Euro 2008

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Originally Posted by Pike B

I'd rate Agger, Reina, Finnan, Benayoun, aswell. We need at least 5 signings in the Summer. But it's been that way for a long time. A lot of players just don't seem to settle. I also think Babbel can become a vital player. He has everything, but needs confidence. What odds he has a blinder for Holland in the Summer...

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Babel, I agree with, the other 4 above are all average players, and in my honest opinion, they are not good enough to play for Liverpool.

Reina knows he has no oppostion for the No.1 jersey, and ye could do alot worse than bringing back Carson (if not for first choice, it would at least keep Reina on his toes).

Carragher at right back is a waste, he is a good solid consistant performer at centre back.

Just look at it this way (and be honest now), how many of the Liverpool squad would get in the United FIRST 11. Thats how I think you judge exactly how many players you need (always compare against the best).

Would these get in the Utd first 11.????
Reina............No
Carragher......Maybe
Babel............No (not yet anyway)
Mascherano...Maybe
Gerrard.........Yes
Torres..........Yes

Thats my honest view anyway, for what its worth.

money's on portugal

Back to the topic anyway, My eleven to watch for the tournament are
1:Casillas 2:Miguel 3:Lahm 4:Chivu 5:Cannavaro 6:Krancjar 7:Smolarek 8:Nasri 9:Torres 10:Podolski 11:Ronaldo.

I think Casillas, Miguel, Lahm, Ronaldo, Smolarek, Torres and Podolski, are players in great form who should make their reputations even bigger in this tournament. Chivu is a superb footballing centre half who is going to be busy in the group of death but I fancy he'll excell. Cannavaro is one to watch as he was player of the year after World cup but is now beginning to maybe get a bit of stick for club form. Intresting to see his reaction for the Azzuri.
Then there's Nasri. Heir to Zizous throne, and potentially the best young French player in a decade. If he starts he could be magic....
Krancjar I just like personally. He's a gifted technical footballer, two footed and can be way better than the player we are seeing at Pompey, so I would watch for him also..
Player of the tournament?? For me, Podolski.

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Back to the topic anyway, My eleven to watch for the tournament are
1:Casillas 2:Miguel 3:Lahm 4:Chivu 5:Cannavaro 6:Krancjar 7:Smolarek 8:Nasri 9:Torres 10:Podolski 11:Ronaldo.

I think Casillas, Miguel, Lahm, Ronaldo, Smolarek, Torres and Podolski, are players in great form who should make their reputations even bigger in this tournament. Chivu is a superb footballing centre half who is going to be busy in the group of death but I fancy he'll excell. Cannavaro is one to watch as he was player of the year after World cup but is now beginning to maybe get a bit of stick for club form. Intresting to see his reaction for the Azzuri.
Then there's Nasri. Heir to Zizous throne, and potentially the best young French player in a decade. If he starts he could be magic....
Krancjar I just like personally. He's a gifted technical footballer, two footed and can be way better than the player we are seeing at Pompey, so I would watch for him also..
Player of the tournament?? For me, Podolski.

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Change the subject why dont you!!!!
I agree though with Krancjar, I always liked him and is a class act, very rarely gives the ball away and always does the simple thing first,
Podolski, I'm not too sure about, I dont think he'll even start for the Germans this summer, maybe more of a super sub me thinks.
After all they do have Kuranyi, Gomes, Klose etc all playing very well at club level, and I dont think Podolski even gets a regular start for Bayern, does he?

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

Change the subject why dont you!!!!
I agree though with Krancjar, I always liked him and is a class act, very rarely gives the ball away and always does the simple thing first,
Podolski, I'm not too sure about, I dont think he'll even start for the Germans this summer, maybe more of a super sub me thinks.
After all they do have Kuranyi, Gomes, Klose etc all playing very well at club level, and I dont think Podolski even gets a regular start for Bayern, does he?

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this is SPAINS year....it has to be!!!!

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

Change the subject why dont you!!!!
I agree though with Krancjar, I always liked him and is a class act, very rarely gives the ball away and always does the simple thing first,
Podolski, I'm not too sure about, I dont think he'll even start for the Germans this summer, maybe more of a super sub me thinks.
After all they do have Kuranyi, Gomes, Klose etc all playing very well at club level, and I dont think Podolski even gets a regular start for Bayern, does he?

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All the more reason for him to prove them all wrong. I think he will start up front with Klose. Kuranyi only on the bench. Since I think the Germans are going to win it, I picked a player who needs a good tournament, and Podolski does. With Klose in the last World Cup , he looked like a back up to Klose's main man. I think it'll be the other way around this time. I backed Klose for top scorer in that tournament and won. He was 25/1!! My moneys on Lukas Podolski this time for the golden boot..

As for Krancjar, it's good to see I'm not the only one to recognise his talent. Could watch him play ball all day. Superb technical ability. Reminds of Zidane when he moves with the ball at his feet, tall elegant always in control. Super player, possible future great. Remember, Zizou didn't shine until he was gone 25.. Krancjar is around that now..

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Originally Posted by summervilleman

this is SPAINS year....it has to be!!!!

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Ha ha it's always Spain's year!!! But if they click, maybe just maybe..

Group A: Portugal
Group B: Germany
Group C: Italy
Group D: Spain (Yes i am predicting spain to actually win a group!

Germany will be hard to beat. I reckon it will be Italy losing to them in the final. Best outsider chance: Holland.

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Originally Posted by Poloman

Group A: Portugal
Group B: Germany
Group C: Italy
Group D: Spain (Yes i am predicting spain to actually win a group!

Germany will be hard to beat. I reckon it will be Italy losing to them in the final. Best outsider chance: Holland.

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A lot of faith in the Italians there. I am not sure about them this time. I think their best players are past their best and the younger players are not up to scratch. I think the French and Dutch may prove too much for them in that group.

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Mistakes have been made. I'll admit that, but this guy would be the perfect foil for Fernando.. United have had a few flops too, Jordi Cruyff, Kleberson, Djemba Djemba, even Alex Ferguson can get it wrong.... ;)

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do,nt forget veron,forlan,taibi,liam miller,

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Originally Posted by hoops12

do,nt forget veron,forlan,taibi,liam miller,

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Oh ya, and them!!!

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Originally Posted by hoops12

do,nt forget veron,forlan,taibi,liam miller,

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Veron was a world class proven footballer, he just didnt settle in England, Forlan has proved what a good finisher he is in Spain over the last few years, and he'll always go down as Utd legend for his 2 goals in Anfield.:p The other 2 I agree with.

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

Veron was a world class proven footballer, he just didnt settle in England, Forlan has proved what a good finisher he is in Spain over the last few years, and he'll always go down as Utd legend for his 2 goals in Anfield.:p The other 2 I agree with.

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lads am i missing something here ... what has an veron / forlan and man utd got to do with euro 2008 if i remember back to my school days argentina & uraguay are both in south america :D :D

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Originally Posted by old git

lads am i missing something here ... what has an veron / forlan and man utd got to do with euro 2008 if i remember back to my school days argentina & uraguay are both in south america :D :D

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Its just a debate Pike "B" and I have going about so called flops that were bought by Utd & Pool.
We'll let it at that then, and move on.

Ya that's the end of it there. So Old Git, what about the Euros? Who's your pension money on? :D

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Ya that's the end of it there. So Old Git, what about the Euros? Who's your pension money on? :D

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not very original germany.. i just think they will grind out the results as they always seem to do ... portugal as my second choice :ball:

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Originally Posted by old git

not very original germany.. i just think they will grind out the results as they always seem to do ... portugal as my second choice :ball:

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Any tips for player of the tournament? Top scorer? Players to watch?

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Any tips for player of the tournament? Top scorer? Players to watch?

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if i give any tips as player of tournament / top scorer dont back them i usually put the jinx on players ... at the moment would fancy torres / ronaldo and cant remember his name striker plays for lyon to do well but you never know afer a long hard season players may lose a bit of their game ... :ball:

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Originally Posted by old git

if i give any tips as player of tournament / top scorer dont back them i usually put the jinx on players ... at the moment would fancy torres / ronaldo and cant remember his name striker plays for lyon to do well but you never know afer a long hard season players may lose a bit of their game ... :ball:

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Benzema. Ya,fair point. Fatigue will play a part.

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Benzema. Ya,fair point. Fatigue will play a part.

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cheers thats the worst with old age my memory keeps going :D:D

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Originally Posted by old git

cheers thats the worst with old age my memory keeps going :D:D

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Have a lie down. You've earned it :D

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Originally Posted by old git

if i give any tips as player of tournament / top scorer dont back them i usually put the jinx on players ... at the moment would fancy torres / ronaldo and cant remember his name striker plays for lyon to do well but you never know afer a long hard season players may lose a bit of their game ... :ball:

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if the dutch have good tournament huntelaar will be a star.the best finisher since van nistlerooy

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Originally Posted by hoops12

if the dutch have good tournament huntelaar will be a star.the best finisher since van nistlerooy

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The best finisher since Van Nistelrooy???
Is that just to come out of Holland?
Coz if it aint, then your talking rubbish, again.

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

The best finisher since Van Nistelrooy???
Is that just to come out of Holland?
Coz if it aint, then your talking rubbish, again.

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well since it was holland i was on about what do you reckon,

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

The best finisher since Van Nistelrooy???
Is that just to come out of Holland?
Coz if it aint, then your talking rubbish, again.

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Who is the best finisher going into this tournament then? Huntelaar, V. Nistellrooy, Podolski, Klose, Toni, Henry, Anelka, Mutu, Nuno Gomes, Koller,?

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Who is the best finisher going into this tournament then? Huntelaar, V. Nistellrooy, Podolski, Klose, Toni, Henry, Anelka, Mutu, Nuno Gomes, Koller,?

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Can't beleive you left out one of your favourites??? Torres
Or what about Benzema, Villa

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Who is the best finisher going into this tournament then? Huntelaar, V. Nistellrooy, Podolski, Klose, Toni, Henry, Anelka, Mutu, Nuno Gomes, Koller,?

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your forgetting the small matter of torres,and when your talking bout finishers raul has to be one of the all time greats.and is laarson still playing with the swedes another clinical finisher

Didn't mention Torres on purpose lads. Wanted to see if a United man would bring him up.. And low and behold abbeyvale, you did ;). My question answered :D

On another thread they are discussing the French squad and who might be left out. They have incredible options at the moment, but my 11 would be :
1
Coupet
2 3
Sagna Clichy
4 5
Thuram Gallas
6
Viera
7 11
Ribery Nasri
8
Benzema

9 10
Anelka Henry

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Originally Posted by Pike B

On another thread they are discussing the French squad and who might be left out. They have incredible options at the moment, but my 11 would be :
1
Coupet
2 3
Sagna Clichy
4 5
Thuram Gallas
6
Viera
7 11
Ribery Nasri
8
Benzema

9 10
Anelka Henry

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I think Abidal (Barca) & Makalele (Chel) are def starters, and maybe Mexes (Roma) & Toulalon (Lyon)

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

I think Abidal (Barca) & Makalele (Chel) are def starters, and maybe Mexes (Roma) & Toulalon (Lyon)

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Mexes?? Not likely. Abidal will start alright, but the 11 I named would be something to watch. Can't see them being so attacking though. Pity. Nobody really just goes for it in football these days. Too defensive.

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Originally Posted by Pike B

Mexes?? Not likely. Abidal will start alright, but the 11 I named would be something to watch. Can't see them being so attacking though. Pity. Nobody really just goes for it in football these days. Too defensive.

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lads is that guy dorhasoo [think thats how you spell it]not around the french squad anymore.i saw him against ireland bout 2 years ago in lansdowne and he was awesome

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Originally Posted by hoops12

lads is that guy dorhasoo [think thats how you spell it]not around the french squad anymore.i saw him against ireland bout 2 years ago in lansdowne and he was awesome

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Gone past it, and not doing it on a regular basis.

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

Gone past it, and not doing it on a regular basis.

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who,s he playing with

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Originally Posted by hoops12

who,s he playing with

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See factfile below

Date of birth October 10, 1973 (age 34)
Place of birth Harfleur, France
Height 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Playing position Midfielder


1993-1998 Le Havre App 137 (Goals 4)
1998-2001 Lyon 93 (5)
2001-2002 Bordeaux 28 (1)
2002-2004 Lyon 68 (6)
2004-2005 Milan 12 (0)
2005-2006 Paris St-Germain 34 (0)
2007 Livorno 0 (0)


National team
1999–2006 France 18 (1)


Retired from all football on 11th January 2008.

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

See factfile below

Date of birth October 10, 1973 (age 34)
Place of birth Harfleur, France
Height 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Playing position Midfielder


1993-1998 Le Havre App 137 (Goals 4)
1998-2001 Lyon 93 (5)
2001-2002 Bordeaux 28 (1)
2002-2004 Lyon 68 (6)
2004-2005 Milan 12 (0)
2005-2006 Paris St-Germain 34 (0)
2007 Livorno 0 (0)


National team
1999–2006 France 18 (1)


Retired from all football on 11th January 2008.

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Never rated him.

Good website for this competition lads.http://www.euro2008comp.co.uk/

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Originally Posted by abbeyvale

See factfile below

Date of birth October 10, 1973 (age 34)
Place of birth Harfleur, France
Height 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Playing position Midfielder


1993-1998 Le Havre App 137 (Goals 4)
1998-2001 Lyon 93 (5)
2001-2002 Bordeaux 28 (1)
2002-2004 Lyon 68 (6)
2004-2005 Milan 12 (0)
2005-2006 Paris St-Germain 34 (0)
2007 Livorno 0 (0)


National team
1999–2006 France 18 (1)


Retired from all football on 11th January 2008.

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cheers alan ,

From Uefa.com.

Germany's Bernd Schneider will definitely miss Germany's UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back last week.
Absence confirmed
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder was originally rated as doubtful for the tournament after the operation in Hanover on 25 April. Today, however, Germany coach Joachim Löw received final confirmation of the 34-year-old's unavailability, when he was informed that Schneider has been told not to resume training for the foreseeable future.

From uefa.com
http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/Multime.../665297_w2.jpg
Luka Modrić has earned comparisons with Johan Cruyff



The reasons why Tottenham Hotspur FC were in such a hurry to spend €21m on Croatia midfielder Luka Modrić will become clear at UEFA EURO 2008™. That is the message from Modrić's national-team coach Slaven Bilić who has no doubts about the quality of the 22-year-old from NK Dinamo Zagreb.
Cruyff comparison
Modrić and company also helped to eliminate England from the EURO, so Tottenham Hotspur fans will not be completely incredulous of the comparisons their recruit has earned with both Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff. Increasingly, he has been likened to Cruyff, whom he resembles both in frame – being of slim build – and in speed, agility and creativity, as master of the pinpoint pass. And if Modrić could become NK Zrinjski's star player in the Bosnia-Herzegovnian top flight as an 18-year-old loanee in 2003/04, Bilić will be expecting a similar impact from his protégé in north London and beyond.

High praise for new Spurs recruit.