Euro 2012 Thread

kitakyushu · 28-03-2012 12:29pm

That_Guy wrote: »

Last time I checked Brazil, USA, Argentina and South Korea weren't involved in the EUROPEAN Championships.

Neither are the UK , Cameroon and Norway come to mention it. Tho there might be a few Brazilian ringers for nations short on attacking options.

There's more nations in that photo who aren't at the finals than are.

steelcityblues · 28-03-2012 1:49pm

kitakyushu wrote: »

Neither are the UK , Cameroon and Norway come to mention it. Tho there might be a few Brazilian ringers for nations short on attacking options.

There's more nations in that photo who aren't at the finals than are.

That shot with the faces was used by some company for an USA 94 advertisement, you can see it in the tournament's official magazine which I have a copy of. Wonder if they breached something by putting Poland 2012 over it?

EDIT: Found the old magazine - it was FUJI film.

cobijones · 28-03-2012 2:11pm

Does anyone know if the Panini Euro 12 sticker book is out in Ireland yet?

Kidchameleon · 28-03-2012 6:27pm

cobijones wrote: »

Does anyone know if the Panini Euro 12 sticker book is out in Ireland yet?

Would that be the Adrenaline Excel one?

briany · 28-03-2012 6:31pm

steelcityblues wrote: »

As for Ireland, I certainly have no doubt that the players will give it their maximum, whatever the results are. We might not be able to say the same for all other 15 countries.

Hopefully there's an execution to match the undoubted heart with which the players will play and not the soccer equivalent of :

cobijones · 28-03-2012 10:02pm

Kidchameleon wrote: »

Would that be the Adrenaline Excel one?

No the actual sticker book, it has a purple cover. A friend of mine has it in France, havent seen it here yet, altough I havent looked far beyond the local centra , just wondering if anyone has it here yet?

smallerthanyou · 29-03-2012 4:21pm

baz2009 wrote: »

Finish the Leaving Cert the day Ireland play Spain. :cool:

I finished mine the day before Spain v Ireland the last time. Hopefully this will go one better!

Germany to win, one of the Spanish to be top scorer.

The_B_Man · 29-03-2012 11:02pm

Is there any actual times for these matches? Like are they during work hours, or later in the evening?

darkman2 · 29-03-2012 11:09pm

Afternoon and evening i'd say. Prefer evening games for Ireland. It could be very hot over there at that time of year.

kitakyushu · 29-03-2012 11:16pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012_schedule

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 30-03-2012 11:12am

Just looking at the schedule, provided, as expected, both Spain and Germany win their groups and progress to the final, Germnay will only have 2 days rest while Spain will have 3 days rest. Could be the difference.

dsmythy · 30-03-2012 4:41pm

kitakyushu wrote: »

They're not the be all and end off of predictors but I certainly find them valid and useful data.

For instance the classic is Greece in 2004. They went into the 2004 finals as rank outsiders purely because of their name. So despite the fact that they won their qualifying group (ahead of Spain!), beat Spain *in* Spain, and won their last 6 games in a row with 6 clean sheets not many rated them.

Basically they had been doing the business that won them the tournament right in the qualifying stage yet not many people appeared to register it because they'd lost their opening 2 games.

If there's any unfavoured team in the 2012 who has a good run of results in the 2nd half of qualifying with few goals conceded then I'd keep an eye them.

You'd need evidence from more than one tournament to prove it. Having said that I think a team in form has to be looked at closer though to a lesser extent than club football as each of the players will be coming into the team having had wildly different success or otherwise with their clubs.

As for qualifier form, including playoffs these were the best 6 teams in their last 4 games not including games against teams who finished last in the 6 team groups (unless they failed to beat them).

Spain

Won4 GD 15-2
Germany --- Won4 GD 15-5
Denmark --- Won4 GD 10-2
Italy

Won3 GD 6-1
Greece

Won3 GD 6-2
Russia

Won3 GD 5-1

So maybe Denmark, Greece and Russia as dark horsers if you like them coming into the tournament winning. On a side note Ukraine are unbeaten in their last 5 friendlies.

kitakyushu · 30-03-2012 4:51pm

dsmythy wrote: »

You'd need evidence from more than one tournament to prove it. Having said that I think a team in form has to be looked at closer though to a lesser extent than club football as each of the players will be coming into the team having had wildly different success or otherwise with their clubs.

As for qualifier form, including playoffs these were the best 6 teams in their last 4 games not including games against teams who finished last in the 6 team groups (unless they failed to beat them).

Spain
Won4 GD 15-2
Germany --- Won4 GD 15-5
Denmark --- Won4 GD 10-2
Italy
Won3 GD 6-1
Greece
Won3 GD 6-2
Russia
Won3 GD 5-1

So maybe Denmark, Greece and Russia as dark horsers if you like them coming into the tournament winning. On a side note Ukraine are unbeaten in their last 5 friendlies.

Denmark Euro 1992 is another famous one. They creeped into the finals in 1992 on a technicality and then won the tournament.

In a way their path matched Greece2004 almost perfectly. Poor start to qualifying followed by 5x wins including importantly beating their nearest rival away.

I always consider all finals games as 'away' games for both teams. So if a team has qualified purely on their home form then I don't give them a chance in the finals. However if a finalist has registered a win away to a tough team then I'd certainly consider them favourably as regardless of whatever their final points tally they've already proven they have what it takes to win a game in tough circumstances.

In one way I'm hopeful for Ireland precisely because our away form and and performances are markedly better than at home.

G.K. · 30-03-2012 5:17pm

THFC wrote: »

Just looking at the schedule, provided, as expected, both Spain and Germany win their groups and progress to the final, Germnay will only have 2 days rest while Spain will have 3 days rest. Could be the difference.

I believe that this was subject to a study and that there is no obviou benefit to the extra day's rest before the tournament final.

kitakyushu · 30-03-2012 5:22pm

G.K. wrote: »

I believe that this was subject to a study and that there is no obviou benefit to the extra day's rest before the tournament final.

In fact Germany had more rest-time than Spain for both their 2008 final and 2010 semifinal meetings and still lost both times.

tim_holsters · 30-03-2012 5:39pm

I really fear we'll lose all 3 games so much so that I'm tempted to put a bet on but I can't bring myself to do it for fear off an everlasting stain on my soul.

The_B_Man · 30-03-2012 6:06pm

kitakyushu wrote: »

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012_schedule

Thank jaysus! All our games are 19:45 kick off!

I can now safely start applying for jobs!

klose · 30-03-2012 9:28pm

tim_holsters wrote: »

I really fear we'll lose all 3 games so much so that I'm tempted to put a bet on but I can't bring myself to do it for fear off an everlasting stain on my soul.

Aaaahhh we won't we'll be grand sure

Still wouldnt be surprised if we make it out of the group though..

tim_holsters · 30-03-2012 9:40pm

It's the first game, even thinking about it makes you nervous. It all hinges on that I think, once we don't lose the first game.

briany · 31-03-2012 11:23am

tim_holsters wrote: »

It's the first game, even thinking about it makes you nervous. It all hinges on that I think, once we don't lose the first game.

1 point out of a possible 9 wouldn't be too bad considering the group that's in it. 2 points would be a respectable achievement and anything beyond that would be a bonus. It's definitely within Ireland to get a result against Croatia. A win would be beyond amazing and by itself make the tournament a pretty successful one by Irish standards.

WoollyRedHat · 31-03-2012 1:57pm

Anyone know any good bars to watch the Euros in NYC? The first time in ages when the times of matches are perfect, in the evening, and I'm in a far off timezone, where it will be around 3-4 in the morning

Brendan97 · 31-03-2012 2:49pm

Ireland beat Croatia
Ireland beat or draw with Italy
Ireland lose to Spain

Croatia lose to Ireland
Croatia beat or draw with Italy
Croatia lose to Spain

Italy lose or draw with Croatia (or beat them but ireland have a greater goal difference)
Italy lose or draw with Ireland
Italy lose to Spain

Spain win all their games

1.Spain 9pts
2.Ireland 4/6pts
3/4.Italy 0/4pts
3/4.Croatia 0/3pts

Its probably the most realistic scenario where Ireland go through to the knock-out stages

briany · 31-03-2012 5:38pm

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Anyone know any good bars to watch the Euros in NYC? The first time in ages when the times of matches are perfect, in the evening, and I'm in a far off timezone, where it will be around 3-4 in the morning

If you'll be in NYC for the games then wouldn't it be 3-4 in the afternoon? I shouldn't imagine there'd be a shortage of demand in NYC for the Irish games considering the amount of emigrants and diaspora who live there.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero · 31-03-2012 10:42pm

Might just put on a sneaky bet for Torres top scorer. He could very well turn it up even more between now and the end of the season, and if he does the same for Spain he'll be in with a great shot.

Nuri Sahin · 31-03-2012 11:42pm

Had money on Germany since early 2011, and am still confident they'll do the business. Will have money on Gomez and Huntelaar top goalscorer as well.

France is worth a bet too IMO. Rate the squad, rate the coach... the results are good in the main, albeit maybe one too many draws.

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Anyone know any good bars to watch the Euros in NYC? The first time in ages when the times of matches are perfect, in the evening, and I'm in a far off timezone, where it will be around 3-4 in the morning

There'll be many, many pubs/bars showing the footy. Lansdowne Road (near enough to Times Sq) or The Parlour (up the road, nearer to Central Park) are the ones I've frequented when I'm in NYC, recommend both. There's another one that my friends who live in the city swear by, that I'm yet to have been to and that's Nevada Smith's. But as I eluded to, there is so many pubs/bars that show soccer in NYC so you'll no doubt find a decent spot fairly comfortably.

djPSB · 31-03-2012 11:59pm

THFC wrote: »

Might just put on a sneaky bet for Torres top scorer. He could very well turn it up even more between now and the end of the season, and if he does the same for Spain he'll be in with a great shot.

Not a hope.

steelcityblues · 01-04-2012 12:58am

djPSB wrote: »

Not a hope.

Didn't think Milan Baros would score five in 2004. :P

WoollyRedHat · 01-04-2012 4:09pm

briany wrote: »

If you'll be in NYC for the games then wouldn't it be 3-4 in the afternoon? I shouldn't imagine there'd be a shortage of demand in NYC for the Irish games considering the amount of emigrants and diaspora who live there.

Oh yeah, you're right, thought it would be the morning, got times wrong cheers!

-Ade- wrote: »

Had money on Germany since early 2011, and am still confident they'll do the business. Will have money on Gomez and Huntelaar top goalscorer as well.

France is worth a bet too IMO. Rate the squad, rate the coach... the results are good in the main, albeit maybe one too many draws.

There'll be many, many pubs/bars showing the footy. Lansdowne Road (near enough to Times Sq) or The Parlour (up the road, nearer to Central Park) are the ones I've frequented when I'm in NYC, recommend both. There's another one that my friends who live in the city swear by, that I'm yet to have been to and that's Nevada Smith's. But as I eluded to, there is so many pubs/bars that show soccer in NYC so you'll no doubt find a decent spot fairly comfortably.

That's great, thanks, will check them out!

Oat23 · 01-04-2012 5:18pm

-Ade- wrote: »

Had money on Germany since early 2011, and am still confident they'll do the business.

May I ask what odds you were given in 2011 for it?

craggles · 01-04-2012 5:53pm

Torres won't even be on the plane.

Rhys Essien · 03-04-2012 2:40pm

Anyone know the times of the Ireland games?

Hopefully all late evening.

GLaDOS · 03-04-2012 2:58pm

Rhys Essien wrote: »

Anyone know the times of the Ireland games?

Hopefully all late evening.

Schedule is here

Ireland games are at 8.45 Polish time (+2)

Ganymede Glow · 03-04-2012 7:48pm

Agree with the poster who said France. Dark horse material, Blanc has some good players and he has them playing. Beat England & Germany in friendlies recently. I'll be backing at 12/1

Nuri Sahin · 13-04-2012 6:29pm

Shame about Rossi. He's done knee in again and will miss the next 6 months and thus the Euros. He really hasn't had much luck this season.

briany · 13-04-2012 6:44pm

-Ade- wrote: »

Shame about Rossi. He's done knee in again and will miss the next 6 months and thus the Euros. He really hasn't had much luck this season.

I think I speak on behalf of the Irish nation when I say :

[crying] Poor Giuseppe! [crying]
[weakly] Woo-hoo.[crying]
[weakly] Woo-hoo.

markie29 · 13-04-2012 6:57pm

steelcityblues wrote: »

Didn't think Milan Baros would score five in 2004. :P

I did ....had 30euro @33/1.....czech rep were in the weakest of groups and thought he was good value and for once i was right

markie29 · 13-04-2012 6:59pm

briany wrote: »

I think I speak on behalf of the Irish nation when I say :

[crying] Poor Giuseppe! [crying]
[weakly] Woo-hoo.[crying]
[weakly] Woo-hoo.

Errr no because i hate seeing any player suffer a serious injury....hope he makes a quick recovery he is a quality player.

steelcityblues · 13-04-2012 7:37pm

markie29 wrote: »

I did ....had 30euro @33/1.....czech rep were in the weakest of groups and thought he was good value and for once i was right

Well done. I won with Klose at the WC a few years later.

Still, it would be foolish to completely write off Torres given his quality.

cavedave · 13-04-2012 11:54pm

cobijones

Does anyone know if the Panini Euro 12 sticker book is out in Ireland yet?

I did a back of the envelope and it would cost you 400 euro to fill in the sticker album if you just did it by buying packets, no swaps or direct buys.

Completing a Panini Sticker Album

Paully D · 14-04-2012 12:10am

This date 2 months from now we'll be playing Spain :cool:

Rhys Essien · 14-04-2012 12:31am

Paully D wrote: »

This date 2 months from now we'll be playing Spain :cool:

And after the game, Spain will be saying "How the feck did we get beaten by Ireland".:D

kitakyushu · 14-04-2012 12:23pm

cavedave wrote: »

I did a back of the envelope and it would cost you 400 euro to fill in the sticker album if you just did it by buying packets, no swaps or direct buys.

Completing a Panini Sticker Album

Stickers are effectively 14p each nowadays? Wow! I collected Mexico 86 and whilst I'm generally not good for recalling the prices of stuff gone by I seem to vividly remember it was 20p for a pack of 6 (and that mailaways were generally in line with this price also). That's inflation for ya!

cavedave · 14-04-2012 4:23pm

kitakyushu

Stickers are effectively 14p each nowadays? Wow! I collected Mexico 86 and whilst I'm generally not good for recalling the prices of stuff gone by I seem to vividly remember it was 20p for a pack of 6 (and that mailaways were generally in line with this price also). That's inflation for ya!

How much was a mars bar at the time, about 20p? I can't have been theonly one who promised theyd buy a box of panini stickers when I was old. I'm such a sellout

Father Damo · 15-04-2012 3:25am

ScienceNerd wrote: »

Schedule is here

Ireland games are at 8.45 Polish time (+2)

Plus 2 hours from Irish time? BBC has them all at 7:45pm Irish time

Anyone know which for certain, seeing as some European countries got rid of daylight savings and all that (working out the times in Australia and how it factors into what time I go to work is a pain in the hole with the winter time, summer time differences and all that craic. But I had them all worked out that if it is 7:45 back home it is a nine hour gap of 4:45 kick offs. Mind you, seeing as it well could be the decider if we get lucky against either Spain or Croatia, not a chance I am going to work the day of the Italy match- could be the session of a lifetime if all goes well :pac: )

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fixtures/8969190.stm

Father Damo · 16-04-2012 9:53am

........anyone? 8:45 in Poland seems awful late for a kick off tbh.

briany · 16-04-2012 10:50am

Father Damo wrote: »

........anyone? 8:45 in Poland seems awful late for a kick off tbh.

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_2012

Pretty certain it will be 19.45 Irish time. Poland will be one hour ahead when you factor in the DST so yes, they will be kicking off at the relatively late time of 20:45 local time but we shouldn't complain as Central European Summer temperatures can get quite hot and I'd rather Ireland were playing these teams in early evening, when there's a chance of it being cooler, than the height of the afternoon.

Redzer7 · 16-04-2012 11:49am

Anyone see that show on Setanta yesterday with Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Hunt? Good opinions on Euro 2012 from each of them, they really had me buzzing for it!

tolosenc · 17-04-2012 12:26pm

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0417/317371-cox-feels-he-is-trapattonis-plans/

Cox seems to think he'll be there.

Does antone else feel violated by that picture?

briany · 17-04-2012 1:04pm

tolosenc wrote: »

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0417/317371-cox-feels-he-is-trapattonis-plans/

Cox seems to think he'll be there.

Does antone else feel violated by that picture?

Cox has been a handy player for the side in fairness and probably deserves to make the squad but damn, I wouldn't be surprised if posters started attaching that picture to some of their posts when they wanted to indicate a humourous level of smugness.

Corholio · 17-04-2012 1:42pm

Euro 2012 Thread

Comments