tough i respect your opinion, i think the new method is better. If 2 teams are in a draw, the best of th e2 should move forward, and the best criteria for this wich of the 2 is better is direct confrontation, or we coudl end up with a team who got a lucky strike at another and scored lots of goals (portugal- korea style), passing the group undeserved.

My onyl issue is that direct confrontation should only refer in first instance too this final phase, and not to the whole competition. Then again this is my opinion too.

Its Holland v Portugal for me.
I expect Germany v Denmark will be a draw.
They draw and the Dutch are out, if Germany beat the Danes the Dutch can qualify.
Put your money on Germany to play some squad players and settle for a draw elliminating the Dutch. Cynical view I know but true I think.

Ah, I see what you mean. Group phase = more TV rights to sell = more money for UEFA and money makes football go round these days.

@Lol, Pupo. I think Germany will take care of Denmark without too many problems but Holland v. Portugal? It'll be like this:-P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8elmVtJ6Jck

I'm sure that's exactly what is going to happen. The Netherlands are potentially a bigger threat then Denmark for the Germans.

We may win tonight, I very much doubt it, but even if we do, not with 2 goals difference ;)

Ronaldo 2, Holland 1. Pretty impressive performance from Ronaldo and Portugal. At the same time Germany play three, win three, have no injuries or suspensions. Hmmm.........

Viva Portugal!, well deserved... I'll drink to that (already started before the match that is).

Yeah, for the first time this tournament I could enjoy the game at a public viewing with a couple friends and lots of the good stuff.

And the best part? I will be able to do it again :D

Sorry Denmark, no condolences from me this time, parking the busses back at the goal with 9 field players constantly behind the 11m line....For christs sake, you had to WIN this match to go forward! One brilliantly executed goal notwithstanding.
And what is this cynical Germany wanted to see the Netherlands knocked out? Most Germans rooted for the Netherlands, probably one of the very few countries Germany would root for later in the tournament and the sheer crazyness of the event. Times seriously have changed in some regards ;)

Dutch, in many aspect football can be comapred to il2, its 1 hour and 20 mins of boredom transit flying, for those 10 min of action and dogfight (goals in this case)

SO, this was a completely different portuguese team, we had it all but we were missing the goals, now Ronaldo his awake i can see a greater future, bring on the Czechs!!


Missed the germany match (Duh!), but saw the goals.... germany efficiency is crazy, not much of individual skill but more of a machine... See them in the finals? ;)

And greece vs Germany... i wodner what will that be? after all i can see some political meltdown coming (there was some in the Portugal - germany match! ), Ill hope it stays out of the field, and out of the Supporters, and i expect a german win (sorry Bewolf)

Eh, certainly hope for a good and fair match. The Greeks did wonders with Russia, seriously did not see that coming, and that needs some praise. And they certainly will have to compensate for the political situation. But as long as both sides keep politics out of the game and respect each other, it should be a tough but great game.

And you most certainly do not have to apologize to me for expecting a german win :D

Congratz btw for beating the Netherlands (poor sobs, really) and going on to the quarters!

given my prediction capabilities trough the thread....

SO... is italy staying out? lets find out!