All things Football (soccer) related

[warspite1]

What was going on with the Spanish shorts? They looked bloody silly.

warspite1

Italy have been similarly afflicted. Well done Adidas

[warspite1]

Italy were rightly punished for their shorts debacle - going 1-0 down after 23 seconds…..

[warspite1]

…. But they turned it around to win 2-1. A solid, if unspectacular opening for Italy.

[shunwick]

Well, we have seen Germany, Spain, and Italy. All three did what they had to do. Germany certainly gave their fans and the nation s huge boost from their performance. The Spanish handled Croatia very nicely with some clinical finishing. And Italy played a pretty typical Italian game of get your nose in front and shut up shop.

Hungary's second half performance showed a little of what they about but it was a case of too little too late. Switzerland, as I have already said, were competent, tidy, and somewhat workmanlike.

Scotland were poor and they play Switzerland next. It doesn't look good for Scottish hopes.

Jury is still out Croatia. It may be a tournament too far for Croatia and they are not the force they once were. A reliance on the (very) old guard is troubling. They might have one last hurrah in them however.

Albania scored! Super congratulations to them. They are in hard group and will probably be happy with their performance tonight.

All told, so far, all interesting games, and most of them enjoyable to watch.

Best wishes,
Steve.

[gamer78]

Since whole topic is about Pro UK, for you two guys. just wonder you have a plan to watch Euro Cup in Germany. It would be interesting topic and observation from the front. We all watch Euro Cup but would be more interesting than who lost or win.

I do not understand your point.

This thread have been discussing pretty much every major tournament in the past twelve, or so, years. It started, if my memory serves, as a discussion about the Euros.

I would be glad to hear your points on football from all over the world, if you like to share.

Switzerland has players all over Balkans (A bit like devshirme system), Portugal and Spain from South America players, Germany has Polish and Turkish players. French team all over from Africa, Scandanivian leagues&players reserved for English Premier league. Even Sweden wait for VAR for how that is implemented in Premier league. And that is international tournament already, with 5 big leagues.

[gamer78]

Hungary, Scotland, Albania and perhaps Georgia only national teams to be honest.

[warspite1]

Poland vs Netherlands is next up. In times past I’ve always liked the Dutch. But as much as 1974 and 1978 provide great childhood memories, the feeling toward Holland has lessened somewhat. Poland 1974 also provided bittersweet memories - Poland knocking us out in the qualifiers, but then doing well in the tournament.

I think I’ll plump for whichever plays the best football.

[warspite1]

This is followed up with Slovenia vs Denmark. No major interest in this one - but probably plump for Denmark on the basis that Hojbjerg and Eriksen are playing for them.

[warspite1]

Finally today we have the small matter of Serbia vs someone called England.

England’s record in opening matches is abysmal - only one win. But to be honest, it’s not just about the win - it’s also about the performance. I can’t remember the last time England put in a dominant performance against a team anything other than a minnow.

Come on England, just for once, raise your game!!

[warspite1]

Half time

Poland 1-1 Netherlands

Another thoroughly entertaining game. This tournament keeps on giving. Lucky equalizer for the Dutch but they’ve had the chances to be 2-3 ahead.

[warspite1]

Full time

England 1-0 Serbia

First half excellent - second half, you could have scripted that nonsense. WHEN will England EVER put together a decent 90 minutes?

Foden is soooooo over rated…….

[shunwick]

Full time

England 1-0 Serbia

First half excellent - second half, you could have scripted that nonsense. WHEN will England EVER put together a decent 90 minutes?

Foden is soooooo over rated…….

Interesting to compare the Italian Game, get your nose in front and then shut the game down, with the English Game, get your nose in front and then panic.

Some enjoyable games again, Slovenia discovering that Denmark were not as good as they first thought. The Netherlands and Poland served up a very watchable game.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

60 mins gone….

Romania 3-0 Ukraine

…. Where did this Romanian performance come from!?!?

[warspite1]

……. with the English Game, get your nose in front and then panic.

warspite1

Yep. It cheeses me off when they say we’ve learnt with experience…… yeah right. So we didn’t switch off against Croatia…. And then Italy….. and now Serbia? Different games, same predictable outcome….

[shunwick]

60 mins gone….

Romania 3-0 Ukraine

…. Where did this Romanian performance come from!?!?

Cracking game. Most enjoyable and so happy for the Romanians.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

More Adidas shorts nonsense - this time Belgium. And why oh why are they wearing Burgundy?

But on a more pleasing front - Slovakia have the lead - Hussah!!

[shunwick]

More Adidas shorts nonsense - this time Belgium. And why oh why are they wearing Burgundy?

But on a more pleasing front - Slovakia have the lead - Hussah!!

And yet another cracking game to watch. It just wasn't Belgium's day.

Best wishes,
Steve

[shunwick]

France managed to hold out for the three points and N'Golo Kante was the classiest act on the field.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Just two games today.

Turkey vs Georgia

Portugal vs Czech Republic

The Turk/Georgia clash is not one I've got a real feel for - but will plump for Georgia as its their first ever major tournament and St George (Patron saint of England and he of the dragon fame) was apparently Georgian - nice flag, that Georgia flag

As for the second match - that is simple. As Czech don't have Ronaldo in their team I want Czech

[warspite1]

Georgia! What is this? Looked like they were going 2-0 down (saved correctly by VAR) and then got an equaliser - and since then have been much the better team!

I love this tournament!!