UEFA EURO 2016 France

[twickers]

Rashford best player, and he played for 5 mins. The rest were absolutely fucking shite. Well done Iceland.

[RobbieGong]

Baffling !! Iceland were good but that's also because we just didnt seem to play like a national side in a very big competition :(

[Oldpinkman]

Ryan Air spared me the first half, but I saw the 2nd. Fortunately I kept my money in my trousers. I believe we are now organising a series of friendlies, but are looking for smaller sides than Croydon

[Stratmangler]

I don't know where to start, so I'll keep it very brief.
England were rubbish.

I don't like singling out players, but Sterling put in as good a performance tonight for England as he did for most of last season for City.
If he doesn't shape up quickly Guardiola will drop him like a stone.

As for the rest - it hasn't sunk in yet that you move the ball and make your opposition do all the chasing.
Running after the bloody thing all the time is a waste of time, and you end up knackered and cocking up all the basic things, such as passing the ball.
Don't get caught out by long throw ins into the box.
Make sure you stay goal side of the man you're marking.

Well done to the Icelandic team.
Now go and put the French to the sword.

[Marco]

Been out for most of the day, as we've got relatives visiting, so missed the footy.... Got both games taped, so will settle down to watch them shortly.

I've heard the scores, though. Can't comment on the nature of the England defeat, until I watch the game, but I'm genuinely sorry to see them go out, as I thought that they had the ability to go further, so commiserations to all the England fans here.

However, I'm absolutely delighted about the Italy result, so excuse me whilst I have a bit of a cheer.....

Italy 2 Spain 0

Yaaaaaaaassssssssss!!! YA DANCER!! :yay: :yay: :mex: :yesbruv: :yesbruv:

Ok, now to sit down with a couple of beers and enjoy the game! :cool:

Marco.

[Oddball]

Well I didnt end up in bed early and didnt watch the game. Had a in calf heifer knocked down in the cow yard and ended up getting the cargo net and tractor loader to get her slung and out onto a grass field (she could't stand up on the slippery concrete after damaging her back !!)
So at 11 -15 can in for tea to find the w*****s had lost - Ha ha .

Thank god , no more winging on football focus
Now I can become an honary Welshman :D

[Stratmangler]

Can't comment on the nature of the England defeat, until I watch the game

Do yourself a favour and don't bother watching beyond the second Iceland goal.
It didn't get any better after that :doh:

[Marco]

Do yourself a favour and don't bother watching beyond the second Iceland goal.
It didn't get any better after that :doh:

No worries, Chris. I'll see how it goes, as I'd like to get a good handle on why what happened did happen... Anyway, mate, you must be gutted. Tough day.

Marco.

[Stratmangler]

Gutted?
Nah!
Disappointed?
Just a little bit.

I still can't understand why Rooney was given the task of taking corner kicks.
He would have been better utilised by being in front of goal when corners were taken.
Why no England players went out to corner kicks was another mystery - it would only have taken one player, and the simple act of doing that would have dragged a couple of Icelandic players out of position, and given a tiny amount of room for manoeuvre in a very crowded box.

That's not to take anything away from Iceland.
They showed true fight and spirit.
I expect them to give no quarter to the host nation in the next game.

[struth]

Oddly I had Iceland down for a 2-1 win but changed it to 2-1 England lol. Lesson is dont change your mind. ..but seriously, England played very poorly and can do a lot better. They seemed to be very subdues; Surprising that the boy Rashford wasnt introduced earlier. Iceland were terrified of him

[Oldpinkman]

utterly bizarre that Rashford was introduced too late to have any chance, and still nearly turned it. Actually I thought England were improving steadily throughout the last 15 minutes. If that had been the warm up, and they went out and played the real 90 minutes from there, they could have won comfortably.

I blame Brexit. We've got it firmly in our heads that we just want to be out of Europe, without understanding that means you can't play in the next match

[WAD62]

Do yourself a favour and don't bother watching beyond the second Iceland goal.
It didn't get any better after that :doh:

What made it even worse is that England's abject display came just after a tactical master class from Italy, in their comfortable defeat of Spain...I've a feeling Chelsea may be a little more competitive next year :eyebrows:

[struth]

Just done my Quarter final predictions. decided on 2-1 wins... Poland, France, Wales and Italy

[Marco]

Aside from the (good goals on either side), it was a pretty average game... However, goodness me, my original predictions for the final (along with Germany), which when the tournament started and I watched how they were playing, I didn't think would get there, are now in the semi-final... :eek:

It's amazing how some teams can progress this far in the tournament despite playing no more than average! Anyway, we'll see what happens. Roll on Wales vs. Belgium! :yesbruv:

Marco.

[struth]

Yes in the semi's without winning a game(in 90 mins) Felt the poles were overall the better side. Keeps Ronaldo in tourney and maybe he can do something to live up to his rep.

[Marco]

So it's a 2-1 win for Wales for you tonight then, Granty? :)

I sincerely hope you're right, but I think that the (magnificent) journey in this tournament will end here for Wales, and so predict a 3-1 win for Belgium. However, may I be as WRONG as a very WRONG thing!! :dummy:

Marco.

[struth]

Belguim are favs but i just think Wales have something going thats going to be only stopped by Wales

[Marco]

Great start to the match! We shall see what transpires....

On a side note, does anyone else think that the Belgium manager looks a bit like Tony Hadley?

Marco.

[struth]

Good equalizer for Wales.. 1-1 and all to play for 2nd half

[Marco]

Indeed. They're holding onto and distributing the ball well, and so far it's an excellent game. Lots of twists and turns yet, I feel!

What did you make of them all rabbiting on about England at half time, and their failures, who unless I'm mistaken are OUT of the tournament, instead of concentrating FULLY on discussing the (rather important) match in hand? :doh: :rolleyes:

Same old, same old English bias, from the EBC...

Marco.

[twickers]

Indeed. They're holding onto and distributing the ball well, and so far it's an excellent game. Lots of twists and turns yet, I feel!

What did you make of them all rabbiting on about England at half time, and their failures, who unless I'm mistaken are OUT of the tournament, instead of concentrating FULLY on discussing the (rather important) match in hand? :doh: :rolleyes:

Same old, same old English bias, from the EBC...

Marco.

It's an English channel you tart, of course they're going to moan about England.

[Marco]

Sorry, I thought it was a BRTISH channel. What does the first 'B' in BBC supposedly stand for? ;)

And so not all viewers are necessarily going to be fascinated with England, especially during a WALES vs. Belgium match, least of all the WELSH supporters watching, who couldn't give a rat's arse about Ingerlund!!

Marco.

[struth]

Freudian slip there :doh:

[Marco]

Lol... You've got to laugh (kind of)! :D :rolleyes:

I'm sure that all the Scots and Irish supporters too, watching the game in BRITAIN, on the EBC, sorry, BBC (who pay the same licence fee as the English), will have been utterly engrossed in the half-time chat about England...... ;)

Marco.

[twickers]

Nah. The Welsh have got their own channel. BBC Wales. ;)

[Marco]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSS.... FUCKING HELL!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS - YA DANCER!!!! I'M IN CLOUD FUCKING NINE WITH SHEER PRIDE AND JOY FOR MY LITTLE ADOPTED COUNTRY!!!!!

:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

:sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep:

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

:clapclapclap: :clapclapclap: :clapclapclap: :clapclapclap:

Marco.

[helma]

Wales - Iceland for the final? :D

[twickers]

Congrats Wales. Fancy Wales Against Portugal. Shame about Ramsey suspended.

[struth]

Well, I was close with 2-1. Nice one for them, and onwards to next game. :eek:

[Stratmangler]

Lol... You've got to laugh (kind of)! :D :rolleyes:

I'm sure that all the Scots and Irish supporters too, watching the game in BRITAIN, on the EBC, sorry, BBC, will have been utterly engrossed in the half-time chat about England...... ;)

Marco.

Shut yer moaning hole.
We've been through this one more times than I can remember.

They have a studio with a load of ex players in it, and more than a few England caps between 'em.
What else are they gonna talk about?

If folk don't want to listen to the half time chat they can bugger off and have a dump/make a brew/go collect a few cans from the fridge etc, instead of sitting there watching it like a lemon and then whinging and droning on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and 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on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on, about it.

Congratulations to Wales.
It's a well deserved win.
Go and beat Portugal :cool:

[twickers]

Lol... You've got to laugh (kind of)! :D :rolleyes:

I'm sure that all the Scots and Irish supporters too, watching the game in BRITAIN, on the EBC, sorry, BBC (who pay the same licence fee as the English), will have been utterly engrossed in the half-time chat about England...... ;)

Marco.

FFS

It was supposed to be a bit of banter with you constantly whingeing about all things English, westmonster etc.

Obviously not :rolleyes:

[Marco]

I got the banter, but my point there was serious (about the BBC, that is - it's always the same old pish)! ;)

Oh, and if I wasn't given a valid reason to whinge, then whinge I would not.... Am I not entitled to express my honest opinion?

Anyway, who gives a flying fuck about any of that.... Right now, ALL THAT MATTERS is that WALES are through to the semi-finals of the 2016 European championship.... :eek: :eek:

Smile and be happy!!! :cool:

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Wales !! Just superb - Hope they win the whole thing..... watch this space ;)

[snapper]

:wow:


One of the best games of football I've watched in a long, long time. Incredible TEAM performance.


Well done Wales.


:sheep::sheep::sheep: :clapclapclap: :sheep::sheep::sheep:


An interesting stat I saw tonight.


Wales have now won as many knockout round games in the past week as Ingurland have won in the past two decades.


:lolsign:

[JohnJo]

:wow:


One of the best games of football I've watched in a long, long time. Incredible TEAM performance.


Well done Wales.


:sheep::sheep::sheep: :clapclapclap: :sheep::sheep::sheep:


An interesting stat I saw tonight.


Wales have now won as many knockout round games in the past week as Ingurland have won in the past two decades.


:lolsign:

Rats, missed the whole thing, sounds like it was a brilliant match, genuinely delighted for Wales.

Well done lads, best of luck :)

Think we'll be supporting them from here in!

[Stratmangler]

:wow:


One of the best games of football I've watched in a long, long time. Incredible TEAM performance.


Well done Wales.


:sheep::sheep::sheep: :clapclapclap: :sheep::sheep::sheep:


An interesting stat I saw tonight.


Wales have now won as many knockout round games in the past week as Ingurland have won in the past two decades.


:lolsign:

I have another interesting stat for you.
2 of the 3 Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.
Seems that they'd been to Rhyl a couple of times when they were kids :D

[struth]

Think it was Barry Island;)

[Macca]

Good for the Welshies. I guess I'm supporting them now seeing as my bet is toast.

[Marco]

Wales !! Just superb - Hope they win the whole thing..... watch this space ;)

Lol, Rob... Who knows? On this form, they're certainly capable of it and should fear no-one. Leicester City, against all odds, won the EPL this year, so why not Wales to win the Euros? Greece won it once, remember...? :eek:

However, they'll certainly miss Ramsey, big time, although I'm sure that whoever'll come in to replace him will do a good job, as every player in this Welsh squad has real HEART and PASSION, as well as talent, and they're all desperate to do their utmost best for their country.

Like I said before, Belgium are a decent team, with some great players, but GROSSLY overrated.....

Until now, let's face it, they'd beaten 'no-one' (and I say that with all due respect to the teams that they've played and beaten so far, but you know what I mean, considering how wonderful they're supposed to be), and were ridiculously lauded for running over the top of a spent Hungarian side. Aside from that, what else have they achieved of note in this tournament?

Hee-haw! And so the supposedly second best team in the world (what idiots dream up these rankings, and based on what criteria?) are sent home, over the border, to go back to making chocolate....! :eyebrows:

Anyway, Wales now meet Portugal, which will be their sternest test yet, even though Portugal have played pish so far. Regardless, the fact is that, like Germany and Italy, they're a 'tournament side', so know how to play the 'long game' (and by that I don't mean long ball), have incredible mental toughness, and as such are a very hard side to break down and beat.

But Wales now have real momentum behind them, as well as almost no pressure on them, because regardless of what happens now in this tournament, they'll return home as heroes, having achieved something that England could only have dreamt of!

So another rousing and hair-raising rendition of 'Land of Our Fathers' awaits us........

ePaUpDLd_DY

:sheep: :sheep: :yesbruv: :yesbruv:

As they say: "THE SHIRT YOU CAN BUY, THE HEART YOU CAN'T"!

Marco.

[Marco]

I have another interesting stat for you.
2 of the 3 Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.
Seems that they'd been to Rhyl a couple of times when they were kids :D

Lol.... And of course, by the same token, Michael Owen was an English thoroughbred!! :lol: :lol:

;)

Marco.

[Stratmangler]

I have another interesting stat for you.
2 All of the 3 Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.
Seems that they'd been to Rhyl a couple of times when they were kids :D

I just did a double check - all of the Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.

[Marco]

Wales have now won as many knockout round games in the past week as Ingurland have won in the past two decades.


:lolsign:

And of course the ONLY thing that they've actually ever won is the World Cup once in, wait for it....... 1966! :D

Yet, unbelievably, they're still considered by the media as one of the 'favourites' for any of the tournaments they enter :hmm: :scratch:

Marco.

[Marco]

I just did a double check - all of the Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.

So, who cares? Why then aren't they playing for England? Bet you wish they had been in this tournament! :ner: ;)

Marco.

[struth]

....and we,ve never heard the end of it!!


mind you, they were a very good side team wise if not individually the best. I watched them win it and did not realise what was going to be unleashed.:D by 1970(I was on hols in Spain) everyone in the world wanted them to lose, if only to shut them up:eyebrows:

[Ninanina]

Sometimes I despair with all the whinging... :doh:

I reckon Wales v Belgium was one of the best matches I've seen not just in these Euros but for many years

Well done Wales you were fantastic.... :clapclapclap:

[struth]

Sometimes I despair with all the whinging... :doh:

I reckon Wales v Belgium was one of the best matches I've seen not just in these Euros but for many years

Well done Wales you were fantastic.... :clapclapclap:

http://rlv.zcache.com/corgi_kiss_me_im_welsh_childs_t_shirt-r0f9685c4988e4453866e1b1f19004f00_wio57_512.jpg

[Joe]

Sometimes I despair with all the whinging... :doh:


We're British, it's what we do. When Thatcher was doing her 'just rejoice, rejoice' bit, all true Britons were thinking 'put a sock in it, missus'.

[Marco]

....and we,ve never heard the end of it!!

mind you, they were a very good side team wise if not individually the best. I watched them win it and did not realise what was going to be unleashed.:D by 1970(I was on hols in Spain) everyone in the world wanted them to lose, if only to shut them up:eyebrows:

Indeed, and they wonder why they're disliked so much by everyone else? ;)

I was genuinely sad to see them go out of this tournament so early, as for me, there's always a bit more 'fizz' and excitement in football competitions when England are still a part of them, and I was also sorry for all the England fans on AoS seeing their team be so disgraced and outplayed by Iceland - *BUT*, equally, I detest the English media bias in Britain, and the inbred arrogance of some England fans, with a passion.

Marco.

[snapper]

I just did a double check - all of the Welsh goals were scored by Englishmen.

A bit like these players who all represented Ingurland.

Tony Dorigo
Owen Hargreaves
Cyrille Regis
Matthew Le Tissier
John Barnes
Raheem Sterling
Graeme Le Saux
John Salako
Terry Butcher

and the famous Welshman, all the way from Wrexham, Rob Jones.

[Stratmangler]

So, who cares? Why then aren't they playing for England? Bet you wish they had been in this tournament! :ner: ;)

Marco.

If they had been with England they'd have been back home or on holiday by now.
Chris Coleman has put a decent team together, and he sets them up to play to their strengths.

[Marco]

Coleman then for England manager? :eyebrows:

Marco.

[struth]

If they had been with England they'd have been back home or on holiday by now.
Chris Coleman has put a decent team together, and he sets them up to play to their strengths.

Basically thats how Alf Ramsey worked it. He picked the players that fitted HIS system, and bollocks to anyone else who didnt like it. Worked too.

England for last 20 years have been trying to get all their top players in a team and it doesnt work. The press are their biggest enemies

[snapper]

An interesting stat I saw tonight.


Wales have now won as many knockout round games in the past week as Ingurland have won in the past two decades.


:lolsign:


Oops made a mistake.


Wales have won more knockout Euros matches in the past week than England have managed in 50 years.

[Marco]

Shut yer moaning hole.
We've been through this one more times than I can remember.

They have a studio with a load of ex players in it, and more than a few England caps between 'em.
What else are they gonna talk about?


The *actual* game being played, perhaps? The most important thing. Nah, I guess that's too radical a concept! :D

I'll stop going "on and on" when there exists fairness and parity, in terms of how much attention is given to English interests, compared with those of the rest of the fans in the UK, when the BBC [in reality EBC] are reporting on International football.

We ALL pay the same amount for our licence fee, thus we deserve equal coverage of our respective football interests. Simples!

Oh, and please don't be so rude. "Shut yer moaning hole" is not a very nice way of addressing anyone.

Marco.

P.S In case you missed it, there was also a Welshman (Dean Saunders) in the studio, but I guess he doesn't count ;)

[Macca]

We're British, it's what we do. When Thatcher was doing her 'just rejoice, rejoice' bit, all true Britons were thinking 'put a sock in it, missus'.

My parody of her on the Brexit thread didn't go down well either. I think it was a bit too soon for postmodern irony.

[Marco]

This is rather funny: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bbc-pundit-dean-saunders-runs-11528782

Never mind, I'm sure the fact that he stinks to high heavens now has been well worth it! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[StanleyB]

I travelled to Cardiff from London yesterday. First time that I set foot in Wales. I was surprised not to see any Welsh flag hanging onto cars as a sign of support of their team. The traffic into Cardiff was absolutely diabolical hours before the match started. Like everyone outside Cardiff were trying to get into the city just for the match.

[WAD62]

Basically thats how Alf Ramsey worked it. He picked the players that fitted HIS system, and bollocks to anyone else who didnt like it. Worked too.

England for last 20 years have been trying to get all their top players in a team and it doesnt work. The press are their biggest enemies

Couldn't agree more...the players were not aware of what their roles were, and frankly nor was the manager...

You have to be pretty damned good to play 'freestyle' football, perhaps the '70 Brazil team (and we should have beaten them!), along with the 74-78 Dutchies...but they were so good they didn't need a manager...;)

...enough of the english rubbish!

Well done Wales, what a performance to pull back against that opposition...they have a real chance now :eyebrows:

Can Ashley Williams come and give a team talk about 'manning up' to our brats (doh I'm off again :doh:)

[Marco]

Ok, Granty, so how's this one between these two giants gonna go? :)

I'm sitting out of making a prediction on this one.

Marco.

[JohnJo]

I'm gonna say 2-1 to Italy.

[struth]

Ok, Granty, so how's this one between these two giants gonna go? :)

I'm sitting out of making a prediction on this one.

Marco.

I went 2-1 Italia. Hard to go against the Germans, but Italy may be their Waterloo if anyone is.

[struth]

well, its ended 1-1 after ET... pens now, and the Germans dont miss often. Buffon is a big confident goallie though and Conte brought Zaza on just at the death for pens. Italy are one of the worst pen takers at major comps. odd that but worse than England, so they must win surely;)

[Havana]

Best team wins. Germany triumph in their worst penalty shoot-out ever.

[Oddball]

Germans - didn't you just know it

[RobbieGong]

This game was always going to end in a penalty shoot out. Added tension and excitement, even my young daughters got into that. Tough for the loser though and my daughters, they were routing for Italy.

Where's Marco btw ? He'll be pretty naffed off but he lives in Wales so there's hope yet ;)

[Marco]

Well, after overall a pretty disappointing match, and a pretty woeful penalty shoot-out, especially for Italy, Germany progress to the semi-finals. Looks like my prediction of a Portugal vs. Germany final (with Germany winning) is still on! :eek:

However, come on Wales, to scupper that!!! :hifive:

Marco.

P.S I think that I also predicted France to reach the semi-finals... Iceland might scupper that.

[struth]

Yup, dont think you can but feel the right side went through. Great effort from Italy.

[RobbieGong]

Well, after overall a pretty disappointing match, and a pretty woeful penalty shoot-out, especially for Italy, Germany progress to the semi-finals. Looks like my prediction of a Portugal Germany final is still on! :eek:

However, come on Wales!!! :hifive:

Marco.

Wales v Belgium was fab in comparison and fitting of any big tournament match final.

[Marco]

I'd say that Germany probably just edged it and were the better team on the night. Italy have a pretty diabolical record in penalty shoot-outs, with Germany the converse, so when the game got to that stage, there was only one likely winner.

It was also always going to be a tough ask for Italy to be able to beat BOTH Spain and Germany, just to reach the semi-finals! Compare their run of games in this tournament with the likes of Belgium's... Anyway, we move onwards and upwards! :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

enjoyed the game actually. I like to see quality defending, done with love

[Marco]

Me too, but I prefer a bit more excitement and pressing/high-tempo play. Wales (and up until this game) Italy, in this tournament, play the game the way I like it to be played :)

With Conte in charge, I think Chelsea will be a rather attractive team to watch this season.

Marco.

[helma]

No De Rossi or Thiago Motta really seemed to show in the midfield unfortunately... Like always, the defense was beautiful to watch, but their midfield playing really wasn't up to par today, too many weak/bad passes and bad decisions, someone like De Rossi could've brought some pace, rhythm and timing into it :D

Based on what happened in the field, probably the right team won, but I still feel gutted, I've really took a liking to the Azzurri these past few years (I used to loathe them years ago!) - and damn that game winning penalty, Buffon was so close to catching that one...

Horrible penalty shoot-out btw, so many bad & missed penalties :D I suppose will feel twice as bad for the loosing side.

[Marco]

Hi Kai,

I agree that Italy missed De Rossi, in particular, but they didn't employ the type of pressing and attacking (highly entertaining) football they'd been playing in this tournament so far, against the likes of Belgium and Spain, perhaps because Germany didn't allow them to, so for me they were hugely disappointing, almost reverting back to the usual boring defensive football Italy are renowned for.

I'd expected better from Conte, and if their tactics were to try and take the game to extra time and penalties, then against the Germans, that was suicidal... Anyway, the better team won on the night, and if Wales should lose to Portugal, I hope that Germany go onto win the tournament, as they've been the most consistent team in the competition by far.

So how do folks see this game going tonight [Granty]? Can Iceland 'do an England' on France? For me, no, but I expect it to be quite a tight game, with Iceland creating chances, but with France eventually winning 2-0 in normal time :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

Just in after a nice evening at my bros house. They only invite me when theres computer probs;)

Anyhoo, yes i went 2-1 France, but Iceland could spring another shock. Think France will be too strong and will have leaned from earlier games tbh. Home team gets a big lift

[struth]

Heading for half time. France coasting 2-0 up, and just controlling the ball for now. Still think they may get more at will. Iceland looked overawed by the occasion tbh


a quick one two, and its 4-0

[Marco]

4-0 at half time, lol... Didn't see it as being quite so emphatic!

France are exerting their class and showing Iceland up as being very ordinary, something England would've dearly loved to have achieved. This game and French performance puts things into perspective in terms of where England currently stand in European football.

However, the Iceland performance reminds me a little of the Hungary one against Belgium, where they'd essentially burned themselves out, from what they'd put into previous games, and the class team took full advantage....

I see more goals coming in the second half, and perhaps even one for Iceland! ;)

Marco.

[struth]

goals a plenty.. 5-1 now.

[Marco]

Told ya - and that Iceland would get one.... I suspect that they might get another one, too ;)

This is MY kind of match! Beats the yawn-inducing pish, in comparison, we had to watch last night. I like EXCITEMENT!!

Marco.

[Marco]

Awesome match! :clap:

Wish we'd seen more like it at this tournament... Two teams desperate to WIN the game in normal time, full of attacking and skilful football, verve and passion, instead of trying to stop the other from playing and wasting time, trying to take the match to penalties!

Iceland were simply amazing, in terms of the pride and commitment that they showed, even when 4-0 down. They never just lay down and gave up, and could've scored at least another two goals, as indeed could've France. However, along with Wales, Iceland are the team to be given most credit, doing themselves proud for their performances during this tournament :)

So.... As I predicted, France are through to the semi-finals, where they'll now meet Germany (who I've predicted will win the tournament), a match which I suspect will be a cracker! Can't wait :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

So itll be a semi next :eyebrows: lets hope its not a letdown. Think i have went for draws over 90 mins for both. Wouldnt surprise me if france meet wales tbh. But logic says germany portugal.

[Marco]

So itll be a semi next :eyebrows: lets hope its not a letdown. Think i have went for draws over 90 mins for both. Wouldnt surprise me if france meet wales tbh. But logic says germany portugal.

France vs. Wales would be awesome! Let's hope that happens... If not, I should've put some money on Germany vs. Portugal, as that's what I predicted right from the beginning, the master predictor that I am, lol :eyebrows:

Marco.

[JohnJo]

Awesome match! :clap:

Iceland were simply amazing, in terms of the pride and commitment that they showed, even when 4-0 down. They never just lay down

Yip, no matter who wins, I think Iceland come away from the tournament with more kudos than anyone.

Unless Wales win of course :eyebrows:

[Marco]

Yup, I'll go with that :thumbsup:

Marco.

[Marco]

So how's the big one going to go then, chaps? Can Wales get to the final and *really* write their name in the history books or will Portugal put the brakes on Welsh dreams?

Marco.

[Oddball]

Lets hope Ronaldo continues to have a mare ! if he does then Wales stand an excellent chance IMO :fingers:

[struth]

1-1 after 90 Then it's anyone's guess if that happens but Portugal may win a shootout do hope Wales can sneak a winner

I will likely be wildly wrong

[Marco]

I'm going to go 2-1 to Wales after extra time! :)

Marco.

[struth]

A step too far I guess, as Portugal win 2-0. Think it was deserved overall, and Wales missed Ramsey a fair bit tonight...with Porugal in final, then I'm going to revise my result for tomorrow and say Germany will win .... Looks Like Marco's original final prediction is gonna come true.

[JohnJo]

End of another dream, bad luck Wales.:(

[Marco]

Yeah, in the end it was just a bridge too far for the lads. Ramsey and Davis out suspended was the biggest catalyst for me in the defeat, as it forced Wales to change their style of play and also the strength in depth of the squad just wasn't there to replace them.

That coupled with the tournament catching up with them to a degree, in terms of fatigue, and a Portugal side I always new would make it very difficult, with their ability to suck the life out of the opposition and win matches on a piece of individual brilliance from Ronaldo, or such like, although that wasn't necessarily the case in this game, just made the task a bit too much.

Still, Wales go home with their heads held high after having achieved quite amazing success in this tournament, and if they can keep their starting 11 together, injury free, will be a match foe anyone at future tournaments, including the next World Cup. You just feel that this current Wales team are on a bit of a journey...

Anyway, so now we await seeing who will go through to meet Portugal in the final, France or Germany. I know that I originally predicted a Germany vs. Portugal final, and one of them is already through, with Germany eventually winning it, and that may well transpire, but I just have a sneaky feeling now that France will beat Germany tomorrow, and go on to beat Portugal in the final.

I just think that France have built up a momentum now unmatched by the other remaining teams, and with the home fans behind them, will now go onto lift the trophy. However, we shall see! :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

Wales and Iceland have been the highlight of the tourney tbh. Very small countries, especially Iceland, but out did many big nations. France have some good players, but just feel Germany are stronger, although if the home crowd isnt kept quiet then it may swing to the hosts

[Marco]

Agreed about Wales and Iceland. The Irish teams did quite well too, especially the Republic, beating Italy and doing so well against France. If they'd got an easier team in the last 16, who knows, they could've gone as far as Wales, or at least into the quarter finals...

Yup, I hear you about Germany, and my original prediction may well come to pass, but it's just an inkling I have about France. Much will depend on who's key players, as they say, 'bring it' on the night. I'm certainly expecting a good game, which should be better than the one last night :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

3-1 Germany.......... ve have waz of making you lose goaals :eyebrows:

[Marco]

...but I just have a sneaky feeling now that France will beat Germany tomorrow, and go on to beat Portugal in the final.

I just think that France have built up a momentum now unmatched by the other remaining teams, and with the home fans behind them, will now go onto lift the trophy.


And:


Yup, I hear you about Germany, and my original prediction may well come to pass, but it's just an inkling I have about France. Much will depend on who's key players, as they say, 'bring it' on the night.


Ahem.... ;)

And on the night, France's key players 'brought it' more than Germany's...

More later! :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

Well, Greizmann did... told ya he was good.. well done them, although Germany should have had it won in first half.

[Stratmangler]

Some important news for the final on Sunday.
Mark Clattenburg is the referee.
I wonder if we'll see any guessed at decisions .....:doh:

[struth]

Pretty much everyone and their dog has written off Portugal and plumped for the hosts. I think I will buck this trend and say Portugals defence and Ronaldo's brilliance will give them the edge and say 2-1 to Portugal

[struth]

Ronaldo has been mugged, and now off injured. was a dirty foul by Payet. what chance Portugal have is maybe reduced.....or is it? maybe France will get cocky and leave back door open... They have been the better team, but that foul was ooo.

[Marco]

Well, I predicted that they'd get to the final, but I didn't think they'd go on and win it.....

Marco.

[Oddball]

I bet you could have got some good odds on Portugal to win , at the start

[struth]

Yay!! I got right result... first one for a while lol. amazing what a decent defence can do. also not having a Ronaldo to pass the ball to often improves a team as other players have to play. France were a lot better after Zidane was out of side.

[Marco]

I had a sneaky feeling that Portugal might do it (in their inimitable style), but was hoping that France would prevail instead with some panache! However, they simply didn't turn up...

Well done to Portugal, who managed to lift the trophy despite having won only ONE game, throughout the competition, within 90 minutes! :doh:

However from a spectacle point of view, it was a rank-rotten snooze-fest of a final, which the decent one goal aside, was devoid of entertainment - a commodity that sadly has largely been lacking throughout this tournament.

Yes there have been a few decent games, the standout ones of which, IMO, were Wales vs. Belgium, Italy vs. Spain and France vs. Iceland, but largely it's been a disappointment, with a lack of REAL quality on show. Were it not for the likes of Wales and Iceland lighting up the tournament by playing attacking and entertaining football, progressing further than they had any right to, then the whole thing would've been largely forgettable.

Let's hope that the forthcoming World Cup will be rather more memorable and fun to watch! :cool:

Marco.

[struth]

Bar extra time it was probably the worst game anywhere for many a year. Portugal have been bridesmaids many times so its good that they have won something, although they kinda did it in the "old Italian" way. By comparison Italy played with Panache