Euro 2024

[sussexpob]

Spain look the best side in the tournament so far. Germany have played to a high level, but not really against a side worthy of mention... Spain have dominated Croatia and Italy, both good teams who would be expected to make the later rounds.

[Gingerfinch]

The Italy - Croatia game will be a good one. Croatia need a win to have any chance of making the last 16.

[mikesiva]

Austria 3-1 Poland
Netherlands 0-0 France
Ukraine 2-1 Slovakia

Poland are eliminated.

[Durhamfootman]

first real bit of VAR controversy at these games and it involved an English ref and an English VAR official...... naturally

Holland were furious that their goal was ruled offside, France were very relieved and the comms bods sounded critical of the goalie for not attempting the dive anyway to emphasise the attackers position, but tbh, having looked at it a couple of times, I can understand why it was ruled out. The Dutch player was definitely miles offside when the shot was struck, so the judgement came down to whether he was interfering with the goalkeeper and eventually (and it took a while, I believe) it was decided that the attacker was preventing the goalie from diving. I think he probably was, but I also think that the goalie wasn't going to save it in a million years, even if he did dive. The lino raised the flag, I don't think the ref awarded the goal and VAR backed the on field officials up. I suppose the trouble with subjective calls, is that lots of people will see the situation differently. In this case, I think the process probably got it right, but I believe there was a long stoppage, which could easily be interpreted as the VAR man not being sure and it was Stuart Attwell, who I'm pretty sure is one of the hapless blokes who usually gets these things wrong, week in week out in the Prem, so doesn't inspire confidence

[Durhamfootman]

I see Rooney is saying that England should have had Jordan Henderson in the squad



FFS...... remind me how successful Rooney has been as a manager

[Durhamfootman]

Eventful first half between Georgia and the CR

a tale of 2 handballs, both of which went Georgia's way, but CR can have no complaints about either really, although I'm sure they will find some

Another decent game between two lower ranked nations. Much more interesting than watching England

[sussexpob]

The Dutch player was definitely miles offside when the shot was struck, so the judgement came down to whether he was interfering with the goalkeeper and eventually (and it took a while, I believe) it was decided that the attacker was preventing the goalie from diving. I think he probably was, but I also think that the goalie wasn't going to save it in a million years, even if he did dive.

The reason he didn't dive was because he couldnt. He saves the initial shot by going to ground, as the rebound comes in tries to spring back to his feet, but the momentum of the movement takes him backwards half a step. As the ball is screaming past him, he is going the other way to the ball. He has no chance in saving the ball in a million years, and no chance to even try.

The problem is, the freeze frame is misleading, because it shows Dumfries within his diving range and the keeper pretty much up on his feet, but watch the whole phase and its clear he isnt interferring.

For me its a goal, and Netherlands should be rightly livid.

[sussexpob]

Belgium score instantly... better start than earlier in the week

[Durhamfootman]

this is poor stuff from Belgium. Total amateurs. This is Sunday football, small boys in the park, jumpers for goalposts football. They get the early goal and then continue to attack..... they'll win *modded* all with an attitude like that. Southgate would be furious with them

[Gingerfinch]

Another entertaining game. This group is going to be wide open.

[Durhamfootman]

I saw a brilliant graphic yesterday from the England game. The graphic showed the average position of every play on the pitch. Of the England players, only Kane, Foden and Saka weren't in their own half and their average positions were only just over the half way line.

[Durhamfootman]

Another entertaining game. This group is going to be wide open.

Indeed. Romania are not out of this by any means

[Durhamfootman]

that might change, of course, if Belgium find a way to convert another one from all these chances

[Durhamfootman]

Lukaku scores. great finish

I wonder how they manage to rule that one out?

[Durhamfootman]

offside is how they do it

he, he, he

astonishing