ponsaelius

This might actually be one of the most sensible things you've ever said on here.

Yeah. Early games try and grab a result to basically put you through. As it gets towards the end the opportunity for targeting tight draws open when you know how things stand.

I'm buzzing for Georgia, great country

Slovenia genuinely knocking it about better btw

Almost tempted to watch Denmark/Serbia instead, surely be more feisty.

Well the club obviously will do, because they know that not looking at both age and sell on value for the vast majority of signings is a surefire way to very quickly back yourself into a FFP corner. Until things change in terms of rules, we have far larger revenue streams, or we have an extensive catalogue of youngsters to flog - then this is how we are going to have to operate.

They didn't qualify in 2018 either, but I think failing to qualify for the current Euros is a significantly bigger failure. There's almost twice as many UEFA places available.

I suppose 'seen' is the pertinent point but I think by definition this Dutch team cannot be worse than the one that missed out on a 24 team euros in 2016.

Let them do it but then let the keeper come off his line in said cases.

Didn't Lewandowski do the exact same thing at the last World Cup? I hate that they can do that stop start shit - and then the keepers get punished for it

I still think we'll sign him. They'll bring the price right down eventually IMO - unless he agrees a new deal.

He's definitely lost half a yard. Still great player but not quite as sharp as before the injury.

Get in

The problem with that is that 99% of the time the ref looks at the screen and gives the decision, it's almost theatrical window dressing at that point. It's not that VAR didn't look at it - they look at everything. They just didn't recommend a review.

Why are they so convinced that was a pen? Armstrong grabs his shirt and then throws himself to the ground IMO

Scotland would have been basically through if they'd won. Very unlikely given the goal difference but Hungary have an outside chance.

They're basically a talent farm and scout good players but also have a very set style of play and ingrained footballing culture. This gives a good platform for players to develop but means they can struggle outside of that bubble. And the ownership means they will always ask for very good money for players. The combination of this means there is often not the value there that clubs perceive.

I said at the time but many signings from Red Bull clubs are either flops or significantly overpriced. It's a dangerous market to get involved in imo.

Ndoye is alright but don't think he's anywhere near the level we need - just lacks cutting edge in the final third. He's been linked to Inter to play as a right wing back, which to be honest I think might be a better use of his attributes long term.

Germany B Vs Switzerland a non event though. Scotch game all the way.

To be fair he was pretty highly rated when he was in Russia, and was a renowned prodigy at youth level. Only ended up back in Georgia for 6 months because of the war. Still a ridiculous signing and nobody really banked on him being as good as he's been, but he was not a complete nobody.

Fwiw I think he's a good player, it's just we already have Burn/Botman/Kelly now as left footed CBs. Kilman is yet another left footed CB. We surely need a right sided signing as long term replacement for Schar.

Another left footed CB? I'm surprised if it would be cash + Anderson. Surely in reality it would be two separate deals considering Anderson represents pure profit.

It's underwhelming but there is an element of logic to it. You have to remember we have a genuinely world class CF - finding somebody to play second fiddle to him is difficult.

Marmaduke looking superb here.