226373190838


"I'm not making a proposal and even less so a governmental one but it is something that sometimes I wish for as someone who has loved football for many years," he said during a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk yesterday.

"Maybe it would benefit the development of our citizens to have a total suspension of this game for two or three years.

"It's particularly sad when a world, such as sport, that should express high values is guilty of the most reprehensible ones such as treachery, illegality and deceit."

Is he blaming the game of football itself then rather than the personalities involved? Maybe he wishes Italian politics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_Perceptions_Index#Rankings) were suspended too...

In seriousness though, it's a preposterous notion, but not a proposal, as he points out.

[geysir]

i dont know what this means... :(

I think (like yourself) he's poking fun at bouts of hysteria over a bit of loose straw to clutch at.

[EastTerracer]

Spain are playing South Korea this evening. 1-0 up in the first half through Torres.

Spain lineup as below:
G 23 Pepe Reina
D 15 Sergio Ramos
D 2 Raúl Albiol
D 3 Nacho Monreal
D 17 Álvaro Arbeloa
M 14 Xabi Alonso
M 10 Beñat
M 20 Santi Cazorla
M 21 David Silva
F 9 Fernando Torres
F 13 Juan Mata

[MeathDrog]

1-1 now..

[boysingreen]

Spain 4 - 1 South Korea, FT.

[gastric]

I had a dream of Paul McShane defending against Spain and then I woke up and realised it was a nightmare. Please be fit O'Shea and Kelly!

[Charlie Darwin]

Former Germany striker Carsten Jancker has tipped Ireland to emerge from the group ahead of Italy and Croatia.

http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/241612,jancker-tips-a-dutch-disaster.aspx

[the bear]

any one see the referendum posters:

Support Ireland at euro2012, VOTE NO

[DannyInvincible]

http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2012/05/Support-Ireland-poster-630x472.jpg

FAI weren't too pleased about that: http://www.thejournal.ie/fai-unhappy-with-misrepresentation-on-sinn-fein-referendum-posters-467921-May2012/


A spokesperson told TheJournal.ie: “We’re unhappy with the misrepresentation as we haven’t come out for or against the treaty and this gives the impression that we’re against the treaty”.

The spokesperson said that the FAI had not made any attempts to ask Sinn Féin to take the poster down but wanted to make it clear that the party did not ask their permission to use an image of the Irish football team.

A spokesperson for Sinn Féin said the image was of “footballers” and not specifically of the Republic of Ireland soccer team, adding that there had been no communication from the FAI about taking down the posters.

“We haven’t been made a representation of the FAI’s views, but if they issue correspondence we will deal with that at that time,” he added.

If that's not the Ireland team on the posters lined up facing the tricolour for the anthem, in accordance with custom, who else could it be?

[Murfinator]

Spain are playing South Korea this evening. 1-0 up in the first half through Torres.

Spain lineup as below:
G 23 Pepe Reina
D 15 Sergio Ramos
D 2 Raúl Albiol
D 3 Nacho Monreal
D 17 Álvaro Arbeloa
M 14 Xabi Alonso
M 10 Beñat
M 20 Santi Cazorla
M 21 David Silva
F 9 Fernando Torres
F 13 Juan Mata

Adding in the Barca and Bilbao players I'd guess their starting XI to be:

G Cassilas
DR Sergio Ramos
DC Gerard Pique
DC Raul Albiol
DL Alvao Arbeloa
DM Sergio Busquets
DLP Xabi Alonso
CM Xavi
AM Andres Iniesta
AM David Silva
F Fernando Llorente

Tough to call, they've started Carzola, Fabregas and Jesus Navas at different stages and the form of Pedro may have some bearing on selection.

[Junior]

Italy V Russia on ESPN tonight around 5:30pm I believe. Might be of interest. (Think Tets posted this elsewhere but just in case anyone missed it).

[boysingreen]

Thanks for the reminder on Italy match!!

[boysingreen]

Russia 3 - 0 Italy, FT. All goals in the second half. 1st goal was decent play from Russia, 2nd was a botched sliding tackle clearance by the backup Italian goalie which left Russia an open net, and the 3rd was a lazy/sloppy clearance by a defender around the 89' that was headed home. Wouldn't read an awful lot into it, but hardly helps Italian morale on the back of the scandal. I believe this was their last friendly before the tournament.

Wasn't focused enough on the game to give much of a recap. I know Pirlo went off early in the second half as did Buffon.

Was surprised how much Italy were getting forward in the first half. Pirlo dinked a nice ball forward, which was slotted across the 6 yard box and a diving Balotelli just missed putting it away.

Pirlo remains their biggest threat if you ask me. His age doesn't affect his game, he still can unlock a defense at a moment's notice, from nothing.