I think Belguim will have too much for Portugal. For me the tricky game today is the Dutch I can see them having a tough day perhaps
That is my gut feeling too. I think the Belgians are genuine contenders. I think the Dutch have played open attractive football but there have been opportunities for opponents they haven't been good enough to capitalise on. Better teams could cause them problems.
The longish pass to the speedy Dumfries to highlight a slowish CB is what I hope England do to Hummel's. Hopefully there is the space behind the German CB's.
Interesting first match where we're seeing one of England opponents from the Group Stages against another team that people were impressed with from the other Groups - Spain v Croatia will be other similar to that.
The Dutch play at pace which causes its own problems, but they lack quality up front for me.
Eight goals in the group stages- I think defending is more of a problem.
It isn't if you score more than you concede. The problem is who you score against. Can you score against the better organised teams who you don't play in the Group stages?
The Dutch play at pace which causes its own problems, but they lack quality up front for me.
Eight goals in the group stages- I think defending is more of a problem.
Austria, Ukraine and Macedonia arent the hardest opponents though - The former finished second, meaning they got through to the KO of a Major Tournament for the first time since 1954 which says it all.
This is way off topic, and for that I genuinely apologise, but when the Euro games are on ITV, the view behind them are of the Thames and HMS Belfast. The small bridge and pontoon leading out from the quay to the ship was designed by my late Dad, who also oversaw the building and installation of it. I've not been there for years so it always brings a lump to my throat and a certain amount of pride. Sorry for taking the thread of topic, but sometimes my pride in my Dad gets the better of me.
The Dutch play at pace which causes its own problems, but they lack quality up front for me.
Eight goals in the group stages- I think defending is more of a problem.
Austria, Ukraine and Macedonia arent the hardest opponents though - The former finished second, meaning they got through to the KO of a Major Tournament for the first time since 1954 which says it all.
That is a slightly misleading stat, because they got through the group stage in 78 and 82, it's just that the second phase was also played in groups, not knockout. Still a long time though.
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From what I’ve seen so far and with the players we have this really is a great opportunity.
Beat the Germans and our position is fantastic.
Sorry for taking the thread of topic, but sometimes my pride in my Dad gets the better of me.
That is a slightly misleading stat, because they got through the group stage in 78 and 82, it's just that the second phase was also played in groups, not knockout. Still a long time though.
Doesnt just get in the way of the last man without winning the ball but handballs it too
That would be two yellow cards for separate offences