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Post by ripper on Jun 14, 2021 19:41:24 GMT
It's tough being a Scotland fan... It's not much better as an England fan, Johnny. Having followed them since 1970, it's been a real rollercoaster, always waiting for that moment when football really does come home.
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Post by johnnymains on Jun 15, 2021 7:04:09 GMT
I fancied Spain for this one and as expected it was rather frenetic. One of the commentators said the first half had more passes by Spain than from any other team since records began. You'd have thought that all of that passing would have produced a goal, but Sweden hung on and nearly stunned Spain themselves.
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Post by dem bones on Jun 15, 2021 7:15:54 GMT
+ Vault Group of Death + Vault Group of Death + Vault Group of Death + Vault Group of Death + Today: Group F: Hungary V PortugalGroup F: France V GermanyAt least, it would have been the group of death were it not for an obscenely bloated format which sees the four best third-place teams progress to the last sixteen. The higher seeded teams have to do something really special to get knocked out early doors. France look the best bet to win the whole damn thing, stick it next to world cup in their brimming trophy cabinet, the blooming show offs. England won the world cup in 1966 but you never hear us banging on about it all the time. Germany have been written off as no-hopers, weakest ever squad, blah blah. We hear it every tournament, then they go and lift the bastard. Holders Portugal look in good shape. And Hungary. Hungary will do very well to reach the next stage. Yesterday: Scotland 0 Czechoslovakia 2. Magnificent crowd - even at approx 1% capacity, the Hampden roar caused earth tremors in Cornwall - and no lack of endeavour, pride, guts on home team's part, but classy Czechs were simply too good on the day. From a neutral perspective, best thing for Group D would be that Scotland now beat England and Croatia do the Czechs in Fridays games, each team going into their final game on 3 points. Poland 1 Slovakia 2. First sending off - two bookings, second soft, especially when compared with some of the antics in the Austria - N. Macedonia scrap. Poland a disappointment, though they did look to be gaining upper hand prior to red card. Great start for Slovakia, made even better by; Spain 0 Sweden 0. First goalless draw, but one of my favourite games to date (the night matches invariably are). Sweden survived a first half pounding. Second half, seemingly every outfield player on pitch took it in turns to miss a sitter. Update. Dirtiest match: Nothing to get excited about. Austria - N. Macedonia (second half) was spiky even if ref very tight-fisted with the cards (a mere three bookings). Biggest disappointment. Kits have been relatively tasteful - certainly nothing as monstrous as the glarey D. Seaman abomination we keep seeing in the Euro 96 penalty save footage. Pantomime villains. Actually, there's nothing pantomime about EUFA's grasping, mustn't inconvenience the sponsors, can't disrupt the schedule villainy. Would anyone blame the Danes for pulling out?
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 15, 2021 12:23:16 GMT
No Great British teams are playing, so I have nothing to say today.
Edited to say I noticed this had double posted for some reason. Have now deleted the double.
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 15, 2021 12:32:17 GMT
Except (contradicting herself) to say that I have discovered groups now have nicknames, like the GROUP OF DEATH. (red colour added to make it look more suggestive) So I have rechristened Group D as the GROUP OF BOLD BRITISH BOYS, for added encouragement for these daring men of our wonderful isles!
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Post by dem bones on Jun 15, 2021 13:57:24 GMT
Except (contradicting herself) to say that I have discovered groups now have nicknames, like the GROUP OF DEATH. (red colour added to make it look more suggestive) So I have rechristened Group D as the GROUP OF BOLD BRITISH BOYS, for added encouragement for these daring men of our wonderful isles! Can it be that Boudicca herself walks again? Truly lump-bringing sentiments from our goal poaching aristocrat!
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 15, 2021 13:58:51 GMT
Except (contradicting herself) to say that I have discovered groups now have nicknames, like the GROUP OF DEATH. (red colour added to make it look more suggestive) So I have rechristened Group D as the GROUP OF BOLD BRITISH BOYS, for added encouragement for these daring men of our wonderful isles! Can it be that Boudicca herself walks again? Truly lump-bringing sentiments from our goal poaching aristocrat! Let's burn London!
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 15, 2021 18:32:11 GMT
I know I said I didn't have anything to say. but I've discovered a big game is coming on! How could I resist? Two famous teams at the height of their powers clash in one for the future ages! Who will emerge victorious? Will the technical, machine like knowhow and German robotic, no frills team play (repeating what I've been told) overcome Gallic (French) flair, arrogance and laziness (still repeating)? Only time will tell! Soon it begins and action comes!
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Post by ripper on Jun 15, 2021 19:19:25 GMT
France, Germany and Portugal in the same group, and any of them I would not be surprised to see lift the trophy. France and Portugal have such flair, but Germany seem to have a self-confidence that gives an edge. It will be fascinating to see who triumphs tonight. I think Hungary will feel disappointed after holding out for so long against Portugal, but I fear that they will be lucky to end up with any points--I'm glad England isn't in that group.
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Post by johnnymains on Jun 16, 2021 8:11:35 GMT
Only caught first half of Hungary Portugal, was not surprised to see that Portugal won. Ronaldo still appears to be the little engine who can. France Germany - I don't know what I watched last night, the Germans were properly schooled, weren't they? Germany were still strong in places but just imagine if those French offsides weren't - that would have been a rout and a half. Fascinating game.
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Post by dem bones on Jun 16, 2021 11:58:12 GMT
From rebuking poor Dr Strange for mentioning the unmentionables that you mentioned in the first place to sacking a capital inside two weeks? I'm a bit terrified now. Yesterday's action. Hungary 0 Portugal 3. Very cheering to see a game played before a full, very vocal crowd again. Underdogs gave it a credible go, though result about right - the holders should have been a few up before cruel deflection gave them lead. Ronaldo demonstrably unwilling to give up trophy lightly, and I thought Pepe had a brilliant, clean (!) game. France 1 Germany 0. Spectacular own goal, instance of mild cannibalism, Kante-Pogba midfield masterclass, otherwise, worrying for everyone else, the favourites barely broke sweat yet still should have won by more. Very reminiscent of most recent world cup when they loafed through group stages, coming alive when it mattered. Today: Group ATurkey v Wales. Turkey were played off the park in Rome, but will be a much stronger proposition before their bloodthirsty supporters. Wales likewise put in their place by Swiss and fortunate to come away with point. Could get tasty. Italy v Switzerland. Italy only need a draw, and I doubt they'll waste energy chasing a win unless opponents upset them by scoring. Group BFinland v Russia. Win this, and the rank outsiders will be the first team to qualify for the knock-outs - with a game to spare. Russia owe their fans a performance after that timid surrender to Belgium. Head says wins for Turkey and Italy, but will go with The Day of the Draws.
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 16, 2021 12:02:26 GMT
From rebuking poor Dr Strange for mentioning the unmentionables that you mentioned in the first place to sacking a capital inside two weeks? I'm a bit terrified now. Men are beasts on the sly.
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 16, 2021 17:57:15 GMT
Well done Wales!
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Post by šrincess šµuvstarr on Jun 16, 2021 20:25:34 GMT
I have a question. Isn't there football at the Olympics? Which starts on 21st July. Euro Championship finishes 11th July. Not a lot of time in-between. Looking I see that most have to be under 23 for Olympics. I looked and a longer gap in 2016. I've no idea if short gaps are normal in past events, and if a couple of more weeks really makes a difference. I suppose you should be young and fit.
Football on in background mentioning it being played in "The Eternal City". I like things like that.
Very odd commentary as Murder She Wrote being mentioned now.
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Post by johnnymains on Jun 16, 2021 21:11:42 GMT
Wales! Woohoo! The dragon strikes. A very impressive result.
Italy are looking very, very good. So casually dangerous. Missed Finland versus Russia, was surprised at the result - was it a good match or a drawn out battle?
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