Shall we have ALL talk re Euro 2024 on this one thread rater than clogging up the boards with thread after thread for all the different games. Okay, maybe a seperate thread for England games but all other Euro 2024 talk on this one thread?
Posted by: Grantham_Mariner, June 13, 2024, 1:55pm; Reply: 1
Anyone else think Scotland will beat Germany on Friday?
Posted by: Son of Cod, June 13, 2024, 1:56pm; Reply: 2
Shall we have ALL talk re Euro 2024 on this one thread rater than clogging up the boards with thread after thread for all the different games. Okay, maybe a seperate thread for England games but all other Euro 2024 talk on this one thread?
Is this your first time on the forum, Les? ;D
Nailed on that this thread will turn into chaos that'll involve Nigel Farage, requests for a move to non-football, name based puns, the best type of vinegar to have on your chips, slagging Paul Hurst off, scotch eggs are too woke for football... to name a few.
Then talk about the non-England games will weave into threads about the new CEO (Polly and Poland sound similar so that's tenuous enough), the summer transfer thread (insert a much repeated joke about Artell and Hutchinson scouting the Hungarian who scores 5 in one game to win the Golden Boot, that'll then turn into a Danilo Orsi related bash at Hurst) plus an, as of yet, unidentified third thread, perhaps one about the Main Stand restructure work.
Each England game will have 3 different threads, all descending into similar arguments that Grealish should have gone, Southgate is too negative and Brexit.
Posted by: oochiad, June 13, 2024, 4:00pm; Reply: 12
I’m with the 1-1 result, Germany often take a while to get going.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 13, 2024, 4:22pm; Reply: 13
I thought that was the Italians? The Germans are the ones you can never write off.
Posted by: Mariner16, June 13, 2024, 4:30pm; Reply: 14
Anyone else other than Hagrid above, going over? I'm going out Sunday morning for the Serbia game staying in Dusseldorf
Posted by: Hagrid, June 13, 2024, 4:53pm; Reply: 15
Are you going to any games while you’re out there mate? Or is it just a coincidental trip to Germany?
Yes got ......Romania Slovakia in Frankfurt haha ( not a classic but it's all for the experience and Have my town flag ready ) , Will see the England game in the fanzone on the Tuesday night and then by pure luck, World Cup of Darts starts on the Thursday night in Frankfurt and at 20 Euro a ticket I couldnt say no
Posted by: jimgtfc, June 13, 2024, 5:21pm; Reply: 16
Yes got ......Romania Slovakia in Frankfurt haha ( not a classic but it's all for the experience and Have my town flag ready ) , Will see the England game in the fanzone on the Tuesday night and then by pure luck, World Cup of Darts starts on the Thursday night in Frankfurt and at 20 Euro a ticket I couldnt say no
That’s brilliant mate, doesn’t matter the game the atmosphere will be fantastic, and Germany is a great country for a beer or 2. I was lucky enough to see Italy v Romania in Zurich during Euro 2008, terrible game if I remember right, finished 1-1, but it was a great couple of days. Enjoy it!
Posted by: Maringer, June 13, 2024, 6:48pm; Reply: 17
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks in Portugal back in 2002. Managed to get to 6 games while we were there (including buying 3 tickets on the street!) and it was great fun. We also went to Germany a couple of years later but only managed to get tickets to one game that I can recall (might have been two - it was a long time ago).
I know it's all more commercialised these days, but it's still really great to go to a tournament and mix with folk from all over Europe/the world. I'm envious of people heading to this tournament as I reckon it will be great fun.
Posted by: moosey_club, June 13, 2024, 7:07pm; Reply: 18
Nailed on that this thread will turn into chaos that'll involve Nigel Farage, requests for a move to non-football, name based puns, the best type of vinegar to have on your chips, slagging Paul Hurst off, scotch eggs are too woke for football... to name a few.
Then talk about the non-England games will weave into threads about the new CEO (Polly and Poland sound similar so that's tenuous enough), the summer transfer thread (insert a much repeated joke about Artell and Hutchinson scouting the Hungarian who scores 5 in one game to win the Golden Boot, that'll then turn into a Danilo Orsi related bash at Hurst) plus an, as of yet, unidentified third thread, perhaps one about the Main Stand restructure work.
Each England game will have 3 different threads, all descending into similar arguments that Grealish should have gone, Southgate is too negative and Brexit.
You need to give us more credit than that........
Firstly the food discussion will be about bratwurst, not that Nigel Farage would partake as he is dedicated to Cumberland and Lincolnshire sausages obviously so think you need to apologise for that prediction.
Posted by: Martz86, June 13, 2024, 7:18pm; Reply: 19
At least Germany have never been beaten 5-1 by England. Oh wait........,,,,
I believe Town weren't doing too bad also at the time.
Posted by: LH, June 14, 2024, 10:21pm; Reply: 59
A grounding night for Scotland but also for me. Kroos being treated like an old relic that we should enjoy while we can. He’s two weeks younger than I am!
Posted by: Maringer, June 14, 2024, 11:48pm; Reply: 60
My favourite name for a German has to be Kuntz. There was an add of a German wall at a free kick, they all had Kuntz on their shirts. It go banned
Fanny Chmelar (German skier) and Janina Minge, womens German international footballer lol. ::)
Posted by: Hagrid, June 15, 2024, 5:52pm; Reply: 68
Spain look very good
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 15, 2024, 6:41pm; Reply: 69
That’s no penalty, but as it an English ref, so English VAR operators, not surprised by the wrong decision.
Posted by: Maringer, June 15, 2024, 6:43pm; Reply: 70
Croatia's defence has looked poor, however. Croatia look very good at keeping possession as their stats show, but they are very one-paced and don't have a lot of quality up front.
Not sure how good Spain actually are from this game. Good penalty save there, however.
Posted by: Meza, June 15, 2024, 6:48pm; Reply: 71
Spain don't look anything special Croatia have done what Scotland did in the first half and were way of the pace, probably wanting to keep it 0-0 at HT.
Posted by: supertown, June 15, 2024, 7:10pm; Reply: 72
It didn’t look like one but he had a tap in so why would he go down 🤷🏼♂️
I believe it’s just inbred into players to go down everywhere, they think by winning a penalty/ free kick is better then playing on.
Posted by: lukeo, June 16, 2024, 1:11am; Reply: 74
4 games in and apart from Italy v Albania they've been very entertaining games from start to finish. Italy just suck any fun out of a game of football once they're in the lead.
Posted by: GrimRob, June 16, 2024, 8:48am; Reply: 75
No upsets yet. The group stages are going to be quite dull if the favourites keep winning. Hopefully the first upset won't be us.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 17, 2024, 5:10pm; Reply: 76
Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
after 7 minutes
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 17, 2024, 5:15pm; Reply: 77
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
Posted by: LocalLadGTFC, June 17, 2024, 5:23pm; Reply: 78
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
The offside system is yes
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 17, 2024, 6:49pm; Reply: 79
Lukaku has a 2nd goal disallowed 8)
Could be a big upset here.
Posted by: IlkleyMariner, June 17, 2024, 6:51pm; Reply: 80
Must say that VAR seems to be a lot quicker, I assume it’s this semi automatic system they are using, so out of interest is it going to be introduced into the premiership next season?
That would be a good move, provided it was proved to be reliable and accurate. Players would no longer have to worry about long fingernails and fans would not be subjected to endless delays
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 17, 2024, 6:58pm; Reply: 81
FT... Belgium 0-1 Slovakia
Biggest upset ever in the competition according to the FIFA rankings apparently.
Posted by: GrimRob, June 17, 2024, 7:01pm; Reply: 82
Biggest upset ever in the competition according to the FIFA rankings apparently.
It was only 6/1. If you played every day it would happen once a week.
Posted by: supertown, June 17, 2024, 7:03pm; Reply: 83
First joke VAR decision of the euros .
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 17, 2024, 7:08pm; Reply: 84
Watched the game. Slovakia fought and defended for their lives.
Doku gave the ball away for the only goal.
First goal VAR rightly disallowed. Second goal disallowed by VAR in the build up was probably harsh. Technically correct.
Lukaku misses enough chances without losing 2 to VAR
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 7:26pm; Reply: 85
For the second goal, the Belgian guy definitely benefited from the inadvertent brush of his fingers so, regardless of what the current laws say, I'm comfortable with it being disallowed. No doubt about the first disallowed goal - you could seem him stood unmarked in the middle of the area.
Credit to Slovakia, they tried to pass it around when they got the chance as well. When they were still trying to pass it around in midfield in stoppage time, I couldn't help but think that we'd have been launching it towards the corner flag in a similar position and probably would have been doing so for the previous ten minutes!
Posted by: supertown, June 17, 2024, 9:39pm; Reply: 86
Watched the game. Slovakia fought and defended for their lives.
Doku gave the ball away for the only goal.
First goal VAR rightly disallowed. Second goal disallowed by VAR in the build up was probably harsh. Technically correct.
Lukaku misses enough chances without losing 2 to VAR
Technically correct? It has to be deliberate handball, it was on the halfway line and picked up on the ‘snickometer’ borrowed from cricket ! It feathered his hand 50 yds out and made no difference to the ball at all. It was VAR balderdash at it’s worst
Posted by: LocalLadGTFC, June 17, 2024, 9:44pm; Reply: 87
This might be one of the worst refs i've ever watched
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 17, 2024, 9:46pm; Reply: 88
This might be one of the worst refs i've ever watched
Shocking all night.
It’s Maignan’s decision to slide in with hands / head and Baumgartner got there first. If anything, it was a penalty as Maignan slid into him. Then he booked Baumgartner.
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 9:47pm; Reply: 89
Technically correct? It has to be deliberate handball, it was on the halfway line and picked up on the ‘snickometer’ borrowed from cricket ! It feathered his hand 50 yds out and made no difference to the ball at all. It was VAR balderdash at it’s worst
Intent isn't necessary any longer. Hasn't been for a few years or so, I seem to think. The ball bounces up and hits your hand and you then score, it's handball whether or not you intended anything.
Posted by: Hagrid, June 17, 2024, 9:49pm; Reply: 90
Broken Nose for Mbappe
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 9:50pm; Reply: 91
The Baumgartner decision was ludicrous, but that's apparently how the current interpretation of the laws goes. What if he'd lifted it over the keeper and scored and they then collided? Would it have been disallowed then? If not, what's the difference?
The American referee analyst is flipping irritating, isn't she?
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 17, 2024, 9:51pm; Reply: 92
Serves him right for diving, and feigning a head injury, to win the free kick that led to it
Agreed, every time they fall down after a foul they clutch their head even though the slow motion replay shows there was no collision whatsoever with their head.
Posted by: LH, June 17, 2024, 9:59pm; Reply: 94
If Austria were semi competent in the final third they could have got something out of that.
Posted by: supertown, June 17, 2024, 9:59pm; Reply: 95
Intent isn't necessary any longer. Hasn't been for a few years or so, I seem to think. The ball bounces up and hits your hand and you then score, it's handball whether or not you intended anything.
That’s changed again , you are behind the times
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 10:05pm; Reply: 96
Austria put in a serious shift there and were perhaps a little unlucky not to create more chances. France fluffed a few opportunities, obviously, but never really looked comfortable.
France are going to be a difficult team to beat because they've just got so much pace throughout the team, not just in the forward line. You'll need to really precise with your passing to get through them and any slightly inaccurate pass is likely to get picked up by them. A lot of big and powerful players in their team as well.
I don't think they are brilliant, however. Griezmann a bit past his best these days and I don't know if this might cost them.
It will be interesting to see how the broken nose affects Mbappe for the rest of the tournament.
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 10:09pm; Reply: 97
Posted by: Maringer, June 17, 2024, 10:12pm; Reply: 98
Actually, scratch that. Further down the article it contradicts what was already said. Different rules for forwards and defenders? That's weird.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 18, 2024, 4:43pm; Reply: 99
Isn’t it ironic they the biggest support is probably for the worst team?
Very commendable. Did they not learn from a World Cup when the manager said that they could win it?
Then he was asked what happens next? He said that they would defend it!!
(Apologies to my neighbour in our semi-detached house who is a very passionate Rangers and Scottish fan from Glasgow. The poor sod).
Posted by: Poojah, June 18, 2024, 5:35pm; Reply: 100
Turkey v Georgia is an unexpectedly entertaining game so far. 1-1 after 32 mins.
Posted by: Maringer, June 18, 2024, 7:00pm; Reply: 101
I watched the second half and there was some really good play on show. The Georgian wide players certainly like a dribble (I had to blink twice to make sure it wasn't Kinkladze playing), but the Turks scored two absolute belters. Other than Scotland, I don't think I've seen a game where a team looked hopeless so far this tournament (I've missed a few, however).
Posted by: MarinerDevil, June 18, 2024, 7:02pm; Reply: 102
Best match of the tournament so far, both teams played well.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 18, 2024, 7:07pm; Reply: 103
Turkey’s second goal was a belter. Similar to Foden’s against Real Madrid away.
Their third goal was completely different. A 70 yard sprint towards an empty goal. (The Keeper was up at the other end).
Posted by: always grimsby, June 18, 2024, 7:12pm; Reply: 104
Totally agree It was more like a semi final than a group game Very exciting played in very wet conditions
Posted by: Manchester Mariner, June 18, 2024, 7:19pm; Reply: 105
A proper entertaining game that, played out like a cup game. Just needed a dog running on the pitch.
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 18, 2024, 7:28pm; Reply: 106
My Birthday today and family are here.
My 7 year old great granddaughter wanted Geogia to win because she liked their shirts. ;D
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 18, 2024, 9:22pm; Reply: 107
Czechs 1-0 up against Portugal
Always going to happen based on the Czechs being comically bad for 62 mins. It’s like watching walking football.
My 7 year old great granddaughter wanted Geogia to win because she liked their shirts. ;D
Happy Birthday for yesterday Pete. May you have many more.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 19, 2024, 12:00pm; Reply: 109
Some dreadful errors by the Czech defence last night. The goalkeeper could easily have caught the ball for the first, and for some reason the defender tried to trap the ball with his gonads for the second. Looked like he was squatting down for a crap. Maybe he was caught short.
Posted by: Poojah, June 19, 2024, 3:58pm; Reply: 110
Another cracking game between Croatia and Albania just concluded, Albania scoring a stoppage time equaliser to make it 2-2. The somewhat unfancied Balkan nations have all given it a pretty good go so far - fair play to them.
Hardly been a bad game in this tournament thus far.
Posted by: Les Brechin, June 19, 2024, 4:30pm; Reply: 111
Another cracking game between Croatia and Albania just concluded, Albania scoring a stoppage time equaliser to make it 2-2. The somewhat unfancied Balkan nations have all given it a pretty good go so far - fair play to them.
Hardly been a bad game in this tournament thus far.
England V Serbia probably the worst.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 19, 2024, 8:13pm; Reply: 112
Scotland 1-0 Switzerland
Better side so far
Posted by: It Bites, June 19, 2024, 8:35pm; Reply: 113
Scotland playing out from the back like Town in January
Posted by: CSLM, June 19, 2024, 8:39pm; Reply: 114
Scotland playing out from the back like Town in January
True but I doubt any league 2 forwards could've done that. Quality strike.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 19, 2024, 8:40pm; Reply: 115
Great strike from Shaqiri for the equaliser.
Posted by: moosey_club, June 19, 2024, 9:57pm; Reply: 116
Just noticed this whilst watching the sweaties tonight....how many officials does it take to make a sub?
One guy telling one official the numbers to log in.. that official logs numbers and passes the board to another official ... That official holds the board up..... The ref ushers the player off..
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 21, 2024, 9:34pm; Reply: 117
Surprised the Holland goal was ruled out there by VAR but what do I know !!!
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 21, 2024, 9:36pm; Reply: 118
He was nowhere near him, he wasnt interfering, the keeper wasnt getting there
No surprise its useless English officials flipping up. Again
Bang on for me. Jenas called it about right too - he’s not in the goalkeepers line of sight, and he can only impede his dive if he actually dives (which he didn’t). You can’t referee the game on “what ifs”. VAR needs to stop trying so hard to find reasons to disallow goals.
Posted by: Nelly GTFC, June 21, 2024, 10:02pm; Reply: 121
France let off there for me, got lucky.
Posted by: Poojah, June 21, 2024, 10:08pm; Reply: 122
Fúck me, Wayne Rooney as a pundit is about as effective as Henri Paul as a chauffeur.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 21, 2024, 10:09pm; Reply: 123
First team to be eliminated.....Poland
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 21, 2024, 11:12pm; Reply: 124
Happy Birthday for yesterday Pete. May you have many more.
Thanks Dave but with dicky.heart and collapse lung with the other one starting to fade I don't know if I want many more.
Posted by: Maringer, June 21, 2024, 11:46pm; Reply: 125
Correct decision for me. The ball actually went on the other side of Dumfries to where the goalkeeper was standing. If standing a yard offside, within touching distance of the keeper in the middle of the 6 yard box and right in his eyeline isn't offside, then what is? The player's fault for getting himself in the wrong position.
Posted by: toontown, June 22, 2024, 1:05am; Reply: 126
Correct decision for me. The ball actually went on the other side of Dumfries to where the goalkeeper was standing. If standing a yard offside, within touching distance of the keeper in the middle of the 6 yard box and right in his eyeline isn't offside, then what is? The player's fault for getting himself in the wrong position.
yeah I can't see a problem with it either, clearly offside/ interfering
He was nowhere near him, he wasnt interfering, the keeper wasnt getting there
No surprise its useless English officials flipping up. Again
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
Posted by: Poojah, June 22, 2024, 8:19am; Reply: 131
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
Not a chance on earth Maignan was ever getting there.
Posted by: Mariner93er, June 22, 2024, 8:25am; Reply: 132
Not a chance on earth Maignan was ever getting there.
As I said, I don't think it matters whether Maignan was getting there or not.
And it's not only about the keeper. If a player is stood in a position in the box like that, it affects the positioning of the defenders too. Like I said, how can a player stood smack bang in the middle of the box a few yards out not be impacting play? Why would he be there if he wasn't?
Posted by: Poojah, June 22, 2024, 8:37am; Reply: 133
As I said, I don't think it matters whether Maignan was getting there or not.
And it's not only about the keeper. If a player is stood in a position in the box like that, it affects the positioning of the defenders too. Like I said, how can a player stood smack bang in the middle of the box a few yards out not be impacting play? Why would he be there if he wasn't?
I just don’t buy it. Defenders aren’t going to drop back (and they haven’t) to attempt to deal with a player who’s in a blatantly offside position as:
a) if he’s interfering with play, he’ll be given offside b) if he’s not interfering with play, he’s irrelevant
In my opinion he absolutely falls into column “b”. The officials on the night disagree, as do you. Fair enough - there’s a degree of subjectivity to it; I just feel we should try less hard to disallow goals. It ruins the spectacle.
Regarding the VAR incident, apparently it took 6 minutes to make the decision, but the time added on was only 5 minutes despite all the incidents and substitutions etc.so that's another mistake.
Imagine if the on field ref stopped play for 6 minutes to have a think!
Posted by: Maringer, June 22, 2024, 8:45am; Reply: 135
If the ball had gone between the keeper and the player, I'd have said fair enough, that could be a goal. The ball actually went on the other side of the player. He was stood between the keeper and the post and it went that side. It doesn't matter if the keeper dived or not. He might have thought not to bother because the player was so close to him. He would have needed to dive head first into a player who was within touching distance to have a chance of getting near it. How can that not be interfering? It just doesn't make sense. It is the fault of Dumfries that the goal was disallowed. He got himself into the wrong position, so no goal.
If a goal had been awarded against England in that situation, I'd have been incredulous, so it's only fair that I have the same view for the French, even though it would be hilarious if they didn't get out of the group!
Posted by: Ruuger, June 22, 2024, 9:33am; Reply: 136
I think the point some people are making is that the ball was hit so hard, it was past the keeper in a flash! He was never going to save it whether there was a player stood there or not. How many times have we seen keepers rooted to the spot because they didn't have a chance to save such a well hit shot!
Posted by: jamesgtfc, June 22, 2024, 10:25am; Reply: 137
We are talking about split second thinking. I think they got it right, but I think the referee should have been sent to the screen to decide for himself on such a subjective decision.
Posted by: Hagrid, June 22, 2024, 10:27am; Reply: 138
It's not rubbish though is it. Whether the keeper was getting there or not is completely irrelevant, it's about whether he hindered the keeper's chances of attempting to which Dumfries clearly did, even if it was only split second hesitation. I can't fathom how a player stood in the centre of the goal a few yards out can not be considered to be interfering with play?
It is rubbish, Its finding ways to re-referee the game and disallow goals.
Keeper wasnt getting there, Dumfries hasnt made any attempt to block/intefere in any way
perfectly good goal
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 22, 2024, 3:05pm; Reply: 139
As Bill Shankly or was it Brian Slough said ,if he was not interfering with play, what was he doing on the pitch ?
Now today's games Georgia playing really well went a goal down but disallowed by VAR. Then get a lucky pen when ref asked to have another look and awards Georgia a pen who score and go in at the break 1-0.
Posted by: supertown, June 22, 2024, 3:15pm; Reply: 140
As Bill Shankly or was it Brian Slough said ,if he was not interfering with play, what was he doing on the pitch ?
Now today's games Georgia playing really well went a goal down but disallowed by VAR. Then get a lucky pen when ref asked to have another look and awards Georgia a pen who score and go in at the break 1-0.
Brian clough
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 22, 2024, 4:07pm; Reply: 141
1-1 Georgia with just keeper to beat blast it over the bar.
Good game both Georgia and Czech Republic did not deserve to lose so draw a fair result.
Players not at talented as ours but much better game because they ran at each other so much more exciting than walking football.
Dave take note for next season if we are going to play possession football can we do it quicker please.
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 22, 2024, 7:50pm; Reply: 142
The draw really looks like it's opening up for England (if we can win Group C). If Romania can get something from Belgium tonight and Belgium don't win Group E it will get even better. And lets be honest, the only way this England team goes deep into this competition is if the other top teams are all in the opposite side of the draw.
How the draw might look...
A1 Germany C2 Denmark Germany Spain B1 SPAIN ADEF3 Austria Spain Portugal D2 France E2 Belgium France Portugal F1 PORTUGAL ABC3 Italy Portugal England C1 England DEF3 Slovakia England Switzerland A2 Switzerland B2 Croatia England Netherlands D1 Netherlands F2 Turkey Netherlands Romania E1 Romania ABCD3 Scotland
Posted by: Hagrid, June 22, 2024, 9:01pm; Reply: 143
Conveniantly ignoring the fact that France will win the group therefore England wont be avoiding them
Posted by: Maringer, June 22, 2024, 9:13pm; Reply: 144
Heh. I've just realised that the feckers at the hospital have booked me in for a scan at 7.45pm on Tuesday night! Shouldn't take too long, but I suppose it will at least save me from some misery (unless we do well, in which case I'll have to watch the highlights).
Posted by: Poojah, June 22, 2024, 9:37pm; Reply: 145
Conveniantly ignoring the fact that France will win the group therefore England wont be avoiding them
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
Posted by: Hagrid, June 22, 2024, 9:40pm; Reply: 146
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
Also think Belgium ( whilst not being) the team of old, will win their group
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 22, 2024, 9:56pm; Reply: 147
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
Italy are sh!te, Croatia beat them comfortably.
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 22, 2024, 10:03pm; Reply: 149
And that Italy will almost certainly finish 2nd in Group B, meaning we’d likely face them if we got as far as the quarters, not Switzerland.
Things have generally fallen pretty kindly for Southgate when it comes to knockout opposition, his first two tournaments in particular. This time though I think it will be a tricky path from the quarters onwards.
I would say though that the best 3 teams in the tournament so far have been Portugal, Spain & Germany in that order. All 3 will be in the other half of the draw if England win Group C. So whether France, Belgium and Italy or Netherlands, Slovakia or Croatia are in our half of the draw (or any mix of that) it's still a much easier path than the other half of the draw.
Posted by: HerveJosse, June 22, 2024, 10:07pm; Reply: 150
Great game of football this evening . The Polish referee is tge best in the world and contributed to 90 minutes of free flowing high energy football. A million miles from England in energy and entertainment.
In tonight's match VAR ruled out a Lukaku goal for offside by part of his body being literally a millimetre off even though he was 25 yards out and absolutely no advantage was gained by that millimetre.
How on earth have we got to the stage where great goals are ruled out by any part of the body is a fraction ahead of the defender? That is not in the spirit of the laws, is it?
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 22, 2024, 10:10pm; Reply: 152
A1 Germany C2 Denmark Germany Spain B1 SPAIN ADEF3 Austria Spain Portugal D2 France E2 Belgium France Portugal F1 PORTUGAL ABC3 Italy Portugal England C1 England DEF3 Romania England Switzerland A2 Switzerland B2 Croatia England Netherlands D1 Netherlands F2 Turkey Netherlands Scotland E1 Slovakia ABCD3 Scotland
Posted by: HerveJosse, June 22, 2024, 10:16pm; Reply: 153
In tonight's match VAR ruled out a Lukaku goal for offside by part of his body being literally a millimetre off even though he was 25 yards out and absolutely no advantage was gained by that millimetre.
How on earth have we got to the stage where great goals are ruled out by any part of the body is a fraction ahead of the defender? That is not in the spirit of the laws, is it?
Inevitable as soon as technology was introduced . Black and white nothing in the offside rule about seeking an advantage . Perhaps one day we will AI deciding on more subjective criteria . Hopefully I will be dead by then .
Posted by: jamesgtfc, June 22, 2024, 10:34pm; Reply: 154
Great game of football this evening . The Polish referee is tge best in the world and contributed to 90 minutes of free flowing high energy football. A million miles from England in energy and entertainment.
I watched France v Netherlands last night with great anticipation. France looked great the few times they moved it quickly, usually involving Kante, but didn't do it enough.
Been out all day today, turned the TV on just in time for kick off and really enjoyed that Belgium v Romania game.
Posted by: Hagrid, June 23, 2024, 6:59am; Reply: 155
And before you say the same about Belgium... if Slovakia win their last match there's nothing Belgium can do to win the group.
I know. Im at the game. But feel the Romanians will win alongside Belgium and H2H takes precedent
Posted by: lukeo, June 23, 2024, 7:07am; Reply: 156
Really enjoying euro 2024 (except England games) adds a bit more fun to it when you're in sweepstakes, fantasy leagues and a prediction league. Touch wood I'm actually doing quite well in the latter 2! (JYNXED!)
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 23, 2024, 7:32am; Reply: 157
I know. Im at the game. But feel the Romanians will win alongside Belgium and H2H takes precedent
I’d expect Slovakia v Romania to be a dreadful game as both teams will know a draw will take them through due to Ukraine’s terrible GD. Neither side will want to risk losing incase Belgium v Ukraine ends as a draw.
But having said all that, I’m going 1-0 to Slovakia with a late goal.
Posted by: Mappers, June 23, 2024, 8:55am; Reply: 158
I know it's if's but's and maybe's but if it goes something like that we might scramble our way to another semi final again - we seem to end up with favourable draws a lot of the time .
Posted by: Rodley Mariner, June 23, 2024, 8:46pm; Reply: 159
I know England have been poor but Scotland are absolutely dreadful.
Posted by: Maringer, June 23, 2024, 8:55pm; Reply: 160
Jocks have got absolutely nothing up front and nothing in the way of pace. Good thing for them is that Hungary look similarly clueless at the moment.
Posted by: smokey111, June 23, 2024, 9:04pm; Reply: 161
I know it's if's but's and maybe's but if it goes something like that we might scramble our way to another semi final again - we seem to end up with favourable draws a lot of the time .
Remarkable isn’t it - same with the rugby World Cup.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 23, 2024, 9:24pm; Reply: 163
Scotland need finishing off with a jack.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 23, 2024, 9:29pm; Reply: 164
Christ, this doesn't look good.
Posted by: Maringer, June 23, 2024, 9:45pm; Reply: 165
I think the referee got that penalty decision right. The Scot jumped across in front of the defender (who was running in a straight line) and then dragged him down after they got tangled up. I don't know why he didn't just get a shot away!
Posted by: Maringer, June 23, 2024, 9:58pm; Reply: 166
They'll be shedding tears into their Irn-Bru and deep-fried Mars bars tonight...
Posted by: LH, June 23, 2024, 10:01pm; Reply: 167
So after nearly four decades of giving England fans excrement about an Argentinian doing them over with a moment of controversy Scotland finally get some karma. Ha!
Posted by: moosey_club, June 23, 2024, 10:03pm; Reply: 168
That flower has wilted.
Posted by: Maringer, June 23, 2024, 10:04pm; Reply: 169
They've got to look at the positives. They've scored more than one goal at an international tournament for the very first time!
Posted by: jimgtfc, June 23, 2024, 10:05pm; Reply: 170
I’m not gonna lie, I’m absolutely delighted the Scot’s have whimpered out of this competition. Kieran Tierney’s not celebrating winning goal kicks now is he?
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 23, 2024, 10:09pm; Reply: 171
I agree no penalty for Scotland. He fouled the Hungarian by pulling his shirt with some force. Scotland were not robbed.
I am sure some of the pundits will try and get Scotland through on 1 point and a big negative goal difference.
Both teams were poor. Hungary had more quality. But nearly all their long forward passes went astray.
Right near the end there were 3 or 4 Hungarian players who not be bothered to track back. Amazing. Scotland immediately had an overload but could not make it count.
Posted by: horsforthmariner, June 23, 2024, 10:10pm; Reply: 172
I don’t think it was penalty. Armstrong jumps in the way of the defender. Really oddly I don’t understand why he didn’t just try and score.
Posted by: Limerick Mariner, June 23, 2024, 10:11pm; Reply: 173
Scotland look like an average League 1 side, certainly in the final third no better than that.
On the pen I’d expect that given without VAR.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 23, 2024, 10:12pm; Reply: 174
4 shots on target across their 3 games, imagine how shit they'd have been without their famed PASHUN.
Posted by: tashee69, June 23, 2024, 10:28pm; Reply: 175
I didn’t think it was a penalty as I thought he was offside when the ball was put through to him. Not seen a replay of that yet, just the foul
Posted by: supertown, June 23, 2024, 10:41pm; Reply: 176
They sung Flower of Scotland well but other than that there fans like the players just didn't cut it.
Yeah, the Hungarians out sung them all game, to be honest they're fans are a legend in their own under pants.
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 24, 2024, 7:19am; Reply: 181
Not very savvy were they?
The Scotland corner before the goal should have been tapped short and messed around with near the corner flag and the player who broke away could easily have been fouled on or before halfway.
As ever first plane home for Scotland.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 24, 2024, 7:37am; Reply: 182
Tbf keeping it in the corner to defend their 2 points would've been a bit Niall Quinn in 1996.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 24, 2024, 8:09am; Reply: 183
Been a disappointing couple of months for teams beginning with the letters Sc hasn’t it…..😎
Posted by: BobbyCummingsTackle, June 24, 2024, 8:13am; Reply: 184
Did Hungary bring on Jon Parkin in disguise?
Posted by: Maringer, June 24, 2024, 8:16am; Reply: 185
The best comment I've seen about him is that he looks like somebody who would serve you a pint in a fancy craft beer bar.
"Oh yeah dude, Justin and I were traders together in Singapore and it just wasn't our vibe you know. We just loooove creating art and beer is art, so we set up our own palace of art here in Shoreditch. Anyway, this little beauty is brewed by a hermit on top of a mountain in Peru and uses mole's foreskin to get a real tang in the aftertaste. That'll be fourteen pounds sixty please..."
Posted by: grimps, June 24, 2024, 10:19am; Reply: 189
I thought I was going to see two teams with nothing to lose going hammer and tongs last night , it was just as boring as watching England. It makes me wonder if all this possession based , play patter-cake with the keeper football we're being served up these days is results of too much data and FA coaching courses.
Posted by: BobbyCummingsTackle, June 24, 2024, 10:46am; Reply: 190
I thought I was going to see two teams with nothing to lose going hammer and tongs last night , it was just as boring as watching England. It makes me wonder if all this possession based , play patter-cake with the keeper football we're being served up these days is results of too much data and FA coaching courses.
I'd very much doubt that FA coaching courses had an effect on Hungary v Scotland.
Posted by: grimps, June 24, 2024, 10:53am; Reply: 191
Id hazard a guess that Clarke got all his FA coaching badges in England
I hadn't thought about that and he spent a lot of time at Chelsea. You are probably right!
I'm still not sure that's a major factor in Scotland's woeful performances - you'll never win a game if you don't get into the final third with any penetration or intent. They were ok defensively (just ok) but looked clueless going forward. Even when they did get into the final third they couldn't get a decent ball to a striker and their strikers looked like they didn't have a clue. I'm not sure I'd be happy if we signed Che Adams - he scores 1 in 4 in the Championship and 1 in 5 for Scotland (ok, he'd probably do well in L2!).
Their final table position says everything about them - bottom of the group, 1 point, 2 losses and 2 goals that weren't scored by Scots. Minus 5 GD. They got what they deserved. You don't get points for your fans or "pashun".
I'm 100% serious that they remind me a lot of us in the first half of last season under Hurst, just couldn't generate any danger in the final third.
Posted by: grimps, June 24, 2024, 11:36am; Reply: 194
I hadn't thought about that and he spent a lot of time at Chelsea. You are probably right!
I'm still not sure that's a major factor in Scotland's woeful performances - you'll never win a game if you don't get into the final third with any penetration or intent. They were ok defensively (just ok) but looked clueless going forward. Even when they did get into the final third they couldn't get a decent ball to a striker and their strikers looked like they didn't have a clue. I'm not sure I'd be happy if we signed Che Adams - he scores 1 in 4 in the Championship and 1 in 5 for Scotland (ok, he'd probably do well in L2!).
Their final table position says everything about them - bottom of the group, 1 point, 2 losses and 2 goals that weren't scored by Scots. Minus 5 GD. They got what they deserved. You don't get points for your fans or "pashun".
I'm 100% serious that they remind me a lot of us in the first half of last season under Hurst, just couldn't generate any danger in the final third.
Yeah I was getting flashbacks from watching GTFC last season , there's no point having 60% possession if 40% of that is with your keeper
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 24, 2024, 1:21pm; Reply: 195
England will qualify for the knock-out stage tonight if Albania don’t beat Spain.
Posted by: Maringer, June 24, 2024, 1:32pm; Reply: 196
Squeaky bum time is unlikely, that being the case.
Posted by: WOZOFGRIMSBY, June 24, 2024, 1:41pm; Reply: 197
Scotland have a very small pool in which they can get any quality players. A bit like wales where they have great players every 5-10 years but not enough to get them over the line.
Scotland did well to qualify, and apart from a good result against Switzerland, there was a very apparent gap in terms of quality. Cant say they haven’t done well for getting there and it will no doubt have their supporters believing in the team once again.
Posted by: Maringer, June 24, 2024, 1:47pm; Reply: 198
As has been noted in the past, if Efete can leave an L2 club because he isn't fancied there, but then move to the top level of the Scottish game, that's as clear an indication as you can get of a lack of quality.
What we haven't had for some time is many top-quality Scottish players becoming important members of the big Premier League clubs as was the case in the 70s, 80s and 90s to a degree.
This time, they've had McGinn (who disappointed, I thought), Robertson (past his best) and Tierney who quickly got injured. Gilmour has some ability, but I'd argue he's not a top-level player yet, though he is young and has time to improve. The rest of them wouldn't get near playing for a top 6 PL team.
Posted by: LocalLadGTFC, June 24, 2024, 2:18pm; Reply: 199
As has been noted in the past, if Efete can leave an L2 club because he isn't fancied there, but then move to the top level of the Scottish game, that's as clear an indication as you can get of a lack of quality.
What we haven't had for some time is many top-quality Scottish players becoming important members of the big Premier League clubs as was the case in the 70s, 80s and 90s to a degree.
This time, they've had McGinn (who disappointed, I thought), Robertson (past his best) and Tierney who quickly got injured. Gilmour has some ability, but I'd argue he's not a top-level player yet, though he is young and has time to improve. The rest of them wouldn't get near playing for a top 6 PL team.
Missed out Mctominay aswell, Ryan Christie enjoyed a good season with Bournemouth aswell. Patterson and Hickey both injured meaning Ralston had to play, Lewis Ferguson who is probably there best player also did his ACL in a pretty much nothing game for Bologna towards the end of the season.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 24, 2024, 2:44pm; Reply: 200
McTominay a bit part player at a mid table club tbf ;)
Posted by: Maringer, June 24, 2024, 4:50pm; Reply: 201
Yep! McTominay is OK but, 'technically limited', I think is the usual description.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 24, 2024, 10:01pm; Reply: 202
Italy through with 98tth min equaliser. Croatia game management poor in added time. Italy very average.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 24, 2024, 10:04pm; Reply: 203
England in last 16 as Albania lost tonight.
Posted by: Abdul19, June 24, 2024, 10:05pm; Reply: 204
Italy goal an absolute beauty. Great reffing too, could have blown for a foul earlier in the move.
Posted by: supertown, June 24, 2024, 10:11pm; Reply: 205
Scotland have a very small pool in which they can get any quality players. A bit like wales where they have great players every 5-10 years but not enough to get them over the line.
Scotland did well to qualify, and apart from a good result against Switzerland, there was a very apparent gap in terms of quality. Cant say they haven’t done well for getting there and it will no doubt have their supporters believing in the team once again.
What about the pool of Englishmen they dip into
Posted by: mimma, June 25, 2024, 12:53am; Reply: 207
Flower of Scotland? It's a bloody weed!
Posted by: Mayaman, June 25, 2024, 2:31am; Reply: 208
Spain's away kit is like a pyjama set your gran would buy you for Christmas because she knows you like football.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 25, 2024, 6:43pm; Reply: 209
Austria v Holland is an incredible game !!
Great atmosphere with the Dutch masses.
3-2. Holland 2nd, third, top, third,
Every happening!!
France messing up.
Austria outstanding . Austria now top. Will change again
Posted by: supertown, June 25, 2024, 7:29pm; Reply: 210
We could be playing the Dutch if we top the group
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 25, 2024, 7:58pm; Reply: 211
Good point, then it'll be whoever finishes 3rd in Slovakia's group which of course could be any of the 4 teams in it or (most likely) Holland
Posted by: Davec, June 26, 2024, 7:23am; Reply: 217
Seen a few comments which suggest the games will get lot more exciting once the group stages are out the way and when we get into the knock-out stages teams will let the shackles off more? Sorry unless I am missing something I just can't see that happening? A knock-out game is a one off game so why would teams let the shackles off now and leave gaps at the back? If they come unstuck because of that and lose the game, they don't get a 2nd chance do they, I can't see the games turning out to be any different now we are approaching the knock-out stages
Posted by: supertown, June 26, 2024, 7:33am; Reply: 218
Seen a few comments which suggest the games will get lot more exciting once the group stages are out the way and when we get into the knock-out stages teams will let the shackles off more? Sorry unless I am missing something I just can't see that happening? A knock-out game is a one off game so why would teams let the shackles off now and leave gaps at the back? If they come unstuck because of that and lose the game, they don't get a 2nd chance do they, I can't see the games turning out to be any different now we are approaching the knock-out stages
Well historically they do
Posted by: GrimRob, June 26, 2024, 7:35am; Reply: 219
The tournament starts at the knock out stages. We have spent 2 weeks eliminating 8 teams. The next World Cup is even worse with 48 teams and only 16 eliminated after 3 weeks! Not even worth watching apart from the odd game, until it starts to matter. The tournaments should be 16 and 32 respectively with only the top 2 going through then nearly every game matters.
Posted by: DB, June 26, 2024, 4:14pm; Reply: 220
Foden flies home.
"On Wednesday, an FA statement read: "Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp & returned to the UK for a pressing family matter."
Posted by: Les Brechin, June 26, 2024, 4:18pm; Reply: 221
"On Wednesday, an FA statement read: "Phil Foden has temporarily left the England camp & returned to the UK for a pressing family matter."
His Mrs is just about to drop their third sprog!
Posted by: supertown, June 26, 2024, 5:44pm; Reply: 222
Be away at least 2 days I guess, that means an enforced change , can only be for the better
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 26, 2024, 7:06pm; Reply: 223
Poland and Ukraine have both gone out. However, both teams have played well in their last game. Belgium were another big team who were poor. France next for them.
Ukraine had a corner that nearly went in directly. Romania scored with an unstoppable penalty.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 26, 2024, 9:21pm; Reply: 224
Latest... Georgia 2-0 Portugal
Ronaldo not a happy bunny.
Posted by: Maringer, June 26, 2024, 9:29pm; Reply: 225
I wouldn't fancy meeting Georgia in this tournament, the way they've played. Hopefully they can hold on.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 26, 2024, 9:58pm; Reply: 226
This result means that England play Slovakia on Sunday rather than Holland. So that is a definite benefit.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 26, 2024, 9:59pm; Reply: 227
Slovakia on Sunday. Could have been worse.
Georgia v Spain.
Belgium v France
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 26, 2024, 10:02pm; Reply: 228
Handbags at the end of the Czech Republic v Turkey game, more entertainment in a couple of minutes than the whole England v Slovenia game.
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 26, 2024, 10:03pm; Reply: 229
The fact is Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France are all in the other side of the draw.
We couldn’t have asked for a better route to potential glory.
Posted by: LH, June 26, 2024, 10:07pm; Reply: 230
…and yet barely anyone believes we can even get past Slovakia!
Posted by: GrimRob, June 26, 2024, 10:10pm; Reply: 231
Serbia Slovenia Slovakia. How much do you know?
Which is located furthest south? Which has the largest population? Which has the most neighboring countries? Which is furthest from the Mediterranean Sea? Which has the smallest land area? Which has the highest FIFA ranking?
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 26, 2024, 10:32pm; Reply: 232
Which is located furthest south? Which has the largest population? Which has the most neighboring countries? Which is furthest from the Mediterranean Sea? Which has the smallest land area? Which has the highest FIFA ranking?
Which one of them are genocidal cǔnts would have been my first starter for ten
Posted by: Mappers, June 26, 2024, 10:44pm; Reply: 233
The fact is Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and France are all in the other side of the draw.
We couldn’t have asked for a better route to potential glory.
I can't see us getting through Italy in the quarters if we make it , they will do a job on us like they always do probably in ET or on pens again and it will be another hard luck story like the last 50 odd years imo.
Posted by: Maringer, June 27, 2024, 10:23am; Reply: 234
You're probably right, though Italy's current iteration are surprisingly crap.
Posted by: HerveJosse, June 27, 2024, 10:31am; Reply: 235
International football has changed . The ‘ big teams ‘ of the past are no longer dominant . Look at the list of countries in the last 16 and who have been the best to watch probably Austria and Georgia . Numerous other well organised difficult to beat countries playing without that way because they don’t have the burden of expectation . Why is this? Because historically the best leagues were full of home grown players Germany , Spain England so those countries players played at a higher level week in week out. Now these leagues are international melting pots and the reverse is the case it is for home grown players to break into that level. This has been obvious for a long time now so why do the media keep going on about England have a big opportunity because they are in the weaker side of the draw. There is no weaker side if the draw.
Posted by: tashee69, June 27, 2024, 10:47am; Reply: 236
I can't see us getting through Italy in the quarters if we make it , they will do a job on us like they always do probably in ET or on pens again and it will be another hard luck story like the last 50 odd years imo.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Swiss knocked the Italians out.
Posted by: Poojah, June 27, 2024, 12:30pm; Reply: 237
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Swiss knocked the Italians out.
Can see them beating Slovakia as well.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 27, 2024, 12:43pm; Reply: 238
If, if, we get to the final, our opponents should be punch-drunk from fighting their way y on get there against very good teams. That is the hope anyway.
We get lucky with good draws. But unlucky in individual matches.
Posted by: Hagrid, June 27, 2024, 1:18pm; Reply: 239
Well least I didnt get a 0-0 golly
30 degreees in Frankfurt too
Posted by: GrimRob, June 27, 2024, 3:06pm; Reply: 240
International football has changed . The ‘ big teams ‘ of the past are no longer dominant . Look at the list of countries in the last 16 and who have been the best to watch probably Austria and Georgia
Reading too much into it. The tournament has grown enormously. Euro 92 had 2 groups of 4.With so many rounds of knock out games it has become much more of a lottery. It used to be league based Competition with semis and final but now is almost entirely a Cup tournament. The leagues just exist to spin the tournament out and ensure all the big nations take part which increases audience participation.
Posted by: jamesgtfc, June 27, 2024, 3:27pm; Reply: 241
Reading too much into it. The tournament has grown enormously. Euro 92 had 2 groups of 4.With so many rounds of knock out games it has become much more of a lottery. It used to be league based Competition with semis and final but now is almost entirely a Cup tournament. The leagues just exist to spin the tournament out and ensure all the big nations take part which increases audience participation.
If we are to persist with a 24 team tournament, which I can see the argument for given that 13+ UEFA members qualify for the World Cup, then I would like to see 4 groups of 6.
You then either progress into a QF with only the top 2 qualifying, or have 4 teams qualify to keep everyone in it going into game 5 with 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd in the R16.
Doing that would probably add an extra week to the tournament, but as the chance of a UEFA member qualifying for the World Cup would be virtually the same as qualifying for the regional competition if it was a 16 team tournament, the 24 team format won't be going anywhere.
Posted by: Les Brechin, June 27, 2024, 3:38pm; Reply: 242
England back to clear favourites again with Skybet. Have they been watching the group games?
England 7/2 Spain 4/1 France 11/2 Germany 11/2 Portugal 6/1 Netherlands 12/1 Austria 16/1 Italy 16/1 Belgium 33/1 Switzerland 33/1 Denmark 66/1 Turkey 66/1 Romania 150/1 Slovakia 200/1 Slovenia 200/1 Georgia 250/1
Posted by: CSLM, June 27, 2024, 3:46pm; Reply: 243
England back to clear favourites again with Skybet. Have they been watching the group games?
England 7/2 Spain 4/1 France 11/2 Germany 11/2 Portugal 6/1 Netherlands 12/1 Austria 16/1 Italy 16/1 Belgium 33/1
It's because of our side of the draw, but I see what you are saying lol. Switzerland 33/1 Denmark 66/1 Turkey 66/1 Romania 150/1 Slovakia 200/1 Slovenia 200/1 Georgia 250/1
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 27, 2024, 4:19pm; Reply: 244
England back to clear favourites again with Skybet. Have they been watching the group games?
England 7/2 Spain 4/1 France 11/2 Germany 11/2 Portugal 6/1 Netherlands 12/1 Austria 16/1 Italy 16/1 Belgium 33/1 Switzerland 33/1 Denmark 66/1 Turkey 66/1 Romania 150/1 Slovakia 200/1 Slovenia 200/1 Georgia 250/1
Down to the draw. Yes we haven't played well but have an easy passage. Trying to pick a winner from the others is difficult. Italy look value though for the same reason.
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 27, 2024, 6:10pm; Reply: 248
Easy side of the draw, now where/when have I heard that before !!!
Posted by: gytone, June 27, 2024, 6:54pm; Reply: 249
I reckon Austria are a decent bet at 16-1.
Posted by: Ruuger, June 27, 2024, 7:20pm; Reply: 250
Based on what we have seen so far, I can't for the life of me see where England are favourites.
Posted by: IlkleyMariner, June 28, 2024, 9:32am; Reply: 251
The odds only reflect how much money has been bet on England. I may not be a good measure of whether they win or not.
Posted by: Maringer, June 28, 2024, 10:04am; Reply: 252
Probably punters looking at us being on the easy side of the draw and/or assuming that Southgate has been playing 5D chess and we're going to suddenly play like world-beaters soon.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 29, 2024, 6:09pm; Reply: 253
Latest... Switzerland 2-0 Italy
in our side of the draw
Posted by: GrimRob, June 29, 2024, 6:11pm; Reply: 254
Italy could be going home. Switzerland in the last 8 if we beat Slovakia, would have snapped your hand off for that draw before the tournament.
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 29, 2024, 6:21pm; Reply: 255
Italy are very poor the Swiss will be hard to beat
Come on Italy we need you to win.
That's if we can win tomorrow.
Posted by: LH, June 29, 2024, 6:42pm; Reply: 256
Italy have been crap for years. Out in the groups in WC2014 (with us), failed to qualify for a couple of tournaments at least since (maybe 3?). We gifted them the one in 2021 with the sit on a lead style were still going with now.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 29, 2024, 6:55pm; Reply: 257
Italy are out.
Now we need to turn up.
Posted by: WOZOFGRIMSBY, June 29, 2024, 8:23pm; Reply: 258
Posted by: GrimRob, June 29, 2024, 8:40pm; Reply: 259
Rain stopped play
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 29, 2024, 9:22pm; Reply: 260
Danish fans enjoying a shower in the stand .. ;D
Posted by: Madeleymariner, June 29, 2024, 9:48pm; Reply: 261
Referee being useless
Posted by: GollyGTFC, June 29, 2024, 9:52pm; Reply: 262
This German team are very similar to the Germany side from the 2006 World Cup. Very entertaining to watch, but very little control of the game. It all so frantic and you feel as soon as they come up against someone really well organised (like Switzerland were earlier today) they will be in real trouble.
Posted by: LH, June 29, 2024, 10:20pm; Reply: 265
Home atmosphere is doing them a lot of favours. One of Spain, France or Portugal knock them out imo.
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 30, 2024, 12:07pm; Reply: 266
Home atmosphere is doing them a lot of favours. One of Spain, France or Portugal knock them out imo.
I think it could be a possibility though they have enough to win it as they seem to have a strong spine through the team great keeper, 2 no none sense CBs. Kroos, Musiala, Sane Gundogan are all class and despite his detractors Havertz is right up there.
Posted by: Maringer, June 30, 2024, 1:55pm; Reply: 267
I think Germany look pretty good. Real pace out wide, Havertz has developed into a good forward playing through the middle, huge experience in midfield and a decent-looking defence. The lack of depth might be an issue as they really don't have anybody in the same class as Musiala and Sane to come off the bench, but I suspect they will be a real threat on the counter against teams which have to come on and attack them.
Anybody feeling excited about the game this afternoon? Can't say I am, really! I've pretty much resigned myself to another crummy performance, win, lose or draw.
Posted by: Mappers, June 30, 2024, 1:57pm; Reply: 268
I think Germany look pretty good. Real pace out wide, Havertz has developed into a good forward playing through the middle, huge experience in midfield and a decent-looking defence. The lack of depth might be an issue as they really don't have anybody in the same class as Musiala and Sane to come off the bench, but I suspect they will be a real threat on the counter against teams which have to come on and attack them.
Anybody feeling excited about the game this afternoon? Can't say I am, really! I've pretty much resigned myself to another crummy performance, win, lose or draw.
It's a bit like supporting town at times isn't it - you hope for a good performance but don't particularly expect one .
Posted by: Maringer, June 30, 2024, 2:25pm; Reply: 269
Yeah, but in recent years, I've not thought we were clearly capable of doing better because our squad has been, in general, not particularly great. This England squad is lacking depth in one or two areas, but the sheer ability available in others means that we should be doing a heck of a lot better than we are, whether we are real contenders or not. Regardless of what happens this tournament, it will be interesting to see who replaces Southgate in the aftermath. I think the reporting was indicating he wanted to move into club management, so the debacle of this tournament won't have helped!
Posted by: Hagrid, June 30, 2024, 2:35pm; Reply: 270
Be fine this afternoon
Was at the Slovakia game Wednesday, they work hard and their front 3 are a nusisance but slow at the back, particularly the right and left back who were targeted particuarly by Hagi for the Romanians
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 30, 2024, 2:47pm; Reply: 271
Southgate is ideal for Chelsea or Man United. From chaos to chaos.
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 30, 2024, 3:59pm; Reply: 272
See the team for this afternoon is the usual 10 plus Mainoo for Gallagher in midfield. Cannot say that Southgate isn’t loyal, he must be happy with how they’ve performed to date, although the majority of armchair managers saw the difference when Palmer and Gordon were on.
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 30, 2024, 4:14pm; Reply: 273
See the team for this afternoon is the usual 10 plus Mainoo for Gallagher in midfield. Cannot say that Southgate isn’t loyal, he must be happy with how they’ve performed to date, although the majority of armchair managers saw the difference when Palmer and Gordon were on.
Maybe Palmer & Gordon will come on an half time when we’re 4 - 0 up 🙊
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 30, 2024, 5:42pm; Reply: 274
Posted by: Posh Harry, June 30, 2024, 5:53pm; Reply: 276
Rinse and repeat
Posted by: LocalLadGTFC, June 30, 2024, 5:54pm; Reply: 277
Just when you think it couldn't get any worse... they produced that
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 5:55pm; Reply: 278
Slow, ponderous, ineffective rubbish.
How can this team play so badly?
We need Palmer on at half time or we are gone.
Posted by: WesternMariner, June 30, 2024, 5:55pm; Reply: 279
Best thing about that was the Sky efl advert ending with the little lad in a town hat.
Posted by: Maringer, June 30, 2024, 5:56pm; Reply: 280
Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Southgate must be insane.
Slovakia haven't needed to be great but are comfortable and all we're doing is huffing and puffing and hoping for something from a set piece.
Posted by: grimsby pete, June 30, 2024, 5:57pm; Reply: 281
Another half of tippy tappy football sideways and back wards.
We got the players who can attack at speed but for some reason that can't do it.
Palmer and Gordon on in the second half straight away and run at them.
The ref is useless as well any tackle is a booking.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 6:02pm; Reply: 282
Bring on Palmer, Gordon and Toney before it’s too late.
Posted by: toontown, June 30, 2024, 6:02pm; Reply: 283
Get foden and Bellingham off, Gordon and palmer on. That's an absolute minimum.
Certainly a tournament too far for Southgate and I've been a massive supporter of his, but he's been dreadful these euros, absolutely awful management. Even he must surely see changes are needed right now though
Posted by: toontown, June 30, 2024, 6:05pm; Reply: 284
Get foden and Bellingham off, Gordon and palmer on. That's an absolute minimum.
Certainly a tournament too far for Southgate and I've been a massive supporter of his, but he's been dreadful these euros, absolutely awful management. Even he must surely see changes are needed right now though
Oh apparently he can't! Jeeeezus
Posted by: GrimRob, June 30, 2024, 6:06pm; Reply: 285
Southgate is another Hurst. Stubborn and predictable.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 6:07pm; Reply: 286
No changes at half time????????
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 30, 2024, 6:23pm; Reply: 287
After Town last season we deserve some success with England. Not happening.
Posted by: Badger57, June 30, 2024, 6:42pm; Reply: 288
So where's all the Southgate psycophants now then? "Oh, why is everyone moaning? We've done the job and finished top of the table. We'll start playing now when it matters." With 13 minutes to go I've STILL not even seen a smidgen of a hint of anything resembling a good footballing side. We're simply dreadful. Worst England side I've ever witnessed in well over 50 years of watching. Southgate should have been sacked after throwing away the final last time by sitting back when a poor Italian side were there for the taking.
Posted by: Maringer, June 30, 2024, 6:42pm; Reply: 289
WTF is Southgate doing? Or not doing?
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 30, 2024, 6:56pm; Reply: 290
1-1
Sublime overhead kick by Bellingham.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 6:56pm; Reply: 291
What a goal!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 6:57pm; Reply: 292
Genius!!
Posted by: Badger57, June 30, 2024, 6:59pm; Reply: 293
Don't deserve it but hey Jude, that was a brilliant goal and a bit of class that has been sorely missing.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 30, 2024, 7:02pm; Reply: 294
Form temp class is permanent. Bellingham is only Age 20 ( until yesterday) and carried Madrid for the first half of the season. He has been tired for the last few months. And in poor form.
Great goal when desperately needed.
Posted by: moosey_club, June 30, 2024, 7:02pm; Reply: 295
Last minute.... big throw....😅
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 30, 2024, 7:03pm; Reply: 296
Get in 2-1
Posted by: Balthazar Bullitt, June 30, 2024, 7:04pm; Reply: 297
They've looked terrified in every game. I don't know how much money has been ploughed into St Georges Park over the years but whatever they spent on sports psychology was an utter waste. Joyless, turgid and aimless.
Oh well Kane's just scored - all part of a master plan then
Posted by: Limerick Mariner, June 30, 2024, 7:05pm; Reply: 298
Very prescient of you. Nah, not really. We were never going to do anything but sit back and try to hold on.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, June 30, 2024, 7:40pm; Reply: 307
Never in doubt. ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 30, 2024, 7:47pm; Reply: 308
Not sure we will win it but I can see us reaching the final now.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 7:50pm; Reply: 309
And breathe…,,,
Posted by: Gaffer58, June 30, 2024, 7:51pm; Reply: 310
At the final whistle they were celebrating like they’d won the final, not just scraping a win against Slovakia, whenever we meet a top ten team then we’ll really be found out.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 7:52pm; Reply: 311
Well, Jude took a sad song and made it better….
Posted by: IlkleyMariner, June 30, 2024, 7:58pm; Reply: 312
Same old.
Will Southgate ever learn. I hope so but fear not.
Posted by: promotion plaice, June 30, 2024, 7:59pm; Reply: 313
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin, You're waiting for someone to perform with. And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do, The movement you need is on your shoulder.
Posted by: RonMariner, June 30, 2024, 8:00pm; Reply: 314
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin, You're waiting for someone to perform with. And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do, The movement you need is on your shoulder.
Sounds good. You should put that to music.
Posted by: Mappers, June 30, 2024, 8:01pm; Reply: 315
Thought Rice had a decent game and was unlucky with the shot that hit the post .
A lot of sidewards and backwards again though - we just seem to play in straight lines , you watch any other team and it's much more fluid playing through the lines etc I don't think we changed tactics until the 94th minute did we - gave us and pizza boy a stay of execution at least .
You would say Switzerland look a better side but you just never know do you as tonight showed .
Posted by: GtfcGarner, June 30, 2024, 8:05pm; Reply: 316
I just don't see us what our plan is? Switzerland might finally be the team that 'figures us out'. Hopefully not but we have looked absolutely abject in this tournament. I guess.. I'll just sit back and enjoy it.....
Posted by: LH, June 30, 2024, 8:37pm; Reply: 317
Switzerland will put holes in us like they do their cheese.
Posted by: HertsGTFC, June 30, 2024, 8:46pm; Reply: 318
On top of being complete sh1te we’ll be without our best defender as Guehi is suspended and the other CBs in the squad are average.
Posted by: Knut Anders Fosters Voles, June 30, 2024, 9:41pm; Reply: 319
Let's just hope we can counter with our Ogleshield!
Posted by: mike_d, June 30, 2024, 10:18pm; Reply: 321
Still think he needs to drop Foden for the balance of the team. Bellingham is the best in Europe so why try and play both and not get the best out of either. Foden spent too much time coming in off the wing and so allowing the opposition to cope rather than taking people on wide. He could be a great impact sub for Bellingham later on if needed.
Posted by: toontown, June 30, 2024, 10:20pm; Reply: 322
Still think he needs to drop Foden for the balance of the team. Bellingham is the best in Europe so why try and play both and not get eh best out of either. Foden spent too much time coming in off the wing and so allowing the opposition to cope rather than taking people on wide. He could be a great impact sub for Bellingham later on if needed.
Totally agreed. A perfect example of the best players not necessarily making the best team. Remember when. We had to squeeze Beckham., lampard, Gerrard and scholes into a 4 4 2. All brilliant players but as a team it never worked at all for years on end
Posted by: Limerick Mariner, July 1, 2024, 12:11am; Reply: 323
Thought Rice had a decent game and was unlucky with the shot that hit the post .
A lot of sidewards and backwards again though - we just seem to play in straight lines , you watch any other team and it's much more fluid playing through the lines etc I don't think we changed tactics until the 94th minute did we - gave us and pizza boy a stay of execution at least .
You would say Switzerland look a better side but you just never know do you as tonight showed .
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
Posted by: Mappers, July 1, 2024, 8:29am; Reply: 325
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
Fair point mate tbf .
Posted by: Withnail, July 1, 2024, 9:45am; Reply: 326
I must confess I'm conflicted with us getting through.
Do I want us to win? Of course I do. Did we deserve to go through? Hell, no. Boring, turgid football. We were incredibly lucky - two shots on target and two goals. Slovakia were robbed.
I'd resigned myself on 80 mins that we were going home and deservedly so. A lot of the time we fail to even do the basics.
I think what it boils down to, for me, is that I have no pride in this England team. They're very hard to like - Bellingham sulking when things don't go his way, Rice behaving like a toddler at the end, the players celebrating like they've won the competition...then there's the football...
I'd rather we went out in the semis, playing swashbuckling football, rather than win the whole tournament with this anti football.
Unfortunately the nearest this England team will get to swashbuckle is a night out in Meggies.
Posted by: LocalLadGTFC, July 1, 2024, 9:47am; Reply: 327
Have to disagree on Rice, he's one of our biggest problems and one of the main reasons why we're currently struggling to play out from the back. If you watch him, he actively avoids getting into positions where he can receive the ball from the centre backs and when he does, he only has the ability to play a safe ball backwards - it's why Arsenal had to bring Jorginho into their team and move Rice forward.
We're in desperate need for a holding midfielder in the Rodri mold who is confident receiving the ball in their own half under pressure and playing quick first-time balls, and we potentially have the solution in Wharton but Southgate has shown no tactical nous or bravery so far, so it's one of the many issues he'll continue to overlook.
We have one sat on the bench in Wharton, we had one in Carrick that got under utilised. A player that's a specialist on the ball and taking it off the back four and playing forward rather than to the other centre half.
Posted by: AdamHaddock, July 1, 2024, 9:47am; Reply: 328
Here's hoping for a couple of town signings today to distract us
Posted by: Hagrid, July 1, 2024, 10:07am; Reply: 329
Weird mentality these players seem to have
Its like they want the fans against them, the whinging in interviews, you've been flipping garbage for 4 games, Bellingham is incredibly talented, but coming across an arrogant helmet.
Posted by: DB, July 1, 2024, 11:25am; Reply: 330
I think Southgate's team talk came from him watching the Mariners after all we are the original "Come back Kings".
Posted by: diehardmariner, July 1, 2024, 12:41pm; Reply: 331
Its like they want the fans against them, the whinging in interviews, you've been flipping garbage for 4 games, Bellingham is incredibly talented, but coming across an arrogant helmet.
Siege mentality.
The thing is, Southgate has always tactically had his criticism and fairly so as well. But what was never in doubt was that the players would run through brick walls for him and he created a proper team mentality. In almost every way he's the Paul Hurst of the international game.
This tournament though that's looked in doubt. Not so much the willingness to run through walls for him but just looking like a unit. They've looked disjointed as hell for all bar the opening 20 minutes of the first game. I've defended Southgate before because his ability to get the best out of a collection of players and form a unit is a major attribute and I still argue that on the international stage that's probably better than having a tactical genius simply because your window to embed and enforce a style of play is incredibly limited, anyone dreaming that Pep would turn us into a tika-taka machine needs a reality check.
But bloody hell he's really testing his boundaries this summer. I'll accept his tactical flaws but that stubborn refusal to change has long tipped into downright stupidity. The fact that he feels there's only one position (the other midfield role alongside Rice) as the one that is a problem is staggering. Both full-backs have been poor and to be totally honest I think you take your centre-backs and Pickford out the equation and everyone else has looked poor more than they've not. Bellingham got us out of jail with a piece of magic, that justifies his position in the team and staying on the pitch, but he has been as poor as anyone. Foden's got a lot of stick but for me he's looked better, less poor than Bellingham. Difference is the two goals from one and none from the other. Kane the same, his leading of the line has been awful in the four games so far.
Had we gone out he would rightly have lost his job as England manager. That his final action would have been to wait until the 94th minute to make his third substitution and introduce a second striker would have been embarrassing. As it turned out having the ability to introduce 2 subs in Extra Time was to our benefit, but he can't have planned it like that. You get an extra sub in Extra Time (as Slovakia used and we didn't) so it's a mute claim. To spend 65+ minutes chasing the game and only making a single sub before the 84th minute is just baffling, even that change was enforced due to Trippier's injury.
We've played 4 average teams and huffed and puffed our way through. Whilst unbeaten we've failed to beat Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia over 90 minutes. With the exception of Greece in 2004 you can't win a tournament by boring your way to it. The draw has fallen incredibly favourably for us but we won't get away with that level of performance against the Swiss, nor at any point further on. A Spain or Germany will tear us to shreds should we get that far and not up every aspect of our performances.
It's easy watching from home and say 'do this, change that, bring so and so on'. But at some point Southgate has to take the reigns off and recognise that this set of players should be generation defining for English football. For whatever reason he's got them playing within themselves and we can't rely on luck and 96th minute moments of magic all the time.
I think he's gone beyond the point of having a reason to not start Cole Palmer. He wasn't amazing when he came on but he was different. Foden and Saka have spent the best part of 4 games farting about and getting nowhere, Palmer at least went at sides and carried the ball in possession. Bellingham looked at his best in the first game when he was coming deep and impacting play. What we've seen since is him stay further forward and Kane dropping deeper and deeper to get possession. There's probably a genuine argument to drop every outfield player for the next game, but that won't happen. One, if not two, changes will be enforced at centre-back and then potentially left-back. The first one I would imagine will be Konsa coming in as the most like-for-like for Guéhi. At left-back there's only really Gomez as an option, chucking an unfit Luke Shaw in would be just stupid and makes the decision to go with one recognised left-back and even then an unfit one even dafter. But I half expect he'll almost bottle dropping one of his front four and drop Saka into defence with Palmer coming into the attack.
Personally, I'm not arsed about the left-back position as much as I am the midfield. I'm in complete agreement regards Wharton, he's the only player we've got who can effectively sit and turn play over quickly. I think Rice has been one of our better players but that's not his best position and he's better utilised with a little bit of licence to drive on. Equally so Bellingham, in my opinion, would be more effective if he's influencing play a bit deeper. International football is more about the build up than at club level so he, bit like Foden, is going to be less effective if he's just waiting on something to fall in and around the box. Wharton taking it off the centre-backs, Rice and Bellingham as the midfield dynamo's/No 8's/box-to-box midfielders, don't care what you call them just get them influencing play and stretching sides. If they're doing that you also need your wide players to stretch it even further, not really sold on Gordon as all that but he's the one player we've got who will run on the outside and go at his full-back. When we've used him he's looked effective, yet last night he sat chewing his fingers for the duration.
Feels a long wait until Saturday, which is good for Southgate because he needs as much time as possible to transform the approach. If we're to miss out because of a bit of individual brilliance from an Mbappe type then sometimes you just hold your hands up and say 'ok, fair enough'. But if we flounder out because we've had all this fantastic talent that was under utilised then it's an absolute waste. Somehow we're now in the same position we would be even if we had steamrolled everyone 8-0, but his tenure ends on 100 games without adopting that mentality of going out to do just that (or even just a little bit more towards it!)
Posted by: Maringer, July 1, 2024, 2:59pm; Reply: 332
The problem with picking Gomez as a left-back is that he's crap at it. A distinctly average right-back and centre-back but well below-average on the left.
I'd normally be happy with Walker moving across to the left as his pace would theoretically be beneficial for a player who isn't naturally left-sided. However, he's been poor this tournament as well and defensively dodgy which really isn't like him. Old Father Time finally catching up, perhaps?
It's a real shame that apparently only one or two of the many left-footed English professional footballers decided to become a full-back. What are the odds, eh?
Posted by: Maringer, July 1, 2024, 6:57pm; Reply: 333
I wonder if Artell is scouting this O.G. fellah? Scoring goals left, right and centre.
Posted by: Hagrid, July 1, 2024, 9:19pm; Reply: 334
Ronaldo is dragging this Portugal side down
Poor management from Martinez to allow it
Posted by: LH, July 1, 2024, 9:33pm; Reply: 335
Very funny that he’s costing them though. They’ve created their own problem calling him up. How has Martinez been given this job?
Posted by: Gaffer58, July 1, 2024, 9:50pm; Reply: 336
Personally I think Renaldo basically picks the team, for their third group game they were already through so Martinez made I believe 8/9 changes, but Renaldo still played, he’s 39 so the rest would have been useful,but because Ronaldo wants to break records he played.
Posted by: Maringer, July 1, 2024, 9:53pm; Reply: 337
It would be glorious if Slovenia won it with a direct free-kick stuck in the top corner.
Posted by: LH, July 1, 2024, 10:17pm; Reply: 338
He knows he’s done doesn’t he?
Posted by: Maringer, July 1, 2024, 10:23pm; Reply: 339
Crying after the first half of extra-time? That's madness. Weird, in fact.
Brilliant penalty save by the keeper, it must be said.
Posted by: WOZOFGRIMSBY, July 1, 2024, 10:29pm; Reply: 340
Hell of a chance for Slovenia there
Posted by: mariner91, July 1, 2024, 10:30pm; Reply: 341
I’ve never had as much schadenfreude as when Ronaldo missed that penalty and cried his eyes out. If I could bottle that feeling I’d be a billionaire.
Posted by: Maringer, July 1, 2024, 10:47pm; Reply: 342
Disappointing that the petulant man-baby didn't get knocked out. Great defending from Slovenia. Just goes to show, England would have found it difficult to beat them even if we'd played at all well.
Posted by: Mappers, July 1, 2024, 10:55pm; Reply: 343
I’ve never had as much schadenfreude as when Ronaldo missed that penalty and cried his eyes out. If I could bottle that feeling I’d be a billionaire.
It was mildly amusing I must admit - what struck me more in that game was the connection with the fans ; both Slovenian and Portuguese , even Ronaldo was apologising to them for missing the penalty kick . It's a stark contrast to us as it seems very much an us V them mentality, towards the fans at least .
Posted by: MaccasBoots, July 1, 2024, 11:32pm; Reply: 344
It was mildly amusing I must admit - what struck me more in that game was the connection with the fans ; both Slovenian and Portuguese , even Ronaldo was apologising to them for missing the penalty kick . It's a stark contrast to us as it seems very much an us V them mentality, towards the fans at least .
It's an us v them mentality because the fans have booed the players at 3 out of the last 4 games, slagged them off on social media, and thrown cups at the manager. That and the toxic media atmosphere is what will probably stop us from winning the tournament in the end.
Posted by: Maringer, July 2, 2024, 8:21am; Reply: 345
I think not playing every slightly well and failing to have an obvious pattern of play is more likely to mean we aren't contenders this tournament than anything the media and fans do. Looks to me as though Bellingham is going to get a ban as well for being a bit of a bell-end when celebrating his goal.
Posted by: diehardmariner, July 2, 2024, 10:39am; Reply: 346
I do wonder if there's an English trait to just have a meltdown at every possibility when it comes to tournament football. After Sunday's performance I felt fairly low about our chances but seeing the subsequent 3 games has almost calmed me a little.
We've not looked good and we definitely need to improve. But I've gotta say I've really not seen anything this tournament that has wowed me. Germany looked good against Scotland, not difficult. They really huffed and puffed against Denmark (the same Denmark we huffed and puffed against), in fact it was only that storm that halted the Danes when they were on top. Yeah, Germany looked strong late on but Denmark were chasing and opened the game up.
Portugal looked equally as meh against Slovenia as we did.
France have looked ok but they were hardly devastating against Belgium. Spain have cruised through but I can't say I'm watching them thinking they're outstanding. A workman like Georgia had them rattled for large periods and it was only when the game opened up that they ran away with the game. Regardless, we'll only meet one of Spain, Germany or France if we get to the final. (If).
Posted by: Hagrid, July 2, 2024, 10:58am; Reply: 347
I do wonder if there's an English trait to just have a meltdown at every possibility when it comes to tournament football. After Sunday's performance I felt fairly low about our chances but seeing the subsequent 3 games has almost calmed me a little.
We've not looked good and we definitely need to improve. But I've gotta say I've really not seen anything this tournament that has wowed me. Germany looked good against Scotland, not difficult. They really huffed and puffed against Denmark (the same Denmark we huffed and puffed against), in fact it was only that storm that halted the Danes when they were on top. Yeah, Germany looked strong late on but Denmark were chasing and opened the game up.
Portugal looked equally as meh against Slovenia as we did.
France have looked ok but they were hardly devastating against Belgium. Spain have cruised through but I can't say I'm watching them thinking they're outstanding. A workman like Georgia had them rattled for large periods and it was only when the game opened up that they ran away with the game. Regardless, we'll only meet one of Spain, Germany or France if we get to the final. (If).
rattled? Georgia had 1 shot on target, Spain had 33. they were about as rattled as a stone sculpture.
Spain have been the standouts so far, looking a class above in a tournament that the big teams have looked poor in.
Real winners have been the lesser nations, The Georgians ( against Portugal) Romania etc who i have throughly enjoyed watching
Posted by: diehardmariner, July 2, 2024, 12:19pm; Reply: 348
Yes, rattled. As in rattled by the fact Georgia were ahead from the 18th to the 39th minute and then even with Spain leading they had a couple of chances to level it. Just before the equaliser the Spanish started to look a little nervous, still in the first half I appreciate but they still looked worried. Last 15 minutes Spain were ready to run riot, but that was only at the point when Georgia abandoned their counter-attack stance and went for it a bit more, right gamble to make but it just opened themselves up.
Don't think it was quite 33 shots on target but Spain had the lions share of the play, no doubting that. But you don't get anything for possession and efforts. England had very similar possession and pass completion stats for their Slovenia game to Spain against Georgia and whilst not as many efforts at goal had almost double the number of crosses. If we're looking at those numbers then both Spain and England dominated their respective games. Again, means nothing compared to the result.
Ultimately it's what you do with the ball where it matters that counts. Spain, late on especially, were very effective and killed off Georgia. But they had to really work to break them down. Would England have broken them down? Going to be honest and say I'm not convinced. It took individual magic to break Slovenia down when the huffing and puffing had failed. Going back to the point about Spain looking nervous when being behind, difference is that they levelled the game early on and then controlled the narrative. England failed to get going soon enough and the longer it went on the less likely we actually looked to be able to pull it back. A very English irony that our equaliser was Route One long throw.
I agree that the better sides to watch have proved to the relative minnows with high energy and an in your face mentality. Austria have impressed me and I think the Swiss will be a huge hurdle for England to face. But Spain haven't looked all that to me. They've got through a poor group and then were rattled (yes, I'll use it again ;)) by Georgia. For all their dominance and, at times, style they're in the same position as England now. When they've turned it on I'd agree that they've looked the standout, but the bar is so low. At this point anyone who's left and turns it on will win it at a canter. I'm probably more in hope than expectation that it's England who do that.
Posted by: Les Brechin, July 2, 2024, 12:34pm; Reply: 349
Austria seem to be a dark horse.
Posted by: Hagrid, July 2, 2024, 12:38pm; Reply: 350
Posted by: Madeleymariner, July 2, 2024, 6:51pm; Reply: 351
Another shocking ref decision in the Rumania/Holland game with high boot given when a player taps it pass Dumfries at waist height, Dumfries is 2 yards away, ducks his head then spins round into the Rumanian then to the ground clutching his head. Looks like they were clean through on goal when ref pulled it back. 1 min later Dutch go 2-0 up game over, have switched off as looks like Rumania have given up.
Posted by: Abdul19, July 2, 2024, 8:36pm; Reply: 352
Retru
Posted by: supertown, July 2, 2024, 9:59pm; Reply: 353
Posted by: gobby, July 2, 2024, 10:08pm; Reply: 354
Austria v Turkey, outstanding performance from the Referee. Best of the tournament so far. 8)
Posted by: It Bites, July 2, 2024, 10:10pm; Reply: 355
Best save I’ve seen while watching a game live
Posted by: promotion plaice, July 5, 2024, 4:19pm; Reply: 356
Happy days...
"Jude Bellingham is available for England's Euro 2024 quarter-final with Switzerland after he was given on Friday a suspended one-game ban for his controversial celebration after scoring against Slovakia in the previous round. In a statement, European football's governing body UEFA said that Bellingham would be fined 30,000 euros ($32,477) and suspended "for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct". "Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision," UEFA added."
Posted by: Hagrid, July 5, 2024, 4:21pm; Reply: 357
anyway 2 ( on paper) great games tonight
Posted by: Madeleymariner, July 5, 2024, 5:14pm; Reply: 358
Anthony Taylor really is a bad ref
Posted by: Gaffer58, July 5, 2024, 5:21pm; Reply: 359
So basically Bellingham is found guilty, but as the sponsors insist on having all the star players playing then the probable ban is suspended. As for Antony Taylor again he didn’t make at least 2 bookings against Germany because once again the star players must be available for later rounds, if it had been a premiership game there would have been at least 3 yellow cards by now and not just the one.
Posted by: Abdul19, July 5, 2024, 5:54pm; Reply: 360
And the turkish fella just did a wolf symbol but got a ban because he's not famous. Mad really when in the Premiership there's literally a team called Wolves! Couldn't make it up.
Posted by: tashee69, July 5, 2024, 6:44pm; Reply: 361
And the turkish fella just did a wolf symbol but got a ban because he's not famous. Mad really when in the Premiership there's literally a team called Wolves! Couldn't make it up.
He didn’t do himself any favours by coming out and near enough admitting it was a political statement supporting an extremist group that is banned in Austria (who they were playing)
Posted by: supertown, July 5, 2024, 7:03pm; Reply: 362
So basically Bellingham is found guilty, but as the sponsors insist on having all the star players playing then the probable ban is suspended. As for Antony Taylor again he didn’t make at least 2 bookings against Germany because once again the star players must be available for later rounds, if it had been a premiership game there would have been at least 3 yellow cards by now and not just the one.
It wasn’t an offence that deserved a ban, much ado about nothing
Posted by: buckstown, July 5, 2024, 7:35pm; Reply: 363
That header was a thing of beauty. Majestic from every angle
Posted by: Hagrid, July 5, 2024, 8:09pm; Reply: 364
Up the Sweepstake Spain!!!
Posted by: LH, July 5, 2024, 9:44pm; Reply: 365
Danny Murphy is really adding colour to this magnificent footballing spectacle. 🥱
Posted by: Hagrid, July 5, 2024, 9:50pm; Reply: 366
Martinez is a pathetic manager.
How can you possibly still have Ronaldo on the pitch
Posted by: grimsby pete, July 5, 2024, 9:52pm; Reply: 367
How can you possibly still have Ronaldo on the pitch
In case they get another free kick ;D ;D
Posted by: Mappers, July 5, 2024, 9:55pm; Reply: 368
The two games tonight have been really good ,so much ability from all the teams and an enjoyable watch - not scared to lose just playing to win .
This one has penalty kicks written all over it
Posted by: Maringer, July 5, 2024, 10:18pm; Reply: 369
There's nothing wrong with being a goal hanger, but it relies on getting the ball into the box so you can pick up scraps. Ronaldo seems to be mostly strolling around waving his arms. The big baby.
Posted by: Maringer, July 5, 2024, 10:46pm; Reply: 370
Schadenfreude. Such a good word.
Posted by: toontown, July 6, 2024, 12:11pm; Reply: 371
The two games tonight have been really good ,so much ability from all the teams and an enjoyable watch - not scared to lose just playing to win .
This one has penalty kicks written all over it
Thought the Spain Germany game was v good, but Portugal France less so - France a bit boring and disjointed like England really. Also like England they were the ones that made it through tho.
Posted by: GrimRob, July 6, 2024, 7:47pm; Reply: 372
COME ON TURKEY
Posted by: GrimRob, July 6, 2024, 8:37pm; Reply: 373
Turkey in the semis. Early Christmas present.
Posted by: Limerick Mariner, July 6, 2024, 8:52pm; Reply: 374
This game seems at a much quicker pace than our game, the Turks are buzzing round the Dutch who are struggling to exert any sort of control. Not sure who we want TBH.
Posted by: Mappers, July 6, 2024, 9:07pm; Reply: 375
This game seems at a much quicker pace than our game, the Turks are buzzing round the Dutch who are struggling to exert any sort of control. Not sure who we want TBH.
The thing is although we haven't played well we do seem to be good at controlling the tempo of games - whoever we get we will just knock it around backwards and sidewards for ages - none of the teams seem to dare press us with lots of bodies because of the individual quality we have further forward I'm assuming ?
Posted by: Maringer, July 6, 2024, 9:10pm; Reply: 376
I saw England beat Turkey 8-0 at Wembley when I was a kid. Unlikely that the result of that match will be repeated!
Posted by: HertsGTFC, July 6, 2024, 9:22pm; Reply: 377
I saw England beat Turkey 8-0 at Wembley when I was a kid. Unlikely that the result of that match will be repeated!
Though they’ve done really well & are doing well as I type this 1 - 0 up in a major semi, I can’t see what England would be worried about unless we bottle it.
Posted by: TownSNAFU5, July 6, 2024, 9:45pm; Reply: 378
Holland 2-1
Posted by: GrimRob, July 6, 2024, 9:56pm; Reply: 379
Last 4 all in the top 8 ranked sides in the world.
Posted by: Hagrid, July 9, 2024, 8:28pm; Reply: 380
This has been a brilliant 25 mins
Yamal what a talent
2-1 Spain
Posted by: Posh Harry, July 9, 2024, 8:28pm; Reply: 381
Great start to this semi.
That equaliser was a special goal and Spain now 2-1 up already.
The way they are playing, if we get to the final they might rip us a new one 😳
Posted by: Ruuger, July 9, 2024, 8:32pm; Reply: 382
This is a proper match tonight.
Posted by: Gaffer58, July 9, 2024, 9:34pm; Reply: 383
Haven’t seen either goalkeeper hoof the ball long hoping it goes to someone, they always play it out to one of their own players to build from the back, please take note Mr Pickford!!!
Posted by: Maringer, July 9, 2024, 10:16pm; Reply: 384
Bit of an odd game. Three really good goals in the first half and after that, Spain didn't really try too hard to score any more. France missed a few half-chances and played some decent stuff at times, but I never felt they would get back into it.
I still think Spain will beat whoever they face in the Final, however.
Posted by: It Bites, July 10, 2024, 7:23am; Reply: 385
Spain are easily the best team in the tournament and should win it without too much sweat . The other big nations need to up their game massively for the next World Cup
