ok so I miscalculated with a month. Time flies. So what is the general opinion in Germany, do they have faith that they will be champion again? I have to say that this might be a year I will be cheering for Germany, in the past I never liked the players, but this year (and also 2 years ago) I like the team and believe they deserve a championship (ofcourse only if we do not win it). I do not want spain to win 3 big tournaments in a row.
^^ We Germans think it's either us or Spain, same with 2014 WC. But the whole word shares this sentiment I think, all experts put Germany and Spain ahead of the other countries, with Netherlands following. But let's not forget that we're in the death group, will be tough to advance past group stage if we aren't in good form. And the Bayern players will join training camp very late because of the CL final.
Puyol and Villa definitely out for Spain. If you don't think those 2 are big blow, IDK what to tell you.
Spain, Germany OR The Netherlands have a chance to win Euro 2012. For WC 2014, It's those three and maybe Argentina or Brazil (especially being the host country).
I'm officially going with the Netherlands to win Euro 2012. The offense is just too good and with Stekelenburg at goalie they'll hold up on defense. Just look at the attackers, there might not even be room for Huntelaar to start who lead the Bundesliga in scoring this year.
Not sure who to root for. I guess I'll go with Croatia and/or Greece for now. Also what's this I kept reading about that some English players will not bring their families to the games due to racism in Ukraine? I didn't know Ukraine was racist. The most recent article from soccernet about Chamberlain said:
Really looking forward to this tournament. Based on what I've heard from guys like Alexi Lalas that are going to be working the tournament, ESPN is really going to blow out their coverage. Good for them.
My mum used to live in the Ukraine. Definitely (openly) racist in parts of the country. I've been to a match in Kiev before and it was fine. I don't think Holland will win it. We're just not quite as good as two years ago and teams like Germany have caught up (and then some). We're also in a difficult group. I almost think it's easier to win the tournament than get out of this group, if that makes sense. We're always crap against Portugal, Denmark can always surprise you and Germany killed us 3-0 a few months ago. That match was very very depressing. However, we were missing some key players and our second ranks are absolutely terrible. Example: Today Mathijsen was injured in a friendly and we brought in BOUMA to replace him. This is a guy who was out for 2 seasons, is now super slow, and can just barely get into the PSV team. He will be schooled by any forward that has even the slightest element of quality. So we will need everyone to be 100% fit to even have a chance and even then I'm worried. I'd hate to be embarrassed by the Germans during the Euros! ;-) I wish we could trade in one of our world-class midfielders or forwards for a decent defender. I'd take anything from an aging Rio Ferdinand to naturalising someone like Douglas from Twente (even though he's been terrible recently). If Mathijsen is injured we're finished. Some notes on the other players: Van der Vaart - great player but there is simply no space for him in the starting 11. He was tried on the wing today but it didn't work. Huntelaar - amazing player but would still pick van Persie. Our wingers don't often cross but make moves and often turn into the middle. Not good for Huntelaar who needs service from the wings. van Persie - fantastic as a forward, not great as a winger (where he was deployed tonight). Just think that we have better options there now - Afellay, Robben. He needs to be our main man up front. He's better to combine and make space as well as needing just one moment of brilliance to turn everything around. Afellay - I have extremely high hopes for this guy. Great talent. Hopefully he can get into a rhythm before the start of the tournament. I favour a side with Robben and Afellay on the wings. Robben - Our best player by far. He keeps 2 to 3 defenders busy and is always always a threat. He's also not as selfish as when he plays for Bayern so I never feel the irritation Bayern fans feel with him. He's been decisive in almost every match he has played in and you always feel something can happen when he is playing. Without him there is absolutely NO HOPE to win this thing. He needs to be fit. Kuyt - I'm a fan but there is no space for him now. Sneijder - Not playing well. Had a decisive assist tonight though. Contrary to what other people think, I don't feel he had a great World Cup. He did, however, have decisive moments with his assists and goals so people remember that. If he can keep doing this like tonight then I don't have a problem with him being in the side. After all, the game is about moments. I think Germany will win it. Start organising a party, ATW. Have you spoken to the Bayern guys? I'm guessing they are all confident they will win it?
Well, we lost 3-5 to Switzerland last night...but that was without the Bayern guys. I can't stand Hummels, he always has a big mouth, but when he is not with Dortmund, he plays like crap. Last time I talked to them was right after the CL match, and obviously nobody was thinking about the Euros then. I guess they will get into it once they are with the national team (joined yesterday). I think anything can happen, even that we don't get out of the first round.
The Dortmund guys play like 3rd leaguers when they are in International competitions, it'S frustrating to see. The Bayern unit is the heart of our squad and we will go as deep as they carry us, along with Özil and Khedira.
Definitely not a good reason to root for them. Take the advice of someone that's supported them his whole life. Worst. F#cking. Decision. France, Holland, Germany, are all there to be supported. You want an underdog, Rep.of Ireland are a decent one. England will only leave you with anger and sadness.
dont underestimate this italy squad. Young, unpredictable, and full of talent. dark horses for this years euros.
