Well the European Championships start in a few days......let's have a sweepstake. 5 ectos to enter, winner takes it all....thats 80e! Once we have 16 people, teams will be drawn out at random, and whoever's team wins get the ectos! N.B. for those of you who don't know...this is football (the variety played with the foot, not the hand). ........ Kim....Paid Gail....Paid Phoxy....Paid Dave...Paid Paula....Paid Dunky.....Paid Nym...Paid Nutty...Paid Swift...Paid Luky...Paid Rith...Paid Rick...Paid Cookie....Paid Brutus...Paid Rich... Paid Russ...Paid

Well the European Championships start in a few days......let's have a sweepstake. 5 ectos to enter, winner takes it all....thats 80e! Once we have 16 people, teams will be drawn out at random, and whoever's team wins get the ectos! N.B. for those of you who don't know...this is football (the variety played with the foot, not the hand). ........ Kim....Paid Gail....Paid Phoxy....Paid Dave...Paid Paula....Paid Dunky.....Paid Nym...Paid Nutty...Paid Swift...Paid Luky...Paid Rith...Paid Rick...Paid Cookie....Paid Brutus...Paid Rich... Paid Russ...Paid

Hope I avoid Group B. Netherlands/Germany/Portugal makes for a nasty group.

Hope I avoid Group B. Netherlands/Germany/Portugal makes for a nasty group.

as soon as we have all the ectos....the draw will take place!

as soon as we have all the ectos....the draw will take place!

Ok...some still to pay, but here is the draw........ Paula - Netherlands Dave - Ireland Dunky - England Kim - Russia Nym - Italy Phoxy - Czech republic Gail - Poland Rith - Denmark Rich - Portugal Luky - Sweden Swifty - Greece Brutus - Croatia Nutty - Ukraine Rick - Spain Cookie - Germany Russ - France

Ok...some still to pay, but here is the draw........ Paula - Netherlands Dave - Ireland Dunky - England Kim - Russia Nym - Italy Phoxy - Czech republic Gail - Poland Rith - Denmark Rich - Portugal Luky - Sweden Swifty - Greece Brutus - Croatia Nutty - Ukraine Rick - Spain Cookie - Germany Russ - France

Ooo and the heat rises!!! :P

Ooo and the heat rises!!! :P

Get in! Czech Republic :$

Get in! Czech Republic :$

the czech republic has a good chance to get past their group stage... it was not that long ago that they were ranked 4th in the world by FIFA. I think we can right Denmark off (sorry Michelle) they are not going to get past a group with Netherlands, Portugal and Germany in it. Spain will win the next group and Italy have a good chance to come runners up. Provided they don't fight amongst themselves then France will win the last group and you can flip a coin on runners up but will probably be England. The Czechs will get knocked out in the 1/4 finals as will either Russia or Poland. Most likely England will get knocked out of the 1/4 finals and most likely Italy will too. The first semi-final will be a cracker to watch... wouldn't be able to call that at all. The second semi-final will be either Portugal, Netherlands or Germany into the final. So really the only teams with a shot are Portugal, Netherlands, Germany and Spain. BUT, no doubt some team will prove me wrong and perform greater than expected. Nym

the czech republic has a good chance to get past their group stage... it was not that long ago that they were ranked 4th in the world by FIFA. I think we can right Denmark off (sorry Michelle) they are not going to get past a group with Netherlands, Portugal and Germany in it. Spain will win the next group and Italy have a good chance to come runners up. Provided they don't fight amongst themselves then France will win the last group and you can flip a coin on runners up but will probably be England. The Czechs will get knocked out in the 1/4 finals as will either Russia or Poland. Most likely England will get knocked out of the 1/4 finals and most likely Italy will too. The first semi-final will be a cracker to watch... wouldn't be able to call that at all. The second semi-final will be either Portugal, Netherlands or Germany into the final. So really the only teams with a shot are Portugal, Netherlands, Germany and Spain. BUT, no doubt some team will prove me wrong and perform greater than expected. Nym

on a slightly different note... the high street of the small town where I live is decked out in flags of the world for the Queen's jubilee... the first 6 flags on the street are Greece, Ireland, USA, China, France and Cuba Way to go Prudhoe... the only thing we are missing is a guillotine and the celebrations will be a hit... Vive la république!!! Nym

on a slightly different note... the high street of the small town where I live is decked out in flags of the world for the Queen's jubilee... the first 6 flags on the street are Greece, Ireland, USA, China, France and Cuba Way to go Prudhoe... the only thing we are missing is a guillotine and the celebrations will be a hit... Vive la république!!! Nym

Hmm, Croatia. Well, I was going to be frustrated, but it seems they rank 8th in the world. I'm not big on having Spain (#1) and Italy in the bracket, but let's see what happens.

Hmm, Croatia. Well, I was going to be frustrated, but it seems they rank 8th in the world. I'm not big on having Spain (#1) and Italy in the bracket, but let's see what happens.

Paula vs Cookie in the finals is what I want to see :P

Paula vs Cookie in the finals is what I want to see :P

Россия! Ok, I have no idea on the power rankings on any of these teams since I watch the REAL football and not this toe tapping stuffing... ;) But I'll buy into it for a little while!

Россия! Ok, I have no idea on the power rankings on any of these teams since I watch the REAL football and not this toe tapping stuffing... ;) But I'll buy into it for a little while!

O M G KIM! WTF?! ;( ;( ;( Anyhoo... I agree with Nym mostly: Group A will be Russia and Czech Republic Group B is Germany and (hopefully) Netherlands. This also based on the fact that Portugal has never done well in big tournaments. Group C Spain and Italy hands down Group D Is England and France (although I hope Sweden will F one of these up) Lol... I'll just continue see if I get stuff right ^^ Quarters: Russia vs NL Germany vs Czech Republic Spain vs France England vs Italy Semi's: NL vs Spain Germany vs England Final: Spain vs Germany Bldy Spain will probably win ;(

O M G KIM! WTF?! ;( ;( ;( Anyhoo... I agree with Nym mostly: Group A will be Russia and Czech Republic Group B is Germany and (hopefully) Netherlands. This also based on the fact that Portugal has never done well in big tournaments. Group C Spain and Italy hands down Group D Is England and France (although I hope Sweden will F one of these up) Lol... I'll just continue see if I get stuff right ^^ Quarters: Russia vs NL Germany vs Czech Republic Spain vs France England vs Italy Semi's: NL vs Spain Germany vs England Final: Spain vs Germany Bldy Spain will probably win ;(

Thanks Phoxy! I'm so hopeful now! ;(

Thanks Phoxy! I'm so hopeful now! ;(

A lot depends on which Italy turns up - they can be amazing or absolutely awful And France on paper is very strong but if they start fighting with each other like they did in the world cup then they won't get out of the group. If they are coherent then they will easily win the group. Which will make it Spain vs England and I don't hold much hope for England unless they miraculously pull off a Chelsea. Still the game to watch will be that first semi-final. Kim, if you only watch one game of the tournament... that will be the one to watch. As for 'football' it is called football because you play it with your feet. American football should be taken to court under the trade discrimination act. At least Aussie rules and Gaelic football still use their feet as an important part of the game. Nym

A lot depends on which Italy turns up - they can be amazing or absolutely awful And France on paper is very strong but if they start fighting with each other like they did in the world cup then they won't get out of the group. If they are coherent then they will easily win the group. Which will make it Spain vs England and I don't hold much hope for England unless they miraculously pull off a Chelsea. Still the game to watch will be that first semi-final. Kim, if you only watch one game of the tournament... that will be the one to watch. As for 'football' it is called football because you play it with your feet. American football should be taken to court under the trade discrimination act. At least Aussie rules and Gaelic football still use their feet as an important part of the game. Nym

Oh no, kicking is very much an important part to American Football - just ask Ray Finkle! "Laces out, Dan!" [video=youtube]NCOGH--E_80[/video]

Oh no, kicking is very much an important part to American Football - just ask Ray Finkle! "Laces out, Dan!" [video=youtube]NCOGH--E_80[/video]

looks like Portugal won't be in it... so looking like netherlands and germany from that group. Nym

looks like Portugal won't be in it... so looking like netherlands and germany from that group. Nym

I'm always a heavy supporter for the Italians. And Nym, never underestimate the power of the hosts. 4 years ago in Austria/Switzerland, the Swiss really amazed everyone ! DOn't forget the Ukrain got into the semi's (iirc) 6 years ago at the WorldCup !

I'm always a heavy supporter for the Italians. And Nym, never underestimate the power of the hosts. 4 years ago in Austria/Switzerland, the Swiss really amazed everyone ! DOn't forget the Ukrain got into the semi's (iirc) 6 years ago at the WorldCup !

I have no clue who is good or bad but that is what you should fear the most. It is always the person who has no freaking idea about these things that ends up winning.

I have no clue who is good or bad but that is what you should fear the most. It is always the person who has no freaking idea about these things that ends up winning.

True Nutty lol... Denmark (of all) actually won Euro '92 lol. After they been called back from holidays coz UEFA decided to kick Yugoslavia (I think it was). Obv Yugoslavia was at the time breaking up. Basically I wonder how Sweden, France and England will measure up. One of those will be out... now normally I would say Sweden. But France hasn't been that good as of late. And to keep the peace in here I won't mention Englang :X :X

True Nutty lol... Denmark (of all) actually won Euro '92 lol. After they been called back from holidays coz UEFA decided to kick Yugoslavia (I think it was). Obv Yugoslavia was at the time breaking up. Basically I wonder how Sweden, France and England will measure up. One of those will be out... now normally I would say Sweden. But France hasn't been that good as of late. And to keep the peace in here I won't mention Englang :X :X

England are just boring... they are quite strong defensively just lack flare in midfield and attack. Despite being English, I have not been excited about England since Bobby Robson was manager and Gazza was crying for getting a yellow card. I will still support them but I am more interested in the Netherlands and France. I am more of a club supporter than a national team supporter - and half the Newcastle team are French and my favourite player is Dutch. I don't really know enough about Sweden this year so can't really comment, but don't they have some sort of wonder kid playing in the Dutch league? France on paper look strong but the last world cup made them look very foolish with all of their in-camp squabbling. After following Portugal's result against Turkey, Denmark look a lot better than I anticipated. They are still unlikely to get past Netherlands and Germany... Denmark are just unlucky to be in the group of death. I tend to agree with Phoxy's predictions except I think it will be Spain v England and Italy v France Italy and France are the two dark horses both look good on paper but lack consistency in recent years... Nym

England are just boring... they are quite strong defensively just lack flare in midfield and attack. Despite being English, I have not been excited about England since Bobby Robson was manager and Gazza was crying for getting a yellow card. I will still support them but I am more interested in the Netherlands and France. I am more of a club supporter than a national team supporter - and half the Newcastle team are French and my favourite player is Dutch. I don't really know enough about Sweden this year so can't really comment, but don't they have some sort of wonder kid playing in the Dutch league? France on paper look strong but the last world cup made them look very foolish with all of their in-camp squabbling. After following Portugal's result against Turkey, Denmark look a lot better than I anticipated. They are still unlikely to get past Netherlands and Germany... Denmark are just unlucky to be in the group of death. I tend to agree with Phoxy's predictions except I think it will be Spain v England and Italy v France Italy and France are the two dark horses both look good on paper but lack consistency in recent years... Nym

Let's go Greece!

Let's go Greece!

Woah Nym! Don't go slagging off my team before the comp has even started pal! ;) But yeah, England won't win it. If the Germans don't win it, I will be very surprised.

Woah Nym! Don't go slagging off my team before the comp has even started pal! ;) But yeah, England won't win it. If the Germans don't win it, I will be very surprised.

lol Dunky... I think the call up of Kelly sums up the England team. Newcastle had the best defence in the English Premier League until S. Taylor got injured and 3/4 of it was English. Even Sunderland (our bitter rivals) had a pretty ok defence. But when England look to replace injuries they go for a player who can't get into the first team of a mid-table club. France in the meanwhile have gone unbeaten in 20 games since calling up Cabaye... That is the power of Newcastle players ;) Nym

lol Dunky... I think the call up of Kelly sums up the England team. Newcastle had the best defence in the English Premier League until S. Taylor got injured and 3/4 of it was English. Even Sunderland (our bitter rivals) had a pretty ok defence. But when England look to replace injuries they go for a player who can't get into the first team of a mid-table club. France in the meanwhile have gone unbeaten in 20 games since calling up Cabaye... That is the power of Newcastle players ;) Nym

there is indeed a promising young Swede in the Dutch league. Although he has a temper so could poss get into trouble early on. [url=http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Guidetti]Guidetti[/url] is his name and officially he's under contract by mancity lol. Feyenoord got him on hire this year.

there is indeed a promising young Swede in the Dutch league. Although he has a temper so could poss get into trouble early on. [url=http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Guidetti]Guidetti[/url] is his name and officially he's under contract by mancity lol. Feyenoord got him on hire this year.

A Dutchman's prayer [image=http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/4382548_700b.jpg] (Yes, I stole it from 9gag, nobody cares)

A Dutchman's prayer [image=http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/4382548_700b.jpg] (Yes, I stole it from 9gag, nobody cares)

LOL Luky - I like it... Nym

LOL Luky - I like it... Nym

I am just looking at the betting odds for picking the finalists. If you bet via Paddy Power, they will match your bet for 5 bets. So if you bet 5 pounds on Germany v Spain they will match your bet at 7/1 odds. So if the finalists are Germany v Spain you will win 70 pounds. If you do that for 5 bets... 1) Germany v Spain 7/1 = 70 2) Holland v Germany 9/1 = 90 3) Holland v Spain 12/1 = 120 4) Spain v France 14/1 = 140 5) Germany v France 20/1 = 200 Then just be to safe you choose to pay 10 pounds for Holland v France 30/1 = 300. That covers the 4 most likely teams. If just betting 5 pounds a time... All the bets would cost you 35 (incl. the last 10 pound bet) and there is a good chance you will make at least 35 back. Nym

I am just looking at the betting odds for picking the finalists. If you bet via Paddy Power, they will match your bet for 5 bets. So if you bet 5 pounds on Germany v Spain they will match your bet at 7/1 odds. So if the finalists are Germany v Spain you will win 70 pounds. If you do that for 5 bets... 1) Germany v Spain 7/1 = 70 2) Holland v Germany 9/1 = 90 3) Holland v Spain 12/1 = 120 4) Spain v France 14/1 = 140 5) Germany v France 20/1 = 200 Then just be to safe you choose to pay 10 pounds for Holland v France 30/1 = 300. That covers the 4 most likely teams. If just betting 5 pounds a time... All the bets would cost you 35 (incl. the last 10 pound bet) and there is a good chance you will make at least 35 back. Nym

A good day for Kim today with Russia winning 4-1! :D

A good day for Kim today with Russia winning 4-1! :D

Unlucky Paula! Holland lost to Denmark today! If Portugal and Germany draw, there is a good chance the Dutch won't make it through the group, with 2 hard games to come.

Unlucky Paula! Holland lost to Denmark today! If Portugal and Germany draw, there is a good chance the Dutch won't make it through the group, with 2 hard games to come.

that akward moment when you're Dutch and lost from Denmark...

that akward moment when you're Dutch and lost from Denmark...

I'm waiting for michelle's gloating...

I'm waiting for michelle's gloating...

Yay for me too.?!

Yay for me too.?!

lol couldn't have predicted that one. Well done Denmark... I guess. What happened? I was at Islay's first birthday party so didn't see the game. Nym

lol couldn't have predicted that one. Well done Denmark... I guess. What happened? I was at Islay's first birthday party so didn't see the game. Nym

[quote=Nymph of Meliai]lol couldn't have predicted that one. Well done Denmark... I guess. What happened? I was at Islay's first birthday party so didn't see the game. Nym[/quote] RVP had a shocker. The dutch were all over them but just couldn't score. Danish lad megged the dutch keeper for the goal. Obviously should have played Krulasaurus! :P

[quote=Nymph of Meliai]lol couldn't have predicted that one. Well done Denmark... I guess. What happened? I was at Islay's first birthday party so didn't see the game. Nym[/quote] RVP had a shocker. The dutch were all over them but just couldn't score. Danish lad megged the dutch keeper for the goal. Obviously should have played Krulasaurus! :P

wow - you just can't predict football can you... Greece knocking out Russia. Netherlands needing to beat Portugal by 2 goals and hoping Germany beat Denmark. The Netherlands v Germany game... just PROVED that Netherlands' no.1 goal keeper is Krul. Those two goals would never have happened had he been in goal and there was very nearly a third goal caused by a goal keeping error. I think the majority of Dutch don't realise that Krul was the 2nd best goal keeper in the EPL last season, with only Hart at Man City claiming the title with 2 more clean sheets... but considering Man City's defenders and Newcastle were missing their first choice centre back for most of the season... I would say Krul was the best goal keeper in the EPL last season. Of course RvP and Krul had that spat didn't they... so maybe there is more disharmony in the Dutch camp that we assume. Nym

wow - you just can't predict football can you... Greece knocking out Russia. Netherlands needing to beat Portugal by 2 goals and hoping Germany beat Denmark. The Netherlands v Germany game... just PROVED that Netherlands' no.1 goal keeper is Krul. Those two goals would never have happened had he been in goal and there was very nearly a third goal caused by a goal keeping error. I think the majority of Dutch don't realise that Krul was the 2nd best goal keeper in the EPL last season, with only Hart at Man City claiming the title with 2 more clean sheets... but considering Man City's defenders and Newcastle were missing their first choice centre back for most of the season... I would say Krul was the best goal keeper in the EPL last season. Of course RvP and Krul had that spat didn't they... so maybe there is more disharmony in the Dutch camp that we assume. Nym

Can i join ? ;;)

Can i join ? ;;)

Stupid Croatia. Go from leading the bracket to not making the second round in 3 minutes.

Stupid Croatia. Go from leading the bracket to not making the second round in 3 minutes.

he he he :) EPL fixtures out and NUFC have a nasty start.... Spurs then Chelsea. Then it is almost one easy, one hard for the start of the season. Around Christmas time I think we have Man U at home followed by Sunderland away which will be nasty. Nym

he he he :) EPL fixtures out and NUFC have a nasty start.... Spurs then Chelsea. Then it is almost one easy, one hard for the start of the season. Around Christmas time I think we have Man U at home followed by Sunderland away which will be nasty. Nym