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EURO 2020 Championship

Discussion in 'Other Sports Forum' started by Claymore95, Jun 13, 2021.

  1. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Pretty distressing scenes yesterday at the delayed by a year EURO 2020 Championship, when 40 minutes into the Denmark-Finland fixture, Inter Milan and Denmark player Christian Ericksen collapsed to the ground with no-one near him. Like most, I had no idea what had happened, but it quickly became obvious it was very serious when medics ran onto the field and then started performing CPR on him.

    Denmark players then gathered around him on the ground in an effort to block him from the TV cameras, which kept on displaying the scene to all of us watching (clearly showing CPR being performed), and became even more upsetting when his wife was shown to come onto the field and be seen distraught and being comforted by the Danish captain. There's been a bit of a backlash against the TV companies continuing to show the scenes, which is understandable considering how quickly they usually cut away from any scenes like gruesome injuries, protests or even streakers.

    I honestly thought we'd witnessed a player dying on the field, which I'm sure many watching did too.

    Thankfully, the close proximity of medics and the work they did meant an hour later it was announced Ericksen was said to be awake and stable in hospital.

    Both sets of players, on hearing he was stable in hospital, and at his request apparently, then resumed the game 90 minutes later.

    Not so important any longer, but Finland went to win the game 1-0.
     
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  2. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I suppose it's a bit symbolic that we're starting the Euro 2020 thread not only a year late but also on the Ericksen news. Absolutely horrifying to watch. I went back and checked to see what led up to him collapsing. He'd just had a strong run from midfield into the box and was heading over to the side to receive the throw when it happened. Half expecting to see him receive some type of knock to the head in the build up, but alas there was nothing. And when you saw his face completely devoid of any life, you knew it was very serious.

    Of course very relieved and somewhat shocked that he seems to be doing alright now after receiving not only CPR but what appeared to be defib on the pitch. Half of me just wanted him to be moved as quickly as possible to the hospital but I'm assuming with all the medics already on scene they have everything they need to revive him.

    I also wanted them to start CPR sooner than they did, as every second matters in those instances. It appeared that the Danish trainers were looking to immobilize his head and neck first but that upon reflection was not the problem, not a head injury.

    Here in the US, the TV crews were a bit more courteous to the player. After they started CPR, they didn't show him being worked on.

    And the ESPN crew were very upset that the game was allowed to continue after the hour (?) suspension. They questioned the players being allowed to make that decision rather than the FA's doing it and taking it out of their hands. Sadly, Denmark would lose the game after a save that Schmeichel perhaps would have made under normal circumstances (and a pen miss of course).

    Anyway, glad to hear he's doing better and we can perhaps go back to talking about the games.

    I was impressed with Italy to a degree. They had a sluggish first half against Turkey. But really the second half the Turks were very poor and Italians took advantage of the possession. That was not your Turkey side from a decade or so ago that were very impressive going forward. Now it appears they are the opposite, better on defense but not worth mentioning in the attack.

    Belgium Russia finished about where I'd expected. Belgium are going to be formidable and a clearly one of the few favorites so far. Russia couldn't capitalize on the home crowd (unlike a few years ago) and were quite poor.

    The Wales v Switzerland was fairly entertaining. A 1-1 draw was about right and a good result for both sides as they look to progress out of their group as either the #2 or #3 with the Italians taking the top spot I would imagine. I thought the Swiss could have won that game if they didn't back off so early.

    I thought today's England/Croatia game was going to end up the same (a draw) with England taking their foot off the pedal seemingly after a bright start halfway thru the first half, and then again after their goal (Phillips, what a player?).

    Curious to see how good Holland will be (without VVD). Spain as well, with Traore (what a different player he can be for them). And of course the group of death with Germany/France/Portugal. I'd imagine the 3rd place team would advance but that's a gamble. If England wins their group, they will play the 2nd place team out of this group in the round of 16. Yikes. I'm not sure who I'd rather face in that instance. Certainly not France!! I'd put France and Belgium as the pre tournament favorites to make the final. With the second tier teams being Germany, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal (they will always be good) and Holland. If those 8 make it to the quarters, that would be quite the setup, but there are always surprises.

    I'm rooting for your Scots (but not against England) :lol: Andy Robertson of course the main reason why :wink2:
     
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  3. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    As you say about the winner of the group that England & Scotland are in, they get the runner up from Germany/France/Portugal...might see teams trying not to win the group in the last game!

    For Scotland, we're just happy to be back at a major tournament! I grew up in the 80's/90's when we qualified to just about every one, so wasn't expecting to have a 23 year gap after 1998.

    It's been important for Scotland that we've finally got more quality players, with the likes of Robertson, Tierney, McTominay and McGinn all playing well in the EPL.

    Our game tomorrow against the Czechs is probably vital, can't see us beating England or Croatia, so a win in our 1st game and then hope that might be enough to get through is almost the best we can hope for.

    Italy and Belgium have impressed me most at this early stage.

    I wasn't impressed with the Dutch in a friendly against us a couple of weeks ago. Scotland deserved the win and would have got it except for a ridiculous free kick decision from the ref right at the end. That was a friendly though, so a bit unfair to judge them on that, but I don't see them doing a lot in the tournament.
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2021
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  4. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    And, of course, after me saying above, the Dutch have looked good in their first game against Ukraine so far :laughy: Well, I did say it wasn't fair to judge them on a friendly. Still think their defence isn't strong enough with Van Dijk missing though.

    Edit - and after posting this at 2-0, Ukraine come back to equalise before the Dutch scored a 3rd to win. I did say their defence wasn't that great! Cracking game though, Netherlands could easily have been 4 or 5 up, then the Ukraine came back from nowhere to almost get a point.

    I've not mentioned England...deliberately as I don't like to say anything positive about them :laughy: but, although I don't think they're the best team, having most of their games at Wembley and having the semi and final there gives them a great chance of winning it. Right, I'm away to wash my mouth out now!
     
    Last edited: Jun 13, 2021
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  5. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Well, I am English originally so I have to root for them mate :lol: Kane was a bit disappointing today. Hoping it had more to do with the heat (78 degrees is a scorcher there haha) than anything else. fantastic goal by Sterling (as an LFC supporter, I'll now be washing my mouth out). Hoping to see more of Sancho. But Foden is so dynamic and Mount is probably in the best form on the team. Hard to get all the attacking players in. And we haven't mentioned Bellingham or Grealish yet. This is a great problem to have. Don't think the problem is on the attacking end, which is something for England we haven't been able to say for a very long time. The health of the center backs is probably most concerning. And of course the Kyle Walker, John Stones missteps that will eventually come out. Have to hope they just keep scoring and don't drop into a shell too much for them to continue thru the tourney.

    That HOL v UKR match was the best of the tourney so far. I don't see the Dutch getting past the quarters with that defense and Steklenberg. The Yarmalenko goal is the best so far. What a strike.
     
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  6. Simon

    Simon The Other English Simon Club Member

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    Best player on the pitch by far yesterday was Phillips (and I say that as someone who detests Leeds). I thought Sterling had an ok game. Started off poorly but improved as the game went on and redeemed himself with the goal. Be interesting to see what tactical adjustments Southgate makes for Friday - I wouldn't be surprised to see James come in for Walker (who was just ok against Croatia).

    Oh and good luck for this afternoon @Claymore95 !
     
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  7. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Going to be a quick tournament for Scotland! Really had to get something from that first game, but a 2-0 defeat by the Czechs is bitterly disappointing and going to be extremely difficult to come back from. We were poor, especially in front of goal. Always a worry for us, where were the goals going to come from without a prolific striker. None of our strikers are clinical and miss too many chances, which you just can't at international level. Adams did well when he came on and, although I think Dykes is a decent target man, I hope Clarke start with Adams against England. Not hopeful for that game....or the Croatia one.

    Amazing strike from Schick for the 2nd goal, almost from the halfway line and he hit it perfectly...but I still wonder what Marshall was doing so far from his goal!
     
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  8. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Always rooting for Scotland! When my dad was younger (born and raised in Italy) he worked in Scotland for some time and always has great stories and nothing but good things to say. Although he wasn't a fan of the cuisine, he still misses the cheddar cheese and bread, and the breakfasts that he had there.

    Hopefully you guys can bounce back.
     
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  9. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    England looking strong. Love the speed. Made a Croatian side lacking a tactical identity look pedestrian, but at the end of the day they're still Croatia who are always dangerous.
     
  10. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    I dont think I can say I have been surprised by anything so far. Slovakia beating Poland is a little bit of an upset. Sweden v Spain was disappointing in the result. Spain didnt play that bad but of course Sweden was always going to defend. Their keeper motm. Hungary were putting up a fight for 65 mins. But Portugal just too much. The Germans seemed fairly tame compared to France. Mbappe is deadly.

    if im England looking ahead to the ko stages i think i would rather face Germany than the other two. Even tho we know the record is crap against them but u have to beat them some time and if they stay with Muller all the better. Clearly this Germany v France match was the best of the first week of games. Both teams looking like favorites.
     
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  11. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    I'd agree with you that Germany would probably be the team you'd want to face, unlikely as that sounds. I felt France did as much as they needed to against them, but could have moved up a gear if they'd had to.

    Germany just don't have the Mbappe or Ronaldo type player that's going to really scare you. Of course, they're almost notorious for starting out slow and building throughout a tournament into a juggernaut, but I just don't see it with that team.

    Italy, Belgium and France are the teams that have impressed me most in this first round of games, but still early doors. Can never forget Spain losing their first game before winning a World Cup, or Portugal drawing all 3 of their group games before winning the Euro's last time.
     
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  12. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Scotland still alive after that 0-0 draw with England...quite an exciting 0-0, for a Scotland supporter anyway!

    We created a few chances, as did England, so think the draw was the right result. I wasn't overly convinced by England in their win over Croatia, in terms of a possible tournament winner anyway, and this game showed that they'll have to improve a lot if they want to progress beyond even the last 16 or quarter-finals.

    As for Scotland, just need to beat Croatia now to progress (or should do with a win). No pressure then, just the World Cup finalists from 3 years ago! Croatia aren't the team that they were though, so I'm still holding out some hope.
     
  13. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Worst game ive ever seen. Well maybe not but feels like it. Also seems like we are content to finish second with a draw against Czechs. Which if u think about it maybe thats what we wanted.

    Harry Kane should be benched. He has done absolutely nothing in two games. But than Rashford has done nothing. I want to see Hendo in midfield with Phillips. Get Trippier back at right back. Shaw can play lb he was ok. Sancho needs to play. Want to see Bellingham. Bench Foden and Kane.

    its the second game of the group stage. No need to panic. Let the Czechs go play the second place team in the France group. lol.
     
  14. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    The German machine finally got the engine started today against Portugal. Good game, and Germany could have scored more than the four they did.

    I've just finished watching the Spain-Poland game as well, and how frustrating are Spain to watch just now. All the possession in the world, but not much of a goal threat. Hard to see them progressing far, even if they manage to get out of the group (not guaranteed unless they beat Slovakia, which TBH they should...but you never know based on their games to date).
     
  15. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Problem with finishing 2nd and not winning the group is that it would mean England wouldn't be playing at Wembley for the last 16 or quarter-finals (would be Copenhagen and St Petersburg). I imagine they'd rather have a game at Wembley if they could.
     
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  16. Alex13

    Alex13 Tua Time !!! Club Member

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    Germany is baaaaack….finally they managed to make it work with all this talent on offense….if they finish 2nd they will play England in the Quarter Final at Wembley…..if England gets first place
     
  17. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Spain really frustrating. Morata has always been ****e for me. Haven't even tried playing Traore. Don't know what they are waiting for.

    The France / Portugal loser (if there is one) could miss out on moving on (if they finish third with three points). Oh, wouldn't that be delicious? I can see them both playing for a 0-0 draw. that would be ugly.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2021
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  18. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    yeah, but it's not going to be a full Wembley either way right? Might get more England fans in Copenhagen? St Petersburg looks to be limiting as well. If I'm not mistaken, the QF game (if they get there as the group winner) would be against the likely France group winner (and the QF game is in Rome). Whoever drew up the fact that France/Portugal/Germany were to play in the same group should be shot.
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2021
  19. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    in the round of 16. another stupid setup.
     
  20. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    :lol: thought for a second the Russians had pulled another fast one. It was all setup for it. Denmark vs Russia... but Finland vs Belgium in St Petersburg hahah. Lukaku's goal is disallowed. Putin had his finger on the reset button. hahahah.

    Ahhh. but it was not to be. Russia is out, Denmark with a miraculous win. Finland left to pray for their 3rd place finish to be high enough vs the others finishing third. Great day today with this 3rd group games (unlike the first two, really snoozers). the simultaneous games can be great if they both have something to play for.
     
  21. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Meanwhile you have Wales and Denmark facing each other.

    I will forever want Sweden and Denmark to lose every game of competitive soccer they ever play.
     
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  22. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Regarding England, man what a difference from the Portugal game. Was Portugal that bad? England played fairly well against them.

    The individual talent is there for England, just have to put it all together or it means nothing.

    Here are some comments from world class personalities.

    Mourinho on Kane:
    https://www.football365.com/news/mourinho-ronaldo-mbappe-question-kane-noise-england

    Rooney on Fodden:
    https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rooney-foden-england-euro-2020-24362462
     
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  23. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    You guys could've beat France but their counter is f'n lethal.
     
  24. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    And that's goodbye from Scotland for Euro 2020 :cry:

    Nice for us to be back at a major tournament, but that's now 11 WC's and Euro's and we've still never got out of the group stages.

    We've got some decent players in Robertson, Tierney, McTominay playing for top clubs, and now maybe Gilmour too if he gets more chances at Chelsea, but in the wrong areas really, as we're seriously lacking in goalscorers.

    Hopefully we get back to one again soon though, got to break that duck eventually....surely!
     
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  25. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Did you mean to say Croatia? Yes, vs Scotland, England were very timid and slow. It's almost like they were playing for the draw. But certainly today, at times, we saw some of their best so far this tournament vs Czech Republic. Even Harry Kane was involved and probably looked his best of the tourney as well. Grealish with a wonderful cross to Sterling who was helped out by the undercutting Saka (who played very well). Agree with the sentiment on Foden by Rooney. You can't play Foden out wide for England, he's just too isolated in this 4-2-3-1. Kane is not fast enough to come over and create an overstack or 2 v 2 situation there. And with Mount and Foden on the same team with Kane, it's just not a good fit. So Saka (or Sancho) out wide with Grealish in that 10 role where he can go either side and then Sterling on the opposite side is solid, and Kane up top. Nice to see Hendo get in the game, he adds a lot more than Rice as an attacking MF next to Phillips (who can hold the 6 spot).

    Looks like we're going to stay with Walker instead of Trippier unless they pull Shaw out (but he's been decent). We'll have to see about Stones as he might have got a knock but the LB LCB pairings of Shaw/Maguire and then RCB and RB pairings of Stones/Walker seems to be our best four in defense. Interesting that the pairings are how they play for their club teams and United/City.

    I quietly like our chances against either Germany or Portugal. France is going to be a challenge lol.
     
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  26. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    now you just get to sit back and enjoy the games and not worry about anything :wink2:
     
  27. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Definitely meant Croatia. I don't have deep knowledge of the English squad. Although I do follow the PL and watch big game highlights I only watch Serie A , so I'll take your word for it. :)
     
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  28. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Like i said, never impressed by Morata. Just missed a penalty. ouch. Spain currently looking to make it as a third place team.
     
  29. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Today is going to be some day. Im watching live. Both games side by side. Will comment here lol.
     
  30. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Spain can qualify as a third place team if results hold.
     
  31. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    What a howler by the Slovak gk. Englands Rob Green is off the board maybe.

     
  32. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    The Slovaks getting the full Spanish armada today. lol.
     
  33. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Poland not done yet. Quite the goal bt their talisman.
     
  34. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Hungary first to score. Now all bets are off!!! lmao!! If France wins and Hungary holds England plays Hungary.
     
  35. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Typical Mbappe. Diving all over the place. Hated him since last WC for doing the same thing. Him and Neymar. Embarrassing.

    Best divers since Robben.

    PS: Insert Italia diving joke here.
     
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  36. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Some great games yesterday.

    Spain finally finding out they can shoot as well as just pass to each other, but Slovakia were woeful. Pretty sure their GK had money on a GK own goal for the first goal :laughy:

    Germany were fantastic against Portugal but, although I didn't watch it, seem to have taken a step back again with only drawing against Hungary, and almost going out until they got that late equaliser. Who qualified where from that group almost changed by the minute during the two 2-2 draws yesterday. Finally ended up as expected though, even if in doubt for the full 90 minutes.

    So, Germany against England in the last 16, that should be tasty. Which Germany will turn up and which England will too, the one that Southgate has being defensive to date, or the one that uses their attacking strength? Should be interesting.
     
  37. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Whoever does should cruise to the finals in that bracket.
     
  38. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    That's true, should make the finals whoever wins that match. With Italy, Belgium and France being in the other half of the 16 teams, plus Portugal. Only one of them can make the final. The Dutch may have something to say about it. But I don't see VVD making the match :wink2:
     
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  39. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    First of the last 16 games over, with Denmark thumping Wales 4-0. Denmark starting to gather steam after losing their first two games, somewhat understandably after the Ericksen incident. I predicted an Italy-Denmark final in my work's predictor league, so still on the cards.

    Italy-Austria in just under an hour, can only see an Italian win from that one going by form to date.

    Other last 16 games:
    Netherlands-Czech Republic (Netherlands win for me)
    Belgium-Portugal (one of the ties of the round, hard to predict but I'll go for Belgium)
    Croatia-Spain (Spain)
    France-Switzerland (France)
    England-Germany (the other tie of the round, even harder to predict than Bel-Port, but I think England will squeak it with it being at Wembley)
    Sweden-Ukraine (Sweden)
     
  40. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    Agree on predictions except i thin Croatia can beat Spain.
     

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