Euro 2016 Thread

[Senator Clay Davis]

And more than enough time for Zlatan to get the devastating winner.

[SuperMatt18]

Need to stop scoring on themselves though - that wasn't good

[GirlySports]

Clark nearly put another in his own net

[troutman]

One point not good enough in this group.

[Senator Clay Davis]

A draw was pretty much the result I was thinking coming in, but considering Ireland had all the best chances and Sweden didn't even get a shot on target, a draw is pretty disappointing. Still they played quite well today so there's hope of stealing one against Italy or Belgium.

[GirlySports]

It could be a scenario where both ireland and sweden finish with 1 point and 3rd place is not good enough. Gives the other group minnows hope

[White Out 403]

Still buzzing from last mornings Croatia win.

My Dad was nearly in tears when Croatia scored, and the team was celebrating. He loves his country so damn much still and wants them to win more than I've ever seen. If Greece can win the Euro, gd damn it, Modric and Croatia can.

Can't wait to see the boys against Czechia (anyone else doing this??) and see their glorious checkerboard kits.

HRVATSKI!!

[GirlySports]

Italy with a very attacking 3-5-2. Belgium with De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. This match might be really fun

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Italy with a very attacking 3-5-2. Belgium with De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. This match might be really fun

Don't let that fool you, a Conte 3-5-2 is really an offensive version of a 5-3-2. Candreva and Darmian are going to be expected to play the entire pitch, will likely be providing most of the offensive pressure through crosses, but will also be tasked with a more defensive posture.

This is probably the worst crop of forwards in Italian footballing history, but defence wins tournaments, and having Buffon + the entire Juve back 3 means Italy is likely fielding the best defence in the tournament.

[SuperMatt18]

Yeah outside of the Juventus backline this Italy lineup is UGLY.

Losing Verratti and Marchisio really, really hurts this team.

Not sure how Giaccherini keeps getting into the starting lineup - can't even play for his club team but starts at a major tournament for Italy. Would rather have Florenzi in the lineup in the midfield over him.

Also would rather see Insigne up front up next to Pelle (maybe even Zaza instead).

Pretty uninspiring lineup choice for Conte IMO.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Yeah outside of the Juventus backline this Italy lineup is UGLY.

Losing Verratti and Marchisio really, really hurts this team.

Not sure how Giaccherini keeps getting into the starting lineup - can't even play for his club team but starts at a major tournament for Italy.

Pretty much kills all creativity in the team losing those two (and not taking Vasquez, Saponara, Berardi, Florenzi, or a bunch of other non-Conte heroes who could provide offensive flair). If I was Conte, I would have considered dusting off Pirlo too as a supersub to make up for the loss of talent.

Giaccherini is a Conte favorite from when he coached Juve, and he was reportedly upset when the GM sold him at a profit. He's really not an effective CM, and is not defensive enough to be a good winger for Italy. Puzzling, but Conte plays favorites.

Eder and Pelle are also head scratchers.

[GirlySports]

Italy look attacking to me!

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Italy look attacking to me!

Its an attack with 5 mids, defend with 5 defenders sort of formation.

Now that Belgium has turned up the heat, you can see them start to collapse in a lot more.

[SuperMatt18]

Nothing in the final 3rd for Italy so far - no creative movement from our Strikers.

[SuperMatt18]

Guess that's why they started him lol

[GirlySports]

Well!!!

Classic italian longball

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Wooooo!!!!

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Well!!!

Classic italian longball

And CP whipping boy Giaccherini no less!

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I'm literally watching on airport wifi at Pearson on one of those flat escalator things heading to the new terminal B area. I think a lot of people think I'm crazy now. I shouted.

[SuperMatt18]

That touch was great by Giaccherini - but the ball by Bonucci was perfect.