I like how the Italian media has already spoken of a conspiracy for Denmark and Sweden to tie today so that Italy won't qualify to the final 8, and that they'll be watching "very carefully."
Is there ever an international tournament that goes by where Italy doesn't talk of a conspiracy against them?
If you listen to Totti, the conspiracy also includes the manufacturers of the socks and boots the Azzuri were forced to wear in the first match.
Whiner...
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts" --Bertrand Russell
The Italians were positively dreadful against Bulgaria, as they were against Denmark, and have no one to blame but themselves. The only inspired football they played in the entire tournament was the first half against Sweden.
Its remarkable, though, that the Swedes and Danes managed to draw at 2-2, the only result that would keep the Italians out even if they defeated Bulgaria, which they did in extra time. I'm sure that the Italian press will be full of allegations of collusion. From what I saw of the game, though, both teams were going for the victory with all-out offence and the late goal was a legitimate one.
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts" --Bertrand Russell
I'm pretty damned confused about what'll happen if the Netherlands & Latvia tie and the Czechs murder Germany. I mean, we'd have a 3-way tie. First tiebreaker is head-to-head, and it'd be 3 draws (Germany/Netherlands, Latvia/Germany, Latvia/Netherlands). And then it'd be goal difference. Germany's allowed 1 & scored 1 [Even], Netherlands has scored 3 & allowed 4 [-1] and Latvia's scored 1 & allowed 2 [-1]. So if Germany loses by more than one goal, it's between Netherlands & Latvia. And if Germany loses by one goal...it's goals scored.
This is NUTS.
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Originally posted by Freeway420I'm pretty damned confused about what'll happen if the Netherlands & Latvia tie and the Czechs murder Germany. I mean, we'd have a 3-way tie. First tiebreaker is head-to-head, and it'd be 3 draws (Germany/Netherlands, Latvia/Germany, Latvia/Netherlands). And then it'd be goal difference. Germany's allowed 1 & scored 1 [Even], Netherlands has scored 3 & allowed 4 [-1] and Latvia's scored 1 & allowed 2 [-1]. So if Germany loses by more than one goal, it's between Netherlands & Latvia. And if Germany loses by one goal...it's goals scored.
This is NUTS.
Originally posted by UEFAIf two or more teams finish equal on points after all the group matches have been played, the following criteria shall be applied to determine the ranking:
Number of points obtained in the matches between the teams in question; Goal difference resulting from the matches between the teams in question; Number of goals scored in the matches between the teams in question (if more than two teams finish equal on points); Goal difference in all the group matches; Number of goals scored in all the group matches; Coefficient of points from the last two qualifying competitions for the final rounds of the 2000/02 FIFA World Cup and 2002/04 UEFA European Football Championship (points gained divided by the number of matches played); Fair Play conduct of the teams (in the final tournament); A drawing of lots.
So, IF Germany loses 2-3, they will have scored 3, allowed 4 (-1), and if The Netherlands and Latvia go scoreless, they will be both (-1).
First is goal difference between the 3 tied teams. Germany is even. The Netherlands is even but they have not played Latvia yet. Latvia is even, but they have not played The Netherlands yet. If The Netherlands and Latvia tie, it goes to the next one.
Next is Goals scored in matches between the teams in question. Germany has scored 1 against The Netherlands and Latvia. The Netherlands scored 1 against Germany, hasn't played Lativia yet. Latvia scored nil against Germany, but hasn't played The Netherlands yet. If The Netherlands and Latvia go to a 1-1 tie, The Netherlands will have scored 2 and they advance. If it is a 0-0 tie, Germany and The Netherlands are tied still.
Next would be Goal Difference in all matches in the Group, Group D. So if the matches were German 2-3 Czech Republic and 1-1 draw, then the Goal Difference would be Germany 3-4 (-1), The Netherlands 4-5 (-1) Still all even.
Next would be number of goals scored. My what if would be Germany 3, The Netherlands 4. The Netherlands are in.
So...
Germany must win. If they lose, they must hope it is by one goal, AND The Netherlands and Latvia must go to a 0-0 draw.
If Germany loses, then the winner of The Netherlands and Latvia are in, or The Netherlands goes in on that big long tie breaker because they went to a 1-1 draw with Germany and Latvia went 0-0 draw with Germany. Both lost to the Czechs by a goal, but The Netherlands scored one more than the Latvians.
Originally posted by The GoonI like how the Italian media has already spoken of a conspiracy for Denmark and Sweden to tie today so that Italy won't qualify to the final 8, and that they'll be watching "very carefully."
Is there ever an international tournament that goes by where Italy doesn't talk of a conspiracy against them?
No, not unless they win, and especially not if the team that beats them is a 'smaller' nation (see also Korea, South).
I would say in their defence that if Scotland were in Italy's position and I watched the Danish keeper chuck one into his own net with but minutes to go to set up the result that would guarantee there was nothing we could do to qualify, then I'D be a bit pissed too.
Actually, if Scotland were in Italy's position that would mean we'd actually got past the qualifying rounds, so its unlikely I'll have to worry about such things any time soon.
The bad news out of this from a Scottish point of view is that Italy are going to:
a) dump Trapattoni
and
b) probably adopt a more attacking mentality which may see them strive to score a number of goals higher than 1 in any given game.
Which should see them in pretty good nick to stick 4 or 5 by us in the World Cup qualifiers.
Originally posted by ZeruelIf Germany loses, then the winner of The Netherlands and Latvia are in, or The Netherlands goes in on that big long tie breaker because they went to a 1-1 draw with Germany and Latvia went 0-0 draw with Germany. Both lost to the Czechs by a goal, but The Netherlands scored one more than the Latvians.
Clear? No? Tough. ;)
Thankfully none of that should matter given that Holland should wipe the floor with Latvia and Germany aren't anything like good enough to beat the Czech's.
From a Czech point of view it might actually be smarter to lie down and take it off Germany given that even on their best day they still blow goats. Holland on the other hand have at least got the potential to be a threat to anyone on their day, and given a chance to get rid of them , it might not be a bad idea for the Czech's to take it.
Hey I didn't say it would be the sporting thing to do, just smarter ;)
If Denmark and Sweden conspired for the tie, it is karma slapping the Italians in the face... If anyone remembers World Cup 2002, you will remember Italy and Mexico after finding out the result of another game literally wasting the last 5 minutes plus of their match as Mexico kicked the ball back and forth to there 4 defenders as Italy stayed back.
The old saying, what goes around, comes around.
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Originally posted by Net Hack SlasherIf Denmark and Sweden conspired for the tie, it is karma slapping the Italians in the face... If anyone remembers World Cup 2002, you will remember Italy and Mexico after finding out the result of another game literally wasting the last 5 minutes plus of their match as Mexico kicked the ball back and forth to there 4 defenders as Italy stayed back.
The old saying, what goes around, comes around.
Just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting that I think for one second that Denmark and Sweden did conspire for a two-two draw. Just that, unlike two years ago, I have a degree of sympathy with the Italian fans and players bgeing upset given the way the second Swedish equaliser went in.
That said, there would be a world of difference between 2 teams playing out the last five minutes of a game knowing they were both through given the current score, and two teams setting out to achieve a specific scoreline prior to kick off.
Personally though I'm glad to see the back of the Italians if only because Denmark and Sweden generally played much more attractive football.
This kind of a tangent, but are these teams not wearing the UGLIEST kits ever? Who designed these things with the jersey number in a CIRCLE on the front? Ick.
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Originally posted by JayJayDeanThis kind of a tangent, but are these teams not wearing the UGLIEST kits ever? Who designed these things with the jersey number in a CIRCLE on the front? Ick.
Oh, were that only true. Alas I have memories of owning a quite hideous salmon pink Scotland away top, next to which those seen in Euro 2004 seem positively fashionable.
Sadly (or perhaps not) I can't find an image of said top on the net, but I did come across a similarly hideous offering from Southend which I had almost managed to forget until now...
I don't know, I kinda like the jerseys. At first they were pretty off putting, but the number in a circle has grown on me.
Oh, and dMR? I still have one of those hideous Scotland away jerseys of which you speak. Its so horrible that its almost cool...
I note that the Germans, unfancied to do anything in this tournament, have failed to surprise and will join Spain and Italy as big names on the outside. The Dutch appear finally to have awakened (as they are prone to do at the last minute -- see their 6-0 drubbing of Scotland to get into Euro 2004) and could be real trouble for their next opponent.
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts" --Bertrand Russell
England vs. Portugal Sweden vs. the Netherlands France vs. Greece Czech Republic vs. Denmark
THE QUEST FOR LORD STANLEY'S CUP
Tied for 9th: St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators Tied for 5th:Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche Tied for 3rd:San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers Second:Calgary Flames The Champion:Tampa Bay Lightning
England have looked pretty decent so far and really should have topped their group. Ronaldo and Figo should give Neville and Cole nightmares down the wings but with only one guy to aim for in the box it won't matter a jot. Beckham and/or Owen should finally get off the mark and England'll take it 2-0.
France v Greece
France have been shoddy so far but you've gotta figure they'll get it together sooner or later. I'd love to see Giannakopolous win it for Greece but if France score early Greece are in for a long night. France win 3-0.
Holland v Sweden
If Holland get it together they could win at a canter. They probably won't though, and their defence is shocking save for Jaap Stam. Sweden win it 2-1.
Czech Rep v Denmark
Probably the two most in form teams in the tournament. I fancy it'll go to extra time where the Czech's will win it 3-2, if for no other reason than I've got £10 riding on them to win the whole thing.
I have England, France, Holland and the Czech Republic going through to the next round.
The England-Portugal match today should be excellent, so good in fact that I'm taking a two hour lunch to watch it all live. England has played surprisingly well this tournament and, but for the infamous extra time meltdown brought on by inexplicable foolishness from Heskey and Gerrard, would join the Czechs as teams with 100% records in the first round. The Portuguese have improved as the tournament progressed, but are not very convincing up front. I think Nuno Gomes will be better than the suspended Pauletta, but its tough for a lone striker to break down a very sold back four for England. 2-1 to the Three Lions.
The Greeks have really surprised me, but their good run is about to come to an end. France, despite its injury woes and weak defending (Sagnol's injury will really hurt an already shaky defensive corps), should prevail based on its quality in midfield and the return to form of Henry. 3-1 to Les Bleus.
Sweden and Holland could really go either way. The Dutch are capable of playing effortlessly fluid and beautiful football, or they can simply play without effort. Van Nistelrooy is on fire and the return to health of Seedorf is a great boon in the midfield. As dMR says, their defenders are dreadful, aside from Stam,so they will have to score freely to move on. Sweden, on the other hand, has played very consistent, entertaining football. Their strike force of Larsson and Ibrahimovic could give the Dutch headaches all day long. I don't think, though, that the Swedish midfield is of the same quality as is Holland's, and this is where the game will be won or lost. 2-1 Holland (though this is the prediction I am least comfortable with).
Lastly, the Czech Republic has looked great in every match it has played. Even yesterday, fielding what amounted to a second-string squad, they played a better game than Germany, apart from the 15 or so minutes when the Germans really pressed to remain alive in the competition. When Baros and Poborsky came on, the level of quality was just too much for the full-strength Germans. A full Czech team, featuring a rested Nedved, should easily overcome the game Danes. Denmark is solid and dogged, but apart from Tomasson and, possibly, Gravesen, doesn't have the world-calibre players to match up to the Czechs. The potential loss of Ebbe Sand to injury will further complicate matters for Denmark. Denmark's fabulous goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson could be very busy in this one. 2-0 Czech Republic.
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts" --Bertrand Russell
Czechs and France = one semi Portugal (obvlivius) and Holland in other.
Been good so far. Van Nisterooy is so clever with offside rulings. England is so gutted 2day. Everyone here hates Swiss ref man. In all papers and even BBC - see quote below - have sour grapes - and I think we supposed 2 B boycott Toblerones or something. I'm enjoying the tornament but as I have no real team its easy to do.
The thing about the Portuguese lads is, before they train them how to pass and move and all that, the first thing they learn is how to fall.
Deco was getting on me nerves. I'm surprised he managed walk out onto the pitch without falling over!
And I got very narked with Cristiano Ronaldo. It was something to do with his appearance - he is a very strange looking lad. He looks like a drag queen between performances - like he's got a wig and lippy to put back on.