I recall Real Madrid playing like that in the Champions League - think it was against Bayern - and Coentrao was soundly thrashed in the papers, here and in Spain, for having a shocker. The poor lad was only doing as he was told.

Hearing United have taken up first option on Angelo Henriquez and will sign him for £3m. At age 17 he was already playing the lone striker role at Universidad de Chile. They are now in the Copa Libertadores semis. I believe he has 12 goals in 17 games which includes the Chilean Primera and the Copa Libertadores.

La U are a quite amazing football team. Brilliant to watch

Anyone for joining me in my [url=http://euroballs.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-of-beer.htmlEuro 2012 of Beer[/url project?

What passion ? England are a team of individuals and I'd be surprised if they got out of their group.

Steve Bruce the new City manager. I know there are a couple of Wigan fans on here, what formation does he use, what's he like with young players? Can we expect tight defences or open, attacking football?

He's got a good Championship record, and I'm quite happy with him.

Great, BBC has Jake friggin Humphrey on the Euro's coverage

Yeah, but he looks like Mrs Doubtfire and wants to sign Heskey

Neither of those were yellows ffs

Agree with that to a certain extent. The hardest part for England will be getting out of the group. However, if England get through I can see them boring their way to the final in a similar way to Chelsea in the european cup. As 'defeatist' as Hodgsons tactics etc are, he is the first coach for ages who actually knows the limitations of the England side and will play accordingly. Will be pretty awful to watch but could well do the job after years of 'glorious' failure.

On the flip side, if he plays in a negative fashion and England flop he will get the biggest slating off the press for a long time.

Just seen Greek lad's two yellows in the bar. Soccer embarrassing itself yet again.

Bet Arsenal fans are wondering why Arshavin didn't play like this more often.

I'd like Heskey at City, he's completely different to anything we've got, Fryatt plays best with a big man, and we've got one of the best wingers outside the Premier League in Cameron Stewart to get balls into the box for him.

Football is being ruined by it's governing bodies. The refereeing is now utterly stupid and it's fast becoming a no contact sport. They are spoiling the sport completely. It's as if UEFA/FIFA see the players as being so fragile that any contact could kill them, so they need to stamp it out. I also hate how theatrical they are and unapproachable they are making referees. Look at that fool charging over to Szenceny tonight, unable to get his red card out of his pocket quick enough, such was his rush to send him off, with a look of pure horror on his face at the keeper's actions. Under their own guidelines however, it's not a red card as there was no chance the striker is going to score directly from there, his touch was that of a baby elephant. They really need to get away from this obsession over contact.

[url=http://euroballs.blogspot.com/2011/09/dhs.htmlDavid Healy Syndrome[/url

Just for those that are interested, as per previous major tournaments we are marvelling at the talent on show from some of the other nations

[urlhttp://viewtopic.php?f=30&t=529809&tsmp=1339240457[/url

How can Mark Lawrenson have a go at Podolski for playing for Germany despite being Polish, didnt he play for Ireland?

Easy. He's ex Liverpool. Hypocrisy comes as natural to everyone at Liverpool.

"The only way you can win with these tactics is to win"

Gold from Hansen.

The same Hansen who predicted Germany, holland and Portugal to reach the semis?

Abysmal start for Ireland, poor defending and Given flat footed for the goal.

Goodbye Ireland.

Croatia and Russia both have sufficient quality to win the tournament.

Although the Euros do occasionally throw up some shocks like that I think it would be a bit of a step too far for Croatia. Russia have every chance though.