ponsaelius

Love the fact that the Czechs have a player called Masopust. Like Hungary having a Puskas.

Gonna be absolutely minging when we lose to Germany now. This side of the draw is massively opening up.

De Rossi was in a steep decline by that point, and playing alongside Parolo and Giaccherini for most of the tournament in midfield. This squad is miles ahead in terms of younger midfield and forward options even with the injuries they've had. The only place that squad was stronger was that they had Juve's back 3 from that period still at their peak and used to playing together at club level. But even then I think the depth and balance is arguably better now - they just won't commit to playing somebody like Bastoni and preferring experience. Which I agree is dangerous considering the high line and press they're playing.

It's not the same quality as 90s and early 2000s, but it's a far better squad and team (on paper) than Conte had in 2016 which was widely regarded as the worst squad in Italy's history. Conte got miraculous performances out of that team. Pelle and Giaccherini upfront, De Sciglio and Candreva as wingbacks. An aging Thiago Motta was given the #10 shirt FFS.

I thought Austria were really good. I had a feeling it would be a hard game for Italy after seeing how solid Austria were against Ukraine. Midfield stopped Italy getting going for large parts and the CBs were fantastic. Really a lucky escape for Italy - slightly reminiscent of Australia in 2006. Quality of subs were the difference. I've got to wonder if Chiesa will start next game. I can see why Mancini keeps him in reserve because he's a devastating option to have when games become stretched, and Berardi's record has been better for the national team. But it does seem criminal to have a player of his talent on the bench.

Denmark are more solid all over the pitch but Wales have more star quality in the attacking third if they turn up. Definitely make Denmark favourites with the borderline home advantage but agree 4-1 is good odds for an upset

Was absolutely sure Ukraine had gone out the other day with 3 points and a minus goal difference. Hilarious that they've somehow snuck through - and not only that but ended up with favourable opposition. In fact Austria beat them and have been rewarded with a game against Italy.

Maybe but the cat is out of the bag now. I don't mind the extra teams to be honest, I think there's enough depth in Europe to justify it and still be entertaining - it's more the problems it causes for the format.

Could they not do an open draw at last 16 stage to avoid a lot of the mess. 6 group winners and best 2 runners up top seeds. Next 4 runners up and the 4 3rd placers as bottom seeds. Logistically might be awkward for fans but nobody can really plan anything anyway the way it is now. Make it a couple of days longer break between group stages and last 16. Would definitely work next time with it being all in Germany anyway.

FIFA Rankings: Top half (8.75 average) 1 v 4 7 v 23 2 v 13 14 v 6 Bottom half (17.5 average) 18 v 24 3 v 12 16 v 40 17 v 10

Germany are a mystery to me like. All I've seen is their feeble performance against France and bits of that mess tonight. Yet the game I missed they somehow recorded a stomping win over Portugal (only game of the tournament I've missed).

Genuinely mad in hindsight that finishing second was tipped as preferable. We'd now have Spain in Copenhagen, followed by France in Saint Petersburg and then Belgium/Portugal/Italy in the semi.

Obviously things often slow down a bit in the knockouts as things get cagier but 2.61 goals per game compared to 2.13 at Euro 2016. Been a far better tournament than anybody could possibly have expected it to be so far given the circumstances.

Yeah Belgium.

Yes.

Goes on H2H first anyway.

Pretty sure that's got it wrong.

Basically if Hungary and France win tonight it's coming home.

No that's not quite right. Italy and Belgium are on the other side of the draw. We have the runner up of group F in last 16. Then winner of Sweden vs Ukraine/Finland in quarters. Then one of Wales/Denmark/Holland/Czechs in the semis. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020

Yes sorry. I know that. I'm kind ruling out the very possibility of a 4-0. I meant they could lose by 2 or 3 and be fine.

If England could get past the last 16 the draw massively opens up now, tbf.

Yes even a heavy defeat for Portugal would see them through - unless Hungary also win in Munich.

Draw and a Poland win would put them out.