Posted on 06/22/2012 11:07:22 AM PDT by MinorityRepublican
Edited on 06/22/2012 11:20:48 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
After months of turmoil in Europe's financial markets, Greece has an opportunity to do something that just a few weeks ago would have seemed incomprehensible -- knock Germany out of the Euro.
Not the single currency, of course, but Euro 2012 -- the competition that pits the continent's best soccer teams against each other.
Friday's quarterfinal clash is being heralded as the ultimate grudge match after months of wrangling over the future of Europe's economy, and Germany's insistence on sweeping austerity measures in Greece after providing the bulk of its bailout money.
Though the recent rivalry has been provoked by matters of finance, the suffering endured during Nazi occupation in World War II has left many Greeks with strong anti-German feelings.
It is far from the first time political and sporting lines have become blurred, even in the current European Championship tournament.
Germany should just take the soccer balls they paid for and tell Greece to go home.
I think it’s cute how adult Americans pretend that soccer is a sport.
That’ll make ‘em feel good... until the stomach starts to rumble...
Is there a link to watch the game on the Internet? I have intermittant Comcast so I doubt the cable will be working for the entirety of the game.
Article ignores the rivalry I get the most kicks out of: England vs. Germany. The UK Tabloids goes nuts with the World War II symbolism and the English fans with their chants. Although I would understand if Germans get a peeved about the English bringing up the war.
espn3.com should have it, if your internet provider is part of the ones offering access.
So, I head Poland and Ukraine have had trouble filling seats for this tournament... I guess when four of the PIIGS made it into the quarterfinals, not too many fans can afford to go watch the games in person...
Grudge match? What do they do, bore each other to death?
Ever play?
Check out Rugby Union. NFL was my game when I lived in the USA, but I’ve grown up and realized that Rugby Union is the best field game ever. It takes a while to understand, but when you “get it” after going to a few live events with a friend in the know, it makes so much more sense as a real sport than NFL, baseball, and that Euro-Weenie soccer thing.
"Two World Wars and One World Cup...Doo Dah...Doo Dah!"
Unfortunately, Socrates wasn’t available today for the Greeks.
I once was given a choice to play a game of soccer or undergo a root canal with no pain meds. I’ve never regretted my choice. It was good to get my tooth fixed.
OK, just kidding, don’t get angry. At least soccer isn’t as bad as the WNBA, close but not as bad. Just enjoy yourself and don’t get in a fight with the other soccer fan. I know you two guys can get pretty hooliganish. Watch out you crasy soccer hooligans woooooohooo.
Appreciate the heads up. Just watched those who work beat those who vacation. 4 to 2 is adequate
There hadn’t been so many Germans in Gdansk, since 1945.
Final score was Germany 4, Greece 2.
Looks like the master race defeated Europe’s Mexico. (as if anybody cares)
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