What a great game. That was a nice save by Buffon on the PK - lucky, but good.

I don't think it was a terrible call at all. Anytime you have your arm around a guy's neck in the box and he goes down, you're likely going to get called on it.

This sets up an interesting match between Italy and France to see who may advance.

Bring on the the next game.

There was nothing wrong with the penalty call (Thanks Gigi). But close offsides? It wasn't close at all Toni was well onside. That was an awful call, almosy as awful as Zambrotta's back pass.

Italy is still very much alive somehow, must beat France and get other results to go their way. They looked so much better going foward, most of the credit that I will give to Grosso. The back four is so disorganized though, and look likely to concide on every break. I still think they need more midfield help.

Ok, so here's the plan:
1) The Netherlands beat France tonight
As a result they have 1rst place in group C for sure.

2) In the final game the Netherlands let Romania win, that ensures Romania 2nd place and it ensures the Netherlands won't have to play France or Italy in the Semi-Final.

Bye bye France.
Bye bye Italy.

Does that sound good ?

They only have one midfielder that actually works...Pirlo. Everyone else seems sluggish. Too bad del Piero wasn't a little younger, maybe he could have lasted the whole match.

And I agree, Grosso proved to be the best addition for Italy over the course of the whole game.

Donadoni will live to coach another day.

And VT2IT...yes, i agree that at least 2 of the off-side calls were clearly on-side. Toni's goal should have counted

quote:

Originally posted by Mezzo Litro:
I thought it was a penalty. It was the close off-sides that killed us.

Anyways, Italy is all but eliminated.

But we're still Campioni del Mondo for 2 more years

He just laid down on the defender. That isn't penalty kick worthy, but I am not an Italy fan anyway.

I happened to be in Rome when Italy won the cup, what a scene that was.

Look at Panucci's left arm.

Game change - on to the Netherlands v. France.

What a play by van Nistelrooy to keep the ball alive on their 2nd goal.

The French are in trouble.

And what an exciting game.
Now almost 4-1 in the 81st minute! Again great play by van Nistelrooy.

French Toast!!

Well, 4-1 it is!

Italy might not have been in its best shape. But France really showed some good gameplay. Still, 4-1 its hard to believe.....

Maybe Italy wasn't that poor, the Dutch just are on their game. Naw, Italy really was awful and the Dutch have played two great games. Now they need to play one more so that Italy can beat France and move to the knock out round.

quote:

Originally posted by VT2IT:
Maybe Italy wasn't that poor, the Dutch just are on their game. Naw, Italy really was awful and the Dutch have played two great games. Now they need to play one more so that Italy can beat France and move to the knock out round.

No no no, Romania will win and advance to the next round. My best bottle of Feteasca Neagra is ready for the festivities.

Based on tonight's game it will be pretty hard for Italy to beat France.

Anyway, my best Brunello is ready to celebrate the Dutch winning the finals!
The Italian have shown some awfully bad football, they still make some of the best wines on earth!

quote:

Originally posted by Jochems:
Based on tonight's game it will be pretty hard for Italy to beat France.

Anyway, my best Brunello is ready to celebrate the Dutch winning the finals!
The Italian have shown some awfully bad football, they still make some of the best wines on earth!

Let's say Brunello with an 'oud Gouda'

What a complete blowout. Watching The Netherlands play reminded me why the sport is known as "The Beautiful Game." Van Persie executed a beautiful Cruyff that absolutely left Thuram or Evra, I can't recall which, on his heels today – lovely. It was a clinic on how the game is meant to be played. I was most impressed with the passing acuity displayed by the Dutchmen. I was totally shocked!

The Dutch do play some beautiful football, love to watch them play.

quote:

Originally posted by VT2IT:
...Now they need to play one more so that Italy can beat France and move to the knock out round.

Mo mangia.

There is one more round-lets be hopeful.
If anyone followed the Copa America 2007 last year, they would remember Brazil had a terrible sluggish start, came in second in their division while Argentina played the beautiful game right until the final and fell dead to Brazil. Anything can happen.

Well Italy isn't the only team with a beef with the officiating. Spain should have had a penalty, Silva was run over. I always wonder, just what was the ref looking at to miss such a clear call?

quote:

Originally posted by PURPLE:
Mezzo, you think Netherlands can knock France out?

Yes.

I don't know why, but I have a feeling that the Netherlands want to win 3 straight. I don't think they'll play their "B" squad against Romania. If this is the case, Italy and France will decide their own destiny, and I have this sick feeling Italy will lose. But considering how poorly both France and Italy have been playing, Romania deserves to advance.

And what about the Swiss' win against Portugal? Even though it was Portugal's "B" team, the Swiss played very well. Nice to finish the Euro on a win, even though they're out.

The Turkey/Czech game today was pretty entertaining. Good for the Turks.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
The Turkey/Czech game today was pretty entertaining. Good for the Turks.

And how absolutely devastating for the Czechs.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
The Turkey/Czech game today was pretty entertaining. Good for the Turks.

What a colossal collapse by the Czechs!!

Felt sorry for Cech, he is usually amazing. Turkey has lost their goalie due to a stupid mistake on his part and it should be tough for them to survive the next game.