0-2. Disappointing end of a disappointing tournament for France. The players weren't there, the coach wasn't there, time for change.
Thuram didn't play and was replaced by Abidal at the centre back. Henry (captain) played the whole match. Abidal caused a penalty and was rightly sent off after 25 minutes. Henry ran a lot but that was about it. Got booked.
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Even if Van Basten elects to rest his starters I can't see his team playing any other way than attacking football. Andy Gray couldn't have said it better, "This team (the Dutch) don't know how to play defensive football, it's not in their DNA."
As far as the Italy/France game goes. With all due respect to the Italians I'm sick and tired of hearing all their bitching and complaining about all the calls going against them! While they may have a point to some extent it's not like they are the only team in this tournament to get screwed! Besides, a TRUE champion doesn't make excuses for their poor performances. While the refs haven't been doing Italy any favors it's not like they've been setting the tournament on fire either. As a native Spaniard I'm only concerned as to which of these two teams would offer less of a challenge to Spain in the next round? I realy can't say. Although since we've always had less than amicable relations with the French (they are so rude to us) I guess I'll root for the Italians instead.
Well what can you say? A pretty disastrous game for Abidal and Henry. I thought Ribery's injury in the 10' minute pretty much took all the air out of the French sail and Abidal's red card in the 24' just added the final nail in the coffin. I thought Italy played well but not specatucarly. If Toni had converted even half of his chances in the first half the game would have been over by halftime. But at least with Pirlo and Gattuso absent for the upcoming match with Spain, it gives me just a glimmer more of hope that Spain can make it through to the Semifinals although I'm not booking their ticket in just yet. Italy's a team that always seems to do just enough to win. And they are an experienced team with plenty of talent left to pull it off. I still hope Spain can make it though, even if they bow out to the Dutch in the semis.
Man, black day for Barca stars. Thuram "injured," Henry's own goal and Abidal doing what he always does when forced to play central defense.
Mexes and Trezeguet, both deemed not good enough for the selection, must have been at home laughing their asses off. Mexes is one of the best central defenders in Europe, and Trezeguet over Anelka all day, all night and twice on Sundays.
Argh. My interest in Euros just ended.
Well the two best teams, Holland and Croatia are still left and the two most entertaining, Holland and Portugal too! My native country Sweden only have to get a draw against Russia and we will have some very exciting quarter finals!
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