3rd place sides tend to fail to qualify for the following Euros in the last 25 years.
Twice in recent years, the team that finished third in the World Cup, went on to win the next one.
3rd place sides tend to fail to qualify for the following Euros in the last 25 years.
Saw bits of the game, seemed decent.
Belgium are far better than I expected this tournament. I was expecting some good play, but a lot of swagger and a glass jaw - the sort that Wales exploited.
If this Belgium had played that Wales it'd be 4 or 5 nil, no sweat.
From what I've seen, Belgium and France were the best sides in the tournament, possibly in that order.
The only team in the competition to win every one of the games they've played are Croatia.Saw bits of the game, seemed decent.
Belgium are far better than I expected this tournament. I was expecting some good play, but a lot of swagger and a glass jaw - the sort that Wales exploited.
If this Belgium had played that Wales it'd be 4 or 5 nil, no sweat.
From what I've seen, Belgium and France were the best sides in the tournament, possibly in that order.
Must admit I was surprised to see we had no one of the class of Hazard, De Bruyne and company.
Who'da thought it?
Belgium started really well against France in their semi for twenty minutes or so but France dominated it after that.
The only team in the competition to win every one of the games they've played are Croatia.
It'll be an interesting final.
Croatia have resilience, a fair bit of talent and a strong fighting spirit.
France have more talent but a weaker constitution when it gets really tough.
I'd like to think that too, but until we find a Modric type player who can read a game and dictate it as well as he can, I'm doubtful.I know it's a series of one off matches but it' be interesting to see who'll come out on top if they played each other more in future competitions
Croatia have done well and (just) deserved their SF win.
I do think, however, that if we played them 10 times, we'd come out on top.
I honestly think we'll finish above them in the International League Group.
On the other hand, France only needed a draw with Denmark to top their group and Croatia went to the lottery of penalty shoot outs twice.The only team in the competition to win every one of the games they've played are Croatia.
It'll be an interesting final.
Croatia have resilience, a fair bit of talent and a strong fighting spirit.
France have more talent but a weaker constitution when it gets really tough.
Fair retort. They do seem tougher these days, which means Deschamps' work ethic & attention to discipline ( he was a wonderfully controlled & hard working player in his day), must be rubbing off finally. Unfortunately, with the likes of Pogba on the team, there's always an element the boss can't control - French footballers, despite being excellent technicians, can be moody & reckless if the going gets tough.On the other hand, France only needed a draw with Denmark to top their group and Croatia went to the lottery of penalty shoot outs twice.
I was impressed how they shut Belgium out of the game is the SF once they went ahead. I know they didn’t handle the pressure and expectation of being favourites against Portugal at the 2016 Euros but I think there is a stronger mental toughness in this French team. We will soon find out.
Agreed.I thought England put in a reasonable performance, particularly in the 2nd half, if Dier's chip over the keeper had gone in, then the result could have been different. Nevertheless, Hazard and De Bruyne are a class apart and if Lukaku had a better first touch he would also be a world beater.