Euro 16 gamethread

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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Matuidi is the one who really should sit. Payet was very good all game but really ran the show once he was moved into the hole behind Giroud. Martial and Griezmann on the wings, Pogba and Kante in midfield behind Payet is the way to go.
 

coremiller

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Matuidi is the one who really should sit. Payet was very good all game but really ran the show once he was moved into the hole behind Giroud. Martial and Griezmann on the wings, Pogba and Kante in midfield behind Payet is the way to go.
Agree. Against the weaker sides, they don't need two ball-winners in midfield, and they'd be much better off with more attacking width and Payet more central. I might even be tempted to play Coman just because he's a more natural wide player.
 

kbourdon

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France showed some of its weaknesses. But they didn't quit and Payet showed his class as usual. France should play more balls to Payet. Credit to Romania though. They did not go away and caused a ton of problems for France.
 

coremiller

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Cristiano Ronaldo has all of those things.
I don't know, for all his physical dominance up front it seems like Ronaldo has never been an especially powerful tackler. He's never been one to scrap in central midfield.

Maybe someone like Patrick Vieira is the best comp (although I may be engaging in some French/African typecasting there)? Or a young Steven Gerrard?
 

Zomp

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well right but your original question asked just about technique with size, power, speed, and athleticism. Ronaldo has it. But right if you're asking if there is anyone on that level that has all of the traits you listed PLUS a skill set to be able to defend and get physical in midfield than no, I don't think there is anyone like Pogba. I think the best comp is probably an in prime Yaya but really he's just the first Pogba, not the next anyone else.


Payet has to play in that free role behind Giroud. I'd agree that it looks like Matuidi will be the one to sit (I actually felt he was poor today because he's playing a role that doesn't fit his style, pushing ahead).
 

Cellar-Door

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The real Ronaldo was a physical monster before he ate his way out of his speed.
Ballack was huge and skilled,
Viera is a good comp
Yaya Toure?
Zidane too.
 

sachmoney

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As Zomp said, you didn't specify tackling which is why I said Ronaldo. I re-read what you said multiple times to make sure he fit the bill.

Pogba is a one of a kind. Vieira was a winner and pushed forward occasionally but he didn't have the flare. Zidane had the flare but didn't have the all out game. Toure was great but Pogba is next level and an evolution of that type of player. He's incredible. He's the one player I'd love to have right now.
 
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Schnerres

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Posted my France-response in their thread.

Today´s matches:
3pm:Albania vs. Switzerland
6pm: Wales vs. Slovakia
9pm: England vs. Russia

Hoping for wins from: Albania, Slovakia, Russia
Guessing for wins from: Switzerland, Wales, England

Watch out for brothers Taulant and Granit Xhaka facing off: After older bro Taulant played through Switzerlands youth teams, he´s now playing for Albania´s senior national team.
 

sachmoney

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Just got into Paris. Need to find a place to watch that Swiss game. Gotta see the new guy. Also, do not watch the Wales game as you may be blinded by Ramsey's hair.

EDIT: Lots of fans here from all over. Definitely a good Irish contingent.
 

Schnerres

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uefa.com has those lineups for Albania vs. Switzerland:

Albania: Berisha - Agolli, Mavraj, Cana(C), Hysaj - T.Xhaka, Kukeli, Abrashi - Lenjani, Roshi - Sadiku

Switzerland: Sommer - Lichtsteiner(C), Schär, Djourou, Rodriguez - Behrami, G.Xhaka - Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Mehmedi - Seferovic

Half of Switzerlands team could play on Albanias team and vice-versa. Must be a really weird game for those guys.
 

kbourdon

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I think that Switzerland will win, but I think it will be a lot closer than some people may think.
 

Schnerres

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I think that Switzerland will win, but I think it will be a lot closer than some people may think.
Albania with their Italian coach will defend like hell. And a draw would put a lot of pressure on Switzerland, with the match vs. France coming up.
 

Schnerres

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Shaqiri is loosing each ball, or he´s offside, or he fouls someone.
Switzerland is threatening Albania´s goal, while Albania is playing a decent football, but no shots on goal. You can even say Albania is showing more intent in getting to the open ball (and winning it), but Switzerland has more tempo up the field, like their one-two they played to Seferovic.
And as i write it, a perfect placed through-ball to the No.10 Sadiku. What a chance. It should be a tie game now.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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With Cana sent off, I think this one is over for Albania. Very pretty free kick, just a hair off from being 2-0.
 

teddykgb

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I'm watching on mute but he slips and makes a desperate and silly attempt to still head the ball. Although not the most natural of movements his hands ending up on the ball was a byproduct of this


Edit: true enough on the 1 v 1. I'll actually take it back as that's probably enough to warrant it
 

Schnerres

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How has Embolo looked?
He has shown more of an intent and movement towards the goal. He has tried a few passes into scoring situations for his teammates and tried to shoot on his own, too. It´s definitely an easy situation, to come in against a lesser opponent like Albania, who has played a physical game for long stretches. So Embolo (who looks huge) can easily win duels with his physicality.

Really disappointed by Switzerland. Now a huge chance for Albania, Gashi was alone in a 1vs1 against Sommer...My god, they had to score!
Switzerland showing not a simple sign that they are playing 11vs10. Sure they have some room on the counter, as Albania are now opening up more. But it´s not as if Switzerland would be the better team here. Just another bad showing by the team with better individual class.
 

fletcherpost

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Bit more composure are Albania could have gotten something from the game.

Now we're getting 50 odd years of painful Welsh Football history on BBC. The Manic Street Preachers have given them a decent song though.

I might have a thimble of Welsh blood in me. If they can put on a good show today, give them confidence to give the English a humping, cos that's what we really want to see.

EDIT: Christ, the Wales Romania penalty miss, the Wales Russian play off loss, then onto Hughes and Gary Speed's untimely suicide...if i was Welsh I'd be in bits right now.
 

Phil Plantier

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Martin Tyler on the commentary. Really missed ESPN as a broadcaster (I've got nothing against Arlo White, but I like the older dudes)
 

Schnerres

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Goalie´s mistake. Ball wasn´t even close to the corner...He speculated and went away from his corner/where the ball came.

Both teams with very high tempo, pushing the ball fast up the pitch. I like!
 

fletcherpost

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That's great for Wales to have their star player getting on the score sheet so early. That will settle the nerves.

Aside from that. I still kind of have a problem with Joe Allen's hair...I'd like to see a short back and sides.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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I'm glad I'm not there only one wondering what there hell the keeper was doing. Seemed he was leaning towards the side protected by his wall and then couldn't dive back to his right.
 

cjdmadcow

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The obvious question is wtf is the point of the linesman by the side of the goal if he is so totally blind that he can't see a defender elbow an opposing player that should have resulted in a red card and penalty to Wales. H

UEFA being UEFA - probably the most ridiculous change to the playing conditions they've ever made.
 

lars10

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The obvious question is wtf is the point of the linesman by the side of the goal if he is so totally blind that he can't see a defender elbow an opposing player that should have resulted in a red card and penalty to Wales. H

UEFA being UEFA - probably the most ridiculous change to the playing conditions they've ever made.
The only thing that would have made it more ridiculous would be if they made the Welsh player undergo concussion protocol. That elbow wasn't even close to subtle.
 

fletcherpost

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I don't know enough about Ramsay's game, but I'd like to see him think quicker, act faster and be a bit more forward thinking. Other than a couple of instances he's been putting his foot on the ball and more often than not playing the ball backwards and gaining any momentum with his play. I get that he has that Arsenal thing where he can keep the ball, but his play so far has been a bit conservative. I'm sure he has it in him to be more dynamic. But i don't know his game really.
 

fletcherpost

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The obvious question is wtf is the point of the linesman by the side of the goal if he is so totally blind that he can't see a defender elbow an opposing player that should have resulted in a red card and penalty to Wales. H

UEFA being UEFA - probably the most ridiculous change to the playing conditions they've ever made.
It's ridiculous and it has to change. There has to be some kind of challenge system or penalty flag llike in US Pro Football, in the event of officials missing key moments. It cheapens the sport IMO, when shit like this happens. How many sports have an in game review system? Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Pro Football, Baseball...