Belgium vs Italy final. There is history, that everytime Ireland is in the European Cup, two teams from Ireland's group meet again in the final.
If Italy wins this thing, they will certainly deserve it. Spain--Germany--France--and probably Belgium again. It doesn't get any tougher than that.
I'd pick Belgium to make the final. Poland could beat Portugal and probably should. But I think Ronaldo may go off. I don't see them beating Belgium but the again they can. I thought they could go far this tournament based on their ability to grind out results, not due to anything else. In qualifying they were shit but did this. They won't win it though but a Greece win isn't out of the question. France wins it in any case. After them I'd say Italy.
Portugal deserved to win? No way. They were terrible. As for Croatia they are chokers and I didn't have them in the final at all. Same as Euro 2008 and lost in a similar fashion. Start the tournament well then choke next round. Belgium will make the final as you said.
This is also true in World Cups '94 &'02, when Italy and Germany made the final!! Could've been WC'90 too, if Psycho Pierce didn't miss his kick!!
Shoot, anyone on the right side of the bracket who wins it will deserve it!! You have a total of 21 major titles won on the right side and on the left a total of.....zero, zip, nada, nothing, or as my Grandmother used to say 'not a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out!!'
Yes. It's been more entertaining attacking football but the quality has been poor. Argentina Chile Mexico and Colombia played good football. The rest was poor. Also we're comparing a tournament at its end to a tournament which has only started the knockout round. The Copa group stage was even worse than the Euro with quality football at a premium. And as it stands it looks like we will have just one game between equal top class opponents and that's the final. You could add Mexico Chile where Chile simply had a perfect game.
The first installment (during group play) of Argentina-Chile was actually pretty sensational. End to end offensive fireworks all night long. I was lucky enough to see it in person and will remember it for a long time. I have a feeling the Final will be more cat and mouse, and not nearly as good.
All cenderellas are very tired in group stage. So there will not be any sensations in knockout stage. The physical form was key-factor in Croatia defeat. That is not question of bench. Croatia bench is length such as Portugal. Portugal saves energy forces in previous matches and wasnt so tired. Croatia had very difficult match with Spain, and Del Bosque was more farsighted than croatian coach.
I am sure we will see real strength of top-teams furthere. They will be more strengthfull such as physically in this way.
This is setting up well for England. Assuming they take care of business themselves (which is far from a given.) I am really digging this 24 team format.
So if Wales wins it, they won't deserve it because they werent in the Right bracket? Had Spain finished in 1st for example they would be on the left bracket and given them some irrelevant history. Let's have a new team in the finals to make things more interesting.
You must not have read the post I quoted!! @Hayaka said if Italy wins the Euro, then they deserve it and I gave my reply and will stick with it because that is the TOUGHEST side of the bracket!! Now if Wales or any of the left side win it, it's not saying they dont deserve it, but their road to the Final vs top established teams will be weak!! That's all!! I as a fan would rather go through the tough road and win!! Just a difference of opinion!!