All things Football (soccer) related

[shunwick]

So... the matches today are:-

Croatian Peka takes on the Spanish Paella
French Pot-au-Feu tries its luck against the Swiss Rosti

Predilections and Predictions anyone?

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Predilections?

I like Croatia - provided they are wearing their home kit - otherwise don't really care. Used to like Spain but don't have any time for them since they became successful. Same applies to the French - supported them against the Germans in (in)famous world cup's past, but now hope they lose. No feelings one way or the other for Switzerland who are boring as a football nation.

So I want the Swiss for the simple reason they are not France, and I want Croatia (regardless of kit worn) because they are not Spain.

But predictions? Well I am really angry I blotted my record with Holland vs Czech. But these two are, in theory, easy - and I can't see a surprise on the cards for either.

The French will be waaaay too strong for the Swiss, and Spain are likely to be too much for Croatia who are increasingly reliant on the ageing (but still quality) Modric for inspiration.

[loki100]

does seem that spectacular own goals are now a feature of this tournament.

Watching how competently the Czechs dismantled the Dutch (even before the sending off) do feel a bit more re-assured about Scotland's overall performance

[warspite1]

Croatia 3-5 Spain

Football is such a crazy, cruel game.

3-3 - it goes to extra time and....

Croatia have 3 chances (2 guilt-edged) and miss the lot. Spain have 2 and score them both. Suddenly 3-5 and Croatia are beaten. Except they're not. Another golden chance to Croatia..... and just wide of the post.

Slim margins.... the difference between glory and despair so fine.

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Croatia 3-5 Spain

Football is such a crazy, cruel game.

3-3 - it goes to extra time and....

Croatia have 3 chances (2 guilt-edged) and miss the lot. Spain have 2 and score them both. Suddenly 3-5 and Croatia are beaten. Except they're not. Another golden chance to Croatia..... and just wide of the post.

Slim margins.... the difference between glory and despair so fine.

Great game for the neutrals.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

......... fine margins.......

ohh Switzerland........

[loki100]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

......... fine margins.......

ohh Switzerland........

maybe Pogba is actually quite good at football?

[10 mins later edit] or not, that was dire when he lost possession

[warspite1]

Do Switzerland have ANYONE that can take a penalty?

[loki100]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Do Switzerland have ANYONE that can take a penalty?

at least 2 of them?

edit - 5.

So the Swiss go from being one of the most boring teams in the Euros to dumping France out on a well deserved performance

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: loki100

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Do Switzerland have ANYONE that can take a penalty?

at least 2 of them?

warspite1

Yes, yes there is!!!!!!!!!!!!! Football eh?

[RFalvo69]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Do Switzerland have ANYONE that can take a penalty?

EVERYONE it looks [:D]

When Italy wavered against Austria, some comments were on the line of "Austria almost sent a lot of pundits to the doghouse". I guess that there will be a very crowded doghouse tonight... [:)]

[warspite1]

What a day of football.

Who knew Xhaka could play football?? Really pleased for the Swiss, but France were the architects of their own demise.... I mean didn’t they learn from Wales? Put two Spurs players in the team and you get what you deserve [;)]

[shunwick]

Well... A cracking day of football...

The teams that have impressed me the most so far... Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, and now, Switzerland. Fantastic tournament so far from all four. The Austrians have gone home of course but they can certainly keep their heads held high.

And... Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, and France all going home.

Best wishes,
Steve

[gamer78]

It is very surprising yes. But https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro ... y_v_France they were lucky to be leader in that group. Still big teams should play better in main tournaments. I congratulate Swiss team.

[RFalvo69]

ORIGINAL: shunwick

Well... A cracking day of football...

The teams that have impressed me the most so far... Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, and now, Switzerland. Fantastic tournament so far from all four. The Austrians have gone home of course but they can certainly keep their heads held high.

And... Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, and France all going home.

Best wishes,
Steve

One commonality between the deserving teams is their ability to play and believe until the last minute. It almost worked for Austria and for sure it worked for the Swiss tonight. France took their foot off the gas after their three goals streak and paid for it.

I hate penalties. They are a roulette (I hate even when Italy wins). However, this time the deserving team went through. I'm very happy for Switzerland, and France was considered "a given" one time too much.

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: RFalvo69

I hate penalties. They are a roulette (I hate even when Italy wins).

I can understand that. Penalties shootouts are the worst way to end any contest after extra-time. The problem is, of course, a way is needed to split the teams and penalties remain the best of bad bunch of solutions. They are drama, they are heroes and villains, they are courage, bravery, fear, joy and despair.

I don't like penalty shootouts either but they are the best solution I have seen so far.

Best wishes,
Steve

[gamer78]

I should disagree France wil be a hero after todays penalty shoot... Maybe Croatia in todays game if they didn't miss their chances in extra time.

[shunwick]

Well... it's the last two games of the last sixteen...

England's Chicken Tikka Masala versus German Sauerbratan
Sweden's Köttbullar med gräddsås takes on Ukrain's Borscht

Get you chops around that lot.

Just a note: There are more recipes for Swedish meatballs than you can shake a stick at. That is pretty much true of all the National Dishes I have presented but Swedish meatballs perhaps more than most. I have gone for Meatballs with Cream Sauce as a representative of the class.

Second note. While Chicken Tikka Masala remains the National Dish of England, a case has been made for Vindaloo as Fat Les explains...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va6nPu-1auE

Predilections, predictions and strange squiggly bits are all welcome...

Best wishes,
Steve

[RFalvo69]

ORIGINAL: shunwick

Second note. While Chicken Tikka Masala remains the National Dish of England, a case has been made for Vindaloo as Fat Les explains...

I ate Vindaloo in London, during a business trip, in a renowned Indian restaurant (don't remember the name). When I choose it, my English colleagues started to wave their hands and say "No! No!" It was the spiciest dish in the place (possibly in London). I went forward, and when the dish arrived the steam coming from it was basically tear gas. After the first gulp I felt my lips swelling and parts of my mouth peeling off. And yet I finished it and it was delicious. [8D]

[warspite1]

Not saying anything about the first game. If I ignore it perhaps it won’t happen and we will still be in the competition tomorrow.

Sweden will beat Ukraine - Ukraine were rubbish in the group stages...... but then the Swiss were rubbish against Italy and looked ordinary against the Welsh......

Nah, still sticking with Sweden for the win