The Round of 16 Continues
Later, we've got World champions and presumptive favorites France, who have a relatively easy match with neighboring Switzerland. This would ordinarily be the sort of match that the French would expect to deal with easily; however, we've all seen how Italy, Belgium and especially Netherlands, who crashed out to the Czechs yesterday, have struggled in this round. France have rarely looked convincing in Euro 2020, so we'll see what they're made of today.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 11:29 AM
781 Comments:
Hiya, chaps! Day 1 of Wimpleton coverage has pre-empted the warm-up of this match, but it's now started on ESPN.
Good morn long , Bob Here to join you for the Round of sixteen matches
The big news out of this one is that Ivan Perisic is out having tested positive for Covid. His shows will be difficult to fill.
Morning Boys
I hate both of these teams!!
Morning, guys - great to have you around for a natter again today. I'm definitely hoping for some underdog shocks. I don't like either Spain or France.
Yep, seconded Dave. If there was a way to eliminate both of these teams, I'm all for it. Perisic is a major loss, the only Croatian that I admire.
The teams now getting set for this one:
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón; Azpilicueta, Eric García, Laporte, Gayà; Koke, Busquets, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Morata, Sarabia.
Subs: De Gea, D Llorente, Pau Torres, M Llorente, Moreno, Thiago, Sánchez, Rodri, Fabian, Jordi Alba, Olmo, Oyarzabal.
Croatia (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Caleta-Car, Vida, Gvardiol; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Vlasic, Petkovic, Rebic.
Subs: Vrsaljko, Brekalo, Kramaric, Kalinic, Budimir, Pasalic, Skoric, Orsic, Badelj, Sluga, Bradaric, Ivanusec.
Welcome, Steve!
Hi Steve
I would like Italy to beat Switzerland in the Semi Final
You now know how I want this day to go
I've had a fairly exciting morning. There's been a bit of interest in my research on McCarthyism in Florida public schools in the 50s in recent days because of FL Gov. Ron DeSantis' new law calling for an anti-communist US history curriculum, so I spent an hour this morning chatting with a columnist from the Philadelphia Inquirer. I had an interview with a reporter from The Daily Beast last week. I'm not used to this attention.
WOW!!
Can I have your autograph?
Agreed, Dave. I hare both teams this match and would like the Swiss to win too.
WOW! Great job, Bob. It sure seems like The Republican Party is doing everything it can to head back to McCarthyism
Teams in the tunnel in Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen
Thanks, guys - I'm not getting a big head. I know that there are a lot of people who know more about the subject that I do, but it's nice to have people asking for interviews. I guess I owe it all to DeSantis! ;-)
Lots of boos for Spain . Well done
Good morning, Dave and Steve
No need to apologize
Moring David
BOTH teams wearing their second kits
Pathetic
Agreed. Hate when teams do that with the kits. No need to
I've read so much of how SGate is going to put out such a negative side tomorrow....We have so many good attacking midfielders...so let's only give space for one !
Off we go
Last time out for Spain...hopefully it will give them a false sense of security...they were struggling until a gift goal
Teams coming out now - we're still looking for the First Match to Go to a Penalty, the First Hat-trick and the First Red Card in the pool. Sadly, no chances in this match.
They're off from Copenhagen
Congrats Bob. My two favorite intellectuals, you and Jon getting big ups this week.
Croatia's kit looks like Liverpool's away kit
We're away in this one - as always, I've hoping for loads of goals but don't expect it.
If Spain had won the group and Sweden had finished second then this match would have been the one I would have picked to go to penalties
I've enjoyed these matches from Parken. It seems like an old-fashioned yet updated ground where the fan noise is really loud.
I'm thinking this will be a low scoring tiki taka type match
Agreed Steve. There has been a great atmosphere from this ground
Lots of rain in London today. Wimbledon outer courts had no play this afternoon. The two show courts have roofs...I think they have started to play outside now
Anyway, the rain has cause the Germans to be banned from practicing on the Wembley turf...they are annoyed
Cheers, Steve - I can't wait to read Jon's book. It's up next on my shelf.
If the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway got their act together to co-host, I might be tempted.
OMG...he has to say it EVERY GAME!!!
I see Bruiseovic is taking no prisoners already.
Totally agree with you about this stadium in Copenhagen. It reminds me that I need to get over to Scandinavia at some point.
Brozovic fouls Morata for a Spanish free kick. Poor free kick from Sarabia easily headed away
Let the Germans cut up at OT. There's nothing going on there.
BOOM BOOM, Steve!
I watch televised tennis while looking after my father-in-law and it puts both of us to sleep inside of 5 minutes.
Croatia has never won a knockout match at the Euros. Hope both get eliminated
This match could the same as the tennis match, Steve
Long may that streak continue.
Kovacic fouls Ferran Torres
Free kick from Koke Colla headed by Azpi straight to the keeper
I like tennis
I only watch the tennis during these two weeks when the Wimbledon is on. It just brings back memories of childhood watching McEnroe, Connors and Borg.
Are there any free-kick technicians left in this tournament. No wonder most have been played short because the ones into the area have been utter tosh. That one was low and behind the charge to get onto it.
Eric Garcia warned by the ref for a foul. It was actually nasty by Biscuits who didn't even get a lecture
I watch the majors...especially Wimpleton...I just can't take all the grunting. in the women's matches
I guess Skippy Ronaldo,but otherwise I can't think of any
No one can delivery a good cross in any more
There have been no free kicks scored in any match!
JWP will score one tomorrow....wait....forget it
Doesn't Jorginho take free kicks at Chelsea?
Serabia rips one into the side netting - he might have done better there, at least worked the keeper.
Shot from Sarabia lands in the side netting off pass from Morata
Derek Rae....you're supposed to pronounce everything right...don't they Spanish use B for V?
You and Bob are welcome to it. It's better than poker or bar brawling but the mens game is no too focused on power than placement. Borg, Conners, probably McEnroe would just get ground up by today's men. Womens is still fun unless it's Serena who while awesome, plays the power game too effectively.
Only Varcelonans, USW.
Spain the only team to score. Croatia doing absolutely nothing in attack except attacking Spanish players
I think I've mentioned before that Cesar Azpilicueta is Kate's favorite footballer names. She really enjoys it linguistically.
Big chance....has to do better!!
USELESS FINISH
Oh - Koke was in there but put his effort straight at the keeper.
OH! Koke Cola with a shot off the keepers feet one on one then bounces off his chest and over.
Whew. Koke misses and Spain can't shut up the shop 16 minutes in
Kate enjoys some strange things!
You included!
Just kidding
Azpi's last name provides Kate with an excellent opportunity to practice the Basque language
Koke Cola was flat not carbonated with that missed sitter.
BOOM BOOM!
Croats started a nice break but blew it
It seems like both teams are getting booed. Well done
Spain want a handball
Never
Hopeless header
Nice cross from Ferran Torres and awful header from Mortata from two yards out straight to the keeper as it bounced on the ground
OMG!!!!!
FANTASTIC!!
MODERN DAY FOOTBALL!!!
LOVE IT
Oh my goodness! Look at that! A complete clanger by the Spanish keeper and Croatia are 0-1 up!
GOAL !!!!! CROATIA TAKE A LEAD THROUGH AN ABSOLUTE SCHOOL BOY HOWLER
What was that keeper doing?
Now then - Croatia have their tails up and are trying to get a second before Spain recover.
Owen Gola with his ninth of the tourney
As long as it doesn't happen to Jordan Pickford, you have to laugh, don't you?
That was almost as far out as Razor Boy against the Scots
I loved it too and an example of how Tiki Taka doesn't work. No need to pass back from the halfway line when an attack was on a comic miss kick by Unai Simon as he whiffed at the ball for a comical OG
Big shout for a penalty for a handball on Eric Garcia now - nothing doing from the ref.
I have a question for everyone . Didn't Croatia score a similar against England when Wally in a Brolly was in charge. I think Paul Robinson did almostt the same thing as Unai Simon did for this goal
And now Vlasic bursts forward onto a pass from Modric and wriggles past Garcia. Put his shot wide. But Spain are rattled for sure.
Spain nearly two down as a pass from Modric foundd Valsic, but his shot in the side netting made sure that Spain weren't in a pickle
That was in the 2-3 at Wembley? Bob was on Skype watching my tv for that
It was a shorter back pass tho
The problem for Spain going forward is that Croatia have shown that they're more than capable of scoring on the break. This feels a bit like Man City (Spain) v. Leicester (Croatia).
Is this the same Croiatian team we saw fifteen minutes ago? Nice possession and just over by Kovacic from just outside the box
Yeah, I was. I think I was still living in Japan then, right?
Thanks , Dave, but I think it was the fixture in Croatia that England lost 2-0. Paul Robinson I think was in goal. Scott Carson I think was in goal for the 2-3 match. Did he also make a similar error?
I think the 2-3 was in 2007 during the November international break. Not sure when the 2-0 defeat was
Bob, is it hot in WNY as it is in ENY?
Mid 90s....pool is 85 right now...I'll have to go in for the first time
That OG doesn't get any prettier in the replay. But I like David's observation that there was no need to hit a backpass like that and it was a result of the negative tiki-taka BS that has ruined Spanish football.
Lie p schig? What does Derek mean?
Dave., you're getting a taste off what we experience four months in q row. If you like this weather than South Texas is the place for you, LOL!
I thought it was the Wally and Brolly that match
My bad
Thanks, Steve. That was one of the most comical OGs I've never seen an OG from a back pass from that far a distance
Not sure, Dave. know that on the 2-3 match Scott Carson's keeping wasn't the greatest
A centavo for Unai Simon's thoughts?
De Gea to come on at half time?
Pink Kits says "hello," btw. She's missing all of your company this time. Fond memories of 2018.
I don't know how much I am going to comment this time tomorrow.
I want to pay more attention to the match
Fond memories indeed
Striker's challenge by Morata jovakovic
I'm sure that Simon would just like to crawl into bed at this point.
Shots on target for Croatia....ZERO.....one nil up
I second . Hello to Kate and great memories
Spanish corner headed then a long range shot deflects off of Apzi and not too far wide
GOAL! Serabia fires in the equalizer and Spain are back in it!
Goal.....Spain equalize
Many chances....finally finished....bugger
GOAL !!! SRABA TIES IT UP FOR SPAIN AFTER THE KEEPER FUMBLED A SHOT
From the BBC
As a fellow goalkeeper, I feel Simón's pain. Croatia must love goals like this after the Neville/Robinson error in 2006.
Oh - on the replay Livokovic nearly got to that effort, but the momentum carried it over him.
That was a series of the most untidy defending that I've seen in this tournament. Why didn't even one Croat welly it away? Spain equal terms again.
Hiya Katie.
The goal came off a long possession then ping pong in the Croatia box themn Jose Gaya with a shot saved from the edge of the box and Sarabia easily put away the rebound
Very cruel to credit Pedri with that own goal. Unai Simon definitely got a touch.
It was poor defending . Was that goal, the first shot on target by either team in this match? I know Dave mentioned about Croatia not having a shot on Target. Did Spain before the goal?
Agreed, Bob., but Pedri was definitely an accomplice
Better this time from Simon as he collected a cross on the hop.
Dave thanks for the clarification. I had forgotten that the Neviller was the one with the back pass
Oh - nearly the perfect through ball from Kovacic to Rebic.
Nice sweep keeping by Unai Simon off a nice through ball from the back
A minute of stoppage time
Great move from Spain there ending with my boy Alvaro blasting well over.
High and wide from Morata and that should so it for the half. It does as it's 1-1 at the half in a comedy of errors
HT
1-1
Half-time arrives and this has been a much more entertaining match than I'd expected.
BBC has them with 10 shots...4 on goal
I'll be interested in hearing whether Keller can summon the kind of critical inquiry of that backpass you did MUR.
I was listening , Steve and I don't think Kller or Kay were as critical as I was.
Great stat, Dave. Spain more attacking than I expected. They were the better side in the first half
Pathetic . Keller making excuses for Simon.
Mr. Own Goal is running away with the Golden Boot - 9 goals!
Owen Goala was playing as the Goal Keeper for several of those OGs
Kramaric on for Petkovic . That looks to be an attacking change
Second half underway
After Perisic , Kramaric is probably;ly the next best attacking threat
Teams back out for the second half now and Croatia have made some immediate changes. Petkovic has come off and replaced by Kramaric. Like for like.
LOL! La Porte with a back pass to Simon and sarcastic amusing cheers, but he gathered the hopping back pass this time
Free kick chance for Spain
Early free kick chance for Spain now.
Vida heads away the free kick from Koke Cola
I'm back after a quick bite
Pedro passes wide left too Gaya and Croatia counter as his cross was headed away
What was for lunch, Dave?
Welcome back, Dave
Not sure why Jose Gaya replaced Jordi Alba in the starting lineup. He was one of their few decent players in the group matches
I just watched video from Wimpleton. They had the Vax developers, NHS workers and the daughter of Sir Tom Moore(100year old who walked his backyard for charity) in the royal box....great standing ovation
Wonder if there were any Owen goala treats for lunch or if the food came from a long back pass?
Nice cross from fern Torres , but poor control from Morata as his shot was a tame pass to the keeper
Oh - great ball by Fernan Torres toward Serabia who couldn't find a teammate. The keeper cleaned up.
That's a class act to allow those people in the royal box. Well done wimbledon
That's a marvelous moment at Wimpleton. Well done!
That OG looked like something out of Monte Python or Fawlty Towers. Basil with the back pass and Manuel in goal.
That would have made a cracking episode of Fawlty Towers, David.
Spain doing all the attacking in the second half
Ball is flat!
Always reminds me of the '81(I think) Cup Final
The BBC had a feature on a boy making the Cup Final ball...back in the day of a single ball match.... it deflated after ten minutes.....BBC never mentioned it!
Bugger....Kate's man gives the Spanish the lead
GOAL! The unlikely figure of Azpi arrives in the box late to nod home!
2-1!
GOAL !! AZPI HEADS SPAIN INTO A 2-1 LEAD
That was made by yet another great ball in from Torres. He's been getting a lot of joy out wide left.
Sad to say , but it's a deserved Spain lead against a poor Croatian side
This was an unusual Spain goal as it came off a dour or five passes and Simon sort of made up for the OG . The possession started with a pass to Azpi who went on a long run then passed to Pedri , who passed wide left to feral Torres and his cross was headed ion by Azpi. Poor defending and poor by the keeper to be beat at the near post like that
Is Gvardio Croat for Vardy? I would be interested in Everyone's responses
Sorry is Gavrdiol Craot for Vardy
Croatia are going to need to throw caution to the wind in a moment.
I had both of these teams in the quarters in the PPP . A shame both won't be eliminated
So Pedro with an OG and an assist
Better from the Croats but finish from Rebic was tame.
Useless effort....first shot on target tho!
Ante Rebic with a tame shot that was even easy for Unai Simon to gather
Orsic on for the poor Ante Rebic. Is Orsic Craot for oreo?
Another shot....much better....nice save!
The Croat Vardy with a near post shot saved by Simon
Very lucky that wasn't double figures for Owen Gola ...that could have rebounded back in of the keeper
Good save from Simon to redeem himself.
Croatia breaks....saved.....another late flag!!
Oh - the Croats were in again. Flagged offside.
Nice long ball from kramaric and shot at Simon with just the keeper to beat. The offside flag was raised
Derek says that save was from the Simon that wa spaying attention. For once a humorous remark from Derek
Koke Cola attacked by Bruiseovic for a Spanish free kick
Danny the Elm on for Sarabia
Pau Pau Torres on for Eric Garcia
Ball in the net....flagged off
The Spanish have it in the net again but my boy Alvaro was offside.
Spain for once with a long free kick headed on then Morata five yards offside as he scores from a foot out, but it's disallowed for that reason
Brozovic picks up a card for some backchat with the ref.
Back from lunch. I also was listening for Keller to make a point about Pedri's pointless backpass. I guess everyone bows down to the great god, tiki-taka, less they be dismissed as troglodytes.
Azpi's goal was interesting because it was a good cross and a header into the net. Not so much tiki,, or taka.
Bruiseovic finally booked and about bloody time as he talks himself into the book. He could have been booked for any one of multiple fouls
Breaka low fart on for Juranovic .An attacking move as a midfield player on for a right back
Welcome back, Steve. I liked that second Spanish goal because it started with Simon and they scored from only five passes and a nice cross. They can score without Tiki Taka
That should do it
Spain extend their lead!!
GOAL! Torres races through to score and that should just about wrap it up for the Spanish.
This is the end of an era for this Croatian side.
GOAL !!! PAU TORRES SCORES MINUTES AFTER COMING ON TO M AKE IT 3-1 THANKS TO SHOCKING CROATIAN DEFENDING
I don't know why the stretcher crew aren't immediately brought on to put a stop to this faking. Every one of these guys could do with a quick lift off the pitch and being ignored when they pop up like toast to return to the action.
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