Euro 2012 Final Live!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 9:42 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!
Sunday, July 01, 2012
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
- Euro 2012 Predictions Game - Semi-Final Update
- Euro 2012 - Semi Final 2!
- The Iberian Semi-Final!
- The coveted LOB Shield
- Euro 2012 Predictions Game - Quarter-final Update
- Come on, England!
- Euro 2012 - Quarterfinal 3
- Bad Precursor for the Germans The Germans and ...
- Euro-2012 Quarter-final 1
- Euro 2012 Predictions Game - Group Stage Final Upd...
423 Comments:
Hi Bob... you beat me to the post
I had a picture already to go
Good morning BD and UWS. Surprisingly, it was in the 70s all afternoon after a thunderstorm.Normal service resumed today. I discovered that Italy is a bogey team for Spain as well as Germany.Spain has not defeated Italy in a competitive match without the aid of a penalty shootout since the 1920 Olympics.Italy has three wins, four draws and not defeats out scoring Spain 6-3 in those seven matches( World Cup and Euros combined).
Afternoon, UWS - feel free to replace the post and/or the image if you like. I don't mind.
I've been really surprised at several key junctures of this tournament - the Dutch collapse, the Russian collapse, Germany's poor performance in the semis. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Italy nicked it today. I certainly hope that they will liven up the match. Forza Azurri!
Good afternoon,BD. I predict that Italy will win 1-0 and my earlier post shows that history is on the side of the Azurri, not the Rojas.
Sorry... I just had to change the picture!
Good afternoon, UWS. GO FOR IT!Do you want the fork or the spoon? It doesn't matter to me.
Did anyone see what Becks did last night
Becks kicks the ball at the bloke who was on the ground wasting time.... of course... the guy got right up... I GUESS HE WASN'T HURT!!
1848:
BREAKING TEAM NEWS - Spain v Italy (19:45 BST)
Spain make one change, as Cesc Fabregas comes in for Alvaro Negredo, while Italy have right-back Ignazio Abate back from injury.
I didn't see it, but I guess it must not have been that serious.
Makes sense. That Negredo start was really bizarre.
One man who is not happy with Spain's playing style is Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Yep, honestly - Arsene Wenger. I thought he would take much joy in their play, but it appears not.
"Throughout their years of success, they have tried to keep the same philosophy, which is based around wanting to have the ball," Wenger said in his Eurosport column.
"However, they have betrayed their philosophy and turned it into something more negative."
Arsene Wenger goes on.
"Originally Spain wanted possession in order to attack and win the game; now it seems to be first and foremost a way not to lose," he said.
"They have become more conservative, and they don't want to give the ball up because they don't want to give you a chance to score. That's the impression you get from Euro 2012. Yes, it can be hard to break down defensive opponents, but this is a challenge that confronts every successful team. They are still absolutely outstanding, but they have less penetration than before."
Wahay! The coverage of the final has started on ESPN. Almost match-time.
POT KETTLE, ARSENE!
What will Spain's legacy be if they win today? This is a tough one because they are such a dull team.
Afternoon, chaps! I'd like to see that battle between the two of you for wooden fork v. spoon.
I'm going out on a limb and predicting that Italy will win 1-0 and that Balo will not score.
Never thought of that.. the last two World Champions
ESPN just said World Cup winners.... the US love to throw around the term World Champs (i.e. World Series winners, Super Bowl winners, NBA winners)... this is a actually use the term WORLD CHAMPIONS and it be TRUE!!
One thing for sure, they were not manufactured in Sheffield.
Starting line-ups out of Kiev tonight:
Italy replace Federico Balzaretti with Ignazio Abate: Buffon, Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo, Cassano, Balotelli.
Forza Azzurri!
Also , the winners of every Euro or World Cup since 2006.
Still no striker for Spain, they simply don't care what we think, and as reigning world and European champions - two fingers up to footie fans from Del Bosque:
Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Silva, Fábregas.
One bit of bad news: For the first time ever a Citeh player will have a Euro or World Cup winners medal.
Way to ruin the afternoon MUR!!!
Will Fab be used as a striker? Arsene, the club level equivalent of Del Bosque, did.
Love that shot of the Italian grandmother kissing Balo. That was quite a moment.
BBC's pregame
http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/38720/1/watch-bbc-one-[general].html
Sorry UWS. I thought it may have been brought up later by the numpties at ESPN rather than this one.They're always later on those things.
Fabregas will not act as a striker, even if you tell him too. It's not in his DNA. Expect plenty of tippy tap today.
BALO LIKES GRANNIES!
LOL MUR!
Spare a thought for our DC brethren today - they're dealing with 100F+ temps without any power. Struth!
England beat the Aussies in the second 1 dayer to take a 2-0 lead... if they win 5-0 they will be ranked #1 in the World in One Day cricket as well as the Test Match game
Last cricket update and NO Wimpleton today either
Balo will have to be the wild card. Italy's previous wins over Spain were that way:
Baggio in 1994 and Vialli in 1988.
It will have to be the same today
I sure will. I feel really terrible for them and hope it gets rectified within the next couple of days.
http://dispatchesfromafootballsofa.com/2012/06/29/an-open-letter-to-the-bbc-bring-back-barry-davies/
Interesting letter about the BBC coverage here
David De Gea did not make the Spain squad. The three keepers were Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, and Victor Valdes.De Gea was either injured or the stand by keeper.
Alright, lads - before the match starts, it's Crossword Time:
"Dampier of the NBA" (five letters)
Classic BBC stuff o Vialli scoring against Spain with lots of hair... lots of giggling on the set with Gianluca
Wimbledon starts tomorrow!
Spain has scored three goals in seven competitive matches vs Italy and one in four Euro matches.That means the one from Fab was Spain's first ever Euro goal vs Italy from open play.That's why I think Italy can take these numpties.
Erick
CRICKET SHOULD TOO!
Portugeezer Pedro Proenca will be the monkey in the middle today.
Brilliant from the Nocito Sportscenter.
Cheers, UWS! I knew I could count on you - I'm rubbish at the American sports ones.
Too kind a description, BD.
I guess NBC aren't covering any of the tennis this year
ESPN are saying first ball to last ball but I thought it was because they were showing it all day long but it wasn't on NBC yesterday
Alan Hansen say that Spain were so poor against Portugal but were great in Extra Time... I didn't see much of an improvement
I guess the big question is if Balo can emulate Baggio and Vialli by scoring a late winner to defeat Spain or can Spain do what they have not since the 1920 Olympics.I watched that match and remember it like it was yesterday.
Ian Darke and Macca at the stadium for the commentary tonight.
I did not either. Typical Scouse player , seeing a different match than us.
THEY SHOULD BE BANNED!
I am going to keep my BBC coverage going as well. I had to mute it for the Italy England match because it was ahead of ESPN
I will take the wooden spoon because the missus can use it for stirring when cooking supper.
I'll take the Wooden Fork because it is even worse than the spoon
No pressure from Gianluca Vialli then...
Italy are blessed with plenty of top players obviously, but in main man Andrea Pirlo they have a midfielder who has not lost a league game since 2010. Ridiculous.
Every Brazilian that I know does not believe their team will win the next World Cup. Every one of them tells me that their team sucks.
Your thoughts gents?
I am sure they will be ready in two years... surely they will have a good team for their tournament
Glad to see that there's no bickering over wooden implements between United fans.
Remember - the Premiership season starts again in a little more than a month with the new LOB Shield at stake. It's on my wall right now - luv it!
Correct. According to a show on the telly , he was the best player in Serie A. He was the leader in their Serie A title this year
The missus said she would want it in the utility room if I win.
I watching links on The Guardian about Italy and England matches
One match was from 1961 where England won in Italy 3-2. They came from 2-1 down to win with Jimmy Greaves scoring the winner... in goal for Italy... some bloke named Buffon!
I thought that the Brazil side I saw last month against the US was rather tasty. They're loaded with talent as usual. As always, though, it will be a lot about what manager and what side is run out. But as the home side and with their pedigree, they have to be one of the favorites along with the Argies, Spain and Germany.
I still think you nicked the Ladies Wimbledon trophy!
We are having hors d'ouvres in honor of the Euro Final.
Kathy is making a lovely taco dip as I type
I did - while they were busy grunting, I slipped in and nicked it!
I'll take some Kath! Yum!
The host nation has not done well in recent years. The last host nation other than France to win a Euro or World Cup was the Argies in 1978.I am not sure if we can make the Brazilians certs and their fans are not the most confident about their team, telling me that they are too boring and too conservative.
I think it's been a really valuable conversation about Spain being boring. I hope that this is the end of the tippy tap style when Italia win. I'm sick of it. Big Red is a numpty - it's not beautiful; it's dull.
Elizabeth is making Nopales with chili sauce, also there is chips, cheese, crackers, and Pastromi.The adults will drink Rolling Rock.
Closing ceremonies have begun. The fireworks show on Wednesday will last longer.
Big Red is a right Wally.
ahhh... just saw Balotelli's assist to Aguero... for you know what!
COME ON ITALY!!!!
Just a reminder, the Predictions Game is now down to West Ham, Simon the Red Devil. They're the only ones who can still win it.
Italy vs Spain was played three weeks ago in Poland and today in the Ukraine.
It's Euro Disco time now at Euro 2012. Everyone bob your heads!
COME ON YOU AZZURI!
I decided to redo my predictions last night
Surprisingly, I got the whole lot right!!
Send the trophy to Glenville!
Where you supposed to be the DJ,Bob?
Alan Hansen is still hating Balo
No wifey here to make me a snack (sigh)
I reckon I could have done a better job than the numpty who was programming that stuff. That was strictly 1992.
Hansen picks Spain
Vialli picks the 'best' team to win
Shearer says Spain but he wants it to be a long night. He doesn't want the tournament to end
Did you hear that Platini wants the 2020 Euros in multiple countries? He said one group could be played in Brussels, Paris ,and London? Would that mean that nobody would qualify as the host nation?
Definitely keeping the BBC link for the half time and full time stuff. I kept it on for England Italy but as soon as the penalty went in... I JUST TURNED EVERYTHING OFF
That's a rubbish idea from Platini as usual. High, wide and 'orrible from him.
These two met exactly three weeks ago
BLOODY USELESS FROM THE BBC PANEL!
OR... EVERY TEAM would qualify as hosts
Again.. my BBC link is ahead of ESPN... COME ON ESPN... SHOW IT LIVE!!!
Melanie's birthday is exactly three weeks from today! Thought I would go with the three weeks theme.
1939:
The players are in the tunnel. Get yourself ready for a Gigi Buffon national anthem masterclass.
That man can bang out an anthem like no-one else.
That would be half the teams in the tournament. I agree that it is a bloody awful idea.
Here they come out of the tunnel
Best of luck Bruver Tony
Did you hear that this is the last year that the UEFA Super Cup will be played in Monte Carlo? It will rotate after that:
Prague 2013
Cardiff 2014
Tblisi 2015
Your thoughts gents?
Best of luck Tony and Elizabeth!
Bruver Mike is reading our comments.
He agreed with the Arsene
I told him that he should join in
Buffon is REALLY GOING AT IT
Agree with both statements . It would be great to have Mike join in.
Btw, UWS, great image for the thread - well in, mate!
I think Platini will be an Azurri fan today too.
We've already got 100+ comments and the match hasn't started - good effort, lads!
Tom would like to point out again... BOB'S GB choice has yet... and will not... touch the field this entire tournament
I think Bob should win the trophy just for that stat!!
I second that. Love the picture!
I felt bad changing your picture but I thought it was a good one
Both keepers are captains!
BUFFOON DO WHAT ZOFF DID IN '82!
Mike says hello
LOL , UWS. What happens if he gets a late cameo at the end of the match?
Buffon putting in bobbie pins in his hair... what a pufta
Llorente... NUMBER 19!!!
AWAY WE GO!!!
Silly countdown - who started that bollocks!?
We're off from the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Hello Mike!
Spain have made three straight finals which is a first
Hey, Llorente still has a chance to step onto the pitch for the next 120 minutes.
Hi to Mike - hope he's having a good summer.
Italy attacked Spain in the previous match in Gdansk.
Pirlo has an early effort on goal - well wide. Early indications that Italia will have a go from the off.
Useless shot by Pirlo
Man City defender Joleon Lescott on Twitter
"Really don't care who wins because its David Silva v Mario Balotelli, but I'm thinking Italy."
Everton captain Phil Neville on Twitter
"Buffon man of match already. Brilliant singing by the Italians!"
Well wide by Pirlo, but I like the attack from the Azzuri.
Naughty from Alonso there on Abate.
As Gerry Harrison once said... HIGH WIDE AND HORRIBLE
I thought West Germany made three straight finals: 1972,1974,1976.
Classic commentary line - one of my favorites.
Did they make 72
You might be right
Great run by Silva, but Italy was there o mop up.
One good thing is that both teams are wearing their true colors
Yes. They won it in 72. I think they beat the Soviets in that final.
Agreed, UWS. It is great to see that
Gerry must have said after commentating on the likes of Colchester, Cambridge, Posh, and Northampton.
Puyol and Villa watching in the stands.
Free kick well over by Sergio Ramos.
My favorite all time Match of the Week moment
John Bond came up to the commentary booth at the beginning of the second half as all the home managers used to do to chat with Gerry
Norwich conceded and Bondy was SPEECHLESS
Correct, MUR - beat the Soviets 3-0 in the '72 final, beat Holland 2-1 in the '74 final and lost on pens to the Czechs in '76.
Chiellini clears a cross out for a corner.
Headed high and wide by Ramos off the corner from Xavi
Decent start to this match. I'm pleasantly surprised.
It seems to be a faster pace... I like it so far
Brilliant UWS. I did not remember that , but would have loved to have seen that from Bondy , who thought he knew it all.
Uh oh - back to the tippy tap.
Agreed. Spain is playing with more pace than I have seen this entire tournament.
I noticed that too. The curse of the commentators.
Of course, Germany have made three straight WC Finals too
82,86 and 90
A couple of ambitious shots blocked out by the Italians.
oouh just over by Xavi
Two long range desperation efforts from Spain were easily blocked, but then they found an opening an Xavi shot over.
Great move there from Spain. Xavi had a chance but struck it over the bar. Should have worked Buffoon at least.
Lots of possession from Spain now and some chances. But Balo could easily break them on the sprint. I'd love to see that.
Italy on the break similar to the semi, but Casillas rushed out to clear.
Ramos with a shove into the back. He is a really dirty player.
Italy with similar tactics and a similar start to their semi vs Germany.
Brazil made three straight World Cup Finals too.
1994,1998,2002.
Spain playing some good stuff but seem to miss the cutting edge. Where's Llorente!?
Ian mentioned that Italy beat Spain in a friendly on August 10th. Montolivo scored his only goal for Italy.
GOAL... GREAT GOAL
SILVA
GOAL!!!!!!!!!
Silva with the opener. Great goal!
GOAL!!! 1-0 SPAIN AND LITTLE SILVA SCORED WITH A HEADER OFF A GRETA CROSS.
Fabregas made that by making it to the by-line, beating Chiellini and picking out Silva for the header. Good finish. It was coming.
1-0!
Great pass from Iniesta and great cross from Xavi
Good free kick opportunity now for Italy won by Balo.
Free kick chance for Italy
Pirlo's free kick is deflected out for a corner.
Curled wide by Pirlo off the free kick
Oh - Casillas made a mess of that corner and the ref bailed him out.
Casillas struggled to punch away the The corner from Pirlo and the ref called a foul. I didn't see it.
Biscuits heads out a cross for a conrer.
My feed has gone out - WTF?!
Satellite problems in Texas/
MY ESPN HAS COMPLETELY GONE OFF!!
You have to love it when a player that short ends up heading it in. Great ball movement. Italy had a bright 3-4 minutes at the start. Since then the boa constrictor has been inexorably crushing the life out of this game.
Good afternoon, Red Devil. We have lost reception in the U.S
Afternoon, Red Devil - I hope you and your Italian family are enjoying the Forza Italia festivities today despite the early scoreline.
Horrible reception.The girls asked why it's not being shown on three channels. They said after all it's a final
The feed is back up and Chiellini has a problem now.
Superb tackle by Pirlo on Iniesta.Chiellini is hobbling off. Not looking good for the hatchet man.
For those without a view, Chiellini is out injured, so Balzaretti is in. No big loss Chiellini was at fault for that first goal.
And Balzaretti is on in his place. A really difficult start for the Azurri.
Wow.. it is all over
MY BBC link is working great!!
Chellini is off injured
Thanks, Red Devil. We now have reception.
I rebooted my DVR... working again
I plan to leave the house for the second half, and head down to the village square where supposedly a screen is set up.
Only once in seven competitive matches have there been more than two goals in a match between those teams. That was the 94 World Cup Quarterfinal
That should be good to watch
Back to the discussion of Brazil, I've just noticed that they were Copa America losing finalists in 1995 right after winning WC '94 in the US. Then they were Copa champions in both 1997 and 1999. So you could say that they didn't quite win three in a row having lost in France in 1998 but they won four major tournaments between 1994 and 2002 - pretty bloody good.
Usless cross from Abate after a great pass from De Rossi.
Piquet picks up a yellow for a nasty sliding challenge there.
Didn't Pique get the ball there?
Agreed, BD. Highly impressive. I forgot about those Copa Americas.
The Spaniards are so relaxed that they look distinctly uncomfortable when they have to make a last gasp desperation tackle. They are always looking for a neat, controlled solution to pressure.
Pique learned that behavior at the Nou Camp, not OT!
ooh.. almost on to Balo's head
Spain look more like the Spain of 2010 and 2008 in this match
Yeah - but Piquet alos got the man, several ballboys, masses of turf and a bit of the Italian bench as well with that tackle. XXX in my opinion.
Crosses seem to be the way to go for Italy. Casillas has looked even more shaky than usual on corners and other crosses.
Casillas sure made a hash of that cross.The Italians should cross often.
Darke says Spain's left back is the player of the tourney...... you're getting worse Ian!
I agree, Red Devil. All that control is really boring. Where is the long ball to someone's head? ;-}
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