Euro QF - France v Spain

[Red Mullet]

Real Madrid wouldn't have come in for him if he had wound down. They came in for him because he'd just had his best ever season. No-one wanted him when Rafa was touting him to all-comers for 14m, remember.

And this: -

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...rns-that-tax-will-drive-top-players-away.html

 

[Judge Jules]

The way I see it, Rafa blundered into it. By his standards, Alonso had a poor season in 2007/08, not helped by injuries. Instead of being supportive, Rafa started sniffing around after Gareth Barry. I think Alonso was deeply offended that Rafa was willing to discard him so casually, and it was then that, as a proud Spaniard, he made up his mind to go somewhere he would be more appreciated.

Rafa botched his attempt to sign Barry, and Alonso therefore stayed for another season, 2008/09. I think it's a great credit to the player that it was his best-ever season for Liverpool at a time when he could have just wound down before leaving for Real Madrid.

I don't agree with your summary. Alonso hadn't met his own (admittedly high) standards in 2006/7 either, so I don't believe Rafa can be blamed for looking elsewhere when he did, or therefore that the charge of "casually discarding" Alonso is a fair one.

 

[Modo]

I'm starting to believe that Roque's death will spur Spain on to win it.
The Euro 2008 win was dedicated to Puerta.
The World cup 2010 win, to Jarque and Puerta.
Euro 2012, to Miki Roque?

 

[RolandG]

France are a good team and have the potential to be better but think that they're better than they actually are. Too much star mentality, not enough teamwork or clinical finishing.

 

[Roopy]

Nasri, Ben Arfa, M'Vila, & Menez all facing bans for behaviour at Euro2012.

Nasri wasn't just rude to the journalist but he instigated problems within the squad throughout the tournament. The two primary incidents were involving journalists though, the first time after he scored against England and used the 'shutup' action which was broadcasted across the world and the second time when he told the AFP journalist to fuck off and to fuck his mother in the press zone. These incidents received wide coverage in France and it sets the wrong example for youngsters.

M'Vila refused to shake Laurent Blanc's hand when he was substituted.

Ben Arfa fought with Blanc, he was carelessly chatting on his mobile phone after the match against Sweden whilst Blanc was debriefing the team. Blanc told him to put the phone down it isn't the time, he told Blanc he should send him back to France.

Menez told his captain Hugo Lloris to fuckoff when Lloris told him that he wasn't assuming his defensive responsibilities

 

[LeTallecWiz]

Nasri, Ben Arfa, M'Vila, & Menez all facing bans for behaviour at Euro2012.

Nasri wasn't just rude to the journalist but he instigated problems within the squad throughout the tournament. The two primary incidents were involving journalists though, the first time after he scored against England and used the 'shutup' action which was broadcasted across the world and the second time when he told the AFP journalist to fuck off and to fuck his mother in the press zone. These incidents received wide coverage in France and it sets the wrong example for youngsters.

M'Vila refused to shake Laurent Blanc's hand when he was substituted.

Ben Arfa fought with Blanc, he was carelessly chatting on his mobile phone after the match against Sweden whilst Blanc was debriefing the team. Blanc told him to put the phone down it isn't the time, he told Blanc he should send him back to France.

Menez told his captain Hugo Lloris to fuckoff when Lloris told him that he wasn't assuming his defensive responsibilities

Not surprising ...

 

[Fabio]

The French are full on cunts

*homophobic*

 

[Modo]

I think the whole immigrants vs ethnic french situation has got out of hand.
It might sound a bit racist but I feel as if Blanc really needs to get rid of those who aren't there to play for their nation.
I thought Gourcuff still was part of the squad, until I read a couple of days ago that he asked to be left out. I wonder why?
After the last world cup plenty of old players publicly criticized the team. One of the most vocal players was Thuram, who more or less demanded that they never pick Evra again.
I've read several articles regarding the situation in the poor suburbs in France. People who feel excluded and don't feel french despite being born there.
You see more and more french born players opting to play for the country of their parents.
It's sad to see IMO.