Euro 2020 Qualifying Thursday
12pm EST - Belarus v. Estonia
2:45pm - Netherlands v. Norn Ireland
2:45pm - Slovakia v. Wales
2:45pm - Croatia v. Hungary
2:45pm - Latvia v. Poland
2:45pm - North Macedonia v. Slovenia
2:45pm - Austria v. Israel
2:45pm - Russia v. Scotland
2:45pm - Belgium v. San Marino
I'll probably have a look at the early one during my lunch and then tune into the Netherlands v. Norn Ireland one later on. Drop on by for a chat if you're around this afternoon.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 11:26 AM
165 Comments:
Good Afternoon, Bob. Thank you for the post and I should be around for the action. The majority of the matches kick off at 2:45 PM
The televised match is Holland vs Norn Ireland on ESPN News. That should be a decent match
One match has already ended and one in the first half. Cyprus won 1-2 at Kazakhstan while it's currently 0-0 between Belarus and Estonia
Afternoon, MUR - how are you, mate?
Belarus v. Estonia doesn't sound like a classic.
Into the second half - still 0-0 in what I assume is a chilly fall evening in Belarus. Not a lot to cheer up the punters there.
Doing well, thank you for asking. Looking forward to a couple days break from the heat this weekend. How are you?
Still 0-0 on that chilly Fall evening with a dozen minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
That classic in Minsk finished 0-0. Both Belarus and Estonia eliminated from Euro qualifying. Not sure if either team has the NL backdoor route available.
Doing okay, mate. Kate's down in Virginia visiting her family for the next few weeks, so I'm officially batching it up. Expect more from me on the blog than usual starting this week.
Norn Ireland have a very tough ask tonight in a very tough group along with Netherlands and Germany. Tonight it's the Dutch and Martin O'Neill has named Kyle Lafferty to lead the line, Shane Ferguson will come in at left back in the absence of the injured Jamal Lewis and my mate Stu Dallas will play of the left wing. Cor!
The teams now gathering in the tunnel for the big match:
Netherlands Cillessen, Dumfries, de Ligt, van Dijk, Blind, Wijnaldum, de Roon, Frenkie de Jong, Bergwijn, Depay, Babel.
Subs: Berghuis, van de Beek, Bizot, Ake, Promes, Malen, Strootman, Veltman, van Aanholt, Luuk de Jong, Vermeer, de Vrij.
Northern Ireland Peacock-Farrell, Smith, Cathcart, Jonny Evans, Dallas, McNair, Davis, Saville, Corry Evans, Lafferty, Ferguson.
Subs: Lavery, McGinn, Thompson, Carson, Kennedy, Whyte, Donnelly, Flanagan, Magennis, McGovern, McLaughlin, Boyce.
I know how you feel. I was doing the same when my wife was gone several weeks taking care of her dad. Looking forward to the pleasure of your company
A contrast of styles as the Dutch have an array of World class players while the majority of Northern Ireland players play in the Championship or SPL with Lafferty plying his trade in Norway
Wahay! I've got the ESPN link up and running.
Yes, lots of footie action for me in the next few weeks, along with nerding out on the impeachment process, of course.
Key Northern Ireland players will be central defenders, Craig Cathcart of the Hornets, Jonny Evans of the Foxes and third string Burnley keeper, BPF
Decent away support for the Ulstermen tonight, by the looks of it.
It's always seems weird to hear "God Save the Queen" for this mob. I always think, "what a minute - are England playing?" Ah well.
Crikey - first clash between these two sides since 1976. I was 12. I barely remember that year.
It always surprises me that Memphis Depay and Ryan Babbel are the best options for the Dutch up front.
The impeachment process will keep you busy , let alone the blogging and work
That's the last time they met in a competitive match. Didn't realize it had been that long
The Dutch have a talented side, but I think they lack depth in certain positions.
Glad to see Bailey Peacock-Farrell in goal - shame that we flogged him this summer. I liked him a lot.
Not sure who passed, but there was a moment's applause.
They're off from Rotterdam
Not sure why BPF left. He doesn't even sit the bench at Burnley. It shows how the lack of quality at that position as backup keeper, McGovern sits the bench at Norwich
The Dutch to get us underway, wearing their traditional orange and white. Norn Ireland in some sort of light blue number.
D 3.14 may be a false nine. Sadly his quality was false during his time with United
The Dutch piling on the pressure right from the off. I suspect that Michael O'Neill would take an away draw right from the off.
Northern Ireland may be feeling different shades of blue at the end of the match , which symbolizes their kit
He sure will. As is the norm against the big sides, his teams sit back, absorb the pressure and hit teams occasionally on the break
His name is Luka and he may live on the second floor, but the Real player gives Croatia the lead vs Hungary. Croatia top of their group and Hungary down to third , a point behind Slovakia
I expect Northern Ireland to finish third behind Germany and Holland. A Dutch win will have three teams on twelve points with Northern Ireland in third on head to head
And the Ulstermen still have to go away to Germany as well. It's a long hard road to qualification for them.
They said that BPF has had hardly any first team football with Burnley. How about none? Hasn't played a first team club level match since January.
Smith with a long throw now - are they Stoke in disguise?
That's true - once we had bought Kiko Casilla, BPF was relegated to the bench.
Bobby Lew gives Poland the lead at whipping Boys, Latvia. Poland now top of their group four points ahead of Slovenia and five points ahead of Austria
I think it's due to the lack of talent in the Northern Ireland squad. It's hard to coach them against a world class side
A lot of chatter on the podcasts this week about Gareth Southgate's contingency plan if England's black players face racist chants in Bulgaria on Monday night. The game will be played behind closed doors, due to previous racism problems. Southgate has threatened to take the team off the pitch. But would that mean forfeiting the match and a loss of points?
Well, Norn Ireland have weathered the early storm and O'Neill will be reasonably happy with the way that his team has set out their stall.
Northern Ireland's third string keeper, Trevor Carson , starts for Motherwell. Why not start him if he's the only keeper in the squad getting playing time at club level and in a decent league
Winajldum does well to win a throw there and to keep the Dutch possession going.
Bobby Lew with his and Poland's second as they go two up in Latvia. Looks like a long evening for the group's whipping boys
I assume that BPF impressed O'Neill in training.
I sure hope England doesn't get punished. WHY would UEFA reward racism? I don't get it
Agreed. He has played well for the national team.
A win tonight would put the Poles in, ahem, pole position in Group G. Slovenia and Austria are battling it out for second spot.
The racist Transylvanians should have their blood sucked by vampires and werewolves, IMHO!
BOOM BOOM! You're in pole position in the world of punditry
Norn Ireland really enjoying their evening out in Rotterdam. They'll really be partying if their side can sneak a goal against the run of play.
Cheers, mate. I know that you're an enthusiastic audience for puns.
Agreed with you about Northern Ireland. Doing well against the Dutch. I have yet to see BPF forced to make a save
Totally agree with you about the need for FIFA to punish the racism on the terraces. There's no excuse for it.
Agreed. That would put Northern Ireland in pole position
Bit of head tennis now; that'll suit the Norn Irish.
They'll float a long ball into the box now after that Blind foul.
When the teams met in 1976 , Desmond watched Cruyff and Best in action. Neither side has that sort of talent in their lineups this evening
And another foul. They'll line up another long range free kick.
BPF alert and down after gathering a teasing cross. Seems to be okay
Lots of Route 1 stuff in this match - you would think that this would play into the Norn Irish gameplan. Foeman I suspect would prefer to see some more tiki taka stuff.
Halfway through the first half now and, apart from that awkward take, BPF has barely been tested.
Wales vs Coratia on ESPN on Sunday. COR!
Babbel well within his own half there - that's always an indication of a striker who's getting frustrated about the service.
That should be a cracker. I'll look forward to it.
Any decent matches on Saturday?
Agreed. Lots of tiki taka from the Dutch, but really comfortable for Northern Ireland
On Saturday Norway vs Spain on Plus at 2:45. Georgia vs Ireland at 9 on TUDN and the Danes vs Swiss on TUDN at noon. Not sure if you get TUIDN, a Spanish language channel
Lafferty's not getting much joy out of Virgil tonight. Tough match-up for him.
Not sure I've ever tried TUDN, but I might try to check it out.
First A cross from Dumfries laid off by Babbel,. The shot was blocked then Blind shot well wide
TUDN was formerly know as Univision Deportes. Same ownership, just a name change
Just a reminder that the Three lions will be on Plus tomorrow and Monday. Both matches kick off at 2:45 PM.
Belgium score twice in three minutes against San Marino to go two up. The Chunk and Chadli with the goals.
Wales takes the lead in Slovakia. Loan striker and journeyman , Kieffer Moore , of Wigan with the goal. Daniel James with the assist
That puts Wales, Slovakia, and Hungary all on nine points as it's quite a battle for second place
Israel takes a surprise lead in Vienna. That puts Israel in third a point behind Slovenia
It's still 0-0 between North Macedonia and Slovenia, which helps Israel
An OG now puts Belgium three up vs San Marino
Looking forward to both. I'll be pedaling home from work early tomorrow to enjoy the England match.
Monday I might have to be here in the office. It's Columbus Day but we don't take the holiday.
Belgium about to become the first team to qualify for Euro 2020.
Lafferty's got a problem now after that last tackle. Limping heavily.
Sorry you may have to miss the match in Transylvania. Beware of vampires!
Not surprised to see the Belgian Red Devils notching some goals against San Marino. The Chunk and Nacer Chadli with those goals.
These journeymen Premier League players for Norn know how to put in a relegation dogfight effort. They're effectively shutting out the Dutch.
I'm guessing that Niall McGinn of Aberdeen or Josh Magennis of the Tigers would be the most likely replacement for Lafferty
I'll still watch it but may have to be here in my cockpit in the office.
Northern Ireland's first corner of the match taken by Paddy McNair and headed away
First corner for the Ulsterman now.
Austria ties it up vs Israel. Slovenia back up to second place
Coming down to the last few minutes.
It looks as if Michael O'Neill needs some lessons on how to tie his tie. He looks like a Catholic schoolboy at his first communion.
Former Chelsea players combine to put Belgium up by a Barber Shop quartet against San Marino. The Chunk with his second and Hazard with the assist
Toby now puts Belgium five up.
The Dutch look utterly bereft of attacking ideas.
Croatia now three up vs Hungary
Credit to Northern Ireland. On Paper, they should be getting thrashed every match, but they show lots of character in being competitive.
Cross from Blind headed straight to BPF by Wijnaldum , who was well marked by Cathcart
A minute of stoppage time.
UWS would enjoy this type of defending, with the Ulstermen defenders not showing any shyness about hoofing it out of trouble every time. You won't see them trying to play it out of the back.
North Macedonia takes a surprise lead vs Slovenia. Those two and Austria , all, on eleven points in a battle for second place
Halftime in Rotterdam and the Dutch surprisingly being held 0-0.
That's half time then. The Dutch won't be happy about that at all, but Michael O'Neill will be delighted with the effort that his boys have shown.
Tielemans puts Belgium half a dozen up vs San Marino and it's only halftime
Agreed. Credit to Northern Ireland for frustrating a talented Dutch side. Agreed that UWS would admire the Northern Ireland defending, especially from Cathcart and Jonny Evans, who pass out from the back at club level.
That goal from North Macedonia was disallowed for offside, so still 0-0 vs Slovenia with Slovenia in second a point ahead of Austria
That's the way to deal with the minnows. Release the hounds. I love it when England do that.
The second half is underway from Rotterdam
I just posted my blogging buddy on FB.
Agreed. Some of these minnows have no business participating in the qualifiers. They're a nuisance wasting everyone's time.
Promising run by Bergwijn, but too much passing in the Northern Ireland box then shot well over by Wijnaldum
North Macedonia takes the lead vs Slovenia. That puts the Macedonians , Slovenia and Austria 11 on eleven points in the battle for second place.
BPF booked for time wasting. Where did he learn that. Probably from Sean Dyche
OH!! A nice cross from Babbel headed out by George Saville for a Dutch corner as Dumfries thought he had an easy tap in
Slovakia ties it up vs Wales and are now in sole possession of second place, a point ahead of Hungary
Austria have come from behind to take a 2-1 lead vs Israel and are in sole possession of second place, two points ahead of North Macedonia and Slovenia.
Nice through ball from Daley Blind for Babbel. But a nice intervention from Jonny Evans saved the day
Then Jonny's brother , Corry fouls 3.14. The free kick from Blind is headed away by the first man
Again , the Dutch playing around in the Northern Ireland box and fail to get a shot off.
Dzuyba gives Russia the lead vs the Scots. That eliminates Scotland from Euro qualifying via the group , but qualify via a NL playoff. Russia in second just about through
A Dutch free kick taken short and Blind crosses for Van Dyke to head straight up into the air and it's easily gathered by BPF
Dumfries with a foul in Saville Row
The Russians go two up vs the Scots.
Long Dutch possession ends with a hand ball by Dumfries.
Fat Ronny none too pleased and about to make a double substitution
Malen , who scored the winner against Germany last month on his debut, on for Baabbel and Van De Beek , of Ajax, on for De Roon
Josh Magennis , of the Tigers, on for Kyle Lafferty, who must be exhausted after tireless running in a like for like switch
Michael Smith , of Hearts , booked for an agricultural challenge on Van Dyke
OH! Nice chipped pass from 3.14 for Begwijn, who got behind the Northern Ireland defense but his out stretched attempt went straight to BPF
I'm just back from chatting with a couple of students who dropped by and I see that we're still at 0-0. Great news for the Norn Irish.
Dumfries heads out for a rare Norn Ireland corner and he and Saville are down after a clash of heads, but both are able to get up and continue
North Macedonia goes two up vs Slovenia, which really helps the Austrians
What garment is that that Fred is wearing in the picture you posted?
OH!! off the line by Jonny Evans from a volley from Wijnaldum as Northern Ireland couldn't clear. Talk about Jonny on the Spot.
It's a onesy because he scratched himself raw. The scab is close to being completely healed.
The Russians go three up vs the Jocks as Dzuyba scores his second of the match
The pressure is mounting from the Dutch but the Ulstermen are forming a valiant defense. They deserve a draw at this point.
That sounds like a wise thing for Fred. I hope he isn't getting frustrated by the Black Cats season.
GOAL !!! JOSH MAGENNIS HEADS NORTHERN IRELAND INTO A SHOCK LEAD.
GOAL! Oh my giddy aunt - George McGinnis has headed Norn Ireland into the lead!
the final roll of the dice from Fat Ronny and an expected attacking move as Luke De Jong , a striker , on for Dumfries, a fullback
This result would really put the cat amongst the pigeons in the group.
The Norn Irish now top the group on 15 points, 6 points ahead of the Dutch on 9, with only two matches left to play (3 for the Dutch and Germans).
Bob will be proud of the assist from Stu Dallas. Comical defending from the Dutch as a cross from Shane Ferguson was sliced into the air by De Licht then United flop , Blind . The Stu Dallas blindsided the Dutch defender and his cross was headed in by Magennis, who out jumped De Licht.
GOAL !!! D PI TIES IT UP FOR THE DUTCH
The Ulstermen are going all bouncy bouncy in the stands now. They're loving it. It's going to be a party in Rotterdam tonight, that's for sure.
GOAL! Your old boy Memphis rescues the Dutch!
1-1!
I'm about to head out, mate. I've got to meet up with our buddy Shazad to help him out with an errand in Erie this afternoon.
The goal came down the Dutch left. Several Ditch crosses were headed away, then a pass from young Malen , found D PI, who scored with a great finish past BPF
Cheers, mate. Great chatting with you
Jordan Thompson, of L1 Tangerines, on for George Saville.
Bobby Lew with a hat-trick for the Poles , who are now three up in Latvia. Grosicki, of the Tigers assisted on two of the goals
OH!!! Headed just wide by Malen, who scored on his debut. Nice cross from D Pi
The Belgians score two quick goals as eight may NOT be enough as they go eight up. Even Beneteke scored , his first in ages.
The final roll of the dice from Michael O'Neill and Fred says that Tom Flanagan , of the Black Cats, on for Corry Evans. That's now two L1 players on the pitch
Austria now leads Israel 3-1
The Russians now up by a Barber Shop Quartet vs the Scots.
The Belgians now up by naughty nines vs San Marino
D 3.14 with a long range effort over by about double that amount. a Barber Shop Quartet of stoppage time minutes
GOAL !! THE DUTCH TAKE A STOPPAGE TIME LEAD WITH A VOLLEY FROM LUKE DE JONG FROM A YARD OUT
Looked like a miss hit as a cross from Bertgwijn was headed on by Malen . Luke De Jong volleyed it up in the air from two yards out then followed in his volley with another from a yard out. A fluke of a winner
GOAL D PI SEALS IT FOR THE DUTCH GIVING THEM A 3-1 LEAD.
Heartbreak for Northern Ireland as the Dutch win 3-1 thanks to a pair of stoppage time goals.
Frank De Jong , who scored that flukey goal earlier, picked up a stray pass in midfield. He went on a long solo run, then his through ball found D PI, who scored with a great finish
Northern Ireland now on a dozen points with the Germans and Dutch, but now move down to third behind those two.
That's it for me. Great chatting. Looking forward to doing the same tomorrow.
CHEERS!
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