View Full Version : UEFA EURO 2016 France
So in the tradition of the (eternally jingoistic) English media, who will England be meeting in the final? :D;)
I fancy Romania to get a draw against France tonight. Any other predictions, chaps?
Marco.
Fancy France to win 2 or 3 goals tonight. Think Poland could be a danger and Germany will be hard to count out. Not checked the draw fully yet as to who could meet who though. England could do well but just feel the other sides have more craft and more grit at important moments. I take it Spain, Holland and Belguim are there? If so then you start to see Englands problem in later stages
So in the traditions of the (eternally jingoistic) English media, who will England be meeting in the final? :D;)
I fancy Romania to get a draw against France tonight. Any other predictions, chaps?
Marco.
Hope you have had a fiver on Scotland ? :lol:
Put 20 on Spain to win last night so in the unlikely event England get to the final they had better be up against the paella-munchers.
Usually if I bet on a team (or a horse) it is the kiss of death for them. Often theorised that if I bet every team in the tournament except England we would have to win but never put that into practice.
Got Northern Ireland in the work's sweep. Woo Hoo. :(
England could do well but just feel the other sides have more craft and more grit at important moments. I take it Spain, Holland and Belguim are there? If so then you start to see Englands problem in later stages
No, rather amazingly Holland aren't, but the mighty Iceland and Albania are!! :doh: :eyebrows:
You can't rule out Spain, but after a long season and the exertions many of their top players have had in Europe, both in the Champions and Europa League, some tiredness could scupper their chances of going all the way. Also, I feel there's a question mark against how hungry they are to win it again, and with a team not as good as they had before. However, they will likely still reach the latter stages of the tournament.
France, as hosts, of course will have a good chance, but like Italy, are notoriously slow starters in these tournaments (anyone remember France's defeat, as defending champions, to Senegal, in the 2002 World Cup, indeed eventually going out in the first round?) and hosts don't always automatically do well, especially in the Euros.
So yes, I think France will do ok (possible semi-finalists), but won't win it. And Belgium, for me, don't have enough threat up front, but could definitely cause a surprise.
Portugal are as capable as any, and will be there or thereabouts... I'm expecting good things from them. Italy are simply too unpredictable to predict! However, they'll do ok. Don't think they'll win it, though. Germany will also be there at the death. You can never rule them out, as in these competitions, they're the masters of consistency and are very much a 'tournament team'.
As for the home nations, I think England could do well, and perhaps go as far as the semi-finals, *if* Hodgson picks his 'young stars' and plays them in the right positions. Luck, as ever, will also play a part, which England often have in short supply in these tournaments. I think that the Irish teams may struggle at this level, but will certainly give it their best shot and go down fighting.
Wales, with both Bale and Ramsey have the quality and capability, after England, to go furthest amongst the home nations in the competition, but they too may struggle at this level, especially after the long season their top players have had.
Outside bets? Look to the Eastern European sides, such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic, along with Poland and Croatia, whose players arguably won't be as tired as those from the 'big hitting' nations. However, I'll stick my neck out and predict a final of Germany vs. Portugal, with Germany narrowly winning 2-1! :cool:
Marco.
Hope you have had a fiver on Scotland ? :lol:
Ha - aye, I'll be supporting 'Wee Wullie' in having a good match here: http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2016/06/10/scottish-referee-willie-collum-handed-first-assignment-euro-2016/
;)
The teams I'll be supporting will be the home nations, particularly Wales and the Republic of Ireland, and also Italy. My wife will be rooting for Germany, Wales and Croatia, as she has family from all three of those countries.
Marco.
They're pro footballers how can they be tired? Injured, fair enough, but I wouldn't expect tiredness to be a factor just because they've played a few additional games.
Mental fatigue comes into it too, mate, and also if players have been carrying a niggling injury all season, which physically (along with the mental thing), can take its toll. Trust me, that can be (and often is) a factor in these tournaments.
It's one of the reasons, for example, why Rooney can have a wonderful season for Man Utd, yet when these tournaments come around straight after it, be crap for England!
Marco.
Ah well the mental side is a whole different < ahem > ballgame, I agree.
Yup they are mostly race horses phisically and mentally due to the prime training. The pressure perfom and to stay in peak condition is immence and one bad injury can end careers. All that plays on mind if a bit tired. Ask marco how he performs after a long HARD season ;)
Yesh, but I can shtill make Beshie moan.... :eyebrows:
Seriously though, a lot of it's to do with adrenalin. Many players run on that all season, and with their club teams, push themselves to the limits to win things.
Then the season ends and they go on holiday and relax... Trouble is, when you switch off like that, it's sometimes hard to get back 'at it' again, and the adrenalin levels up to the same degree, in order for players to perform at their maximum potential.
Consequently, you get some who remain on 'holiday mode', as indeed they would be still if this tournament weren't being played, or just 'done in' mentally and physically, from a long hard domestic season.
You may see the effect of that in action, with some of the Eastern European sides, who are both talented and have players who haven't played in as many games (or hard important games) this season, as those for the likes of Spain or England, so arguably will be 'fresher' and perhaps more 'up for it'...
We'll see! :)
Marco.
Meh... A cucumber can do that as well though...as Bev will tell you :D
Not if it has a floppy tip! ;)
Marco.
Stratmangler
10-06-2016, 16:37
Put 20 on Spain to win last night ....
Usually if I bet on a team (or a horse) it is the kiss of death for them
Nice one Martin :cool:
As a major football fan then, Chris, what are your thoughts/predictions for this tournament? :)
Marco.
Stratmangler
10-06-2016, 17:13
The home team are definitely in with a shout.
As always, the Germans will put on a decent show because of their team mentality.
Belgium could well be the dark horses of the tournament.
I was disappointed to hear that in form Danny Drinkwater was not selected for the England squad, and the not fully fit Jack Wilshere has gone instead.
That said, I expect England to give a good account of themselves.
Just checking my predictions, I went for a 2-1 win for France, so best stick with that, although it wouldnt surprise me if its more.. I get the feeling France may be in ra mood
You could be right, but I can't see that happening, as Romania conceded only two goals in the whole of their qualifying campaign!
They are very solid defensively and also don't score many. So, for me this will be a fairly dour/cagey game with few goals, as France will also want to make sure that they don't lose and put a big downer on their chances.
Watch out for Florin Andone, if he plays up front for Romania... He's touted as being a bit special.
I like to go for the less obvious predictions, and think outside the box, so will say that Romania will spoil France's party and nick a 1-1 draw. However, from an entertainment point of view, I hope I'm totally wrong, and it's 5-0 to France! :)
Marco.
Oh, *so* close to getting that one right! Still, more than pleased for the hosts to have won, especially with such a wonderful goal! :eek:
The French defence, however, will need to drastically improve if the team are to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Marco.
Oh, *so* close to getting that one right! Still, more than pleased for the hosts to have won, especially with such a wonderful goal! :eek:
The French defence, however, will need to drastically improve if the team are to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Marco.
Banana for you, but goldie for me:lol:
Firebottle
11-06-2016, 05:49
Who's Goldie? Does she like playing with balls?
:eyebrows:
Yesh, big phat round ones, which badly need emptying! :D
On a more serious note, I see that the yob element amongst the England fans has been at it again. Just look at pictures of the idiots (check out the wanker in the black t-shirt and shorts, in the first picture, whom I'd just love to slap): http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3633958/England-fans-truly-arrived-France-Bare-chested-supporters-hit-beers-Marseille-ahead-opening-game-Russia.html
"Isis where are you?" How stupidly insensitive can you get, after last year's bombings, where innocent people were killed by that scum? :rolleyes:
I'd taser the tossers, lob them into the back of vans, and put them in jail for the duration of the tournament! No question. Show ZERO tolerance. Bloody mindless wastes of space. Note, that there's no trouble being caused by the Welsh or Irish fans....
Marco.
Banana for you, but goldie for me:lol:
The match could've so easily gone the way I predicted, as Romania had plenty of chances to score more goals and even win the game. Indeed, but for that wonder goal by Payet, the match was heading for a 1-1 draw.
It's the best result for the tournament, though, as the hosts winning keeps the local fans interested, which in turn keeps the whole atmosphere of the tournament upbeat :)
Marco.
Is anyone else watching the footy, or am I on my own? ;)
Just settling down now with a few beers to watch Wales vs. Slovakia, and feeling rather nervous for Wales... Slovakia, for me, are one of the dark horses for the tournament and could cause the taffies a few problems.
Much will depend on how Slovakia handle Bale (my favourite player in the world), as he's quite capable of winning matches on my own. So..... My heart says Wales, but my head says Slovakia. Therefore, in the hope that my daftee head is faulty, I predict the score to be:
Wales 1 Slovakia 2.
What do others think? :)
Marco.
Got to go out so not watching it but I'm rooting for Wales. Always good to see them get in a tournament.
Had 3.0 to The Swiss so got the right result... Wales was 2.1 win... Got Engerland down for 2.1 win too.
Good prediction, Grant! Well happy to get that one the wrong way round... YA DANCER!!! :yay: :yay:
Best game of the tournament so far, and awesome free-kick from Bale. It was the tactical changes and subs from Coleman that changed the outcome of the match. The Welsh fans were superb, too!! :sheep: :sheep:
Now for Engerland....
Marco.
Wales , isn't it??? Come on the Sheepshaggers :cool:
Come on the sheepshaggers? The match is finished, daftee! :lol:
So England are up next against Russia. Let's hope that the team can restore some pride in their nation, as I hear that the English scum-animal hooligan 'fans' have been involved in more riots :doh: They really are a bloody disgrace! :wanker:
Anyway, match prediction? England 3 Russia 0.
Marco.
Yup they are shocking, although they have as per usual been targeted by Russians and French. Apparently English aint as popular as they think ;)
Yay, Ive got 90 points so far with the predictor
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/4RbwiD.png
Starting to look like 1 goal will settle this,
What was that you were saying? ;)
Nightmare... I thought they'd have done better than that. Some of their play certainly deserved it, but they just couldn't put the ball in the net enough. Let's hope that their 'fans' can behave more like human beings tonight, than animals, after this result...
Never mind, Wales are now top of the group! :clap:
Marco.
StanleyB
11-06-2016, 20:52
Good comeback by Russia.
well, a minute from victory and they shoot themselves in foot.... sounds more like Scotland lol. ah well my record had to end somewhere and England is as good a place as anywhere :D
Oldpinkman
11-06-2016, 20:55
Bugger
Good comeback by Russia.
Do you think they deserved it, Stan? I don't. A very dour and boring side, for me. They lumped one into the box at the end and got fortunate. England played well and should have won the game by at least 2 clear goals.
Marco.
twickers
11-06-2016, 21:02
Decent game. Although Sterling can't cross it didn't matter as their wasn't anyone in the box.
The other thing is, where was Vardy? He should've been brought on not long after the Rooney substitution for Wilshere, as I think he could've made a difference.
Marco.
Stratmangler
11-06-2016, 21:11
The other thing is, where was Vardy? He should've been brought on not long after the Wilshere substitution for Rooney, as I think he could've made a difference.
Marco.
It makes sense now :)
Stratmangler
11-06-2016, 21:19
It was tough to concede the equaliser so late in the game, particularly after having Russia on the back foot for so much of it.
The result is not a disaster.
Virtual-Symmetry
11-06-2016, 21:36
So whats the excuse for all the throwing chairs etc in the streets? utter idiots..
twickers
11-06-2016, 21:40
Just English, Russian and apparently some French thugs out for the thrill. Load of twats who were still fighting up to kick-off.
Stratmangler
11-06-2016, 21:45
So whats the excuse for all the throwing chairs etc in the streets? utter idiots..
I don't see that there's any justification for the violence seen on TV, and that's from any quarter.
StanleyB
11-06-2016, 21:46
Do you think they deserved it, Stan? I don't.
Football is a game of chances, and England had one about every ten minutes. But only one went in. That is not enough to build up a cushion against any fluke goal from the opposition. In the end, extra time provided exactly such a fluke goal. In American football they call that a Hail Mary.
Stratmangler
11-06-2016, 21:47
Just English, Russian and apparently some French thugs out for the thrill. Load of twats who were still fighting up to kick-off.
I think the French Riot Police might object to being referred to as "some French thugs".
twickers
11-06-2016, 21:50
I think the French Riot Police might object to being referred to as "some French thugs".
Who said anything about the Police? Not sure where you got that from.
Stratmangler
11-06-2016, 22:10
Who said anything about the Police? Not sure where you got that from.
You mentioned some French thugs.
I made a half joke.
The French Riot Police hit first and ask about what happened afterwards.
It has always been this way.
I believe there were also a bunch of thrill seeking civilian French twats involved.
Come on the sheepshaggers? The match is finished, daftee! :lol:
So England are up next against Russia. Let's hope that the team can restore some pride in their nation, as I hear that the English scum-animal hooligan 'fans' have been involved in more riots :doh: They really are a bloody disgrace! :wanker:
Anyway, match prediction? England 3 Russia 0.
Marco.
I knew it had finished Marco . I was merely referring to them doing well overall!!
I spent the last hr or 2 watching Die hard to take my mind off the Russian equaliser!!
As soon as the commentator started going on about Wales and England having 3 points each , and what a match that will be , I thought , steady up you stupid b****rs.
Then it happened . Oh well , with their quality , they can still do it.
It will show their character , or not
Virtual-Symmetry
12-06-2016, 06:01
Probably one of the reasons i hate football is blokes take it way to seriously, Always violence attached to it. You do not see any idiots fighting after say a Formula one race or a Tennis match do you..
They aren't fighting about the football, they are fighting because they enjoy it. Useful in a war, a pain in the arse otherwise.
Virtual-Symmetry
12-06-2016, 08:54
It does not compute in yonder brain why supporting a different team makes for being an enemy to another person!!
Firebottle
12-06-2016, 09:24
Quite! You'd think that the shared love of football would make you want to share a pint, not throw a punch :mental:
walpurgis
12-06-2016, 09:28
It does not computer in yonder brain why supporting a different team makes for being an enemy to another person!!
'Cos they're moronic halfwits.
I hate football anyway, bores the hell out of me. Nothing has ever been devised that worthlessly soaks up so much of people's time and money as football does (since going to church fell out of fashion).
They aren't fighting about the football, they are fighting because they enjoy it. Useful in a war, a pain in the arse otherwise.
Great idea for a punishment... If the fuckers enjoy fighting so much, then send them into Afghanistan and let them get stuck into the Taliban - and if they get their arms and legs blown off in the process, too bad, at least they'll no longer be of any use as football hooligans!!
Marco [abhors these brainless morons with a passion].
They aren't fighting about the football, they are fighting because they enjoy it. Useful in a war, a pain in the arse otherwise.
Yes , they enjoy it , but Christ , whats up with having a relaxing time and interacting with someone from another country ??
Shaven heads and pushing their chests out , braindead f****
Virtual-Symmetry
12-06-2016, 10:17
There is a bloke that boozes in our Club. all he does all night is chunter 'Cum on Red Arm', he gets louder as he gets more drunk until he inevitably gets kicked out. Now what is going thru his single brain cell to make it play on his mind constantly!!
walpurgis
12-06-2016, 10:24
There is a bloke that boozes in our Club. all he does all night is chunter 'Cum on Red Arm', he gets louder as he gets more drunk until he inevitably gets kicked out. Now what is going thru his single brain cell to make it play on his mind constantly!!
There's a couple of oddballs in the pubs around here that act much the same and also end up getting booted out. You'd think they'd get the hint after being told to shut up a few times. But it don't work!
I had a friend at school who liked nothing better than to get drunk and start a fight. Win or lose, it was all the same to him. Harry Pearson, in his book on football in the North East called 'The Far Corner', tells of a conversation he had with an elderly woman around the time of the Cantona 'kung-fu' kick at a crowd member, which was cited at the time as 'hooliganism'. She said to Pearson 'That's not hooliganism, that's just lads fighting. It's what normal men do, if they are men'.
before yesterday, the last person to score against Wales in a major tournament was Pele!
Apparently the English "fans" involved in the violence were chanting “fuck off Europe, we’re all voting out”. Take from that what you will.
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The mindless troublemakers attracted to the game put me off years ago. Bigger the team often means more troublesome types. Add international false pride in and its always same. England, Russia, Holland and Often Balkan cuntries seem to be the biggest culprits, although Scotland too especially if playing the auld enema
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Interesting write up
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/14551754.COMMENT__Why_always_us__and_why_suddenly_ back_here_in_Marseille_/
Stratmangler
12-06-2016, 12:35
In a similar vein http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-36506553
Stratmangler
12-06-2016, 12:51
Can I suggest that anyone wanting to continue commenting on the deplorable violence in Marseille starts another thread?
It's about time this thread got back on topic.
Back to matters on the field.
Can anyone explain to me why Harry Kane was taking corner kicks in the game last night?
He's lethal in the box, great with both head and feet.
Surely someone else should be taking corner kicks?
Can I suggest that anyone wanting to continue commenting on the deplorable violence in Marseille starts another thread?
It's about time this thread got back on topic.
Back to matters on the field.
Can anyone explain to me why Harry Kane was taking corner kicks in the game last night?
He's lethal in the box, great with both head and feet.
Surely someone else should be taking corner kicks?
Mate of mine ,said the same thing this am.
Not sure why he never bought Vardy on for Kane , he was tiring , but thats with hindsight
Can I suggest that anyone wanting to continue commenting on the deplorable violence in Marseille starts another thread?
It's about time this thread got back on topic.
Done. I'll get to your most recent post there later :)
Marco.
twickers
12-06-2016, 15:00
UEFA threaten to disqualify England and Russia if there is any more violence.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36510550
So, how's this one going to go, Grant? :eyebrows:
My heart is more with the Republic, because of the Martin O'Neil/Keane factor, and ex-Celtic players Wilson and McGeady, but I'd still like Northern Ireland to win. Can't see many goals in this one, unless Lewandowski is on fire. I'll go for a 1-1 draw :)
Marco.
Need to check but sure ive got poland by a couple of goals so thats them jinxed lol
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/lKaLAY.png
there we go
PS, I got the Croatia score right YAY!!
So, how's this one going to go, Grant? :eyebrows:
My heart is more with the Republic, because of the Martin O'Neil/Keane factor, and ex-Celtic players Wilson and McGeady, but I'd still like Northern Ireland to win. Can't see many goals in this one, unless Lewandowski is on fire. I'll go for a 1-1 draw :)
Marco.
Northern Ireland playing with their hearts, amazing what a bit of spirit can do to a team's performance :)
Narrow win then for Poland, hey-ho...
Marco.
Narrow win then for Poland, hey-ho...
Marco.
The boys done well considering, think they gave Poland more of a match than they were expecting.
Yup, certainly not disgraced. They performed well. I have a lot of respect for their manager, Michael O'Neill, who's worked miracles with the team.
It's quite remarkable that N. Ireland are even in this stage of the competition, given that none of their players play for genuine top teams, domestically, and a few are in lower leagues. Just getting to France was their prize. If they can pick up a win or a few points in their remaining games, they'll have done the country proud :)
Marco.
Could this be the first game in the opening rounds where we get treated to a fistful of goals, from one of the favourites showing their class and 'flexing their muscles'? Possibly... However, I'll go 2-0 to Germany.
Granty, what's yer prediction for this one, and did you get the Ireland score right? :)
Marco.
Yup, certainly not disgraced. They performed well. I have a lot of respect for their manager, Michael O'Neill, who's worked miracles with the team.
It's quite remarkable that N. Ireland are even in this stage of the competition, given that none of their players play for genuine top teams, domestically, and a few are in lower leagues. Just getting to France was their prize. If they can pick up a win or a few points in their remaining games, they'll have done the country proud :)
Marco.
Agreed, considering a total population of under 2 million they've done fantastically to get to France.
Could this be the first game in the opening rounds where we get treated to a fistful of goals, from one of the favourites showing their class and 'flexing their muscles'? Possibly... However, I'll go 2-0 to Germany.
Granty, what's yer prediction for this one, and did you get the Ireland score right? :)
Marco.
Got result right but score wrong in the NI game. this one is 2-1 Germany(posted earlier)
Yassss... Got that one right, and it keeps my tip for winning the tournament alive and kicking! :carrot: :carrot:
Not a perfect performance, by any means (especially in defence), but you can see Germany's class, particularly in their quality of passing. The best team I've seen playing in the tournament so far, by a country mile :)
Marco.
Did it finish 1-0?
I've retired for night. Tired and babysitting early doh
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
2-0, mate. Don't let them work you too hard! ;)
Marco.
Just quickly before this game starts, I'm predicting an upset, and the Czech Republic to nick a 1-1 draw.
Marco.
Not sure but think that was mine too... Its set in stone in the bbc predictor anyway so cant cheat. Done well really so far and only england game failed to gain me points.
So does the predictor help in any way with your predictions, give you tips or whatever? I've never used one and don't even know really what it is.
Anyway, to the match itself.... Goodness me - I doubt that I've seen such a one-sided half in football!! Spain were simply mesmerising, especially how they keep hold of the ball and work their way very diligently and skilfully towards the opposition's penalty box :eek: :wow:
Scratch what I said about their players being tired or lacking in hunger - there is certainly no evidence of that whatsoever at the moment! However, we'll see what happens as they progress in the tournament.
The good news from the point of view of our predictions is that it's still 0-0 at half time... The biggest problem the Czechs have is getting hold of the ball, so when they do have it, they have to make it count, and I think they can create chances, as indeed they did near the end of the half, but when they do, they'll have to try and score to have any hope of getting something out of this game.
However, it'll only matter if they're not 3-0 down by then! Anyway, it'll be intriguing to see what happens in the second half :)
Marco.
No. Not really but lists the games and you pick your results and save it.. It awards points etc but thats only really if you join a league.. I didnt was just a easy way of doing it and keeping track...lets me see at a glance how im doing and how teams in general are doing.
Expect Spain to be fancy but no punch up front in early rounds. Chechs are hard to beat
Expect Spain to be fancy but no punch up front in early rounds.
Yes, that was often my criticism of them in previous tournaments: too much tippy-tappy possession football, without enough 'end product'. Consequently, I've always admired the way Spain play, even if it hasn't excited me.
I prefer teams that play aggressive, high-tempo football and press their opponents high up the park, with fast, zippy passing, who carry a real goal threat every time they attack. And also ones with players who aren't afraid to shoot (with accuracy) from distance. Spain too often like to try and walk the ball into the net.
However, there's no doubt that they've been very successful with their particular style of football :)
Marco.
Still thats another lose for us lol... 1-0 to Spain i see... Next 2 games i have narrow 1-0 wins down for belguim and sweden... Hope to have better luck but these games can go any way tbh
Ah well, Spain undoubtedly deserved to win, simply due to the amount of possession that they had, but in some ways were lucky, as the Czechs had a few good chances, especially at the end with that shot, which if struck anywhere other than directly at the keeper, would've been 1-1, and the result I predicted.
However, you can see the ability of the Czech Republic team, how difficult they are to beat (as if Spain had been playing almost anyone else, I'm certain they'd have beat them more convincingly), and also the threat they carry up front. They're a much better team than Turkey, and I think have the edge over Croatia, and so I suspect that they'll finish second behind Spain in this group.
If Croatia finish second instead, and go through to the next round, then fair enough, as they're also a good side, and I'd predict that either of them would go onto surprise a few of the top teams in this tournament :)
Marco.
My allegiances are definitely with the Irish, even though Mikael Lustig (Celtic) is playing for Sweden, and Ibrahimovic (if he plays) is one of my favourite players in the world - a truly stunning striker when he's on form.
This will be a difficult tie for the Irish, but perhaps more like a Premiership football match than any game we've seen so far, given Sweden's physical and direct style of play, and how many of the Republic's team play in the Premiership.
So....I'm expecting a few goals in this one, and will stick my neck out and predict an exciting 2-2 draw! :)
Marco.
Yeah i like Ibrihim... Class player who would best best forgetting Utd and coming ti Ibrox to end his career:eyebrows:
Lol - the man is top notch. Everyone goes on about Messi and Ronaldo, and of course I can see why, but Bale and Ibrahimovic are more my cuppa... Oh, I also think that Celtic should sign Robbie Keane ;)
Marco.
Hes not said where he is going yet so he may do a Barton and surprise us... Cellic park even ;) you never know
Who is it you're talking about, mate - Robbie Keane? :scratch:
Marco.
The Irish were great in the first half, but need to start taking their chances. Sweden were disappointingly poor, so unless things change in the second half, I can't see my prediction being anywhere near right!
That's the only problem with these opening matches, there's a tendency for teams to be too cagey and not wanting to lose, instead of going for it and showing what they're capable of, like Wales did.... ;)
Also, I'm firmly of the opinion that fans pay to be ENTERTAINED, and so teams should be obliged to deliver on that, instead of the snooze-a-thons, posing as 'football matches', we're often subjected to during these tournaments! :rolleyes:
Marco.
Who is it you're talking about, mate - Robbie Keane? :scratch:
Marco.
Ibrahimavich .... He has all the cash he needs and at end of career; a bit of fun and a challenge might be his cuppa tea.... I never thought Barton or Crankjar if he goes would come up to a financially skint club just promoted either but..........
Re the game, yes both teams are poor starters and think youve hit it on head, and neither want to lose to a team they probably feel they should beat... A goal early on might kick it into life though
Shame the Irish couldn't hold onto their lead (and what a pity with that o.g), but it's still a decent point, and on that form they could give other teams in the group a hard time. It's all still to play for! :)
Marco.
And now for the first time I'll be watching a match featuring a team that I actually support, rather than merely have an affinity with. So, probably like a lot of you guys were the other night before the Russia game, I'm a bit nervous.... :eek:
It's going to be a difficult game, especially as Italy are notoriously slow starters to tournaments. They reached the final last time round, losing out to Spain, and could get there again, but I doubt they'll beat Belgium tonight. I'll go for 1-1, but I wouldn't be surprised if Belgium won. Italy are unlikely to 'wake up' in this competition until they have to!
Marco.
And I see they are 1 up... might kill the game unless they decide to play the game in Belgiums half. It would benice to see Italy win the opening game;
twickers
13-06-2016, 20:30
I had a bet with a friend on a 2-1 win Italy. I haven't got any results right so far, looks like this is going same way.
Nice stuff from Italy once they had watched Belgium pass it around for 25 minutes or more.
YAAAAAASSSSSSSSS!!! :yay: :yay: :yay:
That's the best I've seen Italy play, for years, in the opening game of a tournament, and it completely took me aback. Very impressive football from the Italians, and a wonderful 3 points! :clap:
Along with Germany and Spain, that's the most accomplished footballing performance I've seen from any team in the tournament so far. Italy controlled the game almost from start to finish, and scored two superb goals. There's a long way to go yet, but if they continue playing like that, they'll have a chance of winning the Euro trophy.
Belgium were, quite frankly, shit. For me, they're a decent team, but grossly overrated. Never in a million years are they tournament winning material, certainly not on that performance.
I'm a very happy chappy! :cool:
Marco.
Aye a good result that.. Puts Belgium in a hard place, and we will see if they have what it takes to come back. I still think they are a good side, but now we will see if they have any guts too
I'm looking forward to seeing Portugal play, as they're also a class act, and one of my tips for reaching the final, although of course I'd rather it was Italy playing Germany! ;)
And of course there's the big one to come, England vs. Wales... Now *that* I'm really looking forward to watching!! :)
Marco.
Forgotten who they play. Some really good players out of Portugal and have been unlucky in past as well as often underwhelming at times. Ronaldo is still the main man and if he ticks then they can be a handful
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
They're playing the mighty Iceland tonight :)
Marco.
Stratmangler
14-06-2016, 06:41
They're playing the mighty Iceland tonight :)
Marco.
Don't knock 'em.
They came 2nd in their qualifying group with a creditable 20 points.
Yeah, I know. It was tongue-in-cheek, considering that they're a teeny-tiny country, in comparison with Portugal, and in terms of world rankings, must be many times below them.
However, like you say, they did very well in their qualifying group. Cardiff City's Aron Gunnarsson is pretty tasty, as is Sigurdsson in the same midfield, plus Lars Lagerback is a canny and very experienced manager.
They'll carry a big physical presence and be tough to break down, as indeed applies to all Scandanavian sides, and it'll be an intriguing clash of styles, but you've got to expect Portugal's class to shine through in the end :)
Marco.
I think the meeting of Austria and Hungary will be interesting. Both were very impressive in qualification. Going to go with a 1-0 win to Austria. Hungary dont score too many but dont concede.
Portugal game ive gone with a 1-1 draw for some reason. Feel like changing that but best just going with it i think and keep things x-ed
Yeah, I know. It was tongue-in-cheek, considering that they're a teeny-tiny country, in comparison with Portugal, and in terms of world rankings, must be many times below them.
However, like you say, they did very well in their qualifying group. Swansea's Aron Gunnarsson is pretty tasty, as is Sigurdsson in the same midfield, plus Lars Lagerback is a canny and very experienced manager.
They'll carry a big physical presence and be tough to break down, as indeed applies to all Scandanavian sides, and it'll be an intriguing clash of styles, but you've got to expect Portugal's class to shine through in the end :)
Marco.
I know those of you living in North Wales are pretty dismissive of those in the South, but this post will have upset a lot down there. Gunnarsson plays for Cardiff - not Swansea! ;)
Ah, sorry, my mistake! Wrong city. Fixt :)
However, I'm not "dismissive" of anything other than that I consider as being worthy of dismissing ;)
Marco.
Got that one right at 1-1, so 190 pts total for round 1... I wont complain.. 4 exact scores and 3 correct results....
done my second round ones, as games start 2morrow
Yup, well done, mate. I didn't get a chance to make a prediction on this one, but would've expected Portugal to have won. However, having watched the game, Iceland throughly deserved their draw, although Portugal had the vast majority of possession.
It was shades of Spain vs. Czech Republic, in terms of one team having so much more of the ball than the other (Portugal), and the other one trying to do something positive when they regained possession (Iceland). However, Iceland managed to score in their match, whereas the Czechs didn't, and Spain were overall more effective throughout the game that they played in, than Portugal were in theirs.
Based on that evidence, Portugal aren't good enough to reach the final of the tournament, as I predicted.
When I was making that prediction, I was trying to identify a 'talented underdog' who could perhaps go all the way, but I reckon, although they've never really been underdogs in any tournament (although perhaps at the offset not fancied in this one), Italy, based on how they played last night, could be the dark horse/'talented underdog' in this tournament to potentially go all the way...
Of course, nothing would please me more if that happened, but there's way too much football to be played yet to even think about that, and Portugal could live up to my expectations in their next match against Austria. I'd just also like to say well done to Hungary, who this afternoon beat their age-old rivals Austria 2-0, after many decades of failing to qualify for the Euros - you could see how much that win meant to them! :cool:
Marco.
Going for a Slovakia win v Russia .. 0-1 I think it is. And if memory serves I went for Romania to win 2-1 v the Swiss...Possibly odd choices but worth the gamble
Yes going for 2-1 Romania and 3-0 France.
Got result right but score wrong with Slovakia
Yup, well done! It was an ok game, and Slovakia deserved to win. Observe however, how the eastern European teams I predicted would do well, before the tournament started, are performing to plan, even Hungary ;)
The Czechs were pretty unlucky against Spain, and could've so easily gotten a draw, and other teams playing Spain will suffer more I feel than they did. Slovakia will definitely give England a hard time, as they did Wales, but of course the big one in that group is tomorrow night - and I think it's going to be a cracker!!
Romania vs. Switzerland? My gut says Switzerland will win, and my wee pal Shaqiri (Celtic's next signing, lol) will score. 1-2 to Switzerland :)
Marco.
Aye well Got the Swiss game wrong thanks to a late goal, BUT got the france result right due to a LATE GOAL ;) 2 actually... 2-0 to France; Albania defended well and France huffed and puffed but thats about all... they will need to improve, but they have won both games and are through
Yup - I don't think they're quite at the technical level I've seen from Germany or Italy, but nevertheless that's two wins on the trot, so not to be sniffed at... Albania were dogged, and are to be congratulated for keeping it so tight for so long, but class shone through in the end! :)
Marco.
Aye, Ive seen Italy start like that and go on getting better so no writing them off yet. Need to play Griesman more; he is a machine
What's impressive about France, and which is absolutely crucial in tournaments such as this, is not their overall standard of play, some of which is undoubtedly excellent, but their winning mentality, and the mental strength that they seem to have in order to refuse to be beaten and to win matches late on, when stamina levels are low.
*That* is the mark of competition winners, and makes me worry for Italy's chances, or my prediction being right of Germany winning the tournament. Therefore, if France continue doing what they're doing, and I can't see them not, now that they've built up some momentum and have that huge support behind them, they will be there or thereabouts at the end :)
For me the outstanding teams in the tournament so far, in order of merit, have been France and Italy (difficult to separate those two right now), followed by Germany and Spain. Biggest disappointments? Belgium and Portugal.
Marco.
So......to the BIG one, chaps. How do we think this one's going to go? :)
Marco.
Lol... So do our resident England or Wales fans not have the balls to stick their necks out and predict this one? Come on, I do it with the Italy games! :ner:
My heart says Wales, as it's my adopted country, and I really do hope they win, but my head says England. I'll be watching the game today with my dad and some friends at their house, as we've ben invited out to lunch.
At some point England are going to have to start delivering in the big games that matter at tournaments, and if they don't do it today, and beat Wales when the chips are down, they can forget any notions they've got of winning the competition or genuinely being one of the top teams in Europe.... It'll be 'all fur and no knickers' :eyebrows:
So.... For that reason, I'm going for 2-1 to England, but Wales will push them all the way! Let's hope it's a cracker.....
Come on the Taffies! :sheep: :sheep:
Marco.
Ive got it down for a draw. Both sides are capable of winning , it just depends on who turns up... Would think if a winner then Wales have the momentum at moment though
Kicking off now. At work so have to listen on the wireless.
twickers
16-06-2016, 13:09
Goalless draw.
Hope not got a bet on for first goal
twickers
16-06-2016, 15:07
Wrong again, but thank fook.
Well, I take no pleasure in getting the score and result right, but well done to England who were, BY FAR, the better side and dominated the match from start to finish :clap:
It was a game that they had to win, as I outlined before, and duly did. However, why Hodgson didn't start with Vardy and Sturridge, I'll never know. Let's hope he stays with them for the game against Slovakia, which will be a tough one, as for me both Kane and Sterling look distinctly 'leggy' and off the pace. Rashford also looked the business, when he came on, and could develop into a great player for England.
Wales rely way too much on Bale, which unfortunately is just the way it is, as they don't have the class or strength in depth that's present in the England squad. Bale scored another superb free kick, which Hart should've saved. He was badly positioned when the free kick was taken, and so had to move too much to the left to get to the ball properly, and it squirmed past him.
However, as good as it was going in at half time leading one nil, there was simply no way that Wales would have been able to sustain such relentless pressure for the remaining 45 mins and more, with injury time, and you just knew that Vardy and Sturridge would make a difference, which they certainly did.
Wales, of course, can still qualify, and on current form you'd expect them to beat Russia, or get a point, which could be enough. It would certainly be good to see both England and Wales qualify from the group, and I suspect that's what will happen, but let's all hope that the England fans behave themselves tonight in France, as if not, England's efforts on the field could all be in vain.....
Marco.
. However, why Hodgson didn't start with Vardy and Sturridge, I'll never know.
Marco.
Either he wants to keep them fresh and keen or he's a crap manager. Possibly a little of both.
If so, he's a better poker player than you ;)
Keeping them "fresh and keen", by not playing them from the start in a 'must win' match, would've been foolhardy at best. I suspect he just wanted to keep the same team that played well against Russia, thinking that would be good enough.
However, those who follow Premiership football know that Sterling hasn't been anywhere near at his best recently, and as a result has hardly played for Man City all season, so how that makes him good enough to start for England, here at the finals of the Euros, is anyone's guess :scratch:
Hodgson needs to stick with Sturridge, as right now he's the better choice, and Vardy just looks like he was born to score goals, either at club or international level...
England have played very well in both of their games so far, and today got the result that they deserved, but for me, are still some way off the quality of the likes of France, Italy or Germany, who are in a different league, which is why I feel that, ultimately, England will only go so far in this tournament.
Marco.
Vardy has the Midas touch at the minute !! To think Wrexham tried to sign him a few yrs ago before he went to Fleetwood!!:)
Anything can happen with that team , and If they take each game , one at a time , who knows .
Cheered me up no end , I must say :cool:
Vardy has the Midas touch at the minute !! To think Wrexham tried to sign him a few yrs ago before he went to Fleetwood!!:)
Lol - indeed! :D
Anything can happen with that team , and If they take each game , one at a time , who knows .
Absolutely, especially if England get through to the next round (which now seems almost certain), and are lucky with their draw. To have any chance, they will need to try and avoid one of the 'big guns'. The problem for me, if you're harbouring any hopes of England winning the tournament, is that they're simply not strong enough defensively.
Hart always looks an accident waiting to happen (as was proven today), and Smalling and Cahill aren't commanding enough at the back to nullify the threat of some of the true world class strikers, present in the top sides. If Russia can score against them, any of the teams in the last 16 will have no problem.
History shows that if you're to win this tournament, as well as scoring goals, you must be tight at the back. But hey, it's football, so anything can happen! It's certainly developing into an excellent tournament - and it'll only get better once the knock-out stages begin :cool:
Marco.
My goodness, what a result and performance from Northern Ireland - absolutely magnificent!! :yay: :yay:
First win in a major tournament for over 30 years... Quite incredible. Well done, guys! :clap: :hifive:
Marco.
Russia Vs Wales is on in town on Monday. Should I or shouldn't I?
Don't fancy getting beaten up, so I will probably watch it at home, as I have a feeling it will turn nasty if Russia lose.
I'd go for it, Kevin, and think you'll be fine. The atmosphere will be great.
I think if the Russkis are going to kick off, it'll be tonight, if they clash with the 'delirious' England fans. By Monday it'll all have blown over, and unless a miracle happens, Russia will be going home anyway.
Marco.
My goodness, what a result and performance from Northern Ireland - absolutely magnificent!! :yay: :yay:
First win in a major tournament for over 30 years... Quite incredible. Well done, guys! :clap: :hifive:
Marco.
:D:D:D:D:D Thanks Marco
Thought my son, he's 12, was going to explode!
He went from a yell all the way up to something only small dogs and dolphins could hear :)
So pleased for all the fans at the match - been trying to get an electrician from the Belfast firm we use for a bit of work this week, but they're nearly all in France, they'll be having a night tonight, that's for sure! :cool:
So how's this one going to go? :hmm:
Poland are a decent side, but I think that Germany will be too hot for them on the night, so I'll stick my neck out on this one and go for 3-1 to Germany. It's about time more than two goals were scored in a game by a team! :)
Marco.
:D:D:D:D:D Thanks Marco
Thought my son, he's 12, was going to explode!
He went from a yell all the way up to something only small dogs and dolphins could hear :)
So pleased for all the fans at the match - been trying to get an electrician from the Belfast firm we use for a bit of work this week, but they're nearly all in France, they'll be having a night tonight, that's for sure! :cool:
It's so pleased for you, John, and your wee boy! :)
For me, that's arguably the result of the tournament so far, and one that will live long in the history of Northern Ireland. Who knows what lies ahead for them in this tournament?
Marco.
So how's this one going to go? :hmm:
Poland are a decent side, but I think that Germany will be too hot for them on the night, so I'll stick my neck out on this one and go for 3-1 to Germany. It's about time more than two goals were scored in a game by a team! :)
Marco.
4-0 to Germany would be nice ;) (goal difference)
It's so pleased for you, John, and your wee boy! :)
For me, that's arguably the result of the tournament so far, and one that will live long in the history of Northern Ireland. Who knows what lies ahead for them in this tournament?
Marco.
We had a ball, good times - he clapped and roared the whole time, feel like I've been to the match myself!
We made the most of it - it's not often we get to sing 2-0, 2-0, 2-0...2-0 :)
Well, I couldn't have got that one MORE wrong! :doh:
What a load of shit - total snoozefest. Worst game of the tournament so far, from two teams, both on three points, who felt that they didn't have to try too hard in this game.... What about ENTERTAINING the fans, though!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Marco.
Well, I couldn't have got that one MORE wrong! :doh:
What a load of shit - total snoozefest. Worst game of the tournament so far, from two teams, both on three points, who felt that they didn't have to try too hard in this game.... What about ENTERTAINING the fans, though!! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Marco.
Yip, wasn't expecting that.
YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: YA FUCKIN' DANCERANTO!!!! :D :D :D
The Azzurri are through to the last 16, with a game in hand, thanks to a wonder goal by Eder!! I'm delirious with joy!!!!!!!! :hifive: :hifive: :yesbruv:
Marco.
Quick prediction on this one.... 1-2 to Croatia! :)
Marco.
Well, I very nearly got that one right! Until it all kicked off at the end..... :doh:
Croatia played some amazing football for 80 mins or so, amongst the best I've seen at this tournament, but unfortunately couldn't keep it up until the end, and then some of their fans lost the plot... Let's hope that they do get disqualified now :rolleyes:
Marco.
had 1 - 0 to the croats... ah well nexy upy is Espaniels so 2-0 to zem ;)
Well, let's hope that Spain play rather better than Germany did last night!
That's the problem with teams on 3 points from their opening game - there is a tendency to sit back in the next game and not do any more than is necessary to get 'something' out of it, rather than going for the jugular of the opposition and ramming home your superiority.
I'll tip Spain to do some of that, but not exert themselves too much with a 2-0 win! :)
Marco.
Lol - site was hanging, so it got posted twice by mistake.
Marco.
A quick 1,2, and Spain lead 2-0 and approaching half time.. really are classy players when they get on with it
Yes, I had a feeling they'd be up for this one... Let's hope that they're going to be the first team to score more than two goals in a game! :)
WE NEED MORE GOALS IN THIS TOURNAMENT.
Marco.
I like Busquets in mid. He is one of the best players in world. so good you rarely hear of him but makes Barca tick
I agree. Spain are doing to Turkey what I'd expected Germany to have done last night to Poland. When you're THAT GOOD, turn teams over, FFS, and give them a royal hammering, instead of fannying about doing the bare minimum to get by!! :doh:
:exactly:
Marco.
YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: YA FUCKIN' DANCERANTO!!!! :D :D :D
The Azzurri are through to the last 16, with a game in hand, thanks to a wonder goal by Eder!! I'm delirious with joy!!!!!!!! :hifive: :hifive: :yesbruv:
Marco.
Bit late to the party here, just watched the highlights, what a corker of a goal:eek:
That guy knows how to take an opportunity, well done Marco's men. :cool:
3-0 it finished then. Nice polished performance from The Spanish. Still have to be one of the favourites; they can keep the ball, and that always helps. Scottish should try that instead of booting it anywhere, or passing it to the oppo;)
Cheers, John! :cool:
Yup, Granty, they are defo a superb side. So often my match predictions, if not right, are just a bawhair out! :eyebrows:
Anyway, Spain certainly deserved to win and could've won by five or six goals. On this form, they'll take some stopping... Most impressive teams for me so far, having seen most of them play two games now, in order of their out and out class and footballing talent are:
1) Spain
2) Italy
3) France
4) Germany
5) England
The winner of the tournament will certainly come from one of those five, but I'll still stick with Germany. However, rather than Portugal joining them in the final, as I had initially predicted, I'll go with Italy - it's certainly the final I'd like to see most!
Marco.
How did you have this one pegged, Granty? :)
Marco.
Ive hummud and hawed about this one all last couple of days and keep wanting to change to an Ireland victory as think mentally they are really strong. Some decent players too, but gonna stay with Belguim 2-1 winners as they really should be that bit better.
I'll take that scoreline, but go for Ireland as winners, scoring a later winner, as I think Belgium will largely disappoint again. There's always a 'shock exit' in the first round in these tournaments, and I'm going for Belgium to be it!
I simply can't see a Martin O'Neill/Keane managed team not at least get through to the next round.... :)
Come on Ireland!! :clap:
Marco.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Pish..... :wah:: :no: :whistle:
Marco.
Arkless Electronics
18-06-2016, 15:56
Is there some ball game match thing going on :ner:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Pish..... :wah:: :no: :whistle:
Marco.
Yay. Lol
Yay. Lol
:D Bad result there alright.
Great result for Hungary, who are almost there into the last 16! Who'd have thought they'd be topping their group? Like I said, the eastern European sides are quality - always great bets for underdogs :cool:
Marco.
Yay. Lol
S'ok, I've chatted with Conte (the Italian manager), who owes me a favour [I had one of his neighbours clipped, you know how it is], and Italy will, shall we say, not be 'trying too hard' against Ireland.... ;)
Marco.
Shurely Ronaldo will have his shooting boots on tonight, eh? :eek:
Portugal 2 Austria 1.
Marco.
S'ok, I've chatted with Conte (the Italian manager), who owes me a favour [I had one of his neighbours clipped, you know how it is], and Italy will, shall we say, not be 'trying too hard' against Ireland.... ;)
Marco.
Hehe, have you any pull with the Germans?
Shurely Ronaldo will have his shooting boots on tonight, eh? :eek:
Portugal 2 Austria 1.
Marco.
He might still be smarting and do nothing.
THIS IS UTTER SHITE..........GEZZA GOAL YA BORING, OVERPAID UNDER-PERFORMING CLOWNS!!!!! :comatose: :baa: :beer:
Marco.
THIS IS UTTER SHITE..........GEZZA GOAL YA BORING, OVERPAID UNDER-PERFORMING CLOWNS!!!!! :comatose: :baa: :beer:
Marco.
:D That post was more entertaining, seriously.
another prediction bites the dust :doh: wish it was the first round again... I was doing well
You just *knew* that Ronaldo was going to miss that penalty.... :doh:
Bale is a far better all-round and more consistent player than Ronaldo, both for club and country, especially in dead ball situations. The latter preening playboy only really does it for Real Madrid.
Marco.
Another goalless bore-a-thon, but marginally better than last night's turgid dirge, posing as a football match! :rolleyes:
France should've won, on chances created, and Payet should've scored what would've been a wonder goal, after some superb build up by the French team. However, Switzerland were denied a stonewall penalty right at the end, as the ref cacked his knickers and did nowt, rather than award a penalty against the hosts in the last minute....
We badly need some decent entertainment!! Roll on the knockout stages, as the majority of these last games in the first round have been about as exciting as having an orgy in a nunnery.
Marco.
Got the 0-0 draw spot on but i went for Romania to win 1-0 :doh: still its 40 points on the BBC format
So how have you pegged this one, oh ye with the crystal ball? :D
Marco.
Had to check as Ive changed it about 4 times... 2-1 to Wales, and a Russian riot
and a 1-0 win to England or an English Riot :lol:
Only Joking all you Englanders :)
Hope you're right about the first one, and wrong about the latter!
My gut says 1-1, which I'm not sure will be enough for Wales to progress to the last 16, but would dearly love to be wrong... We'll see :)
Above all, I'd like an open game, full of attacking football and two teams trying their hardest to win, rather than being afraid of losing (or expending the minimum amount of energy necessary), such as we've had with the last few bore-a-thons, posing as football matches - and I suspect we'll get it!
Marco.
So what about your predictions for England vs. Slovakia? :)
Marco.
So what about your predictions for England vs. Slovakia? :)
Marco.
I added it to the other post. forgot it was on too.. 1-0
I'll go for a 1-1 in that one, too!
Marco.
Not a bad 1st half for England.
Even better one for Wales! ;)
Marco.
Wales going great guns... 3 up... Dont think mr Putin is going to be too pleased
YA FUKKIN DANCER!!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :sheep: :sheep: :sheep: :yesbruv: :yesbruv:
I'm almost as deliriously happy as when Italy won the other day! This was the team that the mighty England could only draw with, yet WALES pumped them big time, and so FINISH TOP OF THE GROUP ahead of England!!! :D :ner:
An utterly amazing performance from Wales, who outclassed, outran and outsmarted Russia from start to finish, with Bale and Ramsey running the show. Bale, however, was absolutely outstanding and showed his true class and that, right now, he's the best player in Europe by far, and if not the world!
The boys did it for Gary Speed, and also Chris Coleman!! :clap: :clap:
Highlight of the match? A Welsh flag at one of corners of the pitch with 'Wrexham, we hate Chester' written on it! :lol: An amazing night for Welsh football, which will go down in history as one of the national team's finest triumphs... Roll on the last 16!! :hifive: :hifive:
Marco
Fantastic win for Wales winning 3-0 v Russia. Top the group too so in theory should get an easier draw. England's 0-0 draw enough to get second place , while Slovakia will need to wait and see if they qualify as one of the best 4 runners up. They probably will tbh with 4 points, and they have been a decent team. Russia have been very disappointing and in old days would be off to the salt mines ;)
edit. Marco beats me to it lol
Tough luck, chaps, but you're still through to the last 16. A difficult draw, however, awaits.....
Marco.
Audio Al
20-06-2016, 21:08
We pure English support ONE team and don't change with the times :)
Unlike the Italian Welsh Scottish man ;) who can chose between 3 teams :D
Fantastic win for Wales winning 3-0 v Russia. Top the group too so in theory should get an easier draw. England's 0-0 draw enough to get second place , while Slovakia will need to wait and see if they qualify as one of the best 4 runners up. They probably will tbh with 4 points, and they have been a decent team. Russia have been very disappointing and in old days would be off to the salt mines ;)
edit. Marco beats me to it lol
Lol, at the final whistle, Del and I were jumping up and down like maddies! :D
Marco.
We pure English support ONE team and don't change with the times :)
Unlike the Italian Welsh Scottish man ;) who can chose between 3 teams :D
Lol - aye, but sadly/realistically only two teams capable of winning anything!
Marco.
Only in from work, missed all the action.
Well done Wales :)
Jeez, you're working late tonight, John. What is it you do, mate? :)
Marco.
Jeez, you're working late tonight, John. What is it you do, mate? :)
Marco.
Served my time as an industrial electrical maintenance technician, now masquerading as an electrical projects engineer.
Getting away with it pretty well too.
Yes, slight technical problem yesterday - ended up with a packet of cheese and onion and a Kitkat for tea!
Will be home for 5pm tonight I can tell ya :)
TV has been booked by me and the wee man and order for burger and chips X 2 placed with the head chef for 5:47pm :D
Sounds good to me, mate! I wish you the very best of luck against the Germans :cool:
Marco.
These were my predictions for today
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/LyclaX.png
Realise i'm late so took snapshot off website ;)
Those were the final scores then. Good effort from NI, but Germany were better across the park, and probably should have been more. The Irish support was awesome again, so top marks to them. in 3 rd place then and will have to await the completion of round to see if they get a slot.
Poland again winning and Lewandowski again fails to score.....saving himself for the ext round maybe? I got 50 pts, so best for some time
Yeah, hard luck for Ireland. I was rooting for them all the way, but it just wasn't to be... McGovern was inspired in goal, producing some wonder saves, and had it not been for him, Ireland would've lost much more heavily.
Still, 0-1 against Germany is no disgrace and they still have a chance yet of progressing to the last 16! :cool:
Marco.
Yep, not bad against the world champions, hopefully 1-0 is enough to keep us in the tournament.
Fans were mental as usual!
Spoke to a guy yesterday who was at the NI - Ukraine match, he said you didn't get out without losing your voice or your hearing!
Burgers were nice :)
These were my predictions for today
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/LyclaX.png
Realise i'm late so took snapshot off website ;)
Good call Grant, on Poland I mean!
Happy about that result, as I have a soft spot for Croatia. I like both their style of play (and Rakitic is one of my favourite players in the world), plus my wife is half-Croatian/German :)
However, it'll be a hard game now for Italy, playing Spain in the last 16.....
Great news that N.Ireland are through, too! Well done, John!! :thumbsup:
Marco.
Thanks Marco, was watching Star Trek with my wife when the wee man came bounding in to tell us - it was like one of those "we interrupt this broadcast" moments. :)
Lol... That's a terrific achievement for N.Ireland. Let's hope that the Republic can get something today from their game against Italy. If not, Conte will have a horse's head in his bed! :eyebrows:
Marco.
What an amazing game of football - and at last some GOALS!! :)
Ronaldo finally comes alive, and was a class act, but for me Hungary take all the plaudits. Topping the group and going through to the last 16, is quite an incredible achievement for them, but remember what I said about those Eastern European sides... ;)
I'd take Dzsudzsák for Celtic, no worries!
Great result too for Iceland, winning 2-1 against Austria, proving again that the 'diddy teams' in this tournament are there on merit... England will now face Iceland, so they should have a great chance of progressing to the Quarter Finals.
It's all hotting up nicely! :cool:
Marco.
Let's hope that Conte has accepted the offer I gave him that he couldn't refuse............. ;)
Italy are already through, so knowing the Italian mentality I can't see them wanting to ruffle their hair too much when it's not necessary, so 2-1 to the Irish!
Marco.
I've got 1-0 Italy and a 1-1 draw in the Belgium game.
I'll take 1-0 in their next game against Spain! ;)
Marco.
What an amazing game of football - and at last some GOALS!! :)
Ronaldo finally comes alive, and was a class act, but for me Hungary take all the plaudits. Topping the group and going through to the last 16, is quite an incredible achievement for them, but remember what I said about those Eastern European sides... ;)
I'd take Dzsudzsák for Celtic, no worries!
Great result too for Iceland, winning 2-1 against Austria, proving again that the 'diddy teams' in this tournament are there on merit... England will now face Iceland, so they should have a great chance of progressing to the Quarter Finals.
It's all hotting up nicely! :cool:
Marco.
Agreed, that 2nd half was entertaining! Goal fest and more like it!
Lock up your wafers boys, I think the Italians are going to empty us about 4 - 0!!
Let's hope that Conte has accepted the offer I gave him that he couldn't refuse............. ;)
Italy are already through, so knowing the Italian mentality I can't see them wanting to ruffle their hair too much when it's not necessary, so 2-1 to the Irish!
Marco.
Thanks for havin a word Marco ;)
:yay: :yay: :yesbruv:
Even being Italian, and a diehard Italy fan, I simply can't not be delighted for the Irish tonight, especially as the ground would've been full of Celtic supporters, passionately singing 'The Fields of Athenry', with a team managed by Martin O'Neill. Nope, that's a personal emotional pull too far.... :)
At this point it would be rude not to remind folks of what I predicted a while back:
I simply can't see a Martin O'Neill/Keane managed team not at least get through to the next round....
...and so it came to pass ;)
BRING ON FRANCE!
So, ALL the home nations are through to the last 16 - who'd have thunk it? Maybe one of them will 'do a Leicester City' and win it? :eek: :eek:
Marco.
Thanks for havin a word Marco ;)
Ha - he likes his 'cuddies', so I guess it was in his best interests to obey the boss! :eyebrows:
Hey, N.Ireland have got Wales in the last 16.... What a cracker that's going to be!!! :wow:
Marco.
Hey, N.Ireland have got Wales in the last 16.... What a cracker that's going to be!!! :wow:
Yip, should be good...Wales are a tough draw!
nice call mate.. I got both wrong...again :lol: Happy to have though
Yip, should be good...Wales are a tough draw!
I'm afraid in that match, you'll be on your own! ;)
:sheep:
Marco.
That Republic game was just the best feeling I have had this tournament
nice call mate.. I got both wrong...again :lol: Happy to have though
I *know* the Italian mentality, mate... NO WAY JOSE were they going to risk any injuries to key players, or 'over-exert' themselves in a match that they didn't have to win. Couple that with the Martin O'Neill midas touch, especially when the chips are down (as he's done often in the past in Europe with Celtic), and there was only going to be one winner.... ;)
Marco.
party political broadcast eh :D
Bet that horse is glad Ireland won too :eyebrows:
party political broadcast eh :D
Yeah, probably a bit like that. I can just imagine the motivational speeches before the game, and at half time from both Keane and O'Neill, neither of whom know the meaning of the word 'lose'!
it's a taster of what Celtic will get from Rodgers (another great Irishman) this season, mark my words..... ;)
Marco.
Bet that horse is glad Ireland won too :eyebrows:
Aye, and it's on a promise later too, as I said I'd shag it if Ireland won! :lol: :eek:
Marco.
one of Marco's friends put a horse's head in his bed. He ate the horse's head and gave it a bad review! Typical foodie ;)
Aye, and it's on a promise later too, as I said I'd shag it if Ireland won! :lol: :eek:
Marco.
Thank goodness for that; thought you were talkin' to me:eek:
You're just jealous, shweety! :lolsign:
Marco.
You're just jealous, shweety! :lolsign:
Marco.
Maybe my neighbours pussy will come a-visitin';)
Is that the one loaded with dandruff? :eyebrows:
Marco.
Fresh or fishy?
Hang on a minute, this isn't Three Words Daily! :D
Marco.
Stratmangler
23-06-2016, 15:31
This is how much last night's victory meant to at least one Icelander http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36603525
Lol... Fantastic - love seeing/hearing PASSION like that!! :respect:
Marco.
Ok, Granty. How's this one gonna go? John, any views? :)
I can see it going to pens (same as the Switzerland vs. Poland game), and then it's a lottery... However, I'll go with 2-1 Wales, but only after extra time!
Anyway, may the best team win, lads :cool:
Marco.
Well, the first half was shite! :doh:
Let's hope both teams waken up and things improve in the second half...........
Marco.
Ok, Granty. How's this one gonna go? John, any views? :)
I can see it going to pens (same as the Switzerland vs. Poland game), and then it's a lottery... However, I'll go with 2-1 Wales, but only after extra time!
Anyway, may the best team win, lads :cool:
Marco.
Mmm looks like a goal will win it. Might go to penalties.
Switzerland should have won that . What a shame , looked like the only team that wanted it in proper time !!
Shaqiri's goal was simply breathtaking! :eek:
Can't wait till he starts doing that for Celtic... ;)
Marco.
Well done Wales, all the best for the rest of the tournament :)
Happy to get the result right, but the score wrong :)
Just a bit of Bale magic, with the cross for the own goal, was the difference between the sides at the end.... Hard luck, John. You can be proud of how far Ireland have gone. I could only but dream the same thing for Scotland!
Anyway, Wales will now meet Hungary or Belgium in the, wait for it...... quarter finals of the European Championships..... I'm just letting the enormity of that sink in!! :eek:
On current form, they're certainly capable of beating either of those teams, although it would be very difficult, so at this rate who knows how far they could go?
:sheep: :sheep:
Marco.
What a shame for Croatia as they put everything into winning this match, especially in the last few minutes of extra time, but were eventually undone by a breakaway goal from Portugal, set up indirectly by Ronaldo, via Nani, and scored by Quaresma.
What's annoying me somewhat with these last 16 knockout matches, are teams not unnecessarily expending themselves, and merely going through the motions for 95% of the game, only to come alive in the dying minutes of normal time or extra time, to try and win the match before going to penalties....
Bloody well do that for the WHOLE game, rather than creating a snooze-fest for the best part of 90 minutes, and ending in five minutes or so of excitement! :doh:
Anyway, Portugal have managed to reach the quarter finals of the tournament, and will face Poland there, whilst so far not winning a game during 90 minutes... Maybe my prediction of them reaching the final isn't going to be as far out as I'd thought!
More games coming up tomorrow - let's hope that they're more exciting than today's ones were.
Marco.
Missed the France vs. Rep of Ireland match earlier, as I was busy, but certainly the Republic gave it all they could, recording a credible 2-1 loss to the hosts, and like N.Ireland can be very proud of themselves for getting into the last 16 of the tournament - so well done to both Irish teams, whose fans have also been nothing but a credit to them! :clap:
Ok, so to tonight's match (above), I suspect it'll be another pretty dour and cagey encounter, as indeed it was when Slovakia played England, but Germany's class should show through in the end, so I'll predict 2-0 to Germany, with their second goal coming fairly near the end of the match! :cool:
Marco.
Got France score spot on with 2-1... Went for 2-0 Germany, but who knows with the Germans. If they turn up they should win but they dont always and Slovaks are nobodys mugs
3-0 then to Germany, who outclassed Slovakia from start to finish and could've won by 5 or 6! Got the result correct, but the scoreline not quite right. At this moment on time, however, Germany are the most impressive looking team in the tournament, and for me are destined for the final.
For me, it's simply a question of who joins them there...
Marco.
So Granty, how've you got this one pegged? :)
For me, Hungary have been the most refreshing team of the tournament: completely un-fancied before a ball was kicked, yet they've performed very well in every game they've played in, and scored more than a few goals, too! I also like the threat that they carry up front and how they like to shoot from distance, and accurately.
So I've turned into a bit of a Hungary fan... Conversely, I've never been much of a fan of Belgium. They played well against the Republic of Ireland, but only in the second half when Ireland lost it, but otherwise, including their unimpressive 1-0 over Sweden, for me have been almost as disappointing as Portugal, and grossly overrated.
I might be made to eat my words tonight, but I'm going for Zoltan Gera and Hungary to cause another upset... 2-1 to Hungary! :cool:
Marco.
Been impressed too, but going to give Belguim the nod, only due to better players rising to occasion. its very dependent on who handles it best, so 2-1 Belguim... Hope I'm wrong
Well Beguim showed why they are so highly rated. Hazard played a stormer
Yeah, undoubtedly.... I also think, as one of the TV pundits pointed out, that Hungary (much like the Republic of Ireland had against Italy) blown themselves out, after their exertions against Portugal, and indeed throughout the competition so far.
These smaller nations, with limited talent in their squads, simply don't have the ability to retain the standard required over the duration of a tournament, in order to compete at the highest level, and that's where, as the competition progresses, the bigger nations begin flexing their muscles, as they 'settle into' the tournament - indeed just like we saw yesterday with Germany, who for me are currently top dogs.
Belgium played well last night, but so far have only beaten the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Hungary, which is hardly surprising... Wales (if they're not burnt out by now, too) will give them the sternest test yet, but even then the draw so far has been very kind to Belgium, neatly avoiding them playing any of the 'big guns', so I don't think that they've been fully tested yet.
Anyway, let's see how England get on tonight against Iceland, which will hopefully be the match where it all 'clicks' together for England, and they get the chance to show everyone what they are capable of.
Marco.
The other thing is that this thread seems to be largely the 'Marco/Struth' show... Where are all the other footy fans on AoS? Chris (Strat), for such a major football fan, you've been remarkably quiet on this thread...
As Delia Smith once famously said to fans at Norwich City: 'LET'S BE 'AVIN YA!' :exactly:
;)
Marco.
Oldpinkman
27-06-2016, 08:00
TBH a lot of the shine came off football watching for an Englishman in France, with the thugs in Marseille. I realise that's not the fault of the team, but watching the usual mixed bag of "so promising but not good enough" which leads to the inevitable dissapointment that is England in international football tournaments, you wonder whether we wouldn't be better off getting banned, and shortening the agony
The real fun over here was watching France go one down to the Irish, and then that awesome comeback.
England v Iceland. To win a football tournament you need to play better football than the other teams can. Iceland has a population of 332000. That's a little bit smaller than Croydon. I hope we can beat them - Croydon, or Iceland, but I wouldn't risk hard cash on it.
I'll be watching the England game with my Dad in Blighty, cos I'm back tonight for a week
I wonder if there will be any trouble after that brexit result? Seems to have been out of the news of late so maybe the French have a lid on the original causes.
I wonder if there will be any trouble after that brexit result?
...I doubt it, there'll be a 'love in' between the right wing idiots on both sides, as in the football supporters I mean...:eyebrows:
All I need now is England to loose on penalties to Iceland, and my week will be complete...:doh:
Have decided to go for a 2-1 win for England, and Italy to draw 0-0 with the Azzuri winning in extra time or pens
This England match is a hoot!
Well done Italy:)
I have been feeling tired and lacking energy all day . All I needed was an evening watching England play hell with my blood pressure too!!!!:steam:
So at half time I will mainly be off to bed
Brexit from Euro 2016 for England!
Stratmangler
27-06-2016, 21:05
Brexit from Euro 2016 for England!
Shouldn't that be E-exit?
Stratmangler
27-06-2016, 21:05
Aye it's a damn shame ��
At least we made it there.
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