Official Euro 2004 Final Qualifiers Thread

[GoalsFrom50Out]

Here are the matches, lets get some predictions going:


Latvia - Turkey
Scotland - Netherlands
Croatia - Slovenia
Russia - Wales
Spain - Norway

 

[GOALden Hawk]

Can Spain self-destruct again?

 

[David Votoupal]

I'd like to see Wales qualify for a major tournament after so many years, it's just unfortunate they slumped in form but surely Mark Hughes is capable of pulling a rabbit out of the hat.

That said, all of the ties look interesting to say the least. Latvia did very well to get to the play-offs at the expense of more fancied Hungary and Poland, but how will they fare against a team which placed 3rd in last year's World Cup?

 

[moomba]

Good results for the British teams. Scotland beat Holland 1-0 at home, McFadden the scorer. Wales drew 0-0 with Russia away.

Should be interesting second legs.

Moomba

 

[David Votoupal]

McFadden does it again! There's no stopping this guy, he's going to make it all the way to the top for both club and country.

Message to Moyes: START HIM EVERY WEEK, FFS!

 

[The Hitman]

Some huge results. Latvia and Scotland winning, Wales and Slovenia drawing.

Currently it's Spain 1-1 Norway at HT. Spain look to be dominating but can't get a second one in.

The Hitman

 

[Nandrolone Stam]

Darren Fletcher MOM against Holland. Well done son.

 

[robbieando]

Fletcher and McFadden have been real finds for the national team in the last 12 months. These kids have got talent like you would believe and with them with at least 10 years more ahead of them at international level, the future is bright for Scottish Football

 

[David Votoupal]

A midfield of Fletcher, Stewart, Williams and McFadden wouldn't look too shabby.

Spain needed an own goal to beat Norway 2-1, so they've got big problems for the return leg.

 

[robbieando]

Originally posted by David Votoupal
A midfield of Fletcher, Stewart, Williams and McFadden wouldn't look too shabby.

Even better when you add Barry Ferguson to it, and seeing as he'll be the next captain of Scotland and everything. McFadden however gets used up front mainly for Scotland, but with Neil McCann now fit, I think McCann will partner Kenny Miller up front. Also when Stephen Thompson comes back he'll be very good target man.

Andy Webster of Hearts is a good prospect for the Centre on defence. All Scotland needs now is a partner for him. For now Dailly and Pressley will do fine, until Webster is up to the task. Mo Ross and Garry Naysmith will the full backs long term and I think these 2 are very good players on their day.

In goal is the main problem. Rab Douglas isn't starting for Celtic anymore, While Neil Sullivan is past it. However Paul Gallacher of Dundee Utd and Alex McGregor of Rangers are 2 keepers to watch.

 

[robbieando]

BTW these are the BBC Websites Player Ratings for Scotland

Scotland
Rab Douglas: Commanded his area well and made a few important saves, notably a terrific reaction save from Jaap Stam's close-range header. 7/10

Jackie McNamara: Did well to limit the influence of Overmars down the Dutch left flank, although he was fortunate not to concede a penalty for a challenge on the winger. 7/10

Gary Naysmith: Had the toughest task of all the Scots, up against Andy van der Meyde, who had the beating of the defender. Crucial intervention to clear off the line in the first half. 6/10

Steven Pressley: The Hearts defender organised the back four superbly and dealt with everything that was thrown at him. 7/10

Lee Wilkie: Outstanding display, particularly in the second half. Played Van Nistelrooy as well as any defender in recent times. One saving tackle inside the closing minutes denied the Manchester United marksman a sniff at goal. 9/10

Barry Ferguson: Failed to impose himself on the game, but put in a power of work in the midfield. Unlucky to see his shot fly straight into the arms of Edwin van der Sar after a lung-bursting late run. 7/10

Darren Fletcher: Hugely accomplished performance from such a young man. Delivered a number of threating crosses before an audacious flick set up James McFadden for the game's only goal. A joy to watch. 9/10

Christian Dailly: Immense man-marking job on Patrick Kluivert tarnished only by a stupid booking for kicking the ball away, which keeps him out of the return leg. 8/10

Paul Dickov: Tireless performance, never allowing Frank de Boer or Jaap Stam a minute's peace. Held the ball up well and thoroughly deserved the rest granted to him when he was replaced. 7/10

James McFadden: Tremendous exhibition of football. A menace in possession and tenacious in the tackle throughout. Brilliantly worked one-two with Fletcher for the goal, which he finished with aplomb. 9/10

Neil McCann: A good shift down the left, regularly threatening the Dutch defence. Tracked back superbly before being replaced by Stephen Pearson in 71 minutes. 7/10

Substitutes
Stephen Pearson (replaced Neil McCann) Effective in helping snuff out the threat from the Dutch midfield after coming in. Unlucky to see a late volley fly wide. 6/10

Kenny Miller: (replaced Paul Dickov) Looked a little rusty at first but picked Pearson out well later on and took on Dickov's role of harrying the defence. 5/10

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Originally posted by David Votoupal
That said, all of the ties look interesting to say the least. Latvia did very well to get to the play-offs at the expense of more fancied Hungary and Poland, but how will they fare against a team which placed 3rd in last year's World Cup?

The result was rigged! To finish 2nd, Latvia needed to atleast draw the final game against the all conquering Sweden, in Sweden. Miraculously, they win the game and finish ahead of Poland. Its a conspiracy I tell you!

P.S. The real reason Poland didn't qualify was because Boniek appointed himself as coach after effectively getting Engel sacked (the guy who got Poland into the WC). Half way through the qualifiers it became painfully apparent he was a sh*t manager, and he resigned. Janas, the new coach, really had an uphill battle to qualify.
In conclusion, Latvia are out of their league.


Ramble over. Now I have to put my tinfoil hat back on.

 

[mattyc2422]

Originally posted by robbieando
Barry Ferguson: Failed to impose himself on the game,

That's the blokes problem at Blackburn too.

 

[sainter]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
The result was rigged! To finish 2nd, Latvia needed to atleast draw the final game against the all conquering Sweden, in Sweden. Miraculously, they win the game and finish ahead of Poland. Its a conspiracy I tell you!

P.S. The real reason Poland didn't qualify was because Boniek appointed himself as coach after effectively getting Engel sacked (the guy who got Poland into the WC). Half way through the qualifiers it became painfully apparent he was a sh*t manager, and he resigned. Janas, the new coach, really had an uphill battle to qualify.
In conclusion, Latvia are out of their league.


Ramble over. Now I have to put my tinfoil hat back on.

If Marian Pahars had been available for the qualifers they'd have earned direct qualification.

Go Latvia!