[Dead Fingers]

Everyone is more than welcome to participate in this thread, though trolling/insults from any point of view are not welcome and will be dealt with infractions/bans.








12.06.08 (Thursday)

[BlitzKrieg]

A draw but a great match or possibly a win for Croatia. I don't think Germany will win this but it will be a fun game to watch certanly. I'm glad that I predicted the game against Austria correctly and hoping I will this one too.

Is this the first clash of these two in big tournaments since 1998 and 3-0 win for Croatia?A rematch?? Wooooow

[Aran]

Germany 2-0 Croatia.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=r9XGkdZquk4

[Marbur66]

Originally Posted by Aran

Germany 2-0 Croatia.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=r9XGkdZquk4

I certainly hope so.

[Lusankya]

Draw or a victory with a one goal margin.

[Purger]

I'm not only hoping but also expect much better display than against Austria. We have this habit of underestimating weaker teams and putting our worst performances against them, while against strong opposition we tend to play much better. The bigger the name, the better we play..

I won't predict a result as it can go in any direction, but a draw would be closest to my expectations.

[nekkibasara]

^ Prior to the start of the EM I was predicting a draw as well, but if Croatia doesn't play much better than sunday Germany will win in convincing fashion.

[Purger]

We MUST play better. Equally bad would just be impossible. Austria game was one of the worst matches of Croatia I have seen in a long time. Big stakes and weaker opposition seems to be that killer combo that makes us show our worst. It was always like that: In 98 we won against Romania also by that single penalty and after that trashed Germany 3:0. In 2002 we beat Italy but couldn't deal with Mexico and Ecuador (against which we played like against Austria). 2 years ago after great display against Brasil (we lost though), bad game against Japan and awfull vs. Australia (the game which reminds me the most of yesterdays match). Also this time in the qualifications just after we lost to Macedonia we've easily beaten England on their own soil. I't like our destiny. That's why I was much more concerned about Austria and Poland matches (where points were already taken for granted) than Germany (where there's not much to lose, a loss would not be tragic and any points taken would be great bonus). I just hope for a good match with us looking much sharper than yesterday

[cromagnum]

well if we dont play better the germans will win for sure but i expect us to play well thursday as we usually play well when we are not the favorites..i expect too see rakitic in the starting 11 for this game as well..i have a feeling we will play with one striker in this game..

[fh 1]

Of course we'll play better than against Austria. But Germany is a very tough opponent. "Better" may still not be good enough.
Though, Germany has also some weaknesses in the defense, they are tall but not very stable, especially Metzelder. And their goalie doesn't seem to be the strongest part of their team. Ballack, Frings and Klose are meanwhile in their thirties, still running excellent and very experienced. Ballack is also a good scorer, expecially headers. Podolsky and Schweinsteiger usually sit in Bayern on the bench but in NT are much more useful.
I'm not sure that Germany is such a top team it seems to be at first glance. The problem is to reveal this. There are a few NT who are capable of this. Croatia in the shape of Austria match has no chance. If Croatia wants a chance they have to play at their best and when if not now?