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Euro 2008- Group D (R); GRE, SWE, ESP, RUS
Topic Started: May 22 2008, 10:55 AM (986 Views)
Real Ray
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I agree w/badgerboy. This Russian side looks like a good side building for WC2010. But if they get an early goal and their tails are up..Sweden will be out and Russia could be a spoiler in the 2nd round. Would not shock me in the least.
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Simon
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I understand and sympathise with the points made about Greece but I will say I did enjoy their victory in Euro 2004. That team was full of good performers and I was hugely impressed with players like Seitaridis, Dellas, Basinas, Zagorakis and of course Charisteas. One by one, they took on all the big names and big egos of their more feted opponents and beat them all, and who doesn't love an underdog story like that one?

But this year's Greece have been terrible. The 2004 model actually passed the ball quickly and positively in their counter-attacking raids and really weren't that bad to watch (at least for a month!) but this time round they look lumpen, slow and ultra-cynical. They always looked dangerous on the break last time, this year I watch them and I can't imagine where a goal might come from. Given their impressive qualifying record they've been a major disappointment in the finals, but then Russia haven't been much better either...
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Yogi
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I am with Simon, four years ago Greece may not have been the prettiest team but they were a good apssing etam with a lot of technique and of course a very solid defensive line. They just don't seem to have the midfield or attack of four years ago and even their once reliable goalie Nikopolidis looks vulnerable now.

So fra Euro 2008 has been rewarding teams who intend to attack, Portugal, Croatia, Holland and Spain. By doing so they may open themselves up a bit at the back but they make up for that not only with entertainment value but also the ability to score goals. Any team with strikers like Villa and Torres like Spain will always be in a game.
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Manzanares
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I like the grit Spain have been showing in this tournament. From all reports there is a good spirit within the team, something which Aragones was looking for when he did not include Raul in the squad as he saw him as a disruptive influence. Sweden defended well but Spain have this spark about them and some intelligence (great set play for the goal off a corner) with the way they play. Without Ibrahimovic Sweden aren't the same team so they'll need him back for that decisive game against Russia but the Swedes are also stronger physically than Russia.

I am glad Spain will be able to rest some players in this next game but I do hope the defense, except for Puyol who is injured, will play together against Greece so they can build up more cohesion.
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Hector
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Manzanares, I too think Spain are showing good determination so far in Euro 2008 but as always with our national team, the true test will be once the knockout stage begins. Then we'll really find out what this team is made of.

I think Hiddink recognzies Russia ar eon the rise with a young team and that is why he wants to remain as their coach post Euro 2008. he may view this tournament as their way to gain experience for a better run in World Cup 2010.
iPuerta amigo, Sevilla esta contigo!
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Winslow
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I noticed Saturday that Spain's central defense seemed to tighten up and play more effectively after Puyol was taken out. This could be a lesson--no team would want to lose a Puyol, but if he's unfit it may be a necessary sacrifice.
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shelsoccer
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Well, you're going to look tighter when Zlatan isn't on the pitch.
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Merengue
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Puyol's foot problem will keep him out of the game versus Greece so Aragones will once more pair Marchena and Albiol and let's see what they can do for 90 minutes against Greece's attack. Puyol should be Ok for the quarterfinal I hear but if not at least Marchena and Albiol will get more playing time together (although as Valencia teammates they already should feel comfortable alongside one another.)

I am not sure how many other changes Aragones will make but he will be resting some other starters too. I'd expect David Silva, who has a slight injury, to sit this one out too. I also wouldn't be shocked if Cesc and Guiza both start against the Greeks.
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Simon
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Merengue,Jun 16 2008
08:59 AM
Aragones will once more pair Marchena and Albiol and let's see what they can do for 90 minutes against Greece's attack.

I think Aragones could play the kit man and the tea lady as centre-backs against Greece and they'd keep a clean sheet! :o
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valenciano
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Simon,Jun 17 2008
01:44 PM
Merengue,Jun 16 2008
08:59 AM
Aragones will once more pair Marchena and Albiol and let's see what they can do for 90 minutes against Greece's attack.

I think Aragones could play the kit man and the tea lady as centre-backs against Greece and they'd keep a clean sheet! :o

haha, well I hope you are right Simon. Croatia and Holland both played mostly subs against teams which although limited still had a chance to qualify yet the subs from Croatia and Holland still won. Portugal played subs against an already eliminated Switzerland yet lost. Tomorrow we'll find out what direction Spain will take against a team (Greece) with nothing but pride to play for. Give a rest to anyone on a yellow card or with even a slight injury and keep them ready for what will be a difficult quarterfinal game on Sunday.
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Manzanares
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This will be the chance for players like Guiza, Cesc, Cazorla, Sergio Garcia and Xabi Alonso to shine. I'm interested in seeing what they can do tomorrow.

I'm torn between watching my country play or watching the key game between Sweden and Russia.* With Ibrahimovic I rate Sweden the favorite but the Russians have a good passing game and if they score first they'll force Sweden out of their counter attacking game.

* I guess that is what recorders are for!
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Hector
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This is expected to be Spain's starting lineup tonight versus Greece,

Casillas; Arbeloa, Juanito, Albiol, Fernando Navarro; Xabi Alonso, De la Red, Cesc; Sergio García, Iniesta y Güiza.

So 9 substitutes from the previous two games. Iniesta is only expected to play a half and will be replaced by Cazorla. All I wish for is no injuries or suspensions for the quarterfinals.
iPuerta amigo, Sevilla esta contigo!
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Merengue
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Hector,Jun 17 2008
10:00 PM
This is expected to be Spain's starting lineup tonight versus Greece,

Casillas; Arbeloa, Juanito, Albiol, Fernando Navarro; Xabi Alonso, De la Red, Cesc; Sergio García, Iniesta y Güiza.

So 9 substitutes from the previous two games. Iniesta is only expected to play a half and will be replaced by Cazorla. All I wish for is no injuries or suspensions for the quarterfinals.

Aragones is taking a page out of the book the other teams who had already clinched a quarterfinal place took for their final group game. Can't blame him as this game means nothing, Spain are already through and know their quarterfinal opponent while Greece are going home after the game. No need to risk any injury. I'd even consider playing Pepe Reina in goal and let Casillas sit this one out.

I haven't read anything about Ibrahimovic missing this game, maybe shelsoccer or siralfred, our Swedish fans can add something else here, so with Ibrahimovic there, I say advantage Sweden. I read a quote the other day from Hiddink where he says Arshavin may not start this game because he is out of match practice after his two match suspension. So maybe he's reserving him as a second half substitute? Should be a competitive game between Sweden and Russia, I am looking forward to it.
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gaviota
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Quote:
 
Aragones is taking a page out of the book the other teams who had already clinched a quarterfinal place took for their final group game. Can't blame him as this game means nothing, Spain are already through and know their quarterfinal opponent while Greece are going home after the game. No need to risk any injury. I'd even consider playing Pepe Reina in goal and let Casillas sit this one out.


I agree with these sentiments and although there is less risk of an injury to a goalie, Aragones did play Canizares in Spain's final group game in Germany two years ago so why not give Reina, who was passed over two years ago the opportunity to play one match here? It isn't as if Casillas will lose form sitting out one match and with only Albiol being a possibility to start against Italy in the quarterfinals, it is not as if he's having more opportunity to work with the likely starting defensive unit for the elimination rounds.

Hiddink always seems to lead his national teams to the next round of a major tournament. I don't see that streak ending tonight. I think Russia finds a way to edge Sweden in this game. Arshavin will make a difference whether he starts or come sin off the bench.
CHAMP13NS
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raconteur
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Russia 2 Sweden 0
Spain 2 Greece 1

What a wonderful game from Russia today, they moved the ball so well and really could have beaten Sweden by more than the two goals. Ibrahimovic played but apparently is still bothered by his knee injury but with the way Russia attacked Sweden didn't have a chance. Russia attacked in blocks and having Arshavin back meant a world of difference to them as he was always ready to make either an intelligent run or a smart pass. A very good player but he wasn't alone as both fullbacks pushed up well but really as a team Russia played a smart and inventive game. It sets up a very interesting game against Holland in the quarterfinals between two teams who have perfected the quick counter attack using one touch football.

Spain did play Pepe Reina in goal as only Iniesta started this game and the two previous group games. Greece finally scored, and in fact took the lead, through Charisteas but Spain have now joined Turkey in coming from behind to win in this tournament as De la Red, with a rocket shot, and Guiza scored for them in the 2nd half.

There wans't quite the drama some expected today but that was because of how well Russia played against Sweden as Hiddink maintains his record of always leading a national team out of the group stages.
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