Euro 2012 Soccer: Get your "June Madness" Pool Bracket Sheets here.
Quick Recap of Tuesday's Games
- England beat co-host Ukraine 1-0 to advance to Quarterfinal Round for first time since 1996! Ukraine's dreams end.
- France lost 2-0 to Sweden, but advances based on Group Play points.
HOW TO? Download Your Own Euro Bracket.
- Click here to open a webpage of a Euro Bracket that is ready to be printed right from your internet browser.
Note: i have also included a picture (at top of article) of a "blank" bracket that you can use.
Now is time for Legends to be created
For the team, or the player who rises above, a timeless hero will be born. I can almost feel how badly each of these teams want to give their nations something to celebrate wildly about, as many of these nation's people are struggling through a European economic crisis.
Mike's Picks
(The second photo at top of article shows the visual version of my picks).
I love underdogs and hope for surprises ahead, but Germany and Spain are the favorites.
QUARTERFINALS
- Portugal v. Czech Republic
Very tough call, I think Christiano Ronaldo and Portugal will win. - Spain v France
Spain definitely favored. France has not been consistent.
- Germany v Greece
Germany could blow Greece out. Greek victory would be biggest upset of Quarterfinals.
- England v Italy
Should be tight. England playing well, though. England advances.
SEMIFINALS
- Portugal v Spain
Spain as a "team" system are so tough. Sorry Christiano Ronaldo. - Germany v England.
This could be a classic match. I have to give the nod to Germany.
CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: July 1st
Germany v Spain
This would be a repeat of 2008 Euro final, which Spain won (see short Youtube video of 2008 winning goal). I have to go with SPAIN, which would make them the first team ever to win the three-peat: Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012! Uno, Dos, Tres!
July 1st Forecast for Madrid: Mucho Celebrando! El campeones de futbol :)
How about you?
Whom would you pick? Whom would you *like* to see win?
Doug Miner
1:55 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mike - Where would someone go to watch a game with a good crowd - any especially Euro 2012–friendly sports bars around?
Mike Schuette
9:15 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Doug, I would go to Madrid or perhaps Berlin! ;)
Good question. For the World Cup, I had a good feel for "soccer bars". Now that the "knockout" stage is going, I suspect some good gatherings will be held. I will followup: for now, the ones I know from experience: * OB Clark's in Brentwood, * Amsterdamn Tavern (Morganford Tower Grove Area), and TIGIN (Wash Ave) http://www.tiginirishpub.com/stl/ (their home page actually advertised EURO).
Doug, now that you're getting some "foot" knowledge, you're next step is to get some of the passion, and that is what you pick up on when watching with a crowd!!!
Jill
3:06 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hey Mike - very cool! I have learned a lot. Thanks! CPAL
Matt
8:58 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hi Mike< like your blog!!! quick question, would you happen to know what kind of product that whiner Ronaldo puts in his hair?? or should I refer this question to the fashion blog? thanks, Matt
Mike Schuette
6:29 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
I love it! I have wondered myself. I don't know, but i will see if i can find out :) if you find out from a fashion blog, i'd be interested. I'm guessing he pays a nice price for that hairstyle!
Matt
9:03 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hi Mike, Big rumor going around that Spain is going to have 8 mid fielders in their next game??? Is that even physically possible? Great Blog!! Matt
Mike Schuette
6:48 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
Hmmm..first, I can give you my 'non-coaching' thoughts. So the classic alignment is, as name of popular soccer magazine "4-4-2" (4 backs, 4 midfielders, 2 forwards). But Spain, with their load of amazingly talented midfielders that "also get into the attack" at opportune times, can load the midfield. It looks like they have been putting Fernando Torres up top as the lone forward, but often goals come from the crafty work of their gifted 4 or 5 midfielders (who can defend and attack)..getting the "total" lockdown of possession. It's like watching men play keep away from boys..and working the ball sometimes right through the center of the other teams defense. So my guess would be "heavily stacked" in midfield to gain control of possession, with occasional bursts through to Torres, but if they're true to form they will 'hold posession' even deep into France's third and who knows what zig zag passing magic can happen from there. So starting stacked in the midfield may be to start off somewhat conservatively, 'wearing the other team down from chasing the ball", and then gradually shift into more attacks. Ok, there's the opinion of moi, but again, the exact formation will be interesting..i always look forward to hearing about the different structures. One thing for sure, if Spain is "on" we will see the French players running around Frantically trying to get the ball. :)