Lakenheath Old Boys

We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!

Sunday, September 06, 2015

Euro 2016 Qualifiers Live!

Morning, chaps - it's been a great weekend of Euro 2016 action, with England qualifying for France. This morning it's Wales' turn in their key match-up with Israel. The Gooner and I are bedding in to watch the match this morning. Join us for all the action here on the LOB.

155 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The team news for today's match:

11:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wales: Hennessey; Gunter, A Williams, Davies; Richards, King, Edwards, Taylor; Ramsey, Bale; Robson-Kanu.

Subs: Ward, O Williams, Chester, MacDonald, Church, Vokes, Vaughan, Cotterrill, Collins, Lawrence, J Williams, Henley.

Israel: Marciano; Dasa, Ben Haim, Tibi, Ben Harush, Dgani; Bitton, Natcho, Kayal, Zahavi; Dabbur.

Subs: Levi, Halmov, Meshumar, Melikson, Hemed, Buzaglo, Ben Haim, Davidzada, Vermouth, Tzedek, Sahar, Kehat.

11:35 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good morning, Bob. I just finished a refreshing shower after walkies with Sparky and mowing the lawn on a typically steamy September morning.

11:36 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

There are plenty of other games kicking off at 5pm, and indeed at 7.45pm, including Turkey v Holland and Norway v Croatia. We’ll be keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the Cardiff City Stadium. How are we all feeling? Excited? Terrified? Sort of over this whole Euro 2016 thing already? Get in touch.

11:38 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The latest news is that England have become the first team to qualify for the Euros. They could be followed by Wales and Iceland if they defeat Israel and Kazakhstan respectively. Who would have thought that they could be the second and third teams to qualify?

11:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Afternoon, MUR - it's great to have you on board. I'm hoping that UWS might join us as well. Steamy up here in Fred-town as well.

11:41 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Qualifying is very interesting. I guess having extra teams qualify means that qualification is kept alive longer and that interest is not lost by the time the Octoberfest matches roll along.

11:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It seems as if Switzerland are now in poll position after that dramatic last minute win yesterday.

11:42 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers mate. I hope he does too. Hopefully Autumn comes along sooner rather than later.

11:43 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It seems that way. Slovenia blew it with a slovenly late performance melting faster than Swiss chocolate. The best they can hope for is a playoff position and currently they are a point behind Estonia.

11:44 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Fairly simple scenario today - win, and Wales are in. Draw or lose, and they’ll endure a wait until October’s final qualifiers (away to Bosnia and at home to Andorra) to book their ticket.

11:45 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gareth Bale is carrying this team full of Championship players and Prem bench warmers.

11:45 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Iceland can book their place with a win vs Kazakhstan who have made a marathon journey similar to one that you and UWS made to Hawaii.

11:47 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

They certainly did - I've rarely seen a side collapse like that.

11:49 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Other than Bale, Wales's best players are Swansea defenders Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor along with Ramsey and Andy King in midfield. Otherwise, a team that has punched far above it's weight compared to previous teams that have failed in the past.

11:50 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Those Israeli goals were ridiculously easy. It will be a different proposition in Cardiff. Their key players will be in the center of defense where the experienced Tal Ben Haim and Celtic's Nair Biton play.

11:51 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Credit to the Swiss manager, whose subs were involved in all three goals and spotted more holes in the defense than Swiss cheese. The Slovenly team saw their lead evaporate quicker than Swiss cuckoo clock.

11:52 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A key match in Group A is Turkey vs Holland where both teams are battling for a playoff spot. I think Gus Hiddinck had a spell in charge of Turkey. RVP and Wesley Schneijder are based there too. I think that says it all if that's the best Dutch selection available.

11:55 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

They're off from sunny Cardiff.

12:01 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A beautiful day for watching and playing a football match during afternoon tea.

12:01 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And Wales get us underway. You're absolutely right that Wales are a group of journeyman apart from Bale and perhaps Ramsey.

12:01 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yes - bright sunshine in Cardiff which is making for some poor shadowy television imagery.

12:02 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ramsey has a volley blocked for a corner that started with a long ball from Ashley Williams.Ramsey shoots straight to the keeper after a one two off a short corner.

12:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Israelis are battling the surprisingly disappointing Bosnians for a playoff spot. Bosnia could overtake Israel with a defeat vs Andorra later today

12:04 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Good, bright starts from the Welsh. Ramsey looks particularly in the mood. Surely they can't cock this one up.

12:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

We cannot overlook the excellent job done by Cookie Coleman as manager

12:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It has been an excellent start. An early goal could kill off the match against an Israeli team that don't look so much in the mood.

12:06 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Well wide by Hal Robson-Kanu off a tackle won in midfield by Ramsey.

12:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The loss of Joe Ledley is a vital loss as he would have been a great holding player, but Cookie seems to have it under control

12:08 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Cookie has been excellent; he deserves all the plaudits.

12:09 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Ramsey should have scored there from the rebound; couldn't keep his header down.

12:09 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!! Two good missed chance for the Welsh as the pressing game is working really well. Ashley Richards won a tackle in midfield and put Andy King thorugh He shot against the keeper and Ramsey headed over a wide open goal. One of them should have given the Dragons the lead.

12:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson-Kanu wins a corner and a waste as Ashley Williams is called for a hold.

12:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Turkey take the lead vs the Dutch and move ahead of the Dutch into a playoff spot.

12:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The absence of the Dutch in this expanded format would be a massive shock

12:13 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Harusch fouls Robson-Kanu by the corner flag

12:13 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

MArciano punches away the free kick by Bale.

12:14 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's crazy stuff from the Dutch - what are they playing at?

12:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Andy King wins a corner off a long solo run

12:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson-Kanu heads wide off a cross from Ramsey

12:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Czechs take the lead in Latvia to further the gap between them and the Dutch and Turks . Absolutely true about the Dutch

12:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I imagine that the Gooner is having a great visit to Fred Town. Is he watching the matches?

12:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wales certainly picking up their fair share of corners but they need to take advantage of them.

12:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - we're really enjoying it.

12:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ben Haim heads away yet another Welsh corner.The Welsh do well to stop an Israeli counter and Dabbur stupidly gets a yellow for deliberately preventing the Welsh taking a free kick. It's too early in the match for that

12:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I'm glad to hear it. I wish I was up there.

12:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The match is almost like a training exercise.

12:20 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

JFH's Burton Albion lost their match of the season as a newly promoted L1 team , losing 1-2 vs Coventry

12:21 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A loud Welsh male voice chorus going on now - sounds marvelous.

12:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's a fantastic atmosphere and something that's been missing for years. The chorus is normally reserved for rugby matches. It's great to see.

12:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Israelis are not really pressing their claim at all; just parking the bus at the moment.

12:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

This match has almost been like training exercise, but the welsh need to capitalize on this .

12:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think they will consider a point a good result ahead of their local derby vs Cyprus next month

12:25 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Have you noticed that there are not one but two Tal Ben Haim's on the Israeli side?

12:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Ben Haim I is trooping off the pitch to a chorus of boos and he's not too happy about it. Getting treatment for that clash on the nose.

12:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Tal Ben HAim upset with the challenge , as if he's never been guilty in his career.

12:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

So good they named it twice!

12:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

More goals in Group A as the Turks go two up vs the Dutch and the Czechs go two up in Latvia.

12:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Indeed. More desperate stuff for Holland. The Turks have taken two lead and the Czechs have extended their lead in Latvia.

12:28 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Is the Tal Ben Haim, who formerly played in the Prem I or II?

12:29 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Czechs solidify second place , a qualifying spot, while the Turks claim hold to a playoff spot.

12:30 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think Israel feel that a draw is good because that will move them four points ahead of Cyprus and figure that the Belgians will win in Cyprus later today. Then a win vs Cyprus will create a seven point gap and seal a playoff spot.

12:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Absolutely - a draw suits Israel to a tee.

12:33 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I think Ben Haim I is the former Prem player.

12:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Bosnia will surely defeat Andorra, but would be two points behind Israel if this match finishes a draw and Israel would be at least two points ahead of Bosnia if they defeat Cyprus, heading into the final match day.

12:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A wasted free kick from Ramsey. The Gooner will not be pleased with that one.

12:35 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That makes sense . I instead of II should be handed to someone with Prem experience.

12:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I wonder if UWS is enjoying the final days of his summer vacation.

12:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cookie Coleman will feel that there was too much mustard on that pass from Robson-Kanu.

12:40 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

He texted me that he'd gotten his Depay "Pi" t-shirt, so he's home from the Hawaii and West Coast adventures.

12:40 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Azerbaijan take the lead in Malta in what is the MOTD.

12:40 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I did too. I will wear once it cools down or wait till our first academic meet on October 24th.

12:41 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Too hot for a t-shirt?!

12:42 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

If Cookie take his jacket to the dry cleaners, will that result in some poor results in France next summer?

12:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The fizz has really gone out of the Welsh at this point. They really need to get into the dressing room and get geed up by Cookie.

12:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Not in the cool environs of Harlingen! Sorry I forgot that I'm in Harlingen , TX not Harlingen Netherlands, LOL! They're our sister city.

12:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree, but it could be won late like they did in Cyprus on Thursday.

12:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The pitch must be really dry based on all the bounces the ball takes.

12:46 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Your sister city will not be happy today, as the Dutch look to be crashing out of the Euros.

12:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A minute of stoppage time.

12:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Dasa picks up a silly yellow for time wasting. Another stupid yellow by the Israelis

12:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree. The sister will be yelling and griping.

12:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's 0-0 at the half as the Welsh have dominated possession , but have found it tough to break down a really well organized Israeli side.

12:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I think Israel mad e a halftime substitution.

1:03 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ben HAim II and Tomer Hamed , a striker have come on as it's actually a double switcheroo.

1:04 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

If results hold ion Group A then the Czechs will become the second team to clinch qualification to France and Iceland would only need a draw to also clinch qualification.

1:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Dasa is offside off a long ball.

1:06 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Norway take the lead vs Croatia

1:07 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That's an important goal for Norway as they move top of the qualifying group, one point ahead of Italy and Croatia in a very tight group. Italy host Bulgaria later today.

1:09 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We're back after a half-time lunch break courtesy of Kate.

1:09 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Sorry Boys
I'm busy getting Matt ready for Siena
I am about but can't be on the computer!

1:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson-Kanu heads well over off a cross from Ashley Richards.

1:10 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

More of the same from Wales - lots of possession and pressure but they just need one good finish.

1:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good afternoon, UWS.

1:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I'm sure it was a top class lunch.

1:11 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Play stops as there was a clash of heads between Bale and Celtic's Biton.

1:12 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Play resumes as this is the only scoreless qualifier at the moment

1:13 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - right on the edge of box foul there. Just inches away from a pen.

1:13 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bale is over this one - this one has to go in.

1:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson_kanu is tripped by Dagani on the boundary of the box and the D. The free kick is inches outside the box and Dagani is booked.

1:14 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Bale curls it about a foot over. It was always going to be difficult to keep it down from that distance.

1:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ashley Richards is the first Welsh player booked. That seems harsh.

1:16 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Malta tie it up vs Azerbaijan in the battle of seaside resort nations.

1:17 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Bale wins a corner off a nice through ball from Ramsey and Biton is booked for a foul on Robson-Kanu earlier in the possession.

1:18 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Israelis really dishing out the challenges now. More yellow cards.

1:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

MArciamo saves a close range header from Andy King off the corner. Either side of the keeper and Wales would have taken the lead.

1:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

This is the only teatime kickoff without a goal. This is typical of our luck.

1:22 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Robson-Kanu is incensed that the handball wasn't called there - and rightly so, the replay shows that it should have been a pen.

1:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Robson-Kanu wants hand ball from the cross from Bale then a save from MArciano. Wales take a short corner.

1:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Norway go two up vs Croatia and are now top of a very tight group. The Italians host Bulgaria later today

1:25 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Israel finally have an attempt and it's well over and not very tasty from Natcho.

1:26 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cookie Coleman needs to make some changes as this match winds down and the Dragons are unable to break down this stubborn defense.

1:31 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Now that I look at the replay, the Welsh can count themselves unlucky to not get a penalty., especially with the fifth official very well positioned.

1:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree - that was a stone cold penalty.

1:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Malta have come from behind to take a 2-1 lead vs Azerbaijan as they look for their first win in the group.A loss ruins any chance Azerbaijan have of getting a playoff spot.

1:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Latvia pull one back vs the Czechs as they now trail 1-2. Will the Czechs have to put qualification on ice?

1:34 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Still 15 minutes for the Welsh to pull this one back.

1:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Will you be around for any of the action tomorrow?

1:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looks like Simon Church is preparing to come on.

1:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And the evil Don comes on for Robson-Kanu.

1:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's about bloody time as Cookie pulls his fingers out of his arse. Simon Church is about to come on. Will he provide divine intervention? He is on for Robson-Kanu , his Reading teammate, who gets a standing ovation.

1:36 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Unlikely, mate, as we'll be setting up for a party in the afternoon. What time are the matches?

1:36 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I didn't realize that Church had moved . He was with Robson-Kanu and Chris Gunther at Reading last season.

1:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The ones tomorrow will kickoff at 2:45 PM EDT. I will be home alone tomorrow since the girls have school.

1:38 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

He made an evil summer move to MK Dons.

1:38 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

School on Labor Day!!

1:39 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ashley Williams and Nair Biton clash as it's a Swansea vs Celtic battle in that one.

1:39 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

My district is off tomorrow, but the girls district and some other districts have school tomorrow. The trade off is that the girls have a full week off for Thanksgiving.

1:41 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gareth Bale shoots well over from long range in an attack that stemmed from a rare Israeli corner.

1:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Andy King coming off now - and our old boy Sam Vokes coming on now.

1:43 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Another really late substitution as Sam Vokes is on for Andy King . Bob will be livid about this change.

1:43 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Azerbaijan score to make it Desmond in Malta.

1:43 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Turkey seal victory vs the Dutch as they go three up late on.

1:44 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Great shot from Bale but no one was following in on the rebound. Cleared out.

1:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

As much as I hate the Fake Dons, that signing was good business on their part.

1:45 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The other matches in this group are Bosnia vs Andorra and Cyprus vs Belgium, both to kickoff in about an hour.

1:46 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Simon Church wins a late corner.

1:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The corner is easily caught by Marciano.

1:47 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And another corner sails into Marciano's hands - the delivery just hasn't been good enough.

1:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Four minutes of stoppage time.

1:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Another Welsh corner.

1:48 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Another corner from Ramsey is too close the keeper.

1:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Marciano punches away the corner from Ramsey then a foul is called against the Dragons.

1:48 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Into stoppage time now - four minutes to come.

1:49 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Israel's wasting time here with a late, late substitution. UWS hates those.

1:49 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sahar, the former Chelsea reserve, is on for Zahavi

1:50 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ramsey has a long range effort deflected straight to Marciano

1:50 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bugger! Wales have it in the net but Church had drifted offside.

1:52 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

BLOODY HELL ! Simon Church has a goal disallowed for offside in the final seconds and it finishes 0-0 as Wales are held by a really well organized Israeli side.

1:52 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm off now, mate - great chatting with you.

1:52 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Norway have defeated Croatia 2-0 and are top of a tight Group H for the time being.

1:53 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers mate. Enjoy the rest of your day

1:53 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Congratulations to the Czechs who hung on to win 1-2 in Latvia and have clinched qualification for the Euros.

1:54 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Turks have thrashed the Dutch 3-0 and the Oranges may be spectators this summer.It finishes Desmond between Malta and Azerbaijan.

1:55 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That's it for me as the Welsh are frustrated as they are held 0-0, still leaving them one win away from clinching qualification.

1:57 PM  

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