The official Euro 04 thread

Just one look at the front pages of every English newspaper will confirm that almost every true John Bull Englishman (apart from some referees) thinks the same way I did immediately after the game!

I mean, c'mon guys! No need to put the boot in when a man's down!

In the cold light of day, it's just a game, and the referee's decision is final, but it's obvious to me that the goalie was not pulled, but Terry's hand inadvertantly came down on his shoulder as he jumped for the ball. The goalie was on his way down after jumping anyway - so no foul committed as he was not going for the ball and could not. If anyone was fouled it looked like Terry was fouled by Campbell!! We could argue about this for ages, but that would be pointless. It's an opinion thing, and if the referees are disagreeing with popular opinion in England, including that of Ian Wright and Gary Linneker, then they must be right.

England, however, put in a few brief moments of exemplary football, and what seemed like hours of playing like a bag of spanners, defending unnecessarily deeply and making rubbish passes straight back to the opposition. Portugal played well and dominated possession, but had to work hard for their win.

Germany, of course, went out earlier in the tournament, due to playing like a pound of sausages!!

So we're out now, let's just enjoy the rest of the games and just pray that someone beats France!!

I think everyone in England knows that Beckham is a tattooed tser, but Terry had his eyes on the ball and the goalie would never have got near the ball, so no foul committed.

PLEASE CERTIF1ED!!!!!!

It doesn't matter if the Portugal's goalie would have never reached the ball, he was pulled by his shoulder in the goal (small) area (Rule 12).

This could be even worst, If I commit a foul against a player that's far from the ball, the referee can show me red card because that is agression.

The foul is committed where the agression or fault happens not where the ball is beoing played. There are even cases like the one I describe: The ball is being played in the area of team A, at the same time the goalkeeper of team B (100 Mts. away) pushes a player of team A. The referee stops the game, takes the ball from area A, runs 100 Mts. and sanctions a penalty in area B.

Also, you must remember a goalkeeper can not be touched when he's inside the goal area, everywhere else he's a normal player, even in the penalty area, but inside the small rectangle he's untouchable.

Iván

I think everyone in England knows that Beckham is a tattooed tser, but Terry had his eyes on the ball and the goalie would never have got near the ball, so no foul committed.

It's also well known that referees from countries other than England make harsher judgements against England players.

(still lickin' those wounds)

France will win. everyone knows that!

Beckham missed! I bet his tattoo was stinging!

This Euro Cup has been a lesson (that won't be undestood) for Italy, Trapattoni is a criminal against football, with an amazing team refuses to kill the enemy who's just one step before KO, and when the enemy get's the second breathe, he kills Italy.

Against Sweeden they thought 1 goal was enough and Trapattoni changed Cassano for Fiore and thanks heaven the tactic didn't worked, I have nothing against Italy, my mother is 50% Italian but I hate defensive football or in Italy's case anti-football, and I laughed when Ibrahimovic made that beautiful goal.

Now Italians blame Denmark and Sweeden for a 2 - 2 that was obviously not planned instead of blaming Trapattoni, the only guilty.

Netherlands almost had to go back home for the same reason, they were winning 2 - 1 and Advocaat changed Bosven, the only man who was still a danger to Czech's back line for the ultra defensive Bosven. At that point their destiny was signed, the Czech defensive line could join the attack because there was nobody who could cause them real danger, and of course Czech Republic won, even when I believe Netherlands have a better team.

And What in hell is Kluibert doing in the bench? Netherlands was saved by Czech Republic this time (because even with an alternate team won the game with Germany), but miracles are not common.

Seems Advocaat learn the lesson and today never gave rest to Latvia, that's the way a great team should always play.

Iván

diddy wrote: Certif1ed wrote: ...and ENGLAND go through!!! To play Portugal...   Remember last Euro ???

Yep ,England didn't go through on that occasion! (Thanks Phil Neville)

But we are there this time! Portugal v England will be too close to call.I can see this going to penalties and more 'hurt' for English supporters like myself.No doubt Germany will 'win' all their remaining matches 0-0 on penalties

It will still be Rooney's tournament no matter what happens from now though