Euro 2016

**Stuttgart88** · 07/07/2016, 8:00 PM

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

I've rarely seen a more undeserved lead at HT. Germany should have had two penalties at the other end if that's a spot-kick.

That Howedes tackle is the defensive moment of the tournament. What a trackback.

France had a few minutes at beginning and end of that half where they showed signs of life, but apart from that they were remarkably outclassed. There was a half hour where it seemed like they couldn't put five passes together. I would have said that German goals seem inevitable if this continues, but if France park the bus?

I hope Germany score anyway.

better than the Iceland tackle on Vardy? Wales' triple block vs Belgium? Ciaran Clark's shin over the bar against Sweden?

Enjoying this game but Jaysus that was a harsh penalty.

**pineapple stu** · 07/07/2016, 8:02 PM

Great tackle, but I'd have been quicker than Giroud there. And on a good day, I'd have seen the inside pass too.

**DeLorean** · 07/07/2016, 8:03 PM

Was Howedes the guy that tackled Giroud? He did well but I thought it was awful from Giroud. It was so obvious that he wasn't going to have the pace and needed to slip Griezmann in, which would have been a pretty easy thing to do with a bit of composure. Germany have been brilliant, France have done well to restrict them to fairly few clearcut chances considering the pressure they've been under. It was a clear penalty, no question at all. I thought Schweinsteiger was actually fouling Pogba for one of their own appeals too. Intriguing.

**DeLorean** · 07/07/2016, 8:04 PM

Had that written before I saw PStu's comment.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:05 PM

That was arguably just as good a chance for Giroud. That man might be the slowest striker in the tournament.

**pineapple stu** · 07/07/2016, 8:07 PM

On the Schweinsteiger penalty appeal, agree it looked six of one, etc. But the German 11 was being clearly held back and couldn't make any attempt to jump for the ball. Think Germany were very unlucky not to have won a penalty then.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:12 PM

Watching Germany chase this game, I'm struck by how frustrated some of them are looking already. Some stupid passing and tackling decisions have been already in this half, one resulted in a yellow. France are there for the taking, if they keep it cool and collected.

**davidatrb** · 07/07/2016, 8:18 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

On the Schweinsteiger penalty appeal, agree it looked six of one, etc. But the German 11 was being clearly held back and couldn't make any attempt to jump for the ball. Think Germany were very unlucky not to have won a penalty then.

Schweinsteiger was a clear penalty all day long. Don't know what he was playing at, can only think he knew he wasn't making the header so stuck out a hand to try and intercept the ball. And the Germans reaction and attitude wasn't right and think they picked up another yellow for protesting.

Agree that France probably don't deserve to be ahead on general play but doesn't mean they didn't deserve that pen.

Total stupidity from schweinstieger and might have paid ultimate price.

**pineapple stu** · 07/07/2016, 8:20 PM

Meant the penalty call for Germany a few minutes earlier.

Schweinsteiger was claiming he'd been fouled by Pogba, but I think Draxler (11) had more of a claim.

**Stuttgart88** · 07/07/2016, 8:21 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

A black ref's kit...with light blue socks?

Really?

http://animals.nationalgeographic.co...-footed-booby/

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:24 PM

Can't believe Germany stopped play there. You can rest assured France wouldn't have.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:27 PM

Germany just can't get the chance. Crowded out at every opportunity, and ref blowing for France with every 50/50 in the box.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:30 PM

Ah here. Forget what I said, Germany deserve nothing from this game.

**DeLorean** · 07/07/2016, 8:35 PM

I was just about to say you're starting to sound very biased.

**Stuttgart88** · 07/07/2016, 8:38 PM

It's a pity that Germsn chance didn't go just inside the post.

Anyway, Randz would have held that cross. Keogh wouldn't have farted around in his own box.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:39 PM

Honestly, just frustrated watching Germany play so poor in the final third as this stage, but think Ref has been quite bad and France a tad fortunate twice. French fans booing Schweinsteiger off not exactly winning me over either, a very petty reaction.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 07/07/2016, 8:43 PM

Germany have gone close four times since conceding the second, but haven't hit the target. It really is all of their own doing, because the French defence isn't a brick wall by any means.

Ronaldo will fancy having a go at the French back four anyway. And is this it for Low? Can't see what more he can with Germany.

**Stuttgart88** · 07/07/2016, 8:50 PM

They may have come close but they still lack a real edge in front of goal. Long would thrive in that team, as would any of England's 4 best forwards.

Germany with Lewandowski or Kyle Lafferty would be unstoppable.

Amazing how weak Germany, Spain and Italy are in terms of predatory / instinctive goalscorers. Is instinct being coached out of players?