Semi Finals

[Tush]

I took the Popes advice he went for Germany first half Italy second and he knows.

[onaed]

Possibly 1 min max before Italy scored i backed tem to qualify for no other reason than i thought Germany were due to lose on pens (they never lose but law of averages and all that) cant believe pens wernt needed in the end


FT 2-0

[chilin_dude]

Wow. I just had the luckiest turn around ever.
I started with £250 on Betfair start of night. Was on £86 when it went to extra time. Backed over 1.5 goals @ 7 for £30. Then late on laid the draw for my last £56 @ 1.3

Fair to say I errupted when that second one went in

[buzzer]

What a cracking game of football !! Great sportmanship, immaculate refereeing, and 2 of the best finished goals of the world cup in my opinion. Superb stuff.
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One Life.....One Chance.......Take It !!

[Levytation]

Agreed. The Azzuri did an 'Italian Job' on The Germans and my 8/1 ante-post bet on the hosts is now burnt toast
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FAC51 The Hacienda...back in the day, it's where it all started

[Seagull]

It was a great game and just shows what can be done with sensible refereeing.

The ref showed early on he was going to ignore play acting and allow the game to flow without resorting to carding every challenge or offence and the players reacted by getting on with playing football instead of cheating (amazing for an Italian side!).

The sight of Camoranesi getting clattered, dusting himself down and getting on with the game was one I never though I'd see and it's a credit to the officials that he knew there was no point in trying to kid them.

Let's hope we see the same in tonights semi and not the shambolic mess that resulted from the ref having no control over Portuguese cheating in the quarter final.
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[coopsy02]

agreed seagull, the south american referees[mexican] let the players get on with the game, watched some of the games on channel 5, whatever cup that was called, some of the tackles that wnet in were not for the faint hearted, it let the game flo and hopefully we will get the same chappy for the final, or somebody like him, like graham poll
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Challenge Winners for Season

Scottish Premier: Beernutz
English Scorecast: Dj Peem
Premiership: Man o Bong

[buzzer]

C Ronaldo booked for diving or simulation 4/1 Ladbrokes.

Has to be worth a small punt
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One Life.....One Chance.......Take It !!

[veedub]

Today i have gone for:-

Draw/France @9/2 Bet365
MOM Franck Ribery @10/1 Bet365

Good Luck All
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Victoria Concordia Crescit

[STUBBLE]

Before going on to tonight's game, would just like to congratulate the players of Italy and Germany (and the referee) for putting on such a fantastic spectacle yesterday.

Some individuals believe that a match can only be entertaining if there is a stack of goals. Anyone who believes that should sit down and watch last night's match, and maybe they'll understand why it is called the 'beautiful game'. It is also an example of what can happen when everyone on the pitch is trying to win a game honestly.

FRANCE V PORTUGAL:-

I felt yesterday that man for man, Italy had slightly more quality in their ranks than Germany and eventually, that proved to be the case. It is a similar story here, but I believe the gap in quality between these two sides is considerably bigger.

Portugal will probably welcome back Deco and Costinha who were suspended for the quarter final. Their presence was missed a great deal more than I expected against England. They lacked any real creativity and failed to dominate at any stage even against ten men, while Costinha's replacement Petit, was ineffective. Portugal's knockout games so far have been poor quality, ill-tempered affairs, and (despite having some quality in their ranks) making this game likewise might be their best chance of success.

However Portugal approach the game, it is difficult to see how they will beat France. Their defence has been rock solid throughout the competition (despite the odd comedy moment from Barthez), and is superbly protected by Makelele and Viera. Beside those two in midfield is Zidane who proved what a great player he is by completely overshadowing the Brazilians in the quarter finals. France should be able to dominate midfield.

It was noticeable how England troubled the Portugal defence even with ten men, particularly struggling against the pace of Lennon. With players like Henry and Ribery feeding off Zidane, it seems likely that France will score at least once.

Basically, i feel it's hard to see Portugal scoring or keeping a clean sheet, so only one bet for me tonight:-

France to win in 90 minutes @ 2.2 (Bet365)

My one hope for this game is that Zidane doesn't get booked and miss the final, should France get there
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[coopsy02]

Portugal Team

Alexandre Ricardo, Luis Miguel, Fernando Meira, Alberto Ricardo Carvalho, Jorge Nuno Valente, Francisco Costinha, Nuno Maniche, Anderson Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Pauleta, Luis Figo

Subs: Luis Boa Morte, Marco Caneira, Miguel Nuno Gomes, Renato Paulo Ferreira, Jorge Paulo Santos, Helder Postiga, Silva Quim, Miguel Ricardo Costa, Sabrosa Simao, Cardoso Tiago, Hugo Viana

France Team

Fabien Barthez, Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Thierry Henry

Subs: Jean Alain Boumsong, Pascal Chimbonda, Gregory Coupet, Vikash Dhorasoo, Alou Diarra, Gael Givet, Sidney Govou, Mickael Landreau, Louis Saha, Mikael Silvestre, David Trezeguet, Sylvain Wiltord
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Challenge Winners for Season

Scottish Premier: Beernutz
English Scorecast: Dj Peem
Premiership: Man o Bong

[aye66]

My tip is Deco FGS and Portugal to win 1-0 scorecast @ 80/1. I have backed that myself.

GL all!