Anyone else watching......

[ronaldo11]

Anyone else watching the UEFA U-17 European Championship???

[deridderforward#23]

I would be if it came on over here. whos playing?

[lvrpoolfan11]

If its on FSC hell ya, I love to see who is going to be tearing it up in the future

[deridderforward#23]

yea these future players now are going to be incredible

[ronaldo11]

RUSSIA UNDER 17 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

Russia beat the Czech's on penalties, after a 2-2 draw, after extra time.

Everyone was expecting a Spain v Germany final. Everything looked on course as the semi final lineup matched Spain against Czech Republic and Germany against Russia.

Semi Final 1
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However, the Czech Republic installed a win at all cost attitude and basically, to their credit, stopped the Spanish from strolling the ball around. Camacho in central midfield had absolutely no time. The forwards hardly put any passes together. The Czechs were closing down and tackling hard. The referee let many challenges go from them, but then booked the spanish right back when he had committed his first foul. No complaints though. Stupidly, the right back made another WOEFUL challenge about 5 minutes later and Spain had to play the rest of the first half with only 10 players. The Czechs got themselves in front just before half time. Pekhart controlled well on his chest and volleyed in from about 35 yards out. Great goal. In the second half, the Spanish attempted to attack, but never looked like getting anywhere. However, when they had the ball on the edge of the Czech area, the Czech midfielder Martin Zeman took the ball past about 4 or 5 players out to the right, and played a wonderful through ball. Vosahlik made it 2-0.

Semi Final 2
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I didnt watch the whole game, but from the highlights it seemed like a very open game. Both goalkeepers seemed to have the better of the strikers, including Germany's Manuel Fischer, who had been prolific throughout the whole tournament thus far. With about 5 or 6 minutes left, the Russians brought on their match winner - Aleksandr Prudnikov. He converted a great cross to send the Russians into the final.

Final
===
Both of the underdogs from the semi final were obviously both fancying their chances. The Czechs were buoyant and the Russians were confident. The breakthrough came in the second half when Aleksandr Prudnikov fired the Russians into the lead. They held that lead until injury time, when Pekhart headed the Czechs level, forcing extra time.
In extra time, Prudnikov enhanced his reputation further showing great technique as he hit a left footed roberto carlos like free kick from fully 40 yards. The keeper spilled it and the rebound was tucked in from close range. Amazingly, 2 minutes later, the Czechs got the ball out wide and crossed for Necid to head in. Again the keeper might have done better.
Interestingly, the Czechs won the coin toss for the penalty shootouts, but they elected to put the Russians up first. Personally, I would have wanted to go first. However, from such young kids, the penalties were absolutely exceptional. Both keepers were flying around like cats, but all penalties were better than decent. Russia won 5-3 on penalties.

[ronaldo11]

MY SCOUTED TEAM
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Goalkeepers
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Marek Stech – Czech Republic - great height, technique and agility.

Evgeni Pomazan - Russia - his performance in the semi final was heroic.


Defenders
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Ramon Soria - Spain - for me the only defender on show who could do everything.


Midfielders
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Miralem Pjanic – Luxembourg - played well on a lesser team. Got a good shot on him as well.

Ignacio Camacho – Spain - controls games when allowed to. The defeat in the semi final is probably the best thing to have happened to him for his football education.

Marko Marin – Germany - reminds me on Mehmet Scholl. Great balance and dribbling ability. Has the guile to pick out a pass, with flair as well.

Martin Zeman – Czech Republic - great all round midfielder. Good battler and isnt scared to put a few tackles in. Has some great skills and is very comfortable on the ball. Executes through balls well and isnt scared of having a shot.

Aleksandr Prudnikov - Russia - obvious technical ability. good striker of a ball. Can score all sorts of goals. if he develops physically, he could be useful in Guus Hiddink's reign as Russian national coach.


Forwards
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Aaron Niguez Esclapez – Spain - great forward playmaker with strength. Spain's answer to Rooney and Tevez, in my opinion.

Bojan Krkic – Spain - another Barça youth team product. Obvious comparisons to Leo Messi. Uncanny similarities in style of play.

Krisztian Nemeth – Hungary - very dangerous striker. A goal poacher.

Manuel Fischer – Germany - dont be surprised to see this guy lead Germany's forward line in years to come. Can score all sorts of goals. Alarmingly accomplished for such a young player.

Tomas Pekhart – Czech Republic - great in the air. good touch. good control. has a great shot. good strength. Already signed up by Tottenham i believe. Looks like the sort of player you'd want up front in the premiership.

Jan Vosahlik – Czech Republic - Great foil for Pekhart. Capable of finishing, but words hard for the team.

[deridderforward#23]

sounds like these young players are going to be good and well heard in the future