I don't think Croatia are nearly as strong as they were in 2018. Modric and Perisic aren't at the heights they were, and Subasic, Strinic, Rakitic and Mandzukic have retired. I think you'll win the group, but face a very tough test as a result in the last 16 in any of Germany, France or Portugal as a result (all be it at home, again).
Went to Germany/Mexico at Luzhniki which was really cool (except for the result). Always give group stage games a priority. No surprises.
Yes, I was at Luzhniki too. No surprises? ...Well, I knew Germany were in bad form going into the tournament, but no one seriously thought Germany would fail their group for the first time at a world cup. It wasn't considered as one of the more difficult groups. After the first loss to Mexico, I was aware Germany could already be eliminated before I arrived, but Kroos' last minute screamer against Sweden gave us all unfounded confidence. I still enjoyed both games I attended though, so I regret nothing. After all, what good would it have been to attend that garbage from Germany in the group match? It would only have annoyed me even more.
I agree they are not as strong, however, they will be hard working and as fit in the 90th minute as they will in the 1st. We do not score many and are typically slow starters (Have never won the 1st group game in a Euro's). I can just see an edgy game and not a lot of clear cut chances.
Potentially, but in the instance in which you both get 7 points, you definitely would be backed to get a better goal difference.
I meant no surprises in the way you know which games you're going to attend and not gambling on said side qualifying. Sure was a great day out with all the Mexicans. Much better than the other game at Luzhniki (Denmark/France).
Who the hell do you think Spain will finish 2nd in that group to? Finishing 2nd is actually the way better side of the draw, we'd much more likely play Sweden.
I spent my whole childhood and adolescence knowing we had super teams, the NT made me live one of the most beautiful moments of my life in 2006 winning the WC, but since then they everyone just slapped us. We rested on our laurels for years thinking we "ruled" the world with our league and our players and that's we deserve honestly. A slow agony which culminated in 2017. I've never thought in my life I'd have seen Italy out of the World Cup. I've never saw again a minute of Italy-Sweden, it was one of my biggest disappointments. So, my expectations? None, I learned lol, but now we have a team. Maybe not a strong one, but there's no more distrust now, only faith.
Be happy to reach the final this time. Nah only joking, 2016 was a once in a lifetime for us and while not expecting anything like that again i would be happy to get last 16 at the least. Anything extra would be a Brucie bonus.
Got you guys in the sweepstake now so top 4 four would be nice ! Or not getting the “Woden spoon” Sounds like rugby ..
Its just a prediction mate. I think Spain will be poor and struggle to score - i think Poland will run them close. I also have Sweden as rock bottom of that group. Again just my opinion
Don't think the good folk of P'boro are expecting much , I've not seen 1 St George's Cross in or outside any window . The Scotsman across the road always puts his Saltire up & the Portuguese family down the road & nothing from them either or anywhere in the City . Maybe it's seemed as rascist if you put a flag up in your window whilst a major tournament is going on ?
If we get to the semi's again ( have i mentioned we got to the last four in 2016 ) then i will gladly give you a pound as a prize.
Yeah, that game was ugly stuff. Insigne left on the bench when he was desperately needed, and a totally ineffective Gabbiadini. Actually reminded me of some infamous England games in the past, where we dominate the ball but don't have a clue how to penetrate the opposition, and the stress of the players is so obvious. I think Italy could do very well. It may not be up there with some of the past Italy teams, but it's absolutely good enough to go deep.
I think Italy are good enough to win the Euros, as they seem to be in good and clever form under Mancini. I saw the game against the Czechs, who they outclassed 4:0 in Bologna. England probably won't struggle to beat those Czechs either, but that wasn't the only impressive performance from Italy in recent years.
If we win the group I'd consider an "acceptable" result to get to the quarters. If we finish second we should be getting to the semis at least. (I know that sounds weird but it's based on who we will end up facing). Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Tough group for England IMO......every time we get folks saying we should get to semis and beyond...it goes tits up.
Just catching up this thread.....somebody was drinking heavily Friday night I was once somewhere and something happened now I hate something. Get a grip. I do think England's group is tougher than it looks on paper. The Scotland game will obviously come with added pressure, Croatia and Czech can certainly make it difficult. Doesn't finishing 3rd give us a better chance of missing France/Germany or have I read that wrong? (way too lazy to try work it all out)....
