Off topic - football thread - European Cup 2012

• If a $10,000,000/year player goes to the line to shoot a 2 point basket and misses, we say it is mental !!! we should expect him never to miss !!
• If a $10,000,000/year footballer goes to the penalty we expect him to convert 100% of the time !!!!
• If a $1,000,000/season IPL star batsman goes to the crease, we must expect him to hit a 100 all the time !!

Think for a minute ! These guys get paid boat load of money and they cant do what is expected of them in such an easy situation ?

We expect a pilot who makes 1/50th of what these guys make, and expect him to land that plane safely 100 % of the time, not 99.999% of the time - 100%

But what if Hart had stood still? What would you have said about Pirlo then?

I guess Harts "antics" were that of a young goalie trying to psych himself up but who knows.

I don't think any striker takes a penalty thinking it will miss, go straight to the goalie, go above the net, hit the side bar etc etc.

Honestly, if Pirlo had missed, I'd have said "you win some you lose some".

For now, I would like to enjoy the craftsmanship and the nonchalance! Refreshing.

Here in metros, problem is everyone watches epl and start to believe that England has some of the best talents in the world. And before any major tournament, because of media hype and also lesser exposure to other talents in other teams, England becomes automatic favorites to a lot of people. But only during the tournament, they face the truth that the English team is a very mediocre team and the best they can do is to qualify for the quarter finals. Even more concerning is after below average performance in 3 out of 4 matches, some of the forums(espn, sky, tv channels) which promotes Barclays premier league in India are very stubborn in creating a consensus through articles, expert opinions that England played really well in the tournament.

I guess those many aren't watch the Premier League matches properly as virtually all the best players aren't English.

The experts may think we played well but us locals are honest enough to say that they didn't.

What is it with the media and the fanboys ? Come on guys instead of focusing on Pirlo, focus on the three misses them boys with big bucks had. Remember, the story should be not what a wonderful penalty shot; but what a f*d up shot; hitting the crossbar.

@Varad
I think the simple truth this time can be summed up in a simple statement of truth, adopted by many who know the game "they played slightly above expectation."

For once they didn't have all the media hype that surrounds England in a big tournament. Most were visibly playing down their chances..

They actually played well in patches passing well and holding their shape...

Bringing back Rooney upset that balance they were showing with the youngsters. And Rooney once again had a poor game, or two really discounting the goal which in all honesty was hard to miss.

They're down fall with Italy was being bossed by their midfield and especially Pirlo who had a magnificent game but largely helped along by the space afforded him in midfield. His passing was exquisite at times.

England didn't have a plan B it seems and they were the losing side on the night, no denying that.

OCT regarding Pirlo's penalty, Hart should have been better prepared perhaps, as Pirlo has previous with the 'Panenka against Buffon of all people.

Giving the devil his due; The English were impenetrable in defence! Also they have not done worse than the previous Euro so why feel guilty about anything?

The Italians too have suffered penalty shootout set backs earlier ; remember Baggio?!

Also it does not make sense to compare apples to oranges when it comes to a penalty shot; have they not seen the Champions League Final?

http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/0...hootout-video/

A funny video about a goal keeper who turned from being a hero to a zero.

That's hilarious.

funny, I like how the footballist shows that it is goal and he is surprised. I think the goalkeeper wanted shoot himself.

So "Boring Spain" tonight or a awakening Portugal??

It's all boringly slow after watching hockey all Winter/Spring. I'd settle for a trio of goals & may the best & most deserved team win.

Ha a different game, can Spain fight is now the question mark?