I guess that during the Euro, this place would look a lot cleaner if we opened a thread for each group, instead of we having countless threads about the games, the referees, the interviews and Beckham's pants. So, I'm opening this thread to discuss the group A: Portugal, Spain, Greece and Russia. Tomorrow there will be played two games: Portugal-Greece and Spain-Russia.

Scolari has anounced his squad for tomorrow, and to my pleasent surprise, he made a change to what I expected to be the line-up. Instead of Petit, Maniche will be playing, which is good news imo because Maniche can add something to the attack that Petit wouldn't and he has had a nice 2 years partnership with Costinha at Porto. The team will be:

-------------------Ricardo-------------------
P. Ferreira----Couto----J. Andrade----Rui Jorge
-------------Costinha---Maniche------------
Figo---------------Rui Costa-----------Simão
-------------------Pauleta------------------

I expect Deco to be the first substitute to get into the pitch, probably between half time and the 60', depending on the game situation at that point.

This is why I didn't pick Deco, because he won't play the entire game... Currently I think Portugal should win as it may be the first game but we had a shock last time in the opening game so this time I feel it will go to plan with a Portugal win.

WOOOOOSH !

:dubious:
Greece just scored.

If it continues this way, our little prediction game will be funny ! :mischief:

Portugal 0-1 Greece at halftime. Great game by Greece so far. If Scolari doesn't bring Deco in this kind of game then when would he?

Gary Linenker on the BBC said that we havn't had a sucess since we defeated the Persians....
Greece the empire-killer
C'mon Tim....sorry Greece!!!!
Seriously now, we are going to loose probably...we are always tired in the second half
OTOH our best player 10 Tsiartas is not yet in...

My first half analysis (in real time): I hope to see yours too! :)

21:00

Awsome ref. I'm expecting Portugese dominance, but also anticipated that Figo would be tired, running on memories, and not very innovative with the ball. Infact, every time Figo gets possession, he falls asleep.

What an unexpected early goal for Greece. Such a strong defense, and tentative counter-attack, but it seems to be a working strategy against Portugal's all-possession tactics. This is exactly what the tournament needs; it will shake Figo into life and greatly improve all Portugal's games!

I'm now starting the think Portugal is all thrust and no defense. Greece has had several attempts on goal; it's a recurring pattern. On the other hand, Figo is now much more active and makes an impression everytime he gets the ball.

21:25

Protugal are behaving like pooey sore losers and less sporting now, but it's still quite well tempered. Coming up to half time, and Figo looks tired again. Someone dazzle him, please!!

That's my opinion :)

I can't believe how can Greece win a game with players like Vryzas, Dellas...rejects of Italian league. Vryzas was even sold to Serie B to Fiorentina and he isn't in the first 11 with stability.

@Rhye: No wonder..Karagounis barely plays in Inter..

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa2-0

like Vryzas, Dellas...rejects of Italian league

our flowers bloom only in the motherland.... :lol:

This is a surrealistic game. Greece is 2-0 ahead. Our first replacement is no11 who cannot defend for his life....
At the same time in a galaxy far far away the Portuguese attack always from the left with Ronaldo who is never tackled or even followed by a Greek defender and in a monotonous way crosses to nobody!!! on the right
OMG the 2nd greek replacement is also a forward. obviously we want more goals...

1-2 :goodjob:

Unexpected result! I'm already starting to enjoy this euro :D

My analysis.
The poruguese:
A.were anxious
B.they underestimated greek defense(Hoplite,1.2.1)
C.They had an invisible player , Ronaldo whom they could not see themselves.
The greeks
A.1.2.1
B.Otto-the coach, somehow managed to discipline the lot.
C.We were lucky, the invisible player attempted and scored in the 93d minute, while in all the second half he was blah, blah, blah from the right cross to nobody...
good luck England tomorrow!

Ha. Second half was just a washed out first half.

The penalty to Greece wasn't the result of a challenge. Both players were slowing down and their feet collided. Good call by the ref though.

Greek defense is looking really strong, and the Portugese look frustrated. A second yellow card followed shortly after that thought! :D

It has come to my attention that the Portugese cross the ball, regardless of whether or not there's anyone to pass it to. They aren't even looking, and for that reason they will simply never pose a threat. Without a set piece, this game is destined end 0 - 2.

Portugese fans walk out early in disgust, and many of them miss Figo's corner which found Ronaldo. The game ends Portugal 1 - 2 Greece. Very boring second half :(

they underestimated greek defense(Hoplite,1.2.1)
:lol: :thumbsup:

Portugese cross the ball, regardless of whether or not there's anyone to pass it to

not all the ports. Only ronaldo the invisible!!!! :lol:

Portugal were rubbish for the first 15 minutes, then they picked up the game slightly. In the second half they looked better but gave away a stupid penalty and during the second half there seemed to be an invisible player on the right that everyone kept on passing to. I think the biggest let down was their crossing as throughout the game crosses either went over the top or were along the ground straight to the Greek defence...

And now for the second one!

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads7/soviet3.jpg

and the anthem sing-a-long

ПРИПЕВ.

Славься, Отечество наше свободное -
Братских народов союз вековой!
Предками данная мудрость народная.
Славься, страна, мы гордимся тобой!
От южных морей до полярного края
Раскинулись наши леса и моря.
Одна ты на свете, одна ты такая,
Хранимая Богом родная земля.

ПРИПЕВ.

Славься, Отечество наше свободное -
Братских народов союз вековой!
Предками данная мудрость народная.
Славься, страна, мы гордимся тобой!
Огромный простор для мечты и для жизни
Грядущие нам открывают года.
Нам силы дает наша верность Отчизне -
Так было, так есть и так будет всегда!

ПРИПЕВ.

Славься, Отечество наше свободное -
Братских народов союз вековой!
Предками данная мудрость народная.
Славься, страна, мы гордимся тобой!

I'm expecting Spain to win... Although I thought the same about Portugal... Oh and I think Deco and Ronaldo should start against Russia since Portugal played a lot better when they were both on, and tell the player on the right to support the attacks more. Pauleta was the only player ever to be on the far post.

First half
Spain was the usual fast-paced ridiculous in defense team, extremely dangerous in attack.
Russia is a team with a few exeptional players, (mostovoi,aleyniytsev) and a silencing lack of identity. I mean they could be anybody...no discipline, bad physical condition...in the good old days they would be all spending some personal re-ecucation time in Novaya Zemlya(or even further)...

Isabella:All your base belong to us 1-0
Catherine:The sturdy russian paesantry will not be so easily intimidated(edit:they finally were)

Ended up being a good decision to miss the first half to play football and then come back for the second half...

I only saw the last 20 minutes or less, but I thought Russia played hard and deserved a little more luck.

There was a handball in the penalty area; the ball came off a Spaniard's lower arm. Most likely no intent, but it happened all the same, and Russia didn't get lucky.

Then there was a viscious body blow against a Russian. I thought that should have been a red card, but Russia didn't get lucky.

Lastly, there was an obstruction, and Russia didn't get lucky. I'm pretty sure there was no intent to foul because the guy was really quite upset when he was sent off.

I think it was a deserved win for Spain but overall a really dull and boring match. The Russian's probably just aren't very good and Spain certainly didn't play up to its potential today.

The first match was far better, congratulations to Greece and particularly Otto! :yeah:

Greece were damn impressive. If they continue to defend like that then I can see them finishing first in Group A, though I expect Portugal will improve.

I'm glad Russia didn't get 'lucky' as they sucked whenever I was watching the game rarely getting the ball out of their own half and to me they didn't deserve anything from the game.

Great day. Glad to see Spain win, as they entirely deserved to.

Greece did well. So much for Portugal being the home team and all that...they could really struggle to qualify now.

As I've said in my predictions...the Furias Rojas has shown who's going to win

Greece did well. So much for Portugal being the home team and all that...they could really struggle to qualify now.

Looks like they need to win against Spain which won't be easy...

Portugal play isolation ball too much. Ronaldo, Figo etc dribble way too much, there's no team chemistry. They need to play team ball and pass better. They improved a bit towards the end of the game. So I don't know, Figo seems to be in pretty good form, but the future aren't looking too bright.

Spain won't go very far, I reckon. They played the same way as usual. First round exit most likely.

Greece is a solid team, nothing more. It aren't no dark horse.

I like east European teams a lot, but they sometimes tend to be boring, like this Russian team. Those Russian millionaires should move their asses and do something useful, such as lure Sheva to the lineup, rather than throw cash in England.

My projected future for this group. Spain will beat Greece, Portugal beat Russia, then Greece gets hammered by Russia, and the result between Portugal and Spain will be irrelevent. It will end 0-0 or 1-0 either way. Probably a very late goal by Spain, or maybe refs will help the host a little.

Greece's first win in a EC. Nice.

Of course it is a surprise, but imho, not a great one.

Greece was first in the stage with Spain. Therefor it seems a bit weird to say they can be walked over.

Thats something that seems to be easy to forget and possibly people feel that Greece qualified first because Spain didn't play that well rather than because greece have an extremely good team.

Thats something that seems to be easy to forget and possibly people feel that Greece qualified first because Spain didn't play that well rather than because greece have an extremely good team.

Absolutely.And now Greece will have a hard time because we're not a "surprise" anymore and our strikers suck big time.I really fear that we'll get hammered by the (very fast) Spanish...

I forgot to mention this:

(BBC commentator) John Motson: "And the Soviets are going to make a change".

:rolleyes:

I don't know Spain are similar to Portugal in tha they look great on paper but don't always deliver, and they only managed to score one past Russia...

(BBC commentator) John Motson: "And the Soviets are going to make a change".


they should let Motson out of the whtehall bunker more often.He,'s obviously lost a few episodes since 1966 ;)

I don't know Spain are similar to Portugal in that they look great on paper but don't always deliver,

Spain has hardly ever shown on the field, what they look on paper for many many years. Each and every tourney they are semi-favourites, but never show it.

Whereas Germans hardly ever look any decent on paper, but always deliver.

Maybe the power of Greece lies in the hands of Otto Rehagel and his teutonic organisation capabilities. Organising the Greek players is all he did? Well organised poor players always perfrom better than not so well organised top players.


Another remark:

Football is played on grass, not on paper ;) .

But you can make paper out of grass. Confusing, huh?

Maybe the power of Greece lies in the hands of Otto Rehagel and his teutonic organisation capabilities. Organising the Greek players is all he did? Well organised poor players always perfrom better than not so well organised top players.

I think that was the key at least in the first half that the Greek players knew what they were doing as a team although in the second half Portugal did show signs of what individual skill can do, just shame that they couldn't cross the ball...

Our players didnt take the pressure!!! (and are players with experience....)

Paulo Ferreira already made passes to the adversary in Champions League Final, he repeated the error...... and after that he didnt defend the player he passed to...... A very stupid Goal to suffer......

For me the penalty was not important, we would suffer a goal at same, the greek player was free, and Greek players have good percentage of shooting and scoring, at least in this game, the Portuguese are diff... they always miss alot in a Game!!.......

Cristiano Ronaldo did a great effort in my opinion, but there was nobody in left post..... Deco also made much better than Rui Costa (the more nervous of all...)

The Greeks played well, fast and strong players and worked has a team, pressure with 2 players for 1 most of the time, more one thing that Portugal dont have or didnt do!!!

Nothing more to say, Congratulations to Greece!

And "Viva o Euro 2004" :D

About Spain And Russia, Spain missed alot also, but played well IMO. Russia not so well, but they worked the best they could. And Russia had the "help" of the referee...... so many yellow cards.....The referee was crazy.... Fortunely Colina was in Portuguese game :)

Since Spain winned I hope they win next game, to Portugal have a chance :)

I quite enjoyed this one. Especially, since it matched what was pecieved to be one of the weakest, if not the weakest, teams in the competition against the hosts. Portugal were a disgrace - completely gutless :lol: ( although they didn't cheat quite as much as usual ).
Anyone who has seen portugal play couldn't possibly subscribe to the theory that they capitulated because of "pressure". They are consistently intimidated and out muscled by any team that realises that this is the way to play them, a case in point being the Americans destruction of them in the World Cup.
I personally don't see portugal getting through - they might beat or draw with the russians which will be something at least.

I quite enjoyed this one. Especially, since it matched what was pecieved to be one of the weakest, if not the weakest, teams in the competition.

Don't worry I think Latvia take that title...

I'm not very disappointed with the result of our game, because in true honesty, and as everyone who has read my past posts know, our team is a joke.
There is no tactics, only individual atempts by players who are not able to do it. The guilty man is of course, no other than Scolari. He has been an idiot for the time he has spent here. He only tried one formation, the boring 4-2-3-1 throughout the practice games, allwayas with the same players, allways ignoring players that were obviously in better shape. He was completely outclasses bi Rehaggel. It seems obvious that he didn't study the greek team, or if he did, he did it very badly. The greek team, otoh, had a perfect knowledge of the portuguese team and their players. The best example of that was when in every corner they close marked Costinha, our DM, and who is very good in crosses. Every time the greek players reached our box, our defenders were clueless of what to do. Obviously not enough training.

Then there was the case of the "sacred cows" of our team. There are players that just don't have it anymore, yet play. I hope Scolari gets his at together and makes a lot of replacements for next match. We were playing rubbish and the man wasn't changing the formation a little, only when he brought Nuno Gomes for Costinha with like 15 minutes to go. And then, as he never trained to strikers at the same time, we watched how little coordination there was between Pauleta and Gomes. Every cross that Ronaldo sent missed the target because both players were going to the first post, and none to the second. This shows that there is no strategy from the bench. Then Figo started to play in the middle, where he is best and where he played his best part of the game. But with that, we lost the right flank and only attacked from the left, where Ronaldo was a bit lost, despite being, together with Maniche and Deco our best player. Scolari, dude, you have only one thing to do: bring in the Porto line (Carvalho, Valente, Maniche,Costinha, Deco). They are the ones who have all the routines of playing together already well trained and they're our only hope to save us. Then add Figo and Ronaldo. Although I don't believe we're gona beat Spain anyway...

As for Greece, perfect team work. They surprised the portuguese players wih high pressing, and our midfield lost, especially as the Porto players are benched and they're the only portuguese players that also play in high pressing. If this team scores first, they will be very hard to beat, as Portugal and Spain (in the qualification can tell).

As for the other game, Russia played well in the first half, but then their coach blew it, when he removed Gusev and moved Alenitchev to the right flank. They lost any attacking objectivity with that and only regained a bit when Alenitchev went to the middle again, but it was lost by then. Spain, without being brilliant won and rightly so. Now they have to decide if they will abandon their formation to bring Valerón in, for which they'll have to remove either one of the DM or Morientes.

Go GREECE! Nothing can stop the hoplites(1.2.1) now. The spanish armada will be again humiliated by our fortified defenders (hill,beyond a river), and with the discovery of Ceremonial Technical Off-side we will be invincible...Raul and the rest of the ignorant Spanish pigdogs have no chance.

http://www.civfanatics.net/uploads7/s12.jpg

I expect Spain to not follow Portugal and instead get the result against Greece. Portugal must win the game this afternoon if they are to have any hope of qualifying...

This time Scolari decided to innovate and not tell anyone, and by anyone I mean the players themselves as well, who's going to play. It is speculated though that he may try to play Deco and Rui Costa at the same time...
With all the crazy circus that's going around the russian camp, I think Portugal can win this one at least. If not, then the players and the coach should be subject to public spanking.

A situation where Portugal, Greece and Spain all end up with 6 points, isn't that unlikely.
Therefor, I will advise the teams to work on their goal saldo.

The commentators are being very unfair to Greece. They are not out of this match.

Same commentators put Spain down as potential oponents for England in the final :crazyeye:

And what happened at the start of the match - Spain kicked the ball out; it should have been a corner to Greece... but ended up a throw in to Spain?! :confused:

Yeah, I was thinking of that since last Saturday. In that case, and given that the difference will be made considering the results between the teams that are tied, the good result from the match Greece-Spain, would be a spanish vistory by 2 or more goals, which would put them pretty much in the quarters allowing them to rest a few players against Portugal. :D Another possibility would be a greek victory by 2 goals which would mean that we'd only need a draw IF we beat the russians tonight.
But by the look of the first half between Spain and Greece, I don't think the greeks can pull a win. They have been quite good (as against Portugal) in locking the game of the opponement. For this one they made a tactical change: there's one extra defender and one less midfielder, so Charisteas has been appearing often on the right suppoporting Seitaridis (new Porto signing). Spain are also lacking a bit of imagination. In one hand Greece is falling on them and there isn't much space. When a greek player is taken out of the way and there's a chance for a break in the tactical balance, there appears immediatly another greek making the foul to stop the flow, even if it means a yellow card. Spain are missing imo Valerón, because Albelda and Baraja are more contention players. Therefor, Spain's only source of creativity ae ultra-marked men like Raúl and Vicente.
The only goal came out from the only mistake the greeks made, and that, unfortunately, is a good image of what this tournament has been so far...

But with Spain already ahead, and given the lack of attacking depth of Greece in the game so far, I'm not sure we're gonna have an exciting second half, and I'm that Spain won't push for a second goal more than what they have.

Well, I said Greece weren't out of it.. and they proved me right :thumbsup:

I think Spain is the better side, but they failed to outplay the Greeks and both teams are contenders in this tournament. Group A is turning into a tough one.

A better referee may have given Spain a penalty for being grappled, but as far the football was concerned, there wasn't that much between these two sides.

Plenty of excitement after all, and some pretty atttractive football by the Spanish - Joaquín was a real livewire & I thought Puyol was rather impressive too. Dellas was superb in defence for the Greeks.

Rather lucky goal, but that's football for ya. Portugal and Russia will have to win now to have any chance of going through.

I think Spain is the better side, but they failed to outplay the Greeks

No, they didn't.

Congratulations Greece!

Harry scored, great! :D

Now they need only a draw against Russia to kick one big favourite out of the tournament.

Are we great? Are we awesome? Are we awesomely great? Are we superbly hypergalactically immense?

Probably not. But we prooved twice that one underestimates the Hoplites(1.2.1.)
at his own risk.The game was lost for Spain when they didn't score 4 goals in the first half.

Anyway, now Portugal is out if everything goes within reason.But nothing did so far....

I was hoping for a draw. If Portugal beat Russia, as is likely, then it will be a hell of a final match being them and Spain.

Why do Greece have to keep on gaining points... Spain certainly looked the better side and should hae won but Greece got lucky and scored which is all that matters in the end.

Well, Portugal didn't take long...

This group is turning out very well...

The final round of matches will be something to look forward to. :goodjob:

Will they keep the lead though or do something stupid? Also they probably need to win by a reasonable margin...

The Russian GK didn't use the hand !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

That's amazing... If I were russian, I would be disgusted. I feel really bad for that keeper. :(

When will we finally use the video in such important games ???

Ouch! I thought it was harsh that Russia's keeper was sent off. He didn't grab the ball, it only touched his arm and he clearly had no intent. Any other player to have done that would have been let off.

So Russia are being outplayed, are a goal down, and are missing a player... they also need a win! :dubious:

They had several good attacks, but no attackers in a good position. If they only moved one player further forward from the start, the whole game could look very different :p

He did use his hand... It was unlucky but he wins the ball with his feet, then he is falling to he ground and he briefly moves as if to clutch the ball and his hand touches the ball, then he realises what he is doing and quickly moves his hand away. Harsh but still a handball outside of the area...

Ouch! I thought it was harsh that Russia's keeper was sent off. He didn't grab the ball, it only touched his arm and he clearly had no intent. Any other player to have done that would have been let off.Wrong. Have you watched the slow motion ? The ball doesn't even touch his arm. It's clear. I thought they were hand on live actions, but when you watch the slomo, it's obvious there's not. :(

Yeah, the slow motion shows that he didn't even touch it, or if so that completely marginally and not at all intended. Clearly a wrong decision.

However, from the referee's position it probably looked as if Ovchinikov stopped the ball with his arm.

Yeah, the slow motion shows that he didn't even touch it, or if so that completely marginally and not at all intended. Clearly a wrong decision.

However, from the referee's position it probably looked as if Ovchinikov stopped the ball with his arm.True but still. It's totally unfair for the keeper. Once again, video should be used in such stuff. The 4th referee does nothing. Why don't we give him a screen to watch such actions in slow motion ?

It looked like he just touched it with part of his hand... He basically got sent off for making the goalkeeper reaction of looking like he was about to clutch the ball...

Well, I'm saying that in real-time it looked like his lower arm grazed it ... when he was on the ground and the ball was moving nowhere... that's nothing! Nobody gets a hand ball for that!! :(

It'a bloody disgrace! he didn't touch the ball! I saw the ITV replay from 2 angles.not even marginally. Thanks god this didn't happen to Ingerland. They would burn and kill the whole country...

I repeat it again : The 4th referee should have a screen to watch those actions in slow motion !

Damn' fifa ! :mad:

It'a bloody disgrace! he didn't touch the ball! I saw the ITV replay from 2 angles.not even marginally. Thanks god this didn't happen to Ingerland. They would burn and kill the whole country...Actually, it wasn't ITV replay... but portuguese replay. ITV just broadcast the game, it's directed by the portuguese TV. ;)

If I say so, it's because I've also see both replay in different angles on France 2. Isn't amazing that everyone in Europe have seen there wasn't hand and the referee isn't aware of it ?

I will look for the photos tomorrow in the France-Soir website.The only way to be sure ;)

I will look for the photos tomorrow in the France-Soir website.The only way to be sure ;)Why do you always talk about that irrelevant newspaper is quite amazing.

First, it's not trash (as far as I know).
Second, I've never even read it, like 99.99% of French people.
Third, it's published in less than 10,000 copies each day, and it will certainly bankrupt in next years.

If you want to talk about a real trash french paper, you should check "l'Humanité"... even if it doesn't really sell more.

Why do you always talk about that irrelevant newspaper is quite amazing.


Could you inform me of the exact nature of your problem?
And why a simple reference to a newspaper provoques such a heated response?

First, it's not trash (as far as I know).

Who said it was?

Second, I've never even read it, like 99.99% of French people.

Who said you are?

Third, it's published in less than 10,000 copies each day, and it will certainly bankrupt in next years.

Why should I care for the finacial status of France-Soir?

If you want to talk about a real trash french paper, you should check "l'Humanité"... even if it doesn't really sell more.

France-soir has a nicer website, and without badly tranlated Berthold Brecht's quotes at the front page.

Can someone explain this to me:

Russian goes down in the penalty area... two possible scenarios:

1. Good tackle, Portugese won the ball: Portugese kicked it out.
2. Bad tackle, Russian brought down: Russian kicked it out.

How did it manage to go down in history as a good tackle, and Portugese goal kick? :confused:

Although it's not in Greece's best interest I want so bad the Russians to score right now!

Could you inform me of the exact nature of your problem?
And why a simple reference to a newspaper provoques such a heated response?The response is not heated. It's the 6th times or so that you're talking to me about that newspaper as if it was some sensational thing. Actually, I know nothing about it except no one reads it because it's empty... the reputation isn't about it being hateful or so, simply empty. My point was simply to inform you.

It's the 6th times
Third.You're obviously upset.
that you're talking to me
Everybody talks to everybody.Don't take it personally.
My point was simply to inform you.
Thanks.

I really don't see Portugal beating Spain on the basis of that display.

That was a really scrappy game, with bad ref. decisions, lots of fouls, a fair amount of acting... (Portugese player gripped his face when rolling on the floor after having the ball shot into his torso -- In the World Cup/Brazil we saw something similar)

It was really pooey. Portugal may have been better than Russia and deserved a win, but today they showed they bellong the bottom half of all competing teams.

God Greece is through! Un*******believable!

Will they keep the lead though or do something stupid? Also they probably need to win by a reasonable margin...

I don't think it goes straight to goal difference, rather the result of the meeting between the two teams; hence Greece are the first team to qualify, and Portugal must beat Spain to go through with them.

Greece is not through. If Portugal beats Spain and Greece loses to Russia (which might well happen in the one game where they won't be the underdog) it will come down to goal difference.

That was a really scrappy game, with bad ref. decisions, lots of fouls, a fair amount of acting... (Portugese player gripped his face when rolling on the floor after having the ball shot into his torso -- In the World Cup/Brazil we saw something similar)

It was really pooey. Portugal may have been better than Russia and deserved a win, but today they showed they bellong the bottom half of all competing teams.


==

Correct, what do you expect thou when half the teams from Porto, sooner Spain knocks them out the better.

I thought it went to goal difference and then I guess it goes to the result between the two teams and finally to goals scored...

In the last tournaments it was the direct result first, then goal difference followed by goals scored.

Greece: 7
Spain: 5
Portugal: 4
Russia: 0

:D

I really don't see Portugal beating Spain on the basis of that display.

Me either, I think Portugal didnt conviced anybody with eyes to see. Maybe Portuguese players need a good and attacking team like Spain to play well... It will be like a final for Portugal!!

In the case of a draw between Greece and Russia, here are the three alternatives :

Spain : 7 pts
Greece : 5 pts
Portugal : 3 pts
Russia : 1 pt

Portugal : 6 pts
Greece : 5 pts
Spain : 4 pts
Russia : 1 pt

Spain : 5 pts
Greece : 5 pts
Portugal : 4 pts
Russia : 1 pts.


So it will be about goal average only in the case Russia wins against Greece and Portugal makes a draw against Spain... or if Portugal wins.

For me Greece is already there, now its a fight between Portugal and Spain, the Iberian fight :p

Greece is not through. If Portugal beats Spain and Greece loses to Russia (which might well happen in the one game where they won't be the underdog) it will come down to goal difference.

Hmm. ITV (British broadcasting company) who broadcasted the game in the UK reported that Greece were already through, and so I came to the conclusion that it must not be goal difference. However, I am told that ITV then changed their minds and said that Greece were "almost through"... :lol:

Give me BBC any day of the week! :D

Edit: So exactly how wrong were they? Is it head to head but they failed to take into account that Spain and Greece drew and may finish on the same points?

And if Russia win...

Spain : 5 pts
Portugal : 4 pts
Greece : 4 pts
Russia : 3 pt

Portugal : 6 pts
Spain: 4 pts
Greece : 4 pts
Russia : 3 pt

Spain : 7 pts
Greece : 4 pts
Portugal : 3 pts
Russia : 3 pt

Edit: So exactly how wrong were they? Is it head to head but they failed to take into account that Spain and Greece drew and may finish on the same points?
I would guess so. At least during the last tournament's it's always been the direct results first. That's also the case in the Champions League.

Edit: So exactly how wrong were they? Is it head to head but they failed to take into account that Spain and Greece drew and may finish on the same points?If Greece wins or draws against Russia, Greece is qualified in any case (no goal average problem).

However, if it's a loss against Russia, then there are three cases :
1- Portugal wins : It will be on goal average between Spain and Greece.
2- Portugal and Spain makes a draw : It will be on goal average between Portugal and Greece.
3- Spain wins : Greece is qualified.

I think Greece will get their point. I'm supporting Spain for this tournament so I hope they go through. I really hope they go through in first. England can't be allowed to play Greece in the quarters...

Marla & Hitro's posts' seems to contradict each other...

Look at Dell19's post. He's written all scenarios in case Greece looses. :)

Look at Dell19's post. He's written all scenarios in case Greece looses. :)
Yeah, but if the direct result comes first Greece will go through in the first scenario because they beat Portugal.

Well yeah, but, there seems to be disagreement about when the head to head comes in to play...

Hitro's post indicates it counts before goal difference...

Edit: That was @ Marla.

Well you never know Russia might shock everone and score and even win a game... Also it gives the only situations where both Portugal and Spain can go through. Go Russia! ;)

From the UEFA site:

If teams finish level on points, then the winner of the match between the sides in question will finish highest, or should they have drawn, goal difference, followed by goals scored, qualifying record for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2004™, a fair play ranking and finally either a penalty shoot-out or drawing of lots.

Well yeah, but, there seems to be disagreement about when the head to head comes in to play...

Hitro's post indicates it counts before goal difference...

Edit: That was @ Marla.Oh ok sorry, I've misunderstood the problem.

Well I'm certainly wrong, I didn't check. So the only case Greece is out would be if they lose against Russia, Portugal wins against Spain, and Spain has a better goal average than Greece in the end ? :crazyeye:

So Russia would have to win by more goals than Portugal win by...

So Russia would have to win by more goals than Portugal win by...
No. Portugal has won by a two goal margin today. The same margin would therefore be enough.

No because I was talking about Spain going through as well and since they have scored less goals than Greece but have the same goal difference and they drew together, Russia would have to win by more goals so that Greece's goal difference was worse that Spain's.

We won, we were better than Russia, Scolari surprised everybody and finally puts a team that is closer to the ideal best, but there is still more heart than organisation there and Spain is much better. I don't think we can pull a win. Especially as the result of the afternoon game was the worst possible.

The first criterium if two or more teams finish apart is the result in the games between each other, so the results against Russia are irrelevant and if Portugal finishes with the same number of points as Greece, Greece will qualify, because it is now impossible that the 3 teams finish with the same number of points.

I was doing a 6 hour long exam so I couldn't watch any of the games :(

Also tomorrow i won't be able to watch the games due to anoher exam.. :cry: ..they always repeat the games at night but it's not the same.

I'm glad my exams finished an hour before the Portugal - Greece game kicked off...

I can't see Portugal beating Spain, what with them being whining, cheating over-rated tossers and all...

I can't see Portugal beating Spain, what with them being whining, cheating over-rated tossers and all...
Not even with a bought referee? :)

Do they have any cash left after the Russia match?

Do they have any cash left after the Russia match?
Depends if they paid with stock options :D

It might have just been a genuine mistake...

It might have just been a genuine mistake...

It probably was, but the referee did seem to be influenced by the crowd somewhat. Maybe it's just because we know Portugal were playing at home, and referee's errors are likely to end up favouring one team over the other, Russia just got unlucky, but the temptation is to ascribe it to the ref being influenced by the home fans.

There can't be many tears shed for Russia going out, however. As I'm sure Phoenix will confirm, there were doubts about the legality of their taking part in the finals at all, also they were clearly second best in both of their games (wacky keeper sending off decision notwithstanding), and it's just about impossible after the four games in this group not to view them at the weakest of the four teams

Stunning that ITV should blow something as simple as knowing when a team has qualified for the quarterfinals or not... despite the obvious confusion on these boards, anyone who has followed these sort of situations inthe past could have said immediately that Greece could still fail to qualify. Even more so if that's your job....

Stunning that ITV should blow something as simple as knowing when a team has qualified for the quarterfinals or not... despite the obvious confusion on these boards, anyone who has followed these sort of situations inthe past could have said immediately that Greece could still fail to qualify.
==


No! not a big surprise, there too busy planning out England's route to the final and/or whose been injured in training, to pay much attention to the lesser teams do mind England already qualified!

Everyone who knows me from my long presence here at CFC Sports Forum is aware, I believe, that I never came up here with ridiculous allegations about my team or any other and that I never watch Portugal with my red and gree glasses and try to be objective, unlike some fans of certain teams.
But this is ridiculous. So, Portugal is only still alive because of the referees? Why don't you take an aspirine, turn your cap the right side and pull your pants up? What about the penalties over Figo yesterday and Nuno Gomes saturday? They didn't signaled to the referee that they were going to pay for that and the referee let it go?

Enjoy the rest of the Euro.

Everyone who knows me from my long presence here at CFC Sports Forum is aware, I believe, that I never came up here with ridiculous allegations about my team or any other and that I never watch Portugal with my red and gree glasses and try to be objective, unlike some fans of certain teams.
But this is ridiculous. So, Portugal is only still alive because of the referees? Why don't you take an aspirine, turn your cap the right side and pull your pants up? What about the penalties over Figo yesterday and Nuno Gomes saturday? They didn't signaled to the referee that they were going to pay for that and the referee let it go?
Correct.

But hey, you should have noticed by now that when certain teams win it was always luck, the referee or just unfair while no matter how certain other teams play those were always brilliant. ;)

Correct.

But hey, you should have noticed by now that when certain teams win it was always luck, the referee or just unfair while no matter how certain other teams play those were always brilliant. ;)

Although the temptation is big, I'm not going into that for the respect I have to certain posters.

Every man thinks his wife is the prettiest - Arsene Wenger

Originally posted by col
Every man thinks his wife is the prettiest - Arsene Wenger

Every parent thinks their child won't be made fun of because of their name.

Italy sucks!..there, I said it. :D

Every parent thinks their child won't be made fun of because of their name.
Some parents get a scary premonition and name their child after the club they'll end up managing.

Everyone who knows me from my long presence here at CFC Sports Forum is aware, I believe, that I never came up here with ridiculous allegations about my team or any other and that I never watch Portugal with my red and gree glasses and try to be objective, unlike some fans of certain teams.
But this is ridiculous. So, Portugal is only still alive because of the referees? Why don't you take an aspirine, turn your cap the right side and pull your pants up? What about the penalties over Figo yesterday and Nuno Gomes saturday? They didn't signaled to the referee that they were going to pay for that and the referee let it go?

Enjoy the rest of the Euro.

I make my words MCdread´s Words.

Our Portuguese friends seem to be a bit touchy... ;) Of course Portugal deservedly beat the Russians, so let's talk about more important things: the battle of the Peninsula! I am wondering how the Portuguese media and people in general fancy their chances against Spain.
Of course I would like to see Spain go through (and Portugal as well, but I just don't see Greece defeated badly by the Russians) but I think the luckiest tomorrow evening will have it, forget tactics, talent and so on...
Portugal has to go on the attack though, so it will be a very entertaining game anyways :cool:

I hope for an entertaining game between Portugal and Spain and I first and foremost hope for Greece to go through. But I think they might well lose against Russia.

I hope for an entertaining game between Portugal and Spain and I first and foremost hope for Greece to go through. But I think they might well lose against Russia.I think that even if Greece lose against Russia, there are strong chances they will still go through. Am I wrong ?

No, you're not wrong. But they won't go through if they lose to Russia by a higher margin than Spain to Portugal. And while that is not too likely to happen it is certainly not impossible.

The squads for the Portugal-Spain match are the following:

Portugal: Ricardo; Miguel, Carvalho, Andrade, Valente; Costinha, Maniche; Figo, Deco, Ronaldo; Pauleta

Spain: Casillas, Puyol, Juanito, Helguera, Bravo; Joaquin, Albelda, Xabi Alonso, Vicente; Raúl, Torres

One change in Portugal fom last match: Ronaldo instead of Simão, and Scolari is finally very close to fielding the best players he has (it only took 18 months :rolleyes: ). For Spain there are four: Juanito instead of Marchena (two yelllows), Joaquin instead of Etxeberria, Xabi Alonso for Baraja and Fernando Torres for Morientes. This also looks a much better squad than the previous Saez line-ups. Joaquin will torment our left back anmd Fernando Torres will also, I believe, cause more troubles than Morientes to our defence, but it is good to see that Scolari answered with Ronaldo, although he'll face one of the best defenders in the world, Puyol. However, when he switches with Figo, I think he'll have an easier time with Raúl Bravo.

As allways, the game will be decided by the battle of the midfield, in which Costinha and Maniche will have a hard time against Albelda and Xabi Alonso, both superior players. Another important fight will take place in the spanish attacking wings, where I fear for Miguel and Nuno Valente facing respectively Vicente and Joaquin. One (Vicente) is the best player on the pitch, the other is also a tremendous player.

Overall, the spanish team looks stronger in almost every sector, except in creativity in the center (we have Deco, they have Valeron in the bench) and the central defence (on paper Carvalho and Andrade have the potential to form one of the three best partnerships in the world, however our brilliant coach only tried them for the first time in the last game...).

FORÇA PORTUGAL!

Watch the ref. If things are too pro-host, this tournament has fallen to corruption :(

I think Spain is the better team, and I'm expecting a goal from Raúl. Prove me right Spain!! :cool:

Watch the ref. If things are too pro-host, this tournament has fallen to corruption.
It's not corruption. It's part of the home team's advantage. The home team has their own fans cheering them on, they know the pitch inside out, their familiar with the climate, and they get the benefit of the doubt of the officials. On the flip side they have to spend millions dealing with English hooligans.

Watch the ref. If things are too pro-host, this tournament has fallen to corruption :(

I think Spain is the better team, and I'm expecting a goal from Raúl. Prove me right Spain!! :cool:

Did he did something??? Spain didnt scored because of the referee????

watch the game, a great game!!!

I can't see Portugal beating Spain, what with them being whining, cheating over-rated tossers and all...

Do you have more of those nice trolls as your neighbour?
:rolleyes:

Hey, Portugal has had some nice chances already. Listing ronaldo wasn't a bad idea... And Russia isn't cooperating with portugal's demise either. Might be a tense match (if you're portuguese...)

Deco made more dives in that one game, than Klinsman made in any tournament. But the Portugese goal was clean, and that's good :cool:

I just discovered the benefits of BBCi (thanks to Liniker) ... BBC 1 showed both matches, and you could switch between them from the blue menu. I never knew that before... another good thing :cool:

And some say the BBC don't provide a good service :p

It's not corruption.That's what they want you to think ;)

Sometimes the sins of one man are visited upon a nation...... Spain, pay for Mejuto González ! :scan: ( ;) ).

Seriously, congrats to Portugal (who should really have scored the clincher at least three times !) and to our Spanish friends, I can only say I know exactly how you feel :(.

Portugal 1-0 Spain
Russia 2-1 Greece

Greece and Portugal go through to next round.

Nice results, Greece made it. :goodjob:

Spain failed once again, although they were probably the best team in the group or at least not worse than any of the others.

Yeah I wanted Greece and Spain to go through but you don't always have everything the way you'd like it to be.

Nice results, Greece made it. :goodjob:

Spain failed once again, although they were probably the best team in the group or at least not worse than any of the others.


I think so to, but today Portugal was far best, made a great game!!!

Go Portugal!!!!

So in the end Spain went out for failing to win the game against Greece and then losing to Portugal... In the bits I saw Portugal seemed to be playing well so hopefully England will somehow top group B so that they play Greece instead...

Spain, pay for Mejuto González !

:lol:

Well, Spain didn't make it, they should've pressed more. Good for Portugal though, thumbs up for Russia for fighting until the end as well :goodjob:

Yeah I want England to finish top of group B too because then Greece can beat them. I really hate England (most Welsh people do) and Greece are my new favourite team (except for Wales of course).

I really don't understand why there is such a hatred in Scotland and Wales for England... Sure some slight excitement at seeing England going out might be expected but some people seem to get carried away...

Yeah I want England to finish top of group B too because then Greece can beat them. I really hate England (most Welsh people do) and Greece are my new favourite team (except for Wales of course).
I can relate to that (except for being Welsh ;) ) but I do think he's right in thinking that Greece isn't too good. Generally the top half of the competition, i.e. the groups A and B, seem to be weaker on average than C and D.

:mad: So in hindsight Portugal screwed its loving neighbour twice, by beating them and by losing to Greece. :sad:

Well, congrats to Portugal, they deserved it on the night. Spain was never really in the game and lacked a decent midfield today, where were Baraja and/or Valeron in the initial line-up???

Spain screwed themselves by letting Greece equalise...

YES!!!!!

And we've won the group!!! edited - asterisks in unacceptable words are not acceptable either. col

There was some luck and sometimes much more heart than head, bu tonight all is well.
And now if you excuse me, I'm going to Lisbon's downtown to get even more drunk and stoned than what I already am! :D

@ El Sop:

Actually three times then: we also won the organizatiuon of the Euro in a competition with Spain.

P.S.: Ricardo Carvalho is just out of this world. Thank you Greece for making Scolari realise that! ;)

Scolari finally put the right starting 11. Now, watch out Europe...

I really don't understand why there is such a hatred in Scotland and Wales for England... Sure some slight excitement at seeing England going out might be expected but some people seem to get carried away...
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Now there the pot calling the ...., :-)
get carried away I hope the English get horsed tonight and we can then sit back and enjoy the rest of the tournament without
the nauseous bile that were forced to listen to every time there's a game on.

Doesn't Scotland have their own version of the BBC with their own commentators? Besides yu aren't forced to watch the half time England update...

There's two Scottish commentators in the BBC half-time update, and only one English (ussually).

What is the "nauseous bile that were forced to listen to" :confused:

I was watching an unrelated TV programme where it seemed the majority of Welsh support England.

Probably the bit of the half time talk where they talk about England for 5 minutes... Its a bit silly in some respects considering that this is during a match in a different group and they could be talking about that match instead...

It may be a bit silly, but it's what most viewers want. Gotta give people what they want or they cry foul... you're putting the BBC between a rock and a hard place.

The BBC rates the popularity of it's half time update by the electricity surge reported by National Grid. High surge = many kettles = bad talk.

I would rather watch 5 minutes of drivel about England's chances, than 10 minutes of Whiskers and Fairy liquid adverts ;)

It doesn't so much matter for the next game on BBC 1. Press the red button, select BBC Interactive, then you get a new menu... Press the blue button, and switch to the Switzerland vs France game. The half-time update will only be highlights of the England vs Croatia game... with no chat around a coffee table.

==
the nauseous bile that were forced to listen to every time there's a game on.

what like the bile we listened to when the Faroe Islands were 2-0 up against scotland :lol:

Portugal have done well from comming from a defeat in their first game to winning their group if england do qualify in second it would be a good match betwen England and Portugal