We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
And now, the big one. It's a marquee match-up between perennial winners Germany and perennial chokers Spain. I'm plumping for the plucky Spanish today who I think are the better footballing side, but as the old footie adage goes, "you can never rule out the Germans."
posted by gatorbob @ 11:58 AM
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
217 Comments:
Now for the big one! You Euro snobs can now safely turn your tellies on.
Here are the sides for today's match:
Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm, Hitzlsperger, Frings, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose
Subs: Enke, Adler, Jansen, Fritz, Westermann, Rolfes, Gomez, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor, Kuranyi
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas, Xavi, Silva, Torres
Subs: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Santi Cazorla, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Guiza, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red
Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)
The Germans are playing the walking wounded, with Frings coming in with a broken rib and Ballack playing with a gammy ankle.
Meanwhile, Aragones has gone with the impressive Fabregas as the replacement for top Euro scorer David Villa. Danny Guiza will have to wait for his chance in the second half.
The Golden Boot quest is interesting in this match. David Villa won't have a chance to add to his four goals, so there are several players on the pitch who have a chance to match or overtake him.
For Spain, Danny Guiza starts on the bench and has two goals (plus one missed penalty), while Torres and Fabregas both have one goal and start.
The Germans have an even better chance. Podolski has three goals, Schweinsteiger and Ballack both have two.
Hey Bob, I am here.
I watched most of the MLS game.
Stevo must be a happy chappy.
I wonder if they RFK will show the final at the stadium so the fans can see the match
Euro snob! Oh well, welcome anyway. Good to have you board.
While the silly closing ceremonies are going on, let me remark on an incredibly hip Mickey D's ad there featuring the Os Mutantes classic "Minha Menina."
What is with the USA??? They are going to the stadium for the build up!!!
I am impressed. Of course, I wish it wasn't as corny as it is
I WATCHED MOST OF THE GAME!!!
Players in the tunnel.
I am listening to Five Live until it cuts out but glad to hear Andy Gray
You're absolutely right. I can remember not too long ago when a big network like ABC showed a big match like this they felt like they had to start by explaining things like the offside rule to newbies. None of that today - it's been brilliant coverage.
What are Five Live saying about today?
No words to the Spanish anthem.
The crowd just hums along
Is it just me or does anyone else look around for stormtroopers in the streets when "Deutchland Uber Alles" comes on?
They all seem to think it will be a good game.
Is this Ballack's last chance at a major trophy?
I hope so too - I'll take five goals.
I'm for Spain today - you?
So, we're about to get this started.
Please please please don't be a boring game and end scoreless and penalties. That would be just more ammo for the Americans.
I agree - here we go!
THere is bloody Platini!! I used to like but now everything he says is anti-English.
We're off
Torres has had a haircut. He looks much better.
Spain for me as well
I agree. I don't know where he gets the anti-English bias? It's been a good tournament but I've still missed the presence of England.
Good lad! Don't mention the war.
I do like it when both teams are wearing their normal kits
Sergio Ramos coughed it up there and Klose seemed to be in there for a second. He should have done better.
You started it... you invaded Poland
ooh, Klose almost in. Should have done better
Yeah, I agree. The last thing you want to see is Spain in yellow and Germany in green.
If I were Spain, I'd play everything down the right. Philip Lahm is basically a winger. He's great going forward but he's a liability at the back.
I hate it when they praise the negative destructive players like Marcos Senna.
Do you think Senna has been impressive?
I guess he is important but he is a Makelele.
Great minds think alike
I just noticed the silver ball!!!
I totally agree. I hate the trend toward playing defensive midfielders like Senna. Every team has one, sometimes two. One of the impressive things about this tournament is that the most defensive teams, like France and Italy, have got dumped out because of their overcaution.
I know, all the talk for England was the holding midfielder. WE WERE PLAYING TRINIDAD!!!
I don't think United really have one. They all go forward
Eric Cantona has been the news recently criticizing the French side. He notably called Didier Deschamps a "water carrier" back in the day when he was left out of the 98 squad and still has the same complaint about the French set up. He says he'd like to coach France and I'd love to see him replace Domenech.
Germany look more of a threat so far
BTW, IT'S NOT RAINING!!!
King Eric could make like France.
I don't know if I want to do that
I meant ME like France
I suppose Roy Keane played that role for years at United but he at least got forward and scored occasionally. I don't have any problem with that.
Anderson has been filling in that role but his inclination is also to get forward. Hargreaves can do that too but he's a total footballer and plays all over. So I suppose the closest to that kind of negative player you have is Michael Carrick. Will he be at OT next season?
1956: "I've never seen Spain play so many long balls. I don't know why they're not going through the midfield."
BBC 5 Live analyst Chris Waddle
I used to love the Platini side in the 80s. I still remember watching that France vs. Germany semi-final in 82 at the Hunter's house and Stan the Man getting livid at the Schumacher assault.
I think Carrick is one but not so negative.
I thought his time was done at OT but he played well last season.
ooh, almost an og
Weird patch of play there. Iniesta tries to thread the ball through, it ricochets off a defender and Jens makes a decent save.
I remember that semi well
Waddle is right. They've got enough quality to play it short but they obviously have a game plan of playing over the top to Torres.
Torres doesn't look the same player as he was in the Prem.
He looks slower and not dangerous at all
The fans are doing the "Seven Nation Army" song again. Lovely stuff.
Liverpool play a different system, right? He seems to have really gelled with Stevie G. Most of his goals come through Gerrard. Can you imagine those two linking up for England?
Hopeless by Torres.
That wasn't unlucky... that was useless
Torres took a nasty elbow to the face there from Metzelder.
Torres did well to get to that but he was never going to get over the ball there.
This, sadly, looks like a stinker.
At least all Americans will think so
Oh, that Torres header was beautiful and deserved a goal. Hit the post!
Good move by Spain and Torres hits the post!!!
Bugger
Why didn't it rebound to the guy coming in
It's all Spain here. Are the Germans knackered or are they just playing for penalties?
Better from Germany. Podolski earns a corner wide left.
Was that a handball? Andy thinks so!
I'm glad the ref made the corner be taken in arc. Why do players try to and cheat like that
No, Sergio Ramos did well there to avoid handling it. Now things are picking up pace. This is better.
Now he doesn't.
Off the chest
The players seem to be having difficulty controlling this ball.
That was a handball!!!
Handball this time? Marchena? I'd like to see that again.
Good tackle Metzelder!
The intentional rule doesn't always make sense.
A lot of times, players don't intentionally foul players but it is still a pen.
That was unlucky but it was a handball
I agree, although I would probably reserve a penalty call for an unintentional handball when it clearly stops a goal going in.
YES!!!
TORRES WITH THE GOAL!!
Did he pull back the player?
GOAL! Torres! Fernando's hearing the drums now! Yes!! That will open the match up.
Nope, it first looked like a tug back but it was nothing
What happened to Lahm there. Did he hold him back. He must have. It looked like Lahm just gave up but there was the suspicion that he had a hand behind his back tugging Lahm back. I'd like to see it from another angle.
oooh, Silva... why didn't you hit that sweet!!
Spain rampant now. Silva should have controlled that rather than trying to take on the difficult volley. He had more time.
I disagree with Andy. Pushing for a second goal right now when Germany's rocking might just kill them off.
ooh, Bollocks has a bloody eye
Deserves it after leaving the foot in a couple of times
Ballack's gone off for a gash under his eye. He'll need stitches but he'll surely continue. It would be a massive blow for him to come off now.
I agree. Bollocks has gone in recklessly a couple of times.
I've told Tony to text Debs at half time when he know the team in his envelope. Debs will email me.
Fingers cross for Tony to get Spain.
Fifty knicker in the pocket
Rubbish free kick from the Pigclimber.
Nice finish from Torres but I still think he must have held Lahm back.
I'll bet he has Poland.
Bollocks comes on and kicks out again.
BOOK HIM
The referee's not happy with Bollocks. He's got a clean shirt but the blood's still dripping down as if he's a vampire.
My bet it is Switzerland.
They were the first team knocked out
He did a little pushing Andy
Germans have another dangerous free kick after a rubbish call...
Hitzlsperger delivers a poor ball but he'll have another chance. And here comes Bollocks.
Fingers crossed for Tone.
Germany pushing for a sucker goal just before half time. Casillas is doing well so far.
Have you heard Hitzlsperger speak in interviews? He sounds like he's from Birmingham. Extraordinary!
Why hasn't Ballack been booked yet?
Now he has been....and Casillas as well for a bit of mouthiness.
Bollocks is in the book deservedly
and so is Casillas
Ah, Iniesta waited too long on that one.
THAT WAS USELESS INIESTA!!!
What a chance
I don't know why Spain like these short corners.
I know they are shorter but get in the box
That's it.
Half time, at least it isn't scoreless. I don't want it to stay 1-0
Now, fingers crossed Tony!!
Half-time: 1-0 Spain.
Marvelous entertainment so far. Lots of good chances, mainly for Spain. They're on top but you know that the Germans will have plenty to say in the second half. It's nicely poised.
Second half starting....
Friedrich's come off, with Jansen replacing him and Lahm has switched sides.
The Germans change a full back
Still no word from Tony
I have had Debs text him
Klose drifted offside but then was viciously hacked down by Marchena. Nothing from the ref who had already blown the whistle.
Lahm is off.
Must be an injury
Spain better not sit back
Surely Torres was fouled there.
Klose has been hopeless today.
I agree
Stop calling me Shirley
My boys all reacted well to Klose's troubles!!!
2052: Miroslav Klose takes a kick in the ***** from Carlos Marchena. "That's bound to be sore," says Graham Taylor on BBC Radio 5 Live. Indeed.
How do you mean, Shirley?
Good move from Spain there but rubbish shot from Xavi at the end. Torres should have done the fullback there.
From Tony
"Tell him I had Greece,4 years to late!"
Typical Nocito timing
For some reason, the Spanish seem to think that the goal is a few yards to the left of where it actually is!
Shame. I hate the Greeks and all.
Fab tackle Fab
Oooh, Torres was nearly in again. Lehman did well.
Torres almost in again
Aragones better not take him off
Carnival football time for the Spanish. A bit early for that. The Germans still have thirty five minutes left.
I agree. Surely he'll keep him on now that he doesn't have the option of Villa, Shirley.
Hitzlsperger's coming off with Kevin Kuranyi on. Two strikers on for Germany.
If Torres gets another or it stays the same, Liverpool fans will take credit for this championship.
They will add it to their European Cup wins.
BTW, United are one championship and two European Cups behind them.
Be worried, be very worried!!
Nice overlap from Sergio Ramos but no one was bombing in at the backpost.
screams across the box, where was someone
Yeah, I can't see Liverpool winning the championship any time soon.
Bollocks came close there.
ooh, the fans thought that was in from Bollocks
Kuranyi wasn't offside there.
Ouch!
I don't think the Germans should put the ball out
Torres is back up again. A furious pace to this match now. Schweinsteiger puts a lovely ball across and Klose should have been there.
This match definitely has some goals in it.
Schweinsteiger hits one and it rockets off Klose and out.
Wot! Cesc is coming off? The fans are livid with Aragones. It's Xavi Alonso now to shut up shot. Two holding players now.
I can see the Germans scoring
Fab going off... strange.
Alonso is on
Andy says it is defensive
Did Silva do something?
Bollocks needs to shut it
Both of them did it
Oh dear, what's going on now! The referee has a problem here. Ballack is trying to get someone sent off, maybe Silva.
If anything, both players nutted each other at the same time!
Great minds think alike again, Shirley.
Kathy says they have to stop being such babies and play the game
Well said
Silva off for some other Spanish bloke
The question now is whether the Germans have the kind of player that they've always had to stick a goal in at the death. Is there a Gerd Muller or Karlheinz Rumenigge or Jurgen Klinsmann on the pitch for them? Don't think so.
The Spanish only had two players up for that free kick and they both got free! WTF?
Open header. Good save by Mad Jens
Where was the marking???
Iniesta receives the ball in a great position, but he dwells on it and then tries to toe poke it home.
ooh off the post actually blocked
Did you see the commentator get excited?
During the early game, JPD did do anything as a free kick rifled one off the bar.
Iniesta tries to toe poke it
The Germans haven't been in this one in the past five minutes!
Come on Spain, get another one
Yeah, I've always noticed that about JP. Of course, part of the problem is that he's always in some studio in NJ doing the commentary off a monitor. Can't be easy. Still, that's what these two are doing now.
Twenty minutes left. It could still swing either way.
Casillas has done a grain stroin.
JPD always gets excited for a throw in but not a thunderbolt from 30 yards!!
German crowd singing nicely
What's with the head injuries in this match.
Now, Torres has gone into the book.
Totally correct Andy
Get out of there Mad Man
I've noticed that particularly with Max Bretos when he's doing the Argentinian stuff. He'll start hyperventilating and rolling the r's when they're just passing it about in midfield. I think that American commentators assume that they have to add to the drama.
Almost in there by Shirley Torres
Nice move by Spain
Good stuff from the Spanish but they just couldn't find the final ball.
Looks like Guiza is coming off now. Yes, Torres is coming off. He's got his goal.
He is taking him off again.
I can't see it. He could very easily score a second!!!
Mario Gomez on for Klose
Both very normal German names there
Was that handball by Mad J.
And Klose is off for the hopeless Mario Gomez. That really is desperation now. Kuranyi and Gomez. Not exactly Uli Hoenis and Gerd Muller, now is it?
Why did Xabi let the ball run so wide
Ten minutes left for the Mannschaft.
Sometimes it seems as if the Spanish midfielders are afraid of the goal.
Not exactly Rumminigge and Klinsman either
Oh, how did Senna miss that one!
Senna with a whiff!!!
He started it and should have finished it
Mets beat the Yankees by the way
The Spanish are doing it right. They keep pressing and the Germans don't have the time to put together a decent move.
Let's hope that Danny Guiza has better luck with his proposal than Raymond Domenech had!
Spain still shouldn't sit back
Nice quote of Brian Clough
I always say that... I must have gotten it from him
Good free kick chance now for Spain...
Free kick chance.
There is still not one goal scored directly from a free kick all tournament, has there?
Bollocks was tapped to him
Xavi puts it well over the top.
Still not one scored
Yeah, that's true. Players are blaming the ball for that.
Wow, 19 goals after the 85th minute
Come on Spain
Let's hope ABC stay for everything
How can Kuranyi get offside in that position? He's rubbish.
Now it's swung back to the Germans. Don't mention the war.
That was useless Puyol
Spain survive
Now Kuranyi has gone into the book for a sliding challenge.
Tony has just asked me to email with this question from the pub...."does the German manager wear a wig??"
one minute of regular time
Looks like it is raining in HD
There's a shocker
Handbags with Bollocks again...get the red card out, ref!
That was a foul
Bollocks has got more rabbit than Sainsbury's
Three added minutes
Nick Rhodes has just called Joachim Low, he wants his outfit back.
What a mistake by the Spanish left back but the Germans cross it for a throw in
It's about time for Mad Jens to join the attack now.
Great possession by the Spanish
I am glad they finally went for goal and not the corner flag
Less than a minute
It's all over now...
That should do it.
Blow up Ref
THAT'S IT
WELL DONE SPAIN!!!!!
Deserved championship!!
Full-time: Spain 1 Germany 0
The best team clearly won today. I would have liked two more goals to reinforce the point but the Germans just clearly didn't have a plan to go to once they had conceded. The forty four years of hurt are over for Spain. They're the champions...and rightly so.
I am impressed that ABC hasn't gone to a commercial yet!!
It's been a lot of fun Bob
I have enjoyed a lot
When are moving up to New York? I will be looking forward to following these in the same room
Take care
It's been great, mate.
I'll be coming up for a brief visit next week to get an apartment. Then moving up for good after graduation in mid-August. Let's think about getting together around Labor Day, eh?
Sounds great
Keep me posted
Great coverage here from ABC. Very impressive. They've learned a lot over the years and I hope that they've gained some good numbers in viewership with this commitment this summer. Certainly there have been some good numbers for WSD indicating some new American fans for the sport. And why not? It's in the dead of summer when all the spring sports are over, baseball is in mid-season doldrums and the gridiron season is still months away.
Again, great minds think alike
Great job ABC and ESPN
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