Zinedine Zidane steps down as Real Madrid coach after winning his 3rd consecutive Champions League title. Is this a case of "going out at the top" or does he just need a break? Either way the rumour mill will be rife with speculation about his successor. Perhaps Ron fancies the job?
Yep, just read that. Wonder if Bayern Munich, and maybe Arsenal too, are thinking "Oh, ****"? Things do happen then on the Feast of Corpus Christi, or to the blasphemous amongst us, "Happy Cadaver Day".
Terrible stuff. Seems ok. https://www.news.com.au/sport/motor...h/news-story/807606033a6187850958f54df8a696af
Austria 2 - Germany 1 The world champions went out like a damp squib against a very positive Austrian side inspired and led by David Alaba. Encouraging performance by Manuel Neuer who certainly proved his fitness, but nothing he could do to prevent Austria scoring two very good goals. Löw tried out a few newcomers who in the main gave disappointing performances. Think he still has yet to chuck-out two or three players from the allowed squad? Cannot understand why he chose Gomez, he seems to be past it at this level, could be wrong though. Difficult to understand why Löw ignored Sandro Wagner; he should at least have given Wagner a chance, even though he is proving to be a 'difficult' character. Wagner is of the old school style, a big, strong, centre-forward with good positional sense and an excellent header of the ball. However, that all said, this is almost getting par for the course with Germany, they'll be a different proposition in Russia, that's for sure, although it looks as though at the moment the squad does not match-up to previous ones? We'll see. Have recorded the England/Nigeria game, will look at it probably tomorrow. Saw an interesting clip on German TV on the German/French coach of the Nigerian team (he was actually born in Germany). A very competent man, with his head well and properly screwed-on! Note for Oddy: After my remarks on yesterday's DT about Saxon Warrior, think it's me who needs to go to Fielmann? However, Roaring Lion ran a very good race to finish third. Off to the sticks for a day out, back in time for evening though!
Enjoy your day out Swanny. Agree Germany will be the finished article when it gets serious and hey, with so many midfielders and defenders who can contribute goals do they even need strikers? England had a good first half but seemed to struggle with the tactical changes made by Nigeria at half-time. That is my one worry with Southgate - does he have the tactical nouse to change things around when the opposition have sussed his A game? Seems Sir Bobby Robson was the last England manager who could do that (and possibly Glenn Hoddle whose team was unlucky to go out against Argentina in 98).
Die Mannschaft - Qualification for World Cup; all matches won - five friendlies; three draws and two defeats. I am however worried about the central defence. SH; "sticks" - please elucidate. At least two of the commentators/experts on Racing UK were very confident of a bold show from Masar.
Term used by city dwellers for the countryside: "You know old Brian. Lives out in the sticks, has a farm with goats and sheep "
I haven't seen the game yet as have been away at the coast all week with no tv - bliss! However I understand that Sterling still hasn't mastered the art of diving convincingly. His attempts at cheating in the 2014 WC were laughable and no still no improvement 4 years later. Retrospective 6 match bans for simulation would cure it.
Waste of space IMHO - can't shoot, final ball is atrocious. All he does is run past a few defenders and then **** up. Seriously wouldn't have him in the squad.
His pace is a massive asset but he has no composure in front of goal. Dread to think what his ratio of good chances to goals was for the standout team in the EPL last season. 1/6? Horrific. Will only get one, maybe 2 chances a game in this World Cup so can't be relied upon. It would be Vardy and Kane for me up top.
I'm convinced France are going to win it. They look the complete package Hopefully England will give it a good go but Quarter Finals is probably end of the road (again)
Agreed France have a big chance but I'd never write off the Germans. They are a superb tournament team. Thankfully England not weighed down with massive expectation this time - well apart from a few within the media - and most of them are mischief making celts .
Ah the French and the Germans - Macron has probably tickled Mrs Merkel's fancy so Germany will let France win to ensure European harmony
I blame my single sex and fee paying secondary school education exaggerated by my being an only child!
