Euro 2004 Portugal

[Miksu]

The bad thing is that we'll probably get Rehakles as next trainer for the german team, and continue playing boring football for years

I'm actually afraid that we're going to see more teams adapting this tactic, now that we've seen that you can win with it.

 

[nutball]

Congratulations to Greece.

I think it's a fantastic result. Obviously for Greece, but hopefully for European football.

Maybe it'll make some of the complacent and oveconfident so-called majour powers of European football (yes, France, England, Italy, Spain, Germany & Holland, I'm talking about you) take notice and realise that they've got stop acting like a bunch on old women / overpaid schoolboys, and actually apply themselves on the pitch.

Show that a good coach with moderately talented players who are willing to apply themselves can go all the way. You watching, Mr Eriksson?

 

[Crisidelm]

I'd like to see England play like Greece

 

[nutball]

I'd like to see England play like Greece

Ahem *cough* I wouldn't!

England's problem isn't quality, it's consistency. When (if!) our players *all* play well, we can beat almost anybody. Trouble is it rarely seems to happen. I think I've probably seen maybe half-a-dozen performances over the past five or six years that I've come away thinking "Yeah, can't fault that performance, we couldn't have done better".

I don't think we should get carried away with this result! Greece have beaten two poor European teams, and two good European teams (Portugal are in both categories!).

IMO it shows that a decent team, playing well and sticking to their game plan (or even knowing what their game plan is!) can surprise teams who on paper are better. Now if Greece go on to win the World Cup, beating South American opposition on the way... now that's a different matter

 

[Diplo]

I'm actually afraid that we're going to see more teams adapting this tactic, now that we've seen that you can win with it.

Well, I for one would love to see the England team adopting the discipline, stamina and accuracy the Greek's exhbit. Far too often over-paid prima donnas (ie. most of Real Madrid players) think that they just have to turn up to win the game. Well, football is a team game, not one of lazy individuals who think the pitch is a stage to exhibit their 'skills' to sponsors. Players like Dellas played with as much skill as anyone in the tournament and thoroughly deserved to be in the victorious team. There is as much beauty in a well-timed tackle as a dribbling run. The Greek's played to their strengths and were strong, intelligent and also exciting when they did attack (the goal against France was brilliant).

 

[davefb]

diplo , *agreed* .

note half that team had the pressure that AEK Athens is in severe financial trouble meaning they might not be getting paid.. however i suppose that gives a huge incentive to play well and get a better deal! .

respect to them greeks,, now can they keep it up

-dave-

 

[nutball]

Far too often over-paid prima donnas (ie. most of Real Madrid players) think that they just have to turn up to win the game. Well, football is a team game, not one of lazy individuals who think the pitch is a stage to exhibit their 'skills' to sponsors.

**applauds** couldn't have put it better myself!

 

[Crisidelm]

I've heard that AEK Athens has gone under for real...

 

[Leto]

IF Greece will even make it to WC2006. Denmark didn't make it in 1994 even though they won Euro92.

I doubt and really don't hope teams will start playing like Greece. The most important factors that led them to victory were the constant underdog role they had in every game except against Russia and the fantastic enthusiasm and team spirit they assembled along the way, IMO.

South Korea made it far in WC2002 with a different and much more attractive playing style.