Group C Euro 2012 General Discussion

**DannyInvincible** · 26/05/2012, 6:30 PM

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

**DannyInvincible** · 27/05/2012, 7:00 PM

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** · 27/05/2012, 7:35 PM

Originally Posted by AlaskaFox

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** · 28/05/2012, 6:43 AM

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** · 28/05/2012, 7:41 AM

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**SwanVsDalton** · 28/05/2012, 8:35 AM

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** · 28/05/2012, 9:46 AM

Originally Posted by 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...

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** · 28/05/2012, 10:13 AM

Ban Criscito please, he's an amazing player.

**DannyInvincible** · 28/05/2012, 12:02 PM

'Trappatoni is devastated by arrests': http://www.rte.ie/sport/news/2012/05...ed-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** · 28/05/2012, 12:04 PM

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

**boysingreen** · 28/05/2012, 3:38 PM

Criscito is normally a starter I take it?

**Charlie Darwin** · 28/05/2012, 4:07 PM

Yes, he's their first choice left back.

**Charlie Darwin** · 28/05/2012, 4:19 PM

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

**DeLorean** · 28/05/2012, 4:40 PM

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.