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sunlore wrote:Was sort of expecting this.

Good game for the Russians.

Still a good tourney.

The Dutch just couldn't get playing tonight. They've played some of the best football this tourney, though.

Impressive Russian stamina, they kept on running during the whole match like (or "as"? sorry for any mistake, by the way) the first minute. Great long range shooting skills, as well. Arshavin really proved his worth. Hiddink always manages to achieve great results with not-so-titled teams. Kudos to Russia.

Bummer for you, Sunlore. It's a pity to see the Dutch go out, and before the game I wanted them to win. But the Russians were the better side in every way, and the fitness, the stamina... incredible. Fast as fuck for 120 minutes.

Arshavin looks like a hell of a player...

sunlore wrote:
Good game for the Russians.

Agreed. Russians were better. Rather bizarre substitutions from Van Basten.

We watched the post match on Dutch TV (NOS1). Cruyff putting questions to Hiddinck was pretty sweet (for a neutral non Dutch).

aldofarian wrote:(a neutral non Dutch).

Where are you from, Aldofarian? Sorry, don't mean to be nosey and feel free to ignore the question. Just I can never work out if you're British/Belgian/other? You seem to watch a lot of channels and speak a lot of languages!

simmo wrote:

aldofarian wrote:(a neutral non Dutch).

Where are you from?

Home is London but I live in Brussels. I can only claim to speak German with any sense of fluency.

I cannot fault any of the results in the quarter finals, it just seems a shame to see entertaining teams going out.

Genuinely delighted to read sparky's "corny" comments about the mood in Berlin. I hope that stays true.

richterbjack wrote:squad-resting-group winner

I think this is key. Big-time cockup. Momentum is important. Sure, rest those who picked up a 'knock' or a yellow card, but 9/10 changes is just insanity. Your best plays are playing well, your team is gelling at the right time and playing great football (for the first time in years in Holland's case, by all accounts)... so you give them a week off?! Madness...

Italy's name is on this cup.

richterbjack wrote:What a classic tournament

Aye. Just wish I could see more of it. I'm going to make a real effort from here on in. It was my dad's birthday meal last night so I missed Holland-Russia (though got into the pub to see the last 10 minutes of Extra Time with the sound off - gutter).

Newcastle's first good gig in months clashing with Thursday's semi is a real bummer too.

My God, if Spain lose this shootout Villa is going to see that cross in his dreams for the rest of his life.

****

I'm thinking Russia v. Germany in the final. Germany on penalties.

In my favourite bar there is a great fellow called Falco, who is Austrian, helped build the place, likes his music heavy, and loves football. He was going nuts during the game today, almost bashing a hole in a wall he made with rapid punches during the penalty shootout. There is not much love for the Italian team here, I'm afraid, so despite the bar being quiet, the noise was quite something when Italy missed their penalties. Falco's an expressive dude:



I cannot begin to imagine the chaos to come on Wednesday. As he hates the German side, Falco's head might spin off.

sparky wrote:there is a great fellow called Falco, who is Austrian,

You do only address him as 'Kommissar', don't you?