Surely the Czech Republic will not win Euro 2004. Surely not.

Sunday's Quarter Final action:

Czech Rep. 3 Denmark 0. The Czechs break open an ugly game with 3 goals in 17 minutes to bury the Danes. They now at least match their 1976 and 1996 efforts with a trip to the Semi Finals. With the Czechs having won every game in Portugal so for, ce1994 is concerned that they will win the whole thing. The odds makers now will likely have the Czechs as the favorites now.

Now, a short Euro history on the 4 Semi Finalists:

Portugal-Semi Finalists in 1984 and 2000 when on both occasions they lost to France in extra time. As the hosts, one has to really like their chances of winning the tournament.

Holland-1988 Champions behind the goal scoring of Marco Van Basten, and players such as Gullit and Rijkaard. Semi Finalists in 1992 and 2000, when on both occasions they lost on penalties. They finished third in 1976, back when a third place game was actually played. They have stumbled onto their best team and formation, and if they are on their game, are tough to beat and exciting to watch.

Czech Republic-1976 Champions as Czechoslovakia. Beat West Germany on penalties 5-3, after the team thought that there would be a replay following a 2-2 game. Finalists in 1996 in England, when they lost on a Golden Goal to Germany. Won the last third place game played in the European Championship in 1980 when they beat Italy on penalties 9-8. Eliminated in the Group stage of Euro 2000. They have played exceptionally well in this tournament.

Greece-Had never progressed passed the group stage in the finals of a major tournament. They appeared in the 1980 European Championship in Italy and finished bottom of their group. This is a side that has exceeded expectations, probably most of all, to the amazement of their fans. They will be big underdogs to the Czechs in the second Semi Final, but if taken lightly, they'll pull the upset-just ask Portugal.

This has been a strange year in soccer. Anyone that said Porto would have won the CL can piss off. No way anyone would have picked that. Now, we have a Euro 2004 that is going to perhaps end with the Czech Republic winning it. What I would not give to be in Prague for that celebration.

ce1994

I think England would settle for challenging for the WC in two years time which is a real possibility. Of course its only possible if Brazil aren't focused but that pretty much goes for any teams chances of winning the WC.

I didn't get a chance to see the Denmark/Czech Rep match but I did watch Sweden/Holland. Not as exciting as I thought it could be until extra time happened. In the end, the better team won. When it went to penalties, you had to give the edge to Holland as Van de Saar played much better than Isaacson in spite of Holland's history in PKs.

Czech Republic mowed over Denmark and has soundly defeated some sound competition. They have to be the favorites right now with Portugal a close second as they are playing pretty well and are of course the host nation.

I just don't know about England's chances in WC 2006. Ferninand potentially being back in the lineup won't make any difference IMO. England is strong on defense so that is not their problem. They lack a creative, attacking midfielder. Scholes fits the bill the best but he is going to be 32 when WC rolls around and that is old in soccer circles. Beckham is circling the drain and Gerrard had a disastrous Euro 2004. The English midfield is lacking as compared to the competition. However, Germany is crap and France is getting ancient. Barring the sun blowing up (that is the chance the United States has of winning WC 2006), I want England to win it. They are my favorite team (outsidee the US). I just think they lack heart.

It is refreshing having a soccer discussion on the Aggie board. I was unaware there were this many soccer fans. I excpect to see all of you when the Premier kicks off.

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It is refreshing having a soccer discussion on the Aggie board. I was unaware there were this many soccer fans. I excpect to see all of you when the Premier kicks off.

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Amen to that.

I think Scholes can still do it at 32. I also think its too early to write off Beckham. He didn't have as bad a tournament as the press makes out. I mean there are at least two goals I can think off that he created. I think he'll come back properly motivated and you'll see the form he displayed in the first few months at Real when he had to prove himself. Only time will tell though. The way qualifying is nowadays, there's no guarantee that they'll even make it to Germany.

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Barring the sun blowing up (that is the chance the United States has of winning WC 2006)

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I'd say that's a fair assessment but if our young players continue to develop (Adu, Simek, Spector, Cooper) coupled with a then veteran Donovan, Beasely, Howard, Casey, Gibbs)...who knows for 2010 or 2014. I feel like one of those football posters who says we'll be really good in 2008. I can't believe I have stooped to that level.

[This message has been edited by Dre_00 (edited 6/28/2004 4:06p).]

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I excpect to see all of you when the Premier kicks off.

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We had some decent Premier discussion last season, though I think it was all on the General board. I'll definitely start a topic or two once the season rolls around.

Ok, so where is a free place to watch in Houston? I don't care how big the picture is! I paid 20 bucks to stand in Richmond Arms for the entire Sweden Dutch match. I left smelling like an ashtray. I'd rather watch and have some food. There's got to be a Greek restaurant somewhere that's showing the games!

Well, after my new friends find out which team I follow in the EPL I might not be welcome in future discussions. I am a Manchester United fan. When I started following the EPL they were the team you could see consistently in the US and I also have a English friend that is a rabid ManU fan. He thinks George Best should supplant the Queen as monarch. So that is my team in the EPL.

Scottish Premier I am a Celtic fan..
La Liga.....Barcelona
German....Baynern Munich
Dutch...don't follow
Italian....Roma

ce1994, I'm an Arsenal fan. It's a long story going back to when I was a kid and my brother played on a team named after them.

Anyway, I got to go to a game in March while in London and it was fantastic.

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I paid 20 bucks to stand in Richmond Arms for the entire Sweden Dutch match

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I didn't realize that they charged that much. Hell, I paid $20 but I got to watch it the comfort of my own home. Not quite the same atmosphere but at least I was sitting down and the food was free.

As far as who I support, I more or less follow teams that have Americans. Honestly, I always hated ManU until they picked up Howard. They are still not my favorite team but I can at least stand them. If I had to pick a team that I follow that doesn't have Americans it would be Newcastle. I have some relatives that are rabid fans so it rubbed off a bit.

I don't see enough of other leagues to really get a favorite team. I check out Ajax because of O'brien (though he's always hurt) but you don't really see Dutch Eriedivise (sp?) much.

All in all, you give me any two teams that play in one of the better leagues and I'll watch it. If they have Americans playing for them, I'll watch it much more intently.

eredivisie

Arsenal has had the best talent in the EPL for the past few years but did not have the character needed to win it. Case in point was the debacle at Old Trafford when they went after RVN like a bunch of thugs.

When I was in London a few years ago I stopped by Highbury to take a look at it. It has a certain charm about it. Since they are building a new stadium and will have increased revenue stream, look for Arsenal to be a force (it helps they are in London). Chelsea is run by a bunch of nuts so don't expect much from them.

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Ok, so where is a free place to watch in Houston? I don't care how big the picture is! I paid 20 bucks to stand in Richmond Arms for the entire Sweden Dutch match.

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Unfortunately, because America is too stupid to like soccer and Fox Sports World is too poor, you're not going to get around paying the $20 regardless of where you watch it (unless you watch the replay on FSW). In America, the tournament is only available on residential PPV or at a pub through Setanta. The agreement that Setanta has with bars and pubs states (more or less) that anyone entering the bar for the duration of the match has to pay a $20 cover. All of these cover charges are then sent to Setanta to pay for the match. (To my knowledge, Setanta doesn't license their broadcasts for a flat fee, but rather $20*however many people watch.)

Just realized the incident referred to was not the one I thought.

[This message has been edited by friend of cheese (edited 6/29/2004 1:17p).]

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Arsenal has had the best talent in the EPL for the past few years but did not have the character needed to win it. Case in point was the debacle at Old Trafford when they went after RVN like a bunch of thugs.

When I was in London a few years ago I stopped by Highbury to take a look at it. It has a certain charm about it. Since they are building a new stadium and will have increased revenue stream, look for Arsenal to be a force (it helps they are in London). Chelsea is run by a bunch of nuts so don't expect much from them.

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Yeah, I remember watching the Old Trafford incident in disbelief. Oh well, nobody beat them last year, so I'd say they've found the character. They just lose it from time to time.

You're right about Highbury though, it is a charming place, literally right across the street from houses. There's a very working class feel about the place. Chelsea are run by nuts, but who knows what money can buy.

I can admit the RVN is a diver and he is offsides on about 50% of his goals. I can also admit Keane should be in jail.

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I can admit the RVN is a diver and he is offsides on about 50% of his goals

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If the rule was to not like teams with divers than Serie A would be the least followed league in the world.

Chelsea: Well, they will eventually continue my most hated rule of soccer...whoever has the most money will win. I mean, when you buy every single player, you'll eventually get it right.

Completely random and not really Euro related, but I think I found my new sigmature.

http://www.soccer365.com/Home/page_89_75157.shtml

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Cantona: ‘I Was Supporting England’ 29/06/04

Former Manchester United hero Eric Cantona has spectacularly declared that he was behind England at Euro2004 and expressed negative feelings toward the France shirt he wore 43 times.
"I am French, but I was supporting England," said Eric the Red. "It's my country.”

"I don't want to know about France - I was born there, but I feel English.”

"In England, when a player is good like Wayne Rooney, they say he is good,” reasoned Cantona. “They give him an incentive.”

”They support him, the teammates as well as the fans.”

"The French have only negative things to say about everything and everyone,” he snorted. "They are arrogant and selfish and always need people to tell them they are the best."

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Chelsea are run by nuts, but who knows what money can buy.

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The people running Chelsea are crazy like a fox. Now, I admit to being a bit biased, but I really think they're going to be the top team in the EPL in the next two years. Even with loaded pockets, it takes a little time to get all the pieces in place.

Anyway, I'll enjoy sitting in section 147 in Seattle's Seahawk Stadium watching Chelsea take on Celtic (which is a team I think I might like) in July. It should be fun.

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Does anyone else plan on cathing a match this summer?

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[This message has been edited by BBRex (edited 6/29/2004 9:06p).]

I'm calling on the soccer gods of yesteryear to work a little magic today.

BBRex, Chelsea will certainly be up there. Personally, I hope they fail miserably, and any success they have will be cheapened in my mind, but good luck to them. They can't have massive overhauls every summer like they've had last year and this year or else it will never work.

As far as going to matches this summer, nah, the next match I go to will be on my next trip to London. Whenever that is.

now that my lads are out...i'm pulling for the Czechs. it'll be a good way to celebrate the whole finalizing their entry into the EU. i've also been to Prague so maybe that's why.

I watched the replay of the England/Portugal game the other night on FSW. England got hosed. That was a horrible call. All three players were playing the ball.

I disagree with you CE...it was an easy call to make. The dude had his hands all over the goalie impeding his chance. And having played goalie for years, anytime you have a player impeding the goalie, whether going for the ball or not, you are going to get called.

I don't know. I have seen goalies get roughed up before when they come flying out to catch a ball. I saw Howard get the hell knocked out of him when he did it. It did not look like Terry really did anything wrong.

Of course I am not versed in the rules.

I still think England got hosed. Terry was watching the ball, looking to make a play, but Campbell was in a better position and made a better jump. Terry never intentionally blocked or pushed the keeper.

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This is freakin nuts. Greece, who had previously never advanced past the group stage of any international tournament, is now going to play in the finals against the host nation. Unbelievable.

After a couple of days of not being able to log in on TexAgs.....

MB19 presents his Semi Finals summary:

Portugal 2 Holland 1. This game was a clear case of the Portuguese being dominant, especially Figo in the first half. Frankly, the hosts squandered several chances to win this thing by about 5 goals. The Dutch, in contrast, looked like 11 guys wearing the same uniform, that's it. They were about as horrible as I've ever seen Holland play. They never seemed to flow at all in this game, and in this tournament. They were lucky to receive the own goal. Van Nistelrooy's disallowed goal was correctly disallowed for offside. The goal by Maniche for Portugal rightly received the #1 spot on ESPN's Play of the Day. The Portuguese may very well have been aided by their shock opening loss to Greece, as their play has continually improved.

Greece 1 Czech Rep. 0. The Czechs had their chances against the Greeks. But when Nedved went off injured in the first half, they lost probably their most inspirational player. The Greeks, defended like Spartans (to coin a bad phrase) by putting 5 to 6 players around the man with the ball. They had no qualms about the hard tackles and fouls either. They stuck to their plan, and in the 105 minute, scored a "Silver Goal" off of Dellas' header from a corner kick. Adios favoritos. Athens goes beserk and Pierluigi Collina goes into international refereeing retirement. The Czechs have to wonder what might have been.

And while I can still post on TexAgs...hope I don't have more problems....

MB19 presents his summary for a final preview...not being a real sportswriter of course...

Portugal vs. Greece: Two sides who have never made it to the final of a major tournament. Portugal will have fanatical backing at home with their "Golden Generation" having effectively it's last international hurrah. Portugal will also be seeking revenge for their opening game loss, and we all know how hard it is to beat the same team twice in a season or tournament if you will. So Portugal have the advantage their too. They have hit their stride and appeared to have found their best team.

Greece on the other hand will be very confident going in, because they have beaten Portugal already. They've beaten the favorites and defending champs in France, beat the next favorites and hottest team in the Czech Republic and are on a roll. They had the one hiccup against Russia, after they already had qualified for the Quarter Finals, while Portugal was in a life or death game with Spain. This allowed Greece to rest some key players at that juncture. Advantage Greece.

Prediction: History says that Portugal will win the rematch. See 1988 when Holland lost to the USSR in their opener and came back to win the Final against the Soviets in Munich. I will not be surprised if this game goes into extra time. Nor will I be surprised if it goes to penalties. I'll go with the hosts and history 2-1.

Soccer fans, go ahead with your picks for Sunday's Final.

I've gotta go with Portugal as well, even though I hate Cristiano Ronaldo more than any current player anywhere. I think being the host country will give them a definite boost, as it did France in 1998.

I think Portugal gets the title. They have the home fans and the better team. Greece is just happy to be there.

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You can't count the Greeks out. They are playing some weird soccer right now. With that said I do think Portugal wins it.