I find the RTE Euro 2008 coverage horrible.

[Dodge]

No one is proclaiming him to be the next Pele, Maradona or Zidane

Quite a bit of the British media are.

He's 23, still learning and a good way off his peak. Henry was 22 I think when he moved to Arsenal and it took him 2/3 years before he really hit top gear.

He's a good few years older than best player in the world as it is

[NeilMcD]

I love Messi and I think he is incredible but I am sure if we apply all the criteria to Messi that they do about Ronaldo he would struggle too. What has he won in the game etc. Has he won the title and had a major say in it. How many goals has he scored in really major matches.

I love both players and I think they are a joy to watch but they are both young and there time is ahead of them . I just think that in this part of the world that Ronaldo comes under close scrutiny and every game is analysed and seen as his chance answer the critics.

[Roadend]

Ronaldo discussion again, oh joy!! Back on topic and not RTE's fault but watching the Swiss-Turk game last night some absolute morons in the crowd had whistles, it was driving me mad wathing it as they seemed to blow it every time a player was in the oppostion box. It became extremely irritating as the game went on.

[Sesp]

PLeat is my favourite co-commentator.

I can never understand the stick he gets. He seems to understand the actual mechanics of the game very well, and generally has interesting insights into the tactical battles being played out. He might drop the odd clanger, but he really knows the game (unlike a lot of other pundits).

[superfrank]

Another summariser I really like is Jimmy Armfield on the BBC. I haven't heard him at the Euros but he's sucha great laugh.

[bennocelt]

I've actually become a fan of Jimmy. I remember growing up I thought he was awful but now I like listening to him. His genuine enthusiasm for the game shines through and he can make even a dull game seem exciting.
?

thats funny, its the same for me. I hated him years ago but now i kind of enjoy his commentary, dont really know why though

[bennocelt]

Mark Hately? Is he involved in TV now?

actually he did play for all those teams too, and
i don remember him on TV

but i remember now
it was Ray Wilkins, maybe not the best in the world but he had a cool voice and always cracked the jokes

[jebus]

I can never understand the stick he gets. He seems to understand the actual mechanics of the game very well, and generally has interesting insights into the tactical battles being played out

Don't watch ITV to be honest, but I like Pleat's analysis of the main weekend Premiership game in the Guardian on Monday's during the season.

[gaiscíoch]

I can never understand the stick he gets. He seems to understand the actual mechanics of the game very well, and generally has interesting insights into the tactical battles being played out. He might drop the odd clanger, but he really knows the game (unlike a lot of other pundits).

Did you ever stop to think that it's you who might be wrong. I'm going to just throw this one out there and I know it's stating the obvious but...... I'd guess you never actually played "Pro"football and most if not all co-commentators have indeed been involved at the highest level for the duration of their careers???. While you my friend sit behind a key board telling them they don't know what they are talking about????

[Sesp]

Did you ever stop to think that it's you who might be wrong.

No.

I'd guess you never actually played "Pro" football

I've played every version of Pro Evoltion Soccer (or "Football") since the series first appeared.

Next question.

[gaiscíoch]

I've played every version of Pro Evoltion Soccer (or "Football") since the series first appeared.

Next question.

Where did you go to school? Did they not teach you to read properly?
I said "Pro" football not Pro Evolution soccer

[pete]

I can never understand the stick he gets. He seems to understand the actual mechanics of the game very well, and generally has interesting insights into the tactical battles being played out. He might drop the odd clanger, but he really knows the game (unlike a lot of other pundits).

Admittedly the standard is low but I find he understands the c0-commentator role. No use just repeating what the commentator has said as he looks at the bigger picture which can only see when at the game.

[Sesp]

Where did you go to school? Did they not teach you to read properly?

I didn't go to school. My father, a part-time professional footballer (cum taxidermist) taught me to read by staring at me threateningly for 5 years. It was, I admit, an unorthodox technique - but the results have been satisfactory.

I said "Pro" football not Pro Evolution soccer

Same thing. Actually, according to Jan Molby (who I met recently in Dublin) playing the virtual game makes you more knowledgeable. Strange but true.

[gustavo]

Oh great , More Premiership discussion in lieu of actual pre match analysis

[Roadend]

Am I missing something or why do the RTE commentators keep pronouncing the Polish player Krzynowek as Gynowek?

[superfrank]

Bundesliga commentators call him "Chinovek"

[superfrank]

I don't understand Dunphy. A few days ago he proclaimed Kaka as without a doubt the best player in the world countering what papers were saying about C.Ronaldo.

Now he's gone on a tangent about how he believes the Italian league to be in decline due to the quality of their players.

Well, Kaka's not Italian.

[stojkovic]

I don't understand Dunphy. A few days ago he proclaimed Kaka as without a doubt the best player in the world countering what papers were saying about C.Ronaldo.

Now he's gone on a tangent about how he believes the Italian league to be in decline due to the quality of their players.

Id say he means generally.

There's always the odd exception like Kaka, Buffon etc.

[stojkovic]

But Serie A is in decline compared to England and Spain. The only shining light has been Milan (and Kaka) who in my mind are the team of the decade.

It needs rejuvenating. A strong Juve and a rebuilt Milan who have all aged together. And of course the Special One at Inter (the All Blacks of European football).

Serie A will be back at the top, these things go in cycles. The Premiership cant continue at the rate its going.

[Stevo Da Gull]

Now I may well be wrong here but today Eamonn Dunphy praised Grosso to the hilt and referred to him as class.... during the last World Cup did he not insult Grosso and say that he wasn't a top class full back?

EDIT: Now he's talking about Ireland as having ``an awful lot of top players``... he's a self contradicting machine!