Who's your money on for Euro 2012?

1. 85

   CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

   Who do you think will win the tournament?
   
   Do you think your national team has a chance?
   
   I have a sneaking suspicion that it's France's year but Spain will be hard to beat!

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   1. 79

      internpeteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      France looks decent, but after a tie vs England, I am not too sure. I think Spain or Germany may take it. Russia seems like a strong underdog.

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   2. 52

      Shinkickerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I actually think England have a real chance. Germany looking hot favourites though.

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2. 92

   JKennyposted 12 years ago

   I thought Spain before a ball was kicked, and from what I've seen so far, nothing has changed that. They simply killed the Irish. England are actually playing better than I expected, but we'll have to up our ante if we want to win it.

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   1. 97

      Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I can't really see by the Germans. I saw every team's first two games and was selective in watching the last round of group games. I would agree with you that, before a ball was kicked, it looked like Spain's tournament -  but weren't we perhaps simply assuming that, given they are both reigning European and World Champions?
      
      As a Scot, I am genuinely 100% behind England, as I always support the British team - but I can't see it. If England can't win it, I hope Germany do, for the sake of my football crazy family in Munich

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3. 61

   nmillsblogposted 12 years ago

   I was looking to see Spain win.  They just have so much talent, but the performance of Germany today makes me wonder if Spain can beat them.

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4. 85

   CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

   Germany played well but I was shocked to see them let in 2 goals against a relatively weak Greek side. After my initial prediction i'm hoping France don't play like they did against Sweden

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5. 61

   nmillsblogposted 12 years ago

   At this stage in the tournament every team is a good opponent.  This means that Greece could beat Germany, just like Italy can beat France.  You never know with the tournament and some of the best players in the world.  Now with that said of course the heavy favorites won't get knocked off easily, but we did see what happened to Netherlands early.

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6. 60

   flightfighterposted 12 years ago

   I hope England wins but I won't put my money on them.
   Germany is just too organised and strong in the air. They can hold the ball and caress it like spain.
   And if it goes to double overtime...penalty and they are the best with it.

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7. 60

   sadeemposted 12 years ago

   It has to be between Spain and Germany. With all the possession Spain will have they are bound to score goals and Germany are playing exciting free flowing football which is pleasing to the eye

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8. 81

   SimeyCposted 12 years ago

   At this stage I don't think you can write anyone off.
   
   The teams left:
   Spain - obvious favorites, but not really playing that well. Croatia showed that a strong defensive side can beat them - Italy or England could upset them.
   France - found it hard to break down England but are obviously talented. Can't see them getting past Spain though.
   Germany - playing the best soccer at the moment and probably are the team to beat.
   England - solid defense, look good on the break. Have the knack of winning at the moment. Probably lose to Italy but they could surprise a few if they get the tactics right.
   Portugal - potential winners, have the best player in the tournament so far.
   Italy - not playing well but have the best defense and a great break - tough game against England.
   
   I think Germany are probably the team that will win it all, but any of the teams left could win with a little bit of luck!

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9. 60

   BeautyRavenposted 12 years ago

   PORTUGAL!!!!!

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10. 97

    Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years ago

    More convinced than ever after last night's game that Germany will win it. OK, they lost one bad goal and a penalty that never was but their finishing was clinical in the second half and bar some frustratingly bad luck in the first half, they could have reached double figures without breaking sweat. Will be interesting to see tonight if Spain up their game from the group stages as I can't see any other team having the proverbial snowball's chance of stopping the Germans.

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11. 85

    CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

    With the attention we've given to Wayne Rooney we will have no chance if he plays how he did against Ukraine- If that was Andy Carroll it's likely the press would be requesting he never played for the national team again!

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12. 61

    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    I have watched every game in the tournament so far, my obserbvations lead me to believe three teams have the talent and potential to win.
    
    Those teams are Spain, Germany & Portugal
    
    Of these three, Germany appears to the edge with their potent offense
    
    Much will depend on the semi-final pairings which should be the best games of the entire tournament, which I think will be Italy vs Germany and Spain vs Portugal with the latter game perhaps better and more entertaining than any

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    1. 81

       SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       While I cannot argue with your logic, and the four teams you pick are probably the most deserving teams to get to the SF I suspect there will be one shock result this weekend.

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13. 85

    CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

    Who's your shock then SimeyC- France to beat Spain?

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    1. 81

       SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Probably - even though I'm an Englishman - I think Italy will be too strong and win 1-0 or 2-0 - France really haven't performed well but Spain were lucky against Croatia and a disciplined attacking team like France could surprise a few

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       1. 61

          readytoescapeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I do think England has a good opportunity, better If they play Andy rather than Rooney,and keep and watchful eye on DiNatale when on the front line. Di Natale seems to be the difference maker for Italy.

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          1. 81

             SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             I'm on the fence with Rooney - he didn't play particularly well but still had three great chances to score - he was in the right place when needed. Why not be bold and play both, save Welbeck as a super sub perhaps....

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             1. 97

                Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Sticking my neck out here with what I've watched so far. Spain to win by two clear goals. Tomorrow night? Have had a feeling all day that England will finally overcome their penalty jinx and beat the Italians that way to go on and face the Germans.

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                1. 97

                   Gordon Hamiltonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   I clicked submit a full ten seconds before Spain scored!

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                2. 81

                   SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   Good call! I hope you are right about England too! I'm trying not to get too excited - but I also feel that a result may go our way - we'll see.

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             2. 61

                readytoescapeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                I never will quite understand why managers don't combine their best strikers, seems odd not try to jump out to an early lead (multiple goals)to put pressure on the other team. The European style always seem too defensive minded, playing not to lose, rather than playing to win. No one ever won a game by not scoring

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                1. 81

                   SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   The combination of the height of Andy and the way Rooney seems to be where he needs to be could be the cutting edge England need. I understand that Rooney and Welbeck play together a lot, but the way Gerard is playing, having Rooney and Andy in the box would create a lot of confusion and lead hopefully to goals.
                   
                   The good thing for England is that no one really believes they will win, so no pressure - if they lose in a close game they have done well - if they go on to win then that's a bonus!!!

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14. 61

    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    I am inclined to agree both Spain and Italy are potentially suspect, and actually ripe for a loss, but Both France and England are at times their own worst enemie. 
    
    If both France and England advance, then look for a Portugal vs Germany Final.
    
    And something of an anti-climatic finish to the tournament

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    1. 81

       SimeyCposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Actually I think Portugal v Germany would be a decent game - Spain and Germany would probably be a lot more boring!

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15. 61

    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    Well I'm Off to go watch today's game, Good Luck to whatever team you follow it should be a good game to see

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16. 81

    SimeyCposted 12 years ago

    Yet again the penalties kill England but probably the right result. Sad with the British commentary we got in the US - so negative - Enlgand had a solid defense and looked good on the break but all the commentators said was how well Italy played and how poor England were. If the press don't support England what chance have they!
    
    Give the team some credit for solid defense  - there's a good future out there if only the press would focus on the good rather than the bad. What amazes me is how negative ex England players such as Hoddle, Waddle, McManamah etc. are - surely they of all people should understand the pressure.
    
    Personally I'm proud of a side that did far more than anyone expected and came within a whisker of getting to the SF - was it pretty? no? was it effective? yes. Give them a little bit of credit and lets build on that!
    
    Congrats to Italy - tough game coming up with only a few days rest...but congrats...

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17. 61

    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    So what happens in today's semi?
    
    I think I like Portugal by one in an exicting 3-2 game. Especially if Spain plays a high (forward of center) possesion type style which they appear to prefer. This type of play may well provide many fast counter attacking opportunities for Portugal's apparent speed advantage.

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18. 85

    CyclingFitnessposted 12 years ago

    Portugal Spain looks like it will be a close game!

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19. 0

    klarawieckposted 12 years ago

    Spain is going to win, of course!

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20. 0

    klarawieckposted 12 years ago

    So... Was I right or was I right? Gosh! I should make a living as a psychic! Lol
    
    CONGRATS SPAIN!

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