The Round Ball Game - II

[teamsaint]

That self belief runs very , very deep in Italian sides.
Terrific game, and great credit to Spain , who edged the game, but didn’t do quite enough to turn it into a win.

[johncorrigan]

For the third time I say, 'Game of the Tournament ', but this time I mean it - even Mrs C, who hates footie, was enthralled by it. Spain profligate in front of goal again, and I'm not talking about the penalty shoot-out. Italian team spirit immense. Great drama!

[Edgy 2]

Absolutely wonderful game of football, superbly reffed too

[DracoM]

No chance - I truly thought it was among the dullest we've seen.

[Edgy 2]

No chance - I truly thought it was among the dullest we've seen.

Wow, can't agree with that

[jayne lee wilson]

"Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
But now ...."

(courtesy Neil Diamond, with hope in our hearts....)

[Dave2002]

No chance - I truly thought it was among the dullest we've seen.

I’m with Edgy on this one.
It was a massive struggle, and in the end the team with the slightly better - on the night - penalty takers won.

Now let’s see how our team is going to do tonight.

[teamsaint]

Losing semi finals is tough.
Been at one winning and three losing ones with the Saints, and the three England ones were tough.
Nothing will ever match losing to a injury time Adrian Heath header ( !!) at Highbury ( at least I hope not), and I think that Italia 90 was the worst of the England defeats.

But, that is all in the past.....tonight is a night for Brave hearts, if not Bravehearts.

Good luck England. I think luck has sometimes been our missing ingredient in big games.

[antongould]

Losing semi finals is tough.
Been at one winning and three losing ones with the Saints, and the three England ones were tough.
Nothing will ever match losing to a injury time Adrian Heath header ( !!) at Highbury ( at least I hope not), and I think that Italia 90 was the worst of the England defeats.

But, that is all in the past.....tonight is a night for Brave hearts, if not Bravehearts.

Good luck England. I think luck has sometimes been our missing ingredient in big games.

Well said, as always, ts …… but on the luck front it can play a big part in knockout matches and so far we haven’t had any bad luck … hope it doesn’t turn up this evening …….

[eighthobstruction]

....looks like a balanced team....much hope....1


1Pickford
2Walker
5Stones
6Maguire
3Shaw
14Phillips
4Rice
25Saka
19Mount
10Sterling
9Kane

[jayne lee wilson]

Just look at the Wembley scene....Sweet Caroline ringing out again.... now the anthems.... I'm a little overwhelmed already.....

Yes, main change in the fluid 4-2-3-1 starting XI is - Saka in for Sancho.... but it will change later, for sure....

[jayne lee wilson]

Calm now, Jordy.....calm....

Too many backpasses, too little possession.... tricky time now...

We had to concede sometime didn't we? Courage, everyone....
But we need to tighten up, find our shape again, above all keep possession...

[jayne lee wilson]

YES!!! The quick response....!!

Oh boy this is some game....

***

HT 1-1....Really need some air now....... Raheem played really well, should have scored but then pressured Kjaer into the OG after another good move...

Grealish and Sancho on soon?

[Ein Heldenleben]

Maybe the danish defender should have let Sterling miss it again...?

[jayne lee wilson]

Never a yellow card. Poor decision.

For me - Grealish on for Saka, soon..... please...we must keep the ball (!), get more movement, pressure & threat on the opposition....too wild and open now....

Yeah...67'.... here he comes......!
So - Sterling coming right, Grealish opposite.....
Come on Jack, come on.....

Hendo could strengthen the midfield later too...