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Euro final will be great study in contrasts

STEPHEN BRUNT

From Friday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 7:10 PM EST 27/06/08

Germany plays the game in straight lines, while Spain offers the perfect aesthetics ...Read the full article

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  1. WorldCup 2010Soccer from Nauru writes: When Canada played Spain in a friendly before the 2006 WC,Spain was tied until they{had to} brought Xavi,Xavi Alonso etc...from the bench to win.

    Otherwise Canada could have had a tie....
  2. WorldCup 2010Soccer from Nauru writes: This is what happens when the players are groomed from the youth to run,pass and combination soccer.... They have the skill to put and connect more then one pass together,while on the move,they predict their own teammates next course of action and the game is just a "dream soccer" to watch... They don't have to be extra huge,and or physical,because the "brain" and skill is so powerful that the other teams just can't cope with that for 90 minutes. I always admire,especially at the Euro,the 5,6 or 5,7 ,165 pound guys who are the "jewel" of these teams... Lahm,Deco,Modric,Messi,De Guzman,Bojan and countless other in even EPL and especially La-Liga. It's fun to see and hear the "resentfullness" from the Canadian commentators regarding these players as they don't "fit" their limited universe of knowledge and they can't be shouting loud...about how big a particular body is like they do in hockey or american football. These commentators should cheer for elephants,girafes or whales and wonder why they aren't running the World? History reading as to David and Goliath would be too much to ask of them as I don't believe most of them ever read a whole book on any subject. That doesn't include Bobby,by the way.
  3. WorldCup 2010Soccer from Nauru writes: ProfileOne of the brightest young talents to have emerged in Spain since the 2006 FIFA World Cup, David Silva will be particularly looking forward to the UEFA EURO 2008™ encounter with Greece having scored twice against the European champions last August. The tenacious 22-year-old attacking midfielder is a technically-gifted operator who is comfortable playing on either flank. Played for Spain in their 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Championship-winning team and also at following year's FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring four goals. Capped at senior level for first time in November 2006 – shortly after his return to Valencia CF following two seasons on loan at SD Eibar and RC Celta de Vigo. Impressive campaign with Celta; recalled to replace Pablo Aimar at Valencia and handed Argentinian's No21 shirt. Scored goals in successive 2006/07 UEFA Champions League knockout ties away to FC Inter####onale Milano and Chelsea FC, the second a spectacular strike from 30 metres. Started seven UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers, winning six and drawing one. Landed first major trophy as Valencia rescued poor 2007/08 season by winning Copa del Rey. Did you know? David Silva was spotted by Valencia aged 15 playing in the Canary Islands. His family moved with him to the mainland including his father Fernando who abandoned a political career and took up a job as Valencia's head of security. PositionQuick profileFull name: David Silva Jersey No.: 21 Team: Spain Position: Forward Detailed position: Left midfielder, Forward Date of birth: 08.01.1986 Height: 170 cm Weig
  4. WorldCup 2010Soccer from Nauru writes: You (WorldCup 2010Soccer, from Nauru) wrote: Bob McCown can't see anything with the sunglasses anyway,plus I question whether he has the intelectual wherewithall to really appreciate what Spain did in the second half.
    Posted 26/06/08 at 11:15 PM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
  5. El Toro dos Muchachos from Spain writes: Hola! I am El Toro dos Muchachos (perspicacious readers will note that this means I am the Bull of the Guys) and I am here to provide knowledge not available outside of Espania.

    The final 'chess' game pieces are set. The Spanish bull versus the German, how you say, boar (I avoid the use of the term 'wild pig' as this may be misconstrued as an insult -- which it would be). Two different styles of play as the intelligent Senor Brunt points out. The direct play of the German versus the stylish play of the Spanish.

    I have it under highest authority that the score, this coming Sunday, will be 1-0 for Espania. This will be a close fought match but Spain will prevail. It cannot be otherwise.

    I am happy to have the opportunity to present this information (which only become available this morning). Now, I must attend to Cardinal Enrico Iglesias Biggles. There is a problema (which is problem translated into your language) with certain liturgy. El Toro can be of great assistance in this matter.

    Andale, Don Gazpacho.............to Cardinal Biggles....................adios.......
  6. ente EighteenEightyEight from Canada writes: I'm pulling for germany, but I'm also pulling for a barn-burning 5-4 thriller.
  7. g man from toronto, Canada writes: actually, dude, your name El Toro dos muchachos translates literally to "the bull two boys." your enthusiasm about showing off your skills in another language is well appreciated, sir, but i suggest it is time to review the beginner's spanish textbook, chapter 1. Buen suerte, y que te vaya bien.

    by the way, if there is any justice in this world, spain should win just for the sheer entertainment value they have provided thus far in this tournament. they really define "the beautiful game." unfortunately i won't be able to watch the game live as i have to work. balls!
  8. bj sutherland from Victoria, Canada writes: I'm pulling for Spain as they have been the best team in the tournament. Russia was able to manhandle Torres often enough so he didn't score, but because there are plenty of other players that can go forward and score this was not effective. The Germans are saying they will rough up the players on the ball because the Spanish players don't like it. I hope this referee will not be as lax as the the one in the last game and will keep those planned challenges fair or give plenty of fouls and cards.
  9. Monnana S from Dibley Road, Canada writes: Esteemed El Toro dos Guys...I'm sure you meant no offense, but I must point out to you that the bulls of Espania will not be facing the "how you say" boars of Germany. It is the Black Eagle of Deutschland (which is how you say Germany in the language of the Germans) that will soar high above your spanische Stiere.

    Beware El Toro, our (and by "our" I mean Deutschland - the translation of which I've already provided) chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... Our three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise....

    Till Sunday...

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