The new footy thread

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“Obviously we’re not going to create as much chances as a fantastic team like Portugal but his comments are the reason why Messi is always going to be one step ahead of him. You wouldn’t expect Messi to say that. It shows we got under his skin. It was lovely to hear that.”

Ronaldo ended the game embroiled in an argument with the referee and, despite his reluctance to shake hands with Iceland’s players, did so with the captain Aron Gunnarsson.

Arnason added: “It makes it even sweeter when he’s a sore loser like that. He can say whatever he wants. He didn’t really get a chance. He got one and he couldn’t put it away. What can I say? Sore loser. Tough shit. What does he expect – for us to play like Barcelona against him? He fannies about and dives around.”

Iceland’s Kari Arnason: sore loser Ronaldo will always be behind Messi

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

the "thats why theyll do nothing" didnt need to be said but everything else he said was a solid opinion lol

It wasn't really "parking the bus" though - Portugal was always going to out-possess Iceland and if they were able to make the most of that possession they were going to smash them. What wound up happening is Portugal took about half of their 23 attempts from outside the box, maybe 2 of which were even close to going on target, and on the closer chances (some of which Iceland definitely got lucky on) Iceland countered really well. Despite the numbers, it really wasn't your typical 11 behind the ball situation.

That last comment, and the "they play like a small team" (um, duh?) were just unnecessary. Even if he bitched about the other stuff most people would shrug and move on. He's created a controversy out of nothing - you're still favourites to win the group, teams struggle in their first games all the time (France and Spain were both under par for the most part in their openers, to say nothing of the Belgians), why bring this on yourself?

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Further, Portugal played with two centre-mids (Gomes and Mario) as wingers and two wingers as strikers. If you wanted to use a 4-4-2 with a second striker and Ronaldo as target man use somebody who can actually attack centrally. Not bringing another striker beyond the terrible Eder was a huge mistake - there are two youngsters who deserved the chance.

Pepe, besides being Pepe, also looked like shit. It's bad when you're outshone by your 38 year old defensive partner.

You can never blame the team for parking the bus or lining up in a defensive counter-attacking formation. It's your job to break them down. The good teams manage it.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Russia making a late run.

May not matter:

 

[jstewismybastardson]

what idiots lol

 

[jstewismybastardson]

so how is this gonna shakedown if the russians get the boot? 3 - 0 result for the final game? that count for goal difference???? lol

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

so how is this gonna shakedown if the russians get the boot? 3 - 0 result for the final game? that count for goal difference???? lol

If qualification forfeits are any indication, yes and yes.

Could be moot if Wales win today though - they'd win the group regardless.

 

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so how is this gonna shakedown if the russians get the boot? 3 - 0 result for the final game? that count for goal difference???? lol

Would UEFA/FIFA have the cajones to actually give Russia the boot?!?

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

I don't know that a flare is enough to boot a team.

If it were another fan brawl (and who knows, there may be one happening right now) I think they would have no choice but, really, it's a flare. As long as it wasn't tossed at Dida WGAF?

 

[jstewismybastardson]

I don't know that a flare is enough to boot a team.

If it were another fan brawl (and who knows, there may be one happening right now) I think they would have no choice but, really, it's a flare. As long as it wasn't tossed at Dida WGAF?

I mean ... flares are a crowd disturbance though ... did they throw them on the pitch?

 

[Nasty_Magician]

For the record, if you guys ever have the chance to travel to Iceland, take it. Phenomenal country.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFS, and the CEDB decided to impose the following sanctions:

• A fine of €150,000.

• A suspended disqualification of the Russian national team from UEFA EURO 2016 for the crowd disturbances. In accordance with Article 20 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations*, this disqualification is suspended until the end of the tournament. Such a suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament.

The decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is open to appeal.

This decision only relates to the incidents which occurred inside the stadium and are therefore under the jurisdiction of the UEFA Disciplinary Bodies.

*Article 20 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations

1. All disciplinary measures may be suspended, with the exception of:

a. warnings;

b. reprimands;

c. bans on all football-related activities;

d. disciplinary measures related to match-fixing, bribery and corruption.

2. The probationary period must be a minimum of one year and a maximum of five. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances.

3. If a further offence is committed during the probationary period, the competent disciplinary body, as a rule, orders that the original disciplinary measure be enforced. This may be added to the disciplinary measure imposed for the new offence.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

the competent disciplinary body

There's their out right there. They assigned it to the Department of Player Safety. Given the complete lack of competence, no requirements.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Charges relating to crowd disturbances, use of fireworks and racist behaviour had been brought against the RFS, and the CEDB decided to impose the following sanctions:

• A suspended disqualification of the Russian national team from UEFA EURO 2016 for the crowd disturbances. In accordance with Article 20 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations*, this disqualification is suspended until the end of the tournament. Such a suspension will be lifted if incidents of a similar nature (crowd disturbances) happen inside the stadium at any of the remaining matches of the Russian team during the tournament.

ahh ok so they didnt rule on anything pertaining to use of fireworks ... suspended disq. just for the crowd disturbances

... its like uefa threw the idiots a bone and said you can use the flares, just dont fight lol

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Penaltyyyyyy

 

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France thinking Albania will be a cake walk - Apparently Pogba and Griezmann are both out for France with Coman and Martial starting instead.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

France thinking Albania will be a cake walk - Apparently Pogba and Griezmann are both out for France with Coman and Martial starting instead.

Maybe. Maybe they've just seen guys burn out in these tournaments (Italy 4 years ago, anyone?) and when you have quality alternatives you might as well make use of them.

If Martial has a cracker today though, there will be a lot of people clamouring for him to start over Giroux in the knockouts.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Pogba didnt have the best game first time around ... saw alot of pundits say he was trying to do to much ... having him watch this one wont be devastating ... and yah people wanted Martial over Giroux even first game

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

Pogba didnt have the best game first time around ... saw alot of pundits say he was trying to do to much ... having him watch this one wont be devastating ... and yah people wanted Martial over Giroux even first game

Worth mentioning that Martial is starting more as a LW so he will be the one feeding Giroux perfect ball after perfect ball only to see Giroux fluff them all.

For me they'd be better off with Payet on the left, Coman on the right, Martial up front with Griezman as a second and Kante/Pogba anchoring. But Giroux isn't going anywhere.

 

[jstewismybastardson]

France thinking Albania will be a cake walk - Apparently Pogba and Griezmann are both out for France with Coman and Martial starting instead.

My boy garreth wheeler is questionning this lineup move so im going to have to predict a 6-0 french victory