This week starts the Euros and next week starts Copa America to be followed by the Olympics. No dog days of summer this year.
In Euros, England certainly has the talent, but like the USMNT they may not have the coach. France is going to be missing a couple of players but still a strong team. Cannot rule out Spain either, I think that Portugal could surprise and am interested in seeing what the new look Germany is like. Italy is on a cycle of winning the Euros and not qualifying for the World Cup. Go figure. My pick is France.
Diluted over the years like they all are but still highest quality of soccer. Unlike the World Cup, the Euros have thrown a surprise winner here and there with Denmark 92 and Greece 2004 (20th anniversary so you will see a lot of that).
This year, the tournament is particularly top-heavy. Portugal looks like the clearest favorite, then France, just given who they could possibly face. Austria is a somewhat dark horse who has played well under Ragnick and might get a result against the Netherlands.
Totally Football Show is doing daily post-game podcasts, so I will have something to listen to every day.
Tempted to go with the team with the best player in France. Expecting an epic England-France semifinal.
Portugal looked great during qualifying and strong in defense.
I'll be rooting for Spain especially Yamal and Pedri. Probably a cycle away before Spain joins the top contenders tier again.
POR gave up 4 goals in two recent consecutive friendlies, so Martinez switched to 3 backs with 41 year old Pepe at sweeper and shut down Ireland last week. This worked defensively, but it kept Pahlinha, or some other stellar midfielder, on the bench.
Portugal with two effective center backs will have a potent attack, but if they yield early goals they’re vulnerable, especially against big, physical teams.
France has a stacked team with a ton of depth. Croatia has a ton of experience and always play sound football. Germany has been rebuilt with a ton of young talent.
Just noticed now that Fox is not carrying some of the 9 a.m. games in the States? Hungary-Switzerland is on Fubo TV! Insane BS. But it beats 20 years ago where you had to watch the Tournament on PPV or listen on a BBC stream.
Just noticed now that Fox is not carrying some of the 9 a.m. games in the States? Hungary-Switzerland is on Fubo TV! Insane BS. But it beats 20 years ago where you had to watch the Tournament on PPV or listen on a BBC stream.
Mix of both. Germany was crisp though. Kroos 99% pass accuracy.
Yup I just realized that this morning as well. Unfortunate.
went to sleep a few moments after CRO seemed to be gaining some possession and command ~25 minutes in: Morata left with meters of space on a nice through ball, Ruiz with deft, quick feet ball on a string, and off all players Carvajal slicing through 2 defenders inside the 6 on a cross from the 16-year old that seemed an afterthought as stoppage time about to expire. Spanish re-made side not yet missing a beat
Very noticeable on how Spain has changed its offensive scheme
But he doesn't have Pogba, Kante or Varane as a spine. England dominated the first 30, got a goal, and then defended for the rest of the game. That game should have been 3-0 at half but instead they sweated out a 1-0 result.
Looks like Mbappe broke his nose in game against Austria
Very physical game.
Austria is not fun to play against with their constant pressure but France had their chances to score.
France won 1-0 on a own goal
Strangely compelling game of end to end w/missed chances.
AUS gave FRA all it could handle, Vorber's OG being the difference, possession very equal. The ref and AR on the left side of your telly badly missed two corner kicks to be awarded, and Rick tell me if wrong but I think the first GK (should have been CK) led directly to Mbappe's run and the OG.
Mbappe missed frame on a strike where he was unmarked and about 14 yards out dead middle. On a CK late in regulation appeared Mbappe broke his nose on shoulder of an AUS player, had to come off the field because of the medical att'n and then wandered back on the pitch w/o being beckoned and was (correctly) assessed a YC. Ngolo Kante was FRA mvp imo.
no time to listen and had to turn off the PG commentary about CR and what this version of him means to POR squad, sounded to me a bit that Lalas was trying to stir s..t.
Thinking a bit more about Mbappe and his YC: it was so strange, he was bloodied and as you say likely broken nose: after being accompanied off the field to the touch line, he wandered back on the pitch and immediately crumpled to the ground in a sitting position--to me his head was not right and may well have been concussed. He was not in his right mind. A big story for these Euros.
Mbappe likely to miss next game against Netherlands on Friday
Czechia can't connect on passes to save their game, no matter if it's a touch pass of a meter or a semi clearance of 12, direct to a POR player, yet it's 0 - 0
over the past 4 or so years. They looked slow, lackadaisical, and had no plan for how to attack other than each player trying to do it themselves. If they don't pick this up they will be out after the round of 16
Haha. Long day. We started out at Bradley Brew Project then D’Arcy’s. We just got Vic’s takeout with some Kane Party Waves awaiting us back. I’ll be crashing by 7.
Yeah, in terms of good chances I'd say it was about 7 to 2 for Spain. Both their wingers are threats all the time. Williams was Spain's best player but the best player for either side was Donnarumma, I think. Best goalkeeping I've seen in a while.
Haha. Long day. We started out at Bradley Brew Project then D’Arcy’s. We just got Vic’s takeout with some Kane Party Waves awaiting us back. I’ll be crashing by 7.
that not only is not a small man--many keepers are tall and kind of big--but he is thick in the middle, powerful, yet he throws himself around like he weighs 190. Terrific game by him.
Spain spent a LOT of energy in the first 65 minutes and was clear they began to tire (surprised LeNorman and Fabièn weren't pulled, the former because of his YC and the latter because he worked his ass off, had imo an excellent game). Once the subs came on the cohesion deteriorated and their play became quite ragged and ITA as a result looked like a different squad than the one that played the first 65.
By one of their players
I have been totally underwhelmed by France.
Germany and Spain appear to be the top 2 teams.
I have been totally entertained by Austria’s style of play.
Italy can be dangerous going forward with their goalie who has been outstanding
Italy scores with the last kick of the match to draw and go into the knockout stages and Croatia is out.
That was pretty amazing. Ref adds 8 (which I didn't see coming, I thought 5, maybe 6) and Italy scores on a beautiful goal in the 98th - literally the last kick of the match.
Poland, but they are mediocre and also had a tough group. Zielinski is my boy! We have the same first name and his surname is my paternal grandmother's maiden name.
wow - who saw Austria winning a group that included
Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France now all on the top half of the bracket. Significant break for England, despite looking pretty disjointed. If they can finish top of their group their path to the final got much easier.
Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France now all on the top half of the bracket. Significant break for England, despite looking pretty disjointed. If they can finish top of their group their path to the final got much easier.
England not looking particularly dangerous against Slovenia.
but England's biggest problem is Bellingham. It's a two-pronged problem:
1. He's clearly exhausted after a long season
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
Memories of England trying to shoe horn Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes into the same side...
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
This. Three great players, not playing well together at all.
The roster they brought simply isn't as good as the British media would make you believe. Top-heavy and lots of ill-fitting pieces compared to the 2021 team - Shaw, Maguire, Rashford, Watkins, Sancho, Grealish all had bad seasons/transfers. Foden's got to go and start Mainoo in there to shore up midfield.
Would be funny if Wout Weghorst gets them in the next round.
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Georgia exposed POR’s weakness: their back line depth. They have no reliable center backs behind Ruben Dias and 41 yo Pepe. Once they gave up that early goal their famous forward and midfield talent had to deal with 9 Georgians crowding the box.
While they are in-between generations and had some injuries - particularly in defense - outside of the 2020/2021 Euro run they haven't been that good for a long time. For years you knew how Italy was going to play with the Juve/Milan players as the spine in the 2000s. Now a reset is needed.
yup, ended 2-1 England. Feel bad for Slovakia, they played a good 95 minutes. But a bicycle kick goal in the 96th minute? Pretty incredible. Then Kane does what he does. Spain v. Georgia coming on now.
Exept them to put a couple more in second half. Hopefully not jinxing them.
Bellingham bailed out England but it's clear Southgate is the wrong manager and doesn't have a feel for what 11 play best together rather than playing the best 11. Maguire of all people would have been a better fit in the back 4 but instead they brought Luke Shaw along. Too many CAMs.
I will say one thing though, Georgia is one good countering team
need effort and hustle to unsettle Slovenia sitting back in their 4-4-2. POR players need to creat chances for each other instead of creating chances for CR7
Ronaldo and his antics - including taking the PK in Extra Time when Bruno is far better these days - matched by Martinez and his substitutions. Portugal-France looking like a stale QF instead of a semi or final.
Diogo Costa, keeper for Porto and newest Portuguese national hero: “ I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analysed the penalty takers, but players change and they change how they shoot I am very happy and very excited to have helped the team." Link - ( New Window )
in a driving rain and imo the best, most gripping match of the tournament thus far. TUR with two goals from CB Demiral, both off headers on set pieces. The 2nd to my eyes off an incorrectly awarded CK.
Tragic for AUS as it dominated possession and attack in 2H with TUR GK Günok making terrific save off Baaumgartner with seconds remaining in stoppage, hard to overestimate difficulty with the sodden ball and turf. Only AUS 3rd loss in ~20 months, but mgr should have subbed in Gregoritsch much earlier as the two strikers (Baumgartner) up top changed the entire flow of the match.
Crazy that tomorrow left side of the bracket has GER - ESP and FRA - POR which likely presents a SF and Finals…nominally. TUR are gritty and fast, defend doggedly. TUR and NED may be the two best on that side of bracket based on play to date though I’m aware of ENG partisans here (:
England
Portugal
Agree, this has historically been a great tournament, but we'll see how it is this year in the watered down format.
Portugal looked great during qualifying and strong in defense.
I'll be rooting for Spain especially Yamal and Pedri. Probably a cycle away before Spain joins the top contenders tier again.
In Euros, England certainly has the talent, but like the USMNT they may not have the coach. France is going to be missing a couple of players but still a strong team. Cannot rule out Spain either, I think that Portugal could surprise and am interested in seeing what the new look Germany is like. Italy is on a cycle of winning the Euros and not qualifying for the World Cup. Go figure. My pick is France.
This year, the tournament is particularly top-heavy. Portugal looks like the clearest favorite, then France, just given who they could possibly face. Austria is a somewhat dark horse who has played well under Ragnick and might get a result against the Netherlands.
Totally Football Show is doing daily post-game podcasts, so I will have something to listen to every day.
England have a poor record against those two in tournaments.
Portugal looked great during qualifying and strong in defense.
I'll be rooting for Spain especially Yamal and Pedri. Probably a cycle away before Spain joins the top contenders tier again.
POR gave up 4 goals in two recent consecutive friendlies, so Martinez switched to 3 backs with 41 year old Pepe at sweeper and shut down Ireland last week. This worked defensively, but it kept Pahlinha, or some other stellar midfielder, on the bench.
Portugal with two effective center backs will have a potent attack, but if they yield early goals they’re vulnerable, especially against big, physical teams.
Then I'd say Germany and England, they are also very good squads, followed by Portugal and Netherlands in no particular order.
Obviously Italy and Spain always have a shot.
Would be fun if someone outside this group wins it like Croatia or Belgium but I doubt it.
All in all, I expect a great tournament.
Then I'd say Germany and England, they are also very good squads, followed by Portugal and Netherlands in no particular order.
Obviously Italy and Spain always have a shot.
Would be fun if someone outside this group wins it like Croatia or Belgium but I doubt it.
All in all, I expect a great tournament.
France's squad is like an Ultimate Team.
Beyond that, England has the horses if not the heart to win it. My money would go to France, Spain and possibly even Belgium or Croatia.
Just noticed now that Fox is not carrying some of the 9 a.m. games in the States? Hungary-Switzerland is on Fubo TV! Insane BS. But it beats 20 years ago where you had to watch the Tournament on PPV or listen on a BBC stream.
Just noticed now that Fox is not carrying some of the 9 a.m. games in the States? Hungary-Switzerland is on Fubo TV! Insane BS. But it beats 20 years ago where you had to watch the Tournament on PPV or listen on a BBC stream.
Mix of both. Germany was crisp though. Kroos 99% pass accuracy.
Yup I just realized that this morning as well. Unfortunate.
The atmosphere with about 50,000 Albanians was awesome.
Austria is not fun to play against with their constant pressure but France had their chances to score.
France won 1-0 on a own goal
Mbappe missed frame on a strike where he was unmarked and about 14 yards out dead middle. On a CK late in regulation appeared Mbappe broke his nose on shoulder of an AUS player, had to come off the field because of the medical att'n and then wandered back on the pitch w/o being beckoned and was (correctly) assessed a YC. Ngolo Kante was FRA mvp imo.
Giroud to LAG next season?
AR on left side was awful missing 2 obvious call
Not sure about CK on OG
Interested in what Portugal looks like tomorrow
How much does CR have left in the tank???
Thinking a bit more about Mbappe and his YC: it was so strange, he was bloodied and as you say likely broken nose: after being accompanied off the field to the touch line, he wandered back on the pitch and immediately crumpled to the ground in a sitting position--to me his head was not right and may well have been concussed. He was not in his right mind. A big story for these Euros.
He will get fitted for a face mask to play rest of tournament.
Excellent game for Gundogan.
Spain v Italy
Spain v Italy
Yup. Gonna try to catch both.
Great place for a match! Believe they should have their outside tent all set up as well if you prefer that.
Italy waiting for the mistake by Spain in counterattack
Jealous!
Yeah, in terms of good chances I'd say it was about 7 to 2 for Spain. Both their wingers are threats all the time. Williams was Spain's best player but the best player for either side was Donnarumma, I think. Best goalkeeping I've seen in a while.
What I'd call a perfect day! Lol
Austria-Poland at noon will be interesting as well.
Spain spent a LOT of energy in the first 65 minutes and was clear they began to tire (surprised LeNorman and Fabièn weren't pulled, the former because of his YC and the latter because he worked his ass off, had imo an excellent game). Once the subs came on the cohesion deteriorated and their play became quite ragged and ITA as a result looked like a different squad than the one that played the first 65.
I have been totally underwhelmed by France.
Germany and Spain appear to be the top 2 teams.
I have been totally entertained by Austria’s style of play.
Italy can be dangerous going forward with their goalie who has been outstanding
That was pretty amazing. Ref adds 8 (which I didn't see coming, I thought 5, maybe 6) and Italy scores on a beautiful goal in the 98th - literally the last kick of the match.
Kudos to Croatia though - they almost did it.
The drama in soccer is the best imv.
Last second goal on a beautiful kick…crazy
England not looking particularly dangerous against Slovenia.
As a Spain supporter I hope things line up for them to play England. They just look a mess.
1. He's clearly exhausted after a long season
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
Memories of England trying to shoe horn Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes into the same side...
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
This. Three great players, not playing well together at all.
Would be funny if Wout Weghorst gets them in the next round.
Which is good for England, Italy and the Netherlands, who are on the right-hand side.
And it would be something if Austria advances, they've been the surprise so far.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Quote:
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Georgia exposed POR’s weakness: their back line depth. They have no reliable center backs behind Ruben Dias and 41 yo Pepe. Once they gave up that early goal their famous forward and midfield talent had to deal with 9 Georgians crowding the box.
Germany-Denmark up next.
Match suspended for now, due to thunderstorm...
wish the format was set up to avoid this
Slovakia has played great but that was a great goal indeed
yup, ended 2-1 England. Feel bad for Slovakia, they played a good 95 minutes. But a bicycle kick goal in the 96th minute? Pretty incredible. Then Kane does what he does. Spain v. Georgia coming on now.
Bellingham bailed out England but it's clear Southgate is the wrong manager and doesn't have a feel for what 11 play best together rather than playing the best 11. Maguire of all people would have been a better fit in the back 4 but instead they brought Luke Shaw along. Too many CAMs.
Typical of Deschamps but I still don't see it with France this time around. Rabiot out for the Quarters - do we get Camavinga and Tchuoameni together?
That was something.
Quote:
Holy shit
That was something.
Diogo Costa, keeper for Porto and newest Portuguese national hero: “ I went with my gut feeling. Of course, we had analysed the penalty takers, but players change and they change how they shoot I am very happy and very excited to have helped the team."
Link - ( New Window )
Tragic for AUS as it dominated possession and attack in 2H with TUR GK Günok making terrific save off Baaumgartner with seconds remaining in stoppage, hard to overestimate difficulty with the sodden ball and turf. Only AUS 3rd loss in ~20 months, but mgr should have subbed in Gregoritsch much earlier as the two strikers (Baumgartner) up top changed the entire flow of the match.
Crazy that tomorrow left side of the bracket has GER - ESP and FRA - POR which likely presents a SF and Finals…nominally. TUR are gritty and fast, defend doggedly. TUR and NED may be the two best on that side of bracket based on play to date though I’m aware of ENG partisans here (:
Let's go!