Totally agree Watford. We all knew player quality before the tournament. If it were down to that it would be a two horse race between Germany and Spain. No point in turning up. Tournaments are about using your resources to best effect and winning through against various obstacles. THAT is what this England team are doing, and doing with great energy. They look consistently alive for once. None of all that slow boring lacklustre pissing about they were doing not so long ago. Yeah, they're playing a compact two-line defensive system that's learning to fan out and move higher up the pitch when opportunities arise - and they certainly haven't peaked yet. But there's a game plan that's being followed in a disciplined way. No not pretty aesthetically but pretty damn effective tournament football all the same. Are they going to get passed Italy? Always a massive ask at the best of times and probably unlikely BUT with this kind of spirit about them, anything's possible. Well done Woy. Master tactician!
I know you didn't Swords. All I was trying to say was that the competition is devalued by having two host nations that wouldn't otherwise qualify for the tournament. It's like a wildcard. One absolutely, two no. But I guess the commercial reality is no one nation can afford to host the games on their own. Does that make it better? Probably not. I'll stick to football matters.
I obviously misunderstood your post mate. Apologies. That's are very fair and real concern. That's why a joint Scot/Irl/Wales bid is farcical. That would mean 3 get in for nowte! (Not to mention they've no Stadiums!)
Watched sitting in an airport bar, sound off. Roy is certainly a lucky manager, and getting the results though it's pretty painful to watch. Cliche time - one game at a time please. We could crash and burn at any time, or may just keep on going in this strange way. Can't say I'm enjoying it though, Portugal against the Dutch the best I've seen. I think they are expanding this tournament to 24 teams next time ( or perhaps the one after that). Stupid, there aren't enough quality teams for 16 countries, it will mean an extra round and of course more money for UEFA. **** knows why they bother with qualifying. On the upside maybe the Welsh and the Scots will get to go out in the first round of a tournament!
Well put. The question is, can more be extracted from these players? Yes, certainly. And that will come. Could they be as good technically as Spain or Germany? No. My concern is there does still seem to be a little bit of fear in the side. Fear of making mistakes. Rooney would've buried that 1st half chance if he were in a United shirt. Its Woy's job to relax the boys and take the pressure off further. This is where his experience will come into play.
I'd say Ukraina were far more active from those two teams. Despite all their efforts and activity Ukraina didn't create many more dangerous chances than England. Their best chance was maybe a goal but it definately comes from the clear offside situation.
Im afraid I can't agree Igor. Ukraine were the better side and there was no offside for their goal. If the bloke behind the goal had his eyes open, that could have spurred them on to win the match. You made a great post above and then went and destroyed it with this! For F*ck sake Igor
That's one way of looking at it I s'pose. I see competitive apprehension. None of these national sides are easy and we all know England ain't exactly bedecked with world class prima-donnas. But if you want to compete in a cup competition, you've got to play as a unit, dig-in and see what happens. That's exactly what they're doing and that's good enough for me I'm afraid. Greece weren't pretty back in 2004 - but they got their name on the cup. Not saying England will but we all know it can be done. Good value entertainment imho - and nowt wrong with seeing millionaires scrambling about like they care for once. Yep. I'll have some more of all that!
I have to because you must be the only person in europe that could not see offside in that stuation swordie
I totally agree with that Brix. 100%. Just maybe there's a bit more to be seen football-wise from these guys when they click. Not much more, but improving the basics whilst in possession. Other than that, I couldn't agree more with your assessment.
I watched it on local TV and it wasn't mentioned and I watched the replays and couldn't see it. Its coming on MOTD now soon so I'll have another look!
Because they just dont mention that it was not offside? It was in that long pass and that ukranian boy runned quickly back but it was clearly offside when the pass left and that is the thing that counts.
Is that allowed in Ireland Swords? Thought the Church would deny lesbianism could possibly exist, like Queen Victoria did. ****philia more their kind of thing, obviously. Re- reading one of the funniest books ever at the moment, 'Well Remembered Days' by Arthur Mathews ( one of the Father Ted writers), a sort of history of Ireland in the 20th century from the perspective of an insane Catholic hardliner. Laugh out loud stuff and other clichés. Especially like the section where, as a child, the 'author' gets shopped to the Tans for hiding some sausages for Michael Collins - by his own father......
Quite a bizarre post that? Igor, Nines, Flyer, North etc. What the hell are you talking about? I've watched that "goal" about ten times now and there's no-one offside! Whats more, I've watched it on two different channels now and neither set of commentators ever mention it. Seriously, did you boys PM one another and decide to wind everyone up?
Swordie you better find a guide dog and soon.........Im sure they have lots of those in ireland. Better yet purchase one white cane too
