that not only is not a small man--many keepers are tall and kind of big--but he is thick in the middle, powerful, yet he throws himself around like he weighs 190. Terrific game by him.
Spain spent a LOT of energy in the first 65 minutes and was clear they began to tire (surprised LeNorman and Fabièn weren't pulled, the former because of his YC and the latter because he worked his ass off, had imo an excellent game). Once the subs came on the cohesion deteriorated and their play became quite ragged and ITA as a result looked like a different squad than the one that played the first 65.
By one of their players
I have been totally underwhelmed by France.
Germany and Spain appear to be the top 2 teams.
I have been totally entertained by Austria’s style of play.
Italy can be dangerous going forward with their goalie who has been outstanding
Italy scores with the last kick of the match to draw and go into the knockout stages and Croatia is out.
That was pretty amazing. Ref adds 8 (which I didn't see coming, I thought 5, maybe 6) and Italy scores on a beautiful goal in the 98th - literally the last kick of the match.
Poland, but they are mediocre and also had a tough group. Zielinski is my boy! We have the same first name and his surname is my paternal grandmother's maiden name.
wow - who saw Austria winning a group that included
Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France now all on the top half of the bracket. Significant break for England, despite looking pretty disjointed. If they can finish top of their group their path to the final got much easier.
Germany, Spain, Portugal, and France now all on the top half of the bracket. Significant break for England, despite looking pretty disjointed. If they can finish top of their group their path to the final got much easier.
England not looking particularly dangerous against Slovenia.
but England's biggest problem is Bellingham. It's a two-pronged problem:
1. He's clearly exhausted after a long season
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
Memories of England trying to shoe horn Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes into the same side...
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
This. Three great players, not playing well together at all.
The roster they brought simply isn't as good as the British media would make you believe. Top-heavy and lots of ill-fitting pieces compared to the 2021 team - Shaw, Maguire, Rashford, Watkins, Sancho, Grealish all had bad seasons/transfers. Foden's got to go and start Mainoo in there to shore up midfield.
Would be funny if Wout Weghorst gets them in the next round.
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Georgia exposed POR’s weakness: their back line depth. They have no reliable center backs behind Ruben Dias and 41 yo Pepe. Once they gave up that early goal their famous forward and midfield talent had to deal with 9 Georgians crowding the box.
While they are in-between generations and had some injuries - particularly in defense - outside of the 2020/2021 Euro run they haven't been that good for a long time. For years you knew how Italy was going to play with the Juve/Milan players as the spine in the 2000s. Now a reset is needed.
yup, ended 2-1 England. Feel bad for Slovakia, they played a good 95 minutes. But a bicycle kick goal in the 96th minute? Pretty incredible. Then Kane does what he does. Spain v. Georgia coming on now.
Exept them to put a couple more in second half. Hopefully not jinxing them.
Bellingham bailed out England but it's clear Southgate is the wrong manager and doesn't have a feel for what 11 play best together rather than playing the best 11. Maguire of all people would have been a better fit in the back 4 but instead they brought Luke Shaw along. Too many CAMs.
I will say one thing though, Georgia is one good countering team
need effort and hustle to unsettle Slovenia sitting back in their 4-4-2. POR players need to creat chances for each other instead of creating chances for CR7
Austria-Poland at noon will be interesting as well.
Spain spent a LOT of energy in the first 65 minutes and was clear they began to tire (surprised LeNorman and Fabièn weren't pulled, the former because of his YC and the latter because he worked his ass off, had imo an excellent game). Once the subs came on the cohesion deteriorated and their play became quite ragged and ITA as a result looked like a different squad than the one that played the first 65.
I have been totally underwhelmed by France.
Germany and Spain appear to be the top 2 teams.
I have been totally entertained by Austria’s style of play.
Italy can be dangerous going forward with their goalie who has been outstanding
That was pretty amazing. Ref adds 8 (which I didn't see coming, I thought 5, maybe 6) and Italy scores on a beautiful goal in the 98th - literally the last kick of the match.
Kudos to Croatia though - they almost did it.
The drama in soccer is the best imv.
Last second goal on a beautiful kick…crazy
England not looking particularly dangerous against Slovenia.
As a Spain supporter I hope things line up for them to play England. They just look a mess.
1. He's clearly exhausted after a long season
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
Memories of England trying to shoe horn Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes into the same side...
2. Bellingham + Foden + Kane doesn't work. They're all trying to play as #10. And with Trippier a right footed LB England's attack doesn't have a left side.
This. Three great players, not playing well together at all.
Would be funny if Wout Weghorst gets them in the next round.
Which is good for England, Italy and the Netherlands, who are on the right-hand side.
And it would be something if Austria advances, they've been the surprise so far.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Quote:
Biggest upset in Euro's history, #74 beats #6 (albeit with some starters sitting). Great story, qualifying for the knockout round in their first ever Euro.
It is great for Georgia. That said, it was Portugal's second string and Spain's first string is up next. But, as they say, the ball is round ...
Georgia exposed POR’s weakness: their back line depth. They have no reliable center backs behind Ruben Dias and 41 yo Pepe. Once they gave up that early goal their famous forward and midfield talent had to deal with 9 Georgians crowding the box.
Germany-Denmark up next.
Match suspended for now, due to thunderstorm...
wish the format was set up to avoid this
Slovakia has played great but that was a great goal indeed
yup, ended 2-1 England. Feel bad for Slovakia, they played a good 95 minutes. But a bicycle kick goal in the 96th minute? Pretty incredible. Then Kane does what he does. Spain v. Georgia coming on now.
Bellingham bailed out England but it's clear Southgate is the wrong manager and doesn't have a feel for what 11 play best together rather than playing the best 11. Maguire of all people would have been a better fit in the back 4 but instead they brought Luke Shaw along. Too many CAMs.
Typical of Deschamps but I still don't see it with France this time around. Rabiot out for the Quarters - do we get Camavinga and Tchuoameni together?