He was unbelievable. The Russians totally dominated. In the end it was just a matter of time before they put one in and finally they got 2. Deserved victory for them. And whether it be Italy or Spain, both have an obstacle in the semifinals because this Russian team won't fold easily. They exposed the Dutch more and more as the game carried on as it seemed the Dutch tired (didn't they rest 9 players against Romania?!) and the Russians became stronger, quicker, and more fluent. The Russians can certainly go to the final and possibly win IMHO. EDIT: It also appeared as if the Dutch couldn't get anything going outside of set-piece opportunities, which they ultimately scored on.
So all first place teams that rested basically all their starters are out so far Hopefully tomm. it becomes 4 for 4
Yeah, the Dutch were unable to keep up with the pace of the Russians it seemed. Sneijder was a non-factor for about 70 minutes. Arshavin was a Russian nightmare for the Dutch. Man he can play. I also think they can win it all under Hiddink. It is reported that the Gunners offered up 8 million pounds or euros for Arshavin, not sure which one of the two they go by. Hopefully they get him lol. Boomer, do you know if the reported is true? Also, I heard that Nasri has said that after the Euro is over, he will sign with Arsenal.
That game between the Russians and Ducth was fun to watch. I am looking forward to watching Italy tomorrow. Forza Azzuri !!!!!!
I don't think anyone's getting Arshavin for £8 million now. With the Russian connections, odds on he lands at Chelsea.
It sure is strange that so far in the 3 quarterfinal games played that the weaker team during group play beat the team that was playing well during group action. It definitely could continue tommorow, since Spain has a major history of gagging in big games, and the Italians have a history of playing well in knockout games after struggling in group games.
That was, hands down, the best ball I've seen played in this tourney. Still can't believe how underrated the Russians were prior to this Euro - obviously no analyst bothered to watch a Saint Petersburg match. It's kind of funny that the German media is screaming upset right now. This wasn't an upset. It was the better side getting a well-deserved win. Wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Russia win this thing.
I think inconsistency and bad defending was why people didn't think Russia had much of a chance. Anyone who watched them get hammered 3-0 at Wembley by England and then lose to Israel in Tel Aviv and scrape by Andorra 1-0 in their last 3 EURO 2008 qualifying games knows why they weren't fancied. And Spain routed them in the opening game as they showed the same faults as they did in qualifying. As for Zenit, I think there's only 4 Zenit players in the starting 11.
Agreed. Russia was far and away the better side yesterday. Arshavin might have had the single best performance I've seen in this tournament aside from David Villa's hat trick. He repeatedly exposed that Dutch back line.
While they where still tied, I was thinking that if the Dutch won that one in PK's and Spain won today, there was no way in hell the dutch where surviving Spain. by the way that guy Kolodin (no 8 in Russia) has to have the strongest leg I have seen since Roberto Carlos in the late 90's (or Batustita, that was his name, in the Pro Evolution Soccer games of around that same time)
Hell yeah. He fires it 40 meters out and it still comes at an unbelievable speed all the way through.
Yeah, I think Arsene Wenger was a bit unhappy to see Arvashin play so well yesterday. His price just shot right up.
Ok... I'll admit it, I hate the spaniards out of a weird Mexican nationalism thing... but the way the italians play, technically perfect as it may be. I can't... cheer... for.. them... I want them to loose, I want attacking football to prevail.
First time Spain has beaten Italy in a major competition in 88 years. Btw, I'm still trying to figure out how Turkey plans on fielding a team vs Germany. They have 9 guys that are either suspended or injured.
Spain this, Spain that, Italy proved they aren't as dynamic as everyone seems. 65% possesion, 600 and something passes, 8 goals in 3 games, and what did they accomplish? Nothing. Great game by both sides, great officiating between the Villa and Toni dive fest. Penalties are no way to decide a game, but you win some and you loose some. I am officially rooting for Spain to win the cup. They are overdue for a tournament victory.
That was a victory for football. I can't believe how Italy set up as spoiler when they have some of the finest club players in World Football.
I thought the officiating was terrible. The referee stopping the game every time a man went down. Then he blew the whistle every minute it seemed. I didn't like that referee at all. That said, I hope Russia wins it lol.
It was one of the worst game of football in the tournament. One team came to try and win, the other didn't.
Whatever buddy. Italy played exactly how the needed to play against the Spanish style of soccer. You can't tell me Italy didn't play to win. They countered as often as they could. It was a good game. I guess Mr. Know It All needs goals to appreciate soccer? You American?
Bro, I'm not taking sides here but Italy had every man in their own territory at one point. They did three things the whole game. 1) Take away passing lanes. 2) Punish the Spainards. 3) Lob the ball into Toni who was unable to separate from Ramos and Puyol. I remember seeing them counter once or twice. They were afraid to counter it seemed because each time they did, Spain did as well and they did not have many men back. It seemed like they played to not lose.
No. English. Born and bred. I'll happily see a 0-0 draw, but not when some of the best club footballers in the world play spoiler. Italy played spolier, got 10 behind the ball, allowed Spain to play around the centre circle and then played spoiler, rarely pushing more than 2 players forwards whenever they hacked it clear.
Not trying to be offensive here, but watch the game again. And putting 10 guys behind the ball is EXACTLY how you play the Spanish, with their thousands of bs passes. We all have our opinion.....
Well, if that's the case, thank God they're on the plane home. It was even more of a shame that Andrea Pirlo was suspended because one of the finest passers of the ball in a generation wouldn't have stood for that. Italy played four centre midfielders across the middle of park; all four who started play in the middle for their respective club sides.
None offense taken. I don't believe I need to. There were a couple of instances where there could have been a penalty due to the physicality of the Italians. Grosso knocked down I believe it was Silva a couple times. Italy countered a few times and got a free kick out of it. Other then that, they had one guy to lob in the ball to Toni. I feel that the Italians came to that game playing to not lose. JMO.
It makes no sense either way. At least man up and say Spain played to win and Italy played not to lose. If they'd have won, they'd have tried to do the same to the Russians, another progressive side. Italy have some great players, Serie A has some great teams, but that was poor.
Spain should have had a penalty in about the 15th minute when Ambrossini clattered into David Villa in the area. Perhaps that would have enabled Italy to push on.
Exactly. Another instance was when I believe it was Grosso clipped Silva when he was coming across the 18.
I think the foul occured just outside the box. It was more clumsy than anything on Grosso's part, but whilst Silva fell into the box, it happened just outside. But the Villa tackle, when he turned away from Ambrossini was a stone waller.
Playing not to loose, hmmm seems like a tactic all teams employ. And playing for penalties is ridiculous!! The Italians know we rarely triumph during penalties. Keep thinking that.
Did it? I thought he clipped him just inside the box. You may be correct. It still should have been a foul imo.