Albie said:Well what do you know, I go out for the night and we get two newbies to the football thread - glad of the input. About time some more joined in - ain't that so Conor? Still we will give the press a wide berth just now as talk seems to be centered on the Champions league and the Euro cup - the latter been more apt as we have some qualifications tomorrow and on Wednesday.
The match of the day has to be a slightly resurgent Scotland and a semi-decent French side (after all they were World cup runners up). A match that could determine if Scotland have a chance of qualifying - as they have to get the points from both France and Italy in Glasgow. Should be interesting. I Think England should get the three points on Saturday (they always do well at Old Trafford), but Croatia away on Wednesday will be extremely tricky. The Republic should get three points in Cyprus, but - it's a funny old game!
Conor said:Don't bet on it Albie. The Republic of Ireland has had quite a poor squad for a couple of years and I wouldn't be surprised if Cyprus took all three points.
I would say that Scotland will give the French a right old scare but les Bleus will win in the end.
You are right about that one, France is still very strong .
I'll agree with that, but England do not travel well to teams that can potentially be a little tricky. If England leave Croatia with a draw, I'll be happy. Only mugs here are underestimating Croatia - I'm sure Steve McClaren & co won't be.Genghis Khan said:Croatia's best years seem to be over as evidenced by their lethargic performance against Japan and Australia.
Argentina are a well established international team with players of high quality in most positions. They started the last world cup with a bang and were really on fire. Serbia are a small and new team on the international scene and will succumb to the odd result such as this at the hands of the "giants" of football. Give yourself time, football from the South Eastern Europe has yielded good teams and good players in the past and will continue to do so.Urizen said:You should be happy, look at the disgrace that my country's national team brought to us on the World cup-Serbia 0-6 Argentina.
Now that drubbing was a real shock. But I think any bad press England would get is really disrespectful of their opponents. Macedonia were the first team to come to Old Trafford and have a positive attitude for quite a few years now - in fact not since the Greeks came and drew 2-2 (the famous injury time Beckham free-kick giving England the draw). Most teams come here and just defend.Conor said:I want to say something derogatary about the England team but the 5-2 drubbing at the hands of Cyprus (yes, Cyprus), leaves me in no place to comment.
Fair play indeed - What we need is a Scot with a passion for football to comment. I think that may be pushing it though, as we recently are struggling to get football fans full stop, let alone Scottish ones.Conor said:Fair play to the Scots though
ABandOn said:Italy won (2-0) with Ukraine, but despite the score, it wasn't an easy match for us...and, honestly, it was very boring :|
Yes, they were great. I like this kind of teams. They really wanted it and they got it...Conor said:Fair play to the Scots though
No, he didn't play yesterday. Actually, he retired from national team, at least for some months, until he will change his mindUrizen said:Did Totti played? He's my favourite Italian player.
You are welcome in ItalyJackKnife said:... and to those who would have the same sense of humour as I have, the answer is no: I didn't spend my last hollidays in Italy!
I agree, Macedonia really played with guts and spirit. England took them for granted. That match was expected to be one for Rooney to regain his form by scoring a few goals. Many people were saying that before the match. That arrogant attitude is what cost England the match but I suppose the English press will live and learn (probably not actually )Albie said:Now that drubbing was a real shock. But I think any bad press England would get is really disrespectful of their opponents. Macedonia were the first team to come to Old Trafford and have a positive attitude for quite a few years now
If you really want to go to Scotland I urge you to visit the surreal Electric Brae. I have been there on many an occasion and always I have a moment.JackKnife said:Yes, they were great. I like this kind of teams. They really wanted it and they got it...
Next summer, I'm gonna spend my hollidays in Scotland!
I have to admit, I rarely (if ever) read the press and tend to avoid (or at least ignore) biased commentary on the TV. That way I don't get sucked into this petty arrogance (not too much, anyway).Conor said:I agree, Macedonia really played with guts and spirit. England took them for granted. That match was expected to be one for Rooney to regain his form by scoring a few goals. Many people were saying that before the match. That arrogant attitude is what cost England the match but I suppose the English press will live and learn (probably not actually )
Sorry Albie, I just couldn't resist a swipe at the bandwagon-jumping media circus surrounding the England team.