Can't wait for this to start. Just like the last World Cup, I plan on watching every game. And like the World Cup Italy will win. My prediction is Italy over Germany in the finals after they both knock out the Iberians in the semis.

I can't argue with your prediction.

My money is on the Vatican team. It helps having a direct line to God...

quote:

Originally posted by VT2IT:
Can't wait for this to start. Just like the last World Cup, I plan on watching every game. And like the World Cup Italy will win. My prediction is Italy over Germany in the finals after they both knock out the Iberians in the semis.

I think your prediction blows.

quote:

Originally posted by PURPLE:
I can't argue with your prediction.

You're on the couch tonight.

Dearest WIML:
Luca Toni is Italian!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I understand that and I'll forgive him for playing against the Germans since he normally plays for a REAL team but in the end he must take it like a man and lose!

Marital strife in Arlington over soccer. My German/Irish/Scottish wife also seems to be more impressed with the Italian's looks than skill. And yes Luca Toni is her favorite.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
I understand that and I'll forgive him for playing against the Germans since he normally plays for a REAL team but in the end he must take it like a man and lose!

A real team? When exactly did Munich win anything outside of Germany? They couldn't even beat St. Petersburg. As for Italy vs German 2-0 again for the guys in blue sounds right.

No predictions but my preference is for an all-Iberian final -

all Iberian?-please don't make me pull out a map of Europe.

Toni is the best striker in Europe-the only negative thing I will say is he also fouls alot and did miss some UEFA games to yellow cards, but I think the Italians have depth.

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
No predictions but my preference is for an all-Iberian final -

Spain will once again self-destruct against Italy. They just never seem to play to their potential. The Germans are the type of super disciplined team that will give Portugal fits, plus the whining dive master Ronaldo hurt his ankle yesterday.

quote:

Originally posted by VT2IT:

quote:

Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
No predictions but my preference is for an all-Iberian final -

Spain will once again self-destruct against Italy. They just never seem to play to their potential. The Germans are the type of super disciplined team that will give Portugal fits, plus the whining dive master Ronaldo hurt his ankle yesterday.

I agree that is why I said it was a preference not a prediction. Just because Ronaldo is exponentially better than any Italian striker/wing does not mean you should be so jealous. Italians are just as big of divers.

There has never been as big a diver as Ronaldo! It's a shame to, because he is unquestionably a sublime talent.

It would be fun to see France and Italy not surviving Group C.
Both the Netherlands and Romania are very strong.
Huge drawback for Italy: Cannavaro seems seriously injured.

The Germans won't make it, their defense is real bad and goalkeeper Lehmann is even worse.

I'd like to see Spain winning, but i guess they'll spoil it, as usual.

I'm glad all the games are going to be on in Hi Def.

quote:

Originally posted by thelostverse:
I'm glad all the games are going to be on in Hi Def.

No fake. Makes a world of difference. Are they all being broadcast by the same channel?

Here are my Elite 8 predictions:

Group A: Czech & Portugal
Group B: Germany & Austria
Group C: Italy & Netherlands
Group D: Spain & Greece

It would give me no greater pleasure in life than to have VT2IT have to curse Cristiano Ronaldo's name 6 more times this month.
But earlier in the year, Italy and Cannavaro (oops that could be a problem) held Ronaldo in check in the 2nd half of a friendly and Portugal didn't play that well in my opinion in the qualifiers (course there was a lot of injury)

Mezzo, you think Netherlands can knock France out?

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
Are they all being broadcast by the same channel?

Here is a link to the schedule on ESPN. I see several games listed that don't appear to be in HD. I'm hoping that changes by gametime.

Man am I glad I work out of a home office.

I predict England

quote:

Originally posted by Mezzo Litro:
Group B: Austria

You're kidding, right?

They're going to finish dead last, lucky to get a point, just like the other host nation.

Here are my picks:

Group A: Turkey, Portugal
Group B: Germany, Poland
Group C: Italy, France
Group D: Spain, Greece

Disappointing the Cannavaro is out for the Euros, but hopefully the other defenders can step in and contribute. I wouldn't expect Cannavaro's "replacement" Gamberini to see much, if any playing time. More likely to see a back line of Panucci, Barzagli, Zambrotta, and Grosso now, maybe with Chiellini in there somewhere.

Based on Materazzi's form and temper, I don't know if Donadoni will start him much if at all, and he may only come on as a sub (depending on others' form).

I'd say
Group A: Portugal & Switzerland
Group B: Germany & Croatia
Group C: Netherlands & Romania (don't laugh, Group C is a lottery)
Group D: Spain & Russia

Winner:
The winner of group C wins the Championship. (could be any of the 4 teams)

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
Here are my picks:

Group A: Turkey, Portugal
Group B: Germany, Poland
Group C: Italy, France
Group D: Spain, Greece

Ditto.

Double ditto. Here is an interesting link.