Euro 2008 — Running Thread

They now have complete control over both Italy's and France's fate. Lose to the Romanians, and the World Cup finalists both go home.

 

I would think Van Basten would be tempted to rest a lot of guys against Romania.

 

The Netherlands have put on a clinic in their first two games. Easily the most entertaining team to watch so far. Gotta love Van Basten. Up by a goal and puts on some more offensive firepower with Robben and Van Persie -- and they both score.
Two good games today. Hopefully we get the same tomorrow, especially from Span vs. Sweden.

 

You figure anyone on a yellow card is gonna be out. Robben probably won't play. He might rest RVN and Kuyt as well. Not fair to the Italians or French, but tough shit. Outscore the two World Cup finalists 7-1 (!) and you can do whatever you want.

 

It is absolutely insane what the Dutch have done thus far.

Their egos will turn to in-fighting soon enough (like always), but this is damn impressive.

The Romanians will be playing a depleted Dutch team, though some of those players will be looking to impress. The French and Italians just need to hope now. A tie will do neither a favor, even if the Dutch win (I doubt they will win by 3 goals again).

The "Group of Death" has really just been a Dutch Slaughterhouse.

 

Holy crap. That Robben goal was something else.

 

This Dutch team reminds me in many ways of the Brazilian teams of the early to late 1980s. Those Brazil teams were outstanding and fun to watch, but a little shaky at defense that ultimately cost them. At least this Holland team has a world-class goalkeeper.

I love France, but damn, that was fun today. Especially seeing the Divin' Louganises fall (dive?) to the brink of elimination. Great save by Buffoon though.

 

When was the last time a host country didn't make it out of the group stage?

 

I think Belgium in 2000?

 

I think you're right, I believe they mentioned it on the telecast sometime.

 

Tie could actually help the Italians. It wouldn't help the French.

How big a nerd am I? I figured it up.

Obviously, Romania win and they're through.

If Romania get a draw, France or Italy has to win. A draw eliminates both.

If Romania lose, Italy or France would advance with a win. If they draw, then it gets interesting.

The first five tiebreakers are, in order, points in matches between the tied teams; goal difference in matches between the tied teams; goals scored in matches between the tied teams; goal difference in all group matches; goals scored in all group matches.

Essentially, a score draw (not 0-0) puts Italy through on total goals scored in games between the three teams. Romania would have 1, Italy would have 1+however many they scored, France would have 0+however many they scored.

If it's 0-0, however, Italy have to hope Holland beat Romania by more than three goals, or by exactly 3-0. If it's less than 3 goals, Romania go through on goal difference in all matches. (Italy -3, Romania -however much they lose by). If it's more, Italy go through. If it's three goals by any other margin than 3-0, Romania go through on goals scored in all group matches. (Italy 1, Romania 1+however many they score.)

But if it's exactly 3-0, then Italy and Romania are level on all the tiebreakers, and it goes to coefficient from WC06 and Euro 08 qualifying (points/games played), which, since Romania didn't qualify for WC06, I'd imagine favors Italy.

(After that, by the way, it's the fair-play record and then drawing of lots.)

So yeah, France should be playing all out. Which I'd imagine will be very foreign to them.

 

The Dutch look really good so far.