Holland vs. Russia
No predictions today because certainly what I thought would happen yesterday did not turn out to be the case.
I will hope that the Dutch continue to thrill us. Should be a cracker.
posted by gooner71 @ 11:40 AM
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
No predictions today because certainly what I thought would happen yesterday did not turn out to be the case.
I will hope that the Dutch continue to thrill us. Should be a cracker.
Lakenheath Old Boys
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!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- Croatia vs. Turkey
- Portugal vs. Germany
- Euro 2008 Group Stage Highlights
- Russia vs. Sweden
- Greece vs. Spain
- France vs. Italy
- Holland vs. Romania
- Austria vs. Germany
- Poland vs. Croatia
- USA vs. Barbados
174 Comments:
Of course, those mental midgets of the MLS have scheduled today's DC United game at RFK to start at 3pm today so I'll have to TIVO this one.
Shame about the MLS schedule. You'd have thought they'd have learned their lesson at this point. I'm sure that they think they're being smart by avoiding a Nationals home game, not understanding that D.C. United fans are more likely to be at home watching the Euros than off watching the baseball.
No shame in not predicting the Turkey win yesterday. That was completely unexpected. I had Croatia all the way through the match. Slavan and his boys must have been choking back the grain alcohol last night to soften the blow. Srna in particular looked inconsolable at the final whistle.
Here are the sides for what promises to be an extremely entertaining encounter between two excellent footballing sides:
Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar, Kuyt, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy
Subs: Timmer, Stekelenburg, Heitinga, De Zeeuw, Van Persie, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Afellay, Vennegoor of Hesselink
Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov, Saenko, Arshavin, Pavluchenko
Subs: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Torbinsky, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bilyaletdinov, Sychev, Bystrov
Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)
For Marco van Basten, it's back to the side that destroyed Italy and France - and who can really blame him? We'll expect to see Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben coming off the bench in the second half then.
And Guus Hiddink goes with the team that sliced Sweden apart so effectively the other night, with the excellent Arshavin and Pavluchenko leading the line up front.
This should be fun!
With Gooner off to RFK to watch his beloved D.C. United this afternoon and Dave taking part in the Never Ending Upstate New Over the Hill Football Tourney, it looks like I'll be flying solo on the LOB again.
That is, unless I hear from Sir Trev, AZ Kicker and Simon. Come on boys - I know you're watching - let's be having ya!
Hello
Come on you Orange!!!
Tony is following the match down at The Walnut Tree(previously The Checkers)
He reads all of our comments when he gets home.
They have a sweepstakes going on at the pub that is quite interesting.
You paid 5 quid to buy an envelope. There were 16 of them. You chose one and the envelope is yours. Each envelope is a certain country. None of the envelopes have been opened yet so no one knows who they picked.. They will be opened at half time of the final. The person with the winner wins 50 pounds the runner up gets 30
Tony probably picked Greece or Austria!!!
"taking part in the Never Ending Upstate New Over the Hill Football Tourney"!!!!!!!
I'll get you for that Dahlgren!
Way hay, Davey! Welcome! This should be a cracker!
Bugger, Andy Gray is in studio!!
We have to put up with TS!!
Tony wants to point out, during the French games, that TH 14 should have been TH 12
Why are there all those empty orange seats????
That sounds like a good game! Maybe some day we'll have sixteen participants and can do something like that.
The Russians have done well to get this far - but I'm picking the Dutch today. You?
Nice one, Magnus!
Will Liverpool fans change their minds about Dirk Kuyt after Euro 2008 - he's been excellent!
Did you catch the Andy Gray interview on WSD? It was really good. He talked about Paul Ince going to Blackburn, Sky Sports and so on. Apparently there's a good chance that he'll be on board for ESPN coverage of WC 2010 because Sky don't have any interest.
Good early opportunity for Russia now with van Bronckhorst bringing down Arshavin out wide right.
Zhirkov had a go and VDS saves at the near post.
Nice free kick, nice save by VDS
Let me point out that TH-12 was pants.
The Russians are getting closer!!
Oooh, free header for Pavluchenko. He should have buried that but he jumped too early.
What a start by Russia!!
Almost in again.
I haven't heard it yet.
What do you mean "Sky has no interest"
A Russian goal would really open this match up. The Dutch really shouldn't take this lot for granted. They are good.
What I mean is that Sky haven't got any rights to the games in 2010. I assume that it's on BBC and/or ITV over there. Some WSD callers have been complaining about your favorite show - Sky Sports News - who have been featuring darts, snooker, etc. during the Euros because Sky have taken a "no Euro coverage" policy during the tournament. Babies!
I actually don't agree with you about a Russian goal would open it up.
A Russian goal could make them close up shop. The Dutch don't know how to close up shop. They will keep attacking if they score!
I hope Gooner taped ABC and not ESPN
I don't want to get home and be able to watch the College World Series!!
Apparently the Andy Gray deal with ESPN was a total fluke. Apparently a bigwig at the channel was talking with a British friend and happened to say "I'd love it if we could get someone like Andy Gray over here." The Brit happened to be a friend of Andy's and passed on his cell number and ten minutes later the guy was negotiating a deal with him. Don't you wish you had Andy in your cell phone list?
Fair point.
Great story, of course I don't have to listen to the show anymore
Bouhlarouz has got a problem here. He's hobbling off but should be able to continue. He's been a big surprise for me. He looked terrible at Chelski but he's looked solid at this tourney.
Go on! He tells the story better than I can, you big wally.
When these two made the final in '88, what was England's story?
Did you see the talk with Ronny.
Big Phil was encouraging him to join Real!! Did he do this so he didn't have to deal with with Chelski?
How do you mean - "what was England's story?" England was beaten by Holland, right? Goals by Gullit and van Basten if memory serves.
What was the story with Bouhlarouz's child? They are wearing black arm bands because of it
I think you're onto something with that conspiracy theory about Big Phil. I wouldn't put it past him. I didn't see that conversation, though. Was that after the Portugal-Germany match?
Yeah, his kid was born premature and then died apparently. Very sad.
Yup, Ron said it
From the Beeb
He revealed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, about to take over at Chelsea after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, advised him to make the move.It is a dream, a step forward," Ronaldo replied when asked about the prospect of playing at the Bernabau.
"For me, it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it."
Gooner's home now - apparently the D.C. United match is tomorrow. But he's Tivoed it and is watching from the start. He's wondering if they'll switch from ABC to ESPN if it goes into extra time. What do you reckon?
When did the birth happen?
What a punk that guy is. No loyalty at all. Hate. Him.
It was on Wednesday. Apparently he left the Dutch camp to be by his wife's bedside. I was surprised to see his name on the team sheet today. It's got to be weighing on his mind.
I wouldn't put it past them.
Fortunately, there is no live sport after. There is an American Outdoorsman
Oh, that should have been 1-0. The Ruud of old would have had that one in at the Stretford End, eh?
How did Ruud miss it!!
That's good to hear. I have to admit that ESPN/ABC have done really well this time. No giving away scores or pre-empting with other sports. I appreciate it and I think that their ratings have been good.
Good stuff from Arshavin. Wouldn't you like to see him at ManYoo alongside Carlito?
The Russians go very close as well
Great save from a great shot
Ooh, another cracking shot from Kolodin. Made VDS work there.
Blimey, that Kolodin has got his shooting boots on - just wide then.
Boy, the Russians are shooting from everywhere!!!
More idiocy from Tommy Smith. Tommy, penalties aren't taken from forty yards out, you git!
What's the deal with Gooner, he got the wrong day!! Did he make it all the way to the stadium?
I quite like a blini myself.
He was about halfway to the stadium. He got to the subway stop where he switches trains and noticed that there weren't any fans around and then double checked the schedule. It's been a busy week for the lad - give him some slack.
Nice turn and shot from Ruud there. That could have gone anywhere. This match is hotting up after a slow start.
Nice turn by Ruud, where was someone to get the rebound??
I have been impressed with ESPN telling all the scores and showing highlights. Every night there is at least one highlight in their top ten. Of course, most of the time, they have some tongue in cheek remark to go with it, IDIOTS!!
Free kick now for the Dutch in a promising area....
Sneijder to take...it takes a big deflection straight into the keeper's arms.
So, you never answered me
What was the deal with England in Euro '88 when these two met in the final.
Did they make the tourney?
Yeah, I noticed that too. Although, I think that they're trying. When they shifted to Sportscenter straight from the match yesterday one of the co-hosts said something like, "Wow, how do we follow that - a great soccer game!" That doesn't hurt.
I also love that Jim Rome's regular show was pre-empted on Thursday and Friday for the matches. He's the biggest soccer hater on the channel.
I did answer you - at 3:06 p.m. But here's my comment again:
"How do you mean - "what was England's story?" England was beaten by Holland, right? Goals by Gullit and van Basten if memory serves."
I wish I could hear this again!!
Van Der Kerkoff!!
Suicidal pass there from Kolodin nearly let Kuyt in, but his shot was straight at the keeper and was saved well.
Sorry about that
Yeah, that was from the '78 World Cup, right? I seem to remember a match where they really ran up a score like 6-0 or something against a duff side. Who was the commentator?
Thomas doesn't like my Van Der Kerkoff story
He prefers Van der Vaart. He keeps saying Van der Fart! Very mature my almost 10th grader!!
Is your satellite feed freaking out? Or is it me?
You're right about '78
I have to find out the commentator.
It was someone like the Formula 1 commentator
Half time
Did you see that YouTube clip of Van der Fart on the bench farting? Apparently it's gone viral. I'll see if I can find it.
A looping Ray Houghton header saw England get off to the worst start possible, losing 1-0 in the group match that they had to win. Lineker missed several chances and saw one shot fly narrowly over the bar.
Against Holland, England recovered from a van Basten strike through captain Bryan Robson and started to dominate the match.
For twenty minute either side of half time, England were the better side. Then van Basten scored two wonderful goals to knock the stuffing out of Robson's men. In the final game, England showed little fight, went down 3-1 to the USSR and exited the competition without a point.
Half-time: 0-0.
Well, this is not at all the kind of match I expected. If anything the Russians have had the bulk of the chances although that Ruud chance was probably the best of the match. Very evenly matched so far. I need some goals!
Here's the Van der Fart clip, with a nice commentary from Robbie Earle:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pd39vJb3CmE&feature=related
great game so far. Lots of changes and a couple of busy keepers.
Back to the basement -
HD TV but no internet.
Welcome, Steve. Look forward to hearing your comments later. Cheers!
Second half starting up...RVP has come on. He's got two goals in this tournament so far.
Ooh, De Jong had a free header there.
Welcome Steve
RVP on for Kuyt
The Dutch go close again from a free kick
Who's the new Dutch coach? Never heard of him!
Bouhlarouz isn't having a good week. He's in the ref's book now.
Arshavin goes over in the box from a free kick. The referee waves on. I'd like to look at it again but my satellite feed is acting up again. I've got a blue screen now.
Nice free kick by the Russians.
Brave tackle
My sound keeps going iffy by my picture is fine
Heitinger is now coming on for the brave Bouhlarouz.
About time for Robben
Van Persie gets a yellow for throwing an elbow up. Dangerous free kick opportunity now for Russia...
Great free kick and it just curves wide. Would VDS have reached that?
Wow, the Russian have made the break through!!
What a shocker
GOAL! Pavluchenko! And they deserve the lead to. The Dutch have been ordinary so far and the Russians have made them pay. They were carved open by Semak's ball and Pavluchenko finishes nicely.
Russia 1-0!
Croatia should have been the semis, Russia are on their way to the semis.
BOY ENGLAND'S GROUP WAS TOUGH!!!
Definitely time for Arjen Robben now. The Dutch have got to pull their fingers out. What are they thinking with this performance. They've got bags of quality but they just haven't clicked today.
I agree. It does put England's failure into some perspective. Unfortunately we've got Croatia again in the 2010 qualifying group.
Nice! ABC double-header with the Euros. Smart move on their part.
Wow, ABC having a football double header!!
Van der Fart picks up a yellow there.
I don't want to see the Dutch go out today. Come on, you Orange!
Interesting chip there from Van der Fart.
What?! Affellay instead of Robben? Is van Basten insane? WTF?!
Non Robben????
Half an hour for Tintin and his side to pull it out now.
Andy Gray was saying on the highlights show yesterday that he was unconvinced about the Dutch and wondered how they'd respond to a goal against them. We're going to find out now. Someone's got to take the match by the scruff of the neck for them.
Van Persie ghosting in at the back post but he couldn't find the goal with his effort. I think he had his eyes closed on that one.
The Dutch don't have their shooting boots on
Now some Dutch pressure. Finally they've come to life. It's about time.
The Russians nearly sliced Holland open again. Good recovery from De Jong. Where's the defense today?
Semshov is coming off for Bilyaletdinov.
VDS with an excellent one-handed save there. Wow!
The Russians with another good move.
Nice save by VDS
The Dutch are being carved open here.
The Dutch look dead
This is going to take quite a Houdini act for the Dutch.
Well, here's a chance from a free kick and a yellow for Kolodin.
Free kick chance for the Dutch
RVP?
Sneijder stepping up...
No it's RVP and he thumps it well over.
Useless
Cruyff looks calm. Van Basten not.
Fifteen minutes left. Come on you Oranje!
Useless shot from Sneijder. He's been poor today.
Decent shot from Van der Fart but the keeper collected easily.
Pavluchenko then threatening.
Useless cross by Afellay. Would Robben have done better? I think so.
Ooh, goodie, it's your favorites - the Jonas Brothers!
That was closer from Sneijder.
Sneijder again with a snapshot and it's just wide left.
Bloody hell, the Russians should have scored!!
Oh, that was nearly curtains for the Dutch. Just cleared out by van Bronckhorst.
I can't see the Dutch scoring
Just no way through the Russian wall of defenders now.
I hope you're right, mate.
Sneijder's willing them on single-handedly. He wins a corner.
And then another Sneijder shot from the corner.
I sad CAN'T!!
I just don't understand why a big boy like RVP takes corners. That makes no sense. Make a shrimp like Van der Fart take them.
2125: "If Holland go out they will be the third team to go out after resting players in the final group game."
YYESSSSSSSSS! RUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDD!!!
YES!!!
RUUD!!!
As I said, I can't see them scoring.
I am bloody Nostradamus.
Great header. What a striker he is.
Yes, you are.
Oh, that was nearly a winner from the Russians. Bloody hell, these Dutch defenders are napping today.
Bloody Hell , I have to leave in about 10 minutes. I thought I would be set with this match!!!
LATE GOAL PLEASE!!
Blow up, ref. For once, I want extra time. This one is thrilling. I want it to last forever.
Oh, sorry, mate. Let me guess. The Neverending Upstate NY Over the Hill Football Tourney, right?
Sneijder has been bloody brilliant in the past ten minutes. Now, he's got Kolodin sent off for two yellows. What's going on now? What? Now, he's changed his mind.
That's it - regular time up. 1-1. A fabulous last fifteen minutes there. Breathtaking stuff.
Bugger, Extra time!!
I hope ABC don't go anywhere.
I am going to tape it.
Take care
Bugger bugger bugger
Score a hat-trick, mate!
Sneijder piles through the Russian defense but then shoots straight at the keeper. He's been mighty impressive from the 75th minute onward. It's as if Van Basten stuck a poker up his arse.
Arshavin contrives to squeeze a shot through an impossible thicket of bodies. VDS saves well. He's saved his team today on a number of occasions.
More good stuff from Ruud. He turns, jinks left and then just shoots over.
End to end stuff now. Fantastic!
Arshavin jinks his way through the defense again. What a player! He shoots over though.
I'll bet that van Basten wishes he could throw Arjen Robben on now.
Pavluchenko rockets a shot against the crossbar. Wow!
The tide has turned back toward the Russians again here. Incredible pace to this match. You can't take your eyes off it.
Great move from the Russians through Arshavin down the right, drags it back by Torbinski can't direct it in.
Arshavin picks up another foul. Russian free kick to come....
Zhirkov to take....
No, it's Kolodin who whistles one by the post. VDS looked calm but it was mighty close.
The Dutch have allowed Russian to gain the momentum back in this match.
Whatever happens, the Zenit boys, Arshavin in particular, will have caught the eye of many a big club manager today. Expect to see a load of them in the Champions League next year.
Zhirkov picks up a yellow card for dumping RVP over.
The end of the first period here. The players seemed to be taking a breather there at the end.
And we're off again into the last fifteen minutes of this thriller.
Oooh, that looked a good shout for a penalty for Zhirkov who seemed to be held back by Heitinga. Lubos Michel wasn't best impressed.
The Dutch looked completely gassed now. I don't understand that. Nine of them haven't played for a week versus a Russian side that had a thriller with Sweden in mid-week.
I suppose that shows the advantage of not resting players and keeping the momentum going.
Another great chance for the Russians, but it comes to nothing. The Dutch defense is all over the shop now.
The Dutch fans now look paralytic. They did not expect this kind of play from Russia.
Torbinski picks up a yellow that will suspend him for the next match.
GOAL! Unbelievable. Arshavin went on another miracle run, popped a speculative cross over and it crept over VDS and into the goal. Torbinsky might have got a touch there.
2-1 Russia!
Yes, it was a cheeky side-foot by Torbinsky at the back-post. But the architect was the brilliant Arshavin.
Can the Dutch come back again?!
About seven minutes left for the Dutch to rescue it.
Come on, you Oranje!
GOAL! No, it's Arshavin who wraps a spectacular display today with Russia's third and that's it. The Dutch have bottled it once again at a big tournament.
Free kick for Holland....
Collected by the keeper.
Gooner will be happy to hear that news that Andri Arshavin is in talks with the Arse. Imagine a front line of him and RVP. Quite delicious.
Another Dutch free kick. This one has to go in....
Van der Fart sticks it wide.
Full-time: 3-1 Russia!
I'm sorry to see the Dutch go out at this stage, but I have to admit that Russia were good value for this win. They were absolutely brilliant today and good luck to them. Perhaps they'll get the chance to put one over on the Spanish side that thumped them in the first match without Arshavin.
Rampant Russia Ditch Dutch
WOW!!!
Unbelievable display by the Russians.
All three group runners-up have made the semis. Can you say ITALY!
It's a good shout, Dave. I've heard that the Spanish do not fancy that match tomorrow.
Can you say Germans to win Euro 2008?
Ja ja ja!
Post a Comment
<< Home