Scotland/Italy Euro 2008 my thoughts

The game has just ended and i don't know what to say.

2-1 to Italy, this means that Italy and France go through.

Luca Toni scored the first goal, then Scotland equalized with a Barry Furgeson goal and made it 1-1 and then Christian Panucci scored in the 90th min.

Congratulations to Italy, you cheat, your league is filled with hooliganism and tragedies, you never get punished, you are the golden boys of football and this is your reward you go to Euro 2008 and take out the team that truly deserved to go.

Scotland, It breaks my heart to see them eliminated, they have played their qualifying games with class and dignity, they have played with heart, passion and class, they are always drawn in the hardest groups and this year they proved that they have talent, they deserved to go through and will all know it. I hope to see them in the 2010 World Cup but of course the will probably get the hardest group.

Scotland/Italy CRAZY!

How crazy good has the Scotland Italy game been?
Full of emotions and chances by both teams!
So far its 1-1.
I'll be back later when the game is over with a review!
Enjoy the game!

UPDATE:2-1 to Italy in extra time.... my heart just broke.

Can Scotland qualify?

I went through every possible emotion watching the Scotland/Georgia game, i was excited at the beginning, mad in the middle (I almost broke my hand when Georgia scored the second goal), and then at the end i was heart broken.

Georgia were the better team on the pitch and Scotland weren't playing the way they have been playing, they should have gotten the 3-points they've just made qualifying for Euro 2008 harder for themselves.

They can still qualify, but i don't think it will happen, they play Italy at home, which is an advantage, they will have the home crowd, they know the pitch and they are use to the weather, but its a must win game and they can crumble under pressure.

France play Ukraine which can be tricky, if they lose and Scotland win, Scotland qualifies, Ukraine is unstable they can sometimes pull out wins, but they have nothing to play for so they probably wont care.
Italy have a game in hand against Faroe Islands so that's a guaranteed 3-points.

I still have a little faith that they will qualify but only a little, but i will say it for old times sake SCOTLAND FOR THE CUP! ... i can only dream.

GROUP B
France: P-11, W-8, D-1, L-2, Pts-25
Scotland: P-11, W-8, D-0, L-3, Pts-24
Italy: P-10, W-7, D-2, L1-, Pts-23
Ukraine: P-10, W-5, D-1, L-4, Pts-16
Lithuania: P-10, W-3, D-1, L-6, Pts-10
Georgia: P-11, W-3, D-1, L-7, Pts-10
Faroes Islands: P-11, W-0, D-0, L-11, Pts-0

Russia vs England 2-1 !!!!!

I knew it! typical England! They lost having the advantage.
2-1 with one goal Wayne Rooney, and two goals by Roman Pavluchenko (the first goal by Russia was a penalty)

Paul Robinson was responsible for that second goal, what does he have to do to get dropped? i don't get it he is just crap and he is still on that team


England are screwed. Russia are now 3rd with 21-points and a game in hand against Israel and Andorra, which could be tricky so its a must win game for them and England's next game is against Croatia which is a tricky game, this group is getting interesting!
Both England and Russia's next games are must wins.


I can't wait to hear the excuses of the England team, main excuse: The Artificial Pitch.

Sammy Lee has left Bolton

Sammy Lee has left Bolton.
I will post more later I'm currently watching Russia vs England on my computer, my broke ass couldn't go to Nevada Smiths.
The Rooney goal was a gimme, I feel that Russia have had a better game so far.

Preview of 10/17 Euro 2008 qualifiers

I'm very excited about the games tomorrow, i usually hate international breaks but this one has been a pretty good one.
My broke ass will try to go to Nevada Smiths tomorrow if I'm not busy,to watch the England/Russia game and the Georgia/Scotland game, so I'm excited to go watch the games with football people.
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Georgia vs Scotland- at Lokomotivi Stadium in Georgia.
I do think Scotland can win, If they win they basically qualify, they won against France, semifinalist in The World Cup in Paris, you are going to tell me they can't win against Georgia? Anything can happen but i think Scotland can do it.

France vs Lithuania- at Stade de France in Paris.
Its at home and it is Lithuania but i don't think its as easy as people think, I think anything can happen in this game, but France will probably win because they know they have to.

Turkey vs Greece- at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
This is a very interesting game, Greece is top of the group with 22 points and Turkey is second with 18 points, Norway is third with 17 points so Turkey have to win.

Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Norway- at Olympic Stadium (I believe its in Norway).
If Norway win and Turkey lose, Norway will be second in the group, this is a must win for them to still be in it, i think they will win and they have to wait to see what happens in the Turkey/Greece game.

Ireland vs Cyprus- at Croke Park in Ireland.
This group is basically done, Germany has qualified and Ireland are 5 points behind Czech Republic, if Czech Republic lose against Germany and Ireland win its possible that Ireland could qualify (which i hope they do).

Germany vs Czech Republic- I don't know where its going to be played.
Germany have already qualified so they will probably played their reserve side and wont care is they win, If Czech Republic win and Ireland lose, the group is basically over.

Russia vs England- The game is in Russia.
Its England, anything can happen with them, Paul Robinson can have one of his games, John Terry is not in the squad, its in Russia, Its in cold weather and of course England are already talking about the artificial pitch, I could see this being a draw, and England will say its all because of the artificial pitch but that's not an excuse, Russia are a pretty good team, its going to be an interesting game, i can't wait to see the lineup for this game.

Sweden vs Northern Ireland- I believe its in Sweden.
Its sad because Northern Ireland started their Euro 2008 campaign pretty good with Lawrie Sanchez as their manager and then he left for Fulham and it all went down hill from their, a win would be good for Northern Ireland but i don't think it will happen, Still they should go for the win not the draw.

Netherlands vs Slovenia- I'm not sure where it is.
Netherlands have to win this game because they are second in the group with 20-points and Bulgaria are third with 18-points so this is a must win for Netherlands. I think they will win.

Luxembourg vs Romania- at Josy Barthel Stadium.
Romania win this and they qualify and i think they will win.
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Enjoy the Euro 2008 qualifiers!
The premiership is back this weekend and it comes back with good games!

The booing of Frank Lampard and news/rumors in England

It has to stop. The booing of Frank Lampard just has to stop. I'm sorry England fans but, if you are one of the fans up there booing super Frank you should be ashamed of yourself.

I have never booed my national team and let me tell you there have been times when the U.S have deserved it, but i think its disgusting that you are booing a player who has in the past represented your country so well.

Yes Lampard didn't have a great World Cup, he did miss a penalty but so did Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard (i hate saying that because I'm a Liverpool fan), he had average games in The World Cup but it wasn't all his fault and he has been injured and i don't think he deserves a spot in that team , but there is no excuse for why you are booing Frank Lampard.

Are you booing him because you think he has played bad for England? Then don't you think that booing him you are taking away much needed confidence?

He was voted England's player of the year for two years in a row by the fans, so why the fuck are you booing him? He is human, yes he made a mistake in The World Cup, but he is human, and I consider Lampard one of the players who truly loves playing for his country.

And I'm not saying its all of you, i was listening to 606 and a couple of people agree with me saying that there is not reason to boo him.

But for those of you who have been booing him, cut the bullshit and support your, Country, team and the players that put themselves out there.

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News/Rumors in England

-The Sun is reporting that Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to bring Micky Owen to Manchester City, the problem? the fee for Owen would be around£15million and £110,000-a-week wages. For China Doll Owen? Sven its not worth it.If i was Sam Allardyce i would let him go.Its clear that Owen and Allardyce don't get along, Owen is injured most of the time, by selling him they would be making a profit, they should delighted that someone is even interested in a player that has constant long term injuries.

-The Sun ia also reporting that if Owen is sold to City, Allerdyce will go in for Bolton's Nicolas Anelka.DO IT ANYWAYS! Anelka is a fine player who just happens to play for a smaller club,And for the right amount of money Bolton would sell him and i don't think it would be that much money.

-Gary Wheelchair Neville's comeback is put on hold... again.Neville in his prime was a fantastic player for Manchester United and England but his injuries have gotten the best of him, he should just retire, he will never be the player he was and if he comes back he will be taking the spot of a younger, more deserving, more fit player.Neville United and England fans will always love you but i think its time to quit.http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article331118.ece

Euro 2008 qualifiers 10/13

Someone told me the red font is hard to read, i like to use different colors, if there is another color i use that's hard to read please tell me and i wont use it!
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It was a good game for English sport fans the English rugby team beat France and is now in the finals of The Rugby World Cup ! I love Rugby but i don't get to watch much of and i need someone to explain the little things of the game, but enough Rugby lets talk about the football!

England beat Estonia 3-0 with goals from Wayne Rooney, Shaun Wright-Phillips and an own goal by Taavi Rahn.

I was happy to see Micah Richards, and Gareth Barry on the squad.

And of course Paul Robinson was in the squad, which is insulting to Scott Carson.
Will England qualify? I think so, they have a tricky game against Russia coming up and its away on an artificial pitch, but they will qualify and things will remain the same.
I Still think Steve McClaren is not the man for the job.
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Scotland for the cup!!
Scotland beat Georgia 3-1!! with goals from Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch and James McFadden.

I care more about the Scotland win than the England win because its a more interesting story, they are in a group with the World Cup winners and the runners up, and they are playing fantastic and to be honest in my opinion they have more passion than a lot of the English players.

Like I said before if Scotland make it to Euro 2008, i will do my best to go to Euro 2008.
Will they qualify? I think they can, but the group is just so tight, they beat the harder of the teams they have to play this week, i think they will beat Georgia but they HAVE to beat Italy, its difficult but possible.
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-Ireland and Germany drew 0-0 and Germany become the first team to qualify for Euro 2008.
-Poland beat Kazakhstan 3-0
-Croatia beat Israel 1-0
-Cyprus beat Wales 3-1, it was funny because i didn't see this game, but i checked on my computer and Wales were winning 1-0 and they were saying Wales was playing better, so i was surprised to see that after the second half Cyprus won.
-Romania beat Netherlands 1-0
-Belgium drew with Finland
-Italy beat Georgia 2-0, that group is just getting tighter! C'mon Scotland you can do it!!!!!
-Spain beat Denmark 3-1
-Portugal beat Azerbaijan 2-0
-France beat Faroe Islands 6-0
-Sweden beat Liechtenstein 3-0
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Group A
Poland: P-12, W-7, D-3, L-2, Pts- 24
Finland: P-12, W-5, D-3, L-2, Pts-20
Portugal: P-11, W-5, D-5, L-1, Pts-20
Serbia: P-11, W-4, D-5, L-2, Pts-17
Belgium: P-11, W-3, D-3, L-5, Pts-12
Armenia: P-9, W-2, D-3, L-4, Pts-9
Kazakhstan: P-11, W-1, D-4, L-6, Pts-7
Azerbaijan: P-9, W-1, D-2, L-6, Pts-5


Group B
Scotland: P-10, W-8, D-0, L-2, Pts-24. SCOTLAND FOR THE CUP!!!! lol
Italy: P-10, W-7, D-2, L-1, Pts-23
France: P-10, W-7, D-1, L-2, Pts-22
Ukraine: P-9, W-4, D-1, L-4, Pts-13
Lithuania: P-9, W-3, D-1, L-5, Pts-10
Georgia: P-10, W-2, D-1, L-7, Pts-7
Faroe Islands: P-10, W-0, D-0, L-10, Pts-0

Group C
Greece: P-9, W-7, D-1, L-1, Pts-22
Turkey: P-9, W-5, D-3, L-1, Pts-18
Norway: P-9, W-5, D-2, L-2, Pts-17
Bosnia-Herz: P-10, W-4 D-1, L-5, Pts-13
Hungary: P-10, W-4, D-0, L-6, Pts-12
Moldova: P-10, W-1, D-3, L-6, Pts-6
Malta: P-9, W-1, D-2, L-6, Pts-5

Group D
Germany: P-9, W-7, D-2, L-0, Pts-23. Already qualified
Czech Republic: P-9, W-6, D-2, L-1, Pts-20
Ireland: P-10, W-4, D-3, L-3, Pts-15
Slovakia: P-10, W-4, D-1, L-5, Pts-13
Cyprus: P-9, W-4, D-1, L-4, Pts-13
Wales: P-9, W-3, D-1, L-5, Pts-10
San Marino: P-10, W-0, D-0, L-10, Pts-0

Group E
Croatia: P-10, W-8, D-2, L-0, Pts-26
England: P-10, W-7, D-2, L-1, Pts-23
Russia: P-9, W-5, D-3, L-1, Pts-18
Israel: P-10, W-5, D-2, L-3, Pts-17
Macedonia- P-9, W-2, D-2, L-5, Pts-8
Estonia- P-11, W-1, D-1, L-9, Pts-4
Andorra- P-9, W-0, D-0, L-9, Pts-0

Group F
Sweden: P-9, W-7, D-1, L-1, Pts-22
Spain: P-10, W-7, D-1, L-2, Pts-22
Northern Ireland: P-9, W-5, D-1, L-3, Pts-16
Denmark: P-9, W-4, D-2, L-3, Pts-14
Latvia: P-9, W-3, D-0, L-6, Pts-9
Iceland: P-10, W-2, D-2, L-6, Pts-8
Liechtenstein: P-10, W-1, D-1, L-8, Pts-4

Group G
Romania: P-9, W-7, D-2, L-0, Pts-23
Netherlands: P-9, W-6, D-2, L-0, Pts-20
Bulgaria: P-9, W-5, D-3, L-1, Pts-18
Slovenia: P-10, W-3, D-2, L-5, Pts-11
Albania: P-9, W-2, D-4, L-3, Pts-10
Belarus: P-10, W-2, D-1, L-7, Pts-7
Luxembourg: P-10, W-1, D-0, L-9, Pts-3

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Group A

I think Poland and with struggle Portugal will qualify.

Group B

I'm going to say Scotland just cause i have faith in them, and Italy. I say Italy because France have to play Ukraine and they can be a little tricky when they want to.

This group is too tight, we wont know until the last day.

Group C

Greece and either Turkey or Norway, it will be between those two.

Group D

Germany is already qualified and the Czech Republic, even though i would love to see Ireland qualify but they are 8 points behind already qualified Germany.

Group E

Croatia will qualify and of course England will even though they don't deserve it and the only reason the will qualify its because they are England and for some reason they are considered to be a powerful team that should be feared, why i don't know.

I don't want people to think i hate the England NT, I've been supporting England since the first World Cup i saw, but i am tired of their crap, the way that team is run, and the fact that they believe their own hype.

Group F

Sweden and Spain will qualify.

I want to see want to see what Spain can do, they are constant under-achievers and i think they have a lot of young talent, i think they can do better than they have been doing.

Group G

Romania and Netherlands, Bulgaria are only 2 points behind Netherlands but i don't think they can do it.

England squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia

The England squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia is as follows:

Goalkeepers:
Scott Carson- In my opinion should be the starter.
David James-I don't know why but i like James, he's a good goalkeeper but he also makes silly mistakes, but none of course as ridiculous as Paul Rubbish Robinson, My problem with James is that he's old.
Paul Robinson- You all know how i feel about him, its a joke that he is even on this squad and i almost hope he screws up yet again so people can see how bad he really is.

Defenders:
John Terry (Captain)-He will not be fit for the Estonia match. He's a good defender and the captain of the team, although as captain he has to be a little less hot headed.
Ashley Cole-I think he is a good player, i thought he was one of England's better players in The World Cup, he's not doing so good at Chelsea though, but he is always pretty good with England.
Rio Ferdinand- I've always thought he was overrated, but he's a decent player.
Sol Campbell- He's not the future, i think he's too old to be in the squad and i don't think he should start in the game against Estonia.
Joleon Lescott- He's decent.
Micah Richards- Fantastic player, and should start against Estonia, I'm glad that he got the call-up.
Nicky Shorey- I'm glad to see Shorey in this squad, as some of you know i have a huge soft spot for Reading, I think Shorey is a good player and has proven himself with the English NT.
Phil Neville- I like him, he's a decent player.

Midfielders:
Gareth Barry- Very deserving of this spot and should start instead of Lampard, he has proven to be a fantastic player with England and works well with the team, I'm happy to see him on the squad and I hope he will start.
David Bentley- Good player and i hope to see him on the pitch, he is the future and plays similar to David Beckham but with more skill. And England fans DON'T BOO HIM! STAND BY YOUR TEAM!
Ashley Young- Good to see him on the squad, its nice to see that McClaren is giving young players a chance.
Joe Cole- He's a good player and has a lot of skill.
Stewart Downing- He's a decent player but is getting the call-up because of McClaren's days and Middlesbrough, but he's young so I'll give him another chance.
Steven Gerrard( Vice Captain)- Quality player, he has not been playing too good with Liverpool but he is still quality, he is being picked on reputation, but he is the type of player that puts the team on his shoulders and get the job done, he has done it with Liverpool and England.
Shaun Wright Phillips- Good player, lets see what he can do now that he has the chance.
Frank Lampard- He should not been on this squad, he had been injured and has not played for Chelsea in a while and he is not fit. Gareth Barry should get the start because him and Gerrard can't play on the same team.

Forwards:
Peter Crouch- He is a very good player, he's the type of player that changes games, Its too bad he is not getting games at Liverpool. Let hope he is match fit.
Jermaine Defoe- Even thought he has not been getting that many games with Tottenham he is a good player and he has proven, Jol is just an idiot for not playing him. Give him a chance he's good.
Michael Owen- He should not and does not deserve this spot, he has barley played for Newcastle and he just came back from ANOTHER injury, he will probably get a hat-trick he's good at getting hat-tricks against poor opposition.
Wayne Rooney- In my opinion he is overrated, c'mon Rooney prove me wrong and like you have said it, its time to step it up.
Alan Smith- He is just not a good international player, but i wish him well.

Paul Rubbish Robinson

I don't get it, i really don't get it. How is that the Paul Robinson has not been dropped from Spurs? and even worse how is it that he can be England's number 1?

What does this man have to do to get dropped from the England NT?

Someone please tell me!! Are Steve McClaren and Martin Jol blind? No I'm serious are they blind?, because you would have to be blind to think that Paul Robinson is the best English goalkeeper.

If you go back and look at my picks for the season (http://allaboutthebeautifulgame.blogspot.com/2007/08/epl-table-predictions.html) I had Arsenal dropping into 5th and Tottenham breaking into the top 4, its obvious that i was completely wrong, seeing as Arsenal look unbeatable and are first in the league and Tottenham are in 17th place and looking pathetic.

And in my opinion a lot of Tottenham's screw-ups this season has been because of Paul Robinson.

How important is a goalkeeper to a team? In my opinion extremely.

I don't care about Women's football, don't get me wrong i think that women can do anything men can do, but i just don't care for or enjoy women's football.

But this is a good example so I'll use it.

Look what happened in the Women's World Cup, Greg Ryan benched Hope Solo and played Briana Scurry and what happened? the US loses against Brazil 3-0 and essentially it was Scurry's fault.

The back four have to have confidence in the goalkeeper they have to think that if they make a mistake the goalkeeper will be able to clean it up.

But Paul Robinson is just utter rubbish, he is, there is a difference between making a mistake, i get it he's human, but c'mon the guy is a walking disaster, the mistakes he makes are simply ridiculous, he lets in goals that my seven year old cousin could stop.

The fact that Robert Green was not even chosen is just shocking to me, and in my opinion Scott Carson should start.

Steve McClaren you are an IDIOT not only is Paul Robinson crap for Tottenham but he is also crap for England, I don't see why you would pick him.

Please tell me that i'm not crazy and that you all also see the Paul Robinson is rubbish.

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-If you are interested in being a contributor to the blog e-mail me at hluwagc@hotmail.com

Scotish Football

I'm still looking for a contributor so if you are intrested e-mail me at hluwagc@hotmail.com
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I'm loving what's going on in Scottish football lately, I've always had a soft spot for Scottish football but its harder to watch it herein the US, i think the reason i like Scottish football is because the fans have so much passion, not that fans of other leagues don't, its just that there is something about the passion in Scottish fans.
Celtic beating AC Milan is in my opinion a fantastic win for them of course it came with its controversy with that crazy fan attacking Dida and it got worse with Dida being extremely unprofessional about it and giving an oscar worthy performance for which he should get banned for being a cheater.But its still a fantastic win for them, winning against the Champions League winners! (even though Liverpool were the better team on that night and AC Milan were kicked out for cheating...but i wont get into that today) Some people are saying that Celtic will be kicked out of the Champions League, I Don't think so, they will probably just have to play a couple of games closed doors.


I myself have always had more of a soft spot for Rangers,so when they beat Lyon 3-0 i could not have been more happy, they dominated that game and are proving that they might have what it takes to get out of difficult group. I can see them getting a draw against Barcelona
The Scottish national team is in Group B for Euro 2008 with, France, Italy, Ukraine,Lithuania, Georgia, and the Faroe Island, tough group the world champions, and the runners up and a team that was in the world cup, who would have though that Scotland would be first in that group, they have W-7, D-0 and L-2 and they are at 21 points, the group is still very tight, Italy are at 20 points and France are at20 points so France, Scotland and Italy will have to fight it out.

Will they go through? i don't know its just soo tight but the players must have confidence going in and that always helps, they don't have any world class players but they have the heart. Scottland for the cup!

I can see Scotland winning against Ukraine.Scotland for the cup!!! i refuse to support England in this Euro campaign so I've adopted Scotland.If Scotland qualify for Euro 2008 I will try my best to go to Euro 2008.

So my question is this, Why has Scottish football been somewhat ignored for about the last 10 years? Is it because the National team has not had success?Is it because the usually there is only 2 teams competing for the title? I think so its somewhat boring to watch a league were you know who's going to win and also they have the Premiership right next door and world class players tend to go more to the Prem?In case you didn't know Rangers is the team with the most Trophies ever, throughout their history they have one more trophies than any other team in the world...

I was talking to my friend and he asked me if Celtic and Rangers should be let into the Premiership, I'm curious to see what people think of this because i don't think they should, not because i don't think they are good enough but because the SPL would collapse.
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Next post will be about every one's favorite disaster... Paul Robinson, you all know how i feel about him and get ready for one of my rants.

How Fucking stupid are you McClaren?

Dear Mr.McClaren,

Another open letter to you. And in this one i wonder how fucking stupid are you? I´m serious, how fucking stupid are you? You might play Steven Gerrard and Owen Hargreaves even though they are injured? And you might wait until 3 pm (England time) to decided whether Steven Gerrard will play? What the fuck is wrong with you? i´m usually not this rude on the blog, but you are a fucking idiot. What you can´t find to other fucking midfielders? It doesn't make a difference England wont get into Euro 2008. Once again i ask what about Kevin Nolan? David Bentley? you are so fucking stupid its not even funny. I don't doubt that you are probably a nice man but you are fucking stupid. Paul Robinson still? SCOTT CARSON!!! So Mr.McClaren,i don't even think i can give you advice because there is almost nothing you can do to save England now. you are an idiot who has no idea about football and you should be ashamed of yourself.

Natz