The France Squad for the Euros was announced yesterday. Benzema back after a 6 year absence
GK: Hugo Lloris, (Tottenham Hotspur)
GK: Steve Mandanda, (Marseille)
GK: Mike Maignan, (Lille)
DF: Raphaël Varane, (Real Madrid)
DF: Jules Kounde, (Sevilla)
DF: Lucas Digne, (Everton)
DF: Benjamin Pavard, (Bayern Munich)
DF: Lucas Hernandez, (Bayern Munich)
DF: Presnel Kimpembe, (Paris Saint-Germain)
DF: Clement Lenglet, (Barcelona)
DF: Kurt Zouma, (Chelsea)
DF: Leo Dubois, (Lyon)
MF: Paul Pogba, (Manchester United)
MF: Moussa Sissoko, (Tottenham Hotspur)
MF: N'Golo Kanté, (Chelsea)
MF: Adrien Rabiot, (Juventus)
MF: Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)
FW: Olivier Giroud, (Chelsea)
FW: Antoine Griezmann, (Barcelona)
FW: Kylian Mbappé, (Paris Saint-Germain)
FW: Kingsley Coman, (Bayern Munich)
FW: Thomas Lemar, (Atletico Madrid)
FW: Ousmane Dembele, (Barcelona)
FW: Wissam Ben Yedder, (Monaco)
FW: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
FW: Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Billy Gilmour in the Scotland Squad
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/19692/12310732/scotland-euro-2020-squad-steve-clarke-names-billy-gilmour-david-turnbull-nathan-patterson-in-26-man-squad
Belgium
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
GK: Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge)
GK: Mats Selz (Strasbourg)
DF: Jan Vertonghen (Benfica)
DF: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
DF: Thomas Vermaelen (Vissel Kobe)
DF: Dedryck Boyata (Hertha Berlin)
DF: Jason Denayer (Lyon)
MF: Leander Dendoncker (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
MF: Timothy Castagne (Leicester City)
MF: Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)
MF: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
MF: Nacer Chadli (Istanbul Basaksehir)
MF: Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid)
MF: Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
MF: Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund)
MF Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund)
MF: Dennis Praet (Leicester City)
MF: Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)
FW: Dries Mertens (Napoli)
FW: Romelu Lukaku (Internazionale)
FW: Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace)
FW: Michy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace)
FW: Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)
FW: Jeremy Doku (Rennes)
FW: Leandro Trossard (Brighton & Hove Albion)
First time ever that no Real Madrid player is in the Spanish squad for a major tournament.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 24, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
First time ever that no Real Madrid player is in the Spanish squad for a major tournament.
surely Ramos could still do a job for them. Strange one.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 08:16:25 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 24, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
First time ever that no Real Madrid player is in the Spanish squad for a major tournament.
surely Ramos could still do a job for them. Strange one.
He was puffing and blowing in that game against chelsea. The lads done.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 09:28:46 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 08:16:25 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 24, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
First time ever that no Real Madrid player is in the Spanish squad for a major tournament.
surely Ramos could still do a job for them. Strange one.
He was puffing and blowing in that game against chelsea. The lads done.
Ruthless from Spain to bring in an uncapped Frenchman in a living legends place and they didn't even name 26. Looks a personal one.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 09:28:46 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 08:16:25 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 24, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
First time ever that no Real Madrid player is in the Spanish squad for a major tournament.
surely Ramos could still do a job for them. Strange one.
He was puffing and blowing in that game against chelsea. The lads done.
Rushed back from injury was he not? I'd definitely be taking him, even for a goal threat from set pieces if you're chasing a goal and he's a sure bet for a penalty. Especially if they didn't take 26.
There isn't much excitement looking at that Spain squad compared to say 10 years ago.
Enrique still very bitter from his time at Real.
Enrique has to win the Euros to keep his job after this call I suppose.
Ramos would have been a man that would do what had to be done in the last ten mins no questions asked too. They'll miss him no doubt.
Azpilicueta is the only right back too in the squad.
He has left out Carvajal who was the obvious option here and he's another Real man.
Quote from: Angelo on May 25, 2021, 11:15:08 AM
Azpilicueta is the only right back too in the squad.
He has left out Carvajal who was the obvious option here and he's another Real man.
Azpi would play more at cb now as well would he? Strange leaving Carvajal out!
What happened Enrique at Real?
Have heard various things but nothing concrete
Quote from: Taylor on May 25, 2021, 12:44:07 PM
What happened Enrique at Real?
Have heard various things but nothing concrete
He played for Real and felt he was never truly appreciated then joined Barca direct from them after his contract ran out. Became Barca captain later on and clearly carries a chip on his shoulder.
He left Real for Barca at his peak, a few years later was a bit over enthusiastic when he scored in a Barca win over Real (Think Adebayor without the running the pitch to do it), the real problem was it was in front of the Madrid Ultras in a celebration he used at Real Madrid prior to the move. He repeated the same kind of thing a few times when he scored v Real.
Got himself involved in a few flashpoints over the years too in same games.
The Spanish in general don't really like Enrique but that is due to the scenario when he left the job, then come back and the sour taste of that all.
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
FFS he better pick TAA or we'll never hear the end of it.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
FFS he better pick TAA or we'll never hear the end of it.
The word is he isn't going to. And can't see him taking 4 Right backs.
Will put massive pressure on before tournament.
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:59:39 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
FFS he better pick TAA or we'll never hear the end of it.
The word is he isn't going to. And can't see him taking 4 Right backs.
Will put massive pressure on before tournament.
Better hope I get a decent signal from Louth so that I can watch the England games on RTE then!!
Finally realised the Dier is exactly that...
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:59:39 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
FFS he better pick TAA or we'll never hear the end of it.
The word is he isn't going to. And can't see him taking 4 Right backs.
Will put massive pressure on before tournament.
I feel a bit sorry for Southgate on the right back issue. He can't win. He has five right backs playing with top clubs. Wan-Bissaka didn't even make the provisional squad and he's arguably the best out and out defender of the lot.
Personally, I would take TAA, even if not as first choice, as he's a great offensive weapon to have and would provide great service for someone like Kane. You just have to cover him when he goes forward.
As a Liverpool fan though, I'd be happy enough for him not to go as I'm sure he, like many of the Liverpool squad, could use a month off.
He offers something very few right backs do. He is very susceptible to being caught out but offensively he's great. I noticed Lineker saying on twitter he reckoned he would be better up the field a bit - I'd agree.
I hope he doesn't take him. But it is absolutely madness not to. For his range of passing and attacking threat. He took a dip earlier in the year but has been really strong the last 5-10 games. Instrumental in Liverpool's recent form.
Quote from: J70 on May 25, 2021, 02:16:02 PM
As a Liverpool fan though, I'd be happy enough for him not to go as I'm sure he, like many of the Liverpool squad, could use a month off.
That's what I keep trying to tell myself but taking the red tinted glasses off, it would be a travesty for TAA not to go on a personal level. That squad is not made up of world class players bar maybe Kane, I don't see how Southgate can leave out a player of TAA's passing, crossing, and overall ability to create chances...and he is also a pretty decent defender!
Quote from: gawa316 on May 25, 2021, 03:04:54 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 25, 2021, 02:16:02 PM
As a Liverpool fan though, I'd be happy enough for him not to go as I'm sure he, like many of the Liverpool squad, could use a month off.
That's what I keep trying to tell myself but taking the red tinted glasses off, it would be a travesty for TAA not to go on a personal level. That squad is not made up of world class players bar maybe Kane, I don't see how Southgate can leave out a player of TAA's passing, crossing, and overall ability to create chances...and he is also a pretty decent defender!
If you are a defender going to the Euros you have to be better than pretty decent - he is a liability at the back and will leave you exposed against top quality teams.
However his range of passing and crossing is unmatched in the England squad.
Southgate really is in a catch 22
Quote from: Taylor on May 25, 2021, 03:28:13 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on May 25, 2021, 03:04:54 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 25, 2021, 02:16:02 PM
As a Liverpool fan though, I'd be happy enough for him not to go as I'm sure he, like many of the Liverpool squad, could use a month off.
That's what I keep trying to tell myself but taking the red tinted glasses off, it would be a travesty for TAA not to go on a personal level. That squad is not made up of world class players bar maybe Kane, I don't see how Southgate can leave out a player of TAA's passing, crossing, and overall ability to create chances...and he is also a pretty decent defender!
If you are a defender going to the Euros you have to be better than pretty decent - he is a liability at the back and will leave you exposed against top quality teams.
However his range of passing and crossing is unmatched in the England squad.
Southgate really is in a catch 22
Trent is the type of offensive defender you need when you are 1-0 down going into the last 15 minutes .
The English squad will be as strong as any in the competition. Some good players will not make the cut. Unlikely to win it though with Southgate in charge.
Quote from: From the Bunker on May 25, 2021, 03:46:05 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 25, 2021, 03:28:13 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on May 25, 2021, 03:04:54 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 25, 2021, 02:16:02 PM
As a Liverpool fan though, I'd be happy enough for him not to go as I'm sure he, like many of the Liverpool squad, could use a month off.
That's what I keep trying to tell myself but taking the red tinted glasses off, it would be a travesty for TAA not to go on a personal level. That squad is not made up of world class players bar maybe Kane, I don't see how Southgate can leave out a player of TAA's passing, crossing, and overall ability to create chances...and he is also a pretty decent defender!
If you are a defender going to the Euros you have to be better than pretty decent - he is a liability at the back and will leave you exposed against top quality teams.
However his range of passing and crossing is unmatched in the England squad.
Southgate really is in a catch 22
Trent is the type of offensive defender you need when you are 1-0 down going into the last 15 minutes .
If you are not creating chances in the game.
But if you are creating chances and just not finishing them he would not be called upon.
Which means he probably wont get in the squad.
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
England have some forward line- Mount Rashford, Sancho, Grealish, Foden, Greenwood, Sterling- only 2 or 3 of those will start assuming Kane up front.
It's a good job their defence and midfield is shite. Maguire is some loss.
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Quote from: trileacman on May 25, 2021, 05:27:42 PM
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Dean Henderson is a decent keeper but probably won't start. Slab is top class but may or may not be fit. That midfield is brutal
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 04:51:14 PM
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
England have some forward line- Mount Rashford, Sancho, Grealish, Foden, Greenwood, Sterling- only 2 or 3 of those will start assuming Kane up front.
It's a good job their defence and midfield is shite. Maguire is some loss.
Foden has to start.
Sterling would be last of that bunch going by this season.
Grealish hasnt played for some time.
Leaves 1 or 2 at most from from Mount, Sancho, Rashford & Greenwood.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 05:38:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 25, 2021, 05:27:42 PM
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Dean Henderson is a decent keeper but probably won't start. Slab is top class but may or may not be fit. That midfield is brutal
Its this type of talk that has our friends across the water thinking they'll win it.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on May 25, 2021, 03:54:31 PM
The English squad will be as strong as any in the competition. Some good players will not make the cut. Unlikely to win it though with Southgate in charge.
England have been hyped up since they beat Mickey Mouse teams on the way to the WC semis. They, and Southgate, will be found out in this tournament.
If they win their group, they'll play one of France, Portugal or Germany. Come second, they could play Spain. Granted, Spain/Germany aren't the teams they were before, but England rarely beat those sort of teams when it really matters in tournaments.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 25, 2021, 02:28:50 PM
He offers something very few right backs do. He is very susceptible to being caught out but offensively he's great. I noticed Lineker saying on twitter he reckoned he would be better up the field a bit - I'd agree.
As a Liverpool fan I think he's an horrendously bad defender. I doubt there's many worse right backs in the league, when judged purely on a defensive basis. Makes defensive mistakes in most games and the Palace game was no exception.
When Liverpool are fully fit we protect him. Sometimes by having most of the ball, the rest of the time due to the pace of Gomez, the reading of situations by Virgil, and probably most of all the workrate of midfielders covering for him, like Hendo. Most of the time TAA is not really playing right back at all, it's effectively right wing back.
Apart from the quality world class 10s that are in a few clubs (like KDB and Fernandes) he is the best ball player in the league in my opinion. Crossing and passing fantastic. Absolutely critical to Liverpool.
But you can't play him right back against top quality opposition, unless you change your system to protect him defensively and get the best out of him offensively. I would play all the others ahead of him, but would have him on the bench in case you went behind.
Given the paucity of midfielders England have, I'm disappointed Southgate didn't try him in a run of 3 or 4 games in midfield, to see how he would have done. I think clearly he'd do well on right midfield, but I also think he could be a top class central midfielder too.
Quote from: Hound on May 25, 2021, 10:04:14 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 25, 2021, 02:28:50 PM
He offers something very few right backs do. He is very susceptible to being caught out but offensively he's great. I noticed Lineker saying on twitter he reckoned he would be better up the field a bit - I'd agree.
As a Liverpool fan I think he's an horrendously bad defender. I doubt there's many worse right backs in the league, when judged purely on a defensive basis. Makes defensive mistakes in most games and the Palace game was no exception.
When Liverpool are fully fit we protect him. Sometimes by having most of the ball, the rest of the time due to the pace of Gomez, the reading of situations by Virgil, and probably most of all the workrate of midfielders covering for him, like Hendo. Most of the time TAA is not really playing right back at all, it's effectively right wing back.
Apart from the quality world class 10s that are in a few clubs (like KDB and Fernandes) he is the best ball player in the league in my opinion. Crossing and passing fantastic. Absolutely critical to Liverpool.
But you can't play him right back against top quality opposition, unless you change your system to protect him defensively and get the best out of him offensively. I would play all the others ahead of him, but would have him on the bench in case you went behind.
Given the paucity of midfielders England have, I'm disappointed Southgate didn't try him in a run of 3 or 4 games in midfield, to see how he would have done. I think clearly he'd do well on right midfield, but I also think he could be a top class central midfielder too.
If you're England and you're playing against France, Portugal, Germany etc who do you want marking the like of Mbappe? Definitely not Trent. Think it's ridiculous that AWB hasn't been selected as I'd put money on him getting the better of any left winger.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 25, 2021, 06:14:29 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 05:38:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 25, 2021, 05:27:42 PM
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Dean Henderson is a decent keeper but probably won't start. Slab is top class but may or may not be fit. That midfield is brutal
Its this type of talk that has our friends across the water thinking they'll win it.
Meant slab head, not slab. (Different type of top class).
But Maguire is a massive player for England, no denying it.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 10:43:06 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 25, 2021, 06:14:29 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 05:38:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 25, 2021, 05:27:42 PM
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Dean Henderson is a decent keeper but probably won't start. Slab is top class but may or may not be fit. That midfield is brutal
Its this type of talk that has our friends across the water thinking they'll win it.
Meant slab head, not slab. (Different type of top class).
But Maguire is a massive player for England, no denying it.
He's a massive player for England as all their other Centre Halfs are pish barring Stones who's prone to the odd mind fart.
Maguire is far from World Class in proper World Class terms.
From a defensive MF pov they really need a fit Henderson, the lad from Leeds is OK, but the rest like to bomb forward and leave ropey Maguire and Stones exposed. And if you add TAA into the mix then the right side of their defence is badly exposed when TAA bombs forward and they lose the ball which will happen more often than not against the decent sides.
Home advantage may stand to them a bit, but I'd be expecting them to get found out quarter final stages or if they're lucky the semi's.
Quote from: johnnycool on May 26, 2021, 09:33:02 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 10:43:06 PM
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 25, 2021, 06:14:29 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 25, 2021, 05:38:12 PM
Quote from: trileacman on May 25, 2021, 05:27:42 PM
Goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins
Funny how all England's quality is concentrated up front and how shite they are in MF, DF and GK. That's a shocking choice of keepers and Pope is little better. No harm but only Walker is in the same class of RB as TAA, his defensive frailties are overstated by the media. Bar the Real Madrid goal there's hardly another goal I could think he's to blame for. Who's the starting centre half's there? Mings and Stones? Jesus no wonder Gomez was starting for England. Mings is a walking liability.
No harm but are Henderson (who won't go due to injury), Rice and Prowse the only MF who can play centre mid? To my count there's 13 forwards named in that 33 man squad
Dean Henderson is a decent keeper but probably won't start. Slab is top class but may or may not be fit. That midfield is brutal
Its this type of talk that has our friends across the water thinking they'll win it.
Meant slab head, not slab. (Different type of top class).
But Maguire is a massive player for England, no denying it.
He's a massive player for England as all their other Centre Halfs are pish barring Stones who's prone to the odd mind fart.
Maguire is far from World Class in proper World Class terms.
From a defensive MF pov they really need a fit Henderson, the lad from Leeds is OK, but the rest like to bomb forward and leave ropey Maguire and Stones exposed. And if you add TAA into the mix then the right side of their defence is badly exposed when TAA bombs forward and they lose the ball which will happen more often than not against the decent sides.
Home advantage may stand to them a bit, but I'd be expecting them to get found out quarter final stages or if they're lucky the semi's.
Henderson (if fit) and Rice is a decent base. With their forwards they'll always have a shout of outscoring the opposition.
Portugal have to be in with a good shout, seem to have a strong squad. Would love to see Ronaldo win it again.
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
I saw Panini Euro 2020 sticker
books in a shop the other day.
Waste not, want not.
Quote from: yellowcard on May 26, 2021, 01:03:35 PM
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
In fairness, at International Level, despite the clangers he drops at Club Level....he doesn't really let England down.
I think Henderson or Pope are probably better keepers. Southgate doesn't really strike me as a manager willing to plunge the knife in ruthlessly though.
That game last night should help make Southgates mind up about who to start up front.
Sacho, Foden, Kane & possibly Mount to start.
The rest are all bang out of form
Pope not a great keeper but miles in front of the rest of England's choices. Henderson is just bang average and Pickford mixes the good with the dreadful.
Probably be
Pickford
Walker Stones Slab( will he be fit?) Chilwell
Prowse. Rice. ?????
Foden. Kane. Mount
Slab head is not a great defender but he is a good one and has a good scoring record for a CB. He attracts a lot of criticism here as a 70million pound Englishman playing for united.
Quote from: yellowcard on May 26, 2021, 01:03:35 PM
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
Is that true? I would at least have France, Belgium, Portugal above them and probably Germany and Spain as well
Quote from: gawa316 on May 27, 2021, 03:04:23 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 26, 2021, 01:03:35 PM
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
Is that true? I would at least have France, Belgium, Portugal above them and probably Germany and Spain as well
Engerland 4/1
France 5/1
Belgium 13/2
Spain 7/1
Italy 15/2
Germany 15/2
Portugal 9/1
Portugal are the stand out price IMHO
England have a manager so obsessed with ensuring that any in-form player gets an opportunity, that he's no closer to knowing his best XI now than he was 3 years ago. Plus he will inevitably end up filling his squad up with in form but not good enough dross, including players who've proven before to be below international standard.
If England had a manager who was focused enough to build a team around Kane, Grealish and Foden, and absolute cutthroat in setting a fixed platform for them to perform, they'd have a serious, serious chance.
But instead, they'll reach the quarters with a few injury worries and hope to get through their first meaningful, competitive match in 3 years while carrying deadweight, and no particular style of play.
Quote from: Taylor on May 27, 2021, 03:10:32 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on May 27, 2021, 03:04:23 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 26, 2021, 01:03:35 PM
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
Is that true? I would at least have France, Belgium, Portugal above them and probably Germany and Spain as well
Engerland 4/1
France 5/1
Belgium 13/2
Spain 7/1
Italy 15/2
Germany 15/2
Portugal 9/1
Portugal are the stand out price IMHO
When is the last time Germany were that price in a tournament. I'll have a go on them for some interest.
Germany losing to North Macedonia recently has probably caused the drop in price.
Quote from: GetOverTheBar on May 27, 2021, 03:15:24 PM
Quote from: Taylor on May 27, 2021, 03:10:32 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on May 27, 2021, 03:04:23 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on May 26, 2021, 01:03:35 PM
England are pre tournament favourites and have probably the best squad of players they have had for a major tournament since the golden generation under Sven Goran Erikssen. However we have seen them overhyped before and fail to deliver. There are weaknesses at centre back and Pickford is a potential liability if he starts in goals but it is a wide open tournament and any one of about 8 teams could win it.
Is that true? I would at least have France, Belgium, Portugal above them and probably Germany and Spain as well
Engerland 4/1
France 5/1
Belgium 13/2
Spain 7/1
Italy 15/2
Germany 15/2
Portugal 9/1
Portugal are the stand out price IMHO
When is the last time Germany were that price in a tournament. I'll have a go on them for some interest.
Haven't been the same since Shane Long, I'm telling ye!
I'm not sure he has scored since lol.
Only an Englishman would take 4 right backs and one central midfielders to a European championship.
Only reason England are favs is because they'll have every game at Wembley bar the quarter final, assuming they win their group. They'll have France, Germany or Portugal in the second round. Not sure they'll be favs to beat any of them
Quote from: johnnycool on May 25, 2021, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: Louther on May 25, 2021, 01:47:52 PM
Southgate waiting to make the big decisions and named a 33 man squad before dropping to 26 next week after the EL and CL finals.
With 33 has included a few that reckoned won't make it like TAA.
Think he the only manager to do this yet.
Portugal squad looks very strong on paper.
FFS he better pick TAA or we'll never hear the end of it.
Like most men Southgate will do anything for the quiet life..
Most likely Spain in Rome in the quarters
I'll be backing France this time again, regardless how some of these players have played for their clubs this season, as a unit they are pretty strong in tournaments, and they know how to win them. That's where my £10 will go
Will go for Kane as top goal scorer, takes the penalties and should score against Scotland and Croatia, whether England get past the last 16 is the big test for them, I'd fancy them over Spain if that's the route they take.
https://gaming.uefa.com/en/uefaeuro2020tournamentpredictor/main
Lingard who was yesterday dropped from the England squad, starts tonight for England :o
Quote from: gawa316 on June 02, 2021, 07:00:14 PM
Lingard who was yesterday dropped from the England squad, starts tonight for England :o
Seen that, a couple of the subs not in the squad either. Seems unnecessary..
Italy Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)
Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Frello Jorge Luiz Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)
Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)
Spain
Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri Hernandez (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli)
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traore (Wolves), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Germany
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Arsenal), Kevin Trapp (Frankfurt)
Defenders: Matthias Ginter (Monchengladbach), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Robin Gosens (Atalanta), Christian Gunter (Freiburg), Marcel Halstenberg (Leipzig), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Lukas Klostermann (Leipzig), Robin Koch (Leeds), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Emre Can (Dortmund), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Chelsea), Jonas Hofmann (Monchengladbach), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Neuhaus (Monchengladbach)
Forwards: Timo Werner (Chelsea), Kevin Volland (Monaco)
No Buffon?
Buffon retired from International football 3 years ago, when Italy failed to make the World Cup.
Scotland playing well against Holland. They'll be fired up to play England in the Euros.
Trent looks fucked.
At least he has another 3 right backs
Trent who was labelled as the best crosser of a ball in world football tonight!!! Pity his defensive work isn't in the same league
Southgate surely has to be brave enough to play Grealish and Foden together. I just think he is gonna shoehorn in either Rashford or Sterling, despite their poor form.
Quote from: lurganblue on June 03, 2021, 09:44:13 AM
Southgate surely has to be brave enough to play Grealish and Foden together. I just think he is gonna shoehorn in either Rashford or Sterling, despite their poor form.
Southgate and brave don't go in the same sentence.
The fact that he bowed to media pressure to select TAA when he's three better RB's in the squad tell you all you need to know.
He's going to play safe and bumble his way to a QF and if he's lucky enough a SF rather than go hell for leather at it.
Why was Lingard in the side? Wasn't he dropped from the panel? Great preparation.
Probably one of the standby players. Sancho wasn't in the Squad with a knock.
Some difference in the English centre halfs compared to John Terry, Sol Campbell, Tony Adams.
They haven't a top keeper in the Squad either.
Quote from: trailer on June 03, 2021, 10:22:29 AM
Why was Lingard in the side? Wasn't he dropped from the panel? Great preparation.
City, Utd and Chelsea players not considered for selection probably the reason. Speculation now that he'll get back in the squad with Trent's injury
Quote from: trailer on June 03, 2021, 10:22:29 AM
Why was Lingard in the side? Wasn't he dropped from the panel? Great preparation.
Watkins, Ward-Prowse, Ben White and Godfrey came on too and they aren't in the squad either I think. I expect Ward-Prowse to be added for Trent though.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 03, 2021, 10:18:41 AM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 03, 2021, 09:44:13 AM
Southgate surely has to be brave enough to play Grealish and Foden together. I just think he is gonna shoehorn in either Rashford or Sterling, despite their poor form.
Southgate and brave don't go in the same sentence.
The fact that he bowed to media pressure to select TAA when he's three better RB's in the squad tell you all you need to know.
He's going to play safe and bumble his way to a QF and if he's lucky enough a SF rather than go hell for leather at it.
All England managers bow to media pressure in selecting teams. Southgate doesn't have the neck either.
Southgate was keeping in with the media in 2018, and he came out smelling of roses, but only because of a very handy run to the semis. But rest assured, if they lose a game here, the media will devour him. It's only a matter of time.
Southgate is a yes man. The love in for him over the last WC run was ridiculous. If you analyse the results and who they actually played it was all rather underwhelming
Beat Tunisia, Panama and Sweden, drew with Colombia and lost to Belgium twice and Croatia. The Republic of Ireland pre Kenny era could have done that ffs.
Euro 2020 groups
Group A: Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales
Group B: Belgium, Russia, Denmark, Finland
Group C: Ukraine, Netherlands, Austria, North Macedonia
Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Scotland
Group E: Spain, Poland, Sweden, Slovakia
Group F: Germany, France, Portugal, Hungary
venues
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Olympic Stadium, Baku
St Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
National Arena, Bucharest
Wembley Stadium, London
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Estadio La Cartuja, Seville
Fußball Arena Munchen, Munich
this is a gaa board who gives a flyin f*** about the england team ye clowns
Quote from: shyted on June 03, 2021, 09:08:21 PM
this is a gaa board who gives a flyin f*** about the england team ye clowns
that's west brits and nordies for you ::)
Round of 16...
Saturday June 26
Game 1: Group A runners-up vs Group B runners-up; Kick-off 5pm (Amsterdam)
Game 2: Group A winners vs Group C runners-up; Kick-off 8pm (London)
Sunday June 27
Game 3: Group C winners vs third-placed side from Group D/E/F; Kick-off 5pm (Budapest)
Game 4: Group B winners vs third-placed side from Group A/D/E/F; Kick-off 8pm (Seville)
Monday June 28
Game 5: Group D runners-up vs Group E runners-up; Kick-off 5pm (Copenhagen)
Game 6: Group F winners vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C; Kick-off 8pm (Bucharest)
Tuesday June 29
Game 7: Group D winners vs Group F runners-up; Kick-off 5pm (London)
Game 8: Group E winners vs third-placed side Group A/B/C/D; Kick-off 8pm (Glasgow)
Quarter-finals
Friday July 2
Quarter-final 1: Game 6 winner vs Game 5 winner; Kick-off 5pm (St Petersburg)
Quarter-final 2: Game 4 winner vs Game 2 winner; Kick-off 8pm (Munich)
Saturday July 3
Quarter-final 3: Game 3 winner vs Game 1 winner; Kick-off 5pm (Baku)
Quarter-final 4: Game 8 winner vs Game 7 winner; Kick-off 8pm (Rome)
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 6
Semi-final 1: Quarter-final 2 winner vs Quarter-final 1 winner; Kick-off 8pm (Wembley, London)
Wednesday July 7
Semi-final 2: Quarter-final 4 winner vs Quarter-final 3 winner; Kick-off 8pm (Wembley, London)
The Final
Sunday July 11
Kick-off 8pm (Wembley, London)
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 03, 2021, 09:30:33 PM
Quote from: shyted on June 03, 2021, 09:08:21 PM
this is a gaa board who gives a flyin f*** about the england team ye clowns
that's west brits and nordies for you ::)
It's coming home.
A breakdown of all the Squads .. https://t.co/PdXRNA49cI?amp=1
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 07, 2021, 08:02:34 AM
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 03, 2021, 09:30:33 PM
Quote from: shyted on June 03, 2021, 09:08:21 PM
this is a gaa board who gives a flyin f*** about the england team ye clowns
that's west brits and nordies for you ::)
It's coming home.
I agree. Grealish probably be player of the tournament - excellent player. Huge miss for Ireland but he done right choosing the 3 lions over the current ireland set-up. Ireland have zero footballing prestige and have been and always be England's B team.
Just looking at the games for the weekend and beyond, the group with Portugal, France and Germany and Hungry... That's probably why England are favs, as whoever comes out of that group will be fcuked
Kane could be top scorer again, England should (on paper) get past those teams, Croatia not the same team that beat England before, the other teams they should come through with a bit to spare
Belgium should have the easiest of groups to come through (on paper)
The other groups those teams will take points off each other but expect Poland and Spain to come through their group with Poland topping it
I had fancied France but all depends on this first game v Germany, France struggled last night, they managed to score two late ones to make it look respectable, Germany racked up a big score in their warm up. Haven't seen much of Portugal but they should not be relying on Ronaldo to get them through..
Plenty of GAA and live international soccer to get me through the weekends!! The wife will be going crackers lol
I once again will be rooting for the Netherlands and Italy.
A few great Euro goals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLhXk2Zw4hw&t=264s
24 teams is a joke. Half of the teams are crap.
Yup. Doin a sweepstake with the young boy to give us an interest and somehow i dont think too many will be excited at gettin Nr Macedonia among a few others...
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2021, 10:29:52 AM
24 teams is a joke. Half of the teams are crap.
+1
16 team Euros used to be a brilliant tournament packed with quality. All the dirt were filtered out in qualifying. Money and greed has turned it into another World Cup with too many dung bags. 3rd place teams getting through a 4 team group is laughable.
I'll still watch plenty of it right enough ;D
And sure theyre talkin about makin the World Cup bigger too if its not already confirmed. Pile of yite.
But yes ill be watching too 😎
My tip of the euros is Hungary to be lowest scorers in the tournement @ 5/1. Very tough group with Portugal, Germany and France.
Watched them against Ireland a few days ago and created very little, especially considering they had home advantage.
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2021, 10:29:52 AM
24 teams is a joke. Half of the teams are crap.
If they are crap, how bad is the two teams on this Island?
Quote from: ardtole on June 11, 2021, 11:14:55 AM
My tip of the euros is Hungary to be lowest scorers in the tournement @ 5/1. Very tough group with Portugal, Germany and France.
Watched them against Ireland a few days ago and created very little, especially considering they had home advantage.
and were playing Ireland under Kenny ;D
My tip is Depay to be top scorer. Dutch have a handy group and he's been banging them in lately.
Quote from: ardtole on June 11, 2021, 11:14:55 AM
My tip of the euros is Hungary to be lowest scorers in the tournement @ 5/1. Very tough group with Portugal, Germany and France.
Watched them against Ireland a few days ago and created very little, especially considering they had home advantage.
Will this group provide 3 places in the last 16? I'd say it might.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 11, 2021, 10:44:34 AM
And sure theyre talkin about makin the World Cup bigger too if its not already confirmed. Pile of yite.
But yes ill be watching too 😎
Thats an even bigger joke as very few extra places go to UEFA - Why do UEFA seem so weak when it comes to these changes considering the best team apart form Brazil and Argentina are all European. Expect more games for England against Panama and Tunisia and the likes and watch the whole country and media lose the run of themselves thinking they will win the whole thing.
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2021, 11:40:15 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 11, 2021, 10:44:34 AM
And sure theyre talkin about makin the World Cup bigger too if its not already confirmed. Pile of yite.
But yes ill be watching too 😎
Thats an even bigger joke as very few extra places go to UEFA - Why do UEFA seem so weak when it comes to these changes considering the best team apart form Brazil and Argentina are all European. Expect more games for England against Panama and Tunisia and the likes and watch the whole country and media lose the run of themselves thinking they will win the whole thing.
Yes a huge issue for mid and low ranking European countries. Think only 3 of the additional 16 spots for UEFA in 2026. Typically 12 of the final 16 will be from Europe. 16 spots from 48. Current world rankings have 27 European teams in top 48.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2021, 11:24:41 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 11, 2021, 10:29:52 AM
24 teams is a joke. Half of the teams are crap.
If they are crap, how bad is the two teams on this Island?
Better team then Ireland didn't qualify. Norway and Serbia. The expanded number does dilute it a bit as most qualify to knockout stage, 16 from 24.
Good for the smaller nations to get a chance all the same. Pandev with Macedonia at 37 oldest outfield player in the tournament.
Quote from: shark on June 11, 2021, 11:48:48 AM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 11, 2021, 11:40:15 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 11, 2021, 10:44:34 AM
And sure theyre talkin about makin the World Cup bigger too if its not already confirmed. Pile of yite.
But yes ill be watching too 😎
Thats an even bigger joke as very few extra places go to UEFA - Why do UEFA seem so weak when it comes to these changes considering the best team apart form Brazil and Argentina are all European. Expect more games for England against Panama and Tunisia and the likes and watch the whole country and media lose the run of themselves thinking they will win the whole thing.
Yes a huge issue for mid and low ranking European countries. Think only 3 of the additional 16 spots for UEFA in 2026. Typically 12 of the final 16 will be from Europe. 16 spots from 48. Current world rankings have 27 European teams in top 48.
Football in Europe has been milked for all its worth. Much more lucrative for FIFA to get China and Indonesia into the World Cup than Slovenia and Luxembourg.
My tip for the top is Portugal to retain their trophy. They have a better team and squad than 4 years ago.
What were Uefa playing at with the draw putting Portugal, France and Germany in the same group. They are arguably the 3 best teams in the tournament. Hungary have no chance.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2021, 01:12:44 PM
My tip for the top is Portugal to retain their trophy. They have a better team and squad than 4 years ago.
What were Uefa playing at with the draw putting Portugal, France and Germany in the same group. They are arguably the 3 best teams in the tournament. Hungary have no chance.
Bizarrely, world champions and tournament favourites France were the 2nd seed, whilst current holders Portugal are 3rd seed!
Not sure how it's calculated.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2021, 01:12:44 PM
My tip for the top is Portugal to retain their trophy. They have a better team and squad than 4 years ago.
What were Uefa playing at with the draw putting Portugal, France and Germany in the same group. They are arguably the 3 best teams in the tournament. Hungary have no chance.
I know we were useless in 2012 but in fairness we had 3 of the best teams in the tournament that year as well, makes you think the seedings/draw are seriously flawed
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 11, 2021, 01:27:28 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2021, 01:12:44 PM
My tip for the top is Portugal to retain their trophy. They have a better team and squad than 4 years ago.
What were Uefa playing at with the draw putting Portugal, France and Germany in the same group. They are arguably the 3 best teams in the tournament. Hungary have no chance.
Bizarrely, world champions and tournament favourites France were the 2nd seed, whilst current holders Portugal are 3rd seed!
Not sure how it's calculated.
Ukraine will be one of the six top seeds for the Euro 2020 finals draw on Nov. 30, leaving world champions France and holders Portugal unseeded.
Seeding for the draw, which is being held in Bucharest, is based purely on performance in qualifying for this tournament.
Ukraine won six of their eight qualifiers, only drawing their away matches in Portugal and Serbia, to secure their place. They are joined by hosts England, Germany, Italy, and Spain, with the final place taken by Belgium.
France missed out on a place among the seeds by one point, with Artem Biesiedin's 93rd-minute equaliser for Ukraine in Serbia on Sunday proving to be the difference.
But it's worse for Portugal, who dropped seven points in qualifying and finished runners-up to Ukraine, which is only good enough for a place in Pot 3.
Thats taken from a website in November 2019. suppose its fair enough then.
Have went for France and Kane to be top scorer, 40/1
Hopefully Mackers gives us his tips before the tournament starts, he's usually on the ball...... After its over that is
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2021, 01:51:18 PM
Have went for France and Kane to be top scorer, 40/1
Hopefully Mackers gives us his tips before the tournament starts, he's usually on the ball...... After its over that is
Went for France and Lukaku at the same price.
Quote from: lurganblue on June 11, 2021, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2021, 01:51:18 PM
Have went for France and Kane to be top scorer, 40/1
Hopefully Mackers gives us his tips before the tournament starts, he's usually on the ball...... After its over that is
Went for France and Lukaku at the same price.
I agonised over picking him also but picked Kane, scores penalties and likes to score against smaller teams, he's captain and should stay on full games.. providing he's fit
Might get a decent opening game tonight. Turkey are a lot of pundits dark horses and Mancini's Italy have won their past eight games without conceding a goal and are unbeaten since 2018.
16,000 will be in attendance and 1990 since a major tournament game was played in Italy.
Yeah Italy have their 3 Group games in Rome. They will be looking to do well after missing out on 2018 World Cup.
Euros fantasy Football https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/news/0269-124292412238-1a0c1b4ca507-1000--fantasy-all-you-need-to-know/
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2021, 01:12:44 PM
My tip for the top is Portugal to retain their trophy. They have a better team and squad than 4 years ago.
What were Uefa playing at with the draw putting Portugal, France and Germany in the same group. They are arguably the 3 best teams in the tournament. Hungary have no chance.
Same here with players like Ronaldo, Jota, Felix, Fernandes and Silva...they will score goals
Brilliant from Andrea Bocelli there.
Italian National Anthem is class.
Just the 210 odd caps between the Italian centre backs...
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2021, 07:58:44 PM
Italian National Anthem is class.
Everyone of the players were belting it out also, great stuff.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2021, 07:58:44 PM
Italian National Anthem is class.
It's one of my favourites.
Think I'm going to be watching this tournament going - ah, we're surely better than them. Turkey have such a lack of ambition that Italy have been forced to attack for the full game, and still needed an og to lead so far.
Mancini has Italy playing lovely football on the front foot. Insigne and Immobile a handful up top
Italy very tidy, they can have aspirations to the whole thing.
Very impressive from Italy
They have the coherence in possession you'd expect from a club team, they change the angles very well and made Turkey work very hard to close them down and they didn't give Turkey a sniff of the goal, they were patient in waiting for the first goal and once it went in Turkey were fodder for them
That Turkish defence is not bad either
Italy looked good but considering the extent of football mania in a country of 80m Turkey were very very poor. All the gods of fortune came good for Turkey in their Euro qualifying group including a 90min goal to beat Andorra.
The Swiss must have pulled the shortest straw in the draw, by the time the group has completed they will have travelled to Baku and back, twice over.
Quote from: sid waddell on June 11, 2021, 10:16:38 PM
Very impressive from Italy
They have the coherence in possession you'd expect from a club team, they change the angles very well and made Turkey work very hard to close them down and they didn't give Turkey a sniff of the goal, they were patient in waiting for the first goal and once it went in Turkey were fodder for them
That Turkish defence is not bad either
You were listening on the radio, I presume?
https://www.ft.com/content/d9bd2980-0350-46f0-b9a7-abccc4f1600e
Sergio Busquets, captain of the Spanish team, tested positive for the virus last weekend, forcing the entire squad to self-isolate. If this is repeated during the tournament, Uefa will require matches to go ahead if at least 13 players from each country's 26-man squad can play. If not, teams may be forced to draft in youth or reserve players at short notice to fulfil fixtures. Another option would be to delay matches for no longer than two days.
Very impressed by Spinazzola for the Italians. He obviously didn't have much defending to do but he was a cracking forward outlet on the left. Veratti still to come into that MF too. They are in good shape.
Good result for Wales.
They were lucky to get it but the Swiss were not good enough to put them away.
The Fins seem to be intimidated by the Danes. 18 wins and 3 draws in the last 21 fixtures between the teams in favour of the Danes.
Christian Eriksen has just collapsed in this game. Not looking good :(
Just switched over the medical staff appear to be performing CPR on Christian Eriksen. Christ hope he pulls through.
Jesus..
Scary stuff. Hopefully he's ok
Awful. Just feel for him and family. Prayers
Can't believe they kept the cameras on as long as they did.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 06:10:39 PM
Can't believe they kept the cameras on as long as they did.
Horrific! Felt sick to my stomach watching that.
My young boy has seen a tiktok and theres a pic of him conscious with an oxyen mask on. Please God
Bein sports reporting he's alive and stable. Pic on their Twitter shows him conscious as he's carried off on stretcher. Thank God .
I watched the start of the match and went out to the garden and when I came back there was a gardening programme on. It was only when I went on Twitter I saw what happened. Glad I missed it to be honest. There was a photo on Twitter where he was being stretchered off and he was conscious. We have seen in the past if you are to take some sort of turn, outside of hospital, a sports ground is the place to be.
The BBC and other stations getting destroyed online due to dwelling on the scenes instead of cutting away. They even zoomed in at one stage yet the cnuts won't give you a decent look at a streaker!
Quote from: red hander on June 12, 2021, 06:21:47 PM
Bein sports reporting he's alive and stable. Pic on their Twitter shows him conscious as he's carried off on stretcher. Thank God .
Seen that picture hopefully he makes a full recovery. He got the best of care and got it quickly which should be a big help.
Scary stuff. Hopefully he's ok.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 12, 2021, 06:22:50 PM
I watched the start of the match and went out to the garden and when I came back there was a gardening programme on. It was only when I went on Twitter I saw what happened. Glad I missed it to be honest. There was a photo on Twitter where he was being stretchered off and he was conscious. We have seen in the past if you are to take some sort of turn, outside of hospital, a sports ground is the place to be.
The BBC and other stations getting destroyed online due to dwelling on the scenes instead of cutting away. They even zoomed in at one stage yet the cnuts won't give you a decent look at a streaker!
Yeah he is lucky it happened where it happened anywhere else like at home and that could have been it.
I wasn't watching the game either but have seen the clip on Twitter.
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 12, 2021, 06:22:50 PM
I watched the start of the match and went out to the garden and when I came back there was a gardening programme on. It was only when I went on Twitter I saw what happened. Glad I missed it to be honest. There was a photo on Twitter where he was being stretchered off and he was conscious. We have seen in the past if you are to take some sort of turn, outside of hospital, a sports ground is the place to be.
The BBC and other stations getting destroyed online due to dwelling on the scenes instead of cutting away. They even zoomed in at one stage yet the cnuts won't give you a decent look at a streaker!
Yeah he is lucky it happened where it happened anywhere else like at home and that could have been it.
I wasn't watching the game either but have seen the clip on Twitter.
He just seemed to lean slightly forwards as he walked, then collapsed. Some Finland fans nearby were throwing their hands up thinking he took a dive, but he was a few yards from the ball. His teammate next to him didn't sense anything was wrong. It was the referee and other players further away that signalled for medical attention.
You could clearly see CPR being administered even through the ruck of Danish players standing in front of the medics. Awful scenes.
Do yourself a favour. Don't go on Ewan Mackennas twitter.
Denmark Finland game is back on at 8:30 tonight apparently
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 07:09:44 PM
Denmark Finland game is back on at 8:30 tonight apparently
UEFA are ruthless.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 07:14:12 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 07:09:44 PM
Denmark Finland game is back on at 8:30 tonight apparently
UEFA are ruthless.
Players on both sides wanted it to go ahead apparently. It's 8:30 Danish time so is that 7:30 our time?
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 07:05:59 PM
Do yourself a favour. Don't go on Ewan Mackennas twitter.
I just did..... he really is a knob
In a stable condition thankfully. Not sure what the TV director was at focusing on him receiving CPR and then the defibrator and to cap it off show his distraught wife looking on in what could have been his last breath. They should have cut to the studio straight away.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 07:14:12 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 07:09:44 PM
Denmark Finland game is back on at 8:30 tonight apparently
UEFA are ruthless.
Eriksson himself wanted the game to go ahead
Quote from: thebigfella on June 12, 2021, 07:22:25 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 07:05:59 PM
Do yourself a favour. Don't go on Ewan Mackennas twitter.
I just did..... he really is a knob
The biggest moaning complaining gobshite about literally anything around.
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
Lukaku off the mark
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn’t a penalty, did VAR even check it?
That's the contact the Ref seen.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLmnZM8/Screenshot-20210612-201433-2.png) (https://ibb.co/R21j0wL)
Schmeichel was poor on the Finland goal
"I signed Glen Kamara for Arsenal when he was 13 ... it's great when these players who don't make it at big clubs still go on to have a career elsewhere"
Liam Brady with a subtle dig at Rangers Smiling face with open mouth and cold sweat Old habits die hard
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
DDG could take a better penalty! Woeful!
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 12, 2021, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
That's the contact the Ref seen.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLmnZM8/Screenshot-20210612-201433-2.png) (https://ibb.co/R21j0wL)
Schmeichel was poor on the Finland goal
He took a step after that and then dropped...never a pen in my view. Who was the VAR?
Quote from: galwayman on June 12, 2021, 08:06:54 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on June 12, 2021, 07:22:25 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 12, 2021, 07:05:59 PM
Do yourself a favour. Don't go on Ewan Mackennas twitter.
I just did..... he really is a knob
The biggest moaning complaining gobshite about literally anything around.
A contrary heure
Quote from: gawa316 on June 12, 2021, 09:29:50 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 12, 2021, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
That's the contact the Ref seen.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLmnZM8/Screenshot-20210612-201433-2.png) (https://ibb.co/R21j0wL)
Schmeichel was poor on the Finland goal
He took a step after that and then dropped...never a pen in my view. Who was the VAR?
Both Olsen and Delaney exaggerate the slightest contact to orgasms of pain.
Finland have been on the up since their very good WC 2018 qual campaign, they're tight disciplined with plenty of skill, albeit the Danes ran out of juice in the 2nd half along with some awful mistakes from Schmichel and the penalty taker, nevertheless the RTE commentator said If Finland win this, it will be an even bigger shock than when Iceland knocked out England at Euro 2016 !!!
He's gotta be kiddin' Iceland were out and out minnows v England in a knock out stage and humiliated them, had them as their bitches.
Quote from: Main Street on June 12, 2021, 10:15:54 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 12, 2021, 09:29:50 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 12, 2021, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
That's the contact the Ref seen.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLmnZM8/Screenshot-20210612-201433-2.png) (https://ibb.co/R21j0wL)
Schmeichel was poor on the Finland goal
He took a step after that and then dropped...never a pen in my view. Who was the VAR?
Both Olsen and Delaney exaggerate the slightest contact to orgasms of pain.
Finland have been on the up since their very good WC 2018 qual campaign, they're tight disciplined with plenty of skill, albeit the Danes ran out of juice in the 2nd half along with some awful mistakes from Schmichel and the penalty taker, nevertheless the RTE commentator said If Finland win this, it will be an even bigger shock than when Iceland knocked out England at Euro 2016 !!!
He's gotta be kiddin' Iceland were out and out minnows v England in a knock out stage and humiliated them, had them as their bitches.
I'd say it was more a case of the Danes being mentally exhausted. How could they be in the right frame of mind after what happened their teammate?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 12, 2021, 08:19:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2021, 08:10:13 PM
That wasn't a penalty, did VAR even check it?
That's the contact the Ref seen.
(https://i.ibb.co/BLmnZM8/Screenshot-20210612-201433-2.png) (https://ibb.co/R21j0wL)
Schmeichel was poor on the Finland goal
Gee I wonder why his head wasn't in the right place?
That today (for me, completely detached from being a supporter, Danish or mildly interested) was traumatic to watch, can you imagine how those players fans and family were going through when that defibrillator was being used and the medic was doing CPR right in front of them?
Pure awful. Hope to never witness anything like that
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 12, 2021, 11:47:27 PM
That today (for me, completely detached from being a supporter, Danish or mildly interested) was traumatic to watch, can you imagine how those players fans and family were going through when that defibrillator was being used and the medic was doing CPR right in front of them?
Pure awful. Hope to never witness anything like that
The crowd reaction when the defib was used was disturbing. It was what we all were thinking watching on TV.
Both sets of fans began chanting Eriksen's name after the teams left the pitch.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MVCSg6pEDYk
(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MVCSg6pEDYk)
Quote from: sid waddell on June 13, 2021, 12:24:44 AM
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
+1 on all that. I'd nearly go as far to say that anyone in charge of a team at any level should have correct training on how to use them. Its all well and good in a packed stadium with medical personnel on hand but if that were to happen at a saturday morning league game at the local leisure centre or a challenge game at the GAA club the chances of having someone around to operate the thing wouldn't be so high.
Maybe this training is already mandatory.
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 13, 2021, 12:24:44 AM
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
+1 on all that. I'd nearly go as far to say that anyone in charge of a team at any level should have correct training on how to use them. Its all well and good in a packed stadium with medical personnel on hand but if that were to happen at a saturday morning league game at the local leisure centre or a challenge game at the GAA club the chances of having someone around to operate the thing wouldn't be so high.
Maybe this training is already mandatory.
I'm sure there is training on how to use a defib but the whole point of them is that anyone should be able to pick it up and use it. The defib audibly guides you through instructions on how to use it afaik. It also won't shock the person if it can detect a heart beat as some people may have misjudged a weak pulse for no pulse. Very clever machine
Quote from: Nanderson on June 13, 2021, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 13, 2021, 12:24:44 AM
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
+1 on all that. I'd nearly go as far to say that anyone in charge of a team at any level should have correct training on how to use them. Its all well and good in a packed stadium with medical personnel on hand but if that were to happen at a saturday morning league game at the local leisure centre or a challenge game at the GAA club the chances of having someone around to operate the thing wouldn't be so high.
Maybe this training is already mandatory.
I'm sure there is training on how to use a defib but the whole point of them is that anyone should be able to pick it up and use it. The defib audibly guides you through instructions on how to use it afaik. It also won't shock the person if it can detect a heart beat as some people may have misjudged a weak pulse for no pulse. Very clever machine
Exactly - the repeated posts on Twitter etc. about training in use of a defib could put people off using it for fear of lack of training. They are practically idiot proof.
Joao Cancelo out of Euros after positive COVID test. Diogo Dalot called into Portugal squad as replacement.
Having it in 11 different Cities in a pandemic was a poor idea.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 13, 2021, 10:54:02 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on June 13, 2021, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 13, 2021, 12:24:44 AM
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
+1 on all that. I'd nearly go as far to say that anyone in charge of a team at any level should have correct training on how to use them. Its all well and good in a packed stadium with medical personnel on hand but if that were to happen at a saturday morning league game at the local leisure centre or a challenge game at the GAA club the chances of having someone around to operate the thing wouldn't be so high.
Maybe this training is already mandatory.
I'm sure there is training on how to use a defib but the whole point of them is that anyone should be able to pick it up and use it. The defib audibly guides you through instructions on how to use it afaik. It also won't shock the person if it can detect a heart beat as some people may have misjudged a weak pulse for no pulse. Very clever machine
Exactly - the repeated posts on Twitter etc. about training in use of a defib could put people off using it for fear of lack of training. They are practically idiot proof.
Both them points are fair enough then. I'd never have known that they were as easy to use as you say and probably wouldn't dream of touching one in fear of rendering it useless for when someone who was trained finally arrived. Not sure there ease of use is all that common knowledge?
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 13, 2021, 11:26:19 AM
Joao Cancelo out of Euros after positive COVID test. Diogo Dalot called into Portugal squad as replacement.
Having it in 11 different Cities in a pandemic was a poor idea.
Fixed that.
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 11:50:37 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 13, 2021, 10:54:02 AM
Quote from: Nanderson on June 13, 2021, 10:42:52 AM
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 09:04:51 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 13, 2021, 12:24:44 AM
Defibrillators are gold dust
If anything good comes out of today's sickening incident it will hopefully be that message
Everywhere sport is played needs to have them on site
+1 on all that. I'd nearly go as far to say that anyone in charge of a team at any level should have correct training on how to use them. Its all well and good in a packed stadium with medical personnel on hand but if that were to happen at a saturday morning league game at the local leisure centre or a challenge game at the GAA club the chances of having someone around to operate the thing wouldn't be so high.
Maybe this training is already mandatory.
I'm sure there is training on how to use a defib but the whole point of them is that anyone should be able to pick it up and use it. The defib audibly guides you through instructions on how to use it afaik. It also won't shock the person if it can detect a heart beat as some people may have misjudged a weak pulse for no pulse. Very clever machine
Exactly - the repeated posts on Twitter etc. about training in use of a defib could put people off using it for fear of lack of training. They are practically idiot proof.
Both them points are fair enough then. I'd never have known that they were as easy to use as you say and probably wouldn't dream of touching one in fear of rendering it useless for when someone who was trained finally arrived. Not sure there ease of use is all that common knowledge?
I'd agree with your point in that awareness is required rather than formal training. We have had the ones in work demoed to us as part of first aid training and they are well designed with a combination of visual and audible cues. There is little more complex than getting the 2 pads in the correct location (there is a diagram), then the device will talk to the operator and tell them when to stand clear, when to press the button to shock and when it is safe to recommence CPR. They are essential kit - our first aid trainer said (from recollection) you only have an 8% chance of survival without one which goes up to approx 75% with one.
Southgate has picked Trippier at left back for England instead of Shaw or Chilwell. A strange choice given the options he has. Chilwell and the attacker Sancho don't even make the bench.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2021, 01:17:26 PM
Southgate has picked Trippier at left back for England instead of Shaw or Chilwell. A strange choice given the options he has. Chilwell and the attacker Sancho don't even make the bench.
It's a odd looking team and he's playing two defensive midfielders which shows he hasn't a lot of confidence his centre back pairing of Stones and Mings.
Surely there are better options than Ming's?
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 13, 2021, 01:33:43 PM
Surely there are better options than Ming's?
There probably is. But GS seems to like a balance in there. Ming's teammate Konsa for example has had a better season but on the right side.
I listened to ht punditry from both channels RTÉ and BBC and Didi and Liam are way ahead in their analysis of the first half, but I suppose some allowances to be made for home team bias.
Kyle Walker looks like he'd be doing well to get a game at Mallusk.
Quote from: Main Street on June 13, 2021, 03:06:16 PM
I listened to ht punditry from both channels RTÉ and BBC and Didi and Liam are way ahead in their analysis of the first half, but I suppose some allowances to be made for home team bias.
I generally watch on ITV/BBC because I can get them in HD on my TV but for the Wales game yesterday I just had to turn over to RTE as Robbie Savage was completely insufferable. Ten times more than he is normally.
Quote from: Main Street on June 13, 2021, 03:06:16 PM
I listened to ht punditry from both channels RTÉ and BBC and Didi and Liam are way ahead in their analysis of the first half, but I suppose some allowances to be made for home team bias.
Have a cup of tea, take a piss or get a bit of fresh air into ur lungs FFS. Watching one lot of pundits is bad enough without inflicting two on yourself :)
Pickford hasn't had a save to make.
Quote from: Rich Ricci on June 13, 2021, 03:23:11 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 13, 2021, 03:06:16 PM
I listened to ht punditry from both channels RTÉ and BBC and Didi and Liam are way ahead in their analysis of the first half, but I suppose some allowances to be made for home team bias.
I generally watch on ITV/BBC because I can get them in HD on my TV but for the Wales game yesterday I just had to turn over to RTE as Robbie Savage was completely insufferable. Ten times more than he is normally.
Jermaine Jenas is brutal. How does he get all this media work? Oh wait....
Surprised 1966 replay not on yet or did I miss something?
The RTE commentator made a reference to the magnificent Jordi Cruyff Arena ;D
The Scottish lad playing for Netherlands has missed a couple of great chances.
A decent game. The Dutch lacking a Kluivert or Van Persie to finish the chances.
It's coming home.
Croatia not as good as 3 years ago, thought both teams were average enough actually.
The Dutch don't look too bad.
Well maybe not anymore.
Fine comeback by the Ukraine out of nothing.
Two brilliant goals.
Brilliant second half.
For Ukraine's first, Stekelenburg looked too far off his line.
That goalie is awful.
The Scottish lad has won it for them.
The best game of the tournament so far and the best goal of the tournament. Holland are short their best defender Van Dijk and their best attacking player Van De Beek but they still have De Ligt to come back in defence. They will need him if they want to go far.
Good to have Dutch back in a big tournament. They failed to Qualify for Euro 2016 and the World Cup in 18
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
What an absolutely bizarre observation.
But in the same vein, it's truly shocking how Canada have so few World Cups.
Holland doesn't have Gaelic football, hurling, Rugby to deal with.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 13, 2021, 10:21:26 PM
Holland doesn't have Gaelic football, hurling, Rugby to deal with.
Without the additional acreage there's no room for it.
17 plus million people live in Holland...
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
The Dutch had an empire as well. Lots of those lads and their parents come from Suriname and a few Caribbean islands.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 13, 2021, 10:48:46 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
The Dutch had an empire as well. Lots of those lads and their parents come from Suriname and a few Caribbean islands.
And Darren Randolph's da is a ham shank. So what? He declared for Ireland!
Quote from: BennyCake on June 13, 2021, 10:48:46 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
The Dutch had an empire as well. Lots of those lads and their parents come from Suriname and a few Caribbean islands.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 11:29:59 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 13, 2021, 10:48:46 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
The Dutch had an empire as well. Lots of those lads and their parents come from Suriname and a few Caribbean islands.
And Darren Randolph's da is a ham shank. So what? He declared for Ireland! Quote from: BennyCake on June 13, 2021, 10:48:46 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
The Dutch had an empire as well. Lots of those lads and their parents come from Suriname and a few Caribbean islands.
But there's a big proportion of recent Dutch players who originated from those places: Kluivert, Seedorf, Hasselbaink, Davids, Gullit, Riijkaard, and I presume Winaldum, Van Hooijdonk, Winter, Roy, Bronckhorst etc etc. Look at the French team too, lots of players from Algeria, Senegal, French Guyana etc.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 14, 2021, 08:16:57 AM
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
It's doubtful if Soccer is the 3rd most popular sport in Ireland.
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 14, 2021, 08:16:57 AM
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
Their facilities are on a different planet to ours. I have family living there so have experienced it first hand. Primarily football, but also excellent setups for Athletics, Hockey and Cricket too.
Population density makes this so much easier of course.
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 09:36:44 AM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 14, 2021, 08:16:57 AM
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
Their facilities are on a different planet to ours. I have family living there so have experienced it first hand. Primarily football, but also excellent setups for Athletics, Hockey and Cricket too.
Population density makes this so much easier of course.
They are a far healthier nation than us. They don't live off frys, crisps and beer.
Quote from: trailer on June 14, 2021, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 14, 2021, 08:16:57 AM
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
It's doubtful if Soccer is the 3rd most popular sport in Ireland.
Ah I'd say it is. It's only surpassed by gaelic football and hurling.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 14, 2021, 09:46:10 AM
Quote from: trailer on June 14, 2021, 09:22:19 AM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 14, 2021, 08:16:57 AM
Quote from: Mario on June 14, 2021, 07:36:14 AM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 13, 2021, 10:12:03 PM
Netherlands is half the size of Ireland in land mass and look at the footballers they have produced!
Ah land mass, a critical indicator of the success of a football team and why Canada are one of the greatest sides in the world.
That and their 17.28 million population ;)
It's doubtful if Soccer is the 3rd most popular sport in Ireland.
Ah I'd say it is. It's only surpassed by gaelic football and hurling.
I'd say soccer is definitely played by more people than Hurling. I'd have it at number 2.
By numbers Association football (soccer) is the most played team sport in Ireland, has been for a number of years, we just don't give it the time of day really in terms of money set up, the other stuff that the GAA brings, for many years it was always look at as a garrison sport so never really had any big history going back, its been competing with the national sports of GAA hurling and football and there are many schools (less now i suppose) that never entertained 'soccer' in their schools.
That's all changing so it won't be long, 50 years or so, that soccer will completely outstrip GAA even more, your gaa football players will drop off and turn their footy skills to soccer, hurlers won't have that sporting 'cousin' to turn to
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
What's rare is wonderful. There are 8 Ulster championship games (excluding potential replays) every single year. Ireland have played 13 World Cup games - in total, since World Cups began.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
Surely there was a venue closer than Clones where that game could have been played?
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 11:50:42 AM
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
What's rare is wonderful. There are 8 Ulster championship games (excluding potential replays) every single year. Ireland have played 13 World Cup games - in total, since World Cups began.
Clones town was full, they just didn't go up to the game as it went to E/T and pens.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
They all arrived into the match after the penalties were over.
Think I was one of about 200 people there for the first half.
Any photos or footage of the terraces that day? Would be interesting to see. I'd say the players would rather have been watching it too.
Do I remember a Leinster final being delayed because of an Ireland game at Euro 2016? Must have been the France game?
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 14, 2021, 01:22:49 PM
Any photos or footage of the terraces that day? Would be interesting to see. I'd say the players would rather have been watching it too.
Do I remember a Leinster final being delayed because of an Ireland game at Euro 2016? Must have been the France game?
Wasn't delayed I don't think. Was Westmeath and Kildare in Leinster semi. There was nobody at it. And yes, it threw in at half time in the France game, with Ireland one up.
Is Tierney injured again?
Was about to post that Scotland weren't getting things their own way and they go one down..
Game on for them.
Some goal that.
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
Punished for mistakes. Plucky losers.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 14, 2021, 03:26:59 PM
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
Punished for mistakes. Plucky losers.
Czech keeper getting busy.
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
They've run around a lot, I'll give them that.
Poor auld Scotland.
https://youtu.be/2T68AXsUAEI
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 14, 2021, 03:45:17 PM
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
They've run around a lot, I'll give them that.
Yeah they tried hard and fair play to them for that but it was a lot of aimless crosses and not a huge amount of quality!
How come the euros seem to be doing VAR well but the PL makes a complete balls of it?
Because England is now free to not follow Europe's oppressive laws.
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
This video is better than today's performance was
https://youtu.be/0HerNnMqFdA
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
There was a mass exodus at the Leinster Hurling Semis in 1990 after Dublin beat Wexford in the first game
They all piled out to see Ireland play Egypt
The few who stayed to see Offaly stick four goals past Kilkenny in the first 20 minutes probably got the better end of the bargain
Derry v Donegal in the 1995 NFL final was another that clashed with the evil of Big Soccer, in this case the final day the 1994/95 Premier League season
Manchester United's Anthony Tohill missed out winning on a second league medal in the one day as they blew it at West Ham
Another good game Slovakia v Poland. It's been a very good tournament, only lacking a full house atmosphere.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
In fairness they are two counties where soccer has a bigger reach than most, so there was a natural interest in it to begin with.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
During the 2002 World Cup there was barely a sinner at the Derry v Donegal Ulster Championship game in Clones (at a time when attendances were good) as they were all watching the soccer against Spain. when it came to the crunch soccer won.
The GAA were still in foreign code ban mode back then.
True there are people on both sides of Soccer and GAA that hate the other. But there are way more these days who like both and are involved in both!
I'd wonder how many Real Madrid players are watching this Spanish match at home.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 14, 2021, 08:01:03 PM
I'd wonder how many Real Madrid players are watching this Spainish match at home.
How many players are Spanish on the first team and should be involved if fit? Isco?
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 14, 2021, 06:30:42 PM
Another good game Slovakia v Poland. It's been a very good tournament, only lacking a full house atmosphere.
If the Olympics are cancelled/a clusterfuck this might be the last major soccer tournament for a while.
I was wondering why Marko Arnautovic was getting angry after he scored for Austria https://t.co/0XtCcat9Rw?amp=1
He's some header
Great finish from the Czech player. But wtf was the Scottish keeper at???
Nice to see a solid hard working 442 do the business for Sweden v Spain.
Quote from: screenexile on June 14, 2021, 03:56:30 PM
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 14, 2021, 03:45:17 PM
Quote from: shark on June 14, 2021, 03:25:02 PM
As a nation, no matter what sport, the Scots have cornered the market in playing well and losing. They have dominated this game.
They've run around a lot, I'll give them that.
Yeah they tried hard and fair play to them for that but it was a lot of aimless crosses and not a huge amount of quality!
Robertson crosses were perfect. He just didn't have Salah or Mane with him today.
What's with all the women as pundits and co-commentators? Is it not a bit of an overkill?
Part of the interest of pundits/co-comm is players giving us wee snippets of information about certain players. Maybe they played with or against them or managed them. Little bits about their training methods, what they're like in changing room, or in normal life. You're not going to get that with women there.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 14, 2021, 11:04:29 PM
What's with all the women as pundits and co-commentators? Is it not a bit of an overkill?
Part of the interest of pundits/co-comm is players giving us wee snippets of information about certain players. Maybe they played with or against them or managed them. Little bits about their training methods, what they're like in changing room, or in normal life. You're not going to get that with women there.
It's overkill, though some are good, well one, Alex Scott is decent
Aye they are falling over themselves to shoe-horn a woman pundit but many of them just aren't very good.
Feckin´nordie neanderthals,
Save soccer punditry from women!!
No point complaining about women pundits when our ears still have to listen to Danny Murphy and Robbie Savage.
Would a tenner on Portugal to win whole thing be stupid??
No not at all. They are the holders after all and have a better Squad then in 16. Dias, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes have come into the Squad since then.
8/1 seems a decent bet
(https://i.ibb.co/bHztyfm/20210615-092531.jpg)
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 15, 2021, 10:31:51 AM
No not at all. They are the holders after all and have a better Squad then in 16. Dias, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes have come into the Squad since then.
Jaysus they do have a strong squad. The in form CB in the world (Dias), the top scoring midfielder in Bruno, plus obviously Ronaldo still has magic in him. Is Pepe still in the squad?
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 15, 2021, 10:59:46 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 15, 2021, 10:31:51 AM
No not at all. They are the holders after all and have a better Squad then in 16. Dias, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes have come into the Squad since then.
Jaysus they do have a strong squad. The in form CB in the world (Dias), the top scoring midfielder in Bruno, plus obviously Ronaldo still has magic in him. Is Pepe still in the squad?
Pepe and Dias will be the 2 CHs. Bruno wont be hitting the pens. Cancelo has tested positive for Covid so that is a bit of a blow
Quote from: lurganblue on June 15, 2021, 11:05:10 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 15, 2021, 10:59:46 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 15, 2021, 10:31:51 AM
No not at all. They are the holders after all and have a better Squad then in 16. Dias, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes have come into the Squad since then.
Jaysus they do have a strong squad. The in form CB in the world (Dias), the top scoring midfielder in Bruno, plus obviously Ronaldo still has magic in him. Is Pepe still in the squad?
Pepe and Dias will be the 2 CHs. Bruno wont be hitting the pens. Cancelo has tested positive for Covid so that is a bit of a blow
They won't be easy beat, tough old group they're in though. Be some achievement to retain the Euros.
Quote from: Dire Ear on June 15, 2021, 09:52:49 AM
Would a tenner on Portugal to win whole thing be stupid??
There are about 8 teams could realistically win it and they are one of them. It's the end of a long season, players are weary and fatigued physically and mentally but I would still expect the last 4 to be the elite in Europe. Any side can spring a surprise once but I can't see it happening 2 or 3 times in this tournament which is what is needed for an outsider to win it. France, Belguim, Portugal & Italy are the 4 most likely winners and whilst I think France have the best squad on paper, if I was backing anyone it would be Italy.
The thing about the euros is it has been won by total outsiders in the past. Denmark and Greece were not consided as contenders or even dark horses before they won. So the same could happen this year.
The world cup is different it seems to always be won by one of the top 2 or 3 teams.
Even Portugal wouldve been classed as a shock/somewhat a one man team four yrs ago no? Theyre deffo stronger all round than before but the statto in me says its rare for a team to retain the euros but shure fuckitt tear on its only a tenner and theyll give you a sweat for it hopefully
#mytuppence
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 15, 2021, 10:37:19 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/bHztyfm/20210615-092531.jpg)
"When it really matters" is the translation of the Danish words at the top.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2021, 12:40:17 PM
The thing about the euros is it has been won by total outsiders in the past. Denmark and Greece were not consided as contenders or even dark horses before they won. So the same could happen this year.
The world cup is different it seems to always be won by one of the top 2 or 3 teams.
Turkey ran Germany close in 08 semi too so there is a chance we could see another Greece.
Full attendance in Budapest 67,000 which is giving Hungary a good lift.
Some sitter missed by Ronaldo.
What is thon girl wearing on ITV? Christ the night ....
Rule one!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 15, 2021, 05:56:37 PM
What is thon girl wearing on ITV? Christ the night ....
I'll have to switch over. On RTE Ger Canning is raving about the managers face, looks like the dog ate his favourite jumper.
Two lucky deflections on that Portugal goal.
3rd goal was class.
Scoreline is harsh on Hungary.
Some ball from Pogba
The linesman lets Mbappe score a great goal and then puts the flag up. Ridiculous stuff, who in charge thinks that is the way the game should be played?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
The linesman lets Mbappe score a great goal and then puts the flag up. Ridiculous stuff, who in charge thinks that is the way the game should be played?
Is it because after the play they can check,via VAR, to ensure it's the correct call?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 15, 2021, 09:31:35 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
The linesman lets Mbappe score a great goal and then puts the flag up. Ridiculous stuff, who in charge thinks that is the way the game should be played?
Is it because after the play they can check,via VAR, to ensure it's the correct call?
Not much need of having linesmen if that's that rule.
Mccoist talking about Hummels being slow due to his age there. Hummels had had the potential to be caught like that for years. He got caught like that against Argentina in the World Cup final but he's generally smart enough, and Germany are setup well enough, to get away with it.
McCoist in the same Pogba fan club as Souness.
Best game of football I've seen in a long time
It is entertaining. France just have that bit more quality. Benzema big addition.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 15, 2021, 09:33:55 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 15, 2021, 09:31:35 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
The linesman lets Mbappe score a great goal and then puts the flag up. Ridiculous stuff, who in charge thinks that is the way the game should be played?
Is it because after the play they can check,via VAR, to ensure it's the correct call?
Not much need of having linesmen if that's that rule.
Or referees
France only getting going, they could piss this tournament
You twist all or only 73% of the time MR?
Quote from: Dire Ear on June 15, 2021, 11:54:10 PM
You twist all or only 73% of the time MR?
Twist what?
That was a very Paisley jnr like apology Dire Ear 😃
Readin between the lines youve realised he wasnt twisting this time but in general is a twisting heure 😂
I stand with Dire Ear. Morning MR2 😎
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 16, 2021, 09:57:55 AM
That was a very Paisley jnr like apology Dire Ear 😃
Readin between the lines youve realised he wasnt twisting this time but in general is a twisting heure 😂
I stand with Dire Ear. Morning MR2 😎
You lot are a tight bunch..
France looked quiet solid didn't they, even during long periods of possession by Germany. Kante is a machine and Mbappe is rapid!
This letting lads play on for about 10 seconds and score a goal even though the linesman clearly knows he is offside... not for me.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 16, 2021, 09:57:55 AM
That was a very Paisley jnr like apology Dire Ear 😃
Readin between the lines youve realised he wasnt twisting this time but in general is a twisting heure 😂
I stand with Dire Ear. Morning MR2 😎
;D ;D ;D, life's too short
Apparently Cokes value has dropped $4bn because of Ronaldo? Is this accurate??
Because of, or coincidental, the shares dropped after he did it.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/16/cristiano-ronaldo-snubs-coca-cola-billions-wiped-off-drink-giants-market-value (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/16/cristiano-ronaldo-snubs-coca-cola-billions-wiped-off-drink-giants-market-value)
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 16, 2021, 03:22:11 PM
Because of, or coincidental, the shares dropped after he did it.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/16/cristiano-ronaldo-snubs-coca-cola-billions-wiped-off-drink-giants-market-value (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/16/cristiano-ronaldo-snubs-coca-cola-billions-wiped-off-drink-giants-market-value)
Crazy.
Wales should be about 4-0 up here
Might be lucky to hold on at this rate.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 16, 2021, 06:33:16 PM
Might be lucky to hold on at this rate.
Yep. Could rue some of those first half misses.
Danny Ward has had a great tournament so far, he was very good in the first game also.
Good finish. 2-01 to 0-00.
Bale was excellent, penalty aside
Best game so far
Slap it up the Turks. They didn't like not having it their own way.
The Welsh made much better use of their much less possession.
Bale and Ramsey are still top players. The Turks didn't have anyone to match them, nor do Ireland at this moment in time.
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
Quote from: An Watcher on June 16, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
That will be the Giggs influence.
Locatelli will be in demand after this tournament. Some performance.
Italy are impressive, almost perfect.
They're very good but I have a funny feeling they won't be clinical enough to beat the top few teams. Should have had quite a few here.
Quote from: Main Street on June 16, 2021, 09:30:08 PM
Italy are impressive, almost perfect.
Surprising for an Italian team, a joy to watch. Always on the attack at some pace.
Italy have been super but leaving a few goals behind.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 16, 2021, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on June 16, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
That will be the Giggs influence.
Like Best, Giggs mainly rode the tackles got up and then scored. Unlike some others
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 16, 2021, 09:56:46 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 16, 2021, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on June 16, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
That will be the Giggs influence.
Like Best, Giggs mainly rode the tackles got up and then scored. Unlike some others
Not the only thing Giggs rode ;D
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 16, 2021, 09:42:35 PM
Italy have been super but leaving a few goals behind.
Twenty eight matches unbeaten now and they've been very impressive so far playing a good brand of football. They are potential winners especially if they can retain home venue advantage until deep in the tournament as they are almost impossible to beat at home.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 16, 2021, 09:56:46 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 16, 2021, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on June 16, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
That will be the Giggs influence.
Like Best, Giggs mainly rode the tackles got up and then scored. Unlike some others
Did he shite. Giggs went down at the slightest contact. Such a frustrating player.
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2021, 09:58:05 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 16, 2021, 09:56:46 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 16, 2021, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: An Watcher on June 16, 2021, 08:19:52 PM
Tell you what, Wales are well clued into the diving now, not just bale for the penalty but the team in general.
That will be the Giggs influence.
Like Best, Giggs mainly rode the tackles got up and then scored. Unlike some others
Not the only thing Giggs rode ;D
;D
Quote from: weareros on June 16, 2021, 09:41:18 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 16, 2021, 09:30:08 PM
Italy are impressive, almost perfect.
Surprising for an Italian team, a joy to watch. Always on the attack at some pace.
Never liked the Italians, always defensive with a hefty dose of cynicism. Comin around to this lot though, play nicer football, great passion, and a national anthem thats unrivalled
They're playing a Celtic Park rendition of YNWA over the PA before the Denmark Belgium game.
No doubt to inject an authentic atmosphere into the sentiment of solidarity.
Regardlesss of what happened to Eriksen I'm up for Belgium and hope they tonk the Danes.
The Danes off to a great start. The Belgium defence will be their undoing in this tournament
Great atmosphere in the Parken stadium. A must win for Denmark and that roar of the crowd might carry Denmark over the line.
Its bound to be difficult for Belguim to play the Danes today given the wave of emotion in the stadium but they have been majorly disappointing in that first half. Certainly don't look like tournament contenders so far.
An assist and now a goal, some impact by DeBruyne.
With De Bruyne and Eden Hazard coming back to fitness and form the Belgians are a much better prospect.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2021, 06:33:42 PM
With De Bruyne and Eden Hazard coming back to fitness and form the Belgians are a much better prospect.
Definitely need those 2 fit and available, De Bruyne has turned the match.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2021, 06:33:42 PM
With De Bruyne and Eden Hazard coming back to fitness and form the Belgians are a much better prospect.
I would be sceptical enough about any chance of Hazard returning to fitness or form. Pity.
Denmark shouldn't have been forced to continue the game against Finland on the day of the collapse.
They probably would have beaten Finland a few days later given subsequent results.
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2021, 08:13:40 PM
Denmark shouldn't have been forced to continue the game against Finland on the day of the collapse.
They probably would have beaten Finland a few days later given subsequent results.
Denmark were not forced to return to the pitch and finish the game, they just made a bad choice, they should have opted to finish the game the next day.
They're a bunch of whiners blaming UEFA after the Finns beat them.
Denmark were lucky to win the Euros in 1992. They were unlucky this time round. Thems the breaks!
Quote from: Main Street on June 17, 2021, 11:42:57 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2021, 08:13:40 PM
Denmark shouldn't have been forced to continue the game against Finland on the day of the collapse.
They probably would have beaten Finland a few days later given subsequent results.
Denmark were not forced to return to the pitch and finish the game, they just made a bad choice, they should have opted to finish the game the next day.
They're a bunch of whiners blaming UEFA after the Finns beat them.
Is that you, Ronnie Whelan?
He's right though. The Schmeichels are being a bit dicky about it all.
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2021, 08:13:40 PM
Denmark shouldn't have been forced to continue the game against Finland on the day of the collapse.
They probably would have beaten Finland a few days later given subsequent results.
They got the choice to play the next day, which they definitely should have taken.
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 07:59:09 AM
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Absolutely. Seeing that is bound to have a huge effect on the players state of mind, we've seen numerous times when players have suffered nasty leg breaks how it has impacted team mate, obviously what happened Eriksen was on a whole other level!
Everton should have had Dumfries signature in the bag before this tournament. He's either going to cost a lot more or f**k off to Real Madrid or the likes..
Who to support...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQPzfvkqhk
(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQPzfvkqhk)
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 18, 2021, 09:42:07 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 07:59:09 AM
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Absolutely. Seeing that is bound to have a huge effect on the players state of mind, we've seen numerous times when players have suffered nasty leg breaks how it has impacted team mate, obviously what happened Eriksen was on a whole other level!
The game had to be finished, there is no option in the regulations to deem an abandoned game a draw. The Danes would have been in a much better shape (relatively speaking) to finish out the game the next day. And hypothetically if the Danes had been offered a draw instead of playing out the game on Sunday, what do think they would have chosen?
For some bizzare reason the players foolishly decided to finish the game on Saturday. Their FA, doctors, psychologists, mentors, should have intervened and guided the players to a more sensible decision. UEFA had offered a choice of schedule without prejudice.
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2021, 05:20:40 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 18, 2021, 09:42:07 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 07:59:09 AM
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Absolutely. Seeing that is bound to have a huge effect on the players state of mind, we've seen numerous times when players have suffered nasty leg breaks how it has impacted team mate, obviously what happened Eriksen was on a whole other level!
The game had to be finished, there is no option in the regulations to deem an abandoned game a draw. The Danes would have been in a much better shape (relatively speaking) to finish out the game the next day. And hypothetically if the Danes had been offered a draw instead of playing out the game on Sunday, what do think they would have chosen?
For some bizzare reason the players foolishly decided to finish the game on Saturday. Their FA, doctors, psychologists, mentors, should have intervened and guided the players to a more sensible decision. UEFA had offered a choice of schedule without prejudice.
This is my reasoning behind them agreeing to finish the game that night. Not knowing the fate of Erikson once he had spoken to them at the hospital or if he would pass away over night, I am sure they didnt want to take the risk of having to play the game the next day knowing he had passed away as the only other option after that was to forfeit the game 3 nil. The players having seen that he was awake at the hospital shortly before they restarted the game would have felt more at ease to finish the match there and then. Just my take on things
The circumstances of the abandonment were very particular and very emotional. A player briefly died. The rules were designed for other stuff.
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2021, 05:20:40 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 18, 2021, 09:42:07 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 07:59:09 AM
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Absolutely. Seeing that is bound to have a huge effect on the players state of mind, we've seen numerous times when players have suffered nasty leg breaks how it has impacted team mate, obviously what happened Eriksen was on a whole other level!
The game had to be finished, there is no option in the regulations to deem an abandoned game a draw. The Danes would have been in a much better shape (relatively speaking) to finish out the game the next day. And hypothetically if the Danes had been offered a draw instead of playing out the game on Sunday, what do think they would have chosen?
For some bizzare reason the players foolishly decided to finish the game on Saturday. Their FA, doctors, psychologists, mentors, should have intervened and guided the players to a more sensible decision. UEFA had offered a choice of schedule without prejudice.
Then maybe they should redraw the rules. If they have no sympathy for a players health then it doesn't say much.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 06:12:42 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2021, 05:20:40 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 18, 2021, 09:42:07 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 18, 2021, 07:59:09 AM
Ueffa could have made it fair and deemed the match a draw. They had 45 minutes played.
Playing later that night they were obviously going to be affected
Absolutely. Seeing that is bound to have a huge effect on the players state of mind, we've seen numerous times when players have suffered nasty leg breaks how it has impacted team mate, obviously what happened Eriksen was on a whole other level!
The game had to be finished, there is no option in the regulations to deem an abandoned game a draw. The Danes would have been in a much better shape (relatively speaking) to finish out the game the next day. And hypothetically if the Danes had been offered a draw instead of playing out the game on Sunday, what do think they would have chosen?
For some bizzare reason the players foolishly decided to finish the game on Saturday. Their FA, doctors, psychologists, mentors, should have intervened and guided the players to a more sensible decision. UEFA had offered a choice of schedule without prejudice.
Then maybe they should redraw the rules. If they have no sympathy for a players health then it doesn't say much.
Did they not make France and Cameroon play 2 or 3 days after Marc Vivien Foe died? Both sets of players were visibly upset. No compassion at all, from FIFA
Flower of Scotland so much better than that God save the Queen shite.
Ivan Yates reffing it well so far.
https://twitter.com/chantlfc/status/1405944379370528773?s=21
How over rated are England. Again. They will probably win this match mind you.
England look like they need Grealish. Who do they take off though?
Looking at Rice, he's a plain enough English league player. Not that good at all. Grealish does have a bit of wizardry about him. Should be on the field. Hope the Scots can nick a goal here.
Setup for England to nick a goal I fear :(
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 18, 2021, 08:55:06 PM
How over rated are England. Again. They will probably win this match mind you.
England have some great players at the moment but boy do they look ordinary tonight.
Great is a stretch. They do have some very good ones but as has been the case for years the tactical nous is usually held by foreign managers and by foreign players in the teams around them. If you stick them together without some kind of foreign influence they just don't gel.
The Scots deserved that draw. They still need to beat the Croats to get through.
Deserved draw for the Scots. For such a hyped up game that was such a let down.
Could the Czechs beat England? If they don't improve on that showing it could happen.
Good performance by Scotland.
Scotland were very good. Just lacked quality up top.
If the Czechs get a draw v England, they'll win the group.
Good performance by Scotland, England pish. Southgate not winning many friends tonight, he's nearly got too much talent at his disposal and he's no idea of his best team.
If the Scots beat Croatia 2 nil and the Czech win 2 nil, will England go out?
Some third placed teams qualify in this tournament do they not?
Wrighty not loving Southgate ;D
I don't think Scotland have enough in them to score two goals against Croatia tbh. They are better than I thought in a good few areas but not up front.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 18, 2021, 10:05:12 PM
Some third placed teams qualify in this tournament do they not?
Wrighty not loving Southgate ;D
I don't think Scotland have enough in them to score two goals against Croatia tbh. They are better than I thought in a good few areas but not up front.
One will do
Croatia look very leggy
It's doable
Question is can Scotland raise their energy levels back to what they were tonight
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 18, 2021, 10:05:12 PM
Some third placed teams qualify in this tournament do they not?
Wrighty not loving Southgate ;D
I don't think Scotland have enough in them to score two goals against Croatia tbh. They are better than I thought in a good few areas but not up front.
Only 2 3rd placed teams don't qualify. England are almost certainly through.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 18, 2021, 10:01:50 PM
If the Scots beat Croatia 2 nil and the Czech win 2 nil, will England go out?
Depends on other groups but it's unlikely.
Ironically it's better for England to finish 2nd in this group than win it. 2nd place probably gets them Sweden. Winning the group gets them Portugal, France or Germany.
Southgate is a genius.
Hungary leading France :o
Yer man scatterin yer womans table contents in celebration 😃😃
When all else fails, go the Packie Bonner route.
Fair play to Hungary big result for them, celebrating that draw like a win.
Ref/VAR bottled a last minute penalty decision against the home team.
We drew with Hungary just before the start of this tournament. So does that mean we are as good as the world champions France?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 19, 2021, 04:20:21 PM
We drew with Hungary just before the start of this tournament. So does that mean we are as good as the world champions France?
Yep.
Speed of Ronaldo on that counter attack... defies age.
Quote from: weareros on June 19, 2021, 05:17:13 PM
Speed of Ronaldo on that counter attack... defies age.
When you see him moving the coca cola it just shows you how well he treats his body. His body is a temple
Very good first half. The Germans probaly deserve the lead but Portugal have been good counter attacking.
31 degrees in Munich and they need those water breaks. Why have the GAA persisted with water breaks right up to the all ireland finals in December and throughout the leagues as well?
Portugal chanelling their inner 2016 Mayo in that half.
Three goals scored by Portugal and Germany leading 2-1.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2021, 05:55:53 PM
Three goals scored by Portugal and Germany leading 2-1.
They are not wearing a Green and Red kit for nothing! ;)
Quote from: weareros on June 19, 2021, 05:17:13 PM
Speed of Ronaldo on that counter attack... defies age.
Wasn't even flat out as had to time it with a moving offside line. Some athlete.
Wile man for lookin at heself on the big screen
Germany looking good to top that group, A draw in the France Portugal game sends all three through right?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2021, 08:15:52 PM
Germany looking good to top that group, A draw in the France Portugal game sends all three through right?
If Germany don't lose, in which case Hungary will go through.
They should get rid of the Round of 16, and go straight to QFs. There is 36 matches played to eliminate only 8 teams ffs. This 3 teams from most groups going through removes the do or die nature of the competition
Imagine the excitement if only one team went through (plus the two highest 2nd placed teams). Two big hitters from France's Group could go out early instead of all 3 going through.
Less than 30 years there were only 8 teams starting the tournament.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 19, 2021, 08:55:30 PM
They should get rid of the Round of 16, and go straight to QFs. There is 36 matches played to eliminate only 8 teams ffs. This 3 teams from most groups going through removes the do or die nature of the competition
Imagine the excitement if only one team went through (plus the two highest 2nd placed teams). Two big hitters from France's Group could go out early instead of all 3 going through.
Probably be left a number of dead rubber matches in the final round of group games if that was the format.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2021, 09:07:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 19, 2021, 08:55:30 PM
They should get rid of the Round of 16, and go straight to QFs. There is 36 matches played to eliminate only 8 teams ffs. This 3 teams from most groups going through removes the do or die nature of the competition
Imagine the excitement if only one team went through (plus the two highest 2nd placed teams). Two big hitters from France's Group could go out early instead of all 3 going through.
Probably be left a number of dead rubber matches in the final round of group games if that was the format.
Think that was the main reason they added in best placed 3rd place teams into knockouts to give every game a bit of meaning
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2021, 09:07:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 19, 2021, 08:55:30 PM
They should get rid of the Round of 16, and go straight to QFs. There is 36 matches played to eliminate only 8 teams ffs. This 3 teams from most groups going through removes the do or die nature of the competition
Imagine the excitement if only one team went through (plus the two highest 2nd placed teams). Two big hitters from France's Group could go out early instead of all 3 going through.
Probably be left a number of dead rubber matches in the final round of group games if that was the format.
There's always dead rubbers. Belgium Italy and Netherlands could take it easy last game as they're already through (Italy did that in 2016 v Ireland). Plus you might get another 1982 Germany Austria situation playing out a 0-0 as they're both through. There's always anomalies no matter the format.
Quarter finals worked previously when it was a 16 team tournament. They wanted to expand it probably for financial reasons, and to give smaller nations a chance of qualifying .
As bad as Ireland are they know finishing 3rd in next Euro qualifying guarantees a play-off
Quote from: BennyCake on June 19, 2021, 09:26:21 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2021, 09:07:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 19, 2021, 08:55:30 PM
They should get rid of the Round of 16, and go straight to QFs. There is 36 matches played to eliminate only 8 teams ffs. This 3 teams from most groups going through removes the do or die nature of the competition
Imagine the excitement if only one team went through (plus the two highest 2nd placed teams). Two big hitters from France's Group could go out early instead of all 3 going through.
Probably be left a number of dead rubber matches in the final round of group games if that was the format.
There's always dead rubbers. Belgium Italy and Netherlands could take it easy last game as they're already through (Italy did that in 2016 v Ireland). Plus you might get another 1982 Germany Austria situation playing out a 0-0 as they're both through. There's always anomalies no matter the format.
A few is better than a lot of dead rubbers.
England V Spain might happen after all in next round
Spain back to their usual position of also rans.
They won't go too far.
Scotland have shown us, just like every international competition in past 55 years, that England allegedly having the players primed to win a big one, is 100% based on brit media hype
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 19, 2021, 10:01:10 PM
Scotland have shown us, just like every international competition in past 55 years, that England allegedly having the players primed to win a big one, is 100% based on brit media hype
They've an awful lot of seriously good footballers but never gel. Usual story and you absolutely love to see it.
Central midfield is not good. That and Kane playing shite. Their players aren't as good as the top european teams.
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Spain are crap. Germany won the WC in 2014 and were crap in 2018. That's sport.
Ní uasal agus íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal.
Dublin didn't fade like Spain and Germany did or France will
That's not sport
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2021, 11:17:11 PM
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Is sancho all that? If utd get him he may just be another martial
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 20, 2021, 10:31:41 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2021, 11:17:11 PM
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Is sancho all that? If utd get him he may just be another martial
F**k that. One is enough.
Talk of Martial going to Madrid though. They must be really hard up. I hope it's true though.
Why are Utd even bidding £70m odd for Sancho when he's in the last year of his contract...madness.
Quote from: tintin25 on June 20, 2021, 11:24:39 AM
Why are Utd even bidding £70m odd for Sancho when he's in the last year of his contract...madness.
He's not..
Quote from: seafoid on June 20, 2021, 10:05:49 AM
Spain are crap. Germany won the WC in 2014 and were crap in 2018. That's sport.
Ní uasal agus íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal.
Dublin didn't fade like Spain and Germany did or France will
That's not sport
In fairness (Ní uasal agus íseal ach thuas seal agus thíos seal) does not apply to Germany, they are always at the Business end of every major Competition. They have tournament mentality and they have always a togetherness and pride. Most of all they never lose the run of their selves.
Quote from: Boycey on June 20, 2021, 11:58:55 AM
Quote from: tintin25 on June 20, 2021, 11:24:39 AM
Why are Utd even bidding £70m odd for Sancho when he's in the last year of his contract...madness.
He's not..
I stand corrected. 2023?
Quote from: tintin25 on June 20, 2021, 12:42:05 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 20, 2021, 11:58:55 AM
Quote from: tintin25 on June 20, 2021, 11:24:39 AM
Why are Utd even bidding £70m odd for Sancho when he's in the last year of his contract...madness.
He's not..
I stand corrected. 2023?
Yeah June 2023 https://www.transfermarkt.com/jadon-sancho/profil/spieler/401173
United would still be getting him cheaper then last summer when it was over 100m,which was a ridiculous figure.
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 20, 2021, 10:31:41 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2021, 11:17:11 PM
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Is sancho all that? If utd get him he may just be another martial
Depends on which Martial you are talking about. The fella that had 16 goals involvements last season or two seasons ago when he had 35 goal involvements.
Back to the topic of the thread Italy look the best team thus far and looking at the draw they should be reaching the semi finals at least.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 20, 2021, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 20, 2021, 10:31:41 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2021, 11:17:11 PM
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Is sancho all that? If utd get him he may just be another martial
Depends on which Martial you are talking about. The fella that had 16 goals involvements last season or two seasons ago when he had 35 goal involvements.
Back to the topic of the thread Italy look the best team thus far and looking at the draw they should be reaching the semi finals at least.
"Goal involvements" :o Jesus
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 20, 2021, 03:59:22 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 20, 2021, 03:55:20 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on June 20, 2021, 10:31:41 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2021, 11:17:11 PM
A lot of hype about Sancho and he hasn't featured in the tournament. That's probaly more down to Southgate and being consersative.
Hopefully Scotland can beat Croatia but they lack firepower. A combined Wales and Scotland team would be good, Wales have the forward threat the scots lack
Is sancho all that? If utd get him he may just be another martial
Depends on which Martial you are talking about. The fella that had 16 goals involvements last season or two seasons ago when he had 35 goal involvements.
Back to the topic of the thread Italy look the best team thus far and looking at the draw they should be reaching the semi finals at least.
"Goal involvements" :o Jesus
Yes goals or assists. Very important feature of the game for any attacking player. Gabriel Jesus had 18 last season.
Italy with 8 changes still very much in control. Veratti back in the team showing his quality.
Wales down to 10 men. We'll see what the red wall is made of in the next 35 mins!
Two cracking goals from Shaqiri
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 20, 2021, 05:53:41 PM
Italy with 8 changes still very much in control. Veratti back in the team showing his quality.
Cruise control for a 2nd string Italy side.
Depay has improved since he left United. He's been really good in the tournament. On the way to Barcelona also, the Dutch connection with Koeman would have helped.
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 21, 2021, 06:17:58 PM
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Surely most of the Scotland and England players were a close contact of Gilmour during the 90 minutes on the pitch?
Fine goal by Denmark there. The stadium has come alive.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 21, 2021, 06:17:58 PM
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Joke. Why are fit and healthy young men getting covid tests ffs.
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 21, 2021, 09:26:52 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 21, 2021, 06:17:58 PM
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Joke. Why are fit and healthy young men getting covid tests ffs.
Ehh maybe so they don't spread it?
Good night for the Danes, will finish 2nd in this group now.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 21, 2021, 09:39:40 PM
Good night for the Danes, will finish 2nd in this group now.
Denmark v Wales on Saturday evening. Tasty.
Amazing how Denmark can beat Russia with Russia being such a bigger landmass and all that 😂
Rip Ferdinand reckons what happened to Eriksen "took the world by storm" :-\
A good night of football. The Danes are flying at the moment I fancy them to beat Wales if they can repeat tonights form. CHRISTIANSNENS goal was like hotshot Hamish.
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 21, 2021, 09:58:28 PM
Rip Ferdinand reckons what happened to Eriksen "took the world by storm" :-\
When did ferdinand die?
Quote from: laoislad on June 21, 2021, 09:46:42 PM
Amazing how Denmark can beat Russia with Russia being such a bigger landmass and all that 😂
The Soviet Union played in the First Euros final..
Are the Danes all fully vaccinated? Looked like a full stadium there tonight.
Quote from: highorlow on June 21, 2021, 10:41:21 PM
Are the Danes all fully vaccinated? Looked like a full stadium there tonight.
Would be tested or vaccinated. Looked full but apparently 25,000 of the 38,000 capacity was in attendance.
Quote from: laoislad on June 21, 2021, 09:46:42 PM
Amazing how Denmark can beat Russia with Russia being such a bigger landmass and all that 😂
Russia has 144 million people
Pound for pound they're easily the most under achieving football nation
Ukraine carried them when it was the USSR
Quote from: sid waddell on June 21, 2021, 11:20:14 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 21, 2021, 09:46:42 PM
Amazing how Denmark can beat Russia with Russia being such a bigger landmass and all that 😂
Russia has 144 million people
Pound for pound they're easily the most under achieving football nation
Ukraine carried them when it was the USSR
China, India and Indonesia are also crap.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 21, 2021, 08:17:49 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 21, 2021, 06:17:58 PM
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Surely most of the Scotland and England players were a close contact of Gilmour during the 90 minutes on the pitch?
This doesnt make sense, surely his team mates are around him more than Mount and Chilwell were, plus in the 90 minutes he was on the pitch I'm sure he was in close contact with a lot of English players.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 22, 2021, 09:27:41 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 21, 2021, 08:17:49 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 21, 2021, 06:17:58 PM
Mount and Chilwell out now too. Self isolating after hugging Billy Gilmour at full time.
Maybe this will put a stop to the hugging, hi-5ing, handshakes footballers have been doing.
Surely most of the Scotland and England players were a close contact of Gilmour during the 90 minutes on the pitch?
This doesnt make sense, surely his team mates are around him more than Mount and Chilwell were, plus in the 90 minutes he was on the pitch I'm sure he was in close contact with a lot of English players.
A bit like the Clare hurlers pinged for "marking" a Wexford lad who tested positive but not one Wexford player getting pinged.
WRT Gilmore and the two Chelsea lads, it seems their conversations continued down the tunnel and that moved from occasional contact on the field to close contact, but still, the lad shared a changing room, bus and hotel with all the other Scots yet they're all ok.
It doesn't add up.
Bet Southgate was hoping Kane was pinged and that would have given the spineless wonder a reason to drop him.
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Quote from: seafoid on June 22, 2021, 08:04:24 AM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 21, 2021, 11:20:14 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 21, 2021, 09:46:42 PM
Amazing how Denmark can beat Russia with Russia being such a bigger landmass and all that 😂
Russia has 144 million people
Pound for pound they're easily the most under achieving football nation
Ukraine carried them when it was the USSR
China, India and Indonesia are also crap.
They aren't traditional football nations
Russia is supposed to be one
Not sure if Scotland will get the win they need, but I think they'll get a draw. So Scotland and Croatia will go out.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 22, 2021, 11:58:01 AM
Not sure if Scotland will get the win they need, but I think they'll get a draw. So Scotland and Croatia will go out.
Scotland can't score for whatever reasons, Croatia ain't that bad but struggling to score also but they are 11/8, Scotland are the worst in that group.
England are the team I'd say will draw tonight, or for as long as they are playing Kane, he's only playing shit cause I backed him to be top scorer lol
I think Croatia will maybe beat them. They can't score because their striker is pretty poor.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2021, 01:12:39 PM
I think Croatia will maybe beat them. They can't score because their striker is pretty poor.
Croatia, like Scotland are lacking up front. Croatia strong in midfield though so loss of Gilmour will be felt by Scotland.
Yeah that seems to be being downplayed. Scotland strong at back and he helped. I am not convinced they'll get something out of this. I hope they do but can't see it.
Scotland haven't really had a good striker since Ally McCoist.
Che Adams declared for Scotland before the tournament and is useful but but not much else. The other striker Lyndon Dykes of QPR is very average
Big Dunc lol. Yeah Dykes very average. They're about Ireland's level up front but defense a good bit stronger.
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 01:48:10 PM
Scotland haven't really had a good striker since Ally McCoist.
That's shocking...Kenny Miller is the only one that's jumping out to me but he was hardly a world beater either. Did Celtic or Rangers not have a half decent Scottish striker in the last 25 years?!
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2021, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 01:48:10 PM
Scotland haven't really had a good striker since Ally McCoist.
That's shocking...Kenny Miller is the only one that's jumping out to me but he was hardly a world beater either. Did Celtic or Rangers not have a half decent Scottish striker in the last 25 years?!
Mo scored 14 in 38 games while Ally scored 19 in 61.. They didn't (in comparison to other nations strikers) play too many internationals
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2021, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 01:48:10 PM
Scotland haven't really had a good striker since Ally McCoist.
That's shocking...Kenny Miller is the only one that's jumping out to me but he was hardly a world beater either. Did Celtic or Rangers not have a half decent Scottish striker in the last 25 years?!
James McFadden probably the most successful for Scotland. But that's just relative to a pretty poor selection
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Duncan probably not keen on the Scottish FA when they pushed hard for the headbutting incident that landed him a spell in Barlinnie.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 02:45:09 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2021, 02:39:43 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 01:48:10 PM
Scotland haven't really had a good striker since Ally McCoist.
That's shocking...Kenny Miller is the only one that's jumping out to me but he was hardly a world beater either. Did Celtic or Rangers not have a half decent Scottish striker in the last 25 years?!
Mo scored 14 in 38 games while Ally scored 19 in 61.. They didn't (in comparison to other nations strikers) play too many internationals
Players didn't generally play as many internationals up until the 90's.. Since then, 10 former Soviet states got independence, 7 former Yugoslav states the same, plus Faroes, Liechtenstein, San Marino etc joined. There are 53 teams in UEFA. That's nearly double to what is was . There are far more games in qualifying now, and major tournaments expanded.
I remember when Packie hit the 80 cap record for Ireland, and it was like wow, 80 caps! Robbie Keane ended up with nearly double that, and he wasnt a goalkeeper.
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Squad wise it's definitely the strongest Scotland have been in years.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Wijnaldum could also prove this, if his current form continues he'll do well next year
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 03:48:58 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Wijnaldum could also prove this, if his current form continues he'll do well next year
He's been one of the most consistent midfielders in Europe over the last 4 odd years...bar maybe city he would walk onto any PL team, so hardly rocket science to conclude he will do well next year...exactly the type of player PSG need
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2021, 04:06:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 03:48:58 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Wijnaldum could also prove this, if his current form continues he'll do well next year
He's been one of the most consistent midfielders in Europe over the last 4 odd years...bar maybe city he would walk onto any PL team, so hardly rocket science to conclude he will do well next year...exactly the type of player PSG need
Did he ask to leave?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 05:39:24 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 22, 2021, 04:06:19 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 03:48:58 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Wijnaldum could also prove this, if his current form continues he'll do well next year
He's been one of the most consistent midfielders in Europe over the last 4 odd years...bar maybe city he would walk onto any PL team, so hardly rocket science to conclude he will do well next year...exactly the type of player PSG need
Did he ask to leave?
He wanted to stay, but FSG wouldn't give him the lengthy contract he was looking for due to his age.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 22, 2021, 02:55:23 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Duncan probably not keen on the Scottish FA when they pushed hard for the headbutting incident that landed him a spell in Barlinnie.
No he wasn't very good for Everton and Newcastle. He scored 84 goals in 314 games. That's 1 in 4 which is dung for an out and out no 9. He has a cult notion about him but all he was good at was getting his head on crosses and throwing elbows. That is reflective of his time at Rangers too. Huge misconception that he was actually any good
A bit of thuggery up front didn't do Cross any harm.
"Header down to Baloney.........ohhhhhhhhhh what a hit son, WHAT A HITTTT"
😂😂
*buys popcorn*
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 22, 2021, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 22, 2021, 02:55:23 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Duncan probably not keen on the Scottish FA when they pushed hard for the headbutting incident that landed him a spell in Barlinnie.
No he wasn't very good for Everton and Newcastle. He scored 84 goals in 314 games. That's 1 in 4 which is dung for an out and out no 9. He has a cult notion about him but all he was good at was getting his head on crosses and throwing elbows. That is reflective of his time at Rangers too. Huge misconception that he was actually any good
Yeah but how many goals did he create from knock ons. Niall Quinn at Sunderland created a lot for Kevin Phillips, and Robbie Keane with Ireland.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 06:30:58 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 22, 2021, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 22, 2021, 02:55:23 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Duncan probably not keen on the Scottish FA when they pushed hard for the headbutting incident that landed him a spell in Barlinnie.
No he wasn't very good for Everton and Newcastle. He scored 84 goals in 314 games. That's 1 in 4 which is dung for an out and out no 9. He has a cult notion about him but all he was good at was getting his head on crosses and throwing elbows. That is reflective of his time at Rangers too. Huge misconception that he was actually any good
Yeah but how many goals did he create from knock ons. Niall Quinn at Sunderland created a lot for Kevin Phillips, and Robbie Keane with Ireland.
A bit like Kieran Donaghy at Kerry, wasn't the biggest scorer though was focal point of the Kingdoms attack.
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 22, 2021, 06:04:07 PM
A bit of thuggery up front didn't do Cross any harm.
I wondered who'd bite ;D
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 06:30:58 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 22, 2021, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on June 22, 2021, 02:55:23 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 22, 2021, 02:12:19 PM
Yeah, and better quality in midfield with McGinn , McTominay
Duncan Fergusn was very good with Everton and Newcastle but just 7 Scottish caps. Might have been a following out with the national team
Duncan probably not keen on the Scottish FA when they pushed hard for the headbutting incident that landed him a spell in Barlinnie.
No he wasn't very good for Everton and Newcastle. He scored 84 goals in 314 games. That's 1 in 4 which is dung for an out and out no 9. He has a cult notion about him but all he was good at was getting his head on crosses and throwing elbows. That is reflective of his time at Rangers too. Huge misconception that he was actually any good
Yeah but how many goals did he create from knock ons. Niall Quinn at Sunderland created a lot for Kevin Phillips, and Robbie Keane with Ireland.
Not a full record but in the Premier league he had 68 goals and 24 assists in 269. His teams won nothing and he won no personal accolades. He was a big donkey and believe me I know big awkward donkeys when I see them!
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2021, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
Yeah just seen that. Not HD though 🙄
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:40:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2021, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
Yeah just seen that. Not HD though 🙄
ITV4 if youse have British TV.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 22, 2021, 07:59:09 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:40:38 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2021, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
Yeah just seen that. Not HD though 🙄
ITV4 if youse have British TV.
I don't.
Actually just realised I have it on my IPTV service.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2021, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
It's also on RTE news now channel 521.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 22, 2021, 08:06:49 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2021, 07:40:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 22, 2021, 07:32:32 PM
RTÉ showing the England match FFS, where can I watch the Scotland match?
The rte player has it.
It's also on RTE news now channel 521.
In crap SD. Have it now anyway in perfect HD on my IPTV.
Scotland look like they'll be well beat here. There's not two goals in them.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2021, 08:40:24 PM
Scotland look like they'll be well beat here. There's not two goals in them.
You were saying! :D
I hope I m wrong lol.
Lovely finish.
Hon the jocks.
Modric. Quality
Scotlands goose is cooked.
Scotland are dung
Scotland went from 18 to 1 to win the game to 400 to 1 in the blink of an eye!
Duncan Ferguson has been poor....
This is like a cat playin with a mouse before the inevitable
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2021, 09:40:53 PM
Duncan Ferguson has been poor....
Think they are bringing on Lleyton Hewitt
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 09:36:48 PM
Scotland are dung
Croatia got to the 2018 World Cup Final .
Fraser is no world beater but surely he needed to have started in a game they needed to win...not an ounce of creativity in Scotland
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2021, 09:40:53 PM
Duncan Ferguson has been poor....
Busted flush so he is
At least Scotland got to the Euros
Quote from: seafoid on June 22, 2021, 09:43:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 09:36:48 PM
Scotland are dung
Croatia got to the 2018 World Cup Final .
Croatia are no lightweights. Scotland's achievement was being at these championships.
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 22, 2021, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 22, 2021, 09:43:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 09:36:48 PM
Scotland are dung
Croatia got to the 2018 World Cup Final .
Croatia are no lightweights. Scotland's achievement was being at these championships.
First time in 11 attempts between Euros and World Cup.
Can someone explain why Billy Gilmour was not vaccinated? You would think that all these players, due to the importance of the tournament, would qualify for one.
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 22, 2021, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 22, 2021, 09:43:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2021, 09:36:48 PM
Scotland are dung
Croatia got to the 2018 World Cup Final .
Croatia are no lightweights. Scotland's achievement was being at these championships.
The betting on this was completely all wrong, Croatia were 11/8, now in fairness to them, they ain't the team that played that final 3 years ago, but England bate them handy and the Czech should have bate them also, but you'd have still had them odds on against the 3rd lowest ranked team in tournament.
Not much of Europe not involved in Championships? (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/UEFA_Euro_2020_qualifying_map.svg/330px-UEFA_Euro_2020_qualifying_map.svg.png)
I'd be fairly confident France would dump out England in the 2nd round. Unfortunately I can see them beating Portugal and finishing top of E.
Wouldn't have much faith in Portugal tbh to beat England at Wembley.
I'd imagine Germany will beat Hungary and claim second in E. Would be 50/50 v England
But, whoever it is, dump the f**kers out so we can all enjoy the rest of the tournament knowing them hoors are not in it.
It looks set up for England to get knocked out on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
https://mobile.twitter.com/RTE_PrimeTime/status/1407457695746117639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1407457695746117639%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boards.ie%2F
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Lukaku went to Italy where the standard is lower. Depay went to France where the standard is lower again. Both haven't proved themselves to be top drawer yet, especially Depay who I reckon will be average at Barcelona.
Quote from: JBM on the 21 on June 22, 2021, 09:58:21 PM
Can someone explain why Billy Gilmour was not vaccinated? You would think that all these players, due to the importance of the tournament, would qualify for one.
He probably was. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of contracting Covid but does not eliminate it. It also reduces the chances of getting ill. I think Gilmour was asymptomatic and was only picked up through the mandatory tests.
Quote from: TabClear on June 23, 2021, 07:57:24 AM
Quote from: JBM on the 21 on June 22, 2021, 09:58:21 PM
Can someone explain why Billy Gilmour was not vaccinated? You would think that all these players, due to the importance of the tournament, would qualify for one.
He probably was. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of contracting Covid but does not eliminate it. It also reduces the chances of getting ill. I think Gilmour was asymptomatic and was only picked up through the mandatory tests.
I thought the players were in bubbles.
If they were how did wee Billy catch it?
After the Croatia game all round fitba genius/guru GNev told the world Southgate is Englands biggest asset, glorious watching him having to try and stand by that claim as they grind their way to a standstill, absolutely putrid stuff the last 2 games
Quote from: tiempo on June 23, 2021, 08:49:19 AM
After the Croatia game all round fitba genius/guru GNev told the world Southgate is Englands biggest asset, glorious watching him having to try and stand by that claim as they grind their way to a standstill, absolutely putrid stuff the last 2 games
England are very dull to watch. Southgate's plan seems to be to sit deep, shore up the defence with 2 holding midfielders and hope that he can win the game with a set piece or some little bit of individual brilliance from one of the attacking players. He reminds me a bit of Solskjaer in big games where the fear of losing takes over. Which is fine if you have ordinary players but their actual strength is their attacking players of which they have some of the best in Europe but Southgate is holding them back. He seems like a nice enough lad but he wouldn't come near to being considered for any of the top jobs in club football. Neville is talking nonsense if he thinks that Southgate is their biggest asset, thats just another old pals act.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 23, 2021, 07:32:51 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Lukaku went to Italy where the standard is lower. Depay went to France where the standard is lower again. Both haven't proved themselves to be top drawer yet, especially Depay who I reckon will be average at Barcelona.
I reckon he'll be worse than average. He's only going there because of the Dutch links.
Barcelona must be really skint, if 2 of their main strikers will have come in for free.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 23, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 23, 2021, 07:32:51 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Lukaku went to Italy where the standard is lower. Depay went to France where the standard is lower again. Both haven't proved themselves to be top drawer yet, especially Depay who I reckon will be average at Barcelona.
I reckon he'll be worse than average. He's only going there because of the Dutch links.
Barcelona must be really skint, if 2 of their main strikers will have come in for free.
They are worse than skint. They've just taken out a loan in order to cover payment of transfers that have been made in the past, in order to be able to meet the next instalment of payments.
Quote from: shark on June 23, 2021, 09:50:09 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 23, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 23, 2021, 07:32:51 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Lukaku went to Italy where the standard is lower. Depay went to France where the standard is lower again. Both haven't proved themselves to be top drawer yet, especially Depay who I reckon will be average at Barcelona.
I reckon he'll be worse than average. He's only going there because of the Dutch links.
Barcelona must be really skint, if 2 of their main strikers will have come in for free.
They are worse than skint. They've just taken out a loan in order to cover payment of transfers that have been made in the past, in order to be able to meet the next instalment of payments.
They offered Coutinho back to Liverpool just to clear the outstanding debt they owe on the original transfer.
No wonder they and Real were pushing hard for that Super league..
Quote from: yellowcard on June 23, 2021, 08:56:53 AM
Quote from: tiempo on June 23, 2021, 08:49:19 AM
After the Croatia game all round fitba genius/guru GNev told the world Southgate is Englands biggest asset, glorious watching him having to try and stand by that claim as they grind their way to a standstill, absolutely putrid stuff the last 2 games
England are very dull to watch. Southgate's plan seems to be to sit deep, shore up the defence with 2 holding midfielders and hope that he can win the game with a set piece or some little bit of individual brilliance from one of the attacking players. He reminds me a bit of Solskjaer in big games where the fear of losing takes over. Which is fine if you have ordinary players but their actual strength is their attacking players of which they have some of the best in Europe but Southgate is holding them back. He seems like a nice enough lad but he wouldn't come near to being considered for any of the top jobs in club football. Neville is talking nonsense if he thinks that Southgate is their biggest asset, thats just another old pals act.
He is brutal. Be safer going all out attack and trying to win every game 7-5. He's probably got the best attacking options of any country in the world on paper, the full backs are as good as any in the world. Slab head and Rice are decent defensively as well. A decent manager would win the Euros handy with that squad.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 23, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 23, 2021, 07:32:51 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 22, 2021, 03:00:46 PM
Quote from: lurganblue on June 22, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
Such an improvement there has been in big Lukaku. I don't watch the Italian football really so I was so surprised to see how good his touch and holdup play has become.
Everyone seems to disimprove when they join United. Then improve again when they leave. I reckon if Martial was to leave this summer, he'd improve greatly too. Someone else mentioned Depay earlier...
Lukaku went to Italy where the standard is lower. Depay went to France where the standard is lower again. Both haven't proved themselves to be top drawer yet, especially Depay who I reckon will be average at Barcelona.
I reckon he'll be worse than average. He's only going there because of the Dutch links.
Barcelona must be really skint, if 2 of their main strikers will have come in for free.
Barcelona are finished, they have been regressing the past few years but soon Messi will be gone and when you look at the players they have brought in or want to bring in, it doesn't look good. They wanted Wijnaldum who is pushing on and took Aguero who is also pushing on and is past his best. Depay is not the type of player you would expect a big club to be signing either and I would imagine that they will keep targeting these type of players too.
Jesus lads we're losin the run of ourselves a tad here. Theyve their best attack in a good while, doesnt necessarily mean worlds best or close to it. The 2 best left backs are that good a right back was selected ahead of them. But yes southgate is mediocre with a squad that outweighs his talents probably
Morata is like Andy Cole needs a lot of chances to score. Timo Werner is probaly the equivalent at present.
Jaysus, the number of chances Spain have missed in this competition. Brutal in front of goals.
Bit of a ying and yang for the Slovakian goalie
I have muted the sound cos yer wan on RTE is doing me nut. Her Dubballin accent is grating on my nerves.
And no apologies for being Dub-ist.
Poland back to 2-2...they need 1 more.
Spain now too of the group
With that late Sweden goal England's life got easier if they get past round 16
Hungary 1 up against Deutschland
Pogba should be booked for haranguing the ref after that penalty decision. A couple of games not going as expected, if only the best 3rd place qualify nonsense was done away with this would be interesting.
Some dive there
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 23, 2021, 07:56:05 PM
With that late Sweden goal England's life got easier if they get past round 16
They could be playing Hungary in next round yet.
Mbappe must have links to Tyrone.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 23, 2021, 08:57:09 PM
Mbappe must have links to Tyrone.
Does he love humping Armagh and have 3 Sams then? ;D
This is nuts!
Germany showing no consistency.
If Germany score they will avoid England. Sure why the feck would they be scared of england.
Portugal very lucky Fernandes didn't give away a penalty there.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 09:56:15 PM
If Germany score they will avoid England. Sure why the feck would they be scared of england.
You wouldn't have to be scared of England to accept that they are a more difficult opponent than Switzerland
Portugal v Belgium
France v Switzerland
England v Germany
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 10:02:38 PM
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Dunno about Germany, though England are much maligned I see it as a 50/50 game. Germany have been brutal in 2/3 group games
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 10:02:38 PM
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Germany haven't pulled up many trees either? One good performance amongst a lot of mediocrity. History probably tells us they will win though :)
Whoever gets through from Germany/England it's some handy run to the final
Yeah the winners of Ukraine or Sweden in Quarters, and Netherlands or Czech Republic in Semis. They will still likely be tough games, but comapared to other side of draw not as bad.
Saturday
Wales v Denmark - Amsterdam, 17:00 (BBC)
Italy v Austria - Wembley, 20:00
Sunday
Netherlands v Czech Republic - Budapest, 17:00
Belgium v Portugal - Seville, 20:00
Monday
Croatia v Spain - Copenhagen, 17:00
France v Switzerland - Bucharest, 20:00
Tuesday
England v Germany - Wembley, 17:00 (BBC)
Sweden v Ukraine - Glasgow, 20:00
England will get fucked by the 1st decent team they meet. Guaranteed.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 23, 2021, 10:23:38 PM
Saturday
Wales v Denmark - Amsterdam, 17:00 (BBC)
Italy v Austria - Wembley, 20:00
Sunday
Netherlands v Czech Republic - Budapest, 17:00
Belgium v Portugal - Seville, 20:00
Monday
Croatia v Spain - Copenhagen, 17:00
France v Switzerland - Bucharest, 20:00
Tuesday
England v Germany - Wembley, 17:00 (BBC)
Sweden v Ukraine - Glasgow, 20:00
Which one of those games was originally fixed for Dublin?
Englands possibly, just read on twitter...
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 23, 2021, 10:56:17 PM
Englands possibly, just read on twitter...
Well bollix to that.
Yes the Wembley game
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0268-121bc78c82d5-1ba16401b4f0-1000--change-of-venues-for-some-uefa-euro-2020-matches-announced/
"The Round of 16 match initially scheduled in Dublin, will be moved to Wembley Stadium in London."
So the joy of watching England lose on penalties in Dublin is denied to us.
The Chelsea Super Cup match is in Windsor Park in couple months so dare say we'll get some lovely chaps on the island in the near future anyways
Quote from: dec on June 23, 2021, 11:33:30 PM
Yes the Wembley game
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/news/0268-121bc78c82d5-1ba16401b4f0-1000--change-of-venues-for-some-uefa-euro-2020-matches-announced/
"The Round of 16 match initially scheduled in Dublin, will be moved to Wembley Stadium in London."
So the joy of watching England lose on penalties in Dublin is denied to us.
I couldn't care less where it's played, what the score is, or how many penalties are missed. Just as long as Germany win.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 23, 2021, 10:25:08 PM
England will get fucked by the 1st decent team they meet. Guaranteed.
Not sure that this German team is decent
Quote from: Cunny Funt on June 23, 2021, 10:52:30 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 23, 2021, 10:23:38 PM
Saturday
Wales v Denmark - Amsterdam, 17:00 (BBC)
Italy v Austria - Wembley, 20:00
Sunday
Netherlands v Czech Republic - Budapest, 17:00
Belgium v Portugal - Seville, 20:00
Monday
Croatia v Spain - Copenhagen, 17:00
France v Switzerland - Bucharest, 20:00
Tuesday
England v Germany - Wembley, 17:00 (BBC)
Sweden v Ukraine - Glasgow, 20:00
Which one of those games was originally fixed for Dublin?
The Germany v England game
Quote from: Boycey on June 23, 2021, 10:06:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 10:02:38 PM
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Germany haven't pulled up many trees either? One good performance amongst a lot of mediocrity. History probably tells us they will win though :)
ENG v GER has 0-0 written all over it.
ENG have mustered 2 goals in three games to date and very little shots on target against much inferior opposition than Germany.
The Germans gave Portugal a thumping but apart from that were lucky vrs Hungary and would have held France to a scoreless draw if it wasn't for an unfortunate OG..
Quote from: johnnycool on June 24, 2021, 12:17:46 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 23, 2021, 10:06:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 10:02:38 PM
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Germany haven't pulled up many trees either? One good performance amongst a lot of mediocrity. History probably tells us they will win though :)
ENG v GER has 0-0 written all over it.
ENG have mustered 2 goals in three games to date and very little shots on target against much inferior opposition than Germany.
The Germans gave Portugal a thumping but apart from that were lucky vrs Hungary and would have held France to a scoreless draw if it wasn't for an unfortunate OG..
Obviously France are strong but Germany looked terrible against them, hopefully we get the v Portugal version of Germany buy I'm not overly hopeful
Big game obviously, a fairly nice looking pathway opens to final for the winner. Fancy England myself, they've been pretty ordinary so far but there's a few gears there to go up if Southgate puts out the right team.
MFs I got England in the sweep.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 24, 2021, 12:17:46 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 23, 2021, 10:06:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 23, 2021, 10:02:38 PM
Portugal Belgium could be a cracker. France should win handy enough and maybe I am blinkered but tbh I would expect Germany to come through handy enough too.
Germany haven't pulled up many trees either? One good performance amongst a lot of mediocrity. History probably tells us they will win though :)
ENG v GER has 0-0 written all over it.
ENG have mustered 2 goals in three games to date and very little shots on target against much inferior opposition than Germany.
The Germans gave Portugal a thumping but apart from that were lucky vrs Hungary and would have held France to a scoreless draw if it wasn't for an unfortunate OG..
I sense a 0-0 too.
I think the pressure will get to Southgate and he'll be super cautious because there's no room for error from now on. God forbid they'll get over Germany because they'll likely reach the final if they do. And you don't want the backstards anywhere near that!
I think the Netherlands would give England bother if they played them on that side of the draw
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/euro-2021/2021/06/25/forget-ruthless-efficiency-joachim-lows-germany-chaotic-mess/
While the rest of the world may attribute Germany's relentless ability to perform in international tournaments as typical Teutonic efficiency, or some other stereotype, the nation has its own word for it: Turniermannschaft.
It literally means "tournament team" and often denotes the manner in which the German national side can stumble through qualifying campaigns before raising their game when it really matters. Or that is how things used to be: this present iteration of the German national team are certainly not a Turniermannschaft – instead, they have become a byword for chaos.
That much was clear to Leon Goretzka, the scorer of Germany's late equaliser against Hungary and new national hero, after Wednesday's match.
"There were situations where our heads were not quite there," the Bayern Munich midfielder admitted, while the nation was still breathing a deep sigh of relief. "There were also a few situations where we were not quite up to scratch. We have to address that."
However, the problem with this Germany line-up is that Joachim Low, the manager, has already tried to address the pre-existing issues in his faltering team and nothing seems to be working.
Following a 6-0 demolition by Spain in mid-November and an embarrassing 2-1 defeat by North Macedonia in March, Low broke the emergency glass and recalled Mats Hummels, 32, and Thomas Muller, 31, to the squad.
Not only did this decision underline Low's concern about the quality in his squad – he admitted in the announcement that his defence "did not have the desired stability" – but it also forced him to concede that he was wrong to banish them from the national team in early 2019, when he tried to build a new squad with the next generation of players. "You can interrupt an overhaul under the circumstances," he suggested.
Yet bringing back the old guard was not the only thing Low has done to try to avoid disaster at Euro 2020. Only 13 days before their opening game against world champions France, he opted to wipe his tactics board clean and propose a system that would perhaps offer Germany a fighting chance in Group F.
Desperate to protect Hummels's lack of pace in defence and to shoehorn Muller into his front line, Low moved from a traditional 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 that saw Joshua Kimmich, the influential Bayern midfielder, move out wide to become a wing-back, with the relatively untested Atalanta defender Robin Gosens on the left.
To his credit, the 26-year-old Serie A defender has perhaps been one of Germany's most impressive players at Euro 2020 to date, but it is worth noting that he went into the tournament having started at wing-back for his nation in a similar formation on only two occasions prior to Low's sudden change of plans.
After three games against strong opposition, it is safe to say that Low's last-minute tweaks and changes have not exactly proved to be the inspirational strokes of genius that the 61-year-old would have hoped. After rearranging his tactics to fit Muller into his attack, the Bayern striker managed only three shots and zero goals or assists in his opening two games, before getting injured ahead of the third and crucial match against Hungary.
Similarly, Hummels has overseen a shambolic defensive line who have shipped five goals in three games, while being directly at fault for an own goal against France and being at least partially to blame for Hungary's opening goal on Wednesday night.
"A lot of things don't work," a frustrated Lothar Matthaus, the 1990 World Cup winner, said when asked to review a troublesome group stage.
"Low must make the right decisions now, regardless of whether a player has been with the team for 10 years or only two months. Low has again relied on players who have once again let him down. He must finally wake up."
The ultimate fear for Germany is that Low is wide awake and well aware of his team's problems, but simply does not have a solution at hand. With Hansi Flick waiting in the wings to press the "restart" button in August, it seems as though Low's once proud team are now just hoping to get over the finish line before the whole thing falls apart.
Whether England can put them out of their misery remains to be seen.
Wales was shite. Denmark should get a much tougher game in the quarter finals.
Denmark v Sweden semi final anyone?
If Germany keep it at 0-0 into the 2nd half England will fill the togs. If the bottlers get past Germany, the Netherlands should take them out hopefully. If not Belgium or France will have too much for them in the final.
That was tight but probably the correct decision.
Think in the main the whole VAR process throughout the tournament has been a lot better than the shit show they use in the premiership.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 26, 2021, 09:24:54 PM
If Germany keep it at 0-0 into the 2nd half England will fill the togs. If the bottlers get past Germany, the Netherlands should take them out hopefully. If not Belgium or France will have too much for them.
I wouldn't trust the Netherlands to take out England. They're not great. As for Belgium or France, they wouldn't meet England until the final. You don't want them anywhere near the final!
Italy will be lucky if this isn't a penalty. Bailed out by another offside
Quote from: BennyCake on June 26, 2021, 09:28:33 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on June 26, 2021, 09:24:54 PM
If Germany keep it at 0-0 into the 2nd half England will fill the togs. If the bottlers get past Germany, the Netherlands should take them out hopefully. If not Belgium or France will have too much for them.
I wouldn't trust the Netherlands to take out England. They're not great. As for Belgium or France, they wouldn't meet England until the final. You don't want them anywhere near the final!
Agreed but both those teams would beat them if they fluke it to the final courtesy of the handy side of the draw
Italy look like they are going out imho. They look tired and a bit demoralised.
Captpatentators curse there 😃
Not sure how Austria expect to progress playing Midge Ure as a striker!
Federico Chiesa's father was a very good player also, Enrico, was part of the strong Parma team that won the Ueffa Cup with Thuram, Buffon, Veron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CwV2zvML3w
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 27, 2021, 10:22:09 AM
Federico Chiesa's father was a very good player also, Enrico, was part of the strong Parma team that won the Ueffa Cup with Thuram, Buffon, Veron https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CwV2zvML3w
Aye, I knew I'd heard the name Chiesa before.
10 man Dutch in bother here.
Quote from: weareros on June 27, 2021, 06:33:29 PM
10 man Dutch in bother here.
End of the road for them.
The Czech Republic were last in the final in 1996, could they repeat that performance? The path to the final for the form team in the tournament Denmark just got easier.
That Sweden Denmark semi final looking a cert now.
Really good game between Belgium and Portugal. End to end. Quality finish by Thorgan Hazard the difference
That is Belguim through to the quarter finals but they lost both Hazard and De Bruyne to injury tonight, they need those players back.
Portugal unlucky hitting the post and borderline the better team.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 27, 2021, 09:59:48 PM
Portugal unlucky hitting the post and borderline the better team.
And the goal came from Belgiums only shot on target. Italy v Belgium a hard quarter final to call.
I have a suspicion the Swiss will knock out France.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 27, 2021, 09:56:54 PM
Really good game between Belgium and Portugal. End to end. Quality finish by Thorgan Hazard the difference
The last 20 minutes was exciting
The rest was dogshit apart from a fine Belgian goal
I've no sympathy at all for Portugal, they played for penalties from the start, they had the devil's luck in 2016 and can hardly complain now that they didn't get the rub of the green
It was a cowardly approach
The tournament is better off with them out of it, had they got through they would have played for a 0-0 against Italy too
Thought the keeper was poor for the goal
Think theres still a soft centre with Belgium for all their talent. The gritty Italians be rubbing their hands.
The Portugese are hard boys to like even leaving aside the couple of slaps i got from a hotel porter back in the day before being booted from the hotel and sleeping the nite in a field with a north derry comrade before being woke by a donkey. But i digress....
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 27, 2021, 10:45:41 PM
Think theres still a soft centre with Belgium for all their talent. The gritty Italians be rubbing their hands.
The Portugese are hard boys to like even leaving aside the couple of slaps i got from a hotel porter back in the day before being booted from the hotel and sleeping the nite in a field with a north derry comrade before being woke by a donkey. But i digress....
Yes I'm not at all convinced by the Belgians, I think Italy will beat them. If De Bruyne is out injured their chances will lessen even more.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 27, 2021, 11:02:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 27, 2021, 10:45:41 PM
Think theres still a soft centre with Belgium for all their talent. The gritty Italians be rubbing their hands.
The Portugese are hard boys to like even leaving aside the couple of slaps i got from a hotel porter back in the day before being booted from the hotel and sleeping the nite in a field with a north derry comrade before being woke by a donkey. But i digress....
Yes I'm not at all convinced by the Belgians, I think Italy will beat them. If De Bruyne is out injured their chances will lessen even more.
Very brittle in the tackle, indeed
Quote from: yellowcard on June 27, 2021, 11:02:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 27, 2021, 10:45:41 PM
Think theres still a soft centre with Belgium for all their talent. The gritty Italians be rubbing their hands.
The Portugese are hard boys to like even leaving aside the couple of slaps i got from a hotel porter back in the day before being booted from the hotel and sleeping the nite in a field with a north derry comrade before being woke by a donkey. But i digress....
Yes I'm not at all convinced by the Belgians, I think Italy will beat them. If De Bruyne is out injured their chances will lessen even more.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard (captain), Thorgan Hazard; Romelu Lukaku
It's the same core group.of players as in 2014
They are probably past their peak..
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/06/belgium-world-cup-squad-2014
Quote from: seafoid on June 28, 2021, 04:12:32 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 27, 2021, 11:02:29 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 27, 2021, 10:45:41 PM
Think theres still a soft centre with Belgium for all their talent. The gritty Italians be rubbing their hands.
The Portugese are hard boys to like even leaving aside the couple of slaps i got from a hotel porter back in the day before being booted from the hotel and sleeping the nite in a field with a north derry comrade before being woke by a donkey. But i digress....
Yes I'm not at all convinced by the Belgians, I think Italy will beat them. If De Bruyne is out injured their chances will lessen even more.
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard (captain), Thorgan Hazard; Romelu Lukaku
It's the same core group.of players as in 2014
They are probably past their peak..
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/06/belgium-world-cup-squad-2014
If Eden Hazard is your captain something ain't right.
The defence could definitely be described as aging.
And if Hazards done the hammy then thats another blow.
For those reasons its a No from me 😎😃
Italy to beat Belgium even though they weren't good against Austria(didn't see it but from what I read).
Spanish goalie has had better days!
I'm critical enough of some female commentators and analysts as sometimes I think they've only been put on as token gesture or box ticking exercise but I've been very impressed with Emma Hayes anytime I've heard her on ITV.
What a game
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 28, 2021, 06:51:50 PM
What a game
Great finish...extra time will hopefully be more of the same.
What is Enrique thinking not having Thiago in there though?
Germany and Spain are poor . Portugal and Belgium are in decline. In a 24 team tournament there iis enough crap without the decent teams not showing up.
Quote from: gawa316 on June 28, 2021, 06:58:01 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 28, 2021, 06:51:50 PM
What a game
Great finish...extra time will hopefully be more of the same.
What is Enrique thinking not having Thiago in there though?
Yeah being overrun without Tiago.
It's been a good tournament Seafoid. Enough crap games at club level
I agree.
It's not so much a finals, as a giant long f**king wait for most of the teams who just can't win it, to exit.
I've often wondered why they don't have a pre-finals whereby 16/24/48 teams battle it out for 8 places, and they run into the 8 top seeds at that stage.
I honestly don't know how anybody could be complaining about either the quality or the entertainment on show at this Euros as a whole
Sure you get the odd borefest - they generally involve Sweden - but as a whole the tournament has been enthralling
It will absolutely wipe the GAA for ratings come Saturday
Quote from: sid waddell on June 28, 2021, 07:59:45 PM
I honestly don't know how anybody could be complaining about either the quality or the entertainment on show at this Euros as a whole
Sure you get the odd borefest - they generally involve Sweden - but as a whole the tournament has been enthralling
It will absolutely wipe the GAA for ratings come Saturday
Thrilling like Louth v Offaly
Best Euros since maybe 2008. Its been a very good tournament.
This will be a onslaught, problem being gaps will appear for counterattack
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 28, 2021, 08:23:51 PM
This will be a onslaught, problem being gaps will appear for counterattack
Was about to type French in a spot of bother. Some excitement today.
That first Benzema goal was pure class.
What a goal
Some tournament from Paul
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 28, 2021, 09:34:37 PM
Some tournament from Paul
When he wants to be and is on top form there's no player in the world that can touch him. Just no consistency.
Some goal from pogba.
It appears he also knows sign language for "im a massive cockwomble" 😂😂
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 28, 2021, 09:36:12 PM
Some goal from pogba.
It appears he also knows sign language for "im a massive cockwomble" 😂😂
Different player when he has good players around him.
Benzemas goal was better though.
Unbelievable from Pogba. Contrast to that brickie who plays for Switzerland that just got subbed. ;D
Quote from: laoislad on June 28, 2021, 09:37:16 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 28, 2021, 09:36:12 PM
Some goal from pogba.
It appears he also knows sign language for "im a massive cockwomble" 😂😂
Different player when he has good players around him.
Benzemas goal was better though.
I'd agree. Pogbas goal was a belter, but you see loads of great hits like that. That touch from Benzema was something else.
Ya gotta laugh at the predictable posts ;D
Quote from: HiMucker on June 28, 2021, 09:39:13 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 28, 2021, 09:37:16 PM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 28, 2021, 09:36:12 PM
Some goal from pogba.
It appears he also knows sign language for "im a massive cockwomble" 😂😂
Different player when he has good players around him.
Benzemas goal was better though.
I'd agree. Pogbas goal was a belter, but you see loads of great hits like that. That touch from Benzema was something else.
Pure filth, goal of the tournament so far IMO. He totally meant it also. Brilliant skill.
Benzemas first was a bit like Bergkamp v Newcastle. Brilliant flick,
Pogba is a tournament player. Six good performances every 2 years. The rest of the time he's saving himself for the next tournament.
Lethal
Jaysus.
What entertainment. This is just brilliant.
Unreal. Coman nearly won it with a great volley at the death
Feck it that was great. Boring soccer huh....🤷♂️
When its good its good. 2 great games the day. I feel like Captain Obvious
Best days football since FA Cup semi final day 1990 8)
Sissoko wtf
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 28, 2021, 09:46:12 PM
Benzemas first was a bit like Bergkamp v Newcastle. Brilliant flick,
Not even close to being the same. The finish was great but the flick was just lucky IMO.
Where did the Swiss suddenly grow such balls
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 28, 2021, 10:10:28 PM
Where did the Swiss suddenly grow such balls
I love their Lindt Swiss balls
Big Pogbas been watchin TAA videos on youtube id say 😉😃
Quote from: lenny on June 28, 2021, 10:09:35 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 28, 2021, 09:46:12 PM
Benzemas first was a bit like Bergkamp v Newcastle. Brilliant flick,
Not even close to being the same. The finish was great but the flick was just lucky IMO.
I thought that first time but watching it again and he meant it.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 28, 2021, 10:26:13 PM
Big Pogbas been watchin TAA videos on youtube id say 😉😃
Wouldn't be his last seasons best clips
And people have the nerve to call this a boring sport.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 27, 2021, 10:15:05 PM
I have a suspicion the Swiss will knock out France.
Just saying.
Mbappe is a cod, Bill.
Swiss refused to roll over.
It might be boring a lot of the time, but that is the best game I have seen in years.
I have never heard of the Swiss winning anythng other than in the Winter sports and the showing jumping at the RDS.
The brickie marches on
French didn't exactly rally around Mbappe at the end...
They'll be going cuckoo in Switzerland tonight.
Didn't see the first half. The rest was brilliant. Two teams who tackled hard, passed well and tried their bollocks out
Mbappe wasn't his usual self tonight. It wasn't a surprise to see him miss that peno.
Quote from: gawa316 on June 28, 2021, 10:50:37 PM
The brickie marches on
;D under/over the bar always delivers
In fairness, I felt Mbappe was brickie-ing it as he walked up to take his penalty kick
Quote from: lenny on June 28, 2021, 10:09:35 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 28, 2021, 09:46:12 PM
Benzemas first was a bit like Bergkamp v Newcastle. Brilliant flick,
Not even close to being the same. The finish was great but the flick was just lucky IMO.
Bergkamp was lucky too then. They were both great flicks
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 28, 2021, 10:52:28 PM
Mbappe wasn't his usual self tonight. It wasn't a surprise to see him miss that peno.
No definitely looked to be lacking confidence all night. Looked a cert to miss the pen. Switzerland wanted that all night.
Swiss we're outstanding all night... what a great evenings entertainment hopefully the pricks go out tomorrow to make it a great start to the week!
Quote from: seafoid on June 28, 2021, 08:08:05 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on June 28, 2021, 07:59:45 PM
I honestly don't know how anybody could be complaining about either the quality or the entertainment on show at this Euros as a whole
Sure you get the odd borefest - they generally involve Sweden - but as a whole the tournament has been enthralling
It will absolutely wipe the GAA for ratings come Saturday
Thrilling like Louth v Offaly
You were saying?
France v Switzerland was quite simply the most thrilling major finals match I have ever seen
In 2018 France were a highly disciplined unit, in this tournament they were a mixture of Brazil 1982, Newcastle 1996, Brazil 2014 and the Harlem Globetrotters
They were simultaneously gloriously brilliant and a complete shambles
The Swiss reached an Alpine peak they could not have dreamed of
The match was a glorious madness, a sumptuous moveable feast, and anybody who wasn't thrilled by it is dead inside
It made the thrill a minute Spain v Croatia match seem like a bore
I'll be very surprised if either of this evenings games are half as exciting.
Mbappe has had a poor tournament throughout.
Nice to see the team of superstars consoling him after the miss :o
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 28, 2021, 10:10:28 PM
Where did the Swiss suddenly grow such balls
When they let in loads of Balkans fleeing the atrocities there.
Plenty of "ovic's" in their teamsheets and they're not afraid to get into a bit of a tackle.
Fair play to them, exposed a very soft centre to the French defence..
Mbappe is what he is. An ok luxury player in a piss poor league. Never does it on the big stage. He needs a move to a better league and a better team. He is nowhere near as good as people think he is and I think he is lucky to get a place in that France team.
The Swiss deserved their victory. Once Pogba started dancing they upped their game and were the better team for most of the match.
Quote from: trailer on June 29, 2021, 08:52:21 AM
Mbappe is what he is. An ok luxury player in a piss poor league. Never does it on the big stage. He needs a move to a better league and a better team. He is nowhere near as good as people think he is and I think he is lucky to get a place in that France team.
The Swiss deserved their victory. Once Pogba started dancing they upped their game and were the better team for most of the match.
Strange; as I recall, he had an excellent WC in 2018.
Mbappe is a great player
He does need to get away from PSG though, the whole atmosphere there always seems to be wrong
Although Wijnaldum and Donarumma are excellent signings for them, Wijnaldum is the type of player they've been crying out for
Yeah he's a cracking player - just didn't happen for him this tournament goalwise and probably dented his confidence. Likewise I'd like to see him at Real or Barca.
Mbottler. A fraud. A charlatan.
He showed wonderful promise but he hasn't pushed on. He's Neymar#2. Wants to be a big fish in small pond. He won't achieve anything by staying in France. His career is at a crossroads.
Quote from: trailer on June 29, 2021, 08:52:21 AM
Mbappe is what he is. An ok luxury player in a piss poor league. Never does it on the big stage. He needs a move to a better league and a better team. He is nowhere near as good as people think he is and I think he is lucky to get a place in that France team.
The Swiss deserved their victory. Once Pogba started dancing they upped their game and were the better team for most of the match.
Was glad to see the French go out just for that. Wonderful goal but no need for the "look at me" afterwards
Fantastic goal but its the 3 different celebrations that gets a bit tiresome
Quote from: TabClear on June 29, 2021, 10:21:06 AM
Quote from: trailer on June 29, 2021, 08:52:21 AM
Mbappe is what he is. An ok luxury player in a piss poor league. Never does it on the big stage. He needs a move to a better league and a better team. He is nowhere near as good as people think he is and I think he is lucky to get a place in that France team.
The Swiss deserved their victory. Once Pogba started dancing they upped their game and were the better team for most of the match.
Was glad to see the French go out just for that. Wonderful goal but no need for the "look at me" afterwards
It was the best and worst of Pogba in one night, sublime passing and wonderful goal followed by losing the ball with the game done and dusted and conceding a goal. France could still have gone on to win the tournament if he does his job properly for one minute more.
England will be licking their lips now, Portugal and France dusted.
Mbappe had a poor tournament yeah. He had plenty of chances to score goals in each match. People were talking him up as the next Messi/Ronaldo world star. Neither of those two would have failed to convert some of those chances IMO.
Fair play to the Swiss though. They usually enter these tournaments having cruised through qualifying but then do nothing on the big stage. They showed last night that they can keep the ball, can hurt teams and have plenty of fight. They were dangerous from crosses all evening. If Verane does join Utd he will have a difficult time against the likes of Chris Wood.
Leaked England team suggests Southgate is parking the bus with 5 across the back and 2 holding midfielders..
Borefest here we come.
Quote from: johnnycool on June 29, 2021, 10:57:09 AM
Leaked England team suggests Southgate is parking the bus with 5 across the back and 2 holding midfielders..
Borefest here we come.
It displays a lack of trust in his own team where the fear of losing takes over. Rice and Phillips are typically overhyped English midfielders but he certainly doesn't need 2 of them particularly if he is playing with 3 centre backs as rumoured. If the leaked line up takes the field then the potential for another 3-3 draw is very low. It looks like he is playing to keep it tight and hope for a set piece goal or a moment of individual magic from one of the front players.
Quote from: trailer on June 29, 2021, 10:14:10 AM
Mbottler. A fraud. A charlatan.
He showed wonderful promise but he hasn't pushed on. He's Neymar#2. Wants to be a big fish in small pond. He won't achieve anything by staying in France. His career is at a crossroads.
Complete over reaction to 4 matches at the end of almost 2 consecutive seasons without a break. I wouldn't jump overboard with judging players in this tournament and he most certainly doesn't have the ego of a Neymar. I think people put too much store in a few international matches played at a big tournament rather than the dozens of matches they play throughout the club season. In the modern era the champions league is for the large part a higher standard of football and should be a truer barometer of a players ability.
He is not a generational talent like Messi or Ronaldo (who is) but is a very good player who probably needs a career move to prove his capabilities and get to the next level.
I'd happily see him at Liverpool.
After watching Austria almost putting out Italy, I just had a feeling the Swiss could win that. France weren't exactly firing in the group, and I've never been convinced about Deschamps.
I'm no big fan of the yodellers but I like to see the underdog progress. And you have to say, Switzerland deserved that win. They were the better team.
Now, all we need is for Germany to dump out England, and then we'll have a very interesting tournament. And hopefully with a novel pairing in the final.
Would like to see the Danes win it after what they've been through. Or the Swedes or Czechs. Anyone but England, basically.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2021, 11:40:12 AM
After watching Austria almost putting out Italy, I just had a feeling the Swiss could win that. France weren't exactly firing in the group, and I've never been convinced about Deschamps.
I'm no big fan of the yodellers but I like to see the underdog progress. And you have to say, Switzerland deserved that win. They were the better team.
Now, all we need is for Germany to dump out England, and then we'll have a very interesting tournament. And hopefully with a novel pairing in the final.
Would like to see the Danes win it after what they've been through. Or the Swedes or Czechs. Anyone but England, basically.
C'mon Benny.
How good would it be to see them get to the final and then lose on penalties or to a VAR decision?
Quote from: Taylor on June 29, 2021, 12:04:27 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2021, 11:40:12 AM
After watching Austria almost putting out Italy, I just had a feeling the Swiss could win that. France weren't exactly firing in the group, and I've never been convinced about Deschamps.
I'm no big fan of the yodellers but I like to see the underdog progress. And you have to say, Switzerland deserved that win. They were the better team.
Now, all we need is for Germany to dump out England, and then we'll have a very interesting tournament. And hopefully with a novel pairing in the final.
Would like to see the Danes win it after what they've been through. Or the Swedes or Czechs. Anyone but England, basically.
C'mon Benny.
How good would it be to see them get to the final and then lose on penalties or to a VAR decision?
Feck that. You don't want them anywhere near the final. A one off game, anything could happen. A sending off, own goal, penalty. They could fluke it. Too risky, that is.
No, take no chances. Get them out early then we can all enjoy the rest of the tournament safe in the knowledge England fans and players are nowhere to be seen.
Mbappe hadn't a great tournament, but he was pretty unfortunate against Germany. Great goal chalked off because he slightly mistimed his run.
Swiss German paper NZZ say Petkovic kept faith in the senior players , in the offensive Strategy and Mentality which were often dissed
Der Sieg gegen Frankreich gibt vor allem dem Schweizer Coach Recht – für sein Vertrauen in Führungsspieler wie Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri und Haris Seferovic, in dieses Gerüst und diese Hierarchie, in diese offensive Strategie und in diese Mentalität, die oft angezweifelt worden ist.
French newspaper le Monde says you would have to ask Deschamps about his choices. 4 different tactical set ups.
Il faudra aussi interroger les choix de Didier Deschamps. Quatre matchs, quatre schémas tactiques, le sélectionneur a traversé cet Euro en papa la bricole.
Southgate has gone ultra defensive as per the leaked team earlier playing 8 defensive players with just 3 attacking/forward players. He's basically hoping for a set play or Sterling, Saka or Kane to win him the match with some individual brilliance. Mourinho-esque stuff. If he doesn't get this right the crowd will turn on him and his job will be on the line.
Or....keeping it v tight and hoping one of the boys unleashed from the bench does the trick.
Not the most attractive lineup on paper for sure.....
It's horrendous stuff from Southgate.
Taking a group of defenders / defensive midfielders who are used to playing alongside technically gifted players in neutral or attacking systems, and voiding them of the relief, conviction and direction that the better players give them, is borderline cruel.
He's trying to play defensive football with players who don't have the technique, concentration or patience for a siege.
It will end in tears.
He's a cautious manager. The English FA gave Southgate a new contract in the middle of the tournament. At least see how they perform in this tournament.
Tonight Kronos should be the difference in midfield for Germany
If the last few games have shown us anything it is that you will be rewarded if you go and have a go at actually winning the game.
This line up is laughable when you look at what he has on the bench.
Germans to win 1-0 with Southgate throwing on his attacking players in the last 20mins
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 29, 2021, 04:26:24 PM
He's a cautious manager. The English FA gave Southgate a new contract in the middle of the tournament. At least see how they perform in this tournament.
Tonight Kronos should be the difference in midfield for Germany
Looks like it's his time right enough...
i'll get my coat
Quote from: Taylor on June 29, 2021, 04:31:16 PM
If the last few games have shown us anything it is that you will be rewarded if you go and have a go at actually winning the game.
This line up is laughable when you look at what he has on the bench.
Germans to win 1-0 with Southgate throwing on his attacking players in the last 20mins
He's maybe banking on the Germans being dodgy at the back with the pace of Sterling and Sakho on the break, but he'd be a fool to give the Germans too much possession as they will pick England off alright.
Keeping a clean sheet is critical. Sounds obvious but teams that do well in these tournaments typically don't concede a lot of goals. That's what Southgate is at. Saka is there to run behind the high line of the Germans. It probably won't be a classic (0-0 borefest) but it will be enthralling.
🇩🇪💪🇩🇪
Southgate should have one of Mount or Grealish in, they are Englands best creative players. I would also start Foden. His best players are on the bench. Will this tactic backfire?
0-0 after 120 mind numbing minutes.
Like JFK and HerrLaois, Ich bin ein Berliner.
Some giving Germany a bit to much credit (hoping to eat my words)
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on June 29, 2021, 04:52:59 PM
0-0 after 120 mind numbing minutes.
Like JFK and HerrLaois, Ich bin ein Berliner.
After the goal fest contests yesterday it won't be a surprise if this England v Germany game is a bore fest.
Quote from: Keyser soze on June 29, 2021, 04:37:48 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 29, 2021, 04:26:24 PM
He's a cautious manager. The English FA gave Southgate a new contract in the middle of the tournament. At least see how they perform in this tournament.
Tonight Kronos should be the difference in midfield for Germany
Looks like it's his time right enough...
i'll get my coat
Aul autocorrect. Toni Kroos
England 3-0. Germans are shite
Werner just had a great chance for Germany but he needs half a dozen channces like that to score one.
Tom Wener is useless
Good save by Pickford there.
Sour game this. Stephen Kelly is brutal on co commentary on RTE.
Some snooze fest after yesterday and then having to listen to English supporters.
Sterling scores again. Is it coming home?
Ffs. 2 shit teams here
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 29, 2021, 06:33:09 PM
Sterling score again. Is it coming home?
No conceding any goals gives a team a great chance.
Fuppin' backstards.
Jaysus that Germany team is pure shite.
What a miss :o
Jesus, Muller.
England 4 clean sheet very impressive. Who have they the next day?
They think its all over? It is now. Kane up and running.
Two shitty teams. But not much quality left now so England have every chance to win the whole thing.
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 06:46:01 PM
Two shitty teams. But not much quality left now so England have every chance to win the whole thing.
This England team have been very average being held back by big nose but can see them grinding their way to the final
Quote from: macker15 on June 29, 2021, 06:41:43 PM
England 4 clean sheet very impressive. Who have they the next day?
Probably Sweden given Ukraine are not up to much.
It's up to you now Sweden.
All of the group of death teams out. England will never get a better chance to win the European championship than this.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 29, 2021, 06:53:32 PM
All of the group of death teams out. England will never get a better chance to win the European championship than this.
There's no top team left in it with France out - they have a great chance of winning it now.
(
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 29, 2021, 06:53:32 PM
All of the group of death teams out. England will never get a better chance to win the European championship than this.
:'(
Rice and Grealish both played for the Tans.
Quote from: galwayman on June 29, 2021, 06:55:48 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 29, 2021, 06:53:32 PM
All of the group of death teams out. England will never get a better chance to win the European championship than this.
There's no top team left in it with France out - they have a great chance of winning it now.
What defines top?
Half of the world rankings top 10 are in the final 8.
France proved they are not as good as 3 years ago.
England played really well. They were super organised and had the German's number all over the pitch. Sterling, Shaw, Rice, Maguire and Stones all had stormers. They are were they are on merit. For the first time in God knows how may years they seem to have a team rather than a collection of individuals. And the players are for the most part likeable, no matter about their fans.
The confidence they will get from this will be scary. They'll feel like Mario when he eats the star.
Jesus was listening to it on the radio for bits and bobs, took family out barbecue at park, was empty!
The shite the girl pundit was saying makes you never want England in a tournament ever again, never mind wining one
Must be hard for a proud football nation like Germany to get knocked out by Europe's eternal chokers
There's lots of pace in English team can recover quickly when they make a mistake or give away possession.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2021, 07:32:10 PM
Jesus was listening to it on the radio for bits and bobs, took family out barbecue at park, was empty!
The shite the girl pundit was saying makes you never want England in a tournament ever again, never mind wining one
They didn't mention something about it "coming home" by any chance. Let's all cam down they have plenty of opportunities to blow it yet.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on June 29, 2021, 07:43:34 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2021, 07:32:10 PM
Jesus was listening to it on the radio for bits and bobs, took family out barbecue at park, was empty!
The shite the girl pundit was saying makes you never want England in a tournament ever again, never mind wining one
They didn't mention something about it "coming home" by any chance. Let's all cam down they have plenty of opportunities to blow it yet.
Yes, and was there a guard of honour after the game? WTF absolute stains!
There was a definite hint of "It's coming home" in the stands. England will now have to play against the hype and it's only the quarters.
That Kane dive when Hummels made that clearance was embarrassing.
Worrying times. I only saw bits and pieces but England looked better. Muller missed a sitter though.
England were no better than Germany today but they got the all important first goal and went on from there. England should make the final but that is not certain. The Danes could upset them. When they get to the final there will be a quality in form opponent waiting for them.
Grealish made a big difference when he came on. Why Grealish and Mount were overlooked is a mystery. Grealish has to play in the next two games.
Awful awful lot of bitter men about. Anyone resentful about BBCs coverage isn't old enough to remember RTE in 1994 or 2002.
Quote from: trailer on June 29, 2021, 07:22:13 PM
England played really well. They were super organised and had the German's number all over the pitch. Sterling, Shaw, Rice, Maguire and Stones all had stormers. They are were they are on merit. For the first time in God knows how may years they seem to have a team rather than a collection of individuals. And the players are for the most part likeable, no matter about their fans.
I thought England lacked any creativity until Grealish came on. Everything was left with Sterling who just ran into traffic.
Anyway, England winning keeps it interesting.
2 poor teams in a poor tournament
What's the odds of Sweden hitting the woodwork again??
England are ticking along well. Far from flamboyant but they're well organised, tight enough at the back and half decent going forward. Many's a team before them have won the euros playing the same way.
The only thing good about this game is Alex Scott
The quality in the England v Germany game was mediocre. The first goal was going to be critical since England's game plan was predicated on keeping it compact and scoring from a counter, mistake or set piece. Tactics straight from the Mourinho playbook where they largely bypassed their midfield in the build up.
With the attacking talent they have they could have beaten Germany by playing a more constructive game but I don't think Southgate trusts his defence hence the reason for 2 sitting midfielders.
I expect them to get to the final now and the hype will be unbearable by that stage. Still wouldn't trust them to win the tournament but in a once off game at home everything is possible.
Your leg definitely isn't designed to go into the position that Ukraine boy's did :o
Danielson thinks he's still at the karate, judging by that challenge.
Mr Miyagi would be disappointed in him.
Red or not? Twitter seems to think not but Jesus your man's leg.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2021, 10:04:45 PM
Danielson thinks he's still at the karate, judging by that challenge.
Mr Miyagi would be disappointed in him.
:D Very good
Is there a sniper on the loose here
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 29, 2021, 10:09:17 PM
Red or not? Twitter seems to think not but Jesus your man's leg.
No red card for me. If you have to stop now and think how might by foot follow through after I get the ball they may as well make it non contact. Cleanly got the ball, he can't help the player charging in after it.
Its like Platoon out there.
Quote from: tyrone08 on June 29, 2021, 10:13:02 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 29, 2021, 10:09:17 PM
Red or not? Twitter seems to think not but Jesus your man's leg.
No red card for me. If you have to stop now and think how might by foot follow through after I get the ball they may as well make it non contact. Cleanly got the ball, he can't help the player charging in after it.
When I first saw it I was like no chance thats a red, and I am still thinking that. The slow-mo looks brutal though but the fella ran into his challenge
Yeah I think the same. Eye on ball and got it then followed through. The impact made the decision I think.
The Swede cleared the ball and the Ukranian ran into him. Not a red or yellow card in my opinion.
Surely that's a red card based on last one?
England will be loving all this extra time, injuries etc
Penos coming up, hopefully.
Definitely a sniper.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
Quote from: gawa316 on June 29, 2021, 10:17:28 PM
Quote from: tyrone08 on June 29, 2021, 10:13:02 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 29, 2021, 10:09:17 PM
Red or not? Twitter seems to think not but Jesus your man's leg.
No red card for me. If you have to stop now and think how might by foot follow through after I get the ball they may as well make it non contact. Cleanly got the ball, he can't help the player charging in after it.
When I first saw it I was like no chance thats a red, and I am still thinking that. The slow-mo looks brutal though but the fella ran into his challenge
Slow mo makes it worse but for me the 2 important questions are, did he get there first and did he cleanly get the ball. Its a yes for both.
Decent goal.
(Agreed on the above)
It's up to you now, Ukraine.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
Quote from: tyrone08 on June 29, 2021, 10:31:35 PM
Quote from: gawa316 on June 29, 2021, 10:17:28 PM
Quote from: tyrone08 on June 29, 2021, 10:13:02 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 29, 2021, 10:09:17 PM
Red or not? Twitter seems to think not but Jesus your man's leg.
No red card for me. If you have to stop now and think how might by foot follow through after I get the ball they may as well make it non contact. Cleanly got the ball, he can't help the player charging in after it.
When I first saw it I was like no chance thats a red, and I am still thinking that. The slow-mo looks brutal though but the fella ran into his challenge
Slow mo makes it worse but for me the 2 important questions are, did he get there first and did he cleanly get the ball. Its a yes for both.
He won the ball cleanly but he was at full stretch with his feet off the ground, studs up and there was contact, strong contact. Studs up + contact is a red card all day long. There is no mitigation for winning the ball cleanly beforehand.
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
Or if we won a corner these days
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 29, 2021, 10:22:59 PM
The Swede cleared the ball and the Ukranian ran into him. Not a red or yellow card in my opinion.
Never a Red, just an unfortunate accident
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 11:43:53 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
Its Germany, who they have a massive rivalry with. Its their first knockout win over them in 55 years.
Let them have it. Remember when we got a last minute draw against Germany in 2002 and every workplace and school stopped?
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 11:49:11 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 11:43:53 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
Its Germany, who they have a massive rivalry with. Its their first knockout win over them in 55 years.
Let them have it. Remember when we got a last minute draw against Germany in 2002 and every workplace and school stopped?
It's a one-way rivalry.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2021, 11:56:26 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 11:49:11 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 11:43:53 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
Its Germany, who they have a massive rivalry with. Its their first knockout win over them in 55 years.
Let them have it. Remember when we got a last minute draw against Germany in 2002 and every workplace and school stopped?
It's a one-way rivalry.
So is Liverpool and the Ev
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2021, 11:56:26 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 11:49:11 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 11:43:53 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
Its Germany, who they have a massive rivalry with. Its their first knockout win over them in 55 years.
Let them have it. Remember when we got a last minute draw against Germany in 2002 and every workplace and school stopped?
It's a one-way rivalry.
Germany has enemies on all fronts England is just another one with grievances, not that important.
National broadcaster reports national team's sports victory shocker.
Imagine if Ireland beat England to reach the QF of the Euros. Would RTE, the national broadcaster, not carry it as the main story?
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
The petty small mindedness just sticks of people not comfortable with their lot. James McClean-esque.
There's nothing xenophobic about wanting the England football team to lose.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2021, 09:15:38 AM
There's nothing xenophobic about wanting the England football team to lose.
Seeing as the UK (England) is currently ruled by a right-wing, deeply xenophobic 'junta', a bit of reciprocation is no harm.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2021, 09:15:38 AM
There's nothing xenophobic about wanting the England football team to lose.
I have no problem with people wanting England or any other team to lose or win for that matter.
But the finding of fault with fans getting excited at their team winning, fans singing there song, media covering the game, the victory, the reaction, the song, the celebration etc?? What's that all about if it's not small mindedness?
Quote from: mouview on June 30, 2021, 09:46:32 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2021, 09:15:38 AM
There's nothing xenophobic about wanting the England football team to lose.
Seeing as the UK (England) is currently ruled by a right-wing, deeply xenophobic 'junta', a bit of reciprocation is no harm.
The old "he started it" defence is infantile and cuts no ice when the allegation is small mindedness
I am of the opinion that you base your nationalism on a love of your country not a hatred of another.
A lot of people base it on a hatred of another here. I still think the coverage on the news was ott, but then we have Ireland v NZ friendlies in rugby making the news
People only think its over the top because of who it is.
I can assure you if Ireland beat Germany in a last 16 tie at the Euros this place would be mental.
And there is nothing wrong with that.
Its sport, its a release after the shit 18 months we have had.
Let them enjoy it but make sure we all have our Ukraine jerseys washed & ironed for Saturday
Who the f..k said we hated them. Some posters in here talking of xenophobia is BS just because of comments on a overhyped international football team.
https://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0
Ewan Mc Gregor sums it up best
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on June 30, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
Who the f..k said we hated them. Some posters in here talking of xenophobia is BS just because of comments on a overhyped international football team.
https://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0
Ewan Mc Gregor sums it up best
By here, I mean Ireland not the board.
Hate is a word I dont like myself and maybe a bit strong.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 30, 2021, 10:38:07 AM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on June 30, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
Who the f..k said we hated them. Some posters in here talking of xenophobia is BS just because of comments on a overhyped international football team.
https://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0
Ewan Mc Gregor sums it up best
By here, I mean Ireland not the board.
Hate is a word I dont like myself and maybe a bit strong.
You don't hate SF? ;)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2021, 11:04:12 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 30, 2021, 10:38:07 AM
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on June 30, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
Who the f..k said we hated them. Some posters in here talking of xenophobia is BS just because of comments on a overhyped international football team.
https://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0
Ewan Mc Gregor sums it up best
By here, I mean Ireland not the board.
Hate is a word I dont like myself and maybe a bit strong.
You don't hate SF? ;)
No I strongly dislike them ;D
When I was younger I always wanted England knocked out of these tournaments, but nowadays it genuinely doesn't bother me and I hope they go on and win it.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on June 30, 2021, 10:35:46 AM
Who the f..k said we hated them. Some posters in here talking of xenophobia is BS just because of comments on a overhyped international football team.
https://youtu.be/29-LRuuqFT0
Ewan Mc Gregor sums it up best
Do you not think the reaction here (the forum and Ireland) is very much based on anti-English sentiment? People are finding fault in perfectly normal behaviour. What is the explanation if it's not anti-English sentiment? There were 7 other knock out games. 7 other winners and 7 other reactions. Not a word about them
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Although the tournament is less interesting when they get knocked out, like most Irish fans I want them to lose. For historical and geographical reasons they will always be the team that you want to beat most, I think that is perfectly normal. No different to my local GAA club or county rivalry, the team that you want to lose most is your next door neighbour. What is sport without rivalry anyway. If that is small mindedness then I am 100% guilty.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 30, 2021, 10:19:39 AM
I am of the opinion that you base your nationalism on a love of your country not a hatred of another.
A lot of people base it on a hatred of another here. I still think the coverage on the news was ott, but then we have Ireland v NZ friendlies in rugby making the news
Any time a rugby match makes the news headlines (or sports headlines, for that matter) is absolutely mental.
Quote from: tintin25 on June 30, 2021, 11:26:36 AM
When I was younger I always wanted England knocked out of these tournaments, but nowadays it genuinely doesn't bother me and I hope they go on and win it.
I think I would be the same, only wanted it when I was younger because everyone around you was wanting it too. I remember them selling Tshirts with Southgate on them in Clones, July 1996. Can't mind the tag line but I'm sure it was something humorous.
I genuinely don't mind seeing them do well, I think they're suffered enough since 66.
I like the players(generally) and tbh feel for them with the flak they take. It just doesn't seem to be the same in other countries. I don't mind them doing well either tbh though winning it may make them a bit hard to listen to.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 11:43:53 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 29, 2021, 11:12:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 29, 2021, 10:54:06 PM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on June 29, 2021, 10:30:33 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
This is actually headlines on main bbc news
It is big news for them.
It's massive for them so fair play. We'd be doing the same if we won even game a a tournament. It's the clowns who reckoned they had won the tournament already we should be laughing at.
It's last 16, not headlines surely
It's Germany though, the old enemy for them. Just hope that result doesnt boost them on to win the whole thing ffs. Ukraine will be totally drained from last night and have probably played their final already.
I'd like to see the Ukraine doing well too, after those perfidious Russians have been beastly to them.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 11:36:02 AM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Although the tournament is less interesting when they get knocked out, like most Irish fans I want them to lose. For historical and geographical reasons they will always be the team that you want to beat most, I think that is perfectly normal. No different to my local GAA club or county rivalry, the team that you want to lose most is your next door neighbour. What is sport without rivalry anyway. If that is small mindedness then I am 100% guilty.
I have said previously I have no issue with you or anyone else wanting England or anyone else to win/lose. That is not what I am claiming is small minded. It is however small minded to decry fans of England for celebrating, singing the 3 lions song etc or the coverage the media gave to England winning their first ever meaningful euro championship knock out match without recourse to penalties. A victory like that, at home, against the side associated with so many previous failures (and the Southgate connection to all that). And there is the ridiculous pretence that other countries would have reacted differently. That very definitely is small minded.
Couple of GAAboard posters now wanting England to go on and win it or to "see them do well".
Jesus Christ the night, I've seen it all now.
Probably all stoopers as well
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 01:34:32 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 11:36:02 AM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Although the tournament is less interesting when they get knocked out, like most Irish fans I want them to lose. For historical and geographical reasons they will always be the team that you want to beat most, I think that is perfectly normal. No different to my local GAA club or county rivalry, the team that you want to lose most is your next door neighbour. What is sport without rivalry anyway. If that is small mindedness then I am 100% guilty.
I have said previously I have no issue with you or anyone else wanting England or anyone else. That is not what I am claiming is small minded. It is however small minded to decry fans of England for celebrating, singing the 3 lions song etc or the coverage the media gave to England winning their first ever meaningful euro championship knock out match without recourse to penalties. A victory like that, at home, against the side associated with so many previous failures (and the Southgate connection to all that). And there is the ridiculous pretence that other countries would have reacted differently. That very definitely is small minded.
Well I don't really have any problems with any of that stuff, its par for the course and we'd be just as bad if Ireland had a bit of success. And the Three Lions is actually a good tune! Traditionally I would have had a problem with the right wing Rule Britannia type mostly associated with supporting the England national football team but that does seem to have subsided slightly in recent years although I suspect it is still bubbling there somewhere. Southgate seems like a decent bloke and the current batch of players seem for the large part decent lads as well. I'd gladly take a glorious failure in the final for them!
Englands win last night deserves to get the reaction its getting in the country. Look at the Irish reaction when they draw a game in a tournament, never mind win a knock-out tie. Add to that the reaction when they beat New Zealand in a rugby friendly, the reaction to the Irish fans trying to be universally liked in the last Euro's etc.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 01:51:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 01:34:32 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 11:36:02 AM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Although the tournament is less interesting when they get knocked out, like most Irish fans I want them to lose. For historical and geographical reasons they will always be the team that you want to beat most, I think that is perfectly normal. No different to my local GAA club or county rivalry, the team that you want to lose most is your next door neighbour. What is sport without rivalry anyway. If that is small mindedness then I am 100% guilty.
I have said previously I have no issue with you or anyone else wanting England or anyone else. That is not what I am claiming is small minded. It is however small minded to decry fans of England for celebrating, singing the 3 lions song etc or the coverage the media gave to England winning their first ever meaningful euro championship knock out match without recourse to penalties. A victory like that, at home, against the side associated with so many previous failures (and the Southgate connection to all that). And there is the ridiculous pretence that other countries would have reacted differently. That very definitely is small minded.
Well I don't really have any problems with any of that stuff, its par for the course and we'd be just as bad if Ireland had a bit of success. And the Three Lions is actually a good tune! Traditionally I would have had a problem with the right wing Rule Britannia type mostly associated with supporting the England national football team but that does seem to have subsided slightly in recent years although I suspect it is still bubbling there somewhere. Southgate seems like a decent bloke and the current batch of players seem for the large part decent lads as well. I'd gladly take a glorious failure in the final for them!
100% agree with that.
The Rule Britannia brigrade might never completely go away but the more they are drowned out the better
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on June 30, 2021, 01:42:45 PM
Couple of GAAboard posters now wanting England to go on and win it or to "see them do well".
Jesus Christ the night, I've seen it all now.
Probably all stoopers as well
Look fair play to them that's a serious result last night and if I was English I'd be celebrating it like mad as well. But jesus I could never wish them the best and hope Ukraine bate the off the field at the weekend.
We should all be cheering for England, after all, they do have a few Irish lads playing for them.
west brits out in force today i see,
not surprising from the nordies but the rest ::)
just get the tans beat and be done all with this fawning ;)
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 30, 2021, 01:57:40 PM
Englands win last night deserves to get the reaction its getting in the country. Look at the Irish reaction when they draw a game in a tournament, never mind win a knock-out tie. Add to that the reaction when they beat New Zealand in a rugby friendly, the reaction to the Irish fans trying to be universally liked in the last Euro's etc.
Christ that was genuinely nauseating stuff.
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on June 30, 2021, 03:26:37 PM
west brits out in force today i see,
not surprising from the nordies but the rest ::)
just get the tans beat and be done all with this fawning ;)
You're dead right. I have told all my staff if England win the Euros they can have the Monday off.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 01:51:12 PM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 01:34:32 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 30, 2021, 11:36:02 AM
Quote from: smelmoth on June 30, 2021, 08:47:51 AM
Last couple of pages don't make for pretty reading. Is it xenophobia or a more general petty small mindedness that is the dominant characteristic of some of these posters?
Although the tournament is less interesting when they get knocked out, like most Irish fans I want them to lose. For historical and geographical reasons they will always be the team that you want to beat most, I think that is perfectly normal. No different to my local GAA club or county rivalry, the team that you want to lose most is your next door neighbour. What is sport without rivalry anyway. If that is small mindedness then I am 100% guilty.
I have said previously I have no issue with you or anyone else wanting England or anyone else. That is not what I am claiming is small minded. It is however small minded to decry fans of England for celebrating, singing the 3 lions song etc or the coverage the media gave to England winning their first ever meaningful euro championship knock out match without recourse to penalties. A victory like that, at home, against the side associated with so many previous failures (and the Southgate connection to all that). And there is the ridiculous pretence that other countries would have reacted differently. That very definitely is small minded.
Well I don't really have any problems with any of that stuff, its par for the course and we'd be just as bad if Ireland had a bit of success. And the Three Lions is actually a good tune! Traditionally I would have had a problem with the right wing Rule Britannia type mostly associated with supporting the England national football team but that does seem to have subsided slightly in recent years although I suspect it is still bubbling there somewhere. Southgate seems like a decent bloke and the current batch of players seem for the large part decent lads as well. I'd gladly take a glorious failure in the final for them!
I'd rather take a glorious failure in the quarter finals!
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on June 30, 2021, 01:42:45 PM
Couple of GAAboard posters now wanting England to go on and win it or to "see them do well".
Jesus Christ the night, I've seen it all now.
Probably all stoopers as well
Swing and a miss. Shinner here, even canvassed for them in 2017. Just don't think you should begrudge Sterling, Pickford, Kane etc because of the troubles. All these lads were born in the 90s and wouldn't have the faintest connection to them.
Besides, the England team are the only one left with a former GAA player in their ranks.
England's joyous reaction to beating Germany needs to be understood in terms of the context. Compared to the other large European countries, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, their record in tournament football is awful. Truly mediocre given their resources, compared to a Holland or Portugal. Apart from 66, 90 and 96 they've been nowhere near competitive. Many humiliating defeats and flat performances. This is only something like the second time they've managed to win a knockout game at the euros, ever! Plus, they've managed to finally get one over the Germans. They finally managed to get a slice of luck against them. So it's fairly understandable that their supporters are milking it. They have a decent chance of getting to the final now. Whether they will win it, that's another thing. Worse teams have though.
England's only other Euro knockout win was on penalties v Spain in 96.
I'm hoping the hype around them now will lead to complacency on Saturday, and Ukraine will dump them out on their arses. I doubt it though. The only hope is the Danes will end up having the tournament of their lives, and take them out in the semis.
Quote from: RedHand88 on June 30, 2021, 04:53:43 PM
Quote from: GiveItToTheShooters on June 30, 2021, 01:42:45 PM
Couple of GAAboard posters now wanting England to go on and win it or to "see them do well".
Jesus Christ the night, I've seen it all now.
Probably all stoopers as well
Swing and a miss. Shinner here, even canvassed for them in 2017. Just don't think you should begrudge Sterling, Pickford, Kane etc because of the troubles. All these lads were born in the 90s and wouldn't have the faintest connection to them.
Besides, the England team are the only one left with a former GAA player in their ranks.
Ok Colum.
You probably stand for GSTQ too.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on July 01, 2021, 12:51:04 AM
I'm reminded of many moons ago, back when the 2002 World Cup was on. I was sitting in a car listening to a phone in on FM104 one evening a few days or so after England beat Argentina in a group game - the caller on the line was talking about how much he hated England, hoping that they'd get hammered etc. with the best bit of him saying that if England win it he'd not be held responsible for beating up some English boys that lived in his street.
A couple of minutes later the presenter asked him if he supported a club - the caller said "Man United & Celtic".
Probably Definitely a Shinner
Brexit has given the England football team the confidence to be better than when they were under the subjugation of the Germans and French in the EU...
If only those players would stop taking the knee the Gammons would be having wet dreams
It's lovely to see Ukraine do well - a proper football nation - unlike the useless Russians
But the Marxist knee takers of England have my support on Saturday
In fairness, England losing to the Ukraine with no controversy would be ideal. The press and certain section of the fans revel in anything that isn't a clear cut loss as a consequence of their own failures...example, they constantly whine about penalties, gazza crying and Euro 96.
Do you ever hear of the the time Iceland pumped them at the last euros?
Daniel Taylor @ The Athletic
Parents arguing, Benzema tensions and a hotel that wasn't fancy enough – the extraordinary story of France's Euro 2020 exit
It was their final meal together. Didier Deschamps had to find the right words to address a group of players whose tournament had ended in despair and acrimony. The manager of France rose to his feet and told the players that he would be the public face of this failure, that he would take the blame for everybody and that he wanted to thank them for all they had done.
We know now that Deschamps intends to remain as manager despite all the stories linking Zinedine Zidane to the role since France were eliminated from Euro 2020. But that would not have come as a surprise to Deschamps' players because he had already told them, over lunch at the Athenee Palace Hilton in Bucharest, that he had no intention of walking away.
He told them to remember the disappointment and make sure they put it right next time. He would see them in September, he said, to start again ahead of the World Cup. "Respect each other, always."
It sounded like good advice at a time when stories were already beginning to circulate of an extraordinary scene in the moments directly after France's defeat by Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
Television footage had caught Adrien Rabiot's mother, Veronique, exchanging words with Kylian Mbappe's father, Wilfried, about the penalty that had sealed France's exit. She was doing most of the talking and it did not look too friendly.
Reports in France say she accused Mbappe of arrogance and said, in the bluntest terms, that his failure from 12 yards should bring him down a peg or two.
"It is embarrassing how he struck that, for a player of his level. He hit it too lightly. I hope you are going to scold him."
Other witnesses reported that Veronique had already clashed with members of Paul Pogba's family and informed them the Manchester United player was culpable for Switzerland's late goal that drew the sides level at 3-3.
Veronique Rabiot, mother of Juventus' French midfielder Adrien (Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
There have been other stories about divisions within the dressing room, friction between players and a lack of togetherness that can be demonstrated, perhaps, by the fact Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet were allowed to fly off on holidays rather than travelling back with the rest of the squad, as is the norm.
These always tend to be the moments when the finger-pointing starts and the players try to find excuses, but the players of France always seem to find a way to take it to the next level.
One of their issues from Euro 2020 was that they did not feel settled at their Marriott hotel in Budapest and, barring one evening on the rooftop bar, did not have enough opportunities to relax together. Apparently, some of the players were unhappy about their city-centre location and wanted more luxurious facilities. One complaint was that the bedroom windows did not fully open.
The squad were initially meant to move to Gardony, 40 miles south, after their group game against Hungary and take up residence in a hotel on the shores of Lake Velence. Instead, they remained in Budapest to play their final group game against Portugal. According to a near-forensic post-mortem in the French sports daily L'Equipe, Pogba had made it clear to Deschamps that the players "hated" the accommodation and wanted to leave as soon as possible.
That in itself is typical of what can happen when a group of elite footballers who are used to a certain kind of luxury do not have everything exactly as they wish. And France are certainly not the only football nation that leave themselves open sometimes to accusations of being prima donnas.
When England stayed at the £500-a-night Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly for Euro 2016, one member of Roy Hodgson's staff complained that — no kidding — the pillows were too plump. New pillows were found. Then the same member of staff turned up at reception to say he had another issue. This time, it was because the air conditioning was too fierce for his liking.
With France, however, the recriminations after a bad tournament always go that bit further and, in this case, involve some remarkable scenes in the part of the stadium where the players' families and friends had tickets.
"Rabiot's mother is known to be very sensitive and very close to her son and she didn't appreciate what Pogba's friends were saying about one of Adrien's touches," says one well-placed source with inside knowledge of the French camp. "So she blamed Pogba for the loss of the ball in midfield (leading to Switzerland's third goal). Then she went to Mbappe's father, 'You better take care of your son because he has a big head and too much protection from the press and I think he's arrogant'. So it's a mess and she is well known for that at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus."
If you know the recent history of the France team, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Rabiot has been brought into it.
This was the player, after all, who reacted to being left out of Deschamps' squad for the 2018 World Cup by refusing to go on an 11-man standby list and sending an email to the French football federation to criticise the manager's selection process.
Rabiot, who had six caps at the time, had been omitted in favour of Steven N'Zonzi, the former Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers player, and made his feelings clear with a post on Instagram: "Since my first call-up, I've played 88 matches for PSG, a big European club, including 13 in the Champions League. I've scored nine goals and won seven trophies... there is no sporting logic behind the coach's choice."
Deschamps called it an "enormous error" and punished the player, now of Juventus, by leaving him out for two years. The matter was discussed as high as the France president, Emmanuel Macron. And if you have always found it strange that Deschamps was so reluctant to select Aymeric Laporte, it is worth noting that the Manchester City centre-half, who has now switched allegiances to play for Spain, publicly backed Rabiot with an emoji applauding his former France Under-21 team-mate.
"For a professional footballer, playing in a World Cup is the pinnacle," Matt Spiro, the Paris-based author, wrote in Sacre Bleu, his book about the evolution of the France national team. "That Rabiot had sabotaged even a slender chance of fulfilling that ambition incensed Deschamps. It was impossible for him to comprehend."
Adrien Rabiot, Olivier Giroud, Presenel Kimpembe, France
Rabiot, Giroud and Kimpembe look distraught after being knocked out by Switzerland on penalties (Photo: Mihai Barbu – Pool/Getty Images)
It is also fair to say that Madame Rabiot has a reputation in French football for being difficult, to say the least, and that the media in her country have caricatured her — unfairly, you might believe — as a result. One cartoon in L'Equipe, published just before the World Cup, shows her and her son on the beach, discussing France's 2-0 win in a pre-tournament friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
Veronique's speech bubble says, "If you had played against Ireland, you'd have caught a really bad cold."
For a large part of Rabiot's career, she has acted as his agent. Rabiot reportedly ended that arrangement after a move to Barcelona fell through in 2019 and there have been numerous stories of her taking on the football establishment.
At one point, she wrote to Deschamps to complain that her son was not being picked enough. Or there was the time when PSG would not let her accompany her son on a trip to Qatar midway through his first season. Outraged, Veronique took up a position outside Carlo Ancelotti's office, waiting for the coach to arrive so she could let him know exactly what she thought of it.
One report of the confrontation on Monday night suggested that it may have started after members of Pogba's entourage reacted so aggressively to a mistake from Rabiot, the stewards inside Bucharest's National Arena had to tell them to calm down.
The dispute involving Veronique is said to have lasted, on and off, for 20 minutes, including a "heated exchange" with Mbappe's mother, Fayza Lamari. The families of the other French players were reportedly "shocked" by Veronique's conduct and particularly the timing of it, having just watched the team crash out of the tournament.
But it is also worth knowing the background here and one of the reasons, perhaps, why she is so protective of her son and takes such a prominent role in his career, representing him in all his contract negotiations and regularly speaking on his behalf in the media. She, indeed, negotiated his first professional contract when he was a teenager, sitting face-to-face with PSG sporting director Leonardo.
In 2007, when Rabiot was a 12-year-old in the youth system at US Creteil, his father, Michel, suffered a stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome, a condition that meant he was completely paralysed. Michel, a PSG supporter who used to run his son to youth-team matches, was left in a wheelchair and could communicate only by moving his eyelids. He died in January 2019.
"What you have to understand here is her background," says one person with close knowledge of the family. "She singlehandedly raised three boys with a handicapped husband, and I mean seriously handicapped. Her husband was in hospital most of Adrien's life. He was very poorly. He had his brain but could not talk. He was in a cocoon. This woman suffered a lot.
"She stands her ground. She goes overboard but she raised her boys and took her son everywhere for football, no matter if it was minus five degrees and snow. And she is an honest woman. She gives money to church. She was (from a) very poor upbringing. She is really hard-nosed. She is not a prima donna. She gives back to people who helped her before. Is she too loud? Yes. But she has a lot of baggage. The context is everything. She is not a bad person. And she will always defend her son to death."
For her part, Madame Rabiot told confidantes on Wednesday that she felt she had been unfairly treated and stitched up by the French media.
In France, they have noted how Rabiot, who had a brief spell in Manchester City's youth system, seemed to be exchanging angry words with Pogba during the match, among a number of disagreements between players on the same side. Benjamin Pavard was also said to have an issue with Pogba's positioning and could be seen berating his team-mate. Pogba, who had played exquisitely for the most part, took exception and bit back.
That can happen, of course, and ordinarily it would be difficult to know how much to read into it. England's defeat of Germany, featuring some heated words between Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford, was just one example. It is a team sport, and some of the most successful teams feature players who regularly lose their tempers with each other.
But there was also that revealing scene just before the penalty shootout when Switzerland's players and staff gathered in a huddle, taking their words of motivation from a fist-pumping Granit Xhaka, while the reigning world champions were drifting around in groups of twos and threes. Pogba had his arm draped around Deschamps' shoulder but, overall, there was not the closeness of their opponents.
"The balance, in football, is very difficult," the president of one leading French club tells The Athletic. "People cannot understand that this is not only 11 players and one coach. There are thousands of things that have to be under control. It is very fragile and there are two big diseases in a dressing room: ego and jealousy."
The decision to recall Karim Benzema for this tournament was always going to be key and, on the face of it, his two goals against Portugal and Switzerland would suggest that it was absolutely the right thing to do.
Yet it was never going to be straightforward bearing in mind Benzema had been excluded since November 2015 because of the court case that is being brought against him for allegedly blackmailing his former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape. The nature of that charge meant there were always going to be issues, even with Valbuena no longer on the scene.
More than that, there was the fact Benzema had a strained relationship with Olivier Giroud, including his now-infamous observation that their rivalry was like comparing a Formula 1 car with a go-kart.
A week before the tournament began, Giroud tried to make light of it, joking that he would challenge Benzema to a karting race if they won the tournament. The two players were strategically placed on the same table during team meals. For Deschamps, team solidarity has been a near-obsession since replacing Laurent Blanc in 2012, two years after Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the World Cup and Raymond Domenech had to withstand a mutiny from his own players. It matters to Deschamps greatly, and it will pain him if that has been lost.
Deschamps recalled Benzema for Euro 2020 (Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Various observers have told The Athletic they believe Benzema's return to the squad had a number of consequences. How, they ask, must Giroud have felt, as the second-highest scorer in France's history, to be displaced almost overnight by a player who had openly derided him?
Patrick Vieira, the former France captain, was particularly scathing — "there wasn't any kind of togetherness, there wasn't any kind of spirit" — in the wake of the Switzerland defeat.
The issue with Mbappe, who chose a bad month to lose his form, seems less troubling when the player is only 22 and has shown many times that he warrants his superstar status.
Mbappe seemed to wilt under the pressure but the reaction in France has not been too harsh and it was not true, however it might have looked on television, that none of his team-mates sympathised with him after his penalty was saved.
What the television pictures did not show was Pogba going over to comfort his team-mate. Lucas Digne, who missed the game through injury, offered his own support. Marcus Thuram and Moussa Sissoko were among the other players who went to console a striker who had finished the tournament with no goals from four games.
"He (Mbappe) is a fantastic boy," says one of the people who has worked with him. "His parents are very close to him. The father is fantastic; a good person and a good kid. Kylian has a lot of pressure for someone his age. He feels he is carrying a country at times. In 2018, he had innocence, now it is expectation. Those guys at the very top have such pressure. Ronaldo and Messi had tournaments like this."
Mbappe will now go on holiday and then return to Paris, where coach Mauricio Pochettino wishes to shelter and protect him from outside criticism. One source close to the club pointed to David Beckham's excellent treble-winning season for Manchester United in 1999 after his red card at the 1998 World Cup, which made him a national scapegoat.
The microscope, however, will only intensify on Mbappe, who has a year to run on his contract and Real Madrid will make an attempt to sign him. PSG, however, are continuing talks over a renegotiation and remain confident of securing a deal viewed by the club's Qatari owners as a priority as they seek to maintain prestige ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Mbappe will return to a strengthened PSG side, with new signing Georginio Wijnaldum to be joined this week by Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan in a deal worth more than £50 million, while talks continue over a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Athletic can also confirm PSG have spoken in the last 10 days to representatives of Sergio Ramos, who wants a two-year contract and also has interest from the Premier League.
In France, the debate has centred more on the squad as a whole and, specifically, whether some of their least attractive traits have resurfaced.
One long-time follower of the national team describes it as a "vicious group". Deschamps had previously dropped Samir Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa after taking the view they were not suited to play "squad football". Now questions are being asked about whether there might have to be some more tough decisions.
"It is only a few weeks until the World Cup qualification starts and we need to unite," says Didier Six, the former France international. "We must remember to say we do not win or lose but that we win or we learn. We need to leave this behind us now and come together. We need to close this stuff about families and friends because what happens in the France team now is we are looking for good friends to support each other. You need good friends with you. The people outside the football are not important. The trainer and the players are the important people. We must never forget this."
As for Deschamps, this is the first time his position has looked vulnerable in any way. Managers, like players, can lose form but let's not forget either that his record of achievement makes him a hard man to sack.
"Football is magic, and this magic can be positive or negative," Six, who manages the Guinea national team, adds. "For France, the magic is now negative. But we cannot speak too much against Deschamps because this is a man who won the World Cup as a player and a coach for France. The people should be with him. I am also a coach and I cannot accept that we put down Deschamps as a coach."
Deschamps still faces a meeting with Noel Le Graet, president of the French football federation, next week to offer his assessment about what went wrong and what needs to be done to put it right. France's medical staff are also under scrutiny because of the number of players who struggled with injuries during the tournament. Lenglet, The Athletic has discovered, played against Switzerland despite nursing an injury. Rabiot also had to play through the pain barrier and, having lost Digne and Lucas Hernandez in a damaging eight-minute spell against Portugal, the absence of a left-back was one of the reasons why Deschamps experimented with a wing-back system.
Rabiot was operating on the left and, according to reliable accounts, Pogba had spoken to Deschamps in the build-up to the game to let the manager know that this formation would be welcomed by the players. It did not work. Deschamps gave up on the idea at half-time and later had to endure the awkwardness of trying to replace one of his substitutes, Kingsley Coman, only for the player to refuse to go off.
Coman, who had damaged his thigh, did eventually acknowledge he could not continue, but only after two occasions when Thuram had taken off his bib to replace him.
High in the stands, Veronique Rabiot was wearing a France shirt bearing her son's name and No 14. Her sunglasses were on top of her head, her handbag across her shoulder. Mbappe's family were sitting directly in front of her. She was on her feet and you didn't need to be a lip-reader to realise that she was getting a few things off her chest. And an old quote comes to mind from Marcel Desailly after France had returned from the 2002 World Cup in a similar state of disrepair.
"There are a few little things we have to change," the former France captain said. "It's clear the machine has jammed."
Quote from: thebigfella on July 01, 2021, 10:18:46 AM
In fairness, England losing to the Ukraine with no controversy would be ideal. The press and certain section of the fans revel in anything that isn't a clear cut loss as a consequence of their own failures...example, they constantly whine about penalties, gazza crying and Euro 96.
Do you ever hear of the the time Iceland pumped them at the last euros?
Sure the Irish fans and media are the biggers whingers of all
They whinge about the GAA, the IRFU, the venue for the play-off against Spain in 1965, the ref against Belgium in 1981, the pitch in Gelsenkirchen in 1988, the style of play under Jack, about how we would have win Euro '92 had we qualified, the weather in Orlando, the Harry Ramsdens Challenge, the Turks and their TV rights in 1999, the pitch being like a car park in Saipan (we would have won the World Cup if Roy Keane had played, you know), the handball, oh the handball, and now no manager can ever be good enough, they're all holding us back from our rightful place at the top of the football world
Mammy Rabiot sounds like great craic ;D
Quote from: sid waddell on July 01, 2021, 11:28:45 AM
Quote from: thebigfella on July 01, 2021, 10:18:46 AM
In fairness, England losing to the Ukraine with no controversy would be ideal. The press and certain section of the fans revel in anything that isn't a clear cut loss as a consequence of their own failures...example, they constantly whine about penalties, gazza crying and Euro 96.
Do you ever hear of the the time Iceland pumped them at the last euros?
Sure the Irish fans and media are the biggers whingers of all
They whinge about the GAA, the IRFU, the venue for the play-off against Spain in 1965, the ref against Belgium in 1981, the pitch in Gelsenkirchen in 1988, the style of play under Jack, about how we would have win Euro '92 had we qualified, the weather in Orlando, the Harry Ramsdens Challenge, the Turks and their TV rights in 1999, the pitch being like a car park in Saipan (we would have won the World Cup if Roy Keane had played, you know), the handball, oh the handball, and now no manager can ever be good enough, they're all holding us back from our rightful place at the top of the football world
What's the relevance? I didn't say England had a monopoly on whinging.
Quote from: Boycey on July 01, 2021, 11:39:29 AM
Mammy Rabiot sounds like great craic ;D
Sounds like something you'd be dealing with at U8s ffs. Professional athletes shouldn't have their ma stuck in rows over them playing or not.
Quote from: bigarsedkeeper on July 01, 2021, 12:35:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 01, 2021, 11:39:29 AM
Mammy Rabiot sounds like great craic ;D
Sounds like something you'd be dealing with at U8s ffs. Professional athletes shouldn't have their ma stuck in rows over them playing or not.
a quiet "would you ever go and fúck off?" in her ear might do the trick.
That story couldn't be any more French.
Quote from: johnnycool on July 01, 2021, 01:20:42 PM
Quote from: bigarsedkeeper on July 01, 2021, 12:35:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 01, 2021, 11:39:29 AM
Mammy Rabiot sounds like great craic ;D
Sounds like something you'd be dealing with at U8s ffs. Professional athletes shouldn't have their ma stuck in rows over them playing or not.
a quiet "would you ever go and fúck off?" in her ear might do the trick.
A most unwise suggestion, by the sounds of it Mamma Rabiot would make that person eat their words and have a lifetime regret over their foolish action.
Quote from: Main Street on July 01, 2021, 02:46:55 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 01, 2021, 01:20:42 PM
Quote from: bigarsedkeeper on July 01, 2021, 12:35:25 PM
Quote from: Boycey on July 01, 2021, 11:39:29 AM
Mammy Rabiot sounds like great craic ;D
Sounds like something you'd be dealing with at U8s ffs. Professional athletes shouldn't have their ma stuck in rows over them playing or not.
a quiet "would you ever go and fúck off?" in her ear might do the trick.
A most unwise suggestion, by the sounds of it Mamma Rabiot would make that person eat their words and have a lifetime regret over their foolish action.
Don't know what she's talking about Guv!!
Come on Spain. Beat those Swiss bastards. Sorry but it's got to the stage where I can't shout for underdogs in case it gets even easier for England.
Quote from: weareros on July 02, 2021, 04:59:14 PM
Come on Spain. Beat those Swiss bastards. Sorry but it's got to the stage where I can't shout for underdogs in case it gets even easier for England.
Spain all over the place there 1-1
A goal for the brickie.... ;)
Quote from: laoislad on July 02, 2021, 06:29:25 PM
A goal for the brickie.... ;)
Time for underthebar to throw the trowel in
Quote from: weareros on July 02, 2021, 04:59:14 PM
Come on Spain. Beat those Swiss bastards. Sorry but it's got to the stage where I can't shout for underdogs in case it gets even easier for England.
I don't think Spain are good enough to beat England. I think only Italy, Belgium (full strength) and maybe Denmark would be able to take them out.
Although I hope England take their eye off the ball, and it's Ukraine who put them out. Stranger things have happened.
Association football is returning to its place of abode.
The stage now in a tourno where the fear of losing takes over...
Spain are poor.
Some terrible penalties in that shoot out. Spain hanging on like a thread in this competition.
Some difference in the performance of the Spanish keeper in that shootout, than the scarecrow when he was in goal.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 02, 2021, 07:18:53 PM
Quote from: weareros on July 02, 2021, 04:59:14 PM
Come on Spain. Beat those Swiss bastards. Sorry but it's got to the stage where I can't shout for underdogs in case it gets even easier for England.
I don't think Spain are good enough to beat England. I think only Italy, Belgium (full strength) and maybe Denmark would be able to take them out.
Although I hope England take their eye off the ball, and it's Ukraine who put them out. Stranger things have happened.
Agreed on today's performance. But I think only Spain and Italy would be streetwise enough to handle the pressure of a final in Wembley.
Belgium have had Englands measure in a fair few matches recently. Thats if they get past Italy...
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 02, 2021, 08:12:58 PM
Belgium have had Englands measure in a fair few matches recently. Thats if they get past Italy...
Italy are the team for the big game tho. Belgium, like England, are bottlers
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 02, 2021, 07:26:41 PM
Association football is returning to its place of abode.
Wasn't much wrong with that first half! Great game so far.
Italy are like that 1970's Brazil team, on speed.
Quote from: Main Street on July 02, 2021, 09:30:09 PM
Italy are like that 1970's Brazil team, on speed.
So good technically, a few levels over anything else in this tournament
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 02, 2021, 09:33:13 PM
Quote from: Main Street on July 02, 2021, 09:30:09 PM
Italy are like that 1970's Brazil team, on speed.
So good technically, a few levels over anything else in this tournament
Silly pen to give Belgium a chance.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2021, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 02, 2021, 09:33:13 PM
Quote from: Main Street on July 02, 2021, 09:30:09 PM
Italy are like that 1970's Brazil team, on speed.
So good technically, a few levels over anything else in this tournament
Silly pen to give Belgium a chance.
It was but v soft. Can't imagine that getting a peno in any EC or WC in the past.
Quote from: StPatsAbu on July 02, 2021, 09:44:33 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 02, 2021, 09:36:12 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 02, 2021, 09:33:13 PM
Quote from: Main Street on July 02, 2021, 09:30:09 PM
Italy are like that 1970's Brazil team, on speed.
So good technically, a few levels over anything else in this tournament
Silly pen to give Belgium a chance.
It was but v soft. Can't imagine that getting a peno in any EC or WC in the past.
The shoving motion even though soft made the decision for the ref and VAR. Didn't need to do it. Hope this Italy team go all the way. Be a f**king disaster if Spain beat them as England would win the final (let's hope they don't get that far).
Yet the diving cry baby elements of the Italian game still linger, 4 pathetic dives in the 2nd half.
Belgium never lived up to there best team in the world tag in this competition. Liked the look of Italy since game one, no real superstars, a team of togetherness and full work rate.
Petered out at end had been good up to then. Big lukaku inches away from a couple, thems the breaks. Chiellini and Bonucci are some operators
Best team by a mile won. Italy also the best team by a mile in the competition. Injury to Spinnazzola a shame. Looks like his tournament is over. On tonight's performance they would rip England a new one, whether at Wembley or not.
f**k me Lukaku is overrated. Shite at Utd and shite tonight. Belgium got what they deserved... f**k all. Italy were attacking, really aggressive. Brilliant to watch them.
I've always liked Italy . Aggressive feckers , lean , skin heads and studs in
The Italians should never have given away that penalty in the extreme corner of the penalty box your man was not likely to get a goal anyway. Probably Italian refs would not give that anyway.
You need a few hard teams to make sure the English don't sneak through.
Quote from: armaghniac on July 02, 2021, 10:40:15 PM
The Italians should never have given away that penalty in the extreme corner of the penalty box your man was not likely to get a goal anyway. Probably Italian refs would not give that anyway.
You need a few hard teams to make sure the English don't sneak through.
You need the strongest and most clever team to come out of that side of the draw and I think it is the Italians. They've looked the part right from the first game. Weren't great vs Austria in particular but they got the job done. The Belgians have loads of talent but seemed destined not to win a major trophy. This teams best years are probably behind them now.
There's no doubt the Italians do look the strongest, best balanced team left. Looking more like an Italy England final. Couldn't see England beating them.
What a cross there. A Kevin O'Callaghan special.
Fair play to Denmark into the last four. Will they be able to beat England in the expected semi final? Will need to make the most of their 4 day rest as they looked very leggy in that 2nd half.
No quarter taken or given there - hopefully Danes not gassed for semi as that was a tough match. Now hope to see the first primrose and blue win of the weekend.
England should be resting Maguire and other lads on yellow til the final. Two handy games against Denmark and Ukraine. Pickford finally playing to his potential and no goals conceded in 6 games for the english.
🇺🇦💪🇺🇦
That didn't take long.
If Kane hits a hot streak then England will win this tournament at a canter.
What was keeper doing keeping his arms by his side?
Quote from: red hander on July 03, 2021, 08:11:05 PM
What was keeper doing keeping his arms by his side?
Yeah what the feck like? Spread yourself ya numpty!
Stones and Walker tryin their best to give Ukraine an equalizer but they do look strong.
Ita 2 Eng 1 in the final. Weve still got this chaps 😎
That was all too easy. England in command.
Big slab head hammered that
Football coming home. Ukraine couldn't score in a brothel. Shocking side.
FFS.
F**k that
Shawberto Carlos.
The irish lad coming off.
Henderson the bastard....
Hopefully this is just setting them up for an even bigger fall in the semi...
Sublime performance by England
Coming good at the right time
I've a feeling England will win the whole bloody thing. :-\ :'(
Only novichok can save Ukraine now.
Quote from: sid waddell on July 03, 2021, 09:29:38 PM
Sublime performance by England
Coming good at the right time
Sublime my hole. Playing one of the worst teams in the finals who've spawned it this far
It's up to you now Germany Ukraine Denmark!
Feckin Ukraine - if only their football matched their women.
Another 4 days for the bedwetters on here to fret about whether England might win the whole thing ;D
Jordan Henderson always looks angry.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 03, 2021, 09:44:03 PM
Jordan Henderson always looks angry.
Both the teams he plays for are the shame of Europe ffs
Quote from: StPatsAbu on July 03, 2021, 09:33:51 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on July 03, 2021, 09:29:38 PM
Sublime performance by England
Coming good at the right time
Sublime my hole. Playing one of the worst teams in the finals who've spawned it this far
Ukraine is eastern Europe's premier football nation by a long way - and they're a proud, independent people
Bad teams don't beat the doughty Swedes in knockout tournament football, Ukraine were also involved in one of the best matches of the tournament against Holland
They're being made to look bad by a superb team
Quote from: Boycey on July 03, 2021, 09:40:07 PM
Another 4 days for the bedwetters on here to fret about whether England might win the whole thing ;D
The fear is real Boycey.... ;D
It's Englands championship to lose and that easy win tonight will increase their belief and have them very confident of finally having tournament success to celebrate.
Wonder will Walker have a few female friends round to celebrate with?
Nessun f**king dorma. Jesus h christ. Save somethin till yis win it ye fucktards
Italy our only hope, not sure we can trust Spain
Quote from: StPatsAbu on July 03, 2021, 09:49:07 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 03, 2021, 09:44:03 PM
Jordan Henderson always looks angry.
Both the teams he plays for are the shame of Europe ffs
Both the teams he plays for are the
shame champions of Europe ffs
Very Irish feel to the second semi-final
Delaney v Kane/Grealish/Rice/Maguire
We are the people we've been waiting for
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 03, 2021, 11:11:20 PM
Italy our only hope, not sure we can trust Spain
Nope, Spain don't have the firepower. It's only Italy that can put an end to it.
Unless Denmark play an absolute blinder. I don't think that'll happen though sadly.
Quote from: sid waddell on July 03, 2021, 11:38:38 PM
Very Irish feel to the second semi-final
Delaney v Kane/Grealish/Rice/Maguire
We are the people we've been waiting for
Is Maguire Irish descent too?
Quote from: BennyCake on July 03, 2021, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on July 03, 2021, 11:38:38 PM
Very Irish feel to the second semi-final
Delaney v Kane/Grealish/Rice/Maguire
We are the people we've been waiting for
Is Maguire Irish descent too?
Yes he has grandparents from North and South. Probably the most "Irish" England team ever.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 03, 2021, 11:32:29 PM
Quote from: StPatsAbu on July 03, 2021, 09:49:07 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 03, 2021, 09:44:03 PM
Jordan Henderson always looks angry.
Both the teams he plays for are the shame of Europe ffs
Both the teams he plays for are the shame champions of Europe ffs
EH?? What?? :o ;D
The RTE studio was pretty glum this evening. They see there is a bit of inevitability about the England winning this competition. Bar Pickford, England look solid. They have great options from the bench, Kane is scoring, their defence is not conceding and they have home advantage for the run in.
Denmark, Spain and Italy stand in the way. All formidable opponents, but only Italy presently look to have the equipment to choke this present English team.
We should be confident enough in ourselves as a race without continually fretting about England. Yes they would be hard to listen to if they win, but if they're good enough so be it. A country of their size will deliver eventually. Denmark are a really good side though and they've been to twice the number of semis in the euros than England. England should beat them though, with Wembley being a huge advantage. England would beat Spain. Italy a tough nut to crack.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 03, 2021, 11:48:28 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 03, 2021, 11:41:50 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on July 03, 2021, 11:38:38 PM
Very Irish feel to the second semi-final
Delaney v Kane/Grealish/Rice/Maguire
We are the people we've been waiting for
Is Maguire Irish descent too?
Yes he has grandparents from North and South. Probably the most "Irish" England team ever.
With a name like Maguire there's a decent chance ;)
dread to think how much this board will cream themselves if the tans do actually win the thing :-[
claiming Irish traitors is a new low ???
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 04, 2021, 12:50:16 AM
The RTE studio was pretty glum this evening. They see there is a bit of inevitability about the England winning this competition. Bar Pickford, England look solid. They have great options from the bench, Kane is scoring, their defence is not conceding and they have home advantage for the run in.
Denmark, Spain and Italy stand in the way. All formidable opponents, but only Italy presently look to have the equipment to choke this present English team.
Bar Pickford? They haven't let a goal in and he's been solid
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 04, 2021, 06:23:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 04, 2021, 12:50:16 AM
The RTE studio was pretty glum this evening. They see there is a bit of inevitability about the England winning this competition. Bar Pickford, England look solid. They have great options from the bench, Kane is scoring, their defence is not conceding and they have home advantage for the run in.
Denmark, Spain and Italy stand in the way. All formidable opponents, but only Italy presently look to have the equipment to choke this present English team.
Bar Pickford? They haven't let a goal in and he's been solid
He's playing really well
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 04, 2021, 09:15:28 PM
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
He's correct. England would have qualified from the group anyway, but there should have been no more games at Wembley until the final. No other country had the advantage England have
Playing Germany neutral venue, might have been a different result. Plus a semi v Denmark at Wembley is a massive advantage.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 04, 2021, 10:20:14 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 04, 2021, 09:15:28 PM
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
He's correct. England would have qualified from the group anyway, but there should have been no more games at Wembley until the final. No other country had the advantage England have
Playing Germany neutral venue, might have been a different result. Plus a semi v Denmark at Wembley is a massive advantage.
Add to that, Danes are not allowed to travel to the game due to English restrictions. The Danish FA are passing on their 5k quota of tickets to Danes living in the UK, plus providing shirts and flags etc.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 04, 2021, 10:20:14 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 04, 2021, 09:15:28 PM
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
He's correct. England would have qualified from the group anyway, but there should have been no more games at Wembley until the final. No other country had the advantage England have
Playing Germany neutral venue, might have been a different result. Plus a semi v Denmark at Wembley is a massive advantage.
the neutral venue would have been Dublin which would have been packed with barstool premiership fanatics saying they were there to support their teams players
a de facto home game
These attempts at trolling have been the worst on here since Angelo
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 04, 2021, 10:20:14 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 04, 2021, 09:15:28 PM
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
He's correct. England would have qualified from the group anyway, but there should have been no more games at Wembley until the final. No other country had the advantage England have
Playing Germany neutral venue, might have been a different result. Plus a semi v Denmark at Wembley is a massive advantage.
They're one of the host countries, infact they're the main host country because the semis and final were always in Wembley regardless of who got there. Plus the only reason the Germany game was in Wembley was because the Dublin government wouldn't commit to allowing a crowd.
Scotland had 2 group home games, they lost both of them convincingly.
England have the same advantage Russia had 2 years ago or France had in 2016, or Brazil in 2014 etc. Don't recall anyone gurning then.
Interestingly the 4 semi finalists had all 3 group games at home.
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 05, 2021, 09:59:43 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 04, 2021, 10:20:14 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 04, 2021, 09:15:28 PM
Craig Burley not impressed with England having all bar 1 game in Wembley
https://t.co/udMRuz5JyJ?amp=1
He's correct. England would have qualified from the group anyway, but there should have been no more games at Wembley until the final. No other country had the advantage England have
Playing Germany neutral venue, might have been a different result. Plus a semi v Denmark at Wembley is a massive advantage.
They're one of the host countries, infact they're the main host country because the semis and final were always in Wembley regardless of who got there. Plus the only reason the Germany game was in Wembley was because the Dublin government wouldn't commit to allowing a crowd.
Scotland had 2 group home games, they lost both of them convincingly.
England have the same advantage Russia had 2 years ago or France had in 2016, or Brazil in 2014 etc. Don't recall anyone gurning then.
Interestingly the 4 semi finalists had all 3 group games at home.
It's slightly different, they didn't play in the same stadium for all their fixtures. England had the same advantage in '96:
Russia played in 3 different stadiums for their group games in 2018.
Brazil played in 4 different stadiums in 2014.
France played in 4 different stadiums in 2016.
There is was a certain amount of travelling between venues for the fixtures.
So far the semi-finalists have played in the following venues:
Italy have had 3 games in Rome, 1 in Wembley and 1 in Munich
Spain have had 3 games in Seville, 1 in Copenhagen and 1 in St Petersberg
Denmark had 3 games in Copenhagen, 1 in the Netherlands and 1 in Azerbaijan
England have had 4 games in Wembley and 1 in Rome.
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
Maguire did
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
They've beaten the teams they had to beat.
France couldn't beat Switzerland.
Sweden couldn't beat Ukraine
Holland couldn't beat the Czechs
I don't know if they will win it but they are were they are on merit.
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 01:19:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
They've beaten the teams they had to beat.
France couldn't beat Switzerland.
Sweden couldn't beat Ukraine
Holland couldn't beat the Czechs
I don't know if they will win it but they are were they are on merit.
If they beat Denmark then "they are not a top team". And then if they win the final it will be "Spain/Italy are not a patch on their 2012/1982 side".
None of Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Belgium, or Portugal currently have the greatest team in their nation's history. That wouldn't diminish an England win in the slightest.
Mind you, I still think Italy will win it.
Quote from: thebigfella on July 05, 2021, 12:44:32 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
Maguire did
Well, it was either him or Stones who stood there while the others took the knee. Looked like Maguire though.
At this point, a larger fear emerges. What if this England team is the international equivalent of 1993's Man Utd? A team that was hilariously knocking on the door, and failing for years, only for the eventual win to set them up for a period of dominance?
OK, international tournaments are only every two years, and even Spain only managed three on the bounce, but still...
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on July 05, 2021, 03:16:16 PM
At this point, a larger fear emerges. What if this England team is the international equivalent of 1993's Man Utd? A team that was hilariously knocking on the door, and failing for years, only for the eventual win to set them up for a period of dominance?
OK, international tournaments are only every two years, and even Spain only managed three on the bounce, but still...
Football's staying home? Stranger things have happened. I wouldn't lose any sleep if England did win, but a wee penalty shootout loss..... Purely for the craic
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 03:14:06 PM
Quote from: thebigfella on July 05, 2021, 12:44:32 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2021, 12:24:16 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 05, 2021, 10:29:48 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 05, 2021, 09:38:27 AM
Really like this England team. Playing really well, very organised. And they look to be hard to play against. No goals conceded and they could score a bagful going forward. Difficult to see them being stopped if they keep playing like this.
Germany the only team of note they've played and Thomas Muller was allowed to run straight through the centre of that defence only to miss the target. That was also a poor German team.
Wonder did the referee tell Kane to get up when they took the knee in Rome, Kane looked confused for a while...
Yes, I agree. They were poor v Scotland and just about got the job done v Croatia and Czechs.
Germany were poor, yet had Müller took that chance, it's a different game. Ukraine were dung. So while I understand the Brits getting carried away, they haven't really beaten anyone of note (like the last World Cup). Let's hope the Danes sort them out.
Also, I noticed Maguire didn't take the knee.
Maguire did
Well, it was either him or Stones who stood there while the others took the knee. Looked like Maguire though.
The ref restarted the kick off as the Ukraine started without waiting for them to take the knee or being ready. Plenty of people jerking themselves off over this on the internet when it's not the truth.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5c9PxMWYAEF_0E.png (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5c9PxMWYAEF_0E.png)
Who's going to win the Golden Boot?
https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/03/football/1625339258_923332.html
France beat nobody of note at the last World Cup
Australia and Peru in the group, they couldn't beat Denmark
Argentina were a total shambles, a joke of a team
Uruguay, pah, a country of three million people
Belgium, pah, a small, spineless country with a football team to match
Croatia? Lolz, four million people, the Leitrim of European football
France were not a good team in 2018
Something like that
This is fairly decent just missing a goal both teams playing some nice stuff at times!
I think Spain should have got something in the first half, they may not get the same chances in the second.
Italy missing the Spinz. Decent game but both need to improve to beat Denmark
Two boys in Kerry shirts going mad with that goal :D
Spain not committing enough men forward.
Catennacio on.
The Spanish strikers wouldn't score in a brothel. They really miss David Villa.
Game on. Wasn't expecting a Spain goal at all.
Jesus we've been treated to some great football the past few weeks this has been great!
Was concerned about Spain parking the bus and getting a narrow win as would rather Italy took on England but they're not holding back so if they are good enough to beat Italy they should be fit for England. Both teams should have had a couple more.
What about Adama Traore for the last 15 minutes to run at and finish off the Italians?
I'm surprised Spain didn't bring De Gea on for the penalties....
Olmo and Morata missed the penos for Spain. They were 2 of Spains best players on the night. I am glad Italy won for the purposes of beating England.
As cool as you like to send Italy into the final. Some run there are on under Mancini however won't mean a lot if they don't win the final on Sunday.
Chiellini was fair chill before those kicks, then again he wasn't one of the 5 to have to take. But you have to admire his positivity. Hope they go all the way now, but Spain had the winning of game before the shootout.
The Kerry lads are happy anyway ;D
Quote from: weareros on July 06, 2021, 10:46:15 PM
Chiellini was fair chill before those kicks, then again he wasn't one of the 5 to have to take. But you have to admire his positivity. Hope they go all the way now, but Spain had the winning of game before the shootout.
Wee bit harsh picking out a cut throat defender for not taking a penalty! The man has a role, a huge role. Penalties ain't it!
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
Italy v Denmark would be a nice final. And not just for the obvious reason.
Quote from: laoislad on July 06, 2021, 10:30:21 PM
I'm surprised Spain didn't bring De Gea on for the penalties....
;D
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
Italy got a better team than England, them lads just wearing the blinkers as usual.
Spain were the better side tonight. They just don't have a striker of note.
Great to see the traditional countries fight it out, even Denmark with a small population have a go.makes you wonder how some small nations fall before the first hurdle
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 07, 2021, 12:25:56 AM
Great to see the traditional countries fight it out, even Denmark with a small population have a go.makes you wonder how some small nations fall before the first hurdle
https://youtu.be/VzeDgHgk7qs
The other thing is a lack of cuteness against the top teams
https://mobile.twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/141248038149203936
https://youtu.be/nV5zndjlv7w
Quote from: thewobbler on July 06, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
He's definitely the worst I've seen - half of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make any sense.
Quote from: tintin25 on July 07, 2021, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 06, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
He's definitely the worst I've seen - half of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make any sense.
Very wide mouth too, massive in fact
Spain got what they deserved for playing with a false 9. They bossed the exchanges but hadn't that clinical finisher. Morata even though he got the goal is lacking confidence. His penalty showed that. He's a shadow of the player he was, since he had his stint with Chelsea. They ruined him. Fair play for him standing up to hit the pen but it had miss written all over it.
Italy will be good finalist for either Denmark or England. Even though they had very little of the ball they weren't beat.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on July 07, 2021, 08:08:16 AM
Quote from: tintin25 on July 07, 2021, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 06, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
He's definitely the worst I've seen - half of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make any sense.
Very wide mouth too, massive in fact
He's still no Robbie Savage. Jenas not great either.
Italy will be very hard to beat in the final. The chances spain were able to create I just don't think the likes of England are creative enough for that. (I agree they are a good team but they need to play out a 1-0 or so win and I think they would struggle for 1.). I haven't seen enough of Denmark to know how good they are.
Quote from: trailer on July 07, 2021, 08:45:33 AM
Spain got what they deserved for playing with a false 9. They bossed the exchanges but hadn't that clinical finisher. Morata even though he got the goal is lacking confidence. His penalty showed that. He's a shadow of the player he was, since he had his stint with Chelsea. They ruined him. Fair play for him standing up to hit the pen but it had miss written all over it.
Italy will be good finalist for either Denmark or England. Even though they had very little of the ball they weren't beat.
That is one beast of a keeper the Italians had. He fills the goals for penalties.
Wonder if Chiesa will be fit for the final, great player but looked to have pulled the hamstring when taken off.
Spanish and Italian players seem to have a fair amount of respect for one and other.
Quote from: johnnycool on July 07, 2021, 08:54:33 AM
Quote from: trailer on July 07, 2021, 08:45:33 AM
Spain got what they deserved for playing with a false 9. They bossed the exchanges but hadn't that clinical finisher. Morata even though he got the goal is lacking confidence. His penalty showed that. He's a shadow of the player he was, since he had his stint with Chelsea. They ruined him. Fair play for him standing up to hit the pen but it had miss written all over it.
Italy will be good finalist for either Denmark or England. Even though they had very little of the ball they weren't beat.
That is one beast of a keeper the Italians had. He fills the goals for penalties.
Wonder if Chiesa will be fit for the final, great player but looked to have pulled the hamstring when taken off.
Spanish and Italian players seem to have a fair amount of respect for one and other.
Its mad he's only 21 now and he's been a regular for Milan for nearly 5 years. Serious unit
Quote from: tintin25 on July 07, 2021, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 06, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
He's definitely the worst I've seen - half of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make any sense.
It sure doesn't
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fKtde2g-938
(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fKtde2g-938)
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2021, 08:49:22 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on July 07, 2021, 08:08:16 AM
Quote from: tintin25 on July 07, 2021, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 06, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 06, 2021, 10:48:39 PM
Not that it needs confirmed but Ferdinand is an arsehole
There's a long queue for least insightful pundit - but Rio looks like holding onto the title.
He's definitely the worst I've seen - half of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make any sense.
Very wide mouth too, massive in fact
He's still no Robbie Savage. Jenas not great either.
Italy will be very hard to beat in the final. The chances spain were able to create I just don't think the likes of England are creative enough for that. (I agree they are a good team but they need to play out a 1-0 or so win and I think they would struggle for 1.). I haven't seen enough of Denmark to know how good they are.
Savage is just a pitchside half time filler. He's not there to give you details analysis. Just a lighthearted opinion. So he's not supposed to be taken seriously. I don't mind Robbie, but Jenas is brutal. I notice he's been presenting the One show on BBC as well. Terrible he is.
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Ferdinand is woeful. Just comes out with banal generalities that anyone down the pub could offer. Should at least be able to give some insight into the defensive side. Was he linked with the director of football job at Man U a couple of years back? Was praying he would get it ;D. Ally McCoist is good. Would give you the impression he actually played the game.
Some of the women on it are a lot better. You can tell they've had to apply themselves to get there rather than just be in some old boys ah I played for england club so give me a job. (Same applies to sunday game analysis)
Brilliant shithousery from the Argentina keeper during the penalties last night.
As bad as Ferdinand is he is not a patch on some of the ex-players talk sport get in. I mean Carlton Cole can't even string a sentence together ffs.
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
And McCoist is funny too!
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
In the land of the blind and all that!
To be honest with you, he's decent, he really is and another thing, I agree with you, to be fair
The great Danes against the jolly old England should be a be interesting watch. Both in their first European championships semi finals since the 90s and both had penalties shoot outs in those semi finals.
Copa America final at the weekend between Brazil and Argentina should be worth watching also.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 07, 2021, 12:53:14 PM
The great Danes against the jolly old England should be a be interesting watch. Both in their first European championships semi finals since the 90s and both had penalties shoot outs in those semi finals.
Copa America final at the weekend between Brazil and Argentina should be worth watching also.
Well, if it weren't at 1am. Emi Martinez the star of the show last night. Mad that Arsenal let him go, and for
just £20m.
Quote from: shark on July 07, 2021, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 07, 2021, 12:53:14 PM
The great Danes against the jolly old England should be a be interesting watch. Both in their first European championships semi finals since the 90s and both had penalties shoot outs in those semi finals.
Copa America final at the weekend between Brazil and Argentina should be worth watching also.
Well, if it weren't at 1am. Emi Martinez the star of the show last night. Mad that Arsenal let him go, and for just £20m.
He was doing some amount of trash talking before each penalty was taken, helps with no crowd in attendance.
Quote from: shark on July 07, 2021, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 07, 2021, 12:53:14 PM
The great Danes against the jolly old England should be a be interesting watch. Both in their first European championships semi finals since the 90s and both had penalties shoot outs in those semi finals.
Copa America final at the weekend between Brazil and Argentina should be worth watching also.
Well, if it weren't at 1am. Emi Martinez the star of the show last night. Mad that Arsenal let him go, and for just £20m.
Arsenal is a cold house for good keepers.
Quote from: ONeill on July 07, 2021, 11:49:20 AM
Brilliant shithousery from the Argentina keeper during the penalties last night.
Yep, and he saved three ... :o
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Murphy said last night it was the best game he had seen in years and years. Appreciate it was a good game but it wasn't even the best game at the euros in the past week.
Quote from: Mario on July 07, 2021, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Murphy said last night it was the best game he had seen in years and years. Appreciate it was a good game but it wasn't even the best game at the euros in the past week.
Almost as good as the penalty given in one of Spain's group games, he said it couldn't be a penalty as "the ball had gone" :o
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 07, 2021, 04:00:43 PM
Quote from: Mario on July 07, 2021, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Murphy said last night it was the best game he had seen in years and years. Appreciate it was a good game but it wasn't even the best game at the euros in the past week.
Almost as good as the penalty given in one of Spain's group games, he said it couldn't be a penalty as "the ball had gone" :o
Is Murphy desperate for the money? I am always amazed at some the pundits. Like Murphy and Jenas weren't even that good themselves. Richie Sadler is another - did he actually play Soccer for Ireland?
Was he not on some of those good underage teams round the Duff Keane era?
Murphy was a solid enough professional I guess you could say about him but not spectacular. Jenas showed great promise but had near as many injuries as darren anderton.
Quote from: trailer on July 07, 2021, 04:31:28 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 07, 2021, 04:00:43 PM
Quote from: Mario on July 07, 2021, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Murphy said last night it was the best game he had seen in years and years. Appreciate it was a good game but it wasn't even the best game at the euros in the past week.
Almost as good as the penalty given in one of Spain's group games, he said it couldn't be a penalty as "the ball had gone" :o
Is Murphy desperate for the money? I am always amazed at some the pundits. Like Murphy and Jenas weren't even that good themselves. Richie Sadler is another - did he actually play Soccer for Ireland?
What do you mean desperate for the money? I'd say he probably could get by without working like most premier league players that have retired post 2005.
There's a popular image going round the internet and it shows a pic of Sadler on RTE introducing him as capped for Ireland U17s or something. That being said I don't think you need to be a good player to be a good pundit. I prefer listening to podcasts with Journalists on tbh. Jenas is a safe choice, presents the one show is relatively well known to the casual football fan who only tunes in for international tournaments.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2021, 04:48:23 PM
Was he not on some of those good underage teams round the Duff Keane era?
Murphy was a solid enough professional I guess you could say about him but not spectacular. Jenas showed great promise but had near as many injuries as darren anderton.
I remember Sadlier looked very promising with Milwall at one stage with what I remember as being a great goals record but then an injury seemed to end his career.
Quote from: Mario on July 07, 2021, 04:48:30 PM
Quote from: trailer on July 07, 2021, 04:31:28 PM
Quote from: Saffrongael on July 07, 2021, 04:00:43 PM
Quote from: Mario on July 07, 2021, 03:56:18 PM
Quote from: Taylor on July 07, 2021, 10:36:56 AM
Jenas & Danny Murphy are absolutely terrible.
McCoist head and shoulders above anyone on either channel
Murphy said last night it was the best game he had seen in years and years. Appreciate it was a good game but it wasn't even the best game at the euros in the past week.
Almost as good as the penalty given in one of Spain's group games, he said it couldn't be a penalty as "the ball had gone" :o
Is Murphy desperate for the money? I am always amazed at some the pundits. Like Murphy and Jenas weren't even that good themselves. Richie Sadler is another - did he actually play Soccer for Ireland?
What do you mean desperate for the money? I'd say he probably could get by without working like most premier league players that have retired post 2005.
There's a popular image going round the internet and it shows a pic of Sadler on RTE introducing him as capped for Ireland U17s or something. That being said I don't think you need to be a good player to be a good pundit. I prefer listening to podcasts with Journalists on tbh. Jenas is a safe choice, presents the one show is relatively well known to the casual football fan who only tunes in for international tournaments.
Quite a few of those boys are on their third or fourth wife so probably need all the money they can get 😂
Sadler "scored in an u21 third place playoff" or something similar 😃
Jenas - bland, i dont mind murphy (liverpool bias no doubt) savage happy to play the fool these days.
Another thing that annoys me is their channel jumping - used to be you knew who you were getting based on the channel, now the money hungry heures could be anywhere
Is Micah Richards on over there? Feck he has to be up there with the worst
Bbc mainly but flits about too. Harmless/amusing to an extent but at times it like lets say something funny so that micah laughs...repeat x infinity
Quote from: gawa316 on July 07, 2021, 06:48:34 PM
Is Micah Richards on over there? Feck he has to be up there with the worst
His laugh is annoying and his "Bantz" with Roy Keane is a cringe fest.
I think Sadlier is an excellent pundit. Its almost as if the ones that haven't had great careers have to prove themselves more. Also, is Sadlier not a psychologist or something now. He's achieved much more in an educational perspective than many of the others. Read his book, excellent read!
RTE sport washing england tonight ::)
🇩🇰💪🇩🇰
Some hit :o Danes in front
He's a Great Dane!
Get f**king in there,!!
Cat.pigeons
Fodbold kommer hjem
That's an OG.
Back to commentators/analysts - Matterface is painful. A voice for talksport if ever there was one
What are they doing taking Saka off.
That Danish keeper is a chip off the old block.
Kane is an awful hoor for the diving.
10 minutes to go. Extra time would be good preperation for England for sunday.
England are a decent team no doubt but look at the clubs Denmark have players from compared to England. Denmark definitely better than the sum of their parts. Denmark tiring too but England still a bit nervy and I wouldn't want too many shots at Pickford either if I were an England fan. Mistakes in him.
Quote from: laoislad on July 07, 2021, 09:35:32 PM
Kane is an awful hoor for the diving.
Cheating p***k
Ref giving England every chance to win. Bollix
Quote from: laoislad on July 07, 2021, 09:35:32 PM
Kane is an awful hoor for the diving.
Boot clean up the hole and walk off.
Why only the one sub brought on when you have options such as Henderson, Rashford, Foden, Sancho,Bellingham on the bench?
Schmeichel is good.
England are pummelling them we'll do well to get to penalties here!
Southgate saving Rashford for final?
Lucky England.
Penalty my bollocks.
Not hard to guess which club Sterling used to play for. Diving hoor
Such a soft penalty but Stirling, Grealish and Kane have been looking to buy frees and penalties all game.
Absolute disgrace. Why have VAR?
Quote from: StPatsAbu on July 07, 2021, 10:16:19 PM
Not hard to guess which club Sterling used to play for. Diving hoor
He's Tyrone blood in him somewhere!!
Not much point of Var when they can't get the calls right
VAR rules have to change
NEVER go against a referees decision
If ref didn't give that it wouldn't have been given by VAR either
Complete shambles
It was about Sterling's fourth attempt to win one
That rule is a joke. Clear and obvious error. How is that not one?
Like you could understand if there was contact and it's subjective. But there wasn't. He fell. And the ref thought he was tripped. That's a clear an obvious mistake.
And I say that as a neutral ;D
Penalty aside, Denmark have been absolutely muck since they scored.
An error from England is Denmark's only way back into this.
The penalty was softer than a hangover shite
Better team tbh. Denmark organised but don't offer enough. No penalty mind. Foden much better than mount and should be on.
I am not sure England have the creativity in them to get through that Italian defense.
England won't care and they will believe their name is on the trophy however that was a rotten way to decide that semi final.
I would imagine Sterling player of tournament or close.
Kane's diving is embarrassing. Definitely should be booked more.
An own goal and a bullshit penalty that was actually missed and a lucky rebound. Them's the breaks you need
England have obviously been studying Tyrone's 2003 All Ireland winning video. Diving their way to the title.
They were the better team just shitty way to win it.
Jesus they are hard to listen to.
Loved neville's dig at Boris lol.
Best team won
Eng now tryin to steal one of NI's anthems...the local knuckle draggers wont be happy
#sogood
Sterling is a cheat, that is what we have learnt from tonight. He is not a Liverpool player any more. Robbie Fowler would never have done such a thing.
Better team is absolutely no justification for the penalty decision. What is the actual point of VAR if they can't correct a decision as blatant as that which altered the possible outcome of the game.
I was walking out of the room 100% sure the penalty would be overturned, when it was awarded. Couldn't believe it.
Might as well just hand them the trophy now. Referee did his utmost to get England over the line.
That penalty couldn't have been overturned. There was contact even after the initial phantom contact.
Terrible penalty decision. Terrible penalty. Right result.
Can't help thinking England would have steamrollered this tournament with an attacking manager.
Instead of awarding the penalty, the ref should be able to give a signal to go to VAR for a decision like that. If he awards it, it has to be totally clean to be overturned.
What's worse is that he scored with the way the rebound broke. If Schmeichel had pushed it the other way then it would most likely be cleared. Thems the breaks.
two balls on the pitch is an immediate stoppage and a drop ball.
the fix is in
Quote from: Farrandeelin on July 07, 2021, 11:30:43 PM
What's worse is that he scored with the way the rebound broke. If Schmeichel had pushed it the other way then it would most likely be cleared. Thems the breaks.
Yeah, and that was because of how bad the penalty was. If the penalty was closer to the corner, and so tamely hit, Schmeichel would have been pushing it away.
As it was, he had almost dived past it so he was pushing it back. Stroke of luck
Contact on Sterling.
Kanes denied one was blatant.
Soft Denmark free for the goal.
We all laughed at the hand of god and Lampards ghost goal in 2010. Thems the breaks. The two best teams are in the final.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 07, 2021, 11:21:24 PM
Terrible penalty decision. Terrible penalty. Right result.
Can't help thinking England would have steamrollered this tournament with an attacking manager.
Can't help but think they'd go the way of most other England teams with a more attacking manager, trying to fit all the best players in the same starting 11 and not creating a balanced team probably going in round of 16. Southgate has done a great job and carries himself very well.
Yeah I would agree. Also Kyle Walker's pace saves their bacon a few times. I think they need that defensive setup. Tbh Pickford is not exactly the most composed of goalkeepers so if you had a good team firing plenty of shots I don't think it would end well.
Reading there that Schmeichel had a laser pen flashed at him when the penalty was being taken. Wonder is there any truth in that.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 08, 2021, 08:11:10 AM
Contact on Sterling.
Kanes denied one was blatant.
Soft Denmark free for the goal.
We all laughed at the hand of god and Lampards ghost goal in 2010. Thems the breaks. The two best teams are in the final.
I agree
3 lions versus Catenaccio
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 08, 2021, 08:54:36 AM
Yeah I would agree. Also Kyle Walker's pace saves their bacon a few times. I think they need that defensive setup. Tbh Pickford is not exactly the most composed of goalkeepers so if you had a good team firing plenty of shots I don't think it would end well.
Reading there that Schmeichel had a laser pen flashed at him when the penalty was being taken. Wonder is there any truth in that.
Saw a photo of it, not sure if it was in the buildup to penalty or as he struck it.
Well, Sunday evening will be interesting up until Italy take a two-nil lead.
Best team won even if it was by the skin of their shíte...
Loved their playing down of the national anthem booing.. It's not as bad as the booing of the German anthem I think I heard one of the commentators muttering just after it happened.
Hard to stomach their jingoism at the minute.
Sterling is their man threat with his carrying of the ball and winning frees for big Maguire to come up and head.
They rely on the pace of Kyle Walker quite a bit when hit on the counter and he is very quick. Any opposition would be better going down the other wing.
Italy will be a tough tough nut to crack and the ultimate test of just how capable and mentally strong England are. They've answered all the questions posed of them so far but Italy are another step up. They will be as difficult as Denmark to break down but the difference being they'll carry more threat up front. It could well be a borefest of a game with 2 sides playing very conservatively with so much at stake. England need to score first to have a chance.
Quote from: johnnycool on July 08, 2021, 09:23:13 AM
Best team won even if it was by the skin of their shíte...
Loved their playing down of the national anthem booing.. It's not as bad as the booing of the German anthem I think I heard one of the commentators muttering just after it happened.
Hard to stomach their jingoism at the minute.
Sterling is their man threat with his carrying of the ball and winning frees for big Maguire to come up and head.
They rely on the pace of Kyle Walker quite a bit when hit on the counter and he is very quick. Any opposition would be better going down the other wing.
Italy won't be targeting England's left with as much enthusiasm as England with be targeting Italy's left. Emerson is a complete liability for Italy, and is a serious drop down from Spinazola.
Time to sell euros guys, Sterling hit the floor last night and is at an all time low.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 08, 2021, 08:54:36 AM
Yeah I would agree. Also Kyle Walker's pace saves their bacon a few times. I think they need that defensive setup. Tbh Pickford is not exactly the most composed of goalkeepers so if you had a good team firing plenty of shots I don't think it would end well.
Reading there that Schmeichel had a laser pen flashed at him when the penalty was being taken. Wonder is there any truth in that.
Pickford is an accident waiting to happen and his kicking is dire. Maguire and Shaw both class acts for them unfortunately and Sterling seems to turn into Messi in an England jersey.
There absolutely was a laser pen shone in Schmeichels face, ITV showed the video last night.
Italy probably have a better midfield
Hard to argue with the outcome of the game even if there were some dodgy calls during the game.
Sterling & Walker are absolute machines from a speed/fitness perspective - Sterling in particular has had an unbelievable tournament compared to the dirt he was playing for City last season.
Shaw has been fantastic going forward but Italy could find joy if they put him on the back foot.
As Shark said Emerson will be under serious pressure and England have to target him.
Pickford is the weak link in the England team - should have had the free kick, his distribution was erratic & then this punching the ball shite when under no pressure.
Should be a good final between the best two teams in the tournament.
Agree, dodgy call aside the best team won, although the spirit Denmark showed throughout the tournament should be commended for sure.
Sterling was immense to watch and was causing bother with his direct running at players.
Given the dubious nature of the penalty, and how 'soft' England are playing for free's, I would think they are now earmarked as easy touches which may well count against them in the final.
Finally, the English media, fans and to a degree the commentary team (ITV) are a disgrace. Its one them to be excited for your team, its another to be booing the opposition, disrespecting your opponents (that daily mirror back page was cringy) and to gloss over incidents within the game that surly they should be impartial on?
Would have preferred Spain in the final as they would have given England a footballing lesson on their own patch, but Italy will grind them down in other ways all being well. How Lee Dixon and that other dope are considered the A list comms team for ITV is beyond me, made the game almost unwatchable, not a patch on outstanding broadcasters of days gone by, Brian Moore being my fav groundball commentator, and Bob Wilson in the studio was always a class act. I like Ian Wright's enthusiasm and how he backs the team no matter what, has been backing them up consistently over the years well before their current peak, Roy Keane strikes a good balance between point blank assessment with a bit of levity, but I can't abide Gary Neville, makes my ears bleed.
Quote from: Taylor on July 08, 2021, 10:22:37 AM
Hard to argue with the outcome of the game even if there were some dodgy calls during the game.
Sterling & Walker are absolute machines from a speed/fitness perspective - Sterling in particular has had an unbelievable tournament compared to the dirt he was playing for City last season.
Shaw has been fantastic going forward but Italy could find joy if they put him on the back foot.
As Shark said Emerson will be under serious pressure and England have to target him.
Pickford is the weak link in the England team - should have had the free kick, his distribution was erratic & then this punching the ball shite when under no pressure.
Should be a good final between the best two teams in the tournament.
Who gives a shite now if it's a good game? I don't care if it's dire, as long as Italy win. That's all that matters.
The final is very finely balanced. Italy have a much better midfield but I think England have more quality in the final third of the pitch. England's midfield is set up to contain and protect their own back four but not to control the match and so far it has worked for Southgate. This is a higher level of opponent though as the draw has been very kind to them enroute to the final. Spinazzola is a huge loss for Italy and England can target this area. If Sterling carries his form into the final and himself and Kane win the same number of free kicks as they did last night then Maguire is a serious threat from set pieces.
Southgate has a decision to make in terms of whether he starts Saka. He is a promising player but he is not better than either Foden or Grealish. He will probably keep the same starting XI though and hold those players back as impact subs. It could go all the way to penalties this match.
I think Spain would have played England off the pitch but the lack of cutting edge may have done them in, let's hope Italy take every chance they get
I honestly think England will really struggle to break down that Italy defense but the question is will the reverse also be the case. To be fair England are a very good team but Kane is having to drop too deep to get the ball and it's bringing him out of danger areas. It'll be interesting to see how Chielini (spelling) handles Kane who tbh is one of the biggest divers I have seen in the game. Very good player no doubt and makes things happen.
There are too many nerves for them to win it IMO. Pickford is a mistake waiting to happen.
I thought Saka was very good for England. Mount I am not sure about would be my main question on their starting 11. Foden definitely added a lot and Grealish has very good touch and can win a free kick. (to be fair he isn't that bad a diver)
For all Sterling's strong running, too often nothing comes off it; dispossessed, intercepted or gives it away with his final pass. Same way for Citeh in CL final.
Quote from: mouview on July 08, 2021, 11:53:19 AM
For all Sterling's strong running, too often nothing comes off it; dispossessed, intercepted or gives it away with his final pass. Same way for Citeh in CL final.
This is entirely true for how he played for City all season (particularly the second half of it) but I couldnt say the same during this tournament.
He has been outstanding and one of the reasons England are in the final.
I cant see Pep letting him leave now - and if he does the transfer fee will be significantly higher than what was being discussed pre tournament
Imagine waking up on the glorious 12th and England euro champs :(
Quote from: Taylor on July 08, 2021, 10:22:37 AM
Hard to argue with the outcome of the game even if there were some dodgy calls during the game.
Sterling & Walker are absolute machines from a speed/fitness perspective - Sterling in particular has had an unbelievable tournament compared to the dirt he was playing for City last season.
Shaw has been fantastic going forward but Italy could find joy if they put him on the back foot.
As Shark said Emerson will be under serious pressure and England have to target him.
Pickford is the weak link in the England team - should have had the free kick, his distribution was erratic & then this punching the ball shite when under no pressure.
Should be a good final between the best two teams in the tournament.
Anybody else think Southgate will go back to the back 5 for the final? He did it as soon as they went ahead last night. Gives him that bit of cover at the back - or that's the thinking behind it anyway
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on July 08, 2021, 12:55:10 PM
Imagine waking up on the glorious 12th and England euro champs :(
The bone fires will be lit early!!
Quote from: bigarsedkeeper on July 08, 2021, 01:23:21 PM
Quote from: Taylor on July 08, 2021, 10:22:37 AM
Hard to argue with the outcome of the game even if there were some dodgy calls during the game.
Sterling & Walker are absolute machines from a speed/fitness perspective - Sterling in particular has had an unbelievable tournament compared to the dirt he was playing for City last season.
Shaw has been fantastic going forward but Italy could find joy if they put him on the back foot.
As Shark said Emerson will be under serious pressure and England have to target him.
Pickford is the weak link in the England team - should have had the free kick, his distribution was erratic & then this punching the ball shite when under no pressure.
Should be a good final between the best two teams in the tournament.
Anybody else think Southgate will go back to the back 5 for the final? He did it as soon as they went ahead last night. Gives him that bit of cover at the back - or that's the thinking behind it anyway
Yes I think this will happen.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 08, 2021, 11:39:57 AM
I honestly think England will really struggle to break down that Italy defense but the question is will the reverse also be the case. To be fair England are a very good team but Kane is having to drop too deep to get the ball and it's bringing him out of danger areas. It'll be interesting to see how Chielini (spelling) handles Kane who tbh is one of the biggest divers I have seen in the game. Very good player no doubt and makes things happen.
There are too many nerves for them to win it IMO. Pickford is a mistake waiting to happen.
I thought Saka was very good for England. Mount I am not sure about would be my main question on their starting 11. Foden definitely added a lot and Grealish has very good touch and can win a free kick. (to be fair he isn't that bad a diver)
Not sure how Mount and Saka are in ahead of Sancho, Grealish, Rashford, Greenwood and whoever else I'm probably forgetting.
And as for the bolded, hopefully with a headbutt to his smug diving face when Italy are 3 nil up!
Forgot Foden. Christ they have some serious attackers.
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 08, 2021, 01:29:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 08, 2021, 11:39:57 AM
I honestly think England will really struggle to break down that Italy defense but the question is will the reverse also be the case. To be fair England are a very good team but Kane is having to drop too deep to get the ball and it's bringing him out of danger areas. It'll be interesting to see how Chielini (spelling) handles Kane who tbh is one of the biggest divers I have seen in the game. Very good player no doubt and makes things happen.
There are too many nerves for them to win it IMO. Pickford is a mistake waiting to happen.
I thought Saka was very good for England. Mount I am not sure about would be my main question on their starting 11. Foden definitely added a lot and Grealish has very good touch and can win a free kick. (to be fair he isn't that bad a diver)
Not sure how Mount and Saka are in ahead of Sancho, Grealish, Rashford, Greenwood and whoever else I'm probably forgetting.
And as for the bolded, hopefully with a headbutt to his smug diving face when Italy are 3 nil up!
Oh for a Marco Materazzi in his pomp..
It's great to see England qualify for the final
You couldn't begrudge them, a hugely likeable bunch
Hopefully they go on and smash Italy now
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 08, 2021, 08:11:10 AM
Contact on Sterling.
Kanes denied one was blatant.
Soft Denmark free for the goal.
We all laughed at the hand of god and Lampards ghost goal in 2010. Thems the breaks. The two best teams are in the final.
Kane clearly fouled before he was tackled in the box, the ref had observed that and made the right decision. Kane had no claim for a penalty.
Soft free or not for Denmark, the free kick still had to be struck from a distance against England's nr 1 keeper.
Quote from: sid waddell on July 08, 2021, 01:58:55 PM
It's great to see England qualify for the final
You couldn't begrudge them, a hugely likeable bunch
Hopefully they go on and smash Italy now
You're usually a wee bit better at trolling than that! ;) ;)
Roberto Mancini doesn't have many happy memories of finals in Wembley. As player he lost the European Cup final in 1992 with Sampdoria and as Manchester City manager in 2013 his side lost to relegated Wigan and he was sacked after that match.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 08, 2021, 03:21:22 PM
Roberto Mancini doesn't have many happy memories of finals in Wembley. As player he lost the European Cup final in 1992 with Sampdoria and as Manchester City manager in 2013 his side lost to relegated Wigan and he was sacked after that match.
3rd time lucky?
Quote from: GJL on July 08, 2021, 04:35:45 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 08, 2021, 03:21:22 PM
Roberto Mancini doesn't have many happy memories of finals in Wembley. As player he lost the European Cup final in 1992 with Sampdoria and as Manchester City manager in 2013 his side lost to relegated Wigan and he was sacked after that match.
3rd time lucky?
Some not all bad memories. He did lead Manchester City to FA Cup final success in Wembley 10 years ago.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/euro-2021/2021/07/07/kasper-schmeichel-had-laser-pen-shone-face-harry-kane-stepped/Uefa have opened proceedings against England over the "use of a laser pointer" which appeared to be shone in the face of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel before Harry Kane's semi-final-deciding penalty.
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 07:00:17 PM
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
What song is that?
I think people who are saying in relation to the penalty the best team won anyway and England should have had a peno earlier and Lampards goal in South Africa are missing the point. Sterling was cheating and it was cheating that won the game last night. The English go on about foreigners diving like an English man could never dive. If Ireland had been in Denmarks position last night the outrage on here would be epic.
It's quite appropriate for a country governed by liars and cheats that they should win the semi final in the manner they did
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 08, 2021, 07:32:44 PM
I think people who are saying in relation to the penalty the best team won anyway and England should have had a peno earlier and Lampards goal in South Africa are missing the point. Sterling was cheating and it was cheating that won the game last night. The English go on about foreigners diving like an English man could never dive. If Ireland had been in Denmarks position last night the outrage on here would be epic.
If Ireland were in England's position there wouldn't be a word about it.
Who talks about foreigners diving?
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 08, 2021, 07:24:30 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 07:00:17 PM
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
What song is that?
The will grigg song. Not sure who the English version is about.
Sweet Caroline.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 07:00:17 PM
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
They weren't singing the sash were they?
Quote from: Dougal Maguire on July 08, 2021, 08:04:36 PM
It's quite appropriate for a country governed by liars and cheats that they should win the semi final in the manner they did
Well, you could say that about all countries.
Quote from: maldini on July 08, 2021, 08:32:45 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 07:00:17 PM
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
They weren't singing the sash were they?
Not that know of. It was Sweet Caroline they were singing. Terrible song.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 10:20:52 PM
Quote from: maldini on July 08, 2021, 08:32:45 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2021, 07:00:17 PM
Norn Iron fans not happy Engerland have stolen their song. Awful taste in music so they have. An absolute brutal song.
They weren't singing the sash were they?
Not that know of. It was Sweet Caroline they were singing. Terrible song.
I'm a big fan of Neil Diamond, it's not his best but a cracking 'anthem' would have been used initially at Carl Frampton's fights I thought
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
It's a penalty every day in the premiership, whether Sterling engineered it is up for debate, but lads are calling for or dropping like flies when they hit the penalty area in every team sport like football soccer and hurling 😂
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
Quote from: Main Street on July 09, 2021, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
On the penalty, if the referee believed that the one involving Kane was 'simulation' then in my opinion he should have booked him. If he had then there's less of a chance that Sterling goes down as easily. Game should have been stopped for 2 balls, as it was later in the game. It was a soft penalty but that's what way the game has gone. Every team at every level benefits from soft decisions. The old phrase 'they even themselves out' comes to mind. The final might be where it evens out!!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on July 09, 2021, 08:06:40 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 09, 2021, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
On the penalty, if the referee believed that the one involving Kane was 'simulation' then in my opinion he should have booked him. If he had then there's less of a chance that Sterling goes down as easily. Game should have been stopped for 2 balls, as it was later in the game. It was a soft penalty but that's what way the game has gone. Every team at every level benefits from soft decisions. The old phrase 'they even themselves out' comes to mind. The final might be where it evens out!!
No, the rule states the game continues unless the second ball causes an interference (eg. Denmark defender or Sterling trip over it).
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
(https://i.ibb.co/mJybLbd/E5w-Syy2-Vk-AQz6pn.jpg)
I think its a penalty too. Tbh I think people are losing the run of themselves with this.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 09, 2021, 08:10:45 AM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on July 09, 2021, 08:06:40 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 09, 2021, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
On the penalty, if the referee believed that the one involving Kane was 'simulation' then in my opinion he should have booked him. If he had then there's less of a chance that Sterling goes down as easily. Game should have been stopped for 2 balls, as it was later in the game. It was a soft penalty but that's what way the game has gone. Every team at every level benefits from soft decisions. The old phrase 'they even themselves out' comes to mind. The final might be where it evens out!!
No, the rule states the game continues unless the second ball causes an interference (eg. Denmark defender or Sterling trip over it).
Fair enough then
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 09, 2021, 08:10:45 AM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on July 09, 2021, 08:06:40 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 09, 2021, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
On the penalty, if the referee believed that the one involving Kane was 'simulation' then in my opinion he should have booked him. If he had then there's less of a chance that Sterling goes down as easily. Game should have been stopped for 2 balls, as it was later in the game. It was a soft penalty but that's what way the game has gone. Every team at every level benefits from soft decisions. The old phrase 'they even themselves out' comes to mind. The final might be where it evens out!!
No, the rule states the game continues unless the second ball causes an interference (eg. Denmark defender or Sterling trip over it).
Why did the ref stop it later on then for a ball on the field?
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 09, 2021, 09:10:23 AM
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 09, 2021, 08:10:45 AM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on July 09, 2021, 08:06:40 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 09, 2021, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 08, 2021, 10:36:14 PM
Am I the only one that thought it was a penalty?
If Sterling did dive, it's something that players from every international team, including Ireland, has done and will continue to do.
Diving is a yellow card offense. The English team are infested with divers and Sterling repeatedly dives throughout the game, not just a high pressure game but when playing tiny Iceland in the Nations Cup, Saka dives twice to get an Icelandic defender sent off and then high fives all round, even the BBC pundits were embarrassed. Where on earth do you get the comparison with Ireland from?
On the penalty, if the referee believed that the one involving Kane was 'simulation' then in my opinion he should have booked him. If he had then there's less of a chance that Sterling goes down as easily. Game should have been stopped for 2 balls, as it was later in the game. It was a soft penalty but that's what way the game has gone. Every team at every level benefits from soft decisions. The old phrase 'they even themselves out' comes to mind. The final might be where it evens out!!
No, the rule states the game continues unless the second ball causes an interference (eg. Denmark defender or Sterling trip over it).
Why did the ref stop it later on then for a ball on the field?
Didn't see so no idea. I'm only pointing out the rule as it is in the rulebook.
Steve McClaren has had his say on the future of this England team...
"Once we win a trophy - and I hope it's this one - I believe we can dominate for many years. A bit like Spain and Germany; they did what we have done for the last 10 years."
Can't see that happening. Just looking at the European sides - Germany will hit the reset button like they have done before. Spain will find a striker to actually finish their attacks. And the French haven't suddenly become a poor side overnight.
The English will probably find themselves in a couple more semi-finals and finals, but it definitely won't be considered a domination.
I don't think Sterling dived. Did it appear to be soft? Yes....however you can never tell the full extent of any impact from watching on the tele. As someone said, people just getting carried away because it's England or whatever.
Like seriously, is England winning really going to cause you that much distress and sleepless nights lol
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/euro-2021/2021/07/08/denmarks-free-kick-goal-just-dodgy-englands-penalty
So, forget the dodgy penalty, let us talk about the dodgy free-kick that made England chase the game and need two goals to progress to their first major final in 55 years
According to the laws of the game, as contained on the FA website, the way Denmark's players lined up in front of the defensive wall, helping to block goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's view, was not allowed.
In section 13 of the law book dealing with free-kicks, it is made clear that "where three or more defending team players form a 'wall', all attacking team players must remain at least 1m (1yd) from the 'wall' until the ball is in play".
Denmark did not do this, clearly standing too close to the English wall, so as good as Mikkel Damsgaard's dipping free-kick was - going over the wall before coming down at speed to dip under the crossbar and beat goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - it should not have been allowed to stand.
Slightly off topic but anywhere in Castlebar that'll be showing the final on Sunday.
Literally asking for a friend.
There are loads of Pubs and a thiring soccer club there.
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 09, 2021, 05:39:07 PM
There are loads of Pubs and a thiring soccer club there.
Aren't they all closed?
You always have the feeling there will be a monumental error by Pickford at some stage to gift Italy the win.
I kind of think that might happen too. He's really nervy and in that semi if he'd had shots fired at him enough no matter how good they were some would have went in. It depends how well they can close Italy out but if I were their manager I'd be saying get long range shots in and get him challenged in the air. Definitely there to be got at.
Big Maguire is a handful at corners. We all love Chielinni, but corners could be a problem for Italy. Maguire was out-jumping the Danes and they were giants.
Quote from: Sportacus on July 09, 2021, 11:31:25 PM
Big Maguire is a handful at corners. We all love Chielinni, but corners could be a problem for Italy. Maguire was out-jumping the Danes and they were giants.
If that man could aim his headers he'd be scoring Ronaldo and Messi numbers. Always gets contact but it could literally go any direction.
Its the hair
Are you all ready for tomorrows final?
(https://i.ibb.co/xLpkbfb/E50-A8-R1-WUAMQQz4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LRLFyJy)
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 10, 2021, 06:50:24 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on July 09, 2021, 11:31:25 PM
Big Maguire is a handful at corners. We all love Chielinni, but corners could be a problem for Italy. Maguire was out-jumping the Danes and they were giants.
If that man could aim his headers he'd be scoring Ronaldo and Messi numbers. Always gets contact but it could literally go any direction.
Whenever I see a reference to Slab Head, I always think of Bob Mortimer, who had a friend with a similarly massive napper:
"Sniper's Dream", we called him... ;D
Quote from: Evil Genius on July 10, 2021, 11:27:31 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 10, 2021, 06:50:24 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on July 09, 2021, 11:31:25 PM
Big Maguire is a handful at corners. We all love Chielinni, but corners could be a problem for Italy. Maguire was out-jumping the Danes and they were giants.
If that man could aim his headers he'd be scoring Ronaldo and Messi numbers. Always gets contact but it could literally go any direction.
Whenever I see a reference to Slab Head, I always think of Bob Mortimer, who had a friend with a similarly massive napper:
"Sniper's Dream", we called him... ;D
Think I heard him mention that on the fishing show. Great line ;D
Copa America Neymar vs Messi
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on July 09, 2021, 04:58:41 PM
Slightly off topic but anywhere in Castlebar that'll be showing the final on Sunday.
Literally asking for a friend.
If he can look through a window maybe he might see it.
Quote from: Evil Genius on July 10, 2021, 11:27:31 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 10, 2021, 06:50:24 AM
Quote from: Sportacus on July 09, 2021, 11:31:25 PM
Big Maguire is a handful at corners. We all love Chielinni, but corners could be a problem for Italy. Maguire was out-jumping the Danes and they were giants.
If that man could aim his headers he'd be scoring Ronaldo and Messi numbers. Always gets contact but it could literally go any direction.
Whenever I see a reference to Slab Head, I always think of Bob Mortimer, who had a friend with a similarly massive napper:
"Sniper's Dream", we called him... ;D
;D ;D
0 more sleeps. Here we go boys!!!!!!
ITS CAHMINN HOME ITS CAHMIN HOME.....
Messi joins Ronaldo with an Continental National title!
Quote from: dec on July 11, 2021, 12:55:04 AM
Copa America Neymar vs Messi
Fairly average final, the only goal from poor defending. Messi missed a sitter late on wouldn't have known Neymar was playing. I'd hope tonights final is better
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 11, 2021, 11:36:42 AM
Quote from: dec on July 11, 2021, 12:55:04 AM
Copa America Neymar vs Messi
Fairly average final, the only goal from poor defending. Messi missed a sitter late on wouldn't have known Neymar was playing. I'd hope tonights final is better
Really, I watched the entire game, IMO Neymar was the best Brazilian by a mile, tried his arse off.
It would have been a different game/atmosphere to it if stadium was full instead of the few hundythat were there.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on July 11, 2021, 05:45:25 PM
https://twitter.com/NewsForAllUK/status/1414246103407529989
At least they're doing it in their own back yard this time. ::)
Will be carnage if they lose.
more of it here https://twitter.com/i/status/1414285840675713032
🇮🇹💪🇮🇹
Quote from: laoislad on July 11, 2021, 07:26:17 PM
🇮🇹💪🇮🇹
Come on! Reckon England will sneak it through foul means on pens.
What a time to score your first goal for England :o
Shite.
To be fair to shaw he's had a great tournament.
Christ when Shaw scores after 2 minutes, you begin to wonder is it feckin written...
Tús maith leath na h-oibre as they say in Romford.
Italy hadn't even got a chance to get the defence set. You know when they say a team can score too early... ;)
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 08:05:01 PM
Shite.
To be fair to shaw he's had a great tournament.
Husband was in the middle of saying that to me when he stopped speaking to watch the goal being scored
For all the diving you would ever see from Italians Kane is as bad as any of them and worse.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 08:23:13 PM
For all the diving you would ever see from Italians Kane is as bad as any of them and worse.
No one comes close.. The man is shameless
Quote from: JoG2 on July 11, 2021, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 08:23:13 PM
For all the diving you would ever see from Italians Kane is as bad as any of them and worse.
No one comes close.. The man is shameless
Sterling is pretty close.
Italy trying to pass their way in but less room in that English defense than Dolly Parton's corset. Best bet would be to test Pickford from outside box.
Quote from: red hander on July 11, 2021, 08:44:59 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on July 11, 2021, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 08:23:13 PM
For all the diving you would ever see from Italians Kane is as bad as any of them and worse.
No one comes close.. The man is shameless
Sterling is pretty close.
Not in his passing, continually gives it away.
Italy have been horrible to watch. It really doesn't look like England are going to lose here
Looks like the Ballon D'Or is a straight fight between Lionel Messi and Luke Shaw
Italy need a big galoot up front. Is Cascarino on the bench?
Why are England songs being played on the stadium PA system? Is this sort of thing not controlled by UEFA? Surely this is considered a neutral venue, not an England home game? They should even it up by playing Shaddupa Ya Face or something.
A stiff wind blow Sterling over
Goaaal for Italy and it was coming.
GET IN!!!
Hard to know whos the biggest ledge between bonucci and chiellini....
Verratti 3 fouls in 60 seconds. Ref needs to get the cards out
England can be pleased they managed to bring that game to extra time.
That ref is well onto the diving. Honestly think that is impacting England's game plan.
Italy best team last 60mibs, but it looks like it's going to penalties
Grealish is good. Honestly almost another level to some of his team mates. Possibly stuffed now too.
Dull extra time period, now for the drama of a penalty shoot out.
No team has won 2 penalty shootouts at the same Euros. Hopefully that changes tonight.
Come on Italia. Penos
Jorginho lucky not to get a red. The dreaded penalties again!
Jorginho to score the winning peno? ;D
The better team won.
England will never get a better chance to win the European championship than that. Terrible choice of penalty takers by Southgate. Its coming to Rome instead of home.
Well I think we can say with certainty: IT'S NOT COMING HOME!
I LOVE YOU ITALY!!
THANK F**K FOR THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How long were sancho and rashford on for and then to be expected to take a penalty. Bonkers.
Have to say I feel sorry for Grealish and Rice. ;D
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 10:59:33 PM
How long were sancho and rashford on for and then to be expected to take a penalty. Bonkers.
Who would have thought slab head would take a better peno than those two.
Slab head had a great game to be fair to him and great tournament.
Italy win the double eurovision and euros. Has any other country ever done that?
Lettin a 19yr old take the 5th pen....few boys mite wana take a look at themselves tonite...
London gona get wrecked innit...
Kind of stupid bringing on two player so late and barely having a touch of the ball then take penalties
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 11, 2021, 11:08:05 PM
Lettin a 19yr old take the 5th pen....few boys mite wana take a look at themselves tonite...
London gona get wrecked innit...
By the looks of it, it was wrecked earlier today.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 11, 2021, 11:05:05 PM
Slab head had a great game to be fair to him and great tournament.
Shaw and Maguire had a decent tournament. Pickford saves 2 penalties and still not enough. Thought grealish would have taken one of the 5. England won't get a better chance after that.
ah sorry lads, maybe better luck in qatar ;D
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 11, 2021, 11:08:05 PM
Lettin a 19yr old take the 5th pen....few boys mite wana take a look at themselves tonite...
London gona get wrecked innit...
That's got to be on Southgate.
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 11, 2021, 11:13:09 PM
ah sorry lads, maybe better luck in qatar ;D
At least they'll be at it. Our useless shower won't be within an ass' roar of it! North or south of Ireland
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 11, 2021, 11:07:55 PM
Italy win the double eurovision and euros. Has any other country ever done that?
Nearly sure Greece done that. Plus they had the Olympics that year too.
Edit: they won Eurovision 2005 not 2004.
You have to lose a Final to win a final. That what they keep telling us in Mayo! ;D
Quote from: BennyCake on July 11, 2021, 11:18:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 11, 2021, 11:07:55 PM
Italy win the double eurovision and euros. Has any other country ever done that?
Nearly sure Greece done that. Plus they had the Olympics that year too.
Ukraine won 2004 eurovision
Best team won tonight and the cup. Very enjoyable tournament and whatever you say about England they kept things very interesting by getting to the final. Agreed with the above, letting a rookie take the 5th penalty and Sterling take none was very odd.
England not take the heat in the middle East, the south Americans, Spain, maybe Italy best suited to that climate
Quote from: BennyCake on July 11, 2021, 11:18:33 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 11, 2021, 11:07:55 PM
Italy win the double eurovision and euros. Has any other country ever done that?
Nearly sure Greece done that. Plus they had the Olympics that year too.
Edit: they won Eurovision 2005 not 2004.
And portugal
We all know Grealish is a snake but the fact he bottled taking one and let a 19 yr old have to step up says it all
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 11, 2021, 11:08:05 PM
Lettin a 19yr old take the 5th pen....few boys mite wana take a look at themselves tonite...
London gona get wrecked innit...
Yes, feel bad for young Saka and Sancho. Ridiculous putting them in that position.
Rashford as well - he's a class act.
No doubt the Neanderthals will be gearing up to have a go at all three on Twitter.
Am not a betting man, but I say London gona seen abit of wrecking later
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on July 11, 2021, 11:28:19 PM
We all know Grealish is a snake but the fact he bottled taking one and let a 19 yr old have to step up says it all
Sterling also.
Thought about Shaw too. Wouldnt go as far as callin them snakes tho...
Rashford class act surely if there was a boy you wanted to score it was him..
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 11, 2021, 11:40:53 PM
Thought about Shaw too. Wouldnt go as far as callin them snakes tho...
Rashford class act surely if there was a boy you wanted to score it was him..
Eh no...
The starting players should been taking the penalty with maybe Rashford of the bench, who hardly got any game time.
west brits seething ::)
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 11, 2021, 11:40:53 PM
Thought about Shaw too. Wouldnt go as far as callin them snakes tho...
Rashford class act surely if there was a boy you wanted to score it was him..
It was almost a perfect penalty, sent goalie wrong way, only for hitting the post. Southgate will be cursing his luck that he did not run out of time to put the two subs on.
Real dilemma now for the Unionists. Burn their bonfires and it'll look like they're celebrating with the papists!
Loads of fireworks in west Belfast ;D
All on southgate that, poor tactics, sat back and let Italy control the match. Letting a kid take 5th penalty is inexcusable, sterling, shaw or grealish should've been before saka.
Best 11th nite ever and its naw near over yet tbh 😎😃
There be some Covid increase in England nxt few weeks.
The Italians have just done the whole world a favour. Grazie mille
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 12, 2021, 12:07:15 AM
There be some Covid increase in England nxt few weeks.
Hopefully not or Tony will try to limit attendance to All-Ireland to 500 people, irrespective of whether they are vaccinated or not.
Quote from: joemamas on July 12, 2021, 12:09:20 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 12, 2021, 12:07:15 AM
There be some Covid increase in England nxt few weeks.
Hopefully not or Tony will try to limit attendance to All-Ireland to 500 people, irrespective of whether they are vaccinated or not.
And it is two months away, not that it matters to T
That was some craic
Forza Italia
Quote from: SHEEDY on July 12, 2021, 12:00:25 AM
All on southgate that, poor tactics, sat back and let Italy control the match. Letting a kid take 5th penalty is inexcusable, sterling, shaw or grealish should've been before saka.
Yip
Wasn't much in that and yeah England were probably a bit too conservative but they were very close to winning it. They're young and while Southgate made a mistake today they'll learn from this and take it to the next few tournaments. They're very dangerous!
Having said that I really enjoyed them getting beat. While the players seem relatively decent (except for Utd pricks obvs) hits the supporters and media are f**king clowns and they need to wind their necks in!!
They're not far away though!
Quote from: screenexile on July 12, 2021, 01:06:11 AM
Wasn't much in that and yeah England were probably a bit too conservative but they were very close to winning it. They're young and while Southgate made a mistake today they'll learn from this and take it to the next few tournaments. They're very dangerous!
Having said that I really enjoyed them getting beat. While the players seem relatively decent (except for Utd pricks obvs) hits the supporters and media are f**king clowns and they need to wind their necks in!!
They're not far away though!
Relax, you're watching too much ITV! They had 6 home games and were in the easy side of the draw. That was their chance and they weren't good enough. They'll not recover from this. In the World Cup they'll fall to the first or second decent team they meet.
Quote from: laoislad on July 11, 2021, 11:31:19 PM
Quote from: JPGJOHNNYG on July 11, 2021, 11:28:19 PM
We all know Grealish is a snake but the fact he bottled taking one and let a 19 yr old have to step up says it all
Sterling also.
Surely in this day of analysis and stats England would have had their penalty takers selected wel before the shoot out tonite
Would explain why Sancho and Rashford were brought on tonight i the 129th minute
People seem mad to blame others for some reason
Quote from: screenexile on July 12, 2021, 01:06:11 AM
Wasn't much in that and yeah England were probably a bit too conservative but they were very close to winning it. They're young and while Southgate made a mistake today they'll learn from this and take it to the next few tournaments. They're very dangerous!
Having said that I really enjoyed them getting beat. While the players seem relatively decent (except for Utd pricks obvs) hits the supporters and media are f**king clowns and they need to wind their necks in!!
They're not far away though!
They barely played anyone and when they played Denmark they relied on a dive. Harry Kane is diving all over the place as are Grealish and Stirling. The latter two tonight showed they have no bottle.
Italy completely controlled that game and the stats showed it. England had 35% possession and only 2 shots on target while Italy had 6. It would have been a different story had Cheisa been able to stay on.
Personally I would have given Sancho and Rashford more game time, imagine going into a game having barely touched the ball and then having to take a penalty.
I won't say England's goal was a fluke but they took advantage of an opportunity they were never going to get again. England can't play compact the way they do against teams like Italy, Spain and most of the South American countries.
I think they are imposters on the world stage. They had an easy route last world cup, an easy route this championship. They had all but one game at home and still couldn't win the dam thing.
Lads you're mad if you don't think England are a decent team!!
I'm no fan but they'll hold their own no matter who they play. Also they will improve and Southgate should have had Sancho and Grealish on earlier.
Southgate gets a lot more credit than he deserves. He is a decent but limited coach. He has a lot of attacking talent at his disposal but prefers to lean on a decent defence and defensive tactics. Sancho is already a well established attacking talent at the top level but not at international level because Southgate doesn't give him a chance. He didn't have Foden tonight but had dropped him previously anyway.
Grealish is also a class act but only gets his chance to make an impact as a sub. Saka also got dropped in favour of the defender Trippier. Southgate caught a big break tonight with Shaws early goal but his team were unable to take advantage because of the managers negative tactics.
In terms of the future, the team is young but a world cup in Qatar might not be to Englands liking either. So tonight was Englands big opportunity but Southgate failed to maximise Englands chances playing at home by being too defensive minded imho.
Delighted to see Rice bawling his lamps out. Tosser.
Quote from: screenexile on July 12, 2021, 01:47:56 AM
Lads you're mad if you don't think England are a decent team!!
I'm no fan but they'll hold their own no matter who they play. Also they will improve and Southgate should have had Sancho and Grealish on earlier.
They had a few advantages here which are unlikely to be repeated. They had home advantage, no significant injuries and let's be honest couldn't have had an easier draw. Italy are worthy champions given the really tough draw they got. England were impressive and looked to have a real threat v the weaker teams on their side of the draw but after they scored yesterday Italy totally bossed them. They are young though and have lots of pace so I'd expect them to challenge again over the next decade.
England just didn't have the balls to win it. They got the early goal and Southgate was like Mourinho-lite and parked the bus. There was a possession stat at one point where the Italians had 71-29%. That's ridiculous between allegedly the best 2 teams in Europe. They got the early goal and closed up shop, not another shot on target for basically the whole game and extra time.
Italy are a top striker away from being a brilliant team. A player with the ability of Kane (not his personality or attitude though, snide, sneaky fecker, could imagine him wearing a red beret and fatigues), would transform them. Chiesa, Insigne, have good cut up front but a proper no 9 would transform them. Immobile just doesn't do it.
As for the penalties the reality is that's a lottery. I had no issue with Rashford taking one even though he was just on. He is and experienced penalty taker and hit a very good one which was just a few inches from perfection. Saka and Sancho though shouldn't have hit them. Southgate got that wrong and he has to deal with the consequences. Sancho has just been landed with a big burden now on his shoulders on top of the already huge expectations of joining United. This could be very hard to carry and he will be reminded of it on a regular basis and the racist thugs are well on their way online to doing so.
All in all though Italy are the deserved winners. England had the best chance to win a tournament given the draw, the location and the fact that they had basically 95% support in the stadiums for the last few games. They shit the nest. Italy were well ahead of them except for the final ball during the 120 minutes of play. England had no real cut. I always say a team reflects their manager, nice, tidy, good footballers, miss penalties under pressure!
Seen videos of English supporters in the stadium (middle aged men) kicking & hammering Italian supporters, what utter scumbags. Online abuse of the 3 black lads that missed penos to, utter scum. Glad they got beat & the manner of the loss all the better.
Quote from: Rudi on July 12, 2021, 08:49:52 AM
Seen videos of English supporters in the stadium (middle aged men) kicking & hammering Italian supporters, what utter scumbags. Online abuse of the 3 black lads that missed penos to, utter scum. Glad they got beat & the manner of the loss all the better.
Those weren't Italians, they were English fans wearing their away Jersey. They'd just stormed in without tickets and other English fans went fighting them.
In what was a very bad weekend for Cavan gaa, at least one result went my way. Thank you Italy.
Mancini has done a brilliant job with Italy. Undefeated in 3 years,missed out on the 2018 World Cup which was a wake up call for a Country like Italy ,who are always involved in the big tournaments.
Quote from: Itchy on July 12, 2021, 08:52:25 AM
Quote from: Rudi on July 12, 2021, 08:49:52 AM
Seen videos of English supporters in the stadium (middle aged men) kicking & hammering Italian supporters, what utter scumbags. Online abuse of the 3 black lads that missed penos to, utter scum. Glad they got beat & the manner of the loss all the better.
Those weren't Italians, they were English fans wearing their away Jersey. They'd just stormed in without tickets and other English fans went fighting them.
In what was a very bad weekend for Cavan gaa, at least one result went my way. Thank you Italy.
It was , but if you listen, they thought the guy on the ground was an Italian(theres one get him)
Keane was bang on when he talked about managers gambling. England are a half decent team but they are too defensive when it comes down to it. They pretty much have two holding midfielders and Kane has to come deep to get the ball. I honestly think the ref not falling for diving last night curbed his game. Also they had no idea what to do with Chiesa- far too direct for them.
There are a lot of scumbags among the fans. When have you ever seen scenes like that in a major tournament this century anyway.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 12, 2021, 02:23:56 AM
Southgate gets a lot more credit than he deserves. He is a decent but limited coach. He has a lot of attacking talent at his disposal but prefers to lean on a decent defence and defensive tactics. Sancho is already a well established attacking talent at the top level but not at international level because Southgate doesn't give him a chance. He didn't have Foden tonight but had dropped him previously anyway.
Grealish is also a class act but only gets his chance to make an impact as a sub. Saka also got dropped in favour of the defender Trippier. Southgate caught a big break tonight with Shaws early goal but his team were unable to take advantage because of the managers negative tactics.
In terms of the future, the team is young but a world cup in Qatar might not be to Englands liking either. So tonight was Englands big opportunity but Southgate failed to maximise Englands chances playing at home by being too defensive minded imho.
England were very ordinary in 2018 but fluked an easy draw, the English public and media lost the run of themselves and thought Southgate was some sort of footballing genius. They were much better this time but still had a handy draw and met Germany on big off day. Southgate is too negative. With the players they have and home advantage it was a real opportunity to win. If Roy Hodgson stayed he would have done as well as Southgate in 2018 and2021 with those players and those draws. Roll on Qatar but cant see England doing much with big nose. Ill give him credit he is very good with the media unlike our boss and he does have a rapport with the players but tactically he isnt up to much
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 12, 2021, 09:18:59 AM
Keane was bang on when he talked about managers gambling. England are a half decent team but they are too defensive when it comes down to it. They pretty much have two holding midfielders and Kane has to come deep to get the ball. I honestly think the ref not falling for diving last night curbed his game. Also they had no idea what to do with Chiesa- far too direct for them.
There are a lot of scumbags among the fans. When have you ever seen scenes like that in a major tournament this century anyway.
Yeah, early on he did give soft frees for Kane/Sterling dives, but he got wise to it after a while. Kane in particular was shameful.
Italy for all their possession, never looked like delivering that killer blow. A bit like Derry pissing about v Donegal, passing it around so much that the final whistle blew. Italy needed to mix it up. Should have lumped it up to Big Cas now and again to keep England guessing. At times this limited England team were shown up for their lack of quality.
When will England next get a better chance to win a major tournament? It is no coincidence that their 3 most successful tournaments came on home soil. This time they were further enabled by getting the very kindest of draws.
They have a deficiency of top class midfielders and whilst they are blessed with attacking players they will always struggle against really top opposition since they are unable to control a match via long periods of possession. Therefore they are reliant on going from back to front really quickly via fast counter attacking football. Overall Southgate has done a good job with them but backing up what he has done so far in the heat of Qatar will be very difficult.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
When will England next get a better chance to win a major tournament? It is no coincidence that their 3 most successful tournaments came on home soil. This time they were further enabled by getting the very kindest of draws.
They have a deficiency of top class midfielders and whilst they are blessed with attacking players they will always struggle against really top opposition since they are unable to control a match via long periods of possession. Therefore they are reliant on going from back to front really quickly via fast counter attacking football. Overall Southgate has done a good job with them but backing up what he has done so far in the heat of Qatar will be very difficult.
Their major deficiency was their manager.
You play three at the back to allow a box to box midfield to do its thing. Or you play 3 at the back because you've got shit centre halves. Or you play two DMs to protect a weak back line.
England played 5 at the back and 2 DMs.
If those two midfielders had been Grealish and Henderson, or Grealish and Mount, England would likely have won. Their defence doesn't need that level of protection, but their forwards absolutely needed shorter, sharper passes to feet, and more sustained periods in the opposition half.
It was pure fucken dirge from Southgate.
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
When will England next get a better chance to win a major tournament? It is no coincidence that their 3 most successful tournaments came on home soil. This time they were further enabled by getting the very kindest of draws.
They have a deficiency of top class midfielders and whilst they are blessed with attacking players they will always struggle against really top opposition since they are unable to control a match via long periods of possession. Therefore they are reliant on going from back to front really quickly via fast counter attacking football. Overall Southgate has done a good job with them but backing up what he has done so far in the heat of Qatar will be very difficult.
Quite simply never.
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Southgate will do nothing with them at Qatar at which point all the psychological issues come back front and centre that they just don't have the brain function to handle other countries in the finer points of the beautiful game.
One things for sure, they should be counting their lucky stars they weren't playing Spain last night or possession could have been 80:20+
Quote from: thewobbler on July 12, 2021, 10:30:24 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
When will England next get a better chance to win a major tournament? It is no coincidence that their 3 most successful tournaments came on home soil. This time they were further enabled by getting the very kindest of draws.
They have a deficiency of top class midfielders and whilst they are blessed with attacking players they will always struggle against really top opposition since they are unable to control a match via long periods of possession. Therefore they are reliant on going from back to front really quickly via fast counter attacking football. Overall Southgate has done a good job with them but backing up what he has done so far in the heat of Qatar will be very difficult.
Their major deficiency was their manager.
You play three at the back to allow a box to box midfield to do its thing. Or you okay 3 at the back because you've got suite centre halves. Or you play two DMs to protect a weak back line.
England played 5 at the back and 2 DMs.
If those two midfielders had been Grealish and Henderson, or Grealish and Mount, England would likely have won. Their defence doesn't need that level of protection, but their forwards absolutely needed shorter, sharper passes to feet, and more sustained periods in the opposition half.
It was pure fucken dirge from Southgate.
Couldn't agree with this more.
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
There was 60 yards between the English forwards and midfield for the entire second half. But here blame Kane for not pulling every ball out of the sky and threading a series of passes to Stering's feet.
You read like a man with a pre ordained notion rather than someone who watched the match
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
The two Italian Ctr backs are just so cute and clever. An example is this, not once in the entire game of 120 mins did Sterling get a run at them. They were up his hole all day and if he did manage to get on it and get half turned he was brought down. It was just not going to happen. Its a lesson on how a slower player can deal with pace by using their head. 2 unbelievable defenders. The reason Englands "defence" was so good is they effectively play with 6 defenders, because Southgate doesnt trust his ctr halves. But then that makes every game (bar when you play shit teams) low scoring and you are prone to get caught like England did last night. Good enough for them, setting up like that on their own turf and conceding a whopping 70% possession for most of the game.
Itchy in all honesty, that's only half the story.
Sterling never got a run at them because England never passed the ball to his feet in space. You can eulogise about the ageing centre halves all you like, but Chellini took a card the only time it happened, with a few mins to play. He'd have been sent off had England pressed with Grealish and Foden.
Italy would of ripped them apart if they set up more offensively. Of all the teams in the tournament their midfielders and forwards have a lovely first touch and creative ability. England's only chance was to suck them up the field and try and get in behind them. Even at that Shaw was their most menacing player going forward and who would have thought that at start of tournament. Kane is OK against a mediocre defence ditto Sterling. Average team completely overhyped on a very easy side of the the draw and home advantage most games. Let's remember it took a bit of cheating to reach the final in the Semi against an exhausted Denmark. Southgate's biggest boob was throwing on kids for the penalties after his tactics got them that far against a better team.
Quote from: Itchy on July 12, 2021, 10:33:21 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
The two Italian Ctr backs are just so cute and clever. An example is this, not once in the entire game of 120 mins did Sterling get a run at them. They were up his hole all day and if he did manage to get on it and get half turned he was brought down. It was just not going to happen. Its a lesson on how a slower player can deal with pace by using their head. 2 unbelievable defenders. The reason Englands "defence" was so good is they effectively play with 6 defenders, because Southgate doesnt trust his ctr halves. But then that makes every game (bar when you play shit teams) low scoring and you are prone to get caught like England did last night. Good enough for them, setting up like that on their own turf and conceding a whopping 70% possession for most of the game.
I would agree with this. Defending deep suits that England defence and with 2 holding midfield players in front of them it gives them an added layer of protection. Stones and Maguire look great when everything is played in front of them but if they have to defend 10-15 yards higher up the pitch to squeeze the play, they are vulnerable to players running in behind them. The trade off is that they concede possession and are unable to get much support to their own attacking players.
Phillips and Rice wouldn't get into any top midfield side in the world. They are good at breaking up the play and putting in tackles but offer little creatively going forward and do little to try and maintain possession and control a match. I don't think England have any of those types of players. Henderson nor Mount are not those types of players either whilst Grealish is a luxury No.10 type player not a midfielder who can control a match. I think Southgate undoubtedly has questions to answer on just why he set up so defensively but I can at least see some of his logic.
Quote from: tiempo on July 12, 2021, 10:31:00 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 10:11:08 AM
When will England next get a better chance to win a major tournament? It is no coincidence that their 3 most successful tournaments came on home soil. This time they were further enabled by getting the very kindest of draws.
They have a deficiency of top class midfielders and whilst they are blessed with attacking players they will always struggle against really top opposition since they are unable to control a match via long periods of possession. Therefore they are reliant on going from back to front really quickly via fast counter attacking football. Overall Southgate has done a good job with them but backing up what he has done so far in the heat of Qatar will be very difficult.
Quite simply never.
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Southgate will do nothing with them at Qatar at which point all the psychological issues come back front and centre that they just don't have the brain function to handle other countries in the finer points of the beautiful game.
One things for sure, they should be counting their lucky stars they weren't playing Spain last night or possession could have been 80:20+
Spain would have destroyed England last night I think but we would have run the risk of them not taking their chances.
Quote from: north_antrim_hound on July 12, 2021, 10:59:44 AM
Italy would of ripped them apart if they set up more offensively. Of all the teams in the tournament their midfielders and forwards have a lovely first touch and creative ability. England's only chance was to suck them up the field and try and get in behind them. Even at that Shaw was their most menacing player going forward and who would have thought that at start of tournament. Kane is OK against a mediocre defence ditto Sterling. Average team completely overhyped on a very easy side of the the draw and home advantage most games. Let's remember it took a bit of cheating to reach the final in the Semi against an exhausted Denmark. Southgate's biggest boob was throwing on kids for the penalties after his tactics got them that far against a better team.
England's "back 4" defence contains 2 x starters from both Man City and Man Utd.... the teams that finished first and second in the highest quality league in Europe. Two champions league winning starters - Chilwell and James - barely got a sniff between them.
It's a seriously tidy and well balanced back 4.
Italy's average forwards likely wouldn't have troubled them.
That's on Southgate.
England need a beautiful human being with great character at the helm, unfortunately Garth only fulfills the former criteria, they'll do nutin at Qatar, no way is he capable of the evolution needed and too fearful to let them off the leash, they may hope the Panamas of this world haven't improved since the last WC or it could get ugly...
Three years ago in Russia they behaved wonderfully.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 12, 2021, 10:32:27 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
There was 60 yards between the English forwards and midfield for the entire second half. But here blame Kane for not pulling every ball out of the sky and threading a series of passes to Stering's feet.
You read like a man with a pre ordained notion rather than someone who watched the match
What I'm saying is that Kane wasn't the man for that role. England were always looking to play on the counterattack and that's not his game, but by being England Captain was deemed untouchable and was kept on when it was obvious Rashford in a more central role would have caused the Italian midfield to sit deeper to ensure their two aging centre backs weren't exposed by a long ball. Bonucci had an armchair ride as Kane was neither willing or able to make those runs. Veratti and Jorginho were calling the shots barring the first 10 minutes.
If there's a heat map for Kane it'll be pretty blue and he's not entirely to blame for that.
Quote from: tiempo on July 12, 2021, 10:31:00 AM
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Colonial pasts - or presents, for that matter - don't seem to be be a barrier to winning contests to host major tournaments
Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Japan, all are colonial powers who have hosted major tournaments in the recent past and two of them are hosting tournaments again in the near future
Russia and Italy have far worse hooligan problems than England
The little digs going on around Chiellini 'overlapping' after all his games.
He played 5 games and covered 47km, mostly pottering around. And he was hardly bursting past the man in possession he was just sauntering up the field.
The English media have also stuck to the party line that a small group got in when in reality it looked like it was pushing for a couple of thousand.
They are going to get some land in Qatar!
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 11:33:35 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 12, 2021, 10:32:27 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
There was 60 yards between the English forwards and midfield for the entire second half. But here blame Kane for not pulling every ball out of the sky and threading a series of passes to Stering's feet.
You read like a man with a pre ordained notion rather than someone who watched the match
What I'm saying is that Kane wasn't the man for that role. England were always looking to play on the counterattack and that's not his game, but by being England Captain was deemed untouchable and was kept on when it was obvious Rashford in a more central role would have caused the Italian midfield to sit deeper to ensure their two aging centre backs weren't exposed by a long ball. Bonucci had an armchair ride as Kane was neither willing or able to make those runs. Veratti and Jorginho were calling the shots barring the first 10 minutes.
If there's a heat map for Kane it'll be pretty blue and he's not entirely to blame for that.
Rashford is never suited to playing as a no.9 for a counter attacking Man United side.
Kane led the league last season in goals and assists playing in Mourinho's counter attacking side.
He's untouchable because he's England's best player by a distance. And it's absolutely disgusting from Southgate that he neglected to use such a talent.
There is much, much more to counter attacking than being able to run quickly. Namely that you need a midfielder or central defender who can quickly and accurately play a forward pass (not a boot over the top).
For coaches of any team sport, that game is the best example surely of he folly of trying to protect a lead for so long. In the 2nd half, all the english players seemed to be in their own half.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 12, 2021, 10:32:27 AM
Quote from: johnnycool on July 12, 2021, 10:28:00 AM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 12, 2021, 09:51:39 AM
Similar to others have said, apart from the pens it is clear England have good players but their style of play is totally dictated by Southgate and his flip-flopping from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and back again. They tried to soak up Italy after going 1-0 up. That is clearly a mistake against the best team in the competition but they did alright for a while, but it was never going to last. They are a good team but not a great team. They have creative players and plenty of young boys who should be able to play without fear, but Southgate by his very nature is conservative and has a natural reluctance to deploy these players for fear of leaving gaps behind them. Anyway, the right result for the tournament and the greater good ;D.
Phew, that was too close for comfort.... Well done Italy, you've saved the rest of us of years and years of analysing a eulogising the tournament for decades and decades.....
first things first, that was a really well taken goal by Shaw so credit there but for most of the game especially in normal time the Italians bossed it and Pickford was by far the busier of the two keepers.
Chiesa doesn't look anything spectacular but he's some player and probably for injuries would and should have been player of the tournament. Class with the ball at his feet but so were most of the italians, neat and tidy in the tight confines and run the England midfield ragged.
Much was made of the age of Cheilline and Bonucci but Kane was pants the whole tournament if the truth was told and never bothered either of the two elderly gentlemen that much. If Southgate was serious about winning this Kane should have been hauled off after half time, he offers that team nothing (not complaining though ;D ).
There was 60 yards between the English forwards and midfield for the entire second half. But here blame Kane for not pulling every ball out of the sky and threading a series of passes to Stering's feet.
You read like a man with a pre ordained notion rather than someone who watched the match
Absolutely. Says Chiesa doesn't look spectacular then proceeds to eulogise him for a whole paragraph and said he'd be player of the tournament ;D
Quote from: sid waddell on July 12, 2021, 11:38:06 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 12, 2021, 10:31:00 AM
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Colonial pasts - or presents, for that matter - don't seem to be be a barrier to winning contests to host major tournaments
Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Japan, all are colonial powers who have hosted major tournaments in the recent past and two of them are hosting tournaments again in the near future
Russia and Italy have far worse hooligan problems than England
The old but themmuns argument gets everywhere
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 12, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on July 12, 2021, 11:38:06 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 12, 2021, 10:31:00 AM
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Colonial pasts - or presents, for that matter - don't seem to be be a barrier to winning contests to host major tournaments
Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Japan, all are colonial powers who have hosted major tournaments in the recent past and two of them are hosting tournaments again in the near future
Russia and Italy have far worse hooligan problems than England
The old but themmuns argument gets everywhere
The old ones are the best
Send her victorious ;)
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on July 12, 2021, 12:14:29 PM
Now that the 2020 Euros are over...
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtYk2PC3/7bwklclkuna71.png)
Sums it up well. Plenty of Irish Arsenal and United fans will have celebrated the missed penalties last night but will be chanting their names in the pub in a few weeks.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 12, 2021, 01:26:44 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on July 12, 2021, 12:14:29 PM
Now that the 2020 Euros are over...
(https://i.postimg.cc/QtYk2PC3/7bwklclkuna71.png)
Sums it up well. Plenty of Irish Arsenal and United fans will have celebrated the missed penalties last night but will be chanting their names in the pub in a few weeks.
They support teams not players surely?
Quote from: BennyCake on July 12, 2021, 09:59:03 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 12, 2021, 09:18:59 AM
Keane was bang on when he talked about managers gambling. England are a half decent team but they are too defensive when it comes down to it. They pretty much have two holding midfielders and Kane has to come deep to get the ball. I honestly think the ref not falling for diving last night curbed his game. Also they had no idea what to do with Chiesa- far too direct for them.
There are a lot of scumbags among the fans. When have you ever seen scenes like that in a major tournament this century anyway.
Yeah, early on he did give soft frees for Kane/Sterling dives, but he got wise to it after a while. Kane in particular was shameful.
Italy for all their possession, never looked like delivering that killer blow. A bit like Derry pissing about v Donegal, passing it around so much that the final whistle blew. Italy needed to mix it up. Should have lumped it up to Big Cas now and again to keep England guessing. At times this limited England team were shown up for their lack of quality.
[/b] A good manager, keeper and midfield away from being the best team in the world. An embarrassingly strong attack, Shaw absolutely world class and Slab head and Stones very good as well.
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 01:42:29 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 12, 2021, 09:59:03 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 12, 2021, 09:18:59 AM
Keane was bang on when he talked about managers gambling. England are a half decent team but they are too defensive when it comes down to it. They pretty much have two holding midfielders and Kane has to come deep to get the ball. I honestly think the ref not falling for diving last night curbed his game. Also they had no idea what to do with Chiesa- far too direct for them.
There are a lot of scumbags among the fans. When have you ever seen scenes like that in a major tournament this century anyway.
Yeah, early on he did give soft frees for Kane/Sterling dives, but he got wise to it after a while. Kane in particular was shameful.
Italy for all their possession, never looked like delivering that killer blow. A bit like Derry pissing about v Donegal, passing it around so much that the final whistle blew. Italy needed to mix it up. Should have lumped it up to Big Cas now and again to keep England guessing. At times this limited England team were shown up for their lack of quality.
[/b] A good manager, keeper and midfield away from being the best team in the world. An embarrassingly strong attack, Shaw absolutely world class and Slab head and Stones very good as well.
Quite far away then!
I'd put them behind Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Brazil & Argentina, and Germany will bounce back. Qatar will not go well and Southgate will be run out of town eventually. If he had any sense he'd step away now before the brick bats come out.
England have no creativity in central midfield. The fact that a safe pass the ball sideways merchant like Declan Rice is worth 75 million says it all. Grealish has creativity but as a winger but he spends more time trying to do over dramatic tumbles at the slightest contact. Italy totally bossed them around the middle of the field. England put so many back, and have a tremendous work rate and press, which makes them very hard to beat. But like a Jack Charlton team they are hard to watch. Won't be anywhere near winning a World Cup, even though can safely say after watching Copa too that the standard of international soccer has gone way down. How we are so off the pace in Ireland is shocking really.
Aye Rice valued at £75m is madness. Didn't see anything spectacular from him. He's no big miss to Ireland, even if Ireland are poor.
No creativity has been a problem with England for a good while..Euro 2012 Pirlo ran the show against England.
Then in 2014 World Cup Pirlo ran the show again against England.
Scholes was probably the best they had and he was stuck left midfield
Quote from: weareros on July 12, 2021, 01:56:40 PM
England have no creativity in central midfield. The fact that a safe pass the ball sideways merchant like Declan Rice is worth 75 million says it all. Grealish has creativity but as a winger but he spends more time trying to do over dramatic tumbles at the slightest contact. Italy totally bossed them around the middle of the field. England put so many back, and have a tremendous work rate and press, which makes them very hard to beat. But like a Jack Charlton team they are hard to watch. Won't be anywhere near winning a World Cup, even though can safely say after watching Copa too that the standard of international soccer has gone way down. How we are so off the pace in Ireland is shocking really.
They will be rightly one of the favourites for the World Cup - mainly for the reason you outlined in the same sentence. Ireland are brutal, no doubt. Our poorest team for decades. Yes drew with Denmark home and away in qualifying, and were pushing hard for the win at the end of both games after getting late equalisers. The gap isn't that big. Mind you I don't see Ireland bridging it any time soon.
International football is not the highest standard in the game. It was once upon a time, when the most talented players were scattered across the globe. But now they are almost all playing in the Premier League + maybe 10 additional clubs in Europe.
Quote from: ardtole on July 12, 2021, 11:27:57 AM
Three years ago in Russia they behaved wonderfully.
They didn't have the balls to mess with the Russian police.
Quote from: tonto1888 on July 12, 2021, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: sid waddell on July 12, 2021, 11:38:06 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 12, 2021, 10:31:00 AM
England will never be given another major tournament, WC or Euros.
2/3 of the selection process is greasing the wheels and corruption, after that the technical capability of the bid.
The English have no idea how despised they are the world over due to their colonial past, but now their "supporters" have stormed their way into the final of UEFAs showpiece event... end of days scenario.
Colonial pasts - or presents, for that matter - don't seem to be be a barrier to winning contests to host major tournaments
Russia, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, the USA, Japan, all are colonial powers who have hosted major tournaments in the recent past and two of them are hosting tournaments again in the near future
Russia and Italy have far worse hooligan problems than England
The old but themmuns argument gets everywhere
The facts I presented seem challenging to you
Serie A attendances have collapsed over the last 25 years because mostly right-wing hooligan groups in Italy are allowed to run rampant
Last night's goalscorer Bonucci refused to support his then Juventus team mate Moise Kean when Kean was racially abused by such hooligans, he blamed Kean
UEFA team.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6GJ5c7XEAUrGwp?format=jpg&name=small)
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Player of the Tournament. Young player of tournament Spains Pedri.
I thought the Swiss keeper was excellent.
Schmeichel too.
Pedri was the outstanding midfield player of the tournament. He was streets above Xhaka who probably got in on the back of one good performance against France.
Maguire was one of Englands better performers during the tournament but was a beneficiary of how defensively England set up. He was definitely not better than Bonucci though, he's just not on the same level as a defender. Spinnazola was the best left back of the tournament up until he got injured but Shaw probably got in after having a decent final and scoring the goal.
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
Quote from: weareros on July 12, 2021, 01:56:40 PM
England have no creativity in central midfield. The fact that a safe pass the ball sideways merchant like Declan Rice is worth 75 million says it all. Grealish has creativity but as a winger but he spends more time trying to do over dramatic tumbles at the slightest contact. Italy totally bossed them around the middle of the field. England put so many back, and have a tremendous work rate and press, which makes them very hard to beat. But like a Jack Charlton team they are hard to watch. Won't be anywhere near winning a World Cup, even though can safely say after watching Copa too that the standard of international soccer has gone way down. How we are so off the pace in Ireland is shocking really.
Yeah Italy a decent team but no world beaters either. Nothing worth talking about in South America either.
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
The Italians were very clever last night in how they went about the game tactically. England were probably hoping to have Italy worn out towards the end of the game but it was the complete opposite. Italy kept possession, they changed their tactics, probed England's defence and eventually found a way through albeit a little fortunate. Another impressive feature of this Italian team is there ability to pass the ball when space is tight and keep control of the ball. I have yet to see an England team capable of doing that but there are a lot of teams out there who can use such tactics for a full 90 minutes. Kane and Sterling were kept very quiet and it didn't come at a cost to the Italians tactically either.
England are a decent team but I am not convinced by them. They are held back by Southgate as others have said on here and they play very middling teams. However, when they went up against a balanced team that can defend and attack they were well and truly dominated as shots and possessions stats would suggest. One of the Italians, I think Verratti had more touches of the ball than Rice, Mount and Philips put together.
Italy: 19 shots (6 on target); 65% possession
England: 6 shots (2 on target); 35% possession
I thought it was a big mistake putting on Sancho and Rashford late and then making them take penalties. Off you go lads, you haven't touched a ball for the last 130 minutes of football but off you go and take a penalty.
What I don't understand is why were the players ,that we just brought on, not given a ball to do some pressure warm up drills for the 10 mins it took to organize the penalties. I looked for it and didn't see it.
Also England looked disorganized when trying to get the players on the pitch. The Italians took a quick throw to prevent them coming on the first time, but the second attempt (at Italy's corner) Rashford ran back to the seats to get instructions etc, I was waiting for the Italians to take a short corner to prevent them getting on. Looked really amateurish
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
Foden, Grealish and Sancho are all serious players. Saka is only a kid yet but still a very good player, as is Greenwood and will only get better. Rashford fit and in form is world class too, as is Sterling in the form he has been for England. No better full back in the world than Shaw either.
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 05:27:13 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
Foden, Grealish and Sancho are all serious players. Saka is only a kid yet but still a very good player, as is Greenwood and will only get better. Rashford fit and in form is world class too, as is Sterling in the form he has been for England. No better full back in the world than Shaw either.
..... really?
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 12, 2021, 05:33:19 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 05:27:13 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
Foden, Grealish and Sancho are all serious players. Saka is only a kid yet but still a very good player, as is Greenwood and will only get better. Rashford fit and in form is world class too, as is Sterling in the form he has been for England. No better full back in the world than Shaw either.
..... really?
He plays for Man Utd, so...
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 05:27:13 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
Foden, Grealish and Sancho are all serious players. Saka is only a kid yet but still a very good player, as is Greenwood and will only get better. Rashford fit and in form is world class too, as is Sterling in the form he has been for England. No better full back in the world than Shaw either.
They have a lot of attacking talent but their best player is Kane so it is likely that only 2 and at the very most 3 of those players will be on the pitch at the same time. Most of those players still have plenty to prove yet too, Rashford for example has not fulfilled his potential and his development has stalled. Shaw is vastly improved in the last season or two but its pure hyperbole to suggest that he is the best full back in the world!
Shaw scored a cracking goal last night but he doesn't always deiver like that. If he did he would be a candidate for best fullback in the world. Defensively he is sound but going forward he is not that dangerous. That is why he is given the freedom of the park going foward as other teams do not fear him, this has made him look good in this tournament.
Give me Spinazola any day of the week at left back.
Seen a few comments knocking Declan Rice and saying he's no big loss to Ireland, people haven't been watching much football if they don't realise Rice walks into our midfield and would instantly make us a better team.
As for England, Pickford is a top goalie, was solid for Everton since Christmas and was possibly England's player of the tournament. Their defence is solid with plenty of options, up front they have talent and options, it's only midfield they're lacking at the minute but with Bellingham, Foden, Sancho etc all coming through they have the makings of a top team. It's only the negative tactics of Southgate that will hold them back
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e3189b24b4b5c039d6d304e5e249f249d64595adc2cc01158a549b5bcc7e6a4.jpg)
Quote from: SHEEDY on July 12, 2021, 05:54:43 PM
Seen a few comments knocking Declan Rice and saying he's no big loss to Ireland, people haven't been watching much football if they don't realise Rice walks into our midfield and would instantly make us a better team.
As for England, Pickford is a top goalie, was solid for Everton since Christmas and was possibly England's player of the tournament. Their defence is solid with plenty of options, up front they have talent and options, it's only midfield they're lacking at the minute but with Bellingham, Foden, Sancho etc all coming through they have the makings of a top team. It's only the negative tactics of Southgate that will hold them back
It was one of BennyCake's left field observations! ;D
England are a good side but just not good enough to win big tournaments.
Pickford was excellent throughout
Quote from: SHEEDY on July 12, 2021, 05:54:43 PM
Seen a few comments knocking Declan Rice and saying he's no big loss to Ireland, people haven't been watching much football if they don't realise Rice walks into our midfield and would instantly make us a better team.
As for England, Pickford is a top goalie, was solid for Everton since Christmas and was possibly England's player of the tournament. Their defence is solid with plenty of options, up front they have talent and options, it's only midfield they're lacking at the minute but with Bellingham, Foden, Sancho etc all coming through they have the makings of a top team. It's only the negative tactics of Southgate that will hold them back
He doesn't walk into the Ireland team because he opted to play for England. So it's all irrelevant isn't it? Zidane would've walked into the Ireland team but he wasn't Irish either.
I've nothing against Rice (or the others) for it. He has Irish roots but he was born and reared in England and identifies more as English than Irish. Not difficult to understand that.What's to get worked up about? I heard it said Ireland should've capped him properly so he couldn't opt to England. I'm glad he wasn't capped properly, because his heart obviously lies with England, so he'd have only reluctantly played for Ireland.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 12, 2021, 05:45:35 PM
Shaw scored a cracking goal last night but he doesn't always deiver like that. If he did he would be a candidate for best fullback in the world. Defensively he is sound but going forward he is not that dangerous. That is why he is given the freedom of the park going foward as other teams do not fear him, this has made him look good in this tournament.
Give me Spinazola any day of the week at left back.
Or Andy Robertson.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on July 12, 2021, 06:45:33 PM
England are a good side but just not good enough to win big tournaments.
Pickford was excellent throughout
Rorocesses
They are becoming more consistent and their processes are improving
If France could do it, I don't see why England can't.
https://www.change.org/p/uefa-rematch-between-england-vs-italy?source_location=petitions_browse
Quote from: JoG2 on July 12, 2021, 08:28:07 PM
https://www.change.org/p/uefa-rematch-between-england-vs-italy?source_location=petitions_browse
Ha! They will have to pay the Denmark game first. Clowns. Looking at the salty comments is quite amusing though.
Quote from: JoG2 on July 12, 2021, 08:28:07 PM
https://www.change.org/p/uefa-rematch-between-england-vs-italy?source_location=petitions_browse
(https://i.ibb.co/Cb5rHTS/Screenshot-20210712-211610-2.png) (https://imgbb.com/)
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 12, 2021, 09:18:54 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on July 12, 2021, 08:28:07 PM
https://www.change.org/p/uefa-rematch-between-england-vs-italy?source_location=petitions_browse
(https://i.ibb.co/Cb5rHTS/Screenshot-20210712-211610-2.png) (https://imgbb.com/)
They didn't even get their BFH.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 12, 2021, 05:33:19 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 05:27:13 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on July 12, 2021, 04:31:56 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 12, 2021, 04:18:50 PM
I am going to buck the trend a little here. I think that England team have a great shot at the next World Cup. They are strong defensively particularly at full back with plenty of options and have plenty of exciting options moving forward. They are also very young and in 17 months could really challenge. They don't have the greatest midfield but Bellingham will be older by then and may improve that area. I really hope I'm wrong.
If you were to offer me any squad for the next WC I'd probably take the French squad with the English squad slightly behind.
What these 2 tournaments have shown is that there is no outstanding team in international football and in cup football a lot depends on the draw, conditions, suspensions, injuries etc. This same Italy team failed to even qualify for the 2018 World Cup. England are probably one of several countries who could potentially win the competition (there are up to 10) but they would probably need a lot of these things to go in their favour again, particularly the draw. I definitely wouldn't put them as the second best side in world football.
Because of where we get our sports news, we are fed a constant diet of hype around English players some of whom are really very ordinary. They do have some excellent full backs and an abundance of attacking talent but in other areas of the pitch they have shortcomings. I don't know much about Bellingham but they badly need an improvement in centre midfield particularly in the heat of Qatar where an ability to retain possession will be even more important. I just don't think they produce those types of technical players who are capable of dominating the ball and who are invaluable in summer tournament football.
Foden, Grealish and Sancho are all serious players. Saka is only a kid yet but still a very good player, as is Greenwood and will only get better. Rashford fit and in form is world class too, as is Sterling in the form he has been for England. No better full back in the world than Shaw either.
..... really?
I didn't see this post coming.....
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on July 12, 2021, 06:45:33 PM
England are a good side but just not good enough to win big tournaments.
Pickford was excellent throughout
Pickford was woeful. Can pull off a decent save but his distribution was dog-shit
Quote from: SHEEDY on July 12, 2021, 05:54:43 PM
Seen a few comments knocking Declan Rice and saying he's no big loss to Ireland, people haven't been watching much football if they don't realise Rice walks into our midfield and would instantly make us a better team.
As for England, Pickford is a top goalie, was solid for Everton since Christmas and was possibly England's player of the tournament. Their defence is solid with plenty of options, up front they have talent and options, it's only midfield they're lacking at the minute but with Bellingham, Foden, Sancho etc all coming through they have the makings of a top team. It's only the negative tactics of Southgate that will hold them back
Rice is a decent player and far better than anything Ireland have but that's not saying much. Needs another creative player beside him in that team, him and Phillips is overkill.
Can't believe people are singing Pickfords praises. Bang average keeper with worse feet than Michael Darragh McAuley. Only good thing he ever did was empty Van Dijk.
He's no Donnarumma that's for sure.
Marcus Rashford is an absolute class act. I've loads of sympathy for the lad. Just a pity it wasn't Kane or Grealish to miss the pen.
The four players that get the most stick for apparently being sh#te turned out to be England's best players through the tournament, that's pickford, maguire, shaw and sterling.
Agree about rashford, class act, great role model.
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 10:00:20 PM
Can't believe people are singing Pickfords praises. Bang average keeper with worse feet than Michael Darragh McAuley. Only good thing he ever did was empty Van Dijk.
I'm no Liverpool fan but there's no need for that.
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 12, 2021, 10:00:20 PM
Can't believe people are singing Pickfords praises. Bang average keeper with worse feet than Michael Darragh McAuley. Only good thing he ever did was empty Van Dijk.
Look at the beauty Denmark scored against him.
Teams are getting near him for shots because they are so bloody defensive. He was sh***ing himself last night when the defence were being stretched
He did ok last night. He was brutal against Denmark.
Rice would clearly add plenty for Ireland. Honestly think grealish's footballing brain on another level to a lot of England players. It'd be interesting to see him at a big club.
This hasn't brought out the best in some English fans. I read an opinion there on Twitter that the penalty takers were picked intentionally for political reasons and that was southgate's fault. I dunno how someone even comes up with that never mind believes it.
Pickford pulled off some cracking saves. Golden gloves of tournament and saved two penalties, saved the first shot and was not at fault on the rebound.
Yea the guy is a ADHD type fella but played well
For all the talk and all the attempts to blame Southgate, the defeat is on Rashford more than anyone else.
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:43:59 PM
For all the talk and all the attempts to blame Southgate, the defeat is on Rashford more than anyone else.
Eh? He played 1 minute in the game, help me out here on that one
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 12, 2021, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:43:59 PM
For all the talk and all the attempts to blame Southgate, the defeat is on Rashford more than anyone else.
Eh? He played 1 minute in the game, help me out here on that one
He handed the initiative back to Italy. Missing his penalty after Donnarumma already committed to his right hand side was inexplicable.
That was the game.
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:55:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 12, 2021, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:43:59 PM
For all the talk and all the attempts to blame Southgate, the defeat is on Rashford more than anyone else.
Eh? He played 1 minute in the game, help me out here on that one
He handed the initiative back to Italy. Missing his penalty after Donnarumma already committed to his right hand side was inexplicable.
That was the game.
He played one minute ffs . You taken penalties in a European final before?
England didn't press on after scoring and allowed the Italian team to dominate.
But yeah, it's think Rashford lost the game
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
I think Southgates main problem is that he trusts some players too much and others he doesn't trust at all. They don't really fit into his back 7 system.
This even goes back to the World Cup 3yrs ago. His subs always came on v late in the game, with little chance to prove themselves. Don't think he made any changes in the World Cup knock-out games until at least the 75th minute. And it was always the same players being subbed on, the subbed off, almost like it was pre-ordained before the match regardless of how it was going.
The English fans seemed to accept it then and through the Euros as they were winning, but it was only painting over the cracks, as soon as they lost he was always going to be heavily blamed/criticized for his team selection/subs
Against Italy, with 15minutes to go, he should have been trying to change things up, run at the Italian defence/midfield, especially as they'd 3 or 4 booked at that stage. Had Foden been fit he may have been introduced for Mount, but the option for Grealish, Rashford, Sancho to make the Italians think a bit more, was still there.
He needs to find a way to protect the defence/Pickford as well as harnessing their attacking potential, but I don't think he is that guy.
Quote from: Estimator on July 13, 2021, 10:42:58 AM
I think Southgates main problem is that he trusts some players too much and others he doesn't trust at all. They don't really fit into his back 7 system.
This even goes back to the World Cup 3yrs ago. His subs always came on v late in the game, with little chance to prove themselves. Don't think he made any changes in the World Cup knock-out games until at least the 75th minute. And it was always the same players being subbed on, the subbed off, almost like it was pre-ordained before the match regardless of how it was going.
The English fans seemed to accept it then and through the Euros as they were winning, but it was only painting over the cracks, as soon as they lost he was always going to be heavily blamed/criticized for his team selection/subs
Against Italy, with 15minutes to go, he should have been trying to change things up, run at the Italian defence/midfield, especially as they'd 3 or 4 booked at that stage. Had Foden been fit he may have been introduced for Mount, but the option for Grealish, Rashford, Sancho to make the Italians think a bit more, was still there.
He needs to find a way to protect the defence/Pickford as well as harnessing their attacking potential, but I don't think he is that guy.
Agreed, kane and Sterling looked a bit leggy second half as the played a lot in the last two weeks, not every one has options like England in terms of substitutes that can bomb forward from a defensive formation. I like Southgate and he has a thankless job but Mancini seem to have more bravery on taking off big names.
Management is a learning curve to and he might benefit from this competition for the World Cup.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 12, 2021, 11:58:57 PM
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:55:27 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 12, 2021, 11:51:16 PM
Quote from: caprea on July 12, 2021, 11:43:59 PM
For all the talk and all the attempts to blame Southgate, the defeat is on Rashford more than anyone else.
Eh? He played 1 minute in the game, help me out here on that one
He handed the initiative back to Italy. Missing his penalty after Donnarumma already committed to his right hand side was inexplicable.
That was the game.
He played one minute ffs . You taken penalties in a European final before?
England didn't press on after scoring and allowed the Italian team to dominate.
But yeah, it's think Rashford lost the game
Quite harsh that, no?
The actual game was 120 minutes of which Rashford played 3 or 4 minutes.
The deciding penalties are a lottery as we know. Can't remember the team, might have been Switzerland who took unbelievable penalties to put France out, yet the next game vrs Spain also went to penalties and you'd have thought it was the first time some of them had ever taken one.
Over the 120 minutes Italy were the better team and deserved to lift the trophy and that's not anti-English bias, that's based on Pickford being much the busier of the two keepers.
Quote from: tiempo on July 13, 2021, 10:34:39 AM
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
Wouldn't matter anyway. There's not enough oil money in Britain to swing a World Cup bid.
When you think about how Qatar got the next one, yet only had maybe one built stadium, it's madness.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 11:19:21 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 13, 2021, 10:34:39 AM
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
Wouldn't matter anyway. There's not enough oil money in Britain to swing a World Cup bid.
When you think about how Qatar got the next one, yet only had maybe one built stadium, it's madness.
wasnt Ireland going to be include in the bid? probably just the Aviva maybe Croke but looks like it wont be happening anyway after the Wembley fiasco. The reports of lack of stewards and very few police seem ridiculous for the Euro final like wtf
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 11:19:21 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 13, 2021, 10:34:39 AM
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
Wouldn't matter anyway. There's not enough oil money in Britain to swing a World Cup bid.
When you think about how Qatar got the next one, yet only had maybe one built stadium, it's madness.
It's pure corruption
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Jez if they've any more organizing to do it cant be much more than a few fluffy cushions at HQ.
Some countries have a winning history and heritage that very much helps them on their way e.g. the current Italy team with their lack of a good striker and 2 warhorse centre halves got the job done.
While some countries are mentally weak, the weight of history being too much e.g. England a team with all the raw materials plus home advantage but couldn't get the job done.
The manner of defeat should be disconcerting for the English FA, they were schooled on their home patch, and had it been the likes of Spain or France it could have been a lot uglier. Garth will use the last 2 tournaments as the template for the next, and rightly so, he's the most successful Eng manager since Alf, but there will be no evolution, the cart horse that is Rice will still be plonked in front of the back 4 or 5 with 7 men back 3 up top and inability to control the game.
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
England look to have the talent to really progress in the next tournament or two, with the like of Sancho, Foden, Greenwood, TAA, Grealish etc. to become more prominent.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 12, 2021, 03:52:08 PM
UEFA team.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6GJ5c7XEAUrGwp?format=jpg&name=small)
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma Player of the Tournament. Young player of tournament Spains Pedri.
Thats not the team of the tournament.
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
England have room for improvement, but the likes of Germany would see themselves as having only room for improvement too, in a subsequent tournament the Germany, France or Spain might also be somewhat improved. You have to take your chances.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 12:44:34 PM
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
I think England would have beaten Spain comfortably and would have beaten Belgium but I agree France would likely have been too good for them.
That English team is incredibly hard to beat. Apart from the goal which took about 6 ricochets I can't remember a single time I thought Italy should have scored there. I don't remember too many other chances in the entire tournament against England. Being hard to beat will always take you a long way in tournaments.
Quote from: David McKeown on July 13, 2021, 01:27:59 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 12:44:34 PM
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
I think England would have beaten Spain comfortably and would have beaten Belgium but I agree France would likely have been too good for them.
That English team is incredibly hard to beat. Apart from the goal which took about 6 ricochets I can't remember a single time I thought Italy should have scored there. I don't remember too many other chances in the entire tournament against England. Being hard to beat will always take you a long way in tournaments.
The Spain team that dominated Italy would have toyed with England.
The boy Chiesa made a great chance matched by an equally good save, but they are the most incisive overall due to lack of a leading striker, which probably suits them in other ways, they are probably better than the sum of their parts.
As for chances Muller obviously missed a gilt-edged to throw the cat amount the pigeons, and Scotland had at least 2 or 3 good chances.
Anyway, was listening to sport radio and it has been decided, England are invincibles cus no-one could beat them in normal time or extra time ;D ;D ;D they also went to the bother of clarifying the invincibles tag only applies to beaten finalists and not teams knocked out on pens elsewhere ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: David McKeown on July 13, 2021, 01:27:59 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 12:44:34 PM
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
I think England would have beaten Spain comfortably and would have beaten Belgium but I agree France would likely have been too good for them.
That English team is incredibly hard to beat. Apart from the goal which took about 6 ricochets I can't remember a single time I thought Italy should have scored there. I don't remember too many other chances in the entire tournament against England. Being hard to beat will always take you a long way in tournaments.
I wouldn't get sucked in by the English media hype. That Spanish team are a probably only a striker away from being a top class side. Their midfield would have schooled Rice and Phillips.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 12:44:34 PM
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
I try to look at things objectively.
We can nitpick all day about who they beat and who should could and might have beaten them. Fact is any team that gets to the latter stages of a tournament is there on merit. Southgate has England organised, able to pass the ball and are hard to beat.
Things that take teams a long way in tournaments. I'm also talking about England organising themselves better at all levels to improve their chances at national level. If they ever get this right they will win tournaments.Spain were serial losers until they rethought things and followed Cruyff's vision. Not saying England will ever get their act together but they really have underachieved over the decades.
Quote from: seafoid on July 13, 2021, 11:47:45 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 11:19:21 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 13, 2021, 10:34:39 AM
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
Wouldn't matter anyway. There's not enough oil money in Britain to swing a World Cup bid.
When you think about how Qatar got the next one, yet only had maybe one built stadium, it's madness.
It's pure corruption
Is i 700 or 7000 workers who have died building the stadia?
Quote from: yellowcard on July 13, 2021, 01:56:04 PM
Quote from: David McKeown on July 13, 2021, 01:27:59 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on July 13, 2021, 12:44:34 PM
Quote from: Armamike on July 13, 2021, 12:12:08 PM
As many suspected Italy was a bridge too far for England. The better team won and Italy were the best team in this tournament. Hard to know how England will fare in the future. They had a massive advantage here playing at home. Southgate has done a very good job getting them to the final stages of the last 2 tournaments. In the context of England's poor history at tournaments that's significant. If England ever get themselves organised right they will eventually win a major tournament. They are too large a football nation to keep underachieving.
Has he though?
Tunisia? Panama? Ffs! They barely got past half a Colombia team, and only on penalties. A bang average Sweden team that Ireland should have beaten well 2 years previous. Ireland could have got to that semi in 2018. There was absolutely no pressure on Southgate in Russia, and he was lauded as some sort of genius for getting to a semi.
You could say they did somewhat better this time. But Muller scores that goal, and it's a different game. They cheated their way past a very good Danish team, needing a penalty again to do so. Italy dominated for a big part of the final, and made them look very very average. Only Italy's lack of a goal scorer, and that game is wrapped up in 90 minutes. They avoided all the big guns, just like in 2018. Had they met Belgium, Spain or France, they'd have got nowhere near the final. England were only beat in the end by penalties but in reality, they should never have been that close to winning it.
I think England would have beaten Spain comfortably and would have beaten Belgium but I agree France would likely have been too good for them.
That English team is incredibly hard to beat. Apart from the goal which took about 6 ricochets I can't remember a single time I thought Italy should have scored there. I don't remember too many other chances in the entire tournament against England. Being hard to beat will always take you a long way in tournaments.
I wouldn't get sucked in by the English media hype. That Spanish team are a probably only a striker away from being a top class side. Their midfield would have schooled Rice and Phillips.
Their backline conceded 3 goals against a team who didn't create a solitary chance against England. England are not world beaters. But you don't need to be. It's international football, not the champions league. Every team has flaws.
oh jesus lads are we still on this, give it up, your mother country were beaten fair and square, time to move on 8)
or rechristen this the england thread ::)
Quote from: Mikhail Prokhorov on July 13, 2021, 04:17:37 PM
oh jesus lads are we still on this, give it up, your mother country were beaten fair and square, time to move on 8)
or rechristen this the england thread ::)
I can hear the dummy hitting the floor again. 😂
The greatest battle of the Euros
(https://www.startpage.com/av/proxy-image?piurl=https%3A%2F%2Fc8.alamy.com%2Fcomp%2F2G5R7BR%2Flondon-uk-29th-june-2021-football-european-championship-england-germany-final-round-round-of-16-at-wembley-stadium-germanys-thomas-mller-and-englands-declan-rice-r-in-action-credit-christian-charisiusdpaalamy-live-news-2G5R7BR.jpg&sp=1626252060Ta489cee2c77a09d107b13067909013088957ae3f9673130a576c4f8713acf2a5)
It was all so predictable. Neandertals foaming at the mouth intent on wrecking the place. Sure didn't it happen in Manchester in May when the greatest league in the world had to cancel a game due to the mindless antics of local knuckledraggers.
Quote from: tiempo on July 14, 2021, 10:56:22 AM
It was all so predictable. Neandertals foaming at the mouth intent on wrecking the place. Sure didn't it happen in Manchester in May when the greatest league in the world had to cancel a game due to the mindless antics of local knuckledraggers.
You've mentioned it already
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
Was chatting to someone through work who lives in England, one of the regional cities. He says he isn't surprised by what happened and that increasingly there is a growing divide and sense of lawlessness from many parts of society. There always been somewhat of a class divide in England but this is now muddied with Brexit, racism, covid all playing a part and there is very little respect in the country. He blames it on the leadership and that people, even those voting for them, don't see leadership or any morals, just people who are self serving and look down their noses at vast majority of population.
He felt the very fact they still so comfortable in power says it all. People just indifferent to their actions and will carry on as they like. Crime, anti social behaviour, poverty etc all dramatically on the rise and it's a powder keg at present. The football give a release but that in time, this will build up again and something else will trigger some wide spread trouble. It's not a happy place with itself at present and money soon run out and real social unrest will follow.
A lot of talk about Spain on here. Their results werent overly impressive throughout the tournament.
Quote from: Louther on July 14, 2021, 11:38:58 AM
Was chatting to someone through work who lives in England, one of the regional cities. He says he isn't surprised by what happened and that increasingly there is a growing divide and sense of lawlessness from many parts of society. There always been somewhat of a class divide in England but this is now muddied with Brexit, racism, covid all playing a part and there is very little respect in the country. He blames it on the leadership and that people, even those voting for them, don't see leadership or any morals, just people who are self serving and look down their noses at vast majority of population.
He felt the very fact they still so comfortable in power says it all. People just indifferent to their actions and will carry on as they like. Crime, anti social behaviour, poverty etc all dramatically on the rise and it's a powder keg at present. The football give a release but that in time, this will build up again and something else will trigger some wide spread trouble. It's not a happy place with itself at present and money soon run out and real social unrest will follow.
Very interesting. That would be my gut feeling as well. Political leaders who openly lie and are equivocal about racism. Massive gap between right and left. Many have a superiority complex and as someone said an "unearned arrogance". It's an angry country which I more than ever don't want to be hitched to.
The more staunch England supporters are more often from the smaller industrial towns and cities where supporters don't have a big club side to follow in Europe. Mostly those areas would have been Brexit leaning with a strong sense of English nationalism and all that tends to go with this ie greater propensity for racism, anti immigration etc. One thing that has struck me watching England games in recent years is the absence of Union Jacks at matches. Skip back a couple of decades and you would have seen the England section filled with Union flags whereas now its nearly all St George crosses. I think the hooligan element has subsided but not disappeared completely, there is still an undercurrent of far right supporters bubbling under the surface, just that they find it harder to travel abroad to matches due to increased security and intelligence.
Quote from: yellowcard on July 14, 2021, 01:10:46 PM
The more staunch England supporters are more often from the smaller industrial towns and cities where supporters don't have a big club side to follow in Europe. Mostly those areas would have been Brexit leaning with a strong sense of English nationalism and all that tends to go with this ie greater propensity for racism, anti immigration etc. One thing that has struck me watching England games in recent years is the absence of Union Jacks at matches. Skip back a couple of decades and you would have seen the England section filled with Union flags whereas now its nearly all St George crosses. I think the hooligan element has subsided but not disappeared completely, there is still an undercurrent of far right supporters bubbling under the surface, just that they find it harder to travel abroad to matches due to increased security and intelligence.
The small industrial towns where social deprivation and poverty are rife have been told for years by the media that their issues have been caused by immigrants and those pesky Europeans won't allow us to do anything about it.
This racist undercurrent was tapped into for Brexit and was seen as a winning formula and Boris and his crew have kept the myth alive and thrive off it.
They will reap what they sow as the wee man with the sandwich board on in Newtownards would say.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 14, 2021, 11:01:50 AM
Quote from: tiempo on July 14, 2021, 10:56:22 AM
It was all so predictable. Neandertals foaming at the mouth intent on wrecking the place. Sure didn't it happen in Manchester in May when the greatest league in the world had to cancel a game due to the mindless antics of local knuckledraggers.
You've mentioned it already
Englands bid to host the 2030 World Cup on the ropes before it even got off the ground due to the scum behaviour of so called supporters at the weekend. Same type of Neanderthals that broke into Old Trafford in May. The groundball fraternity can't be trusted to behave themselves, pathetic.
So true i sez it twice, my bad
Quote from: weareros on July 12, 2021, 01:56:40 PM
England have no creativity in central midfield. The fact that a safe pass the ball sideways merchant like Declan Rice is worth 75 million says it all. Grealish has creativity but as a winger but he spends more time trying to do over dramatic tumbles at the slightest contact. Italy totally bossed them around the middle of the field. England put so many back, and have a tremendous work rate and press, which makes them very hard to beat. But like a Jack Charlton team they are hard to watch. Won't be anywhere near winning a World Cup, even though can safely say after watching Copa too that the standard of international soccer has gone way down. How we are so off the pace in Ireland is shocking really.
No centre midfield fulcrum, it's a chronic issue for England. When they played Germany in the last 16 at WC 2010, they had Lamps, Stevie G Barry and young Milner all in the midfield and still Rooney was not receiving the ball, in fact the only midfield creativity happened when a frustrated Rooney dropped back to the midfield circle to get on the ball and distribute it. When they played Italy in the Euro 2012 sf, Pirlo ran rings around them all game, found loads of space even when double marked and inflicted a nil nil humiliating defeat, crowned by the Panenka.
All those players were good when playing with good intelligent foreign midfielders but couldn't dictate a game on their own. Lampard needed makele, gerrard Alonso, Barry probably wasn't at that level and even scholes had Keane etc. You could even say the same for terry carvalho, Ferdinand vidic etc. A friend of mine maintains that English players aren't educated in tactics the way players are in the continent. There could be something in it. They never produce midfielders that can dominate possession and a game.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 14, 2021, 08:27:37 PM
All those players were good when playing with good intelligent foreign midfielders but couldn't dictate a game on their own. Lampard needed makele, gerrard Alonso, Barry probably wasn't at that level and even scholes had Keane etc. You could even say the same for terry carvalho, Ferdinand vidic etc. A friend of mine maintains that English players aren't educated in tactics the way players are in the continent. There could be something in it. They never produce midfielders that can dominate possession and a game.
When Scholes had Keane he was more attacking, when Keane retired Scholes dictated many games in the PL and CL, sitting deep taking passes off ferdinand and spraying passes. He retired in 04 from international football as Sven was playing him left wing. Capello asked him to the 2010 wc but he turned him down. I think he would have been the answer to England problem in 2010 if he had returned.
Scholes is maybe more of an exception. Not sure he would have truly dominated games but more likely to do it than the others but I think it is telling that it is so rare an English player can do it yet the likes of Spain and Italy constantly knock out much better midfielders.
Quote from: Mario on July 14, 2021, 09:10:37 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 14, 2021, 08:27:37 PM
All those players were good when playing with good intelligent foreign midfielders but couldn't dictate a game on their own. Lampard needed makele, gerrard Alonso, Barry probably wasn't at that level and even scholes had Keane etc. You could even say the same for terry carvalho, Ferdinand vidic etc. A friend of mine maintains that English players aren't educated in tactics the way players are in the continent. There could be something in it. They never produce midfielders that can dominate possession and a game.
When Scholes had Keane he was more attacking, when Keane retired Scholes dictated many games in the PL and CL, sitting deep taking passes off ferdinand and spraying passes. He retired in 04 from international football as Sven was playing him left wing. Capello asked him to the 2010 wc but he turned him down. I think he would have been the answer to England problem in 2010 if he had returned.
Scholes was on another level to any midfielder England ever produced bar Gazza.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 14, 2021, 09:46:54 PM
Scholes is maybe more of an exception. Not sure he would have truly dominated games but more likely to do it than the others but I think it is telling that it is so rare an English player can do it yet the likes of Spain and Italy constantly knock out much better midfielders.
and yet none of Hoddle, Keegan of Erikson could see for to cement him into their midfield, while Fergie regularly benched him in European matches.
Scholes was a very good player. But there's been an awful lot of history rewriting about his presence, consistency and game management since he retired. He's attained a mythological status at this stage, which personally I find barmy.
Scholes was a top player. Being English he'd get a bit of extra hype, but his shy demeanour kept him from being seen as a fancy-dan player and kept him under the public radar. So he often got away with stuff that a player like Beckham would never get away with.
Oh yeah, for a midfielder - he had a shite tackle!
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 14, 2021, 11:24:59 PM
Scholes was a top player. Being English he'd get a bit of extra hype, but his shy demeanour kept him from being seen as a fancy-dan player and kept him under the public radar. So he often got away with stuff that a player like Beckham would never get away with.
Oh yeah, for a midfielder - he had a shite tackle!
I liked Scholesy as a player, he was neat and tidy on the ball, but was easily bullied off it and shíte is being kind, he put in a few downright dangerous tackles in his day.
He was good but I wouldn't consider him great.
You don't stay in the engine room of a top team for 12/13 years by being good. Fantastic player was Scholes, a decent shout for best English player in the Premier League era.
Quote from: Boycey on July 15, 2021, 10:00:18 AM
You don't stay in the engine room of a top team for 12/13 years by being good. Fantastic player was Scholes, a decent shout for best English player in the Premier League era.
Would agree with that. Scholes was unreal in his prime. HIs tackling on the other hand.....
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
He was a class act. Him, Gerrard, Beckham and Lampard were some midfield to try and squeeze together. I would have Gerrard and Scholes slightly ahead of Lampard and Beckham.
But yes Scholes tackling will be remembered every bit as much as his skill. Horrific tackler.
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 10:50:51 AM
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
Stevie and Frank put together couldnt lace his boots or Keanes ffs.
Think Sven Goran would disagree with you there mate
Duno whos opinion id respect more, a successful former manager or yer man Armagh18 off the internet
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 11:14:36 AM
Think Sven Goran would disagree with you there mate
Duno whos opinion id respect more, a successful former manager or yer man Armagh18 off the internet
What was Sven's opinion of Scholes then?
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 11:14:36 AM
Think Sven Goran would disagree with you there mate
Duno whos opinion id respect more, a successful former manager or yer man Armagh18 off the internet
Yeah worked out well didn't it.... Other two were world class and I'd have taken either at United but Scholes was on another planet.
Stevie and Frank were great when the right players played beside them. The right players were never English though. (They were good otherwise but not great).
Quote from: Boycey on July 15, 2021, 11:18:02 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 11:14:36 AM
Think Sven Goran would disagree with you there mate
Duno whos opinion id respect more, a successful former manager or yer man Armagh18 off the internet
What was Sven's opinion of Scholes then?
Little ginger tosser. Same as the rest of us.
Stick him out left mid for a year or two till Joe Cole comes through
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 15, 2021, 11:19:38 AM
Stevie and Frank were great when the right players played beside them. The right players were never English though. (They were good otherwise but not great).
Are you really going to pursue that line you were going down yesterday that all the English players you named were only good cause they had a good foreign lad beside them ;D
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 11:24:55 AM
Quote from: Boycey on July 15, 2021, 11:18:02 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 11:14:36 AM
Think Sven Goran would disagree with you there mate
Duno whos opinion id respect more, a successful former manager or yer man Armagh18 off the internet
What was Sven's opinion of Scholes then?
Little ginger tosser. Same as the rest of us.
Stick him out left mid for a year or two till Joe Cole comes through
I never had you down for a raving lunatic.
Listen he was ok but he was no Joe Cole.
Stevie >>>>>> frank and joe >>>>>>> scholes. Dont know why thisis so hard for people to get
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Quote from: Boycey on July 15, 2021, 10:00:18 AM
You don't stay in the engine room of a top team for 12/13 years by being good. Fantastic player was Scholes, a decent shout for best English player in the Premier League era.
Couldn't lace Lampards boots let alone Gerrards. And that's only two players off the top of my head. Not even close ;D
This is why it's a pointless argument. I'd have Gerrard slightly ahead of Scholes. Then Lampard.
The honest truth is that there was little between them and you could make an arguement for either of the 3.
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
and the mess he made of it...
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
and the mess he made of it...
He was the only one who had to make a choice between them. Regardless as I said, there's little between the 3 of them. And a case could be made for either. As said personally I'd have Gerrard out in front. But I support Liverpool so prob saw more of him than Scholes. So accept I may have a bias. But this claim
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 11:10:17 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 10:50:51 AM
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
Stevie and Frank put together couldnt lace his boots or Keanes ffs.
Is pure nonsense.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 03:10:34 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
and the mess he made of it...
He was the only one who had to make a choice between them. Regardless as I said, there's little between the 3 of them. And a case could be made for either. As said personally I'd have Gerrard out in front. But I support Liverpool so prob saw more of him than Scholes. So accept I may have a bias. But this claim
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 11:10:17 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 10:50:51 AM
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
Stevie and Frank put together couldnt lace his boots or Keanes ffs.
Is pure nonsense.
Gerard was a serial choker. Never did it on the big stage. When the pressure came on he slipped. Not a big game player. A fraud.
;D
Quote from: trailer on July 15, 2021, 03:25:42 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 03:10:34 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
and the mess he made of it...
He was the only one who had to make a choice between them. Regardless as I said, there's little between the 3 of them. And a case could be made for either. As said personally I'd have Gerrard out in front. But I support Liverpool so prob saw more of him than Scholes. So accept I may have a bias. But this claim
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 11:10:17 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 10:50:51 AM
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
Stevie and Frank put together couldnt lace his boots or Keanes ffs.
Is pure nonsense.
Gerard was a serial choker. Never did it on the big stage. When the pressure came on he slipped. Not a big game player. A fraud.
Troll gonna troll.
The argument is always nonsense because people either hate Scholes or Gerrard. I wouldn't put a lot between them, the problem for England that they only could play one in a 442. Lampard then had a habit of playing in the same spaces as Rooney so that didn't work either. Gerrard was used to being the big player in the Liverpool team but played best with Alonso, so he didn't always adapt well to the English set up when he was asked to play deeper. Lampard's Chelsea was perfectly set up for him with Drogba in front and 2 defensive midfielders behind him. Scholes was a great player in a great team at United but played best when complimented with Keane and then later Carrick and Hargreaves (that 08 team was probably the peak for him and United). The fact he didn't play as many away games in Europe was more Ferguson going conservative with Keane and Butt.
Quote from: trailer on July 15, 2021, 03:25:42 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 03:10:34 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 02:19:08 PM
Quote from: trueblue1234 on July 15, 2021, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on July 15, 2021, 01:32:58 PM
If you want an honest opinion on who the best English midfielder was of that generation ask Zidane, Xavi or Inesta, players who dominated European club midfield through the 2000/2010's.
Or the manager who had to manage all 3?
and the mess he made of it...
He was the only one who had to make a choice between them. Regardless as I said, there's little between the 3 of them. And a case could be made for either. As said personally I'd have Gerrard out in front. But I support Liverpool so prob saw more of him than Scholes. So accept I may have a bias. But this claim
Quote from: Armagh18 on July 15, 2021, 11:10:17 AM
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 10:50:51 AM
He was a nasty little bugger. The tackling was a big laugh in the game but some were downright nasty. Illiterate so and so also, talks like hes got a moutful of marbles
Edit - walked out on his country too just because he couldnt get his favourite position. Wasnt good enough to dislodge stevie or frank. Took lessons from Keane on that one id say
Stevie and Frank put together couldnt lace his boots or Keanes ffs.
Is pure nonsense.
Gerard was a serial choker. Never did it on the big stage. When the pressure came on he slipped. Not a big game player. A fraud.
;D ;D ;D
Joe Cole was something else though....
At last someone agrees.
Too bad its only MR2 😃😉
Ah i was a bit bored earlier. Got a few nibbles. He wasnt a bad little player
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 15, 2021, 05:01:38 PM
At last someone agrees.
Too bad its only MR2 😃😉
Ah i was a bit bored earlier. Got a few nibbles. He wasnt a bad little player
;D
Bags of talent just went missing way to often unfortunately for him
Lansdowne road Road will host the 2024 Europa League final as consolation for Dublin missing out on staging their four European Championships matches.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 16, 2021, 06:50:19 PM
Lansdowne road Road will host the 2024 Europa League final as consolation for Dublin missing out on staging their four European Championships matches.
Might be a good chance for Man United fans from Ireland to actually go and see them play....
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 16, 2021, 06:50:19 PM
Lansdowne road Road will host the 2024 Europa League final as consolation for Dublin missing out on staging their four European Championships matches.
I went to the last one, it was a great occasion as it goes.....
2 Portugese teams Boycey? Me too. Found it a bit meh if im bein honest. Did hulk score only goal or something...
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2021, 10:01:53 PM
2 Portugese teams Boycey? Me too. Found it a bit meh if im bein honest. Did hulk score only goal or something...
Aye Porto/Braga, Falcao got the goal. He was in beast mode at that stage... Game wasn't that special but a good day and a good buzz around it amongst fans. Braga had knocked Liverpool out somewhere along the way
Falcao came into my head also. A guy i worked with had snared Champs League final tickets through the lottery thingy the year before so i did same for Europa hoping Liverpool would make it.....didnt work out lol
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on July 16, 2021, 10:01:53 PM
2 Portugese teams Boycey? Me too. Found it a bit meh if im bein honest. Did hulk score only goal or something...
Was at it myself, got tickets off gawa316. Agree it wasn't the best of games or atmosphere.
Louis Van Gaal appointed Netherlands manager for the 3rd time on a 18 month Contract.
I thought this was class!
https://twitter.com/AdamLynch27/status/1546488677542551552
All about the Lioness' bringing football home now.
The England ladies showed the men how its done by winning the Euros in their home patch. Nike got a good advertisement with their sports bra on the winning goal.
Fair play to them.
Kelly, Walsh and Daly do the business.
It's a lol them trying to convince themselves it's as big as the mens euros last year
Huge fan of the celebrations.
Its a yes from me
Quote from: Kidder81 on July 31, 2022, 08:19:09 PM
It's a lol them trying to convince themselves it's as big as the mens euros last year
It's bigger. They actually won. They did what the men failed to do.
Quote from: RedHand88 on July 31, 2022, 08:30:13 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on July 31, 2022, 08:19:09 PM
It's a lol them trying to convince themselves it's as big as the mens euros last year
It's bigger. They actually won. They did what the men failed to do.
Could you name two players before it started ? I still couldn't
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
It's funny but we only allowed or the ladies GAA football was only founded in 1974, before that girls were not allowed
I dont mind any of this , there wasnt great provision for girls teams and is far batter now thankfully, but i dont mind anyone being stopped playing. Our best player of school team(70/80s) was a girl. A weegirl Cooke from Carnhill, unreal player.
Quote from: Kidder81 on July 31, 2022, 08:19:09 PM
It's a lol them trying to convince themselves it's as big as the mens euros last year
It's huge for them. Fair play to them - they've worked hard at it and been knocking on the door for a few years.
Never seen it, though have watched some of the games, was heading to a game last night listening on the radio, the girl that commentates for 5 Live is hard to listen too, was hurting my ears tbh
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 01, 2022, 10:25:40 AM
Never seen it, though have watched some of the games, was heading to a game last night listening on the radio, the girl that commentates for 5 Live is hard to listen too, was hurting my ears tbh
what accent was it ?
I've enjoyed the England Ladies winning this actually as it really shows the men's team up to be the Perennial losers that they are lol.
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
There was an article in the Financial times about the history of English women's football. During WW1 a league developed. The best team was from Preston. Womens soccer was banned by the FA in the 1920s who said that soccer was "unladylike". the ban lasted into the 1970s.
This influence was similar to the influence of the reactionary catholic church on sexuality in Ireland.
BTW the camogie all-Ireland goes back to 1935
Quote from: seafoid on August 01, 2022, 10:38:11 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
There was an article in the Financial times about the history of English women's football. During WW1 a league developed. The best team was from Preston. Womens soccer was banned by the FA in the 1920s who said that soccer was "unladylike". the ban lasted into the 1970s.
This influence was similar to the influence of the reactionary catholic church on sexuality in Ireland.
BTW the camogie all-Ireland goes back to 1935
So what was the difference? Why Camogie and not ladies football? Can you imagine the standard now had the sport been available then?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 01, 2022, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on August 01, 2022, 10:38:11 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
There was an article in the Financial times about the history of English women's football. During WW1 a league developed. The best team was from Preston. Womens soccer was banned by the FA in the 1920s who said that soccer was "unladylike". the ban lasted into the 1970s.
This influence was similar to the influence of the reactionary catholic church on sexuality in Ireland.
BTW the camogie all-Ireland goes back to 1935
So what was the difference? Why Camogie and not ladies football? Can you imagine the standard now had the sport been available then?
LGFA only started in the 70s.
Hurling people must be more progressive 8)
Quote from: seafoid on August 01, 2022, 11:59:00 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 01, 2022, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: seafoid on August 01, 2022, 10:38:11 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
There was an article in the Financial times about the history of English women's football. During WW1 a league developed. The best team was from Preston. Womens soccer was banned by the FA in the 1920s who said that soccer was "unladylike". the ban lasted into the 1970s.
This influence was similar to the influence of the reactionary catholic church on sexuality in Ireland.
BTW the camogie all-Ireland goes back to 1935
So what was the difference? Why Camogie and not ladies football? Can you imagine the standard now had the sport been available then?
LGFA only started in the 70s.
Hurling people must be more progressive 8)
Get rid of ladies football and replace with camogie, brutal sport lol
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on August 01, 2022, 07:32:59 AM
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on August 01, 2022, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: seafoid on July 31, 2022, 08:43:35 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/nicolelampert/status/1553814177831178242
My boys asked why I was crying and I told them that when I was little girls weren't allowed to play football (outside than in the garden or park). There's been such a fight to get here before they even entered the stadium glorious #Lionesses
Who is this? Where did she grow up?
It's funny but we only allowed or the ladies GAA football was only founded in 1974, before that girls were not allowed
Camogie has been around long before that, Antrim were winning Camogie all irelands in the forties
Oops, just noticed seafoid addressed this above.
The top level is pretty good these days I think - very watchable. Meath are very good to watch as are Dublin, Kerry, Armagh.
I coach my young lads U7s soccer team over in England. We have 3 teams at that age group and 0 girls on the teams. Not sure why. The league we play in you could count on one hand the amount of girls that we've come up against. There are plenty of mothers and sisters around during training sessions and matches but seems to be little interest from either to be involved.
Even among the more outspoken ladies about equality etc have their daughters in gymnastics and dance schools. Fair enough of course no one is obliged to play nor should we be pushing girls into a sport or activity for the sake of their parents outlook or ideology.
Perhaps starting girls only teams at a younger age might be the way forward. Maybe the Euro win will influence a few more to come along but who knows.
Quote from: thejuice on August 01, 2022, 04:53:10 PM
I coach my young lads U7s soccer team over in England. We have 3 teams at that age group and 0 girls on the teams. Not sure why. The league we play in you could count on one hand the amount of girls that we've come up against. There are plenty of mothers and sisters around during training sessions and matches but seems to be little interest from either to be involved.
A bit odd expecting to come up against girls in a boys soccer league?
In Dublin there are girls soccer leagues, and I presume it's similar in other counties
Quote from: Hound on August 01, 2022, 06:15:32 PM
Quote from: thejuice on August 01, 2022, 04:53:10 PM
I coach my young lads U7s soccer team over in England. We have 3 teams at that age group and 0 girls on the teams. Not sure why. The league we play in you could count on one hand the amount of girls that we've come up against. There are plenty of mothers and sisters around during training sessions and matches but seems to be little interest from either to be involved.
A bit odd expecting to come up against girls in a boys soccer league?
In Dublin there are girls soccer leagues, and I presume it's similar in other counties
It's not a boys league though. It's mixed for the first few age categories then it splits.