UEFA EURO U21 Championships

Jaimito el Crack wrote:I don't know about anyone else but the more I watch Thiago the more I see De la Peña, not Xavi or Iniesta. He just has that extra bit of arrogance and nonchalance.

The more I watch him, the more I agree with Messiah's suggestion that he's the new Deco.

fcb wrote:

Jaimito el Crack wrote:I don't know about anyone else but the more I watch Thiago the more I see De la Peña, not Xavi or Iniesta. He just has that extra bit of arrogance and nonchalance.

The more I watch him, the more I agree with Messiah's suggestion that he's the new Deco.

I don't know about that. Deco did a lot of defensive work that I don't see Thiago doing.

Switzerland scored in the 114th against the Czechs.

Looks like it'll be Spain vs. Switzerland in the final. Definitely the best two teams of the tournament. Can see the Swiss giving Spain a good game, quite a few talented players in that team, especially Shaqiri.

Edit: 1-0 FT - Switzerland in the final.

Jaimito el Crack wrote:I don't know about anyone else but the more I watch Thiago the more I see De la Peña, not Xavi or Iniesta. He just has that extra bit of arrogance and nonchalance.

always with it when it come to the masia boys until they just blow up, he has that arrogance and nonchalance in his game because he is brazilian, he will over elaborate at times, but he is nothing like xavi or iniesta who are truly spanish type midfielders,if you are going to compare him to anyone it has to be deco, he plays so much like him its amazing, just needs to work on the defensive side of his game, which is improving constantly.

Messiah wrote:spain will lose, can't go down a goal to a team that defends like this

Predictions specialist

Anyway, congrats to Spain and Switzerland. As Blut says, best 2 sides on the tournament. Both made hard work of average and defensive minded opposition, but hopefully the final will be more free flowing.

We'll have to draw up a team of the tournament. Any takers to kick it off?

Disappointing tournament.

Noah und der Bale wrote:

Messiah wrote:spain will lose, can't go down a goal to a team that defends like this

Predictions specialist

Anyway, congrats to Spain and Switzerland. As Blut says, best 2 sides on the tournament. Both made hard work of average and defensive minded opposition, but hopefully the final will be more free flowing.

We'll have to draw up a team of the tournament. Any takers to kick it off?

was trying to spear my hear the disappointment.


------------------De Gea

---Montoya----Botia--Smalling-----?

-----------------Javi

---------Thiago----------Xhaka

----Shaqiri-------Adrian--------?.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/06/24/2544818/ozil-muller-gotze-more-the-real-germany-u-21-team-that-isnt

me thinks the best u21 side was not in the tournament

also this guy has a point, they should call this tournament U23

look at the spanish team (10 players older than 21) most of them 88-89 generation, germany won it 2 years ago with the 88 generation (neuer was the only old one)

the real spanish team wasn't there either last time the germanys won, pique,ramos,busquets,pedro and cesc i think could have all been there.

fair point

changes not the fact that this U21 is a stupid name, they should really overhaul some rules

agree, makes no sense that mata is there at 23, takes a bit away from the spanish to be honest.

if the other teams had taken their best players then the other teams would have been better too.

Jordan Glenderson wrote:if the other teams had taken their best players then the other teams would have been better too.

the english seniour team wouldnt win this tournament

think about it

WG

Kroos wrote:http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2011/06/24/2544818/ozil-muller-gotze-more-the-real-germany-u-21-team-that-isnt

me thinks the best u21 side was not in the tournament

also this guy has a point, they should call this tournament U23

look at the spanish team (10 players older than 21) most of them 88-89 generation, germany won it 2 years ago with the 88 generation (neuer was the only old one)

What a shitty article overhyping the German youngsters.

Or at least thats what everyone eould be saying if it had been about England.

The fact is, for all the apparent brilliance of these young German players in the list, as Glenneth put it - it's really quite gay to be fawning over why the German team would have been so fandabby dooby whilst omitting the quite glaringly obvious: that most if not all the teams suffered similar issues with eligible young players being unable to compete because they have become deemed "seniors". Which is shit and I argued it prior to the tournament, and still do now given it would have been a much more pleasant experience to see the likes of Wilshere, Adam Johnson, Carroll, Gibbs and even Walcott giving it some. But it didn't happen, so shut your von trapp. WG

I don't think it feels right when seniors play for the U21s – same goes for Mata and Javi Martinez (who unlike Wilshere have actually been to a World Cup) as well as Wilshere; this tournament is about developing players and giving those a chance who haven't already graduated (irrevocably) to the senior level.

I also thought the England team looked very strong with a spine of regular PL talent and some promising up-and-comers. What do I know.

Allez les rouges wrote:I don't think it feels right when seniors play for the U21s – same goes for Mata and Javi Martinez (who unlike Wilshere have actually been to a World Cup) as well as Wilshere; this tournament is about developing players and giving those a chance who haven't already graduated (irrevocably) to the senior level.

I suppose it could be argued that the presence of people like Mata & Martinez make this event more useful for those that play against them - as they are playing against people who are a few years ahead in development, but still not vastly experienced. Makes it more of a stepping stone between youth and senior level. Tough to get the balance though..

Still I would tend to agree that it should be used primarily for players who are not established seniors.

Martinez and Mata aren't really established at senior level, even if they have already played for them. They wouldn't be in the senior team, even if they would be in the squad. Depends where you draw the line.

now ones watching the final

sweet goal for herrera brilliant cross from divac

Cross from Didac was perfection.

Typical Spanish performance really; keep the ball, work so hard to win it back if they do lose it, patient build up play, try and work an opening and then finally score the killer goals. Having said that, the Swiss have been too reserved and rely too much on Shaquiri, who although he has a lot of potential can be a bit of a headless chicken.

that extra touch of genius for thiago on the big stage 2-0

Why on earth do Barca want to sell Thiago and buy Cesc? Looks to me like Thiago will be better than Cesc in a few years time.

watched the goal on youtube, omgosh have seen this from mike hanke from the middle line, nothing special

The point might be that it was done in the final of a major tournament. I don't think people were maintaining it had never ever been achieved before.

Luis wrote:Why on earth do Barca want to sell Thiago and buy Cesc? Looks to me like Thiago will be better than Cesc in a few years time.

I'm not sure there is actually any truth in the rumours suggesting Thiago is up for sale. Why they want to spunk 40m plus on Cesc when they already have the 'next Cesc' at the club I don't know.

Congrats Spain, worthy champions!

Calidad wrote:

Luis wrote:Why on earth do Barca want to sell Thiago and buy Cesc? Looks to me like Thiago will be better than Cesc in a few years time.

I'm not sure there is actually any truth in the rumours suggesting Thiago is up for sale. Why they want to spunk 40m plus on Cesc when they already have the 'next Cesc' at the club I don't know.

Sometimes u go and buy a player just so your biggest rival don't buy him.
I think Pep and the others are more afraid of the possibility of Cesc signing for RM if they don't get him first.

goal.com team of the comp


Goalkeeper – Yann Sommer (Switzerland)
Appearances: 5
Clean Sheets: 4

He may have been embarrassed as he was caught napping by Thiago's lob in his team's 2-0 final loss, but up until that point he had been impeccable. The blossoming Basel shot-stopper's four clean sheets in five matches are testament to his solid displays.

Defender – Yegor Filipenko (Belarus)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 1

Belarus were the surprise package of the competition, and came within a whisker of eliminating Spain in the semi-finals. Filipenko's solid performances were a highlight, and his goal in the Olympic play-off ensures that his nation will compete in London next year.

Defender – Chris Smalling (England)
Appearances: 3
Goals: 0

Strong and composed at the back, the Manchester United defender made several vital, decisive interceptions on the ground and in the air. He was a calming influence for Stuart Pearce's side despite their early exit from the competition.

Defender – Nicolai Boilesen (Denmark)
Appearances: 3
Goals: 0

The 19-year-old has only heightened his profile with his performances in his native country, reportedly being viewed as a possible replacement for Eric Abidal at Barcelona. The Ajax starlet was one of the few Danes to stand out in the host nation's disappointing campaign.

Right-midfield - Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 1

The Basel winger was dynamic from start to finish for his side, showcasing his immense talent with mazy dribbles, an ability to keep the ball, and superb shooting technique. Scored a wonderful solo winner in his side's opening match.

Centre midfield – Thiago Alcantara (Spain)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 1

Why are Barcelona after Cesc Fabregas when they have this man waiting in the wings? Thiago dictated play in the style of Xavi or Iniesta and capped his tournament with a superb effort, chipping the goalkeeper from 40 yards in the final.

Centre midfield – Javi Martinez (Spain)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 0

The yang to Thiago Alcantara's ying, the Athletic Bilbao star kept possession and linked up beautifully with his team-mates, but was always willing to do the dirty work and track back as well. An inspirational influence.

Left-midfield – Borek Dockal (Czech Republic)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 2

The Czech captain was instrumental in his side's run to the semis as they eventually finished in fourth place. The highlight of his tournament was the two exquisite goals he netted in the 2-1 victory over Ukraine.

Right-forward – Juan Mata (Spain)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 2

The Valencia playmaker provided the link between midfield and attack for Spain, and was in scintillating form in the group stages, scoring two goals and creating two assists overall in the tournament. Now has an U21 medal to match his World Cup winner's gong from South Africa.

Centre-forward – Adrian (Spain)
Appearances: 5
Goals: 5

The Golden Boot winner showed the world his eye for goal as the focal point of Spain's attack. Averaging a goal per match, his most important strike was unquestionably his 89th minute effort that kept his team alive in the semi-final versus Belarus.

Left-forward – Admir Mehmedi (Switzerland)
Appearances: 4
Goals: 3

The 20-year-old Zurich poacher was a constant threat, as Switzerland impressed en route to the final. His extra-time, long-range stunner in the semi-final versus Belarus was one of the moments of the tournament.

Certainly must be pointed out that Spain's defense was generally pretty terrible in the tournament. I don't think Botia and Alvaro jumped for a single header, instead letting everything drop first; Montoya and Didac were good in attack but too easily caught out when forwards were running diagonally across them or between them and the CB; and the less said about the setpiece defending, the better - they seemed to rely completely on luck.