2016 UEFA European Football Championship: Group Stage, Round 3
June 18, 2016 3:28 PM - Season 1, Episode 3 - Subscribe
Three teams are already planning the knockout stage, eight will book their flights home in the next days, and a handful will hold their breaths until the final whistle late on June 22.
France were the first to advance, followed by Spain and Italy. All three teams needed late goals at any point so far (a constant in the competition - 15 goals were scored on the last ten minutes, with 9 of them proving crucial to the final score), but have the six points to play the third game knowing they can rest their starters before the knockout stage - and Italy has even clinched the top spot in the group. The other teams have reached the four points that should be necessary to advance are Switzerland, England, Germany, Poland, Croatia and Hungary.
At the end of round 2, between third place teams, Northern Ireland and Slovakia are leading with 3 points, and goal difference might very likely become the tie-breaker. The Ukrainians were the first to get eliminated, as their defeat puts the first two spots out of reach, and losing to Northern Ireland also meant losing the tie-breaker. Still in contention but underperforming are Russia (one point), Czechia (who now have lost captain Tomas Rosicky), Sweden (zero shots on goal) and Portugal (tied against Iceland and Austria in poor performances).
The highlight is Croatia - Spain, what promises to be a battle between two of the best midfields in the competition (however, Modric is likely to miss the game due to injury) for the top spot in group D. This if Croatia isn't penalized or suspended following the flare incident against Czechia.
ROUND 3 (all times local)
19 June
21.00 A: Switzerland v France
21.00 A: Romania v Albania
20 June
21.00 B: Slovakia v England
21.00 B: Russia v Wales
21 June
18.00 C: Northern Ireland v Germany
18.00 C: Ukraine v Poland
21.00 D: Croatia v Spain
21.00 D: Czechia v Turkey
22 June
18.00 F: Hungary v Portugal
18.00 F: Iceland v Austria
21.00 E: Sweden v Belgium
21.00 E: Italy v Republic of Ireland
France were the first to advance, followed by Spain and Italy. All three teams needed late goals at any point so far (a constant in the competition - 15 goals were scored on the last ten minutes, with 9 of them proving crucial to the final score), but have the six points to play the third game knowing they can rest their starters before the knockout stage - and Italy has even clinched the top spot in the group. The other teams have reached the four points that should be necessary to advance are Switzerland, England, Germany, Poland, Croatia and Hungary.
At the end of round 2, between third place teams, Northern Ireland and Slovakia are leading with 3 points, and goal difference might very likely become the tie-breaker. The Ukrainians were the first to get eliminated, as their defeat puts the first two spots out of reach, and losing to Northern Ireland also meant losing the tie-breaker. Still in contention but underperforming are Russia (one point), Czechia (who now have lost captain Tomas Rosicky), Sweden (zero shots on goal) and Portugal (tied against Iceland and Austria in poor performances).
The highlight is Croatia - Spain, what promises to be a battle between two of the best midfields in the competition (however, Modric is likely to miss the game due to injury) for the top spot in group D. This if Croatia isn't penalized or suspended following the flare incident against Czechia.
ROUND 3 (all times local)
19 June
21.00 A: Switzerland v France
21.00 A: Romania v Albania
20 June
21.00 B: Slovakia v England
21.00 B: Russia v Wales
21 June
18.00 C: Northern Ireland v Germany
18.00 C: Ukraine v Poland
21.00 D: Croatia v Spain
21.00 D: Czechia v Turkey
22 June
18.00 F: Hungary v Portugal
18.00 F: Iceland v Austria
21.00 E: Sweden v Belgium
21.00 E: Italy v Republic of Ireland
I don't know how reliable it is, but this site allied allows you to input results (and even change previous results) to make your predictions for the knockout stage.
posted by lmfsilva at 4:05 PM on June 18, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 4:05 PM on June 18, 2016
With only 3 games in the group stages it seems that there are very few teams who don't have their fate in their own hands.
Win your last game and you're through.
posted by fullerine at 12:33 AM on June 19, 2016
Win your last game and you're through.
posted by fullerine at 12:33 AM on June 19, 2016
Can only see France-Switzerland here - is Albania really holding Romania off?
posted by progosk at 12:34 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by progosk at 12:34 PM on June 19, 2016
Sadiku scores for Albania - sounds like the more interesting game!
posted by progosk at 12:46 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by progosk at 12:46 PM on June 19, 2016
Swiss players had two shirts ripped off, while France is using a different away kit ... that looks a lot better than the one they presented. And also, a much better kit for England than Nike pushed for.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:55 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 12:55 PM on June 19, 2016
France still not quite at the races. Switzerland have played well though.
posted by marienbad at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2016
Three ripped shirts (not two) and a punctured ball. Not a good day for the Dassler brothers.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Switzerland are playing like they think they migh win.
I don't think I've seen any first half that's been better than the second.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2016
I don't think I've seen any first half that's been better than the second.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2016
Payet!
posted by From Bklyn at 1:19 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 1:19 PM on June 19, 2016
Is anyone keeping count of all the players slip-sliding all over these French pitches? Seems really far too frequent.
posted by progosk at 1:20 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by progosk at 1:20 PM on June 19, 2016
New grass is often terrible (easily uprooted, most likely), and it's like this on most major competitions. It also rained like crazy and that certainly didn't help.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:30 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:30 PM on June 19, 2016
Switzerland playing well but no efforts on goal. France playing badly but a couple of efforts on goal.
posted by marienbad at 1:31 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:31 PM on June 19, 2016
Pretty poor game, Switzerland unlucky not to get a penalty at the end. France will need to step it up in the next round.
posted by marienbad at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2016
Switzerland unlucky not to get a penalty at the end
Of all times the shirts didn't rip, it had to hold together in that play.
Albania now have three points, but with -2 on difference, they are holding out England beats Slovakia by 3 and Germany beats Northern Ireland by 4 and Portugal to lose to increase their chances of advancing.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:08 PM on June 19, 2016
Of all times the shirts didn't rip, it had to hold together in that play.
Albania now have three points, but with -2 on difference, they are holding out England beats Slovakia by 3 and Germany beats Northern Ireland by 4 and Portugal to lose to increase their chances of advancing.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:08 PM on June 19, 2016
Holy moly, that Payet shot that came off the bar was two centimeters from being on all future Euros highlight reels.
Also, hurray Albania!
posted by Kattullus at 2:16 PM on June 19, 2016
Also, hurray Albania!
posted by Kattullus at 2:16 PM on June 19, 2016
Yeah, an agonising wait for Albania due to being the first team to place third. Gotta feel for them, didn't deserve to lose 2-0 to France at all. Romania lost this in the first game when they failed to take their chances against France, and Payet stunned them with a scorcher to win France the game - Romania were well in the game but still lost.
France now face one of the third placed teams, which is a bit of a break for them. Switzerland play the runners up in group C (currently/possibly Poland.)
BBC - current third place table
posted by marienbad at 3:11 PM on June 19, 2016
France now face one of the third placed teams, which is a bit of a break for them. Switzerland play the runners up in group C (currently/possibly Poland.)
BBC - current third place table
posted by marienbad at 3:11 PM on June 19, 2016
Also that BBC link I posted has the permutations of who might go through and some complex table at the bottom of the page about who plays who depending on who goes through - man, I remember a time when it was so much simpler!
posted by marienbad at 5:48 PM on June 19, 2016
posted by marienbad at 5:48 PM on June 19, 2016
Puma: Switzerland shirt rips v France down to faulty material
posted by marienbad at 8:27 AM on June 20, 2016
posted by marienbad at 8:27 AM on June 20, 2016
One and a quarter hours to go before group b is decided. Come on England and Wales!!
posted by marienbad at 10:45 AM on June 20, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:45 AM on June 20, 2016
6 changes? No Rooney?
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:13 AM on June 20, 2016
posted by Huffy Puffy at 11:13 AM on June 20, 2016
Vardy and Sturridge have to be better than Kan and Sterling were. Rose and Walker could do with a rest.
I don't think Rooney needs a rest but it would be good to see if Wilshere can be relied upon seeing how he hasn't had a lot of playing time this year.
As long as England don't lose they go through, and Slovakia haven't been that impressive. Better to find out who the best starting 11 are now as opposed to in a knock-out game.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:26 AM on June 20, 2016
I don't think Rooney needs a rest but it would be good to see if Wilshere can be relied upon seeing how he hasn't had a lot of playing time this year.
As long as England don't lose they go through, and Slovakia haven't been that impressive. Better to find out who the best starting 11 are now as opposed to in a knock-out game.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:26 AM on June 20, 2016
Watching the replays of the ball explode in the France-Switzerland game was pretty neat. When play stopped the commentators didn't know what was going on but when they found out they went to the replays and you could actually see the air escape the ball. I wonder if that would work for farts.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:58 AM on June 20, 2016
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:58 AM on June 20, 2016
Honestly, England-! ALL I ask is that every player is the best in the world for that position and you score 13 unopposed goals every 12 minutes and the players don't wear pants and when they run around they leave a trail of little fox-droppings that are made of solid GOLD. And if you can't even do THAT, well! ... I suppose I'll be happy with a draw.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:54 PM on June 20, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:54 PM on June 20, 2016 [1 favorite]
OK, missed a bit as had to drive home from work. Rooney on I see.
Also, Wales 3 Russia 0 - hahahaha suck it Russia!
posted by marienbad at 1:24 PM on June 20, 2016
Also, Wales 3 Russia 0 - hahahaha suck it Russia!
posted by marienbad at 1:24 PM on June 20, 2016
I'm kind of hoping that Slovakia gets a really dodgy goal now, blatantly offside, imaginary penalty, whatever. England should have put this to bed a long time ago.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:41 PM on June 20, 2016
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:41 PM on June 20, 2016
We will need to be better than that to get to the quarter finals though.
posted by marienbad at 1:52 PM on June 20, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:52 PM on June 20, 2016
Where we will probably meet France or Croatia... or... oh man, you just get hung up on the permutations.
posted by marienbad at 2:24 PM on June 20, 2016
posted by marienbad at 2:24 PM on June 20, 2016
I fell asleep during the first half. Then on half time. And during the second half. England played like shit, Slovakia wanted a draw. And we ended up with this.
Well done Wales and hahahaha Russia.
Also, France was forced to wear that new kit because UEFA specifically forbids teams using different colored sleeves, unless the kit features patterns (halves, stripes, hoops). Another wardrobe malfunction. I think Nike's designers are as clueless as Draw Play makes them to be.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:51 PM on June 20, 2016
Well done Wales and hahahaha Russia.
Also, France was forced to wear that new kit because UEFA specifically forbids teams using different colored sleeves, unless the kit features patterns (halves, stripes, hoops). Another wardrobe malfunction. I think Nike's designers are as clueless as Draw Play makes them to be.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:51 PM on June 20, 2016
So, predictions for today's games.
After facing criticism after their goalless draw with Poland, Germany will be looking to make a mark and cinch first place. Norn Iron will be fighting bravely, but ultimately they go down. 4-1 win for Germany after 1-1 at half time.
Poland will be content with second place in the group, as it will mean they face Switzerland in the round of 16. Knowing that Northern Ireland are unlikely to beat Germany, they rest some of their key players and draw 0-0 with already eliminated and demoralised Ukraine in what will go down as the boringest match in a tournament of boring matches.
The Czechs need help from Spain to grab second place. However, the question is whether they want to take second place, as it means a certain matchup against Italy rather than a shot at meeting Wales. In any case Czechia needs to win to advance, and that's what they'll do against a Turkish side that has played like a bag of potatoes so far. 2-0.
La Furia Roja has been excelling so far against weak opposition. Today, they meet a somewhat tougher opponent who will be looking to avenge their collapse against the Czechs. Also, with their minds on the knockout phase and looking to avoid injuries, Spain will be content with a 1-1 draw that also sees Croatia through to meet Italy, as mentioned before.
posted by brokkr at 6:27 AM on June 21, 2016
After facing criticism after their goalless draw with Poland, Germany will be looking to make a mark and cinch first place. Norn Iron will be fighting bravely, but ultimately they go down. 4-1 win for Germany after 1-1 at half time.
Poland will be content with second place in the group, as it will mean they face Switzerland in the round of 16. Knowing that Northern Ireland are unlikely to beat Germany, they rest some of their key players and draw 0-0 with already eliminated and demoralised Ukraine in what will go down as the boringest match in a tournament of boring matches.
The Czechs need help from Spain to grab second place. However, the question is whether they want to take second place, as it means a certain matchup against Italy rather than a shot at meeting Wales. In any case Czechia needs to win to advance, and that's what they'll do against a Turkish side that has played like a bag of potatoes so far. 2-0.
La Furia Roja has been excelling so far against weak opposition. Today, they meet a somewhat tougher opponent who will be looking to avenge their collapse against the Czechs. Also, with their minds on the knockout phase and looking to avoid injuries, Spain will be content with a 1-1 draw that also sees Croatia through to meet Italy, as mentioned before.
posted by brokkr at 6:27 AM on June 21, 2016
Hey, would it be OK to talk about the Copa in here, later tonight? Don't worry, after Argentina beats us by two touchdowns, we won't be talking about it for long.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 6:53 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by Huffy Puffy at 6:53 AM on June 21, 2016
So, predictions for today's games:
Northern Ireland pull off one of the shocks of the tournament, beating Germany who don't seem to have found top gear yet. After taking the lead one nil, they run riot as Germany go to pieces, unable to cope with the pressure.
Poland beat Ukraine who are (mentally) back on the plane, so Poland go goal crazy and score 5, to win 5-0.
Croatia play well, but are still demoralised after the events of the last game, and Spain then win 2-0 after scoring late and even later.
Czech beat Turkey who have looked so poor it is unreal. After taking the lead, they also run riot and win 4 -0. Turkey have two sent off.
I am joking around a bit here, would be nice for Northern Ireland to qualify, but it is very unlikely.
So, it is the morning after the night before, and England are through but the analysis and dissection of what happened on the pitch continues.... Does Roy know his best team? Can he solve the midfield riddles? Will playing winner takes all games benefit England? Will Wilshire play again this tournament? (Please dear God no.) What about defensively? Can they hold out against stronger attacking teams? And if we get through to the quarters and meet France, should we be concerned about playing them given how they have played so far?
Interesting that this time there is no-one excelling, no-one has looked like runaway winners. Only Italy have played pretty well, no-one else has looked like outright winners right now. Spain scored 3 but it was against Turkey so can't really be used as a barometer of anything.
Anyone care to take a shot at predicting the overall winner? Anyone made a prediction earlier as to who would win and would you stick or twist right now?
posted by marienbad at 8:24 AM on June 21, 2016
Northern Ireland pull off one of the shocks of the tournament, beating Germany who don't seem to have found top gear yet. After taking the lead one nil, they run riot as Germany go to pieces, unable to cope with the pressure.
Poland beat Ukraine who are (mentally) back on the plane, so Poland go goal crazy and score 5, to win 5-0.
Croatia play well, but are still demoralised after the events of the last game, and Spain then win 2-0 after scoring late and even later.
Czech beat Turkey who have looked so poor it is unreal. After taking the lead, they also run riot and win 4 -0. Turkey have two sent off.
I am joking around a bit here, would be nice for Northern Ireland to qualify, but it is very unlikely.
So, it is the morning after the night before, and England are through but the analysis and dissection of what happened on the pitch continues.... Does Roy know his best team? Can he solve the midfield riddles? Will playing winner takes all games benefit England? Will Wilshire play again this tournament? (Please dear God no.) What about defensively? Can they hold out against stronger attacking teams? And if we get through to the quarters and meet France, should we be concerned about playing them given how they have played so far?
Interesting that this time there is no-one excelling, no-one has looked like runaway winners. Only Italy have played pretty well, no-one else has looked like outright winners right now. Spain scored 3 but it was against Turkey so can't really be used as a barometer of anything.
Anyone care to take a shot at predicting the overall winner? Anyone made a prediction earlier as to who would win and would you stick or twist right now?
posted by marienbad at 8:24 AM on June 21, 2016
Just saw Germany's starting lineup. Gomez starts instead of Draxler (which probably means Gomez as target man and Götze falling back in attacking midfield, which sounds like what they should have been doing all along), and Höwedes has been replaced by upstart Joshua Kimmich on right back.
posted by brokkr at 8:24 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by brokkr at 8:24 AM on June 21, 2016
marienbad: "Anyone care to take a shot at predicting the overall winner? Anyone made a prediction earlier as to who would win and would you stick or twist right now?"I've said Germany all along, and I'm sticking with that based on what I've seen so far.
posted by brokkr at 8:26 AM on June 21, 2016
Gotta go to work, hopefully it won't be busy and I can watch some of the game!
posted by marienbad at 8:29 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 8:29 AM on June 21, 2016
marienbad: "would be nice for Northern Ireland to qualify, but it is very unlikely."As long as they lose by no more than two goals to Germany, they are better than Albania. Add a draw between Czechia and Turkey (or a Turkish win of no more than two goals), and NI are through with 3 points. There's also a chance that #3 from group E (Ireland/Sweden) ends up with only 2 points.
posted by brokkr at 8:31 AM on June 21, 2016
No more than 2? Hmm, Germany looking well up for this.
posted by marienbad at 9:37 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 9:37 AM on June 21, 2016
Is it just me or has Gotzenot had the best of tournaments so far?
posted by marienbad at 10:10 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:10 AM on June 21, 2016
Uh. Allegedly, the Croatian minister of interior warned UEFA there is/was a plot to get the match suspended by hooliganism.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:18 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 10:18 AM on June 21, 2016
Unsurprisingly gotze subbed. How is it still one nil? I have been busy with deliveries during the second half, so missed a fair bit of it.
posted by marienbad at 10:47 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:47 AM on June 21, 2016
Bad second half. Germany looked pleased with the result, and NIR comfortable with three points and a decent goal difference.
And yeah, I hope nothing happens. This has the potential to get ugly, because it's exactly punishment for the FA they're looking for.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2016
And yeah, I hope nothing happens. This has the potential to get ugly, because it's exactly punishment for the FA they're looking for.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2016
The announcer was saying there were 16 shots on goal. More than any other team.
posted by From Bklyn at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2016
I wonder if it wouldn't be better if the first tie-beaker for third place were scored goals. Nothing against any team that qualifies thanks to holding their opponents to one goal, but if feels most teams that knew they weren't getting at least 5 points to go as runner-ups were not taking any risks.
posted by lmfsilva at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 11:22 AM on June 21, 2016
Agree, goal difference and then goals scored would surely encourage more attacking football.
posted by marienbad at 11:28 AM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 11:28 AM on June 21, 2016
I haven't been able to follow closely, and haven't watched any games so far (but have been following Norn Iron this morning and enjoying the light-hearted shenanigans of my fellow countrymen and women) but I'm making plans for a long lunch tomorrow. I'm so nervous again, which is a good feeling now that the disappointment of the Stanley Cup Final is fading and I'm ready for the adrenalin rush of another tournament. We need to beat Italy, that's certain - but that could never happen, could it?. I don't think it's possible to claim 2nd place in the group regardless of the Sweden v Belgium result (unless we can overcome a pretty significant goal difference problem) but I'm hoping 4 points will be enough.
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:04 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by TwoWordReview at 12:04 PM on June 21, 2016
Dunno. I like it. But I also like late 80s / early 90s tennis shirts.
At least is unique, which is more than Nike teams can claim.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:56 PM on June 21, 2016
At least is unique, which is more than Nike teams can claim.
posted by lmfsilva at 12:56 PM on June 21, 2016
Also, class finish there. Hopefully will open up the second half, instead of 45 minutes of Spain passing sideways, 2012 style.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:01 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:01 PM on June 21, 2016
Turkey are actually winning in the other game!! 2-0 now.
posted by marienbad at 1:23 PM on June 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 1:23 PM on June 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
That was crap! (Croatia yellow-carded in their zone).
!!!!
And The goalie holds it!!
posted by From Bklyn at 1:29 PM on June 21, 2016
!!!!
And The goalie holds it!!
posted by From Bklyn at 1:29 PM on June 21, 2016
What a dive that was.
Saved!! what a great save!! (yeah he was miles off the line, but it evens out.)
posted by marienbad at 1:29 PM on June 21, 2016
Saved!! what a great save!! (yeah he was miles off the line, but it evens out.)
posted by marienbad at 1:29 PM on June 21, 2016
That whole penalty sequence was the most fun I has in a while. A dive, both teams playing telephone, and then the goal keeper saves it three steps off the line.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:40 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 1:40 PM on June 21, 2016
What a fantastic goal!! Amazing break, superb movement, and a deseved goal.
posted by marienbad at 1:45 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:45 PM on June 21, 2016
This could mean Spain meet Italy in the last 16 - if it stays like this!
posted by marienbad at 1:46 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:46 PM on June 21, 2016
Congratulations, Croatia!! Well done for taking the game to Spain!
posted by marienbad at 1:53 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:53 PM on June 21, 2016
De Géa looks poorly beaten - the ball deflected off Pique, but he wasn't covering the near post properly.
Very entertaining second half.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:53 PM on June 21, 2016
Very entertaining second half.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:53 PM on June 21, 2016
Turkey have won 2-0 but it isn't enough to get them through; NI through to last 16!! Congrats NI!!
posted by marienbad at 1:54 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:54 PM on June 21, 2016
Aaaand that means Italy will play Spain in the round of 16. I'm betting Conte is kicking himself over already securing first place in the group so they can't drop down to second by throwing the game to the Irish.
posted by brokkr at 1:56 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by brokkr at 1:56 PM on June 21, 2016
Turkey may still advance. They're already better than Albania, and if both Ireland and Sweden lose tomorrow, the Turks go through.
posted by brokkr at 1:57 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by brokkr at 1:57 PM on June 21, 2016
Italy can beat Spain. Also, if Ireland beat Italy 1-0 and Belgium beat Sweden 3-0 Belgium can finish top.
posted by marienbad at 1:59 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 1:59 PM on June 21, 2016
BBC: Romania and Russia managed just one point each and Ukraine failed to collect a goal or a point
posted by marienbad at 2:00 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 2:00 PM on June 21, 2016
Hey, maybe Sweden can top them as the team that failed to hit a shot on goal.
Also, the fun never stops in Spain.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:04 PM on June 21, 2016
Also, the fun never stops in Spain.
posted by lmfsilva at 2:04 PM on June 21, 2016
Italy can beat Spain. Also, if Ireland beat Italy 1-0 and Belgium beat Sweden 3-0 Belgium can finish top.
It's head-to-head before goal difference, so Italy are definitely top in their group.
posted by dng at 3:13 PM on June 21, 2016
It's head-to-head before goal difference, so Italy are definitely top in their group.
posted by dng at 3:13 PM on June 21, 2016
So, Northern Ireland is in. So is Slovakia. Iceland needs a third tie to get in (as a second if Portugal loses - pleasepleaseplease - third if they win).
The bracket looks incredibly out of balance - We could have an Italy - Germany and England - France on the quarter finals on one end... and Switzerland - Croatia and Wales - Belgium on the other.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:46 PM on June 21, 2016
The bracket looks incredibly out of balance - We could have an Italy - Germany and England - France on the quarter finals on one end... and Switzerland - Croatia and Wales - Belgium on the other.
posted by lmfsilva at 3:46 PM on June 21, 2016
Agree, lmf, it is an odd way to have it work out in the next few rounds.
posted by marienbad at 3:57 PM on June 21, 2016
posted by marienbad at 3:57 PM on June 21, 2016
I mean, not implying those are all strong teams in one bracket and all weak in the other, but the final will in all likelihood be something nobody expected two weeks ago.
posted by lmfsilva at 5:51 PM on June 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by lmfsilva at 5:51 PM on June 21, 2016 [1 favorite]
lmfsilva: (as a second if Portugal loses - pleasepleaseplease - third if they win).
Are you saying you want Portugal to lose? If so, welcome to the club consisting of pretty much everyone else in Europe after Ronaldo's mardy rant the other day!
posted by marienbad at 6:16 PM on June 21, 2016
Are you saying you want Portugal to lose? If so, welcome to the club consisting of pretty much everyone else in Europe after Ronaldo's mardy rant the other day!
posted by marienbad at 6:16 PM on June 21, 2016
I reckon the more I watch the national press constantly apologising for Ronaldo, the harder I want them to fail.
The national team is a cult of personality, and I happen to dislike said personality. Scolari brought that (he made Ronaldo captain by executive decision), and since it's getting worse at the same rate as the team.
I almost felt like throwing anything at the TV because one of the pundits did nothing but to give reasons -all outside his control, obv- why Ronaldo is flopping so hard.
And of course, the minute he doesn't suck - and considering his talent, that minute will eventually come (now or in September), they'll act all vindicated, like scoring a free kick tomorrow or against Bétis will erase all 30-something kicks he made shit from when it mattered in a big competition. As if every criticism was equivalent to saying he's s terrible player.
Every top player gets shit from the local press. Messi gets a lot of shit when Argentina adds four more to their own years of hurt. Rooney gets shit. In Italy, giving shit is a national sport. In Germany, nobody is safe from having a former world cup winner laying some on them. Even Figo got some criticism when he said he wouldn't play in the national team to lose prestige. But Ronaldo plays like shit, makes asinine comments, still does not convince me as a captain, and apparently I'm an horrible person for suggesting anything else that isn't the national team being top 5 in the world, and Ronaldo being a victim of circumstances.
This is why I want Portugal to miss on Russia. Maybe that will smack some reality on those entitled assholes, and this becomes an actual national team again, not a shitty scarf outlet where a bunch of B-list players go out and show their new haircuts.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:33 PM on June 21, 2016 [3 favorites]
The national team is a cult of personality, and I happen to dislike said personality. Scolari brought that (he made Ronaldo captain by executive decision), and since it's getting worse at the same rate as the team.
I almost felt like throwing anything at the TV because one of the pundits did nothing but to give reasons -all outside his control, obv- why Ronaldo is flopping so hard.
And of course, the minute he doesn't suck - and considering his talent, that minute will eventually come (now or in September), they'll act all vindicated, like scoring a free kick tomorrow or against Bétis will erase all 30-something kicks he made shit from when it mattered in a big competition. As if every criticism was equivalent to saying he's s terrible player.
Every top player gets shit from the local press. Messi gets a lot of shit when Argentina adds four more to their own years of hurt. Rooney gets shit. In Italy, giving shit is a national sport. In Germany, nobody is safe from having a former world cup winner laying some on them. Even Figo got some criticism when he said he wouldn't play in the national team to lose prestige. But Ronaldo plays like shit, makes asinine comments, still does not convince me as a captain, and apparently I'm an horrible person for suggesting anything else that isn't the national team being top 5 in the world, and Ronaldo being a victim of circumstances.
This is why I want Portugal to miss on Russia. Maybe that will smack some reality on those entitled assholes, and this becomes an actual national team again, not a shitty scarf outlet where a bunch of B-list players go out and show their new haircuts.
posted by lmfsilva at 7:33 PM on June 21, 2016 [3 favorites]
And I thought England made me angry, lmfsilva! I agree with you about Ronaldo. And I also agre he is not meant to be the captain, he is not the right person for that job.
Rooney gets shit. In Italy, giving shit is a national sport
It is in England as well. And it's not just Rooney, we lovehate our National Team.
posted by marienbad at 3:32 AM on June 22, 2016
Rooney gets shit. In Italy, giving shit is a national sport
It is in England as well. And it's not just Rooney, we lovehate our National Team.
posted by marienbad at 3:32 AM on June 22, 2016
Today's games:
18.00 F: Hungary v Portugal
18.00 F: Iceland v Austria
21.00 E: Sweden v Belgium
21.00 E: Italy v Republic of Ireland
Portugal will manage a 1-0 against Hungary most probably, although I am hoping for a Hungary win, as is lmfsilva!
Iceland can get a draw against Austria, maybe even a 1-0 win, it depends on whether Alaba plays as if he isn't playing, who can Austria turn to?
Sweden Belgium - Belgium should win this after their win the other day, they should have enough momentum to get past Sweden, but then, Sweden have not played badly, altho Ibra has been fairly useless. Sweden could just win this, but surely with the talent at their disposal Belgium will have sorted themselves out now.
Italy should beat the ROI, but they probably don't care about the result as they are through and top the group and know they are playing Spain next. It would be nice if they made 11 changes and the ROI won though, would love to see them go through to the last 16.
All in all, a pretty interesting day of footy!
Anyone else care to chuck in a prediction for today's games?
posted by marienbad at 3:38 AM on June 22, 2016
18.00 F: Hungary v Portugal
18.00 F: Iceland v Austria
21.00 E: Sweden v Belgium
21.00 E: Italy v Republic of Ireland
Portugal will manage a 1-0 against Hungary most probably, although I am hoping for a Hungary win, as is lmfsilva!
Iceland can get a draw against Austria, maybe even a 1-0 win, it depends on whether Alaba plays as if he isn't playing, who can Austria turn to?
Sweden Belgium - Belgium should win this after their win the other day, they should have enough momentum to get past Sweden, but then, Sweden have not played badly, altho Ibra has been fairly useless. Sweden could just win this, but surely with the talent at their disposal Belgium will have sorted themselves out now.
Italy should beat the ROI, but they probably don't care about the result as they are through and top the group and know they are playing Spain next. It would be nice if they made 11 changes and the ROI won though, would love to see them go through to the last 16.
All in all, a pretty interesting day of footy!
Anyone else care to chuck in a prediction for today's games?
posted by marienbad at 3:38 AM on June 22, 2016
Between work and the munchkins, I've managed to see sweet eff all of this Euro. Like, I'm one step removed from my pre-Italy days when I wouldn't have known what the Euro Cup was if you boinked me on the head with it.
So no predictions from me for now, and cheers to you all for the commentary. Hubs is off work tonight, so I might actually get to watch a full game at long last.
posted by romakimmy at 5:25 AM on June 22, 2016
So no predictions from me for now, and cheers to you all for the commentary. Hubs is off work tonight, so I might actually get to watch a full game at long last.
posted by romakimmy at 5:25 AM on June 22, 2016
Well, Ronaldo threw a reporters' microphone into a nearby lake. And yet, I'm ok with that.
(his gait, however, look very suspicious. the right leg is stiff as a board)
posted by lmfsilva at 7:02 AM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
(his gait, however, look very suspicious. the right leg is stiff as a board)
posted by lmfsilva at 7:02 AM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
That Ronaldo clip is on the BBC, for those who can't see it on the grauniad. Man, how miserable and mardy can he get?
romakimmy - You are through, and should beat Ireland comfortably.
posted by marienbad at 8:22 AM on June 22, 2016
romakimmy - You are through, and should beat Ireland comfortably.
posted by marienbad at 8:22 AM on June 22, 2016
Predictions, I think it will be all ties in Group F, Italy might rest against Ireland (and looking at their bracket, being rested might be an advantage) and drop points, while Belgium beats Sweden.
posted by lmfsilva at 8:22 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 8:22 AM on June 22, 2016
Maybe it's just the tv I am watching on, but the players in the shadowed area of the pitch are virtually invisible - usually there is some kind of light balance they can adjust on the camera. Anyone else having this problem? Portugal started well but Hungary look like they are as up for it as the Portuguese. How are your nerves, lmf?
posted by marienbad at 9:13 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 9:13 AM on June 22, 2016
I'm glad to see that progressing to the knockouts for Ireland is entirely in our own hands. Win and we're through. Draw or Lose and we're out, simple as that. Come on you boys in green!!
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:39 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:39 AM on June 22, 2016
Missed the Portuguese goal as was on a delivery but see Nani scored! Welcome back, lmf lol.
posted by marienbad at 9:45 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 9:45 AM on June 22, 2016
Finally Ronaldo noticed he can do something with the ball other than dribble and shoot.
Hungary respecting Portugal a bit too much, they had control of midfield when they wanted.
Also, Iceland is winning. Would play England if results hold up.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:54 AM on June 22, 2016
Hungary respecting Portugal a bit too much, they had control of midfield when they wanted.
Also, Iceland is winning. Would play England if results hold up.
posted by lmfsilva at 9:54 AM on June 22, 2016
Austria missed a penalty in that game as well.
Agree Hungary need to stop showing Portugal too much respect.
posted by marienbad at 10:01 AM on June 22, 2016
Agree Hungary need to stop showing Portugal too much respect.
posted by marienbad at 10:01 AM on June 22, 2016
Goalfest! Finally Ronaldo scores. Maybe he will stop being so damn Mardy now.
posted by marienbad at 10:08 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:08 AM on June 22, 2016
And another deflected goal for Hungary! Man this is some start to the half!
posted by marienbad at 10:13 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:13 AM on June 22, 2016
Wow! Poor defending there, well taken header. Who is going to win this game? Also Austria now level with Iceland.
posted by marienbad at 10:21 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 10:21 AM on June 22, 2016
Just catching up on the Guardian's MBM of Iceland-Austria and I see that Kattullus has gotten a shout-out! (Even if the emailer did misgender him.)
posted by asterix at 10:26 AM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by asterix at 10:26 AM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Iceland!
posted by Seeba at 10:55 AM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Seeba at 10:55 AM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
ICELAND!!
posted by bigendian at 11:03 AM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by bigendian at 11:03 AM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
IIIIIIIIIIIICELAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by Kattullus at 11:12 AM on June 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 11:12 AM on June 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
Missed the last twenty minutes as was out delivering. Ah well, on to Italy vs Ireland.
posted by marienbad at 11:41 AM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 11:41 AM on June 22, 2016
Oh, it's on! Ireland are bringing it to the Italians with love. I particularly appreciate Long pulling up the legs of his shorts.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:43 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 12:43 PM on June 22, 2016
The Italians are playing particularly dirty.
posted by From Bklyn at 12:45 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 12:45 PM on June 22, 2016
Yeah they are being very cynical, and that's being polite.
posted by marienbad at 12:51 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by marienbad at 12:51 PM on June 22, 2016
Italians playing cynically? WELL I NEVER.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:06 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by lmfsilva at 1:06 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
YEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by From Bklyn at 1:42 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 1:42 PM on June 22, 2016
What was the kattalus shoutout on the grauniad?
asterix, did you mean this:
“Please ask MBM regular Kári Tulinius if she is the sister of the wonderful actor and director Thor Tulinius (my mate!),” asks Russell, via email. “And can she wish him both a Happy Birthday (today) and best of luck for all 3 points and a chance to hammer England in the next round.”
?
posted by progosk at 1:48 PM on June 22, 2016
asterix, did you mean this:
“Please ask MBM regular Kári Tulinius if she is the sister of the wonderful actor and director Thor Tulinius (my mate!),” asks Russell, via email. “And can she wish him both a Happy Birthday (today) and best of luck for all 3 points and a chance to hammer England in the next round.”
?
posted by progosk at 1:48 PM on June 22, 2016
Oh Ireland - that was a beauty.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:52 PM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by From Bklyn at 1:52 PM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Two really great games, Hungary vs. Portugal was also a heck of a game in one day.
posted by From Bklyn at 1:55 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by From Bklyn at 1:55 PM on June 22, 2016
Italian commentators saying it wasn't the "real" Italy playing tonight...
posted by progosk at 1:56 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by progosk at 1:56 PM on June 22, 2016
All our thoughts are with Scotland at this difficult time.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:01 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:01 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Blech. Too irascible , too cynical. There was a glimmer of something decent around 76' but for naught. Too many fucking yellow cards, dudes. Settle down. I would have liked to have seen what would have happened if El Shaarawy came on earlier...meh.
Go Ireland. You totally deserved it.
posted by romakimmy at 2:04 PM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Go Ireland. You totally deserved it.
posted by romakimmy at 2:04 PM on June 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
(also, I have the draft for the Ro16 post finished up, when you all want it to go live? Late tomorrow?)
posted by lmfsilva at 2:48 PM on June 22, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 2:48 PM on June 22, 2016
While looking for the Sweden result my partner found the following footballing gem: "Swedish footballer sent off for farting during match"
“I asked the referee, ‘What, am I not allowed to break wind a little?’ ‘No,’ he replied … I don’t get it but maybe he thought I farted in my hand and threw the fart at him. But I did not.”
posted by biffa at 2:53 PM on June 22, 2016
“I asked the referee, ‘What, am I not allowed to break wind a little?’ ‘No,’ he replied … I don’t get it but maybe he thought I farted in my hand and threw the fart at him. But I did not.”
posted by biffa at 2:53 PM on June 22, 2016
Oh wow, what lovely craziness that Iceland game.
My parents are visiting Finland (where I live) so we watched it together with my girlfriend and our one-year-and-a-bit son. We could hardly believe that early goal, and then watched with mounting dread as wave after wave of Austrian attack came crashing against the Icelandic defense. The Austrian goal felt inevitable and then some. Minutes seemed to pass by at quarter speed after that, and I was mentally preparing myself for heartbreak.
Then it was the 80th minute, and the tension was getting hard to bear. Meanwhile, my son had found a new toy, which was one of our small living room windows. He started to play with and then... crack! I looked up and saw that he had smashed the window by hitting it against the latch of the second window. He just sat there staring at a piece of glass by his side that was the size of his palm, which he then picked up and handed to me.
Cue a thorough vacuuming of the sofa and floor, while everyone had one eye on the game. We were just about done and sat back down again when the Icelandic players broke and rushed up the field and scored the second goal.
Cue bedlam.
My son didn't quite know what to make of the four adults jumping and screaming and hugging and dancing.
What crazy loveliness that Iceland game.
posted by Kattullus at 3:05 PM on June 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
My parents are visiting Finland (where I live) so we watched it together with my girlfriend and our one-year-and-a-bit son. We could hardly believe that early goal, and then watched with mounting dread as wave after wave of Austrian attack came crashing against the Icelandic defense. The Austrian goal felt inevitable and then some. Minutes seemed to pass by at quarter speed after that, and I was mentally preparing myself for heartbreak.
Then it was the 80th minute, and the tension was getting hard to bear. Meanwhile, my son had found a new toy, which was one of our small living room windows. He started to play with and then... crack! I looked up and saw that he had smashed the window by hitting it against the latch of the second window. He just sat there staring at a piece of glass by his side that was the size of his palm, which he then picked up and handed to me.
Cue a thorough vacuuming of the sofa and floor, while everyone had one eye on the game. We were just about done and sat back down again when the Icelandic players broke and rushed up the field and scored the second goal.
Cue bedlam.
My son didn't quite know what to make of the four adults jumping and screaming and hugging and dancing.
What crazy loveliness that Iceland game.
posted by Kattullus at 3:05 PM on June 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
I very much enjoyed this shot of our pint-sized President celebrating in the stand.
posted by o seasons o castles at 11:51 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by o seasons o castles at 11:51 PM on June 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Christ it was exhausting watching the Ireland game, and I'm not even Irish! Congratulations and well done, good luck in the next round!
posted by marienbad at 3:48 AM on June 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by marienbad at 3:48 AM on June 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Round of 16 post. I'll add something dumb I made up during the storm break last night in a moment.
posted by lmfsilva at 10:31 AM on June 23, 2016
posted by lmfsilva at 10:31 AM on June 23, 2016
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posted by marienbad at 3:58 PM on June 18, 2016