Euro 2004

[muffins]

Well who do you all think is going to qualify from the tables?
http://www.alphasoccer.net/football/statistics/euro2004tab.shtml

[muffins]

Who do you want to win it?

[Dreamer7]

I think the usual teams (the ones in the world cup) will qualify with one or two surprises. I like to see Engalnd win. :D

[muffins]

I really want all the British teams to get through and Rep of Ireland. My main concern is Wales, I really want us to qualify!

[Dreamer7]

I think Wales can qualify, they have a very good chance. I am worried about England though.

[muffins]

England will qualify. I'm sure they will. If you support England and they don't qualify(they will though!) and Wales do you can support Wales! But I don't want to say Wales will qualify cos we have a habit of getting into these positions then not qualifying and I don't want to tempt fate!

[Dreamer7]

Lol okay. So who you think will win?

[muffins]

No idea! I can hope for Wales lol! But even if we did qulaify I don't thin we're quite ready to win it. Germany I think but that's a big guess.

[Dreamer7]

I have no idea either. I used to think Germany can win but they seem to drop their form after the WC.

[lallybrooky]

My main guess for winning, would be England, Spain or Germany...possibly France, but with their form in the World Cup, it doesn't seem likely, they have 9 out of 9 though, and Henry is always a threat.

I would love for England to win, and hope that Scotland and Wales will qualify, because they're in a good position. Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland haven't started their campaign very well

[jerete]

GO SPAIN!!! :D

err yup that's all for now :)

[lallybrooky]

^ Oi you, add England or I'll cross Spain from my list :p

[db44]

I'll be rooting for Germany and Holland... Rivals I know, but my two favorite European countries. I'll root more for The Netherlands, but expect Germany to do better. I wouldn't be shocked if Germany won it all.

[cyane]

I would like to see Spain winning :cool:

[muffins]

I would say that Germany have a pretty good chance but my main concern even before the tournament has started is that Wales qualify. I'm so worried that they'll let it slip.

[jerete]

Originally posted by lallybrooky
^ Oi you, add England or I'll cross Spain from my list :p
go england :rolleyes: LOL :p

Originally posted by cyane
I would like to see Spain winning

smart girl ;)

[muffins]

Have any of you been to the qualifying matches? I went to see Wales beat Italy! Hope we keep it up! I'm also supposed to be seeing the Wales Azerbaijan game with Wales at home.

[Dreamer7]

Friendlies happening today! Hope I can catch the one between England and Australia. I think these friendlies come at a very bad timing though, especially for clubs who has so many macthes coming up and everything is getting so tense.

[lallybrooky]

*smacks Ed's booty*

Yup, I'm hoping on catching England v Oz today, the timing is awful, but I really want to see how Rooney is improving, I don't really watch many Everton matches :p He looks like he's going to be a good player, well he already is...might even be ready for Euro 2004.

[lallybrooky]

Originally posted by muffins
I would say that Germany have a pretty good chance but my main concern even before the tournament has started is that Wales qualify. I'm so worried that they'll let it slip.

I think Wales has a pretty good chance of qualifying, Giggs looks like he's back to fitness. It would be nice to have all of the UK's countries (and Rep of Ireland) in there :)

[Dreamer7]

Results all round

England 1-3 Australia

Wales 2-2 Bosnia

France 0-2 C.Republic

Spain 3-1 Germany

Italy 1-0 Protugal

Holland 1-0 Argentina

Brazil 0-0 China

Saw the Eng vs Aus match, seems that the 1st team weren't that into the match at all and they don't look serious oh well it was just a friendly, I ain't worried though. The 2nd team look more lively since they all wanted to impress, gotta give them some credit for the goal.

[jerete]

*smacks Laura's booty* you frisky girl you :mad:

all I gotta say after yesterday's game is MWUAHAHA@Khan :D
The game wasn't that spectacular but well, we still gotta wait and see how the defence does with Raul Bravo playing and hopefully for the Euro 2004 Fernando Torres will play on the big team and not just on the Sub-21 one :)

Btw, I expected more from England last night. Same with France.

[lallybrooky]

I'm not frisky :p

Congrats to Spain...pssh :p

England didn't do wonderfully well *coughs* but it was just a friendly

[muffins]

Wales broke a record! They are now 9 games unbeaten, that's a Welsh record! I was at the Bosnia game and Wales were pretty poor but who cares we got our record! And I got to see a great goal by Robert Earnshaw! Oh and Azerbaijan did us a great favour by drawing with Yugoslavia(they've changed their name but it's too long to write). This game wasn't a friendly, it was a competitive match and the two teams are in Wales' group, Yugoslavia looking like our toughest opponents. It finished 2 all. A big shock. Hope Azerbaijan don't do the same to Wales though.

[Dreamer7]

Full England Squad Named

Full squad to face Liechtenstein and Turkey in Euro 2004 qualifiers:

James (West Ham), Robinson (Leeds), Wright (Everton) G Neville (Man Utd), Mills (Leeds), Bridge (Southampton), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Campbell (Arsenal), Southgate (Middlesbrough), Woodgate (Newcastle), Terry (Chelsea) Beckham (Man Utd), Scholes (Man Utd), Butt (Man Utd), Gerrard (Liverpool), Murphy (Liverpool), Dyer (Newcastle), Jenas (Newcastle), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Lampard (Chelsea) Owen (Liverpool), Heskey (Liverpool), Vassell (Aston Villa), Jeffers (Arsenal), Rooney (Everton)

OMG, jeez Jeffers and Heskey? Why are they in? I rather see Beattie in. And where is Wes Brown, so far his performance is even better than Rio, yeah imo.

[muffins]

Well I think Sven thinks that Heskey suits Owen more than Beattie but I don't know why he would think that as they've never been given a chance together. And if Beattie did play at least England would be virtually guaranteed a goal lol! Jeffers is a good player but also a diver. I don't know why David James is in. I like him but Richard Wright and Russel Hoult have done much better this season. I won't be watching the match as I will be watching Wales at the Millennium Stadium!

[Dreamer7]

^Oh good you get to watch Wales.

I hope David James isn't the first choice keeper, I don't know but he seems prone to mistakes. Hmm, I heard some commentor mentioned that Cudicini could become England's Gk??:confused:

[Dreamer7]

The new England shirt

I say its pretty ugly.

http://www.thaitoys.co.uk/jersey/england2004_white.jpg

[db44]

It's better than that keeper kit from Euro '96 (even though I want one. ;)).

As for your post of the results, is Australia really playing in Euro 2004?!

[Dreamer7]

Oh no, that was only a friendly match.

[muffins]

Cudicini England goalkeeper? This has to be some sort of joke right? He's Italian! Lol.
Yes I will be at the Millennium Stadium watching Wales. I hope we win but we've had a few problems this week. On Monday early in the morning Craig Bellamy was said to be involved in a fracas with a Cardiff nightclub bouncer and there have been allegations that he racially abused him. I hope this isn't true because I can't tolerate racism. And I want to know why he was out at a nightclub that time of night with a crucial international game less than a week away. Mark Hughes has said that he didn't break any rules or curfews but Bellamy needs to apply common sense! I know it's only allegations at the moment but this can't be helping Wales. Also Jason Koumas just didn't turn up to report for international duty and didn't explain why at first. I did hear earlier though that he has a family grievance. If it's true then fair enough but he always seems to have an excuse not to play for Wales. I know his club are involved in a relegation battle so maybe that's a factor.

[Dreamer7]

Ooh they have a women's kit, hehe
http://www.thefa.com/static/kitlaunch/flash.htm

I know Cudicini is Italian but he is a good keeper and I wonder why he hasn't been choosen for his International squad, or did he?

I can understand if players don't want to turn up for friendlies but not an actual real match.

[muffins]

Well Italy have like the most expensive goalkeeper(I think)in Buffon. It was so good to read how much he cost Juventus and know that Simon Davies and Craig Bellamy beat him. Their goals against Italy were pretty good. It would take something good to beat the Italians. I need to stop going on about that because I'll get to obsessed and if we lose tomorrow I will hit reality with a huge bump.
That girl in the link is really lucky to be standing next to Michael Owen.
Here's the Wales kit in case anyone's interested in just looking:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/football/2334233.stm
I thought I'd link you the ones with players with the kit on. We're in the red.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/football/2495783.stm

[Dreamer7]

Thanks for posting.

So he is playing for Juventus? Hehe, didn't Man Utd beat him too. Always good to beat some world class goalie.

Yup, that lucky little girl, not only Owen but the other lads too, oh wow, but no Beckham, lol.

[muffins]

Wooooooooooohoooooooo! Wales won 4-0. Bellamy scored after about 13 seconds then Gary Speed then John Hartson and then finally Giggs. It was Giggs' first goal for Wales in three years! :eek: I hope he doesn't leave it that long to score his next one for us. It was a lovely sunny day. The anthem sounded great and no sooner had we sat down from the anthems were we up again celebrating Bellamy's goal. Unfortunately Robbie Savage and Gary Speed had to go off injured.
The mascots for the two teams were two boys from Azerbaijan who'd had a hard life and a Welsh football charity, Gol, raised money for them to come over for a four night stay and the highlight was them leading out the teams today. When Wales played Azerbaijan in Azerbaijan our fans donated kits and some money to some of the orphanages out there and they then arranged for these two children to come over. I must say, I'm impressed with our Welsh travelling fans.

[Dreamer7]

Yay, Beckham scored too! But I thought the left side was poor, well Dyer showed he has the pace but always lose the ball easily to the defenders, same goes with Bridge. Well hopefully they will improve against Turkey, will be a tricky match.

Well muffins you need not worry about Wales anymore they are already qualified right? :D

[muffins]

I'd love to be able to say yeah we are through but in fact it couldn't be further from the truth. We are only halfway through the campaign. The hard work really starts now as we've got Serbia and Montenegro and Italy away and Finland and Serbia and Montenegro at home. The away matches will be our real tests as we could do with getting results from them and Italy will have their players back not taking anything away from the fact that we beat them though, it was still a very high quality Italy side. Italy are now second as they beat Finland. I was hoping Finland would do us a favour lol.

[Dreamer7]

Hmm, I think 12 -13 points might be just enough to be qualified, so Wales does stand a very good chance (12 pts already).

Btw Brazil lost to Portugal in a friendly 1-2. ;)

[muffins]

OMG! Well done Portugal. Wales have beaten Brazil once in their history don't ask me when it was cos I don't remember it. People are saying that 17 points is enough. I don't want to say that, I think we should just do our best to win every game. Where are the people wh post on here from? Cos I find it helpful to know cos if you don't live in the same country people may not know something that others do.

[Dreamer7]

I don't know if you know already, I'm from Singapore.

[muffins]

Ah right, I didn't know that. Am I completely wrong or is SmellTheCat from Israel?
So England play tonight. I really hope Rooney isn't shoved into the spotlight too soon.

[muffins]

Well England won 2-0. A good match but was much better in the second half than in the first. I like that Rooney and I know he has bags of quality to play for England but not everyone can be as grounded as Michael Owen and been handled as well as he was/has when he was around 18. Rooney is 17. I just want to make sure that the weight of expectation isn't put on him and he doesn't get a big head. That's my worry. But my goodness did he play well tonight. He was man of the match and rightly so. Just pretty awesome throughout. Owen on the other hand was not and came off at about 55 minutes, he looked injured. I'm worried, Liverpool desperately need him on Saturday. My lovely Owen just wasn't in his usual zone tonight. Good news though, Owen and Rooney did seem to suit each other. Good goal by Vassel who came on for Owen and it had to take something good to beat Turkey's excellent goalkeeper. David James made an excellent save(probably the best I've EVER seen and I'm not exaggerating)and if had not made it it would have been 1-1. Was a bit of bother throughout and at the end of match between players and in the tunnel apparently between a Turkey player and an England trainer(Ray Clements). So I've heard anyway. England deserved to win, I'm happy for them!

[Dreamer7]

I haven't saw the match but I did saw Ronney played before and he can be impressive. Rooney has a good built which fits him at this stage but skill is one thing, attitude is another. He is very promising but he must be careful, he already got a red card (Everton) and he can be rough. He is not like Owen. Oh well time will tell. ;)

Here is a pic of Beckham with Rooney ;)
http://www.beckham-magazine.com/england/314.jpg

[muffins]

What do you mean he's not like Owen? Do you mean character wise or playing wise? Cos I know they aren't the same playing wise. But they did look as if they suited each playing up front with each other. Michael Owen was very young when he hit the scene and I don't want to tempt fate and I don't personally know him but Owen seems as if he's kept his feet on the ground and he has a good family base.

[Dreamer7]

Both, but it is too early to judge. Gosh that boy is only 17! Lol.

[muffins]

He is young so I worry lol! Well, is it me or does UEFA always seem to come down really hard on misbehaving England 'fans'(if you can call them that)and not botther about others from other countries? Example - Georgia v Republic of Ireland, Irish player has a pen knife thrown at him with the blade out and then another Irish player who scored gets a glass bottle thrown at him and misses to hit the goal post with a smack. UEFA says they'll investigate it and not much else. England v Turkey - lots of England fans arrested before during and after the match with pitch invasions. UEFA says that they may stop England fans going to the return leg in Turkey, they may make England play their next Euro qualifier behind closed doors with no fans allowed and if it happens again England may be disqualified from the competition.
While the England incident was bad and the culprits need to be punished, if you think about what was worse it is clearly the Georgia thing. Think of what could have happened if the knife and bottle had hit the intended players, the consequnces could have been dire(they could have been severely injured or even killed). Compare this to the England thing there is no question what is worse. And all UEFA said was we'll investigate it, no making them play their games behind closed doors or disqualifying them. i'm not sticking up for the England yobs but it's an observation I made. What do you think?

[Dreamer7]

I think so too.

That Georgia incident was terrible! A Knife? Gosh, the players even tried to hide the knife from the referee!

[muffins]

It was a pen knife, just disgusting really.

[muffins]

England beat Serbia and Montenegro 2-1. It wasn't a bad match. Michael Owen did a good job as captain in the first half and fed Gerrard to score. On the stroke of half-time Serbia and Montenegro equalised when the England defence fell asleep. Sven made a lot of changes at half-time, England had many captains tonight! Joe Cole came on a bit later and was playing well. Then towards the end England got a free kick near the edge of the area and Joe Cole took it and scored a very good goal! If Beckham had scored it everyone would be raving about it so let's give Cole his dues. He then took his shirt off and I must say, I didn't have any objection! Phil Neville won man of the match although I thought Owen deserved it but then again I'm so utterly biased! Actually, Phil was part of a select few who managed to last most of the match. In the post-match interview Gerrard said it was nice for Owen to "pay him one back for once!" Joe Cole was clearly very happy at scoring on his return to the squad after being relegated to the Under 21s. He seems like a sweet boy and I hope he gets a good run in the England squad. Anyone notice how much he sounds like David Beckham?

[kev316]

The game was played in my home town :D I didnt go though, watched it on TV instead

[Dreamer7]

Never saw the match, I was sleeping.;) He 'sounds' like Becks with that voice? Lol. :p

[muffins]

Yeah, I thinkt the accent is explained through them coming from near enough the same area, but I don't know how to explain the high-pitched voice! It's sweet though.

Hey, Kev(is that your actual name?), what was the atmosphere like or weren't you near it?

[Dreamer7]

Maybe he was just too happy or he screamed too much earlier on, lol. :hat:

[muffins]

LOL. No I've heard him speak like it before. It's cute though! I hope he doesn't get into anymore fracas with other Bolton players cos he seems like a nice man.

[kev316]

Originally posted by muffins
Hey, Kev(is that your actual name?), what was the atmosphere like or weren't you near it?

Yes that is my name :D

I didn't go down to the ground but from footage seen on TV it seemed to be a pretty good atmosphere. I live a few miles away from the ground, so not too far. The new stadium is like a few hundred yards away from the old ground.

[muffins]

Cool. What's the stadium like? It looked nice on TV.

[muffins]

Well done to the Republic of Ireland and Scotland for getting points in today's qualifiers.
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Albania
Scotland 1-1 Germany

Also, Finland beat Serbia and Montenegro 3-0 so Finland are now in third with 6 points. This has sorta done Wales a favour but it puts Finland back in with a chance and I hope they don't do that to Wales when they play us in Cardiff!

[kev316]

Originally posted by muffins
Cool. What's the stadium like? It looked nice on TV.

Its a nice ground. Much better than the old one. Its very much like St Mary's with blue seats

[muffins]

The turkey manager(insert name here as I don't know it, someone please tell me? :) ) has said that Slovakia can handle England. I just hope there isn't any trouble whatever happens because there's a chance that England will be kicked out of the competition if there is which would be a shame.

[kev316]

European Championship Qualifying
Group Two
Luxembourg 0 - 2 Denmark


Norway 1 - 1 Romania



Group Three
Austria 5 - 0 Belarus


Czech Republic 5 - 0 Moldova



Group Four
San Marino 0 - 5 Hungary


Sweden 3 - 0 Poland



Group Five
Faroe Islands 0 - 2 Germany


Lithuania 0 - 3 Iceland



Group Six
Greece 1 - 0 Ukraine


Northern Ireland 0 - 0 Spain



Group Seven
England 2 - 1 Slovakia


Turkey 3 - 2 FYR Macedonia



Group Eight
Belgium 3 - 0 Andorra


Estonia 0 - 1 Croatia



Group Nine
Azerbaijan 2 - 1 Serbia & Montenegro


Finland 0 - 2 Italy



Group Ten
Rep of Ireland 2 - 0 Georgia


Switzerland 3 - 2 Albania

[muffins]

Gotta love Azerbaijan! They beat Serbia and Montenegro! Yay! Pity the other match with Finland and Italy couldn't be a draw. Wales are no longer 5 points in front. Oh well, hopefully we can get a few more wins in the coming months.

I watched England and OMG the first half was dire! That's all that needs to be said about that. Then thank god for Michael Owen(saving them AGAIN!)for scoring two goals, should've had a hat-trick but never mind. I just love Michael Owen. I wish he played for Wales. Also, well done Rep.of Ireland for winning. Keep it up! OMG! N.Ireland drew with Spain! Well done to them too! Excellent result.

Frankly, the Turkey game disgusted me. A Maccedonia player was injured on the head by a missile. There seems to be a lot of trouble when it comes to playing football in Turkey. I hope UEFA clamp down on them or England will have a right to complain that they're being picked on.

[kev316]

I also watched the England game and I agree with you on the 1st half. I'm stll wondering how Lampard's goal was disallowed

[muffins]

Me too. I think the linesman was German. Now, I'm reading that right, aren't I? Northern Ireland drew with Spain?

[Dreamer7]

T4P. How was the Eng match, they didn't seem to do well? I didn't watch it btw.

[muffins]

^You'll be glad you didn't waste 45 minutes of your life lol! The first half was really, really bad. They came out of the starting blocks OK and Michael Owen missed a few chances then it all seemed to go wrong and England didn't have any shape. Slovakia were pressurising and they scored and could've scored a few more! England got booed off at half time. The second half was an improvement and Owen got a debatable penalty(but I don't care!)and then scored a great header! What would England do without him and Beckham? Sven gave Owen a montage of of moments from his 50 caps for England which I thought was nice. I love this quote from Sven too. "You don't appreciate Michael Owen, you are very spoiled to have him in this country. Once again he showed in the important games that he's very gifted." I totally agree. Some people have recently been saying that Beckham and him are over-rated. Are these people blind? If they played for Wales I'd be shouting it from the roof tops(but I have to add I love my Wales squad just as they are!). Does anyone here think they're over-rated?

Oh and here's a poll asking who you think is the most important player for England between Owen and Beckham.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/2983194.stm

[Dreamer7]

Lucky I was sleeping, my precious sleep, lol! ;)

They are not over-rated. They are both important for England.

[Dreamer7]

Turkey face UEFA investigation


UEFA today launched an investigation into the crowd trouble during the match between England's Group 7 rivals Turkey and Macedonia.

Numerous missiles were thrown on to the pitch during last night's Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul, which Turkey won 3-2.

Macedonia midfielder Sasko Lazarevski was struck on the head and riot police had to form a shield to protect any visiting player taking a corner.

Turkey are almost certain to be charged by UEFA as a result.

UEFA communications director Mike Lee told the Press Association: 'We are aware of incidents that have been reported from that game and await the match delegate's report which will cover all aspects of the conduct of the match both on and off the field.

'We have already received the referee's report and reference has been made to missiles coming on to the pitch.

'The final decision on opening a disciplinary procedure will only be taken once we have received the official delegate's report and reviewed video evidence.

'However an investigation has been opened on the basis of information already received.'

The crowd trouble raises questions about the security of England players for what is likely to be the Group 7 decider in Istanbul in October.

The FA have already decided not to take up their ticket allocation for that game to prevent trouble with England fans and are expected to make the same decision about the trip to Macedonia in September.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=269646&cc=4716

[muffins]

I think UEFA should tell them that the slightest sniff of trouble on their part means that they are out of the competition, after all that's what they did to England. What do you think UEFA should do?

[muffins]

Apparently Arsenal want Mexes but he comes with complications. I think that the big deals(minus Beckham)are made in July. So June is the rumours month!

[muffins]

Wales play Serbia and Montenegro on the 20th of August in Belgrade. This will be difficult because they have some of their players back who retired because they didn't like the last coach and they have a new coach. Plus, Wales don't have Andy Melville and key man John Hartson who we will miss badly. Another 90 minutes of edge of the seat and biting fingernails and heart in mouth stuff for me then!

Oh and Republic of Ireland beat Australia 2-1 tonight in a friendly. England Under 21s lost 3-0 to Croatia Under 21s at Upton Park and Jermaine Pennant as sent off. These Arsenal players are getting a lot of red cards lately.

[Dreamer7]

I bet these Arsenal players are cursed, lol. Oh whats bad is that Pennant is on loan to Leeds.

[Dreamer7]

Some latest results

England 3-1 Croatia
S&M 1-0 Wales
Germany 0-1 Italy
Swiz'land 0-2 France
Belgium 1-1 Holland
Uruguay 2-3 Argentina

[muffins]

I'm gonna cry. We didn't play well and it looked like we were playing for a draw which serves us right I suppose. It means we need to go to Italy and at least get a point but I don't see that happening. Two positives. Gabbidon was utter class as usual, our best player by far. Kevin Radcliffe thinks that Mark Hughes will succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and he will take Gabbidon with him to play and that he's as good as Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand. The other positive. Earnshaw(who I now wish had started)came on and looked bright and was unlucky not to score. He did everything right and took it round the keeper with great composure especially for a young lad(it was similar to Bellamy's goal against Italy)but the defender got a stud(and I mean literally a stud)to the ball and it went out for a corner. Me and my dad were half celebrating, we thought Earnie had saved us again but it wasn't to be. It was great defending by the Serb.

I hope Hartson's fit for the Italy match because if we want any chance of getting anything out there then we need him. I'm nervous now. I think we could struggle now.

[kev316]

If you get a result against Serbia at home you're guaranteed a place in the play-offs right?

Anyone watch the England game? The 3-1 scoreline flattered them I think

[muffins]

No I was watching Wales but the fact that Owen scored cheered me up a little. I don't want us finishing in a play-off place especially since we have been top for a while. The countries who look like finishing second in the other groups are good teams we could struggle against. It's happened to Wales before and can you forgive me for thinking it will happen again? If we get a play-off place then I know we'd get the loser of the England Turkey group. I wouldn't like Turkey and I wouldn't like to have England either. I'm disappointed but I'll get over it. There are more important things than sport.

[kev316]

Is that confirmed the runner up in Wales' group will face the runner up of England's group? I hope that isnt the case even though i'd really like to see a Wales vs England match. They should arrange a friendly game lol

[muffins]

No, it's not. It's just like some things you know are going to happen. It's kinda like fate LOL. The last time England played a play-off they had Scotland didn't they?

They should arrange a friendly game lol

LOL, that should go in the quotes thread. Like Wales and England could ever have a friendly at anything, even tiddlywinks! If they did arrange a friendly then everyone should refer to it like a "friendly."

[muffins]

Wales play Italy in the San Siro this Saturday and I'm already nervous! I keep telling myself "It's only football" but we are one point off guaranteeing a play-off place and if we didn't even finish in the top two it would be oh so heartbreaking; plus Wales means so much to me, even at tiddlywinks LOL! It should be a good atmosphere but Craig Bellamy is a doubt and the Jason Koumas could step in with Simon Davies taking a wider role or Robert Earnshaw could come in as a direct replacement. I know this kid will be itching to play, especially this game. It's gonna be so hard, I don't wanna sound pessimistic but I am anyway, I don't see us winning. Then we've got Finland next Wednesday in a must win home game which I'm going to. I'm gonna sing the antehm as loud as I've ever sung it to get pumped up and try and cover up the nerves!

[muffins]

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/3076812.stm?dynamic_vote=ON#vote_bellamywales_04_09_2003

Ah man. The whole club v country row has kicked off again. :rolleyes: Sir Bobby doesn't want Craig to play but Wales have declared him fit. To be fair, Newcastle (not Wales) are the ones who have spent thousands and thousands of pounds on getting him to see knee specialists and to get him better. But what I DO NOT like is Newcastle labelling Wales and Mark Hughes "disrespectful" and "disgusting" for not trusting Sir Bobby. Where do they get off saying that? I'm sure Sparky isn't thick and wouldn't risk Craig for the sake of one match which we could win or lose with or without him. I think an independent medical official passed him fit as well as the Wales medical team with the Newcastle medics present. Sir Bobby has said that it's up to Craig but if he comes back injured there will be hell to pay. We don't want to totally sever ties with Newcastle becuase they have two important Wales players, one of them our captain, and we don't want them to turn round one day when we really need them and say "No."

Personally, I wouldn't play Bellers because I trust Sir Bobby. I think Craig needs rest and it was only three weeks ago Craig was in Sir Bobby's office worrying about his career because his knee had flared up again. Craig may feel fit now, but what about in the long run? Craig is a good and important player for Wales but it's not like he's John Hartson! We don't have sufficient back up when big John is out but we have two possible options to replace Craig! Robert Earnshaw could be brought in as a direct replacement and is just as fast if not faster than Craig but doesn't have as much experience as him, but neither does our other option. Jason Koumas is a bit older than Earnie and has played in the Premiership but still isn't as experienced as Craig. If Koumas played then the formation would have to change a bit with Hartson being the lone striker and Davies dropping into a more midfield role which I don't like him in. I'd play Earnie, and I know he'll be itching to play! Then again, I'm not he manager. What do you think about the whole thing?

[muffins]

Well tonight is the night. I hope there isn't any trouble from our fans and I hope they make a lot of noise! I wanna hear that anthem! I'm so nervous, plus Roddick's in the semis of the U.S. Open. I should have stuck to not liking sport, my life was less stressful then! Scotland won I think and Republic of Ireland are currently drawing.

[Dreamer7]

England managed to scrape a 2-1 victory thanks to Rooney and Beckham. Congrats to Rooney. Their 1st half was poor, overall not very convincing.

What happened to Wales? I only saw until the first goal, then in the end it became 4-0. I guess they lost their concentration.

[muffins]

Lost their shape and belief. One positive, Earnie looked good when he came on and will hopefully start on Wednesday now Bellamy is out. I don't see how we'll win on Wednesday or how we'll qualify now but at least I've had some good memories from this qualification round.

[wild and free]

<---- points to avatar.

Need I say more?!

Congrats Wayne!!

[muffins]

I wasn't happy about that either, I wanted Michael to retain his record. Nothing against the Roonster of course. It must be so easy to be an England supporter.

[Dreamer7]

I understand^. Well footballers are getting younger and younger, one day someone will break Rooney's record too.

[muffins]

There'll be pre-teens before we know it! LOL!

It's a disgrace. England players racially abused and Wales supporters a target for missiles. Apparently, Wales fans had things thrown at them and the policing wasn't very good. They were singing loud and proud even when we were a few goals down and then they grew quiet probably because of the things being thrown at them. Up till now, our Wales fans have had good times abroad for this qualification round. My local newspaper even reports that some Italian 'fans' urinated on Wales. I don't know if this is true but the missiles story seems to be true. My dad knows someone who went so he'll ask him next week when he sees him. Our Wales fans are pretty good fans I think. I hope UEFA come down hard of Italy if these things are true because they did when England had crowd trouble.

[Dreamer7]

During the England match they showed us an incident that happened in the crowd and officials were all looking worried, seemed like someone got injured or something. It is really sad and stupid if fans just get hurt/die like that, when all they want to do is cheer for their own country.

[Dreamer7]

Results

England 2-0 Liechtenstein
Wales 1-1 Finland
Italy 1-1 S&M

Yay, I realised this is my 3rd time reaching 1000 posts, lol. :p

[muffins]

I'm glad that we got a play-off place because I can't even remember the last time we finished second! But we could have gone top because Italy slipped up. They won't against Azerbaijan no matter what Wales do against Serbia and Montenegro. I just hope we don't get Spain, Holland, Czech Republic, Turkey or Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. At the beginning of the group all fans would have bitten your arm off for a play-off place, but because we had a great start our expectations were raised.

[muffins]

Italy are fined 27,000 pounds for failing to control the crowd against Wales. UEFA want to also begin disciplinary proceedings against Wales because apparently some Walesfans reacted badly to polic. I think this was probably because our fans were having bottles of urine, chairs and other missiles thrown at them and the police wouldn't do anything or let them out. I wasn't there but this is what I've heard from some fans.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/wales/3143626.stm

[Dreamer7]

When is the next round of qualifers? I hope there wouldn't be any problems at the Turkey and England game.

[muffins]

The next Wales and England matches are on Saturday the 11th of October. I assume all the other matches will be around the same day. Looks like the Wales match will be an evening kick-off. Italy want to play their game in the evening and rules state that games from the same groups on the same day have to be played at the same time. And Italy will probably get their way. I can watch the England game first then go off to the Wales game.

And then dum dum duuuuuum! It's the play-off draw a few days later. I'm going to be so nervous.

[kev316]

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been axed for Holland's final Euro 2004 qualifier.

The Manchester United striker has been left out of the Group Three showdown with Moldova for disciplinary reasons, the Dutch Football Association have confirmed.

Van Nistelrooy spat at the ground in the direction of the Dutch coach and booted a water bottle in disgust after being substituted in last month's defeat by the Czech Republic.

He was taken off 20 minutes from the end of the 3-1 reverse in Prague on September 10 - a result that sent the Czechs through to the 2004 finals in Portugal and consigned the Dutch to the play-offs.

Van Nistelrooy has apologised to Advocaat for his behaviour and accepted that he will not be involved in his country's final qualifier at home to the Moldovans on October 11.

[muffins]

If Wales gets Holland in the play-offs, could they please leave him out of that team as well? LOL. I don't suppose they would, would they?

[muffins]

Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh has been called to the Republic of Ireland squad for their next Euro 2004 qualifier after a four year absence. Well done Kav!

[muffins]

David Beckham looks set to be fit for next Saturday. I read an interesting article toay saying that maybe the team should turn to Owen to lead them. Beckham will wear the armband but the writer said that Owen's cool temperament would be helpful in a game ike this.

[muffins]

Obviously, poor ickle Michael Owen is a major doubt for this Saturday. I am so worried for him.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3164242.stm

[muffins]

Owen is apparently 50-50 for the match against Turkey. If he can't play, which looks likely, then it will be a major blow. I was reading a good article in the Daily Express on Friday saying that although David Beckham will wear the captain's armband, England might do well to look to Owen as an example to the rest of the team. Sometimes Beckham and other players have "too much passion" which sees them get booked or even sent off; this would not help England, obviously. The writer also said that the Turkey match will be a cauldron of tension and maybe even hate and that Owen's calm nature would really help England in a situation like this. He then said that the Rooney - Owen partnership has masses of potential and that it is the older striker's duty to guide Rooney through the pitfalls in international football. LOL, I thought it was funny the way he referred to Owen as the "older striker". I know he's five years Rooney's senior but it makes him sound like Alan Shearer who is in his thirties! It does seem like Owen has been around foreve though. Back to the article, I thought it was a very good article and I agree with it totally. Problem is, they may not have Owen to look to.

[muffins]

I just read this article on Michael Owen.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/england/3165936.stm
I love it! I don't quite agree that he is their most important man though, him and David are both equally important. I do think Owen would have been more important this Saturday though, with his cool head. It's official. I'm Owen obsessed!

[Dreamer7]

This topic has been debated in a lot of the football forums and by most reporters. I don't think you can compare them at all just like that. One creates the goals and the other scores them.

[muffins]

Yes, that too. It's hard to compare players who play in different positions but I think this writer was talking in terms of what they bring to the table. I think they are both equally important. More often than not, it is either Becks or Owen who bring them back from the brink. I'm not trying to imply they are a two man team though, because they certainly aren't that!

Simon Davies won't be fit for this week's game, hopefully he will be for the play-offs because he's good for Wales. Scotland seem to have hit an injury crisis and Northern Ireland have had a few withdrawls. Luckily, Republic of Ireland don't seem to have any worries. Good luck to all the home nations and Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland can't qualify but all the others are in with a chance. I obviously want Wales to win but ours in a way is the least important because we have a play-off place unless Azerbaijan get something against Italy, which is as likely as me becoming England manager!

[Dreamer7]

Man Utd's Rio Ferdinand failed to attend a drug test and is considered to be drop for the Turkey match. :eek: The squad list is not out yet but soon.

[muffins]

It's totally horrible what's happened to poor Rio. Owen has been included in the squad. His chances of playing are still 50-50.

[kev316]

I don't think Owen will make it this Saturday. I just hope they don't risk him if he isn't fit.

How can you forget a drugs test? lol

[Dreamer7]

The 23-man England squad to face Turkey in this Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier is:

(Goalkeepers) James (West Ham), Robinson (Leeds), Walker (Leicester);

(Defenders): P Neville (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), A Cole (Arsenal), Bridge (Chelsea), Mills (Leeds), Campbell (Arsenal), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (B'ham City);

(Midfielders): Beckham (Real Madrid), Lampard (Chelsea), J Cole (Chelsea), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Butt (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Gerrard (Liverpool), Scholes (Man Utd);

(Forwards): Owen (Liverpool), Heskey (Liverpool), Beattie (Southampton), Rooney (Everton).

....

I doubt Owen will play too. It is a bit weird to see Beckham (Real Madrid), lol!

I was also wondering how can Rio forget a drug test, I'm sure he was reminded a number of times? The FA should have waited till the truth is out but too late to be undone.

[muffins]

Maybe no-one reminded him. I still don't think drugs testing in sports is of the highest quality still. Sometimes things just slip your mind, don't they? And he was moving house, a stressful time. He had one 36 hours later. Anyway, Beckham is leading a string of England players who say that they won't play if Rio isn't re0instated. Nice to see a bit of loyalty for once, but England will need them and won't want this. Plus, Sol Campbell has an FA hearing. Not the best timing by the FA.

I doubt Owen will play either. Poor love. He missed the last qualifier for the World Cup too. Robbie Savage is in a fitness race for Wales too. But, difference is he could have been rested anyway because it's highely unlikely Italy wouldn't beat Azerbaijan so I think Sparky was going to rest a few players because of fear of injury and bookings.

[Dreamer7]

Oh my gosh, this whole thing has become worse. Beckham & co will surely play, I never believed the strike anyways, it was silly. England are creating trouble for themselves. If they lose in that game, they will be in more serious trouble.

Campbell escaped with a £20k fine and Owen won't be playing.

[kev316]

What a mess these past 2 days have been. Finally the focus can now be on the game.

[muffins]

I think I'm the only fan who actually sorta backed the players. I may be Welsh and some people may accuse me of wanting England to fail but that's not true. I just thought it was nice to see them sticking up for their friend and I do actually support England. I can understand the fan's anger though. This is an important game and I'd be worried if Wales were in this position and started talking of not playing. The play-offs are a worrying time and no-one would WANT to go through them if they could have qualified automatically.

Savage won't be fit for Wales for this Saturday's game. Owen did not fly out and won't play. Awww, I feel for him and the England team. I still hear people calling him over-rated. If you don't like then we'll find him a Welsh granny and he'd be quite welcome to come and play for us LOL!

[Dreamer7]

I just hope they really come together and win the match. I understand they wanted to stick up for Rio, they can say their displeasure but if the strike was true than it was a bit childish on their part, thats all. Then again we don't really know how played out was all this by the media.

[muffins]

Beckham has now claimed that the 'crisis' is now over and says that the row is now behind them. He also recognises that Rio shouldn't have missed thedrugs test but wasn't happy with the things that happened after.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3179816.stm

The Republic of Ireland play Switzerland this weekend and apparently the Swiss are having some internal squabbles and this may help the Republic of Ireland.

I also would just like to say good luck to Wales, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan (lol! :P ) with their qualifiers this weekend. All but Northern Ireland still have a chance of qualification but I wish Northern Ireland luck because it'd be nice for them to get a bit of pride restored and score!

[muffins]

In the under-21 matches Wales narrowly lost to Serbia and Montenegro 1-0. England also lost 1-0 to Turkey I think. Scotland beat Lithuania 3-2 in a thriller. Northern Ireland beat Greece and Republic of Ireland beat Switzerland 2-0 away from home. Those are the under-21 scores.

[muffins]

OK, I'm kinda upset right now, so I won't say much apart from well done England for qualifying and Scotland for getting a play-off. Wales - you'll have to buck up your ideas!

[Dreamer7]

Phew, embarrassing penalty miss by Beckham! But they managed to keep out the Turkey players under such a difficult stress. Sven's tatics at the end paid off well. Well done! :D

Wales still has another chance in the play-offs right. How did they played today? Lets see who they will get for the play-offs, at least there is still a chance, I reckon.

[muffins]

Wales played well the first half but didn't the second half. Actually, Mark Hughes didn't play his proper team, he played around with a few other players. If we have any chance of winning the play-offs we have to have a full strength team. That's how we beat Italy.

[Dreamer7]

Play-offs draw are out:

Latvia v Turkey
Scotland v Holland
Croatia v Slovenia
Russia v Wales
Spain v Norway

[muffins]

Hmmmm, quite a tough one there. But not as tough as poor Scotland. So, now I have to hold my breath for a month and hope that the Wales players stay fit and out of trouble. Fat chance of that happening LOL.

[Dreamer7]

Oh dear, England and Turkey players might be facing charges due to tunnel brawl.

[aaronzangel109]

I don't care who wins I just like soccer!!!!!!!!!

[muffins]

That's nice to be a neutral, much easier lol!

With this brawl, Houllier has said that for Heskey to be involved it must have been something bad. Alpay is now claiming that an England player spat on his Turkey badge.

[Dreamer7]

Alpay is full of rubbish. He is making people hate him. Since that incident, he had several different takes of the incident and obviously is now out to get Beckham, again, though he wants to play the victim. I also heard even the Villa fans don't quite like him. Who can believe him?

[muffins]

Another club v country row between Newcastle and Wales is set to erupt after Craig Bellamy turned up at Newcastle on Monday morning with a bad knee again. Newcastle aren't said to be pleased with Wales and say that the Wales camp isn't treating him right. Well, I can understand their frustration but a player risks injury every time he plays, especially when he plays for his country. Would there be the same fuss if Keiron Dyer had come back from Turkey injured? The Wales camp has said that when he left Wales Craig was fine. Frankly, this is getting annoying.

[muffins]

So it's the play-offs tomorrow! Argh! I just want it to be over so I know what Wales will be doing next summer! I'm so nervous. We have a few injuries which doesn't help. Simon Davies, Robert Page, Mark Pembridge and Craig Bellamy are all ruled out. Russia's home record is amazing which makes me feel worse! Good luck our boyos in Moscow! We're all proud of you back here!

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by Dreamer7
Play-offs draw are out:

Latvia v Turkey
Scotland v Holland
Croatia v Slovenia
Russia v Wales
Spain v Norway



i'll watch scotland vs holland tomorrow!
keep my fingers crossed for the scots. i'm not a big fan, but i actually don't like the guys from holland.............that's why...

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by muffins
So it's the play-offs tomorrow! Argh! I just want it to be over so I know what Wales will be doing next summer! I'm so nervous. We have a few injuries which doesn't help. Simon Davies, Robert Page, Mark Pembridge and Craig Bellamy are all ruled out. Russia's home record is amazing which makes me feel worse! Good luck our boyos in Moscow! We're all proud of you back here!



then good luck to your team!!!! :)

[muffins]

Wales is a small nation of about 2.9 million people and rugby is the dominant sport here. The last time Wales qualified for a major tournament was back in the 1958 World Cup where they reached the quarter finals where they were beaten by Brazil 1-0(Pele). We were in the 1976(?)Euro competition but you didn't have to qualify then and we didn't win a match LOL! I'm only 18 so I've never seen them play in a major tournament and it's long overdue. Pleeeeeeeeease win!

[Dreamer7]

Interesting facts about your country. Here our population is about 4 million and can you imagine how populated is it?

What injury is Owen suffering from? Lucky England are only playing a friendly.

[kev316]

If Wales keep it tight, even if they lose by the odd goal I think they will have a good chance in the 2nd leg.

[kev316]

I think Owen has an ankle injury.

[muffins]

Yes, Owen has an ankle injury. Play-off first leg results:
Russia 0-0 Wales
Scotland 1-0 Holland (get in there!)
Latvia 1-0 Turkey
Spain 2-1 Norway
Croatia 1-1 Slovenia

[glamour-gal]

the scots won!!!! :D
did anybody watch this match???
hehehe......poor holland....lol...


not bad for wales, eh?!
they still have a chance!!!


let's see what they gonna do on wednesday then......

[muffins]

Considering during the qualification groups Russia won all of their home matches and scored 15 goals I think a goaless draw is very good from a Wales perspective. We have to win on Wednesday though, the job is only half done. I didn't see all of Scotland, I saw about 15 minutes. I hope they win on Wednesday but my mind will be on Wales' game. I'll be there, it'll be very tense.

[glamour-gal]

good luck then!! :)

[Dreamer7]

Russians want Giggs to be banned?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=283537&cc=4716

[muffins]

Yes, they do. I'm convinced UEFA don't like us so they probably will ban him lol! To be fair, he did elbow the guy but he didn't hurt him because if you watch the guy falls dramatically to the floor like many seconds after Giggs did it. And, Giggs suffered an injury scare because one of their tackles on him was very bad. The elbowing incident happened after this 'tackles.' I am off to pray and hope they don't ban him.

[glamour-gal]

awwwwww......... tomorrow's scotland playing again!!! fingers crossed for them!!!! :D
no holland!!!!!!!!!!!!!


and of course good luck for the welsh guys!!!!! :)

[muffins]

Yes, come on Scotland! UEFA have charged Giggs with improper conduct but they said they won't ban him from the second leg. I am getting extremely nervous now. I'll be there at the stadium cheering on the lads. I haven't been this anxious since my exam results LOL! Quite scary to think this time tomorrow I will know who goes through or if it goes to penalties.

[glamour-gal]

yeah, heard that about giggs.

i'll keep all my fingers crossed for your team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and you keep your fingers crossed for the scots!! :)


ttys

[Dreamer7]

Heartbreaker, I guess...

Holland 6-0 Scotland
Wales 0-1 Russia
Norway 0-3 Spain
Latvia 2-2 Turkey

[glamour-gal]

did anybody of u watch the scotland game yesterday??
it was so frustrating!!! 6:0!!!! :cry:
there were quite a few emotions in it..... no wonder....
unfortunately holland goes to euro 2004!! :(


hey, and sorry for wales!! i was thinking at your guys all the time....

[muffins]

Awww, thanks guys. It was disappointing but I'm less disappointed than I thought I'd be. I'm quite upbeat actually. There was a terrorist attack in Turkey today in which lots of people have died. There are much more important things than football and indeed sport. I am disappointed but at least we didn't get whooped 6-0 like the poor Scots, bless them. Atmosphere was great in and around the stadium. Unfortunately, some Wales fans booed the Russian anthem which disgusted me because although it was probably expected reagarding what happened with Russian fans on Saturday, it still isn't right. It's totally disrespectful. And, I have to give it to the Russian fans, they filled their slot of the stadium and made a lot of noise too. What must they think of us? Then, Bryn Terfel(Welsh baritone)sang the Welsh anthem and this was amazing. The roof wasn't over but it was still so loud and everyone was singing; we may not have won the play-off but we certainly won the singing competition LOL! The match I suppose wasn't that good if you were a neutral but I was so anxious and nervous I didn't care at the time. I hated the referee, didn't do a good job at all and the crowd made that known to him in no uncertain terms when someone shouted at him "Ref, you put on the wrong shirt!" The goal was deflating but the crowd kept singing and it was fairly early in the game so there was a while to score two goals for us to win the match. We just wish the scorer hadn't been that cheating player that tried to get Giggs sent off, and it was such a soft goal to give away too. Hartson missed a good chance, then Giggs did and Speed too. Then I started to think it wasn't our night. We just didn't perform like I know we can. We missed Bellamy and Davies, especially Davies. As I said, I give credit to the Russian fans. However, I can't say the same for the players. They cheated and deceived the referee all night. A factor that most teams have I know but I still hate it! Then, the guy in front of me started slagging off Mark Hughes for not starting with Robert Earnshaw(he's scored 19 goals in 19 games this season for Cardiff City and when he did come on he couldn't be brought into the game much but at first he did frighten the one Russian guy because he ran off on one of his electric runs and the guy had to foul him otherwise Earnie would have been away!)and then other people started to slate Hartson. People have short memories! If it wasn't for those two we wouldn't have even been in the play-off! A few minutes before the end a few people started to leave which happens everywhere I know but I think you should stay until the end of a match no matter what the score is. The final whistle went and the players just looked distraught. Giggs ran straight off, Melville hung his head and looked to be crying and Speed whipped his captain's armband off straight away and threw it to the floor. People around me were crying and this one guy had to drag his mate away from the stadium and give him comforting hugs. The stadium then started to sing a saddened yet proud "Wales, Wales!" The tannoy announcer, Ali Yassine who is an absolute mad man and helps to warm up the crowd, said "Don't worry, we'll be back!" I hope he's right.

I'm not the sort of person who goes to the pub much but I made an exception this time. I was very good, I only had Coca Cola! Me and my dad's friends started having a match post-mortem. We came up with some positives though! Gabbidon was our best player on the night. He also plays for Cardiff City but doesn't grab as much of the headlines as Earnshaw because he doesn't score. His job is at the other end of the pitch, defending. And boy does he defend! We call him Mr. Cool because he never panics and doesn't seem to put a foot wrong for Wales. He's only known the Nationwide leagues but you'd never know it if you saw him playing for Wales. He looks so classy! My dad even joked he'd been on some sort of drugs before the match LOL! Seriously, he is ice cool and is very deceptive. He doesn't look like he's moving far when in actual fact he's moving quite quickly. Newcastle and Arsenal were reportedly interested in him before. He's been rated at around 10 million. Sam Hamman(Cardiff City owner)is quite rich and doesn't really need to sell any players so the only way him and Earnie are going is if Cardiff stop moving forwards and the club or them decide that they understandably want to reach their potential. I know they want to do that with Cardiff but if that's not possible then I think it's only fair to let them reach their potential because I tell you, I think they should be playing at a higher level! We think after last night's performance Gabbidon's rating may have just gone up a bit! Back to the beginning of the match, we saw David Moyes(Everton manager)outside the stadium waiting to go in. I thought he was there to watch Robbie Savage but it's unusual to go and see possible players you want signed at internationals, isn't it? He may want Gabbidon now LOL! And anyway, he's Scottish so we don't know why he wasn't watching Scotland! Next year in Euro 2004 I support England and underdog champions Latvia!

[kev316]

Aww, damn I really wanted and thought Wales could qualify. I guess that the lack of strength in depth of the squad showed last night. I didn't fancy Scotland to get through, even when they won the 1st leg. Shocker is Turkey are out!

[kev316]

Pot one: Portugal France Sweden Czech Republic
Pot two: England, Germany, Italy, Spain
Pot three: Holland, Croatia, Denmark, Russia
Pot four: Bulgaria, Latvia, Greece, Switzerland

[Dreamer7]

Thanks for posting, muffins.

Poor Scotland, they really got trashed competely.

So the groups are selected one from each pot?

[glamour-gal]

hey muffins!
thanx for your review!!! :)

let's see what's gonna be on nov 30 then!!!!
hope for a good drawing!!!

btw, am i the only one here, who's not supporting england??? :confused:


i'm glad that turkey is out!
they had all my sympathies after world cup 2002, but then they gambled all away....


is anyone of you going to portugal next year????

[Dreamer7]

I will be supporting England...hehe, but I don't think they will win. ;)

And nope I won't be going, its too far for me. Lol.

[glamour-gal]

are you from the uk??
nope, i won't go to portugal :(

[Dreamer7]

Originally posted by glamour-gal
are you from the uk??
nope, i won't go to portugal :(

Nope, I'm from Singapore, SE Asia. ;)

[muffins]

If Wales had got through I think my dad was going to try and persuade me to go but we definitely won't be now. I'll just watch it on the TV!

[glamour-gal]

oh, from singapure?! well, that's definately a loooong way......

i won't go either.... but, hey, we've the tv!! :)

[Dreamer7]

Hehe, can see much better on TV too.

[glamour-gal]

right! :)

will u be able to watch all the matches live on tv??
i won't! :cry:
just some, i guess......

[Dreamer7]

I don't think so, cause the timings won't be right, just some for me too...;)

[glamour-gal]

oh dear, i forgot about the time difference in asia... sorry!

well, i won't be able to watch those, 'cause they just won't show all of the matches here - and that's really, really unfair!!

[muffins]

I should be able to see most of the matches. I'll make sure I see the England ones. Don't worry, if you want me to I'll give you reports on the matches I see.

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by muffins
I should be able to see most of the matches. I'll make sure I see the England ones. Don't worry, if you want me to I'll give you reports on the matches I see.


awwwwwwwwww!!!
that'd be awesome!!!! :D
i wish i could be in portugal or at least in the uk/ireland to watch all these matches..........

but thanx, that's a really, really nice offer!!
:)

[muffins]

Only if you want me too. My match reports can get quite long, LOL.

[glamour-gal]

it doesn't matter....:)
sure, i'd love to read your reports!!!!! pleeeeaaassseeee!!!! :D

[muffins]

OK then, I will. I have to warn you though that my reports may include heavy praise of Michael Owen lol!

[glamour-gal]

well, i'll wrap those then....lol....
however, i'll try my best to watch as many matches as possible.... it's still such a long time till june..... but i'm really looking forward!! :)

[muffins]

Mark Hughes has said he will stay on as Wales manager through their World Cup 2006 qualification campaign. Hopefully we can now build on the things Mark has already brought us these past few years and qualify for once!

[glamour-gal]

yeap, mark seems to be a very good manager for wales!
good luck for the future!

[muffins]

Thanks. We deserve to get to one championship soon. There are quite a few players in the Welsh squad who should be playing on the international stage at the highest level.

[glamour-gal]

By STEVE BREMNER

ZINEDINE ZIDANE has warned France to watch out for England at Euro 2004.


The Real Madrid ace believes Sven Goran Eriksson's men have a great chance of glory in Portugal next summer.

And he insists France must be on their guard to repel the threat of Becks and Co — or risk being dethroned.

France are desperate to make up for their shocking World Cup
performance by retaining the European Championship they won in spectacular style in Holland and Belgium four years ago.

England, Spain, Germany and Holland all fancy their chances next
June. But Zidane insists Sven's men are the ones to watch.

He said: "England has a great tradition in international football.

"You must remember that England reached the semi-finals of Euro '96 and this team made the quarter-finals of the World Cup last summer before losing to Brazil.

"Italy, Argentina and France did not make it that far, so we do not compliment England for the sake of putting pressure on them."

Zidane knows all about the passion and pride of England having played alongside skipper David Beckham in Spain this term.

And he reckons England could not find a better player to lead the
Euro glory charge.

He said: "I met David a number of times before he signed for Real
Madrid and I obviously saw a lot of him in the Champions League and when he played for England, so I always knew how good he was.

"He has adapted well to the Spanish game and settled into the Real Madrid system perfectly. This is the sign of an excellent player."

The football world were stunned by France's dismal showing in Japan and South Korea as they crashed out in round one having failed to score a goal.

But Zidane reckons Les Bleus will not make the same mistakes twice.

He said: "There is a degree of pressure for us to succeed. But the
difference between Euro 2004 and last year's World Cup is we've had to qualify for this tournament.

"This has meant we have had competitive games to play to keep us on edge that you could argue we lacked last time."

Zidane is pictured holding the new adidas Roteiro football — the
official ball of Euro 2004.

It is the world's first seamless ball and the most advanced ever made.

The new design makes the ball more predictable in flight. And Zidane added: "I have a very good first impression of the new Roteiro.

"At first touch it feels good. When you hit the ball, there are no
stitches and you have the impression of hitting one large surface. I think the ball has been very well designed.

"Now I look forward to using it in a game."

[Dreamer7]

Euro 2004

Group A
Portugal
Greece
Spain
Russia

Group B
France
England
Switzerland
Croatia

Group C
Sweden
Bulgaria
Denmark
Italy

Group D
Czech Republic
Lativa
Germany
Holland

[muffins]

Oooooooh, I so cannot wait for next summer! I really can't wait to see France v England. Plus, other great games such as Portugal v Spain and Germany v Holland. Roll on Euro 2004!

[Dreamer7]

Yes, I'm looking forward to France vs England battle. Interesting!!

[glamour-gal]

awwwwwwwww, what a great drawing!!!!!!!

i'm soooo excited!!!!
really can't wait!!! :p


so who are your faves in all these groups?
my ones are:

Group A: Spain and Portugal
Group B: France and England
Group C: Sweden and Italy
Group D: Germany and Czech Republik

[muffins]

I don't really have a favourite from each group but I hope England and Latvia do well.

[glamour-gal]

i'm for italy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
italia per sempre!!!


hey, why latvia???

[muffins]

Well, I'm not aware of any Latvian relatives and I don't really have any sort of affinity or tie to the country other than that they are the only underdog from the play-offs to get though, I call them the champions of the underdog! Hehe.

[glamour-gal]

...lol... why not.... :)

[kev316]

I cant wait untill the finals

[glamour-gal]

........lol......... right!!!
still a loooooooooong way!! :p

[muffins]

Ooooh, there's a bit of contrversy brewing. A Russian player, Titov I think, failed a drugs test after the first leg of the Russia v Wales play-off which was in Russia. He didn't play that match but played an hour of the leg in Cardiff four days later. I can't recall the substance that was found but it increases alertness and makes you have a bit more energy but it can also mask th use of other drugs. Anyway, Wales are appealing to UEFA to either replay the match or ban Russia from the tournament and overurn the result to a 3-0 win for Wales. Football Association of Wales are not said to be hopeful of UEFA overturning the result but are determined to try. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I think I'd feel very angry if a Wales player had failed a drugs test and we'd won the play-off and were then banned from the tournament and only one player failed the test, it'd be a shame for him to let down the rest of the team when it's not their fault. On the other hand, I know if it was the other way around Russia would fight for Wales to be banned and I think only 2 players from each team are tested so(and I'm not accusing anyone, I want to make that clear)no-one really knows how many of the players could have failed a test too if they had to have had one taken.

[glamour-gal]

always drugs.... i really can't stand this stuff!!! :evil:

[Dreamer7]

I don't understand why these professionals need to use drugs? If they want to do so then quit playing already. What's worse are the ones who use them just to win.

[glamour-gal]

not only professional players, everbody who's taking drugs!!!

[muffins]

The Russian player is claiming to have been given medication for an ailment the night before the first leg against Wales and thinks that the banned substance was from that. Needless to say, the Russian medic person was sacked lol. UEFA will hear Wales' case next Tuesday.

[glamour-gal]

By Andy Dunn


ENGLAND aim to recapture the spirit of 1966 when they unveil another new strip next month.

The SP can reveal that the latest kit will make its debut when Sven Goran Eriksson's men play a friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg on March 31.

And it will be the same shade of red Bobby Moore and his team-mates wore to glory at Wembley nearly 38 years ago.

Manufacturers Umbro will be using state-of-the-art material but, like in '66, the shirt will have a traditional round neck.

After introducing it on their latest shirt, Umbro have again
incorporated a gold star to mark England's one World Cup win - this time above the Three Lions badge instead of on the sleeve.

The new strip will be worn during the Euro 2004 campaign but is not specially made for the tournament. Umbro say it is due under the normal cycle.The home and away strips are replaced every two years, meaning there is a new England kit every 12 months.

As with other recent strips, I also understand that Eriksson, David Beckham and other senior players had a say in the design.

Umbro are trying to keep the kit under wraps until the launch.

Thankfully, it will not be of the figure-hugging kind worn by
England's Rugby Union team and by Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Eriksson's latest appointment has started his duties in the England set-up.

As exclusively revealed by the SP, Roland Andersson has been
recruited to compile dossiers on England's rivals in Portugal.

The Swede - who scouted for his home country AGAINST England in the last World Cup - has now joined Eriksson and his assistant Tord Grip to help draw up a Euro 2004 masterplan.

[Dreamer7]

I hope it will be a nice design. The one now is the same one Norway has isn't it. Most shirts have the same designs.

[glamour-gal]

yeah, hope so as well!!

[muffins]

Wales' lost their case to overturn their play-off defeat against Russia so the FAW are contemplating taking it further.

[glamour-gal]

sorry to hear that!!

[muffins]

It's OK, no surprise. No-one was expecting Wales to win the case.

[glamour-gal]

however, it would have been great, if they did! right?!

[muffins]

Well, for Wales supporters and the team it would have been nice but not for the Russians lol. I would have been over the moon but I would have also felt a bit guilty because at the en of the day it is only proven that one player cheated and not the whole team. So it would have been a bit unfair on the rest of the team who didn't cheat.

[glamour-gal]

yeah, right.

so what's the next match you're going to?

[muffins]

Well, I'm hoping to see Wales v Scotland on the 18th February but I don't know if we have tickets. If not that match then on the 21st of February I'm going to see Arsenal v Charlton I think. Hopefully.

[glamour-gal]

oh really are you going? great!
but are you sure to get tix for the wales match? i mean it's already on feb 18!! hope so for you!!!

what?? arsenal vs charlton?? so you're going to london then? isn't your dad an arsenal fan?? awesome!!!
wish i could go to a match as well......

[muffins]

Yes, my dad's an Arsenal fan. Yes, it's not long till the Wales match but my dad's friend was taking care of arrangement and we haven't heard anything as yet so I'm not holding my breath. I'm going to enter some competitions.

[glamour-gal]

so good luck then!!
asap let me know how things are!!

[muffins]

I've got tickets! Yay! :) My dad's friend dropped them round yesterday. I shall tell you all about the match next Thursday probably!

[glamour-gal]

awwwwww....... congratz!!! :D
that's awesome!!
hope the match will be nice and wales will win!!!!!

of course you've to tell me everything about it!!!
can't wait!!

[glamour-gal]

SVEN GORAN Eriksson last night pledged his long-term future to
England by promising he will stay as national coach until the 2006
World Cup.

Eriksson's future has been clouded by uncertainty, with continued
links to thelikely vacancy at Chelsea this summer. But last night the Swede said he would see out his current five-year deal to lead the England team into the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. At a a dinner for Swedish businessmen in London, Eriksson agreed to answer questions from the floor, and when he was asked point-blank whether he would remain with England for the remaining two years of his contract, he said: "Yes I will."

[muffins]

OK, then I'll tell you all about the match.

Good to hear Sven is staying on. England do well under him.

[glamour-gal]

:D


yeah, i think eriksson is the right man for this team!!

[muffins]

Definitely, just like I'm sure Mark Hughes is the right guy for the Wales' job. :)

[glamour-gal]

By SHAUN CUSTIS


SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON made a promise in church that England will meet France in the Euro 2004 final.

And his assistant Tord Grip predicted England will win the match in extra-time.

England's first game in Portugal is against the French but, with two going through from the qualifying group, they are not scheduled to meet again until the final in Lisbon on July 4.

In what amounted to a sermon in a Swedish church in London, Eriksson told a group of youngsters: "We are sure we are going to take England to the final of Euro 2004 this summer.

"We are going to play France in that final. There is no doubt about this and we don't see anything against that, despite the fact we are in the same group as two teams go through."

Grip insisted: "Yes, we are going to win but it will be in over-time.
We will bring the cup to England."

Eriksson was asked if he would still be boss for the 2006 World Cup and his reply was a simple `Yes'.

That will not end the speculation he could still leave in the summer as Chelsea have long courted Eriksson and are known to be exploring other avenues to replace Claudio Ranieri — in case the Swede decides to stay put.

Eriksson's England take on Portugal in Faro on Wednesday and it is clear midfielder Frank Lampard will have a significant role to play.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is ruled out of the clash as his
girlfriend is due to give birth.

Asked which England player has impressed him most recently, Eriksson said: "With no doubt I have to say Lampard."

Grip said in SunSport last week that Lampard was a role model for England's stars of the future and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also hailed the Chelsea man's improvement.

Lampard could be joined in the squad, to be named tonight, by
Celtic's Alan Thompson — who is making a late claim to solve
England's problem spot on the left side.

He has been watched regularly by England scouts this season.

Tottenham's new signing Jermain Defoe could also be called up and keeper Nigel Martyn is tipped to return to the fold after an
outstanding season for Everton.

POSSIBLE SQUAD: James, Robinson, Martyn, Mills, G Neville, Terry,
Campbell, Brown, Southgate, P Neville, A Cole, Bridge, Beckham,
Lampard, Hargreaves, Scholes, Butt, Parker, J Cole, Thompson, Dyer, Vassell, Heskey, Owen, Rooney, Defoe.

[Dreamer7]

What Gerrard is gonna be a father? :eek: Congrats.

[glamour-gal]

looks like that :p

[muffins]

I didn't know that either lol! Congratulations to him and his girlfriend! Wales have a bunch of injury worries, 9 players have pulled out of the squad!

[Dreamer7]

England too have a handful of injury problems. Don't think we're going see a full-strength squad.

[glamour-gal]

are you going to watch the english match on tv??

over here they won't show it :(


btw, good luck to wales!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[muffins]

Thank you :) The thing is, Englabnd have much more strength in depth than Wales because they have a much larger population(MUCH bigger!)than Wales so usually if Wales want to win they can only really afford a small few injuries.

Obviously I on't be watching the England match because I'll be at the Wales match. I was walking home and there were a bunch of men(and some women!)in kilts. Must be very brave because it's quite cold here. Oh, I must also say good luck to Republic of Ireland against Brazil and Northern Ireland if they are playing.

[glamour-gal]

oh really?? women wear kilts as well?? :confused:
didn't know that!!

so take care and enjoy yourself!!!!



fingers crossed for italy as well!!! :)

[glamour-gal]

alright, here are some of the results:



Friendly internationals
18 February 2004

Latvia 3-1 Kazakhstan
Morocco 2-1 Switzerland
Albania 2-1 Sweden
Belgium 0-2 France
Netherlands 1-0 USA
Turkey 0-1 Denmark
Croatia 1-2 Germany
Italy 2-2 Czech Republic
Greece 2-0 Bulgaria
Portugal 1-1 England
Spain 2-1 Peru
Wales 4-0 Scotland

[glamour-gal]

first of all: congratz to wales!!!!!!! :D :D
how was the match???
i'm waiting for a report, muffins!! :p



guess what: i was even able to watch the second half of england vs portugal live on tv!! :)
i couldn't believe it!!
i was just sitting in front of the tv and watching some music videos, switched the channel and they showed some summaries
of matches i wasn't really interessted in e.g. latvia vs kazakhastan...... and after a while they showed the summary of the first half of the england match and i was happy.
and later, they showed the whole second half!! i was over the moon!!!!
as for the match, portugal's trainer drove me crazy, every 5 minutes he substituted some players.... how annoying!!!



i heard ireland vs brazil must have been pretty good as well!
i'll ask my irish friend about this! i'm sure he was at the match in dublin! :p

[Dreamer7]

Ah, you saw the match, great....I have yet to see it, hope I can catch it later, and my dad isn't hogging the TV....how did Beckham do? :p

[glamour-gal]

yeah, i saw it!! :D


as for the second half, i can say beckham had one or two really good free kicks, but that's all.


hope you can see some parts of it!!

[muffins]

Wooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooo! Hehe! Can you tell I'm happy? :) Last night was a great night, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I think the only person who had more fun than me was Robbie Earnshaw! 3 goals! Class! I'm pretty tired right now so I'll write match report when I'm less tired. Oh, I have to say well done to Northern Ireland. They lost 4-1 but they scored. They hadn't scored in over two years!

[glamour-gal]

again: congratz to you and your team!! :)

alright, just take your time for the report....

[glamour-gal]

some ratings, you might be interesseted in:



Ratings by DAVE KIDD

DAVID JAMES
ALERT to make a smart early save from Figo. Flapped at a Rui Costa cross and almost chucked one in after England took the lead. Mark
(out of 10) 6


GARETH SOUTHAGTE
WAS composed on the ball and made intelligent distribution in his
first game since criticising Eriksson. Lucky not to be booked for a
bad foul on Simao. 7

LEDLEY KING
MIDFIELDER for Spurs these days but made first England start in
central defence. Snuffed out a series of attacks and pressurised
Jorge Andrade for the goal. 7

PHIL NEVILLE
HAS played in the centre of midfield for Manchester United this
season but was steady enough at right-back in the absence of his brother Gary. 6


ASHLEY COLE
LASTED just 17 minutes before he was forced out of action. Looked ill at ease. Early slip almost let in Luis Figo for a dream start to his 100th international. 5

PAUL SCHOLES
INDUSTRIOUS as ever but could not unlock the Portugal defence. One decent lob picked out Owen for a chance but too many errors. Got in a scrap with Costinha. 6

FRANK LAMPARD
ENGLAND'S most impressive first-half performer in the problem left midfield role. Good work-rate and vision but made few friends by scything down idol Figo. 7

NICKY BUTT
SUFFERED a bad foul from Petit which threatened to spill over into a brawl. The midfield ace does not get much club action at Old Trafford and he looked rusty. 5


DAVID BECKHAM
HIS work-rate never dips even in friendlies but he did not have an influential night. Improved when he switched into the middle. His free-kick set up England's goal. 7

MICHAEL OWEN
RARELY shows anything like his best form in friendlies and this was no exception. Fired over when Scholes teed him up on the half-hour. 5

WAYNE ROONEY
DENIED a great scoring chance by a tight offside decision just before the break. The Everton ace struggled to make an impact. But he received poor service. 6


ENGLAND SUBSTITUTES

WAYNE BRIDGE (for A Cole, 18min) Enterprising when he went forward, steady in defence. 7

DANNY MILLS (for P Neville, 45min) Solid display from a man who
rarely lets Eriksson down. 6

JOE COLE (for Lampard, 45min) Lively and inventive. Denied a goal when Ricardo saved with feet. 7

KIERON DYER (for Scholes, 45min) Replaced Beckham on the right and was full of energy. 6

ALAN SMITH (for Owen, 71min) At least he got on the pitch after his Denmark selection fiasco. 6

EMILE HESKEY (for Rooney, 71min) Did not really make much of an
impact. 5

JERMAINE JENAS (for Butt, 86min) Slotted into midfield for his fifth
cap. 6

JAMIE CARRAGHER (for Bridge, 86min) Had little chance to make an impact. 6

OWEN HARGREAVES (for Beckham, 86min) Late replacement picked up his 16th cap. 6

Subs not used: Robinson, Kirkland.

PORTUGAL: Ricardo 6, Paulo Ferreira 6 (Miguel 5), Rui Jorge 6 (Nuno Valente 6), Jorge Andrade 5 (Ricardo Cavalho 6), Couto 7 (Beto 6), Costinha 5 (Ronaldo 6), Figo 7 (Boa Morte 5), Petit 6 (Viana 5), Pauleta 8 (Almeida 6), Rui Costa 6 (Tiago 5), Simao (Deco 6). Sub not used: Quim. Booked: Figo.

REF: V Kassai (Hungary) 6.

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON
PLAYED four men in spots they do not fill for clubs and two who
barely get a game in Premiership. A half-decent show against one of strongest teams in Europe.7

[muffins]

Well, first of all me and my dad went to a pub/restaurant called Wetherspoons to get something to eat then we left to go the stadium. On a match day it's pretty crazy walking to the stadium and this night was no exception. Obviously there were Wales supporters everywhere but add to this a lot of men in kilts(note: this was a very cold evening!)and some outside some pubs were already a bit merry but nothing threatening, just having a good time. I saw this one guy wearing tartan trousers, you couldn't miss him! We got into the stadium and the crazy tannoy person who whips up the crowd into a frenzy was doing his thing playing songs and things. This one song he played sent the Scots into a complete dance mode and there were some Scottish people by me in kilts with feathers in their hats so you couldn't miss them. The one behind me started to jump around and the other one was dancing on the stairs, everyone laughed at them. Then came the anthems and they were both respected and sung well. Then there was a minute's silence for the Scot Ally McLeod and a few FAW people which was also well respected and the guy behind me shouted just before the silence "We still love you Ally!"

Anyway, on with the match and no sooner had everyone sat down than Wales scored. About 43 seconds in Earnshaw scored and the whole stadium erupted into noise. I was happy that lil Earnie(he can't be very tall)had scored his 4th international goal and the Cardiff City players, especially him, are favourites in the stadium probably because it's in Cardiff! Hehe. Earnshaw has scored a lot of goals for Cardiff City over recent seasons and he just seems like a really likable guy. So, he scored and leaped into his trademark celebration, a backflip. I didn't want to get too carried away though because we went up early against Finland and the rest of the match we rode our luck and drew it 1-1. In fact, Earnshaw could have had a hat-trick within the first 10 minutes! A few opportunities passed him by, the most notable being a header passed to him by Giggs. Then Scotland went on to have a relatively good spell and had a good bit of possession. They looked good going forward but just lacked a bit of quality in finishing off chances. Mid-way through the first half Simon Davies had to go off injured and another Cardiff City player was brought on in the shape of Paul Parry. This guy has only just signed for Cardiff City about and seven weeks ago was playing for Hereford in the conference! Here he is playing for his country! What a quick rise. I thought he'd be extremely nervous but he didn't show it and actually set up Earnie's second. Meanwhile the Scottish crowd were still going mad and when it went a bit quiet they'd sing to us "Shall we sing a song for you!" I have to give it to the Tartan Army, they must be one of the best set of fans in the world. They sing(and dance) no matter what! All the matches I've been to at the stadium the Scottish fans have arrived with the most numbers and sang the loudest. Pity for them then that Earnshaw decided he wanted another one and scored again to send the Welsh crowd into another frenzy, this time chanting "Earnie, Earnie Earnie!" It was probably an own goal but Earnie claimed it. Earnie celebrated in his usual style but this time picking up a TV boom/michrophone and acted like he was a DJ lol. I smelt a hat-trick! Half time came and went and a bit into the second half Earnie completed his hat-trick. This was probably the best of his 3. He picked up a good pass from Savage I think and sent the ball into the net flying past Douglas' arms. Some say he should have saved and I know I'm biased but I thought it was a great goal. He did his celebration again and the crowd went mad again. Still the Tartan Army were singing, amazing! Taylor nearly scored but it was ruled out because Speed fouled someone. But he put that right later scoring his first international goal and Wales' last of the night. Now us Welshies were in dreamland and cries of "Wales, Wales, Wales" rang around the stadium. Then the final whistle blew and the Welsh part of the crowd went home happy. The Scots were obviously less happy at just being thrashed 4-0 by a second string Wales team but they still clapped and sang; I'm sure they had a good drink afterwards too!

Here's some pictures from the match, my favourite is the second one!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/photo_galleries/3501301.stm

[glamour-gal]

oh muffins, thank you very, very much for this report!!!!



lol... the second one is really crazy!!! :p
but no. 4 is not bad either!!

[muffins]

That's OK, my pleasure. The only thing is Earnshaw is being linked with just about every club in the country now! Hehe. It's all just paper talk though.

[muffins]

Wales have secured two frienlies with Hungary and then Latvia later in the year, both away. God knows when the next home match will be!

[glamour-gal]

i guess hungary and latvia are too far away to go for you, rigth?!

isn't there anything written on wales offical hp about their next home matches you could go to??

[muffins]

Wales' next home match will probably be one of the World Cup qualifiers. I would go to Wales matches away if I could get tickets but there are a few things in my way. For one, I hate planes, I have a phobia of them(not flying, just planes, I don't mind helicopters)and another my dad, who I'd go with, has a thing for foreign stadiums, he doesn't seem to trust them. No surprise really when you consider one of his friends went to the 1999 Champion's League final with Manchester United and his ticket was deemed 'fake' by the steward and took the ticket off him and he had to be escorted out of the stadium. My dad thinks that the steward may have sold the ticket to someone else!

[glamour-gal]

oh, i know what you're talking about!!
my mum hates flying too!! she hardly never flys!!
maybe you should go there by heli??
:p


what happened to your dad's friend sounds unbelievable!!! :confused:
how could something like this happen?


however, you're still in the better position!
i don't have anyone to go to a match to :cry:
i should really come to you one day!! then we could go together to one match!!!

[glamour-gal]

tonight's friendly matches:



Bulgaria vs Russia
Slovenia vs Latvia
Croatia vs Turkey
Republic of Ireland vs Czech Republic
Germany vs Belgium
Sweden vs England
Netherlands vs France
Portugal vs Italy
Greece vs Switzerland
Spain vs Denmark


i'm going to watch italy vs portugal.
unfortunately so many italian players are injured... :(

[muffins]

Wales were also playing last night away to Hungary in Budapest. I saw most of it on the TV and it wasn't the best game, quite scrappy but Wales won in the end 2-1. :) Some of the Hungarian players lost their discipline towards the end and it did look like it would be a draw until Robert Earnshaw pounced and scored. A good goal but the Hungarians will feel they should have stopped it. Earnie hadn't had a look in all night then just after 80 minutes he gets one chance and takes it. Funny thing is if Bellamy was fit Earnie would not be the first choice striker!

[glamour-gal]

some of yesterday's results:


Bulgaria 2-2 Russia
Slovenia 0-1 Latvia
Croatia 2-2 Turkey
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Czech Republic
Germany 3-0 Belgium
Sweden 1-0 England
Netherlands 0-0 France
Portugal 1-2 Italy
Greece 1-0 Switzerland
Spain 2-0 Denmark

[glamour-gal]

to my big dissapoinment, italy were playing pretty bad!
only christian vieri had some good chances...


btw, juve's player alessio tacchinardi has renewed his contract until 2008.

:)

[MrsShaneWest]

yeah the italian team played really bad.. its no big news anyway :o

[kev316]

I don't know why they had friendly internationals this week.

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by MrsShaneWest
yeah the italian team played really bad.. its no big news anyway :o


unfortunately... they do need a new coach!! trap isnt' the right man for them!!!

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by kev316
I don't know why they had friendly internationals this week.



coz they need some practise?!... :p

[MrsShaneWest]

Originally posted by glamour-gal
unfortunately... they do need a new coach!! trap isnt' the right man for them!!!

i totally agree. unfortunately the next coach will probably be Lippi, Juve's actual coach.. i dont see it as such a good thing to tell the truth. he's a little too much of a smartass lol
i wish Mr.Mazzone could be the national team's coach..he's so carismatic and he could make even the worst team play good. Too bad he's a little too old so they dont give him credit..

[muffins]

I think people have been calling for the Italian manager's head since the World Cup 2002 and it got worse when Wales beat them in October of that year.

Oh yes, and Earnshaw has now played 11 internationals for Wales and has scored 7 goals.

[MrsShaneWest]

Originally posted by muffins
I think people have been calling for the Italian manager's head since the World Cup 2002 and it got worse when Wales beat them in October of that year.


Thats true! but it kinda was all his fault when at the time of the WC he picked the wrong players and left home Baggio, the only one the WHOLE country wanted to be included in that list..oh well..

[kev316]

Originally posted by glamour-gal
coz they need some practise?!... :p

I can understand that. But it was a crazy time to be having international friendly's. So many players dropped out although it did give untried players a chance.

[muffins]

It's not the best time to have friendlies I'll admit but for a country such as Wales friendlies are are a crucial part of our development. With a not very big population we have to get our fringe players from the lower divisions and they need a chance which they would not get if all the first choice players were available. However, we are getting to the crucial part of the season and no club would want their players injured and these friendlies can cause injuries. There are good and bad things about friendlies at this time of year.

When Wales beat Italy all the papers wanted him sacked but I think they lost just cos Wales were better on the day. Being Welsh I am biased of course :P hehe.

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by MrsShaneWest
i totally agree. unfortunately the next coach will probably be Lippi, Juve's actual coach.. i dont see it as such a good thing to tell the truth. he's a little too much of a smartass lol
i wish Mr.Mazzone could be the national team's coach..he's so carismatic and he could make even the worst team play good. Too bad he's a little too old so they dont give him credit..





i think lippi's the right man for juve, but not for the national team! he should stay were he is now, don't mean it an unfriendly way! he does his job very well, however for the national team he won't be the best choice!!

[glamour-gal]

Originally posted by MrsShaneWest
Thats true! but it kinda was all his fault when at the time of the WC he picked the wrong players and left home Baggio, the only one the WHOLE country wanted to be included in that list..oh well..



right, it was all up to him!!!! :evil:
poor del piero had to sit on the bench all the time.....
totti and del piero CAN play together.....

get trap out of here!!!!!!

[muffins]

Here's a suggestion. If Chelsea sack him how about Claudio Ranieri! Hehe. :P I really like this guy.

[glamour-gal]

hmmmmmm, let's think about it... :p

[MrsShaneWest]

Ranieri? Umm take a look at all the old italian team coaches and then try again. lol He's too much for us ya know. He's class. And class is definitely something that my national team has never had. ;) jk

[glamour-gal]

@mrs shane west: da dove sei?

[MrsShaneWest]

Originally posted by glamour-gal
@mrs shane west: da dove sei?

Io abito a Milano ma la mia famiglia vive vicino Roma. :) Tu di dove sei?

[glamour-gal]

ah, que bello, una italiana!! :-))
scusa per mi male italiano! :p
sono studiare l'italiano alla scuola.
vivo vicino a monaco d'baviera.

[muffins]

Wales have launched a last ditch attempt to get Russia thrown out of the Euro championships because of one of their players failing a drugs test. The Football Association of Wales have decided to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/wales/3640539.stm

[glamour-gal]

oh, that sounds interessting!!
thanx for posting, muffins!

[Dreamer7]

If it was the player's fault then it is pretty sad to like throw the whole team and nation out because of one black sheep.

[glamour-gal]

btw, have you already seen nike's ad on tv; brazil playing against portugal?
i could watch it over and over again :D

[glamour-gal]

roberto baggio will be playing at italy's next match!!!

[Dreamer7]

Nope, what ad is that?

[muffins]

Yes, that advert's great and it makes me laugh. Ronaldo and other Brazilian and Portuguese players are in it and I also spotted Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona. Ole! Dreamer7, you can watch it at www.nikefootball.com
Once, you've selected the language then click on Downloads and then Ads and the full advert is the first one there called Ole and it is 1 minutes and 30 seconds long. :)

[glamour-gal]

Yes, that advert's great and it makes me laugh. Ronaldo and other Brazilian and Portuguese players are in it and I also spotted Ruud van Nistelrooy and Eric Cantona. Ole! Dreamer7, you can watch it at www.nikefootball.com
Once, you've selected the language then click on Downloads and then Ads and the full advert is the first one there called Ole and it is 1 minutes and 30 seconds long. :)



yeap - it's so much fun!!! :-))
did you find totti in it as well??

[glamour-gal]

tonight's friendly matches:



Czech Republic 17:00 Japan
Bulgaria 18:30 Cameroon
Latvia 20:00 Iceland
Norway 20:00 Russia
Denmark 20:00 Scotland
Romania 20:00 Germany
F.Y.R. Macedonia 20:15 Croatia
Switzerland 20:15 Slovenia
Netherlands 20:30 Greece
Italy 20:45 Spain
Portugal 21:15 Sweden



gonna watch italy vs spain.
with or without baggio - let's see :-)