NFT: Euro 2020 starts today!

He doesn't have a good record at Man Utd with penalties

insane finish. Never saw so many stops. Donnarumma is the man…

In comment 15303335 bw in dc said:

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allow for subs that can return to the game, like college.

I’d be good with that. Pretty much anything is better than PKs.

On to take penalties missed. That's crazy.

In comment 15303339 dpinzow said:

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He doesn't have a good record at Man Utd with penalties

I would have started Rashford over Mount.

I think Rashford is ultra-talented.

Hell, I would have started Grealish, too.

Just not impressed with England's starters for this game...

And I'm covered in beer and champagne. I don't even like soccer and I came here to see a friend and now I smell like a rummy on 8th Avenue.


Plus, Italians scream "DIE" a lot...

Should have played Grealish way earlier and not brought in those young subs to take the PKs.

after the regular 90+, start with 10 on a side and take off one player from each side every 10 minutes thereafter.

OK, crazy idea but it would be interesting to see them try it. The thing about just keeping on playing (no penalties) is that teams can park the bus and make it very difficult to score. You don't want boring defensive overtimes.

In comment 15303344 Anakim said:

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And I'm covered in beer and champagne. I don't even like soccer and I came here to see a friend and now I smell like a rummy on 8th Avenue. Plus, Italians scream "DIE" a lot...

At bar & I turned to my wife...'Is this Rome West?' Haha.

If you don't like them, you have 120 minutes to do something about it. The sport is the best in the world as it is. If anything too many changes have been recently introduced.

In comment 15303348 Go Terps said:

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If you don't like them, you have 120 minutes to do something about it. The sport is the best in the world as it is. If anything too many changes have been recently introduced.

We aren’t the ones playing so I can’t do anything about it.

when you have a goalkeeper like Donnarumma in goal.

for Arsenal or England before that

In comment 15303350 UConn4523 said:

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In comment 15303348 Go Terps said: Quote: If you don't like them, you have 120 minutes to do something about it. The sport is the best in the world as it is. If anything too many changes have been recently introduced. We aren’t the ones playing so I can’t do anything about it.

I should have rephrased...if the players don't like it. Then again the players aren't the ones whining.

4 or 5 people agreed with my completely reasonable, non-complaining post. I didn’t even have a dog in the fight, so to see it come down to PKs was lame.

Glad you enjoyed it though, something made you happy today atleast.

In comment 15303354 dpinzow said:

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for Arsenal or England before that

Unbelievable.

England played like shit after they took the lead. IMO they got what they deserved

In comment 15303358 UConn4523 said:

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4 or 5 people agreed with my completely reasonable, non-complaining post. I didn’t even have a dog in the fight, so to see it come down to PKs was lame. Glad you enjoyed it though, something made you happy today atleast.

You complain so much you don't even know when you're doing it.

As a casual soccer fan...I think it is lame it came down to PKs.

In comment 15303360 Go Terps said:

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In comment 15303358 UConn4523 said: Quote: 4 or 5 people agreed with my completely reasonable, non-complaining post. I didn’t even have a dog in the fight, so to see it come down to PKs was lame. Glad you enjoyed it though, something made you happy today atleast. You complain so much you don't even know when you're doing it.

Looks like half the thread complained then. Sounds good!

Why England brought so little to an offensive attack after they scored is on them. It’s like they wanted it to go into extra time.

In comment 15303343 bw in dc said:

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In comment 15303339 dpinzow said: Quote: He doesn't have a good record at Man Utd with penalties I would have started Rashford over Mount. I think Rashford is ultra-talented. Hell, I would have started Grealish, too. Just not impressed with England's starters for this game...

Southgate basically gave up the midfield to Italy. This was the game you needed Jack Grealish and Sancho to play large minutes in place of Mount for their ability to work in space. Southgate wanted to counterattack but you can't when Italy has all the possession.

As a Manchester United fan, I like Rashford but he hasn't really evolved his game and is not the elite player needed for this game. Look at Chiesa - big difference in quality.

in the tournament. They beat Belgium, Spain, and England. Granted 2 were in PK's but they did win. In addition they have not lost in like a 2 years. Good job Azzurri!

a rule change themselves?

Didn't they used to decide major tournaments by playing until a golden goal was scored??

I can see PK's for some matches, but the final matches of the major tourneys, I'd like to see Golden Goal.

Either way - a fantastic match. I was with a group of Brit ex-pats in uptown Charlotte and it was a madhouse. As crazy as any scene for a NFL or college football game.

In comment 15303376 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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Southgate basically gave up the midfield to Italy. This was the game you needed Jack Grealish and Sancho to play large minutes in place of Mount for their ability to work in space. Southgate wanted to counterattack but you can't when Italy has all the possession.

Seemed that way after the opening 15 minutes for most of the match, didn't it? Italy was so outmanned on the flanks until Mancini made 2nd half changes, yet England didn't try to press its advantage after that start. Verratti, Berardi, Gorginho kept the ball inside, attacking the center with short, mostly accurate possession passing

She had a reaction to it and hit a temp of 103.2 at about 3:00 this PM. Take her to Emergency, DVR the rest of the game, add the 30 min extension which like an idiot is not enough time to see the penalty kicks.

Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow

In comment 15303492 montanagiant said:

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She had a reaction to it and hit a temp of 103.2 at about 3:00 this PM. Take her to Emergency, DVR the rest of the game, add the 30 min extension which like an idiot is not enough time to see the penalty kicks. Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow

Glad the wife is in good shape... montana, you didn't miss much :), it'll be Youtoubable for sure... watch how Saka just keeps his head down, no idea what Donnaruma is doing, woolly headed of Southgate to put him in that position. He's done a fantastic job for England, but he lost his mind putting it all on the young legs, who also have young heads

In comment 15303506 ColHowPepper said:

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In comment 15303492 montanagiant said: Quote: She had a reaction to it and hit a temp of 103.2 at about 3:00 this PM. Take her to Emergency, DVR the rest of the game, add the 30 min extension which like an idiot is not enough time to see the penalty kicks. Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow Glad the wife is in good shape... montana, you didn't miss much :), it'll be Youtoubable for sure... watch how Saka just keeps his head down, no idea what Donnaruma is doing, woolly headed of Southgate to put him in that position. He's done a fantastic job for England, but he lost his mind putting it all on the young legs, who also have young heads

Thanks, CHP, yeah, I just watched the kicks on YouTube Italy deserved to win IMO

In comment 15303506 ColHowPepper said:

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In comment 15303492 montanagiant said: Quote: She had a reaction to it and hit a temp of 103.2 at about 3:00 this PM. Take her to Emergency, DVR the rest of the game, add the 30 min extension which like an idiot is not enough time to see the penalty kicks. Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow Glad the wife is in good shape... montana, you didn't miss much :), it'll be Youtoubable for sure... watch how Saka just keeps his head down, no idea what Donnaruma is doing, woolly headed of Southgate to put him in that position. He's done a fantastic job for England, but he lost his mind putting it all on the young legs, who also have young heads

You could see how nervous Saka was just before the attempt. That's a helluva a load to put on a 19 year old

In comment 15303376 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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Southgate basically gave up the midfield to Italy. This was the game you needed Jack Grealish and Sancho to play large minutes in place of Mount for their ability to work in space. Southgate wanted to counterattack but you can't when Italy has all the possession. As a Manchester United fan, I like Rashford but he hasn't really evolved his game and is not the elite player needed for this game. Look at Chiesa - big difference in quality.

Are you saying Mount is the "elite player" needed for a game like yesterday's? He's a good young player but I don't see him being any better than Rashford. Not all all.

Rashford scored twice this goals in the premier league and I believe was near the top five in assists.

was 33.8 km/h, as done by Nego from Hungary and Spinazzola from Italy.

This converts to 21.00 mph, which is less than Daniel Jones top speed from the 2020 NFL season of 21.23 mph.

In comment 15303492 montanagiant said:

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She had a reaction to it and hit a temp of 103.2 at about 3:00 this PM. Take her to Emergency, DVR the rest of the game, add the 30 min extension which like an idiot is not enough time to see the penalty kicks. Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow

Yikes about your wife, but glad she's doing better.

In comment 15303998 JB_in_DC said:

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was 33.8 km/h, as done by Nego from Hungary and Spinazzola from Italy. This converts to 21.00 mph, which is less than Daniel Jones top speed from the 2020 NFL season of 21.23 mph.

Plus DJ had equipment on! Too bad his hips/change of direction don't match his speed.

In comment 15303689 bw in dc said:

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In comment 15303376 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said: Quote: Southgate basically gave up the midfield to Italy. This was the game you needed Jack Grealish and Sancho to play large minutes in place of Mount for their ability to work in space. Southgate wanted to counterattack but you can't when Italy has all the possession. As a Manchester United fan, I like Rashford but he hasn't really evolved his game and is not the elite player needed for this game. Look at Chiesa - big difference in quality. Are you saying Mount is the "elite player" needed for a game like yesterday's? He's a good young player but I don't see him being any better than Rashford. Not all all. Rashford scored twice this goals in the premier league and I believe was near the top five in assists.

Not what I'm saying. Saying that I would prefer Grealish and Sancho to Mount and definitely Rashford. In this game England didn't need a counter-attacking forward/winger - they needed creative players who could make things happen in space.

Rashford scored one more goal than Cavani in 11 more games.

In comment 15304091 Mike from SI said:

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In comment 15303998 JB_in_DC said: Quote: was 33.8 km/h, as done by Nego from Hungary and Spinazzola from Italy. This converts to 21.00 mph, which is less than Daniel Jones top speed from the 2020 NFL season of 21.23 mph. Plus DJ had equipment on! Too bad his hips/change of direction don't match his speed.

DJ would get red carded for simulation for falling down in the box with no one touching him after his long run.

I've enjoyed the dialogue with other BBI soccer fans. Same as with baseball, basketball and hockey - I don't generally go to other websites to discuss sports besides (NFL) football. I prefer the lunatics I "know" to those I don't.

In comment 15304121 Del Shofner said:

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I've enjoyed the dialogue with other BBI soccer fans. Same as with baseball, basketball and hockey - I don't generally go to other websites to discuss sports besides (NFL) football. I prefer the lunatics I "know" to those I don't.

Great post Del. As a newish fan I learned a bunch with this thread while watching the matchs

The Gab and Jules pod does a more visceral takedown of Southgate's tactics with Stuart Robson.

It also goes into slightly more detail on what happened at Wembley from a security point of view - not a lot of coverage in the States but it appears to have been pretty bad.

In comment 15304225 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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The Gab and Jules pod does a more visceral takedown of Southgate's tactics with Stuart Robson. It also goes into slightly more detail on what happened at Wembley from a security point of view - not a lot of coverage in the States but it appears to have been pretty bad.

Thanks for posting that. I just googled "Wembley security" and I hadn't even heard that there was a rush of people and 19 officers were injured. Crazy.

but they kept their mouth shut because he was winning. Now he loses once and they all come out. Personally I think its crappy. He made the finals for the 1st time in 50+ yrs. Yes you can say he messed up his PK setup, but I look at the overall result and cut him slack. I think England football history will look very favorable on his stint as the national team manager.

In comment 15304291 PatersonPlank said:

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but they kept their mouth shut because he was winning. Now he loses once and they all come out. Personally I think its crappy. He made the finals for the 1st time in 50+ yrs. Yes you can say he messed up his PK setup, but I look at the overall result and cut him slack. I think England football history will look very favorable on his stint as the national team manager.

I was talking to a Brit who said that it is the nature of the england football fan to complain (something we can probably relate to!). They expect the worst and when they lose, they can be insufferable.

but after the game entered extra time, they should have done everything in their power to avoid a shootout with Donnarumma. They should have put on all of their subs and went for it with fresh legs.

In comment 15304315 giantBCP said:

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but after the game entered extra time, they should have done everything in their power to avoid a shootout with Donnarumma.

If only it were as simple as willing the match to end w/o a shootout!

I commented on Sunday minutes after the shootout that Southgate would be crucified in England for his selections, and in a later comment said overall he was fantastic for England. I stand by the latter and partially for the former. He is getting skewered for his kicks from the mark selections, but, sigh, the three who missed are being skewered more, because, sigh again, that's how much of our sporting life has degraded, around the globe.

think England settled for the shootout - they would gladly have taken a win in extra time, but it is much easier said than done.

Way up above in this thread was a discussion about penalty kicks being a lottery, and that's exactly the way they are viewed in the football world. Teams don't want to go to shootouts, especially if they are favored, as the perception is they should win the game outright.

Most shootouts come down to a very small margin of difference. A couple more inches over and Rashford's kick is a goal. Donnarumma guessed right on two of the kicks. Pickford guessed right on 3 of the kicks but only was able to save 2 of them. Shootouts basically come down to a coin flip. Just ask Switzerland who beat France by the kick and lost by the kick to Spain.

about the Swiss was they made all 5 kicks against France and only 1 vs. Spain.

In comment 15304093 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

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Not what I'm saying. Saying that I would prefer Grealish and Sancho to Mount and definitely Rashford. In this game England didn't need a counter-attacking forward/winger - they needed creative players who could make things happen in space. Rashford scored one more goal than Cavani in 11 more games.

Got it - thanks. Sounds like I'm higher on Rashford than you. Real Madrid doesn't just go after any player and they were very high on Rashford a few years ago.

pre-lockdown was a completely different player from what he was after; then he was truly world class. Injuries are the primary reason for that.

Now he'll take some time off to get those injuries (shoulder, ankle) sorted, and hopefully come back to what he was. As a United fan I'd rather he'd done that before the Euros and skipped the whole thing, but the national team is a big deal for these guys, so.... Most important is that he gets back to full fitness,

In comment 15304867 SEB in Oslo, Norway said:

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pre-lockdown was a completely different player from what he was after; then he was truly world class. Injuries are the primary reason for that. Now he'll take some time off to get those injuries (shoulder, ankle) sorted, and hopefully come back to what he was. As a United fan I'd rather he'd done that before the Euros and skipped the whole thing, but the national team is a big deal for these guys, so.... Most important is that he gets back to full fitness,

Agree that he was clearly injured and kept rushing back to soon due to United's lack of depth. Think sometimes he's not direct enough and lacking with his touch. Wish the best for him, a great example for the team and the league.

Let's see how they play with Sancho coming in, they are down to two strikers at the moment (who knows about Martial).

Hopefully Nicolo Zaniolo recovers well from his second ACL injury and makes it to Qatar. He was Mancini’s preferred player for the right wing spot, ahead of Federico Chiesa, who stole the show in the Euro. He’s one of the most physically gifted players in the world if he’s fit.

In comment 15304884 giantBCP said:

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Hopefully Nicolo Zaniolo recovers well from his second ACL injury and makes it to Qatar. He was Mancini’s preferred player for the right wing spot, ahead of Federico Chiesa, who stole the show in the Euro. He’s one of the most physically gifted players in the world if he’s fit.

Zaniolo plays for Roma, right? He was a real prospect before the injury, not just for Italy, but for Roma and he had some other big clubs looking to sign him

He’s built like a tank, and has a rare blend of size/speed/technique. As nice as it is to have small and technical players, powerful players are very important in the modern game.