Did anyone expect them to actually get out of the group?
Did anyone expect them to actually get out of the group?
No but conceding in the last minute of injury time to take away the slim chance they had was particularly harsh
The Portuguese team is complaining about the number of pitch invaders that tried to get photos with Ronaldo. I understand the annoyance, but shit like this is very much on those big name players that get involved, tell security to eff off and take an inevitable selfie with the individual (especially kids). In this case, Ronaldo did it to himself with the first kid, which led to multiple other people trying the same thing. Just a real pet peeve of mine in the modern game. I understand that a player may not want to be seen being an arsehole to a kid, but it’s not going to stop until the players get involved.
That Hungary winner single-handedly fucks the entire Balkans, by making qualification at 3rd with 2 points almost impossible.
Had the match finished in a draw, with Scotland 3rd on 2 points and -4 GD, there would be reasonable chances of qualifying with 2 points. Groups B and F could still end with 3rd on 1 point, and C could end with 2 points and very negative goal difference (if Slovenia gets pumped by England and Denmark beats Serbia).
Now Croatia (1 point, -3 GD, facing Italy), Albania (1 point, -1 GD, facing Spain) and probably Serbia (1 point, -1 GD, facing Denmark) will have to really push for the win instead of settling for a draw against tough opposition, while Slovenia (2 points, 0 GD, facing England) won’t have the fallback of possible qualification despite a narrow loss against England and will need to fight for a result.
Yes, based on an excellent qualifying performance, beating Spain, Norway twice and Georgia twice.
Unfortunately we lost Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson, Nathan Patterson and Lyndon Dykes from the qualification squad (as well as a suspensions and injuries during the group stage) and the team has very little depth.
I thought taking of Robertson seemed odd… wasn’t injured and you wanted to make sure you kept a clean sheet (at a minimum) and he seems the guy who organises everything at the back
Wild minute there for Croatia, talk about 90 minutes 90 emotions
Talk again about 90 minutes 90 emotions, what a finish!
Amazing. Croatia pretty unlucky really. Italy are just not good at the moment.
Another game, another example of VARs shittification of the handball rule, trying to turn footballers into riverdancers. Commentators going on about unnatural position as if humans in movement don’t move their fucking arms.
Group D should be an interesting finish, with Group E going full ham with all teams on 3 points.
Another one from Squires…
England rarely looking even close here
The subs made a huge difference but another poor, dour performance. Two moments of good football is not good enough
And now Southgate will come out about how we are undefeated and have to build into the tournament etc.
He needs to ring the changes in the next round.
So who will the media’s scapegoat be now? Kind of hard to blame TAA for that display!
They seem very unsure of themselves. Strange given their recent tournament performances. Bellingham seemed completely lost tonight. Playing well below the sum of their parts.
Sounds like they need a good motivational talking to by the leadership of their supporters forum.
The panel of ex captains on the BBC didn’t do the job very well
I think the blame still sits firmly with Southgate. TAA isn’t at fault when he is played out of position
Controversial take as someone who is not remotely an England fan- England are playing perfect Popovic-esque tournament football. Topping the table and getting through on the good side of the draw is all that really counts now.