M4

Is the Euro 96 one the most glorious defeat in England's history? Typething? I mean, obviously we lost and it shattered the last best hope - but it gets worn as a badge of honor in many ways. Not saying it's a bad thing.

All said and done, the team didn't perform that brilliantly at the tournament. Draw in the first game, in danger against Scotland when the penalty was given, labouring past Spain then playing well against Germany but ultimately losing.

However the set up was glorious. The tournament was in England of course, the footballing landscape in England was being revolutionised and Italia 90 was the last time the national team showed anything of interest. The team was also full of leaders, captains, players in their prime. Seaman, Adams, Pearce, Ince, Gazza, Platt, Shearer, Sheringham... and I'm probably forgetting others, all leaders in their own way.

Add to that the folklore of the atmosphere, some memorable goals, the thrashing of Holland... and finally the fact that we really did come an inch away from beating the old enemy and possibly winning the whole thing.

Again, Baddiel and Skinner speak really well about that time as whole. They did so in the doc tonight, but have done previously over the years in their podcasts or shows.

Baddiel and Skinner paint the perfect picture of what was going on that summer on and off the pitch. Great to hear them talk about it.

Where was Uri Geller for that semi then? ... Tosser.

Necking tinnies and sleeping tablets during a tournament

And jumping into lakes. Hanging around Gazza for a month... The team had their abs workout sorted. You must be in fits of laughter every ten minutes.

Love a good 'Blastie' Shearer finish

In those Umbro boots.

I still can't believe Gazza missed that against Germany like.

So painful to watch. Really was a question of inches.

It would have been such a moment for the guy too.

By the way, I completely disagree with the way Parky describes France. Not sure if he's trolling though.

 

Nobody ever knows.

Bit extreme in the way he describes French people, maybe for effect but there is certainly some truth there. Also Paris certainly is not the whole country.

I'd say the issues with Arab communities and the undercurrent of attitudes towards them are very spot on though.

Been really looking forward to that... Obviously.

That Gaza chance against Germany man... Still haunting.

Hate players who nick penalties for their own glory, doubt Akinfewa would have been so eager if they were 1-0 down.

Isn't he normally the taker? I remember reading he gave a penalty to a youngster who made his debut a couple weeks ago.

Plus, this will have been his last minute of football for the club.

What he do?

He was constantly trying to get the other guy sent off. Couple of times in particular rolling around and convulsing on the floor holding his face.

He'd have gained a lot of respect if he gave Pepe a second yellow for his theatrics. Shame.

Exactly, especially after he clearly acknowledged what was going on.

Has it been mentioned how much of a pathetic, embarrassing c*** Pepe was last night? For all that Clattenberg had a solid game, he should have given him a yellow or red card. He's an absolute disgrace to the sport and should be banned and fined.

 

Aye, Clattenburg was excellent last night but should have gave Pepe a second yellow last night. Absolutely embarrassing what he did, never mind to do it a second time.

It's frustrating because UEFA are obviously not going to do anything to him now... So as always there's no incentive for the guy to stop doing what he does.

Ronaldo just lying on the ground doing nothing... A fitting summary of his game.

Someone put it on FB earlier:

 

http://i.imgur.com/tXwiINQ.jpg

 

 

 

That's almost art, imo.

Haha, Rafa been managing Real all along whispering in Zidane's ear.

Pretty fun game to watch this.

Clattenburg has done well, tbf.

Should have booked Pepe.

Players hurling their bodies all over the place

Can't really decide... just hope for a class game to watch without too much bullshit. But given the teams involved there will most likely be loads.

 

Bordeaux home by Puma

 

 

Hmm, this one is a bit weird. Might look good once worn by the players. But it looks like three very decent looking kits crammed into one and screaming to get out.

What are the co-ordinates for? the stadium?

 

Why bother 

Because they're playing in a new stadium next year, didn't you know. They need to make that clear.

Last two seasons have followed the same pattern for me: go to a couple games early on and not return all season. Hull game last season and the Norwich one this time around.

The younger me would have loved the idea of one day having a season ticket. But now I'm in a position where I could get one, I don't even want it.

Will certainly be going to a few more games though.

Although the footballing aspect will probably be nice, the match going experience will still need some changes to be completely enjoyable. Stadium needs a wash and just overall needs classing up and of course the SD signs need to go... But those things won't happen.

By all accounts, contract talks aside, it seems like he's just been getting on with the job.

I haven't listened to the Ramble in ages. I had to stop because I had far too many podcasts and with us being shite that was the one I kept wanting to delete each week.

this is very similar to my experience. For the last three years come august I'll get back into listening to the Ramble in excitement for the new season. Then within a few weeks I can't be bothered getting a midweek reminder of how shit we are.

Which is a shame as it really is quality, and I always enjoy the range of leagues and subjects they cover.

Varane out of the Euros.

The wrong players keep getting injured in that squad.

definitely? I'm thinking it's about 70/30 right now.

You're saying this just so you can have a go at people for having a bit of faith in the small possibility that it doesn't happen

He's saying he's a 7 on the RAFASTAYOMETER.

Another good example is the 2011-12 home kit. When it first came out it was mocked and slated, by myself included, because of how ugly and un-Newcastly it was. In all objectivity you would probably still say it was a weird one.

Love it now. Memories of a fun season and Ba, Cisse, Ben Arfa etc scoring classics.