OT - Ronaldo Skywalker vs Spanish Empire (Portgual vs. Spain)

Submitted by JimBobTressel on

not since Skywalker faced Vader have the stakes ever been higher. Can Ronaldo put together a Denard-vs-Notre-Dame performance today?

Or will Darth Casillas and the Spanish Empire prevail? DUN DUN DUN

Needs

June 27th, 2012 at 2:42 PM ^

Is Spain's national anthem the only one worldwide without lyrics?

If you watch the fans, they're all singing "lo-lo-lo."

jmdblue

June 27th, 2012 at 3:11 PM ^

and I watched a couple matches of this Euro thing over at the Irish themed place on Main.  I can't deny soccer is entertaining.  Every time I think I might actually become a fan, though, one of these clowns fakes a broken femur and gets carted off resulting in a penalty shot to tie the game.  Instead of getting an update from the hospital, we are then treated to femur's gallant, rye-smiled return to the pitch.  Ronaldo is not only a great perpetrator of fake injuries, he's also the vainest human alive.  May he contract untreatable acne.

bacon1431

June 27th, 2012 at 3:47 PM ^

The post I responded to was very generic and didn't refer to any player specifically and just said he's about to start following soccer until "one of these clowns" flops. I am indifferent about Ronaldo and have no opinion on his flopping as I don't follow La Liga closely. But my point about no flops significantly affecting Euro 2012 stands.

jmdblue

June 27th, 2012 at 4:09 PM ^

but it's not so much the "flopping" part that gets me.  It's the writhing around in unspeakable pain, the stretchers, and the little cans of cold spray.  For all the talk of the beauty of soccer(and it can be very pretty even to my untrained eye), an instance or two of world class athletes trying to remember which knee to grab as they hit the ground spoils the whole thing for me (whether it effects the outcome or not.  I've made similar complaints to soccer fans adn a common retort is something akin to "we need better refs" or "not the players fault if the refs suck".  Refs can be blamed for a lot, but they can't be blamed for this.  Soccer could stop this if it wanted.  It would require fines and suspensions, but they could make it go away.  I can only conclude that the centers of the soccer world find the behavior acceptable and part of the game.

swan flu

June 27th, 2012 at 4:15 PM ^

A big part of it is the American perspective.  "Toughness" (ie. staying on your feet when fouled) is the ultimate physical attribute in the US.

 

In Europe and South America, diving is seen as strategic and even "cunning." (except when the opponents do it)  While it is frowned upon over seas, it's not as frowned upon as it is in the US.

bacon1431

June 27th, 2012 at 4:41 PM ^

While I agree that it can be annoying.....you'd have to change an entire culture of soccer worldwide to suit your fancy. As was stated above, we're one of a few countries that doesn't appreciate it. It's hard to criticize players for mirroring the the players they grew up watching and how they were taught.

Needs

June 27th, 2012 at 2:54 PM ^

Very interesting from Portugal so far. They're really pressing Spain high up the field, trying to choke off the midfield. It's denying the ball to Xavi and Iniesta so far, but Spain's already come close to springing something on each wing. Spain's actually been forced into a couple long balls.

Needs

June 27th, 2012 at 3:00 PM ^

There's what Portugal's trying for. Midfield turnover from high press given quickly to Ronaldo who almost picks Nani out with the cross.

swan flu

June 27th, 2012 at 3:17 PM ^

Portugal is controlling this match so far.  Huge credit to the Portugal midfield for defending aggressively and keeping the ball.

 

This has the feeling of an instant classic.

FreddieMercuryHayes

June 27th, 2012 at 3:20 PM ^

I don't think Portugal's strategy of trying to kick the ball into Spain's net is quite working; they probably need to re-assess at the half. However, Spain's gameplan of not letting Portugal get the ball in their net was a brilliant tactical move by their coach so far. Kudos to him.

bacon1431

June 27th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^

Spain's back four has looked pretty sloppy to me. A few too many turnovers. But at the same time, they haven't let Portugal take advantage of them. Don't foresee a goal in this first half, but it should be a very entertaining second half.

swan flu

June 27th, 2012 at 3:31 PM ^

I am surprised Spain isn't critisized more regarding their center backs.  With all their possession-related talent, Pique and Ramos (a fullback playing out of position) are inconsistant at best at marking and taking away runs. Could be a factor in this game or especially against a team like Germany.

Needs

June 27th, 2012 at 3:59 PM ^

I don't understand that sub. Portugal's surrendering the wings to contest all the passes through the middle, so del Bosque puts in Fabregas and further congests the center of the field.

ken725

June 27th, 2012 at 4:05 PM ^

Me too.  I always like having a striker.  I say put in Torres or Llorente.  I don't understand not giving Llorete a chance.  You never know what he can produce if you don't give him a shot.  I would have given him the start over Negredo today.

Needs

June 27th, 2012 at 4:14 PM ^

Spain are really not looking dangerous at the moment. They've got 5 guys who all want to play within 10 yards of each other.