Pre-Euro 2012 Friendlies

[Geordie Ahmed]

A number of friendlies today and coming up in the next couple of weeks

[Geordie Ahmed]

England beat Norway 1-0 with an Ashley Young goal

Didn't watch the match so not sure how they played BUT a winning start for Roy

[Geordie Ahmed]

Brazil beat Denmark 3-1

Hulk was in good form, scoring twice and setting up the other. Although it has to be said Denmark were poor in the 1st half, repeatedly giving the ball away

[Markhor]

England were so flat. Norway dominated possession in the 2nd half. England sat back deep, no pressure on the ball, invited pressure from Norway who with a bit more quality in their side would've carved open England.

[Daniyal99]

The England match was as boring as hell.

[sully3]

one of the most boring matches i have ever seen, Norwary were all over England possession wise, the midfield looked short of any ideas. Gareth Barry was **** as per and looked injured at the end


other then that Jageilka looked very good and probably was MOM. rather take him then Terry to Euros

Young took his goal well, certainly looks to be best English attacking player and has scored 5 in 6 for England

[sully3]

Germany lost to Switzerland 5-3
Even Bendtner scored


but saying that Germany were without the Bayern players and normally they make up 70% of the national team

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Daniyal99 The England match was as boring as hell.

Every Norway match is boring! 4-5-1 standard formation...

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Markhor England were so flat. Norway dominated possession in the 2nd half. England sat back deep, no pressure on the ball, invited pressure from Norway who with a bit more quality in their side would've carved open England.

I was shocked! Its difficult to create chances against us because we have solid back four and play with a defensive minded 4-5-1 but the fact that we a period dominated possesion is just astonishing!

[Daniyal99]

Hmm Hummels is suppose to be a World Class defender but today he didn't do it for me today think that Mertesacker was injured before so lay off him lol

[DeadlyVenom]

Not really pre Euro 2012 as we haven't qualified but Scotland got hammered by the USA

I reckon America will win a football world cup before an African team does. They look a good team, have money and the country is going football mad.

[James]

I like the US team actually, great to watch.

England looked solid yesterday when Gerrard was on, but their performance in the second half was simply awful. Barely strung three passes together. Kind of worrying because even Gerrard isn't that good anymore.

[mufassir]

Cant believe that henderson actually played yesterday!!!!!!!!!

[Saqlain_doosra]

England didn't have the passion, creativity or any fire in the team yesterday then again it was friendly. I don't think we can expect much from team in euros.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by DeadlyVenom Not really pre Euro 2012 as we haven't qualified but Scotland got hammered by the USA I reckon America will win a football world cup before an African team does. They look a good team, have money and the country is going football mad.

I am shocked Donavon doesn't play in Europe, he is too good for the MLS

[Geordie Ahmed]

France playing tonight against Iceland. Hopefully Cabaye and Ben Arfa play and do well

[Geordie Ahmed]

Ben Arfa and Cabaye both starting, nice

[Geordie Ahmed]

Half time France losing 2-0

Evra with poor defending for both goals, Mexes has been poor too

Ben Arfa looking lively towards the end of the half

France have a lot of attacking players on, they need to take off Gourcuff and bring on a more defence minded midfielder

[James]

Not watching it, don't have ESPN. The scoreline is hilarious I must say.

Of course if this was England then they would be the joke of Sports Corner, and subject to the most hateful criticism from the many English non-fans of England. But excuses will be rolled out for France, who are in England's group and therefore The Team To Back.

[justarslan]

Originally Posted by Daniyal99 Hmm Hummels is suppose to be a World Class defender but today he didn't do it for me today think that Mertesacker was injured before so lay off him lol

This is typical of Germany. Rubbish in friendlies and awesome in the real matches. They lost to Argentina 1-0 in Munich and they hammered Argentina in the World Cup 2010.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by James Not watching it, don't have ESPN. The scoreline is hilarious I must say. Of course if this was England then they would be the joke of Sports Corner, and subject to the most hateful criticism from the many English non-fans of England. But excuses will be rolled out for France, who are in England's group and therefore The Team To Back.

Not that funny, they won 3-2

Defensively France were poor, especially Evra and Mexes BUT going forward they were a threat

Also don't understand your overly dramatic post, if England play crap they will rightly be criticised and the same applies to France. You just notice the English criticism more because a) they are likely to be watched more and therefore commented upon more frequently, b) they play crap a lot and c) you are a bit too sensitive

[James]

France look full of holes to me. Winning the match was the bare minimum against Iceland, and conceding 2 goals was a pretty poor effort. England won, kept a clean sheet and played well for a half. That was adequate also.

There's a definite want for the England football team to do badly amongst English people. Has been for as long as I can remember; at least a decade. Jealousy, self-reviling, needless hatred as a phenomena...who knows what causes the resentment. But it is there.

I personally lost interest in the idea of ultra-nationalism after getting educated, and I am more of a cricket man now, so not even a huge fan of the England football team anymore - but they generally get a raw deal in the papers and on Internet forums. Other European teams are never subject to the kind of criticism we direct at England, even when these others have been equally terrible or worse.

It is not overly sensitive to pick up on the agendas of others. The amount of people in this country who will want France to beat England in June, so they can have their sneer at the television and few smug forum posts, signifies an embarrassing state of affairs. There are some decent lads in that England team, why not get behind them.

[PetroDollars]

did you lot really expect England to be a threat with Carrol, Downing, Barry, Henderson and Kelly.

The good news for England is that Barry maybe injured, the bad news is that Welbecks injury means Carrol will start, but having a Liverpool fan as their manager he would have probably started anyway.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by James France look full of holes to me. Winning the match was the bare minimum against Iceland, and conceding 2 goals was a pretty poor effort. England won, kept a clean sheet and played well for a half. That was adequate also. There's a definite want for the England football team to do badly amongst English people. Has been for as long as I can remember; at least a decade. Jealousy, self-reviling, needless hatred as a phenomena...who knows what causes the resentment. But it is there. I personally lost interest in the idea of ultra-nationalism after getting educated, and I am more of a cricket man now, so not even a huge fan of the England football team anymore - but they generally get a raw deal in the papers and on Internet forums. Other European teams are never subject to the kind of criticism we direct at England, even when these others have been equally terrible or worse. It is not overly sensitive to pick up on the agendas of others. The amount of people in this country who will want France to beat England in June, so they can have their sneer at the television and few smug forum posts, signifies an embarrassing state of affairs. There are some decent lads in that England team, why not get behind them.

Jealous of what exactly?

I think you are being a bit too sensitive, other countries have their problems, just tonight some of the France players were booed (Gourcuff, Valbuena)

I make no bones about it, as long as Cabaye or Ben Arfa plays I badly want them to beat England

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by PetroDollars did you lot really expect England to be a threat with Carrol, Downing, Barry, Henderson and Kelly. The good news for England is that Barry maybe injured, the bad news is that Welbecks injury means Carrol will start, but having a Liverpool fan as their manager he would have probably started anyway.

A lot of people said Carroll played well

[Amir]

Geord weren't you born in UK? I guess its one thing not to cheer for a team but the hatred for ones own country of residence is a little astonishing. I get the whole media goes over the top, but that is the case anywhere. You should see how arrogant our media is when it comes to hockey. I could never fathom cheering against Canada (then again, I was born here) and I am not saying bleed blue and red, but I think at least people in UK could find a tolerable level of respect for their national team.

Then again, maybe its not to blame those who immigrated. Many locals (such as Liverpool fans) really don't like the England team. I wonder what it is, just loyalty to club? only the media thing?

[Bilal7]

Bad performance from Germany even if it was a friendly, need to sort out their defence.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir Geord weren't you born in UK? I guess its one thing not to cheer for a team but the hatred for ones own country of residence is a little astonishing. I get the whole media goes over the top, but that is the case anywhere. You should see how arrogant our media is when it comes to hockey. I could never fathom cheering against Canada (then again, I was born here) and I am not saying bleed blue and red, but I think at least people in UK could find a tolerable level of respect for their national team. Then again, maybe its not to blame those who immigrated. Many locals (such as Liverpool fans) really don't like the England team. I wonder what it is, just loyalty to club? only the media thing?

Yeah I was born in Newcastle

Truthfully it is a lengthy issue which I can't do justice to right now (using my phone). I used to support England (Euro 96, France 98, Euro 2000) BUT gradually the support wore off

In general you will find a lot of people in Newcastle don't care for the national side so it isn't just down to those who the kids of immigrants, here Newcastle United is what we care about yet the situation down south is different (I haven't conducted a survey so it is just down to my own perception). A Newcastle fan (white English guy) at Uni once described it as follows "I would rather Newcastle win a throw in than England win the World Cup"

[Daniyal99]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Yeah I was born in Newcastle Truthfully it is a lengthy issue which I can't do justice to right now (using my phone). I used to support England (Euro 96, France 98, Euro 2000) BUT gradually the support wore off In general you will find a lot of people in Newcastle don't care for the national side so it isn't just down to those who the kids of immigrants, here Newcastle United is what we care about yet the situation down south is different (I haven't conducted a survey so it is just down to my own perception). A Newcastle fan (white English guy) at Uni once described it as follows "I would rather Newcastle win a throw in than England win the World Cup"

Fair point Geordie

[sully3]

I think supporting England in the last 6 years has become chore and quiet boring if I'm honest.

Same old issues with mangers, **** squads being picked (Henderson FFS) and general awful type of football we play (getting a lead and then parking the bus).

The strategy of having midfielders who will make last ditch tackles (supposedly the English way) does not work at all, in international football you need players that can keep possession and control the temp oof the game (name me one better English player then Carrick that can do that).

I looked at Roys team yesterday and thought to myself i would rather have Stewart Pearce and his youth players loose 4 nil to Norway then see this awful so called England's best 11 team barely manage to get a 1 nil win.

Oh did i forget to mention that Gerrard and Lampard shouldn't be in the same squad, i thought we worked that out a whole decade ago?

[speed]

The reason's why i don't support england are the arrognat media, and the boring football they play, i mean take foreign players out of the premier league teams and you will see how average uk players are.

for me Ghana play better more attacking football than england.

[James]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed I make no bones about it, as long as Cabaye or Ben Arfa plays I badly want them to beat England

Exactly. Not necessarily your fault but a sad state of affairs.

[Geordie Ahmed]

France playing Serbia tonight, hoping to see Ben Arfa and Cabaye again

[speed]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed France playing Serbia tonight, hoping to see Ben Arfa and Cabaye again

you will be supporting france in the euro's?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by speed you will be supporting france in the euro's?

Yes, as long as Ben Arfa and Cabaye play

Also if Tim Krul gets to play I hope Holland do well

[Geordie Ahmed]

M'vila injured after 4 mins, was in tears, seems like he will be out of the tournament

Massive blow for France

[Geordie Ahmed]

Ribery gives France the lead

[Daniyal99]

M'vila injured .

[Geordie Ahmed]

England with a 1-0 win at home to Belgium, Welbeck scoring with a nice chip

[Markhor]

England SO rigid again, 4-4-2, no movement, no fluidity. Dire football, very boring to watch, not a good omen heading to the Euros.

[James]

Roy looks to be building a 1-0 to the Engerlund mentality!

Outside of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young, this team looks to have very little spark or creativity. But no doubt, if they get their goal then the defence and Hart will always be a strong barrier.

[Theo_14]

Originally Posted by James Roy looks to be building a 1-0 to the Engerlund mentality! Outside of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young, this team looks to have very little spark or creativity. But no doubt, if they get their goal then the defence and Hart will always be a strong barrier.

What did he do during the game?

Most of the time he was laying deep in the middle of the park, helping out Park. Hardly pushed forward or supported strikers. Thought it was a bit bizzare to name him motd, someone like Cole should have deserved it.

The team lacks the attacking flow and creativity. It's clear Roy's going to go for a defensive boring formattion.

[mufassir]

Originally Posted by James Roy looks to be building a 1-0 to the Engerlund mentality! Outside of Steven Gerrard and Ashley Young, this team looks to have very little spark or creativity. But no doubt, if they get their goal then the defence and Hart will always be a strong barrier.

Chamberlain had a good game and gerrard was largely anonymous.

[Pakistaniboy]

England Need Walcott, Ox, Rooney and Welbeck/Caroll to start To be a threat to any team.

Just to say it, Carroll just because he`ll create space.

[DeadlyVenom]

Another poor performance by England but they get the win which is the main thing.

[James]

Looks like 5 points will be England's aim from the group, which should be enough for a quarter final.

But if this England team makes it to the semis - generally considered a successful showing for any significant footballing nation - then the tournament will have been of poor quality!

Sven's team was pretty good, but they bottled it (Losing the lead and losing on penalites) / got unlucky (Rooney injury v Portugal) in a few big games.

[Theo_14]

Walcott looked good when he came on - added spark to the game, created a golden chance for Defoe, also managed to find space thanks to his sheer pace.

However all that came from the centre of the opponents box not on the right, he needs to be given a chance upfront, but I guess for now... He will need to show his full abilities in a unatural position for TH14.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by James Looks like 5 points will be England's aim from the group, which should be enough for a quarter final. But if this England team makes it to the semis - generally considered a successful showing for any significant footballing nation - then the tournament will have been of poor quality! Sven's team was pretty good, but they bottled it (Losing the lead and losing on penalites) / got unlucky (Rooney injury v Portugal) in a few big games.

Sven`s team were unlucky. England did well then, but got really unlucky with injuries and bottled it in the end.

Btw I dont think Fabio Capello would have done any wonders either.

[James]

Capello ponged of indifference after the South Africa debacle. He was basically a lame duck. So as well as racially abusing his biggest rival out of the team by proxy, John Terry also seriously damaged the credibility of the England management position. What a captain. And he's still a logical first team choice.

Roy will probably do a better job in the Euros than the rendered-impotent Capello would have done. Roy is likeable, passionate, an articulate communicator. He is also an acknowledged gentleman. After his resignation - either childish or devious, depending on the story you believe - we can say that Capello was none of these things. But Roy can only do so much. The overarching theme of English football was felt in the World Cup - that is, English players just aren't that good anymore.

I mean come on, take the case of a decent Watford forward who after their relegation got bought by (the great) Martin O'Neill, and then continued his education at Man United before being dropped for diving. Ashley frickin' Young is now one of England's best players.

When the only world class players are the goalkeeper and Rooney, slim chances of trophy look slim.

Rooney is a top striker but not in the top three in the world anymore, as he once was. And he will miss the huge France opener anyway. If England lose, it will see them at least half way out the tournament.

[Daniyal99]

Originally Posted by James Capello ponged of indifference after the South Africa debacle. He was basically a lame duck. So as well as racially abusing his biggest rival out of the team by proxy, John Terry also seriously damaged the credibility of the England management position. What a captain. And he's still a logical first team choice. Roy will probably do a better job in the Euros than the rendered-impotent Capello would have done. Roy is likeable, passionate, an articulate communicator. He is also an acknowledged gentleman. After his resignation - either childish or devious, depending on the story you believe - we can say that Capello was none of these things. But Roy can only do so much. The overarching theme of English football was felt in the World Cup - that is, English players just aren't that good anymore. I mean come on, take the case of a decent Watford forward who after their relegation got bought by (the great) Martin O'Neill, and then continued his education at Man United before being dropped for diving. Ashley frickin' Young is now one of England's best players. When the only world class players are the goalkeeper and Rooney, slim chances of trophy look slim. Rooney is a top striker but not in the top three in the world anymore, as he once was. And he will miss the huge France opener anyway. If England lose, it will see them at least half way out the tournament.

James, what team do you support?

[James]

Been a Leeds United fan since I was a little boy. Could not imagine supporting any other team.

Got a soft spot for Middlesbrough. One of my best friends is from there, and I have had some enjoyable face-to-face discussions with Steve Gibson, Steve McLaren, Gareth Southgate, Colin Cooper and others. Steve Gibson's wife is gorgeous and his kids are brilliant. Most people associated with that club seem very nice.

Not an active or passionate England fan any more, though being English I like to see them do well in everything that they do.

But this is off-topic. Any more friendlies this weekend?

[sully3]

Originally Posted by Theo_14 Walcott looked good when he came on - added spark to the game, created a golden chance for Defoe, also managed to find space thanks to his sheer pace. However all that came from the centre of the opponents box not on the right, he needs to be given a chance upfront, but I guess for now... He will need to show his full abilities in a unatural position for TH14.

are you talking about the Shot Defoe hit which hit the side netting? Then defoe made that chance with his quick turn and Walcott played an awful ball which went outwards rather then coming towards the goalie so that Defoe could atleast hit the target

[Theo_14]

Originally Posted by sully3 are you talking about the Shot Defoe hit which hit the side netting? Then defoe made that chance with his quick turn and Walcott played an awful ball which went outwards rather then coming towards the goalie so that Defoe could atleast hit the target

I advise you take a look again - look where Walcott received the ball - the amount of pitch he covered to get into the box.

The weight on the pass wasn't perfect, but neither is Walcott.

Walcott made another good run, produced a good pass to Defoe who failed to take advantage by passing it back or make much of that opportunity.

[sully3]

Originally Posted by Theo_14 I advise you take a look again - look where Walcott received the ball - the amount of pitch he covered to get into the box. The weight on the pass wasn't perfect, but neither is Walcott. Walcott made another good run, produced a good pass to Defoe who failed to take advantage by passing it back or make much of that opportunity.

Even the post match analysts said that ball could have been alot better by Theo, the ball took Defoe away from the goal, that is basic thing you need to know about a final pass it should take the striker toward to goal.

Compare the ball Young played into Welbeck in pretty much the same position to where Theo played to Defoe.

[Geordie Ahmed]

France V Estonia tonight (8pm kick off, ESPN)

Ben Arfa on the bench BUT Cabaye starts

[HaMmy FinE LeG StriKeR]

years of poor performance by this french coach, and still he is coaching france is beyond understanding

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by HaMmy FinE LeG StriKeR years of poor performance by this french coach, and still he is coaching france is beyond understanding

what?

He became manager after the last World Cup and results have been good under him

[Geordie Ahmed]

France leading 2-0, Ribery and Benzema with the goals

Both quality goals as well, especially Benzema with a Fifa-esque finish

[HaMmy FinE LeG StriKeR]

he was wearing glasses and i thought it was the same domeche guy