[WoodenLung]

Nope. http://www.uefa.com/uefa/aboutuefa/o...id=754190.html

Well booooooh. On the other hand, that mean Belgium might finally be able to get in there, need some Hazard and Lukaku action.

[Patrick Bateman]

Can't think of too many teams that would improve it. Switzerland, Turkey, Belgium, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia?

Finland, Norway perhaps, too?

[Rivyn]

Can't think of too many teams that would improve it. Switzerland, Turkey, Belgium, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia?

I can only think of Austria to add in that list. They have some pretty decent players.

[Para bailar La Bomba]

Posting for everyone to see:

RIP Dr Eggman.

[MMaRsu]

Nice opening gif!

OT2 already :D

228 posts in the previous thread? Wow :o

[Kurtofan]

Posting for everyone to see:

Can't believe I'm there wow.

[Computer]

Famous French journalist Thierry Roland died of a stroke after the Ukraine - France game, at the age of 74. He was supposed to comment the Euro but had to change his mind due to health reasons.

He commented 13 World Cups for French television.

[Kurtofan]

Famous French journalist Thierry Roland died of a heart attack while watching the Ukraine - France game, at the age of 74. He was supposed to comment the Euro but had to change his mind due to health reasons. He commented 13 World Cups for French télévision.

He died during the match?

I hope he saw us score at least.

Edit:I think he died after the match.

Edit:RIP of course.

[Rivyn]

Famous French journalist Thierry Roland died of a heart attack while watching the Ukraine - France game, at the age of 74. He was supposed to comment the Euro but had to change his mind due to health reasons. He commented 13 World Cups for French télévision.

R.I.P.

Shame to go out that way but at least he died while doing something he loved to do up until the age of 74.

[Computer]

He died during the match? I hope he saw us score at least.

Lemme check... Actually I'm not sure of the time of death but I thought I had read it somewhere.

When France won the 1998 World Cup he said 'After seeing this, you can die peacefully!'

[Wilbury]

RIP Dr Eggman.

Is he banned?

Also sad about the commentator.

[spidye]

Player of the tournament so far?

such an awesome goal. and welbeck's goal yesterday was really nice too.

No.

bwahahahahahah.
OK.

[Patrick Bateman]

Is he banned?

Yup.

[Wilbury]

bwahahahahahah. OK.

Busquets, Arshavin, Iniesta, Schweinsteiger and Pirlo have all been better.

[Baconsaurus Rex]

Yup.

What for?

[spidye]

Busquets, Arshavin, Iniesta, Schweinsteiger and Pirlo have all been better.

I know. this wasn't the reason why I laughed.

[Error]

Schweinsteiger is the best player in the tournament so far. Such a beast.

[Computer]

Corrected my post. It was a stroke, not a heart attack, and it happened after the game, not during. Thanks for correcting, Kurtofan.

French TV commentator Thierry Roland dies AFP - June 16, 2012 - 6:26PM CONTROVERSIAL French television football commentating legend Thierry Roland has died aged 74, it was announced by French TV channel M6 on behalf of his family on Saturday. Rolland had recently undergone an operation and had declared himself unfit to travel to Ukraine for the Euro 2012 tournament telling AFP that "it would not be right to go to Ukraine where they do not have great medicine should something happen." Rolland commentated over a 60 year career on 13 World Cups and nine European Championships - he also commentated at several Olympic Games. He formed a partnership in the commentary box with former France international Jean-Michel Larqué, with whom he was due to renew their partnership in Ukraine for M6 for the first time at a major finals since Euro 2004. "Informed by his familly, M6 has the immense sadness to announce the death of Thierry Roland. The channel transmits its enormous affection and condolences to his widow Françoise and his son Gary," M6 communications director Yann de Kersauson told AFP. Rolland's mellifluous tones gained huge popularity and on more than one occasion saved him from being sacked for ill-chosen phrases. The first such instance came in 1976 in a match between France and Bulgaria in which he lost his sang froid with the Scottish referee over his awarding a penalty to the Bulgarians. "Mr Foote, you are a bastard!" he cried on live television. His employer at the time state TV channel Antenne 2 wanted to punish him but backed down after hundreds of viewers wrote in supporting him. On other occasions too he had to apologise publicly to the Tunisian people and in particular referee Ali Bennaceur, of whom he had made what were termed 'racist' comments on live TV after Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 quarter-final. "Honestly, Jean-Michel, don't you think that there could have been a better choice to referee such a big match as this than a Tunisian?" he said. However, on a brighter note he will also be remembered for his commentary on the final whistle of France's 1998 World Cup victory over Brazil. "I believe that after witnessing that, one can die happily!"

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news...rom=public_rss

[Arnie]

Schweinsteiger is the best player in the tournament so far. Such a beast.

Pirlo's been better so far, in my opinion.

[Wilbury]

Pirlo's been better so far, in my opinion.

Yep. He's taken my breath away about 5 times in both matches so far. Like we discussed in the Footy thread, that little shimmy to make space before knocking it wide against Croatia made me laugh and smile so wide. Such a fucking pleasure watching one of my all time favourite players still bossing it now.

[fuenf]

Some of you still need to submit their Matchday 3 Predictions @Kicktipp.

There's also another free transfer available in Fantasy Football!

[Wilbury]

Some of you still need to submit their Matchday 3 Predictions @Kicktipp. There's also another free transfer available in Fantasy Football!

When does the deadline for the predictions close? Out until near the start of the games

[Computer]

The French President says RIP:

Thierry Roland's passing - Francois Hollande: "This is one of the most popular and strongest supporters of football who disappears" (French) President Francois Hollande hailed Saturday the memory of sports commentator Thierry Roland, who died of a stroke overnight at 74, thinking that the world of football witnessed the disappearance of "one of its most popular and strongest supporters". "It is with sadness that I learn of the death of Thierry Roland," the Head of State said in a statement released by the Elysée Palace. "I salute the memory of this great sports commentator, recognized by all, who dedicated his life - with passion and talent - to French football," he says. "I know that he was delighted, no later than yesterday night (Friday) of the victory of our French team, which he followed for 13 World Cups and accompanied with his strong voice for 50 years," he adds. According to Francois Hollande, "the world of sports and football lost one of its most popular and strongest supporters." "I want to associate myself with the pain he and his family has my condolences," the statement concluded. A sporting legend and king of football on television, journalist Thierry Roland passed away suddenly in the night from Friday to Saturday at the age of 74 years. The news of his death, which surprised the football world and the world of sports correspondents in the middle of the 2012 Euro, was made official on Saturday morning at the request of the family by the M6 channel, for which he was expected reform his duet with Jean-Michel "Jean Mi-Mi" Larqué. Jacques Vendroux, Sports Director of Radio France and friend of Thierry Roland, said that he had died following a stroke during the night, after watching the match France-Ukraine of Euro -2012 won 2-0 by the Blues.

http://www.jeanmarcmorandini.com/art...disparait.html

[fuenf]

When does the deadline for the predictions close? Out until near the start of the games

5 minutes before kickoff (of the respective game). If you cant make it, just post your predictions for todays games here and i think i should be able to submit them for you.

[Subliminal]

Goodbye sweet prince <3

[Mac_Lane]

The French President says RIP: http://www.jeanmarcmorandini.com/art...disparait.html

I think that's the very first time in my life that I've cried for the death of someone famous.

He'll be sorely missed, so many emotions he shared with us...

I hope there'll be a moment of silence before the France-Sweden game on Tuesday.

[Jubern]

It hit me pretty hard. I almost cried upon seeing the video of Jean-Michel Larqué's reaction.

He's Mr. Football in France, no matter what one thinks of his antics, and he's been commentating for so long that even people in their 50s or older grew up with him.

The fact that it happens in the night right after France's victory - a game he should have been commentating - is some incredible coincidence alright. I'm repeating myself, but seeing his long-time partner Larqué (since 1979, guys, 1979) reaction was excruciating.

[Wilbury]

5 minutes before kickoff (of the respective game). If you cant make it, just post your predictions for todays games here and i think i should be able to submit them for you.

I should be back an hour or so beforehand so it should be fine. Thanks though!

[Yenrot]

Trap needs to put out a dick ass starting eleven tonight.

[santi_yo]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

[Wilbury]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

I don't think they do; the point is if it does end up 2-2, they can cry conspiracy rather than accept their own failure

[WoodenLung]

What for?

For posting this (pretty nasty) http://i.imgur.com/IJB3q.gif.

[Nevasleep]

Both kickoffs at 19:45 UK.
Czech v Poland on BBC One
Greece v Russia on BBC Three

Which match is going to be better?

[Gambit]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

Buffon is betting on it

[Para bailar La Bomba]

It hit me pretty hard. I almost cried upon seeing the video of Jean-Michel Larqué's reaction. He's Mr. Football in France, no matter what one thinks of his antics, and he's been commentating for so long that even people in their 50s or older grew up with him. The fact that it happens in the night right after France's victory - a game he should have been commentating - is some incredible coincidence alright. I'm repeating myself, but seeing his long-time partner Larqué (since 1979, guys, 1979) reaction was excruciating.

Very sad news.

[Oxx]

Both kickoffs at 19:45 UK. Czech v Poland on BBC One Greece v Russia on BBC Three Which match is going to be better?

It would be good to see Poland really go for it and reach the knock-out stages.

[LordPhoque]

Famous French journalist Thierry Roland died of a stroke after the Ukraine - France game, at the age of 74. He was supposed to comment the Euro but had to change his mind due to health reasons. He commented 13 World Cups for French television.

I had a lot of sympathy for this guy. He was a legend. RIP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMDB8MZnNoc

[RibbedHero]

Both kickoffs at 19:45 UK. Czech v Poland on BBC One Greece v Russia on BBC Three Which match is going to be better?

Czech vs Poland no doubt.

Just a heads up, Czech vs Poland is on BBC One HD, while Greece vs Russia is on BBC HD.

[devilinanewdress]

I'm really impressed with this thread, was extremely dubious at first (a football thread ON GAF!) but it really looks the business. My predictions for the tournament are as follows; Spain will lift the trophy and I shall eventually fly over to Poland and bed cute Danish girl.

[DOBERMAN INC]

Wonder if BBC will show both online.

[Linius]

I'm really impressed with this thread, was extremely dubious at first (a football thread ON GAF!) but it really looks the business. My predictions for the tournament are as follows; Spain will lift the trophy and I shall eventually fly over to Poland and bed cute Danish girl.

Actually football Gaf is quite big. Lots and lots of pages about everything and nothing I learned last week.

And I'm just leaving this here for Dutch Gaf. Some famous Dutch singers/rappers made a song to support our squad. A popular Radio DJ now made his own version bashing our squad 'cause of the poor results :P

[Yager]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

This. Also, Spain could've done in the WC with Chile, they didn't. Why would they want to do it now, and with Croatia? If Italy falls, it's because of themselves...I mean, Balotelli.

[=GabrielKnight=]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

this is because Sweden and Denmark already did it 8 years ago

I really don't think that Spain and Croatia could ever agree on a result, Spain in particular wants to win.

Aniway, first we must beat Ireland, and it does not seem impossible, but anything can happen.

[Sylver]

lol at italians thinking Spain and Croatia could orchestrate a 2-2 draw

Yes, Italy isn't England.
joke

[Yurt]

Spain won't do that.

But if they do, I'm not really going to blame them.

[Baconsaurus Rex]

For posting this (pretty nasty) http://i.imgur.com/IJB3q.gif.

Oh I remember that, he posted that in a birthday thread or something completely unrelated didn't he? He'll be back.

[Oxx]

I wanna know how many thousands Eggman has put on Greece beating Russia.

[hylje]

I wanna know how many thousands Eggman has put on Greece beating Russia.

I don't think he has any money left.

[CassSept]

I don't think he has any money left.

That seems weirdly apt

[Blablurn]

For posting this (pretty nasty) http://i.imgur.com/IJB3q.gif.

why did i click :S