Greece’s decision to let George Clooney play in goal is backfiring.
That was a pretty boneheaded move on the keeper’s part. Good match, though - fun to see Greece venturing out of their own half. 
Yes, they should bring on Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is a much more commanding presence in the penalty area. Clooney is way past his best, which was probably Out of Sight in 1998.
However, it has been quite successful in pulling in the much coveted and elusive 18 - 31 year old female viewing demographic.
I like your style. Stick around.
Greece crash out. Not surprising, giving their play. Russia could easily have been up by a couple more, but very few missed Greek chances.
Because spoilers are obviously included, trust no one has a fit for my posting my impressions of the Spain/Sweden match.
1-As I’ve mentioned before I think Aragones had a couple of better picks outside Puyol (Pablo, from Atletico comes to mind or even playing Ramos there for we have some classy RBs and Sergio is a hell of a CD. Especially when Luis doesn’t want him to wonder forward much) for CDs. Never mind. Done deal. We’re vulnerable and mistake prone. There’s always Casillas even if he’s haven’t been called-on much.
2-Great midfielders by the bucket alright – Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso, Silva, Senna, Cesc, Cazorla…-- but following his game plan, we play a sort of Brit formation where the FB become wingers as well. All well and fine, except Luis has warned both, Ramos and Capdevilla from straying up too much. Sure as shite hurting Ramo’s game.
Result, we play dominant one-touch footy in midfield yet we end-up sending our best striker, Torres, off to the right wing. Why? Because there’s no other way to open-up the field. Sure, Silva and Capdevilla manage on the left, but our right-side is unbalanced.
Solution: the forgotten Joaquin. Even if he plays just when needed (like today) he can give you thirty/thirty five minutes of hell on the right wing.
3-Sweden has shown over and over that although they might not be a top-notch contender they can make almost any match hell for their opponents – check their record against Brazil. So why score a single goal and go into holding mode? What, Luis thinks we are Italy? Pleeaze. We need to keep hammering until we are at least two goals in the clear.
4-The upside. We’ve won the group regardless of what happens in the last match (meaningless to both Greece and ourselves). Let’s get back to what we do best. Possession and attack. And let’s not wait for calls that won’t come our way - as the textbook PK on Silva at the end of the first half.
The way I see it, we play our footy and we can break the curse – even if we’re missing a critical player or three.
Italy, France or Romania in the quarters? Don’t care at the moment. Let them worry about it.
Iker, though not tested yet, Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Ramos, Puyol and Cesc need not be afraid of anyone.
Aupa España! Spanish Scourcers!
Anyone watching Turkey/Czech Rep? Simply insane.
Seconds left, bizarre send-off of the Turkish goalie, they come back from 0-2 at 61’ and go through 3-2.
It’s over. Unreal. No. Insane.
Croatia/Turkey in the quarters next.
Did NOT see that coming. Damn, what a match!
Absolutely incredible. They were dead and buried until 15 minutes from the end. That winning goal was a cracker. Players getting booked who weren’t even playing, Turkey ending uop with an outfield player in goal… mental.
Totally great finish to that game. It’s been a great tournament so far.
How stupid do you have to be to get a yellow card WHILE SITTING ON THE BENCH?!!? :smack:
Dang, that was a game.
Nihat may not have a great international rep – can’t think of a Turk that does – but he’s been busting La Liga with Real Sociedad and now, Villareal for years.
Guy’s as good a forward as they come.
Must admit admit I’m still stunned. Never thought the Turks would do it…and I mean not even make it to PKs.
Fuckin’ awesome match even if I was rooting for CR.
That was the match of the tournament, to date. Amazing. That’s why they play the whole 90.
Great second half, but surely there should have been an extra two minutes of extra time? The sending off took ages, and the yellow carding of Baros/free kick fiasco took another minute, at least. It would have been even more tense, seeing CR throw everyone forward with an outfielder in the nets.
Actually, a sending off doesn’t result in time added. It’s part of the game. So, unless there is some time-wasting in the process, it’s just counted as situation normal, clock running.
I tuned in with 10 minutes left. Huh, I thought to myself, Looks like the Czechs have this one under control. Then the fit hit the shan.
wow. Nice of the Turkish keeper to prove to the world that he is a thug.
Germany and Austria start out well, but the game lapses into a snoozefest. I’m guessing 1 - 0 will win it.
Both coaches sent off the field for arguing with each other. Gotta love it. :eek:
Ballack!!! First Free Kick Goal of the Tournament!!! 49th minute!! 1 - 0 Germany!
And what a blast it was! If that one didn’t tear the net, nothing will.
Bizarre send off of both coaches in the first half.
So we’ve got Portugal vs. Germany and Croatia vs. Turkey.
The Turks are going to be missing 7 players and I’d love to see the Germans pull this one out.
Croatia and Germany go through.