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***The Official Eurocup 2008 thread***

Discussion in 'Other Sports Forum' started by giovafin, May 25, 2008.

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  1. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Nice picks, thanks for participating :up:
     
  2. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    We now have 7 participating. Hopefully the other five join lol, if they choose not to, it will still be good. :up:.
     
  3. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    DOWNLOAD THIS EXCEL SPREADSHEET.

    It does everything for you. Just enter the scores as they happen, and it will update the groups, goals for and against, etc.

    When it has enough info, it will even fill in the matchups for the next rounds.

    Pretty cool!!

    http://www.excely.com/download/euro2008.zip
     
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  4. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    I would and I will still try but my computer is already slow as hell because of Limewire and etc. I'll download it though prior to the tournament. :up: thanks.
     
  5. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Just downloaded it lol.
     
  6. quelonio

    quelonio Season Ticket Holder

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    Sorry bout the lateness... I've been out.

    Group A
    Portugal
    Switzerland

    Granted that I am trying to be creative here. I think Switzerland might be able to pull it out over the Czech Republic, due to them playing at home. They were a young team in the WC that played really well at least defensively (they never received a goal the whole WC) So that would be why I picked them


    Group B
    Germany
    Poland

    I just don't like Croatia due to Eduardo's injury, I don't like Austria due to the fact that they are horrible (I mean if your fans are signing a petition for you to retire from the Eurocup because you are so bad they don't want to be embarassed.... you have trouble)

    Group C
    France
    Netherlands

    Wow this group is a toughie. Im not greatly confident about the France pick, because France seems to always start slow. But Italy always starts slow too. I'm pretty sure that the Netherlands will manage to get through the group ahead, since they tend to be quite good at these stages of tournaments, even if they choke later on.

    Group D
    Russia
    Spain
    Why Russia? because they are coached by Guus Hiddink. And I can't hedge my bets against a team coached by Guus Hiddink.
     
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  7. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Nice picks, never thought thoroughly about Russia.

    Thanks for participating :up:.
     
  8. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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  9. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    That is pretty cool. I like the interface.

    However, I'd rather use the Excel form though, because you can play around with scores nearing the end of round 1 and play out different scenarios, and see who would advance, etc.

    Also, the Excel form is printable, so I can keep records of this years tourny. :up:
     
  10. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Yeah I tried using the Excel form and I couldn't open it because they said it was corrupted. I tried multiple times and nothing would open up. I am not sure why.
     
  11. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Check your PMs.
     
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  12. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    This is random but since the tournament is in Switzerland/Austria, I was wondering if any of you have been to either of the two countries?

    I have been to Switzerland. I was in Basel and Zurich where one of the games will be held.
     
  13. wpgfishfan

    wpgfishfan Member

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    Teams:
    Group A
    Czech Republic
    Portugal
    Switzerland

    Turkey

    Have a big hate for Portugal but they are just to talented
    I see the Swiss sneaking in

    Group B
    Austria
    Croatia
    Germany
    Poland


    Germany is a no-brainer
    The Poles knocked out England

    Group C
    France
    Italy

    Netherlands
    Romania

    The Dutch usually choke which leaves Italy and France in the Group of Death

    Group D
    Greece
    Russia
    Spain
    Sweden


    Any one of the 2 could go through. Just went with a gut feeling
     
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  14. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    thanks for participating and thanks for giving us the idea for the thread :up:.
     
  15. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Spain spoiled for creative talent

    http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=701227.html#spain+spoiled+creative+talent

    Just noticed how talented they are. Good god.
     
  16. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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  17. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    :lol:

    Yeah Torres is a hell of a talent as is my boy Cesc Fabregas :up:.

    Go Arsenal!
     
  18. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I'll give it a go... admittedly, I'm not as up to date on these players as you all... so I've approached this really from a historical perspective:


    Group A
    Czech Republic
    Portugal

    Switzerland
    Turkey
    Portugal should win the group, they are one of the top teams in Europe...the Czech's are notoriously a tough team and should finish second. Swiss and Turkey no way, although on a nice loaf of french bread with mayo and lettuce, sure...

    Group B
    Austria
    Croatia
    Germany

    Poland
    Germans will win the group, and the Croats should finish second... i doubt if Austria wins a game...and the Polish should finish third by default


    Group C
    France
    Italy
    Netherlands

    Romania
    Wow, this must be the GROUP OF DEATH... four teams that could all advance and make the semis. I have a soft spot in my heart for Holland, so I'll pick them to finish second here. Italy, of course, should be the favorites to win the whole thing. France... bleh... have they really done anything since hosting the World Cup? (Edit, I'm in obvious denial about what they did in 2006 LOL) and Romania would round out the group in fourth.

    Group D
    Greece
    Russia
    Spain
    Sweden
    Spain should win this group by default... always a talented team but rarely able to put it together on the big stage (a little like my England in that respect). Sweden is better than Russia... Greece could advance ahead of Sweden, that'll be a good match I suspect...

    Semis.. should be Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal... and I'd suspect Italy and Germany to face off in the final...
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2008
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  19. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Nice picks, thanks for participating:up:
     
  20. ChrisKo

    ChrisKo Season Ticket Holder

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    Desert
    Ahhh crap, I forgot about Hiddink being with Russia now. I might have to alter my Group D picks now. Hiddink always seems to get a team past the group stage.
     
  21. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Hey Chris, we used your idea and made a banner for the winner. :up:.

    [​IMG]
     
  22. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I don't care if God is coaching Russia, they wont get out of that group.
     
  23. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    :lol:
     
  24. ChrisKo

    ChrisKo Season Ticket Holder

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    Desert
    Looks great!!!

    I sent WD54 a PM, we'll see if he checks in soon.
     
  25. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Thanks bro :up:
     
  26. giovafin

    giovafin Rossonero

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    Eurocup preview: GROUP A

    Group A features the Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland, and Turkey. The standout teams are obviously the Czechs and the Portuguese who both boast some of the football’s biggest names. The Czech’s have arguably the world’s best goalkeeper in Petr Cech along with Jan Koller and Marek Jankulovski however will be without captain Tomas Rosicky who was injured with Arsenal this past season.

    Like the Czechs, Portugal too has some big guns such as Ricardo Caravalho, Paulo Ferreira, Nani, and somebody named Ronaldo. The two teams will most likely come into the competition ranked 5th and 9th in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings.

    While they might be the favorites there is no guarantee that they can't be upset by either Switzerland or Turkey. The Swiss seem to have a better chance to play spoiler than their Turkish counterparts seeing how they let up zero goals in regulation in the 2006 World Cup. However, the downside can be that they have not played any important fixtures since they automatically qualified by being one of the host nations. Turkey meanwhile did not make the past World Cup nor have they qualified for the past Euro in 2004.

    Being as how they are ranked so high in the World rankings it would not be all that surprising to seeing either the Czech Republic or Portugal go deep in the competition.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25379-UEFA-Euro-2008-Preview--250508
     
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  27. giovafin

    giovafin Rossonero

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    Eurocup preview: GROUP B

    Group B includes Austria, Croatia, Germany, and Poland. It would be very surprising to see Austria pull off a win let alone a tie seeing how they are ranked 101st in the world and only obtained a spot for being the other host country. Croatia come into this summer’s Euro having won their qualifying group against the likes of Russia, England, and Israel. Croatia defeated England twice including the deciding match at Wembley where they eliminated England’s hopes of qualifying and ended the Steve McClaren era. The team features many unknown players but their low key adds to their danger as they scored 28 goals in the qualifying group. However, they will have their hands full with the likes of Germany and Poland.

    Germany boasts some of the world’s deadliest strikers in Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski along with midfielder Michael Ballack who have combined for 98 goals for their country between them. Meanwhile Poland has three young solid keepers in Artur Boruc, Lukasz Fabianski, and Tomasz Kuszczak who can all contend for the top spot and give any offense a tough time of beating them.

    The edge should go to Germany for their high-powered strikers and the second spot is up for grabs for Croatia and Poland.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25379-UEFA-Euro-2008-Preview--250508
     
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  28. giovafin

    giovafin Rossonero

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    Eurocup preview: GROUP C

    Group C features Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Romania. Coming into the competition ranked among European teams first, second, fourth, and eighth, the group has been dubbed as the “Group of Death.”

    France and Italy have quite the history between them as not only having been in the same qualifying group, but also meeting in the 2000 Euro final and the 2006 World Cup final. However, this time they will be without the legendary Zinedine Zidane who retired after 2006. That said, they still remain dangerous with the likes of Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery, and William Gallas.

    Italy come into the tournament as the obvious favorite and brings with them an almost identical roster from the World Cup with Luca Toni, Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon all of whom played vital roles in their past success.

    The Netherlands also feature a star-studded line up with Edwin Van der Sar, Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistlerooy, and Robin van Persie. Romania enters the group having won their qualifying group and can too provide a tough task for any of their competition. They should have an advantage against the Dutch since they both qualified from the same group. A winner or runner up from this group is anyone’s guess and this should be the most interesting group to watch.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25379-UEFA-Euro-2008-Preview--250508
     
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  29. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    How do they name all those players aside from CR and not name Ricardo Quaresma?

    Little known fact: All those goofy trick moves that Cristiano Ronaldo does, he was taught by Ricardo Quaresma. Quaresma I believe is a year older than Ronaldo and they were teammates out of the great scouting academy of Sporting Lisbon (Portugal). Quaresma has the same abilities as Ronaldo, only difference is that Ronaldo plays better on the big stage.
     
  30. giovafin

    giovafin Rossonero

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    Eurocup preview: GROUP D

    Group D features Greece, Russia, Spain, and Sweden. Greece come in looking to defend their title against a very strong group. With them they bring the same team from their past major tournaments in hope of retaining the coveted Euro trophy. In their way stands Spain, Russia, and Sweden.

    Spain bring with them two of the worlds best keepers in Iker Casillas, Jose Reina, along with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas all of whom boast strong club performances.

    Russia come into the Euro having missed out on the last World Cup but having beaten Greece in the last competition in their only win. This time around, the Russians have a formidable offense with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin. They are more than likely to play a spoiler role as they vie to make it out of the group stage for the first time since 2002.

    Sweden, too can play a spoiler role as they too look to re-enter the quarterfinals and perhaps go the distance.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25379-UEFA-Euro-2008-Preview--250508
     
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  31. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Holland and France I think have the most talent in this group. France despite not being praised for the talents they have present on their squad, are LOADED. No Trezequet, yet they still have many scoring options. Holland also has a lot of talent, not mentioned in those names was Hunteelar. Hes a young striker who can put the goal in the back of the net.
     
  32. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Tension mounting as French cut nears

    http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=701942.html#tension+mounting+french+nears
     
  33. Pink_dove

    Pink_dove Burning coal Luxury Box

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    Thanks for creating this thread Alen and Giova. :up:

    Alen - Domenech put Nasri on the right flank yesterday night against Ecuador, with Ben Arfa opposite him on the left, but he was roaming all over the field. The real engine was Lassana Diarra. Very active working the trash, and certainly shades of a young Maka.

    Bafa Gomis scored two wonderful goals, and I hope he bumps Cissé out of the 23. First one to score 2 goals in his debut since Zizou struck against the Czech Rep in '94. I'll take Steve Madanda over Mickael Landreau for the back-up behind Coupet. Nasri is on the bubble, but should make the final cut. He can provide that spontaneity and rhythm off the bench. Bit more torn on Ben Arfa, who is technically lethal, but had a down year for Lyon and is on the outs there.

    We'll see, it's not going to be an easy night of rest for Domenech. Take Bafa Gomis. When you take into account all competitions, some players like Henry or Gallas, are going to have played 90 games in a given year. With St. Etienne, Gomis has put in very limited mileage, so he could do what to Ribery did two years ago. He was fairly unknown outside of la Ligue playing for Marseille, but his fresh legs were devastating on that right side in the World Cup.
     
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  34. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Credit goes to wpgfishfan for the idea of the thread and gio for the starting of the thread. :up:

    Thanks for the info. Interesting because we had Lassana Diarra and then he moved on to Portsmouth I believe. Hopefully we can land Nasri and use him right.

    Will you be participating in our friendly tournament?
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2008
  35. Pink_dove

    Pink_dove Burning coal Luxury Box

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    Yep.

    Group A:

    Portugal
    Turkey

    Group B

    Deutchland
    Hrvatska

    Group C

    France
    Italia

    Group D

    Spain
    Russia


    A few comments:

    Group A: Portugal is head and shoulders above. The Czechs have lost their heart (Nedved) and soul (Poborsky). To boot, Rosicky is on the mend. Switzerland has looked awful losing the last 4 games. I place too much value in warm-up contests to ignore that trend. Turkey I've not seen at all, but with the Alintop brother, Nihat and Tuncay, they should outclass the Czechs.

    Group B: Germany is one of the bookmakers preferred choice. You can never ignore that machine. Austrian fans don't even want to see their own team on the field. Poland doesn't have quite the mix of experience of a Kovac or Simic, or the magic of a Klasnic or Kranjcar. Croatia comes 2nd.

    Group C: The only question to me is whether the experience of the Italians and French on such a stage will outshine the youthful talent of the Oranges. All in all, I think the Euro winner comes out of this group.

    Group D: I'm tired of Spain. No international titles since '64. All that promise for naught. Could this be the year though with Torres on fire, and a devastating midfield armada of Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabregas ? As for the second place team, absolutely agree with Q . You can bet against Hiddink at your own peril, and ignore the tremendous run by Zenit in the UEFA Cup (a team composed mostly of Russian players). I certainly won't be doing it.
     
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  36. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Thanks for participating. :up:

    I noticed you said hrvatska, where you from? I am Bosnian.
     
  37. Pink_dove

    Pink_dove Burning coal Luxury Box

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    Just spent some time down there with some friends two summers ago. Zagreb, Sibenik, Split, Dubrovnik (which I suppose means I've technically been to Bosnia as anyone that goes by car to Dubrovnik passes by Bosnia for a few minutes).

    One quirky encounter with Bosnians though. We rented a flat in a small town on the coast called Vodice. My friends started the partying in ****** Helsinki, and continued in Berlin, Amsterdam, Prague, while I was back home working to have enough money to join them in Croatia, so the first night, you can imagine who was the only one fit enough to go out on the town. I convince one of my childhood friend to join me for a short walk. As soon as we leave the apartment, all eyes are on him (and I mean all from shop owners to tortoises) because of his skin color. We sit down in the main square and constantly these 18 year old Bosnian girls come up to us giggling asking to take a picture with 50 Cent (my friend). We weren't quite sure what to make of this, but had the same problem the rest of the time in Vodice. Most people had just never seen a black man. Even when we played futbol against the locals, they were yelling instructions and designated him as ''Makelele''. He didn't like it, but as I told him, at least he was recognized by the opposing team, as a strong player. :lol:

    Next time you go to Bosnia (if you go back), gotta go to Ljubljana man. Just next door, and beautiful country, people, and culture.
     
  38. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    :sidelol:

    Yeah I'll be going next summer to fix up our house :up:.

    I love Europe, much more fun than here in my opinion but I'll leave it at that.

    Are you originally European or no?
     
  39. finattic79

    finattic79 Season Ticket Holder

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    Well finally got around to getting my picks in. With work and being sick took a little longer than I expected lol.

    Group A
    Czech Republic
    Portugal
    Switzerland
    Turkey

    Group B
    Austria
    Croatia
    Germany
    Poland

    Group C
    France
    Italy
    Netherlands
    Romania

    Group D
    Greece
    Russia
    Spain
    Sweden
     
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  40. finattic79

    finattic79 Season Ticket Holder

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    I used to live in the UK, loved it over there. I hoping to move to get a chance to move to Germany in 5 yrs or so after this next assignment coming up. My dad always gets on to me for following Euro footbal more than La Liga lol.
     

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