Euro Blues
The obvious shocks so far are Spain and France losing. Scotland's win over France means they sit at the top of their group but they do have some tough away matches. Italy lost their World Cup hangover thankfully and won a hard-fought match against Ukraine. This is definitely the group to watch out for.
Spain reached a new low when they lost away at Sweden. This time Aragones has to quit for good. Factional divisions, lack of team spirit, and lack of faith and passion among supporters have left Spain, a team of talented players, struggling to find a win after 3 matches.
As always, England flattered to deceive against a spirited Macedonian team who themselves came close to pulling off a shocking win. However, England sit atop their group due to goal difference but with an away match at Croatia this week, there might be some changes.
I did not expect Ireland to put on such a pathetic defensive display. They are definitely in danger of losing out of Euro 2008, along with Spain, unless they clean up their act soon. And Wales without Giggs, will probably struggle to even beat a team like San Marino.
Ronaldo continued his impressive form when he netted a brace for Portugal in it's win over Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the Czechs thrashed San Marino 7-0. And, Holland snatched a point away at Bulgaria thanks to Robin Van Persie's equaliser. I still don't understand how Ruud Van Nistelrooy can be left out of the squad!
Scotland 1 France 0
Sweden 2 Spain 0
England 0 Macedonia 0
Cyprus 5 Ireland 2
Italy 2 Ukraine 0
Wales 1 Slovakia 5
Portugal 3 Azerbaijan 0
Czech Republic 7 San Marino 0
Bulgaria 1 Holland 1
Spain reached a new low when they lost away at Sweden. This time Aragones has to quit for good. Factional divisions, lack of team spirit, and lack of faith and passion among supporters have left Spain, a team of talented players, struggling to find a win after 3 matches.
As always, England flattered to deceive against a spirited Macedonian team who themselves came close to pulling off a shocking win. However, England sit atop their group due to goal difference but with an away match at Croatia this week, there might be some changes.
I did not expect Ireland to put on such a pathetic defensive display. They are definitely in danger of losing out of Euro 2008, along with Spain, unless they clean up their act soon. And Wales without Giggs, will probably struggle to even beat a team like San Marino.
Ronaldo continued his impressive form when he netted a brace for Portugal in it's win over Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, the Czechs thrashed San Marino 7-0. And, Holland snatched a point away at Bulgaria thanks to Robin Van Persie's equaliser. I still don't understand how Ruud Van Nistelrooy can be left out of the squad!
Scotland 1 France 0
Sweden 2 Spain 0
England 0 Macedonia 0
Cyprus 5 Ireland 2
Italy 2 Ukraine 0
Wales 1 Slovakia 5
Portugal 3 Azerbaijan 0
Czech Republic 7 San Marino 0
Bulgaria 1 Holland 1
posted by Lucas @ 10:33 AM
6 Comments:
I'm in total agreement with you on all points. I think the result for England would've been different had Hargreaves and Lennon been available (injuries).
Shocking loss for Ireland. I didn't watch the game, but I've read a lot of commentary by Ireland supporters: apparently many are disappointed with Duff's display.
Why was RVN left out?
Same reason why he had to leave Manu... a problem with the coach. He doesnt see eye to eye with Basten.
From an Arsenal perspective, Gallas and Freddy are being rested by France and Sweden respectively.
Ruud turned down the offer. Anywayz, van Persie is in the form of his life, it seems. How long would the honeymoon period last for him?
Things getting worse for England...Mac's honeymoon period has come to an abrupt end...he has promised some big changes in the next qualifer but that's in March...until then, the british tabloids will make sure he gets hell.
but the english are really kidding themselves by thinking they have a great team and they should never lose with such a squad...but the fact it they have a great squad but not a great team.
I agree that England doesn't have a great team, but I'm not sure that's any fault of McClaren's. Everyone needs time to adjust to new coaches, tactics, etc and even though McClaren was with Sven, the team obviously has a different feel about it. If Europe wasn't so nuts about the EuroChampionships, I think it would go a long way towards getting England ready for the next World Cup...if you don't worry about smaller tournaments, you have more ability to get creative and expand your roster to find new combinations that fit the tactics rather than forcing players to adapt.
I mostly blame the British press and fans for heaping too much pressure on the team and coach so early in a qualifying campaign and for acting like Euro2008 is the be all and end all of world sport. England has such a wealth of talent that they need to use it, not squander it by listening to the media.
@Isaiah
Agree with u...Mac needs to be given more time before a decision can be made. the british press has to learn to be patient. one thing that really irritates me is that the players and the manager mask their failure by pointing out Rooney's bad form in front of goal. the fact is lampard is more responsible for england's defeat than anyone else.
btw, good to see u here. cheers!
Post a Comment
<< Home