Euros

[Avalon]

I think the Dutch should have stayed with Vlaar last night, instead of Mathijsen who just came back from injury. Also, the second half was much better where van der Vaart came into play and did a good job of controlling midfield. That Willems kid was terrible the first half, but played better the second half going forward.

The Dutch need a miracle to go through though. Denmark needs to lose and the Dutch need to win by at least 2-0. I've heard some great comments from the Dutch though, along the lines of "last time we defended this badly, we lost our country for five years"
Haha, leave it to the Dutch to make a subtle WW2 reference.

[Esky]

Might have been mentioned - do teams on equal points advance on goal difference or head to head?

[southern softy]

Might have been mentioned - do teams on equal points advance on goal difference or head to head?

head to head

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

It will be fucking crap when they add teams. And sure, I know that sounds funny from a Finnish feller as this MIGHT give us chance to qualify SOMETIME in future but bollocks to that. Should've kept the best international tournament as it is.

Amen, brother.

Top 2 from 4 groups of 6 AND 4 best 3rd place teams going through? Far too much availability for the knock outs. No doubt this is all down to money again.

[Im_Spartacus]

Amen, brother.

Top 2 from 4 groups of 6 AND 4 best 3rd place teams going through? Far too much availability for the knock outs. No doubt this is all down to money again.

Yeah, will be a huge shame to see the current format diluted.

This is the best tournament i can remember for a long long time in terms of big games right from the off. I wasnt all that arsed with it beforehand, but im finding that i want to watch every game, which is not the case in the world cup.......new format will extend the tournament unnecessarily and all it will do is ensure that the big teams all go through to the knockout stages.

I suppose the knockout stages will then be worth watching, but like you say, the shame is that it hasnt been done in some glorious inclusion policy, but all about money.

Its annoying that Platini doesnt admit that rather than trying to spout bollocks about the footballing family. That cunt sounds more like blatter every day.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

This tournament has actually renewed my faith in international football.

After the last world cup and years of shite friendlies and qualifiers this is a breath of fresh air!

[Green & Blue]

Quite surprised at how poor Netherlands have been.Its strange that the coach is persisting with Van Bommel.He plays at a walking pace and gets drawn into fouls to try and compensate for it.I would be very surprised if he starts against Portugal, surely Van der Vart would be a better option.

Have to fear for that 18 year old defender Willems if he starts again and comes up against Ronado, Muller destroyed him timea and again last night.

Looking forward to Ireland getting back on track tonight after that blip against Croatia.

[Ted Hughes]

Quite surprised at how poor Netherlands have been.Its strange that the coach is persisting with Van Bommel.He plays at a walking pace and gets drawn into fouls to try and compensate for it.I would be very surprised if he starts against Portugal, surely Van der Vart would be a better option.

Have to fear for that 18 year old defender Willems if he starts again and comes up against Ronado, Muller destroyed him timea and again last night.

Looking forward to Ireland getting back on track tonight after that blip against Croatia.

I thought they were right on track v Croatia.

Be interesting to see if Ireland can create a suitable bus station in front of Spain actually. The Spanish manager is a very lucky man & seems to be actually trying to stop Spain from winning games. If he sets up with the same idiotic formation, you never know.

[ant london]

This is the best tournament i can remember for a long long time in terms of big games right from the off. I wasnt all that arsed with it beforehand, but im finding that i want to watch every game, which is not the case in the world cup.....

100% agree. It's been great so far. I've either watched or half-watched everything

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Quite surprised at how poor Netherlands have been.Its strange that the coach is persisting with Van Bommel.He plays at a walking pace and gets drawn into fouls to try and compensate for it.I would be very surprised if he starts against Portugal, surely Van der Vart would be a better option.

Have to fear for that 18 year old defender Willems if he starts again and comes up against Ronado, Muller destroyed him timea and again last night.

Looking forward to Ireland getting back on track tonight after that blip against Croatia.

Could the fact that he is married to van Marwijk's daughter have something to do with it?

[Avalon]

I second the notion. Quite a few games have been very pleasing on the eye. Too bad Poland and Ukraine got bad rep before the tournament which seems to have affected the tournament. I see plenty of empty seats here and there.

However, the Ukraine Sweden game was definitely a highlight for me, merely for the fact to see the Ukranian fans go berserk winning and, of course, Shevchenko being able to produce goals on a big tournament. He flopped at Chelski, but he's no doubt a great striker.

The Dutch fans, despite their crappy tournament, remain a treat as well. Plenty of pretty women in orange dresses, cannot complain!

[Dubciteh]

My tip for today is Ireland to beat Spain 3 nil. Whelan and Andrews will dominate the spanish midfield of Xavi, Iniesta,Busquets,Silva,Fabregas And alonso. SIr Robbie Keane and Sir Richard Dunne will get the goals!

Put your house on it?

COYBIG

[Bridge'srightfoot]

Ireland's problem is they don't really have anyone who can do anything with the ball in an attacking sense. Their philosophy is much like Englands, all about effort, passion desire, but in the end of the day you need more than that. Watching them vs Croatia was like watching a Premier League team against a Championship one. Croatia were just so fluid on the ball.

[Green & Blue]

My tip for today is Ireland to beat Spain 3 nil. Whelan and Andrews will dominate the spanish midfield of Xavi, Iniesta,Busquets,Silva,Fabregas And alonso. SIr Robbie Keane and Sir Richard Dunne will get the goals!

Put your house on it?

COYBIG

I would but the odds on offer are so poor its hardly worth backing.

[Green & Blue]

Quite surprised at how poor Netherlands have been.Its strange that the coach is persisting with Van Bommel.He plays at a walking pace and gets drawn into fouls to try and compensate for it.I would be very surprised if he starts against Portugal, surely Van der Vart would be a better option.

Have to fear for that 18 year old defender Willems if he starts again and comes up against Ronado, Muller destroyed him timea and again last night.

Looking forward to Ireland getting back on track tonight after that blip against Croatia.

Could the fact that he is married to van Marwijk's daughter have something to do with it?

Well that would explain it, i had no idea.

[Avalon]

It is indeed the case. It is not like it is a secret, it's been well documented.

[Original Dub]

It's a big IF but if we beat spain tonight and croatia beat italy, all we need is a draw v italy... Which had no problem doing over the last 3 or 4 times we played them!

A boy can dream can't he? :)

[Sideshow Bob]

is balo expected to start?

[Tony P]

Mario starting. Surprising.

[Alioune DVToure]

Jelavic first goal, Italy to win 2-1.