Euro 2020 Thread (11th June-11th July)

[Duty281]

First topic message reminder :

Starts in under a week. Might be a fun summer of football to lift the gloom of the previous 12 months.

Groups:

Full Schedule:

Outright Odds:

Portugal to defend their title? France to go one better? Germany return to prominence? Belgium finally get it right? England bring football home? Or will Scotland shock the world?

[GSC]

Dont get the negativity to be honest. Controlled victory over a side that played in the last world cup final, without a first choice center back and midfielder.

Some people might be more disappointed they can't put the boot in for the team selection...

[Duty281]

Decent enough, about as well as can be expected at this point. Qualification looks assured after just one game. I hope Southgate doesn't make wholesale changes, like Roy did at Euro 2016, and allows the core of the team time to build cohesion before the last 16.

Croatia were dismal. Their front line was totally absent. Did they even have a striker?

[alfie]

Job done...a good first step.

Phillips did pretty well I thought considering his selection was not exactly applauded on here ?

And nice to keep a clean sheet. They've not done that too often lately...

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Dont get the negativity to be honest. Controlled victory over a side that played in the last world cup final, without a first choice center back and midfielder.

Some people might be more disappointed they can't put the boot in for the team selection...

Very solid performance, thought Phillips/Sterling were brilliant and Mount/Rice solid too. Defence pretty untroubled, which was slightly unexpected.

[Guest]

Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine - Great game tonight. Great listening to Clive & Ally too.

[Soul Requiem]

Was an ok performance from England but nothing to suggest they'll go deep in the tournament. The front four could be a threat but without a proper ball player alongside Phillips you cant get the best from them.

Rice is in the team based on a lack of real alternatives, we've produced two genuine ball players in the past 25 years. In a nutshell that's why we've won nothing.

[Duty281]

Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine - Great game tonight. Great listening to Clive & Ally too.

Very fun game, hopefully sparks the tournament into life. Yarmolenko's goal was elegant.

Big game for the Scots and Czechs tomorrow. Both sides will have probably circled it as the one they're most confident of getting three points from.

[dummy_half]

I'd call England's performance a solid professional job. One of the more comfortable 1-0s you'll ever see.

Only negative for me was playing Trippier at left back and Walker on the right, behind attacking players who will naturally cut inside. Need the full backs to be able to overlap and provide width, so next match please let's have Trippier on the right and Shaw or Chilwell on the left. Would get more out of Kane up front if there were some crosses coming in.

[Duty281]

Kane got some criticism yesterday, but he won't contribute much in open play because he's still playing his old role for England, not the new one with Tottenham this season which allowed him to garner so many assists. He practically deserves an assist for the run he made in the lead-up to Sterling's goal.

Main worry for England is they probably won't be tested by a team before reaching the last 16, and then it'll be a huge step up in terms of quality.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Rice is probably the second name on that team sheet after Kane. Good passer and helped the balance of that midfield to be as good as any England have had in a long time.

Should hope we don’t need much of Henderson if the pair can carry on as they were.

[Afro]

I was happy with yesterdays performance.

First matches are always a bit less sharp and you want to grow into the tournament, not peak at the start.

The midfield balance was good with Phillips playing more box to box and Rice sitting. I can see that working with Phillips and Bellingham too, but with Phillips swapping to the Rice role.

Only thing I would change is Trippier at RB and a left footer at LB. That could have given us more threat on the left hand side.

But all in all, satisfactory with scope to get sharper and better.

We just need to make sure we beat the noisy neighbours on Friday or we won't hear the end of it. I'll be cheering them on today, but then they return to being the Auld Enemy!!

[Samo]

Must win game for us today if we’re to have a realistic chance of progressing. A bit of confidence going into the match on Friday wouldnt hurt either.

[Samo]

Scotland looking good in places, just struggling to put it all together at the final third.

Cant complain at the Czech goal, took it well, Marshall had no chance.

Big 45 minutes ahead.

[Samo]

Frak me sideways.

[Guest]

What a goal from the Czech’s. Schick from the halfway line. 2-0 down

[alfie]

Extraordinary second goal for Czech ! Afraid that is likely to be it for Scotland...

[Duty281]

That was some strike, to add to Yarmolenko's yesterday.

Barring some inspired comeback from the Scots, this is their Euros practically over. They'll need at least 4 points v England and Croatia to progress.

Have quite liked how the Czechs have played. Kral in midfield looks decent, Jankto's attacking play has been quality, and Schick has bagged two impressive finishes. Their crossing has been very good, too.

[Samo]

Its been a very typical Scotland performance. Giving away silly possesion and not taking their chances. Damage limitation in the next two games.

Its the hope that kills you.

[alfie]

Created plenty of chances. Just weren't able to put any in. Law of averages says they will score against England on Friday.

Might concede a few though.

[Duty281]

Superior finishing the difference in the end. Pressure game for Croatia next as they'll need a win v the Czechs. Scotland probably need four points from their last two games, might encourage them to be more adventurous v England, which I think would be to England's advantage.

Group E up next. Wouldn't be surprised if the Swedes got something against an underwhelming Spain side.

Apparently the second Czech goal was 49.7 yards out, making it the longest goal in European Championship history.

[Lowlandbrit]

Czechia looked decent enough, Scotland just looked like a team that barely qualified. Maybe they find an extra gear for the England game, maybe losing a bit of the excitement of making the tournament and playing at home could actually help them too.

On another note, am I the only one that thinks the BBC are overcompensating a bit for perceived English bias? Some of the Wales and Scotland coverage just seems a little more 'fan-ish' than usual. Was very impressed with Shelley Kerr though.

[Riggs]

I'll be honest, I'm disappointed in Scotland.

I genuinely thought they'd stand a good chance of winning.

[RiscaGame]

I wouldn’t say the BBC are over compensating, from what I’ve seen. I thought Lineker was a bit patronising to Wales the other day, until reminded by Savage what happened last Euros, as an example.

Today was ok coverage really. Perhaps they were going on about Andy Robertson a bit much, but I didn’t think they’re over compensating for anything.

But Scotland are obviously really up against it. Have to be a bit disappointed with them only starting with one striker at home. Just find it slightly negative.

[Lowlandbrit]

I wouldn’t say the BBC are over compensating, from what I’ve seen. I thought Lineker was a bit patronising to Wales the other day, until reminded by Savage what happened last Euros, as an example.

Fair enough, I think it was mostly Savage slipping into full-on 'fan commentary feed' mode during the Wales game I was thinking of, and then today the pitchside interviewer kept using "we" in a way that seemed unusual to me, but maybe everyone does it and I just hadn't noticed before. Probably just the style of the individuals more than a plan.

[Jimmy Moz]

I think it's a good tournament so far (minus the very serious incident of course). Some of the games have been quite exciting regardless of the result. I guess my one gripe is that I'm cheering on Scotland, Wales and whoever is playing England so I'm yet to have a victory at this Euros.

[Guest]

Sweden 0-0 Spain FT

Enrique’s men won’t be threatening the big boys in this tournament. They can dominate possession, but no real firepower in the squad, to win a major trophy.

[Duty281]

Yep, a slow Spain created a lot against a mostly useless Swedish side - who just stood in two banks of four, something Roy Hodgson introduced to them about 40 years ago - but couldn't finish anything. Thought the Spanish were underwhelming on paper pre-tournament, nothing to change that view on this evidence. Liked Isak for the Swedes, if only he could get more service from the midfield.

With Slovakia upsetting the Polish, thanks to a red card for the Poles, that group is wide-open, just like Group B.

Have liked how the referees have managed games so far this tournament. Very liberal, happy to let a bit go, allowing for free-flowing football.

First heavyweight match-up tomorrow - France v Germany. See if France live up to the hype early on, and if Germany can defy some poor results they've had in the run-up to this tournament (losing 6-0 to Spain in a friendly; losing 2-1 to North Macedonia at home in a WC qualifier).

[Riggs]

Surprised at Spain's lack of scoring, but at least the Swedes survived.

[Pr4wn]

Morata couldn't score in a brothel.

[Duty281]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57480270

Dean Henderson withdraws due to injury, Ramsdale comes into the squad.

[Luke]

I'll be honest, I'm disappointed in Scotland.

I genuinely thought they'd stand a good chance of winning.

With the chances they carved out should have at least got a point. And that's the difference in tournament football, they have to score those chances. 

As for England, a good solid performance with room to build. Couldn't really have asked for more in an opening performance.

[Duty281]

Portugal play terrible for 80 minutes before scoring an awful opener, then Hungary fall apart. Ronaldo's second goal was class.

3-0 and job done, just about.

[Jimmy Moz]

Are ITV going to show highlights of this France v Germany game at HT and FT or is it just going to be more of the Gazza Euro 96 goal against Scotland on repeat again? Terrible coverage as usual.

[Duty281]

Early days, but it'll take something special to beat this French team.

[Riggs]

A German own goal, a very rare thing to see happen.

[Guest]

Agree with McCoist, much like Spain, Germany look pretty toothless.

Don’t think France got out of second or third gear tonight. Still think they look heavily reliant upon Mbappe though.

[Riggs]

Both teams attacked and both sides had many attempts on goal but the Germans were the ones to make a rare mistake.

An interesting match.

[Duty281]

Best game of the tournament so far, in terms of quality, officiated spectacularly too.

A bit passive from France, but it was a controlled performance, and I agree they have another few gears to go to. Germany just look very mediocre, with a suspect defence and pedestrian attack - huge game for them on Saturday against Portugal, they need at least a point.

Would also add it was wrong that Pavard continued playing when it seemed as though he was knocked out initially. And I wonder if Rudiger bit Pogba? Pogba certainly seemed aggravated.

Clive and Ally are the best commentating duo at these Euros. A shame ITV have decided upon the bland Matterface as their lead commentator.

Turkey/Wales in Azerbaijan probably the most interesting game of tomorrow. Welsh have to win, otherwise they'll need to upset the Italians in game three.

[westisbest]

Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine - Great game tonight. Great listening to Clive & Ally too.

Best game I’ve seen so far. Delighted Holland won. On the way.

Tonight’s game was decent.
France looked class and will be difficult to stop.
Disappointing for Germany. Huffed and puffed, lacked that quality in the final third.

[RiscaGame]

Turkey/Wales in Azerbaijan probably the most interesting game of tomorrow. Welsh have to win, otherwise they'll need to upset the Italians in game three.

Wales were always likely to target this game, with the rankings etc. The home feel to the crowd will help Turkey,  but I’m hoping Page gets them playing better than they did Sat. I am not a fan of Mepham, nor Morrell (even if he did have an assist on Sat). I think he may select Neco Williams this time. It seems like some supporters want Neco for Roberts, Ampadu for Morrell and some have said Cabango for Mepham. It has also been suggested to start Neco Williams LB and move Davies over.

It’ll be interesting to see the lineup. Looking forward to finishing work early

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Kante, Varane and Kimpembe were special tonight

[BamBam]

Pogba with that much time and space just looks class. Shame for him he’ll never get that in the PL

[Luke]

Great win for Wales. Thought they played the game fantastically, and could have won by more.
Ramsey was fantastic.

[Duty281]

Very good win for the Welsh, should have had the game out of sight earlier, and puts them through to the last 16 (99% sure!). Hugely disappointing tournament for Turkey, many people's 'dark horses' for the competition. They're still not out of it, but would need a big win v the Swiss to have any chance, which looks a remote possibility.

Finishing runners-up in the group, as Wales look likely to do, will give them a fairly decent chance of making a run to the semi-finals - likely having to play Russia/Denmark in the last 16, then the Dutch in the quarters.

But still a bit of a way to go yet.

[RiscaGame]

So annoying again, in a sense. Against the Swiss, we should’ve had Dan James attacking their carded right back. Today, we sat back so much. We could be doing better, but realistically it’s what we probably would’ve expected. Of course, against the Swiss they should’ve had a penalty, but we could also have created more if we had a crack.

Have to say though, I’ve criticised Mepham a few times and he was a giant today. Whole defence was, but I should be balanced and praise him.

[Guest]

Italy 3-0 Swiss FT - Italians likely to stroll to the QF, and then we will see how good they are

[Duty281]

Another strong Italian performance against very limited opposition, another 3-0 win. For their sake, I hope they're not peaking too soon! Only low point was Chiellini being injured.

If Wales lose 3-0 to Italy, and Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0*, then Wales and Switzerland will be tied on points, H2H, GD, goals scored and wins...basically every possible metric. I believe it then comes down to a penalty shoot-out to decide second and third place.

Other scores are available e.g. Switzerland 3-1 Turkey; Wales 1-4 Italy.

[Trebs]

Another strong Italian performance against very limited opposition, another 3-0 win. For their sake, I hope they're not peaking too soon! Only low point was Chiellini being injured.

If Wales lose 3-0 to Italy, and Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0*, then Wales and Switzerland will be tied on points, H2H, GD, goals scored and wins...basically every possible metric. I believe it then comes down to a penalty shoot-out to decide second and third place.

Other scores are available e.g. Switzerland 3-1 Turkey; Wales 1-4 Italy.

Isn't it disciplinary records?
I'm sure there was a group at the last world cup where a qualifier was decided based on less yellow cards.

[Afro]

Another strong Italian performance against very limited opposition, another 3-0 win. For their sake, I hope they're not peaking too soon! Only low point was Chiellini being injured.

If Wales lose 3-0 to Italy, and Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0*, then Wales and Switzerland will be tied on points, H2H, GD, goals scored and wins...basically every possible metric. I believe it then comes down to a penalty shoot-out to decide second and third place.

Other scores are available e.g. Switzerland 3-1 Turkey; Wales 1-4 Italy.

Isn't it disciplinary records?
I'm sure there was a group at the last world cup where a qualifier was decided based on less yellow cards.

It is disciplinary records. The penalties only apply if they are playing each other in the final game.

At the moment, the discplinary records is 3 yellows to Wales and 4 to Switzerland.

If those are level, presumably they draw lots to decide?

[Duty281]

Another strong Italian performance against very limited opposition, another 3-0 win. For their sake, I hope they're not peaking too soon! Only low point was Chiellini being injured.

If Wales lose 3-0 to Italy, and Switzerland beat Turkey 2-0*, then Wales and Switzerland will be tied on points, H2H, GD, goals scored and wins...basically every possible metric. I believe it then comes down to a penalty shoot-out to decide second and third place.

Other scores are available e.g. Switzerland 3-1 Turkey; Wales 1-4 Italy.

Isn't it disciplinary records?
I'm sure there was a group at the last world cup where a qualifier was decided based on less yellow cards.

Yes, I believe that may actually be correct. I got that info from Wikipedia who have since updated it. The penalty shoot-out only comes into operation if the two tied teams play each other in the last round; otherwise it comes down to discipline, as you said, and (if still tied) rankings.

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