The Round Ball Game - II

[johncorrigan]

Sir, With computer data on each aspect of every match, instead of a penalty shoot-out, study the time that the ball is active in each half of the pitch. The more attacking side wins. This would reduce passing back over the halfway line and goalkeepers lying on the ground clutching the ball like a long-lost teddy bear.
Hugh Williams
Fleet, Hants

I certainly would not go along with this. I have seen games that ended 3-3, but were dull, yet games ending 1-1 that were fantastic. Defending is just as important as attacking in football. To penalise a team for being too defensive would go against the principles of the game. Personally, if there was a draw in a knockout match after 90 minutes I would dump extra time and go straight to penalties. I would say that on average, and I have no evidence to back this up, extra time usually adds nothing to the game except watching knackered players trying to stay upright, and ending up sitting freezing in perishing grounds in the middle of winter.

[teamsaint]

It would from the team that lost, though, surely, and potentially lead to a more exciting game (though the 'winning' side might just employ frustrating 'passing back and forth to their own players' tactics).

Here's today's letters in response.

Paying the penalty

Sir, A better alternative to penalty shoot-outs would be extra time with fewer players [...]. Just as rugby sevens produces plenty of tries, two ten-minute periods of eight-a-side football will see goals being scored and be more entertaining.
Jasper Stevens
Brighton

Sir, With computer data on each aspect of every match, instead of a penalty shoot-out, study the time that the ball is active in each half of the pitch. The more attacking side wins. This would reduce passing back over the halfway line and goalkeepers lying on the ground clutching the ball like a long-lost teddy bear.
Hugh Williams
Fleet, Hants

Sir, Why not reduce the entire football match to a penalty shoot-out? After all, cricket administrators have successfully reduced five days into 100 balls per side.
Jonathan Forster
Moreton in Marsh, Glos

In most games I would suggest that one side is much more likely to be playing for penalties. So not that much changes IMO.

the easiest rule change that would improve the game IMO would be timed games of 30 minutes ball in play each half.

[teamsaint]

Deserved win for England tonight, with a superb winning goal. They were good to watch, and defended well enough. Plenty of us are prepared to knock Southgate at times, but his tournament record is really exceptional compared to earlier England managers.
Can they deal with the nerves and the legacy of the 2021 final ?

[johncorrigan]

Deserved win for England tonight, with a superb winning goal. They were good to watch, and defended well enough. Plenty of us are prepared to knock Southgate at times, but his tournament record is really exceptional compared to earlier England managers.
Can they deal with the nerves and the legacy of the 2021 final ?

ts, a few months ago on these pages I suggested that, were I an England fan, I would get down to my local turf accountant and put a few quid on them for the Euros. They've sauntered through this tournament getting the job done, albeit with a bit fortune along the way. England were the better team in the first half last night, but it took a very dodgy penalty decision to get their first goal. The Dutch contained them and frustrated them for much of the second half before Watkins did what he's been doing all season for Villa - great goal. I think they start favourites against the Spanish. I wonder if Sir Keir will be back from DC in time to get to Berlin?

In my opinion, if England wants to win the World Cup across the pond in 2026, and they have a good chance, it would seem to me they need to keep him in charge of the team. I've never been a fan of his (I think it was the stupid waist coat) , but he's done an excellent job, and he seems to be a very good fit, and has some great players to call on.

[LMcD]

[QUOTE=johncorrigan;n1312033]
I wonder if Sir Keir will be back from DC in time to get to Berlin?

According to Sky News, Downing Street has confirmed that the PM will be at the final.

[eighthobstruction]

....Ah but Southgate is the Carlos Castaneda of football suddenly only when the message from Don Juan comes do the substitutes go on....only then in an exact opening of doors and the cosmos does Watkins run and strike....only then does the defender open his legs on the diagonal matrix is ....succeed...

....sound of gris gris.

[johncorrigan]

....Ah but Southgate is the Carlos Castaneda of football suddenly only when the message from Don Juan comes do the substitutes go on....only then in an exact opening of doors and the cosmos does Watkins run and strike....only then does the defender open his legs on the diagonal matrix is ....succeed...

....sound of gris gris.

I didn't spot him popping the peyote, 8th.

[eighthobstruction]

Tensegrity....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity ....Southgate final words to Watkins "Walk lightly"....

[teamsaint]

ts, a few months ago on these pages I suggested that, were I an England fan, I would get down to my local turf accountant and put a few quid on them for the Euros. They've sauntered through this tournament getting the job done, albeit with a bit fortune along the way. England were the better team in the first half last night, but it took a very dodgy penalty decision to get their first goal. The Dutch contained them and frustrated them for much of the second half before Watkins did what he's been doing all season for Villa - great goal. I think they start favourites against the Spanish. I wonder if Sir Keir will be back from DC in time to get to Berlin?

In my opinion, if England wants to win the World Cup across the pond in 2026, and they have a good chance, it would seem to me they need to keep him in charge of the team. I've never been a fan of his (I think it was the stupid waist coat) , but he's done an excellent job, and he seems to be a very good fit, and has some great players to call on.

I hope you got 10 bob on us to ease any possible pain on Sunday night JC !
these games are tight, almost always. Small margins etc. I thought the ref had to give the pen, although if my team had conceded that , I would be irritated at the way it was given away.

Thoughts about WC 2026 on hold till after Sunday. Meanwhile in other news, some of the Scottish teams have finished pre season already……..

[johncorrigan]

Meanwhile in other news, some of the Scottish teams have finished pre season already……..

I believe the Buddies are seeded and don't enter the fray that is the League Cup till after the group stage, ts. Re the final, probably won't see it as we are in the Hebs from Saturday and lacking a telly. But win, lose or whatever, I think your national team would be mad to embark on the search for another manager at this juncture, if they can avoid it.

[eighthobstruction]

We don't care how we win....https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football...s/c19kzmj8y1po ....Yeah , well excuse me if I don't care how you lose....

....If a jobs worth doing , it's worth doing well....

[teamsaint]

Well at least everybody can agree that the better team, by a good margin, won.

Not really sure what England's problem is, although our inability to retain and use the ball well in central midfield and control games from there is surely part of that issue.

Think on balance I prefer us losing finals and semi finals than Ro16 and QFs though.

[gurnemanz]

Despite Spain being clearly better, England nearly got an equaliser right at the end with Palace's Guéhi having his header headed off the line.

I watched the 1966 final aged 17 on a black and white TV in a pub in Baden Baden.... still waiting.

[Serial_Apologist]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/england-football-domestic-abuse-survivor-b2578241.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

[burning dog]

Note: this is from the CEO of a feminist anti-abuse charity not the Daily Mail on line.

https://www.riseuk.org.uk/news/2024/myth-busting-ceo-jo-explains-why-football-does-not-cause-domestic-abuse