Author Topic: Euro semis (Read 6481 times)

austro · « **on:** June 24, 2008, 08:02:35 pm »

Who do you think will prevail in the semis?

Germany vs Turkey: If I heard correctly, the intersection of the set of healthy Turks and the set of eligible Turks numbers 15, and that includes the third-string keeper. I think that the absence of so many front-line people will be fatal, especially when Ballack is granted his customary immunity by the referee. Turkeys' frenetic pace and persistence may get them a goal, but I expect the Germans to score three or more.

Spain vs Russia: Have Spain put their underachieving ways behind them? Can Russia play consistently like they did in the quarterfinal? I was very impressed by Torres in Spain's quarterfinal match (and surprised that Aragones substituted for him, but what do I know). I was equally impressed by Arshavin, and I have to think Spain's thrashing of Russia in group play was in large part due to Arshavin's absence. I have no idea who will win, but I expect it to be very entertaining.

Limey · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2008, 09:52:15 pm »

Germany, unless something truly bizarre transpires.

Russia. Spain play pretty but lack killer instinct and will pass rather than shoot. Russia are inexperienced and make rookie mistakes, but they create a ton of very, very good scoring opportunities and only have to not fuck up a couple of times to beat the Spaniards.

Also, my puerile sense of humour requires that I root for a team whose star player is called "Arshavin".

BatGirl · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2008, 10:06:06 pm »

saw this thread and thought it might be about this:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/12/xin_1921204120843390202255.jpg

Limey · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2008, 10:37:13 pm »

Quote from: BatGirl on June 24, 2008, 10:06:06 pm

saw this thread and thought it might be about this:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-12/12/xin_1921204120843390202255.jpg

Yikes.

Noe · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2008, 11:14:36 pm »

I'm rooting for the Turks. I really enjoy watching them play but also know this is going t be a hard match to take. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Turkey (Bodrum) with their family (my nieces and nephews). They sent my youngest son a jersey of a Turkish star and he wears it all the time.

Russia is going to beat Spain, who played surprisingly well against the Italians. But Russia is just better overall and will take the Spaniards down.

Limey · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2008, 07:43:04 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 24, 2008, 11:14:36 pm

I'm rooting for the Turks. I really enjoy watching them play but also know this is going t be a hard match to take. My sister-in-law and her husband live in Turkey (Bodrum) with their family (my nieces and nephews). They sent my youngest son a jersey of a Turkish star and he wears it all the time.

Russia is going to beat Spain, who played surprisingly well against the Italians. But Russia is just better overall and will take the Spaniards down.

I have watched the Turks too many times to enjoy the way they play. The take cheating and conniving to a whole new level in soccer, which is saying a lot. One time England had to play a Euro or World Cup qualifying in Turkey. They pulled a "Bull Durham" and waterlogged the pitch in an attempt to negate the English threat. If I'm rooting for Germany over the Turks, you know there's something seriously wrong with the Turks.

Noe · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2008, 07:57:03 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 25, 2008, 07:43:04 am

I have watched the Turks too many times to enjoy the way they play. The take cheating and conniving to a whole new level in soccer, which is saying a lot. One time England had to play a Euro or World Cup qualifying in Turkey. They pulled a "Bull Durham" and waterlogged the pitch in an attempt to negate the English threat. If I'm rooting for Germany over the Turks, you know there's something seriously wrong with the Turks.

I could go into a whole lot of stories my sis-in-law (wife's sister) tells us about the Turkish people. Generally, they love them and have many great friends.... but it take a whole lot of time to win over the Turks, but when you do, they're a kind and loving people. Convincing them that Westerners are not what they think we are and hence they should drop all the stereotypes and passionate distrust of them takes some doing. Plus, she will tell you that overall, when you're dealing with the Turks in terms of business (small home repairs on up), you cannot take their word on anything. Never do business that way with them because they will take advantage of you and not because they're basically dishonest people but because that is the way they do business. IOW - it's up to you to protect yourself at all times and not up to them to deal honestly and straight with you.

Limey · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2008, 09:03:01 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 25, 2008, 07:57:03 am

I could go into a whole lot of stories my sis-in-law (wife's sister) tells us about the Turkish people. Generally, they love them and have many great friends.... but it take a whole lot of time to win over the Turks, but when you do, they're a kind and loving people. Convincing them that Westerners are not what they think we are and hence they should drop all the stereotypes and passionate distrust of them takes some doing. Plus, she will tell you that overall, when you're dealing with the Turks in terms of business (small home repairs on up), you cannot take their word on anything. Never do business that way with them because they will take advantage of you and not because they're basically dishonest people but because that is the way they do business. IOW - it's up to you to protect yourself at all times and not up to them to deal honestly and straight with you.

In 1990 Argentina cheated, pulled, tripped, flopped and argued their way into the WC Final. It was the ugliest piece of shit game I'd seen in a long time, and (IIRC) two Argies were sent off. Germany (who'd beaten England in the semi-final on penalties...grrrrr) won on a penalty. A disgusting, disgusting match.

I'm not rooting against the Turkish people. I just don't want to see their brand of soccer in the Final.

Limey · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2008, 02:24:18 pm »

I retract my earlier comments about Turkish football. Taking it to the Krauts, they are...and getting sucker punched as a result. 1-1 mid way through the first half.

MusicMan · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2008, 02:27:59 pm »

Limey... have you ever been in a Turkish ~~prison~~ football stadium?

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2008, 02:31:21 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 25, 2008, 02:27:59 pm

Limey... have you ever been in a Turkish ~~prison~~ football stadium?

He's quite fond of gladiator movies.

Limey · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2008, 03:57:42 pm »

Quote from: Taras Bulba on June 25, 2008, 02:31:21 pm

He's quite fond of gladiator movies.

I will have my revenge; in this life or the next.

ybbodeus · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2008, 05:24:56 pm »

In which case....emergency! emergency! Everybody to get from street!

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2008, 09:31:10 am »

Can the underachieving Spaniards manage to beat the Germans?

Bench · « **Reply #14 on:** June 29, 2008, 11:50:23 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on June 29, 2008, 09:31:10 am

Can the underachieving Spaniards manage to beat the Germans?

It should be an interesting game. I guess I'm rooting for the Spaniards, which I don't often do. This tournament has made me root for Russia, Germany and Spain at various times, which makes me uncomfortable.

chuck · « **Reply #15 on:** June 29, 2008, 07:06:36 pm »

I thought the Spaniards would win, but I had no idea they'd look so dominant against the German side.

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2008, 08:16:14 am »

Campeones de Europa!!!!!!!! Viva Espana!!!!!!!!!

San Iker, Ramos, Capdevilla, Puyol, Marchena, Iniesta, Silva, Cesc, Xavi, Alonso, Senna, Torres, Villa, Guiza...........Heroes Forever

Andyzipp · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2008, 08:43:28 am »

Quote from: CarolinaStro on June 30, 2008, 08:16:14 am

Campeones de Europa!!!!!!!! Viva Espana!!!!!!!!!

San Iker, Ramos, Capdevilla, Puyol, Marchena, Iniesta, Silva, Cesc, Xavi, Alonso, Senna, Torres, Villa, Guiza...........Heroes Forever

Is this the menu at Ninfa's on Navigation?

gleach · « **Reply #18 on:** June 30, 2008, 09:00:03 am »

Quote from: Andyzipp on June 30, 2008, 08:43:28 am

Is this the menu at Ninfa's on Navigation?

I hear the Guiza is good, but you can get better Iniesta at Taco Cabana.

chuck · « **Reply #19 on:** June 30, 2008, 02:38:54 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on June 30, 2008, 08:43:28 am

Is this the menu at Ninfa's on Navigation?

Rioja on Westheimer.

drew corleone · « **Reply #20 on:** June 30, 2008, 10:58:56 pm »

Vamos Torres! Vamos Casillas! A lo mas grande! A Por Ellos! O-E!

Guinness · « **Reply #21 on:** July 01, 2008, 12:23:05 am »

I thought the match was kind of dull, at least compared to the nail biters in the semis and quarter finals. I wanted Germany to win, but am glad Spain did. At least they're not Portugal.

drew corleone · « **Reply #22 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:21:05 am »

I'm not really a soccer nut, but I was watching with a bunch of Spanish nationals, so maybe my excitement level was enhanced.

Rebel Jew · « **Reply #23 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:37:50 am »

Quote from: drew corleone on July 01, 2008, 09:21:05 am

I'm not really a soccer nut, but I was watching with a bunch of Spanish nationals, so maybe my excitement level was enhanced.

soccer fans are funny people

drew corleone · « **Reply #24 on:** July 01, 2008, 09:46:21 am »

Funnier than the Little Pumas or Los Cabballitos?

Andyzipp · « **Reply #25 on:** July 01, 2008, 10:08:35 am »

Quote from: drew corleone on July 01, 2008, 09:46:21 am

Funnier than the Little Pumas or Los Cabballitos?

Los Cabbalitos are guys that feel representated by a fat Latin American guy.

Little Pumas are furries without the sex.

Author Topic: Euro semis (Read 6481 times)

Noe

Noe

Andyzipp

Guinness

Andyzipp