So a team can go through by the virtue that they have fewer yellow cards... wow
If they've got the same number of points, same number of goals scored and same number of goals against, yes.
I think it's worse that they then go to the UEFA coefficient (which is the same as ranking) - higher ranked teams are seeded higher so have 'easier' groups for qualifying and tournament, they are seeded if they need playoffs to qualify, and they still automatically finish ahead of lower ranked teams if the record is identical.
I think it's worse that they then go to the UEFA coefficient (which is the same as ranking) - higher ranked teams are seeded higher so have 'easier' groups for qualifying and tournament, they are seeded if they need playoffs to qualify, and they still automatically finish ahead of lower ranked teams if the record is identical.
I agree with this. it's terrible that one of the tie breakers is a predetermined factor that teams cannot affect during the tournament, may as well use alphabetical order
I think it's worse that they then go to the UEFA coefficient (which is the same as ranking) - higher ranked teams are seeded higher so have 'easier' groups for qualifying and tournament, they are seeded if they need playoffs to qualify, and they still automatically finish ahead of lower ranked teams if the record is identical.
I agree with this. it's terrible that one of the tie breakers is a predetermined factor that teams cannot affect during the tournament, may as well use alphabetical order
@PragueAddick the boys from your adopted country are out in force here in St Etienne, as are the Croats - surprised by the numbers both have brought actually.
Looking forward to the match, thought Croatia were possibly the most surprisingly impressive side from the first round of matches, they looked very good against (an admittedly weak) Turkey.
You have a ticket? Good man. I am afraid though that back here nobody is terribly optimistic. Seems that the coach has done a great job with a mediocre bunch, just to get them there. They have not got a top class striker, and in the first game with the tall Necida up front, there was nobody getting up quickly to support him. A 23 year old Rosicky would have, but he's 35 now. Anyway I see they are going with Lafata up front who is more mobile. The Croats certainly regard themselves as favorites for this one.
Czechs and Croats will get on fine. Every Czech, and I mean every Czech, has been on holiday to Croatia.
Enjoy. And if you meet any Viktoria fans you can tell them how famous they are on CL :-)
The throw-in which led to the Italian goal would have been called a foul-throw way, way back when I was playing. The ball is supposed to be "grasped with both hands, delivered from behind and over the head", which didn't appear to be what happened. Been seeing this technique more and more lately, the throw is almost one-handed, definitely not quite over his head. Anyone else see this?
The throw-in which led to the Italian goal would have been called a foul-throw way, way back when I was playing. The ball is supposed to be "grasped with both hands, delivered from behind and over the head", which didn't appear to be what happened. Been seeing this technique more and more lately, the throw is almost one-handed, definitely not quite over his head. Anyone else see this?
Seeing it again, both of his feet weren't on the ground either
The throw-in which led to the Italian goal would have been called a foul-throw way, way back when I was playing. The ball is supposed to be "grasped with both hands, delivered from behind and over the head", which didn't appear to be what happened. Been seeing this technique more and more lately, the throw is almost one-handed, definitely not quite over his head. Anyone else see this?
Seeing it again, both of his feet weren't on the ground either
Don't know how many foul throws I've seen at The Valley, only a few ever given.
You have a ticket? Good man. I am afraid though that back here nobody is terribly optimistic. Seems that the coach has done a great job with a mediocre bunch, just to get them there. They have not got a top class striker, and in the first game with the tall Necida up front, there was nobody getting up quickly to support him. A 23 year old Rosicky would have, but he's 35 now. Anyway I see they are going with Lafata up front who is more mobile. The Croats certainly regard themselves as favorites for this one.
Czechs and Croats will get on fine. Every Czech, and I mean every Czech, has been on holiday to Croatia.
Enjoy. And if you meet any Viktoria fans you can tell them how famous they are on CL :-)
Yep we've got tickets - surrounded by Croats, they're definitely the better side.
The Italy result means that ROI actually have a really good chance of progressing.
The only result in Ireland-Belgium that doesn't guarantee that Italy will have the group won before the last match is a ROI win.
So either Ireland win, move on to 4 points and guaranteed to finish at least third and probably one of the best third placed teams (more likely 2nd in group)
Or Ireland draw or lose, which guarantees that Italy win the group so Italy can rest their entire team in the last match.
I had a bet on them not progressing from the group (a double with NI progressing) but would be good to see them go through.
I spent the entire Italy game watching footage on YouTube from fanzones around France. Slightly jealous of the NI lot and their Will Grigg's on fire chant, fanzone even played gala for them to chant along to. There's also so much good footage highlighting the unity between fans. Swedes and Irish and then Poles and NI lot particularly.
Comments
I think it's worse that they then go to the UEFA coefficient (which is the same as ranking) - higher ranked teams are seeded higher so have 'easier' groups for qualifying and tournament, they are seeded if they need playoffs to qualify, and they still automatically finish ahead of lower ranked teams if the record is identical.
Yet I looked into doing a road trip there a few months ago and Akranes was going to be one of the stop overs!!
Or let a psychic octopus choose
Looking forward to the match, thought Croatia were possibly the most surprisingly impressive side from the first round of matches, they looked very good against (an admittedly weak) Turkey.
Sweden are yet to have a shot on target in the tournament.
You have a ticket? Good man. I am afraid though that back here nobody is terribly optimistic. Seems that the coach has done a great job with a mediocre bunch, just to get them there. They have not got a top class striker, and in the first game with the tall Necida up front, there was nobody getting up quickly to support him. A 23 year old Rosicky would have, but he's 35 now. Anyway I see they are going with Lafata up front who is more mobile. The Croats certainly regard themselves as favorites for this one.
Czechs and Croats will get on fine. Every Czech, and I mean every Czech, has been on holiday to Croatia.
Enjoy. And if you meet any Viktoria fans you can tell them how famous they are on CL :-)
It's not the hope that kills you but the lack of ambition. Bit like watching Charlton.
The only result in Ireland-Belgium that doesn't guarantee that Italy will have the group won before the last match is a ROI win.
So either Ireland win, move on to 4 points and guaranteed to finish at least third and probably one of the best third placed teams (more likely 2nd in group)
Or Ireland draw or lose, which guarantees that Italy win the group so Italy can rest their entire team in the last match.
I had a bet on them not progressing from the group (a double with NI progressing) but would be good to see them go through.
Clattenburg and his colleagues living down to their reputation. But fair play, he's really got a grip on defective balls