EU 2008 Qualifying.

[Zakali]

08/09 Grp A Azerbaijan (c) Armenia
08/09 Grp B Scotland 3-1 Lithuania Report »
08/09 Grp C Hungary 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina Report »
08/09 Grp E England 3-0 Israel Report »
08/09 Grp G Luxembourg 0-3 Slovenia Report »
08/09 Grp G Belarus 1-3 Romania Report »
08/09 Grp E Russia 3-0 F.Y.R. Macedonia Report »
08/09 Grp B Georgia 1-1 Ukraine Report »
08/09 Grp F Latvia 1-0 Northern Ireland Report »
08/09 Grp D Wales 0-2 Germany Report »
08/09 Grp C Malta 2-2 Turkey Report »
08/09 Grp F Iceland 1-1 Spain Report »
08/09 Grp A Serbia 0-0 Finland Report »
08/09 Grp D San Marino 0-3 Czech Republic Report »
08/09 Grp E Croatia 2-0 Estonia Report »
08/09 Grp F Sweden 0-0 Denmark Report »
08/09 Grp D Slovakia 2-2 Republic of Ireland Report »
08/09 Grp G Netherlands 2-0 Bulgaria Report »
08/09 Grp B Italy 0-0 France Report »
08/09 Grp A Portugal 2-2 Poland Report »
08/09 Grp C Moldova 0-1 Norway Report »


NOTE: Match beetween Azerbaijan and Armenia delayed because of rivality beetween two nations.

[Aryamehr]

what happened?

[Zakali]

U mean match beetween Azerbaijan and Armenia? Well, both sides rejected to play match.

Because it was death risk.

I can't even imagine that Armenia football team comes to Azerbaijan and plays match lol.

Azerbaijani People kill them. Same for Azerbaijan football team if they go to Armenia, Armenian people would kill them.

[Zakali]

But both Teams have accepted to play match in Russia/Moscow.

[Aryamehr]

because of security?

[Zakali]

Yes..............

[daddy]

quite childish don't you think that players will be killed?

[Abbas]

08/09 Grp B Italy 0-0 France
08/09 Grp A Portugal 2-2 Poland

France and Italy held to a tough draw, But portugal couldnt beat poland at home....

[Zakali]

Poland are one of my favorit in EU 2008.

They are really good.

[Zakali]

STANDINGS.

Group A Pld Pts
Poland 10 20
Finland 10 18
Portugal 9 16
Serbia 9 15
Belgium 9 10
Armenia 8 8
Kazakhstan 9 6
Azerbaijan 8 5

Group B Pld Pts
France 8 19
Scotland 8 18
Italy 8 17
Ukraine 7 13
Lithuania 8 7
Georgia 9 7
Faroe Islands 8 0

Group C Pld Pts
Greece 7 18
Norway 8 16
Turkey 7 14
Bosnia-Herzegovina 8 13
Hungary 8 9
Malta 8 5
Moldova 8 2

Group D Pld Pts
Germany 8 22
Czech Republic 8 17
Republic of Ireland 8 14
Slovakia 8 10
Wales 7 7
Cyprus 7 7
San Marino 8 0

Group E Pld Pts
Croatia 8 20
Russia 8 18
England 8 17
Israel 9 17
F.Y.R. Macedonia 8 7
Estonia 9 3
Andorra 8 0

Group F Pld Pts
Sweden 8 19
Northern Ireland 8 16
Spain 8 16
Denmark 7 11
Latvia 7 6
Iceland 8 5
Liechtenstein 8 4

Group G Pld Pts
Romania 8 20
Netherlands 7 17
Bulgaria 8 15
Albania 7 9
Belarus 8 7
Slovenia 8 7
Luxembourg 8 0

[snc128]

Poland are one of my favorit in EU 2008.

They are really good.

yeah, Poland has been presenting an astonishing performance.

[mustavaris]

U mean match beetween Azerbaijan and Armenia? Well, both sides rejected to play match.

Because it was death risk.

I can't even imagine that Armenia football team comes to Azerbaijan and plays match lol.

Azerbaijani People kill them. Same for Azerbaijan football team if they go to Armenia, Armenian people would kill them.

That is so sad... sports ought to be used to build bridges.

Look at US-Iran axis. Their athletes can compete with each other and the Americans can go to Iran--

[mustavaris]

I´m commiting a treason, but I am supporting Croatia. I just cannot support our team (for various reasons) and I still have a bottle of Slivovica which is waiting for the Croatian success:-) Besides that, I love & respect Croatia, the land and it´s people.

[Zakali]

I´m commiting a treason, but I am supporting Croatia. I just cannot support our team (for various reasons) and I still have a bottle of Slivovica which is waiting for the Croatian success:-) Besides that, I love & respect Croatia, the land and it´s people.

Lol, Croatia are good team but they can't win the cup of course.

[mustavaris]

Lol, Croatia are good team but they can't win the cup of course.

Well, you are probably right, but I just cannot support my own country in this cup, and no one of the "big ones" is suitable for my taste. I hate

So.. I go for my favourite vacation destination and home country of some of my best friends:wub2:

[JanIran]

Go Sweden. Heja Sverige !!!

[Zakali]

Next Matches will be play in 12 September (Today).

[Zakali]

Date Group Home Away
12/09 Grp A Armenia (c) Azerbaijan
12/09 Grp E Andorra 18:00 Croatia More »
12/09 Grp F Iceland 18:05 Northern Ireland More »
12/09 Grp D Slovakia 18:30 Wales More »
12/09 Grp A Finland 19:00 Poland More »
12/09 Grp C Norway 19:00 Greece More »
12/09 Grp G Slovenia 19:45 Belarus More »
12/09 Grp D Cyprus 20:00 San Marino More »
12/09 Grp F Denmark 20:00 Liechtenstein More »
12/09 Grp C Bosnia-Herzegovina 20:00 Moldova More »
12/09 Grp E England 20:00 Russia More »
12/09 Grp B Lithuania 20:00 Faroe Islands More »
12/09 Grp C Turkey 20:30 Hungary More »
12/09 Grp E F.Y.R. Macedonia 20:30 Estonia More »
12/09 Grp D Czech Republic 20:30 Republic of Ireland More »
12/09 Grp G Bulgaria 20:30 Luxembourg More »
12/09 Grp G Albania 20:45 Netherlands More »
12/09 Grp A Kazakhstan 21:00 Belgium More »
12/09 Grp A Portugal 21:00 Serbia More »
12/09 Grp B France 21:00 Scotland More »
12/09 Grp B Ukraine 21:45 Italy More »
12/09 Grp F Spain 22:00 Latvia

NOTE:Match beetween Armenia and Azerbaijan are canceled for security reasons.

[mustavaris]

Hahah. We are going to get spanked today!

[Zakali]

Probaly lool. Today will be great day. We will watch really great Matchs today.

[Aryamehr]

What are you guys talking about? Are you watching football? Finland is becoming one of the great teams of North Europe. Slowly they have built a great team. I have doubts that they will beat Poland today(1-1), but remember that the Finns crushed them in Poland 1-3! http://video.uefa.com/video/competitions/euro/season=2008/round=2241/match=83806/vod_popup.html?

I hope Norway beats Greece today, and that Hungary are doing their job.

I hope Norway and Finland can make it to the final tournament. Sweden is ready and that's good! One of my favourites are Iceland; population of 311,396 and still a decent national team.

Croatia is another team I support. Nice football, and it started when i was told by some croats that maybe their origin was Iran/persia/Khorasan ;)

[Zakali]

Scandinavia doing great job i agree.

But Poland are better then Finland now. I say %50 vs 50%.

Lol i dont think Croatians would accept it. Do u really beleive that Croatians are from Iran? Anyway............... I hope best team wins.

[Aryamehr]

(Finland is not Scandinavia ;) ) I agree with you, I think a draw is likely.

Well, it is Croatic/Russian science and not Iranian. I don't think the Croats of today are from Iran or the area around, the genethic evidences (oh oh I'm going soon to be called racist by my turkish counterparts) are too weak to support such claims. But the historical and linguistic connections are great. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theories_on_the_origin_of_Croats#Iranian_theory

but I think there is another thread with this theory. Let us keep this to it's originally topic ;)

[Zakali]

Yes.......

And Finland is not Scandinavia? Lol how?

Anyway lool.

[crod]

ireland are fcuked :( hope tonight goes a little better.....

[Aryamehr]

Yes.......

And Finland is not Scandinavia? Lol how?

Anyway lool.

Finland is a nordic country. Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Nordic: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland

[snc128]

I'm going soon to be called racist by my turkish counterparts
:laugh2:
lol man,we call it subconscious :)

whatever,
Hungary are doing their job.
we will see tonight

[Aryamehr]

:laugh2:
we will see tonight

I have doubts that Hungary can do any harm. I bet the turks are really mad after the draw against Malta, and will crush Hungary. But hey, one can always hope ;)

[mustavaris]

Thanks for the support Aryamehr & guys. Special thanks for corrections:-)

But well, we may be an emerging country, but we are still very weak and a lil´change in luck may turn the tide. At best our team can almost beat anyone or fight them to stalemate, but we can also lose to almost anyone - that is not a sign of strong & balanced team.

We would be better of with more mediocre team, now it is up to the phase of the moon, the colour of the first bird which flies over the field or something which determines how our team will play.

It is frustrating to watch these matches, sometimes they are great and sometimes they play like dumb teenagers. You never know what they are up to.. and gotta say that I just do not enjoy watching them when they suck and the great moments are far and few.

D´oh.

[Aryamehr]

I heard something about an owl that brought you luck? hehe what is that?

[mustavaris]

I heard something about an owl that brought you luck? hehe what is that?

Yeah, Bubi:-) It lives at our olympic stadium, our team has played better games when it has been around. For some reason it hasnt been around there for a while.

Here is some footage:http://www.hs.fi/videot/1135227821473

And some pics (and remember, this is a big bird, almost the size of a full grown eagle):

http://www.hs.fi/kuvat/iso_webkuva/1135227842202.jpeg

http://www.hs.fi/kuvat/iso_webkuva/1135227842017.jpeg

http://www.hs.fi/kuvat/iso_webkuva/1135227842703.jpeg

http://www.hs.fi/kuvat/iso_webkuva/1135227842332.jpeg

http://www.hs.fi/kuvat/iso_webkuva/1135227842426.jpeg

[Zakali]

Loool............

[Alienoz]

Turkey: 3 Hungary: 0
One step closer to Europe 2008.

[mustavaris]

Uh..

We did not get spanked.

0-0 against Poland is a satisfying result for us.

And the game was good, real playing from the beginning to the end (though I admit, I did not watch the whole game).

[snc128]

Turkey: 3 Hungary: 0
One step closer to Europe 2008.

tonight is ours!
a crashing victory over Hungary.Hungarians played well too.
we had difficult times but we succeeded it.

[Aryamehr]

But was the red card fair? it seems that the referee was totally wrong. It was a good game in Oslo too. The greeks were lucky and Norway played fantastic football!

btw: the greek goalkeeper is one of the most idiotic players I have ever seen. He whined from the beginning to the end!

[dogukan]

This championship is going to be interesting.World is changing now and there aren't just major teams like England,Germany,France but all are good.
I was shocked when I saw the rankings in the groups

and about Finland...well I don't know much about them but there was Kolkka(?) or a guy like that who is known I guess
If you say Northern lands my bet is on Sweden and then Denmark

[Zakali]

12/09 Grp A Armenia (c) Azerbaijan
12/09 Grp E Andorra 0-6 Croatia video Report »
12/09 Grp F Iceland 2-1 Northern Ireland Report »
12/09 Grp D Slovakia 2-5 Wales video Report »
12/09 Grp A Finland 0-0 Poland video Report »
12/09 Grp C Norway 2-2 Greece Report »
12/09 Grp G Slovenia 1-0 Belarus video Report »
12/09 Grp D Cyprus 3-0 San Marino Report »
12/09 Grp F Denmark 4-0 Liechtenstein Report »
12/09 Grp C Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 Moldova Report »
12/09 Grp E England 3-0 Russia Report »
12/09 Grp B Lithuania 2-1 Faroe Islands video Report »
12/09 Grp C Turkey 3-0 Hungary video Report »
12/09 Grp E F.Y.R. Macedonia 1-1 Estonia video Report »
12/09 Grp D Czech Republic 1-0 Republic of Ireland video Report »
12/09 Grp G Bulgaria 3-0 Luxembourg video Report »
12/09 Grp G Albania 0-1 Netherlands video Report »
12/09 Grp A Kazakhstan 2-2 Belgium video Report »
12/09 Grp A Portugal 1-1 Serbia video Report »
12/09 Grp B France 0-1 Scotland video Report »
12/09 Grp B Ukraine 1-2 Italy video Report »
12/09 Grp F Spain 2-0 Latvia

[snc128]

red card was a two sided decision.it can be either side.at the end,the referee used his initiative for Turkiye.

[Abbas]

Haha, England are doomed!



Croatia need just one point from their remaining two games to qualify. Russia will qualify if they win their remaining two games, while England, who play Croatia at Wembley in their last game, need Russia to slip up.

[Sinosphere]

I hope the Netherlands could qualify. :)

[mustavaris]

Haha, England are doomed!



Croatia need just one point from their remaining two games to qualify. Russia will qualify if they win their remaining two games, while England, who play Croatia at Wembley in their last game, need Russia to slip up.

Thumbs up for Croatia and Russia! [don´t get me wrong Iranians et al!]

[eastman]

England is the most overrated team in Europe's football family and if to exclude legendary 1966, they won nothing. Anyway congrats to Russia (and Hidding), during the second half they showed their class. As far as i know, Finland has never participated in European Championship final stages that's why i'd be delighted if Fins moved to the next stage, good luck :)

[mustavaris]

England is the most overrated team in Europe's football family and if to exclude legendary 1966, they won nothing. Anyway congrats to Russia (and Hidding), during the second half they showed their class. As far as i know, Finland has never participated in European Championship final stages that's why i'd be delighted if Fins moved to the next stage, good luck :)

Yes, it would be nice to be spanked big time, which would inevitably happen if we got that far:) We are not good at all, but we are getting better as time passes and sometimes we can succeed. Maybe we´ll make it this time... maybe.

[Kermanshah1]

I hope the Netherlands could qualify. :)

I hope that too, NL lost to Romania :( But now they have beaten Slovania (slovenia...) hopefully NL will still qualify, they need to win all the next to mathces though and even then it isnt' for sure.

[Sinosphere]

I hope that too, NL lost to Romania :( But now they have beaten Slovania (slovenia...) hopefully NL will still qualify, they need to win all the next to mathces though and even then it isnt' for sure.

Nee, they only need to win one game out of the last two and if bulgaria slip then Netherlands would go through too. So the chance is high for the Netherlands. :wub2:

[Kermanshah1]

Nee, they only need to win one game out of the last two and if bulgaria slip then Netherlands would go through too. So the chance is high for the Netherlands. :wub2:

But I thought only one team of this group can go threw...

BTW, the team isn't really good either. v. Nistelrooy lost his touch and Robben is the whole time making schwalbes instead of playing properly.

[Sinosphere]

But I thought only one team of this group can go threw...

BTW, the team isn't really good either. v. Nistelrooy lost his touch and Robben is the whole time making schwalbes instead of playing properly.

Nee, top two team of each group goes through I think.

[Kermanshah1]

Nee, top two team of each group goes through I think.

I heared that of some groups the top two go threw but of some groups only 1 goes threw and NL is in one of those groups.

[Sinosphere]

I heared that of some groups the top two go threw but of some groups only 1 goes threw and NL is in one of those groups.

Nee, have a look at this.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/tables/default.stm

"Romania have qualified. Holland will join them at Euro 2008 with a win from their last two games, or if Bulgaria slip up".

[mustavaris]

We won the Azeris!!! :-) 2-1 Ain´t bad at all.

I bet that the climate played for us.

But to get ahead... we should also win Portugal. And that ain´t easy (+ Serbia ought to lose against Kazaks or Poles).

[Kermanshah1]

We won the Azeris!!! :-) 2-1 Ain´t bad at all.

I bet that the climate played for us.

But to get ahead... we should also win Portugal. And that ain´t easy (+ Serbia ought to lose against Kazaks or Poles).

Pitty England is true.:(

[eastman]

Go Suomi, beat Portugal

[Kermanshah1]

One thing I do find stupid is that countries like Israel, Azerbaijan and Georgia can qualify for the European cup, you can say what ever you want about them but they are not in Europe.

[eastman]

One thing I do find stupid is that countries like Israel, Azerbaijan and Georgia can qualify for the European cup, you can say what ever you want about them but they are not in Europe.

Georgia and Armenia are perceived European due to their cultural/religious similarity. In other words - christian firends. I do believe that if Lebanon was christian, this country would be playing in european tournaments like Israel as well.

Azerbaijan - if you have two South Caucasus states included, knowing that there are three of them, why not take the third one.

Israel - i think it's a politcal decision, but i do not mind this. I do believe that some cultural closeness made the decision to accept this state. Off topic: it's unbelievable that Israel is 2 time Asian football champion :)

if someone interested in Kazakhstan - they have some land in European continent, that's why they play in our continent. Like Turkey.

[Kermanshah1]

Georgia and Armenia are perceived European due to their cultural/religious similarity. In other words - christian firends. I do believe that if Lebanon was christian, this country would be playing in european tournaments like Israel as well.

Azerbaijan - if you have two South Caucasus states included, knowing that there are three of them, why not take the third one.

if someone interested in Kazakhstan - they have some land in European continent, that's why they play in our continent. Like Turkey.

Sorry, unconvinced. Countries outside Europe should not be allowed to play in the European cup, christian or not.

Israel - i think it's a politcal decision, but i do not mind this. I do believe that some cultural closeness made the decision to accept this state. Off topic: it's unbelievable that Israel is 2 time Asian football champion :)

I'll tell you exactly why this is. Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Malasya, Taiwan, Brunei and Indonesia all do not recognise Israel (there are a lot more countries that don't but these are the ones in Asia), whenever any of these countries would have to play Israel they refuse because how can you play a country that doesn't exist? When half of Asia doesn't recognise you, you are bound to come across some of these (well, some... maybe a bit more...) and so it is impossible for them to play in the Asian cup, so the Europeans, *** lickers as they are let Israel join the European cup.

[eastman]

Wouldn't you want your team to play in UEFA, Iran is too good for Asia :laugh4:

[dogukan]

beaten Norway...waiting for Bosnia

[Kermanshah1]

beaten Norway...waiting for Bosnia

Last time you didn't qualify, but you did come 3rd place in the World cup than. Impressive...

Iran always did badly in the world cups, but we beat America, what else would you want?

[dogukan]

Last time you didn't qualify, but you did come 3rd place in the World cup than. Impressive...

Iran always did badly in the world cups, but we beat America, what else would you want?
Dude you say America...America is not a football country they suck.We've beaten them either...

[Kermanshah1]

Dude you say America...America is not a football country they suck.We've beaten them either...

In the world cup?

[dogukan]

In the world cup?

no it was an exibition match..still they're not a good team...only players I know are Donovan and Freddie Adu

[dogukan]

lol no England in Euro2008-(looks like I'm gonna be pwned as Americans say)
Turkey is in btw

[eastman]

Congrats to Russia, i was certain that England will beat Croatia and reach final stage in 2008, but English should blame themselves. Overconfidence, and foreigner dominated premier league.

And despite i do not support Turkey, i should admit that without Turkey all championships are boring, like with Latvians when they 3 years ago defeated overconfident Turks and when Greeks became champions :laugh4:

Edit: However, i think i'll miss "God save the Queen" anthem too, it's so pleasant to hear this song.

[mustavaris]

End of the story. Couldnt beat Portugal (whadda surprise). Better luck & skill next time. We can blame only ourselves, some of the games we played during the summer were totally crappy for us.. and then one cannot expect to over achieve against the better.

[Kermanshah1]

It was great to see Croatia beat England last night, they're out now. YES!

[mustavaris]

It was great to see Croatia beat England last night, they're out now. YES!

But its even better to know that the Croatians did that.. I am a big fan of Croatian football team:)

[snc128]

Croatia did a great job as well as Turkiye.
as far as I read a Russian millionaire promised to present 4 Mercedes cars to best 4 Croation footballers.

End of the story. Couldnt beat Portugal (whadda surprise). Better luck & skill next time.
Portugal is a good and stable team.I was not surprised.you should not sorry.

[mustavaris]

Portugal is a good and stable team.I was not surprised.you should not sorry.

Yes, I am not sorry. But it is crappy fact that we underachieved during the earlier games, and that cost us.

[Croatian]

Thank you for supporting Croatian national football team! :)

Last year we were only European country which host Iranian team, it was 2-2.

By the way, in Qualifying for World Cup 2010, Croatia and England are again in the same group! ;)

[Amir]

Yes, I am not sorry. But it is crappy fact that we underachieved during the earlier games, and that cost us.

Does Finland have a good team ?

[mustavaris]

Does Finland have a good team ?

Not really. We have had a team worth of mentioning at any level for something like 10 years or so, we have no history or tradition from succesful soccer games, but during the last decade or so we have reached higher level. Our weaknesses are many, we have good individuals but the weakest links in our team are too weak, our level of playing goes up & down very fast which means that on a good day we can give real fight even against the best while we can crumble against the weakest on the other day... Basically we got what we deserved as we ended our path due to mistakes done against the weak opponents and then couldnt achieve miracles against the good opponents.

[mustavaris]

Thank you for supporting Croatian national football team! :)



I´ll always support them. I still have a bottle of Slivovica which is awaiting for the next big success:wub2:

[Croatian]

I´ll always support them. I still have a bottle of Slivovica which is awaiting for the next big success:wub2:

Šljivovica? :D

Take a look at this...
Croatian national football team's successes against World football champions:

Croatia - Brazil 1:1

Croatia - Argentina 0:0
Croatia - Argentina 3:2

Germany - Croatia 0:3
Croatia - Germany 1:1

Croatia - France 2:2

England - Croatia 0:0
Croatia - England 2:0
England - Croatia 2:3

Italy - Croatia 1:2
Croatia - Italy 1:1
Croatia - Italy 0:0
Italy - Croatia 1:2
Italy - Croatia 0:2

(Never played with Uruguay)

Note: All matches played in last 15 years.
:)

[Croatian]

Not really. We have had a team worth of mentioning at any level for something like 10 years or so, we have no history or tradition from succesful soccer games, but during the last decade or so we have reached higher level. Our weaknesses are many, we have good individuals but the weakest links in our team are too weak, our level of playing goes up & down very fast which means that on a good day we can give real fight even against the best while we can crumble against the weakest on the other day... Basically we got what we deserved as we ended our path due to mistakes done against the weak opponents and then couldnt achieve miracles against the good opponents.

Don't be pessimistic, if Croatia with just 4.5 million people can keep highest level for 15 years, maybe Finland also can. Money also isn't important because our football clubs are disastrous, we only have good national team, and all Croatian good players are playing in Europe.

[mustavaris]

Don't be pessimistic, if Croatia with just 4.5 million people can keep highest level for 15 years, maybe Finland also can. Money also isn't important because our football clubs are disastrous, we only have good national team, and all Croatian good players are playing in Europe.

The basic problem is in the background; only during the last 10..20 years has the football emerged as good choice for the talented youth, ice hockey is our topsport besides Finnish base ball and we have very limited supply of people. Other factor is the winter which means that our teams which want to practise need more than just a field, and again - base ball and ice hockye are more loved by the sponsors (but thats changing). In any case the support & fan base has widened a lot during the last ten years so it shouldnt be too much to assume that we can get better and better as time passes.

And yes, Šljivovica, I was at work so I wrote it out of my head:-) 0,75l Stara Šljivovica made by Maraska, bought from Posedarje, near Zadar:wub2: