Euro 2016

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

I'm quite impressed by how so far all the teams that have featured have given their follow opposition a proper game, okay albeit Russia - who failed to really test England but yet managed to walk away with a point (hopefully they're disqualified before their final game, as I think if they lose the next game - we'll see hell let loose and them not caring about any repercussions).

The Republic of Ireland v Sweden for me handed a welcoming surprise, Ireland played some good stuff and I felt they deserved to win.

Despite media saying Germany played disappointingly after mustering a lacklustre performance - I felt until Italy played, they had been the best side so far.

Spain didn't do that well IMO, they struggled to score and should they? The Czech Republic for me deserved something from it.

Belgium proved they're overrated and that the majority of fans based their opinions on what pundits say or the media (I don't see them getting out of the group stages - I didn't before they played).

Albania and Northern Ireland have been the weaker sides for me so far, NI needed to be more offensive but sat back allowing Poland to attack - however they highlighted how you should park the bus and defend a team you expect to lose against.

So, what teams have impressed you? What have you thought of the Euro's so far? Which game is the best yet in your opinion?

[ivansneck]

Albania for how they played with 10 men for a long time.

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[Dripsey3]

Portugal vs Iceland. Should be a cracker.

[Turkey_Twizzler]

Hungary of course! #NoBajnerNoParty!

[Who r ya?? You Pies!!]

Massive well done Iceland spirited gritty performance, just love the underdog in games like that .

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Portugal vs Iceland. Should be a cracker.

Vastly disappointing solely because of Portugal however, Iceland played well - they deserved a point.

[DangerousSausage]

I've enjoyed it so far. I was worried that many games would be cagey, but I've been entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed Portugal v Iceland last night, it reminded me of an FA Cup tie. Hungary's first goal was a peach too - but where was Bajner?

I've been most impressed with Italy - really strong at the back, and deadly up front. And I drew them in the sweepstake!

[Dripsey3]

I expect the Russians in the stadium today will be good boys and not cause any trouble. Mr Putin is watching them. I wouldn't fancy a one way trip to Siberia.....

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

The story behind the Russian manager isn't your every day tale of a former player whom ends up being forced to retire.

19, tries to rescue a cat, falls out of a tree and damages his knee = forced to retire. To a degree, I actually feel sorry for him but then I recall his comments about Russia's warning being 'injust' and how it's the England fans causing all the trouble. Plus he's pretty useless, Russia only found their way back after the opposition became tired. They don't deserve to be in the competition because they play very poor football.

France v Albania now, France look eager to score earlier today.

[Turkey_Twizzler]

I've enjoyed it so far. I was worried that many games would be cagey, but I've been entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed Portugal v Iceland last night, it reminded me of an FA Cup tie. Hungary's first goal was a peach too - but where was Bajner?

I've been most impressed with Italy - really strong at the back, and deadly up front. And I drew them in the sweepstake! [emoji3]

Same here! I got Italy and Wales! Ive been impressed with most teams this euros, other than Russia and belgium, every team has given it their all and many have been unlucky

[Super_Danny_Allsopp]

Albania played fairly well last night, and France got lucky (yet again). It's a shame England aren't half decent, because a lot of these bigger sides are there for the taking. 

[DangerousSausage]

France upped a gear just in time last night. I'm not overly impressed with them though - I think they'll lose to the first seriously decent side they meet, just like they did at the World Cup.

[Turkey_Twizzler]

I don't think France work hard enough to win the whole thing, I just hope we can beat wales today!

[liampie]

7 hours ago, ohstanleyaborah said:

I don't think France work hard enough to win the whole thing, I just hope we can beat wales today!

they just tire teams out and pack all their subs on as a last minute chance to force change. unimpressed by them!

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Very proud of Northern Ireland, it sounds like some of the Ukraine players tried to get the game called off - according to TalkSport.

That's not very sportsman like of them, however after hail stones created a 3 minute break - they took to the field to continue the game and both teams are creating chances. Northern Ireland are pressuring them and each of their players are giving 120%. 1-0 to them!

[Fozzy]

I've just watched the 2nd half of the Germany game and they don't look anything special either. I haven't seen Italy yet, who were supposed to look pretty good, but it looks as though any of about half a dozen sides could win it this. One team is surely going to grow into this tournament and I'm interested to see who.

 

[Dripsey3]

The tournament will begin for real in the knock out stages. Teams like Germany will take it up a level, just like they did at the last WC. I don't think England have that extra level to be honest. 

[Who r ya?? You Pies!!]

Just watching Iceland again against Hungary, halfway point Iceland 1-0 up,  come on Iceland , love the underdog, would love them to make the knockout stage 

[liampie]

i would love portugal to lose tonight.

iceland to go into the last 16 with hungary and austria fighting for second place.

[Who r ya?? You Pies!!]

@liampie oh yes , but a late equaliser and even then nearly an even later winner for Iceland but it wasn't to be , but we'll done Iceland, what is it with all these late goals ,.    exciting stuff to the end of games .

[Turkey_Twizzler]

Portugal have been so poor in this euros, currently speaking at 55mins against Austria but they have been poor, terrible at sets pieces aswell so far

[DangerousSausage]

Am I the only one who laughed out loud when Ronaldo missed that penalty? Does it make me a bad person? Portugal have been lacklustre but they should still have won against Austria. Their final game against Hungary will be very interesting now.

As for Germany v POland, neither side was willing to take a risk. They were both fully aware that it was their most difficult group game and that a point would do nicely, and it showed. I think if either side needed the win to progress, they would have approached the game differently.

[ivansneck]

Am I the only one who laughed out loud when Ronaldo missed that penalty? Does it make me a bad person?

No you weren't and no it doesn't!!

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[DangerousSausage]

The group stage is nearly over and there are a few talking points.

- Third-placed teams qualifying is stupid. It has led to a stale, safety-first approach that has dominated most games, England v Slovakia being an example. Had only the top two qualified, Slovakia would have needed to play for a win and England would have been in danger of going out. In addition, it's fundamentally unfair as only the teams in the groups that play last know what they have to do in order to qualify. Albania's hopes are hanging by a thread, yet they've had to wait from Sunday to Wednesday evening to find out whether they're going home or not.

- Fantastic performance from Wales and Northern Ireland, who could play each other in the next round. Which would mean we'll be seeing one of Wales, Northern Ireland, Poland and Switzerland in the semi-finals! Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, Spain play Italy in the last 16, with the winner probably facing Germany. With the giants knocking each other out, this could be a great tournament for the underdogs.

- It's amazing how many fireworks and bangers you can smuggle into grounds despite "top security".

- Croatia look nailed on for the quarter-finals at least, but a section of their fans are deliberately trying to sabotage their football association (due to alleged widespread corruption and nazi links of leading figures including Davor Suker and their assistant coach). Surely this won't end well.

- I watched Turkey v Czech Republic last night. How refreshing was it to see a match played with passion and at a high tempo! The atmosphere was belting too.

- German TV commentators think there is only an EU referendum in England and are slightly in awe of Jack Wilshere.

- Quote of the tournament so far is from Switzerland's Shaquiri, after four of his team's shirts got torn: "It's a good job Puma don't make condoms!"

[Dripsey3]

The World Cup used to be 24 teams but FIFA got sense and made it 32 instead so no more 3rd place teams. UEFA, Platini in other words, decided 24 would be a good idea. Given what we now know, maybe there was a financial "incentive"........