The football (soccer) thread

[steve ridgway]

It was an exciting game and although Germany overall profited from dubious VAR decisions I think they deserved it overall for the dominance before the thunderstorm break.
But above all I think we really need a debate how VAR is destroying the sport. Without VAR there would very probably have been an early goal for Germany, the early goal after the break for Denmark and almost certainly no penalty (I honestly hoped they would not score in the penalty because I always found involuntary handball utterly unfair, even before VAR).

I always thought unfairness was one of the main attractions of football, giving fans something to argue about for years afterwards and hopes for justice to come .

[AnotherSpin]

I always thought unfairness was one of the main attractions of football, giving fans something to argue about for years afterwards and hopes for justice to come .

Not to mention that in the modern world fairness and honour were replaced with short-term profits and nonsense generated in campuses.

[Madiel]

VAR is not in and of itself destroying the sport. It's important for offside which is objective. People wanting handball for everything is a problem. There are times whether I wonder if clubs are going to start scouting for talented amputees to play as defenders. And more generally, looking at everything in slow motion is altering the perception.

The language around VAR is a problem in that it strongly suggests to the referee they've made a mistake. And sometimes they clearly have. But in more ambiguous cases I'd like to see more examples of referees sticking to their original opinion.

[Florestan]

Half time, England - Slovakia 0-1.

The English players seem not to be alive. 

[Luke]

Lord but England are flat and boring this championship.

Quoting myself. This x 100

[Luke]

Fickle me. Scratch that. Bellingham overhead kick at 95 minutes

[Florestan]

Fickle me. Scratch that. Bellingham overhead kick at 95 minutes

It was THE FIRST shot on goal for England in 95 minutes. Unbelievable.

I hope Slovakia wins eventually, although they are obviously tired and demoralized.

[Luke]

It's now 2-1 England. To be fair I think Slovakia also only had one shot on target, didn't they? Or did I forget one?

[Florestan]

It's now 2-1 England. To be fair I think Slovakia also only had one shot on target, didn't they? Or did I forget one?

They had two.

England will win but of all the favorites they are clearly the most overrated.

[Madiel]

The problem with extra time is there's no time between matches for dinner.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Fickle me. Scratch that. Bellingham overhead kick at 95 minutes

That was amazing!  What a bicycle kick! 

Looked to me like Slovakia was going to tie it at the end of the overtime, but the English goalie was able to grab it.

PD

[vandermolen]

It's now 2-1 England. To be fair I think Slovakia also only had one shot on target, didn't they? Or did I forget one?

Stones almost gifted them a goal.

[Iota]

Stones almost gifted them a goal.

Yes, that was absurd!

Commentators often refer to how superb people like Stones are in the Premier League, but playing in this setting with this group of players, seems to have stunted all their abilities, with the odd exceptional moments from Jude Bellingham e.g. I would have thought finding the right blend of players is down to the manager, and if they're not working, change them, but my knowledge is very limited. Frustrating to watch though.

[Florestan]

finding the right blend of players is down to the manager, and if they're not working, change them

Or rather him.

[Madiel]

I do think it's remarkably difficult for national coaches to build a cohesive team and tactics, because they have much less time with the players together compared to club teams.

It's not so surprising when it doesn't work, to me it's more surprising when it DOES work.

[Iota]

Or rather him.

That doesn't seem feasible in the middle of a tournament.

I do think it's remarkably difficult for national coaches to build a cohesive team and tactics, because they have much less time with the players together compared to club teams.

It's not so surprising when it doesn't work, to me it's more surprising when it DOES work.

I'm sure that's true, and Southgate seems to have done some great things with the England team over the years, but when they're misfiring/under-producing in the manner they have been in this tournament, it does make one wonder if he is still the right person to be in charge.

[Irons]

That doesn't seem feasible in the middle of a tournament.

I'm sure that's true, and Southgate seems to have done some great things with the England team over the years, but when they're misfiring/under-producing in the manner they have been in this tournament, it does make one wonder if he is still the right person to be in charge.

His record over his tenure doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Southgate has never won a game in tournament football upsetting the odds when the opponents were favourite to win. When the opposition get serious England are eliminated.
Slovakia were better organised and deserved to win. The one difference being England have world-class players and what Bellingham did in the 96 minute is world-class. A moment of brilliance. Southgate is the highest paid coach at this tournament and that he is unable to get a tune out of this group of exceptional players is damming.  

[Madiel]

I'm now getting to watch France v Belgium in the small but very pleasant rooftop bar of my hotel in Coimbra (I arrived today), sipping rum and Coke.

Life is good. It would get better if Belgium wins!

And Portugal winning later would make the locals happy so I have my loyalties for the evening.

Edit: France seems to be doing most of the attacking against Belgium, which doesn't make me happy.

[Papy Oli]

Never in doubt  or skin of teeth depends how you see it...

That'll teach Belgium supporters for booing the French anthem. Courtois and the others can be bitter and hate us for another 2 years now...

[Madiel]

That was a terrible match for several reasons. I shall try to forget it.