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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: ncRover on June 15, 2024, 04:47:29 pm

Title: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 15, 2024, 04:47:29 pm
I thought it could do with its own thread now that it will be our football fix for the next few weeks.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 15, 2024, 05:00:03 pm
COME ON ENGLAND  :that:

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 15, 2024, 05:35:01 pm
Goals Goals Goals!
Could be a cracking tournament
12 goals in 2 games and 30 minutes
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 15, 2024, 05:49:58 pm
Germany and Spain not hanging about.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: scawsby steve on June 15, 2024, 06:02:26 pm
Now 13 goals.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 15, 2024, 06:05:46 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 15, 2024, 06:10:52 pm
 
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 15, 2024, 06:16:54 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.

1,000% agreed on that should be 2 only.....unless of course that's how we're going to scrape through  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 15, 2024, 06:22:44 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.

1,000% agreed on that should be 2 only.....unless of course that's how we're going to scrape through  :woohoo:

I think the next WC is switching to groups of 3? Sounds even more chaotic.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: scawsby steve on June 15, 2024, 06:47:38 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.

1,000% agreed on that should be 2 only.....unless of course that's how we're going to scrape through  :woohoo:

I think the next WC is switching to groups of 3? Sounds even more chaotic.

No, mate. It's 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 teams going through, along with the 8 best 3rd placed teams, to make up 32 teams in the first KO round.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 15, 2024, 06:51:31 pm
Bizarre penalty incident in the Spain Croatia match !
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 15, 2024, 06:55:57 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.

1,000% agreed on that should be 2 only.....unless of course that's how we're going to scrape through  :woohoo:

I think the next WC is switching to groups of 3? Sounds even more chaotic.

No, mate. It's 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 teams going through, along with the 8 best 3rd placed teams, to make up 32 teams in the first KO round.

Yep, my mistake, still flawed though as it lets 3rd placed teams through.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: adamtherover on June 15, 2024, 07:16:42 pm
Bizarre penalty incident in the Spain Croatia match !
can you explain what happened I saw the penno score, then lost connection on my phone ,then it was 3 nil again?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ChrisBx on June 15, 2024, 07:19:43 pm
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: scawsby steve on June 15, 2024, 07:25:35 pm
Reminder that Portgual were terrible in the groups and won Euro 2016 and Arg lost to Saudis in first game of world cup.. . Before we get the usual "but England started rubbish compared to Germany/Spain" after we inevitably don't click against serbia and don't win 10 0

As long as it's 8-0 we'll be fine  ;)

On a tangent though, that Portugal win showed why a tournament structure should only allow two to qualify from a group of four.

1,000% agreed on that should be 2 only.....unless of course that's how we're going to scrape through  :woohoo:

I think the next WC is switching to groups of 3? Sounds even more chaotic.

No, mate. It's 12 groups of 4, with the top 2 teams going through, along with the 8 best 3rd placed teams, to make up 32 teams in the first KO round.

Yep, my mistake, still flawed though as it lets 3rd placed teams through.

I agree. Personally, I think 48 teams is too many.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Ye-Aul-Tavern on June 15, 2024, 07:33:18 pm
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.

The correct call. Var has had a good tournament so far. The two pen decisions in the Scotland game and the lino somehow flagging the first swiss goal off this afternoon.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on June 15, 2024, 07:45:00 pm
Bizarre penalty incident in the Spain Croatia match !

Can anyone explain why it wasn't a red card?

I know it was barely a foul but once the penny is given the surely it's a red???
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 15, 2024, 08:14:36 pm
And again the Europeans showing us up in terms of noise, songs, passion. But we'll still think we're best because we sign engerland once every 45 mins
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NickDRFC on June 15, 2024, 08:25:33 pm
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.

The correct call. Var has had a good tournament so far. The two pen decisions in the Scotland game and the lino somehow flagging the first swiss goal off this afternoon.

The problem with VAR on this country isn’t the tool, it’s the people using it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Padge_DRFC on June 15, 2024, 08:38:59 pm
And again the Europeans showing us up in terms of noise, songs, passion. But we'll still think we're best because we sign engerland once every 45 mins

You're obsessed with this. Choreographed pre planned atmosphere. Don't bat and eyelid when they concede and just continue.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 15, 2024, 08:44:41 pm
And again the Europeans showing us up in terms of noise, songs, passion. But we'll still think we're best because we sign engerland once every 45 mins

You're obsessed with this. Choreographed pre planned atmosphere. Don't bat and eyelid when they concede and just continue.

Is that not the definition of passion? You're talking like they're north Koreans or Japanese who are 100% choreographed. But I'll not back down on European fans being better than English. And I'm an English fan off to Duetschland  :scarf:

I just can't stand 10 German bombers (england) or allez allez (club level) and thinking it's 'passion'. Beers and coke doesn't equal passion and support
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Scooter on June 15, 2024, 08:57:58 pm
Really enjoying this tournament so far. There have been some great goals.
I’d like to see the Croatia penalty again - it looked like Rodri didn’t touch him. Lamine Yamal looks some player

Amazing start for Albania, but Italy now well in control.

Hope there continues to be plenty of goals on every game.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 15, 2024, 09:12:38 pm
Bizarre penalty incident in the Spain Croatia match !

Can anyone explain why it wasn't a red card?

I know it was barely a foul but once the penny is given the surely it's a red???

Double jeopardy rule I imagine
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 15, 2024, 09:23:09 pm
Italy are a tournament team simple as. Friendlies don't matter, qualifiers dont matter, its all about the tournament. 4 stars above the badge. Bloody wish England were too

I know there a separate thread about Italy but trying to keep it all on one euro 2024
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 15, 2024, 10:47:25 pm
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.
So if the attacker was encroaching as the pelanty was taken shouldn’t the pen be retaken?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Donnybax on June 16, 2024, 05:44:30 am
Italy are a tournament team simple as. Friendlies don't matter, qualifiers dont matter, its all about the tournament. 4 stars above the badge. Bloody wish England were too

I know there a separate thread about Italy but trying to keep it all on one euro 2024
I think as their absence showed in the 2022 World Cup, qualifiers do matter.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 16, 2024, 08:44:55 am
Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Holland will all brush us aside if we meet any of them at any point.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on June 16, 2024, 08:53:58 am
Unless it is some sophisticated disinformation campaign, it looks like he is going with:

Pickford

Walker
Stones
Guehi
Trippier

Rice
Trent

Saka
Bellingham
Foden

Kane

Gary Neville was saying yesterday that against weaker sides where there is a lot of men behind ball, having Trent to get ball forward early and quickly is the key, otherwise we end up getting bogged down. Against better sides, Trent probably drops out and one of Gallagher, Wharton or Mainoo comes in to midfield, as we are likely the ones chasing our arse for 90 mins.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: GazLaz on June 16, 2024, 09:04:19 am
Unless it is some sophisticated disinformation campaign, it looks like he is going with:

Pickford

Walker
Stones
Guehi
Trippier

Rice
Trent

Saka
Bellingham
Foden

Kane

Gary Neville was saying yesterday that against weaker sides where there is a lot of men behind ball, having Trent to get ball forward early and quickly is the key, otherwise we end up getting bogged down. Against better sides, Trent probably drops out and one of Gallagher, Wharton or Mainoo comes in to midfield, as we are likely the ones chasing our arse for 90 mins.


Against bad sides why not have Trent at RB and another passer in midfield?


4231 is a bad formation for good players.


Bellingham isn’t a number 10.


That’s a dig at Southgate btw not CBCB!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 16, 2024, 09:06:03 am
Unless it is some sophisticated disinformation campaign, it looks like he is going with:

Pickford

Walker
Stones
Guehi
Trippier

Rice
Trent

Saka
Bellingham
Foden

Kane

Gary Neville was saying yesterday that against weaker sides where there are a lot of men behind the ball, having Trent to get the ball forward early and quickly is key, otherwise we end up getting bogged down. Against better sides, Trent probably drops out and one of Gallagher, Wharton, or Mainoo comes into midfield, as we are likely the ones chasing our tails for 90 minutes.

I personally would make space for Trent regardless of who we play. I am sick of hearing about his defensive frailties. Let's focus on what he can do, not what he can't. We are brilliant as a nation at pulling players apart. Just give him the ball and get bodies forward.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 16, 2024, 09:26:29 am
Any other team in the world would have Trent playing because he’s a joy to watch. He’s played for one of the best teams in the world for a while but people talk like he’s L2 defensively. Isn’t that bad at all!

Play him right back where you get time to ping passes all over. In midfield there’s not as much time. Just feels like we’re scared of other teams instead of trusting our ability. We’ll win nothing so long as we’re scared like that.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Spud on June 16, 2024, 11:20:50 am
Kyle Walker is our best right back imo, although I'd also trust him to play alongside Stones at CB.
Trent is most effective on the right, I don't think cm or number 10 is his position.
We have options & Trent is a good headache to have, I hope we're brave enough to take some gambles & if we're not good enough, so be it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 16, 2024, 12:11:13 pm
What strengths are England playing to and how does the balance of the team bring them out?

Serbia have some big powerful lads in Mitrovic, Vlahovic and Milinkovic-Savic who will look to cause mayhem in the box against the weakest part of our team. Stopping crosses will be important. I remember Kostic from the Europa run Frankfurt went on - he can swing it in.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 16, 2024, 05:57:40 pm
Nice to see Christian erikkson scoring today
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: moses on June 16, 2024, 06:24:17 pm
BBC website says there are flags from DN5 and Mexborough.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: jmt23 on June 16, 2024, 07:58:18 pm
Got to say the stadium’s and pitches look fantastic.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 16, 2024, 08:37:07 pm
Saka showing his quality. He should get as much praise as Foden does.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Padge_DRFC on June 16, 2024, 09:59:07 pm
Saka showing his quality. He should get as much praise as Foden does.

Should get more than Foden tonight. Foden off it by his standards at City
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 16, 2024, 10:01:09 pm
Foden never done it for England
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Branton Red on June 16, 2024, 10:14:01 pm
The person who had the biggest influence on this evening's result: Dragan Stojkovic.

For reasons I don't understand he instructed his team to sit deep and defend from the kick off. It was inevitable England would score with the quality at their disposal in attack.

After the goal went in and Serbia were let off the leash and started to play, and once they'd gained a bit of confidence, they were the better team in possession - without looking overly dangerous.

If Serbia had come out to play football from the start it is highly unlikely that they would have lost that game.

Really poor management.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 16, 2024, 10:19:30 pm
We’ve struggled for a long time with spells in the game where we just have no control and can’t get ourselves any possession other than passing backwards.

Good result but I’m not sure TAA is the answer in midfield for that. Also Kane while obviously our best centre forward always seems so leggy. Not sure if we defend so deep under orders or because he’s so slow we can’t get a proper press high up the pitch.

Like Watkins to get 20min running behind even if it was from a wide starting position
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on June 16, 2024, 10:29:03 pm
People will be negative, wrongly imo.  Serbia have some good players.  Bellingham was the stand out and saka good first half but a few I think felt the nerves. Understandable, the favourites tag does that.

What Southgate has done in past tournaments is learn from each game and improve. He'll do that after tonight. Some of his tactics were actually good, the doubling up on Mitrovic nullified him, Rice did a good job on that.  We never looked like losing ( or hammering them) but they created next to nothing.

Hopefully Shaw gets fit, we lacked balance down the left and it harmed the whole team.  Also still not sure the midfiele balance is right, Gallagher looked better than Trent tonight I thought. I don't know if we can get the best out of Alexander Arnold in an England shirt.

But with the way the tournament is that's nearly job done for the group stages, one draw should do it, or course we want to win all three.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 16, 2024, 10:29:13 pm
Foden never done it for England

No e ant as e.

However moving on.

So, the last hour of that performance against the 33rd ranked team team in Europe will have Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal & Belgium sh***ing themselves.

Apart Saka  first 20 minutes & Bellingham playing in his natural No.10 role (his position not also his number) we offered very little if nothing up front.

Second half we really were poor going forward.

It’s down to the managers whole ethos of hanging on to what you have which, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, is why we have fallen short at the semis & finals in both World & European competitions previously under his leadership.

Sorry but on that showing if anyone thinks Southgate is the answer they really don’t understand the question.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 16, 2024, 10:33:07 pm
Foden never done it for England

No e ant as e.

However moving on.

So, the last hour of that performance against the 33rd ranked team team in Europe will have Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal & Belgium sh***ing themselves.

Apart from Asaka first 20 minutes & Bellingham playing in his natural No.10 role (his position not also his number) we offered very little if nothing up front.

Second half we really were poor going forward.

It’s down to the managers whole ethos of hanging on to what you have which, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, is why we have fallen short at the semis & finals in both World & European competitions previously under his leadership.

Sorry but on that showing if anyone thinks Southgate is the answer they really don’t understand the question.

Italy struggled against the 66th ranked team yesterday, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be concentrating on themselves
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 16, 2024, 10:37:41 pm
Foden never done it for England

No e ant as e.

However moving on.

So, the last hour of that performance against the 33rd ranked team team in Europe will have Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal & Belgium sh***ing themselves.

Apart from Asaka first 20 minutes & Bellingham playing in his natural No.10 role (his position not also his number) we offered very little if nothing up front.

Second half we really were poor going forward.

It’s down to the managers whole ethos of hanging on to what you have which, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, is why we have fallen short at the semis & finals in both World & European competitions previously under his leadership.

Sorry but on that showing if anyone thinks Southgate is the answer they really don’t understand the question.

Italy struggled against the 66th ranked team yesterday, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be concentrating on themselves


Sorry but I’m English so know sweet FA about Italy except to say I’m glad we weren’t playing them tonight.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 16, 2024, 10:38:34 pm
Foden never done it for England

No e ant as e.

However moving on.

So, the last hour of that performance against the 33rd ranked team team in Europe will have Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal & Belgium sh***ing themselves.

Apart from Asaka first 20 minutes & Bellingham playing in his natural No.10 role (his position not also his number) we offered very little if nothing up front.

Second half we really were poor going forward.

It’s down to the managers whole ethos of hanging on to what you have which, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, is why we have fallen short at the semis & finals in both World & European competitions previously under his leadership.

Sorry but on that showing if anyone thinks Southgate is the answer they really don’t understand the question.

Italy struggled against the 66th ranked team yesterday, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be concentrating on themselves

They didn’t
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 16, 2024, 10:46:31 pm
They didn’t what?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 16, 2024, 10:50:13 pm
They didn’t what?

They didn’t struggle. They completely dominated the game after conceding in the 1st minute.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: richtherover on June 17, 2024, 02:41:49 am
BBC website says there are flags from DN5 and Mexborough.
I saw the flag. It was Mexborough Owls
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 17, 2024, 07:10:00 am
They didn’t what?

They didn’t struggle. They completely dominated the game after conceding in the 1st minute.

Albania created more than Serbia did
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Mike_F on June 17, 2024, 10:08:09 am
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.
So if the attacker was encroaching as the pelanty was taken shouldn’t the pen be retaken?

Rules around penalty encroachment as follows:

- If an attacking player encroaches into the box before the ball is struck it's an indirect free kick offence in favour of the defending team.

- If a defending player encroaches and the penalty is scored, no further action.

- If a defending player encroaches and the penalty is saved/missed it's a re-take.

VAR got it spot on in giving the indirect free kick but I was disappointed with them in the penalty award for a couple of reasons:

1. It looked like there was no contact whatsoever; the Croatia player at best tripped after kicking the ground and at worst dived. I would say simulation and a yellow card.
2. Once they had decided that there was a penalty offence, there was no way they could've deemed it a genuine attempt to play the ball, therefore double jeopardy doesn't come into it and it was red card offence.

Edited to correct typos
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 17, 2024, 10:15:20 am
Ruled out because an encroaching attacking player was involved in the goal.
So if the attacker was encroaching as the pelanty was taken shouldn’t the pen be retaken?

Rules around penalty encroachment as follows:

- If an attacking player encroaches into the box before the ball is struck it's an indirect free kick offence in favour of the defending team.

- If a defending player encroaches and the penalty is scored, no further action.

- If a defending player encroaches and the penalty is saved/missed it's a re-take.

VAR got it spot on in giving the indirect free kick but I was disappointed with them in the penatly award for a couple of reasons:

1. It looked like there was no contact whatsoever; the coratia player at best tripped after kicking the ground na dat worst dived. I would say simulation and a yellow card.
2. Once they had decided that there was a penalty offence, there was no way they could've deemed it a genuine attempt to play the ball, therefore double jeopardy doesn't come into it and it was red card offence.
Spot on
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 17, 2024, 10:35:05 am
They didn’t what?

They didn’t struggle. They completely dominated the game after conceding in the 1st minute.

Albania created more than Serbia did

And Italy created more than England.

So going back to your original point, Italy did not struggle.

Your classic ‘unwavering optimism mode’ is fully activated and locked in on England. Pointless trying to debate with it.

Southgate is back to making the “golden generation” mistake of trying to shoehorn all the most obvious players in to the starting XI rather than thinking about how they complement each other in the system.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 17, 2024, 06:50:47 pm
Well the atmosphere in the ground was amazing. So shut my mouth. England fans getting better than previous tournaments

VAR up to its usual tricks. That Belgian "handball" disallowed goal was such a premier league decision  :suicide:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: colfromdonny on June 17, 2024, 06:56:12 pm
VAR up to its usual tricks. That Belgian "handball" disallowed goal was such a premier league decision  :suicide:

If thats handball we might as well give up now, disgraceful!!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 17, 2024, 06:57:28 pm
VAR up to its usual tricks. That Belgian "handball" disallowed goal was such a premier league decision  :suicide:

If thats handball we might as well give up now, disgraceful!!

Is it just my foreign coverage or did everyone just see them use something like a snickometer for that decision????? Game's gone
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: colfromdonny on June 17, 2024, 07:20:15 pm
By these 'rules' every corner is a penalty or free kick for shirt pulling or pushing !!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 17, 2024, 07:43:16 pm
By these 'rules' every corner is a penalty or free kick for shirt pulling or pushing !!
Absolutely, I just do not get the ref’s trying to sort everyone out before a corner is taken, why don’t they just let it be taken and blow up for a foul, be it a pelanty or in favour of the defending team, the ref sees everything clearly for cryin out loud, ….. simple int it
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 17, 2024, 07:48:45 pm
Kane "bought" many a foul yesterday though relieving pressure in 2nd half, and the ref fell for it every time
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 17, 2024, 09:59:18 pm
Been some enjoyable matches so far.

I infinitely prefer national side football to top level domestic team stuff.

National sides can't be as drilled and disciplined, so things break down. No side has 80% possession and throttles the life out of games like Man City do.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: GazLaz on June 18, 2024, 08:30:51 am
Been some enjoyable matches so far.

I infinitely prefer national side football to top level domestic team stuff.

National sides can't be as drilled and disciplined, so things break down. No side has 80% possession and throttles the life out of games like Man City do.


National level football is a poor standard with generally quite a big margin between the best and worst players on the pitch. Does tend to make it more open.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: VivaRovers on June 18, 2024, 08:39:00 am
National level football is a poor standard with generally quite a big margin between the best and worst players on the pitch.

Have a day off Gaz, we're enjoying ourselves.

Also just want to applaud ncRover's attempt to consolidate this board's Euro 2024 chat onto a single thread. It was never going to pay off, but sometimes you have to reach for the stars.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 18, 2024, 09:48:05 am
National level football is a poor standard with generally quite a big margin between the best and worst players on the pitch.

Have a day off Gaz, we're enjoying ourselves.

Also just want to applaud ncRover's attempt to consolidate this board's Euro 2024 chat onto a single thread. It was never going to pay off, but sometimes you have to reach for the stars.

Thank you.

The Euros is more fun than the Premier League definitely. Did anyone see Hungary’s meaty no.9? And Fullkrug absolutely wallop it top bins? Wonderful stuff.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Pancho Regan on June 18, 2024, 11:12:26 am
I couldn't help but think that was 'karma' for Mbappe last night.

Goes down theatrically holding his face as if he'd been punched by Tyson Fury, then 2 minutes later gets his nose broken.

Not that I wish him any harm, obviously ......
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: GazLaz on June 18, 2024, 11:58:00 am
National level football is a poor standard with generally quite a big margin between the best and worst players on the pitch.

Have a day off Gaz, we're enjoying ourselves.

Also just want to applaud ncRover's attempt to consolidate this board's Euro 2024 chat onto a single thread. It was never going to pay off, but sometimes you have to reach for the stars.


It wasn’t a slight at how good it is, how much I enjoy it. Just backing up BSTs point and giving reasoning why. Quality certainly doesn’t always equate to entertainment.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on June 18, 2024, 12:00:55 pm
It’s cracking entertainment. Pep presumably can’t bear to turn on the TV next few weeks. Would be disgusted.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 18, 2024, 05:41:28 pm
I hate the Spanish School of football with a vengeance.

It's certainly a work of art, but in my eyes it's destroyed top level club football as a spectacle.

Control possession. Camp in your opponents' half. Probe them patiently. Overwhelm them in the brief moments they have the ball.

It's the very anthesis of what I want football to be.

Open, fallible, end to end.

I'd happily never watch top level club football again. But Euro/WC football is exhilarating.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DearneValleyRover on June 18, 2024, 06:37:00 pm
The Turkey - Georgia game has been a great watch
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Alan Southstand on June 18, 2024, 07:24:27 pm
Game of the tournament, so far, DVR. It had the lot. You couldn’t take your eyes off it for a second. Brilliant from both teams. That’s the football we all love to see.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 18, 2024, 08:42:55 pm
The commentary on the Portugal vs Czechia game is hilariously bad.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 18, 2024, 09:29:08 pm
The commentary on the Portugal vs Czechia game is hilariously bad.



Danny Murphy is the worst ever.

In the time it took him to realise the Portugal player had been booked for diving, the Tories could have had 3 PMs.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 18, 2024, 09:30:44 pm
But at least we haven't had "Oh he'll be disappointed with that" when a player does something disappointing, or "He's got to hit the target from there" when a player doesn't hit the target. From there.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 19, 2024, 10:34:32 am
The commentary on the Portugal vs Czechia game is hilariously bad.



Danny Murphy is the worst ever.

In the time it took him to realise the Portugal player had been booked for diving, the Tories could have had 3 PMs.
He's bad, but he was only the co commentator. Whoever was the main one was horrifically bad, just conplete silence with the odd comment here and there, like they were commenting on golf !
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on June 19, 2024, 11:10:01 am
Danny Mills on TalkSport. Not good.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 19, 2024, 01:24:42 pm
https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/1803383532732956855?t=V6rONbn-vNyakMRFsvRzhA&s=19
Love that. Had a good chuckle.
Anything that makes you smile or laugh is good. All this politics is so depressing if it wasn’t for the Euros & watching YCCC self destruct ( as normal ) in the T20 I think I would be going mad  :crying:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 19, 2024, 01:33:35 pm
https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/1803383532732956855?t=V6rONbn-vNyakMRFsvRzhA&s=19
Love that. Had a good chuckle.
Anything that makes you smile or laugh is good. All this politics is so depressing if it wasn’t for the Euros & watching YCCC self destruct ( as normal ) in the T20 I think I would be going mad  :crying:

You reckon that's not politics?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 19, 2024, 02:17:32 pm
I'm guessing Croatia Vs Albania hasn't caught fire yet.

This from the BBC website must be the most tenuous but of trivia since Gerald Sindstat told us that an England win in the 86 World Cup was the first time a predominantly Caucasian team had ever won a game in Latin America by scoring an odd number of goals against a side from a Warsaw Pact country on the birthday of Jacques Cousteau.

"Andrej Kramaric, who turns 33 today, is the first Croatian to play a European Championship finals game on his birthday, and is the oldest player to appear on his birthday at the finals since twin brothers Aleksey and Vasili Berezutski for Russia v Wales in 2016 (both 34)."
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfcsteve on June 19, 2024, 04:20:06 pm
Croatia Albania turned in to a cracker in the end.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 19, 2024, 04:57:27 pm
The drug dealers out waving their flags and tooting their horns in their super high powered cars after getting a draw
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 19, 2024, 06:23:31 pm
But at least we haven't had "Oh he'll be disappointed with that" when a player does something disappointing, or "He's got to hit the target from there" when a player doesn't hit the target. From there.

Wey hey!

Just had a Murphyism in the Germany Hungary game from Martin Keown.

"He's got to put that away" he said, after the lad didn't put it away.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 19, 2024, 08:22:17 pm
Scotland much better tonight.
Bit of a fortunate goal though
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 19, 2024, 08:27:15 pm
Absolute Rip Snorter from shaquiri there !  :ohmy:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on June 19, 2024, 08:30:31 pm
Awful awful defending to give the ball away for the Swiss goal.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 19, 2024, 08:52:17 pm
The English keeper for Scotland is not very good
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Draytonian III on June 19, 2024, 10:50:59 pm
Typical Scotland, couldn’t score or concede in the second half, knackered my bet up, I had got corners and bookings correct just want another goal
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 20, 2024, 02:50:31 pm
Come on England v Denmark.
The Cricket team did us proud last night v West Indies. Need the Football team to do the same.
Just off to Headingley in a few mins to watch the cricket v Lancs in the T20 blast and the footy before in one of the 3 fan parks set up round the ground so we can watch.
Think I will go in the Long Room might even get a seat.
Yes some of us are getting to a certain age and don’t want to stand for nearly 2 hours.  ;)
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Nudga on June 20, 2024, 03:00:34 pm
What channel is Rio Ferdinand on?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Padge_DRFC on June 20, 2024, 03:31:35 pm
What channel is Rio Ferdinand on?

BBC. Game is ITV tonight. So the better pundits.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Nudga on June 20, 2024, 03:52:06 pm
What channel is Rio Ferdinand on?

BBC. Game is ITV tonight. So the better pundits.

The game is on BBC padge so I've got to suffer ferdy calling Jude "Bellynam" all the time.
It grates on my teeth
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Padge_DRFC on June 20, 2024, 04:06:33 pm
Yep scratch that next one is itv
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 20, 2024, 04:16:16 pm
Saka vs Vestergaard! Looks fun, that fella is ridiculously slow.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on June 20, 2024, 04:30:07 pm
A proper footy game with Serbia v Slovenia. Passion and drama. Best so far of what I've seen. Generally footy these days at the top levels is sterile, this game wasn't.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 20, 2024, 07:58:48 pm
Thank goodness for the Italian national anthem, never fails to make you smile and be invigorated…
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 20, 2024, 08:10:05 pm
Thank goodness for the Italian national anthem, never fails to make you smile and be invigorated…
Really ?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 20, 2024, 08:11:11 pm
Looks like we've pretty much qualified for the knockouts now.
 :)
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Scooter on June 20, 2024, 08:23:52 pm
Thank goodness for the Italian national anthem, never fails to make you smile and be invigorated…

My favourite national anthem
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 20, 2024, 08:25:33 pm
Thank goodness for the Italian national anthem, never fails to make you smile and be invigorated…
Really ?
Yes really, wouldn’t have written it otherwise would I.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 20, 2024, 08:47:17 pm
What channel is Rio Ferdinand on?

BBC. Game is ITV tonight. So the better pundits.

The game is on BBC padge so I've got to suffer ferdy calling Jude "Bellynam" all the time.
It grates on my teeth

There are a few pundits who also say Bermunam when talking about that big city in the midlands.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Nudga on June 20, 2024, 09:22:17 pm
What channel is Rio Ferdinand on?

BBC. Game is ITV tonight. So the better pundits.

The game is on BBC padge so I've got to suffer ferdy calling Jude "Bellynam" all the time.
It grates on my teeth

There are a few pundits who also say Bermunam when talking about that big city in the midlands.

Yep, that and Nottnum. Pisses me right off.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Pancho Regan on June 20, 2024, 09:39:33 pm
I hate the Spanish School of football with a vengeance.



I don’t know if you’re watching Spain v Italy BST but if so I would invite you to revisit this opinion.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Copps is Magic on June 20, 2024, 09:52:19 pm
An exquisite performance from Spain.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: The Beast on June 20, 2024, 09:57:22 pm
An exquisite performance from Spain.
Agreed, like watching a proper football team, rather than England’s XI individuals!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 20, 2024, 10:53:58 pm
I hate the Spanish School of football with a vengeance.



I don’t know if you’re watching Spain v Italy BST but if so I would invite you to revisit this opinion.

It was very good to watch. Nothing like the 85% possession stuff of previous Spain teams that I'm referring to.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Mike_F on June 21, 2024, 09:59:15 am
Thank goodness for the Italian national anthem, never fails to make you smile and be invigorated…

My favourite national anthem

It's a good 'un. Knocks our dreary, subservient dirge into a cocked hat. Although our anthem very much suited our style of play last night. Bobbins.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: TonySoprano on June 21, 2024, 09:33:59 pm
Joke of a decision by the VAR in the Holland france game. A Dutch goal disallowed for no reason at all !
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 21, 2024, 09:40:20 pm
Maybe the VAR people have had a bet on France to win the competition.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 21, 2024, 09:49:08 pm
No surprise the referee and VAR are English. As was said in commentary instead of stopping obvious errors it’s like they analyse every goal to see if there’s any possible reason to cancel it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 21, 2024, 09:57:10 pm
I actually think it was the correct decision, the keeper couldn’t make an attempt to save the ball with the Dutch player in the offside decision between keeper and ball, therefore interfering with play
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 21, 2024, 10:14:19 pm
I actually think it was the correct decision, the keeper couldn’t make an attempt to save the ball with the Dutch player in the offside decision between keeper and ball, therefore interfering with play

Not so when you saw the replays. Dumfries wasn't impeding the keeper, and the keeper had set himself in such a way that he couldn't possibly have dived.

Very poor decision.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Draytonian III on June 21, 2024, 10:21:15 pm
As I’ve said before, I just don’t get this love in that most people have for the Netherlands, they’ve only ever won one Euros, the same as Greece and Denmark. For years they had a division in their squad with some players not wanting to play with others
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: mushRTID on June 22, 2024, 06:45:16 am
Bad decision, no way the keeper can dive a) he’s wrong footed and b) the ball is almost past him before could have dived.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NickDRFC on June 22, 2024, 10:23:50 am
As I’ve said before, I just don’t get this love in that most people have for the Netherlands, they’ve only ever won one Euros, the same as Greece and Denmark. For years they had a division in their squad with some players not wanting to play with others

I like the Netherlands - think they’ve generally had exciting players in my time (earlier on Gullit and Van Basten, then Bergkamp/Overmars/Seedorf/Kluivert, and latterly Robben & Van Persie) and generally are entertaining to watch. For a small nation they punch above their weight (regardless of how much they’ve actually won) and their fans are passionate - the Oranje Wahnsinn is great to watch.

Not sure if that means I’m part of a “love in”, but if so I’m happy to be a part of it :)
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 22, 2024, 11:14:22 am
Just clicked how that decision might affect England.

If the Dutch had won last night, that would have put France, Spain and Germany in the other half of the knockout draw, with England's half likely having us, the Dutch and Portugal.

As it is, I think it's looking likely France will be in our half.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 22, 2024, 11:31:44 am
Just clicked how that decision might affect England.

If the Dutch had won last night, that would have put France, Spain and Germany in the other half of the knockout draw, with England's half likely having us, the Dutch and Portugal.

As it is, I think it's looking likely France will be in our half.

We can beat France if we give that attacking malaky a go
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Branton Red on June 22, 2024, 12:16:21 pm
Absolutely the correct decision to rule out the Dutch goal.

Freeze frame the highlights on 9 seconds www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c722px74pepo

The offside player is stood directly between the keeper and the path of the ball - he even adjusts his feet to avoid touching it.

There's no way he could be considered to be not interfering with play.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Little Wolf on June 22, 2024, 03:26:05 pm
Just clicked how that decision might affect England.

If the Dutch had won last night, that would have put France, Spain and Germany in the other half of the knockout draw, with England's half likely having us, the Dutch and Portugal.

As it is, I think it's looking likely France will be in our half.

I does not matter which half of the the draw we are in if we cannot  get out of our own half of the pitch  we have no chance, Kane great finisher give him a chance in the box left foot right foot or a header he will score but he never gets near the box always onthe half way line, gallagher pressed well watkins good with the ball overthe top, but are we really now waiting for hoof ball with a long ball over thethe top
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BobG on June 22, 2024, 04:06:43 pm
As I’ve said before, I just don’t get this love in that most people have for the Netherlands, they’ve only ever won one Euros, the same as Greece and Denmark. For years they had a division in their squad with some players not wanting to play with others

I like the Netherlands - think they’ve generally had exciting players in my time (earlier on Gullit and Van Basten, then Bergkamp/Overmars/Seedorf/Kluivert, and latterly Robben & Van Persie) and generally are entertaining to watch. For a small nation they punch above their weight (regardless of how much they’ve actually won) and their fans are passionate - the Oranje Wahnsinn is great to watch.

Not sure if that means I’m part of a “love in”, but if so I’m happy to be a part of it :)

Not just them Nick!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BobG on June 22, 2024, 04:12:23 pm
Bugger! The rest of my post just disappeared. I suggested that us greybeards can remember plenty more awesomely good Dutch players.

That Prince amongst players Johan Cruyff for example. But also Robbie Rensenbrink, the van de Kerkhoff brothers, Rudi Kroll, Johan Neeskens, Ari Hahn, Johnny Rep. All wonderful players.

The Dutch have been a nation to wonder at, to admire, to respect for over 40 years now.

BobG
 
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 22, 2024, 05:54:52 pm
Absolutely the correct decision to rule out the Dutch goal.

Freeze frame the highlights on 9 seconds www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c722px74pepo

The offside player is stood directly between the keeper and the path of the ball - he even adjusts his feet to avoid touching it.

There's no way he could be considered to be not interfering with play.

You need to see the footage from behind the goal.

1) The Dutch player was behind the keeper and in no way obstructing him.

2) The keeper had set himself in a stance that he couldn't physically dive for the ball.

It's a very, very poor decision from a VAR ref who had that footage.

Bear in mind in this shot, the keeper has just got to his feet after making the first save, and is static. It's physically impossible for him to make a serious dive to his left from that position. His balance of weight precludes it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: GazLaz on June 22, 2024, 06:29:30 pm
We came close to beating France in the last tournament. No reason we couldn’t do it now.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 22, 2024, 06:37:48 pm
We came close to beating France in the last tournament. No reason we couldn’t do it now.

Yeah but...without Kalvin Phillips?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 22, 2024, 09:30:53 pm
Romania-Belgium is yet another cracking match.

Been an excellent tournament so far.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Donnybax on June 22, 2024, 10:40:19 pm
We came close to beating France in the last tournament. No reason we couldn’t do it now.
I think we had a more balanced team in the last World Cup
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 23, 2024, 08:36:45 pm
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 23, 2024, 09:51:22 pm
Finish 2nd in the Group and get Swiss in next round was always the plan  :woot:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: bpoolrover on June 23, 2024, 09:58:23 pm
Poor scotland
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyOsmond on June 23, 2024, 10:04:18 pm
Really enjoyed that last 10 mins. :laugh:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: bpoolrover on June 23, 2024, 10:24:49 pm
Really enjoyed that last 10 mins. :laugh:
so did i, scotland were like rovers under schofield, keep ball but no end product, then the last 10 mins both teams just went for it
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 23, 2024, 10:33:20 pm
And instead of shooting, the Scotland player chose to go looking for the contact by sticking himself across the defender and got nothing. Well done ref
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyOsmond on June 23, 2024, 10:44:23 pm
And instead of shooting, the Scotland player chose to go looking for the contact by sticking himself across the defender and got nothing. Well done ref

Aye. Do I shoot and try to score or adjust my body completely so his momentum takes him into me and grab the Hungarian players shirt then beg for a penalty?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 23, 2024, 11:01:20 pm
Really enjoyed that last 10 mins. :laugh:
so did i, scotland were like rovers under schofield, keep ball but no end product, then the last 10 mins both teams just went for it

Until 80 minutes that was far worse than the last England game.
Hope that the Hungarian who was carried off is going to be ok.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 23, 2024, 11:02:36 pm
Scotland the gift that keeps on giving, though to be fair tonight they did excel themselves.
When Hungary brought on the night club bouncer (Àdàm) that made it for me, sort of player Rovers were signing 2 years ago. What a lad! And, just to make it extra hilarious this big boy got the tackle in that set them on their way.. comedy gold!
Thank you Scotland, tonight the Euro’s came to life.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 23, 2024, 11:12:14 pm
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.

Wow!

We just get no luck in the big tournaments do we.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DearneValleyRover on June 24, 2024, 08:04:33 am
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.
Instead of Spain and Portugal?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 24, 2024, 08:11:35 am
And naturally the penalty is being used as the excuse by management, so as to divert from the fact he didn't have a clue what he was doing and his tactics were pish
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 24, 2024, 08:58:51 am
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.
Instead of Spain and Portugal?

Yeah, exactly, “England have to play a big team shock” if they progress in the competition.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NickDRFC on June 24, 2024, 09:42:49 am
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.
Instead of Spain and Portugal?

Yeah, exactly, “England have to play a big team shock” if they progress in the competition.


I agree with BST’s post, would definitely prefer as easy a route as possible. Germany’s equaliser means that it would be either Italy or Switzerland (assuming we win our group and the R16 game), both of which would be preferable to Germany. Let’s try and delay the inevitable defeat to a heavyweight for as long as possible!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 24, 2024, 10:12:32 am
If we win the group we get Austria, Slovakia or Czech Republic.

Having watched them play I think Austria would destroy us
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 24, 2024, 10:36:49 am
Oof.

As it currently stands, England are looking at Germany in the QF and probably France in the SF.
Instead of Spain and Portugal?

Yeah, exactly, “England have to play a big team shock” if they progress in the competition.


I agree with BST’s post, would definitely prefer as easy a route as possible. Germany’s equaliser means that it would be either Italy or Switzerland (assuming we win our group and the R16 game), both of which would be preferable to Germany. Let’s try and delay the inevitable defeat to a heavyweight for as long as possible!

Precisely Nick.

Some folk don't seem to get it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DearneValleyRover on June 24, 2024, 10:42:28 am
I do get it BST it’s just it doesn’t matter which route England take they are going to get one of the big guns in the QF and SF. Presently I’m struggling to see us making them
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 24, 2024, 01:14:41 pm
I do get it BST it’s just it doesn’t matter which route England take they are going to get one of the big guns in the QF and SF. Presently I’m struggling to see us making them

And so do I DVR.
Looking as far ahead as the semi final inevitably means we will have to play a big team and probably another one in the quarter final.
Who would have thought it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 24, 2024, 02:03:56 pm
I do get it BST it’s just it doesn’t matter which route England take they are going to get one of the big guns in the QF and SF. Presently I’m struggling to see us making them

The point is, you sometimes need a bit of luck in tournaments.

Given the choice between Germany in the QF and France in the semi, or Italy/Switzerland in the QF and Romania/Netherlands in the semi, which are you going to prefer? France and Germany are 1st and second favourites to win the whole tournament. You'd be very unlucky to come up against both of them in the QF/SF stages, and getting past both of them would be maybe 5-6/1 against odds.

As it happens, Germany's equaliser last night puts them in the other half of the draw to the winner of England's group, so that's a bit of luck.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DearneValleyRover on June 24, 2024, 02:29:06 pm
There’s still the possibility that winning the group we might face the Netherlands or Belgium in the next round depending upon results, then a possible QF with Italy so in reality I’m not seeing where look comes into it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Metalmicky on June 24, 2024, 02:53:29 pm
I do get it BST it’s just it doesn’t matter which route England take they are going to get one of the big guns in the QF and SF. Presently I’m struggling to see us making them

The point is, you sometimes need a bit of luck in tournaments.

Given the choice between Germany in the QF and France in the semi, or Italy/Switzerland in the QF and Romania/Netherlands in the semi, which are you going to prefer? France and Germany are 1st and second favourites to win the whole tournament. You'd be very unlucky to come up against both of them in the QF/SF stages, and getting past both of them would be maybe 5-6/1 against odds.

As it happens, Germany's equaliser last night puts them in the other half of the draw to the winner of England's group, so that's a bit of luck.

Provided England win the group.... :s :whistle:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Metalmicky on June 24, 2024, 03:06:26 pm
Looking at Slovenia's recent record, they have only lost once in the last 10 games - winning 5, drawing 4 - losing once against Denmark in 2023... and beating Portugal in March.  They also don't concede many goals either.

They're no pushovers - and if they grind out a draw (or even beat England) and Denmark beat Serbia we could finish 2nd or even possibly 3rd in the table... 
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 24, 2024, 03:37:12 pm
We had all this after the Scotland game at the last euros and after the USA game in Qatar.
Both times we comfortably won the 3rd game
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 24, 2024, 09:35:59 pm
Jonathan Pierce insisting on pronouncing every Italian player with an Italian accent, incorrectly in such an Italglish way. While at the same time most likely pronouncing every Croatian in an incorrect manner. With Danny Murphy by his side constantly winging like a scouse Meldrew. Not sure there's a worse combo  :suicide:

Is there a setting to listen to crowd only?????
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 24, 2024, 10:56:48 pm
I think that Italy equaliser means England have qualified for the 2nd round regardless of Tuesday's result.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Not Now Kato on June 24, 2024, 11:13:41 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/RTABkS3.jpg)
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Metalmicky on June 25, 2024, 08:10:53 am
(https://i.imgur.com/RTABkS3.jpg)

Couldn't have said it better.....
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: i_ateallthepies on June 25, 2024, 01:19:20 pm
Apologies for taking this off topic for a moment but in that all-time classic sketch there was one detail that has eluded me until seeing this snapshot - Ernie's expression.  It is the smug look of someone thinking 'that's really told him!'

They always said he was the prefect foil for Eric and this shows it to perfection.  Total class.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 25, 2024, 01:24:04 pm
Apparently Eric would watch the shows back at home with his family & in a documentary about him one of his sons said in those moments he would always say “Wasn’t Ernie fantastic”.

We’ll never see their likes again.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: GazLaz on June 25, 2024, 02:15:24 pm
I think that Italy equaliser means England have qualified for the 2nd round regardless of Tuesday's result.


It does bit if we finish second we play Germany. Suboptimal.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 25, 2024, 02:26:38 pm
I think that Italy equaliser means England have qualified for the 2nd round regardless of Tuesday's result.


It does bit if we finish second we play Germany. Suboptimal.

Yeah but we have to pl...
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Little Wolf on June 25, 2024, 06:56:04 pm
Thought Austria might suprise a few people but never thought they would win the group with the french and dutch in it
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 25, 2024, 07:04:15 pm
Gallagher in for Trent, hardly the bold move we were wanting to see
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Little Wolf on June 25, 2024, 07:10:44 pm
Gallagher in for Trent, hardly the bold move we were wanting to see

Its what i expected, we were better when gallagher came on last match but i thought gordon might get the nod to balance the team on the left, stop saka on the right ,stop england and everybody knows it
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 25, 2024, 08:58:17 pm
Christ this is cack.

Exactly like us first half of the season.

Ponderous.

No pace.

Worst of all, no mester in the entire side prepared to set a f**king example by upping the standard. Everyone looking at someone else to do summat.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 25, 2024, 10:27:59 pm
Big improvement in second half
Mainoo and palmer need to start the next game
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NickDRFC on June 25, 2024, 10:54:27 pm
Big improvement in second half
Mainoo and palmer need to start the next game

I live my life as a glass half full kind of guy but my word, I doff my cap to you. I don’t disagree with what you say here but that is absolutely not my biggest takeaway from tonight.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 25, 2024, 10:56:14 pm
Christ this is cack.

Exactly like us first half of the season.

Ponderous.

No pace.

Worst of all, no mester in the entire side prepared to set a f**king example by upping the standard. Everyone looking at someone else to do summat.

You love ‘your mesters’ yet last week you were drooling about Bellingham being the first England player in decades who could grab a game by the neck & influence the outcome.

What do you want, Norman Hunter or Bobby Charlton!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colin C No.3 on June 25, 2024, 10:57:49 pm
Big improvement in second half
Mainoo and palmer need to start the next game

Lino on the far side had a much better second half.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 25, 2024, 11:12:15 pm
England's R2 opponents will be one of:

Netherlands
Turkey
Czechia
Georgia.

Can only be Netherlands if both Czechia and Georgia fail to win tomorrow. Or if one of them wins and there's a very particular set of results in the Group E matches.

Then in QF it's Italy or Switzerland.

In semi, likely to be Belgium or Austria unless there's an upset.

If we'd finished second in the group, it would have been:

R2 Germany
QF Probably Spain
SF Probably France or Portugal.

Lady luck is smiling on the English half of the draw again.

According to the bookies, the hardest matches we could have from here to the final are three games against 18/1 shots for the tournament.

If we'd finished second, it would have been more like three games against 5/1 contenders.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 25, 2024, 11:14:28 pm
Christ this is cack.

Exactly like us first half of the season.

Ponderous.

No pace.

Worst of all, no mester in the entire side prepared to set a f**king example by upping the standard. Everyone looking at someone else to do summat.

You love ‘your mesters’ yet last week you were drooling about Bellingham being the first England player in decades who could grab a game by the neck & influence the outcome.

What do you want, Norman Hunter or Bobby Charlton!

I don't think you quite get what "mester" means.

It's not necessarily someone who runs round and kicks the f**k out of opponents.

It's someone who can dominate a game through setting a standard.

Griezmann was the mester for France when they beat us in the last WC. Because he put in a performance better than anyone else on the pitch and made the difference. He demanded that if himself.

Bellingham looked like he had that about him for 45 mins against Serbia.

Since then he's looked like a kid wandering round lost.

It's very much up to him to find the performances he's capable of. And a few others to step up too.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Bentley Bullet on June 25, 2024, 11:21:56 pm
We're unbeaten and top of the table, so we haven't yet needed to step up. It's likely that in the next game, we will need to. Hopefully, then Bellingham & Co will step up and deliver.

If they do, Southgate will have managed the team brilliantly.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 25, 2024, 11:23:03 pm
England's R2 opponents will be one of:

Netherlands
Turkey
Czechia
Georgia.

Can only be Netherlands if both Czechia and Georgia fail to win tomorrow. Or if one of them wins and there's a very particular set of results in the Group E matches.

Then in QF it's Italy or Switzerland.

In semi, likely to be Belgium or Austria unless there's an upset.

If we'd finished second in the group, it would have been:

R2 Germany
QF Probably Spain
SF Probably France or Portugal.

Lady luck is smiling on the English half of the draw again.

According to the bookies, the hardest matches we could have from here to the final are three games against 18/1 shots for the tournament.

If we'd finished second, it would have been more like three games against 5/1 contenders.

What this means is that, for all that England haven't been good, they are now short priced favourites to reach the final, while at least 3 of Germany, Spain, France and Portugal won't do.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 25, 2024, 11:34:32 pm
I suppose that if we do end up winnng the tournament it will be because we got lucky with the draw.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Bentley Bullet on June 25, 2024, 11:44:52 pm
I suppose that if we do end up winnng the tournament it will be because we got lucky with the draw.


Absof**kinglutely.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 07:06:43 pm
So now England will play Netherlands in R2, unless

Georgia beat Portugal
Or
Czechia beat Turkey by one goal.

In that case, England would play Slovakia.

But the bottom half of the draw is now looking better than you could have dreamed.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NigelJ on June 26, 2024, 07:13:04 pm
So now England will play Netherlands in R2, unless

Georgia beat Portugal
Or
Czechia beat Turkey by one goal.

In that case, England would play Slovakia.

But the bottom half of the draw is now looking better than you could have dreamed.
As Turkey have scored more than Hungary already, they can lose by two, and still be better than them, so the above is correct, apart from the Czechs can't win by more than two in order for us to play Slovakia.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 07:20:18 pm
So now England will play Netherlands in R2, unless

Georgia beat Portugal
Or
Czechia beat Turkey by one goal.

In that case, England would play Slovakia.

But the bottom half of the draw is now looking better than you could have dreamed.
As Turkey have scored more than Hungary already, they can lose by two, and still be better than them, so the above is correct, apart from the Czechs can't win by more than two in order for us to play Slovakia.

Yes, good spot.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 26, 2024, 07:56:40 pm
Could someone explain how the draws are worked out and how tonight's results affect who we will play? I am aware that there are two halves of the draw but am unsure how it has been done.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on June 26, 2024, 08:02:35 pm
So now England will play Netherlands in R2, unless

Georgia beat Portugal
Or
Czechia beat Turkey by one goal.

In that case, England would play Slovakia.

But the bottom half of the draw is now looking better than you could have dreamed.

Georgia one up.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 08:03:09 pm
Could someone explain how the draws are worked out and how tonight's results affect who we will play? I am aware that there are two halves of the draw but am unsure how it has been done.

It's... complicated.

Which 3rd place teams play who, depends on which 3rd place teams qualify.

Basically, if Hungary qualify, England play Netherlands.

If a side from Group F qualifies and displaces Hungary, England play Slovakia.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 26, 2024, 08:10:20 pm
Could someone explain how the draws are worked out and how tonight's results affect who we will play? I am aware that there are two halves of the draw but am unsure how it has been done.

It's... complicated.

Which third-place teams play who depends on which third-place teams qualify.

Basically, if Hungary qualifies, England plays the Netherlands.

If a side from Group F qualifies and displaces Hungary, England plays Slovakia.

Yes, it is. How they have come to this conclusion is what I can't understand. I have done some digging online and still can't find an explanation.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 08:39:56 pm
Look at the table at the start of the Knockout Phase section here.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2024
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: scawsby steve on June 26, 2024, 09:31:55 pm
2-0 to Georgia. It looks like we'll be playing Slovakia.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 09:54:36 pm
Georgia were absolutely superb tonight.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 26, 2024, 09:57:38 pm
2-0 to Georgia. It looks like we'll be playing Slovakia.
Yes we have got lucky.
If Denmark had scored last night then we would probably be going home after the next match.
Now we have an unbelievable opportunity to get to the final.

If it’s Slovakia next then they will play very much like our last 3 opponents. Will Southgate play Either Palmer or Gordon or even both.
For me he has to. If he doesn’t and we are not winning at H/T then he needs to make the subs early.
So bring them on at H/T not 75/85 mins.
Southgate you have the biggest opportunity to be a Euro winning manager. Don’t blow it. Be bold just for once in your life and grasp this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Over to you GS.
Bring it home.

Oh yes people will say we only won it because we only had one difficult game to play in the whole tournament. The Final, probably either France, Spain, Portugal or Germany as opponents if we actually do make it there.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Branton Red on June 26, 2024, 09:59:41 pm
Really enjoyed watching Georgia this evening. Great performance. Thoroughly deserved win.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on June 26, 2024, 10:00:32 pm
The top half of the draw looks brutal
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 26, 2024, 10:06:34 pm
The top half of the draw looks brutal

Not many.

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal then Germany/Spain. .
Good luck wi that.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on June 26, 2024, 10:14:20 pm
Really enjoyed watching Georgia this evening. Great performance. Thoroughly deserved win.

Joy to watch. Skill, energy and desire. Take note Gareth, we should be renowned for the same traits.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 26, 2024, 11:29:22 pm
The top half of the draw looks brutal.

Not many [teams].

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal, then Germany/Spain...
Good luck with that.

Not only this, these games will take a lot out of the legs of the team that makes the final, and if England can sort their sh!t out, you would have to fancy our chances. If we don't at least make the final now, it would be the biggest underachievement I have seen in my lifetime for our national team.


[/output]
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: dickos1 on June 27, 2024, 07:24:18 am
The top half of the draw looks brutal.

Not many [teams].

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal, then Germany/Spain...
Good luck with that.

Not only this, these games will take a lot out of the legs of the team that makes the final, and if England can sort their sh!t out, you would have to fancy our chances. If we don't at least make the final now, it would be the biggest underachievement I have seen in my lifetime for our national team.


[/output]

Don’t talk daft!
Bigger under achievement than not even qualifying for a tournament, bigger underachievement than getting knocked out by Iceland, bigger under achievement than finishing bottom of a group including Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Bigger underachievement than the golden generation never getting further than a quarter final.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: les@donr on June 27, 2024, 07:50:59 am
England could well face Italy in QF, Italy have a good record against England in Euro/WC. Granted not the best Italian team, but are the holders and will do their best to keep themselves in the competition. Scoring in the 98 minute against Croatia.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ForsolongaRover on June 27, 2024, 08:44:17 am
Really enjoyed watching Georgia this evening. Great performance. Thoroughly deserved win.

Joy to watch. Skill, energy and desire. Take note Gareth, we should be renowned for the same traits.

I admit that I haven’t watched a great many matches, but this was real entertainment. Portugal were cautious and although they basically played like England, they were noticeably more energetic. They understood that you can’t just walk your way through matches. Of course too, they repeatedly tried to deceive the ref and it was not successful. The days when we thought we had the best referees are long gone and those (non-Brits) I’ve seen so far have been impressive in every way.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on June 27, 2024, 09:42:25 am
Really enjoyed watching Georgia this evening. Great performance. Thoroughly deserved win.

Joy to watch. Skill, energy and desire. Take note Gareth, we should be renowned for the same traits.

I admit that I haven’t watched a great many matches, but this was real entertainment. Portugal were cautious and although they basically played like England, they were noticeably more energetic. They understood that you can’t just walk your way through matches. Of course too, they repeatedly tried to deceive the ref and it was not successful. The days when we thought we had the best referees are long gone and those (non-Brits) I’ve seen so far have been impressive in every way.

Yes, I also think the standard of referring is very good. Letting the game flow has been very good to see.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Frankie Rennie on June 27, 2024, 10:53:33 am
Really enjoyed watching Georgia this evening. Great performance. Thoroughly deserved win.

Joy to watch. Skill, energy and desire. Take note Gareth, we should be renowned for the same traits.

I admit that I haven’t watched a great many matches, but this was real entertainment. Portugal were cautious and although they basically played like England, they were noticeably more energetic. They understood that you can’t just walk your way through matches. Of course too, they repeatedly tried to deceive the ref and it was not successful. The days when we thought we had the best referees are long gone and those (non-Brits) I’ve seen so far have been impressive in every way.

Yes, I also think the standard of referring is very good. Letting the game flow has been very good to see.

I agree Donny the reffing has been really good, firm and resolute but I wonder if letting the game go on is more down to not wanting 10 mins plus of extra time this time around? As for us, we couldn’t really have had it easier so far with everything falling into place but for me our biggest problem is at the back where our defenders are just so slow to move the ball forward. When they receive it from the keeper they just stop with it allowing the opposition to press. The better teams defenders recive the ball and take it forward not just stop and look to pass. I’m sure if they did that it would force the opposition back and allow our midfield and front players more opportunity to get them on the back foot. I’m only an amateur so what do I know?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: steve@dcfd on June 27, 2024, 10:58:22 am
The top half of the draw looks brutal

Not many.

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal then Germany/Spain. .
Good luck wi that.
France and Belgium fault for not finishing top of their groups
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: EasyforDennis on June 27, 2024, 11:34:32 am
Don't get too excited about the very good standard of refereeing. It will all change on the 10th August when we start the season and have to put up with the dross served up in the EFL. Not that the EPL is much better.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Metalmicky on June 27, 2024, 11:42:44 am
Apparently England's players will not be voting in the upcoming elections. 

They can't even find the box let alone put a cross in it....
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: StocksArmy on June 27, 2024, 03:47:16 pm
The top half of the draw looks brutal.

Not many [teams].

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal, then Germany/Spain...
Good luck with that.

Not only this, these games will take a lot out of the legs of the team that makes the final, and if England can sort their sh!t out, you would have to fancy our chances. If we don't at least make the final now, it would be the biggest underachievement I have seen in my lifetime for our national team.


[/output]

Don’t talk daft!
Bigger under achievement than not even qualifying for a tournament, bigger underachievement than getting knocked out by Iceland, bigger under achievement than finishing bottom of a group including Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Bigger underachievement than the golden generation never getting further than a quarter final.

Bigger than all of them.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Copps is Magic on June 29, 2024, 05:24:25 pm
Switzerland - Italy very poor quality.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Copps is Magic on June 29, 2024, 06:27:10 pm
Have not seen an Italian side this bad in my lifetime.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: RoversInSpain on June 29, 2024, 06:55:38 pm
Have not seen an Italian side this bad in my lifetime.
Just said exactly the same, that was the strangest thing I’ve seen, Italy have always seemingly found a way…. That was terrible from them
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: VivaRovers on June 29, 2024, 07:09:43 pm
Anyone got any gossip on Scawsby Steve? Reckon this thread is the best place to discuss it if you do.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 29, 2024, 07:16:02 pm
The top half of the draw looks brutal.

Not many [teams].

France will have to go some to make the final.

Belgium, then Portugal, then Germany/Spain...
Good luck with that.

Not only this, these games will take a lot out of the legs of the team that makes the final, and if England can sort their sh!t out, you would have to fancy our chances. If we don't at least make the final now, it would be the biggest underachievement I have seen in my lifetime for our national team.


[/output]

Don’t talk daft!
Bigger under achievement than not even qualifying for a tournament, bigger underachievement than getting knocked out by Iceland, bigger under achievement than finishing bottom of a group including Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Bigger underachievement than the golden generation never getting further than a quarter final.

Bigger than all of them.
I've become a massive critic of GS but I strongly disagree with this for two reasons
1- this wouldn't be as bad as the underachivements of the 00's and the late 70's/early 80's
2 - international football is changing. We still look at the same nations we did in the 90's to be the favourites but thats just not true. Brazil and Italy are in the doldrums. Germany are up and down. Spain made the most of their golden generation then reverted to type. When these guys are knocked out of tournaments it's not an upset that makes our position stronger, it's because nations like Portugal and Croatia have moved from dark horses to QF regulars.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: les@donr on June 29, 2024, 07:29:40 pm
Italy were dire. Swiss deserved the win. Italy need to bring in the excellent u21’s into the main squad. From an Italian.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:02:51 pm
If we beat Slovakia then we will need to step it up big time against Switzerland. They are no mugs.
If we play as we have in the 1st 3 games we are going out.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:32:39 pm
Denmark 1-0 up

Or are they. VAR again oh dear. Seemed ok to me.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:34:44 pm
Disallowed. Surprise surprise.

Stuart Attwell VAR ref
John Ryan’s favourite ref.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 29, 2024, 09:35:27 pm
Germans now got a dodgy pen.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:36:10 pm
Can you believe that’s a PEN

Disgrace. Utter shambles
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 29, 2024, 09:39:06 pm
Am I right in saying that a Pen taker isn’t allowed to stop during his run up to the ball.
I know they can “stutter” their stride but Havertz definitely stopped.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:39:28 pm
Someone please tell me what is handball.
Did he move his arm towards the ball. Answer NO
So how is that a PEN

The handball rules are made up as they go along. It’s a joke.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 29, 2024, 09:40:05 pm
Not sure what's more annoying the VAR decisions or the god awful American woman giving an explanation of every little decision on ITV. Coverage getting more like American football every day
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 29, 2024, 09:40:42 pm
The powers that be know that they need to Germans to remain in the competition.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:41:25 pm
Am I right in saying that a Pen taker isn’t allowed to stop during his run up to the ball.
I know they can “stutter” their stride but Havertz definitely stopped.
Yep this is being done on a regular basis hound and it is never pulled up.   :headbang:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 09:43:33 pm
The powers that be know that they need to Germans to remain in the competition.
;)  :facepalm:  :chair:
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 29, 2024, 09:46:14 pm
VAR is f**king awful.

Denmark have a goal ruled out because a toenail hasn't been clipped. Then Germany get a penalty for the ball brushing by a hand that's in a perfectly reasonable position.

Awful, awful invention. It's seriously f**king up the top level game.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyNoel on June 29, 2024, 10:01:03 pm
Playing the devils advocate though, its yet again English refs messing it up. VAR been ok until tonight I think?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 29, 2024, 10:19:38 pm
Havertz completely stopped during his penalty run up. I thought that wasn’t allowed?

Game feels bent at the top level
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 29, 2024, 10:20:52 pm
Havertz completely stopped during his penalty run up. I thought that wasn’t allowed?

Yes he did, why didn’t VAR decide that the pen should have been retaken.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 10:21:46 pm
Germany through.

Can see them winning it. Everything went their way tonight.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 29, 2024, 10:28:57 pm
Havertz completely stopped during his penalty run up. I thought that wasn’t allowed?

Yes he did, why didn’t VAR decide that the pen should have been retaken.

Lot of players keep doing this and I thought it wasn’t allowed but never need it pulled up.

Is it just that they can’t dummy striking the ball but can stop during the run up? Seems unfair on the keeper time though
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 29, 2024, 10:30:56 pm
What the f*** is this analysis?

If I wanted a nerdy anorak sport that goes so deep in to technicalities I’d watch F1.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Goole Rover on June 29, 2024, 10:31:15 pm
Not sure what's more annoying the VAR decisions or the god awful American woman giving an explanation of every little decision on ITV. Coverage getting more like American football every day
PC gone mad.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 29, 2024, 10:31:45 pm
This American is so annoying. I know she’s only explaining the rules but you see it’s these types who are making the rules.

Just stinks of people who have never even played as a kid or on a Sunday morning. 
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Campsall rover on June 29, 2024, 10:32:40 pm
Playing the devils advocate though, its yet again English refs messing it up. VAR been ok until tonight I think?
We used to have the best referees in the world. The most honest ones as well.
Now we seem to have the worst refs in Europe
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on June 29, 2024, 10:34:47 pm
But once he’s told to look at the handball he’s never going to give anything other than a pen. Don’t think it’s the refs fault on this one
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: pib on June 29, 2024, 10:39:56 pm
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 29, 2024, 11:26:16 pm
What the f*** is this analysis?

If I wanted a nerdy anorak sport that goes so deep in to technicalities I’d watch F1.

But you commented about Havertz stopping in his run up to take the pen.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 29, 2024, 11:59:58 pm
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.

This.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on June 30, 2024, 12:15:57 am
But at least we haven't had "Oh he'll be disappointed with that" when a player does something disappointing, or "He's got to hit the target from there" when a player doesn't hit the target. From there.

Tsunami of classic Murphyisms in the Switzerland-Italy match.

At 2-0 he said:

"Italy have a huge mountain to climb"

"If the Swiss score the next, you'll think it's too much for Italy"

"Thing is for Italy, it's hard when it's hot. And your playing against a good team."
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 30, 2024, 07:46:46 am
What the f*** is this analysis?

If I wanted a nerdy anorak sport that goes so deep in to technicalities I’d watch F1.

But you commented about Havertz stopping in his run up to take the pen.

Fair point mate but that’s a pretty simple one under the control of the referee on the pitch. I brought it up because it seemed a strange one to miss given the context of all the nit-picking  that preceded.

Post-match, the depth they went in to on the handball talking about “natural silhouettes” and getting the snicko out was nauseating. All that is required is common sense. These technical busybodies have got their foot in the door and are beginning to micromanage everything. Now that it’s started it can’t be stopped.

Football is the greatest sport because it simple, accessible and spontaneous. Leave it that way.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Silkscarf on June 30, 2024, 08:10:15 am
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.

It’s just the laws which are wrong. We can use technology if the rules make sense in the first place. 2 key ones need changing:

1. Handball. It’s got to ‘mean it’ like it used to. Like the famous ones that weren’t given (e.g. Maradona, Thierry Henry, Joe Jordan). We all know what intentional handball looks like. If it’s not intentional it’s not handball. It’s accidental.

2. Offside. I won’t even address the phases of play nonsense and being active. Just the bit where the technology draws the line - say it’s got to be a ball’s width ahead of the defender. Give the advantage back to scoring goals instead of looking for reasons to disallow them.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: i_ateallthepies on June 30, 2024, 08:49:18 am
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.

It’s just the laws which are wrong. We can use technology if the rules make sense in the first place. 2 key ones need changing:

1. Handball. It’s got to ‘mean it’ like it used to. Like the famous ones that weren’t given (e.g. Maradona, Thierry Henry, Joe Jordan). We all know what intentional handball looks like. If it’s not intentional it’s not handball. It’s accidental.

2. Offside. I won’t even address the phases of play nonsense and being active. Just the bit where the technology draws the line - say it’s got to be a ball’s width ahead of the defender. Give the advantage back to scoring goals instead of looking for reasons to disallow them.


An accidental handball that results in an advantage to the handballing side should be penalised.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on June 30, 2024, 08:56:53 am
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.

It’s just the laws which are wrong. We can use technology if the rules make sense in the first place. 2 key ones need changing:

1. Handball. It’s got to ‘mean it’ like it used to. Like the famous ones that weren’t given (e.g. Maradona, Thierry Henry, Joe Jordan). We all know what intentional handball looks like. If it’s not intentional it’s not handball. It’s accidental.

2. Offside. I won’t even address the phases of play nonsense and being active. Just the bit where the technology draws the line - say it’s got to be a ball’s width ahead of the defender. Give the advantage back to scoring goals instead of looking for reasons to disallow them.


An accidental handball that results in an advantage to the handballing side should be penalised.

If you don’t penalise accidental handballs anywhere and just accept it as part of the game and something that balances itself out over time then it doesn’t advantage anyone.

If a player doesn’t have time to move their hand out of the way, then the potential punishment for that (conceding a penalty and losing a game) is completely disproportionate to the perceived offence. Yes this could also balance itself back out if you punished them all too, but the first option doesn’t blow things out of proportion and stays within the spirit of the game.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on June 30, 2024, 09:53:04 am
The ref is just applying the law. He’s accountable to that. The law and the technology is what’s ruining it.

It’s just the laws which are wrong. We can use technology if the rules make sense in the first place. 2 key ones need changing:

1. Handball. It’s got to ‘mean it’ like it used to. Like the famous ones that weren’t given (e.g. Maradona, Thierry Henry, Joe Jordan). We all know what intentional handball looks like. If it’s not intentional it’s not handball. It’s accidental.

2. Offside. I won’t even address the phases of play nonsense and being active. Just the bit where the technology draws the line - say it’s got to be a ball’s width ahead of the defender. Give the advantage back to scoring goals instead of looking for reasons to disallow them.


Handball. The only problem with that is when a hand or arm gets in the way of a goal bound shot, even if it's accidental, or denies a clear goalscoring opportunity (harder to define)

I remember James Hayter being denied a headed goal at Luton when a defender jumped up on the goal line with his arms out and the ball was going in until it hit the defenders elbow. Yes, the defender had his arms out as leverage when he jumped, as you do, so is that accidental?

Has to be a penalty surely?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Not Now Kato on June 30, 2024, 01:19:28 pm
I think football has bigger issues than handball and offside to sort out.  Like wrestling, shirt pulling, deliberate fouls outside the box when 'taking one for the team' to stop an attack, time wasting and time keeping!
 
Move timekeeping away from the ref to stop time wasting - ball out of play, clock stops running, introduce a sin bin for shirt pulling and wrestling and make it an automatic red card for a deliberate foul meant to stop an attack.
 
These measures work in other sports and have made them better, why not football?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Little Wolf on June 30, 2024, 02:07:58 pm
Spain did not get a player booked until the 90th minute last match and the amount of holding and shirt pulling was ridiculous.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: EasyforDennis on June 30, 2024, 02:37:25 pm
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned who the VAR ref was last night. The one and only Stuart Atwell. Fast tracked to the Premiership some years and subsequently demoted as he was making too many mistakes and then all is forgiven and he reappears back in the prem. He is totally useless and is a shining example of how far the standard of English referees has fallen. How he got to be officiating at the Euros god knows..........or maybe there was nobody available from the Faroe islands.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: IDM on June 30, 2024, 03:00:22 pm
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned who the VAR ref was last night. The one and only Stuart Atwell. Fast tracked to the Premiership some years and subsequently demoted as he was making too many mistakes and then all is forgiven and he reappears back in the prem. He is totally useless and is a shining example of how far the standard of English referees has fallen. How he got to be officiating at the Euros god knows..........or maybe there was nobody available from the Faroe islands.

doesn't matter who it was.  The officials followed the "rules" as they are, with the VAR as it is instructed to be used.

As has been said, the laws are, in effect, dogshite.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on June 30, 2024, 05:15:08 pm
This ref's loving a card, jeez
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 30, 2024, 08:59:49 pm
But at least we haven't had "Oh he'll be disappointed with that" when a player does something disappointing, or "He's got to hit the target from there" when a player doesn't hit the target. From there.

Tsunami of classic Murphyisms in the Switzerland-Italy match.

At 2-0 he said:

"Italy have a huge mountain to climb"

"If the Swiss score the next, you'll think it's too much for Italy"

"Thing is for Italy, it's hard when it's hot. And your playing against a good team."

IMO, nothing wrong with the first two comment but agreed that the third one was a bit unusual.
His best one, and I thought it was quite funny, came when someone smashed a 20 yard shot over the bar and Murphy said “ he must be wearing some of those Adidas crowdfinders “.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on June 30, 2024, 09:01:00 pm
VAR is f**king awful.

Denmark have a goal ruled out because a toenail hasn't been clipped. Then Germany get a penalty for the ball brushing by a hand that's in a perfectly reasonable position.

Awful, awful invention. It's seriously f**king up the top level game.

Totally agree with this.
Two ridiculous decisions.
I can’t recall the Germans even appealing for the penalty.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Reg of the Rovers on July 02, 2024, 06:16:22 pm
I may be misremembering other examples, but this tournament feels like the rise of the underdog - smaller countries rising up and really competing - Romania looking good currently, Austria been strong, Georgia were good value, Slovenia ran Portugal all the way, Swiss in quarters etc, feels a much more level playing field which is making for some really competitive and enjoyable games.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on July 02, 2024, 06:30:11 pm
I may be misremembering other examples, but this tournament feels like the rise of the underdog - smaller countries rising up and really competing - Romania looking good currently, Austria been strong, Georgia were good value, Slovenia ran Portugal all the way, Swiss in quarters etc, feels a much more level playing field which is making for some really competitive and enjoyable games.


Sshhh, if UEFA notice they'll only think of ways to keep the underdogs down and get the bigger nations to the finals. Larger squads to squash the lesser nations, seedings like they have in the champions league now.

PS...Danny Murphy must have the best agent in the world. He's god awful. Victor Meldrew of commentary and what "experitse" he offers lord only knows
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Ye-Aul-Tavern on July 02, 2024, 10:03:16 pm
Turkey v Austria. Proper game of football that. Forget the micro managed overcoached rubbish .That's what it's all about. Credit to the ref too. Let it flow. Take notice other crap refs.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Filo on July 02, 2024, 10:04:59 pm
Turkey v Austria. Proper game of football that. Forget the micro managed overcoached rubbish .That's what it's all about. Credit to the ref too. Let it flow. Take notice other crap refs.

That save at the end was stunning
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on July 02, 2024, 10:06:06 pm
THAT was tournament football. Rivetting.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on July 02, 2024, 10:09:37 pm
Turkey v Austria. Proper game of football that. Forget the micro managed overcoached rubbish .That's what it's all about. Credit to the ref too. Let it flow. Take notice other crap refs.

The ref was superb.
The save at the end was up there with the save by Banks from Pele.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on July 02, 2024, 10:18:17 pm
I may be misremembering other examples, but this tournament feels like the rise of the underdog - smaller countries rising up and really competing - Romania looking good currently, Austria been strong, Georgia were good value, Slovenia ran Portugal all the way, Swiss in quarters etc, feels a much more level playing field which is making for some really competitive and enjoyable games.


Sshhh, if UEFA notice they'll only think of ways to keep the underdogs down and get the bigger nations to the finals. Larger squads to squash the lesser nations, seedings like they have in the champions league now.

PS...Danny Murphy must have the best agent in the world. He's god awful. Victor Meldrew of commentary and what "experitse" he offers lord only knows

Danny Murphy, Danny Mills and Lee Dixon. Not the best. All three need to revisit their offer.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on July 02, 2024, 10:18:36 pm
Great game. Had everything including that worldy save at the end.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on July 02, 2024, 10:25:52 pm
Comment on the ref is spot on. Wish they were all like that!
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: roversdude on July 02, 2024, 10:36:10 pm
Really good ref for Portugal v Slovenia too
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on July 05, 2024, 08:40:46 pm
France and Portugal looking average. Germany were organised and showed Spain aren't world beaters in every game. Good Lord if we don't take this chance at this tournament
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on July 05, 2024, 09:51:57 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on July 05, 2024, 10:23:18 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on July 05, 2024, 10:58:21 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
"Hound will be satisfied with that!", after...
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Pancho Regan on July 05, 2024, 11:11:38 pm
More tears from Portugal, and Ronaldo is out without scoring a goal.

No more gazing at the big screen for him.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on July 05, 2024, 11:33:07 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
"Hound will be satisfied with that!", after...

It’s a bit like Kuensberg saying Labour have won a landslide victory , after Labour had won a landslide victory.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BobG on July 06, 2024, 12:51:37 am
It's a symbol of the huge deterioration in quality in our journalistic brethren. Statements of the bleeding obvious are now counted amongst the pearls of wisdom. I don't  know if it's  due to poor quality training or poor quality people, but once upon a time it would not have tolerated for very long. .An awful lot of tv commentators nowadays forget that their customers possess their own eyes. They act as if they are commentating for radio. Not tv. They seem to have never learned that verbal diarrhoea isn't necessary in a visual world.

BobG
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ravenrover on July 06, 2024, 10:00:02 am
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
"Hound will be satisfied with that!", after...

It’s a bit like Kuensberg saying Labour have won a landslide victory , after Labour had won a landslide victory.
Would she?
Did she?
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Not Now Kato on July 06, 2024, 12:16:39 pm
More tears from Portugal, and Ronaldo is out without scoring a goal.

No more gazing at the big screen for him.

Didn't do anything during normal play, he was just a passenger.  Should have been substituted, but it seems he's 'bigger' than the manager. And if he had been subbed maybe Portugal would have gone on to win it as they were effectively playing the whole match with 10 men! They were certainly the better team.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Copps is Magic on July 06, 2024, 12:30:56 pm
Spain have been far and away the best team in the tournament. I think it would be really difficult if England came up against them in the final. In many ways they play how I think Southgate would like to play, with Rodri and Ruiz just sitting and controlling the play (with much more ease than our lads), two absolutely fearless young wingers and one up top, full backs who also get forward more.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on July 06, 2024, 01:37:01 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
"Hound will be satisfied with that!", after...

He's got to do better from there.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on July 06, 2024, 03:33:09 pm
More Danny Murphyisms tonight.

"He'll be disappointed with that" when the Portuguese lad did something disappointing.

"That's a poor cross" says Danny, following a poor cross.

Anyone would think it was telling the truth.
"Hound will be satisfied with that!", after...

He's got to do better from there.

Billy is finding fault with people again.
He has got to be finding fault with someone.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on July 06, 2024, 05:32:35 pm
People are allowed to have hoobies or rather hobbies . One day the sport of "moaning for moans sake" might make the Olympics

 the one's i luv best are those who when a player chooses wrongly
option  A  ... says he should have chosen option B 

it's even better when the commentator never had the football ability of the culprit

I never ever  watch Qualifying or Friendly games nor Premiership matches so consequently haven't a clue who some of the England Squad player are --- someone else siad this on a thread

the Liverpool & Aston Villa defenders are "on a par with the "Accrington Stanley" who the hell are they in my sheltered world

Mainoo almost made that list
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on July 06, 2024, 10:39:23 pm
Spain have been far and away the best team in the tournament. I think it would be really difficult if England came up against them in the final. In many ways they play how I think Southgate would like to play, with Rodri and Ruiz just sitting and controlling the play (with much more ease than our lads), two absolutely fearless young wingers and one up top, full backs who also get forward more.

If that’s how Southgate wants us to play I’m in agreement with him big time. Just a bit confusing how he’s trying to put that into practice because we’re so far away from this.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: graingrover on July 07, 2024, 06:36:20 am
we don’t have tickets for the semi final but Düsseldorf is just a two hour drive and THIS is the best way to watch as Plan B ..
https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/event-guide/dusseldorf/festival/
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: drfchound on July 07, 2024, 09:08:11 am
we don’t have tickets for the semi final but Düsseldorf is just a two hour drive and THIS is the best way to watch as Plan B ..
https://www.uefa.com/euro2024/event-guide/dusseldorf/festival/

Have a great day.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: selby on July 07, 2024, 03:14:42 pm
 Great football in tournament football rarely wins the trophy, that is why the Brazil side of 1970 are remembered and even they had a little help from the referee  v Uraguay who should have won the semi I think it was with some great players in their team who are now forgotten.
  Argentina got lucky v Holland and France to be present world champions, its not about being the best team, there are not enough matches, it is about finding a way when it matters, whether stopping the other side from playing like Argentina while spoiling the game, or a big slice of luck and a referee's decision on penalty shouts like France had v us, just find a way to win even if it means taking a player out. the losers are just that losers from that day on, like the great Dutch side, a great Brazil side in the eighties and Hungary in the fifties, the best of their time who failed.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: DRFC_AjA on July 08, 2024, 08:15:23 pm
And just when you thought everyone in the country was revelling in the win. Everyone in the country was so so happy for Saka. When everyone from all backgrounds was coming together to celebrate the team as a whole. When everyone really didn't care or even notice ethnicities....yep there's always someone looking to segregate, divide, play victim....

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz9d3zzq907o
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: silent majority on July 09, 2024, 10:16:37 am
I’m not disagreeing with his opinion, but there was one player who took the blame for an England failure more than any other, one player who had effigies hung from lampposts, one player who had death threats and was ostracised by the vast majority of England fans.

That was David Beckham.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Pancho Regan on July 09, 2024, 10:48:41 am
I’m not disagreeing with his opinion, but there was one player who took the blame for an England failure more than any other, one player who had effigies hung from lampposts, one player who had death threats and was ostracised by the vast majority of England fans.

That was David Beckham.

That's exactly what I was thinking when I read that article SM.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: ncRover on July 09, 2024, 08:24:27 pm
Oh my word what a goal from Yamal

Goal of the tournament
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Copps is Magic on July 09, 2024, 08:51:02 pm
Spain have been far and away the best team in the tournament. I think it would be really difficult if England came up against them in the final. In many ways they play how I think Southgate would like to play, with Rodri and Ruiz just sitting and controlling the play (with much more ease than our lads), two absolutely fearless young wingers and one up top, full backs who also get forward more.

As I was saying.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Branton Red on July 09, 2024, 09:59:08 pm
France (and England and Netherlands to a degree) are a bunch of great players with limited team cohesion.

Spain are a fantastic team of great players. Great to watch.

The balance of the team, the movement off the ball. Superb. They're going to be very difficult to beat in the final.

Great credit to the Spanish manager pulling this side together as a team and getting them play.
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Pancho Regan on July 09, 2024, 10:16:24 pm
Spain are the best team in this tournament by far and thoroughly deserve to be in the final.

It will take some performance to stop them winning it.

Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: NickDRFC on July 17, 2024, 09:51:47 am
I see Kyle Walker made the team of the tournament, very surprised at that.
For me our performers were:

Consistently good - Guehi, Stones, Pickford
Decent in flashes - Saka, Mainoo
Best players but barely had any minutes - Palmer, Konsa
Disappointing - Bellingham, Kane, Foden, Rice, Walker, Trippier
Title: Re: Euro 2024
Post by: Chris Black come back on July 17, 2024, 10:32:09 am
I’m not disagreeing with his opinion, but there was one player who took the blame for an England failure more than any other, one player who had effigies hung from lampposts, one player who had death threats and was ostracised by the vast majority of England fans.

That was David Beckham.

Is there anything more unedifying than this guy becoming such a shameless tool of the establishment as he desperately tries to get his knighthood? Very odd person in many respects.