Euro 2008 — Running Thread

I agree that the US has no quality goal scorers. I just think on crosses and corners that, most of the time, it is the fault of the defense when a goal is scored. So Poland's keeper cannot be blamed for all three goals that were allowed against the US. From the highlights I saw of the game, the defense was lousy.

 

I cannot believe how bad Italy's defense is. The Italians are known for their defense, but this team does not play very good defense. Although it is scoreless at halftime, the Italy-Romania game has been really eterntaining. It easily could be 3-3 at halftime if it was not for some good goalkeeper play. But Italy should be up 1-0 at halftime because that was a bad offsides call to disallow Luca Toni's goal in injury time.

 

I thought he was offsides, but I'll admit it wasn't a great camera angle on the play.

 

I laughed when the goal was disallowed. I don't feel a smidgen sorry for the Divin' Louganises.

 

Nice.

 

The replay was pretty clear -- no way Toni was offside.

The problem is that linesmen (sorry, assistant referees) aren't in the best position to judge offsides. FIFA should have an official in the press box, seeing the game from on high or looking at the same live camera angle we see on replays, making the call. I'm not talking about using instant replay; I'm talking about seeing the play from a distance, making the call and signaling (could be a flag, could be electronic) to the ref in real time.

 

Great take by Mutu. 1-0.

 

Well, shit, there's the equalizer.

 

Penalty to Romania, and Buffon saves. Justice was probably served--the decision was a bit harsh.

 

Great call by the official to give the PK - you can't bring a guy down by having your hand around his neck.

Then brilliant save by Buffon. Good stuff.

 

Mutu is class. The guy plays in Italy for Fiorentina. He is their team. It wouldn't surprise me if he is picked up by a bigger team sometime soon.

 

Upon further review, he was onside.