Euro 2020

[MichaelB]

Just wondering if anyone else is watching the (delayed) 2020 European football championship. Europe has 13 of the top 20 ranked teams in the world, and there have been some very good matches so far.

They’re in the round of 16 right now, July 2 and 3 are the quarterfinals.

 

[Jim59]

2 great matches tonight, Spain winners and France v Switzerland in the last 15 mins of extra time. Both these matches had the so called underdog coming from 2 goals down in the last minutes of normal time.

 

[tulak]

I’ve been traveling, so I’ve only seen a few games with my favored home team, who are doing well this year. Lots of underdog teams are playing well and beating “better” teams.

Today’s matches were fun to watch, even though I never like to see games decided by penalty kicks.

Both France and Croatia played in the World Cup final in 2018 and both lost today. I was fortunate to be traveling in France for that game, which was quite an experience.

I’m back home and will probably watch most of the remaining games.

 

[timbervest]

Definitely been watching. Sad to see my favorite Netherlands go down to Czech Republic in the first knock out but frankly they played a weak game. Switzerland-France was a nailbiter but I agree with @tulak don't like it to go to shots.


The Spain own goal was hilarious.

 

[MichaelB]

Party time in England tonight! A difficult match but most enjoyable. England definitely created more opportunities and took advantage of them.

 

[Alan]

Party time in England tonight! A difficult match but most enjoyable. England definitely created more opportunities and took advantage of them.

I’ve watched many of the games so far, it has been an excellent competition so far with lots of goals. We are currently having landscaping done on our front lawn and the landscapers are both young men. They started early today so they could be home in time for the 5pm kickoff of the England Germany game. I told them that I remembered watching the game when England last beat Germany in a major competition. Really? They asked. I told them it was before they were born in, back in 1966. It has been a long wait.

The holders, Portugal are out, as are the World champions, France. Italy, Belgium and Spain along with England are probably the favorites now.

 

[target2019]

Switzerland over France was epic. Between Euro, Copa, NWSL there is not much time for anything else.

 

[tulak]

Switzerland over France was epic. Between Euro, Copa, NWSL there is not much time for anything else.

And don’t forget Stanley Cup and Tour de France!

Another underdog win, this time by Ukraine against Sweden. That was a rough game for Ukraine and I’m surprised they pulled it off.

Looking forward to the quarter finals.

 

[Alan]

And don’t forget Stanley Cup and Tour de France!

Another underdog win, this time by Ukraine against Sweden. That was a rough game for Ukraine and I’m surprised they pulled it off.

Looking forward to the quarter finals.

…and Wimbledon

Very impressed with Ukraine last night against Sweden, little indication in the group stages that they were that capable. (They only won 1 game, and qualified for the knockout stage as the worst of the 3rd placed teams with only 3 points and a negative goal difference, whereas Sweden qualified unbeaten, top of their group ahead of Spain)

 

[Starsky]

Go Azzurri!

 

[Koogie]

England looked incredibly impressive vs Ukraine today. They have some very exceptional players and it seems like a good depth of bench.

Raheem Sterling could have outplayed some of the teams in this tournament on his own.

If I was a (Ti) betan man, I would forecast an England/Italy final based on what I have seen of Spain and Denmark so far.

 

[Alan]

England looked incredibly impressive vs Ukraine today. They have some very exceptional players and it seems like a good depth of bench.

Raheem Sterling could have outplayed some of the teams in this tournament on his own.

If I was a (Ti) betan man, I would forecast an England/Italy final based on what I have seen of Spain and Denmark so far.

It was so unusual to feel comfortable watching an England knockout match. 1-0 up at halftime but Ukraine had had some decent chances. 2 minutes into the 2nd half and England never looked in danger.

I hope you are correct about England beating Denmark who have been quite remarkable since their talisman Christian Eriksen collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during their first game. They are the first team ever to get out of the group stages having lost their first 2 games, and have now won 2 knockout games. I think they will be tough to beat.

 

[Jim59]

News and Sports programs are unbearable here in Scotland.

 

[Bryan Barnfellow]

Switzerland's loss to Spain was a nail biter. First appearance in the quarter finals since 1954, I believe. England's win over Ukraine was convincing. I agree with Alan about Sterling; amazing performance. I have married friends--he's Danish, she's English--not sure how they are going to handle the upcoming match!

In the end, I think it will foolish to bet against Italy.

-BB

 

[target2019]

Semi-finals on Tue. Jul 6 and Wed. Jul 7. Based on what I've seen I cannot call winners this time around.

 

[tulak]

I’m going with Italy and England in the final.

Spain was ok in their matches and Italy consistently plays well (mostly). Denmark has had a great streak, but England has more talent.

Personally though, and not to offend the Brits on the forum, I’m rooting for Denmark.

It’s fun to root for the underdog.

 

[MBAustin]

I missed the first week of group play as our newspaper had no mention of it at all and I hadn't been watching anything else on ESPN lately. Fortunately I've been able to watch all the rest, and there certainly were some entertaining games. Anyone who thinks soccer is boring should just watch the two games from last Monday (Spain-Croatia and Switzerland-France).

England was very impressive yesterday, but it's hard not to cheer for Denmark. I expect Italy to win over Spain, but it could go either way.

 

[HarveyS]

The last 15 minutes or so of the Italy Belgium game was unbearable. Italy in the lead and their players falling all over themselves with injuries that, as usual, were miraculously cured after a spray of something or another from the medic/trainer. I'm rooting for Spain!

 

[jcfradio]

Just wondering if anyone else is watching the (delayed) 2020 European football championship. Europe has 13 of the top 20 ranked teams in the world, and there have been some very good matches so far.

They’re in the round of 16 right now, July 2 and 3 are the quarterfinals.

No delays here - all games are live in Canada. Italy looks like the class of the final 4 but if they match up against England in the final, it could be interesting. Of course, dont bet your money on my predictions, since I had Belgium in the finals.

 

[caramel]

No delays here - all games are live in Canada.

I think they meant the fact that the 2020 Euros are being played in 2021.

I'm getting ready to watch Italy Spain right now.

 

[MichaelB]

I think they meant the fact that the 2020 Euros are being played in 2021.

Yup.

I'm getting ready to watch Italy Spain right now.

I saw a discussion this morning on the game. When asked about what to expect from Italy one person posted this

 

[caramel]

Yup.

I saw a discussion this morning on the game. When asked about what to expect from Italy one person posted this

Ha ha!

As a rugby fan, that is what every soccer game looks like to me.

 

[Alan]

Yup.

I saw a discussion this morning on the game. When asked about what to expect from Italy one person posted this

Italy are 1-0 up now with 20 minutes to go so I’m sure they will be repeating the falling process soon.

 

[Alan]

5 minutes after Italy bring on a couple of subs to defend the lead Spain score. Game on!

 

[MichaelB]

2 very nice goals so far, and now overtime, another 30 minutes. We are getting our money’s worth with this match.