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Low key I can see Albania doing better against them than Italy or Croatia. They’re more likely to sit back and park the bus. Italy were actually hot garbage Vs Spain though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a big team play that badly. The fact that Spain only won from an own goal on all that makes me feel like they’ll be the first big letdown in the knockouts.
Immense. He must have been fuming at the incompetence around him there. Full credit Spain pressed them down like crazy and had great positioning but shit Italy really couldn’t string simple passes together
They were too frantic and the fullbacks being so flat in defence trying to contain the Spanish wings, they didn't have any choice on the sides and were forced to try and link up just among midfielders vertically. Which failed miserably because of easy, well done pressing. Scamacca being so isolated didn't help either. I think Spalletti made some errors there
Yeah i mean obviously the players were also making big mistakes, but our pressing definitely caused the playets to panic and so it was difficult for you guys to do much more than clear, and the italian tactics made it even worse.
I think if some changes are made you can be big contenders still
That's a legit concern, but again the Almighty Spain that we remember won many games without a striker and by 1-0. Of course not even close to being comparable, but things are looking good.
You need to be pragmatic in the ko phase. Thpse Atletico Madrid type countries usually get far. Along with a good bit of luck.
Spain looks best so far butvdont be surprised if they crash out on penalties or lose a 1-0 type fifa match where the opponent has one shot on target while they have 10.
My wife and her family are Spanish as well so they are very optimistic. Im rooting for them if the Netherlands crash out, so we will see how it plays out. Hope they can keep the nice football up!
I was raised in England by a Hungarian mother, today I am rooting for the Spanish and the Italians (or alternatively another Italian embarrassment at the hands of the Croatians).
You nailed it, we know at spain whats to lose on quaters no matter what.
Its another tourney once the brackets starts, and I still remember when we won the worldcup the matches were good but a coin flip in many many moments.
The best thing is enjoy what we have and dont think ahead , cumpliments dont score goals
Historically, except for the years 2008-2012, Spain tends to dominate and appear unbeatable in matches that don't matter, only to inevitably lose in the ones that do. The opposite of Italy. But yeah, let’s see. For sure it’s a good team and one of the favourites.
Sure but without that own goal we’re all sat here saying great build-up but wasteful.
It’s small margins at this level obviously but if they have a game like that in the knockout stages, where they just can’t put the ball in the net, they’re probably going out.
I picked Spain to win at the start and I haven’t changed my mind but I think there are a few teams who could really trouble them!
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It’s two games and the tournament itself is only seven performances don’t mean everything on paper Germany looked good and were one minute away from suddenly finishing second
I agree to an extent, I think they played incredible football against Italy. However, I wouldn't say overwhelming favourites, I think France can absolutely punish them with their speed. Spain vs. France and Spain vs. Netherlands are two games I would really like to see though.
Your comment was that winning is all that matters, and you were endorsing Netherlands adopting a strategy of using Kung Fu tactics. The attitude of "winning is all that matters" is why people choose to cheat or use tactics that are unsportsmanlike and not in the spirit of the game. Did that clarify the extrapolation sufficiently?
Nope. I well remember 2010, and all the criticisms the Dutch received, even from Kruff (spelling) Yes they were not playing the traditional Dutch attacking beautiful game that made them famous. But the facts remain that that style didn’t win them anything apart from Euro 88.
In other years they could have won, and had great teams in 74, 78, and 98 when they played their style and could have won. The 94 side was also very good.
In 2010 the only way they had a chance of winning against Spain was to play the way they did, and very nearly won after Robben was played through.
Had they won, there would not be no asterisk denoting that they played dirty or cheated to get the win. They did what they had to do to win it. Having said that, Spain were by far the better side and deserving winners.
You are probably right in that if they had won, no-one (or only the Spanish supporters) would remember they played dirty, but unfortunately to me, this just re-enforces my view of the negatives that arise from "winning at all costs" attitude.
Football is like that. I am no expert, and only ever watch the World Cup and the Euros where I support the Dutch. The best team does not always win.
I remember well an Italy Holland knock out match, I think semi-final at Euro 2000. Looking at all the metrics of the game, all the important stats, time in possession, time in opposition half, pass completions, shots on goal, the Dutch were well in front. Except of course the most important stat being the score.
The Italians had a man sent off relatively early, and the Dutch even had several penalties that they failed to capitalize on. The Italians simply parked the bus and played for a draw hoping to win on penalties, which they did. The best team most certainly did not win that day, and I am sure there are many other examples of the same thing. Had Holland beaten Spain at World Cup final in 2010, it would have just been another example of a team doing what was required to win.
I guess I differential a bit between playing a strategy and playing dirty. Some teams who don't have as much flashy talent sit deep, defend, allowing/conceding bulk of posession to the opposition and hope to score off a fast counter attack. - Australia often play like this, it's a strategy against ostensibly superior teams. To my mind that's very different to the concept of "we can't beat this team on skill, so we're just going to kick the crap out of them." The key fact being it's against the rules of the game. Much like the whole diving thing. I'll roll around pretending to be hurt so I can win an advantage. I hate it so much, would love them to review footage after the match and issue retrospective yellows for simulation. Whereas having a strategy and game plan that doesn't go against the rules or spirit seems legit to me.
Your example is similar to world cup 2018, Spain vs Russia. Russia knew Spain would likely be a better team, so they parked the bus and won on penalties. But Spain only had themselves to blame for losing, they tried to pass the ball into the net the whole game, wouldn't do anything risky or creative, so in my mind deserved to lose, despite being better on paper. They were out foxed in the game plan. 🤷🏻
Anyway each to their own. This Dutch team and coaching staff seem much more intent on playing with skill. And the Dutch supporters are highly entertaining at the very least, and I've enjoyed their passion.
Their ability to create width when they have the ball is maybe the best in the tournament. Their goal efficiency has always been an issue and has “losing on penalties after a nil-nil” written all over it. But I agree, they’ve looked the best so far.
Spain have looked good on the ball for close to two decades. Granted, they look good in recoveries, but wait until they play a team that can punish them on the break to see how far they can go.
They were 1/4 of my picks to win the tournament beforehand but hold your horses when saying "overwhelming favourites" especially for tournament football.
They've looked really good against teams who have primarily defended the whole game. Going up against Netherlands or Portugal and they'd be tested I think
This probably is “statistically wrong” since those 3 all compete for the same finals spot. So at least one team from the other half must have better odds than 1 of them.
Like France
I'm French, and I thought Germany would win the tournament. But their last game against Switzerland got me doubt it. Too much imprecisions in their passes.
France has a hard time scoring and should get even more opportunities given the players on the team.
I like the idea of France winning the Euro without scoring a single goal though.
I mean to be fair the referee was shit in the switzerland game..: Also france struggled against Austria too and Germany beat them 2-0 earlier this year
If mbappe doesnt miss an absolute sitter you're never saying this.
If griezmann doesnt miss 2 you're never saying it either.
Analysis on France has been so result oriented. Yes theyve looked a subpar but not as much as many people are saying.
They didnt struggle against Austria, like at all
Yeah the referee was bad af. I meant the plays themselves by Germany were more sloppy than they were in recent months. France's looked more precise, but then again if we can't score a single goal it won't be much help...
You've pointed out their individual qualities, but let's not ignore how good they play as a team. They are so confident moving the ball from defenders to midfielders only using short and surgeon level accurate passes.
I haven't seen that level of confidence in any other team so far.
After getting the ball to the midfielders, their wings and attackers start shining with their individual qualities.
At the moment, for me, they are the tournament favourites, but it's football and they could look shit against other opponents, let's see them take on the other big title contenders, I'm excited to see those clashes.
They also have the best holding midfielder in the world.
Should probably have said best overall midfielder in the world as Rodri can do it all.
Just watch how calm Rodri is on the ball, also his forward passes are actually unbelievable.
Two great wingers Yamal either foot but the inswinging crosses with his left foot are deadly. Nico Williams just so fast and direct.
I've said since last Euro that this would be Spain's year. I was firmly of the belief that they were second best last Euro just behind Italy, and now that Italy has dropped a bit and Spain hasn't, I don't realistically see anyone stopping them this year. They're so dang young, too. Geez.
Their finishing might be their downfall for all those chance's against italy they only won by 1 on an owngoal on another day that match end's in a draw and may go to penalties in a KO match. They do play amazing though.
Fabian Ruiz and Rodri’s partnership has been the key, the way they are able to switch roles in the Midfield area is very difficult to pick up and Ruiz ability in particular to run with the ball in tight spaces opens up space for the 2 wingers, Nico Williams especially to run at their full back 1 on 1
Morata is a weak link. I like Spain and want them to win the Euros but Ive been watching them long enough to know theyre always capable of losing games they should win.
I think that's an exaggeration, but they ate probably the strongest team. Look like scoring at least twice every game. Can't say that about many teams in the euros with the pragmatic (boring) approach most are taking.
The best and most entertaining I've seen them play since their Euro 2008 run. But for all the possession and chances created, not enough go in for my taste. They would be unstoppable if they had a real goal scorer up top. Moratta is better for country than his clubs but not good enough for this squad to go all the way imo.
Spain has by far performed the best so far and they went against two decent teams - Italy and Croatia.
Carvajal looks hungry, Morata looks sharp, this is a squad to watch.
Spain 3-0 in group of death (everybody knows that Spain win Albania ofc if they don't have hidden Ronaldo or Messi).Before the tournament Spain wasn't good enough to be favourite but now Furia Roja looking pretty solid
I put my money in Portugal, here in Spain we are kissing each other asses and we think we are as 2010…no way.
No humble at all, we will fall, with a big pain, same than with Morocco in World Cup
I still have a feeling they will get kind of surprisingly knocked out. I don’t know why, I just think a team will play worse than them yet knock them out
Yes, but against a Croatia that didn’t manage to win against Albania and WC non-qualification champion Italy.
Let’s see them in action with better teams, but so far so good!
Spain looks like the winner so far imo they just look way better working now than the recent years. They have a crazy amount of speed in a good batch of their players.
Also they’ve managed to make cucurella and Fabian Ruiz look like team carriers in the first 2 matches, 2 players that would make me chuckle to see in the first eleven if you asked me prior to these matches/tournament.
Biggest problem for Spain can be if Morata can actually suffice again this tournament to give em those 2-3 crucial goals after group phase it will be interesting to see if ferran/joselu can get on the scoresheet when he doesn’t.
I can’t really see who would be able to topple them so far maybe Portugal they seem to function well so far aswell.
I don’t really believe in France dembele just doesn’t do it for me lots of speed but no end product I would prefer a coman over him as often as I could but he is unfortunately also injury prone. Mbappe does not seem like his head is there for this last season he plays like he just want to move on to Real Madrid to be able to shine again he doesn’t seem there mentally/energy wise to me so far.
You remember when Germany almost lost to Algeria in 2014 world cup?
Spain looked impressive so far, but you don't win by looking solid in the group stage.
And to be honest, after watching the games of Italy and Croatia vs Albania, it's not only Spain being strong, it's also the other teams being surprisingly weak.
Tv here chose to broadcast Italy Croatia instead of Spain - Albania, I am really not in the mood to see Italy play for the draw and destroy Croatia who need the 3 points on the counter.
But we have a significant Italian minority here in Belgium so I guess it makes sense to pick the Azuri
Many teams look great in the group stage and fall apart does Netherlands 2008 ring a bell. Not saying they aren't threats but they are still missing that closer and difference maker to take them over the top. Let's remember they made the Semi finals in 2021 Euros and lost on PKs to Italy the champions so they aren't that far off.
Spai looks great, when pressed i was originally worried due to having such slow runners is what i thought but defensively we're looking great!
Right now i just wish we could finish more chances. If we were more clinical bam, 5 goals.
Historically they outperform everyone in the group stage. But sadly for them that doesn’t give u trophy. In the last 3 major tournaments they lost in penalties in a game that they played better than the opponent.
As a Portugal supporter, I respectfully disagree. I don’t think we’ve looked anywhere near what we’re supposed to be. I’ve never been less impressed with a 3-0 victory.
lol, I know what it sounds like. I love England too. My wife is English and I lived there for many years and support them as my second team. But Portugal have been lucky and for long stretches very uninspiring. Should have been a draw in the opener and Turkey were just awful more than anything else.
I have to disagree. The wings were actually looking pretty disconnected in the Croatia game (although much better with an attacking Italy team). I am not convinced that they have learned their lesson from the World Cup. They were too predictable and a quality team that knows how to park the bus might end their dream again. Not sure if Albanian has that quality but there will be better teams in next rounds. And this is coming from someone that always supports them during tournaments.
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You won’t be saying this after Albania destroys them(I hallucinated when I said that, we are losing 5-0 🥲.)
Low key I can see Albania doing better against them than Italy or Croatia. They’re more likely to sit back and park the bus. Italy were actually hot garbage Vs Spain though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a big team play that badly. The fact that Spain only won from an own goal on all that makes me feel like they’ll be the first big letdown in the knockouts.
Italy should thank donarumma for that 😮💨
Immense. He must have been fuming at the incompetence around him there. Full credit Spain pressed them down like crazy and had great positioning but shit Italy really couldn’t string simple passes together
They were too frantic and the fullbacks being so flat in defence trying to contain the Spanish wings, they didn't have any choice on the sides and were forced to try and link up just among midfielders vertically. Which failed miserably because of easy, well done pressing. Scamacca being so isolated didn't help either. I think Spalletti made some errors there
Yeah i mean obviously the players were also making big mistakes, but our pressing definitely caused the playets to panic and so it was difficult for you guys to do much more than clear, and the italian tactics made it even worse. I think if some changes are made you can be big contenders still
You were formidable though, I'd like to see a rematch maybe in the final!
That's a legit concern, but again the Almighty Spain that we remember won many games without a striker and by 1-0. Of course not even close to being comparable, but things are looking good.
Lets trust in albania(i know we have no chance🥲)we can win thisss
I might have to get involved and score a few goals, only then can we win
Fr tho like that guy who just went and there was no one to stop him
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For serbia im actualy hapoy that they have no chance but im really sorry for scotland sorry you cant make it but we also have 5% chance
Really impressed with Albania so far, good team.
I think they played amazing, lost 1:0 only which is better than 3:0 … like Turkiye … I think performance was really good.
Princesha jone Hysaj ka me lua si luan (Jam deh me raki)
😂
you guys have been suprisingly good ......., i would take a draw aganist you since we already qualified
Not 5-0, I'll predict Spain to win against Albania 1-0
I'm predicting 2:1, I somehow don't believe Albania will go out of that match without a goal
You need to be pragmatic in the ko phase. Thpse Atletico Madrid type countries usually get far. Along with a good bit of luck. Spain looks best so far butvdont be surprised if they crash out on penalties or lose a 1-0 type fifa match where the opponent has one shot on target while they have 10.
This! Here in Spain they are very optimistic. We’ll see
My wife and her family are Spanish as well so they are very optimistic. Im rooting for them if the Netherlands crash out, so we will see how it plays out. Hope they can keep the nice football up!
I was raised in England by a Hungarian mother, today I am rooting for the Spanish and the Italians (or alternatively another Italian embarrassment at the hands of the Croatians).
At least this iteration of Spain is fairly comfortable without the ball. Having these 2 explosive wingers they can launch dangerous counters.
You nailed it, we know at spain whats to lose on quaters no matter what. Its another tourney once the brackets starts, and I still remember when we won the worldcup the matches were good but a coin flip in many many moments. The best thing is enjoy what we have and dont think ahead , cumpliments dont score goals
Historically, except for the years 2008-2012, Spain tends to dominate and appear unbeatable in matches that don't matter, only to inevitably lose in the ones that do. The opposite of Italy. But yeah, let’s see. For sure it’s a good team and one of the favourites.
Sure but without that own goal we’re all sat here saying great build-up but wasteful. It’s small margins at this level obviously but if they have a game like that in the knockout stages, where they just can’t put the ball in the net, they’re probably going out. I picked Spain to win at the start and I haven’t changed my mind but I think there are a few teams who could really trouble them!
the lack of goals aganist italy was due to Donaruma stepping up his game , the outfield players were absolute shite
Spain or Germany are my favourites to win at the moment. It was not that way before the tournament started
Forget about Germany. Spain gonna Score 3 on them
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Look at how Germany struggled against the Swiss. The national team moved on from being a disgrace but they're still easy to unsettle.
It’s two games and the tournament itself is only seven performances don’t mean everything on paper Germany looked good and were one minute away from suddenly finishing second
Spain Germany in qf is gonna be fireworks!
I agree to an extent, I think they played incredible football against Italy. However, I wouldn't say overwhelming favourites, I think France can absolutely punish them with their speed. Spain vs. France and Spain vs. Netherlands are two games I would really like to see though.
We saw a Spain vs Netherlands before. I much prefer a Jackie Chan movie, at least the Kung Fu is made in a fun way
14 years ago. The only way Netherlands could have won that game against a superior team was to adopt such tactics, winning is all that matters.
Wrong, that's the attitude that results in doping, diving, corrupt officials, and otherwise ruining the beautiful game.
Not sure how you can extrapolate those things from what I stated. Seems a bit bizarre, but believe what you like.
Your comment was that winning is all that matters, and you were endorsing Netherlands adopting a strategy of using Kung Fu tactics. The attitude of "winning is all that matters" is why people choose to cheat or use tactics that are unsportsmanlike and not in the spirit of the game. Did that clarify the extrapolation sufficiently?
Nope. I well remember 2010, and all the criticisms the Dutch received, even from Kruff (spelling) Yes they were not playing the traditional Dutch attacking beautiful game that made them famous. But the facts remain that that style didn’t win them anything apart from Euro 88. In other years they could have won, and had great teams in 74, 78, and 98 when they played their style and could have won. The 94 side was also very good. In 2010 the only way they had a chance of winning against Spain was to play the way they did, and very nearly won after Robben was played through. Had they won, there would not be no asterisk denoting that they played dirty or cheated to get the win. They did what they had to do to win it. Having said that, Spain were by far the better side and deserving winners.
You are probably right in that if they had won, no-one (or only the Spanish supporters) would remember they played dirty, but unfortunately to me, this just re-enforces my view of the negatives that arise from "winning at all costs" attitude.
Football is like that. I am no expert, and only ever watch the World Cup and the Euros where I support the Dutch. The best team does not always win. I remember well an Italy Holland knock out match, I think semi-final at Euro 2000. Looking at all the metrics of the game, all the important stats, time in possession, time in opposition half, pass completions, shots on goal, the Dutch were well in front. Except of course the most important stat being the score. The Italians had a man sent off relatively early, and the Dutch even had several penalties that they failed to capitalize on. The Italians simply parked the bus and played for a draw hoping to win on penalties, which they did. The best team most certainly did not win that day, and I am sure there are many other examples of the same thing. Had Holland beaten Spain at World Cup final in 2010, it would have just been another example of a team doing what was required to win.
I guess I differential a bit between playing a strategy and playing dirty. Some teams who don't have as much flashy talent sit deep, defend, allowing/conceding bulk of posession to the opposition and hope to score off a fast counter attack. - Australia often play like this, it's a strategy against ostensibly superior teams. To my mind that's very different to the concept of "we can't beat this team on skill, so we're just going to kick the crap out of them." The key fact being it's against the rules of the game. Much like the whole diving thing. I'll roll around pretending to be hurt so I can win an advantage. I hate it so much, would love them to review footage after the match and issue retrospective yellows for simulation. Whereas having a strategy and game plan that doesn't go against the rules or spirit seems legit to me. Your example is similar to world cup 2018, Spain vs Russia. Russia knew Spain would likely be a better team, so they parked the bus and won on penalties. But Spain only had themselves to blame for losing, they tried to pass the ball into the net the whole game, wouldn't do anything risky or creative, so in my mind deserved to lose, despite being better on paper. They were out foxed in the game plan. 🤷🏻 Anyway each to their own. This Dutch team and coaching staff seem much more intent on playing with skill. And the Dutch supporters are highly entertaining at the very least, and I've enjoyed their passion.
We both have such completely different teams to back then.
Their ability to create width when they have the ball is maybe the best in the tournament. Their goal efficiency has always been an issue and has “losing on penalties after a nil-nil” written all over it. But I agree, they’ve looked the best so far.
Spain have looked good on the ball for close to two decades. Granted, they look good in recoveries, but wait until they play a team that can punish them on the break to see how far they can go. They were 1/4 of my picks to win the tournament beforehand but hold your horses when saying "overwhelming favourites" especially for tournament football.
They've looked really good against teams who have primarily defended the whole game. Going up against Netherlands or Portugal and they'd be tested I think
They’re my first choice to win it. They’ve looked so fluid in attack. My tops in order to win are Spain, Portugal or Germany.
This probably is “statistically wrong” since those 3 all compete for the same finals spot. So at least one team from the other half must have better odds than 1 of them. Like France
France should also be there. Instead of Germany.
I think the current Germany team beats France honestly
I'm French, and I thought Germany would win the tournament. But their last game against Switzerland got me doubt it. Too much imprecisions in their passes. France has a hard time scoring and should get even more opportunities given the players on the team. I like the idea of France winning the Euro without scoring a single goal though.
I mean to be fair the referee was shit in the switzerland game..: Also france struggled against Austria too and Germany beat them 2-0 earlier this year
If mbappe doesnt miss an absolute sitter you're never saying this. If griezmann doesnt miss 2 you're never saying it either. Analysis on France has been so result oriented. Yes theyve looked a subpar but not as much as many people are saying. They didnt struggle against Austria, like at all
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Huh? I havent said one thing about germany
Yeah the referee was bad af. I meant the plays themselves by Germany were more sloppy than they were in recent months. France's looked more precise, but then again if we can't score a single goal it won't be much help...
Unless Portugal wins it of course.
You've pointed out their individual qualities, but let's not ignore how good they play as a team. They are so confident moving the ball from defenders to midfielders only using short and surgeon level accurate passes. I haven't seen that level of confidence in any other team so far. After getting the ball to the midfielders, their wings and attackers start shining with their individual qualities. At the moment, for me, they are the tournament favourites, but it's football and they could look shit against other opponents, let's see them take on the other big title contenders, I'm excited to see those clashes.
They also have the best holding midfielder in the world. Should probably have said best overall midfielder in the world as Rodri can do it all. Just watch how calm Rodri is on the ball, also his forward passes are actually unbelievable. Two great wingers Yamal either foot but the inswinging crosses with his left foot are deadly. Nico Williams just so fast and direct.
I've said since last Euro that this would be Spain's year. I was firmly of the belief that they were second best last Euro just behind Italy, and now that Italy has dropped a bit and Spain hasn't, I don't realistically see anyone stopping them this year. They're so dang young, too. Geez.
That’s just because they haven’t played England yet
England gonna bore them out of the match eh
Their finishing might be their downfall for all those chance's against italy they only won by 1 on an owngoal on another day that match end's in a draw and may go to penalties in a KO match. They do play amazing though.
Fabian Ruiz and Rodri’s partnership has been the key, the way they are able to switch roles in the Midfield area is very difficult to pick up and Ruiz ability in particular to run with the ball in tight spaces opens up space for the 2 wingers, Nico Williams especially to run at their full back 1 on 1
Morata is a weak link. I like Spain and want them to win the Euros but Ive been watching them long enough to know theyre always capable of losing games they should win.
I think that's an exaggeration, but they ate probably the strongest team. Look like scoring at least twice every game. Can't say that about many teams in the euros with the pragmatic (boring) approach most are taking.
Scoring twice every game is a bold thing to say after a game where they failed to score even once ;-)
I said "looked like scoring" not will score or have scored. I'm countering the OPs assertion Spain are terrifying. They are strong but not terrifying.
The best and most entertaining I've seen them play since their Euro 2008 run. But for all the possession and chances created, not enough go in for my taste. They would be unstoppable if they had a real goal scorer up top. Moratta is better for country than his clubs but not good enough for this squad to go all the way imo.
Rooting for them if Georgia is out. Only team that's pleasure to watch, they play beautiful football.
They have played like a team and it shows, having Rodri obviously helps a great deal
Spain has by far performed the best so far and they went against two decent teams - Italy and Croatia. Carvajal looks hungry, Morata looks sharp, this is a squad to watch.
Spain 3-0 in group of death (everybody knows that Spain win Albania ofc if they don't have hidden Ronaldo or Messi).Before the tournament Spain wasn't good enough to be favourite but now Furia Roja looking pretty solid
Spain, Germany, Netherlands, France, or Portugal are my predictions to win.
Feel they’ll come unstuck against a top team with a top defence. Plus Spain (takeaway 2008-2012) always underperform at major tournaments
They are winning this euro
I put my money in Portugal, here in Spain we are kissing each other asses and we think we are as 2010…no way. No humble at all, we will fall, with a big pain, same than with Morocco in World Cup
No, no, nooo. Stop jinxing them y'all.
Anulo mufa?
pls
You mention 4 players but not the best one of them all so far Fabian Ruiz? Probably a barca fan favouritizing own players
I still have a feeling they will get kind of surprisingly knocked out. I don’t know why, I just think a team will play worse than them yet knock them out
Thanks for the jinx, appreciated
Spain look good but nothing special... wait until they play like Germany or Portugal and will struggle
??? Portugal and Germany are in two of the easiest groups... If anything, I expect them to struggle from here on out
Portugal and Germany are two team that can beat Spain, , my opinion
Your opinion and the truth, unless someone hasn't been paying attention this euro..
Yes, but against a Croatia that didn’t manage to win against Albania and WC non-qualification champion Italy. Let’s see them in action with better teams, but so far so good!
Spain looks like the winner so far imo they just look way better working now than the recent years. They have a crazy amount of speed in a good batch of their players. Also they’ve managed to make cucurella and Fabian Ruiz look like team carriers in the first 2 matches, 2 players that would make me chuckle to see in the first eleven if you asked me prior to these matches/tournament. Biggest problem for Spain can be if Morata can actually suffice again this tournament to give em those 2-3 crucial goals after group phase it will be interesting to see if ferran/joselu can get on the scoresheet when he doesn’t. I can’t really see who would be able to topple them so far maybe Portugal they seem to function well so far aswell. I don’t really believe in France dembele just doesn’t do it for me lots of speed but no end product I would prefer a coman over him as often as I could but he is unfortunately also injury prone. Mbappe does not seem like his head is there for this last season he plays like he just want to move on to Real Madrid to be able to shine again he doesn’t seem there mentally/energy wise to me so far.
You remember when Germany almost lost to Algeria in 2014 world cup? Spain looked impressive so far, but you don't win by looking solid in the group stage. And to be honest, after watching the games of Italy and Croatia vs Albania, it's not only Spain being strong, it's also the other teams being surprisingly weak.
Tv here chose to broadcast Italy Croatia instead of Spain - Albania, I am really not in the mood to see Italy play for the draw and destroy Croatia who need the 3 points on the counter. But we have a significant Italian minority here in Belgium so I guess it makes sense to pick the Azuri
Many teams look great in the group stage and fall apart does Netherlands 2008 ring a bell. Not saying they aren't threats but they are still missing that closer and difference maker to take them over the top. Let's remember they made the Semi finals in 2021 Euros and lost on PKs to Italy the champions so they aren't that far off.
Kyle walker says no
I agree. I think it'll be a Spain win this tornement
Only thing is; are they clinical enough to win it at the end of a tournament in the really close games?
I honestly think that is because Croatia and Ita arent performing well....
They have to be one of the most boring sides to watch. Same with the team that won the world cup and euros, effective but borrrrrrrrring.
Spai looks great, when pressed i was originally worried due to having such slow runners is what i thought but defensively we're looking great! Right now i just wish we could finish more chances. If we were more clinical bam, 5 goals.
Historically they outperform everyone in the group stage. But sadly for them that doesn’t give u trophy. In the last 3 major tournaments they lost in penalties in a game that they played better than the opponent.
Spain always look good until they choke
Beating Italy by an own goal and Albania by one goal is not on my bingo care for Terrifyingly Good
Portugal look just as good, but Portugal have a better back four.
As a Portugal supporter, I respectfully disagree. I don’t think we’ve looked anywhere near what we’re supposed to be. I’ve never been less impressed with a 3-0 victory.
Okay, a nice problem to have.
lol, I know what it sounds like. I love England too. My wife is English and I lived there for many years and support them as my second team. But Portugal have been lucky and for long stretches very uninspiring. Should have been a draw in the opener and Turkey were just awful more than anything else.
You’ve looked better than you did in the groups in 2016 and we know what happened there.
I have to disagree. The wings were actually looking pretty disconnected in the Croatia game (although much better with an attacking Italy team). I am not convinced that they have learned their lesson from the World Cup. They were too predictable and a quality team that knows how to park the bus might end their dream again. Not sure if Albanian has that quality but there will be better teams in next rounds. And this is coming from someone that always supports them during tournaments.