The Lemon Fool

What drama again today..France and Portugal both go through.......only just. Can't wait to see Portugal v France and the pretty one teach the masked one a lesson. Say what you like about Ronaldo, they still need him, and I just can't believe how many chances he had, and again, just wasn't his day, but that penalty save was fantastic, and yet he held his nerve and managed to score on his penalty slot again. Nerves of steel and judging by his emotion after the first save(a great penalty but an even better save,) those that don't call him a team player are ignorant. Regardless, thought Slovenia were outstanding and they could have won this.

Turning out to be quite the Championship. Really enjoying it. Particularly seeing these lesser known teams do so well. And it just occurred to me, I wonder how many scouts and managers plus owners from our divisions (more so our premiere league for obvious reasons) have spotted some real talent, splash out ridiculous money, and bring them over to Blighty.

nimnarb wrote:Turning out to be quite the Championship. Really enjoying it. Particularly seeing these lesser known teams do so well. And it just occurred to me, I wonder how many scouts and managers plus owners from our divisions (more so our premiere league for obvious reasons) have spotted some real talent, splash out ridiculous money, and bring them over to Blighty.

I feel like you’re watching a different tournament to me. Perhaps I’ve missed all the great matches that weren’t dominated by spirited defences. Apart from Netherlands v Austria I can’t think of too many games I’ve enjoyed that much. Spain, Germany and Switzerland have been very good, but the other more fancied teams have been utter rubbish. As for scouts finding talent, I think you’d need to be very careful selecting someone based on playing out of their skin for their country over a few games compared to what you would get week in, week out for a whole season. There’s a reason why most of the players from the lesser teams play where they do. Scouting databases are so good these days that they would already have been found.

I quite enjoyed the Portugal Slovenia game last night.

Portugal spent most of the game trying to move the ball quickly and neatly and forward when possible, not shy of the wide guys trying to beat men (oh for a Waddle), particularly Jao Conceilo (sp?) on the right. Adopted some route one later which showed they considered different options. England haven't looked to move the ball that quickly or that forward, or really for individuals to beat players.

Slovenia were so disciplined in their defensive coaching and execution that the opposition were reduced to a couple of half chances, "crosses into the danger area", and a number of Ronaldo free kicks. Slovenia were also prepared to break quickly and directly when they got the chance. England don't defend with this will or discipline.

An enjoyable 0-0, with technicalities to appreciate on both sides. Portugal unlikely to get past QF or SF imo.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foo ... 72215.html


"Misstiano Penaldo"...the BBC has a sense of humour!

Well, I thought it was funny even if John Terry didn't!

"But the other more fancied teams have been utter rubbish."

They haven't been rubbish, well perhaps England and Scotland have been. Just that the competition was written off before they even started, which has not been the case, and things are changing.

monabri wrote:https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/misstiano-penaldo-bbc-cristiano-ronaldo-b2572215.html


"Misstiano Penaldo"...the BBC has a sense of humour!

Well, I thought it was funny even if John Terry didn't!

Clever play on words...................can only imagine his own headlines as in "Terryble!". He understands more than most.

https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/why- ... ue-defeat/

Did anyone else notice that after taking a one goal lead the Netherlands continued attacking right to the end of the game? Gareth? Are you paying attention Gareth?

They also attacked at pace throughout the game. Gareth? Where's Gareth?

Anyone see Turkey v Austria? Game of the tournament. Save of the tournament, if not the decade. And that's how you play football, England. Even if you lose.

nimnarb wrote:Anyone see Turkey v Austria? Game of the tournament. Save of the tournament, if not the decade. And that's how you play football, England. Even if you lose.

Easily the best game I’ve seen. To be fair, I watched Austria play France, Netherlands and Turkey, and all were very good games. Strange that Rangnick never got a tune out of the players at Man United because he’s certainly got Austria playing great attacking football.

OLÉ OLÉ OLÉ OLėeeeeeeeeee

Etc. wow. Last 5 mins had my heart racing. Auf wiedersehen pet. At least won’t have to suffer yet another Germany v England penalty saga.
And with Spain missing some good players next match, well England, this will probably be your best chance ever.

Next up the Ron and Baps show.

nimnarb wrote:OLÉ OLÉ OLÉ OLėeeeeeeeeee

Etc. wow. Last 5 mins had my heart racing. Auf wiedersehen pet. At least won’t have to suffer yet another Germany v England penalty saga.
And with Spain missing some good players next match, well England, this will probably be your best chance ever.

Next up the Ron and Baps show.

But won't Spain only miss those good players for their semi-final with France?

They would be back for a Spain versus England final on the 14th, assuming that England win their next 2 games of course, which is hardly a bang-on certainty.

Lootman wrote:

nimnarb wrote:OLÉ OLÉ OLÉ OLėeeeeeeeeee

Etc. wow. Last 5 mins had my heart racing. Auf wiedersehen pet. At least won’t have to suffer yet another Germany v England penalty saga.
And with Spain missing some good players next match, well England, this will probably be your best chance ever.

Next up the Ron and Baps show.

But won't Spain only miss those good players for their semi-final with France?

They would be back for a Spain versus England final on the 14th, assuming that England win their next 2 games of course, which is hardly a bang-on certainty.

Correct, but I always thought that we actually might stand a chance against France rather than Spain, I.e. France beating Spain, but that’s all wishful thinking anyway…..some cheese first to devour….then perhaps some foie gras or paella……will know soon enough. Regardless, if we lose, at least lose with some attacking football that entertains.

In 10th minute we on edge of their penaty box,,
We passed it 26 times between ourselves ending with to our goalkeeper

In 30 minute we had corner
5 unchallenged passes and we gave it our goalkeeper

No wonder nobody rates our football

Apart from Saka, it’s the usual story. We don’t have a Dembele from France or a Doku from Belgium that has a go…Believe it or not miss Jack Grealish. Don’t know about your commentary but what I am listening to state it’s the best attacking performance so far. What?

Sideways, backwards, sideways, backwards..ffs, someone have a go from 30 yds……

Couldn’t make this stuff up. If you don’t hear from me again it’s because I got my schoolboy red Swiss pocket knife out and committed Hari Kari

Penalties taken now.

Player of the match for me was Saka. Did you notice some of his defending as well.
Congrats.

Source The Telegraph

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Pickford was in the Boy Scouts....."Be Prepared"

nimnarb wrote::)

You mean..

The majority of England fans will be breathing a huge sigh of relief.

I feel for Scotland fans who must be thinking how the hell have this crap team reached the semi finals.

As indeed I am.

HYD