Spirit of Leicester City still reigns right now so I might have a flutter on I dunno Iceland or someone.
― Matt DC, Thursday, 26 May 2016 20:30 (eight years ago) link
Ha I said the exact same thing about Iceland too, particularly as I'll be spending a week of the tournament there. At the moment money is on France with Croatia each way although I can't see why Germany should be any worse than 2 years ago and fully expect them to step up as usual.
― ewar woowar (or something), Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:40 (eight years ago) link
Fancy Lewandowski for top scorer with a cheeky each way on a nicely rested Hazard.
― ewar woowar (or something), Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:41 (eight years ago) link
Arent there very good reasons benzema stays home?
The push for ben arfa is silly stuff
― Daithi Bowsie (darraghmac), Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:42 (eight years ago) link
Shane long obv top scorer
― Daithi Bowsie (darraghmac), Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:43 (eight years ago) link
... for Ireland. One goal.
― Larry 'Leg' Smith (Tom D.), Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:52 (eight years ago) link
rooting for the team with the best odds of winning!!!!
― F♯ A♯ (∞), Thursday, 26 May 2016 22:55 (eight years ago) link
Tellin ye now shane long ten goals
― Daithi Bowsie (darraghmac), Thursday, 26 May 2016 22:56 (eight years ago) link
http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/359a9782-9633-4a93-83ab-fcf0358a2dce/2121d05d-dbb8-4051-8bdb-c241673c6297.jpg
we're ready
― japanese mage (LocalGarda), Thursday, 26 May 2016 23:03 (eight years ago) link
assuming I'm gonna be the sole Wales advocate itt. am good with that
― reader, if you love him so much why don't you marry him? (DJ Mencap), Friday, 27 May 2016 09:49 (eight years ago) link
Nonsense, Wales have never been as well supported as they will be in this tournament.
― Larry 'Leg' Smith (Tom D.), Friday, 27 May 2016 09:53 (eight years ago) link
surprised myself at how pleased I am to see wales qualify, I think watching the over-the-top/ironically triumphalist/perfect celebrations of wales fans after the bosnia game has helped
suspect ireland are going to have a brief tournament
― ogmor, Friday, 27 May 2016 10:31 (eight years ago) link
but it will feel agonisingly long
― Noodle Vague, Friday, 27 May 2016 10:36 (eight years ago) link
we're marginally more entertaining this time around.
i actually think we could get a result off one of the teams in our group. our aggressive anti-football is more of a return to traditional values in which we are open to the possibility of a goal from a setpiece or long ball, rather than the goal ban of the trappatoni era.
― japanese mage (LocalGarda), Friday, 27 May 2016 10:40 (eight years ago) link
agonisingly shane long
― Larry 'Leg' Smith (Tom D.), Friday, 27 May 2016 10:41 (eight years ago) link
why tf are there matches at 1700 GMT btw?
― japanese mage (LocalGarda), Friday, 27 May 2016 10:44 (eight years ago) link
at least I have a chance of seeing those, gonna be pretty awkward getting caught in our workshop study room watching the 2 o'clock kick-offs on the computer
― Noodle Vague, Friday, 27 May 2016 10:48 (eight years ago) link
oh there's 2pm as well? bah...
― japanese mage (LocalGarda), Friday, 27 May 2016 10:50 (eight years ago) link
3pm/6pm/9pm CET so 2, 5 and 8 in the UK
― ogmor, Friday, 27 May 2016 10:52 (eight years ago) link
yeah, England - Wales for example is 2 o'clock on a Thursday afternoon. wondering if the Guinness Book of Records keeps a track of days when most sick leave has been taken.
― Noodle Vague, Friday, 27 May 2016 11:07 (eight years ago) link
shit I'd not even noticed that. I'm the only person in my small office that really gives a shit about football so could probably just ask for a half day w/o constructing a tissue of lies
― reader, if you love him so much why don't you marry him? (DJ Mencap), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:13 (eight years ago) link
I took the week off but have to now go to Dubai to work for the first three days, making it a slightly inconvenient 5pm, 8pm, 1am.
― On a Raqqa tip (ShariVari), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:15 (eight years ago) link
11pm actually. That's more doable.
― On a Raqqa tip (ShariVari), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:16 (eight years ago) link
I could probably work out some time off in lieu for key games but it's always the not-key games I end up enjoying most
― Noodle Vague, Friday, 27 May 2016 11:17 (eight years ago) link
Pps. Someome point A Hoy Hoy to this thread, he needs to be in on the fun tbh― Le Bateau Ivre, Thursday, 26 May 2016 21:11 (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
Hiya!
What sex tape? Benzema just cant stay away from gross sex scandals can he? He is an amazing striker and seemingly a deeply unlikeable character. (He was all over the underage prostitute mess a couple years back right?)
― plums (a hoy hoy), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:23 (eight years ago) link
Im really excited about this tournament. It seems like it could throw up a lot of interesting possibilities. Like who would have tjought wales would be in it with a sound team with one of the best players in the world? If they get lucky and Bale is on FIYAH they could be fun to support. And england are actually worth liking again, unless the white pele ruins everything.
― plums (a hoy hoy), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:33 (eight years ago) link
(That makes it seem like i think wales could win it which i obviously dont. But then who knows anymore? Get the Tinkerman for Wales boss)
― plums (a hoy hoy), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:35 (eight years ago) link
Didn't really work for Greece, tbf.
I think Turkey could be one of the better outside bets to get to the semi-finals if they can get a result against Croatia.
― On a Raqqa tip (ShariVari), Friday, 27 May 2016 11:48 (eight years ago) link
If James McCarthy can score an important winning goal that gets Ireland through to the second-round I'll have a shitey piece of trivia about how every momentous Irish tournament goal is scored by someone from Castlemilk to wheel out
― the unbearable jimmy smits (jim in glasgow), Friday, 27 May 2016 20:40 (eight years ago) link
Never easy for Ireland to win from the smallest football countries, wouldn't take this draw too seriously.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Friday, 27 May 2016 21:39 (eight years ago) link
For me, personally, I would take Rashford. I think me and him and our belief and youth could be a match for anyone.
― ewar woowar (or something), Friday, 27 May 2016 21:50 (eight years ago) link
What does this mean? Wouldn't place much credence in the apparent spirit shown by Netherlands to salvage a late draw? Agreed.
― japanese mage (LocalGarda), Saturday, 28 May 2016 00:21 (eight years ago) link
I was being sarcastic, Ronan. Didn't even watch the match but felt like calling our national team "one of the smallest football countries", as that's what we're heading towards rapidly with our FA tools and managerial fools. And apparently our equalizer was celebrated as if we actually will participate this summer, as if it matters. Wasn't taking anything away from Ireland, au contraire tbh.
Tl;dr: the shoe is on the other foot. Holland is disgrace. It is a crying shame we're even playing these dumb friendlies.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Saturday, 28 May 2016 00:34 (eight years ago) link
Holland looked totally disinterested in the first half but they perked up a bit once they brought some subs on later in the game
― Neptune Bingo (Michael B), Saturday, 28 May 2016 10:27 (eight years ago) link
I don't know if it's inspiring or depressing that we're going to the Euros with a striker who made his club debut three months ago.
I'm assuming Studge is out here but at this rate of injuries when it comes to squad culling time Roy will just be sending Andros Townsend off like a banished medieval villager.
― Matt DC, Saturday, 28 May 2016 11:55 (eight years ago) link
sturridge left in, townsend and drinkwater left out of the 23
― real orgone kid (NickB), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:12 (eight years ago) link
kein trink wasser
― real orgone kid (NickB), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:15 (eight years ago) link
Reus out of the Germany squad yet again, poor bastard.
― Matt DC, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:21 (eight years ago) link
did wonder if he'd take all 5 forwards given Rooney's multitasking ability. probably a shade harsh on both mids given Milner and Henderson get to go
― Noodle Vague, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:31 (eight years ago) link
Amusing is the word you're looking for.
― Larry 'Leg' Smith (Tom D.), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:40 (eight years ago) link
remind me anything about the scotland team
― And the cry rang out all o'er the town / Good Heavens! Tay is down (imago), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:43 (eight years ago) link
100% behind our fellow Brits at this summer's tourney.
― Larry 'Leg' Smith (Tom D.), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:55 (eight years ago) link
and yet schweinsteiger is in after a really ropey season
― real orgone kid (NickB), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 13:55 (eight years ago) link
Shit calls from woy
Rooney so obviously will be fat weight in any xi this tournament
― Daithi Bowsie (darraghmac), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 14:40 (eight years ago) link
I'm not sure what Barkley brings to the table given that Alli, Lallana and Sterling are all in the squad. He feels like the classic squad player who will come on in the 70th minute of a 1-1 draw in the first game, then not appear at all until extra time of the final game when England are staring down the barrel of imminent elimination on penalties. Doing nothing of note in either.
― Matt DC, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 15:42 (eight years ago) link
yeah
proud to have been an early barkley is shit adopter
― And the cry rang out all o'er the town / Good Heavens! Tay is down (imago), Tuesday, 31 May 2016 16:30 (eight years ago) link
I for one am disappointed Drinkwater isn't in the 23. He had a good run, and has a Giggsian stubble.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 17:27 (eight years ago) link
He probably should be in the likely event that Wilshere and a CB or two get injured and suspended and we have to player Dier back there. Sending back any player who can provide some additional solidity strikes me as short sighted when there's a glut of attacking midfielders. At the very least Drinkwater should be in there over James Milner.
― Matt DC, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 17:30 (eight years ago) link
real talk, but you forget that Rooney is a top class DM
― Noodle Vague, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 17:31 (eight years ago) link
Milner has a good second half of the season and is relatively versatile. And as much as I hate the little one, Wilshire is obviously England's best midfielder. Hendo is the real mystery. Literally hasn't done anything in about two years
― Number None, Tuesday, 31 May 2016 17:38 (eight years ago) link
We turned over for about 10 mins, saw the change ends after the first ex-tim period, then the goal. Match looked quite good.
I take it the rest of the match wasn't.
Still, what's all this about Poland 'shouldn't have won' business? what do you want, another ballot? Um, I mean, a replay?
― Mark G, Monday, 11 July 2016 13:30 (eight years ago) link
jamie jackson the worst guardian writer?
What now for England? Forget the Sam Allardyce or Gareth Southgate route. Find an absolute managerial wizard and ask his price. Sit back and watch England become the world and European champions.
― Bein' Sean Bean (LocalGarda), Monday, 11 July 2016 14:21 (eight years ago) link
lol
well, we do have to admit: anybody can become European champions, and the new booooring 24 teams seemingly further increased this, with Wales reaching the semis.
now world champion, that's a totally different story.
― Ludo, Monday, 11 July 2016 14:35 (eight years ago) link
they simply need to "find an absolute managerial wizard"
what do people think of the 24-team format anyway? i think it's highlighted how poor the supposed big teams really are.
― Bein' Sean Bean (LocalGarda), Monday, 11 July 2016 14:37 (eight years ago) link
I like the 24 format, but think the group stage should be arranged differently. Eight groups of three, first two to progress, group winners play a number two from a different group, third place goes home. No shenanigans like 'best number three' to go through or whatever.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 11 July 2016 14:47 (eight years ago) link
24 team format execrable - lack of clarity and drama during teh first round, overall too many games also penalising forceful attacking play. Next edition without an organising country should be even worse
― licorice oratorio (baaderonixx), Monday, 11 July 2016 14:48 (eight years ago) link
next three tournaments will probably kill international football - russia, everywhere, qatar
― Bein' Sean Bean (LocalGarda), Monday, 11 July 2016 14:52 (eight years ago) link
^^ otm
― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:06 (eight years ago) link
The 'big teams' are especially weak at the moment.
― They could have been Stackridge. (Tom D.), Monday, 11 July 2016 15:09 (eight years ago) link
A lot of seemed to come down to poor management imo
― Number None, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:16 (eight years ago) link
verall too many games also penalising forceful attacking play
this. i mean Northern-Ireland was 1-0 down against Germany, and didn't attack so they would advance, and could play another dreadful game. Imagine when they hád to attack and try to equalize, and Germany scoring 3 more beautiful goals. Maybe even Muller would have scored in this scenario. Ok probably not. :P
― Ludo, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:17 (eight years ago) link
Big tearmsMean nothinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEQj_xniiJg
― Blandings Castle Magic (James Redd and the Blecchs), Monday, 11 July 2016 15:19 (eight years ago) link
Eight groups of three
Instinctively think three-team groups (esp with two qualifiers) are a dubious solution, but the only time they were used (WC82), they only really produced one duff game (Poland happy to hold USSR at bay to go through on goal diff). Elsewhere we had Rossi & Boniek hat-tricks, "it only takes a second to score a goal" - neither Keegan nor Brooking mustering one in 20min, Maradona red, Giresse & Rocheteau. But that was just a fantastic tournament.
― Michael Jones, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:21 (eight years ago) link
Another detail I'd forgotten - order of matches in that second group phase at WC82 was determined by result of opening game. There was a provisional order that was adhered to if the opening game was a draw, but if there was a positive result, the winners didn't play again until match #3.
― Michael Jones, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:27 (eight years ago) link
that is pretty cool.
otm
― Bein' Sean Bean (LocalGarda), Monday, 11 July 2016 15:31 (eight years ago) link
I agree that the laws should be changed so that defending is outlawed and all games are passing and tricks exhibitions, win awarded to the prettiest team
― and the Gove maths out Raab (Noodle Vague), Monday, 11 July 2016 15:33 (eight years ago) link
Isn't it accepted wisdom that squads and fans of any qualifying team deserve more than two matches in a tournament?
― Tim, Monday, 11 July 2016 15:33 (eight years ago) link
― Bein' Sean Bean (LocalGarda), Monday, July 11, 2016 2:21 PM (1 hour ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
given that every other writer's answer is a variation on "forget it they're fucked" I could believe he might have gone for a challop just for a bit of colour, but he actually says the same thing earlier on in his bit as well. so in conclusion, yes Jamie Jackson the worst Guardian writer
― Pat Umunna Glass (DJ Mencap), Monday, 11 July 2016 16:17 (eight years ago) link
24 teams
First round = 12 groups of 2 Winners go through
12 losers play in 4 groups of 3 for the final places
sorted.
― ^ 諷刺 (ken c), Monday, 11 July 2016 17:08 (eight years ago) link
(12 groups of 2 will play to extra time/penalties etc)
― ^ 諷刺 (ken c), Monday, 11 July 2016 17:09 (eight years ago) link
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnGYIa7WEAA3qZF.jpg
― Number None, Monday, 11 July 2016 18:42 (eight years ago) link
Kimmich was shit.
― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 11 July 2016 18:50 (eight years ago) link
Boateng wasn't all that either
― Number None, Monday, 11 July 2016 18:55 (eight years ago) link
feel like that team deserves one more Frenchman (not sure who though)
― Ludo, Monday, 11 July 2016 19:04 (eight years ago) link
No brady fuck off
― poor fiddy-less albion (darraghmac), Monday, 11 July 2016 19:09 (eight years ago) link
Guardian put Clark AND Whelan in their Flops of the Tournament team, but only had Sterling and Hart from England...
― Number None, Monday, 11 July 2016 19:11 (eight years ago) link
what a bizarre list
Griezmann was selected by UEFA's 13-strong panel of technical observers, also including Sir Alex Ferguson, Alain Giresse, David Moyes, Packie Bonner, Mixu Paatelainen, Savo Milošević, Peter Rudbæk, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Schaaf, Jean-François Domergue, Ginés Meléndez and Jean-Paul Brigger.
― Number None, Monday, 11 July 2016 20:26 (eight years ago) link
packie bonner
― ^ 諷刺 (ken c), Monday, 11 July 2016 22:34 (eight years ago) link
Mixu Paatelainen! WTF? How did he get that gig?
― They could have been Stackridge. (Tom D.), Monday, 11 July 2016 22:53 (eight years ago) link
deeply resent me having to be the one to point out that krychowiak pissed over everyone but kroos
― r|t|c, Tuesday, 12 July 2016 04:32 (eight years ago) link
defenders defender award goes to domagoj vida
― r|t|c, Tuesday, 12 July 2016 04:38 (eight years ago) link