World Cup and European leagues

[Stinger]

True that the first goal should have been disallowed. 

UEFA has come out this morning and said it was the correct call.   
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=544855&cc=5901

The Sneijder goal was the best of the tourney by far. How about  van Bronckhorst clearing the ball off the goaline and then sprinting up the left side of the pitch to make the cross that led to the goal? Talk about making two plays.     

And FWIW, I was actually rooting for the Dutch side (maybe FDF will read this). I  can't stand the Italian brand of football (I think they are a bunch of bush leaguers), and it's a bonus the Dutch have 3 Merengues on their squad. It was a well deserved result the Nederlanders.

[Superfoot Wallace]

Sportscenter had some replays on the disputed goal. 

An element hadn't seen before, Italy had a defender down beyond the endline (goalline?)  Not sure the injury or the thespian skill, but as to whether this disallowd the goal, look to the disputed definition of term.

This is the same parameter rule in the other football, that says a quarterback force out is not a sack, but a negative rush.  Intention to rush, versus intention to progress setting off sides.

Would it it have mattered were the Italian defender were down inside net as opposed to out?  Regardless the policy statement put forth by UEFA think the ruling is more premised by the analysis claiming a limp handshake in front of net.

signed,
John Robertson

[Hoosier Titan]

Here's the take of the head of officials in the EPL:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2008/7445476.stm

Basically, the man down beyond the end line is still in play.  It seems the call was correct.

I watched the entire match on Tivo--the first half at game speed and the second half somewhat speeded up.  Italy have the highest average age of any team, and last night they looked it.  It simply was no contest.  The second goal was absolutely gorgeous, but they were all nice.

[ScotsFan]

And FWIW, I was actually rooting for the Dutch side (maybe FDF will read this). I  can't stand the Italian brand of football (I think they are a bunch of bush leaguers), and it's a bonus the Dutch have 3 Merengues on their squad. It was a well deserved result the Nederlanders.

I feel the same way about the Italians!  It couldn't have been more fitting for a ruling like that offsides call go against the Azzurri!  I don't know what I'll do when France and Italy hook up as my distaste for both sides is about equally bad.  I guess I'll hope for a draw and a Romanian upset of the Italians that could lead to both France and Italy being sent packing early!   8)

[Hoosier Titan]

Me three on Italian football.  By the way, what's a Merengue?

[Stinger]

  By the way, what's a Merengue?

Los Merengues = Real Madrid (Ruud, Robben and Sneijder)

[Hoosier Titan]

Los Merengues = Real Madrid (Ruud, Robben and Sneijder)

Thanks!  Of course, I should have known by the names!   

[Stinger]

93rd minute remark from the ESPN commentary:

"And to think this Russian shambles are there because they knocked England out. My word we must have been truly terrible. Thanks Steve McClaren - you clown."

[Greek Tragedy]

WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE "VIEWS" AND NO ONE PLAYING? LOL

It's never too late to join!

Rd. 2 Games of Group Stage

Wed: Group A
Czech Republic v Portugal
Switzerland v Turkey

Thurs:  Group B
Croatia v Germany
Austria v Poland

Fri:  Group C
Italy v Romania
Netherlands v France

Sat:  Group D
Sweden v Spain
Greece v Russia

[Greek Tragedy]

1st Round Group Stage Results

Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Turkey 0

Croatia 1, Austria 0
Germany 2, Poland 0

Romania 0, France 0
Netherlands 3, Italy 0

Spain 4, Russia 1
Sweden 2, Greece 0

[WLCALUM83]

WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THESE "VIEWS" AND NO ONE PLAYING? LOL

It's never too late to join!

Rd. 2 Games of Group Stage

Wed: Group A
Czech Republic v Portugal
Switzerland v Turkey

Thurs:  Group B
Croatia v Germany
Austria v Poland

Fri:  Group C
Italy v Romania
Netherlands v France

Sat:  Group D
Sweden v Spain
Greece v Russia

Wed. Group A:

Portugal wins:
Switzerland and Turkey play to a draw.

Thur. Group B:

Germany over Croatia:
Poland over Austria:

Fri. Group C winners:

Italy
Netherlands

Sat. Group D winners:

Spain
Greece

[Superfoot Wallace]

Group A:
Pilsner Urquell to win
Istanbul or Constantinople to win

Group B:
same as 83's

GroupC:
only addendum F-N tie/draw

Group D:
same as 83's

signed,
Zidane (Gorgy Rules Apply)

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

That offsides call is why injured players do everything they can to get to one side or the other rather than going off the back.  Usually the stretcher guys get them over to the side quickly; perhaps it is their fault.

[Greek Tragedy]

Wed: Group A
Czech Republic v Portugal...Portugal
Switzerland v Turkey...Switzerland

Thurs:  Group B
Croatia v Germany...Germany
Austria v Poland...Draw

Fri:  Group C
Italy v Romania...Italy
Netherlands v France...Draw

Sat:  Group D
Sweden v Spain...Spain
Greece v Russia...Greece

[Mr. Ypsi]

Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1.

In fairness to the "Smirking Flopper"^TM, when Ronaldo decides to actually play futbol (instead of whatever it is he often plays), he's a joy to watch.  He scored the game winner in the 63rd minute, then iced the game in the first few seconds of stoppage time - the defense fell asleep at the switch, Ronaldo was one-on-one with the keeper with no defender within 20 yards, and (much to my surprise) dropped it to a teammate who could have literally walked the ball in.