Euro 2008 — Running Thread

England would have a much better record in World Cups and European Championships if they could collectively just take a good penalty.

Italia '90, lost in a shootout. England '96, lost in a shootout. France '98, lost in a shootout. Portugal '04, lost in a shootout. Germany '06, lost in a shootout.

Add in the flukes and refereeing fiascos that have cost them in other tournaments -- Hand of God, Seaman's blunder against Brazil -- some foolish indescretions -- Beckham ('98) and Rooney's ('06) sendings off --and a few of truly terrible managerial appointments -- Don Revie, Graham Taylor, Steve McClaran -- and you have this history of failure.

The thing is, the team is a good team. They wouldn't be in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings if they weren't. I hope, but moreso I think England comes back very strongly in the next four years with Capello in charge.

 

Russia is outplaying the Dutch. It's the first time in this tournament that Holland has been outplayed. If it wasn't for Van Der Sar making some great saves Russia would be up 2-0 at halftime. The only one playing well for the Netherlands other than Van Der Sar is Van Nistelrooy. I just wonder when we are going to see Robben and Van Peirse subbed in. I think it should be pretty quickly.

 

Hiidink said the only way they were going to win was by attacking, and that's what Russia has done. It was interesting to me that the Dutch were the ones looking to slow the game down and try to establish their own tempo.

I'm not sure they were ready for the way Russia is going after them.

 

Russia is young. This team could be a threat in South Africa.

 

I agree. Russia came out really aggressive. Teams usually don't come out that aggressive against the Dutch for fear of the Holland attack. But Russia has come out with more offensive agressiveness. Holland looks just too passive right now. That's why I think they need to put in Robben and Van Peirse in right now. More offensive players.

 

Well, there's van Persie. Let's see what happens.

 

Not that our esteemed commentators noticed.

 

Hey, they don't have a good view of the pitch from the shed outside the studio.

 

Damn, Russia might do this. Nice cross.

 

Russia look like they have about 17 players on the pitch. They're winning all the balls the Dutch were winning in the first round.

 

And no Robben. WTF is Van Basten thinking?

 

Horrible, horrible technique by van Persie on that free kick. I'm not sure he could have been leaning any further backwards.