Uefa Euro 2008

[D-Base]

Xavi Hernández scores for 1-0 50'

 

[D-Base]

70' Russia 0-2 Spain

Dani Guiza

80' Russia 0-3 Spain

D. Silva

 

[D-Base]

End game

2-nd semi-final

Russia vs Spain

0-3

And the final is Germany vs Spain

 

[kallipolis]

Spain outclassed a lack lustre Russia. Well played, Spain.

 

[JakeLucas]

zowiee!!

Spain really out-played Russia... again!

Xavi's goal came with a heaping helping of luck.

Dani Güiza's goal was pure skill, talent, art and beauty!

David Silva's goal was... good.

Seems Russia ran out of steam about midway through the second half. Their defense fell apart. Maybe they peaked physically too early?

greaves: I certainly hope you will be in a position to buy a round on Sunday. For what it's worth, I prefer Stella Artois.

You have a bit more confidence in Spain than I do. As you know, though Spain has a treasure chest of talent, they also have a history of being always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

 

[greaves]

^ If greaves is buying the rounds on Sunday night, it will be for Spanish beer.

"San Miguel", or "Estrella Galicia", or greaves' favorito cerveza, "Estrella Damm" from Barcelona. Muy gusto!!!

Will Spain beat Germany on Sunday? Well JUBbers have a have couple of days to debate, forecast etc.

 

[JakeLucas]

 

[blackbeltninja]

I had money on the Dutch, which I lost as usual.

But I did say, right at the beginning, to some friends that the Germans will probably nick the final 1-0.

I'm sticking to that prediction, although I wish that Spain get it this time.

-d-

 

[greaves]

Well, tonite we have the EURO 2008 Final.

Germany v Spain.

Virtually every "pundit" (LOL) here in the UK goes for Germany.

It could come down to the respective goalkeepers. The player who won the La Liga title for Real Madrid was their 'keeper Casillas. He is probably the best 'keeper in Europe.

And Spain have the brilliant Iniesta as play-maker. The baby-faced assassin!

Germany will have plans for Iniesta: they will try to foul/kick/smother him out of the game.

Every neutral fan will want Spain to win. Every football-loving fan will want Spain to win. Everyone in the world wants Spain to win!!!

And greaves has money on Spain to win.

Rafa to win Wimbledon. Spain to win EURO 2008.

 

[JakeLucas]

This is it! The big match!

It's hard to believe it's already here.

My predictions in another thread were flawed, but I'm happy they were wrong.

Shall we bring out the balance scale and see how things weigh out?

Injuries: Ballack and Villa are both out. With Spain playing a 5-man midfield, Ballack's absence hurts Germany more that Villa's absence hurts Spain.
Advantage Spain

Defense: Haven't been able to watch Germany play. (The games are broadcast live here in the middle of the afternoon, and the replays are usually shown after midnight.) From what I've been reading, Germany's defense hasn't been quite up to snuff. If Spain's strong midfield get through, Fàbregas will be lobbing crosses to Torres all evening.
Advantage Spain

Midfield: Not much to consider here.
Advantage Spain

Forwards: Torres vs Klose? Torres has better support behind him. Klose has Carles «bala perdida» Puyol between him and goal. But... Germany should have walloped a crippled Turkey. And Germany vs Portugal... was that match decided by Germany's 12th man????
Without the official's thumb on the scale: Advantage Spain

Bench: Not having seen Germany play, I can't really offer any opinion on their substitutes. Spain's bench is another of their strengths.
Advantage ???

Goalkeepers: I agree with you, greaves. Casillas is much better than Lehmann. Also, Casillas is low-key, cool, calm and mature, while Lehmann is a hot-head who goes ballistic every time he gets touched. If Spain get through Germany's big defenders, it's "Katy, bar the door!"
Huge advantage Spain

Spain has better players. Germany has a better team.

Germany has a lot of statistics in their favor. Spain has desire and "hunger" in their favor.

Spain has speed and talent. Germany has size and strength.

Germany has efficiency. Spain has flair.

How does one measure these ethereal factors?

We don't have many home-grown "pundits" on this side of the pond, so we've imported several from Europe, and it seems they agree with their counterparts in the UK... nearly every one favors Germany.

Most think Germany will win. But greaves is right (as usual ), the world wants and hopes Spain will overcome their national football trauma, live up to their potential and fulfill their destiny.

Certainly, hopes are high in Spain. There have been ecstatic and well-lubricated celebrations in the plazas of every city, town, village and pueblo all across Spain. The aficionados are singing the praises of Cesc Fàbregas, Saint Iker Casillas and David "Mara-Villa".

Plaza Mayor, Madrid



"I-a, i-a, i-a, Casillas, Mara-Villa"



Which way does the balance tip?

Even with all the advantages for Spain, I'm still not sure they can do it.

So....

I offer this prayer:

"Dear football gods; Please, please, please let Spain win this time (and don't let it be decided on PKs). If you will do this, I promise not to have "impure thoughts" about David Villa, Fàbregas, Casillas, David Silva, Iniesta, Xabi... well, you know all the rest. Amen."

¡Que viva la Furia Roja!

 

[Corny]

ballack is a huge loss - even although he was not in his best form during the last matches. i am curious about the new tactic - the team is fast adapt (as proven against portugal) - maybe this could be the key to success. oh .. and most here believe that spain will win. of course i hope otherwise, but on the other hand - it wouldn't be a shame to lose tonight. i'm off to watch the game now (outdoor), if you don't see me online tonight, we won and the streets are full of party

 

[Corny]

ooops .. BREAKING NEWS


ballack will play .. let's hope he also is *able* to play ..

 

[JakeLucas]

ooops .. BREAKING NEWS


ballack will play .. let's hope he also is *able* to play ..

yikes! Will Löw will start him and risk aggravating the injury?

ballack is a huge loss - even although he was not in his best form during the last matches. i am curious about the new tactic - the team is fast adapt (as proven against portugal) - maybe this could be the key to success. oh .. and most here believe that spain will win. of course i hope otherwise, but on the other hand - it wouldn't be a shame to lose tonight. i'm off to watch the game now (outdoor), if you don't see me online tonight, we won and the streets are full of party

Have fun, Corny!

Oh, and I hope to see you here for the fiesta!

 

[greaves]

One of the most famous pieces of classical music about Spain was written by a French composer called Chabrier.

Here's a version with a Pole conducting an Italian orchestra.

 

[JakeLucas]

¡Fernandooooo Torrrrres!

Brilliant goal!

Germany 0 - 1 Spain

 

[JakeLucas]

One of the most famous pieces of classical music about Spain was written by a French composer called Chabrier.

Here's a version with a Pole conducting an Italian orchestra.

A couple of pieces that people think are "typically Spanish" are also French.

 

[JakeLucas]

After the game -- when the party begins -- I'll reveal what Spanish people think is "typically Spanish," -- the piece with the most live performances in Spain in 2007.

 

[JakeLucas]

Germany is using their size advantage in some quite rough and tumble football.

And now Spain's depth will show...

Xabi Alonso in for Fàbregas.

 

[JakeLucas]

Dani Güiza, La Liga's #1 goal scorer, in for Comando Fernando.

Fresh, fast, accurate and deadly!

 

[D-Base]

Yay! Congratulations Spain!!!!

Pepe stole the ball at the end

Congratulations Spain, well deserved!!!