All things Football (soccer) related

[warspite1]

How does that second Belgian goal stand???? That was a leg breaker. Any challenge on the pitch with a studs up, off the ground, follow through like that and it’s a yellow card.

Goalkeeper lucky to have his leg in one piece…..

[warspite1]

Belgium 2-0 Romania

That second goal may prove key from a goal difference perspective.

Romania gave it a go and had good chances - but they weren’t clinical in the final third.

[shunwick]

Belgium 2-0 Romania

That second goal may prove key from a goal difference perspective.

Romania gave it a go and had good chances - but they weren’t clinical in the final third.

That pretty much sums it up. Decent performance from both teams better finishing from Belgium. I am not convinced that Romania have cutting edge against top rated opposition. Curiously, I am not fully convinced that Belgium's cutting edge is that sharp either. Group is set up nicely with all 4 teams played 2 and 3 points.

Best wishes,
Steve

[shunwick]

The most interesting game of the day for me....

Copa America 2024

Ecuador vs Venezuela Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Ecuador are a good side but there is question over whether, given their overall performances of late, they score enough goals. Venezuela is intriguing at this point. Traditionally, one of the weaker South American nations, they have had some really good results in the World Cup qualifying campaign. The curious thing is that they have played no friendlies as warm up games to Copa America.

Should be interesting.

Best Wishes,
Steve

[gamer78]

Not to divide chat between you guys, but I think all is excellent about ref decisions (maybe small favor Germany vs Hungaria; as it was in whole tournaments hosts in the past) But the problem I see in that group 3rd rank can have relatively easier opponents. Ranking 1st or second is good thing?

If you are asking specifically about Group F then it much to early to speculate on the pairings in the last 16 knockout games. If you are asking in general and the group positions go according to the seedings, then, in theory, the higher you are placed in the group should get you an "easier" opponent - at least according to seedings.

The problem is that teams rarely perform according to seeding expectations. Some teams start a tournament brightly and then fade. Other teams start poorly and get better. Sprinkle in some luck both good and bad and anything can happen.

Much of football is about what is going on in your head as how much skill you have as a footballer. Multiply that by eleven players and every football game is unique and unpredictable to a greater or lessor agree.

So, generally, first and second places are preferred.

I have no idea if that answers your question or not.

Best wishes,
Steve

Thanks for the reply. It seems for Group F, 2nd position opponent will be perhaps France or Holland in the next stage. 3rd place opponent in that group would be perhaps England or Spain. I'm watching Turkish team only for Arda Guler. Zero confidence for the rest. Çalhanoğlu won the best midfielder award in Serie A league but play next to nothing in national team for a 4-5 years. Pepe on the other hand at age 41 played better. Yes unpredictable nature of football is what it makes interesting sport.

[warspite1]

D-Day for Scotland (and Hungary) today.

All talk of 3rd place and who are going to be the best four 3rd place finishers is totally irrelevant for the Scots unless Scotland beat Hungary.

A Hungary win will put them 3rd, and Scotland out - but with 3 points Hungary will be unlikely to progress.

A draw means goodbye to both Scotland and Hungary.

A Scotland win gives them 4 points and then they have a wait to see who else finishes in 3rd with four points and whether there are two teams with worse records.

With four points already, the Swiss can only miss out on second if Scotland win and the Swiss lose to Germany and there is a massive goal swing.

Germany are already home and hosed but need to avoid defeat to ensure top spot.

I think all that is correct

Good luck to Scotland!!

[shunwick]

Copa America 2024

Ecuador 1 Venezuela 2

The early tackling was certainly fruity and culminating in a straight red for a horror (studs to throat) challenge by Valencia on 20 minutes. Ecuador scored just a few minutes after that incident and while they were still having the better of things. However, Venezuela certainly knew how to maximize their 11 v 10 advantage and the game gradually turned their way.

Mexico 1 Jamaica 0

Didn't watch it. Apparently, a close run thing. Jamaica has a goal disallowed by VAR, a tight offside as far as I can tell. Jamaica certainly made Mexico work for it.

Best wishes,
Steve

[shunwick]

D-Day for Scotland (and Hungary) today.

All talk of 3rd place and who are going to be the best four 3rd place finishers is totally irrelevant for the Scots unless Scotland beat Hungary.

A Hungary win will put them 3rd, and Scotland out - but with 3 points Hungary will be unlikely to progress.

A draw means goodbye to both Scotland and Hungary.

A Scotland win gives them 4 points and then they have a wait to see who else finishes in 3rd with four points and whether there are two teams with worse records.

With four points already, the Swiss can only miss out on second if Scotland win and the Swiss lose to Germany and there is a massive goal swing.

Germany are already home and hosed but need to avoid defeat to ensure top spot.

I think all that is correct

Good luck to Scotland!!

Scotland vs Hungary is the most interesting of the two games. Both sides need to win. Scotland need to score a boatload of goals. Hungary need to salvage some pride. Hoping for an entertaining game. Will keep an eye on the Germany game but Germany vs Switzerland doesn't sound as interesting a proposition as the Scotland game.

Best wishes,
Steve

[shunwick]

So games today:-

Euro 2024

Germany vs Switzerland
Scotland vs Hungary

Copa America 2024

USA vs Bolivia
Uruguay vs Panama

Best wishes,
Steve

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

Forget all the feelings & expectations, what's the best bet?

[warspite1]

Well don’t gamble would be your best bet …... But historically Scotland have NEVER got out of the group stage in any major tournament. Also there is the undeniable fact that football is a game where two teams kick a ball around for 90 minutes…. At the end of which the Germans win.

Hope that helps.

[warspite1]

How the hell can a country come to a tournament with a guaranteed three games - and never once wear their home kit? Rubbish.

[RangerJoe]

So games today:-

Euro 2024

Germany vs Switzerland
Scotland vs Hungary

Copa America 2024

USA vs Bolivia
Uruguay vs Panama

Best wishes,
Steve

Go Scotland!

Are they using kilts as part of their uniform? That might get some interest from some members of the public.

[warspite1]

Half time

Scotland 0-0 Hungary

Switzerland 1-0 Germany

Well, the Swiss currently causing a surprise against the Germans, but it’s difficult to see Scotland scoring at the moment. Does Billy Gilmour know the meaning of passing forward? He should play for England playing like that…..

[ElvisJJonesRambo]

got busy driving.
made it home for 2nd half.
risking yesterday's profit

Live In-Play Soccer 40007811 Switzerland +105 vs Germany

[warspite1]

Less than 30 minutes left……

Come on Scotland!!!!

[warspite1]

10 mins to go….

Come on - please, please Scotland……

[warspite1]

Oh…….

[warspite1]

Full time

Scotland 0-1 Hungary

Germany 1-1 Switzerland

It all changed at the death in both games. Scotland had their chances at the end, but got caught on the counter. As said, it’s unlikely that Hungary will qualify with 3 points which makes Scotland’s exit all the more annoying.

There was a nasty injury late in the game for the Hungarian striker Varga (let’s hope he’s okay). A penalty for Scotland that wasn’t given and plenty of chances for both sides at the end - with Hungary hitting the post. But at the end of the day it was another group stage exit for Scotland……

[shunwick]

Full time

Scotland 0-1 Hungary

Germany 1-1 Switzerland

It all changed at the death in both games. Scotland had their chances at the end, but got caught on the counter. As said, it’s unlikely that Hungary will qualify with 3 points which makes Scotland’s exit all the more annoying.

Well, Scotland are not a good team. They rely on effort rather talent. The only shot they had on target came in the 98th minute.

Disappointed with Hungary. Couldn't control the ball, kept launching the balls into space giving the Scottish defenders plenty of heading practice. The injury to Varga was worrying. The word is he was taken to hospital but not as bad as they first thought.

Hungary had more shots on target and hit the post. Scotland had a penalty shout turned down but you can bet VAR had a good look at that. From the replay it would have a very soft penalty at best. Won't stop the Scots claiming we wuz robbed.

Best wishes,
Steve