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To: X Y Zebra who wrote (2394)	6/19/2004 11:55:00 PM
From: George Papadopoulos	Respond to of 5130

Netherlands self destructed as usual, up 2-0 and let the Czech Republic come back 3-2 with the winner in the last minute! Big games coming up for the big Two: Germany must beat the Czechs and Netherlands must beat Latvia and pray to Gods that the Czechs will not lose to the Germans. If Latvia can win and Czechs don't lose to the Germans....surprise, Czechs and Latvians go on and the big two pack their bags. Tomorrow we got two huge games: Spain vs. Portugal, the Epic battle of the Iberian, and the Greeks battle Russia and just need a draw to get through...I am spending $40 to watch both games to watch on pay per view, then I am off to play our first game in the over 30 soccer league Enjoy

To: X Y Zebra who wrote (2394)	6/22/2004 8:07:52 PM
From: George Papadopoulos	Respond to of 5130

Isn't it funny how as things change they stay the same... I called the Dutch self destructive but the Spaniards are in a class all by themselves by failing again miserably! And then, the Italians, with shades of cry baby from the last World Cup, now have aimed higher as they now charge the Scandinavian Conspiracy, politicians are again into the act......LOL Euro-Italians point finger at Swedes and Danes after draw sports.yahoo.com By Keith Weir LISBON, June 22 (Reuters) - Italians pointed an accusing finger at Sweden and Denmark on Tuesday after the Nordic neighbours fought out a 2-2 draw which sent Italy spinning out of Euro 2004. Italian soccer president Franco Carraro sensed that Italy had been victims of a conspiracy. "There is no doubt that the way the Denmark-Sweden game developed shows that the two teams were aiming for a draw. Of course, proof of that is hard to find," Carraro told Italian television. His views were echoed by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. "Someone should be ashamed and it is not us. I'm very bitter, I really didn't believe (this would happen) with two peoples who are proud of their spirit of fair play," said the Italian goalkeeper. The 2-2 result between Denmark and Sweden ensured Italy's exit from the tournament despite their 2-1 win over Bulgaria. The high-scoring draw allowed both Sweden and Denmark to reach the last eight in terms of goals scored. "When you talk for days about a result, a 2-2 result not just a draw, and then it comes out like this - well I'm very surprised," said Buffon. "All those who talk about fair play and sporting values should open their eyes." ITALY'S SCAPEGOATS The soccer-mad Italians have a habit of finding scapegoats when they are knocked out of major soccer tournaments. Much of the blame for their premature exit from the 2002 World Cup was laid at the door of Ecudorean referee, Byron Moreno, accused of favouring the host nation as Italy went down to a defeat by South Korea. Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni said he did not believe there had been collusion between the Swedes and the Danes. Asked whether he would consult European soccer's governing body over the result, Trapattoni said: "Absolutely not". Midfielder Simone Perrotta was also cautious with his words. "There is a risk that in this bitterness you can say something you might regret," he said. But defender Massimo Oddo said: "We leave this tournament with a bitter taste in our mouths". Denmark coach Morten Olsen refused to discuss any possible collusion between the teams which he called a "ridiculous" idea. "Anyone who saw the game knows that no one tried to go for that result," Olsen said reporters. Most disappointed Italians fans back at home blamed their own players for the exit. However, former Italian striker Gigi Riva added a cynical note about the Danes and Swedes. "They put on a lovely show," he told Italian broadcaster RAI. "Every time the Danes scored, they showed great enthusiasm. Then, however, they allowed the Swedes to equalise. "They always speak badly of us, but they are worse."

To: X Y Zebra who wrote (2394)	6/24/2004 6:22:02 PM
From: George Papadopoulos	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 5130

Portugal-England 2-2 Portugal advances in PK's I am so glad I paid $25 to watch this game in pay per view cable, what a classic!!!! The English again choke on PKs, how many times have we seen this movie before? Portugal again crushes the English aspirations in Euro championships. What drama?? Owens finally scored in the second game by pouncing on a Portuguese defender's mistake. Then we pretty much had Portugal attacking relentlessly. The English played very well in the first half and defended brilliantly with Campbell again being the Rock back there. Then in the second half the game pretty much stayed in England's half with the Portuguese attacking non stop...you knew the goal was coming. At the same time no super chances were involved and the English were still defending well...but their midfield totally disappeared in the second half. Ball possession must have been at least 75-25 in Portugal's favor. I must add that England's star, the kid Rooney, had to leave the game around the 20th minute...so the English never really threatened until the last minute (more on that later). Finally the Portuguse tie the game with about 10 minutes left when somehow one of their players was left umarked in the box and headed/shouldered a cross. Portugal could have won the game in regulation because they kept attacking. Their physical condition was far superior. Then finally in the last minute the English break away and in a mad scramble in the box head in a winner...but wait, the referee calls a foul committed on the goalie. You would not believe the BBC announcers!!! I thought the ESPN ones were bad, these guys take the cake. They kept repeating how disgraceful the referee's decision was, it was disgraceful<g>. I would have called it the same way! In the box you don't mess with the goalie, especially when he goes to jump to get the ball and a players does not let him!!! I was wondering if these "experts" were watching the same game! That turned me off from that point on I wanted Portugal to win. Anyway, we go on to OT. Portugal keeps attacking but the English decide to take some chances finally up front. Well, near the end of the first OT a Portuguese players scores probably the best goal of the tournament, a rocket shot that in reply still resembled a rocket shot! In the second OT, the English have no choice but to attack leaving the back vulnerable and are lucky not to let in another goal. Then somehow off a corner kick, headed into the box, scramble and England ties the game with about 6 minutes or so left!! Unbelievable. PKs and then you knew that somehow the English find a way to lose. Beckham goes first, and he misses high, then everybody makes it until the fourth Portuguese player misses left. Then the fifth players both score and so do the sixth players. Then the seventh English player misses (GK block) and then right away the same GK scores in the next PK and pandemonium in Portugal and another crushing defeat for the English lads. I feel for the English but they did not play well enough to win, Portugal earned it. To note, both Portuguese substitute players scored! (one came in for Figo who left the game disgusted without talking to anyone, gotta love that team spirit). You just hate the game to be decided in this cruel fashion again...but whatsarugonnnado? Now tomorrow I am watching my fellow country men Greeks go against the French....while the Italians, Spaniards and Germans (could not even beat the B team the Czhechs put on the field!)get to watch this game from TV!!! Pinch me!