EURO 2020: Reigning, Defending, Champions Of Europe General Discussion

Well, what? The furthest we go is we naturalize players from former Portuguese colonies. These people have ethnic binds to us and share our language. It's incredibly easy for them to acclimate to us which is why so many Brazilians and Portuguese Speaking Africans end up living in Portugal. It's not like we are naturalizing players from China.

 

This ☝️☝️☝️☝️

 

Obrigado!!!!

 

I was just saying that if you go to a foreign country, marry a local girl and have kids, you will be forever connected to that country. Portugal has a track record of Brazilian players too. I know the language is the same.

These Brazilian born players are playing for countries all over the world. Ukraine, Russia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Japan, Qatar, etc.... Language or lack of ethnic ties isn't a barrier for them.

Perhaps not in soccer yet but look at table tennis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shao_Jieni.

 

Where talking about football not table tennis, if you think it’s the same thing a Brazilian naturalising themselves for Portugal v Ukraine im not sure there’s any point in discussing the point

 

If that's all you got from my post then yeah, no point in further discussion.

 

What a mad dog Freddie Mercury was

 

Anyone know how long the investigation into the Brasilian Ukrainian player could take? Is this something that is going to be months in the making or should we hear news relatively soon regarding the matter?

 

Good question or uefa going to sweep it under the carpet

 

Jota continues to shine. Assist and goal today in 2-1 victory over their nearest rivals. The 2nd goal was also a pearl of a pass from Neves - laser guided to Jota's run, made keeper look foolish.

 

any news on the investigation into Ukraine and their Brasilian player?

 

The decision has come out today, in favor of Ukrainian National Team.

 

******** me.. i dont know the exact situation of the player. None of us do. I just can not help but think that if both federations protested the result, there was a reason for it. You do not protest a players ability to play if there is not a legitimate beef. Uefa being Uefa...

That being said, while i was hoping for a reversal.. it isnt as if Portugal deserved anything more than a point in their match up vs Ukraine.

 

No, I think it was more of a "let's throw something at the wall and let's see what sticks" argument.

 

There has to be more to it. Not normal to try and punish such a mediocre team for no reason or "let's see if it sticks". In the end it really won't matter.

 

It's not about punishing a mediocre team. It's about gaining points. It's about the standings.

 

Yes ofcourse, but why now? why haven't we tried to "make something stick" in any previous qualifying campaign? There has to be something to it. Not saying they were right, but clearly there is something there.

 

Well, of course, there was a hope that UEFA might read the rules in a particular way that would make the Brazilian player ineligible. But, the guy has been under contracts with Ukrainian clubs for 7 consecutive years. That's how UEFA saw it. If the situation had been the opposite, I would also expect Ukraine to protest, even if chances are negligible. There is no risk in losing the protest.

 

I remember about 15 years ago, during the NHL draft, Florida Panthers had attempted to snap up the not-as-yet-18-year-old Ovechkin, claiming that because of the leap years he actually was 18 not 17 (and 364 days) old. The argument was laughable, but there was no penalty for trying. Same here.

 

Ukraine just beat Serbia 5 - 0 top of the group we in 3rd

 

I think the best result for Portugal was a draw or a blow out for Ukraine, so we should be relatively happy with that result IMO.

Also the draw between the other two really puts everything squarely back in Portugal’s court.

It would’ve been ideal to come away with the six points in the first two so Santos could bed in the new formation and players but it’s not to be.

 

If you're the type that just wants to qualify and doesn't care if it's ugly, than the Ukraine result is good as it leaves the door wide open for 2nd. However, I think there is no excuse for not coming first.

 

Serbia almost has to win against us in Belgrade.

Both teams with a lot of pressure riding on that match.

The cynical part of me wants us to get smashed by Holland so we get a new coach, and we come out flying in September with the shackles unleashed.

 

Portugal already blew its best chance to win the group by drawing with Ukraine and Serbia at home. All that matters in finishing top two.

Never expected a Ukraine-Serbia blowout, but that helps with GD. The best outcome from the two matches between those countries is either two draws or a sweep by one country, the latter of which is still in play.

Ukraine 3 / +6 / 7
Luxembourg 3 / 0 / 4
Portugal 2 / 0 / 2
Lithuania 2 / -1 / 1
Serbia 2 / -5 / 1

Monday:
Serbia v. Lithuania
Ukraine v. Luxembourg