OK thanks, What comes from half watching! They were focusing on Pogba's strength and skills here (Norway) after the game and I wrongly thought the run and cross was another example.
I have to say, I'm becoming rapidly disenchanted with this tournament. There are too many teams and the format, i.e qualification for the last 16 allows too many of the mediocre ones to simply shut up shop because 3rd place with no goals scored but hardly any conceded is rewarded. Once again football is suffering because of financial reasons and the interests of television rights. If you want a lot of matches and a big tournament that can last 4 weeks either start with 64 and play a knockout tournament from the start or 32 (8 groups of 4) if you want the meaningless group stage first with the top two in each group only qualifying to the round of 16. The group stage has always been intended simply for the bigger teams to get some competitive games while they warm up to peak at the later stages.. It also gives the minnows an opportunity for their own Cup Final where they can win admirers and bow out gracefully to leave it to the big boys. Their leagues can then also be plundered as their better players showcase their talents and depart for England, Spain and Italy on the back of a good game or two.
Hopefully 3 points will be enough for my boys to qualify, a draw today would have guaranteed it, fingers crossed!
Hopefully 3 pts and a neutral GD will be enough for NI - I watched most of the 1st half over lunch - what a goal-keeping display by Michael McGovern. Can McGovern speak German? Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany Jens Lehmann, a guest on Match of the Day Live, has just asked if Michael McGovern can speak German as he wants to recommend the keeper to some clubs. The keeper is a free agent. He has certainly put himself in the shop window with his performance against the world champions. 'Germany were excellent' please log in to view this image Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern: "If it is not meant to be for us to go through, we will be very disappointed. "It was busy today and mentally very hard. We knew every goal was crucial so wanted to keep it at one and maybe nick a goal of our own. "Germany had a slow start but they were excellent today, we could not get out." Best 1-0 defeat ever? please log in to view this image It could be the best 1-0 defeat ever. When I say defeat, they've absolutely been blown away. I'm very hopeful. But if anyone was doubting the class of the Germans then what we've seen tonight is an absolute masterclass. Michael McGovern has kept us in the mix as it could have been six or seven. http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/35201075
They got lucky then though, Croatia hit the bar and post after "Irish" chasing of the Keeper. Croatia have good players and aren't lying down yet anyway.
Turkey winning - by my calculations, unless they win by 4 goals, Norn Iron are through as they would already have a better position than both Albania & Turkey....
Spain v Italy if this result stays like this. At least that will get rid of one of the better teams to clear the path for England.
