All things Football (soccer) related

[Orm]

I was hoping for Germany vs England in the final, but I will gladly settle for Spain vs England. Therefore, I am sure, that Netherlands will go into the final match. Do not think I will watch that.

[gamer78]

It seems England more motivated for a win rather than Netherlands's previous not so good performance. England playing perfectly. Exchange places for offensive football. For an observation about VAR: Kane penalty for sure correct but what about Mert Muldur's instance in Dutch game. Why no VAR call as it should be Red card.

Spain vs England final so far. It would be surprising things would change in second half.

[warspite1]

England are actually playing football. Wouldn’t it be ironic to lose a game we are actually playing well in?

If we had a left footed wing back things might have been better.

THE big question now - can England continue to play football or will they revert to type? Think Croatia World Cup semi-final and Italy European Championship.

The Dutch only had 2-3 looks at goal since they took the lead - but they look dangerous each time.

[warspite1]

15 mins into the second half and England revert to type - dull, boring, unimaginative side-to-side and backwards…… zzzzzzzz

[warspite1]

And in a mirror of other games, the Dutch realise England offer nothing and - thankful for the invitation - are starting to push England back…… brilliant tactics England…..

[warspite1]

Full time

Netherlands 1-2 England

Football - il fait beaucoup de bonkers…..

[Orm]

Well deserved win by England.

[shunwick]

Results...

Euro 2024

Semi-Final

Netherlands 1 England 2

England will play Spain in the final

Copa America 2024

Semi-Final

Colombia 1 Uruguay 0

Colombia will play Argentina in the final.

The fruitiest game was Colombia vs Uruguay. Uruguay had their chances but missed them all. Colombia had their chances to bury the game and missed them all. Colombia had 10 men for 50 minutes. And there were scenes after the final whistle. South American football. Love it.

England's progression to final pretty much confirms Southgate's safety first, no risk strategy remains effective. However, the level of internet vitriol against him probably means that only winning the final will reduce the pressure on him.

In other news, Gregg Berhalter has been sacked as USA coach. The USMNT has regressed under Berhalter's second stint as manager. The US federation has some serious thinking to do about who to replace him with.

Best wishes,
Steve

[gamer78]

Yes Internet comments always amaze me. Excluding perhaps Bellingham this year in Madrid, Harry Cane to Bayern this season all from Premier league players (most expensive league about players in the world). At least better than France in tournament (Didier Deschamps ) and even a champion in German territory. This is success and a dream...

[shunwick]

Result..

Copa America 2024

3rd and 4th Place match

Canada 2 Uruguay 2, Uruguay win 4-3 on penalties.

Canada took them all the way. They will be delighted with their performance in this tournament.

Best wishes,
Steve

[warspite1]

Result..

Copa America 2024

3rd and 4th Place match

Canada 2 Uruguay 2, Uruguay win 4-3 on penalties.

Canada took them all the way. They will be delighted with their performance in this tournament.

Best wishes,
Steve

warspite1

Great stuff from the Canadians!! I assume they have a great rivalry with the US in football? - if so, that is surely going to hurt the Americans who didn't exactly set the world alight in this tournament.....

[warspite1]

European Championships - Final

Spain vs England

Well England are in the final - I have no idea how given how we've played. But then football is such a strange game.

Three years ago we faced an Italian team that, on paper, we probably should have beaten. Sadly, having taken the lead early doors, we then decided to retreat into our own half and play the ball side-ways and backwards - Just as we did in the World Cup semi against Croatia.

But maybe against the skilful Spanish, that would actually be the better tactic - abandoning "safety first" against a team like Spain, packed with the sort of quality they have, would possibly be worse than trying to play on the front foot?? I don't know - but I don't trust our defence to keep the Spanish out playing our normal way.

England actually played well in the first half against the Dutch and were only level thanks to a contentious penalty. In the second half England reverted to type and the Dutch were better.... but we won that half 1-0.... added to which is the argument that we've advanced to the final playing as we have. It should also be noted that we didn't play badly (not quite so safety first) against France in the last World Cup - and lost that one anyway.

I should know better than to try and predict a result because this is football. On paper, on form, on just about any measure, the Spanish - who are aiming for an outright Euros record of 4 wins - should win tonight (my fear is that it could be by at least 3 clear goals). They have played well every game, they have won every game, and are skilful and creative with the ball. They also have an incredible midfield.

Obviously I hope I am wrong (like I was against the Swiss and the Dutch), and I will sit watching the match with my usual, hope rather than expectation, approach - and simply hope for a miracle to be delivered while shouting impotently at the TV as another 5-yard side-ways or backward pass is executed with absolute perfection......

When the best football song ever (FACT) initially came out, we were singling about 30 years of hurt... well that is now up to 58 years and counting....

Come on England - please put us long suffering English out of our misery.... or are you Tottenham Hotspur in disguise (that's 63 years and counting for the Premier League/League Championship ) and are we destined to wait for eternity - and even then not succeed? Good job I'm not Spurs and England... What? Oh damn, I am....

[warspite1]

Half time

Spain 0-0 England

Spain dominating possession but chances have been few. Luke Shaw keeping the wonderkid Lamal quiet - but given his lack of match fitness may be an issue for the England defender.

Nervy, tight and difficult to watch as expected if you are of the white shirt persuasion……

[warspite1]

Full time

Spain 2-1 England

England equalised - Spain were rocked….. and we sat back….

Congratulations Spain - quite simply the best team won.

[shunwick]

Result...

Euro 2024

Final

Spain 2 England 1

A deserved win for Spain who were undoubtedly the best team in this match and the whole tournament. Que Viva España!

The pressure is very much on Southgate now. Despite getting to the final, England have been disappointing throughout the tournament.

Coming up...

Copa America 2024

Final

Argentina vs Colombia

Best wishes,
Steve

[gamer78]

Didn't watch whole match But I've thought Nico Williams as left back as just like Ferdi in whole time in Spanish team, before this match. Football today more demanding like gladiators very few holidays. Congratulations to Spain but national teams difficult to watch as athleticism is the most important atribute about football.

[shunwick]

Result

Copa America 2024

Final

Argentina 1 Colombia 0 AET

Congratulations to Argentina for another adding another trophy to their growing list of honours. Lautoro Martinez's finishing better than anything Colombia had. Enjoyable match.

Best wishes,
Steve

[Orm]

I hate football. Stupid game.

[gamer78]

I hate football. Stupid game.

I agree.

https://youtube.com/shorts/siDUu4gNvVk? ... JwCNKW0Vb0

[RangerJoe]

Legally in Big Canada Land, saying "I'm sorry!" is not an apology. Oh well, they lose their coach but won the game.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ ... r-july-25/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/ ... priestman/