The Community

General Category => Sports => Topic started by: Charger on June 10, 2021, 03:30:18 PM

Title: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 10, 2021, 03:30:18 PM: So finally the UEFA Euro Championships are here...well almost...

So lets talk.

Who are your favourites to win?

I guess this is mostly for me and KDC though but I'm thinking Jack might follow these a bit as well...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 10, 2021, 04:17:00 PM: Don't forget Tyr66, I imagine has an interest too...

... talking of which most (as in 12) of the BBC football pundits are saying France will win (a couple went with Belgium and 1 went with Italy). I'm inclined to go with Belgium myself, but once you get to the Semi-finals anything is possible. Obviously I'm supporting England and if they get to the semi-finals they will have home advantage as both semis and the final are at Wembley.

If I'm being realistic the last 4 will be France, Belgium, England and Italy.

The other home teams (ie Wales and Scotland) have some good players and "might" escape the group stages, but don't have the strength in depth to progress much further.

Hopefully Finland can escape their group, I'm not sure how likely that is!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Tyr66 on June 10, 2021, 04:35:15 PM: if N'Golo Kanté is in good shape, we can go far in the competition.
One of my work colleagues knows a youngster who is at the Clairefontaine training center who trains future French players. This youngster says that Deschamps is a real dictator. Everyone fears him. He doesn't let anything go: delay in training, childish behavior, bad atmosphere in the team ... Good coach.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 11, 2021, 02:09:37 AM: Jeez I’ve been a bit out of the loop this time around on who have been the better teams through the qualifiers. I see Spain and Germany aren’t as strong as they’ve been in the past but you can never count them out of these competitions. Belgium look strong and I’m sure the Italians will be right in there as well, as will France. I do like England though and are hoping they can win it. Can’t see an outsider doing a Greece of 2004.

Great couple of months coming up in World sport with the Euro’s and then the Olympics in Tokyo to follow soon after.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 11, 2021, 06:12:10 AM: I put money down on Belgium winning the whole thing myself.

I think England also has a good chance this time to get far as they probably have their best team in ages.

France is a question mark...but having a world championship under their belt already they could easily go far as well. But it has often been seen that winning a double is extremely hard.

Germany I think is getting back on track but they still got a long way to go...same with Spain.

The reigning champion Portugal is always a wild card, but Ronaldo is getting up with the years and his legs aren't quite as fast as they used to be.

I would like to see one surprise to make it to the semis...Croatia maybe? Modric is getting old as well though and might not quite have the energy to do the work like he used to...

Finland is in for the first time ever. But we won't win a single match. I'm predicting we'll get a tie from Denmark and that's it. 1 point. If we're lucky we might get another one from Russia.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 11, 2021, 06:34:23 AM: First match today:

Italy vs Turkey

Turkey are often better than you realise, but they're against Italy and I don't see them getting anything out of the game. I predict 2-1 to Italy.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 11, 2021, 07:40:00 AM: How bad did a team have to be to *not* make it into a group?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 11, 2021, 08:05:57 AM: There is six groups of 4 so 24 teams are involved.

There are 44 Countries in Europe, however it's a little more complicated than that... firstly, Israel take part (but didn't qualify this time), and some territories which aren't considered countries in their own right also field teams; Gibralta, San Marino, Faroe Islands, Lichtenstein, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland... probably some others I forget which!

So it's around 40-ish% of the available teams!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 11, 2021, 08:52:52 AM: Turkey isn't a bean bag that's for sure...but Italy has a pretty strong team this year so I did put some money down on Italy. 2-1 isn't a bad guess...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 11, 2021, 04:32:12 PM: A little easier for Italy than expected. 3-0 against a lacklustre Turkey team, it probably should have been more.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 11, 2021, 04:58:33 PM: I was bit worried for Italy during the first half though...Turkey was horrible and still Italy couldn't get much done...but then during the second half after that own goal things started to move for Italy as I think Turkey kind of lost all the remaining energy that had...

First games are always bit tricky...

But hey I started my tournament with a win...which is nice...let's just hope it won't end here... :)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 11, 2021, 05:10:44 PM: Saw the own-goal there, how awful for a tournament start. Don't see Turkey making the round of 16...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 06:04:38 AM: Quote from: Zzzptm on June 11, 2021, 05:10:44 PM
Saw the own-goal there, how awful for a tournament start. Don't see Turkey making the round of 16...

Indeed. And that's kind of footsy basics NEVER EVER run towards your own goal during that kind of a situation because if the ball hits you it pretty much automatically goes into your own goal...a dumbass move and that player only has himself to blame for that. However I doubt they could have held on much longer against Italy even if that hadn't happened.

So today Finland opens their tournament against Denmark. Just looked that the betting odds 1.32X for Denmark 12.50X for Finland! :wtf:

That's pretty cold. Denmark isn't THAT good...in fact they only have one top player Christian Eriksen and he's getting on with the years as well and I doubt he can move around in the middle field as much as he used to...granted it is possible that our top dog Teemu Pukki (Pukki = Buck (male goat) in english which I always found hilarious name for an attacker) isn't in 100% shape either.

But I am still confident that Finland would score a tie out of this one... 1-1 perhaps.

Just heard that Kevin De Bruyne is out of the Belgium team due to the head injury he sustained in the Champions League Final...that's a huge blow to the team. Although De Bruyne was horrible in the last Euro Championships that was 5 years ago and he has grown as a player and as a person a lot since those hot head times...now I think he's a vital part of the team...much more so that do nothing Lukaku. But I'm still confident Belgium will wipe the floor with Russia.

Wales Switzerland is a wild card...I'm predicting a tie. The Swiss team isn't nearly as strong as they were 5 years ago but I'm not sure about Bale either...Wales' defense seems to be the weak link so that might be their downfall...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 06:11:29 AM: So on to today's fixtures

14:00 BST
Wales v Switzerland

17:00 BST
Denmark v Finland

20:00 BST
Belgium v Russia

I don't think Wales will lose to Switzerland but it really has draw written all over it. Wales don't have the team they had in 2016 that got to the Semi-finals but Gareth Bale is still there and played quite well for Spurs once he got a good run in the team. 2-1 to Wales if it's not a draw.

Denmark and Finland I don't have a handle on, as I'm not familiar with either team. I guess from what Charger said that Finland *might* get a draw against the Danes so let's go 1-1

Belgium should walk all over Russia as they are the #1 ranked team at the moment and Russia are barely in the top 40. I think this could be emabrrassing for Putin. 4-0 to Belgium but I wouldn't be surprised if it was more.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 12, 2021, 06:32:03 AM: Draw
Denmark
Belgium
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 11:13:55 AM: Wales 1 Switxerland 1

Wales were poorer than I expected and the Swiss were better, if anyone was going to win this one it was the Swiss.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 12:06:07 PM: Well goddamn...

I think we just witnessed a death on the field...pretty horrible...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 12:16:03 PM: Quote from: Charger on June 12, 2021, 12:06:07 PM
Well goddamn...

I think we just witnessed a death on the field...pretty horrible...

I know, and the not knowing what is happening is dreadful. Hope he pulls through, but it doesn't look good.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 12:22:45 PM: Yeah...pretty damn shocking...the worst thing was that his eyes were wide open when he was lying on the ground...that's never a good sign...never. :(
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 12:42:45 PM: Better news, Christian Eriksen has been stabalised in hospital and is apparently awake.

This is so reminiscent of when Fabrice Muamba playing for Bolton against Spurs in the FA Cup about 9 years ago. He collapsed on the pitch and would probably have died if they weren't playing at Spurs (a major heart hospital virtually next door) and a cardiologist in the stand who was able to instantly assist. It was after this that Muamba campaigned to have defibulators in all stadiums.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 01:33:35 PM: Wow, they've restarted the game. That has to be tough on both teams but particularly Denmark. It might give them a lift though. Hopfully both teams can make a decent fist of it.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 01:42:18 PM: The match did continue...all players wished so...Shows great spirit.

And great news that Erikson survived...It will be interesting to find out what happened...and hopefully he can make a full recovery what ever it was.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 02:35:09 PM: Wow...

Bit of a bitter sweet win for us but hey...we'll take it!

And what an incredible penalty save from Hradecky!

But truth be told if the Eriksen thing hadn't happened...who knows...things might have been quite different...Although during the first 20 minutes of the second half Denmark played just as well as they did before the incident...but after the goal they kind of lost the plot...one too many hit for the team maybe...who knows...

But no matter what this is a match that will be remembered for a long time.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 12, 2021, 03:27:56 PM: Yes, Finland defended well, but Denmark were toothless in attack. Finland took their chance when it came but really Schmeichel should have saved it! Also it shouldn't have been a penalty, so the fact it was saved was kinda justice.

You do reallise that a point against Russia means Finland will almost certainly progress to the last 16! Perhaps Finland will be this tournaments Iceland!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 12, 2021, 03:58:54 PM: Yeah...I know...it pretty damn crazy...it is more than possible that we will proceed....never in a million years would I have thought that...the only way we won't is if Denmark wins both Russia and Belgium and I find that hard to believe...russia yes but based on what I saw from Belgium...not them...no way.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 12, 2021, 06:07:30 PM: So glad Eriksen is ok, have watched and admired him a lot him over the years being a Spurs fan.

The match probably shouldn’t have resumed until tomorrow. Can’t imagine how hard that would’ve been on the Danish team.

Unfortunately this tournament is being played out of Australian time zone so it’s hard to take in any matches.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 04:37:55 AM: Quote from: Jack the Stripper on June 12, 2021, 06:07:30 PM
Unfortunately this tournament is being played out of Australian time zone so it’s hard to take in any matches.

That's a shame. I guess the 17:00 and 20:00 BST kick-offs are overnight in Australia (02:00 / 05:00 ACT?). The 14:00 kickoffs (23:00 ACT) might be doable but if you're working the following morning that's not really an option either.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 04:46:45 AM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 04:37:55 AM
Quote from: Jack the Stripper on June 12, 2021, 06:07:30 PM
Unfortunately this tournament is being played out of Australian time zone so it’s hard to take in any matches.

That's a shame. I guess the 17:00 and 20:00 BST kick-offs are overnight in Australia (02:00 / 05:00 ACT?). The 14:00 kickoffs (23:00 ACT) might be doable but if you're working the following morning that's not really an option either.
Yeah could catch a half for a 11pm start game but they usually schedule the shittier games at that time.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 05:31:28 AM: Just on the defibrillators. We have them at every community sporting club in Australia. Not just pro sporting clubs.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 06:00:03 AM: Quote from: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 05:31:28 AM
Just on the defibrillators. We have them at every community sporting club in Australia. Not just pro sporting clubs.

That's good to know. I don't know the extent at our other sporting venues, but I think they're everywhere now in the UK. Even my local railway station which is a minor station at best has one in the entrance hall.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 06:34:57 AM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 06:00:03 AM
Quote from: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 05:31:28 AM
Just on the defibrillators. We have them at every community sporting club in Australia. Not just pro sporting clubs.

That's good to know. I don't know the extent at our other sporting venues, but I think they're everywhere now in the UK. Even my local railway station which is a minor station at best has one in the entrance hall.
They cost on average around $1500 and most of the local governments have covered those costs in their respective communities. Totally worth it even just to save one life.

Actually England v Croatia is the early game tonight. Public holiday here tomorrow so might just watch that one.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 07:53:40 AM: Today's games:

14:00 England v Croatia. Heart says England but the head is worried about Modric. Just hope he's too old now. I'm going 3-1 to England but this could be any result!

17:00 Austria v North Macedonia. Errrr.... Austria 2-0, but I've no idea about the North Macedonian team

20:00 Netherlands v Ukraine. I'd like the Netherlands to win, but they are not the team they were. Ukraine shouldn't be a walk over but I don;t see them winning. 2-0 to the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 08:55:04 AM: England looked by far the better team in the first 25 minutes but only managed one genuine chance on goal that was denied by the post. Croatia started to even it up after England’s initial dominance but never really threatened. Danger for England is how much energy they’ve used up in that first half compared to Croatia.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 13, 2021, 09:50:34 AM: I was out and about yesterday, but I did get alerts on Eriksen's condition. Absolutely chilling to see the first alert, good to know that he's stabilized. I don't even know who he is, honestly, but hearing anyone's suffering makes my heart go out.

And then Finland wins! Did not see that one at all. Wales-Switzerland tie game was called out here and no surprise seeing Belgium beating Russia handily.

England looks like it's holding on vs Croatia!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 13, 2021, 09:53:37 AM: I think the heat had more of an impact than I orginally thought. Yes England won, but it wasn't a great performance but they did defend well, Croatia didn't really have good chances.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 13, 2021, 10:01:52 AM: Important win for England. They did what they had to and was a mature performance given the circumstances.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 13, 2021, 02:54:28 PM: Well it took England long enough to score their first match win! :D

That must have been a very important win in many ways. Eventhough that cost my bets for today I don't mind. Although I am a fan of Croatia's playing as well..especially Luca Modric.

Austria wiped the floor with Macedonia which was to be expected.

And Netherlands started well with the first half...and the only thing keeping Ukraine alive is the goalie. I'm smelling that goal for the Dutch very soon though..
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 05:49:38 AM: Today's Games

14:00 - Scotland v Czech Republic. The Scots are confident of winning this one after 23 years away from a big tournament (they've never progressed beyond the group stage), but the Czechs aren't mugs. Home advantage means I think the Scots might just scrape a win, but I wouldn't be surprised if they lose! 1-0 Scotland

17-00 - Poland v Slovakia. Poland always have good teams, but these days they don't always show up. They should have more than enough to beat Slovakia. 2-0 Poland

20:00 - Spain v Sweden. The match of the day. Again Sweden are always a stern test but this is against Spain. Even a sub-par Spain should have too much class for Sweden. 3-1 to Spain
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 14, 2021, 06:36:52 AM: I have very little knowlage of either Scotland or the Czech to be honest....But what I did read today the Scotts are going to just have fun and enjoy the game so that might give them an edge who knows...but I still put my money on a tie with this one..

Poland vs Slovakia...This should be pretty clear cut win for Poland.

Spain and Sweden...well...IF Spain plays as poorly as they did 3 years ago Sweden might even win this one...but I am sure they have improved somewhat...but they are still far far far away from their super years...so I'm putting a surprise spin on this one and put my money on a tie....
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 14, 2021, 07:41:08 AM: I like the Scots at home. Will be a lot of passion and emotion in that stadium with Scotland playing in their first major tournament in 23 years. That will be enough to get them over the line.

Poland vs Slovakia - Tough group this one and both teams come in with underwhelming form. Either team will be seeing this game as their best chance to get the 3 points in this group. Therefore I’m going to tip a hotly contested Draw

Spain vs Sweden - Sweden will provide some good resistance but Spain has the class edge and playing at home will make the task or the more difficult for the Swedes. The Spaniards to win this one.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 08:31:31 AM: I'll take Czechia, Slovakia, and Sweden.

If all three win, I'll look like a genius.

If all three lose, I'll look like an idiot that doesn't understand the game as it's played on an international level. Which is kind of where I'm at right now, but if all three win, I can mask the idiot part for another week. :smug:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 14, 2021, 08:49:55 AM: Well Czech leads after the first half you atleast you were one half of one third genius no matter what! :D

I have to say I was expecting bit more "happy" and lively playing from Scotland but instead they played rather safely...bit disappointed by that...and I think it showed in the ammount of corners the Czech got...that goal was just waiting to happen...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 14, 2021, 09:25:13 AM: Lol Things just went from bad to worse for Scotland. Scottish goalkeeper got caught way off his line and a long range shot from nearly centre field had him scurrying back in a panic only to watch the ball sail over his head for a goal and the Czech’s look hungry for more.

What a disaster for Scotland.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 09:27:34 AM: The Scots have played quite well in the second half, that 2nd goal was against the run of play really. But WHY OH WHY was the goalie so far up field? Still required a good finish but he was never going to get back for it!

The Scots should have got 1 back!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 09:42:21 AM: After this last week going 2/7 with sensible choices in the AFL picks, I figured I'd take a stab with opposite-day logic in Euro Cup picks.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 14, 2021, 10:03:12 AM: That goal will get some airtime in the best goals of the tournament collections I predict. :D

But yeah...somewhat lackluster preformance all in all from the Scotts...I expected better to be honest.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 01:05:55 PM: I didn't see much of the Poland v Slovakia game. A win for Slovakia against the predictions (except Zs!). I suspect that Poland going down to 10 men played a big part in that.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 01:11:11 PM: As of now, I am 1/3rd the idiot I was at the start of the day. :smug:

Go Sweden! :rofl:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 01:14:28 PM: Quote from: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 01:11:11 PM
As of now, I am 1/3rd the idiot I was at the start of the day. :smug:

Go Sweden! :rofl:

:-X
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 14, 2021, 01:51:38 PM: Poland was surprisingly weaponless...not the same team we've seen in the past...and Slovakia played very well indeed...however the numbers might look different without the red card...

Well now if Sweden (yuck) wins Spain does that mean we have to crown zzz as the official footsy genius of the forum?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 03:32:47 PM: Quote from: Charger on June 14, 2021, 01:51:38 PM
Well now if Sweden (yuck) wins Spain does that mean we have to crown zzz as the official footsy genius of the forum?

:YES:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 03:38:59 PM: Erm.... NO!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 03:44:31 PM: It's still 0-0 in the Spain-Sweden game... everybody's on the edge of their seats with this one!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 14, 2021, 04:02:17 PM: Well atleast I called this one right! :D

Spain was toothless...kind of what I expected to be honest. Sweden played good defense too and heck they even had two near perfect oportunities to take the lead!

But Spain is far from the team it used to be...there just simply isn't an attacker that can score...sad really.

Oh and sorry ZZZ...no crown for you...NEXT. ;D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 14, 2021, 04:02:37 PM: 0-0, final score. Spain should have won, with the possession and attempts and all that, but Sweden had chances too. Spain won't be happy with the result, but the Swedes are probably content with a point.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 14, 2021, 04:03:27 PM: Looks like I will be uncrowned to-day. :pub:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 15, 2021, 05:52:34 AM: Just the 2 matches today:

17:00 Hungary v Portugal. While still a good team Portugal are not what they were a few years ago. However Hungary should be no match and I see a 3-0 for Portugal.

20:00 France v Germany. On paper the tie of the round. Germany are not a great team at the moment but will never be an "also ran", they will be well organised and have chances. France are many peoples choice to win the whole competition. I think it might be a cautious start here with maybe just a single goal in it. I suspect 1-0 to France but it could be a draw.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 15, 2021, 06:30:50 AM: Hungary vs Portugal...I agree with KDC's assessment about Portugal. Ronaldo isn't what he used to be. But the team is known for playing a very clinical game under Santos...and I don't think they suffer quite as much from inefficiency as Spain does...but this will be a very low goal match...close to a tie but Portugal should win.

France vs Germany...The biggest match of the first round saved for last. However Germany is a far cry from what they used to be...and France is probably still in top of their game (eventhough Finland managed to win them a while back) so I am predicting a win for France...but again this might be a very tight game as well.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 15, 2021, 09:06:13 AM: Let's look at these matches historically...

France v Germany: a united Germany is 3-0 against France, but the last two wins involved smashing through a weak and disorganized Belgium. Both France and Germany have had tough times against Russia, with France losing in humiliating fashion in 1812 and Germany getting a narrow win in penalty shots in 1918 and a resounding stretch of losses from 1941-1945. But this year Belgium handily beat Russia, so it's not going to be the gateway to another German victory over France. It could be a tie, but I think France wins this one.

Hungary v Portugal: Absolutely, Portugal is not what it used to be. This is a nation that once ruled an empire of trade going around the world. While that was going on, Hungary got relegated to a lower tier after Turkey knocked it out in 1526. It stayed there until 1918 and has been struggling ever since. Both nations have an emerging IT sector, so they are showing promise. Portugal had devastating fires a few years back, and continues to suffer from issues with recurring blazes. That's not what you want to see in a championship team. Hungary, while a rising star, still lags Portugal in GDP per person. Overall, this should be Portugal's win, as they have enough of an edge over Hungary, which has yet to overcome its historical issues.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 15, 2021, 12:54:07 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 15, 2021, 05:52:34 AM
I see a 3-0 for Portugal.

:shock:

Your crystal ball is shiny. ;D

I was already feeling bit defeated around 80 mins and felt that Portugal was bit lackluster but then things started to happen! And Ronaldo makes history and added 2 goals under his belt! I loved that penalty kick with the whole hungarian crowd booing him and with that single kick he silenced the whole arena showing he can tune that shit out. Perfect.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 15, 2021, 01:42:43 PM: ^^^
Just luck, if you throw enough predictions around, some are going to be correct at some point! And yes, they left it late.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 15, 2021, 02:53:08 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 15, 2021, 01:42:43 PM
^^^
Just luck, if you throw enough predictions around, some are going to be correct at some point!

Case in point being my non-idiotic run yesterday. :smug:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 15, 2021, 04:12:13 PM: Ok, I got the 1-0 to France correct too... I'm just off to buy some lottery tickets!

I didn't see much of the second half, but what I did see (last 20mins or so), Germany had lots of endeavour without creating much if anything, because France had parked the bus!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 15, 2021, 04:40:42 PM: ^^^

Yup I'd go for a ticket! :D

Pretty energetic game from both France and Germany...But Germany did feel little unarmed eventhough they seemingly controlled the match and they did score that only goal too...too bad it was behind their own goalie! ;D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 15, 2021, 05:06:49 PM: Oh man, not another autogoal!

:ivan:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 16, 2021, 06:07:03 AM: Ok no predictions from me today. I just wanna chant this...

: show
LETS GO FINLAND, LETS GO!

:headbanger:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 16, 2021, 06:21:23 AM: Hah! We appreciate the support! ;D

Finland vs Russia...Based on the lackluster game we saw from Russia during the Belgium match it actually raised the stocks for the Horned Owls... My pre tournament predictions went for Russia but now I'm thinking Finland can score a tie out of this one and honestly a win isn't totally out of the realm of possibilities but I'm thinking a tie...

Turkey vs Wales....same thing for Turkey...they were horrid against Italy. Granted Wales wasn't playing that joyful footsy that we saw 5 years ago either...but I'm still thinking this should go to Wales but could also just be a tie.

Italy vs Switzerland...Italy was quite strong in their first match but the Swiss aren't a piece of cake either. And as long as "fall down" Shaqiri is on the field anything can happen if the ref isn't paying close attention. Italy should win but this could very well be another tie...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 07:15:19 AM: Ok, 3 draws it is from Charger then! :P

I do think Finland can get the point they want from Russia... I'm not sure they can win, but I'm rooting for them. 1-1

It's thought that Turkey could have the backing of 30,000 fans. That could be an important factor, but I'm still going 1-0 to Wales

Italy vs Switzerland might be quite tight. If Italy have a good game look for a clear win for them. Tentatively a 3-1 to Italy.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 16, 2021, 08:00:50 AM: Finland showed in 1940 that it can beat Russia, so long as the Russians do not apply overwhelming force. Teams are limited to 11 players on a side, so Finland wins today.

The Welsh don't have a long history of facing down the Turks. But, given the terrain they'll be on, it's advantage longbows over bombards: Wales wins.

Swiss pikemen v Italian horsemen: Typically, it's the pikemen that win out here, but it could be a tie if the Italians don't engage and the Swiss don't press forward. Expect a defensive game on both sides, conducive to a tie.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 08:07:16 AM: Finland cursed by VAR! Although the offside was correct.

Promising none-the-less
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 16, 2021, 09:58:56 AM: Once again, the international community fails to support Finland in her hour of need.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 10:52:26 AM: I had to go out and only saw the first 40 minutes. Sad to see the Fins lost, it seemed quite even up until then. But they're not out of it yet!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 16, 2021, 10:56:13 AM: Finland played well but Russia had improved their game quite a bit.

We were able to get near but even luck wasn't on our side this time. We really needed the point from here to advance...but honestly it's just pretty damn great to be in the tournament. And this won't be our last run I am sure.

The first goal was an offside literally by the hair of it...I honestly thought the rule was from the player's feet but I guess that has changed at some point and I've just missed it.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 01:02:37 PM: Wales won 2-0 against Turkey. It wasn't pretty, a hostile crowd, and against a better team they would undoubtedly have conceded some goals. That's 4pts and they can't finish lower than 3rd in their group so it's probably good enough to progress to the last 16 even if that's not mathematically certain.... And Bale missed a penalty too! They can relax against Italy in their 3rd game... they might even get a result!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 16, 2021, 01:52:05 PM: Wales is sitting pretty, for sure. And if it can beat or tie Switzerland, even better for the Welsh!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 03:55:56 PM: ^^^
Wales final group game is Italy they've already played Switzerland (1-1)

That was a comfortable win for Italy against Switzerland. 3-0 and to say they could have shifted up gears if they needed to is worrying.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 16, 2021, 04:01:07 PM: Italy is much stronger than I expected. Based on what I've seen so far I'd even go as far as say they're the best team at the moment. Very enjoyful and fast and talented playing all around.

The Swiss on the otherhand turned out to be much weaker than I originally thought. Based on these two matches hell they're even gonna struggle winning Turkey!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 16, 2021, 04:06:01 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 16, 2021, 03:55:56 PM
^^^
Wales final group game is Italy they've already played Switzerland (1-1)

Oops. My idiot number just went up a notch. :(
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 07:10:01 AM: ^^^
I wouldn't worry about it!

Today's games:

Ukraine vs North Macedonia: I can only see this going one way... 2-0 to Ukraine

Denmark vs Belgium: The game of the day. Denmark deserve to get a point at least to keep their chances of progressing alive. However I doubt they'll get that point as Belgium are the favourites here. 1-3 to Belgium, but I hope for a draw.

Netherlands vs Austria: The Dutch can never be undeestimated even if they don't have the squad they've had in the past. Austria are classic "also-rans". I think 2-1 to the the Dutch.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 17, 2021, 07:15:54 AM: So today's matches

Ukraine vs Macedonia... Ukraine played good and lively footsy against Holland in their first match and Macedonia is the worst team of the tournament so should be an easy win for Ukraine.

Denmark vs Belgium.... Denmark has to still be reeling from the Eriksen situation eventhough he is doing fine at the moment. And even if Eriksen would be on the field Belgium just is so strong they wouldn't stand a chance.

Netherlands vs Austria. The Dutch were really on top of their game (after many many years) in their first match as well so I do believe they will score a rather easy win from Austria here.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 08:39:43 AM: Way to easy for Ukraine, 2-0 up after 35mins... I think my prediction has a typo in it... it should have said 7-0!!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 08:40:02 AM: Ukraine, Belgium, and Netherlands win to-day. I know Ukraine is already up 2-0, but even I'm not idiot enough to think NM has a chance here. Look in Australian Football, and NM is at the bottom of the ladder! :smug:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 10:54:07 AM: North Macedonia had a far better second half, but 2-1 was probably a fair result.

5 penalties so far this tournament. Only 1 has been scored cleanly, I guess that's pressure at work.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 17, 2021, 10:58:03 AM: Macedonia did manage to get a little hang of the game during the second half indeed...but Ukraine played solid.

This was really the first big VAR thing that was caught....that was an obvious hand and it's rather odd that the ref missed it. Too bad Ukraine didn't get a goal out of it though.

But yeah good ammount of missed penalties...Christiano Ronaldo still holds the only succesful one. That man doesn't know the meaning of pressure that's for sure.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 11:24:47 AM: Huh, Denmark got a good start against Belgium.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 17, 2021, 11:49:14 AM: What the hell has happened to Belgium!?!?

They were totally out of it...granted the early goal by Denmark probably screwed them up a bit but still...very weak playing all around. It's like I'm watching a completely different team than what I was watching playing against Russia on saturday...

Denmark played well but not THAT well.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 12:25:36 PM: OK, Belgium got their goal. But I was not expecting Belgium to be in a come from behind position.

EDIT: Looks like Belgium got enough for the win, this time. But they're clearly not on cruise control to victory.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 17, 2021, 12:57:19 PM: Well looks like the aliens that had abducted the Belgium team before the first half and replaced them with poorly constructed clones returned the real players unharmed during the break and then we saw bit more of the typical Belgium during the second half.

Good win. And what a disgusting filming attempt from that Danish player...worst one I've seen in this tournament. Well deserved yellow.

Now come on Netherlands! It's all up to you guys now to make me some money! Come on you Orange bastards!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 01:15:34 PM: Finland could end up in a 3-way tie for second in their group. If, as we suspect. they lose to Belgium, and as I hope Denmark beat Russia, then that's Belgium on 9pts and the other 3 all on 3pts. I'm not sure how it would get sorted: goal difference? / results against each other?

And yes: Come On You Dutch!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 01:53:34 PM: Possibility: Russia is using alien technology to mess with Belgium because they hate NATO, but Frank Sinatra and JFK are working undercover to protect the Belgian side from Russian interference. Belgium had a narrow escape today, but Russia might use its zapotron rays to get Finland to beat Belgium. It's all down to Sinatra and Kennedy whether or not the Russkie plot succeeds!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 01:59:47 PM: ^^^
That makes no sense at all... where's Elvis in all that!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 02:14:55 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 01:59:47 PM
^^^
That makes no sense at all... where's Elvis in all that!

Elvis is keeping an eye out for drug pushers. We want a clean Euro Cup!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 17, 2021, 03:54:36 PM: I thought Elvis was just sitting in the background eating mars bars...

Well there we saw that second succesful penalty kick!

Way to go Dutchmen! Nice solid match through out...eventhough not nearly as impressive game as the first one...

All of mine right for the second time in this tournament! Oh yeah!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 17, 2021, 04:01:13 PM: The Dutch looked really comfortable, they didn't have to work for the win. They can steo up through the gears when they have to.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 17, 2021, 04:04:22 PM: For tomorrow, I'll take Slovakia - Czech Republic - England. I've got co-workers pressing me into cheering for England, so I'll submit to the peer pressure.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 05:52:27 AM: Today's Games:

Sweden v Slovakia: A win for Sweden I think, but Slovakia could scrape a draw. 2-1 to Sweden

Croatia v Czech Republic: Pretty sure Croatia will be too strong for the Czechs, but they could pull off a surprise... but unlikely! 2-0 to Croatia

England v Scotland: On paper this should be quite easy for England. But the Scots are our oldest foe and will raise their game for this local derby. It's like when Liverpool play Everton, the league position rarely has a bearing on the result! My head says this could be a 2-2 draw, but my heart says 3-1 to England. BTW this is the oldest international fixture going back to 1872.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 18, 2021, 09:16:53 AM: I'm bit behind today...

With Sweden Slovakia going on right now I'll pass on that one.

Croatia vs Czech Republic this should be Croatia's show...

England vs Scotland...England proved in their first match that they've got the goods so that should be a rather easy win.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 10:02:35 AM: Sweden won a lacklustre match. Having said that they were better in the second half... but that isn't saying much! Sweden are probably through to the next stage with 4pts, Slovakia need to get a result against Spain to progress!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 01:06:54 PM: Croatia v Czech ended 1-1, in another lacklustre game. Frankly it should have been 0-0 as it was never a penalty for the Czechs and the goalie should have saved the Croatian goal!

Croatia need to win against Scotland to have a chance of progressing from the group.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 18, 2021, 02:50:35 PM: I missed most of the Sweden game but what I saw wasn't flattering...

Croatia was again much weaker than I expected...naturally that early penalty kick probably played a role. It looked like an accident to me but in the end that doesn't matter...elbow to the face = penalty kick.

And now England is struggling against Scotland too....they are playing quite poorly at the moment. Sure Scotland has quite the defence block there but still...not very lively game from the englishmen.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 18, 2021, 03:31:49 PM: Not a good day for catching lively soccer games, seems like.

You know, though... there was a cracking AFL matchup earlier on... if you want excitement, watch the highlights of the Geelong v Western Bulldogs action!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 03:52:02 PM: I actually think England couldn't be arsed... as long as they didn't lose.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 18, 2021, 03:58:47 PM: Yep, their tie with Scotland capped off a day of kissing sisters, after the Croatia-Czech tie.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 18, 2021, 04:07:33 PM: Quite a lackluster game from England... I have to say I was thinking they might get far this year...but based on this match...no...they won't.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 04:12:44 PM: ^^^
Don't underestimate the centuries old rivalry, and the effect it has on the players. They played ok against Croatia and I fully expect them to beat the Czechs! ;)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 18, 2021, 04:14:36 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 18, 2021, 04:12:44 PM
^^^
Don't underestimate the centuries old rivalry, and the effect it has on the players. They played ok against Croatia and I fully expect them to beat the Czechs! ;)

Maybe Brexit made them think the rivalry doesn't matter much any more? If they couldn't be arsed against Scotland, they may well beat the Czechs, but then they get blasted in the round of 16.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 19, 2021, 05:22:03 AM: ^^^
I'm sure they will...but then they'll be facing either Portugal or Germany and unless they improve their game a LOT that'll be the end of the line.

Today's matches

Hungary vs France. Based on the extremely tight game France played against Germany this should be a no brainer for Le Bleu.

Portugal vs Germany. Now this will be the real thriller. Germany was unable to get anything done in their first match (if you don't count the rookie-style own goal) and Portugal took a long time to light up in their first match...both have to up their game now. It is possible this will be a goalless tie...

Spain vs Poland. Poland lost to Slovakia in their first match which was quite a shocker...and Spain just managed to pull a goalless tie against Sweden...so neither one was as effective as I thought. This should be a win for Spain but it might turn out to be a tie as well because...well let's face it...Spain is missing goal scoring power...big time.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 19, 2021, 07:08:31 AM: I can't with Chargers predictions, several teams to get at least a point or they're gone.

Hungary v France. Hungary need a result, but they won't get it. 0-3 to France

Portugal vs Germany. Germany have to get a result here, but Portugal will be difficult to beat. Portugal will be happy with a point. On paper this should be the game of the day! 1-1, but if anyone gets the winner I think it might be Portugal.

Spain v Poland. Here Poland need the result, but Spain can't afford to lose either. But they haven't got the team anymore that could easily beat Poland. If anyone wins it will be Spain, but I think it will be a draw. 1-1
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 19, 2021, 08:03:48 AM: Advantage Atlantic Seaboard: France, Portugal, and Spain were all able to establish vast overseas empires due to their access to the North Atlantic. I say that gives them the advantage today. If anyone wins, it'll be them.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 19, 2021, 08:49:54 AM: What a shock ending to the first half for France...

Hungary leads 1-0! :wtf:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 19, 2021, 09:10:33 AM: ^^^
Completely against the run of play, but France didn't take their chances. I wonder if Hungary will have an 11-man defence in the second half?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 19, 2021, 09:56:42 AM: Why the heck is it everytime that I say easy win for France they manage to screw things up?!?? :D

A flash back to 2004 and Greece hits hard again...well atleast they managed to get a tie this time...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 19, 2021, 11:49:03 AM: Super bad luck for Portugal...two own goals... :( My goodness....

But their goal was a thing of beauty though...

Germany has changed their game a lot which shows as added intensity. Honestly Germany played much better than Portugal...they would probably be in the lead even if it hadn't have been those own goals.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 19, 2021, 01:48:54 PM: Portugal v Germany was a really enjoyable game. Well deserved win for Germany, Portugal were dissapointing, just proves you need more than one superstar to win in this game!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 19, 2021, 02:05:27 PM: Hands down that was the best match of the tournament. And Germany played extremely well again...quite an improvement indeed.

Portugal was strong as well but they just didn't get a proper chance and I'm sure those two own goals were real mood killers.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 19, 2021, 05:26:38 PM: How many own goals in the championship so far?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 19, 2021, 05:41:40 PM: I didn't see much of the Spain v Poland match (1-1), as I had things to do. I did see the Spain goal, and then the last few minutes. The commentators did suggest that Spain didn't make the most of their best players, and Poland deserved a point.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 19, 2021, 07:15:50 PM: With the fluctuating form of teams in this euro it seems pretty wide open. You’d have to say Italy is the team to beat as it stands right now. Have scored 6 goals in their 2 games and haven’t conceded one yet. In saying that, their two wins have been against much weaker teams Turkey and Switzerland but you can only beat who you’re put up against.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 20, 2021, 06:25:36 AM: Quote from: Zzzptm on June 19, 2021, 05:26:38 PM
How many own goals in the championship so far?

5 I think....that is a lot.

Today then...Simultanious matches again...which is from a viewer's point extremely stupid, but from the game point understandable. Limits the possibilities of playing tactical ties..

Italy vs Wales. Wales showed a little bit of their "old" playing during the Turkey match but now we're talking Italy. Like Jack said they've had to 3-0 matches so far and they are running strong. Sorry Wales but I don't see you getting a point from this..

Switzerland vs Turkey The Swiss have been struggling through out...haven't really gotten ANYTHING done. But they should win this one though...SHOULD.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 20, 2021, 08:23:06 AM: Italy v Wales

I have some Welsh blood in me, so I would love for them to win... but my English half is having a good old laugh at that thought! I do think Wales will be a tougher proposition -- assuming they play like they did against Turkey -- but I really can't see them winning however well they play. 2-1 to Italy with an outside chance of a draw!

Switzerland v Turkey

I think this one has draw written all over it! 1-1
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 20, 2021, 10:16:46 AM: Italy and Switzerland win.

And now I've doomed them both!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 20, 2021, 12:20:17 PM: And now we saw the first real gross Ref error of the whole tournament.

Totally useless straight red there for Wales. It was an obvious foul and and obvious Yellow but under no circumstances was it worth a Red card...absolutely not.

And I do imagine there will be some blowback and I doubt we'll see this ref again in this tournament...nor the next.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 20, 2021, 01:14:00 PM: In the end the sending off didn't matter. Wales held on to only lose 1-0, which was enough to secure 2nd spot in the group as Switzerland needed to make up 4 goals... they managed 2. I've not seen any of their match with Turkey, but it looks like the Swiss had a good game.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 21, 2021, 07:06:00 AM: Today's Games

Early Games:
North Macedonia v Netherlands. The Dutch will win this easily by at least 3 (possibly more goals) to 0!
Ukraine v Austria: Both need a point so I thhink a draw could be a good call. If it's not 1-1 I think Ukraine will get the winner.

Later Games
Finland v Belgium. It would be nice if Finland could get a point. But realistically I just hope they don't lose too heavily, as goal difference will determine final positions and Finland could still be 4th... which would be a shame. 2-0 to Belgium,
Russia v Denmark. If Denmark win they are quite likely to finish second if Finland lose! I think Denmark will win, I think it will be by 2-0
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 21, 2021, 07:51:46 AM: Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, and Denmark are my winner picks today, glad my curse didn't happen yesterday.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 21, 2021, 09:26:46 AM: It is interesting to see how much Netherlands and Belgium will recycle players for these non important matches...

Macedonia vs Netherlands...This is rather insignificent game for the Dutch...they probably will change their line up somewhat...and that might show in the result. I do think they will win but doubt they'll be playing 100% so it won't be a massacre.

Ukraine vs Austria...now this is actually an interesting match as they both are looking for a win. I'm putting my money on Ukraine on this one.

Finland vs Belgium. Lukaku atleast isn't playing on this match but De Bruyne is...and Martinez did say that they won't be doing a whole b-crew for this match so this might be a bit of a slaughter. But then again Belgium doesn't need a win...they've won the group regadless. Finland needs a tie to move on...that won't happen. But to a country this small and this lacking in footsy culture just getting in was a win in itself.

Russia vs Denmark. Quite shockingly Denmark is still at zero points...so they need a win. Tie is all Russia needs to advance. So they will probably be playing tight defence...so it's up to Denmark to try to break the defence...can they? That is the question...I believe they will...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 21, 2021, 10:19:17 AM: Hey... if Russia gets the tie with Denmark, then Finland's in the running for the Round of 16... or am I missing something? I do see Croatia/Scotland each with 1 point, and Spain can still flub it and stand on 2 points...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 21, 2021, 10:40:25 AM: It depends how many teams in third place have a better record than Finland. 3 points can be enough to get through -- Portugal proved that in 2016 -- but also two third place teams will go out, and 4th place has no chance regardless of points! Russia, Finland and Denmark could all finish on 3 points 1 in 2nd, 1 in 3rd and 1 in 4th!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 21, 2021, 12:01:51 PM: The goal difference counts...

And I am sure Belgium will score more than 2 goals so that's the end right there.

Ukraine was surprisingly weak...or should I say Austria was surprisingly good during the first half.

Netherlands seemed to have scored one already.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 21, 2021, 12:14:45 PM: ^^^
I was watching the Netherlands game rather than the Ukraine/Austria one, and their goal came against the run of play as North Macedonia had already had a goal cancelled out by a marginal offside and also hit the post.

EDIT: Looks like the Dutch have now got the measure of North Macedonia, now 3-0 up with half an hour to go.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 21, 2021, 12:55:24 PM: Yeah 3-0 for the Dutch I see...

Austria took the better of the very very lackluster Ukraine. but only by 1 goal so that also screams trouble for Finland.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 21, 2021, 02:49:02 PM: Okay...looks almost like Belgium isn't even trying...very odd indeed...but ofcourse they are content with the result in the group and they don't want to risk injuries or such...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 21, 2021, 02:53:25 PM: Finland have defended quite well, and Belgium have made 8 changes so only Lukaku and De Bruyne (with his facial injuries) are world class... and Denmark are beating Russia... but it's only half-time, let's not get ahead of ourselves!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 21, 2021, 03:57:27 PM: Finland defended well but in the end Belgium were just too strong getting late goals to win 2-0. But Finland finish 3rd in the group after Denmark thrashed Russia 4-1 and finished second! They "could" get through with 3 points but I'm thinking it will be unlikely sadly.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 21, 2021, 04:01:13 PM: Finland did manage to keep the zero surprisingly long...but yeah there wasn't a doubt in my mind that this would happen.

No Finland has no chance of advancing and that's okay...nobody really expected that either. But all in all we played quite well considering this was our first ever tournament.

Maybe next time we can actually get a "real" win under our belt as well.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 21, 2021, 05:09:00 PM: Denmark trolleyed the Russkies. Nice to see that. :smug:

OK, so Finland has a GD of -2. Ukraine and Switzerland are -2, so they are ahead. If Croatia and Scotland tie, then they only have 2 points and they fall behind Finland. That would leave groups E and F to sort out.

If Sweden beats or ties Poland and Slovakia beats Spain, then both of those sides would have lower points than Finland. And in group F, Portugal likely goes through but if Germany beats Hungary, then that would leave Finland as the last of the 3-pointers to complete the Round of 16. Yes, it's contingent on 4 other outcomes, but still possible for Finland to go through.

If either Croatia or Scotland win outright, however, then they bump Finland out.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 22, 2021, 07:33:38 AM: Just the two matches today:

Scotland v Croatia Both teams need a win. The Scots will be withour influential Billy Gilmore who has tested positive for COVID. Croatia haven't really been at their best and because of that I think it will be a win or Croatia but it will be only by the odd goal. 2-1 to Croatia.

England v Czech Republic: Both teams are through to the final 16. England's Chillwell and Mount are isolating having spent an extended time with their Chelsea teamate Scotland's Gilmore after the bore draw the other day! If England lose and come third in the group it might be beneficial as the last 16 match would be after Chillwell and Mount had completed their Isolation! 1-1 draw I think.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 22, 2021, 08:17:38 AM: Yes today might be a draw day...

Scotland vs Croatia... I expected much much more from Croatia I have to say but they have been very poor through out. The Scotts again have been somewhat lively. But the gnarly truth is is Croatia doesn't win here they are out...so I'm assuming they'll be risking it....so I am thinkin they will win.

England vs Czech Republic... Both teams would be content with a tie here I think. And England hasn't been playing all that great anyways so yeah...this one will be a tie...a goalless one even I think.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 22, 2021, 10:00:12 AM: I don't like it when teams both seem to collude and play to the tie.

PROPOSAL: when teams both want a tie, then they can shake hands and agree at the match start that they accept a tie, game over. However, they are then required to spend the next 2 hours doing cool stuff like trick shots, goal shootouts, and skills displays like keeping the ball on one's chest while walking or stuff like that. :D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 22, 2021, 03:56:55 PM: Well it took three matches but finally Croatia showed some of that talent that I expected from them from the very start. Good win and a WONDERFUL goal from Modric!

I do kind of feel bad for the Scotts though...I guess they could have used a break here as they've been falling short for so many times...

England did manage to scrape a 1-0 win from the Czechs...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 22, 2021, 04:40:19 PM: I didn't see any of the Croatia / Scotland game, apart from the goals. Thought it was good to see Croatia turn up at last, but Scotland need more class players to have a chance of progressing in future tournaments.

I saw the first half of the England / Czech game (before I connected with some friends on a "Virtual Pub" Zoom call), but kept half an eye on the second half. England played well in the first half but the Czech were never out of it. In the second half England sat back but the Czechs didn't make many clear cut chances!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 07:05:13 AM: Todays Games

Early Games
Slovakia v Spain. Spain have to win this, and I can't help thinking they will because they should have too much for Slovakia. But I doubt they will go much further in the competition. 2-1 to Spain
Sweden v Poland. Sweden are solid and always seem to progress beyond the group stages. Poland though are desperate for a result, but I think this might be a draw at best. 1-1

Late Games
Germany v Hungary. I was worried for Germany after the first game, but they bounced back big time against Portugal. Hungary probably feel that they've achieved all they can in this "group of death" and I don't see them getting anything here. 3-1 to Germany
Portugal v France. France looked poor last time but I'm sure they will raise their game against Portugal. Portugal need to get a result from this match, but might go through anyway if they don't lose too heavily. To be honest I would like France to win heavily because as great as Ronaldo is I can't stand his smugness! 3-1 to France.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 23, 2021, 07:08:24 AM: ^^^
Hahah! Again we were writing this at the same time! :D

Then it is the final day of the Group stage...

Slovakia vs Spain... Spain has been extremely inefficient again this year...they are missing the scoring ability completely...But they need to win this if they want to proceed...so I am hoping they'll find something to beat Slovakia's defence...but sadly this might be a tie too...

Sweden vs Poland. Poland has been much weaker than I expected. I am glad that Lewandowski got that one goal in for his farewell tournament but he does need to score again today if Poland wants to carry on and against Sweden's block defence that might be impossible. Sweden doesn't need the win so they'll play tight. This will be a tie.

Germany vs Hungary. Germany played insanely well against Portugal which was a huge surprise...so this should be a no brainer win for them.

Portugal vs France...France doesn't need to win this but I have a feeling they want to...but Portugal will change things up a bit after the disaster of the last match so they'll tighten the defence for sure. This has the potential for a tie as well.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 07:24:12 AM: Quote from: Charger on June 23, 2021, 07:08:24 AM
^^^
Hahah! Again we were writing this at the same time! :D

Yeah! Sorry about that! ;)

But 2 rest days coming up until the last 16 starts on Saturday.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 23, 2021, 07:44:35 AM: Spain, Sweden, Germany, and Portugal win today.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 23, 2021, 12:37:37 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 07:24:12 AM
Quote from: Charger on June 23, 2021, 07:08:24 AM
^^^
Hahah! Again we were writing this at the same time! :D

Yeah! Sorry about that! ;)

Haha! Just means we've got great timing! :D

And looks like Spain has finally found their scoring ability! :D 5-0! Granted two of them were own goals but still...Spain just landed the most goals of all the teams in a single match...

But stupid Sweden seems to be winning...hopefully Lewandowski can find a miracle somewhere and score that tie...

Edit:
Stupid lucky swedes again...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 12:56:33 PM: I thought it was 2-2 but just checked and Sweden had a late winner.

And yes, 5-0 to Spain was a good result, but the commentator here was saying Slovakia played the worst of any team this tournament!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 23, 2021, 01:22:42 PM: Spain didn't just win, they bludgeoned Slovakia enough to put it deep behind Finland in the GD tiebreaker. So, thanks to Spain, Finland has a chance at making the 16 after the Czechs won yesterday.

If Germany wins and France beats Portugal by 4 or more points, Finland advances!

But if Portugal wins and Hungary beats Germany by 4 or more points... sorry, Finland! :(
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 23, 2021, 02:54:15 PM: What an eventful first half from Portugal and France...my goodness...

Lloris forgets he's playing footsy and thinks he is a boxing ring and rams down Perreiro...a very just yellow and penalty kick from that...extremely dangerous play there...

And then just near the end a bit of a soft penalty kick for France and things are tied once again...

Quite an exciting match indeed.

Thanks to lucky ass swedes my bets went south so now I'm just fully rooting for Portugal to win.. ;D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 04:08:35 PM: Two 2-2 draws, neither France nor Portugal played at their best but the match was enjoyable enough. Didn't see much of the Germany and Hungary match, I'm guessing Germany were back to their inconsistent form again.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 23, 2021, 04:11:43 PM: Quite an interesting match indeed... 3 penalty kicks! That's some sort of a record I think...

Germany seemed to have struggled again as well...very interesting...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 04:20:53 PM: According to the post-match analysis, 3 penalties in 1 match is a record in the Euros.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 23, 2021, 04:45:36 PM: I thought as much as I didn't remember such a thing....
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 23, 2021, 04:46:16 PM: Germany tied with Hungary? :twitch:

:zomgwtfbbq:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 23, 2021, 04:56:41 PM: So England v Germany at Wembley in the rd of 16. Tricky one for England.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 05:03:36 PM: Quote from: Jack the Stripper on June 23, 2021, 04:56:41 PM
So England v Germany at Wembley in the rd of 16. Tricky one for England.

Not my first choice, then again Germany aren't the team they were, but England have been boring so far.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 23, 2021, 05:19:52 PM: So the last 16 line-up is:

Saturday:
Wales v Denmark
Italy v Austria

Sunday:
Netherlands v Czech Republic
Belgium v Portugal

Monday:
Croatia v Spain
France v Switzerland

Tuesday:
England v Germany
Sweden v Ukraine
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 23, 2021, 05:28:53 PM: Croatia and Belgium have drawn tricky ones as well. On form you’d expect them to win but form can sometimes count for nothing when you’re up against traditional powerhouse football nations in the knockout phase.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 24, 2021, 07:06:54 AM: My predictions for the last 8:

Wales*
Italy
Netherlands
Belgium
Spain*
France
England**
Sweden

* but could easily go the other way.
** but only if they get their shit together!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 24, 2021, 09:07:26 AM: Love to see England beat Germany.

If France beats Switzerland, expect a riot on the streets of Zurich!

Good news is, it's in Switzerland, the rioters will tidy things up when they're done gently setting trash bins on their sides. :)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 25, 2021, 07:33:37 AM: It is hard to say what'll happen with the final 16...We've seen some real surprises in the past tournaments...

But I do think KDC has a pretty good line-up there for the final 8.

I'm thinking Wales Denmark will go to overtime and possibly all the way to penalty kicks which means it could go either way...

England vs Germany might be the toughest one of them all...both have had ups and downs in the tournament...Germany more than anyone I think. But there is something similar in the way that England plays to Portugal which might mean that Germany can find a way to beat them as well...hard to say.

Spain is also a tricky one...they only played well on the match against Slovakia...Croatia too equally long time to ignite...so that might be a fierce match.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 26, 2021, 09:09:14 AM: Today's Predictions

Wales v Denmark: This could be one of the closest last 16 games with the final result going either way. The neutrals will want Denmark because of the Erikson incident. I think Wales have the better players (Bale, Ramsey) but as a team they don't always gel. If they get it right 2:1 to Wales otherwise 2:1 to Denmark!!

Italy v Austria: I think this could be one-sided with Italy running out comfortable winners. However you look at it Austria have done well to get this far. It will be a major upset if Italy don't win 3:0 or more!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 10:54:57 AM: Wales vs Denmark... This could honestly go either way. Bale hasn't really gotten into the groove yet...maybe now he can finally. As a team Denmark is much tighter than Wales though so that might prove an advantage to them. I can easily see over time in this one.

Italy vs Austria...Well this ought to be quite a walk in the park victory for Italy considering how well they have played. BUT Austria isn't a throwbag by anymeans...If Italy gets an early goal that might demoralize Austria though...but the longer they can keep a zero the tighter the match will be.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 12:56:09 PM: Wow talk about bad luck for Wales...yet another totally wrongfully given Red card for them...not that it mattered to the course of the match but still...rather strange for one team to suffer two such grave errors though.

The danish were extremely lucky here though. Seemed like every chance ball just happened to fall to Denmark. They didn't even play all that good...they were just super lucky. If it always has been that the swedes are considered the luckiest bastards on the planet I have to say the Danish sure as hell give them a run for their money!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 26, 2021, 12:56:30 PM: Wales 0 Denmark 4

I didn't see Denmark playing so well, but they played really well and were deserving of the result. Apart from the first 10 minutes Wales were nowhere.

Well done Denmark, I think they may be a dark horse for the title now.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 12:57:19 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 26, 2021, 12:56:30 PM
I think they may be a dark horse for the title now.

Well if that insane luck continues then yes...they might get far...but I sure hope not.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 26, 2021, 01:59:32 PM: So, what beer from Denmark will you feature, Charger?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 02:51:48 PM: Quote from: Zzzptm on June 26, 2021, 01:59:32 PM
So, what beer from Denmark will you feature, Charger?

None. Lucky wins don't count! :D
And honestly I don't know that many danish beers...other than Carlsberg (probably the best beer in the world...NOT) and I've had enough of that.

My goodness Austria is playing really really well now. And Italy is struggling a bit. They try but can't get anything done.
Granted Austria hasn't been close to scoring but they are playing fantastic defence and middle field game.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 03:54:24 PM: Austria is building quite a surprise potentially here... Italy is struggling as we head into overtime.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 26, 2021, 04:11:53 PM: Crap, Italy scored and I wasn't in the room so I've missed it!

I'm surprised they scored, they bugger all threat in normal time!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 26, 2021, 04:38:32 PM: Italy 2 Austria 1

That Extra Time was waaayyy more interesting and fun than the first 90 minutes! Still not seen Italy's first goal! Austria made this a good game, but Italy's class told in the end.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 26, 2021, 04:45:33 PM: This win didn't come easy for Italy...and honestly I was rooting for Austria already as they played the whole match much much better. Italy was out of it for most of it...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 27, 2021, 06:38:40 AM: Today's Games

Netherlands v Czech Republic: My head says the Netherlands should win this, but things are never that simple. The Czech's are not going to submit easily. but I do think it will be the Dutch in a close one and may even go to extra-time and penalties. I suspect thogh the Dutch will win 2-1.

Belgium v Portugal: quite likely the tie of the round, my heart wants Belgium to win (I may have mentioned that I don't like Ronaldo! ;) ), but it's not going to be an easy win. I think it will be high scoring and could be the odd goal in 5! 3-2 to Belgium who are still my favourites to win the whole thing!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 27, 2021, 09:08:15 AM: Beer-wise, I'm guessing Charger would cheer for a Belgian win and a Czech-Dutch tie in regulation play to make up for the Italian/Danish wins yesterday, those nations being rather unfamous for their beers. :D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 27, 2021, 09:59:12 AM: Netherlands vs Czech... Netherlands played a perfect game so far. One of only three countries to do that. But they had a fairly easy group though. This will be their first real test. The czech have played well and they only lost very tightly to England in the last game. But I am still thinking the Dutch will win...but there is a change this might go to extra time as well...

Beer wise the Czech do have them beat though.

Belgium vs Portugal...Belgium is the remaining perfect game team with full 3 wins..and rather easy wins at that. They played strongly. Portugal stumbled a bit against Germany but made a bit of a comeback with a tie against the French. Needless to say Portugal is my favourite team...mainly because of Ronaldo who's talent is totally unmatched even to this day. Sure his feet don't move around the ball quite as fast as they did 10 years ago but still it is incredible to watch that guy play...he is the greatest in the world, no doubt about it.
That being said...team wise Portugal isn't there with Belgium...they just aren't. The biggest problem is their defence. Pepe is getting bit too old and slow already and Lukaku is good...not Ronaldo good but good. I would like to see extra time on this but sadly I do have to say I think Belgium will win...

I'm not a big fan of belgian beer though...they use too much hopps and yeast...not sure I've ever even had Portugese beer...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 27, 2021, 12:26:25 PM: Part way through the second half and the match has been somewhat even. The Czechs have made chances and The Dutch have had their moments but haven't really made the most of their possession and movement... but now The Dutch are down to 10 men de Ligt has gone for hand ball which denied a goal scoring opportunity. I'm not sure they will win now, while not pretty the Czechs are making chances.

But it is still 0-0 with about 30 mins to go.

EDIT: Just after I post this the Czechs score! 0-1 Czech
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 27, 2021, 12:33:21 PM: Yeah this is the big surprise in the making here... I kind of expected one of these to happen...Austria was close yesterday but the Czech are doing it today...

EDIT:
And that's the second goal for the Czech.... Netherland is out...very disappointing preformance from the Dutch...and a great preformance from the Czech.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 27, 2021, 04:00:39 PM: Belgium win 1-0 but had to withstand an onslaught from Portugal in the second half.

The first half was a little lacklustre until Hazard scored a great goal just before half time (the goalie should have done better, but he was wrong-footed). But despite a bunch of chances, some of them good, Portugal just couldn't get the ball into the Belgium net.

Not a great game for Belgium but they did enough.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 27, 2021, 04:12:04 PM: What a match! What a MATCH!

Wow. I do feel bad for Portugal...they played an excellent game. Fought hard but luck was not on their side...post shots, player blocks...you name it, it happened...pretty much everything happened except the ball going in...

I do have to say I was hoping for these two teams to meet up in the finals. Sad that didn't happen. Honestly it's hard to imagine the final being any more action packed and exciting than the second half of this match.

Hazard's goal was a bit of a lucky shot but still a nice one...and I did bet Belgium to win the whole tournament so that's still alive then...but I do feel bad for Portugal..I really do.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 27, 2021, 04:42:23 PM: Looks like the better beer teams won today!

Might want to go with wines for tomorrow's winners. Beer could work out well if Germany beats England, I recommend vodka for the Sweden-Ukraine winner!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 27, 2021, 04:52:07 PM: I've had good Ukraine vodka... Never had good Swedish vodka though.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 07:26:19 AM: Today we've got two exciting matches

Croatia vs Spain...both teams took their time to ignite but both of their previous matches were great. So I am expecting this to be rather tight. I like both teams so I don't really have a favourite but I do believe Spain will win...but it might require extra time.

France vs Switzerland.... The swiss haven't been the team they used to be. And honesty they shouldn't have even made it past the group stage. France has been steady good so I'm expecting them to win this one.

But who knows there is a bit of a surprise factor potential here as well...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 08:27:31 AM: Yes, on paper Croatia and Spain should be a watchable game and Spain should just edge it. 2-1 to Spain

France v Switzerland should be a more one sided affair, "Should" doesn't necessary follow but I'm sure France will have too much for the Swiss. 3-1 to France.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 11:25:37 AM: What a bizarre Own-goal by Spain. The keeper completely takes his eye off the backpass and deflects it into his own net! You do see these occasionally but it's rare. The backpass might have been a little heavy but even so!

Croatia 1 Spain 0

Still time to redeem themselves!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 11:46:43 AM: That was without a doubt the biggest screw up in this tournament. Well usually there is one of these in every tournament but that was probably the funniest we've seen in a long time....

But Spain redeemed themselves quite fast...even steven after the first half.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 11:58:04 AM: Spain actually played quite well, and I think they will go on to win now.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 28, 2021, 12:54:40 PM: Looks like overtime is looming...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 12:55:18 PM: Good lord what a match!!! What a comeback from Croatia!!

Extra time awaits!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 01:20:55 PM: Spain get two in Extra time but there's still time for Croatia to make another come back!!!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 01:31:46 PM: 8 goals in one match! That's quite something!

Deserved win for Spain...Croatia was strong but they ran out of juice.

But what a match! Usually these games are bit tighter and more tactical not a goal fest...well this one was!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 02:50:20 PM: Well well well....is Switzerland gonna pull an Austria? So far France is struggling quite a bit...granted the swiss have parked a bus and a van and the neighbour's dog to the defence block but still...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 03:33:48 PM: It needed a missed penalty* for the Swiss to finally kick France in to action. 2 quick goals and while the Swiss still look dangerous I doubt they have enough to get back into it.

* 15 penalties so far and 7 have been saved or missed!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 03:56:28 PM: But the Swiss comeback just like Croatia did...unreal....just unreal. They sure had luck on their side as well.

And considering the luck momentum they've got going on I'm thinking they are gonna win and France is out...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 28, 2021, 04:48:32 PM: Oh dear indeed!

First penalty kicks of the tournament...and Mbappe's curse continues. It's like there's a shield infront of the goal everytime he tries to score...well this time the shield had a name...Jan Sommer.

And France is out. Another huuuge surprise again for the final 8.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 28, 2021, 05:08:43 PM: 3-3 after extra time, the Swiss win 5-4 on penalties!

You know what, except for that spell in the second half when they got their goals the French didn't seem to be at the level needed to win. The Swiss played out of their skins to claw it back to 3-3, and then held their nerve in the Penalty Shoot-out.

Yes, the last 8 is shaping up to have some strange names in it... but so did the last European Championship!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on June 29, 2021, 03:14:51 AM: What a goal feast the teams from both games put on. I love an underdog story and so far Denmark and Switzerland are providing the underdog stories. Would love to see one of them take it out.

You can bet after last nights goal frenzy that tonight’s games will be ultra defensive and conservative until they get into extra time.

What’s the mood in England like Kilo? Can imagine the hype and pressure that’s on the English football team right now.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 03:41:27 AM: ^^^
Here, we are confident of a win, tempered with the resignation that we'll fuck it up! On paper, if our best players get their shit together and show the world what they can do, then I think England will win. But that won't happen and I can see it being a bore draw with Germany winning on penalties... as they always do!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Tyr66 on June 29, 2021, 04:12:43 AM: ... And here we are again facing our usual demons: complacency, arrogance ( Pogba after his goal !!) , vanity and conflict of egos. The more than doubtful and much too late return of Benzema unbalanced the whole ensemble with this obsession of wanting to see him score and him alone. His imposed return went beyond the sporting format and Deschamps' organization was gradually affected. A national team is a high-precision mechanic and requires solid mental preparation. Thanx to Macron.
Too many tactical changes, Mbappé has been transparent since the start of the tournament, Griezmann left before the end of the match, Kimpembe who confuses football with rugby and Pavard never at the level.
Our little tattooed millionaires will have time to tweet, Mbappé has already started ....

Bravo to Switzerland. They wanted to win by playing and fighting , not the french team.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 07:36:29 AM: ^^^
France have had great players for the last quarter of a century, and they have great players still. This is a setback for sure, but as soon as the internal politics and bickering are sorted out you'll be back, probably better than before, and challenging for titles.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 08:54:12 AM: On to today's games:

England v Germany. I don't feel qualified to judge, I just want England to play better than they have so far. They've had the fewest attempts at goal of any team to reach this stage of the competition. But hopefully not having conceded any goals yet they should be solid in defence. Germany have been a mixed bag so far. 0-0 AET German's win 5-3 on penalties!

Sweden v Ukraine. I'm not sure about this one, I suspect Sweden will be the favourites having topped their group. Ukraine were one of the best 3rd place teams, so I'll go 2-1 to Sweden.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 29, 2021, 09:30:43 AM: England vs Germany...I would very much like to see England win...part from the Portugal game Germany has been subpar. But England hasn't exactly shone either. They do need to up their game if they want to move on...can they? That is the question.

Sweden vs Ukraine...Finns hate Swedes that's a fact...and we have every historical right to...especially when it comes to sports...the swedes have always been insanely lucky...whether it's in Ice Hockey or in footsy...and the Poland game sure proved that once again. So I would love to see Ukraine win but sadly they have quite the luck hill to climb..and I don't think they can.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 09:37:06 AM: My American Idiot predictions for today:

England v Germany: Yes, there will be a winner.

Sweden v Ukraine: Sweden will win and the rest of the world will cringe.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 11:55:30 AM: 0-0 at half time, both sides have had their chances, but it's very cagey. England only have 3 attack minded players on the pitch and one of those - Kane - is little more than a passenger sadly. Hopefully a couple of attacking changes in the second half will help.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 12:18:38 PM: Think it'll go 0-0 through extra play and then come down to shootouts?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 12:35:10 PM: NVM, Go England!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 12:49:37 PM: The "passenger" got off his seat to score Englands second! ;)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 29, 2021, 12:50:28 PM: My goodness!!! Go England go!

What a fantastic match from them. Great defence, great middle field play and they made those shots count.

And nice to see Harry Kane score finally as well...must have been a big monkey off his back.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 12:55:56 PM: Talking about monkeys on backs that the first time England have beaten Germany in the knock-out stages of a tournamment since a certain game in 1966! That's 5 defeats over the decades!

That win for England is such a relief!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 01:42:05 PM: Always nice when a sports drought ends!

So do you hope for England to face Sweden or Ukraine?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 01:46:39 PM: I don't care anymore... we beat Germany!

Ok, Sweden are never a pushover, and Ukraine have never been this far before... so Ukraine.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 29, 2021, 01:54:48 PM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 12:55:56 PM
Talking about monkeys on backs that the first time England have beaten Germany in the knock-out stages of a tournamment since a certain game in 1966! That's 5 defeats over the decades!

That win for England is such a relief!

Indeed! Forgot about that little fact. Makes this victory taste even sweeter! ;D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 01:56:04 PM: ... and Charger prefers Ukrainian vodka to Swedish, so let's all cheer for the yellow and blue stripes to beat the yellow and blue criss-cross!

And Ukraine's got the first goal! :beerbang:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 29, 2021, 02:48:28 PM: And the lucky swedes tied it up just before the end with a lucky ricochet....naturally.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 04:15:44 PM: Swedes not so lucky now! Hit the woodwork twice in the second half and have now had a player sent off in Extra Time! This has to go penalties at this rate!

The longer these teams take to decide the match the tireder they will be for the Quarter final on Saturday.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 04:36:53 PM: I didn;t see that late winner for the Ukraine coming. But their superior numbers told in the end. A bit of a messy last 45 minutes really.

Charger will be happy!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on June 29, 2021, 04:39:08 PM: Charger is happy! ;D

Sweden's luck finally ran out...a very nice last minute goal from the Ukraine as well.

But yeah haven't really seen that many injuries during an extra time ever before....not a very organized match by any means.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on June 29, 2021, 05:35:49 PM: The line-up for the Quarter Finals is:

Friday

Switzerland v Spain
Belgium v Italy

Saturday

Czech Republic v Denmark
Ukraine v England

There's some teams who will expect to get to the the last 4. Only Belgium v Italy looks like a close match, and would probably have been a good final pairing.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on June 29, 2021, 06:30:39 PM: Studying the flags, there are 3 crosses, 2 with vertical stripes, 2 with horizontal stripes, and one triangle.

No matter what happens, only one team with vertical stripes will make the finals.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 02, 2021, 06:30:53 AM: It seems likes weeks since the Round of 16 completed! But today we have the first of the quarter finals...

Switzerland v Spain: Spain are not the team they were, they've struggled to overcome the opposition thus far... but really they should be too much for Switzerland who have rode their luck to get this far. It *should* be a win for Spain in normal time. 2-0

Belgium v Italy: This could have been the final and no one would have been surprised, it's a shame it has come this early in the tournament. This one will be close, and may well go to Extra Time and penalties. Is De Bruyne fit? If not then I have to go with Italy, if he is fit then I'll go with Belgium!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 08:13:37 AM: I welcome these off days...you get to do something else besides watch footsy all day long! :D

Switzerland vs Spain... Like I stated earlier the Swiss sure as heck gave Sweden a run for their money on the luck department to beat France...it was a ridiculous game. Can their luck hold against Spain who have been improving match after match..well part from one guy ofcourse but he redeemed himself already I think...There is a strong change though that this will be a tie and extra time awaits...

Belgium vs Italy.... This is going to be one hell of a match. I've never really been a fan of Italy but they have played extremely well in this tournament. Lukaku vs Immobile...which will get the goal? I'm saying goal because I doubt there will be more than one...Italy's defence is stronger than Belgium's that's a fact. But Chiellini isn't the fastest cat around anymore so against Lukaku he's a bit of an underdog though...so if there's one on one situation Lukaku will win and might score.
I'm hoping for Belgium but honestly this could go either way.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 02, 2021, 09:14:30 AM: Switzerland and Belgium get the wins.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 12:28:28 PM: And super lucky goal AGAIN for Switzerland to tie things up.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 02, 2021, 12:53:01 PM: Into extra time, but the Swiss are down to 10 men, they'll defend like mad for the penalty shoot-out. Spain don't really seem to be taking advantage of the extra man.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 01:14:08 PM: IF this goes to penalty kicks then it is with 99.8% certainty the Swiss will win.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 02, 2021, 01:43:51 PM: Luck... runs... out!

It was more who had the least saved/missed in that shoot out. 3-1 to Spain in the end!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 01:47:29 PM: Well thank god for the 0.2%!!! ;D

But seriously though...extremely bad kicks though...two complete misses....but nice saves as well though. But not the greatest penalty kick shootout ever!

But thank god Spain moves on! They deserved to move on...they grinded their way here...no lucky breaks for them.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 02, 2021, 01:55:12 PM: And that's how close the match was! On to the battle of the vertical stripes!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 02:50:41 PM: Belgium has been quite weaponless against Italy during the first half. And Italy on the other hand has utilized every opportunity...but thanks to last minute penalty kick Belgium now only needs to score twice to win! :D

No I don't honestly think that'll happen.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 02, 2021, 02:58:23 PM: It's been an entertaining match so far, end to end stuff. Italy are dangerous whenever they get into the last third.

But Belgium have had their chances, shots from distance, but the keeper had to be on his toes. I think this could still go either way! :)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 02, 2021, 03:58:10 PM: Well lots of chances for Belgium on the second half as well but they just couldn't get it in...They played well but Italy just played better simple as that.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 02, 2021, 04:06:00 PM: Yes I think Italy played the better game and I think they are now favourite for the title. Belgium just fell short and that's a shame, the team is number 1 in the rankings but have not actually won anything.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 02, 2021, 04:26:17 PM: Hard to see anyone beating this Italian side from here. They’re dam good. Very attacking compared Italian teams of the past. That 2nd goal was a cracker!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 05:57:22 AM: Yeah I'm pretty confident now that Italy will win the whole thing this year...But I will be rooting for England simply because it's been so damn long since they've won anything!

Czech vs Denmark... Denmark is another team that NEVER should have gotten this far...their wins have been lucky as hell. Flipper ball just always happens to land on their feet...it's just like Sweden...if not even worse. Sure they've played well as a team but their overall talent does not match their result, that's just a fact. The Czech played extremely well against Netherlands and skill wise I would like them to win this one for sure. But you just can't rule out that insane luck of the danes. Worst case scenario, tie after ET and lucky danes take the penalty kicks.

Ukraine vs England... Ukraine killed the swedish lucky streak which was probably the best thing in the whole tournament...so far! But honestly I don't think they'll be a match for England though...England has been steadily (but slowly) bettering their game...the last game against Germany was suberb. Now if they can just keep that momentum the finals await...but first they have to win here...which I am carefully optimistical they will.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 06:42:24 AM: Czech Republic v Denmark

I think this one could go either way. Neither team is likely to win the entire tournament even though they both have in the past. This may well come down to who is better at penalties. I suppose I'd like Denmark to win if I had to choose... and it would probably piss off Charger!! :D >:D

Ukraine v England

The Ukraine have done well to get this far. I'lm hoping England continue their improving form and if they play like they did against Germany they should finish this in normal time. If they play like they did against Scotland then at best they can hope for is penalties.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 07:44:05 AM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 06:42:24 AM
I suppose I'd like Denmark to win if I had to choose... and it would probably piss off Charger!! :D >:D

:rofl:

Oh how rude!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 03, 2021, 08:16:02 AM: Quote from: Charger on July 03, 2021, 07:44:05 AM
Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 06:42:24 AM
I suppose I'd like Denmark to win if I had to choose... and it would probably piss off Charger!! :D >:D

:rofl:

Oh how rude!

The price you must pay for posting that damn Miley Cyrus video!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 11:08:09 AM: ^^^
I'll accept that! :D

But UNREAL. Denmark's insane luck continues! They NEVER should have gotten that corner in the first place and a goal right away...how in the hell can some team have this kind of stupid luck?!?! :zomg: :wall:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 11:21:09 AM: Some teams make their own luck!

But I think the goals means the game will be more open. The Czechs are not out of this yet.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 11:49:12 AM: Well now they are...

And this is pretty damn bad for England too...England is well known for their bad luck and Denmark makes Gladstone Ganden look unlucky. So if England wins today they will lose the semis for sure. It is clear now that this luck train cannot be stopped. I'm thinking Denmark will end up winning this whole thing now...and all because of luck.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 12:10:11 PM: I feel this game is far from over. The Czech pull one back!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 12:11:13 PM: I don't think I've ever rooted for a team as much before as I do now for the Czechs!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 01:02:20 PM: What a load of horseradish.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 01:19:02 PM: The Czech Republic had their chances but just couldn't covert them, and then they ran of steam!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 01:36:23 PM: All I can say now is poor England...

I'm almost thinking it might be better if they'd lose today...atleast it wouldn't then be just against sheer luck.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 03:00:45 PM: Good start from England but Ukraine seemed to woken up a bit at the end of the first half...so they better be careful or things might be tied pretty fast...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 03:08:11 PM: I almost missed Englands 2nd goal it cam so early in the second half. Great free-kick!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 03:11:05 PM: I was just going to say I think there's more goals in this when England get their 3rd. I still think Ukraine can score but 3 might be too many now.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 03, 2021, 03:54:11 PM: Well that was a walk in the park for England...

Ukraine's defence was surprisingly poor...Nice fast goals from England though!

Too bad now they will face humiliating loss to Gladstoneland.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 03, 2021, 04:05:07 PM: An England v Italy final would be fitting but I have to say, I’m loving what the Danes are doing. They are riding the crest of a wave and would absolutely love to see them win it.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 04:15:42 PM: Good morning Jack ;)

I still think it is Italy's to lose.

If England play that well against the Danes I don't see them losing, but again I fear Englands ability to drag defeat from the jaws of victory!!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 03, 2021, 04:49:01 PM: Well I did say at the very start that I was hoping England can win it but it does come naturally to Aussie’s to root for the underdog. In saying that, I do have half Italian blood in me so I’ll be a little conflicted if Italy is in the final.

The one thing I detest about football/soccer though is the acting hurt and writhing around in pain like they’ve been shot or severely injured only to get up a minute later n perfect health and the Italians are up with the best of them(or in this case worst of them)in the acting department so it maybe won’t be that hard to barrack against them in the final ;)
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 03, 2021, 05:01:26 PM: ^^^
It was embarrassing yesterday. An Italian player lying at deaths door in the penalty area, they then score and he miraculously gets up to celebrate with the rest. Their time wasting didn't get them anywhere though. There was 5 minutes of added time at the end, and because of all their play acting they ended up with 7 minutes added!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 03, 2021, 05:36:28 PM: Yeah that was pathetic! It’s getting a good run on social media with the dramatic then uplifting music when he miraculously recovers from his near death experience to celebrate with his team mates. I tuned in for the last 10 minutes of that match and all I saw were Italian players flopping about all over the place.

I’m sure the majority English crowd will let them know about it in the final when they start pulling that shit. But I’m probably getting a little ahead of myself.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 04, 2021, 09:25:31 AM: Soccer games need a new referee position: THE MOM.

Whenever a player claims injury, The Mom moves in to adjudicate. She tells the player that if he's hurt bad enough to have his team get a penalty kick, then he's hurt bad enough to sit out the rest of the game with a bowl of warm chicken soup to keep him company.

If he suddenly gets better, then The Mom not only sends him off the field. He gets a red card and a stern lecture and is grounded for a week. And if he gives The Mom any sass, then he's grounded for TWO weeks, so keep it up, buster, if you like not playing with your friends! Also, while grounded, the player's pay is 100% donated to supporting children's hospitals in developing countries, where people are REALLY sick!

I've been watching Malcolm in the Middle, and Malcolm's mom Lois is my inspiration for that role. :D
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 06, 2021, 12:03:31 PM: So semis start today then...

Italy vs Spain... Italy has been scary strong through out... But Spain has improved their game a lot in every single match so who knows...

I'm trying a new tactic with my bets now as all of the post group stage bets have gone belly up...now I'm going to bet against my favourite team so I went with Italy's win for this one and Denmark's win for tomorrow.

But with my luck both will end in a tie and Italy and Denmark are gonna win in the penalty kicks which will still mean I won't get any money and my least favourite teams advance... :wall:
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 06, 2021, 12:05:25 PM: I almost forgot we have the first semi-final today!

Italy vs Spain

This really should be Italy's win inside 90 minutes. Yes Spain have got better during the tournament but they are a shadow of their former selves. But even an improved Spain will have no chance against this Italy team who have been sublime throughout the whole tournament.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 06, 2021, 02:49:17 PM: Spain pretty much totally disarmed Italy in the first half. Quite surprising actually. Italy was totally out of it part from one or two fast counter attacks...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 06, 2021, 02:55:40 PM: Yeah, Spain nullified Italy quite successfully. No clear cut chances for either team really. Hopefully, there will be more action in the second half.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 06, 2021, 03:21:31 PM: Great goal! Between two defenders and curled around the keeper into the corner. That goal came out of nowhere.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 06, 2021, 03:42:59 PM: Wow! Italy have had a couple of great chances since they scored but haven’t take them. Spain just took theirs.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 06, 2021, 03:53:25 PM: Extra Time awaits. Spain has so far played absolutely brilliantly...Italy not so much...although I think it's more about Spain's brilliance in keeping the ball than it is about Italy's weakness..
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 06, 2021, 04:02:17 PM: Pretty good second half. It might be down to who tires first... or penalties.

Looks like the Italians are practising their am. dram. again!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 06, 2021, 04:52:42 PM: Spain played absolutely brilliantly. I feel bad for them... Italy kind of got away with a not so stellar play...but their defence was good.

It is kind of strange...the best player of the match Dani Olmo failed a penalty kick...same thing happened to Kylian M'Bappe in the French match..he was hands down the best player on the field but could make the penalty kick...and now same with Olmo...very sad.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 06, 2021, 04:55:20 PM: I'm thinking Italy were lucky to get through this, not that they played badly, but Spain have a history of losing on penalties so they can't really complain.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 07, 2021, 05:08:52 AM: Had to scoot off to work this morning so missed watching extra time and the penalty shootout but Italy was extremely lucky to get through but thoroughly deserving on the the tournament they’ve had. Now over to England.

Good luck Kilo!

Tell me though. Do you have a lot of Italians or people of Italian decent living in GB? Or is travel from European countries open? Looked like Italy had a lot of support in the stadium against Spain.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 05:44:08 AM: Quote from: Jack the Stripper on July 07, 2021, 05:08:52 AM
Tell me though. Do you have a lot of Italians or people of Italian decent living in GB? Or is travel from European countries open? Looked like Italy had a lot of support in the stadium against Spain.

I suspect we have a goodly number of Italians living in the UK, the same with Spaniards. I think a chunk of the crowd probably were neutrals but supported Italy because of the tournament they've had. No one currently in Italy will be at the final unless they came over a few days ago as they would have to quarantine. But as I said there's a fair few who live here anyway so there will be good support there on Sunday... if it's against Denmark they will be in the majority!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 08:37:19 AM: Today's Game

England v Denmark

I would like to think that England might be too strong for Denmark, but I'm not counting my chickens just yet. Denmark have got better as the tournament has progressed, from a terrible start (in more ways than one), but without any "stars" its important to play as a team, and that they have done. England started as a boring team, scraping a goal here and there but not conceding any. Once they got out of the group they've been a different team with great wins over Germany and Ukraine.

I don't think Denmark are better than Germany so I expect England to win. Home advantage and a ¾ full Wembley should see them over the line... unless they play like they did against Scotland!!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 07, 2021, 09:02:10 AM: England vs Gladstone Ganderland... Denmark first of all got super duper extra special lucky to even advance from the group stage. And their luck just carried on and on and on and on. It was getting rather tedious to watch their games as everytime the ball fell to the ground it miraculously landed in front of a danish player. And then against the Czech they scored their first goal from a corner that should have never been a corner...another lucky break. Not to mention the fact that the ref in that match was totally biased towards them as well...another lucky point for them.
England has played a suberb tournament, but they are notoriously unlucky team....and now going against the luckiest team in the history of Euro championships...they have no chance I'm afraid. My guess is this will end up a tie and lucky danes will take it in the penalty kicks. I seriously hope I am wrong...and lets put it this way, I'll be rooting for England like I've never rooted for anyone!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 07, 2021, 09:29:28 AM: Today is the day Denmark's luck runs out.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 07, 2021, 01:51:20 PM: Go ENGLAND go!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 02:41:56 PM: It needed a great free kick by the Danes to bring this match to life, and it was the jolt that England needed to start playing with some urgency.

1-1
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 07, 2021, 02:48:32 PM: I ponder how much have the danes paid the ref? Pretty one sided foul wise so far...not to mention denmark should have gotten two yellows already. Oh well...not surprising that either.

But I'm glad to see England improving their game again bit by bit...hopefully it'll be enough...but against infernal luck skill might not have anything to say...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 03:57:16 PM: I don't think my nerves can take much more of this! Lots of endeavour, but very few clear cut chances

FT 1-1 into Extra Time now!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 04:14:38 PM: England win a soft penalty. I feel for Schmeical as he saves the penalty but pushes it into the path of Kane who makes no mistake with the rebound.

2-1 to England with about 15 minutes to go!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 07, 2021, 04:16:06 PM: Hmm Pretty dubious penalty that one and poorly taken but Kane had some luck on his side.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 07, 2021, 04:42:46 PM: HaHAAAA!!!

The lucky danes got a little taste of their own medicine with that somewhat lucky penalty kick for England!
Although England was playing so strongly there that the goal was probably coming anyways...

One thing I do have to say Schmeichel did an excellent job on the goal though...he kept Denmark alive quite a few times. But I think I'll still give the man of the match medal to Kyle Walker who won about a gazillion head ups and had an amazing ammount of speed and endurance.

But it is great to see the right team win! And most importantly THE BETTER team win.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 07, 2021, 04:52:45 PM: They were brave the Danes and what a great tournament they had. They were a joy to follow throughout. Shame it ended the way it did for them with that soft penalty but they probably run out of legs in the end.

Final is gonna be a cracker!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 07, 2021, 05:11:37 PM: I think England were looking strong when they got the penalty. And even though that was a soft penalty, the one on Kane which wasn't given was much clearer, so swings and round-abouts in the end!

The Danes played well for the first half, looked quite dangerous at times, but later on I think they were just too tired. I hadn't realised they played much of second half of extra time with only 10 men as they didn't have any subs left.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 08, 2021, 09:30:20 AM: So, predictions on final score between England and Italy?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 09, 2021, 10:33:25 AM: Very hard to say...

Both teams play pretty tight game... Italy is perhaps bit more vulnerable in the defence side because their stoppers Bonucci and Chiellini are old and slow...against someone like Sterling they are going to be in trouble.

So I would even say that England has a slight edge in that department...but middlefield goes to Italy quite clearly....

I can't imagine this being a goal fest so maybe 1 or 2 goals max...extra time is more than possible.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Tyr66 on July 09, 2021, 11:03:05 AM: I wish England a victory but I think the Italians' deceit will perhaps be the strongest. They aren't the creators of la comedia del arte for nothing. We have also witnessed the "resurrection" of Immobile. good acting at the beginning, bad at the end. England is more honest and loyal in the game while Italians are almost malicious.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 09, 2021, 02:10:16 PM: That is very true indeed... I've never seen any country film with such conviction and so systematically than Italy. And it's been going on for years and years.

Filming is part of footsy there's no doubt about it and up to a certain point it is understandable...when there's a proper contact and such...but when the filming is 100% fake and too obvious (for everyone but the ref) it becomes ridiculous...and no one does it better (or worse) than the Italians.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 09, 2021, 04:19:05 PM: My head says 1-0 Italy, a late winner but I have this gut feeling that it’s England’s destiny to win it. They won the last Cricket World Cup on home soil in very lucky circumstances and extremely unlucky circumstances for their opponents and this might go a similar way me thinks.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 09, 2021, 05:47:57 PM: 1-1 in regular time, England gets 1 more in overtime.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 10, 2021, 05:23:30 PM: Is there no 3rd/4th place play-off? Or is that just the World Cup?
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 06:46:50 AM: Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 10, 2021, 05:23:30 PM
Is there no 3rd/4th place play-off? Or is that just the World Cup?

It's just the Champion no other titles. Which is good...because if there would be a bronze match that would mean one team would lose twice and that wouldn't be very good.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 11, 2021, 11:09:04 AM: Today's Game - The Final

England v Italy

I don't know who will win, they've both played well, Italy all the way through and England since the group stage. This one really could go either way. Obviously I want England to win, but more importantly I want them to play well. Even if England lose if they played well that's fine by me, it means Italy will have had to have played better (or had the luck!).

I would love it to be finished in normal times (at a push Extra Time), but I really don't want it to go to penalties!
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Tyr66 on July 11, 2021, 11:14:00 AM: Quote from: Charger on July 11, 2021, 06:46:50 AM
Quote from: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 10, 2021, 05:23:30 PM
Is there no 3rd/4th place play-off? Or is that just the World Cup?

It's just the Champion no other titles. Which is good...because if there would be a bronze match that would mean one team would lose twice and that wouldn't be very good.

100 % agree with that.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 11, 2021, 12:20:24 PM: I'm not a fan of the 3rd/4th play off but they still have it in the World Cup. I couldn't remember if they had it the Euros or not.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 01:43:15 PM: ^^^
I think there have been talks about eliminating that from the world cup too...but I think it's got too much money in it and the bronze game brings in a lot of it too eventhough no teams actually want to play that.

England vs Italy THE FINALS!!!

My goodness...this a tough one.
Both teams have played very well...Italy might have been the most steadily good team of them all...but they have their problems too though..especially in the defence end with both Chiellini and Bonucci being old and slow...and against someone as fast as Sterling, they are going to be in trouble that's for sure. But Italy does have the better middle field...
I do think this is going to be an extra tight match regardless. Maybe one or tops 2 goals. I would love to see England win simply because they haven't won anything in such a long time. Italy has won the world cup just recently...not to mention the filming...Italy does just too much of it. And that annoys the hell out of me.

One thing I do NOT want to see is this going all the way to penalty kicks...that is no way to determine the champion. I'm hoping the winner will be determined in 90 minutes.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 02:51:58 PM: What a beautiful second minute goal from Shaw! Masterful touch right there.

England played a near perfect first half. They almost totally managed to disarm Italy. Great thing to see.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 11, 2021, 02:59:29 PM: I don't know if it is my English pesimism but I thought Italy started to threaten more in the last 10 minutes or so. But we did keep them to long shots.

But we did play well which is all I can ask for. But Italy are going to be handful in the second half I'm sure, they have their unbeaten record to defend they won't lie down and give in easily.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 03:59:56 PM: The second half was Italy's plain and simple and naturally they managed to score as well...

Penalty kicks await I'm afraid and that won't be nice...
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 11, 2021, 04:01:30 PM: My pesimism was justified. 1-1 at full time. Italy won the second half.

Their star striker (Chiesa?) has gone off injured, but I;m not sure it will enough. We sat back and I don't know if we can pick it up again.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 04:42:47 PM: So penalty kicks it is...
The worst possible way to end a tournament.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Charger on July 11, 2021, 04:59:21 PM: Goddamnit goddamnit godDAMNIT!!

England played such a great tournament...have it end like this is a real shame.

That being said I think it was a mistake from Southgate to put so many youngsters shooting first like this....must have known the pressure might get too much for them... Rashford's failure was painful to watch...

Pickford's two saves were fantastic though but just not enough...

Well Italy played a great tournament too there is no denying that.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on July 11, 2021, 05:01:15 PM: Dissapointed, but not overly surprised, we have a habbit of losing penalty shootouts! But as I said earlier I wanted us to play well even if we lost, and that's what we did. Italy were just too experienced.

But look out for England in the next few years, this is a young squad who will only improve with this experience.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Zzzptm on July 11, 2021, 05:19:04 PM: Is there *anyone* that wants penalty shootouts as an end for a game? There has to be a better way to get a winner determined... In baseball and basketball, they just keep playing...

But what about corner kick shootouts? Let all 11 players on the field and each side takes 5 corner kicks, 10-15 seconds each to get a score.
Title: Re: Euro Footsy Championships!
Post by: Jack the Stripper on July 11, 2021, 05:40:40 PM: Cruel way to lose but no denying Italy. They were the best team throughout the tournament.

Feel for those England penalty takers that failed to convert, especially Saka.The pressure would’ve been immense and now they have to deal with the fallout.

Commiserations Kilo.