Turkey/Croatia match was sh*t hot!

[lebkuchen]

and the streets of Germany are going wild with cars honking and supporters cheering. It's the first time ****** has been in the semi-finals.

Last night this city was going crazy with the horns and cheering in celebration of Germany's win against Portugal. Germany will play ****** in the semi-finals.

It should be a great game.

Netherlands and Russia play tomorrow. Netherlands has an excellent team. On Sunday it's Spain against Italy.

Flags of all different nations are flying from most cars and many buildings in Germany. You don't realize how international Germany has become until the European Soccer Championship, which is a BFD on this continent.

[Bluebear]

1. Mmmm...lebkuchen!

[Ilsa]

2. Hi! saw some of yesterday's game between Germany and Por.

I forgot to tune into today's game.

BTW, there might be some football fans here that will be upset that you revealed the outcome. You might want to change the subject line to hide that.

[lebkuchen]

3. Does anyone in the U.S. follow soccer?

:)

[Ilsa]

21. Yeah, and we have new football clubs here, too! LOL

The following is small, but growing. My brother got interested when he was stationed in Germany, ages ago.

[lebkuchen]

41. Did you like the Spain/Italy match?

I was so impressed with Casillas.

[fascisthunter]

4. While I was in Germany I Witnessed lots of Turkish Flags

Exciting time to be in Germany.... my second home.

[lebkuchen]

10. Ever since the 2006 World Soccer Championships, Germany has been flying the flag

Before that, I almost never saw the German flag unless somebody had died or there was some other special occasion. Germans are noticing the difference too and are happy to have a (non-aggressive) reason to display the flag again, with relish but not extreme nationalism (as in the U.S.).

It's been fun to watch all the cars drive by with so many different flags. I don't recognize some of the flags--I guess they're Eastern European--when I ask Germans, they're not sure, either, nor do they care that much. It's just part of the fun.

The teams are picked from a country's "vereins" or sports clubs, and it's anyone's guess who makes the team for the championship. So it's not as though there's a strong bonding with the personalities on the team, nor is nationalism strong, so what is it about soccer that stirs up so much excitement and emotion throughout the world, except in the U.S.?

I'll have to interview some Germans, Turks, Italians and Russians to find out!

[fascisthunter]

11. Good Question

I too noticed how civil most have been. It's good to see Germany regain a bit of their pride and it's nice to see how accommodating they have been to those living in Germany who wish to fly other national flags. Very cool.

Die Artze should write a song about it.

[lebkuchen]

18. W/the borders down and Turkey's inevitable entry into the EU

not to mention learning from one's history, German attitudes are fairly relaxed. Many Germans in Bavaria, very conservative still, hang onto the idea of keeping Germany free of "auslanders," but in the major industrial cities, multi-culturalness is a fact of life, a matter of economics, and a hell of a lot more interesting in restaurant choices than schnitzel and wurst. Anyway, Germans travel all over Europe on holiday and even buy property in other countries, so they've got to be accepting of the same happening in their own country.

The Turkish doners have a lot of fresh vegetables, and the vegetarian doners, with eggplant, zuccini, and everything else, are so much healthier than the typical German pork diet. Turkey is helping to change German cuisine for the better, imo.

I'm not sure who I want to win the game. I just hope it's an exciting one for both sides.

[Karenina]

25. Let's hope it remains civil

We held our breath during the WM that this match-up would not come to pass, fearing an event that might spoil the party. I guess it was inevitable... In my neighborhood Turkish AND German flags adorn many cars together. I'm a bit nervous now... :scared:

And YES. The Turks KNOW WHAT TASTES GOOD!!! Grilled lamb... YUMMY!!!

[lebkuchen]

27. Hi Karenina

I think it will be fine. I just hope it is an exciting, spell-binding, heart-stopping, not-soon-to-be-forgotten match on Wed.

A few weeks ago I spoke to a German who said he hated...Italy? France? for beating theGerman team in the 2006 World Championship. He means it like I mean I still "hate" the MN Vikings for beating the 49ers in 19...whateverdateitwas. :)

I am in a Turkish neighborhood now, and the restaurant I frequent is just the best....excellent, fresh, healthy food. It beats maltaschen, though I do like that on occasion.

Good luck for which ever team you pick!

[flygal]

24. When I first moved to E. Germany five years ago I only saw one houes

that put up the German flag during soccer matches. Someone remarked that they must be skin heads - who else would display the flag like that. But now it's everywhere. I saw one house with a HUGE flag draped across three windows - it did look a bit like pictures from the 1940's.

[lebkuchen]

28. The 2006 World Championship instilled much German pride again

A German told me the other day that he is happy to be able to display the German flag again without it placing a heavy emphasis on nationalism, which, actually, is what the U.S. flag has represented for some time now...very strong, in your face chauvanism.

[Captain Angry]

5. I thought Turkey was screwed when the goalie followed the ball to the side of the net.

Then he put the ball all the way across the field and they made an impossible kick.

The penalty shots were just depressing if you were pulling for the Croatians. 2 missed and 1 saved.

Fun match. This is probably the only benefit of being unemployed is that I can watch the matches live while I apply for jobs. :-)

[lebkuchen]

13. After running over ten km to win a game

penalty kicks seem an anti-climatic way to decide the competition. I can't help but feel sorry for the losing team in an otherwise tied match-up.

But, that's the name of the game, and boy, are the Turkish folk going to be all smiles tomorrow, just like the Germans were today, albeit, hungover.

Flags galore tomorrow! It's fun!

[Captain Angry]

19. I play ice hockey. As a goalie.

I *hate* shootouts. I've lost a 0-0 tie in the playoffs on one goal from a shootout.

I understand the difference between the effort in a hockey game and a soccer match, but I'd like to see something other than a penalty kick to end it.

I've really enjoyed these matches as you get to see thousands of fans in their home country colors. The USA can't do that but in the Olympics and the World Cup.

(Side note: Sorry you're getting dumped on for enjoying the game and posting exuberantly. They're right about the original title, but some of the responses are less polite than they should be.)

[lebkuchen]

20. dumped on?

I haven't read that far down the list yet, but since it's nearly 1:00 a.m., it's a good time to hit the hay--in a moment, now that the puritans are out and about.

Although the U.S. wasn't doing that hot in the World Cup, while they were still in the competition I remember seeing Americans with the flag draped over their shoulders in the early a.m. at the Frankfurt train station. Other nationalities were there with their flags, too. It was good fun, and "auslanders" coming from as far as Australia had a great time in Germany yucking it up with the locals and other competitors.

The U.S. can't provide the same atmosphere. The World Series is a misnomer.

Last week I was talking to a Turkish guy, the owner of my favorite doner place. Germans were eating there and talking about their latest win. I told him that Turkey had had a great game as well and that I wished the U.S. could be a part of it this year.

He said he didn't care for soccer (only politics), but if the U.S. could play, our players would be showing up on the field with machine guns to blow the opposing team away.

Since Bush has been in office, the one thing that's been blown away is the U.S.' reputation. I think Obama could help restore it by coming to Europe and playing soccer with some local verein, to make that important connection with the masses in a way that Bush's "Watch my swing" golf club never could.

Check out Netherlands/Russia tomorrow! I'll report the score if you don't get it. ;)

[Captain Angry]

22. Oh, I'll be watching that game.

Those are the two teams I'd been pulling for from the beginning.

I liked the Croatians for the wrong reasons. They seemed to have the hottest fans in the stands. A lot of fun to look at.

But of the teams I actually cheered for, it's the two playing tomorrow.

[lebkuchen]

26. well, that game is over

and I have to say, Russia is going to be damn tough to beat. They completely controlled the Dutch. If they can overcome lost opportunities, they will take it all, imo.

Everyone is so much more polite here in Germany since the Championship...happy, wanting to help, more gracious on the roads, honking to mutual flag-hangers.

Italy will probably beat Spain, and then...WED!

[lebkuchen]

34. I stand corrected!

This guy could help take his team to the top.

http://www.iker-spain.net/main.htm

[taterguy]

6. For the last god damn time

I WANT SOMEONE TO USE HIS FUCKING BRAIN

AND NOT START A GODDAMN THREAD

WITH A SPOILER IN THE FUCKING HEADER

This is ponderous, fucking ponderous.

Oh wait, your post was about soccer.

Nevermind.

I also noticed you edited your post while I composed my rant.

My bad.

[fascisthunter]

8. Soccer is Not Ponderous

If it were the whole world wouldn't have embraced it....

[taterguy]

9. Oh for fuck's sake

The ponderous line is lifted from from a well-known comedy bit.

Do you live under a rock?

[fascisthunter]

12. no but if you said that to my face

I throw one at ya.

[taterguy]

14. Why?

Does violence ever really solve anything?

Are you that thin-skinned?

[fascisthunter]

15. WHy... because I Can

just as you can mouth off like a jackass on a discussion forum. We are even now.

PS - don't be so thinned skinned.

[taterguy]

16. You wouldn't be the first or the last . . .

[tkmorris]

7. GODDAMNIT!!!!!!

What the hell is WRONG with people that post results in thread titles? Are you dumb? Are you TRYING to be an ass? You just completely fucked my plans for the evening, thanks pal.

[flygal]

23. You're on the internet - if you really wanted a surprise you would not be

on the internet. Spoiler freaks just bug me. If you really need to be surprised stay the **** off the internet.

[malaise]

17. Great win for Turkey

Yesterday's match was fabulous.

[lebkuchen]

29. and Russia. Is that team great or what?

Holland was out-matched against the Russians. I am surprised the score was so close.

UK announcers said the best team won. I agree.

[suffragette]

30. Turkey has been playing exciting matches

Thriller against Czech, then another one against Croatia.

Can't turn away from these games for a minute.

[lebkuchen]

31. Did you see the Spain/Italy game?\

Just when you think it can't get any better~!

[malaise]

32. Great match although

Spain should have won it long before the penalty shoot out.

[lebkuchen]

33. Iker Casillas is a new international star, imo

Just before the shootout UK announcers were saying that although Italy's goalie Gianluigi Buffon looked very confident, it all hangs on the kickers. After seeing Casillas perform, I disagree. He is not only adorable, he seems modest, and my god, what a great goalie--he is so fast and reactive. The game against Russia is going to be a must-see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCdr3p8Ppb0

I thought the Italy/Spain teams were evenly matched. Buffon had some great saves, though I was in awe of both of goalies. Too bad somebody had to lose.

http://de.eurosport.yahoo.com/13062008/48/bild/gianluigi-buffon-italy-s-goalkeeper.html

[malaise]

38. Italy was too defensive

I think Spain and Russia have the best teams in the tournament if we're thinking future. Yeh the Germans are always efficient but they play boring football. Interesting - a weakened Turkey is still there and don't forget Greece upset everyone last time. The Spain v Russia semi should be fun.

[lebkuchen]

40. I can't wait!

Since I don't know that much about soccer, I am learning a lot from the UK commentators, especially the Irish ones, who are so blunt. There are a lot of nuances to the game, and I'm starting to be able to appreciate them as I learn more.

[suffragette]

43. Great analysis

Spot on, malaise.

[suffragette]

35. Not my favorite match

Though I liked the outcome and think the Spanish goalkeeper is amazing.

Really enjoyed the Netherland/Russia game - two fantastic teams who played all out.

Where in Deutschland are you?

I lived in Karlruhe in the early 1980's. Ahh, I would like some Gemischter Salat right now.

[lebkuchen]

36. You didn't think Russia vastly outmatched the NL?

I had thought Russia was the team to beat, but now I think the Spanish will take it. Casillas is a star! He sure came through.

I lived in Karlsruhe in the 80's, too!

[suffragette]

37. I did, but I was surprised by it and I liked

that they played their hearts out.

The Italians seemed to spend more time slowing down or stopping play than playing.

Of course, bear in mind that I am a fan of France and Brazil - guess I should note that as a disclaimer.


You lived in Karlsruhe! In the 80's! Most of the time I have to refer to other towns so people even have a clue where Karlsruhe is.

So, wie geht's?

[lebkuchen]

39. The crowd was upset with that one Italian player who faked injury

just as the Spanish were bearing down on the Italian goalie.

I'm glad Spain won. I think they'll be very motivated againt Russia.

Es geht gut. Bald muss Ich umziehen, so gibt's viel zu tun.

What do you remember about Karlsruhe besides the beautiful yellow schloss?

[suffragette]

42. I'm glad Spain won, too.

And I was groaning along with the crowd when that break was shut down.

Ah, so many memories.

I remember hearing a live cuckoo while walking in the forest.
I remember watching the sun set from the park with the large hill with Peter. (Haven't thought of him in a long time.)
I remember listening to Bowie's Helden with some friends and only catching on to the fact he was singing in German because my friends were all singing in German along with him.
I remember the fun going to the flea market - still have a gorgeous jacket I got there.
I remember drinking Asbach gedopt, listening to Blondie's "Heart of Glass" (constantly on the jukeboxes then) and playing pool at the Gasthaus.
I remember living right next to a bakery and timing visits to get bread still warm from the oven. Of course, had to pick up some Schwarzwaldtorte at the same time.
Wish I remembered more German, but my vocabulary has faded.

What are your favorite memories from there?

Where are you moving?

[lebkuchen]

44. I remember...

...taking the A Strassenbahn to a pretty town in the Black Forest

...riding my bike to work through the wald in winter

...driving across the Rhein to Lauterbourg, France for dinner, or the patisserie for breakfast

...riding my bike across the French border to pick strawberries (my old passport still smells of strawberries)

...attending an Italian Opera, where my German second cousin played/plays in the symphony

...the much much colder winters back in the '80s

...the regret that the autumn leaves were almost all gone because of the hard winter ahead

...all the cherry, apple, peach and pear blossoms on my street in the spring

...hearing Whitney Houston for the first time, on a video being played in the messhall..."Saving all my love for you"--and seeing soldiers mesmerized. Also, I remember hearing Chaka Khan being blasted out of some GI's dorm on a day off: I FEEL FOR YOU!

AND, on edit, the 3-1 DM to $ exchange rate, which helped me find an "apartment" in a converted garage for $100 per month, until I met a nice CPT in the middle of winter with a warmer apartment. :)

[suffragette]

46. mmm, the blossoms and the schnapps

The real thing, made by farmers from their orchards.

What a small world it is.
Which kaserne were you stationed at? I was at Neureut.

[lebkuchen]

47. What was the name of the Kaserne right in Karlsruhe?

I was there, and also the one bordering the forest...I'm overwhelmed with new kaserne names, I can't remember the ones that closed down. It will probably take me a couple of months to memorize my new mailbox combination.

Isn't Neureut the town right on the northern edge of the Black Forest where the A strassenbahn went?

I'll bet you went to the Canadian Kaserne near Baden Baden a time or two. It's now a Ryan Air/Berlin Air airport, w/quick flights to Spain!

I used to go to the French Kaserne in Karlsruhe for their bread, cheeses, and wine. I loved that place. They also had the French Duty Train that went to Berlin, leaving around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, I think, for about 10 DM and very excellent room service! What a deal, and so interesting to hit a border crossing in the dead of winter, late at night, having to stay in one's room and not even look out a window--but I had to use the toilet, so saw (Russian?) guards with long woolen trench coats and fur hats carrying guns.

[suffragette]

49. Was that Smiley?

The one with the statue at the front? I'd go dancing at their club occasionally. Didn't go there much otherwise.

Yes, Neureut was at the the edge of the Black Forest, which is where I heard that cuckoo - so sweet. I use to walk there often. Quite lovely.
I didn't realize they closed those all down.

I did go to the Canadian Kaserne. Also, had inspection bets with my 2nd Captain that if I received 3 or fewer marks, he had to go there and buy us a case of Heineken. Only place you could get it there and it was a treat back then. I always won, which of course meant the Cpt won too, since that helped the company during inspections. (Would have done well anyway, it was about trying to get the perfect score) More of a fun thing for the platoon, since beer is not my favorite. I'd much rather have some Mosel Spatlese or Auslese. How convenient to hop a plane to Spain from there.

I never made it to Berlin - envy you that. I remember you had to get a special pass, didn't you for there or Yugoslavia? What a difference from then and now.

But Karlsruhe was a great city to travel from by train or car. Switzerland and France so close, and Italy Austria, Netherlands etc not far at all. Of course, used to go to Heidelberg quite often. My ex was stationed in the company right next to me and we'd seen each other, but actually met on the banks of the Neckar watching the burning of the castle in Heidelberg.

[lebkuchen]

50. One of them had to have been Smiley....sounds very familiar

I think the other kaserne in the forest began with a G. The military housing, which used to be German military housing, has been converted to nice apartment complexes. I wasn't too familiar with the base at Neureut; my friend was with an engineering company, company commander of A Company at the time.

I don't remember if the train went to Yugoslavia. I was upset w/myself that I didn't go more often to Berlin at the time since it was so easy to do, cheap, comfortable, and a lot of fun. My friend met me up there, and we trained it back with Bulgarian and Romanian red wine, drinking it in our train "suite." The French workers on the train had so much style...excellent bedding, wonderful food service. France is my favorite country.

Did you ever go to a Christmas Ball in Heidelberg Castle? My friend invited me, and because I only had bicycle clothes, I told him he would have to buy me a dress and shoes since I was on a tight budget. He went shopping with me in downtown Karlsruhe. Most of the women at the ball wore sequins--I'd never been to a sequinned party before. I was wearing something that looked like what "Maria" in Sound of Music wore in the party scene...much less showy but still nice in a subdued way. I didn't think I would make a good military spouse--was really a fish out of water, much the way George Carlin felt about the human race--so I never married into that lifestyle. It was a fun to dabble in military circles, though, but if you're not married, you don't get invited to the Koffee Klatches. I did do a lot of reading about military procurement and got into "arguments" with generals who would say "Oh, bullshit!" when I complained about the quality of the M-16. I hope I didn't hurt my friend's career. :)

[suffragette]

51. Found a site with the old names and some pics

Pics are mostly of Smiley though, not Neureut.
They list two with a G - Gerszewski Barracks and Germersheim Army Depot
http://www.usarmygermany.com/USAREUR_City_Karlsruhe.htm

I was in Signal, so didn't know many of the engineers. We shared the base, but didn't hang out much together.

France is my favorite country as well. It's odd looking back that I didn't go to the French post more. Sometimes I'm silly like that. I won't let myself do that which I most want to. And I used to be more shy. After I was married, I didn't hesitate to drag my husband on trips to France and elsewhere, though.

I didn't even know there was a Christmas Ball. Sounds like fun. I do remember some wild Fasching parties in Karlsruhe, though. And I remember my apartment manager giving us homemade cookies during Christmas - yum!! And Christkindlesmarkt - 1st time I ever had roasted chestnuts. You're right about the winters. Found the following link and the pics are great, but at Christmas time when I was there, there was definitely snow on the ground.
http://www.karlsruhe.de/fb5/maerkte/christkindlesmarkt.de

As enlisted, I clearly never wasn't invited to Koffee Klatches either. And it was always interesting given my political views to talk politics. Though, then as now, there is wider variety of views held by people in uniform than many realize or acknowledge. Used to have some great discussions with one of my Captains about politics, especially about Carter, Anderson and Reagan since that election took place then. I do remember at the time meeting quite a few people who were going into service because of factories, mines and their towns shutting down in the Northeast. One guy said his town had been hollowed out below by tunnels under it and that the company that had done that and employed them was gone, many of the tunnels were on fire and might be so for a long time and there was no future there, so all the towns people were leaving. I don't remember the name of the town. It might have been in Pennsylvania, but I'm not sure.

[lebkuchen]

52. Gerszewski Barracks was one place I worked, Smiley probably the other

Thanks for the link! Memories! Paul Revere Village is the place that is now converted German apartments. My grandmother told me I had a second cousin living there, married to an Army 2nd LT--I should look her up. I did, and she helped me out a lot...put me up in the former German "maid's quarters" for a couple of months until I found a job, got an ID card, and rented the garage apt. for 100 DM.

She was married to a guy I considered to be at the least emotionally abusive. He took the army very seriously...hair shaved to nothing, taking his company out on forages out in Graf while my friend's company was happy just to set up the tents and relax rather than play "hide and go seek." Her husband ended up getting promoted up into the Rangers, or Green Beret or some such thing, and he died from a parachute jump.

I used to have arguments with my friend, in 1986, that the Berlin Wall would come down in our lifetime. He was well-read in history and said that in no way would that ever happen. When we were stateside, in some hotel at Four Corners in 1989, I reminded him of that discussion. :)

Soldiers don't really talk politics on base much, though if you talk to the people they buy cars from, or the barber or beautician, you get the current scoop, and it's been the same scoop for at least the last four years: Bush sucks. Hair cutters say Obama is the soldiers' pick, and was during Obama's run against Clinton.

So many jobs have moved across the border. I think that was all part of the plan: remove industry for cheaper labor elsewhere, keep the minimum wage to '70's level, and the govt. is guaranteed its volunteer army for life.

My friend had to exit the army at 18-1/2 years because he wasn't going to be promoted to LT COL. He was very happy in retirement, and I lost track of him, but the Bushies surely have tried to lure him back for a tour to Iraq/Afghanistan w/a promise of 20 plus years retirement. Unless my friend has changed much, his answer to the Bushies would have been, "Fuck no."

Have you been lured back?

[suffragette]

53. Memories is right

I actually met very few types like the guy you describe, a few, yes, but mostly just people trying to do the best they could and get by. And economics is a strong factor for so many to go in. Not always the only factor, but a very strong one. I think you make a great pint about outsourcing and the volunteer army. And the owners of those companies line their pockets and divert some of it to the Republicans to keep the cycle going.

On another memory note. I remember a comic strip in the Army Times from then called Lt. Cadish or Kadish that was very good and that had a character a bit like your cousin's husband in it. The lieutenant was always bemused by that character's actions.

So wish I could have still been there for the wall's fall. I thought it would come done in our time as well.

I mostly talked politics with that one Captain. We were pretty close in view, but would sometimes do a DU like dance of serious debate (quibbling, really) over the 2 % area where we differed. Neither of us wanted to see Reagan get in and that was a dim day, indeed.

Barbers, beauticians and bartenders - they always have the real scoop. Now there would be an interesting poll - what candidate customers have been telling their hair cutter they prefer. Not surprised Obama is the favorite. Happy about it, though.

I rarely say never, but this is one case where I can. Never, ever would I would I want to go back in.

I do like traveling back to Europe when I can, though. It's been a few years since the last trip due to the cost. Even with a place to stay with a friend in London, it's hard.

I'll check this thread early my time tomorrow, then I may have to avoid it for a bit since I'm taping the game and won't be able to watch until evening West Coast time and I'm going to try to keep away from seeing results. Look forward to chatting about the game.

[lebkuchen]

48. What was the name of the Kaserne right in Karlsruhe?

I was there, and also the one bordering the forest...I'm overwhelmed with new kaserne names, I can't remember the ones that closed down. It will probably take me a couple of months to memorize my new mailbox combination.

Isn't Neureut the town right on the northern edge of the Black Forest where the A strassenbahn went?

I'll bet you went to the Canadian Kaserne near Baden Baden a time or two. It's now a Ryan Air/Berlin Air airport, w/quick flights to Spain!

I used to go to the French Kaserne in Karlsruhe for their bread, cheeses, and wine. I loved that place. They also had the French Duty Train that went to Berlin, leaving around 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, I think, for about 10 DM and very excellent room service! What a deal, and so interesting to hit a border crossing in the dead of winter, late at night, having to stay in one's room and not even look out a window--but I had to use the toilet, so saw (Russian?) guards with long woolen trench coats and fur hats carrying guns.

[malaise]

63. What a beating

Remember Spain was the only group winner in the semis. I hope Spain wins on Sunday.

[lebkuchen]

66. Me, too, but I'm keeping my sentiments closely guarded 'round here

Okay, I'm learning fussball. What is a "group winner?" Don't ask, don't learn!

[malaise]

67. All the teams were placed in groups

A, B, C, D.

http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/standings/index.html

Portugal won group A
Croatia won group B
Netherlands won group C
Spain won group D

The top two teams in each group made the Quarterfinals.
The only group winner that reached the semis was Spain.
Germany lost one game to Croatia and was second in Group B.
Spain has the best record in this tournament but we'll see how much that counts come Sunday.

[lebkuchen]

70. Thanks for the instruction!

I do think Spain will take it. Some Germans have told me they think Germany beat Turkey because of "good luck."

Casillas had a quiet night on Thursday. He should be well rested and up for more of a challenge! He is my favorite, and I think he shows good leadership skills. I liked the speech he gave (maybe didn't write) against racism. It was more heartfelt than the Russian goalie's.

[malaise]

74. I'm hoping for Spain n/t

[suffragette]

68. I hope Spain wins as well.

Looks like the three of us will all be rooting for the same team :-)

[malaise]

73. Yep I'd love Spain to win but

Germany will fight to the death with defensive crap and opt for penalties.

[suffragette]

75. That's their favorite tactics

I hope Spain's forces more of an offensive game on them.

[rucky]

45. Best scoreless game evah!

[lebkuchen]

54. Germany v. Turkey -- not scoreless, but great nonetheless

It just ended.



I can't wait until Spain plays Russia tomorrow.

[malaise]

55. Great match

Turkey played out of their skins. That said Germany should have had a penalty early in the second half and two German players deserved yellow cards. Great match.

[suffragette]

56. Fantastic match

Have to credit Turkey for playing so well against the strong German team, especially since so many of Turkey's top players were on the sidelines instead of in the game.

The lightning outages sure added to the tension of the second half, didn't they?

[flygal]

57. Is that what that was?

We're a few blocks away from a pub that showed the game in a bier garten and loved listening to the songs and of course the hoots when Germany scored. But when the live feed went out it was total silence. And after the game it was crazy until 1am.

[lebkuchen]

58. Horns are still honking in my neighborhood, and it's almost 10:00 a.m.

I'm going to get as much financial business with the Germans done today because they'll be in a very good mood. Maybe somebody will cut me a deal. :)

[suffragette]

60. Yes, it cut out the feed for much of the 2nd half

worldwide. On ESPN, it would go black, then they'd show the fans outside the stadium in the fan zone, then a few seconds of game, then gone again.
I imagine it was wild there for some time after Germany won.

[lebkuchen]

59. those magnificent thunderstorms we had in Germany must have moved southeast

The Spain/Russia game will be fantastic. The Spanish goalie is so good (and so cute) and Russia has some excellent kickers.

I'll probably be cheering on Spain, but it's difficult to pick. May the best team win!

[suffragette]

61. I am torn between the teams

Casillas was fantastic in saving those goals against Italy and yes he is so cute.

The Russian team is so young and fast.

I didn't see their earlier match-up. Am looking forward to an exciting match.

I'm taping to watch later so I'll see if I can resist peeking :P

Still a couple of hours until the start, so I'll be on this thread until then.

I remember thunderstorms in Karlruhe that would roar in from across France, then would circle in Karlsruhe's bowl. We actually moved during one of those. It was fascinating. We could see it approach, we'd stop the car, let it go past, then watch it come back in a circle while we drove to the new apartment, cower in the new place while it was overhead (so loud the strikes) then go back to the old place for another load.

Got caught out in one of those in Zurich a few years ago while visiting a friend. Everyone in summer clothes on a hot, summer day. Then it rolled in in a snap and with a fury, sending everyone to shelter. I ended up in a department store. They had quite the run on umbrellas; I bought one, too.

[lebkuchen]

62. I won't tell you the end, in case you haven't seen

but I do think the best team won, and that's all Germans were hoping for, too.

On a side note, you were probably here during Chernobyl? Germans headed to the apoteke for iodine tablets. I didn't but heard that folks in Alsace got more than their fair share of radiation. There's an increase in thyroid cancer there as a result. Alsace is in the rain shadow of the Vosge Mountains.

[suffragette]

64. I peeked

They put it on a screen downstairs. Only got to watch part of it, but saw the 1st goal, then went for more coffee later and saw the end. Much more one-sided than I expected.

I was there from 1979 - 1982, so I was back in the states when Chernobyl went. Such a tragedy, for those there and those affected by the fallout.

[lebkuchen]

65. Yeah, best team won

the other team is young, so they'll be back and can be proud of making it to the semi-finals.

I spoke w/somebody who had toured the Chernobyl area....or at least was about 35 miles away from it--he toured it about 9 years ago...all the buildings were empty, just as everyone had left them, fire fighters had been brought in from all over the USSR with only their raincoats for protection. Scores died within a very short period of time. I met a Jewish Ukranian dentist immigrated to the U.S. (The USSR let the Jews immigrate first). She was near the area and got a big dose...her hair was falling out, teeth were in pain, stomach pains...not likely she lived very long after that.

Sunday is the big game, 20:45. Not much time to rest up. I'm going to have to watch this indoors, as opposed to an outside restaurant venue, because I'll be cheering for Spain, and I'm bad about keeping secrets. :)

[suffragette]

69. Yes, the best team won

I'll be cheering them on here.

I understand what you mean about your plans for Sunday's game. I was for France in 1982. The semifinal between them and Germany was wild .
http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/matches/match=914/report.html

Chernobyl is truly a ghost town. I didn't know the fire fighters had only their raincoats. Really shows how denial at the top of secretive administrations ends up placing the citizens in danger.

[lebkuchen]

71. What a heart-stopper...

you must have heard lots of German cheering at the time! I think it was 1984 when I saw Germans very excited about a championship again. Or was in '86? I remember the Karlsruhe stadium full of cheering, and local bars willed with excited fans.

I wasn't interested in fussball at the time, so didn't get involved.

As to secretive administrations, I think the U.S. saw a sample of that behavior during 9-11, when the NYFD was used, basically. LIHOP is a theory I hold strong to.

[suffragette]

72. I stayed home for it, but yes,

you could hear shouts and cheering from people's homes. We were in Geneva during the final. Watched it on the hotel tv. The Italians and Italian/Swiss were in the streets with flags waving all evening.

I'm also a fan of Brazil. Actually met (well, got his autograph and gazed admiringly - ok stared and drooled) Leonardo from the Brazilian team at a bar in Fulleron, CA in 1994. The team was staying in a hotel at Cal State Fullerton and the sportsbar was across the street. Leonardo was out of the final for elbowing a guy on the US team and he popped into the bar shortly after the game.

Agree with all you say here and I am in the LIHOP zone myself.

[suffragette]

76. Almost time for the final

Darn, need a soccer smiley
Closest I can find.
:woohoo:

[malaise]

78. Torres scores

Spain 1 Germany 0 33.17.

soccer smiley didn't work :D

[suffragette]

79. That was sheer determination

and a very exciting goal.

Go, Spain!

I thought the woohoo smiley kinda sorta looks like it's running back & forth, but yeah - doesn't quite work.

[malaise]

77. Let's go Spain!!! n/t