But the France v Switzerland game was pretty sensational. Lost of the round of 16 games were good, actually, but that was the pick of the bunch.
I would think that whoever wins out of Belgium and Italy will probably be favourites for the title. Still finding it hard to believe that the top 2 qualifiers in the tournament end up in the same quarter of the draw, but there you go. I shall be fervently hoping for a Belgian win.
I shall also be hoping for an Eriksen-driven Danish fairytale on the other side of the draw for a while, even though I do like some of the other teams too.
There was a period in the England Germany game, when both teams looked absolutely mediocre, just after half time. Kane was wandering round like a ghost. But the Grealish substituti
QI taught me some years ago that the Germans aren't especially interested in matches against England. The obsession is unidirectional. To Germans, their biggest rivalry is with the Netherlands.
These days it more "Can we have grandad's bike back", but same thing. The wailing and gnashing of teeth was deafening here when the Dutch exited limply after such a promising start to the tournament. Coach De Boer dutifully fell on his sword and most of the orange has been torn down.
It strikes me that those who blaze brilliantly early on in these tournaments often come a cropper, whilst those who grind out dull matches without losing sometimes come good in the end. I seem to recall one year Italy reached the World Cup final, (maybe even won it, I can't remember) after drawing all three of their group games. Perhaps it is wishful thinking on my part as England have played some of the most tedious football of all.
Tournament football is often slow, and the players can look like they are wading through treacle. See Kane for a good example. However, against that, there are often rather crazy periods, when bizarre sequences of events take place. The last France game was like this, France 3-1 up and coasting, but suddenly 3-3, a penalty shoot out, Mbappe misses, au revoir. I enjoy it.
Well, after Italy, what is there to say. Observe, ye mortals, and pass by. In other words, they are top class. I would like to see England play them, to see if they could cope.
Oh I already thought Italy were one of the best teams, as I've previously alluded to. Which is why I was so bummed about my beloved Belgium encountering them at this stage.
The golden generation's time is beginning to run out, after being number 1 ranked for such a long time with nothing to show for it in the trophy cabinet. All that consistency, but falling short in the truly big matches. Sigh.
I found the England game v Ukraine rather dream like. They shuffled the ball around, and it was in the back of net, and it kept happening. Of course, Kane found his form, Sterling continued his tinopener act, and Shaw delivered laser-like crosses. All so easy, it can't be right. Sterner tests await.
All I have to say now is: the whole world loves Danish fairytales.
Of course, many of H.C. Andersen's stories are rather tragic.
I've read the Little Match Girl in my halting Danish, constantly pausing for translation tips and struggling with the 19th century vocabulary, and I still got goosebumps and tears in my eyes, dammit.
That was a tough watch, as the tension was fierce. I said to my wife, we're supposed to be enjoying this. Every possible facet of England was present, very wobbly after the Denmark goal, then calming down. By the end, total control, and the Danes looked knackered. Sterling phenomenal. Soft penalty, but Kane should have had one.
Comments
I would think that whoever wins out of Belgium and Italy will probably be favourites for the title. Still finding it hard to believe that the top 2 qualifiers in the tournament end up in the same quarter of the draw, but there you go. I shall be fervently hoping for a Belgian win.
I shall also be hoping for an Eriksen-driven Danish fairytale on the other side of the draw for a while, even though I do like some of the other teams too.
It strikes me that those who blaze brilliantly early on in these tournaments often come a cropper, whilst those who grind out dull matches without losing sometimes come good in the end. I seem to recall one year Italy reached the World Cup final, (maybe even won it, I can't remember) after drawing all three of their group games. Perhaps it is wishful thinking on my part as England have played some of the most tedious football of all.
Yes, best not to come onto a football thread for the sole purpose of saying you don't like football, thank goodness you didn't.
The golden generation's time is beginning to run out, after being number 1 ranked for such a long time with nothing to show for it in the trophy cabinet. All that consistency, but falling short in the truly big matches. Sigh.
I'm looking at the timing of your forecast with a quizzical eye.
Alas Poor Denmark. I knew it Gareth
Of course, many of H.C. Andersen's stories are rather tragic.
I've read the Little Match Girl in my halting Danish, constantly pausing for translation tips and struggling with the 19th century vocabulary, and I still got goosebumps and tears in my eyes, dammit.
I'll come back when I've slept and got up for the match in the morning.
Suus 'venit in domum suam
On the other, the penalty was so ridiculously soft that even English commentators found it highly doubtful.
I thought that England should have had a penalty in normal time
Well bollocks to that.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57763001
I confess it would be rather amusing if England were to be disqualified for it.
Yes that's the rough translation Answered by Piglet
Totally agree. Perhaps it helped him to make the save
Millions of English supporters would not find it amusing
It doesn't. It means something like "theirs comes to their house"
Not sure why Venit Domum wouldn't be adequate.
@Telford 's Latin teacher of course would not have had a gladius to aid in the teaching of correct Latin.
:snigger: