The FOOTBALL thread

[Stephen]

Just backed Spain at 8/15 to cover my bet on Italy that I had at the start of the competition at 11/1. At least I can watch the final knowing I'm not going to lose money

[ScribbleCharger]

I think the final will 2-1 for Spain.

[rememberaday]

I'm in a dilemma. I'd like Italy to lose cause they beat Germany and it'd feel like revenge, but on the other hand I don't want Spain to win.

[Flying pig437]

Mmh! Well done Spain! Very worthy winners of the game and tournament. Apprently they haven't conceded a goal in the knock-out round at major competitions since Zidane scored against them in the world cup in 2006!

[Damn!t]

Well done Spain.
What a shit luck we were in the same group with those two...

[henno]

Well done Spain.
What a shit luck we were in the same group with those two...

how do you think we feel Bran


fair dues to Spain, they really shoved that "boring football" criticism right up the asses of those critics.

That was one of the most complete displays of football ive ever seen... quite similar to Barcas 5 - 0 trashing of Real two years ago.

[kjek1]

Its crazy what Spain are doing.

Surely they can't do 4 major tournaments in a row and win in Brazil 2014?

I say that, then I look at their squad, and Xavi aside, they are a very young team. Its actually quite frightening.

Never seen one side jam packed with so much talent.

[henno]

Its crazy what Spain are doing.

Surely they can't do 4 major tournaments in a row and win in Brazil 2014?

I say that, then I look at their squad, and Xavi aside, they are a very young team. Its actually quite frightening.

Never seen one side jam packed with so much talent.

and even saying that, xavi is still only 32....

the difference is how their kids are brought up and taught not to value the "win" but to value the "skill".

[snifferdog]

That's true. I've a friend who coaches football teams and he says the parents of the kids can be a pain in the arsenal sometimes. In training, you might be coaching the kids to do certain things that are more skilful. Then when a match comes along they have their parents shouting at them to boot the ball up the field, get rid of the thing, lash into lads etc.

[kjek1]

Its crazy what Spain are doing.

Surely they can't do 4 major tournaments in a row and win in Brazil 2014?

I say that, then I look at their squad, and Xavi aside, they are a very young team. Its actually quite frightening.

Never seen one side jam packed with so much talent.

and even saying that, xavi is still only 32....

the difference is how their kids are brought up and taught not to value the "win" but to value the "skill".

Im big into spanish football, I tune into it every weekend and record games when I'm out and I've heard this from several of their pundits. That they're told to focus on technique and not worry about the win.

The lifestyle makes a difference too I think. I know of pro footballers in the UK who havent been prepared to give up the lifestyle that young folk here are accustomed too, ie going out drinking with your mates and such.

But yes, its unbelievable, the midfield in particular is unbelievable. Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets, Silva, Mata. Del Bosque has an absolute embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Looking forward to the new la liga season though I'll have to find anther means of watching it now since I've cancelled sky sports. Shame because its worth watching fro Lionel Messi alone.

[snifferdog]

Has anyone been keeping an eye on the soap opera that is Chelsea? It will be interesting to see if Roman Abramovich finally lands the manager he has been coveting for a long long time. Or if his track record of firing managers and buying players he likes will convince Guardiola to keep his distance. Can money buy him everything?

[henno]

not a chance in hell will guardiola take the chelsea job. Its a poison chalice and only Mourinho came out of it with any degree of reputation.

[snifferdog]

Indeed. I reckon Benitez must've been really really desperate to take the job in the meantime.

[henno]

Indeed. I reckon Benitez must've been really really desperate to take the job in the meantime.

benitez is a clown who has to be the luckiest manager ever.

the thing is, other clubs recognise that, apart from abramovich, as shown by the fact that he hasnt worked in two years and was not considered for clubs such as QPR and Southampton

[rememberaday]

I find football lame and boring. Is something wrong with me?