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Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2016, 09:13 PM

So, anyone attending?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 6 2016, 09:22 PM

Nah, I honestly don't feel all that excited about it, it's probably that Azzurri squad that has me so depressed about the whole thing. Plus it's a tricky group and we might just end up seeing a repeat of the World Cup.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 6 2016, 09:23 PM

Man, you're really depressing lately.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 6 2016, 10:53 PM

I am, France-Albania on the 15th in Marseille.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 7 2016, 09:25 AM

I know...

Football has left me feeling that way. At least in the past if the Azzurri were sucking there was Milan or it was reversed. Now it's just suckage on all fronts.


Great to hear, hope you have a great time!

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 10 2016, 06:59 PM

Cheers. I'm flying tomorrow for a couple of days wandering in Paris, then I'm gonna take the train to Marseille. Kinda worried about any potential terrorists attacks cause I'm super-paranoid in nature, but hopefully all goes well.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 10 2016, 08:51 PM

Will keep you in my thoughts mate

Hopefully everything goes smoothly for the entire tournament.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2016, 01:19 AM

Have you guys seen who'll be Conte's successor? My God.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 11 2016, 05:23 AM

hmm

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2016, 07:44 AM

Ventura. I thought he went straight into retirement, but...

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 11 2016, 09:59 AM

So today Albania and Swiss clash, I am really looking forward to this game, especially to T.Xhaka - G.Xhaka duel. The Swiss NT is clearly a favorite but personally I think that Albania can achieve something from this game, or at least I hope so.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2016, 12:42 PM

Don't remind me. Tavecchio is clueless. Conte was a bad choice and this one is even worse.

Which games are you guys watching today? I'll try to catch them all. Definitely watching the England one tonight though

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 11 2016, 01:25 PM

Official lineups for Albania NT vs Swiss NT:

Albania NT XI: Berisha, Mavraj, Cana, Agolli, Hysaj, Kukeli, Xhaka, Abrashi, Roshi, Lenjani, Sadiku.

Swiss NT XI: Sommer, Djorou, Rodriguez, Schar, Lichtsteiner, Xhaka, Xhemaili, Behrami, Shaqiri, Mehmedi, Seferovic.

So, there are 5 Albanians in Swiss staring XI.

As for Albanias XI, I think that De Biasi chose the best, maybe Id give Gashi a start before Sadiku but lets see.

By the way, I read that Mavraj is fasting Ramadan, so Im curious to see if that will influence his game.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2016, 01:47 PM

I'm always watching all games.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Jun 11 2016, 02:03 PM

Ventura has a track record of getting teams with young players and sub par talent to over perform. He's perfect for the Italy squad of today.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2016, 03:52 PM

Perfect my ***. What works for Pisa and Perugia, usually never does with big teams.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 11 2016, 03:53 PM

Feeling for you guys from Albania. Should have at least got a point. Very unlucky, stupid beginners mistakes by Berisha and Cana.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 11 2016, 04:58 PM

Thanks. In the first quarter of the first half we were looking like amateurs, including Canas mistake. But then the squad reacted very well. Even though Sadiku and Gashi should have scored in their great chances, I am pleased with teams efforts and I think that we can aim for a win against Rumania. Apart from his first mistake that led to the goal, Berisha was the best player for Albania. Hysajs and Lenjanis apparances should be noted also, both with a mark above 7.0 for me.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Jun 11 2016, 05:17 PM

Italy doesn't have the talent to be a "big team" on the international stage right now. Just take a look at the midfield and attack that Conte brought to France. It's a sad group. The talent in Italian midfielders drops off a cliff after Verratti and Marchisio. The attack is even worse. Maybe Ventura will be able to help some of the decent younger players grow into their role before 2018.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 11 2016, 06:04 PM

Well the 3 o'clock kick offs will be a major b!tch for me as I work till 4. Even worse that Italy have one of the games in that time slot and the one on the 22nd will coincide with this work get together thing they've organised. So I'm a bit out of luck with the fixture list in terms of Italy but I will definitely try to watch as many games as I can


Well I really don't see that of any consequence when it comes to the NT. What he does with mid-table sides will never translate with big teams, especially not at the International level where you don't have nearly a fraction of the time that you get with a club side. It's why managers who are top man managers in club football rarely ever translate that type of influence when they cross over to coaching a NT. Think of Capello for example. Conte has been a let down as well imo, even taking into account that he's basically coaching his Juve team and still there isn't a fraction of the same cohesion as there was clearly evident while he was with Juve


Agreed


Agree. Though Albania deserved a lot better and in the end that final end product was the difference between the 2 sides. Even when down to 10 men they were still very impressive imo


But traditionally Italy are a big team with high expectations. And as I said, he's not going to have the same influence as he does when working all season with a club side. National football is a completely different beast to club football and the man after Conte should have been a more careful and well thought out decision considering the state of the talent pool.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 09:04 AM

Disappointing result. But that first half was the best 45 minutes I've ever seen by England. Should've won 3/4-0, but wasn't to be. Though it never is for us.

Apparently France are completely unprepared from a policing standpoint. Worrying, considering the terror threat across the country.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 12 2016, 02:01 PM

I think it is more a case they are full prepared for the terror threat near the stadium since you have an exclusion zone and are being checked thoroughly way before you get to the stadium. Hopefully nothing happens.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 02:02 PM

Good luck today, Fillipo.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 12 2016, 02:25 PM

Today Im cheering for Turkey. Croatia have some great players and they are favorites but in my opinon Turkey also can win this one.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 03:53 PM

A loss for Turkey is a victory for everyone. Good job Croatia.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 04:13 PM

I like how UEFA have warned the English and Russian FAs that any more fan trouble and the teams could get kicked out. How terrible of the English fans being attacked.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 12 2016, 05:15 PM

Isnt this racism ?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 08:17 PM

Either I get a ban for racism, for being happy a team lose. Or I expect an apology from you, because being accused of being a racist is not something I take lightly.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 12 2016, 09:43 PM

Come on guys! Let's not bring such an issue anywhere near here. d'Arc, I'm very certain kurt was not referencing race in any way shape or form when he made that comment so let's please not bring such a sensitive issue here.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 12 2016, 09:51 PM

Thanks. We should have won with a bigger margin, but anyone. A solid start.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 12 2016, 09:56 PM

English media raving about Perisic's performance. He was superb.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 12 2016, 11:08 PM

If you say so. But I dont think a Turkish Milan fan would feel the same if it was part of our forum. I know I would feel like that if someone said the same thing about Kosova or Albania. Cheers.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 12 2016, 11:11 PM

But wait. It really doesn't add up, what you're saying. Kurt was referring to how Turkey played today. I don't think any honest Turk (Milan fan or not) would be pleased with the way his team stood on the ground today or what was displayed. No?

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 12 2016, 11:26 PM

This comment has nothing to do with the level of gameplay that Turkey showed on the field. Eitherway, I just felt irritated by that comment, if you dont feel the same it is your opinion. I know that I would feel quite unpleased if someone in this forum said that a loss for Albania is a victory for everyone.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 01:32 AM

We all have our reasons. My first hand experiences, viewing experiences and experiences of people I know are all very negative in regards to Turkish football. Whether it's coming to my city and attacking families, stabbing tourists to death because they have an English shirt on, fans showing support for terror related deaths in Europe or their players "kick first, play football later" attitude on the pitch. I know people from the US, Bulgaria, Greece who have negative feelings towards Turkey in football - the less they are involved in big tournaments, the better IMO.

Anyway.

A good win for Germany tonight. I think defensively they do not look good at all. Ukraine are mediocre at best and should've scored a few. But I would say overall they put up the overall best showing so far. England played very well, but sloppy defending cost us, but our first half was probably the most dominant 45 minutes by a team so far. Croatia also very impressive and Wales didn't play particularly well but they were effective. Albania and Switzerland were quite equal and both played decent. I think France were bad, Romania were just as bad, Poland did what they had to do but NI are easily the worst so far so it is hard to judge. Ukraine had a good 10 minutes, but otherwise their midfield looks completely invisible both with and without the ball.

Still some big teams to play though. Belgium-Italy is probably the most interesting game of the first round of games.

Posted by: milanbuf88 Jun 13 2016, 03:26 AM

Traditional strength is irrelevant. Maldini and Baggio aren't taking the field in France. Unless there is some serious development or revelation in the next two years, Ventura will be coaching a team that will be far from the favorites conversation in Russia. Who would be your choice for the position? I'd love for Ancelotti but he's not interested in it just yet. My guess is that he'll be the coach for 2022.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 13 2016, 04:50 AM

hmm...

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 13 2016, 08:49 AM

I am really not interested to start a debate, also Im not interested in reading your intentions because if you were sincere then you wouldnt have to exuse yourself.

As for the behavior of the Turkish fans that you mentioned, I wont fall into cheking if the stories that youre telling are true or not, but if we go by that logic, are not England fans even more `fanatics` ? They proved that in their long history, but also in Euro 2016. Ref: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/euro-2016-england-fans-must-look-at-themselves-after-marseille-violence-their-conduct-is-an-a7077911.html

Does that mean that I can make the same comments about Englands NT and Englishmen ? I would never do it because that wouldnt be fair and my comments would be xenophobic.

As for the people from the countries that you mentioned and their opinion towards Turkey, of course they dont see it with their best eye, its like asking an Albanian to give an opinion about Serbs. You expect him not to be biased?

Eitherway, Im not interested to continue this, I leave it to your conscience.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 13 2016, 09:18 AM

I must admit I was hoping for Ukraine to upset Germany. I thought Yarmolenko running at Hector would cause them problems. It did, but not enough to make the win.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 13 2016, 09:54 AM

I think Sheva argued Milan should buy Yarmolenko but i doubt we will try , he will probably go to Tottenham or some club over there.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 12:49 PM

There would be nothing wrong with it. I'd argue we're the most disliked national team there is. Do we care? I've also not said anything about Turkish people, just that I don't like their football fanatics and team, so don't put words in my mouth. I also expect their to be clashes at tournaments. Russia have been the worst so far, they attacked England fans in the stadium, two are in critical condition and over 30 injured. But I'm probably not allowed to dislike them, either.

Don't like it. Put me on block. I'm certainly doing the same with you and your shocking accusations. Any decent person would apologise, obviously you don't fall in to thar bracket.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 13 2016, 01:23 PM

There. As mod, I hereby record this as kurtiepoo's clarification. I'm sure this clears what he meant by the original statement. So can we consider this issue closed?

I'd happily take Yarmolenko as an upgrade over Sharaawy. Trouble is he is a proper winger. We would have to play the Cruyff diamond or something to make it work. I really can't handle one more season of our team learning a new formation only to realise we suck at it.


--RB----CB---CB-----LB-----
--------HoldMid--------------
---RCM-----------LCM--------
-------False9/#10------------
--WingFwd1-----WingFwd2---

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 08:27 PM

Conte couldn't have picked a more uninspiring side from the already meagre picking he took over there. Only person left to complete the mediocrity show is Motta

Giaccherini, Candreva, Parolo, Eder, Pelle. What a joke!!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 08:33 PM

JACKY BOY!

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 08:50 PM

Well that shut me up

Darmian has sadly been the worst one out there, followed by Parolo and Candreva equally

Glad the Juve defence + De Rossi are doing their job and keeping the difference makers in the Belgian squad quiet so far

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 09:07 PM

I find it hard to take your opinions on certain players performances seriously.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 09:50 PM

Candreva been a huge outlet all game long and caps it off with a superb assist.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 09:50 PM

Next time I'll slander the entire squad. Even Gigi

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 09:51 PM

He was absent in the first half, but I agree that he provided a good outlet. Especially when we've been pegged back

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 09:52 PM

DS should be playing instead of Darmian if Conte plans on using either of them on that left side. Darmian seemed totally out of it there while DS takes to it more naturally

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 13 2016, 09:54 PM

Good game overall to watch.. solid defense

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 09:54 PM

Agreed, Darmian looked completely lost. I imagine there will be a couple of changes, especially with some yellow cards.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 13 2016, 09:58 PM

Yep. Still think Conte should make use of his more talented players upfront, instead of using both Pelle and Eder he should put in Insigne instead who's capable of unlocking a defence. We're not going to be able to play this way against all the teams. If we have to unlock a stubborn defence I don't see where the goal will come from tbh

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 13 2016, 10:15 PM

Immobile was quite good too today for the time that he played.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 13 2016, 10:39 PM

Can anyone help with a question I have; 2 years ago before Brazil I read somewhere that the two-colored kits of most NT selections (either shirts and pants in the same color like Germany back then, or pants and socks) is because of the new 3D (or HD?) television technology. Can someone verify this story?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 13 2016, 11:42 PM

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 14 2016, 10:30 AM

Interesting read I expected them to be as civilized as another NTs fans.

https://www.total-croatia-news.com/item/12403-croatian-and-turkish-football-fans-show-the-world-how-its-done

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 15 2016, 08:05 AM

Nah. The Irish and the Swedes are the best. They were belting out ABBA and Westlife outside the stadium. One Irish fan even got to kiss a really pretty Swedish girl. Luck of the Irish.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 15 2016, 09:11 AM

haha yeah i saw that.

https://streamable.com/8rit

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 15 2016, 09:49 PM

So many late goals.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 15 2016, 09:55 PM

And boring games, yes?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 16 2016, 08:20 AM

I'm hoping with a couple of rounds are over and once teams realise they desperately need wins the games will open up better. But yeah, so far this has been boring. I liked the Italy game but I'm not sure if it's just because I'm an Azzuri fan.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 02:51 PM

Is Hodgson trying to single-handedly (with a little bit of help from Joe Hart) destroy England for good? That's what you get when you sign in with a manager who's spent most of his career training bizarre teams from Sweden, Finland and Switzerland.

(And it could happen to Croatia as well)

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 16 2016, 04:32 PM

Talk is cheap. As Vardy says. Talk ****. Get banged. Enjoy Wales.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 05:27 PM

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 16 2016, 06:16 PM

And it sucks. I was devastated last night. One point against France and a possible win against Romania and we'd be through.

We held well in the first half, crumbled to the pressure in the second but didn't deserve to lose like that in the 90'. Considering what we've given in these two games, we shouldn't have zero points by any means. Football sucks sometimes.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 16 2016, 07:06 PM

Feel sorry for Wales, they did well, but in the end shot themselves in the foot when they defended so deep.

England looked much better in the first game, but I guess that goes down to Russia being terrible so far. They looked disjointed to me today

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 07:08 PM

England looks very bad overall. What's Alli doing there? And Dyer? And Rooney playing Pirlo. What a dreadful midfield.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 16 2016, 07:18 PM

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 07:34 PM

You disagree?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 16 2016, 07:49 PM

I wouldn't go so far as to say they're bad, but it just all looks disjointed to me. They were good in the first game though.

Still I think they're far and away from ever being good enough to go deep into a competition like this. And 50% of this fact imo has nothing to do with the quality of the players

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 16 2016, 08:48 PM

It has to do with 1) a very limited coach and 2) with the lack of a proper metronome midfielder and a midfielder that would gel the team 3) lack of defensive quality.

Is it just me or is every match like the same?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 16 2016, 09:52 PM

Yeah, at least Germany not scoring at the death was the most shocking aspect of this game

Posted by: han2503 Jun 17 2016, 02:21 PM

Eder and Pelle are so terrible

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 17 2016, 07:23 PM

Sorry Fillipo, but how do UEFA not kick you out? Poor steward, hope he's OK. Shouldn't have to see staff carried out of a football game like that.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 17 2016, 08:50 PM

Agreed, shameful. But French security is also a joke. I think 50% of the blame for what happened goes to them as well.

But the tragic thing is, does huligans are counting on it. They did it to get us expelled.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 17 2016, 09:32 PM

Why would your own fans want you expelled?

People I know their said the French security and policing has been pathetic. No intention to stop things, just react to things that do happen.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 17 2016, 09:54 PM

Because this is how they intend to force the Football Federation officials to resign. It's a complete mess here in Croatia, I could go on and on about the situation, politically, socially, economically. But the basic idea behind these riots is to get us expelled, to ensure big financial and other penalties so that our football is paralyzed and the leading people of the FA are forced to resign.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 17 2016, 11:49 PM

I was searched twice in Marseille. Security was very tight. How the hell did these people manage to hide all those smoke bombs?

Anyhow, if UEFA kick Croatia out it would be unfair. By that logic, England and Russia should be out as well considering all the chaos and destruction their fans are creating.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 18 2016, 02:00 AM

Bilic explained somethings as i am a bit vague on the whole crowed trouble last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJVDioS-XXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzwoXq44W_M&feature=youtu.be

But from reading the comments it may be Bilic isn't telling the full story..i don't know.

" It's not just about the rivalry between north and south. It's about corruption within the CFF. Bilic is simplifying the issue. These people (who in my opinion are choosing the wrong methods) are against certain people within the CFF who they see as having "privatized" the CFF and the Croatian NT for their own profit. I mean currently the main man (basically a "shadow boss") is Zdravko Mamic. This man spent several months in jail until he was released on bail (the trial is still ongoing) and is involved in some of the shadiest stuff within the federation. I mean there are loads of stuff about him on the internet...simple Google search will do and you will learn everything you need to know why this happened.

And BTW I in no way support this kind of beahvior. I would also like things to become more transparent within the Croatian football and I honestly hate ppl like Mamic...but this kind of stuff does not hurt them at all...quite the opposite. Mamic has been claiming for years he was being attacked by extremists and hooligans but in truth he was trying to hide his own criminal behavior...so basically this kind of BS gives him credence and gives him the right to say: "I told you so"; which is really really wrong and sad. And it is also unfair to the players and the normal fans who may not give a **** about CFF but they love the NT. I mean you saw the game today...after that break Croatian players were completely lost...you can barely keep playing after that.... "

another comment from a croation fan : We are ashamed that war profiteer Zdravko Mamić is still the head of our Nation Federation. Ultras groups did it so they would force him to resign, they want to kick Croatia out so he goes away. He has been involved in numerous affairs and has robbed tens of millions of euros. They didn't do it for fun.

Ry4n :What ever the reasons are for people to act like this. They should be thoroughly checked i mean wtf seriously if ISIS was going to strike now or any other terrorist group that wanted to bring **** in as easy as these guys did....security is bloody paramount. France does not cut it. All i can say is god help us when Russia WC rolls around. Qatar is actually looking stable choice atm...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 18 2016, 07:31 AM

Yes, Mamić is a big problem. But those people are fanatical, and their means most harmful. I'm not a Mamić supporter, but I do believe that you have to go through trial to be sentenced and found guilty. Mamić spent weeks in a prison cell, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's guilty.

The bigger problem is with such individuals. They're basically undermining every progress. I'm sure as hell that if Mamić would go away and another person would come in they'd do the same in no time.

Football is full of corruption. Every big team has this; just look at Platini and Blatter.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 18 2016, 12:15 PM

UEFA only have jurisdiction for stuff happening inside the stadium. Russia were given a suspended ban because they were the ones causing trouble/using flares, not us. I do not condone any violence by any English supporters, but I will also say a lot of it is reactive.

We have some dumb fans, there is no doubting that, these fans will be looking for any reason to cause trouble and fortunately a few of them have been arrested. But there's also an issue with our own media trying to paint a bad picture of our fans because it looks better. What was reported on the first weekend? England fans chanting at police after they had just had tear gas used on them or German and Ukraine fans, fighting and being arrested, with German fans waving Nazi supporting flags? Of course it's whatever makes the English fans look bad. But when you have French police tear gassing English fans for no reason other than we're in a large group singing and chanting, local ultras attacking British while they're sitting down trying to eat or Russians who've admitted training for years just to fight English fans, it's no wonder some of our fans get more than a little pissed off. Our fans have had no protection at all and have been attacked repeatedly. There's also the fact that throwing flares that explode on to the field of play is extremely dangerous, had the steward gone to pick it up just one second earlier, his hand would've been blown off.

The French policing is a disgrace. They are absolutely not fit to host a major tournament.

As for football as a whole, it's a mess. Our next 2 World Cups are in a country where MPs are supporting their fans causing trouble, where there's a strong racist element and people have been training to fight fans. The other is in a country where thousands of people have died as a result of slave labour and awful health and safety.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 18 2016, 12:45 PM

Then it's UEFA and the French police's fault for failing to thoroughly check the supporters before entering the stadium. Why on earth should the Croatian players endure the consequences of their incompetence? Especially since a lot of people seem to be aware of the real reason why those Croatian "fans" acted like that.

Let Croatia finish the tournament, and ban all those idiots from France. End of story.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 18 2016, 01:06 PM

They were fighting AND throwing flares on to the pitch. Whatever the reason, you can't allow it. Russia got a suspended ban for fighting, but this is worse, you have to go further. Whether it's a points deduction or kicking them out, who knows.

Serbia were given a points deduction, despite the fact that you had a drone which really incited the violence. For Croatia, there was no provocation. If anything, I'd argue the reason for it happening is more of a reason to kick them out. Because what is stopping them doing it again? With Russia the reason was that they admitted they were only attacking England fans, so their next game - not against England - meant that there was no trouble. For Croatia, what reason is there for them not to do this again?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 18 2016, 08:52 PM

I feel sorry for Croatia's NT, the players looked truly disgusted by their own fans and the fact that they threw away the game after the events happened is testament to how shook up they were.

That being said I have to agree with kurt here. Some type of action does need to happen. Don't know if deducting points will help much of anything. And to throw them out would be very harsh imo for the players and staff but if this keeps going on I don't know what else can be done

Which is truly sad for the tournament as a whole as I feel Croatia were one of the few teams so far who I personally have enjoyed watching

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 18 2016, 09:52 PM

Like I said, by punishing the Croatian NT those hooligans win. The true culprits should be punished/sentenced with jail time, while most of the other blame goes to the French. As I listened today I realized that our Football federation knew about the plan for an attack in St. Etienne and warned the French authorities, send them files etc. What more could they have done?

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 18 2016, 11:00 PM

And who allowed them to carry those flares inside the stadium? The French police. And they even knew about it like Fillipo just said, yet they let it happen. This is on UEFA and the French's incompetence, nothing more. A few hooligans disrupting the peace shouldn't become the cause for kicking the Croatian players in the teeth and throw away all the hard work they put to get into these Euros.

And it's also totally different from Serbia-Albania, as the whole stadium was chanting racist slurs, and the Serbian authorities were responsible for the organization and security of the event, which they failed at. Albania-Serbia was played a few months later, what happened? Nothing.

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 19 2016, 06:35 AM

Anything impacting the actual team as a whole at the tournament would be harsh , but maybe they should just stop there fans going to the stadium next tournament , but that would probably mean the fans will start rioting in the streets. Its a hard situation...

Posted by: han2503 Jun 19 2016, 09:42 AM

What really irks me is the fact that disgruntled football fans could easily cause such a situation. All while the very real threat of a terrorist attack similar to what happened a few months ago could happen in France and the security is seemingly lax.

It's just inconceivable to me that security in and around the grounds could be so relaxed when lives could be lost there. I would have imagined that getting in the stadiums would be like trying to enter Fort Knox, which should be the case but it seemingly isn't

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 19 2016, 01:14 PM

Given the terror threat, you would expect better. It's a legitimate thing to be concerned about.

I really do not know what you can do about Croatia. Even banning anyone with a Croatian passport entry to the game is harsh on the majority of supporters who are there to support their nation.

Let's hope their final game goes without incident and you can put it down to a one off.

It amazes me how so many flares get in though, after Hungary scored it was insane. I've never been near one, but apparently they're very dangerous.

Posted by: d'Arc.LP Jun 19 2016, 11:38 PM

A very deserved win for Albania tonight. Now we have to wait and see the results of other teams

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 19 2016, 11:54 PM

Historical win. It would be incredible if we went through. I'd say our chances are 40-45%.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 20 2016, 12:25 AM

Congrats X-Off. It will be very tough to get 3rd though, I'd rate the chances closer to 20%. There's already 3 groups that are very likely to finish above you, so it's really down to the Italy and Spain groups for you, which sucks because Czech/Turkey are playing each other.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 20 2016, 12:47 AM

Thanks! And yeah, chances are pretty slim. Groups B and C are out of the question. Our best hopes lie with groups D and E. If Czech-Turkey ends in a draw or Turkey wins by a one goal margin, and both Swden and Ireland don't win against Belgium and Italy respectively, then we're through. Group F also holds some hope as well.

We'll see. Either way, it's been an amazing adventure.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 20 2016, 03:54 AM

I think Group F is less likely than Group C personally. I think there's more chance Germany beat NI 4-0 than Portugal losing to Hungary.

Hopefully Italy resting so many players doesn't affect your chances. I don't think they will. I hope you go through - you might even play us.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 20 2016, 06:54 PM

Portugal have been far from stellar, I wouldn't be surprised if they lost to Hungary.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 20 2016, 10:05 PM

Portugal have been dominant though, they've never looked like losing.

Disappointed not to win the group but pleased overall. Only Spain have been as dominating as us so far.

The question for us whether we will have more space against better teams, or whether we struggle defensively. Because these 3 have been basically training exercises.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 20 2016, 10:42 PM

Watched the first half, thought England looked very good. Too bad I was hoping for a 0-3 win.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 20 2016, 11:30 PM

England looked solid, but they seem to have a scoring problem. Hodgson is creating a mess. Using 6 strikers, none of which (bar Vardy) seems able to finish it up. And don't forget, the opponents they had were Russia, Wales and Slovakia. I'm thinking a stronger opponent could do them much more harm.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 20 2016, 11:47 PM

It works both ways, though.

We have struggled to score because teams have defended with 10 men. Our asset is our pace on the counter with the likes of Vardy, Rooney, Sturridge, etc. Against a better team, we will be under more pressure - but we will actually be able to play to our strengths then too.

We're at least 4 years away from being at our peak though. A QF I would be more than happy with at this tournament. I personally think the first time we come up against a good team we will lose, simply because the players do not have the mental strength. There is too much pressure on being an England player.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 21 2016, 12:09 AM

Agreed. I just don't think Hodgson is the man who can handle this situation or even make your NT excel. Surely, he did his thing by selecting this rejuvenated squad. But that's about it.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 01:02 PM

It's truly hard to say. I've been very flattered by our oppositions approach, though. Teams are treating us like Spain.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 04:21 PM

Croatia getting a point means they play Italy. A loss would likely mean they play Wales (If Czech beat Turkey). Croatia should not want to get anything from this game IMO.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 21 2016, 04:50 PM

So, there are several reports saying a group of hooligans (football-terrorists?) are planning to interrupt the Croatia-Spain game this evening. Hopefully they get stopped by the French this time.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 21 2016, 04:50 PM

Absurd, isn't it?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 07:17 PM

In England they often have the away section surrounded by stewards, they need to do that here just to be safe.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 21 2016, 08:51 PM

So far, so good. Solid game, I really hope without incidents.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 09:24 PM

Oh no. Bad goal for Albania.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 09:48 PM

Italy, Spain, Germany, France and England in the same half of the draw!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 09:52 PM

Congrats Fillipo.

I've been critical of the 3rd place thing - but it has made the Euros very exciting!

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 21 2016, 10:18 PM

italy-spain in next round i suppose

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 21 2016, 10:45 PM

Well, Turkey screwed us good.

I wonder whether Hungary will pull a miracle tomorrow. Highly unlikely, but we'll see.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 21 2016, 11:35 PM

Sorry X-Off, was really hoping Albania could get through. It's been nice seeing fans of countries like Albania, Wales and NI and the atmosphere they have helped create because it's such a big deal to them.

Makes me think I should appreciate the games more rather than complaining.

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 23 2016, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the appreciation.

In the end it was still a marvelous experience for us, and it really helped boost the image of our country and people throughout Europe. With a bit of luck we could have continued, but perhaps it's better like this.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 24 2016, 08:03 AM

True. I hope this is the image that people take away from Euros. Of Irish serenading the Swiss etc.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 25 2016, 04:10 AM

Shame your WC2018 group is almost an impossibility. Hopefully the Euro2020 qualifying gives you an easier time.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 27 2016, 07:02 PM

Dear Han, it's save to say you were all wrong about Conte and Italy. Like I said, he created a cohesive unit, a team with confidence and work rate, speed and a few tricks that come handy. That's why he didn't tip for the Milan-losers.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 27 2016, 08:43 PM

Conte is super smart.. too bad Milan could not attract him when he was available.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 27 2016, 08:57 PM

But hey, we have Brocchi, or maybe one of Giampaolo, de Boer, Montella...

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 27 2016, 09:31 PM

Conte is amazing. I was angry at him for leaving out Bonaventura, but boys, if Italy's playing like this it's mostly because of him. Same story when he took over Juventus. After two consecutive 7th placements he managed to win the Scudetto with the likes of Matri, Quagliarella and a 37-year-old Del Piero in attack.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 27 2016, 09:33 PM

If you think your "I told you so..." will upset me AT ALL, you're very wrong

Btw, I did criticise Conte's choices and I did criticise the players. I still do as I'm watching the games. The complete lack of technical quality in certain players (Parolo, Pelle, Eder, Giaccherini) is shocking and it's even more shocking to see how they've managed to achieve what they have so far.

That being said, for all my criticism, I don't think I've ever questioned for a minute that Conte is a brilliant tactician. And if anything I feel even more vindicated watching Conte doing what he's doing now with Italy when looking back at Juve and how he managed to turn a 7th placed team into champions while they were not even in contention at the start of the season.

As for the call ups, I still think he left players home who could have been more help. Sturaro has been terrible whenever he's played. Don't tell me that Bonaventura couldn't have been more useful to this team, especially when they've struggled to pass the ball well in certain games.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 27 2016, 09:53 PM

i think brocchi resigned or something.. anyway Iceland has defeated England

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 27 2016, 10:17 PM

He did?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jun 27 2016, 10:20 PM

http://www.football-italia.net/86433/milan-new-mystery-coach

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 27 2016, 11:10 PM

Brexit 2.0?

I don't understand Hodgson. Albeit goalless, England dominated Slovakia and were unlucky not to score. So, why the hell change SIX players from the starting line-up?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 27 2016, 11:44 PM

Hodgson is a hack, simple as that. As I said earlier on, I salute him for having the balls to select such a young and talented squad. But his poor tactics, constant shots in the dark and lack of true conception, needless to say attention to details, turned this yet into another English early exit, with yet another new generation entering the burdening cycle all other bar the 66' did.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 28 2016, 12:47 AM

I am obviously very pleased to see Villa's worst ever season and England's worst ever defeat in the space of one year.

Thank **** for Conte.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 28 2016, 02:16 AM

Martin Keown, of all people, said something brilliant. He said games of football are often won off the ball. Italy didn't have the on ball quality of Spain, but their shutting down of passing lanes and constant harassing meant that Spains quality on the ball was irrelevant. Spain, however, were very lazy off it. They let Italy play and if you let 11 professionals play, they will make chances.

Pre-game analysis showed how Ramos/Pique would often get forward to assist full backs. Obviously against Italy, that is impossible because Italy play with 2 strikers so Spain's CBs had to remain back. Teams these days jsut are not used to playing against 2 strikers.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 28 2016, 08:23 AM

I don't know about you. Here we have Sunil Chettri (India football captain) and David James as the match analysts.

They pointed out how the Italy forwards would press the 2 CBs and Busquets. De Gea's lack of confidence in playing out of the back (playing to the fullbacks for example) meant that Spain's possession football could no longer be kickstarted. So De Gea was playing long balls into midfield where Spain were always going to be second best to Italy's physicality.

I thought it was an interesting observation.

I'm worried about Italy's chances against Germany. Motta is out suspended and apparently De Rossi is injured.

---

@Filippo: I admit I was completely wrong about Conte. I thought of him as a club coach who needs a lot of time with his players to develop that precise movement and identity. Also felt he wasn't a tournament coach based on his performances in UCL. I suppose the fact that he picked players he knows well, and that he has had more camps than other coaches before him are being the differentiators. But that mid-field just has no quality you have to admit!

Posted by: Ry4n Jun 28 2016, 08:56 AM

I prefer two strikers tbh more chances.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 28 2016, 09:39 AM

Good God, you'll never learn, won't you?

Firstly, you did cross off Conte as a failure, calling him a let-down if I might recall correctly. But the main problem with your analysis is that it's all theory and no reality. In theory you are correct, by picking more technically gifted players like Bonaventura the chances of Italy succeeding would be (if just slightly bigger). But this is where the actual coaching starts. This is what you never seem to understand - if Flamini is 5% more creative in theory then Ambrosini you would pick him any day. Yet, 5% won't win the game, a right mindset and a role in the locker room, a collective attitude most certainly trumps the 5% difference.

In other words, Conte was very well aware that Italy lacks creativity and extra class technique. But then he decided to build on their other strong sides (physicality, speed, aerial dominance, etc.) instead of trying to overcome the lack of Pirlo and Verratti by selecting second-rate creative players like Bonaventura. He picked a balanced team, he selected players who knew their place and wouldn't affect the team balance and mindset.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 28 2016, 06:19 PM

I think your view is as much based on a puritan ideology as mine is based in theory.

Also, never said Conte was a failure. Just that I think he's more of club manager than a NT one as he's so intense and it takes time for him to really stamp his ideology on the players. What I do admit to have failed to take into account is the fact that he's already had his ideology branded into some of the best and most important players in the team - his Juve boys.

Do you think he'll go to Chelsea with all their primadonnas and it will be like some sort of switch has been pulled?

Also, let's look at games against Sweden and Ireland as an example of how the lack of at least simple technical quality in some of the midfielders can cause Italy problems. I think the bigger teams can be handled much more efficiently by this Italy side than the smaller ones. At this point I'd be seriously afraid of facing Iceland tbh

And still after all this, I'll say that Conte is a tactical genius

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 28 2016, 08:18 PM

Good God han, I'm really stunned.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 29 2016, 10:13 AM

2 strikers generally means a lack of wide players who can take men on. Unless you have more of a complete player out wide, like Candreva. But then the likes of Hazard, Willian for Chelsea have no place in the team.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jun 29 2016, 10:42 AM

Or you play two wing forwards one of whom has a slightly more defensive bias. So a 4-3-3- when attacking can become a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 or even a 4-5-1 when defending. That's the theory anyway. But it is quite hard to train. Mourinho did something similar except his was a more prosaic 4-2-3-1 instead of a 4-3-3 proper.



--FB--CB--CB---FB
-----HM---B2B-----
--------AM----------
---WF-----------WF--
--------CF------------

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jun 29 2016, 08:12 PM

No De Rossi or Motta? What happens at CM?

Posted by: han2503 Jun 29 2016, 09:22 PM

I'm hearing Sturaro

Posted by: X-Offender Jun 29 2016, 10:26 PM

Ah, the great Sturaro.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jun 30 2016, 08:54 AM

Puritan ideology? What does that mean? The message I was trying to communicate is that we can theorize all night long, but in the end Conte (or any given coach) knows much better because he has insight into things we don't. He's not only selecting players by their merit, he's creating a team. And this is part of the job a NT coach has to do. By pure selection, Italy of 2002 was a super-force. But in real terms, the team crumbled too often and didn't convince at all. Examples like that are countless.


You never explicitly said he's a failure, but you said that Conte "was a bad choice" and "a let down".


What exactly do you mean by that? I think he has a fair chance to succeed, yes?


Why wouldn't you? Ireland is by no means any indicator. Italy played with a B side that never even intended to win. Conte has a cohesive unit that cracked open Belgium and Sweden. I'm positive Italy could play against a team like Iceland much more effective then for example England ever did.

Posted by: han2503 Jun 30 2016, 05:15 PM

You made it sound like had he taken Bona he would have disrupted the team, like it would have been a detriment to the entire group had he gone instead of a Bernardeschi or Sturaro, which imo have both shown themselves to not be good enough, yes, even among this bunch.

By that point the 2006 side should have imploded as well because there were some players who were mostly called on name rather than true merit. Some were even called up because Lippi's son was part of the agency that represented a couple of players I once read (case in point how the likes or Barone and Zaccardo came about).

I don't recall ever calling him a let down, maybe a bad choice sure because of the reason I pointed down above. And btw, this Italy struggled to beat my own country, which are basically a couple of part-timers running on the pitch worse than Iceland. The game against Sweden imo was bad, and it was a representation of how they could struggle when the onus to really create is on them, they could barely string two passes together in that game at times. I won't go into the Ireland game because you'll tell me it was a useless exercise.

Better than England yes (I don't think many teams could fall to such lows aside from England tbh)

And yes, of course Conte will succeed at Chelsea, but it will take time. I think he'll find it difficult at first because of the type of players that Chelsea have

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 1 2016, 05:46 AM

Suprisingly Conte speaks English. And I think after this Euro performance players are going to have a lot of respect for him. I think he won't win the league with Chelsea in the first season, the competition is too fierce but given time (and that's the one thing Abramovich doesn't give).

EPL is going to be the best league to watch this season. Man U, Man C are top dogs but Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal aren't pushovers.

That said, I just want Milan to finish top 3 next season. Too much to wish for?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 1 2016, 06:39 AM

Depends on the transfer summer.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 1 2016, 06:57 AM

Not exactly my intention. But still, perhaps. This is the part I wanted underlined. If you create a team, you have to consider many variables. Sometimes it's wise to take a few team players that have a big or at least active role in the locker room and boost team spirit, mold the team together but are inferior in terms of technique or overall appeal. A National team coach always aims for the balance. If it wasn't for the perfect 2/2 start, Bernardeschi wouldn't probably see a minute of the tournament. Same would happen to Bona.


Why do you always have to be so "scientific" about something that isn't. Sometimes big teams implode, sometimes they don't. Nothing is a given empirical truth in football because of so many human variables. Perhaps Lippi found the perfect balance with players like Barzagli, Barone, Oddo, Zaccardo, even Grosso.

I remember very well how Scolari shocked everyone in 2002 by not selecting the likes of Romario (who was old but had an awesome season in Brazil), Elber who had a great season with Bayern as well as leaving out some of the Copa 99 players (Alex, Vampeta, Zago, etc.) and taking a few eyebrow raisers to Japan and Korea (Edilson, Kleberson, Kaka, Anderson Polga). In then end, he won the cup; it wasn't the best Brazil, it certainly had better players to be picked, but it was a winning side nevertheless.



"Conte has been a let down as well imo, even taking into account that he's basically coaching his Juve team and still there isn't a fraction of the same cohesion as there was clearly evident while he was with Juve"


Haven't you learned? Italy usually blow unimportant friendly games and a few Sweden-like matches. I've been watching football for years and this is what makes Italy special, back in the 80s and the 90s as well as now. Take Germany. If you consider the Italian score against them on friendlies, it's most probably a negative one. They played recently, Italy lost 1-4 or even 1-5 if I'm not wrong. But if you look at the knockout meetings between the two; boy, I don't recall Germany winning like - ever.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 1 2016, 11:22 PM

Stunning performance from Wales! Who would have thought.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 2 2016, 04:04 AM

Just another reason to be Team Ronaldo in that SF!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 2 2016, 04:08 AM

It's simply called picking form players. Palermo were fun to watch in the season before the WC. Grosso was arguably one of the most important players in the WC too (Winning penalty v Australia, goal v Germany, winning penalty)

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 2 2016, 04:45 AM

AFAIAC, Conte has done very well for Italy. Traditionally Italian teams do just enough to get through qualifiers and do not do particularly well in friendly matches, so this Euro is his first real test. We are further along than I expected, especially considering talent level in Italy these days. Frankly, I do not think Bona is that much better than the squad he selected, and it seems to me that there is very good team chemistry (which was probably a big factor in his player selection).

I agree that Conte will have a challenge with the Chelsea primadonnas as well as the level of competition he will face in EPL, but he may surprise us all and win it the first year.

Posted by: Forza Milan! Jul 2 2016, 04:46 AM

I am not a big Ronaldo fan, and would like to see Wales make it through.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 2 2016, 01:22 PM

Ramsey is a big loss, but I can't see Portugal winning. Wales-Iceland for the final!

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 2 2016, 01:30 PM

Can't see? I can't see Wales get past them.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 2 2016, 01:38 PM

Portugal is crap.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 2 2016, 01:47 PM

Belgium is crap. Portugal is a strong willed and tactically superior team.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 2 2016, 02:33 PM

Portugal really aren't good. They still haven't won a game. William Carvalho is a huge loss, who's going to shield that ameteur defense?

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 2 2016, 03:06 PM

belgium lost thier both main CBs.. i think had only kompany been fit there would have been a huge difference

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 2 2016, 10:05 PM

Alderweireld - Kompany - Vermaelen - Vertonghen is a very solid back 4 and IMO would be one of the best at the tournament. Obviously Kompany got injured, but Alderweirled moving to CB is still strong.

Meunier - Alderweireld - Denayer - Lukaku is really bad.

I also still struggle to see why Witsel is in the team. I find he has no redeeming quality as a footballer. When you have Nainggolan, Dembele and Fellaini he should not be starting.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 2 2016, 10:35 PM

Agreed on Witsel. I'm aware that Belgium didn't have their prime defense, but the played Wales. Such a highly regarded team as Belgium should have won that, defense or no defense.

Posted by: CrazyMilanFan Jul 2 2016, 10:56 PM

What a crazy shootout.... Sad end result

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 2 2016, 11:07 PM

I had a feeling Italy was unprepared for the penalties. Sadly.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 3 2016, 01:40 AM

I wouldn't say unprepared. Apparently Conte had them train for hours on penalties. It was just a lot of tension, fatigue and bad luck.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 3 2016, 09:47 AM

The penalties were terrible from both sides, which is something I can't believe considering it was Gemany, which makes it even more painful to know we had multiple opportunities to win it but failed. Pelle's and Zaza's penalties were laughable, I mean wtf was Zaza doing for FFS.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 3 2016, 10:39 AM

^ this. The moment I saw Bonucci take the penalty for the equalizer I knew there's something wrong with the team. Also, Buffon is probably the best keeper in the world, but Neuer and Casillas always did a better job with penalties.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 3 2016, 12:04 PM

Buffon and Barzagli in tears during the post-match interviews.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 3 2016, 02:03 PM

I really thought Bonucci would score the one in the shootout... Just so disappointed atm. This will most likely be the last real chance this Italy had to win something.

Now we'll be going into the WC qualifiers with a sub-par coach and sub-par talent.

De Rossi and Motta missing this game really hurt the team as well. Germany were allowed to control the midfield, I really thought we were out once they scored, couldn't see were a goal could come from at that point. I guess Boateng's moment of stupidity gave us false hope more than anything else

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 4 2016, 02:56 AM

Zaza's was unforgivable. Pelle's was simply fatigue IMO. It's happened to me before in front of goal where you just don't have the same control when you're that tired and start cramping up.

Why is Ozil taking them for Germany? He's terrible at them. Muller generally seems to be lacking something than he used to - almost as if he has no confidence in what he's doing, his penalty record fell off a cliff this season and another terrible one in the shootout.


I'm not sure sure. Bonucci is a leader and technically gifted, I don't think it's so surprising he stepped forward.

Agreed on Buffon. Though he was easily the better keeper. If not for some outstanding penalties in the corner, he would've saved 5/6 as he went the right way pretty much every time.

Italy did well. They just had no luck. De Rossi, Marchisio, Verratti and Candreva would've been undoubted starters, in my opinion. Having 2 not available for the whole tournament and a further 2 against Germany is an impossible job. Compunded further when the first choice backup in Motta was also out.

Italy should be very proud of the way they handled themselves in this tournament. I can assure you they gained a lot of fans with the English public and media.

Posted by: Ry4n Jul 6 2016, 01:34 AM

oh ok

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 8 2016, 12:52 AM

Bale invisible. Ronaldo scores. Wales lose. Neuer error. Germany lose.

Pretty palsed with that.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 01:24 AM

You dislike Neuer for some reason or is this just an general anti-German attitude?

Anyway, the Euro is coming to an end. Any assessments of the tournament, comparisons, etc?

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 8 2016, 02:57 AM

I don't really care for Neuer one way or the other. I find it funny that someone who people give such over the top praise to make such a big error.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 05:42 AM

I think it's meaningless. All great keepers done this: I've see both Casillas and Buffon do it more then a few times. Still doesn't make him any less amazing IMO. The amount of uncommon saves during one season while also maintaining a low level of mistakes like these makes him one of the best. But well, sh@te happens...

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 8 2016, 07:29 AM

Yeah but it's funny. Like when Jose Mourinho falls flat on his face and gets fired in winter because his team is facing relegation.

They're great at their job, but their goof up makes us clap with glee because they're showing they're human too.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 07:31 AM

Hmh, perhaps.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 8 2016, 07:49 AM

I'm a flawed, cheap miserable human being Filippo. I know.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 08:15 AM

We all are

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 8 2016, 05:56 PM

Uncommon saves is right. He makes less than 2 saves per game in the Bundesliga...

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 05:58 PM

Oh come on, don't distort data again Kurt!

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 8 2016, 06:05 PM

He barely has to make any saves, that's a fact. What do you disagree with exactly? Distorting data would be looking at his clean sheets - of course you get clean sheets when the opposition has no shots.

They are out. He f****d up. Let me enjoy it.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 8 2016, 06:07 PM

Neuer is good, no doubt about it, but I think guys like Buffon and Courtois are much better. So, he might be overrated a little bit.

As for the tournament, I haven't seen all games for various reasons. I think it's been enjoyable to a degree, but the football quality hasn't been that great.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 07:48 PM

Agreed on Buffon but why on earth Courtois? Neuer is much better then him.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 07:49 PM

I misunderstood. Got the impression that you tried to say Neuer's ratio per se isn't good.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 8 2016, 11:12 PM

Haven't watched Chelsea last season, but last time I checked Courtois was great.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 8 2016, 11:20 PM

Man, sure, perhaps he was great. But Neuer proved himself at lengths. Continuously, at big tournaments, CL and Bundesliga. Courtois had one good season with Atletico and one with Chelsea. Still much to prove.

Buffon is out of this world, no question there.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 9 2016, 01:18 AM

Courtois didn't have a great year. But he's still young so will likely improve.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 9 2016, 01:19 AM

Sure. But right now, he surely cannot be considered better.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 10 2016, 10:33 PM

VIVAAAA ROOONAAALDDOOOOO

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 02:35 AM

What a travesty, Portugal European champions.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Jul 11 2016, 09:39 AM

Love it. Always love seeing the underdog win! Viva Ronaldo!

Posted by: han2503 Jul 11 2016, 10:11 AM

Why is it a travesty? I was totally behind Ronaldo... Uh I mean Portugal

Plus Ronaldo crying at having to come off was the best moment of this tournament

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 10:31 AM

Winning the cup after drawing with Iceland, Austria and Hungary, winning against Croatia on ET, Poland on penalties, Wales regularly and now France. This has to be the poorest string of results and opponents in history.

All in all, emotions and enjoyable moments were here. But boy o boy was this Euro low in terms of quality. Very forgettable, unlike the last few ones.

Posted by: han2503 Jul 11 2016, 10:43 AM

I agree. But I wish that I'd followed my instincts and placed a few $$ on Portugal, because of the very reason you mentioned above I had a feeling they were going to go all the way. They reached the semi final without winning a single game in 90 minutes... Usually for me that means they have that extra bit of luck behind them that other teams don't.

That being said, it's not like France had to really bust a gut to get there either. Their first real test only came in the semis. Plus I think it's great to have new winners and not having it be always the same names

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 08:21 PM

Can't say I cared for either one winning, but I'm happy for Ronaldo. A player unjustly criticized and disliked by many.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 08:34 PM

All in all, the new format of the Euros sucks. A very average tournament with lots of bad teams playing defensive physical football and only a handful of really interesting and exciting clashes.



I understand what you're saying, but "unjustly" disliked is a understatement.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 08:42 PM

How so?

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 08:48 PM

He's a very irritating player. His body language, self-centered character, borderline narcissist behavior etc. make him very unlikable.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 10:01 PM

Can't say I agree with any of that. He's a very successful player who's earned his success through extremely hard-work. Professional athlete all around, an example for all his teammates. Those who dislike him are either jealous or don't understand jacksh*t about football.

Posted by: Fillipo Simone Jul 11 2016, 10:03 PM

Oh come on! He's an irritating presence. I like the man, but I can understand people who can't stand him.

Posted by: X-Offender Jul 11 2016, 11:15 PM

He's irritating for those who perceive him as such, which mainly fall under the two categories I mentioned above. I've personally never found him irritating, but the fact that he plays for a club I really despise (i.e. Madrid) has made me dislike the guy a bit.

Posted by: kurtsimonw Jul 12 2016, 07:20 AM

Ronaldo is 2 things: Intensely passionate and a perfectionist.

He gets very frustrated about even the minor things. He wants to win badly. He's not been in a Final with Portugal since he was 19. Who knows if he would ever get another chance. So them doing so poorly, it's no wonder his body language was to an even more extreme in this tournament. You can see it in his face. Nobody wants to win more than him.

I am very happy for him.