In the 60s when Russia won the Euro, the core of the team was Russians. The 70s and 80s they were dominated by Ukraine players from Dymamo Kiev. Anyway, no cheers for them for upsetting our Dutch in 2008 Euro.
^^ I read that UEFA is considering actions against Russia. So far I am impresssed with Poland, Germany and France. There are some good goals so far: Payet, Modric, a couple of free kick (Bale, Dier) and the second Germany's goal today reminded me of our Dutch team in Euro 2008 counter attack goals.
Switching continents, Brazil out of the Copa America on a Peru 'mano de oro' goal in the manner of Maradona. Didn't they learn their lesson the last time they chose Dunga as manager???
Brazil brought their B-team to Copa, its a tournament they care little for. I remember 10 years ago or so they also brought their B-team, they played like they didnt give a crap, and they still won the tournament....LOL
^^ Brazil wanted to win Olympic as a host so I'm not surprised as they bring their B team. On the other hand, it looks as Mexico and Argentine are gunning for the title.
^^but he got caught way out of position at about the 80th minute or so and couldn't get the back header from his defender. Almost conceded the tying goal!!
Italians always win the trophy for the best singing of the national anthem. Love Gigi Buffon and his singing!!!
Belgium plays quite like how Holland played back in 1998 and 2000. Similar build up and positional movements. Also the use of wing play instead of everything through the center They struggle to create chances, unfortunately. I hope this isn't a game where the Italians don't win from you, but you lose to them.
Because he is a rubbish manager. Cruyff once said, "Italy cannot beat you but you can lose to them." Wilmots is proof of this.
Really fun match to watch. Italy was a better team tonight. Great volley by Pelle to ice the match. Too bad Belgium doesn't have any proper fullbacks. Italy doesn't need Pirlo any longer as Bonucci delivered passes that were worthy of FdB's great long balls from the back. Forza Italia!
Lol Wilmots...What's the ********ing sense of playing Fellaini + Witsel ? It's like playing Bazoer + Fer. Put Hazard and De Bruyne on the wings while they're the most creative players and one of them should be the 10...This leaded to an infinite lateral passing. The midfielders give it to Hazard and De Bruyne who give it back to the center, and you end up with Nainggolan taking the shots while it's clearly not his best quality. Lukaku had so many poor touches, Mertens brought dynamic and energy but a lot of stupid ball losses. Hazard was probably the best belgian attacker after all, his touches and ball conservation are just great, De Bruyne was very disappoiting. I still believe Italy is very average on the paper but they played better than Belgium, lethal counters and no useless passing. That's maybe how Holland could play if they qualified, with a lower pression than in last tournaments.
Belgium remind me a bit of the Dutch, individuals playing with not much team spirit or identity, and maybe players used improperly rather than players not good enough. Italy convince me that the opposite is so much more effective, with a great team victory highlighted by goals from sort of out of form players like Pelle and Giaccherini! Conte such a great motivator, did you notice how giddy even those subs were? What a difference a proper manager can make.... sigh
^^Agree about Conte but he gets burned out from all the passion he brings to the job. I think that's why he left Juve. I don't think he'll last more than three years in England because of this.
Russia will be disqualified if their "fans" cause any more shit remaining matches: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36528403
Given the general poor quality of most of the first round matches played so far, I have to think that the Dutch would have stood a decent chance at winning this tournament had they qualified. I'm throwing my support with Italy as I want to see Buffon sing the national anthem all the way to the finals!
I agreed, but I still enjoy watching him. It is one thing that reminds me of total football that we had. The first Italian goal reminded me of Frank DB pass to Bergkamp in 98 vs Argentina. The 2nd goal reminded of our team counter attack goals in 2008. I watched Sweden Ireland game. This Sweden team is beatable for us, even with Zlatan. France is a different story. I hope Blind and his staff are watching Euro, at least France and Sweden games.