2016 UEFA European Football Championship: Quarter Finals
June 29, 2016 2:33 AM - Season 1, Episode 5 - Subscribe
8 teams, 6 trophies and 23 semi-finals between them and 2 debutantes.
Against Ireland, France got a scare when Pogba charged Long in the box in the first minutes, and Brady converted the penalty, until a second-half turnaround orchestrated by Antoine Griezmann (two goals, on the road to his hat-trick when Duffy tackled him outside the box for a straight red). They will play Iceland, who also got a scare against England after a penalty on Sterling was converted by Rooney early on, but normalcy was restored a couple of minutes later with Sigurdsson, and then Sigthorsson completed the turnaround with a helping hand from Hart still early in the first half.
Germany quickly and easily disposed of Slovakia, and Özil's missed penalty had little impact on the final result. They wil now face Italy, who signed the epilogue for Spain's golden generation with a strong showing in a 2-0 win. Germany has a famously negative record against the Italians, with just 8 wins out of 33 games, but their most recent victory was a clear 4-1 earlier this year.
On the other side, Poland will meet Portugal after both qualified a bit underwhelmingly (against Switzerland, Poland controlled the game, allowed a nonetheless spectacular equaliser and won on penalties, while Portugal can claim to have won the worst game of the tournament against Croatia), and after knocking out N. Ireland, Wales will try to continue chasing their dream against Belgium, who crushed Hungary late in the second half.
QUARTER FINALS (all games at 21:00 local)
30 June: Poland - Portugal
1 July: Wales - Belgium
2 July: Germany - Italy
3 July: France - Iceland
Against Ireland, France got a scare when Pogba charged Long in the box in the first minutes, and Brady converted the penalty, until a second-half turnaround orchestrated by Antoine Griezmann (two goals, on the road to his hat-trick when Duffy tackled him outside the box for a straight red). They will play Iceland, who also got a scare against England after a penalty on Sterling was converted by Rooney early on, but normalcy was restored a couple of minutes later with Sigurdsson, and then Sigthorsson completed the turnaround with a helping hand from Hart still early in the first half.
Germany quickly and easily disposed of Slovakia, and Özil's missed penalty had little impact on the final result. They wil now face Italy, who signed the epilogue for Spain's golden generation with a strong showing in a 2-0 win. Germany has a famously negative record against the Italians, with just 8 wins out of 33 games, but their most recent victory was a clear 4-1 earlier this year.
On the other side, Poland will meet Portugal after both qualified a bit underwhelmingly (against Switzerland, Poland controlled the game, allowed a nonetheless spectacular equaliser and won on penalties, while Portugal can claim to have won the worst game of the tournament against Croatia), and after knocking out N. Ireland, Wales will try to continue chasing their dream against Belgium, who crushed Hungary late in the second half.
QUARTER FINALS (all games at 21:00 local)
30 June: Poland - Portugal
1 July: Wales - Belgium
2 July: Germany - Italy
3 July: France - Iceland
I'm not fully convinced with Germany, and don't think their offense will do much against Italy in this form.
also, yes. Why the hell Portugal or Poland get to advance, but one of those two are eliminated?
posted by lmfsilva at 3:04 AM on June 29, 2016
also, yes. Why the hell Portugal or Poland get to advance, but one of those two are eliminated?
posted by lmfsilva at 3:04 AM on June 29, 2016
Hah, you might get quizzical looks for "They will play Iceland, who also got a scare against England after a penalty on Sterling was converted by Rooney early on, but normalcy was restored a couple of minutes later with Sigurdsson, and then Sigthorsson completed the turnaround with a helping hand from Hart still early in the first half." as I read it as it being "abnormal" for England to be beating Iceland. Upon re-read (and checking to ensure you were neither Icelandic nor Scottish) I guess this was meant as "parity" or "equality" rather than a sly dig at England.
posted by Gratishades at 3:05 AM on June 29, 2016
posted by Gratishades at 3:05 AM on June 29, 2016
I'm fairly sure it was a well-deserved dig at England.
posted by brokkr at 3:16 AM on June 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by brokkr at 3:16 AM on June 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
I'm not sure I can watch any more, I am still too distraught by the calamitous and abject way we lost to Iceland. And to hear the Welsh were cheering it....
And honestly, the two teams most likely to win it now are Germany and Italy, can't see any of the others doing so. Not even France, who I thought would come together and work so well with all their class players, and being at home.
posted by marienbad at 3:30 AM on June 29, 2016
And honestly, the two teams most likely to win it now are Germany and Italy, can't see any of the others doing so. Not even France, who I thought would come together and work so well with all their class players, and being at home.
posted by marienbad at 3:30 AM on June 29, 2016
Heh, it was a bit of both. I mean, Iceland was certainly not a favourite coming to the match, but they advanced from the group stage without losing, and the whole "biggest shame in english football history" is a bit insulting to them. Sure, England should have won, but I don't see it as worse than dropping points at home to Macedonia in a qualifier. I've seen Portugal lose points to Liechtenstein (and barely winning the return game at home) just months after Euro 2004. Those two games are a lot worse than being knocked out by a team that so far proved to be a match to every team they faced, and actually qualified to be there.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:34 AM on June 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by lmfsilva at 3:34 AM on June 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
In the first EU Championship thread I scoffed at Belgium being called favourites, but I guess I have to eat crow, they are really much better than I expected.
You know what would be crazy ? A Belgium-Iceland final.
posted by Pendragon at 5:27 AM on June 29, 2016
You know what would be crazy ? A Belgium-Iceland final.
posted by Pendragon at 5:27 AM on June 29, 2016
lmfsilva: I mean, Iceland was certainly not a favourite coming to the match, but they advanced from the group stage without losing, and the whole "biggest shame in english football history" is a bit insulting to them.
From a Guardian comment:
From a Guardian comment:
We lost 2-1 to a team who have recently beaten The Netherlands (twice), Austria, Turkey, Norway, Croatia and Czech Republic and drawn with Portugal, Switzerland and Hungary in competitive fixtures. They have scored in all but 2 of their last 30 internationals...posted by clawsoon at 6:21 AM on June 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
You know what would be crazy ? A Belgium-Iceland final.
You know what would be crazier? A Wales-Iceland final.
posted by marienbad at 7:44 AM on June 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
You know what would be crazier? A Wales-Iceland final.
posted by marienbad at 7:44 AM on June 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
(Both BBC)
Euro 2016: Is English football beyond redemption after embarrassing exit?
Euro 2016: England lack mental strength - Gary Lineker
posted by marienbad at 8:09 AM on June 29, 2016
Euro 2016: Is English football beyond redemption after embarrassing exit?
Euro 2016: England lack mental strength - Gary Lineker
posted by marienbad at 8:09 AM on June 29, 2016
Pish tosh to all this so-called "analysis" of the English team. The problem is clearly that the English have given up the Old Gods.
posted by clawsoon at 11:26 AM on June 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by clawsoon at 11:26 AM on June 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
The problem with England is that the English think the problem with England is a lack of mental strength.
posted by that's candlepin at 11:44 AM on June 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by that's candlepin at 11:44 AM on June 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
The problem is that English football has no attention span. Come August everyone will have forgotten, no changes will be made, everything will continue on and on and on and then
well here we are, two years after the last time. Two years, I suspect, before the next.
posted by dng at 12:56 PM on June 29, 2016
well here we are, two years after the last time. Two years, I suspect, before the next.
posted by dng at 12:56 PM on June 29, 2016
Agree, dng.
Lawro's Predictions for the Quarter Finals...
posted by marienbad at 5:42 PM on June 29, 2016
Lawro's Predictions for the Quarter Finals...
posted by marienbad at 5:42 PM on June 29, 2016
I'm not terribly hopeful for the France game. Then again, I wasn't exactly overflowing with hope before the England game. But I have actual football reasons for being worried about the France game, rather than just the kind of sinking feeling that comes from a lifetime of watching your national team getting beat by the likes of Slovenia, Latvia and the Faroe Islands.
If Deschamps sticks to using Giroud and Griezmann as a little-and-large combination, that could cause the Icelandic defense all kinds of problem. Giroud up top on his own, or a speedy front three, would be handled pretty easily, but Iceland's vulnerable both to knockdowns and getting pulled out of shape by having to cover two such different players. My other worry is that France has faced Iceland-like teams two times already, in Albania and Ireland, and come out top both times. Unfortunately for Iceland, the weakest link in the French defense, Adil Rami, is suspended and is replaced by the newest member of the Barcelona squad, Samuel Umtiti. I suppose there's hope in that Koscielny and Umtiti haven't had any time to develop a mutual understanding, which might open up a few chances for Iceland. Oh well, France have been my proxy-national team since I lived there as a kid, so if my national team has to lose to anyone, it might as well be them.
posted by Kattullus at 11:26 PM on June 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
If Deschamps sticks to using Giroud and Griezmann as a little-and-large combination, that could cause the Icelandic defense all kinds of problem. Giroud up top on his own, or a speedy front three, would be handled pretty easily, but Iceland's vulnerable both to knockdowns and getting pulled out of shape by having to cover two such different players. My other worry is that France has faced Iceland-like teams two times already, in Albania and Ireland, and come out top both times. Unfortunately for Iceland, the weakest link in the French defense, Adil Rami, is suspended and is replaced by the newest member of the Barcelona squad, Samuel Umtiti. I suppose there's hope in that Koscielny and Umtiti haven't had any time to develop a mutual understanding, which might open up a few chances for Iceland. Oh well, France have been my proxy-national team since I lived there as a kid, so if my national team has to lose to anyone, it might as well be them.
posted by Kattullus at 11:26 PM on June 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
Was Portugal's goal a deflection? I couldn't quite tell. [on preview they just said it was a deflection during the halftime report]
posted by mzurer at 12:54 PM on June 30, 2016
posted by mzurer at 12:54 PM on June 30, 2016
I think it was a slight deflection off the defender's knee.
posted by egregious theorem at 1:05 PM on June 30, 2016
posted by egregious theorem at 1:05 PM on June 30, 2016
I honestly don't know why Arsenal supporters never had a chant for Lukasz Fabianski, based on Suzanne Vega's 1987 hit "My Name Is Luka."
Note: would also work for Lukas Podolski.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:14 PM on June 30, 2016
Note: would also work for Lukas Podolski.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:14 PM on June 30, 2016
I don't think Poland has it. Too many missed passes. Lewandovski might win it, just because he's Lewandovski, but unfortunately I don't think the Polish team is tight enough.
Of course, they might still win anyway...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:21 PM on June 30, 2016
Of course, they might still win anyway...
posted by From Bklyn at 1:21 PM on June 30, 2016
Shut up, Pepe.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:47 PM on June 30, 2016
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:47 PM on June 30, 2016
I didn't get to see too much of the game, as, between 6-7:45 there weren't many orders, and then the customers started ordering... Idiots!! And some of them were quite far away.
Have seen about half of the second half, difficult to call from what I've seen. I would like Poland to win as how have Portugal even got this far? Pretty much the only Portugal player who deserves to win it is Sanchez, who has been excellent.
Anyone care to call it?
posted by marienbad at 1:57 PM on June 30, 2016
Have seen about half of the second half, difficult to call from what I've seen. I would like Poland to win as how have Portugal even got this far? Pretty much the only Portugal player who deserves to win it is Sanchez, who has been excellent.
Anyone care to call it?
posted by marienbad at 1:57 PM on June 30, 2016
PREDICTION: No goals scored in extra time, CR misses a PK in the shootout, cries.
One team or the other advances.
posted by mzurer at 2:03 PM on June 30, 2016
One team or the other advances.
posted by mzurer at 2:03 PM on June 30, 2016
Ronaldo's Achilles heel is that he's neither a clever nor intelligent player. For always he's been faster and more agile than everyone (except the greatest, Messi) and so now, as he slows down, he's got nothing to fall back on.
Still, I expect this will go to penalty kicks, if there isn't a fluke goal.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:05 PM on June 30, 2016
Still, I expect this will go to penalty kicks, if there isn't a fluke goal.
posted by From Bklyn at 2:05 PM on June 30, 2016
The Guardian live feed is littered with calculations of Scrabble scores for Polish player names. I gather from that that it's not a particularly exciting game.
posted by clawsoon at 2:17 PM on June 30, 2016
posted by clawsoon at 2:17 PM on June 30, 2016
What's the rule on the run-up that the announcers on ESPN mentioned? I know the goalie can't leave his line until the ball is struck, but is the person taking the kick required to keep moving toward the ball or something?
posted by mzurer at 2:45 PM on June 30, 2016
posted by mzurer at 2:45 PM on June 30, 2016
Yeah, you are not supposed to stop moving as far as I am aware.
Damn, Portugal are through to the semis, they haven't played a decent game all tournament either.
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on June 30, 2016
Damn, Portugal are through to the semis, they haven't played a decent game all tournament either.
posted by marienbad at 2:48 PM on June 30, 2016
At least, this time around, I can't say Poland played better - scored the early goal, then played for penalties after conceding. All 60+30 minutes of it. At least Portugal tried to do something about the score, if Ronaldo wasn't kicking air, could have won this one in regular time.
FIFA/UEFA needs to rethink the overtime thing at these competitions. Most of the times, teams are hedging their bets against opponent error in the final 10 / 20 minutes of the game, and there's no need to drag that for 30 more.
Ronaldo's Achilles heel is that he's neither a clever nor intelligent player. For always he's been faster and more agile than everyone (except the greatest, Messi) and so now, as he slows down, he's got nothing to fall back on.
I think he's faster and more powerful than Messi (not as agile, but he's also 5 inches taller). But I think the biggest chip on his shoulder is that it's unlikely any player worked as hard to reach that level, but he's not as naturally talented as him, that at a time was an awkward kid with stunted growth. In terms of raw talent, even Quaresma edges him, but he isn't even remotely as driven as Ronaldo is.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:39 PM on June 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
FIFA/UEFA needs to rethink the overtime thing at these competitions. Most of the times, teams are hedging their bets against opponent error in the final 10 / 20 minutes of the game, and there's no need to drag that for 30 more.
Ronaldo's Achilles heel is that he's neither a clever nor intelligent player. For always he's been faster and more agile than everyone (except the greatest, Messi) and so now, as he slows down, he's got nothing to fall back on.
I think he's faster and more powerful than Messi (not as agile, but he's also 5 inches taller). But I think the biggest chip on his shoulder is that it's unlikely any player worked as hard to reach that level, but he's not as naturally talented as him, that at a time was an awkward kid with stunted growth. In terms of raw talent, even Quaresma edges him, but he isn't even remotely as driven as Ronaldo is.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:39 PM on June 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
The only thing worse than that game was my ride home over Davenport Rd. this evening.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:25 PM on June 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:25 PM on June 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
Three draws, one late goal and today's shootout got Portugal into the half finals. I feel like they are trying to win this thing by boring their competitors to death.
(It certainly works on me, because I for one am at a point where I'd rather be rewatching the gas leak year that was the UEFA Euro 2004 than any more matches with Portugal.)
posted by bigendian at 5:59 PM on June 30, 2016
(It certainly works on me, because I for one am at a point where I'd rather be rewatching the gas leak year that was the UEFA Euro 2004 than any more matches with Portugal.)
posted by bigendian at 5:59 PM on June 30, 2016
I fell asleep during the second half and woke up during the penalty shootout. I apparently the only thing I missed was a streaker. Good game to doze off to.
posted by Kattullus at 4:40 AM on July 1, 2016
posted by Kattullus at 4:40 AM on July 1, 2016
The second half and extra time did not live up to the promise of the first half.
posted by mzurer at 6:33 AM on July 1, 2016
posted by mzurer at 6:33 AM on July 1, 2016
Just get the feeling Belgium are going to do Wales big time, they have steadily improved through the tournament. Hope not though.
posted by marienbad at 12:05 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by marienbad at 12:05 PM on July 1, 2016
Already saved a couple of shots from certain goal. Belgium looks comfortable... And right when I was going to say they sometimes struggle to score, Nainggolan hits a great shot.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:15 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 12:15 PM on July 1, 2016
My sole connection to Wales is that I have a common Welsh last name and our family probably came from there sometime 300 years ago, but still. That's incredible.
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:15 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 1:15 PM on July 1, 2016
lovely skill from Bale and a great idea on the pass. shame it didn't work.
posted by marienbad at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2016
Vokes!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:46 PM on July 1, 2016
He misses the next match, unfortunately. Portugal shouldn't be more difficult than Belgium, though, right?
posted by sapagan at 1:48 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by sapagan at 1:48 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
absolutely, billiebee, a fantastic game (although I missed some due to work)
posted by marienbad at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
Belgium has legitimate complaints about the officiating, but they lost the game at half-time (I mean, Fellaini?) and a lot of mistakes and missed chances.
Wilmots is not going to survive this. The patched-up defence can't explain everything.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2016
Wilmots is not going to survive this. The patched-up defence can't explain everything.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:49 PM on July 1, 2016
Belgium look shell-shocked! Wales can surely beat Portugal as well.
posted by marienbad at 1:51 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:51 PM on July 1, 2016
Hopefully last night's Ronaldo will turn up for Portugal.
posted by billiebee at 1:53 PM on July 1, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by billiebee at 1:53 PM on July 1, 2016 [3 favorites]
Wales v Iceland is going to be amazing.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:55 PM on July 1, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:55 PM on July 1, 2016 [3 favorites]
Wales' star players actually look like the stars they should be, unlike the stars of many other teams this year.
posted by sapagan at 1:58 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by sapagan at 1:58 PM on July 1, 2016
I think all the beloved celebrity death we've dealt with this year has gone to fuel Underdog Stories.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:58 PM on July 1, 2016
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:58 PM on July 1, 2016
This has surely put the fear into France for their game against Iceland!
posted by marienbad at 2:05 PM on July 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by marienbad at 2:05 PM on July 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
Speechless.
posted by fullerine at 2:21 PM on July 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by fullerine at 2:21 PM on July 1, 2016 [2 favorites]
Just catching up on it. Fellini is a thug. Seems to lead with his studs on every tackle.
posted by idb at 6:00 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by idb at 6:00 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
robocop is bleeding: Wales v Iceland is going to be amazing.
I hope that won't be the final. Sure we'll slaughter our opponent, but we'll end up being disliked by the whole world except for Norway and Japan.
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 AM on July 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
I hope that won't be the final. Sure we'll slaughter our opponent, but we'll end up being disliked by the whole world except for Norway and Japan.
posted by Kattullus at 12:49 AM on July 2, 2016 [3 favorites]
Italy are surely thinking "we got lucky, we got Germany!"
posted by marienbad at 5:37 AM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 5:37 AM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Courtois critical of Wilmots
Wilmots to consider future
Goal.com: Wales loss shows Belgium's 'golden generation' needs a better coach
Goal.com: Wilmots: Belgium made too many mistakes against Wales
BBC: Euro 2016: 'Wales win over Belgium dwarfs other achievements'
posted by marienbad at 8:18 AM on July 2, 2016
Wilmots to consider future
Goal.com: Wales loss shows Belgium's 'golden generation' needs a better coach
Goal.com: Wilmots: Belgium made too many mistakes against Wales
BBC: Euro 2016: 'Wales win over Belgium dwarfs other achievements'
posted by marienbad at 8:18 AM on July 2, 2016
I'm karmically paying for that last joke. It's less than two hours before a game that could be a classic, and the minor cold I woke up with has turned into a proper fever of 39.2 Celsius (102.5 in Brexenheit*). But dammit if I'm going to miss this potential thriller. If I write here about telescoping antelope symmetries flying up the wing, you'll know why.
* I suspect that at a lower body temperature, I wouldn't find that portmanteau funny. Nevertheless, here we are.
posted by Kattullus at 10:41 AM on July 2, 2016
* I suspect that at a lower body temperature, I wouldn't find that portmanteau funny. Nevertheless, here we are.
posted by Kattullus at 10:41 AM on July 2, 2016
Italy are surely thinking "we got lucky, we got Germany!"
*makes signs against malocchio* They'd better not be, that's how we go out.
That said, Germany v. Italy usually are some pretty good games. I still think the 2006 WC semifinal against them was a better game on both sides than the final against France.
posted by romakimmy at 11:06 AM on July 2, 2016
*makes signs against malocchio* They'd better not be, that's how we go out.
That said, Germany v. Italy usually are some pretty good games. I still think the 2006 WC semifinal against them was a better game on both sides than the final against France.
posted by romakimmy at 11:06 AM on July 2, 2016
Wouldn't be surprised if this ended up being the last decent game of the competition.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:41 AM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 11:41 AM on July 2, 2016
Italy wins with a lone goal halfway through the second half.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:14 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 12:14 PM on July 2, 2016
Wow, what a missed opportunity.
posted by egregious theorem at 12:47 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by egregious theorem at 12:47 PM on July 2, 2016
Well, it's being an incredibly tense tactical game, but not particularly well played.
Thomas Muller usually doesn't waste chances like these. Italy on the return usually does better, too.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:47 PM on July 2, 2016
Thomas Muller usually doesn't waste chances like these. Italy on the return usually does better, too.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:47 PM on July 2, 2016
I kind of think it'll be the other way around. (Germany are getting into Italy's half and staying there seemingly with ease.)
But we'll see what the other half holds.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2016
But we'll see what the other half holds.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:52 PM on July 2, 2016
Very even game right now. After the pause Italians need to be more attack oriented with their midfield while defending, their is a 30 meter gap between the midfield and the attack. My bet 1-1.
posted by nims at 12:55 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by nims at 12:55 PM on July 2, 2016
Grrr. That was one "oh shit!" and two "No!"'s there at the end of the half. It's great when your toddler can cuss bilingually
We're letting Germany play too high up. Get yer shit together Azzurri. I hope conte gives 'em a rousing what for in the interval.
posted by romakimmy at 12:58 PM on July 2, 2016
We're letting Germany play too high up. Get yer shit together Azzurri. I hope conte gives 'em a rousing what for in the interval.
posted by romakimmy at 12:58 PM on July 2, 2016
That was a matrixesque clearance. Italy did not start the second half well.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:17 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:17 PM on July 2, 2016
Italy was looking a bit overwhelmed and Özil made the most of it, but are trying to get the game under control right now.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:34 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:34 PM on July 2, 2016
Hey, another highlight for Boatengs reel. This was dumb and Italy might have fresher legs (and all subs) for the rest of the game.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:39 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:39 PM on July 2, 2016
who'll hold it together...? Does Germany have it in them? They only have one substitution left (Italy has two).
posted by progosk at 1:58 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by progosk at 1:58 PM on July 2, 2016
Missed some of the second half due to deliveries, missed both goals (just saw them on BBC replay as they analyse the second half.) So I, for one, am glad it has gone to extra time!
posted by marienbad at 1:59 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:59 PM on July 2, 2016
I am enjoying the shots of Conte!!
A change for Italy, maybe? Zaza? Immobile?
posted by marienbad at 2:06 PM on July 2, 2016
A change for Italy, maybe? Zaza? Immobile?
posted by marienbad at 2:06 PM on July 2, 2016
One thing I'm noticing with Germany is that, unlike previous teams / generations, they don't have much going on terms of mid or long distance shooting. Where they would try to open up some space for a long distance shot, this team tries looking for the killer pass too often.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:08 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 2:08 PM on July 2, 2016
Also, I don't think this team is cool / confident enough to win on penalties. Italy is.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:11 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 2:11 PM on July 2, 2016
This is devolving into a less-than elegant game
posted by From Bklyn at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2016
Bloody penalties...
posted by progosk at 2:34 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by progosk at 2:34 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Apparently, the Euro Cup is not Müller's tournament.
posted by ceejaytee at 2:41 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ceejaytee at 2:41 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Wow - Germany are messing up their penalties like England usually do!
posted by marienbad at 2:42 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by marienbad at 2:42 PM on July 2, 2016
???!!!??!
posted by egregious theorem at 2:44 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by egregious theorem at 2:44 PM on July 2, 2016
Germany's misses were worse than Italy's I think. Except Zaza's. I don't know what that was.
posted by billiebee at 2:52 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by billiebee at 2:52 PM on July 2, 2016
Fuck me. I reached new heights of superstition this game. Germany deserves it though. We broke our steak with Spain and they broke their streak with us.
posted by romakimmy at 2:52 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by romakimmy at 2:52 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
OMG I am still shaking. That was way more heartstopping than it should have been!
I did love the commentator's remark that they were in the "realm of players who don't know where the penalty spot is" right before the Italian player got blocked.
posted by TwoStride at 2:53 PM on July 2, 2016
I did love the commentator's remark that they were in the "realm of players who don't know where the penalty spot is" right before the Italian player got blocked.
posted by TwoStride at 2:53 PM on July 2, 2016
I gotta say though, when Buffon retires, thems gonna be some ginormous gloves to fill.
posted by romakimmy at 2:55 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by romakimmy at 2:55 PM on July 2, 2016
Germany never lose on penalties. Italy never lose to Germany in a tournament. Something had to give. But the battling jujus made for a weird penalty shootout.
posted by Kattullus at 2:58 PM on July 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:58 PM on July 2, 2016 [2 favorites]
Italy lost this one because the early kickers that missed were trying to do too much to put Neuer out of balance - the changes in step looked to have little effect other than to disturb their own balance.
Just pick a side, and hit the ball hard.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:29 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Just pick a side, and hit the ball hard.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:29 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
Wow - Germany are messing up their penalties like England usually do!
A friend of mine at the bar I was watching the match in pointed out something interesting about both the German and the Italian penalty misses: most of these guys play in England.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:01 PM on July 2, 2016
A friend of mine at the bar I was watching the match in pointed out something interesting about both the German and the Italian penalty misses: most of these guys play in England.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 4:01 PM on July 2, 2016
Just caught the highlights and that was a hell of a clearance by Italy at ~53 mins.
posted by juv3nal at 5:44 PM on July 2, 2016
posted by juv3nal at 5:44 PM on July 2, 2016
And teh internets have gone to town on Zaza's pk.
posted by TwoStride at 7:05 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by TwoStride at 7:05 PM on July 2, 2016 [1 favorite]
progosk: "Ref's seriously impaired: yellow to Giaccherini??"Late to the party, but: if the ref don't think there's a free kick there, he has to give Giaccherini a yellow for deliberately handling the ball. And there was no free kick.
posted by brokkr at 8:31 AM on July 3, 2016
And this Germany fan is looking forward to the semi against Iceland.
posted by brokkr at 8:32 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by brokkr at 8:32 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
From the alternate history department: "I was part of the SFA Board which decided against appointing Lars Lagerback as successor to George Burley back in 2009. And as can be seen now, that was a mistake."
(this guy, I assume, even if it had been funnier had it been this guy).
posted by effbot at 11:14 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
(this guy, I assume, even if it had been funnier had it been this guy).
posted by effbot at 11:14 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
And here we are, the last QF. Whose up for another one? Can Iceland pull off the shock of the tournament and beat France? Or have France prepared for this? (BBC reports the French players all hugged one another after their warm up, which sounds like good psychological preparation.)
Anyone care (dare?) to predict this one? It would be something if Iceland won, but then they will meet Germany and it will surely be over for them - the German football machine will grind their way to the final (not that I am a bitter England fan, no siree, oh boy no!)
If France win, can they beat Germany in the semi and get to the Final and beat Wales?
A great nugget from the BBC:
"Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson only turned pro in 2014, at the age of 30. Before then he had combined part-time football with his work as a video director.
You may have heard that he directed the video for Iceland's 2012 EuroVision entry - 'Never Forget' by Greta Salome & Jonsi.
Guess who gave the song nul points? France!"
posted by marienbad at 11:34 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Anyone care (dare?) to predict this one? It would be something if Iceland won, but then they will meet Germany and it will surely be over for them - the German football machine will grind their way to the final (not that I am a bitter England fan, no siree, oh boy no!)
If France win, can they beat Germany in the semi and get to the Final and beat Wales?
A great nugget from the BBC:
"Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson only turned pro in 2014, at the age of 30. Before then he had combined part-time football with his work as a video director.
You may have heard that he directed the video for Iceland's 2012 EuroVision entry - 'Never Forget' by Greta Salome & Jonsi.
Guess who gave the song nul points? France!"
posted by marienbad at 11:34 AM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Given the downers that the next two World Cups will be due to corruption and worse, the should let teams like Iceland qualify based on positivity and fan support alone
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:35 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:35 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
France have controlled this game almost from the start. They have done their homework! Iceland don't have the quality needed to beat France from here.
posted by marienbad at 12:40 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by marienbad at 12:40 PM on July 3, 2016
What!? You mean treating your opponent like a credible threat given they have advanced to the same stage as you have is a viable tactic? Careful, the FA might call you up with a job offer.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:44 PM on July 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
Well, it was fun.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:46 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 12:46 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Payet! Again!! This is going to be a thrashing, Iceland look tired and laboured and lack any ideas when they have the ball. Even if they make a couple of substitutions at half time I can't see who they can bring on or what they can do to stem the flow.
Nice play by Payet, superb skills
And as I type this: superb by Griezemann!! What a well taken goal!
posted by marienbad at 12:47 PM on July 3, 2016
Nice play by Payet, superb skills
And as I type this: superb by Griezemann!! What a well taken goal!
posted by marienbad at 12:47 PM on July 3, 2016
Trust the French to be merciless in the second half, too.
posted by progosk at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by progosk at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
One good thing about this is that it will inspire France and worry the Germans!
posted by marienbad at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Oh, jesus. Poor Iceland, they've been so brave but it's just a slaughter now.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 12:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
"Now the English selection can really feel ashamed."
posted by nims at 8:28 PM
They certainly can now! Man, even I feel ashamed right now.
posted by marienbad at 12:50 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by nims at 8:28 PM
They certainly can now! Man, even I feel ashamed right now.
posted by marienbad at 12:50 PM on July 3, 2016
Did they even go the full 45 or are the refs instituting mercy rules?
So sad for Iceland. Their belief is gone. I hope they can pull one back and leave with heads held high.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:51 PM on July 3, 2016
So sad for Iceland. Their belief is gone. I hope they can pull one back and leave with heads held high.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:51 PM on July 3, 2016
Betting company ad at half time: France to win 5-1 is 10/1. Yeah, okay.
posted by marienbad at 12:52 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by marienbad at 12:52 PM on July 3, 2016
They certainly can now! Man, even I feel ashamed right now.
Careful... You're sounding more and more like an England manager by the moment....
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2016
Careful... You're sounding more and more like an England manager by the moment....
posted by robocop is bleeding at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2016
They went the full 45 but I suspect the ref opted not to give the extra minute or so that could've been added.
posted by TwoStride at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by TwoStride at 12:53 PM on July 3, 2016
Please don't let Pogba go back to Man Utd.
France have moved so well, there always seems to be an option for them, a player available.
posted by marienbad at 1:10 PM on July 3, 2016
France have moved so well, there always seems to be an option for them, a player available.
posted by marienbad at 1:10 PM on July 3, 2016
Yay, Iceland! Way to come out of halftime with their heads still high.
posted by TwoStride at 1:16 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by TwoStride at 1:16 PM on July 3, 2016
I guess this will be the last time I can say this to Iceland: "come on my -sons!"
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:32 PM on July 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:32 PM on July 3, 2016 [3 favorites]
This second half is excellent, Iceland have really made a game of it - I thought they would wilt in the second half after the way things went in the first, but they haven't at all. Really showing everyone how to keep going when things look dire - England take note.
posted by marienbad at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 1:39 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
COME ON MY SONS! Just need four more goals!!!!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:42 PM on July 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:42 PM on July 3, 2016 [5 favorites]
OMG!! Well played, Iceland, for all that France have controlled the game for the last few minutes, Iceland just have not given up.
posted by marienbad at 1:43 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:43 PM on July 3, 2016
Iceland can still do this in injury time if they can just activate multiball. Hit left ramp!!!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:47 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 1:47 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Happy to see Iceland get a couple and keep their dignity, also to see the veteran Eidur Gudjohnsen on for a taste of the big show.
Fun fact: in Icelandic, there is no verb meaning "to quit". Apparently.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:48 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Fun fact: in Icelandic, there is no verb meaning "to quit". Apparently.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 1:48 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Iceland made this entertaining until the end. Considering the shitshow that was most of this competition, that's more that can be said about some other 20 or so teams.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:50 PM on July 3, 2016
Congratulations to France, and well done Iceland!! A great QF.
posted by marienbad at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 1:52 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
The salute the Icelandic fans are giving is hard to see through this dusty room, y'all.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:53 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 1:53 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
*silently hands tissue*
posted by nims at 1:56 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by nims at 1:56 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Are trading jerseys not a thing this tournament? I'm missing the shirtless guys show of sportsmanship at the end.
posted by TwoStride at 2:03 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by TwoStride at 2:03 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Well, the first half was a shock to the system, but the second was massively enjoyable. This has been absolutely brilliant for Icelandic fans, and we're massively proud of the team. It's made for a great start of summer. It was wonderful fun.
posted by Kattullus at 2:41 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:41 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also, I hope France thrash Germany. For two reasons:
1) Because I lived in France as a boy, they are the second team of my heart.
2) If France comprehensively beat Germany losing 5-2 will look pretty decent :-)
posted by Kattullus at 2:44 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
1) Because I lived in France as a boy, they are the second team of my heart.
2) If France comprehensively beat Germany losing 5-2 will look pretty decent :-)
posted by Kattullus at 2:44 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Easily the best match of the tournament so far.
Iceland have nothing to be ashamed of here.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:47 PM on July 3, 2016
Iceland have nothing to be ashamed of here.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:47 PM on July 3, 2016
Oh, and I leave you with this, supporters singing the Icelandic fans' anthem before the Portugal game. The song is called "Ég er kominn heim" (I Have Returned Home). The Icelandic team will be greeted by tens of thousands of people singing that song when they return home.
posted by Kattullus at 2:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 2:49 PM on July 3, 2016 [4 favorites]
I've always said that when I form my own country, I want the national anthem to have a very solemn, majestic choral bit like the Icelandic anthem, and then a bit that sounds like "Mademoiselle from Armentières."
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:57 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:57 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kattullus once again proving popular on the Guardian MBM for the game...
posted by biffa at 3:04 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by biffa at 3:04 PM on July 3, 2016 [2 favorites]
Yeah, respect to the Iceland squad - they have done the tournament and their country proud. Hold your heads high, lads!!
posted by marienbad at 3:09 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 3:09 PM on July 3, 2016 [1 favorite]
I was really sad to see Iceland buckle in the first half. And impressed at how well France played - I never would have guessed they could have beaten Iceland 5-2. I guessed 2-1, maybe 3-1?
At the bar where I was watching, someone mentioned how France got away really easy, and are going to b relatively fresh when they meet Germany. Whereas Germany is short Hummels (defense) and Schweiny and Khediera are secretly injured. Mueller has the yips and can't get the ball into the net. Gomez is injured and out (arguably not a bad thing necessarily.)
It's going to be an uphill game for Germany to play Wales in the final.
Or Portugal. I mean.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:12 AM on July 4, 2016
At the bar where I was watching, someone mentioned how France got away really easy, and are going to b relatively fresh when they meet Germany. Whereas Germany is short Hummels (defense) and Schweiny and Khediera are secretly injured. Mueller has the yips and can't get the ball into the net. Gomez is injured and out (arguably not a bad thing necessarily.)
It's going to be an uphill game for Germany to play Wales in the final.
Or Portugal. I mean.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:12 AM on July 4, 2016
Iceland Team Return Home. Just looking at the pics fills me with emotion.
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on July 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 2:38 PM on July 4, 2016 [1 favorite]
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posted by brokkr at 2:53 AM on June 29, 2016 [1 favorite]