Euro 2008 — Running Thread

Sorry, but a team that's never been past the quarterfinals at a World Cup -- or past the second round at a World Cup it wasn't hosting -- isn't in the conversation. Yes, they've been dominant in their region, but, no offense, that region's not very strong. And they're completely average away from home.

And, actually, consistency has been one of my arguments for England. This is the first tournament they haven't qualified for since 94. Since then, England's been past the group stages at its past three World Cups, including the quarterfinals at the past two.

And Dickens, my whole point has been history, and not overvaluing the present. Like I said, in the here and now, England is no great shakes, obviously. They're not one of the 14 best teams in Europe, as it stands. (Switzerland and Austria don't count.)

And as for the Nebraska/Texas/Florida thing, historically, of course Nebraska's the best program. Over the past 10 years, they're not.

 

How many teams aren't? Brazil? Argentina? Italy?

England's not with those teams.

 

Turkey has accomplished as much as England since 1966 (wc semi , euro semi). Holland way more.

 

Doesn't England get some bonus points for having the destination domestic league?

And, back to Euro2008, Buffon doesn't appear to be sporting his neckerchief today.

 

Is it me, or is this game unspeakably dull?

 

It's not you.

I can't stand either of these teams. Nobody to root for. Ugh.

 

No.

 

This is the kind of game Italy loves to play. All defense and hope to get that one chance to score. This is a boring game. Spain has all the play, but can't get a quality chance to score. Italy plays defense and is just waiting to get that one quality chance to score. This has been one of the few dull games in this tournament.

 

I don't know why Spain keeps subbing Fernando Torres out in the second half of games. I think it's a bad move, especially in this game. He was creating some decent chances for Spain.

 

Villa with scoreboard! Killer stylo!

 

Fabregas!!! Yes!!!

 

Take your awful brand of soccer and head on home, Azzuri.