Euro 2016

**geysir** · 15/06/2016, 5:36 PM

The Swiss should be barred from future finals, at least a tv blackout. They will never be anything more than functionally boring at this international level.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 15/06/2016, 5:51 PM

At 1-1 it seemed like neither side really wanted to go for it. I don't think there is any likely scenario where 4 points isn't enough to get a team through, and the Swiss had that with a draw, while Romania could be confident of getting there with a draw and a win in their last game against Albania.

This is the perils of the expanded system, with two teams that don't seem all that accomplished grinding out a result to do the bare minimum to get to the knock-outs. And they'll expand the Euro's to 32 within a decade or so, I have no doubt.

**geysir** · 15/06/2016, 6:15 PM

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

At 1-1 it seemed like neither side really wanted to go for it. I don't think there is any likely scenario where 4 points isn't enough to get a team through, and the Swiss had that with a draw, while Romania could be confident of getting there with a draw and a win in their last game against Albania.

This is the perils of the expanded system, with two teams that don't seem all that accomplished grinding out a result to do the bare minimum to get to the knock-outs. And they'll expand the Euro's to 32 within a decade or so, I have no doubt.

Normal enough for teams in the group stages at any finals to want not to lose after one of them equalises, that's how it's been for yonks, nothing to do with extended format.
ireland v netherlands for example

Extended format bashers need to look for real evidence, not 'makey up stuff' in order to support an opinion.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 15/06/2016, 6:31 PM

If three teams of four can get out of a group, the impetus to try to get three points from every game is diminished further. I don't think anyone would claim that teams haven't played for draws under the old system, but I'm sure Romania would have each tried harder for a winner if they knew only two teams were getting out of their group. They just didn't have the motivation to do that out there.

I'm making nothing up. This is just common sense. And while there will always be exceptions and variations in the way groups pan out, I don't think its a controversial opinion to suggest the group stages have lost a degree of competitiveness with the expanded format.

**pineapple stu** · 15/06/2016, 7:29 PM

The flip side is if the Swiss had won, they'd have had a great chance at first place in the group and an easier path in the knock-out section. While it's easier to get out of the groups now, I don't think it's necessarily the case that neither team was that bothered about winning.

I think it just wasn't a good game - far from the first in the tournament. It's not a vintage one at all so far.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 15/06/2016, 7:51 PM

Awful game between the hosts and Albania lends credence to that thought. France can't seem to get going at all, Martial looks lost out on the right.

As an aside, totally given up on TV3's Live Player. At least RTE's lets you pick a resolution, TV3 insist on making me follow pixels around even though my internet is just fine.

**pineapple stu** · 15/06/2016, 8:11 PM

Albania's crossing has been superb; causing France no end of trouble. And Albania beat France in the "qualifiers", so they might be sensing blood now.

**pineapple stu** · 15/06/2016, 8:12 PM

"Blazed" over by Matuidi - love it!

**SkStu** · 15/06/2016, 8:36 PM

it would be a shame if this stayed 0-0 and allowed France-Switzerland last game to be a dead rubber where they could just play out the draw and guarantee they both qualify.

**pineapple stu** · 15/06/2016, 8:41 PM

At least it's picked up - been a great game since NeverFeltBetter reverse jinxed it!

**pineapple stu** · 15/06/2016, 8:49 PM

Argh! Harsh on Albania.

Still, we've a 50/50 chance of meeting the Group A winners in the next round if we get through as a best third-placed team. Wouldn't be worried about facing France or Switzerland having seen them so far.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 15/06/2016, 8:55 PM

Starting to get a very Brazil '14 feeling off France. Celebrating like they won the tournament after being shown up for 89 minutes by Albania. They'll get theirs.

**osarusan** · 15/06/2016, 8:58 PM

Sickened by the late goals, really hoped Albania would hold on. I thought they were fantastic.

**osarusan** · 15/06/2016, 9:00 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

it would be a shame if this stayed 0-0 and allowed France-Switzerland last game to be a dead rubber where they could just play out the draw and guarantee they both qualify.

That could still happen anyway - if anything it's more likely to happen now that France have 6 points. I still think France will go for the win anyway though.

**Stuttgart88** · 15/06/2016, 9:12 PM

Originally Posted by osarusan

Sickened by the late goals, really hoped Albania would hold on. I thought they were fantastic.

Yeah, but quality match considering all the context. It's why I love international footy over every other form. Just love it.

**BonnieShels** · 16/06/2016, 1:21 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

The flip side is if the Swiss had won, they'd have had a great chance at first place in the group and an easier path in the knock-out section. While it's easier to get out of the groups now, I don't think it's necessarily the case that neither team was that bothered about winning.

I think it just wasn't a good game - far from the first in the tournament. It's not a vintage one at all so far.

Is there much to be said for the fact of the 24-team format lending itself to a load of dull games? Teams are less inclined to go and win games if there is a good chance that draws are weighted inordinately.

I've seen very little on account of travelling to and from France and being at IRL-SWE and but what I have seen (Bar the hilarity of England's concession [that I watched in a bar in Crystal Palace]) has been poor fare. Only got to see the first half of ALB-FRA, in Gatwick waiting on my flight and I enjoyed it.

**pineapple stu** · 16/06/2016, 1:25 PM

That's the point NeverFeltBetter was making earlier in the thread - I don't think it's necessarily the case myself. Big difference between finishing third in your group (and maybe not even getting through) and winning the group in terms of who you meet in the next round.

"Kane isn't Able" as Harry Kane fires a free well over - good man Jim Beglin!