A year later, the Euros gets underway with Italy v Turkey. Always has been my favorite tournament even with the expanded format.
Although France are heavy favorites, I think with the amount of soccer played these last 14 months that players are tired and any team can get hot and make a run.
A top team will get knocked out there.
A top team will get knocked out there.
The two teams that come out have to be considered favorites to win it all.
Their only real issue is Pickford.
I'd like to see Germany win just because everyone falls asleep on them and they still are a really tough team.
I doubt Turkey has what it takes to beat Italy in Rome today. Mancini has them unbeaten for 27 straight games.
I'm looking forward to seeing Scotland play this year.
England to me seems to be my favorite to win.
England to me seems to be my favorite to win.
England is never favorite to win. They simply don't know how to play football at the international level regardless of what they do for their club teams.
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will be rooting hard for Spain, young team and probably 5th best squad, but hey ya never know.
England to me seems to be my favorite to win.
England is never favorite to win. They simply don't know how to play football at the international level regardless of what they do for their club teams.
While I agree, the same was said for Spain for the longest time.... Let me just say it would not surprise me in the least.
Well yeah, lol... true
Denmark will beat Finland tomorrow (3-1) and the get the X against Belgium. Then I hope we can beat Russia on the 21st.
This is probably the last chance for its current squad, and they played the best attacking style at the last World Cup.
Great to see the Dutch back in play.
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will be rooting hard for Spain, young team and probably 5th best squad, but hey ya never know.
England to me seems to be my favorite to win.
England is never favorite to win. They simply don't know how to play football at the international level regardless of what they do for their club teams.
They did take 4th in the WC and are probably more talented now. Southgate stinks though.
A top team will get knocked out there.
Not necessarily. The third place team out of this group could end up advancing.
One of these squads is not like the others, though!
I know that Croatia hasn’t been in the best form since they made the world cup final, but their heavy underdog status with the sports books seems strange to me.
Match suspended. Prayers for Eriksen, his family, and Koldegaard, our Danish Giants fan. It was horrible. Fans and players were crying. Eriksen's wife was brought on the pitch, and it was reported that medics had to perform CPR
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horrible scenes in Copenhagen. He is leaving the pitch now on a stretcher. don't know if they will continue the game.
Match suspended. Prayers for Eriksen, his family, and Koldegaard, our Danish Giants fan. It was horrible. Fans and players were crying. Eriksen's wife was brought on the pitch, and it was reported that medics had to perform CPR
Just saw it. Tragic.
Let's hope good news is on the way...
Eriksen reportedly stabilized in hospital - ( New Window )
Thoughts on that decision? Respect and reverence for the player and his teammates and Finland team, yes. Does the decision not to air seem right to you?
And Fabrice Muamba, another soccer player who suffered a heart attack on the field, who was declared dead for 78 minutes, and miraculously resuscitated.
Definitely those two tragic situations came to mind as well
Good thing it didn’t happen in CONCACAF, certainly could have had a boy who cried wolf situation as precious moments to restabilize ticked away.
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with Reggie Lewis and Hank Gathers.
And Fabrice Muamba, another soccer player who suffered a heart attack on the field, who was declared dead for 78 minutes, and miraculously resuscitated.
Definitely those two tragic situations came to mind as well
Sounds like they completely bungled the declaration of death on that one. If it was accurate he would have been brain dead.
Delayed a year bc of the Covids.
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If it's played midway through 2021?
Delayed a year bc of the Covids.
Ahh... makes sense. Thank you
I thought Erfo (know I have the name wrong, a Nigerian who played in EPL with Sheffield United), on one of the endless panels commenting on whether UEFA should have suspended play until Sunday, should have canceled, should have left the decision to the FAs of Denmark and Finland, was very articulate. He said, about a somewhat analogous situation when a teammate went down and the decision was made to continue the game the following day, that it was worse for his team SUFC, completely flat, having gone home and having the gravity of the injury to their teammate, rendered them less ready to play after 24 hours.
Twellman did not strike me that way. He speaks quickly and pretty articulately, and he referred early on this afternoon, before Eriksen's condition was known to have stabilized, to his 'well known' concussion issues, hard not to be emotional about things like that.
Netherlands-Ukraine with a well-played first half. Several good chances for the Dutch but the Ukrainian keeper is very good.
hah, yeah guess I jinxed him.
Dutch had one coming though.
Got a game.
Been a really fun watch so far - except for the scary incident with Christian E.
This will also provide a glimpse on whether or not spain is fading or can still be a contender.
Guy looked like he was just going to hold the ball until it was stolen, then he nutmegs the defender, drives to goal and puts it off the post into the keeper.
I think Spain finishes 1-0 or 2-0, don’t think Sweden bothers to push too much even if they go down a goal. No reason to leave this one with a lopsided defeat.
Isak bit of a revelation to me, rare someone so long has such precise footie skills
Jordy Alba, terrific crosses, so much space to operate
Olmo!!
Right side of Swedish back line giving Jordy Alba all the space he wanted
Berg whiffed, Lustig whiffed arf arf
Swedish coach, hated his strategy, but it got his country a point, difficult to fault him
The refs signal, and those signals are technically all that are needed (and don't require words). In any event, there are a limited number of things that a ref has to say, and players tend to know those phrases in more than one language. Most of them play internationally as their jobs. I know our middle kid could curse in English, Spanish and Dutch by the time he was 15.
And it was a good call
CR7 with 2.
Hungary is doo doo though.
I bet France earlier, so yes, I am nervous.
Their U-21 team wasn't expected to do much this year and they won the European Championship
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are straight even. I think we see a draw or Germany win in the premier opener.
I bet France earlier, so yes, I am nervous.
Yeh I felt like I was fading myself when I took the draw and Germany, but based on recent form and on paper you’d think France would be significant favorites. The only think I can come up with is Germany putting in a tremendous effort for their beloved manager. Plus, not sure how much you can take from friendlies and France is getting up there in age.
Man I love watching the sweeper keeper.
Their U-21 team wasn't expected to do much this year and they won the European Championship
Germany has a solid youth movement going on.
And own fucking goal.
Germany looking better than I expected.
Second half, different story, Germany with even more possession, more opportunities. France was too casual with its passes, as if in a pseudo comfort zone that they didn't have to be accurate with the ball. Two seeming goals nullified by offside position.
I did think Mbappe should have been awarded the penalty on Hummels' tackle, looked like he snagged the ankle first. Löw is gone in any event, but I hope GER qualifies for knockout round, hate to see him go out this way.
I thought that was a penalty too. Hummels got some of the ball but a lot more ankle, including after touching the ball so as to bring Mbappe down.
Mbappe's a load. What a player. Both non-goals were beautiful notwithstanding the offsides.
Hummels had like a 10 yard head start on the run by Mbappe and subsequent recovery by Hummels. He FLEW by that dude. But Hummels did really well recovering. Tough game for him today.
And he's very technical with the ball. An absolute lethal combination.
Portugal didn’t impress me at all. My top teams after the first round of games are Italy, France, and Spain, in no particular order.
Right now I think it’s France and everyone else. Spain didn’t really impress me that much, finishing has been a bugaboo and you can look amazing in midfield, but games are judged on score lines not possession. I’d put Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal as hopefuls, but man that France team is strong throughout the 11.
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Is the best team I have watched in this tournament so far
Portugal didn’t impress me at all. My top teams after the first round of games are Italy, France, and Spain, in no particular order.
Spain? They played a team who parked the bus and couldn't finish. If Berg doesn't shit himself, Sweden wins 1-0.
Unbeaten in 28 games. 9 straight clean sheets.
So my opinion is purely from that standpoint. What I saw with Portugal was a team that was very crisp and quick with their passing especially when they were pressing. I thought Spain looked good but blew some real chances. France looked very good but I had not watched them until yesterday for the 1st time so that was after my earlier Portugal post. I thought Germany did well but I can't shake the fact they lost to N. Macedonia a couple of months ago. Looking forward to watching Italy for the first time.
I disagree about Portugal. They have several good players who are prominent fixtures at top clubs. They can certainly beat Germany, though France is a different story. They look like they're a cut above the rest of the field.
Bale sure looked good these last 2 minutes though
True. You also get situations like Group F, which will essentially turn into a contest to see who can thump Hungary the most.
Portugal is not a one man show at all. Silva, Felix, Jota, Dias have all won major trophies with their teams and contributed.
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but man is their back line and goalie look suspect.
Bale sure looked good these last 2 minutes though
He looked good all game, guy just doesn’t score anymore. 13 caps in a row without a goal.
I don't think Spain wins the tournament, but I expect them to get out of the group comfortably. I wouldn't do much different against Poland or Slovakia than they did against Sweden. Advancing in this tournament is about keeping clean sheets.
I'd tier the contenders like this:
1. France
-
-
-
2. Italy
3-6. Spain, England, Portugal, Belgium in any order
7. Germany
8. Netherlands
It's gonna be tough for anyone to beat France. Kante is the best player in the world and Mbappe is Thierry Henry all over again.
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Watching Turkey right now, I’m really wondering how good Italy actually is. Portugal is a 1 man show practically and Spain can’t finish.
Unbeaten in 28 games. 9 straight clean sheets.
That might have been a little confusing. I was referring to people talking about them on Frances level right now (which IMO is a cut above the rest) A 3-0 shellacking of what was considered a solid Turkey team solidified that a bit. The odds have come way down on Switzerland so I think this is a much better test if they belong on that top tier with France.
I will give the guy credit for the rest of his game though. He works his ass off pressing, moving off the ball, chasing lost causes...he's a big part of the reason Spain had 80-whatever percent of the possession. If they replace him with Moreno (a better finisher, but maybe not as good in these other areas), I think it's going to cost them in their ability to hold the ball.
Because of how they play Spain is rarely going to be around a lot of goals either scored or conceded - they're going to have a lot of the ball and opponents are going to sit deep. That's just how they play. They hold the ball to defend and exhaust opponents...not to create a million scoring chances.
This team is really young and inexperienced so I expect that'll cost them in this tournament. But they might be really good in the next couple tournaments.
Spain, like Germany, has sort of fallen back to the top end of the tier 2 teams in Europe. I would put Portugal ahead of both at this point in time.
Yes, same Isak. And he was 17-18 at the time (with Dortmund). He sure looked good the other day.
Spain, like Germany, has sort of fallen back to the top end of the tier 2 teams in Europe. I would put Portugal ahead of both at this point in time.
Agree on Germany. I think they are lacking any real scoring threats. Muller has been a great player, but no longer. Do you trust Werner as a go-to striker?
I like Sane's pace and athleticism. I would use him much more...
Isak is such an unusual combination of length and extremely good ball skills and elusiveness in tight space.
The rule can be summarized thusly: a player can be in an offside position--it is not a violation unless that player interferes with play or with an opponent from that position. Interfering with play is engaging in active play, whether vs the opponent or making a play on the ball, not even necessarily touching it, though certainly the latter.
Flags have been going up so late, so long AFTER the player in an offside position is engaged in active play, that it can trick defenders, keepers, and other attackers into thinking there is no offsides violation and altering their approach. Just weird.
I have noticed this too and agree that it's weird. I'm wondering if AR's have been instructed to keep the flag down if there's any doubt, since VAR is available as well (kind of like NFL refs letting them play subject to video review in certain situations). The problem with that is what you say - players glance at the AR and alter their approach accordingly. I think the AR's should just call 'em as they see 'em. VAR can sort out obvious errors but the players are entitled to decisions in real time as well.
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Flags have been going up so late, so long AFTER the player in an offside position is engaged in active play, that it can trick defenders, keepers, and other attackers into thinking there is no offsides violation and altering their approach. Just weird.
I have noticed this too and agree that it's weird. I'm wondering if AR's have been instructed to keep the flag down if there's any doubt, since VAR is available as well (kind of like NFL refs letting them play subject to video review in certain situations). The problem with that is what you say - players glance at the AR and alter their approach accordingly. I think the AR's should just call 'em as they see 'em. VAR can sort out obvious errors but the players are entitled to decisions in real time as well.
Even in the PL refs have taken this approach, so its really not new. Basically its the same philosophy as the NFL now does with things like fumble recoveries (as an example). They know VAR (or in the NFL's instance instant replay) is there, so they let the play continue to its end. Then they review it and make the decision. Its a lot better than stopping it right there and being wrong
I'll have to ask if their citizenship status will be revoked!
Even at the top level, several missed deflections and who the ball last touched are missed. I wonder if the reason is the lack of people who can see it?
He has completely changed the game since coming in.
Yes, looks like they will win today but their back line can't play like this against better scoring teams.
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Guy has a great antenna to find open players.
He has completely changed the game since coming in.
That goal was a laser.
He's just a great all-around player. Personally, I think he's the best player in the game right now.
True, but it's DeBruyne's insertion into the lineup as a F9 that allows him that space.
Even at the top level, several missed deflections and who the ball last touched are missed. I wonder if the reason is the lack of people who can see it?
I think VAR should be used to decide goals that are missed or obvious penalties. It shouldn't be there to go back and award questionable ones. We saw that with the handball call today.
And even in the Netherlands game. They awarded a penalty by VAR earlier where there was significant contact with the foot, but that foul was immediately preceded by a blatant dive where the Dutch player wasn't contacted. Should have been a dead ball and card for simulation even prior to the foul. VAR can't resolve that.
Good call! 61'
I do think the Euros borrowing a page from the NFL and bringing in Mark Clattenburg's commentary is cool. imo he's been spot on.
Offsides is tough: VAR is tougher. How does one impart the laser eyesight of the VAR drawing the line of the body/feet of the second to last defender across 65 yards of pitch vs the attacking player engaged in active play? Sometimes the miss is negligent (but bodies between the AR and the attacking player can render the best vision null and void), but just as often it's hyper-technical, as you suggest. Same in hockey: did the wing lift his skate off the blue line before the entry?
The handball called yesterday came off of a free kick where the defender in the wall tried to protect getting hit in the face. As the commentator said, "I guess he just has to take a ball straight to the nose there?"
Clattenburg said that we shouldn't get away from common sense.
It would be better if they seed the entire knockout round field 1 to 16 and construct the bracket that way, similar to a March Madness region. Alternatively, I would allow the #1 seed to be able to choose who they play in the round of 16. Then the #2 seed gets to pick, etc. That could motivate teams that qualified for the knockout stages after group match 2 to play as competitively as possible in their third match.
It's true that handball calls have been a shitshow this year. My only issue with your formulation, which otherwise I'm good with, is "ball to hand" in a situation where the attacking player plays the ball off the hand of the defender with no intent other than that. Subjective, I know, but it irks me in a Trae-Young-flopping kind of way that a clever attacker can get a PK just by playing the ball off a defender's hand in the area.
Is Scotland any good?
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in the group stage, just because it's England-Scotland
Is Scotland any good?
FIFA's world rankings, while notoriously suspect, have Scotland ranked 44th (and England 4th). But, as they say, the ball is round...
Scotland has its own leagues but they are considered a rank or two below the top European leagues, Premier, La Liga, Bundesliga, Series A. But I do not know or follow Scottish football at all well.
I haven't followed the Scottish league lately but as I recall Rangers had a scandal, got relegated and had to work their way back up. My perception is that MLS has surpassed the Scottish League. Linked is a site that ranks MLS 18th and does not include the Scottish League among the top 20 leagues in the world.
top 20 league in the world? - ( New Window )
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I think the rule should be pretty simple - if your arm is extended away from your body and you make contact below the elbow, intentional or not, it's a hand ball. This goes from body to area below elbow as well. Doesn't matter if it's ball to hand or hand to ball. That should take away most if not all of the subjectivity.
It's true that handball calls have been a shitshow this year. My only issue with your formulation, which otherwise I'm good with, is "ball to hand" in a situation where the attacking player plays the ball off the hand of the defender with no intent other than that. Subjective, I know, but it irks me in a Trae-Young-flopping kind of way that a clever attacker can get a PK just by playing the ball off a defender's hand in the area.
Thanks. I thought of that as well but that may just be something you have to live with, unless it becomes a huge problem. But having played myself, that would be incredibly hard to do systematically on bang-bang situations in the box.
Shoutout to whoever dropped the Celtic - Rangers rivalry, one of my favorite in all of sports. Good bet for a red card everytime they play.
Link - ( New Window )
I haven't followed the Scottish league lately but as I recall Rangers had a scandal, got relegated and had to work their way back up. My perception is that MLS has surpassed the Scottish League. Linked is a site that ranks MLS 18th and does not include the Scottish League among the top 20 leagues in the world. top 20 league in the world? - ( New Window )
It's about the same as you previously used to mention- about the same without Celtic and the Rangers. No way MLS has surpassed.
Link - ( New Window )
Yeah I am a Celtic supporter so I may be a little biased but it seems close:
Link - ( New Window )
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It's subjective so I'm not going to argue, but I'm not alone in my opinion. Besides the link I posted above, the linked site below concurs. Link - ( New Window )
Yeah I am a Celtic supporter so I may be a little biased but it seems close:
Link - ( New Window )
Agree that it's close, either way. Celtic supporter, eh? What kind of Giants fan roots for a team that wears green? (j/k - but to the extent I have an interest in the SPFL I have always followed Rangers because of Reyna's time there...) I enjoyed visiting Scotland the one time I went and wouldn't mind going back once COVID is clearly in the rear view mirror.
I always think of HopeJ’s immortal, and succinct, rule for clean living: No Green Teams.
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In comment 15289209 Del Shofner said:
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It's subjective so I'm not going to argue, but I'm not alone in my opinion. Besides the link I posted above, the linked site below concurs. Link - ( New Window )
Yeah I am a Celtic supporter so I may be a little biased but it seems close:
Link - ( New Window )
Agree that it's close, either way. Celtic supporter, eh? What kind of Giants fan roots for a team that wears green? (j/k - but to the extent I have an interest in the SPFL I have always followed Rangers because of Reyna's time there...) I enjoyed visiting Scotland the one time I went and wouldn't mind going back once COVID is clearly in the rear view mirror.
Hahaha the Irish catholic kind. My time in Scotland was incredible- definitely a visually stunning place.
Someone that has France on goal line.
Seems like France is going to rain goals at some point.
How long until Didier gives Benzemalo the hook?
My mom speaks it fluently but sadly the number of people she can speak to are dwindling. I never learned it growing up, kinda wish I did.
Oliver seems not fit at all, lagging well behind play.
Over 100 degrees F in the stadium
I bought and read a book called ‘How Soccer Explains The World’ which, while falling, uh, pretty well short of the promise in the title, does go back to explain the cultural signifigance, implications, and associations that many teams, rivalries, and tournaments carry. The Catholic v Protestant dynamic of the Celtic and Rangers rivalry was one of many sectarian examples dissected at length (along with Partizan and Red Star) it was the most interesting.
Oliver seems not fit at all, lagging well behind play.
Over 100 degrees F in the stadium
Pogba is a weird one. He was really good at Juventas when he left ManUnited. But since he came back he's been indecisive and tremendously inconsistent. It's like the physicality of the EPL bothered his game.
He's got great size and skill, but I think he spends too much time with the ball and would rather make the spectacular play instead of the straightforward play.
They were good at breaking up France's attack and getting back possession.
He's got great size and skill, but I think he spends too much time with the ball and would rather make the spectacular play instead of the straightforward play.
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playing for France is just so much more engaged and involved, his talent showing, than he appeared to me when playing for MU, where he often seemed diffident, uninterested, in the way he was used.
Oliver seems not fit at all, lagging well behind play.
Over 100 degrees F in the stadium
Pogba is a weird one. He was really good at Juventas when he left ManUnited. But since he came back he's been indecisive and tremendously inconsistent. It's like the physicality of the EPL bothered his game.
He's got great size and skill, but I think he spends too much time with the ball and would rather make the spectacular play instead of the straightforward play.
The PL defending is the best in the world. There are a bunch of players you see out here in the World Cup and Euro's who look really good. Then you see them in the PL and they look average. Also when I watch other leagues, such as the MLS, there seem to be do many more scoring opportunities. The defenses just aren't as tight
I think France still would advance as one of the top 3rd place sides
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Germany beats Portugal, Portugal beats France by 2/3 goals, France would see itself sitting at home. Who the hell would have thought that! It’s not out the realm of possibility.
I think France still would advance as one of the top 3rd place sides
Yep. If a 3rd place team finishes with 4 points, they will almost be guaranteed to go through
A Hungary win would have made the upcoming Portugal vs. Germany match a barn burner.
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In comment 15289659 Zeke's Alibi said:
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Germany beats Portugal, Portugal beats France by 2/3 goals, France would see itself sitting at home. Who the hell would have thought that! It’s not out the realm of possibility.
I think France still would advance as one of the top 3rd place sides
Yep. If a 3rd place team finishes with 4 points, they will almost be guaranteed to go through
Yeh I pegged it at about 80% that 4 points gets you through. Some guy broke it down and it’s 98%. Still in the realm of possibility, but barely.
To be fair, they have had two goals called back by VAR. But numbers don't lie. I think Deschamps got this wrong - they needed true wingers out there and Giroud much earlier.
Pogba is better for France because he has Kante to cover for him, just like at Juventus where he had Vidal (with Pirlo and the BBC). He can't do that united because they constantly play him with a McTominay or Fred... not quite Kante and Vidal.
That 98% chance is pretty dead on. We'll probably even see a team with 3 points advance, but that's still to be seen.
Thanks. Based on points then goal difference as a tiebreaker if there more than 4?
b. superior goal difference resulting from the matches played among the teams in question
c. higher number of goals scored in the matches played among the teams in question
d. if, after having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to i) apply in the order given to the two or more teams still equal
e. superior goal difference in all group matches
f. higher number of goals scored in all group matches
g. higher number of wins in all group matches
h. lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points)
i. position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings
Is it really an advantage to have a shoulder barely in front of the defender?
Is it really an advantage to have a shoulder barely in front of the defender?
I played striker once upon a time and I was always under the assumption as long as one body part was even with defender you were good to go.
I think Messi is the better player, but if I were building a team I'd take Ronaldo. Just incredibly rare to find guys that come close to consistently do what he does.
In possession, Germany looks disinterested and unorganized when they don't have the ball. There's going to be some more goals in this one for sure.
LOL...As I posted that I watch Portugal score! I'm about 12 mins delay from the live broadcast cause I had to help my wife.
They also are lucky they're not down 4-1
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in this game between Germany/Portugal, but these offsides calls are so tight.
Is it really an advantage to have a shoulder barely in front of the defender? ////
I played striker once upon a time and I was always under the assumption as long as one body part was even with defender you were good to go.
The only part of the body of the attacker that is <not> taken into account in determining an offside position is his arms. If any part of torso, head, lets is, he is in an offsides position.
Gossens' position was very tight, on the quick flash, it looked ok.
Twellman talks a mile a minute in a sometimes diarrhea of words but he has a point about Germany switching its formation to four in the back, moving Kimmich insides (not sure about that), because Germany's back line is being undressed.
Kimmich, by the way, worthy successor to Philip Lahm, who played with the remaining dinosaurs on German team, Müller, Kroos, Hummels, et al.
Not surprised either. I thought Portugal looked like shit against Hungary despite the result.
I found it, it's on ABC
ABC
Totally agree. Lots of possession, but very ordinary on finishing.
'[E]ven if it's as a third place team.' And that is just the charm and appeal of the Euros or WC, there's no perfection, no locks as to outcomes. Yes, Spain has struggled, so too Portugal, so did Germany, England, Hungary gives away almost nothing, even mighty France leveled vs 'weak sister' of the group. Love it.
It’s impossible for Spain to finish third with five points.
After Gosens almost took his head off against Germany, he managed to hit his head on the turf in the second minute against Hungary. I wasn’t surprised that he was a disaster when he was clearly suffering from head trauma.
Never seen betting odds like this one, so took a 0-0 and 1-1 result. Ukraine has shown nothing, but to be honest, they didn't really show anything against the Netherlands and their two goals seemed to come out of nowhere. Aaaand they just almost did it again!
Agreed. Just a stud controlling the midfield.
Such an easy bandwagon to join...
Add that to your list...
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
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In comment 15291230 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
Even though they have 3 pts, they got 4th in the group so they are eliminated. Finland got 3rd and is on the hairy edge
Such an easy bandwagon to join...
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In comment 15291234 dpinzow said:
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In comment 15291230 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
Even though they have 3 pts, they got 4th in the group so they are eliminated. Finland got 3rd and is on the hairy edge
They just said on ESPN that Russia is technically still in it with three points. I mean, they've got basically no chance at this point, I get it.
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In comment 15291239 Bricktop said:
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In comment 15291234 dpinzow said:
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In comment 15291230 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
Even though they have 3 pts, they got 4th in the group so they are eliminated. Finland got 3rd and is on the hairy edge
They just said on ESPN that Russia is technically still in it with three points. I mean, they've got basically no chance at this point, I get it.
Russia finished last in their group with the 3 points. They’re out
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In comment 15291239 Bricktop said:
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In comment 15291234 dpinzow said:
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In comment 15291230 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
Even though they have 3 pts, they got 4th in the group so they are eliminated. Finland got 3rd and is on the hairy edge
They just said on ESPN that Russia is technically still in it with three points. I mean, they've got basically no chance at this point, I get it.
Yeah, I think he is wrong. Its the 1st and 2nd finishers in each group, plus the top 4 3rd place finishers
"While the top two in each UEFA EURO 2020 group are guaranteed a berth in the round of 16, only the four best third-placed teams will join them in advancing."
Since goal differential is the 1st tiebreaker, Finland finishes in 3rd ahead of Russia
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In comment 15291241 PatersonPlank said:
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In comment 15291239 Bricktop said:
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In comment 15291234 dpinzow said:
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In comment 15291230 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15291224 Bricktop said:
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Good.
Yeah this is pretty awesome. Putin has to be furious right now, especially because with that lopsided ass kicking Ukraine may be the team that gets in over them!
Russia finished last in their group, so they’re out
Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Sweden and France all clinched a knockout round spot due to the results today because two teams have finished third with 3 points in their group (Ukraine and Finland) and all of them have 4 points already
Russia has three points, so technically they're not eliminated yet. A TON has to happen for them to move on. But they're still in it.
Even though they have 3 pts, they got 4th in the group so they are eliminated. Finland got 3rd and is on the hairy edge
They just said on ESPN that Russia is technically still in it with three points. I mean, they've got basically no chance at this point, I get it.
Yeah, I think he is wrong. Its the 1st and 2nd finishers in each group, plus the top 4 3rd place finishers
"While the top two in each UEFA EURO 2020 group are guaranteed a berth in the round of 16, only the four best third-placed teams will join them in advancing."
Since goal differential is the 1st tiebreaker, Finland finishes in 3rd ahead of Russia
Yup, Finland is still alive with 3 points and a -2 GD but their chances are very slim. They have to hope Scotland and Croatia ends in a draw, and get at least one other result to go their way.
Lukaku is my top player right now.
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Add that to your list...
Nice place but not inexpensive...
I think it's driven by FFP - Financial Fair Play. La Liga takes that pretty seriously.
So Barca has to restructure contracts and/or move players off their roster.
I think the bigger prize is Erling Haaland. He's unbelievable and only 20.
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They know that Tottenham won’t sell, but they’re putting it out there to try to reduce What they’d pay for Lukaku as their “second option”.
I think the bigger prize is Erling Haaland. He's unbelievable and only 20.
Agree. But Lukaku is more likely.
They sure are. It's going to be fun watching Belgium in the round of 16.
You can have them. Give me Haaland.
He's is 6'4" and runs like a gazelle. And he has in incredible finish rate. His finish rate in the Champions League was over 40%, which is unreal.
I'll take the 20 year old who is going who is still six years away from his prime. And he's already scoring 40 goals per.
Simon
Azpilicueta
Eric Garcia
Laporte
Gaya
Busquets
Thiago
Pedri
Sarabia
Moreno
Morata
And with that awful goalkeeping they are looking to go home.
Looks like Sweden and Spain are through, Slovakia on the hairy edge
You don't trust 38 year old Pepe playing right back for Portugal? ;)
I have a feeling Portugal is going to surprise today...
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Portugal backline looked awfully suspect. Hungary played very solid football for them and France looked a bit off, not up to the challenge (sandwich game between Germany and Portugal will do that to you). Hard to see them doing that again.
You don't trust 38 year old Pepe playing right back for Portugal? ;)
I have a feeling Portugal is going to surprise today...
The total was only 2.5 goals, kind of wish I went that way instead of France on ML now. Portugal looks dangerous on both ends per usual.
Yeah I felt like they evened out. Both pretty questionable.
Germany are in real trouble...
Ratings!
1. Busquets is still world class. He was fantastic and added a lot over what Rodri had been doing.
2. Adama Traore is super interesting as a player. I don't know that Spain wants him playing all 90 minutes, but it's nearly impossible to keep him from crossing the ball from dangerous areas whenever he wants. If Spain had a 6'6" giant like Weghorst playing striker Traore would be an incredible weapon.
I'm hesitant to go overboard on Spain in part because Slovakia just wasn't up to the task. Croatia will be harder.
Spain led the group stage in possession and xG but only walked with 5 points and wouldn't be considered a favorite by anyone. Soccer can be tough to explain. I'm just happy they're still in it.
Elsewhere, I don't like what I'm seeing from France or Germany at all.
I'm glad he made the switch. He's a classy player that's a good fit for what they're trying to do. He and Eric Garcia could make a good long term pairing (made at the Etihad).
I think Netherlands is for real. Wijnaldum, Dumfries, Depay look to be in very solid form as scoring threats...granted their group wasn't that threatening.
BTW, anyone else surprised Depay joining Barca?
I'm glad he made the switch. He's a classy player that's a good fit for what they're trying to do. He and Eric Garcia could make a good long term pairing (made at the Etihad).
Thanks Terps.
Colombia is ready to fight the ref after Brazil just tied it on a controversial goal. Lots of venom on the pitch right now...
Colombia is ready to fight the ref after Brazil just tied it on a controversial goal. Lots of venom on the pitch right now...
Crazy ending. Just a brutal loss for Colombia.
Link - ( New Window )
Not a City fan, but I love Pep and the way they play the game. Never liked Sterling, so I would be excited as a supporter if Grealish comes in. I think he's very technical and would thrive under Pep.
Horrible brainfart by Wales's Williams on the clearence
Grealish I think could take a jump into superstardom with a more talented supporting cast. He's fantastic.
I think Denmark would have won eventually but this Ref should not get another match to officiate
I think Denmark would have won eventually but this Ref should not get another match to officiate
Correction: I have seen, not "see"
ITA-AUS, the Austrians dominated by ITA TOP in its attacking third, just a matter of time?
I get such a kick out of Ian Darke, he knows the game so well he can throw little poetic phrases in that capture so much, and his encyclopedaeic knowledge of the game, players, leagues, history (referred to Italian coach from 1939 by name?? lol) just flows in abundance in nonchalant fashion. He's not been on much NAmerican TV last few years. He did a lot of Champions League (Premier too?), but either contractual reasons or sponsor/network decisions on broadcast crew have sidelined him for several years from our viewing pleasure.
ITA-AUS, the Austrians dominated by ITA TOP in its attacking third, just a matter of time?
I get such a kick out of Ian Darke, he knows the game so well he can throw little poetic phrases in that capture so much, and his encyclopedaeic knowledge of the game, players, leagues, history (referred to Italian coach from 1939 by name?? lol) just flows in abundance in nonchalant fashion. He's not been on much NAmerican TV last few years. He did a lot of Champions League (Premier too?), but either contractual reasons or sponsor/network decisions on broadcast crew have sidelined him for several years from our viewing pleasure.
Klattenburg agreed with you that it should not have been a red. This ref gave two yellows to Wales on ridiculous calls and completely ignored a Denmark player ran through a Wales player from behind who had the ball. That directly led to a Denmark rush that resulted in the second goal. The commentators were all over the BS from this ref. Said he should not officiate another game
Absolutely incredible with the dive and the angle created.
Best goal of the tournament...?
Consider last night's ITA-AUS game in which an Italian player was five yards offsides when he took a pass from a teammate, yet the flag stayed down 30, maybe 45 seconds after while play continued. What if, during that run of play, an injury occurs, a cardable (yellow or red) offense occurs, or hard 50/50 foul that results in fists raised or struck?
All of that would have to be ignored because it did not occur? Yes, but it did occur. But offenses involving 'violent actions' can be red carded whether on the field or off, during timeouts or not. I think those would have to be enforced. I can imagine the managers and the partisans raising the roof and the temps on the field. Would the players know they were just going through the motions until the flag did, finally, go up?? No, because there's no assurance the correct call would be made.
For close calls, where the AR is not certain (and the Center is instructed to follow the lead of his ARs on offsides and that is rarely, ever ignored), I can see the logic (as in the case of NFL where a pick or a fumble recovery might have hit the ground or been blown dead first) of letting play continue to its 'correct' outcome. But, also, let logic apply here, as in the case where advantage is given by the Center (foul not called pending outcome) and if advantage doesn't materialize within a brief time (determined, again, by the natural flow of play)--once the offensive/scoring threat doesn't materialize--that's it, hoist the flag. It's not perfect, but the ARs, or FIFA's instructions, have taken this to ridiculous extremes.
Consider last night's ITA-AUS game in which an Italian player was five yards offsides when he took a pass from a teammate, yet the flag stayed down 30, maybe 45 seconds after while play continued. What if, during that run of play, an injury occurs, a cardable (yellow or red) offense occurs, or hard 50/50 foul that results in fists raised or struck?
All of that would have to be ignored because it did not occur? Yes, but it did occur. But offenses involving 'violent actions' can be red carded whether on the field or off, during timeouts or not. I think those would have to be enforced. I can imagine the managers and the partisans raising the roof and the temps on the field. Would the players know they were just going through the motions until the flag did, finally, go up?? No, because there's no assurance the correct call would be made.
For close calls, where the AR is not certain (and the Center is instructed to follow the lead of his ARs on offsides and that is rarely, ever ignored), I can see the logic (as in the case of NFL where a pick or a fumble recovery might have hit the ground or been blown dead first) of letting play continue to its 'correct' outcome. But, also, let logic apply here, as in the case where advantage is given by the Center (foul not called pending outcome) and if advantage doesn't materialize within a brief time (determined, again, by the natural flow of play)--once the offensive/scoring threat doesn't materialize--that's it, hoist the flag. It's not perfect, but the ARs, or FIFA's instructions, have taken this to ridiculous extremes.
That’s how Virgil van Dijk got his season ended in the Premier League for Liverpool. Jordan Pickford (Everton goalkeeper) committed a violent tackle after a play was offside that tore up Van Dijks knee and pretty much stopped Liverpool from defending the title
That’s how Virgil van Dijk got his season ended in the Premier League for Liverpool. Jordan Pickford (Everton goalkeeper) committed a violent tackle after a play was offside that tore up Van Dijks knee and pretty much stopped Liverpool from defending the title
van Dijk was a huge loss. But Liverpool's attack just went cold mid-season. They only scored 4 goals in February and 1 in March. Over eight games. So that was just a killer to their season and created a lot of pressure to dig out and find a way back into the top four. Which was quite the run...
This being played in Budapest, yes? UConn, you said part of you hails from there?
Netherlands looked listless. The missed breakaway was huge by Malen was huge. Changed the momentum and about a minute later de Ligt got the red card.
Were your parents' gypsies?
Netherlands looked listless. The missed breakaway was huge by Malen was huge. Changed the momentum and about a minute later de Ligt got the red card.
Yeah, that was definitely a momentum changer. The Netherlands just could not get any kind of cohesiveness going. They just seemed to sputter along with players in the wrong spots and passes off the mark
One other officiating point, what I don't get is why the Center did not look to his AR for help when Lukaku's jersey was yanked. AR has to wait and see if the Center will rule, but if he thinks Center hasn't seen it, he has to go up with his flag and wave it, and the way it broke after that I didn't see any advantage that would have negated the foul, which itself could have warranted a yellow.
I wouldn't mess with Pepe even it's Lukaku doing the messing. Pepe has a screw loose.
And yet between Lukuku, KDB, and Hazard they seem to create enough in limited opportunities. If they get past Italy (big if), I think they lift the cup
I wouldn't mess with Pepe even it's Lukaku doing the messing. Pepe has a screw loose.
Good call. Even if he wasn’t made of porcelain, he really doesn’t seem to have a high level of play anymore.
I’m not sure what match you were watching, but Belgium was complete trash.
He is truly a dirty ass player
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How Pepe wasn't sent off is baffling
I’m not sure what match you were watching, but Belgium was complete trash.
Kevin de Bruyne got hurt early and they still pulled it out. That's not trash, that's toughness
Portugal is either diving, complaining or playing dirty. Good riddance.
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How Pepe wasn't sent off is baffling
He is truly a dirty ass player
I have little doubt that any unsolved murder cases in Portugal the last 25 years should have Pepe on the list of potential suspects… ; )
I think they only had 2 decent shots on goal, the header that the goalie blocked, and the shot that hit the post. Everything else was like 15' above the goal
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In comment 15295123 dpinzow said:
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How Pepe wasn't sent off is baffling
He is truly a dirty ass player
I have little doubt that any unsolved murder cases in Portugal the last 25 years should have Pepe on the list of potential suspects… ; )
lol
DeBruyne's ankle, nasty twist, hope he makes it back, think he will.
Portugal was lucky to get away with some of the crap they did.
Portugal was lucky to get away with some of the crap they did.
This Center has a pretty long and solid rep, so I was surprised at how much he was letting go, and it played to Portugal's tactics once it went behind.
One player I hadn't seen before for POR and who impressed me was Felix, small in stature but very active, nose for space, fast, couldn't believe how high he got on a header on which he made contact over taller central defenders.
That's a rough blow. He's been their offense so far.
XG for the first half when De Bruyne was on the pitch was .14 to .43 in favor of Portugal. Which team was generating chances?
That's annoying, would love to see the upset but likely not happening.
XG for the first half when De Bruyne was on the pitch was .14 to .43 in favor of Portugal. Which team was generating chances?
Playing dirty and committing fouls are two completely separate things. But carry on. Bye Portugal.
I thought the same thing. You see passes like that all teh time. You don't see GK's be so nonchalant about stopping it like Simon was.
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that may have been the worst OG I've ever seen. On the GK - there was nothing wrong with the pass back to him.
I thought the same thing. You see passes like that all teh time. You don't see GK's be so nonchalant about stopping it like Simon was.
Exactly. You need to put some pace on it to keep the defenders away. It was actually pretty perfect, the goalie took his eye off it.
2-1
With 3 subs, that isn't common. With 5 subs, it has happened a few times already and some have been teams who were winning.
Now watch them sub him out:)
Iniesta was a genius on the pitch. One of my favorite players. Such a great imagination with his passing.
Good - Spain bounced back from two disasters; the Simon error and blowing the 3-1 lead. There aren't many examples of them doing that - they've been bullies with a glass jaw in the past.
This is probably as far as they go. I do think this is going to be a serious contender in the next 2-3 big tournaments.
You had to see that coming.
Depends if spain can get a lead. I don't think they can beat France the way they defended today.
Of course, playing next to the best in the world, N'Golo Kante, tends to do that for a lot of players. Pogba's talent really shines with this team
Exactly. He has not adjusted very well to the EPL. Maybe it's the more physical nature of EPL. I don't know. but he can disappear for games.
In his defense - somewhat - Man United have struggled to find answer upfront to finish since, basically, Van Persie left...
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is just a completely different player than what you see for Man United. That's an insane goal
Exactly. He has not adjusted very well to the EPL. Maybe it's the more physical nature of EPL. I don't know. but he can disappear for games.
In his defense - somewhat - Man United have struggled to find answer upfront to finish since, basically, Van Persie left...
Agreed, up front and in the midfield next to him. If I were a United fan I'd almost be frustrated watching this and wondering where the Juve and France versions are consistently for them. As far as talent, he has no limitations
His complexion looks strange. He’s got some kind of pale green color going on.
If you’ve ever seen his teeth, you’d think that he was already punched repeatedly.
Btw, when I made that comment, either bw or BHE made the complementary comment re. Kanté having his back, but imo, it's more than just that.
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is just a completely different player than what you see for Man United. That's an insane goal
Hey, Kyle, made that exact comment in France's initial game. An insane goal, but his service, long range, to his forwards has also been insane.
Btw, when I made that comment, either bw or BHE made the complementary comment re. Kanté having his back, but imo, it's more than just that.
Yep I agree, the all around game has been tremendous, I think he's been their best player in the tournament. Even though that last giveaway proved crucial. Kante is phenomenal but it wouldn't be fair to Pogba to just put it all on that
LOL. Now that's funny!
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if it ever all comes together for him he's going to score 30+.
Yes, but it was his losing his mark that led directly to SUI 2nd goal. He needs to have equal dedication in both thirds.
I'll take your word for it. I still haven't seen the second goal by the Swiss.
I have a feeling MBappe is going to deliver in this OT.
Mbappe has to do better with that chance, and now he's lame. Wonder if it's a cramp.
Pogba is better with France just like Zidane was, but he's got oodles of space and intelligent runners with France that he doesn't have with United (and Kante).
You could also argue United hasn't had a plan for his entire tenure (they haven't).
My guess its Belgium, but I think England have a great chance. Easier side of the bracket, and play great defense
Italy are actually a pretty healthy favorite against Belgium.
Betting Odds - ( New Window )
But let's not forget France blew a TWO-goal lead. Umtiti was at center half with Varane in 2018 and they missed him terribly this tournament.
BTW, that save at the end of the second OT on the Giroud header was really good.
Everyone was too busy downplaying Italy’s achievements in the group stage by disparaging all of their opponents, but Switzerland were never a pushover.
Switzerland's five at the back scares me a little because of this, but this Spain is also really different from those teams. This team is far more vertical (thanks in big part to Garcia and Laporte and their passing range). 10 goals in 2 matches is ridiculous.
Both being out is a real kick in Belgium's balls.
I think they can with KD in and EH out. Move Thorgan Hazard into his brother's role.
Good points.
I think it's a toss-up. Just so hard to bet against the Germans and feel great about England in these big tournaments.
LOL. He really is a disgusting human being with that habit. I actually saw him it the other day with his armpit.
No because Walker was alongside Rice, so Rice wasn't the last defender
The only way this lineup makes sense is if he’s worried about a avalanche of a start for Germany (doesn’t look wrong now) and then make some subs for attacking mids at half.
I love that guy as an analyst.
LoL.
For those unfamiliar with Low.
We all saw you do it, even if you did it slowly - ( New Window )
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on the number of times Low picks his taint and asshole then sniffs his fingers? I'm going with 5.5. Weirdo.
LoL.
For those unfamiliar with Low. We all saw you do it, even if you did it slowly - ( New Window )
That is disgusting
Every major tourney, you see this behavior happen and cards/reprimands for simulation are far too infrequent
Penalties are a lottery. As evidenced by the France-Switz game.
If it goes to penalties? Definitely Germany
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if this goes to Penalty kicks? I could see this being a 0-0 game.
If it goes to penalties? Definitely Germany
Id say so too normally, but penalties at home have to be big advantage.
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if this goes to Penalty kicks? I could see this being a 0-0 game.
Penalties are a lottery. As evidenced by the France-Switz game.
Certain teams have advantage in penalties or you could certainly make a fortune just betting the underdog each and everytime. I'm pretty sure the Swiss were plus +150 when it went to penalties.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
If it's truly a lottery, why would it be foolish? There's clearly teams that have a distinct advantage when they go to penalties.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
I'm talking about live betting. As in the Swiss were plus 150 after ET.
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the underdog everytime in the hopes of penalties would be foolish.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
If it's truly a lottery, why would it be foolish? There's clearly teams that have a distinct advantage when they go to penalties.
It's foolish because you are betting on the underdog getting to the penalties to begin with, which rarely happens. There's no data to suggest Switz is going 5-0 on penalties to beat the French. Heck, they missed a penalties in regulation.
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the underdog everytime in the hopes of penalties would be foolish.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
I'm talking about live betting. As in the Swiss were plus 150 after ET.
Check the live betting and tell me what favorite is an underdog in the penalties. The Swiss being +150 is a perfect example. They weren't expected to win in penalties. I doubt you'll find an underdog who is.
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In comment 15296136 FatMan in Charlotte said:
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the underdog everytime in the hopes of penalties would be foolish.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
I'm talking about live betting. As in the Swiss were plus 150 after ET.
Check the live betting and tell me what favorite is an underdog in the penalties. The Swiss being +150 is a perfect example. They weren't expected to win in penalties. I doubt you'll find an underdog who is.
Right, but you said it was a lottery like its a coin flip. The team with better players and namely better shot-stopper is going to be favored. That's generally the favored team. If it's a lottery, than the entire game is essentially a lottery.
I think Harry Kane heard you with that header ;)
Considering this was two good teams, England kicked the piss out of Germany
I like England to win this now. Clearly they have a clear road to the finals, which are back at Wembley I believe.
This was a disastrous German team. A complete mess.
I think the Denmark/Czech winner makes the finals.
Unless it's determined by points during the group stage
This was a disastrous German team. A complete mess.
I think the Denmark/Czech winner makes the finals.
Agree. This is the worst German team I can remember in international play.
France & Italy are obviously the prohibitive favorites. I'm not as low on Spain as others are. I think Belgium and Netherlands will be tough as always.
This was a disastrous German team. A complete mess.
I think the Denmark/Czech winner makes the finals.
England have historically struggled against Sweden. I remember the Zlatan overhead kick from almost 30 yards out, that was against England. No Zlatan this time for Sweden though
Yup, I've got my money on a France-Netherlands final.
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France & Italy are obviously the prohibitive favorites... I think Belgium and Netherlands will be tough as always.
Yup, I've got my money on a France-Netherlands final.
Haha. What???
Agree, not a very strong German team at the moment...
England's back line does look very solid, and Shaw and Walker can push hard up the touchlines. Was thinking to myself that Kane looked spent, not quite right, but his knack for finding openings inside the 6 don't fail him.
Probably seen the last of Mueller, Kroos, and a bunch of others may go out with Löw in changes, changing of the guard.
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In comment 15296141 Zeke's Alibi said:
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In comment 15296136 FatMan in Charlotte said:
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the underdog everytime in the hopes of penalties would be foolish.
Games rarely come down to them. But when they do, there are very few predictive metrics that determine a likely winner
I'm talking about live betting. As in the Swiss were plus 150 after ET.
Check the live betting and tell me what favorite is an underdog in the penalties. The Swiss being +150 is a perfect example. They weren't expected to win in penalties. I doubt you'll find an underdog who is.
Right, but you said it was a lottery like its a coin flip. The team with better players and namely better shot-stopper is going to be favored. That's generally the favored team. If it's a lottery, than the entire game is essentially a lottery.
Zeke, looking at the breakdown of penalty kick results in World Cup and the Euro tournament, it has been the definition of a coin flip. The underdog team has actually won 52% of the time and the favorites 48%.
The sample size is smaller because there was golden goal for years, so looking at all league breakdowns may show otherwise.
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France & Italy are obviously the prohibitive favorites... I think Belgium and Netherlands will be tough as always.
Yup, I've got my money on a France-Netherlands final.
LOL
Q
Zeke, looking at the breakdown of penalty kick results in World Cup and the Euro tournament, it has been the definition of a coin flip. The underdog team has actually won 52% of the time and the favorites 48%.
The sample size is smaller because there was golden goal for years, so looking at all league breakdowns may show otherwise.
That's interesting, if accurate. Where did you find the historic data on spreads? Kind of what to look into that just as far as Euro and world cup. I'm curious how that would operate against the live line when it goes to penalties (curious how books make those as well, but from just offhand memory it seems like t).
Not sure where you got that information, but I looked at just the last two world cups and the favorite has won the shootout record 7-1.
Link - ( New Window )
Here's a link to the Euro shootouts. I didn't know the game favorite, but went to world ranking. I did the same for the WC.
Euro shootout results - ( New Window )
Cosmo Kramer is in shock right now!
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In comment 15296120 JohnF said:
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if this goes to Penalty kicks? I could see this being a 0-0 game.
Penalties are a lottery. As evidenced by the France-Switz game.
Certain teams have advantage in penalties or you could certainly make a fortune just betting the underdog each and everytime. I'm pretty sure the Swiss were plus +150 when it went to penalties.
Hey Zeke,
If true that Swiss had a +150 anywhere when it was already a FACT that it would go to penalties, thats just poor odds, a clear error by the betting house and you should have taken advantage, Zeke.
Best odds I saw was +110 in 365, but I didn't have money to bet, otherwise I would.
Throughout Soccer history penalties have been a lottery, of course there are some variables that may favour some team in some penalty shootout (like a great penalty GK, home field, etc.), but in my experience the betting houses just favour the pre-game favorites anyway every single time, which is not accurate.
But before yesterday I had never seen them pay plus money to a team, certainly never saw +150, that is absurd odds for such a coin flip.
That's very funny. Italy might go with a 9-1 formation. ;)
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England-Italy final. They should just go straight to penalty shots since no one will score.
That's very funny. Italy might go with a 9-1 formation. ;)
You think Italy will park the bus? Italy has been very attacking all tournament. They're not playing like typical Italy
England won't have to play Sweden then
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In comment 15296308 PatersonPlank said:
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England-Italy final. They should just go straight to penalty shots since no one will score.
That's very funny. Italy might go with a 9-1 formation. ;)
You think Italy will park the bus? Italy has been very attacking all tournament. They're not playing like typical Italy
Hey, I love the way Italy has been on the attack under Mancini. So I hope that style continues...
But Italy is still Italy until proven otherwise from start to finish.
BTW, what a great goal by Ukraine.
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In comment 15296308 PatersonPlank said:
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England-Italy final. They should just go straight to penalty shots since no one will score.
That's very funny. Italy might go with a 9-1 formation. ;)
You think Italy will park the bus? Italy has been very attacking all tournament. They're not playing like typical Italy
No. I'm thinking that these two have been the best defensive teams in the tournament. I didn't say anything about "Parking the bus". In fact, isn't it Italy who had just gone 1169 minutes without conceding? England hasn't been scored upon all tourny.
Spain vs. Switzerland
England vs. Ukraine
Czech Republic vs. Denmark
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In comment 15296324 bw in dc said:
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In comment 15296308 PatersonPlank said:
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England-Italy final. They should just go straight to penalty shots since no one will score.
That's very funny. Italy might go with a 9-1 formation. ;)
You think Italy will park the bus? Italy has been very attacking all tournament. They're not playing like typical Italy
No. I'm thinking that these two have been the best defensive teams in the tournament. I didn't say anything about "Parking the bus". In fact, isn't it Italy who had just gone 1169 minutes without conceding? England hasn't been scored upon all tourny.
No, I'm thinking that Italy is probably more talented than England and will press the attack, so it's more likely than not that someone scores in that hypothetical final (either Italy on the attack or England on the counter)
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Great job by Ukraine. Zinchenko really showed up. That last goal looked similar to Kane's today.
England won't have to play Sweden then
Yup. I'm still not sold on England getting through though.
I hope they don't. I find them more entertaining as tragic losers. We'll see.
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In comment 15296331 Go Terps said:
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Great job by Ukraine. Zinchenko really showed up. That last goal looked similar to Kane's today.
England won't have to play Sweden then
Yup. I'm still not sold on England getting through though.
I hope they don't. I find them more entertaining as tragic losers. We'll see.
They have to leave Wembley for the quarterfinals so that's a decent chance for Ukraine. I couldn't possibly see Ukraine beating them at Wembley right now
No, I'm thinking that Italy is probably more talented than England and will press the attack, so it's more likely than not that someone scores in that hypothetical final (either Italy on the attack or England on the counter)
I like England's attacking players better than Italy's. But the Italy backline of Acerbi, Bonucci, Spinazzola and Di Lo are really good with their technical ability, size, and athleticism.
Dealing with Sterling's speed, Kane's size, Saka's speed, Grealish's all around play, etc would be a very interesting and fun match up.
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No, I'm thinking that Italy is probably more talented than England and will press the attack, so it's more likely than not that someone scores in that hypothetical final (either Italy on the attack or England on the counter)
I like England's attacking players better than Italy's. But the Italy backline of Acerbi, Bonucci, Spinazzola and Di Lo are really good with their technical ability, size, and athleticism.
Dealing with Sterling's speed, Kane's size, Saka's speed, Grealish's all around play, etc would be a very interesting and fun match up.
It’s closer than you think on the attacking players. Immobile won the golden boot for all of Europe a year ago with Lazio and Insigne is no slouch in attack
This year, you have Switzerland, Ukraine and the Czechs surprising people.
At this point, I'd put Italy as the favorite, but they have the toughest road playing Belgium and then likely Spain. Based on the draw, England has to be the favorite to get to the Final
This year, you have Switzerland, Ukraine and the Czechs surprising people.
At this point, I'd put Italy as the favorite, but they have the toughest road playing Belgium and then likely Spain. Based on the draw, England has to be the favorite to get to the Final
Wales I believe got to the semifinals in 2016 (another run by a small country)
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surprises. It's one of the things I've like about the euros in recent years. You had Iceland making a run in 2016 and Greece the one before that.
This year, you have Switzerland, Ukraine and the Czechs surprising people.
At this point, I'd put Italy as the favorite, but they have the toughest road playing Belgium and then likely Spain. Based on the draw, England has to be the favorite to get to the Final
Wales I believe got to the semifinals in 2016 (another run by a small country)
Good call on Wales. In 2008, I was in Germany for a 2-week span and got to catch the knockout stage. Turkey made it to the semis I think. The Turks living in Germany were waving flags out of windows and honking horns after each victory. It was amazing. Also, Germany made it to the Finals and beat Portugal and I think Turkey along the way. The Portugal match was great as the people I worked with expected them to lose and we had a viewing party that ended up being bonkers after they won.
I also think Russia showed well then too.
This year, you have Switzerland, Ukraine and the Czechs surprising people.
At this point, I'd put Italy as the favorite, but they have the toughest road playing Belgium and then likely Spain. Based on the draw, England has to be the favorite to get to the Final
Greece was 2004 and Denmark 1992 but point well made. They actually made a doc about 2004 called King Otto that is supposed to be available this summer in the states.
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Quote:surprises. It's one of the things I've like about the euros in recent years. You had Iceland making a run in 2016 and Greece the one before that.
This year, you have Switzerland, Ukraine and the Czechs surprising people.///////
Greece was 2004 and Denmark 1992 but point well made. They actually made a doc about 2004 called King Otto that is supposed to be available this summer in the states. Link - ( New Window )
The ouster of France looms so large. None of the three dark horses, unless Denmark is included also--not an unreasonable take--plays each other; then three of the four are in the bracket with England. The rankings would say only Italy-Belgium was a match most would have foreseen. If the ITA midfield shows up, they will be a tough out, even if Belgium is more seasoned.
If players on a yellow can make it through the quarterfinals, yellow cards are wiped after this round.
I jinxed them...LOL
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gets up to speed quickly (:
I jinxed them...LOL
Think I’m fading you today if KDB and Eden play.
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In comment 15298260 ColHowPepper said:
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gets up to speed quickly (:
I jinxed them...LOL
Think I’m fading you today if KDB and Eden play.
If you think either Hazard or De Bruyne are going to play then you’re a bit naive. Hamstrings and high ankle sprains don’t heal in four days, no matter how much misinformation Belgium might be putting out.
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In comment 15298281 montanagiant said:
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In comment 15298260 ColHowPepper said:
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gets up to speed quickly (:
I jinxed them...LOL
Think I’m fading you today if KDB and Eden play.
If you think either Hazard or De Bruyne are going to play then you’re a bit naive. Hamstrings and high ankle sprains don’t heal in four days, no matter how much misinformation Belgium might be putting out.
I’m not ruling it out. KDB tried to give it a go after the injury. Tells you the severity. And you can slightly tweak your hamstring and be ready to go again in 4 days.
Last fifteen minutes in regulation that is.
Same with Akangi's attempt. WTF is with these half-hit kicks?
And Spain advances, barely.
Playing 120 minutes, the last 43 with ten men = rubber legs.
Red card from Michael Oliver a killer, poor game management there at that time on that sliding tackle
That was brutal. I think the Swiss were the better side today. Spain should feel very fortunate to advance...
But I'll take it.
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Brutal brutal brutal.
That was brutal. I think the Swiss were the better side today. Spain should feel very fortunate to advance...
They certainly did what they needed to do to get in position to win better than Spain had, imo. But they needed to play almost perfect and get the luck. Neither of those things happened in the end, and Spain go through. The Swiss may actually discover emotions after that match.
Against France, the Swiss were waiting for Lloris to make the first move, so their hesitance on the penalty runup tipped them off on which direction he was going. Simon didn't lean one way until they kicked.
That doesn’t matter. Man was beat in the box and got shoved off balance, foul every time IMO.
This has been a phenomenal tournament. Lots of great moments.
From Spain's perspective I'd rather play Italy because they run a 4-3-3. Belgium would be a nightmare.
Italy would be favorites still, but I think Spain can play with them. I think Belgium creates a lot of problems with their 3 man defense and Lukaku devouring the CBs.
Mutual pushing. A dive... ;)
Their ability to win the ball quickly and go on the attack is impressive...
Combination of bad luck and age. But this golden generation doesn't have anything to show for it. It took Portugal 15+ years and two overlapping golden generations to win something, but they need new defenders.
Loss of Spinazzola will hurt in defensive and attacking thirds, I think it was he tracking back and his upper thigh that prevented Lukaku poke from going in. Dynamic on the left flank all tourney long.
Agree BHE, Vertonghen, Aldewierald (sp?) have been pillars lf BEL defense for a long time, now just about as mobile.
I believe that Florenzi will be fit, so Mancini will have decisions to make.
Agreed. From attack to defending to possession to strategy they look to be the class of the field.
I wasn't sold on their front line when the Euros started, but they have been able to get a lot of quality shots on goal and conversions.
Pau Torres played today to nullify Serefovic's aerial ability, but I'd expect Eric Garcia to come back in and move Laporte to his more comfortable left side. We also may see Marcos Llorente in for Koke.
Spain plays well in these types of games, against positive opponents.
Pau Torres played today to nullify Serefovic's aerial ability, but I'd expect Eric Garcia to come back in and move Laporte to his more comfortable left side. We also may see Marcos Llorente in for Koke.
Spain plays well in these types of games, against positive opponents.
I don't feel great about Spain's front line right now against Italy's backline. Even with Spinazolla down, I think Italy has enough to neutralize them. And Donnarumma has played great in goal so far.
I think Italy will create chances too, and it's fair to have more faith in their finishing than Spain's.
Could be a really fun, open game.
Denmark needed a big win and a collapse by the others in their group to even get to the knockout round
Said no one ever.
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of the 2004 Greece team.
Said no one ever.
In terms of expectations and getting hot at the right time, it's a good comparison. So you can fuck off.
This Denmark team has WAY more talent than the Greece 2004 team. Greece had some underrated players but half of Denmark's team plays at elite or top-tier clubs.
I would favor them against England, if that's what it comes to.
Not sure what you mean. You're aware that they are playing Ukraine in Rome as we speak, right?
The semis and finals will be in Wembley but there was no guarantee England would get that far. They have to be held somewhere.
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At home? Just seems unfair to me.
Not sure what you mean. You're aware that they are playing Ukraine in Rome as we speak, right?
The semis and finals will be in Wembley but there was no guarantee England would get that far. They have to be held somewhere.
Its picked in advance, like the SuperBowl. Its like saying they should have moved last SB because TB got there
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At home? Just seems unfair to me.
Not sure what you mean. You're aware that they are playing Ukraine in Rome as we speak, right?
The semis and finals will be in Wembley but there was no guarantee England would get that far. They have to be held somewhere.
Isn't this their only game away so far?
I think there is a psychological element to it where Denmark is playing with extra inspiration. That's a big intangible here...IMV.
Not if England play like this, they don't. But soccer is a funny game. Denmark will have a puncher's chance, even though they're the underdog. They've played inspired
England vs. Denmark on Wednesday
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Not sure what I expect from Spain today. I think their play so far has been a bit disjointed. But obviously they have a lot of pedigree and expect to win these big matches.
But Italy has been the class of the field thus far in this tournament. So I expect them to continue to stay on form and pull this out. 2-1...Italy.
Unless they force the issue, the match will likely come down to if Italy can counter-attack effectively
I think this match will come down to who does better out of Koke and Olmo in controlling the midfield possession and providing service and the chances created by Veratti and Insigne. The two of them were dynamite vs. Belgium.
Italy's best chance to score is on over the top balls, so I get why he'll have to come out, but he's made a couple poor decisions.
Qatar getting awarded a World Cup has lined many people's pockets with millions of dollars.
That being said - sometimes it is enjoyable just to watch a tourney to see excellent football.
That being said - sometimes it is enjoyable just to watch a tourney to see excellent football.
Couldn't agree more. Argentina-Colombia tonight at 9 ET in the Copa semis - Brazil is already in the final, having beaten Peru. Some good football down there as well.
crazy gift to the Italians.
Italy looks tied doing all this chasing. While Spain just rather comfortably keep winning the ball back...
Pedri won't be sold unless it saves Barca from financial ruin!
16 months to the World Cup in Qatar (gross that it's being held there).
16 months to the World Cup in Qatar (gross that it's being held there).
where do you think Pau Torres ends up?
The guy everyone should be interested in (that could be had, that is) is Olmo. He's only 23 I think. He's really, really good.
Immobili on the basis of this Euros vastly overrated and Pedri a breakout star in his first int'l tournament. Olmo impressive, always in the middle of combinations that threatened in/near the 18.
IF it is to be ENG-ITA final, Azzurri look vulnerable.
I feel terrible for Morata. From goat to hero to goat. Hope the Spanish supporters don't continue threatening his family. Tough for that guy.
And it's astounding how bad Spain is at finishing. They should have won in regular time.
The guy everyone should be interested in (that could be had, that is) is Olmo. He's only 23 I think. He's really, really good.
They were looking at him, then Varane became available as part of the Madrid fire sale.
16 months to solve that issue. My sense is that they should just abandon a striker altogether.
As the announcers kept saying, this was more of an old-school Italian game. Unfortunately, unlike in previous years, the defense probably isn't as good.
They could still beat England. Anything can happen. But if England comes out and kicks ass tomorrow they will be favored.
FYI.
That was some free kick all right. Best of this tourney that I've seen.
A better/taller GK saves that easily.
Pickford got caught leaning. As far as free kicks go, that wasn't right in the corner and Pickford got a fingertip on it.
Looked like Pickford was a little fooled, but it still was a fantastic goal.
Looked like Pickford was a little fooled, but it still was a fantastic goal.
ENG came out aggressively, chippy, but DEN showed its mettle, showing it belongs here, against most odds, first team to get this far in Euros after losing first 2 games.
Vastly entertaining game, Kane is feeling it, in quite the form.
He really has been. They should have subbed him out for Paulson instead of Damsgaard
Me too, the Danes have done a good job closing right before the crucial moment and the goalie has been a wall.
Hate to see that here...
lousy call there indeed
Disgraceful initial call and then a gutless decision by VAR
Disgraceful initial call and then a gutless decision by VAR
Yep. The initial tackle got all ball. The second tackle didn't even make contact.
I don't disagree, but the call to hand them a goal was bullshit
Brazil v Argentina.
That is exactly what he did. He made a meal out of the slightest contact and it got called. I thought England had a penalty at around 75 minutes when Kane was hauled down in the box and it wasn't given
Brazil v Argentina.
For a neutral, you can't get any better. ABC/ESPN has to be salivating with Italy/England.
Schmeichel deserves to play in the final as gave a performance as good as his father did in 92. Let him play and get Pickford out.
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Of making a meal out of any contact in the box. If the ref had not made the call, I doubt it's reversed with VAR.
That is exactly what he did. He made a meal out of the slightest contact and it got called. I thought England had a penalty at around 75 minutes when Kane was hauled down in the box and it wasn't given
The defender won the ball and then Kane kicked the back of his leg. It was never a penalty.
Spain probably played the best soccer of the entire tournament yesterday, but on the whole the semifinal is about as far as they deserved to go. Can't throw away that many chances.
As a Spain supporter it's pretty annoying, because frankly I think they would fuck England up. Hopefully they get the chance in Qatar.
I can't believe I'm going to be rooting for Italy on Sunday. Ugh.
Think it's either going to be a moment of brilliance from someone or a penalty that wins it
It generally gets highlighted more every World Cup when the teams from South America take it to a whole other level, but to see it impact the Euros shows that it isn't an isolated thing.
I don’t have a better solution, and I understand that without such a punitive measure defenders would be absolutely clobbering attackers left and right, but still… it seems completely out of whack. A goal is worth too much to award it so easily.
The game is the best in the world as it is.
The risk/reward of flopping is so far tilted to the reward side. They should give red cards for blatant flops in the box. There needs to be something to balance out the theatrics. As it is, rolling around in pain to get a foul called anywhere on the pitch happens several times a game, and it is often rewarded.
Will the English continued to be favored in the final as a favor from UEFA for pulling out of the European Super League?
Morata explaining that people have the Chiellini / bonucii dynamic backwards, that Bonucci is the tough guy while Chiellini is the more thoughtful leader.
Also, Chiellini rejected MLS offers and is going to squeeze one more year out of Juve.
Going to miss that dude when he retires.
The fact is that England was on the attacking foot for the last 90 minutes of the match, and Denmark did close to nothing but absorb pressure. In any sport (football, baseball, hockey etc), when a team is always on the offensive things happen. They score, they force mistakes, they get penalty calls (because there are more and more close situations), etc. If the Yankees have men all over the bases every inning, eventually something happens to get a score. Its not always clean, it could be an error or walk, but the opportunity is constantly there. England had 58% possession, out shot the Danes 21-10, and had 10 shots on target vs 3. Hell the England goalie was only credited with 2 saves.
Yesterdays match wasn't a case of a game being taken away from a team, England deserved to win.
IMO, Denmark was a little lucky they kept it at a tie.
The comments stand apart from the match yesterday. How many times do you see a player in the box lose possession and they have the legs go limp and crash to the turf? Sometimes that chicanery works.
After every major tournament, the topic of flopping comes to the forefront and they still haven't implemented a strong enough deterrent to do it. Like I said before, the risk/reward is massively tilted to the reward side. Straight red cards for intentional flops are rare.
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If Italy is as good as they think they are they should win on Sunday going away. This isn't Spain they're going up against...they should be able to dominate the midfield and prevent Kane from dropping in and playing those incisive passes to Sterling and Saka. If not, then shame on them.
The fact is that England was on the attacking foot for the last 90 minutes of the match, and Denmark did close to nothing but absorb pressure. In any sport (football, baseball, hockey etc), when a team is always on the offensive things happen. They score, they force mistakes, they get penalty calls (because there are more and more close situations), etc. If the Yankees have men all over the bases every inning, eventually something happens to get a score. Its not always clean, it could be an error or walk, but the opportunity is constantly there. England had 58% possession, out shot the Danes 21-10, and had 10 shots on target vs 3. Hell the England goalie was only credited with 2 saves.
Yesterdays match wasn't a case of a game being taken away from a team, England deserved to win.
IMO, Denmark was a little lucky they kept it at a tie.
Hi PatersonPlank,
Agree with almost everything you said, but respectfully the first paragraph is a mess. Kane was the one that fouled in regular time, and then Sterling just dived for the penalty in ET.
There was no way any of them should even be considered a possibility to be a penalty, I'm from Brazil so I'm not biased in this game, if anything I would want the penalty to happen cause I've got a wager in Kane being the top goalscorer. But that was just a bad and suspicious way to decide that game and puts in perspective that VAR only makes things worse.
But I agree with your overall point, England was the better side and good things happen to teams that are often on the offensive side.
Hoping for great finals here in South America and in Euro.
The fact is that England was on the attacking foot for the last 90 minutes of the match, and Denmark did close to nothing but absorb pressure. In any sport (football, baseball, hockey etc), when a team is always on the offensive things happen. They score, they force mistakes, they get penalty calls (because there are more and more close situations), etc. If the Yankees have men all over the bases every inning, eventually something happens to get a score. Its not always clean, it could be an error or walk, but the opportunity is constantly there. England had 58% possession, out shot the Danes 21-10, and had 10 shots on target vs 3. Hell the England goalie was only credited with 2 saves.
Yesterdays match wasn't a case of a game being taken away from a team, England deserved to win.
IMO, Denmark was a little lucky they kept it at a tie.
Hi PatersonPlank,
Agree with almost everything you said, but respectfully the first paragraph is a mess. Kane was the one that fouled in regular time, and then Sterling just dived for the penalty in ET.
There was no way any of them should even be considered a possibility to be a penalty, I'm from Brazil so I'm not biased in this game, if anything I would want the penalty to happen cause I've got a wager in Kane being the top goalscorer. But that was just a bad and suspicious way to decide that game and puts in perspective that VAR only makes things worse.
But I agree with your overall point, England was the better side and good things happen to teams that are often on the offensive side.
Hoping for great finals here in South America and in Euro.
I'll always be thankful to him for what he contributed to the national team, but I have to admit I never loved the guy. First, I despise Real Madrid. Disgusting club. Second, Ramos is a prima donna who became tough to take when he became captain. He always had to take the penalties (took the ball out of Cesc's hands against Croatia in '16, then proceeded to miss his penalty), always had to take the free kicks...it was annoying. He likes being a star - travels with an entourage, etc. I don't think Luis Enrique leaving him out was down to just Ramos being hurt most of the season.
I think PSG is a logical move. Team full of stars.
Which comes to FMiC's comments:
If FIFA can instruct ARs to keep their flags down until the play plays out (ARs got better at avoiding the ridiculous lags as the tourney went on), then with VAR go back and review at the stoppage. Same as with the ridiculous red issued to SWE that swung the match toward UKR, and dollars to doughnuts ENG is not defeating SWE 4-0. And to the point of black and white accuracy, VAR is hated by legions of fans for that reason.
On the penalties in question, Clattenburg ducked the call on Sterling (as my poor hearing heard it) by saying, once the call was made, it was unlikely to be overturned by VAR. He does not easily take issue with his former peers, but he steered clear of concurring with the call; and he's not averse to calling it as he sees it. But he won't come out and say, 'it was a trivial foul and a penalty should not have been awarded.'
Centers have a really difficult job, so much to process, so much to see, so much easy to miss, in such short bursts of time and constant decision making. Someone above characterized the ref as a biased asshole. The consensus is that this was a game-changing, poor call, but let him step in the ref's shoes and see how he does.
btw, Clattenburg, at the top of his craft, retired from EPL reffing, by his telling, because he was tormented by recurring nightmares of match calls.
The NFL often uses early season games or preseason games to set the tone for certain "points of emphasis". I'd love to see early season matches or early rounds of Int'l tourneys crack down on the flopping. I think one time in my life I saw a straight red given for simulation (in a Germany Liga 2 match). There may have been others, but I do not recall any.
Was wondering re your comment on straight red for simulation, and notable you saw one issued. Not sure if the Laws authorize that as simulation is one type of unsporting conduct (yellow), whereas straight reds (violent conduct, taunting, serious foul play (including DOGSOs), spitting (at teammate, opponent, official), etc. It must have been really egregious.
Think you and Bricktop probably on same page when he said Sterling has made a living on flopping inside the 18, and he was doing that long before he became 'good'. I think it's easy to be gulled by his dipping, darting, and slithering, so much quicker than most of the backs or MF marking him, that the ref thinks in that nano second, 'he was taken down'.
Was wondering re your comment on straight red for simulation, and notable you saw one issued. Not sure if the Laws authorize that as simulation is one type of unsporting conduct (yellow), whereas straight reds (violent conduct, taunting, serious foul play (including DOGSOs), spitting (at teammate, opponent, official), etc. It must have been really egregious.
Think you and Bricktop probably on same page when he said Sterling has made a living on flopping inside the 18, and he was doing that long before he became 'good'. I think it's easy to be gulled by his dipping, darting, and slithering, so much quicker than most of the backs or MF marking him, that the ref thinks in that nano second, 'he was taken down'.
To be fair - perhaps the red was for something else. I was in attendance for a Liga 2 match between FC Heidenheim and Dynamo Dresden. Since I didn't have the benefit of a TV broadcast, a striker went into the box, left his feet and flailed and the ref issued a red. I guess it could have been due to something said or done to the ref, but it didn't look like it at the time.
How about a separate live official for each penalty box? It seems to me the head referee can be stretched too thin at times and penalties in the box are huge calls. That's a burden that could be shared.
I think there should be some other changes relating to match officiating. In particular, I would propose that only a) the captain of each team and b) a player on whom a foul or hand ball has been called (and maybe even goalies) can engage with any official. I just don't see how they can do their job as well when half of each team gets in his face while he's trying to manage the match and move it along.
Thanks Dennis
FS1 tomorrow night at 8pm.
How about a separate live official for each penalty box? It seems to me the head referee can be stretched too thin at times and penalties in the box are huge calls. That's a burden that could be shared.
I think there should be some other changes relating to match officiating. In particular, I would propose that only a) the captain of each team and b) a player on whom a foul or hand ball has been called (and maybe even goalies) can engage with any official. I just don't see how they can do their job as well when half of each team gets in his face while he's trying to manage the match and move it along.
Isn't that what VAR is supposed to do, help the ref on this important/close calls? What is more accurate than watching a replay in slow motion.
Rooting for Messi all the way, he's had nothing but disappointment for his country, and it seems Argentina hasn't been able to put much of a team around him in all those WCs and Copas. In frustration, he's said he was done with int'l football, and been criticized for that, but keeps coming back. At 34, how many more opportunities will he have?
This Euros has the highest goals per game in nearly 40 years! Also interesting discussion how players are allowed to be much more direct in international football as compared to the "over-tactics" of club football.
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about moving back the penalty spot. However, this is a real issue for the game, particularly in these single elimination tournaments.
How about a separate live official for each penalty box? It seems to me the head referee can be stretched too thin at times and penalties in the box are huge calls. That's a burden that could be shared.
I think there should be some other changes relating to match officiating. In particular, I would propose that only a) the captain of each team and b) a player on whom a foul or hand ball has been called (and maybe even goalies) can engage with any official. I just don't see how they can do their job as well when half of each team gets in his face while he's trying to manage the match and move it along.
Isn't that what VAR is supposed to do, help the ref on this important/close calls? What is more accurate than watching a replay in slow motion.
Honestly, I think VAR sometimes makes it less clear. The Sterling penalty is a perfect example - the replay shows some contact after all the slow motion hair splitting but is it enough to bring him down? I think it would be better if those calls were made live by an official who is always close by and not distracted by anything else. This involves some subjectivity and reliance on the official's own judgment.
I agree that VAR is good for offside, which is a black and white rule. While the VAR check can be annoying when a goal is scored, it's still better than making the wrong call when the whole world can see the evidence.
This game is very physical, btw.
The genius finally gets a huge trophy for Argentina.
Understand that that is South American soccer, but it did nothing to make me want to watch future Copas.
Understand that that is South American soccer, but it did nothing to make me want to watch future Copas.
Bobby, to access the podcast you mentioned yesterday, do you have to be a subscriber? I went to his web site and saw list of podcasts (the last dated July 8 I think) but none with the title you referred to.
Understand that that is South American soccer, but it did nothing to make me want to watch future Copas.
You forgot to add how beat up the pitch was.
And I completely agree - that game was ice hockey without ice and sticks.
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From the play to the announcing and production. I find it ironic that probably the most technically skilled player ever to play soccer wins his first major international trophy in a bloodbath.
Understand that that is South American soccer, but it did nothing to make me want to watch future Copas.
It was ugly, at times an embarrassment, for both sides; to Del's point on taking physical aim at Messi, the same re. Neymar. Messi, in the 88th, having the ball alone with Ederson inside the 6 and fumbling it away, for me summed up the exasperation and disappointment in the match.
Bobby, to access the podcast you mentioned yesterday, do you have to be a subscriber? I went to his web site and saw list of podcasts (the last dated July 8 I think) but none with the title you referred to.
CHP, Totally Football Show is available on all major platforms - Apple, Spotify, etc. Unfortunately sometimes their website / RSS is the last to be updated
Link - ( New Window )
A good friend and NJ native, living in Cernobbio, IT, the past 25 or so years, asked me who I was backing today, bit notable for him, as not a huge footy fan when he was Stateside--it's big!!. I said, given what seems like here on BBI the predominant support of ENG, I had to go against the mainstream (and prolly you) with ITA, where my wife and I honeymooned and where we spent three weeks celebrating her 60th a few years ago. Yes, I'm no millennial, but you knew that lol
Hey Zeke,
Yeah there was, including my brother. Really different world, there was no chance this would be happening in the 90's or 00's.
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile
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I feel like we live in a very different world in 2021 if that's the case.
Hey Zeke,
Yeah there was, including my brother. Really different world, there was no chance this would be happening in the 90's or 00's.
Spoiled off recent success. They were pretty barren in the 70s and 80s for their standard.
They didn't count on Shaw as a goalscoring threat, because he normally isn't one
I'm not too worried about Italy scoring, just seems like they'll get a moment of brilliance from 18 yards out. They've looked really shaky against England's counter though and England has shot themselves in the foot more there than Italy stopping them.
Dangerous and brutal? Certainly a professional foul and yellow, but that's some histrionics.
TT says the ref better get control of the game or things are going to get out of hand, a few minutes ago. The Dutch Center very much has this game in his hands, solid job imo
IT's a personal foul because if you pull from behind and than fall on the back of them to tackle him, it can break a leg. Just the act of pulling someone down by the neck isn't really dangerous on its own.
And the NBA? I'm curious what that has to do with anything. They pretty much call those purposeful fouls flagrant 2s so they don't slow play.
Agreed.
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And possibly a flagrant 2 in the nba. Yellow card? Really?
IT's a personal foul because if you pull from behind and than fall on the back of them to tackle him, it can break a leg. Just the act of pulling someone down by the neck isn't really dangerous on its own.
And the NBA? I'm curious what that has to do with anything. They pretty much call those purposeful fouls flagrant 2s so they don't slow play.
He pulled him down by neck of the jersey in an effort to prevent what was about to be a breakaway. So, in football, that’s a horse collar (which is always dangerous, even if you’re not Roy Williams going for the legs), and in basketball you’re additionally penalized for impeding the progress. Pretty sure hockey as well. That’s the reference’s purpose.
Do not understnad what some of these managers are doing with their 5 spot in penalties. Seen some awful decisions on who to man that spot throughout this tournament.
Agreed. Those decisions will be questioned.
Couldn't agree more. I hate that PKs decide it but se la vie.
They should get rid of it for finals. There's really no reason not to just play till a goal, one would happen eventually with defenses breaking down.
Spot on. I've never liked it. Play until someone scores.
I’d be good with that. Pretty much anything is better than PKs.
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...
Plus, Italians scream "DIE" a lot...
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.
Plus, Italians scream "DIE" a lot...
At bar & I turned to my wife...'Is this Rome West?' Haha.
We aren’t the ones playing so I can’t do anything about it.
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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.
I should have rephrased...if the players don't like it. Then again the players aren't the ones whining.
Glad you enjoyed it though, something made you happy today atleast.
Unbelievable.
England played like shit after they took the lead. IMO they got what they deserved
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.
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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.
Looks like half the thread complained then. Sounds good!
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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...
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.
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.
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.
Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow
Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow
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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
Thanks, CHP, yeah, I just watched the kicks on YouTube Italy deserved to win IMO
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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
You could see how nervous Saka was just before the attempt. That's a helluva a load to put on a 19 year old
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.
This converts to 21.00 mph, which is less than Daniel Jones top speed from the 2020 NFL season of 21.23 mph.
Oh yeah, they told my wife she should be fine by tommorow
Yikes about your wife, but glad she's doing better.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
DJ would get red carded for simulation for falling down in the box with no one touching him after his long run.
Great post Del. As a newish fan I learned a bunch with this thread while watching the matchs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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).
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