2024 Summer of Soccer - Euro's, Copa America, Olympics, WCQing (12 Viewers)

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

also....when did the Czech Republic start calling themselves something different?

I think either has always been acceptable. Czechia is a little less formal and easier to write out or put on a soccer shirt than the full formal "Czech Republic" name.

I noticed yesterday that in Russia's absence the former soviet republics have an unusually strong showing in this tournament. Romania, Czechia, Slovakia, Georgia, Hungary, Poland, Albania, Ukraine and three of the former Yugoslavian nations - Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia - all qualified. Its nearly half the tournament

Forgive me CM but the pedantic political scientist in me can't let this sit. Two of these are former Soviet republics, Georgia and Ukraine, the rest are eastern European countries that were part of the Eastern Bloc/Warsaw Pact.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Belgium longing for the days of Roberto Martinez. Who knew?

 

[Yo Mama]

I like how Slovakia keeps pushing forward and not just packing it in back on defense

 

[Yo Mama]

Oh man, if they call this one off too

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The whole country of Belgium is going to have a heart attack today

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

I feel for KDB

 

[Desert_Power]

I feel for KDB

Just feels like he constantly comes up lacking in the big tournaments.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Belgium longing for the days of Roberto Martinez. Who knew?

I’m longing for those days because it’s just not as fun to make fun of Belgium without him.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Serves them right for ignoring Christian Benteke’s form with DC United.

 

[B Maverick]

Where both of Lukaku's disallowed goals legit?

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Where both of Lukaku's disallowed goals legit?

Handball was legit, offsides was legit.

 

[McBokonon]

Where both of Lukaku's disallowed goals legit?

They were both legitimately disallowed, yes. Clear offsides and clear handball.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Perhaps the curtains are closing on Belgium's "Golden Generation" without ever really opening.

 

[NewlyRetired]

What a day for Lukaku

=================

The xG Philosophy

@xGPhilosophy

Lukaku’s 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 shots: 0 goals from 0.95(xG)
Lukaku’s 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 shots: 2 goals from 1.23(xG)

 

[massraider]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

Belgium vs. Slovakia Highlights | UEFA Euro 2024

Check out the top moments from this group-stage match between Belgium and Slovakia!#Euro2024 #Belgium #SlovakiaSUBSCRIBE to get the latest FOX Soccer content...

www.youtube.com

That is one exciting highlight recap for a 1-0 game.

 

[Major]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

Belgium vs. Slovakia Highlights | UEFA Euro 2024

Check out the top moments from this group-stage match between Belgium and Slovakia!#Euro2024 #Belgium #SlovakiaSUBSCRIBE to get the latest FOX Soccer content...

www.youtube.com

That is one exciting highlight recap for a 1-0 game.

So many chances. Amazing they didn't convert.

 

[Mjolnirs]

That's gotta hurt. So close on one end and then an Own Goal on the other.

 

[The Gator]

When did France get Nunes up top?

 

[titusbramble]

Bummer to see Ukraine take such a whooping (and from a barely top 50 team). Woof.

I have Ukraine in a sweep where the worst team gets money. Still work to do to outdo Scotland, but I'll allow it

 

[massraider]

Mbappe got a nose full of shoulder on a set piece, and has a bloody nose.

Which is great news, cause it looked like a concussion at first

And then:
Mbappe gets himself off the field, they resume play, and he walks back on the field, and sits down. Gets himself a yellow. What the heck was that?

 

[titusbramble]

Entering the field of play without permission is a pretty easy yellow

 

[B Maverick]

Mbappe gets himself off the field, they resume play, and he walks back on the field, and sits down. Gets himself a yellow. What the heck was that?

Entering the field of play without permission is a pretty easy yellow

Not to mention the time wasting aspect. The EPL sure was focused on booking those, not sure if the Euros is too.

 

[massraider]

Landon Donovan should work golf broadcasts

 

[massraider]

Didier Deschamps: “Yes, Kylian Mbappé has probably broken his nose”,told TF1.In that case, Mbappé would wear a mask for the rest of the Euros.

See Mbappe's nose here

 

[titusbramble]

And that game is why you never bet on a 0-0 scoreline

 

[B Maverick]

Landon Donovan should work golf broadcasts

Wow, you really hate golf.

 

[AAABatteries]

Lukaku...rinse and repeat for the national team. Feels like he rarely delivers when needed. He's had at least three shots on goal, a couple point blank.

Same as it ever was.

I feel like Lukaku gets a bad rap. Has he been wasteful at times over the years? Sure. But the guy has averaged a goal every other game for his career. Scored 300+ goals and is Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer with 85 goals - 52 more than 2nd place. He's only 31 years old. My god, what a career he's had even if he never plays another game. There's only been 24 five hundred goal scorers and he has a shot at that. I just don't think he deserves the ridicule he seems to often get.

 

[Desert_Power]

Lukaku...rinse and repeat for the national team. Feels like he rarely delivers when needed. He's had at least three shots on goal, a couple point blank.

Same as it ever was.

I feel like Lukaku gets a bad rap. Has he been wasteful at times over the years? Sure. But the guy has averaged a goal every other game for his career. Scored 300+ goals and is Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer with 85 goals - 52 more than 2nd place. He's only 31 years old. My god, what a career he's had even if he never plays another game. There's only been 24 five hundred goal scorers and he has a shot at that. I just don't think he deserves the ridicule he seems to often get.

I like Lukaku, he's a fun player. It sucks he keeps getting so unlucky on these stages. It isn't like the rest of his team is playing well.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Landon Donovan should work golf broadcasts

What is going on here?

x.com

x.com

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Landon Donovan should work golf broadcasts

What is going on here?

x.com

x.com

I feel guilty even speculating.

I enjoyed watching him play soccer back when he was playing soccer.

 

[El Floppo]

Landon Donovan should work golf broadcasts

What is going on here?

x.com

x.com

Costa mesa players summer theater program of fiddler on the roof?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Update on Mbappe

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQUKV59XgAA27R4?format=jpg&name=large

 

[massraider]

Twitter has decided that Mbappe with a mask is going to look like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and I think that's just great.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

In my head canon, Landon Donovan's hair "thing" is a conscious tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton.

 

[Deamon]

Was at the Italy game, it was pretty crazy. The Albanian fans were loud and pretty nice too. l

Dang you’re on a roll lately. :cheers:

haha thanks. Did a pretty epic month in the Balkans/Turkey/Germany.

But just got back today, so no more adventures for a while

 

[Deamon]

Was at the Italy game, it was pretty crazy. The Albanian fans were loud and pretty nice too. l

Super jelly

Was holding out for last min tix which didn't go as expected, as the secondary market actually skyrocketed day of the game. Ugh.

But got REALLY lucky with a scalper and was literally front row near center of the field. It was an amazing experience and was bucket list to see Italy's national team play in a Euro/WC.

The first minute was pretty awful though lol

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Lukaku...rinse and repeat for the national team. Feels like he rarely delivers when needed. He's had at least three shots on goal, a couple point blank.

Same as it ever was.

I feel like Lukaku gets a bad rap. Has he been wasteful at times over the years? Sure. But the guy has averaged a goal every other game for his career. Scored 300+ goals and is Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer with 85 goals - 52 more than 2nd place. He's only 31 years old. My god, what a career he's had even if he never plays another game. There's only been 24 five hundred goal scorers and he has a shot at that. I just don't think he deserves the ridicule he seems to often get.

• 1 goal in the 2014 World Cup vs. USA in Round of 16
• 2 goals in the 2016 Euros vs. Ireland in Group Stage; did not score in 4-0 win over Hungary in Round of 16, did not score in 1-3 loss to Wales in QFs
• 4 goals in the 2018 World Cup, 2 vs. Panama and 2 vs. Tunisia in Group Stage; did not score in 3-2 win over Japan in R of 16; did not score in 2-1 win over Brazil in QFs; did not score in 0-1 loss to France in SFs
• 4 goals in the 2020 Euros, 2 vs. Russia, 1 vs. Finland in Group Stage; 1 vs. Italy in 1-2 loss to Italy in QFs
• 0 goals in 2022 World Cup; Belgium scored a total of 1 goal in the Group Stage, vs. Canada, and no goals vs. Croatia and darling Morocco. They didn't advance to Round of 16.
• (Caveat: I don't have start/sit info for each tournament)

Goals against second and third tier teams are great, but he doesn't show up when it matters most, and neither does Belgium. I've watched close to every Belgium WC or Euro game since somewhere in the 1990s (I was born there). I have seen Lukaku fall short way too many times, missing shots that MUST be goals at this level, including last night. In fact I feel for the guy because absent something special this Euro, it may be his legacy.

 

[AAABatteries]

Lukaku...rinse and repeat for the national team. Feels like he rarely delivers when needed. He's had at least three shots on goal, a couple point blank.

Same as it ever was.

I feel like Lukaku gets a bad rap. Has he been wasteful at times over the years? Sure. But the guy has averaged a goal every other game for his career. Scored 300+ goals and is Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer with 85 goals - 52 more than 2nd place. He's only 31 years old. My god, what a career he's had even if he never plays another game. There's only been 24 five hundred goal scorers and he has a shot at that. I just don't think he deserves the ridicule he seems to often get.

• 1 goal in the 2014 World Cup vs. USA in Round of 16
• 2 goals in the 2016 Euros vs. Ireland in Group Stage; did not score in 4-0 win over Hungary in Round of 16, did not score in 1-3 loss to Wales in QFs
• 4 goals in the 2018 World Cup, 2 vs. Panama and 2 vs. Tunisia in Group Stage; did not score in 3-2 win over Japan in R of 16; did not score in 2-1 win over Brazil in QFs; did not score in 0-1 loss to France in SFs
• 4 goals in the 2020 Euros, 2 vs. Russia, 1 vs. Finland in Group Stage; 1 vs. Italy in 1-2 loss to Italy in QFs
• 0 goals in 2022 World Cup; Belgium scored a total of 1 goal in the Group Stage, vs. Canada, and no goals vs. Croatia and darling Morocco. They didn't advance to Round of 16.
• (Caveat: I don't have start/sit info for each tournament)

Goals against second and third tier teams are great, but he doesn't show up when it matters most, and neither does Belgium. I've watched close to every Belgium WC or Euro game since somewhere in the 1990s (I was born there). I have seen Lukaku fall short way too many times, missing shots that MUST be goals at this level, including last night. In fact I feel for the guy because absent something special this Euro, it may be his legacy.

Who from Belgium has shown up when it matters most?

He also scored two goals that were disallowed- easy tap in but the 2nd one was well taken.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Lukaku...rinse and repeat for the national team. Feels like he rarely delivers when needed. He's had at least three shots on goal, a couple point blank.

Same as it ever was.

I feel like Lukaku gets a bad rap. Has he been wasteful at times over the years? Sure. But the guy has averaged a goal every other game for his career. Scored 300+ goals and is Belgium's all-time leading goal scorer with 85 goals - 52 more than 2nd place. He's only 31 years old. My god, what a career he's had even if he never plays another game. There's only been 24 five hundred goal scorers and he has a shot at that. I just don't think he deserves the ridicule he seems to often get.

• 1 goal in the 2014 World Cup vs. USA in Round of 16
• 2 goals in the 2016 Euros vs. Ireland in Group Stage; did not score in 4-0 win over Hungary in Round of 16, did not score in 1-3 loss to Wales in QFs
• 4 goals in the 2018 World Cup, 2 vs. Panama and 2 vs. Tunisia in Group Stage; did not score in 3-2 win over Japan in R of 16; did not score in 2-1 win over Brazil in QFs; did not score in 0-1 loss to France in SFs
• 4 goals in the 2020 Euros, 2 vs. Russia, 1 vs. Finland in Group Stage; 1 vs. Italy in 1-2 loss to Italy in QFs
• 0 goals in 2022 World Cup; Belgium scored a total of 1 goal in the Group Stage, vs. Canada, and no goals vs. Croatia and darling Morocco. They didn't advance to Round of 16.
• (Caveat: I don't have start/sit info for each tournament)

Goals against second and third tier teams are great, but he doesn't show up when it matters most, and neither does Belgium. I've watched close to every Belgium WC or Euro game since somewhere in the 1990s (I was born there). I have seen Lukaku fall short way too many times, missing shots that MUST be goals at this level, including last night. In fact I feel for the guy because absent something special this Euro, it may be his legacy.

Who from Belgium has shown up when it matters most?

He also scored two goals that were disallowed- easy tap in but the 2nd one was well taken.

When you're the striker for a top national team, your job is to score goals. He doesn't when it matters most.

Belgium has been a disappointment for several years now, but he's squandered enough opportunities that the team's sheet could read differently if he performed better.

In a way, he may be a victim of his success. He's got a great resume, as you noted. But scoring in friendlies and Euro and WC qualifiers isn't enough.

I hope he isn't reading the news today.

Exhibit A (forgot how bad this was, and that was one match)

 

[The Z Machine]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

LOL @ Belgium being number 3 in the world. They haven't won a damn thing and nearly the entire the team caught the O.L.D.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

LOL @ Belgium being number 3 in the world. They haven't won a damn thing and nearly the entire the team caught the O.L.D.

Totally. Reminds me of the time several years back - maybe 20? - when USA was in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings for an extended period. No freaking way. There might have been 10 teams in South America better than us.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

LOL @ Belgium being number 3 in the world. They haven't won a damn thing and nearly the entire the team caught the O.L.D.

Totally. Reminds me of the time several years back - maybe 20? - when USA was in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings for an extended period. No freaking way. There might have been 10 teams in South America better than us.

before they fixed the formula, back in 2006, the US got as high as #4, which was beyond foolish.

They ended the year in 31st, so it did at least fix itself.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

LOL @ Belgium being number 3 in the world. They haven't won a damn thing and nearly the entire the team caught the O.L.D.

Totally. Reminds me of the time several years back - maybe 20? - when USA was in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings for an extended period. No freaking way. There might have been 10 teams in South America better than us.

before they fixed the formula, back in 2006, the US got as high as #4, which was beyond foolish.

They ended the year in 31st, so it did at least fix itself.

Looks like we are #11 right now. Still seems a bit dubious.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

I am trying to buy a Lamine Yamal autograph rookie card. Turns out there's an s-ton of them out there, different types. No idea what I'm doing. Having fun learning though. I think this kid's the real deal. The fact that I'm in Spain and headed to Barcelona tomorrow has nothing to do with it. I swear.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Going by rankings only, the Slovakia win over Belgium was the biggest upset in Euro history

Rank 48 beats Rank 3.

LOL @ Belgium being number 3 in the world. They haven't won a damn thing and nearly the entire the team caught the O.L.D.

Totally. Reminds me of the time several years back - maybe 20? - when USA was in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings for an extended period. No freaking way. There might have been 10 teams in South America better than us.

before they fixed the formula, back in 2006, the US got as high as #4, which was beyond foolish.

They ended the year in 31st, so it did at least fix itself.

Looks like we are #11 right now. Still seems a bit dubious.

I think so too but it is worth noting that a lot of teams from ~10-30 could flop positions. There is some decent depth of quality in this tier. This is what makes the WC so enjoyable because so many of these teams can beat each other.

And the rankings are by definition lagging indicators, so they do an average or worse job predicting the relative near future.

 

[NewlyRetired]

16 years dancing together

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQXDf0_WUAEnd_E?format=jpg&name=large

 

[gianmarco]

16 years dancing together

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQXDf0_WUAEnd_E?format=jpg&name=large

And still have never won the Euros.

 

[NewlyRetired]

16 years dancing together

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQXDf0_WUAEnd_E?format=jpg&name=large

And still have never won the Euros.

well the Euro's are so much better than the WC, so that is understandable

 

[NewlyRetired]

oh dear, they may want to patch this...

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