Euro 2008!

[DCFinSCB]

3 Days until the first matches begin!

With both the NBA and NHL winding down, MLB just geting settled in before a long hot summer, and football still very much in the wishful thinking stage, it is time to reach back into your heritage and pay hommage to any of your European ancestors and find a national team to get behind.

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/

Most, if not all, of the best matches will be shown live on ESPN Classics, ESPN2, and ABC. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2008/fixtures?league=uefa.euro&date=20080601&type=month&cc=5901



Go Czech Republic! Pojďme na to, zvítězíme, sny národa naplníme!
(Of course, being a European mutt, I can fall back on supporting Germany if Czech do not make it far enough.)

[greenroomsurfer]

Viva Espana!!!! Real Madrid no mas!

[Gypsea]

3 Days until the first matches begin!

With both the NBA and NHL winding down, MLB just geting settled in before a long hot summer, and football still very much in the wishful thinking stage, it is time to reach back into your heritage and pay hommage to any of your European ancestors and find a national team to get behind.

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/

Most, if not all, of the best matches will be shown live on ESPN Classics, ESPN2, and ABC. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/euro2008/fixtures?league=uefa.euro&date=20080601&type=month&cc=5901



Go Czech Republic! Pojďme na to, zvítězíme, sny národa naplníme!
(Of course, being a European mutt, I can fall back on supporting Germany if Czech do not make it far enough.)

Please help cheer our Pittsburgh Penguins on to a win tonight. :clap: They need this win or they will be eliminated. So send us some good Ju Ju.

[DCFinSCB]

Absolutely, Go Penguins! I almost stayed up late enough the other night to finally see them win game 5.

Meanwhile:

Christian Franek is challenging you to play Euro Pick'Em on ESPN.com.
This game challenges you to select the winner of each game throughout the UEFA Euro 2008 Championship. Best of all? It's FREE to play. Can you compete in the international arena?

Get in the action now:
http://games.espn.go.com/euro/group?groupID=2474 (http://games.espn.go.com/euro/group?groupID=2474)

Game Front: http://games.espn.go.com/euro/frontpage (http://games.espn.go.com/euro/frontpage)
Group: US98 Soccer

[tistheseason]

Now this is a thread that may convince my husband to start posting! He has the VCR, the DVR and the VCR-recorder all programed to record the games!

Viva Espana!! :clap:

[DCFinSCB]

After a little more than one week, each team from each group has played and completed two matches as of today, and out of 16 national teams, only 2 are definitely out of contention to move on to the quarterfinals! (Host Switzerland, and defending Champions, Greece.)

Portugal, Croatia, Holland, and Spain (on a last minute strike) have all locked up the top spot for their respective Groups, but the drama has only begun, as many different scenarios come in to play for the second spot from each Group to move on to the quarterfinals. It is life or death in many matches for each team playing, and both squads will be leaving everything out on the pitch, but perhaps just as interesting is whether some of the teams that have already sewn up their promotion will just pack up and mail it in for their last Group match, saving themselves for the quarterfinals and essentially dashing the hopes of those fighting for survival.

High Stakes, High Drama, and we get to watch it all unfold in front of our eyes on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classics, or ABC. Channels nearly every local food and beverage establishment gets (now if we can just get some of them to subscribe to Fox Soccer Channel, GolTV, and Setanta).

Don't miss it!!

Let's Go Ceska Republika!!!

[tistheseason]

After a little more than one week, each team from each group has played and completed two matches as of today, and out of 16 national teams, only 2 are definitely out of contention to move on to the quarterfinals! (Host Switzerland, and defending Champions, Greece.)

Portugal, Croatia, Holland, and Spain (on a last minute strike) have all locked up the top spot for their respective Groups, but the drama has only begun, as many different scenarios come in to play for the second spot from each Group to move on to the quarterfinals. It is life or death in many matches for each team playing, and both squads will be leaving everything out on the pitch, but perhaps just as interesting is whether some of the teams that have already sewn up their promotion will just pack up and mail it in for their last Group match, saving themselves for the quarterfinals and essentially dashing the hopes of those fighting for survival.

High Stakes, High Drama, and we get to watch it all unfold in front of our eyes on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classics, or ABC. Channels nearly every local food and beverage establishment gets (now if we can just get some of them to subscribe to Fox Soccer Channel, GolTV, and Setanta).

Don't miss it!!

Let's Go Ceska Republika!!!

Shades at the Loop has GolTV -- or at least they did when they first open!!

The games have been fun-- Spain barely won yesterday. . . .could be a tough tournament for a great team!!

[30A Skunkape]

GEAUX FRANCE! Is that guy who head-butted the Italian player in the World Cup still playing?

[Cil]

GEAUX FRANCE! Is that guy who head-butted the Italian player in the World Cup still playing?

No--Zidane retired after the '06 World Cup.

[DCFinSCB]

Absolutely gutted with the Czech loss yesterday. How do you lose after being 2-0 up with 15 minutes left in the match?!?!

Bah, on to my second team, Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles...

Of the Group B Matches scheduled for 1:45 today, Croatia has clinched top spot and the rest, Germany, Poland, Austria, all have a chance. Good stuff.

Group C (also known as the Group of Death), which plays on Tuesday, has Holland already in and Romania, Italy, and France (sans Zenadine Zidane, the head-butter) fighting for the final spot.

Group D, which Spain has sewn up, finalizes the Group Stages on Wednesday, with Sweden and Russia facing each other for the final spot in the quarterfinals.

As they say, Must-See TV!

[DCFinSCB]

Shades at the Loop has GolTV -- or at least they did when they first open!!

The games have been fun-- Spain barely won yesterday. . . .could be a tough tournament for a great team!!


GolTV at Shades?? That is great! I'll check to confirm.

[whiteyfunn]

I like Portugal. :biggrin:

[DCFinSCB]

Germany pulls the upset (at least to many). Portugal and the pretty hair boy, Critsiano Ronaldo (and who many consider the best footballer in the world) are now O-U-T!!

I shan't shed a tear.

[tistheseason]

What are your thoughts on the Spain v. Italy game? My husband has been in a tizzy every since they announced it. :roll: Apparently he was at the World Cup in 94 when Italy beat Spain. And he is still holding a grudge. He has banned all people who have ANY Italian heritage from coming over to watch the game, he's cooking only Spanish food that day, we have all been ordered to put our scarfs on first thing. At this point, I'm not sure if he's a fan or a lunatic. And he seems to be going to the "dark side" before the game even starts. . . .what will happen if they loose?

Should I head to the beach for about a week? or what?:idontno:

[DCFinSCB]

He's a lunatic........and it is GREAT!!!!!

Embrace the lunacy. It really is beautiful.

Plus, you get to eat Spanish dishes, which are pretty darn good. And partake of Spanish wines, if you so choose.

(That said, the Italians do have a way of throwing a wrench in the best laid plans of many a Footy Competition and Competitor.)

All in all, a nail biter....................yo no se!!!

[vivaespaña]

Ok, my wife has been dying for me to get on this message board and i am not one of the guys who has ever posted, but you hit the right button to respond and post something to this.

EuroCopa is now the second most watched event after the World Cup and yes my insanity towards EuroCopa is understood. I, orginally born in Spain, am passionate about soccer, played it my whole life, school, Spain, High school, post, etc.....and Spain could pull the biggest upset of all time if we can beat Italy.

I went to 1982 World Cup in Spain, also went to Spain-Italy match in Foxboro, MA. in 1994 when they beat us. This is the proverbial Florida vs. Georgia in American football game coming up.

I did drive my bike from Seacrest to Shades at the Loop to watch La Liga games, but like any American bar, you have to beg and plead to turn to Soccer channels. They have GolTV, as i do at home, also have FSE, FSC, & ESPN Deportes (All part of DirectV)but i would not pay for Setanta. They do not show enough games on that channel.

Ride your bike over to Shades, good screens, good tv's and since games are at 2:45, they would have no problem changing the channel at that time. Only interefering with Cubs home games.

Glad to see other soccer lovers out there and yes, VIVA ESPAÑA, we need this win more than ever. It would be a win for the ages.

Cheers and keep kicking....the round ball, not the oblong american ball!!!!!!!!!

[vivaespaña]

GEAUX FRANCE! Is that guy who head-butted the Italian player in the World Cup still playing?



Seriously dude, that ugly guy from France is NOW retired!!!!!!!!!
Zidane was his name and he is retired. The other ugly Frenchmen Ribery got his ass whooped and is also now on the bench. Oh, and France is out, so come on over to teh Spain band wagon, we have plenty of room, a fine of bottle of Rioja awaits you and anyone else who would care to join.

Viva España!!!!!!!!!!!

[vivaespaña]

Germany pulls the upset (at least to many). Portugal and the pretty hair boy, Critsiano Ronaldo (and who many consider the best footballer in the world) are now O-U-T!!

I shan't shed a tear.


Yes, i hear ya, but Ballack had a serious push on the portugese defender and it DID NOT get called. That should have been called off, where was the 4th UEFA ref on that play???? They should have called Ballack for a push in the back. Spilled milk, but nonetheless, fricking Germans & Italians always have a way of pulling games out of their..................

How about the Turks????? Beating Croatia in penalties and scoring 3 goals in 10 minutes against the Czechs. I still have that game on my DVR, that by far was the best game so far, well, second to Spain beating Russia 4-1!! David Villa witha hat trick!

VIVA España!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[30A Skunkape]

Seriously dude, that ugly guy from France is NOW retired!!!!!!!!!
Zidane was his name and he is retired. The other ugly Frenchmen Ribery got his ass whooped and is also now on the bench. Oh, and France is out, so come on over to teh Spain band wagon, we have plenty of room, a fine of bottle of Rioja awaits you and anyone else who would care to join.

Viva España!!!!!!!!!!!

Was there a riot or something after France was bounced, or is that a phenomenon unique to England? By the way, where was England? Did they not make it into this tournament?

[vivaespaña]

Was there a riot or something after France was bounced, or is that a phenomenon unique to England? By the way, where was England? Did they not make it into this tournament?


France was not expected to go far this year. Thierry Henry their striker is getting old and lsoing a step, Ribery their best mdifielder hurt and defense a little suspect.

England, now that is a travestry that they didn't qualify for the tourney. That is like saying LSU football could not make it to a bowl game, any bowl game!

[rapunzel]

Okay. You got me interested with the scarf comment.

I prefer a good Albarino, but am willing to pull for Spain. What should this scarf look like?

[30A Skunkape]

Spain contra Italy, nil-nil at the half:shock:

[tistheseason]

5 minutes left -- no score yet. It's getting intense at my house! I think the kids are scared! :yikes:

[tistheseason]

Okay. You got me interested with the scarf comment.

I prefer a good Albarino, but am willing to pull for Spain. What should this scarf look like?

If Spain plays next weekend, I'll have my scarf with me. Well, either way, I'll bring it to show you. Although you might be able to see some people in the stands with them!

[30A Skunkape]

NIL-NIL!!!

I thought Spain had a chance near the end and their guy caught the ball in the goalie box:bang:

Can senor espana sing any of those songs they are chanting in the crowd?

[rapunzel]

It's getting pretty intense around here, too. Tell VivaEspana thanks!

Is this the scarf? http://www.footballheaven.net/acatalog/Country_Scarves_T-Z.html

[tistheseason]

It's getting pretty intense around here, too. Tell VivaEspana thanks!

Is this the scarf? http://www.footballheaven.net/acatalog/Country_Scarves_T-Z.html

That's it!

[tistheseason]

NIL-NIL!!!

I thought Spain had a chance near the end and their guy caught the ball in the goalie box:bang:

Can senor espana sing any of those songs they are chanting in the crowd?

double :bang:

Lil Tis loves to sing those songs. We went to a soccer game while we were in spain -- and afterward he walked all over spain singing them.

[30A Skunkape]

AHHHHH!!!!

Spain HAD it!!!

Penalty kicks...:bang:

[tistheseason]

OMG -- the language that is going on at my house. At least it's in spanish so that when my 5 yr old repeats it, my mother won't know what he's saying! Anyone that's had high school spanish will understand, but at least my mom can still look at him and say "how cute, his spanish is really coming along. . .. "

[rapunzel]

Oh my gosh! I wish I was watching it with you guys. Sounds like so much fun!

[30A Skunkape]

Whoot!

[tistheseason]

APOR ELLOS OE!!!! VIVA ESPANA!!!:clap::clap::clap:

[tistheseason]

Oh my gosh! I wish I was watching it with you guys. Sounds like so much fun!

Yes, it's fun now that they won. Otherwise, I was moving out to the Westin for the next week!!

[seacrestgirl]

OMG -- the language that is going on at my house. At least it's in spanish so that when my 5 yr old repeats it, my mother won't know what he's saying! Anyone that's had high school spanish will understand, but at least my mom can still look at him and say "how cute, his spanish is really coming along. . .. "


I can hear her now!!!!! :floor:

[vivaespaña]

Most important chant right now in the Spanish section in these stadiums are....

A POR ELLOS, O-E (oh-eh)
A POR ELLOS, O-E,
A POR ELLOS, O-E, O-E, O-E

Another one that was directed towards the ref and make the ESPN commentators laugh was,

HI-JO DE PUTA, CLAP< CLAP< CLAP< CLAP HI-JO DE PUTA. Most can figure that out (Son of a.........)

What a tenseful, but glorious day. Our curse has been broken!

[DCFinSCB]

Yes, i hear ya, but Ballack had a serious push on the portugese defender and it DID NOT get called. That should have been called off, where was the 4th UEFA ref on that play???? They should have called Ballack for a push in the back. Spilled milk, but nonetheless, fricking Germans & Italians always have a way of pulling games out of their..................

How about the Turks????? Beating Croatia in penalties and scoring 3 goals in 10 minutes against the Czechs. I still have that game on my DVR, that by far was the best game so far, well, second to Spain beating Russia 4-1!! David Villa witha hat trick!

VIVA España!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Germans doing whatever it takes to gain an advantage?? Surely never.:biggrin:

Deutschland Up!!!

[vivaespaña]

Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooly Crap, what a game today!
Germans pulled it out, congrats. My vote for the tenacious goes to Turkey, what an incredible story, those guys.

Germans are a strong finishing team.

Whomever says soccer is NOT entertaining have not watched EURO2008.
I might buy the DVD and rewatch ALL the games.

[DCFinSCB]

Arguably, the two most worthy and talented teams, Die Mannschaft (Germany) and Spain, will go at it this Sunday in the Euro 2008 Finals!

Catch the excitement on ABC at 1:30 PM, Central!!
The domestic appetizer sees David Beckham and his L.A. Galaxy take on perennial MLS powerhouse D.C. United at 11:00 PM, Central.
Also, much more locally, an impromptu South Walton Men's Euro 2008 Tournament takes place at Helen McCall Park this Saturday and Sunday, starting at 9:00 AM. Stop by to see how "The Passion Drives Us!"

Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles!!!

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/07/01/germanfan1_gallery__272x400.jpg

[30A Skunkape]

Yes, so, I put my life on the line for Spain today, a country I have neither visited nor have any connection to other than viewing Jackass II con senor ViveEspana. We viewed the waning moments at the German beer house in Panama City. We drank beer for the first however many minutes constitutes a game on the patio and went inside to watch the final three minutes or so. To my surprise, there were a few people decked-out in German garb, none of whom had any stronger ties to that country than mine to Spain, but there they were...time runs out and Spain wins. I go to the bathroom. Again, while I am taking care of business I am surprised to hear the bathroom chat demeaning the Spaniards. "We need to burn a Spanish flag," was offered up by a voice sounding like it was raised in the German province of Dothan. Many agreed vocally. My courage, fueled by the German beer, loudly asked to the assembled masses relieving themselves of the above mentioned the following question-"You know what the Germans are calling the Spaniards tonight?"...the nouveau Germans awaited the answer..."WINNERS!", I shouted out. Ha. Then I got the hell out of that bathroom. A bit later this guy who was draped in the German flag stood up in the bar and said something about being back in 2 years, and led the beer hall in a German song of some sort. When the bar was finished we answered the German anthem with the beloved Spanish tune "Na na na na, na na na na, hey-hey-goodbye!" It was good fun. :biggrin:

[DCFinSCB]

Yes, so, I put my life on the line for Spain today, a country I have neither visited nor have any connection to other than viewing Jackass II con senor ViveEspana. We viewed the waning moments at the German beer house in Panama City. We drank beer for the first however many minutes constitutes a game on the patio and went inside to watch the final three minutes or so. To my surprise, there were a few people decked-out in German garb, none of whom had any stronger ties to that country than mine to Spain, but there they were...time runs out and Spain wins. I go to the bathroom. Again, while I am taking care of business I am surprised to hear the bathroom chat demeaning the Spaniards. "We need to burn a Spanish flag," was offered up by a voice sounding like it was raised in the German province of Dothan. Many agreed vocally. My courage, fueled by the German beer, loudly asked to the assembled masses relieving themselves of the above mentioned the following question-"You know what the Germans are calling the Spaniards tonight?"...the nouveau Germans awaited the answer..."WINNERS!", I shouted out. Ha. Then I got the hell out of that bathroom. A bit later this guy who was draped in the German flag stood up in the bar and said something about being back in 2 years, and led the beer hall in a German song of some sort. When the bar was finished we answered the German anthem with the beloved Spanish tune "Na na na na, na na na na, hey-hey-goodbye!" It was good fun. :biggrin:


Welcome to the world of soccer (or football, if you dare to call it that here in the States)!

Especially in international competitions, even when the fans tend to be a little nationalistic, they enjoy the competition. And rarely does it get violent.

Next up on the Footy horizon, the 2008-2009 league competitions. Hmmmm.........time for a new thread!

P.S. United States Men's National Team begins group play against Guatemala, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago beginning August 20th. I'll keep you updated.)

[vivaespaña]

Yes, so, I put my life on the line for Spain today, a country I have neither visited nor have any connection to other than viewing Jackass II con senor ViveEspana. We viewed the waning moments at the German beer house in Panama City. We drank beer for the first however many minutes constitutes a game on the patio and went inside to watch the final three minutes or so. To my surprise, there were a few people decked-out in German garb, none of whom had any stronger ties to that country than mine to Spain, but there they were...time runs out and Spain wins. I go to the bathroom. Again, while I am taking care of business I am surprised to hear the bathroom chat demeaning the Spaniards. "We need to burn a Spanish flag," was offered up by a voice sounding like it was raised in the German province of Dothan. Many agreed vocally. My courage, fueled by the German beer, loudly asked to the assembled masses relieving themselves of the above mentioned the following question-"You know what the Germans are calling the Spaniards tonight?"...the nouveau Germans awaited the answer..."WINNERS!", I shouted out. Ha. Then I got the hell out of that bathroom. A bit later this guy who was draped in the German flag stood up in the bar and said something about being back in 2 years, and led the beer hall in a German song of some sort. When the bar was finished we answered the German anthem with the beloved Spanish tune "Na na na na, na na na na, hey-hey-goodbye!" It was good fun. :biggrin:


You are a good man rooting for unvariably the underdog. Here in the ATL, the Italians, the Czechs, the Russias were all ganign up and rooting AGAINST the beautiful team of Spain.

The reality is we played the best FUTBOL. Leading scorer, David Villa with 4, fewest goals given up 2, won ALL our games, Xavi voted MVP for the tourney and we had the most players on MVP team. It truly was Spanish Invasion, long awaited for many of us. Never seen before in my lifetme, 44 yrs ago, was the last.

Germany gave it a run and so did Turkey, my hat off to them for coming back 3 separate goals. This HAD to be the best Euro EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can only hope we see more of the same during World Cup 2010. Now, time to root for those teams to make the World Cup field.

OLE, OLE, OLE, O-----LE

[Killer Whale]

Was there a riot or something after France was bounced, or is that a phenomenon unique to England? By the way, where was England? Did they not make it into this tournament?

England didn't qualify, dude, for two reasons...

1. Steve "the wally with the brolly" McClaren. He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth by the way. Probably still in hiding from the (in my opinion thoroughly deserved) death threats after the Croatia game

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-495555/Terminated-McClaren-Being-sacked-England-saddest-day-career.html


2. The players who without exception weren't fit to wear the three lions on their chests. A bunch of gutless, choking, overrated, overpaid, talentless nancy boys on three hundred grand a week. Not much by US sporting standards I realise, but still at least five times what the Russians, Croatians and Israelis are paid. (At least before the tournament. Their earning power will have gone up since).

The England team were so up their own arses, they thought they only had to turn up to win. Amazingly the Croatians and Russians had other ideas, and deservedly, if humilatingly, turned them over. Even Azerbajan was a close run thing... :bang:


Never mind, no-one in England cared very much so it was OK. Actually, as it turned out it was a wonderful tournament for the neutral with no skin in the game. Spain were worthy winners.

Besides, there were other things to occupy minds:

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2008/06/27/ronaldos-wag-nereida-gallardo-officially-not-hot