Have to say I thought expanding the competition to 24 would result in some proper one sided group games but off the top of my head both French games, N.Ireland beating Ukraine, Iceland drawing with Portugal, Hungary beating Austria, even Slovakia beating Russia was a bit of a shock. Been some great games and we're only half way through the groups.
Have to say I thought expanding the competition to 24 would result in some proper one sided group games but off the top of my head both French games, N.Ireland beating Ukraine, Iceland drawing with Portugal, Hungary beating Austria, even Slovakia beating Russia was a bit of a shock. Been some great games and we're only half way through the groups.
thought the same before the tournament but no team has come here just for a jolly. makes for close games and great performances.
Have to say I thought expanding the competition to 24 would result in some proper one sided group games but off the top of my head both French games, N.Ireland beating Ukraine, Iceland drawing with Portugal, Hungary beating Austria, even Slovakia beating Russia was a bit of a shock. Been some great games and we're only half way through the groups.
Its actually done the opposite
In past competitions neither Northern Ireland / Ukraine would be bothered today as they know they're both technically finishing 3rd / 4th and so out of the competition.
Yet now every Group game is important because even come their final game against Poland, Ukraine still can qualify due to 3rd spot.
Regardless though... I'm so pleased for Northern Ireland, against Poland they really let themselves down and if they had played like that it would have ruined the fact they'd got to Euro 2016 in the first place... Now if they dont progress they can go home as heroes with their heads held high, they've won a match and have given a great account of themselves - Nothing to be ashamed of now.
Regardless though... I'm so pleased for Northern Ireland, against Poland they really let themselves down and if they had played like that it would have ruined the fact they'd got to Euro 2016 in the first place... Now if they dont progress they can go home as heroes with their heads held high, they've won a match and have given a great account of themselves - Nothing to be ashamed of now.
It's the same for Wales. Both want to go through, but winning a game means that they both have achieved something in the Euros, something they'll always be remembered for
Have to say I thought expanding the competition to 24 would result in some proper one sided group games but off the top of my head both French games, N.Ireland beating Ukraine, Iceland drawing with Portugal, Hungary beating Austria, even Slovakia beating Russia was a bit of a shock. Been some great games and we're only half way through the groups.
me too .. and as you write, today's result further justifies, as loath as I am to type this, Platini's expansion plans
Regardless though... I'm so pleased for Northern Ireland, against Poland they really let themselves down and if they had played like that it would have ruined the fact they'd got to Euro 2016 in the first place... Now if they dont progress they can go home as heroes with their heads held high, they've won a match and have given a great account of themselves - Nothing to be ashamed of now.
It's the same for Wales. Both want to go through, but winning a game means that they both have achieved something in the Euros, something they'll always be remembered for
Its like the film Cool Runnings... the first run they do they completely mess it up and Jon Candy says that they choked, they had the opportunity, they choked and let themselves down.
Fabulous result, and probably the third time in the tourno I've witnessed something that must be fantastic as a fan. You are one of the massed ranks in an unfamiliar stadium. Your team has a 1-0 lead and is hanging on for dear life. The tension is unbearable. Every second drags. Suddenly your team breaks away and lashes in a second. The noise is deafening. The tension has been released in the most dramatic way.
I say it "must be" fantastic, because I realised that as a Charlton fan, I don't think I have ever experienced it. Anyone?
Fabulous result, and probably the third time in the tourno I've witnessed something that must be fantastic as a fan. You are one of the massed ranks in an unfamiliar stadium. Your team has a 1-0 lead and is hanging on for dear life. The tension is unbearable. Every second drags. Suddenly your team breaks away and lashes in a second. The noise is deafening. The tension has been released in the most dramatic way.
I say it "must be" fantastic, because I realised that as a Charlton fan, I don't think I have ever experienced it. Anyone?
Not an away match, and not against "better opposition", but the FA Cup 5th round replay against Bristol City brings back such feelings. We were hanging on for a 1-0 win, knowing we'd get to play Man U away, then Kim Grant got a breakaway late goal to seal a famous win
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Ironic because if the 3rd place team in Group A fail to Qualify then Northern Ireland get England (If we win our Group) in the 2nd Round
Wales beating Russia and England thumping Slovakia could help
In past competitions neither Northern Ireland / Ukraine would be bothered today as they know they're both technically finishing 3rd / 4th and so out of the competition.
Yet now every Group game is important because even come their final game against Poland, Ukraine still can qualify due to 3rd spot.
I say it "must be" fantastic, because I realised that as a Charlton fan, I don't think I have ever experienced it. Anyone?
Poland are also wearing Nike, but have got much better looking kit than the horrible England effort.
Awful news. RIP
Rather like the Danish Rommedahl v the Charlton one.