Any REAL football fans here? (Page 54)

Yeah, the poland - russia game has political connotations and it is touching on some fresh wounds.  The russians have already been warned in regards to the behavior of their fan, they attacked security personnel during the game again CZE and were screaming some awful racist things to one of the players.

Hopefully people realize that is just a game and leave it at that.  They should think about regulating alcohol sales at that game.

"just a game"? - never has been..never will...too much National pride and history at stake

As for alcohol....i believe it can be regulated but if its available then the hooligans will find a way to circumvent the rules and controls - its sad that Eastern Europe seems to be 10 years behind the rest of Europe on the soccer violence issues.

The tournament so far has been better than expected in my view...long may it continue

I agree it is just not a game when it comes to the history and the sense of national pride involved in some of this matches, but when the line to violence is about to be crossed then that needs to be remembered.

Seems like things didn't scalage, but then again, i didn't find out about the violence after the first russia game and the warning from fifa until the following day...

It doesn't get any better than the matches tomorrow, i think the group of death will have all teams with 3 points when the day ends

Didn't get to watch since it was on pay per view.  That being said, playing at this stadium is never easy.  However, it SHOULD have been a win and again, we didn't get it done.

I had Portugal (I see they are up 2-1).  Neth v Germany is a toughie.  I think Germany will pull it out, but I wouldn't be surprised with a tie.

It could also backfire against Netherland.  If they play too open in an attempt to score, specifically in the back, they will get destroyed.

That is what meant, that being agressive against the Germans can backfire.

Their defending was horrible indeed, and the goal keeping was suspect as well.  Most likely they will be eliminated but they still have a chance.  They would need to beat Portugal by 2 and have Germany win their match....

Yep. 

Always love the last days of group play. 

I'm English therefore football runs through my veins, family dictates I follow West Ham United (were good back in the day) - just been promoted back to the EPL.

I love watching the Italians play - my favourites being Nesta, Delpiero, Maldini, Totti etc.  Fabulous players (and cute too!)

I live in Australia and have to watch Aussie Rules football - kind of good, it's fast and aggressive.

I will also watch Rugby League and Rugby Union - oh I'm female!

I'm extremely frustraded....They go up 1 and then get super conservative.  I understand that you want to protect the lead but you can't entirely sacriffice your attack to acomplish that.  They got totally outplayed the second half and now they have to convincily win against Ireland...

What?  The Italians parked the bus?   That never happens

You would think i would be used to it by now...

LOL!!!

Yeah, they can't attack or defend so i dont know where that leaves them. 

Running around the pitch.

What i dont like about this score is that it doesnt help Italia...If Croatia and Spain play an uninspired last game and they tie, the azzurri will be most likely out on goal diferential.

Yep.  Not good for you.