ponsaelius

Although actually, in the case of this group, it really doesn't seem to be necessary to play them at the same time. Neither team can topple the Dutch and North Macedonia can't finish third. It's a straight shootout for second. Should be protocol to allow us to have Holland vs Pandev as a 2PM hors d'oeuvre. Surprising really that UEFA would give up the chance to squeeze extra TV revenue where they could.

While I accept it's necessary to avoid another Gijon 82 - I really hate the games being at the same time.

He's a ball-hog who's game centres a lot around being on the ball constantly, dribbling and winning free-kicks. He's exceptionally good at it and it works very well at a team like Villa where the whole side is built around him. Our biggest problem has been setting a tempo and rhythm to our passing when in possession - and the associated off the ball movement to help with that. There's little surprise this all actually got even worse when Grealish came on (Rashford through the middle didn't help mind). I think bringing him is possibly worth a go from the start but not sure I'd want it to be straight in for one of the wide players. Drop one of the holders and put Mount in there, and then have Grealish advanced. I don't think we have the players to justify this conservative midfield we've been playing.

Yeah it makes no difference. Plus at least you get the last 16 game at Wembo. Might as well have a crack at them there.

That would probably be my team too.

Surprised it's taken this long for somebody to be out with it. Still a chance we could get some knockout games completely ruined by 'outbreaks' (IE completely healthy adults in their 20s testing positive for something they wouldn't have even realised they had).

Dembele out for the rest of the tournament.

I'm pretty confident we are going to beat the Czech Republic. However I also reckon Germany will beat Hungary and France will draw with Portugal, leaving us with a last 16 exit to France at Wembo.

Just watched extended highlights of the Switzerland - Turkey game. Swiss could genuinely have had about 6 or 7. It's almost unbelievable how bad Turkey have been.

He was born in a German town right on the border and is half Dutch, so not too surprising. He's been brilliant for Atalanta last couple of years.

Orange card it feels like to me. Harsh I reckon.

Very harsh that FFS.

Lovely little flick from Pessina. The all Turin front 3 doesn't look anywhere near as fluid as the first choice but Chiesa devastating on his own.

Brilliant. Fuck that smug keeper.

Feels like the 2005 play off final again. Players pretty much out on their feet.

Fucking hell Hartlepool Torquay's Brazilian goalie gets a 95th minute equaliser.

8 changes for Italy.

Armstrong got player of the year ahead of Toney. While I get the reservations, particularly based on his physical stature, I think it's unfair to write him off before he's has a chance in the PL.

Pathetic. Never a pen.

On further reading apparently he and Svanberg have had Covid and arrived late. That makes more sense.

Kulusevski has been hit and miss for Juve this season but I can't believe he's not starting for this Sweden team. Surely there is no need for Marcus Berg in 2021. Play Kulusevski with Isak and they'll immediately be more interesting to watch.

https://amp.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/19/brio-of-berardi-and-locatelli-at-the-heart-of-revitalised-young-italy?__twitter_impression=true Good article here elaborating on some of what I was saying above.

Perhaps. But this team would really benefit from Maguire taking the ball up the pitch out of defence.

The midfield is a big problem, tbh. Rice and Phillips is so limited and conservative. Mount had moments but wasn't doing his job of being the link between the lines. So often just wandering around. Needs changing up but not sure there's a clear solution.

I know everybody seems determined that Grealish is the answer but I'm not convinced. Especially if he's going to come and play like he's at Villa, holding the ball endlessly, and winning free kicks. Our problem is lack of a passing rhythm and tempo and that got even worse after the two subs.