View Full Version : 2020-21 Euro soccer thread
I really wish the Dutch offside VAR review, where they widen the bars and you're onside if they're touching, was universal. Finland's called-back goal against Russia would have been good, as would the Benzema goal against Germany. They're erasing too many goals with the current system.
Betterread
06-16-2021, 06:16 PM
I really wish the Dutch offside VAR review, where they widen the bars and you're onside if they're touching, was universal. Finland's called-back goal against Russia would have been good, as would the Benzema goal against Germany. They're erasing too many goals with the current system.
I think the Finnish player was offside by such a small margin that it gave him no advantage. On the French goal, Mbappe was a leg ahead. It was barely offside but you could see that he had 1/2 a pace on the defender.
I think the Finnish player was offside by such a small margin that it gave him no advantage. On the French goal, Mbappe was a leg ahead. It was barely offside but you could see that he had 1/2 a pace on the defender.
I think both (and definitely the Finnish player) would have been onside in the Dutch league. It's a really good implementation of the technology they're using there.
Sergio Ramos leaving Real. Hard to imagine that team without him on the back line.
Sergio Ramos leaving Real. Hard to imagine that team without him on the back line.
La la la la. I can't hear you.
FWIW, if the rumors are true, Sevilla is offering Sergio a five-year deal along with the promise to be involved with the management of the club beyond that. Hard to say no to that offer.
paintmered
06-19-2021, 12:49 PM
The good for Portugal: three first-half goals.
The bad: two were own-goals.
That Denmark - Russia game was a lot of fun from beginning to end.
Just noticed England gets the 2nd place team from the France-Germany-Portugal group to start the knockout rounds. It's not coming home.
RedTeamGo!
06-22-2021, 10:12 PM
That Modric goal was soccer porn
That Modric goal was soccer porn
He should be required to register the outside of right foot as a lethal weapon.
BuckeyeRed27
06-22-2021, 10:31 PM
That Modric goal was soccer porn
I don’t even know how he did it with that much power from that distance.
IslandRed
06-23-2021, 12:32 AM
I don’t even know how he did it with that much power from that distance.
I know, right? Several years ago I was goofing around with my daughter before her soccer practice and I tried some outside-of-the-foot swings, and they looked like (SUPERSTITIOUS GOLFERS QUIT READING) my shanked tee shots.
Betterread
06-23-2021, 01:10 AM
I don’t even know how he did it with that much power from that distance.
He is technically superb. He struck that ball so purely, he didn’t even use much of a back swing. Croatians really emphasize good technique, which is important because they are pretty slow (even comparable to Italy or Spain, much less France or England, who have some really fast players).
I don’t even know how he did it with that much power from that distance.
I've been watching him do it for nine years, so I just take the power he gets on it for granted. He hit passes with the outside of his foot that go 30-40 yards. It's like he's got three feet.
Betterread
06-23-2021, 01:21 AM
I have been critical of Morata but the abuse he is getting is horrible. I am rooting for him to score and play well tomorrow vrs Slovakia and help Spain advance.
I have been critical of Morata but the abuse he is getting is horrible. I am rooting for him to score and play well tomorrow vrs Slovakia and help Spain advance.
How everybody else escapes from the responsibility for their lack of goals is truly astounding. Two other quick thoughts on their draw against Poland:
- Moreno never should have been the one taking that penalty, since he was limping on his shooting foot (just got stomped on).
- Aymeric Laporte cost them the 3 points by getting bodied by Lewandowski for the Poland goal and then completely botching a header with an open net at the other end. Just saying, if a certain other guy was there instead that's a 3-0 game and the media is leaving Morata alone.
Betterread
06-23-2021, 11:23 AM
Just noticed England gets the 2nd place team from the France-Germany-Portugal group to start the knockout rounds. It's not coming home.
That is a bitter reward for winning the group. In contrast, 2nd place Croatia plays the runner up in griup E (Poland, Slovakia, or Spain).
Morata with a horrid penalty take. If only Spain could have put the best penalty taker in the world on their squad.
Betterread
06-23-2021, 02:11 PM
Morata with a horrid penalty take. If only Spain could have put the best penalty taker in the world on their squad.
He went for power, rather than placement. It didn’t matter, as Slovakia proved to be too careless around their own net. Spain v Croatia. Spain should be pleased with that matchup.
Betterread
06-23-2021, 02:15 PM
PSG are signing Hakimi and Donnarumma (on a free transfer, I think). I love Hakimi,he is a game changer.
He went for power, rather than placement. It didn’t matter, as Slovakia proved to be too careless around their own net. Spain v Croatia. Spain should be pleased with that matchup.
It has the patina of a good matchup for Spain, but Croatia will defend in numbers and counter with some real ability. That's a mentally tough opponent. Will be interesting so see if they play Perisic down the right instead of the left so he can exploit the space behind Jordi Alba. If Croatia has a clear tactical advantage in one spot of the pitch, that's it.
Portugal has the biggest national anthem advantage in all of sports. It's not just that "A Portuguesa" is great, it's that they sing the hell out of it. The French crowd did a perfectly good rendition of "La Marseillaise" and then Portugal blew them out the water.
Thought I’d turn on some Copa America tonight for Colombia v Brazil. That Colombia goal was about as good as it gets.
But am I the only who thinks South American football has gotten almost unwatchable? It’s a lot of legit fouls, but constant diving and rolling around on the ground. The whistle blows every 30 seconds it seems and there’s almost no rhythm to these games. It’s like the nfl, constant stopping and starting. You see the same things with European football, but it doesn’t overwhelm the actual play. There’s so much talent, I wish they’d just play.
Betterread
06-24-2021, 11:44 AM
Europe (UEFA) will abolish the away goals rule for knockout games in club competitions starting in 21-22 competitions. This is a huge change, as away goals have been the determining factor in deciding a winner in aggregate goals for home-and-away ties since 1965.
Now the winner will be determined by playing extra time, then penalty kicks.
Europe (UEFA) will abolish the away goals rule for knockout games in club competitions starting in 21-22 competitions. This is a huge change, as away goals have been the determining factor in deciding a winner in aggregate goals for home-and-away ties since 1965.
Now the winner will be determined by playing extra time, then penalty kicks.
I do not like this change at all. The away goal rule is one of the best in sports. Gives teams a reason not to park the bus on the road.
Amazing bit of commentary after Czechia upset the Netherlands thanks to a red card on Matias de Ligt. Sami Khedira, who won a World Cup with Germany in 2014, noted the first rule in a knockout game in no red cards. It's the unforgivable sin that can tilt a tight contest. Then Nedum Onouha had a refreshing moment of candor. He never played internationally for England, but he said he'd never heard that about avoiding red cards but it made all kinds of sense. Perfect summation of the difference between German players and English players. Khedira had this look on his face like it's drummed into German kids from the moment they can walk.
Betterread
06-27-2021, 05:20 PM
Czech Republic is the luckiest squad in this year’s euros. They generate very few attacking forays, staying super-compact ar all times. And they have received favorable calls v Croatia and Holland (disputed PK v Croatia and undisputed red card v Holland) that changed both matches when they successfully exploited them. Both calls involved Patrik Schick and physical challenges he presents. He has been the most successful forward in the tournament to win key fouls.
I was very disappointed in Holland’s elimination, as they have a lot of young talented players that I was curious to see more of.
The Czechs now play…Denmark. They finished third in their group and only have to beat Holland and Denmark to get to the semis. If they do this, they will probably play the winner of England v Germany. Both those countries would be favored over either Czech Republic or Denmark.
Well, the luckiest squad won the last Euro, so maybe it’s going to be the Czechs this year.
Betterread
06-27-2021, 10:53 PM
Well, the luckiest squad won the last Euro, so maybe it’s going to be the Czechs this year.
Good reminder. Portugal did not win a group stage game, and Hungary and Iceland were in the group.
The Euros have a history of unexpected winners - Portugal 2016, Greece 2004, Denmark 1992, Czechoslovakia 1976, Soviet Union 1960.
Fun fact about the 1976 title, the Czech's won in a shootout over West Germany when Antonin Panenka chipped the ball down the middle as legendary German keeper Sepp Maier sprawled to his left. And that's why that shot is now called a Panenka.
Betterread
06-28-2021, 12:05 AM
The Euros have a history of unexpected winners - Portugal 2016, Greece 2004, Denmark 1992, Czechoslovakia 1976, Soviet Union 1960.
Fun fact about the 1976 title, the Czech's won in a shootout over West Germany when Antonin Panenka chipped the ball down the middle as legendary German keeper Sepp Maier sprawled to his left. And that's why that shot is now called a Panenka.
It was not only the Czechs who won. in 1976, country was called Czechoslovakia, and while Panenka was a Czech, the coach was Slovakian, (Vaclav Jezek) and the core of the team was from Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia). The captain and leader of the squad was Anton Ondrus, Slovakian and Bratislava player.
Another aspect is that Panenka gained weight perfecting his penalty technique. He and his club goalkeeper would stay on after training to practise spot kicks, playing for "a bar of chocolate or a glass of beer"; once he had mastered the 'Panenka' he remembered "I started to gain weight, because I was winning the bets".
Good reminder. Portugal did not win a group stage game, and Hungary and Iceland were in the group.
Didn't win a game in regular time until the semis. 3 draws in group play, and advancing by PKs the first 2 knock out games. Won in extra time in the finals, so they won 1 game the whole tournament in the 90 minutes of regular time. Lamest champ since I've been watching the event, even moreso than Greece, who beat Portugal and had a draw with Spain in the group stages then beat France in regular time in the quarters.
I liked this tournament better when it was 4 groups and only the top 2 advanced. It was one less round of knock out games, but it's better than only 6 of 24 teams getting knocked out in the group stage.
This Spain-Croatia game is lit.
RedTeamGo!
06-28-2021, 02:10 PM
This match is just insane. The skill level of the Spanish vs the determination of the Croatians. Just incredible soccer.
Betterread
06-28-2021, 03:51 PM
This match is just insane. The skill level of the Spanish vs the determination of the Croatians. Just incredible soccer.
Very fun match to watch. Spain were better, and Morata got the game-winner. Croatia finally played a few of their younger dynamic players (Pasalic, Orsic) and they drove the fight back to 3-3.
And now Switzerland and France are at it. Today is epic.
BuckeyeRed27
06-28-2021, 04:54 PM
14 goals today!
Switzerland through on penalties. A gift for Spain in the next round, or could the Swiss be a sleeper team?
And is that all for Deschamps as the France manager? There is this guy named Zidane currently available.
Has there ever been a day with 2 more entertaining football matches than today. The Spain-Croatia game was the best of the tournament, but the France-Swiss was close.
BuckeyeRed27
06-28-2021, 05:56 PM
Has there ever been a day with 2 more entertaining football matches than today. The Spain-Croatia game was the best of the tournament, but the France-Swiss was close.
I can’t remember one and even soccer dudes on Twitter like Grant Wahl are saying they can’t either.
Almost had a first day or March madness feel to it.
Chip R
06-29-2021, 11:32 AM
Looking forward to the England Germany match.
BuckeyeRed27
06-29-2021, 01:48 PM
Kane and Sterling scoring, Mueller missing 1 on 1s, England beating Germany! We must be in the upside down.
It's almost like Germany stopped being special once Mesut Ozil left.
17405
Thomas Muller’s most recent picture for the German team.
BuckeyeRed27
06-29-2021, 05:03 PM
Geez what a brutal challenge for that red card
Betterread
06-30-2021, 01:14 PM
With France, Portugal, Germany and Holland eliminated, I now wish to see an Italy-England final. I think the winner of Italy-Belgium will go the final and Belgium has so many players in the EPL, that a Belgium - England final will be like a champions League final Chelsea v ManCity.
Italy would at least provide some novelty, though I think Belgium has far more talent. Also an Italy - England matchup would enable England to win a major tournament for the first time in my life.
RedTeamGo!
06-30-2021, 01:20 PM
With France, Portugal, Germany and Holland eliminated, I now wish to see an Italy-England final. I think the winner of Italy-Belgium will go the final and Belgium has so many players in the EPL, that a Belgium - England final will be like a champions League final Chelsea v ManCity.
Italy would at least provide some novelty, though I think Belgium has far more talent. Also an Italy - England matchup would enable England to win a major tournament for the first time in my life.
It all depends on Kevin De Bruyne. If he isn’t healthy Italy will likely win IMHO.
BuckeyeRed27
06-30-2021, 01:52 PM
It all depends on Kevin De Bruyne. If he isn’t healthy Italy will likely win IMHO.
Hazard is probably out too. Even if they play, seems like they will be limited or subs.
There's an excellent chance someone highly unlikely makes it to the final. The Denmark/Czech Republic/England/Ukraine bracket is primed for another upset. England's looking at two trap games where the other team is going to defend them in numbers and hit them on the counter. And Spain's looking at a trap game against Switzerland, which has got a shot on its side of the bracket.
We're not going to know until the end of this thing who's game adapts best to the knockout format.
Sergio Ramos heading to PSG and it looks like Raphael Varane will go to Manchester United on a transfer.
Tough red card for Switzerland, thought they looked more likely to take this game until that call. Spain's creating nothing and there's holes in their defense.
Betterread
07-03-2021, 11:29 AM
Good win for Italy. They were the better team, which surprised me. I like the talent of Insigne, Chiesa and Spinnazzola but the rest of the squad leaves me indifferent. However, as a team Mancini has them playing smart and determined football.
Spain v Italy is a tasty matchup.
texasdave
07-03-2021, 06:05 PM
Good win for Italy. They were the better team, which surprised me. I like the talent of Insigne, Chiesa and Spinnazzola but the rest of the squad leaves me indifferent. However, as a team Mancini has them playing smart and determined football.
Spain v Italy is a tasty matchup.
Spinnazola tore his achilles tendon, and will be out for several months. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/15474194/italy-spinazzola-euro-2020-injury-belgium/
membengal
07-06-2021, 04:39 PM
This Italy/Spain second half has been just stellar. Holy wow what beautiful soccer.
Betterread
07-06-2021, 05:45 PM
Jorginho scores the ultimate PK, with a late hop before the strike to fake out the keeper. Great kick. Forza Azzurri!
Bravo Spain. They played well, much better for sections of the game. Kay Murray is sad they lost.
RedTeamGo!
07-06-2021, 06:18 PM
Absurd PK. Awesome. I can’t imagine having the balls to do that with everything on the line for your country. Amazing.
- - - Updated - - -
Imagine not liking international soccer.
Spain should have won 4-1 in regular time. As a fan it’s incredibly disappointing to see Italy advance to the finals of a major tournament with that performance.
Spain should have won 4-1 in regular time. As a fan it’s incredibly disappointing to see Italy advance to the finals of a major tournament with that performance.
Spain's chances were mostly half chances. They had the advantage for almost the whole game and couldn't make it pay off.
Betterread
07-06-2021, 11:59 PM
Spain should have won 4-1 in regular time. As a fan it’s incredibly disappointing to see Italy advance to the finals of a major tournament with that performance.
Spain played pretty football but lacked the final key pass or shot. They lacked conviction. Italy countered with total conviction.
That was why it was an even match. And then penalties decided it. Italy is the lucky team this euro. They don’t have that much talent (although to my eyes, Chiesa is the best player on both teams) but they are playing well enough to be competitive.
Petri was a revelation. Why didn’t Llorente (Sevilla) get more playing time?
Why didn’t Llorente (Sevilla) get more playing time?
Luis Enrique only plays him as a right back, which I don't get when he creates all kinds of havoc for Atletico as a more forward player. But I don't get a lot of what Luis Enrique does.
BuckeyeRed27
07-11-2021, 06:07 PM
Just a brutal brutal loss for England.
General thoughts on the final:
1. Mancini is a hell of a coach, because that Italy team is not overflowing with talent.
2. How are Sterling and Grealish not taking those final two penalties, especially Sterling. He was the most-capped player on the team.
3. England fans were so obnoxious leading into this final it was hard not to root for Italy.
General thoughts on the final:
1. Mancini is a hell of a coach, because that Italy team is not overflowing with talent.
2. How are Sterling and Grealish not taking those final two penalties, especially Sterling. He was the most-capped player on the team.
3. England fans were so obnoxious leading into this final it was hard not to root for Italy.
I called it when he put in Rashford and Sancho in right at the end thinking how dumb it would be to have the first touch of the game be a high pressure PK. That made no sense to me at all. And maybe Zaka has a strong record with PKs, and while he has been solid in the tournament, he was dreadful from the moment he got into this game. I think southgate crapped,his bed on setting his PK lineup.
Italy is a worthy champion and they’re not as easy to dislike as the Italian teams of the past. Chiesa was probably the best player in this tournament.
BuckeyeRed27
07-11-2021, 08:58 PM
Yeah I didn’t get the PK lineup at all. No reason to put Saka 5th. Not having Sterling take one at all is insane. It was smart to put Rashford and Sancho in there just in case, but not to be automatically in the lineup.
Betterread
07-11-2021, 09:50 PM
Italia e campeones d’Europe 2021. Love the move to have Spinna go on stage first, on crutches.
What a save Donnarumma made on Sancho. Mancini changed the game by subbing Berardi for Immobile. Berardi, Chiesa and Insigne put the English defenders on roller skates the whole second half. Instead, Southgate should have pressed the Italian midfield like Spain did. Gareth, you could have brought fame to England and Middlesbrough but you played it too safe.
God, Chiellini looks evil, even when he’s happy. Two games in a row, when they do the coin flip for penalties, he hugged the surprised other captain like he’s Don Corleone. I wouldn’t let him touch me, other than the handshake.
IslandRed
07-12-2021, 08:15 PM
I called it when he put in Rashford and Sancho in right at the end thinking how dumb it would be to have the first touch of the game be a high pressure PK. That made no sense to me at all.
Yeah I didn’t get the PK lineup at all. No reason to put Saka 5th. Not having Sterling take one at all is insane. It was smart to put Rashford and Sancho in there just in case, but not to be automatically in the lineup.
Co-sign. I am not a fan of putting players into the game just to take penalties. I read that Southgate held competitions of sorts in training and he went with the lineup they'd set in advance, but still.
Co-sign. I am not a fan of putting players into the game just to take penalties. I read that Southgate held competitions of sorts in training and he went with the lineup they'd set in advance, but still.
Except those practice competitions aren't in front of a packed Wembley Stadium with the weight of 55 years on your back. Southgate had his two least experienced players taking those final two penalties.
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