like_that
Posts: 26,625
May 29, 2012 1:40pm
Didn't see a thread, figured I woul get this going since the tournament is 9 days away. Can't wait. Any predictions. This is who i see getting out of each group:
Group A: Poland and Russia. The host country typically gets a boost.
Group B: Germany and Netherlands. Tough group with portugal as well, but Germany seems to be an automatic semifinal team in international tournaments lately, and netherlands is the WC runner up.
Group C: Spain and Italy. Italy has some good young talent, and their coach actually isn't too stubborn to play them this time around.
Group D: Ukraine and Sweeden. Ukraine gets the "host boost" and mainly France and England can go fuck themselves.
Group A: Poland and Russia. The host country typically gets a boost.
Group B: Germany and Netherlands. Tough group with portugal as well, but Germany seems to be an automatic semifinal team in international tournaments lately, and netherlands is the WC runner up.
Group C: Spain and Italy. Italy has some good young talent, and their coach actually isn't too stubborn to play them this time around.
Group D: Ukraine and Sweeden. Ukraine gets the "host boost" and mainly France and England can go fuck themselves.
DeyDurkie5
Posts: 11,324
May 29, 2012 1:45pm
Turkey fights off the fact they didn't qualify, and win the EURO championship
gorocks99
Posts: 10,760
May 29, 2012 1:49pm
Group A: Czech Republic and Poland
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Italy
Group D: Sweden and England
Group C, I could see Croatia or Ireland making it out in place of Italy. I don't think the Italians have been playing particularly well as of late (maybe they're just not playing the right guys, I don't know).
Also, Group B will be stupendous.
Here's the schedule for the first set of games (all games on ESPN):
Friday, June 8:
Poland v Greece, Noon ET
Russia v Czech Republic, 2:45 ET
Saturday, June 9:
Netherlands v Denmark, Noon ET
Germany v Portugal, 2:45 ET
Sunday, June 10:
Spain v Italy, Noon ET
Ireland v Croatia, 2:45 ET
Monday, June 11:
France v England, Noon ET
Ukraine v Sweden, 2:45 ET
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Italy
Group D: Sweden and England
Group C, I could see Croatia or Ireland making it out in place of Italy. I don't think the Italians have been playing particularly well as of late (maybe they're just not playing the right guys, I don't know).
Also, Group B will be stupendous.
Here's the schedule for the first set of games (all games on ESPN):
Friday, June 8:
Poland v Greece, Noon ET
Russia v Czech Republic, 2:45 ET
Saturday, June 9:
Netherlands v Denmark, Noon ET
Germany v Portugal, 2:45 ET
Sunday, June 10:
Spain v Italy, Noon ET
Ireland v Croatia, 2:45 ET
Monday, June 11:
France v England, Noon ET
Ukraine v Sweden, 2:45 ET
Iliketurtles
Posts: 8,191
May 29, 2012 1:58pm
Group A: Czech Republic and Poland
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Ireland
Group D: Sweden and England
Group B will be amazing to watch.
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Ireland
Group D: Sweden and England
Group B will be amazing to watch.
S
sportchampps
Posts: 7,361
May 29, 2012 1:58pm
I'll Take Germany or Spain to win it all with a strong lean on Spain winning it all. The Euros always seem crazy though with teams like Greece pulling off some upsets. I cant wait for the best international tourney outside the WC.
like_that
Posts: 26,625
May 29, 2012 2:00pm
Group C will be pretty fun to watch as well. Italy beat Spain in a friendly last time they played, and Italy/Ireland have gone at it with eachother over the past 4 years now.Iliketurtles;1183861 wrote:Group A: Czech Republic and Poland
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Ireland
Group D: Sweden and England
Group B will be amazing to watch.
like_that
Posts: 26,625
May 29, 2012 2:01pm
Def a great summer for sports. You have the Euro Cup, then the Olympics to follow right after.sportchampps;1183862 wrote:I'll Take Germany or Spain to win it all with a strong lean on Spain winning it all. The Euros always seem crazy though with teams like Greece pulling off some upsets. I cant wait for the best international tourney outside the WC.
Some might argue that the Euro Cup is actually a tougher tournament than the World Cup.
Commander of Awesome
Posts: 23,151
May 29, 2012 2:02pm
I just don't see Italy coming out of group c. My guess is they're upset.
like_that
Posts: 26,625
May 29, 2012 2:03pm
It really wouldn't be considered an "upset" as Spain is the returning world/euro champs, and Ireland and Italy have played some tough games.Commander of Awesome;1183867 wrote:I just don't see Italy coming out of group c. My guess is they're upset.
Who do you see coming out of the other groups and why?
gorocks99
Posts: 10,760
May 29, 2012 2:06pm
They'd probably be right. Top-to-bottom, the caliber of teams in Euro is better than the caliber of teams in the WC. Sure, you're missing top CONMEBOL teams like Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, but you're also missing middle-of-the-pack/lower class teams like any team from CONCACAF, Asia, Africa, Oceania. The worst team in Euro (outside of the host countries this year) is still a top-25 team in the world. The worst in the WC is probably top 75, at best.like_that;1183865 wrote:Some might argue that the Euro Cup is actually a tougher tournament than the World Cup.
That's not to say I prefer Euro over the WC. I think there's something more special about the WC and enjoy watching it more (the US participation notwithstanding).
like_that
Posts: 26,625
May 29, 2012 2:08pm
Exactly, there really aren't any gimmie games at the Euro Cup.gorocks99;1183872 wrote:They'd probably be right. Top-to-bottom, the caliber of teams in Euro is better than the caliber of teams in the WC. Sure, you're missing top CONMEBOL teams like Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina, but you're also missing middle-of-the-pack/lower class teams like any team from CONCACAF, Asia, Africa, Oceania. The worst team in Euro (outside of the host countries this year) is still a top-25 team in the world. The worst in the WC is probably top 75, at best.
That's not to say I prefer Euro over the WC. I think there's something more special about the WC and enjoy watching it more (the US participation notwithstanding).
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
May 29, 2012 2:32pm
Ill take:
Group Stage
1. Russia
2. Greece
1. Germany
2. Netherlands
1. Spain
2. Ireland
1. England
2. Sweden
Quarterfinals
Netherlands over Russia
Germany over Greece
Spain over Sweden
Ireland over England
Semifinals
Netherlands over Germany (revenge from group stage)
Spain over Ireland
Final
Spain over Netherlands (no revenge this time)
I really dont think Spain will win it again, but in my scenario, I dont see anyone beating them. I think Germany would, but I think they fall before they play. Basically, I dont know who will beat them, so I didnt pick it. But I think someone upsets them.
Group Stage
1. Russia
2. Greece
1. Germany
2. Netherlands
1. Spain
2. Ireland
1. England
2. Sweden
Quarterfinals
Netherlands over Russia
Germany over Greece
Spain over Sweden
Ireland over England
Semifinals
Netherlands over Germany (revenge from group stage)
Spain over Ireland
Final
Spain over Netherlands (no revenge this time)
I really dont think Spain will win it again, but in my scenario, I dont see anyone beating them. I think Germany would, but I think they fall before they play. Basically, I dont know who will beat them, so I didnt pick it. But I think someone upsets them.
Mulva
Posts: 13,650
May 29, 2012 5:31pm
90% sure teams in the same group wouldn't meet again until the final.
A: Russia and Poland
B: Germany and Netherlands
C: Spain and Italy
D: France and Ukraine
Quarters:
Netherlands, Spain, Germany, France
Semis:
Netherlands, Germany
Champ:
Germany
A: Russia and Poland
B: Germany and Netherlands
C: Spain and Italy
D: France and Ukraine
Quarters:
Netherlands, Spain, Germany, France
Semis:
Netherlands, Germany
Champ:
Germany
gorocks99
Posts: 10,760
May 29, 2012 5:40pm
I believe you are correct.Mulva;1184091 wrote:90% sure teams in the same group wouldn't meet again until the final.
QF1: Winner A vs. Runner-up B
QF2: Winner B vs. Runner-up A
QF3: Winner C vs. Runner-up D
QF4: Winner D vs. Runner-up C
SF1: Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF3
SF2: Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF4
hoops23
Posts: 15,696
May 29, 2012 7:08pm
Can't wait. The Euro is right there with the WC for me. Two of my favorite sporting events period
Group Play
Group A
Russia
Greece
Group B
Germany
Netherlands
Group C
Spain
Ireland (Complete "homer" pick.. have a lot of Irish blood/roots; I think Italy advances in this spot realistically)
Group D
England
Sweden
Quarters
Netherlands over Russia
Germany over Greece
Spain over Sweden
England over Ireland (revenge win)
Semis
Netherlands over Germany
England over Spain (I think Spain is the best team in the Euros, but for some reason I think they lose before the championship)
Final
Netherlands over England
BTW, anybody with FIFA '12 buy the Euro expansion? I'm glad they decided to release it as DLC instead of a new $60 game.. I may download it tonight. Think it's $20?
Group Play
Group A
Russia
Greece
Group B
Germany
Netherlands
Group C
Spain
Ireland (Complete "homer" pick.. have a lot of Irish blood/roots; I think Italy advances in this spot realistically)
Group D
England
Sweden
Quarters
Netherlands over Russia
Germany over Greece
Spain over Sweden
England over Ireland (revenge win)
Semis
Netherlands over Germany
England over Spain (I think Spain is the best team in the Euros, but for some reason I think they lose before the championship)
Final
Netherlands over England
BTW, anybody with FIFA '12 buy the Euro expansion? I'm glad they decided to release it as DLC instead of a new $60 game.. I may download it tonight. Think it's $20?
N
NilesPacMan
Posts: 452
May 30, 2012 9:33am
Group A: Russia and Czech Republic
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Croatia
Group D: England and France
Quarters
Germany over Czech Republic
Netherlands over Russia
Croatia over England
Spain over France
Semis
Germany over Croatia
Netherlands over Spain
Final
Germany over Netherlands
I think that in the previous Euro, the Spain/Russia semi was a re-match from the group stage, so I'm pretty sure they changed it so that a re-match only happens again in the Final.
Also, I do think that Germany/Spain are the most talented here; I just think Spain gets upset en-route to the final. Also, I think that England/France take their array of talent out of Group D, but France gets beat by a superior squad in Spain and England gets upset by the Croats to knock both out in the quarters.
Group B: Germany and Netherlands
Group C: Spain and Croatia
Group D: England and France
Quarters
Germany over Czech Republic
Netherlands over Russia
Croatia over England
Spain over France
Semis
Germany over Croatia
Netherlands over Spain
Final
Germany over Netherlands
I think that in the previous Euro, the Spain/Russia semi was a re-match from the group stage, so I'm pretty sure they changed it so that a re-match only happens again in the Final.
Also, I do think that Germany/Spain are the most talented here; I just think Spain gets upset en-route to the final. Also, I think that England/France take their array of talent out of Group D, but France gets beat by a superior squad in Spain and England gets upset by the Croats to knock both out in the quarters.
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
May 30, 2012 11:06am
Fucking ESPN and their brackets. Made it kinda confusing. But I am an idiot and didnt read close. They have eliminated the re-match for this year, before the final.
Automatik
Posts: 14,632
Jun 5, 2012 4:40pm
Can't wait for this!!!
Link to the fixtures in EST.
http://www.beteuro2012.org/fixtures/euro-2012-fixtures-schedules-est-eastern-standard-time.php
3 matches I'm looking forward to this weekend.
Netherlands / Denmark
Germany / Portugal
Spain / Italy
I'd like to see Holland win it all, but I'm pulling for DK in that game. I have a ton of friends in Copenhagen and they are getting fired up despite being put in the 'group of death.' I don't think they have a shot in hell to make it out.....or even win a game. They do have a rising young star...Christian Eriksen. He's 20 and currently playing for Ajax. He's a solid player for his age and former Danish player of the year. I expect him to make a move in the near future to a bigger club.
Spain/Italy.... I hope Spain wins 6-nil.
Link to the fixtures in EST.
http://www.beteuro2012.org/fixtures/euro-2012-fixtures-schedules-est-eastern-standard-time.php
3 matches I'm looking forward to this weekend.
Netherlands / Denmark
Germany / Portugal
Spain / Italy
I'd like to see Holland win it all, but I'm pulling for DK in that game. I have a ton of friends in Copenhagen and they are getting fired up despite being put in the 'group of death.' I don't think they have a shot in hell to make it out.....or even win a game. They do have a rising young star...Christian Eriksen. He's 20 and currently playing for Ajax. He's a solid player for his age and former Danish player of the year. I expect him to make a move in the near future to a bigger club.
Spain/Italy.... I hope Spain wins 6-nil.
killer_ewok
Posts: 11,379
Jun 5, 2012 4:46pm
Looking forward to it. This will be my first time watching/following the Euro.
Automatik
Posts: 14,632
Jun 5, 2012 4:47pm
The last one was amazing and my first. Some of the craziest finishes/outcomes in a tourney I've ever seen.
I'm not sure it even got much coverage before that? I definitely can't remember ESPN ever covering it.
I'm not sure it even got much coverage before that? I definitely can't remember ESPN ever covering it.
like_that
Posts: 26,625
Jun 5, 2012 4:53pm
Automatik;1189445 wrote:The last one was amazing and my first. Some of the craziest finishes/outcomes in a tourney I've ever seen.
I'm not sure it even got much coverage before that? I definitely can't remember ESPN ever covering it.
Last one definitely had a shit ton of crazy outcomes. Turkey alone had 3 games end with last minute goals.
Ironman92
Posts: 49,363
Jun 5, 2012 4:56pm
like_that;1183830 wrote:Didn't see a thread, figured I woul get this going since the tournament is 9 days away. Can't wait. Any predictions. This is who i see getting out of each group:
Group A: Poland and Russia. The host country typically gets a boost.
Group B: Germany and Netherlands. Tough group with portugal as well, but Germany seems to be an automatic semifinal team in international tournaments lately, and netherlands is the WC runner up.
Group C: Spain and Italy. Italy has some good young talent, and their coach actually isn't too stubborn to play them this time around.
Group D: Ukraine and Sweeden. Ukraine gets the "host boost" and mainly France and England can go fuck themselves.
My grandparents used to listen to German Folk Music. I will root for Germany! That's how I roll! Lol
Seriously....who is the favorite in all this? Don't know crap about soccer other than the basic gym class benchmarks and standards.
hoops23
Posts: 15,696
Jun 5, 2012 4:56pm
Yep, I remember S&L going ape shit multiple times over the Turkish club and their finishes. They had a great run.like_that;1189448 wrote:Last one definitely had a shit ton of crazy outcomes. Turkey alone had 3 games end with last minute goals.
Automatik
Posts: 14,632
Jun 5, 2012 5:03pm
I would go with Spain, Germany, Netherlands in that order, but anything can happen. Greece won in '04 and according to my coworker (from Greece) it was one of the luckiest runs ever.Ironman92;1189449 wrote:My grandparents used to listen to German Folk Music. I will root for Germany! That's how I roll! Lol
Seriously....who is the favorite in all this? Don't know crap about soccer other than the basic gym class benchmarks and standards.
Russia also had a hell of a run in the last one. It was Arshavin's coming out party and the reason I was so stoked when he came to Arsenal. Too bad he's a bum.
chicago510
Posts: 5,728
Jun 5, 2012 5:28pm
Hoping the Germans can get over the hump this year. They have a loaded roster, but haven't been able to get by Spain when it counts.