Euro 2008

[superfrank]

I've only seen Arshavin play three times (UEFA final and the Euros) and I think he's an outstanding player. Can't see him staying at Zenit for much longer.

Last night has to be shock of the tournament so far. Germany look to be the strongest team left but with all the drama there's been so far, I don't see them as certs. Though, Turkey will be without Volkan, Turan Arda and Sanli.

[Razors left peg]

Does anybody know why Arshavin has only come to everybodys knowledge this season, hes 27 now and for a player of his talent he seems to have come from nowhere!!!

[superfrank]

Simple. He plays in Russia for a team that haven't registered on the radar til this year. Unless you're cfdh edmundo, we simply haven't heard of him.

[Razors left peg]

Simple. He plays in Russia for a team that haven't registered on the radar til this year. Unless you're cfdh edmundo, we simply haven't heard of him.

Yeah but you would have that with that sort of quality scouts from all around europe would have spotted him years ago

[pineapple stu]

There's a lot of money in Russian football now. Quite possible he's happy there.

[Razors left peg]

He has said that he wants to leave now aparently, but I still cant work out how nobody has heard of him until now. Clubs these days have scouts looking for talented kids from all over the world and I just find it amazing that this guy has gone until the age of 27 before he has been noticed

[Closed Account 2]

I actually saw him when I was on holiday in Seville in 2006, Sevilla were playing Zenit in a UEFA Cup match. Sevilla won 4-2 but Zenit had 2 men sent off and Arshavin looked very good. I was a bit suprised when Sevilla brought Alexander Kerzakhov (also played for Zenit in the games) when Arshavin was much the better player.

I'm also suprised that no scouts have picked him up. A few of Zenit's games have been on Eurosport (vs Bayern - although he was out of one of the legs) and in all of the highlights vs Villareal, Leverkusen and MArseille he was immense. If I was a top European club I'd try and pick up him and Pavel Pogrebnyak together as they have an almost telepathic link up.

[Armando]

Though, Turkey will be without Volkan, Turan Arda and Sanli.

Their captain Nihat looks like he's out of the rest of the tournament too.

[OwlsFan]

What a game to look forward to: Russia vs Spain. I thought the fates would decree that the Italians would beat Spain (winners of groups going out in the quarter finals) but I am pleased Spain won, if only for the prospect of the above semi-final. Spain were made to look ordinary enough by the Italians but that's what they do and their version of Tony Cascarino couldn't get a goal for them. I assume Fabregas will start in the semi.

Germany vs Spain final.

[joe_barry80]

Glad Spain went through. The game it's self wasn't great, but they deserve it on the way they played so far in this tournament. Good atmosphere at the game mostly made from the Spanish end. I was sitting in the other corner opposite. Great view of the game. Bit disappointed there wasn't more fans of the competing there. Seemed to be more Germans, Austrians and sponsors fans there. As I said in another tread the Italian end had loads of empty spaces in it.
Maybe they new what was coming :D

P:S: Seen a Shamrock Rovers flag in the Spanish end at the top behind the goal

[tetsujin1979]

Thought I saw a few lads in Ireland jerseys in the crowd, and was there a tricolour behind the left hand side goal?

[Sesp]

There's a lot of money in Russian football now. Quite possible he's happy there.

He's on £50,000 (sterling) a week, plus a generous package of bonuses. That'd be hard for most clubs in the so-called "big leagues" to match. He certainly doesn't need to move for the money.

[DaveyCakes]

Thank God Spain went through. If I never see another Italy game in my life It'll be too soon.

[elroy]

Thank God Spain went through. If I never see another Italy game in my life It'll be too soon.

With the campaign ahead, i think you could be seeing them quite soon.

Germany will dispatch of the turks easy enough I would think but with the turk population in germany id imagine there will be plenty of bite to the game so you never know.
Spain, Russia has the makings of a classic, very hard to call. I think Russia will be more organised than they were in the group game.

[OwlsFan]

Again, bravo man. Your the only one I heard talk up Russia and Arshavin. Fair play.

I reckon they've peaked and Spain will do them in the semi.

[Closed Account 2]

I think Spain will be a harder game for Russia than the Dutch. Spain are at 100% (no injuries or suspensiond), Russia have Torbinsky (probably wouldn't have started) and Kolodin (certain starter) out. Kolodin will probably be replaced by one of the Berezutski twins, none of these players are great at defending, Kolodin offers a bit more going forward but the Berezutskis are better at defending set plays and Aleksei has a powerful shot (less accurate than Kolodin). The twins and Ignashevitch (who was absent from the first game vs Spain) all play for CSKA Moscow, so there might be a better link up / defensive line in terms of same club knowledge / experience.

I think the game will be won and lost in midfield, Arshavin vs Marcos Senna will be the key. One on one Arshavin should be too much him most times, it's a question of if Arshavin can draw in a second marker (someone like Fabregas if he starts or Iniesta or even Xavi) then the game will open up for the Russian wing backs especially Yuri Zhirkov and also central players like Zyrianov and even Semak. I think Pavlyuchekno should occasionally try and go wider to play off Sergio Ramos rather than Puyol. Ramos is error prone and struggles againt big physical players (eg Sweden) or if he is put under pressue.

My big fear for Russia is Spanish diving, David Villa took a lot of tumbles vs Italy and only a strong ref (who booked him) stamped this out. I think a lot of the Spanish team go down a bit too easliy and the ref could come down harshly on the Russians. The Dutch were also fond of the grass and nearly got Kolodin sent off in extra time.

Personally I hope Russia win, in every game they've played in they been very attacking, almost too attacking vs Spain and created numerous chances, which is all great to watch, even if at times they try and walk the ball into the net. Whereas Spain have (in my opinion) been cagey and timid, especially in their second game vs Sweden, but also vs Italy. They could have taken the game to the Italians more espcially in the second half when it opened up once Camanoresi came on, they didn't take risks in the final third, and rarely tried to play a key killer ball - instead they would try and keep possesion and eventually most moves would break down.

[TonyD]

Personally I hope Russia win, in every game they've played in they been very attacking, almost too attacking vs Spain and created numerous chances, which is all great to watch, even if at times they try and walk the ball into the net. Whereas Spain have (in my opinion) been cagey and timid, especially in their second game vs Sweden, but also vs Italy. They could have taken the game to the Italians more espcially in the second half when it opened up once Camanoresi came on, they didn't take risks in the final third, and rarely tried to play a key killer ball - instead they would try and keep possesion and eventually most moves would break down.

Don't agree. I think Spain are great to watch, and I really hope they win the tournament. I also don't think you're giving Italy enough credit for what was a very good defensive performance. They succeeded in really stifling the Spanish. I think the Russians will be more open than the Italians alright, but they may be a little more cagey this time around after being stuffed in the first game. It should be a cracker though, pity it's not the final really.

[HarpoJoyce]

I'm not anti-English Premiership but......... sometimes they justify themselves by the success of there individual players. For me that just leaves Éspana and Ballack ( Lehman is on his way out, I understand).

The tournament has been good to me so far.

[lionelhutz]

With Turkey missing 10 players from their squad for the semi final tonight, can anyone else see anything but a German victory?

The crisis will obviously unite the Turks even more but I doubt that will be enough to overcome the Germans. I'm looking forward to the possibility of the Turks third keeper coming on in the last 10 mins!

I don't believe Germany are exceptional by any means and I think they'll be beaten in the final whoever they meet, but it's just too much to ask of the depleted Turks.

[Closed Account 2]

You never know with Turkey, and if they were at 100% I could see them beating the current German team. But I agree on balance, with all the suspensions and injuries they have pretty much no back line, and I think both Nihat (injury) and Tuncay (suspension) are out so upfront that only really leaves Semih as an out and out striker, Mevult is on the bench but he's very untested (plays at Soucheux in France). One player to look out for is Goekdeniz Karadeniz, he's a good player, not featured yet but could link up well with Mehmet Aurelio (the Brazilian born player). Probably Germany to win in extra time, but I think Turkey (at 100%) are a nicer team to watch and would make a better final.

[superfrank]

They're also missing Arda Turan who was very impressive against the Swiss and the Czechs.

I'll be rooting for Turkey in this one. I'd love to see a Turkey-Russia final. Of course, that would involve the elimination of my beloved Spain.

[Mr Maroon]

Turkey will be without suspended quartet Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan, Volkan Demirel and Emre Asik, while Nihat Kahveci, Emre Gungor, Servet Cetin and Emre Belozoglu are injured.

They're expected to have just 13 outfield players available and 2 keepers (their 2nd and 3rd choices).

According to Sky Sports.

[jmurphyc]

What a shame. Tonight's game has been another great one but it has been partially been ruined (for me) by the unfortunate fault and the commentary now being a few seconds out of sync.

[Junior]

Great game, Turkey very hard done by. Great winning goal but the Germans showed little else.

On a side note, I think the pervy cameramen have given up on subtlety these days:D

[superfrank]

I'm so disappointed for Turkey. I thought they were the better side and it was very unlucky that they lost. On tonight's showing, I think Germany will be runners-up. They were very poor and they need a good kick up the backside if they want to beat Spain or Russia.

[shakermaker1982]

Great game, Turkey very hard done by. Great winning goal but the Germans showed little else.

On a side note, I think the pervy cameramen have given up on subtlety these days:D

That woman must be on commission - not that I'm complaining!!!

[superfrank]

It's Germany.
In a Final.
They'll win.
Just like '86?

[pineapple stu]

And '02.

But never write off the Germans.

[jebus]

Bet me....

You probably wouldn't be worth much in trade though ruben

:D

[strangeirish]

Lehmann is looking awful dodgy. It wouldn't surprise if he costs the Germans the final, no matter who they play.

[stojkovic]

It's Germany.
In a Final.
They'll win.

"Football is game played by 22 players for 90 minutes, the ball is round and in the end, the Germans usually win" - Gary Lineker

[Pauro 76]

Was watching BBC in a bar in london. Picture kept cutting out at least twice during the game for 5 minute periods. Actually missed a german goal. very very frustrating. Did RTE have same problem or did they have different pictures?

[superfrank]

Bet me....
I'm not a betting man. I don't doubt Germany's strength but the way they played tonight says to me they could easily be toppled by Russia or Spain in full-flow.

[pineapple stu]

"the ball is round" - Gary Lineker
That bit wasn't Lineker - it was Sepp Herberger, the German national manager of the 1954 World Cup winning team.

[gilberto_eire]

Was watching BBC in a bar in london. Picture kept cutting out at least twice during the game for 5 minute periods. Actually missed a german goal. very very frustrating. Did RTE have same problem or did they have different pictures?

It was a WORLD wide problem, only the fans in the ground saw all the game, i heard the commentary of Germanys goal, BBC had the Radio 1 commentary on when they lost pictures while RTE went to the studio for mid-game analysis :rolleyes:

[Pauro 76]

It was a WORLD wide problem, only the fans in the ground saw all the game, i heard the commentary of Germanys goal, BBC had the Radio 1 commentary on when they lost pictures while RTE went to the studio for mid-game analysis :rolleyes:

Cheers mate, only back from the pub and wondering what the problem was. Could have been worse. it could have cut out during a penalty shootout!

[pineapple stu]

Apparently it was to do with a thunder storm in Vienna at the time.

[jmurphyc]

Is that the first time that the coverage was faulty in the knockout stages of a major international tournament? I can't remember another occasion myself.

[pineapple stu]

1986, the early stages apparently came through in foreign languages because there was a problem with the satellites (an earthquake I think?)

[HarpoJoyce]

Is that the first time that the coverage was faulty in the knockout stages of a major international tournament? I can't remember another occasion myself.

This evening Bill O'Herilihy reassured the nation and stated that it was a problem throughout Europe.

I wasn't listening to any Radio stations but I'm delighted the likes of the BBC can be relied upon.


To answer your question it depends where you live. Was talking to some German fans tonight while there was a break in images. I was in Tunisia during the WC 2002 and arrived at a resort, the place was swarming with German tourists watching the Final with Brazil but about half-an-hour into the game there was a power cut at the port and neighbouring towns. I was travelling on and saw some very poor coverag recorded later that night. The tourists at least missed a defeat.

[kingdom hoop]

Apparently it was to do with a thunder storm in Vienna at the time.

Bloody globalisation strikes again.

[TonyD]

This evening Bill O'Herilihy reassured the nation and stated that it was a problem throughout Europe.


And wasn't he pleased about it too. It's not our fault, honestly. You can't blame us for this one.

Thought the RTE panel was quite funny when he said that.

Dunphy _ "Ah, they have Bill, BBC have pictures, Sky, everybody..."

Brady - "It's cos we voted no to Lisbon"

[joe_barry80]

If you seen the weather here over the last few days it has been horrendous. Boiling during the day and then washout at night. The fan Mile in Vienna had to be evacuated because of lightning. Not surprised the satellite was knocked out, but you would think in this day and age they would be able to prepare for something like that.

Saying that it was a very exciting game. Germans will need to get their finger out if they are to win.

try this link and check the videos
1. go to Zur Mediathek
2. At the top click on Startseite
3. On The right sid click on EM Kompakt

All the goals are there


http://www.zdf.de/ZDFmediathek/content/526810

[Closed Account 2]

The Russians froze on the big stage... Bit dissapointed they never got out of the starting blocks tonight... I think the lack of big game experience and good Spanish tactics (esp. midfield marking) were the main factors tonight.

I would say Germany will probably edge the final, a lot will depend on the fitness of young Thorsten Frings.

[pineapple stu]

The Russians always froze. As bad as the Spanish for it. Heard a theory one time that it was partly down to communism, which didn't encourage leadership, so when the heads go down, they've no-one to pick them up and they're screwed.

[TheBoss]

Lads, the Russians can not break through the midfield of Spain, it happened in the first game, Spain are a much better team, they proved it, its not that Russia were bad, is that Spain tactically know what they doing and how to stop the Russians feeding Arshavin and Pavyluchenko.

[superfrank]

Very strong second-half performance from the Spaniards. Nice to see. Russia just didn't seem to want it enough and as soon as the first went in, they seemed to care even less.

It will be a tight enoug match on Sunday.

For me, a lot depends on the line-ups. A key indicator will be the performances of Ballack and Fabregas (if he starts). I think Spain have a better keeper and a stronger midfield but Germany defence doesn't seem as shaky as Spanish one, which wasn't really tested tonight. Both teams have two attacking full-backs so it could be a very stretched game.

I think Villa and Torres is slightly better than Klose and Podolski but Villa being injured will change it a lot. Guiza is a better than Gomez.

I think Spain are better technically but Germany have a stronger team.

I really can't call it.

[Closed Account 2]

Following Russian football a lot and seeing the players during the anthems I had a bad feeling they would fold on the night. The players just looked dazed and in awe of the situation, scratch the surface and you could see Russia's squad was limited - they really could have done with another big physical striker to mix it with Puyol and Marchena. Senna (looked like Vieira in his prime) bossed the game in midfield and the likes of Zryianov and Semak didn't get stuck in enough. I think if Pogrebnyak had been available Hiddink would have thrown him on and we would have seen the Spanish really tested, the Russians would have gone 3 up and just bombed it out wide...

The thing about Russia is if they go 1 or 2 down then they tend to lose shape and the back line disintegrates (happened vs Spain twice and also away to England in the quals). They're one of the youngest sides in the tournament and I think they'll be a force in the future, they just need experience and someone to really boss the game for them.

[OwlsFan]

I reckon they've peaked and Spain will do them in the semi.

Seen it all so often. A team flatters to deceive. The so-called experts are astounded and don't know what's happened. The Spanish, managed by the so-called "clown" stiffled the Russians and barely let them get a kick in. Great performances by Fabregas and Silva.

[EAFC_rdfl]

should torres have been booked for kicking out at the russian defender who muscled him off the ball in the 2nd half. I don't think it can be argued he was going for the ball, as it was already well out of his reach