The Euros and World Cups have been shite since about 1990.

The Hairdryer · 29th June 2008, 23:05

What the fuck happened to international football? Is anyone even inspired by these tournaments any more? The football is generally shit, there's no real passion it seems as though the last few WC and Euros have generally consisted of a bunch of overhyped, overpaid primadonnas on their summer vacation. Remember when these big trophies were competed for by men? Mathaus, Rijkaard, Zico, Ruggeri, Anchelotti, Milla, Brehme Van Basten, now you have perma teams like Fernando Torres and fucking Lucas Poldolski battling out FFS.

Can anyone remember a more dismal team than Germany getting to a final? Even that Spain team that played tonight wouldn't have made it past the group stages of any tournaments in the 80's? It looks as though there's very little prep done with these teams anymore by the managers and coaches.

Discuss. Those of you not old enough to remember pre 1990 need not bother replying.

VoetbalWizard · 29th June 2008, 23:11

club football has become way more important, and rightly so. could never give a toss about inturnashonals

1871_Biscuit · 29th June 2008, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoetbalWizard

club football has become way more important, and rightly so. could never give a toss about inturnashonals

I hope you don't genuinely think thats how International is spelt.

Iron Stove · 29th June 2008, 23:21

I'm going against your ageist qualifications for participation in this thread but I couldn't agree with you less. This tournament was more than decent - full of attacking sides going far. I remember 1990 faintly, since I was only 9 back then. I loved that one and '94 but Italia 90 seems to be remembered as one of the worst International tournament ever. WC 98 and Euro 00 were class though, while WC 02 was shit (and that was the last time I remember a shittier side than this Germany side going all the way to the final, namely Germany anno 2002).
I have an uncle who always goes on about how shit todays international tournaments are and says that football was so much better (as well as almost everything else) back in the day. Especially '58 when coincidentally Sweden went all the way to the final and he happened to catch a couple of games live.

Maybe nostalgia has something to do with your disappointment as well?

Phil · 29th June 2008, 23:25

Well 2 pretty contrasting topics in the football forum then..

Name Changed · 29th June 2008, 23:30

International football is obviously of secondary importance in comparison with club football, with money being the reason why.

To say that all World Cups and European Championships have been shite since 1990 is totally wrong. The Euros just finished was a fantastic tournament,

Iron Stove · 29th June 2008, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Name Changed

International football is obviously of secondary importance in comparison with club football, with money being the reason why.

To say that all World Cups and European Championships have been shite since 1990 is totally wrong. The Euros just finished was a fantastic tournament,

Agreed. But, what I love about the international tournaments is that smaller nations can still cause an upset and there seem to be more fresh players breaking through like the Russians this time around. Although one could argue whether they really are a small football nation or not considering the past glories of the Soviet team. Another great thing about this form of tournament is that International football is more about glory then money.

Chris H · 30th June 2008, 01:12

I thought this tournament wasn't that bad. Granted the Turks created 80% of the excitement, but it was excitement nonetheless. As for Germany being dire, they didn't impress today, but they weren't exactly grinding out 1-0 victories, were they? And before anyone says "dire defending then", two words: Jens Lehmann.

You also asked if anyone could remember a worse team in the final. Even our 15-year-old Caf members will probably remember Greece, from 2004. And they didn't just make the final, they won it. Awful. The 2008 tourney was a huge improvement.

peterstorey · 30th June 2008, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris H

You also asked if anyone could remember a worse team in the final. Even our 15-year-old Caf members will probably remember Greece, from 2004. And they didn't just make the final, they won it. Awful. The 2008 tourney was a huge improvement.

2004 was the fucking pits (and not just because I lost money on backing good football teams to beat shit football teams). 2006/2 WCs were pretty poor as well.

quiet_united · 30th June 2008, 01:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hairdryer

What the fuck happened to international football? Is anyone even inspired by these tournaments any more? The football is generally shit, there's no real passion it seems as though the last few WC and Euros have generally consisted of a bunch of overhyped, overpaid primadonnas on their summer vacation. Remember when these big trophies were competed for by men? Mathaus, Rijkaard, Zico, Ruggeri, Anchelotti, Milla, Brehme Van Basten, now you have perma teams like Fernando Torres and fucking Lucas Poldolski battling out FFS.

Can anyone remember a more dismal team than Germany getting to a final? Even that Spain team that played tonight wouldn't have made it past the group stages of any tournaments in the 80's? It looks as though there's very little prep done with these teams anymore by the managers and coaches.

Discuss. Those of you not old enough to remember pre 1990 need not bother replying.

Maybe that was the last time England was any good ?

VoetbalWizard · 30th June 2008, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1871_Biscuit

I hope you don't genuinely think thats how International is spelt.

ingurland

Professor Percival Egg · 30th June 2008, 01:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hairdryer

What the fuck happened to international football? Is anyone even inspired by these tournaments any more? The football is generally shit, there's no real passion it seems as though the last few WC and Euros have generally consisted of a bunch of overhyped, overpaid primadonnas on their summer vacation. Remember when these big trophies were competed for by men? Mathaus, Rijkaard, Zico, Ruggeri, Anchelotti, Milla, Brehme Van Basten, now you have perma teams like Fernando Torres and fucking Lucas Poldolski battling out FFS.

Can anyone remember a more dismal team than Germany getting to a final? Even that Spain team that played tonight wouldn't have made it past the group stages of any tournaments in the 80's? It looks as though there's very little prep done with these teams anymore by the managers and coaches.

Discuss. Those of you not old enough to remember pre 1990 need not bother replying.

I think one of the main reasons that international tournaments don't seem as exciting now is because the worldwide blanket coverage has taken away the thrill of seeing new and "exotic" players of whom we had never heard until the tournament. All the great south americans play in Europe now.

I remember watching the 1982 World cup and being mesmerised by the Brazilians - I knew of Zico - but had never seen him play - and I'd never heard of the likes of Eder, Socrates and Junior.

I remember even when Channel 4 started their Football Italia in 1990, I was really enthralled by foreign football - we had never seen the likes of it in the UK before. Now it's all too common.

We have been de-sensitised I guess....

peterstorey · 30th June 2008, 01:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor Percival Egg

I think one of the main reasons that international tournaments don't seem as exciting now is because the worldwide blanket coverage has taken away the thrill of seeing new and "exotic" players of whom we had never heard until the tournament. All the great south americans play in Europe now.

I remember watching the 1982 World cup and being mesmerised by the Brazilians - I knew of Zico - but had never seen him play - and I'd never heard of the likes of Eder, Socrates and Junior.

I remember even when Channel 4 started their Football Italia in 1990, I was really enthralled by foreign football - we had never seen the likes of it in the UK before. Now it's all too common.

We have been de-sensitised I guess....

Mebbe, I think we're still pretty thrilled by the Arsavins and even the Sneijders. Those of us who watch Arsenal or ManU have had the privilege of watching Henry and Ronaldo recently...

cesc's_mullet · 30th June 2008, 02:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor Percival Egg

I think one of the main reasons that international tournaments don't seem as exciting now is because the worldwide blanket coverage has taken away the thrill of seeing new and "exotic" players of whom we had never heard until the tournament. All the great south americans play in Europe now.

I remember watching the 1982 World cup and being mesmerised by the Brazilians - I knew of Zico - but had never seen him play - and I'd never heard of the likes of Eder, Socrates and Junior.

I remember even when Channel 4 started their Football Italia in 1990, I was really enthralled by foreign football - we had never seen the likes of it in the UK before. Now it's all too common.

We have been de-sensitised I guess....

I blame Globalisation.

VoetbalWizard · 30th June 2008, 02:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by cesc's_mullet

I blame Globalisation.

the same globalisation that has helped wenger scour the planet for players that cost 2 pence a pop when they are 12?

Name Changed · 30th June 2008, 02:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Stove

Agreed. But, what I love about the international tournaments is that smaller nations can still cause an upset and there seem to be more fresh players breaking through like the Russians this time around. Although one could argue whether they really are a small football nation or not considering the past glories of the Soviet team. Another great thing about this form of tournament is that International football is more about glory then money.

That's the main reason I love international football. Money has nothing to do with it. It's all about the football.

Sarni · 30th June 2008, 04:31

Coming after a very good competition that has just ended, it appears to be a little strange statement. I cannot really compare this one with pre-90s, as I was born in 1989 but out of the ones that I've seen this would probably be in a top bracket along with France 98 and Holland/Belgium 2000.

Alex · 30th June 2008, 04:51

I thoroughly enjoyed 2002 as Ronaldo redeemed himself as a superstar and one of the best ever, his two goals in the Final were just the icing on the cake.

Sarni · 30th June 2008, 04:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I thoroughly enjoyed 2002 as Ronaldo redeemed himself as a superstar and one of the best ever, his two goals in the Final were just the icing on the cake.

Games were played at insane hours though if you were watching from Europe, and European teams found it difficult to adjust which made silly teams like South Korea, Senegal (adaptable everywhere except Liverpool) and Turkey (who aren't European at all) go all the way.

Alex · 30th June 2008, 04:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

Games were played at insane hours though if you were watching from Europe, and European teams found it difficult to adjust which made silly teams like South Korea, Senegal (adaptable everywhere except Liverpool) and Turkey (who aren't European at all) go all the way.

The US went far as well, that's abunch of hogwash though, the final was on at 7 or 8 am in Denver so it was more than viewable for the European as were many of the games, you guys are just spoiled

hycool · 30th June 2008, 05:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Hairdryer

What the fuck happened to international football? Is anyone even inspired by these tournaments any more? The football is generally shit, there's no real passion it seems as though the last few WC and Euros have generally consisted of a bunch of overhyped, overpaid primadonnas on their summer vacation. Remember when these big trophies were competed for by men? Mathaus, Rijkaard, Zico, Ruggeri, Anchelotti, Milla, Brehme Van Basten, now you have perma teams like Fernando Torres and fucking Lucas Poldolski battling out FFS.

Can anyone remember a more dismal team than Germany getting to a final? Even that Spain team that played tonight wouldn't have made it past the group stages of any tournaments in the 80's? It looks as though there's very little prep done with these teams anymore by the managers and coaches.

Discuss. Those of you not old enough to remember pre 1990 need not bother replying.

You're too harsh on them my friend

UnitedRoadRed · 30th June 2008, 13:07

Yugoslavia split up. That started it all.

Blame the Balkans. If they'd had oil, the Americans would have been in and the international tournaments would have been great again.

Tumbling-Dice · 30th June 2008, 13:14

It's been a fantastic tournament, some cracking football been played. Excitement, late goals, it's definitely been good to watch as a neutral.

Pimpy the Magic Elf · 30th June 2008, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnitedRoadRed

Yugoslavia split up. That started it all.

Blame the Balkans. If they'd had oil, the Americans would have been in and the international tournaments would have been great again.

News flash. They were in. And they even went to the moon.

Nanison · 1st July 2008, 16:03

I've enjoyed every big tournament in my life so far.

amolbhatia100 · 1st July 2008, 16:08

Strange. It was a fine tournament. The football was great to watch, most teams passed it very well unlike what we see in the leagues around the world. I prefer club football of course, but this has been great fun and a breath of fresh air.

thoward · 1st July 2008, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Name Changed

International football is obviously of secondary importance in comparison with club football, with money being the reason why.

To say that all World Cups and European Championships have been shite since 1990 is totally wrong. The Euros just finished was a fantastic tournament,

Euro 2000 was a very good tournament as well.

Ekeke · 1st July 2008, 16:24

Was a good tournament. Would have been slightly more exciting if Villa, Frei and Ribery didnt get injured, Toni remembered his shooting boots and the real Mario Gomez turned up.

Ace · 1st July 2008, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

The US went far as well, that's abunch of hogwash though, the final was on at 7 or 8 am in Denver so it was more than viewable for the European as were many of the games, you guys are just spoiled

I was in Chicago in 2002, and I remember the group stages being played around 4 am..

29th June 2008, 23:05	#1 (permalink)
The Hairdryer Crikey that stung Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Never argue with a fool. They'll just drag you down to their level then beat you with experience Posts: 11,949	The Euros and World Cups have been shite since about 1990. What the fuck happened to international football? Is anyone even inspired by these tournaments any more? The football is generally shit, there's no real passion it seems as though the last few WC and Euros have generally consisted of a bunch of overhyped, overpaid primadonnas on their summer vacation. Remember when these big trophies were competed for by men? Mathaus, Rijkaard, Zico, Ruggeri, Anchelotti, Milla, Brehme Van Basten, now you have perma teams like Fernando Torres and fucking Lucas Poldolski battling out FFS. Can anyone remember a more dismal team than Germany getting to a final? Even that Spain team that played tonight wouldn't have made it past the group stages of any tournaments in the 80's? It looks as though there's very little prep done with these teams anymore by the managers and coaches. Discuss. Those of you not old enough to remember pre 1990 need not bother replying.

29th June 2008, 23:11	#2 (permalink)
VoetbalWizard Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,346	club football has become way more important, and rightly so. could never give a toss about inturnashonals

29th June 2008, 23:21	#4 (permalink)
Iron Stove Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ▲ ► Posts: 1,412	I'm going against your ageist qualifications for participation in this thread but I couldn't agree with you less. This tournament was more than decent - full of attacking sides going far. I remember 1990 faintly, since I was only 9 back then. I loved that one and '94 but Italia 90 seems to be remembered as one of the worst International tournament ever. WC 98 and Euro 00 were class though, while WC 02 was shit (and that was the last time I remember a shittier side than this Germany side going all the way to the final, namely Germany anno 2002). I have an uncle who always goes on about how shit todays international tournaments are and says that football was so much better (as well as almost everything else) back in the day. Especially '58 when coincidentally Sweden went all the way to the final and he happened to catch a couple of games live. Maybe nostalgia has something to do with your disappointment as well?

29th June 2008, 23:25	#5 (permalink)
Phil Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,671	Well 2 pretty contrasting topics in the football forum then..

29th June 2008, 23:30	#6 (permalink)
Name Changed weso26 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dublin Posts: 5,550	International football is obviously of secondary importance in comparison with club football, with money being the reason why. To say that all World Cups and European Championships have been shite since 1990 is totally wrong. The Euros just finished was a fantastic tournament,

30th June 2008, 01:12	#8 (permalink)
Chris H Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Self-imposed media blackout. Posts: 2,686	I thought this tournament wasn't that bad. Granted the Turks created 80% of the excitement, but it was excitement nonetheless. As for Germany being dire, they didn't impress today, but they weren't exactly grinding out 1-0 victories, were they? And before anyone says "dire defending then", two words: Jens Lehmann. You also asked if anyone could remember a worse team in the final. Even our 15-year-old Caf members will probably remember Greece, from 2004. And they didn't just make the final, they won it. Awful. The 2008 tourney was a huge improvement.

30th June 2008, 04:31	#17 (permalink)
Sarni nice guy, unassuming, objective United fan. Thinks hes intelligent though. Nutter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Krakow Posts: 11,831	Coming after a very good competition that has just ended, it appears to be a little strange statement. I cannot really compare this one with pre-90s, as I was born in 1989 but out of the ones that I've seen this would probably be in a top bracket along with France 98 and Holland/Belgium 2000.

30th June 2008, 04:51	#18 (permalink)
Alex Spam Alert! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Californication Posts: 21,247	I thoroughly enjoyed 2002 as Ronaldo redeemed himself as a superstar and one of the best ever, his two goals in the Final were just the icing on the cake.

30th June 2008, 13:07	#22 (permalink)
UnitedRoadRed Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,350	Yugoslavia split up. That started it all. Blame the Balkans. If they'd had oil, the Americans would have been in and the international tournaments would have been great again.

30th June 2008, 13:14	#23 (permalink)
Tumbling-Dice Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: It ain't where you're from, it's where you're at. Posts: 4,606	It's been a fantastic tournament, some cracking football been played. Excitement, late goals, it's definitely been good to watch as a neutral.

1st July 2008, 16:03	#25 (permalink)
Nanison Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,618	I've enjoyed every big tournament in my life so far.

1st July 2008, 16:08	#26 (permalink)
amolbhatia100 Has excellent taste in women Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: india Posts: 11,255	Strange. It was a fine tournament. The football was great to watch, most teams passed it very well unlike what we see in the leagues around the world. I prefer club football of course, but this has been great fun and a breath of fresh air.

1st July 2008, 16:24	#28 (permalink)
Ekeke McFuckwit Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 6,956	Was a good tournament. Would have been slightly more exciting if Villa, Frei and Ribery didnt get injured, Toni remembered his shooting boots and the real Mario Gomez turned up.