Euro 2004 Forum

[marc71178]

Originally Posted by Craig

And this is the same Sweden that knocked off England 1-0.

It's not the same England though is it?

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Neil Pickup

I love America..

You know you could have actually answered his question. If I had said what you did, chances you and Andre would be telling me off for saying such a thing.

[Simon]

Im really looking foward to Euro 04, i like England's chances, i would be a lot more confident if they had a better keeper, but i think they have a good shot anyway. Im tipping France, like most people are, they hae the top players in great form, Holland have a team you can never count out, Italy have great players, you can never write off Germany and Czech Republic look like good outsiders. My top 3 picks are
1st: France
2nd: Holland
3rd: Czech Republic

[Craig]

France will require Zinedine Zidane to find his true form, Denmark really need Jesper Gronkjaer to be more consistent. Gronkjaer isnt a bad player, but needs to show more consistentcy in his game.

Greece may surprise a few.

[Tim]

England will fall at the last hurdle like they always do.

I haven't really taken notice of recent friendlies so I wouldn't know who's on form to win.

[marc71178]

Friendlies don't make much sense any more with 11 substitutions etc.

England will, I think, go out in the semis.

Still stand by my Germany bet as value.

[Craig]

Group A (Portugal, Greece, Spain, Russia) analaysis:

Portugal - Have home ground advantage and the backing of their home crowd. They are a solid side, however some of their stars like Rui Costa, Luis Figo are getting on a bit, and players like Cristiano Ronaldo are yet to establish themselves at international level. The fact that they didnt have to qualify and havent played a competitive international in two years when this tournament start may actually count against them.
Spain - One of the under achievers considering the talent they have available. Raul hasnt been in the greatest form this year at Real Madrid, but they have talented up and comers in Fernando Torres and Jose Antonio Reyes. Their defence leaves a lot to be desired, but a blessed in a world class goalkeeper in Ikar Casallas whom I consider the 3rd best keeper in the world.
Greece - Could surprise a few. They finished above Spain in the qualifyers which is a creditable performance in its self. They have some good midfielders. I'm not an expert in Greek football, but dont be surprised if they better then expected.
Russia - Out in the group stage. Wales are appealing their spot in the tournament, but have little chance of success (Wales winning their appeal).

[Tom Halsey]

[QUOTE=Craig]Ikar Casallas whom I consider the 3rd best keeper in the world.QUOTE]

Errrrrrrrr.

VERY overrated IMO. Good shot stoper - parries way too much on crosses/shots he should catch - that leads to a lot if goals I've noticed.

[Craig]

Well who do you consider to be the top goal keepers in the world?

[EnglishRose]

Originally Posted by Craig

Well who do you consider to be the top goal keepers in the world?

1) Kahn
2) Schwarzer
3) Friedel
4) Recber
5) Buffon
6) Lehmann
7) Coupet
8) Dida
9) Canizares
10) Cassilas
11) carini
12) Dudek

[Craig]

Khan? IMO he hasnt been his best this season and made a horrible blunder v Werder Bremem and I have doubts over his true form. Schwarzer is good, but not second best.

Lehmann has been prone to a few blunders this season, basic ones that is and I find it surprising he hasnt been red carded yet, given that he has been given one to many yellow cards.

Dudek? IMO he sometimes lacks confidence and has when Kirkland has been fit, Kirkland has been Liverpool's number 1. His dad will get somewhere in the vincinty of £100,000 when Kirkland makes his debut for his country.

Top 5:
1)Buffon
2)Toldo
3)Cassilas
4=Van der Sar
4=Khan

[marc71178]

Originally Posted by EnglishRose

1) Kahn
2) Schwarzer
3) Friedel
4) Recber
5) Buffon
6) Lehmann
7) Coupet
8) Dida
9) Canizares
10) Cassilas
11) carini
12) Dudek

Schwarzer?!!!!!!!!

There's about half a dozen keepers better than him in England!

[Craig]

Originally Posted by marc71178

Schwarzer?!!!!!!!!

There's about half a dozen keepers better than him in England!

Jens Lehmann, Shay Given, Maik Taylor, Tim Howard, Carlo Cudicini, Edwin van der Sar, Tomas Sorensen for starters?

[EnglishRose]

Originally Posted by marc71178

Schwarzer?!!!!!!!!

There's about half a dozen keepers better than him in England!

I know -- I put him in for amusement.....

[Nnanden]

haha americans man...

haha no-one has said one thing bout croatia... since they lost suker and boksic theyve been nowhere near the best teams, but theyve got potential. if they make the top 2 ill be very suprised but theyll probably come last - like a draw and 2 losses. good on em.