Eight years on from England’s 2-1 defeat to France at Euro 2004 and the sides meet again in Donetsk, Ukraine, late Monday afternoon. Once again France will start favourites to emerge victorious, with England hampered by injuries, a late change of manager, and a general lack of quality! But can Roy Hodgson’s men ‘park the bus’ against France and pull off an unlikely result?
There’s plenty of Manchester United interest in this one, with Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young set to start for the Three Lions, and Patrice Evra with France. Suspended Wayne Rooney will watch from the sidelines, while Phil Jones will be on England’s bench.
Join United Rant for our third live blog of the tournament, with Ed and Jony Ball from around 4.30pm, with news updates throughout the day.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:49
Goodnight…..
Cue the music…….
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:47
Germany Looking Ominous….
After that dramatic 5-1 loss against the mighty Ingerland, its amazing how the Germans have undertook a complete assessment of their football and really addressed the weaknesses at that time. That Drove them forward Whilst The FA & a succession of England Managers and Pundits have basked in the Glory of the best League in the world(TM)……
Result has been Our demise and their Rise to what may very well be the Next European Champion Winners…..
What do you think Ed?
Ed - Wednesday 21:43
Wrap-up
An excellent German performance – Low’s side control the match almost from start to finish. Vibrant, attacking, creative, powerful in the first half. Far to much for a seemingly dispirited Dutch side. Different in the second – controlled, measured, and professional. Holland – much brighter during the second period when van Marwjick’s changes made a real difference. But in truth, van Persie’s excellent goal aside, Holland never really looked like turning this around.
Germany almost through – a point against a mediocre Denmark side will do it. While Holland now left needing a real miracle.
So, it’s goodnight from me, and a big thank you for joining us once again. Thanks, also to Jony for joining me on this Rant Live!
You can follow Jony on Twitter…. @JonyB007.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:43
FT Summary;
Netherlands 1-2 Germany
Shots 14 v 11
Passes[ALL] 476/526 [90%] v 401/462 [87%]
Final 1/3 Passes 90/117 v 84/117
Possession 53.1% v 46.9%
Tackles 8/10 v 11/17
Clearances 6 v 11
Blocks 3 v 3
[OPTA]
Germans Win the Attacking and Defensive Game
In Control and In the Next Round……
Ed - Wednesday 21:38
How the mighty fell
There will be some fall out from Holland’s failure during this tournament, and van Marwijk may pay with his job. That’ll be tough on him, with Holland reaching the World Cup final and winning nine out of 10 qualifying games for Euro 2012. But this is a results business and it’s hard to see the pragmatic van Marwijk staying in the job much longer presuming Holland go out in the next few days. They need a miracle not to. van Marwijk needs a miracle.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:36
Job Done….
German Camp saw this as an opportunity to eliminate the Dutch at an early stage…..
Ed - Wednesday 21:33
Shame, but only themselves to blame
Euro 2012 would be better for a strong Dutch side but now van Marwjick’s side is going to need a real miracle to qualify for the next round. To sum it up – Holland need to beat Portugal and hope that Denmark beat Germany.
Germany not officially qualified. If Low’s side loses to Denmark, then Portugal can qualify by beating Holland 2-0 or better ….
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:33
Bet….
Four Minutes for the first red???
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:31
Ermmm….
Robben Deciding He’s definitely had enough takes a leisurely stroll around the stadium…..
Ed - Wednesday 21:30
Robben strop
What a baby the man is, strops off when substituted despite spending the night playing, essentially, for himself. It’s always been the way with Robben. Absolutely brillant, but the most selfish player in professional football. And by some distance too. There’s going to be some fall out from this… you can bet on that!
Ed - Wednesday 21:27
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’ says the BBC’s Mark Lawrenson
How wrong he was. How wrong he was!
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:26
German Strength….
They’ll have to get through a German team prepared much more to get their boot in and higher up the field
Ed - Wednesday 21:24
Kroos on for Ozil
Not a “defensive change” no matter what the BBC might say. Kroos and outstanding young creative player, but certainly not a defensive player. What he’ll do is play in a tactically more disciplined role, rather than floating between the lines as Ozil does. Tactical, not defensive.
Ed - Wednesday 21:22
Ten minutes to go
Can Holland find and equaliser? Why not, but van Marwjick’s team is going to need to throw caution to the wind now and throw players forward. And that, of course, is where cup football gets really interesting, especially with Germany superb on the break. There’s no balance to strike though, Holland must take all the risks!
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:22
Van Persie
Goes a tumbling, Tumbling in the box…
Van Persie Looks for a Penalty……
Looks for a penalty……
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:17
Wesley…
Nearly Kills Boateng with that rasping Shot… Too little from a player who seems to have lost his way….
Maybe he should of dropped his wage demands a wee bit Ed?
Ed - Wednesday 21:16
Game on!!
It didn’t look like Holland could do it at all. All the spirit seemed to have left the side, but van Persie’s stunning goal has brought Holland right back into it. Remarkable because Germany has been in control all night. But we said it earlier – goals change matches!
Ed - Wednesday 21:15
Gomez departs
But what good solid performance from the Bayern Munich forward. More than 40 goals in the season just departed., but all many on these shores remember is a disastrous Champions League final. He can be very pleased with his work tonight.
Ed - Wednesday 21:12
Leicht, leicht, leicht
So f*cking leicht for Germany. You have to say this is the sign of a hugely classy Germany side. Potentially a championship winning Germany side. At no point tonight has Germany not been in control. And although Holland briefly showed some spirit for the first 20 minutes of the second half it has made little impression on the match. Holland living on hope and hope alone now.
Ed - Wednesday 21:09
How many risks will Holland take?
The Dutch changes at half time have certainly instilled more belief in the side.. but there’s been no breakthrough with 20 minutes of the half gone. It’s now becoming desperate, with just 25 to go before Holland, realistically, head out of the tournament. Will van Marwjick throw on another attacking player. There’s almost nothing to lose now, because Holland will need Denmark to beat Germany more than 2-0 to stand any chance of heading through. Seems unlikely. Must throw everything at the last 25….
Jony Ball - Wednesday 21:07
Mr Hodgson’s Discussion On Tactics…..
Not sure we want the England Manager Appearing to take a leaf out of Mike Bassett’s Managing Guide….
Oh Dear!!
Ed - Wednesday 21:01
Much better from Holland
Is there a bit of belief left in the Dutch side? Certainly Holland much more in this game, and they’re creating a few chances too. van Persie forces Manuel Neuer into an excellent save, but Holland will have to do more than that if they’re to remain in the tournament.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:59
Schweinsteiger….
Absolutely bossing the midfield…..
Ed - Wednesday 20:57
Hummels
Well the world knows about him now. Great defender, great on the ball, great attacker too!
Hummels was, of course, no secret to Rant, but the player’s outstanding performances in this tournament will have added another £10 million to the Borussia Dortmund defender’s prospective fee. There have, of course, been press reports ‘linking’ Hummels with Old Trafford, although its hard to see United paying in excess of £20 million, in the financial under the Glazers, to bring him to Old Trafford.
Ed - Wednesday 20:53
The Hunter
Already looking hungrier than many Dutch players during the first half. The changes aren’t just personnel though, Holland’s tactics have changed. van Persie is now playing on the right side of midfielder, van der Vaart on the left, with Huntelaar through the middle. There’s still two sitting in front of a back four in defensive positions. 4-2-3-1 when defending, and 4-3-3 when attacking. Will it make a difference… hard to see it, but it’s been a more positive start to the second period than Holland finished the first.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:50
Second Half Commences…
Just In case you were not listening 2-0 and comfortable…….
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:49
I’m VERY VERY Worried now Ed…..
I really can’t believe that Roy as really just said this…….
I mean I know he did, I listened with my very own ears!!! But I can’t quite believe it!!
It appears Possession, shots and statistics don’t really Matter…… There’s a saving the OT money men can make….
Ed - Wednesday 20:48
The Dutch
Holland were excellent during qualificaiton, and outstanding during the World Cup up until the final. Is this a surprise – absolutely. The opening game was the killer, but the disintegration in Dutch harmony is a real surprise. It seemed as if van Marwijck had ended the factions within the squad and created a more unified unit. On the evidence of the first half that isn’t true.
But goals make a difference. Plenty of players in the Dutch side capable of scoring… and one back would make a huge difference.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:42
Surprised Ed?
I must admit the Dutch do seem to be leaving this Euro’s like a damp squib…..
Are you surprised that Oranje have been unable to play like the team they needed to be??
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:38
HT….
Holland 0-2 Germany
Possession : 58.8% – 41.2%
Passes (All) 277/305 - 184/208
Completed 91% - 88%
Final Third 41/57 - 28/38
Summary;
German Efficiency Beating Dutch Ego’s….
Ed - Wednesday 20:34
Half time – game over?
The Dutch are all over the place, dispirited and heading out of the tournament. Holland will need Denmark to beat Germany to have any chance of heading through at this rate.
True, Denmark nearly turned it around against Portugal earlier today, but there was a team with real heart even if the quality was lacking in defence. On this form, Germany won’t cave against Holland, they’ll add more.
Remarkable how the confidence seemed to drain from Holland’s faces within seconds of going a goal down. After nine wins in 10 qualifications games, where has the team spirit gone.
We’ll hear much more about this for sure. Something wrong in the state of … well… Holland.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:30
German Focus…
Germany Have definitely decided the Left side of the Dutch is an area of focus for attack. Jetro Willems desperately needs some protection….
The Dutch on the other hand have been unable to get any real joy on either flank and playing very much in front of an excellently organised German rearguard!!!
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:25
Emotion..
Low shows some more emotion this time….
Ed - Wednesday 20:24
How did he miss? … well it didn’t matter
Holger Badstuber heads straight at the goalkeeper from five yards out. But where was the Dutch defence. They’re all over the place. It didn’t matter though, because two minutes later Germany work the ball into the area with Dutch left-back Jetro Willems out of position and Mario Gomez drills it hard into the net. Martin Steklenberg slow to get down and that’s game over, surely…
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:21
History…
I may be wrong but I don’t believe Oranje have beaten Germany since 2002.
The last game in Hamburg was a crushing 3-0 Win to Germany that night driven devastatingly forward by Ozil and Gotze…
Ed - Wednesday 20:18
Somebody farted in the lift
Not exactly a ‘team’ are they, the Dutch? The body language is horrible now, too many players looking at their feet wondering what’s going on. Noticeable that the two central defenders for Holland have stopped working as a team too. Where’s the communication? There’s only one result on the cards now. Is somebody in the Dutch team going to take a leadership role, and demand more from his team-mates? Seems Wesley Sneijder’s pre-match words are coming true… too many egos to work together.
Ed - Wednesday 20:13
Low relaxed
Doesn’t exactly looked stressed about the whole thing, does he? The Germany coach is a placid figure at the best of times, but looking extra relaxed tonight. He’s got a good team and he trusts them to do the business…
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:13
Robben V Denmark..
Robben Needs to improve his shooting (who thought we’d say that!)…
Ed - Wednesday 20:10
Gomez scores!!!
First goal for Germany – and it’s Mario Gomez with a superb finish. Two in two games, and the Champions League final nightmare forgotten for now. It’s not exactly been coming, but Germany strike first blood in Kharkiv. Holland heading out of the tournament as it stands….
The German fans now making themselves heard. Who can blame them.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 20:09
Expectations met…
So definitely remains guarded…. Both teams keeping their shape…. looking for the gaps…..
And that’s exactly How Gomez scores… Lovely threaded pass by Bastien!!!
Ed - Wednesday 20:03
van Per – sie
Well the girl says no… impress her with a complete lack of finishing prowess. What a difference a few weeks makes. To February van Persie was the outstanding player in England by a country mile. Goals and an outstanding contribution to Arsenal’s cause. But the wheels somewhat fell off during the closing weeks of the campaign, and it has been a truly horrible tournament for the Dutchman to date. Dreadful against Denmark, van Persie has already missed two good chances tonight.
That’ll knock £10 million off the fee Manchester City has to pay this summer then!
Ed - Wednesday 19:59
Sami Khedira
It’s noticeable how far forward Khedira is playing in this tournament. Germany was, essentially, a counter-attacking team (and a very exciting one at that) during World Cup 2010. They’ve become even more progressive since then, looking to force the play and overload in attacking areas frequently. Khedira’s role has compromised Schweinsteinger somewhat… but the Bayern man is so good he could play absolutely anywhere.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 19:58
Robben…..
Robben is another that needs to redress expectation…
Eminently beautiful and brilliant, all too often selfish and ego driven…..
Ed - Wednesday 19:54
Mesut Ozil
Is due a big tournament and was very bright against Portugal if not influential. But there’s a sense this could be his night. Already the Real Madrid midfielder is drifting between midfield and attack – forcing Martin Steklenburg into an dearly save. But its the German central defenders that have the biggest problems. Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber haven’t decided who’s picking up the Madrid midfielder.
Jony Ball - Wednesday 19:53
Excitement before the fall
Will admit to being very excited about this game…. Potentially game of the tournament skill and play wise…. But with SOOOOO much riding on this for the Oranje then they may demonstrate their considerable steel that the Spanish witnessed…
Either way I’m expecting Goals, Brilliant Play and Red Cards.
Ed - Wednesday 19:52
Cagey
No openings in the opening five minutes, with 10 players spread out across midfield and so much at stake. No surprises in either side’s tactics – both 4-2-3-1. Sami Khdeira is bursting forward from central midfield for Germany and Bastian Schweinsteiger holding. Meanwhile, Arjen Robben starts on the right for Holland, as against Denmark, with Ibrahim Affelay on the right for Holland. Robin van Persie and Mario Gomez are the central strikers….
… and then on six minutes van Persie finds space in a central area from a long pass and strikes straight at Manuel Neuer from 12 yards out. Should have scored as well.
Ed - Wednesday 19:45
Kick Off
So here we go and the Dutch absolutely have to win tonight. Bert van Marwijick’s side could, in theory, lose and still go through, but that’s a pretty unlikely scenario. Germany, meanwhile, can book a place in the second round with victory in Khakiv tonight.
The Dutch players looked tense during the anthems, Germany relaxed an focused. That’s the kind of critical analysis you (don’t) pay for on Rant ladies and gents!
Ed - Wednesday 19:39
The Teams
No surprises in either team selection ahead of tonight’s match between Holland and Germany, with both sides essentially fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boateng, Badstuber, Hummels, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Podolski; Gomez
Holland (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; van der Wiel, Mathijsen, Heitenger, Willems; de Jong, van Bommel; Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; van Persie
Ed - Wednesday 18:52
Portugal 3-2 Denmark
How the Portuguese nearly rued blowing this one. Two up in 36 minutes, only to be pegged back to 2-2 by a hard-working Denmark, Paulo Bento’s Portugal outfit was so nearly done and dusted with Euro 2012. Having lost, albeit narrowly, to Germany on match-day one, Portugal simply had to win this mhatc. Victory gives Bento’s side three points, the same as Denmark, heading into the final round of matches.
But it was so nearly heartbreak for the Portuguse, who scored through defender Pepe and striker Helder Postiga, only for a Nicolas Bendtner double to bring the scores level late in the second half. Fortunate, then, for Portugal that substitute Silvestre Varela should lash home the winner with just three minutes remaining.
Game on in Group B!
Ed - Wednesday 18:41
Dutch (Self) Destruction
So often in recent years have national football stereotypes been thrown to the wolves. After all, the Germans are no longer simply efficient, but an attacking, vibrant, young adventurous side. Italy is no longer the king of Catenaccio, but the home to a plethora of innovative, attacking club sides. And England is no longer the home of kick and rush, but … oh no, right, that one’s still true.
Also true the Dutch national team’s ability to self-destruct in the wake of defeat. Witness, if you will, this gem from midfielder Wesley Sneijder today…
“It is time we let these pathetic egos go. If somebody is creating a mess, I will stand up against them now. We don’t need a psychologist with the Dutch team, we are grown-up men. The ones who have a problem with other players or the manager should tell them face-to-face. That is the only psychology we need. We have to stop living on little islands. We must all go for the same goal, be united or face the consequences.”
The Germans? Efficiently loving it, Rant suspects.
Ed - Wednesday 17:09
Preamble
Few would have foreseen it, but Bert van Marwjick’s Holland – one of the pre-tournament favourites after qualifying with nine victories in 10 matches – is just 90 minutes from elimination. An hour and a half from humiliating exit against the ‘old enemy’ Germany, to boot. Few predicted Denmark’s spectacular victory over the Dutch on match-day one, where the Dane’s defended, Holland probed and Morten Olsen’s men stole a 1-0 win.
Meanwhile, Germany made hard work of beating Portugal despite dominating possession. There is a real sense that there is much more to come from Joachim Low’s men.
Tough ask, then, for Holland not only to get something out of tonight’s fixture in Khakiv, Ukraine, but to take three points if possible. Indeed, should Denmark beat Portugal in Lviv earlier in the day Holland simply must beat Germany. In the group of death there is a very real chance that a major force will head home early.
Join United Rant from 7pm with all the team news, a round-up of the Denmark v Portugal action, and pre-game thoughts. Then from 7.45pm live commentary, analysis and chat with Ed and Jony. Get in touch on Twitter @unitedrant and @JonyB007or comment below …
Jony Ball - Monday 19:20
And Goodbye From Me….
An absolute pleasure Ed…..
Hope I didn’t bore anyone…… The Game was bad enough……
At least my prediction was right… I’m pouring a TurBorg as a Prize!!!!
Ed - Monday 19:18
Goodnight from us
Thanks for joining Rant for another Euro 2012 live blog. We’ll be back with another one of these soon. There’s a lot of positivity coming out of the England camp tonight – wonder if that’s relief more than anything else. The next two games are no gimmes though. It’s still going to be a very very tight group for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Thanks also to Jony Ball for joining me for this United Rant live blog!
Jony Ball - Monday 19:05
Wrap Up…..
Agree that the next game must be a win….. I really think we’ll struggle going into the Ukraine game with England Needing a win!!!!
Cue Rooney Red Card and United Hate!!
Just can’t see the creativity in THIS England formation / Set-up to progress any further…..
Ed - Monday 19:00
Wrap up
Nothing truly surprising there. France passed the ball much better – twice as good according to the stats – and created far more chances – 20 to England’s 5. France technically superior, England stubborn.
In the second half England suffered for not having the ball enough and tired very obviously. Against other teams England will be punished for that. Sweden and Ukraine will be very different games. Sweden a bit more direct, Ukraine not very good but with the backing of a partizan home crowd.
England should in a good position to qualify assuming that Sweden doesn’t emerge victorious on Friday. Three points against Ukraine is a must.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:59
Read Chav$ki for England….
Ed…. are we really going to take the Chelsea Approach to this tournament??
Jony Ball - Monday 18:57
Thoughts…..
So Ed what did you think on England’s Heroic Defensive performance??
Ed - Monday 18:55
The Stats, part 2
So those end of match stats. Doesn’t look pretty for England in attacking or passing. France 20 shots to England’s 5. France 600 successful passes to England’s less than 300. That tells a big story. But in the end 1-1 is the stat that matters of course. Roy Hodgson will be delighted with a point against technically superior opposition and on to the game against a Sweden side that should be more of an even match.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:50
Tournament Prediction…..
So far on the games I’ve seen I’d Have to say Germany… Able to win still playing poor.
England and France play a rather Drab Draw , where their skills easily found out our passion..
Labelled a goodnight….
Jony Ball - Monday 18:48
England depth
Well you wouldn’t want to take your best players… that would just be ridiculous for them to sit on the bench!!!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:46
Walcott = Dick Turpin
Roy Hodgson ready to throw on Walcott in a last minute effort to steal the game….
Ed - Monday 18:45
England’s depth
Not in quality, that’s clearly lacking, but on the pitch. If England get any deeper here they’ll finish the match in Poland.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:44
Fizzling Out
both teams playing at half place and seem happy with the draw…. France the only one pushing for a Victory….
Ed - Monday 18:43
ITV moaning
Is it possible to watch an England game without the patriotic drivel? From a failure to acknowledge France’s technical superiority, to a persistent and grating complaint about the referee during the match. No need for our collective intelligence to be insulted Clive and Andy. It’s not politics, there’s no need for balance, but it’s pretty obvious that this England side isn’t very good, and there isn’t some conspiracy to rob proud brave England and Saint George of a draw… ok thanks.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:42
5 Mins….
As predicted by Ed, all the play around the England box….
Jony Ball - Monday 18:40
Answers..
Yes….
Yes….
Who Knows….
No…..
No……
Ed - Monday 18:38
Last ten
Expect France to push really hard. Henerson’s brief will be to sit in front of the back four now. Not his natural role. Then again, what is Henderson’s natural role, except as a substitute?!
Do France have enough to take advantage of England’s obvious tireness? Can England snatch an unexpected winner?
Jony Ball - Monday 18:37
And The Bafta Award……
The French Harry Potter with lightening Scar makes his bid for Creative interpretation….
Ed - Monday 18:35
Substitutions
Oxlade-Chamerlain comes off for Jermaine Defoe. Ashley Young moves to wide left and England switch to a very standard 4-4-2. Meanwhile, Scot Parker is coming off for Jordan Henderson. Yes, Henderson in the England side ahead of Michael Carrick.
“Henderson not everyone’s idea of an international player,” says Tyldsley on ITV. No shit sherlock, says the country!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:33
Ed?
Is Milner still playing???
Ed - Monday 18:32
Those passing stats
Like a broken record here, but ITV’s patriotic coverage isn’t filling in the blanks. As England hoof another free kick forward a stat briefly flashed up on screen showing France’s superior use of the ball… if you didn’t catch it here are the really useful numbers…
Jony Ball - Monday 18:32
Welbeck
Great strong play chasing down another hopeful Punt and eventually sets up ‘The Ox’ who runs down a blind alley!!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:30
Henderson??
Did I hear right, Henderson warming up is a good thing??
Jony Ball - Monday 18:28
Patriotism
Where suddenly players you’ve slagged off, racially abused and bought into parental question…..
Are suddenly okay…….
Ed - Monday 18:25
The Threat
Bizarrely ITV claims France “not carrying any more of a threat than England”. The stats say otherwise, but perhaps we’re missing something here at Rant. Forgot to get on the patriotic bandwagon…
Jony Ball - Monday 18:24
schmoozing
Is Nasri asking on the sly where Evra’s been wiping Body parts Ed????
Ed - Monday 18:22
Who was Nasri shooshing?
Some at the game claiming the Manchester City man was telling England’s coach Gary Neville to be quiet when France equalised…
Jony Ball - Monday 18:21
Good News……
France are NOT Spain or Germany….
Possession:
France 56% England 44%
Ed - Monday 18:20
Ribery (not tired)
ITV’s Andy Townsend claims Ribery is “just tired and wants a rest” with the French winger rolling around in pain. French players aren’t happy that England didn’t stop the attack – the ref makes that call after all. But then the slow mo shows James Milner treading on Ribery’s ankle. You were saying, Mr Townsend?
Jony Ball - Monday 18:18
Ribery
feels the touch……………..
Jony Ball - Monday 18:17
Welbeck
Feel really sorry for him now…..absolutely no quality ball into him unless he drops right into mid-field
Ed - Monday 18:17
Glenn Johnson
England’s most potent attacking force at the moment. He’s leaving a lot of space behind him though so the right-to-left crossfield ball might be a dangerous one for France if Johnson stays too far up field, especially as the game goes on. You read it here first etc.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:16
referring
again not particularly impressive……
Jony Ball - Monday 18:15
England
Interesting mix of……..
Hoof it up the Channels…..
Run A lot……
Ed - Monday 18:13
France
Interesting mix of tiki-taka triangles, but Blanc’s team is prepared to knock a ball into the box and to work the ball front back to front quickly (not directly). France could do well in this tournament, but that back four will be Les Bleus undoing. Mexes and Rami no better than average. So are Terry and Lescott, of course, but England’s averageness in other areas gives them some cover!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:11
Evraaaaaaaa
Great overlap and cross by Paddy Evra, cleared for a corner by Gerrard!!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:10
oh deary deary me…. terrible attack by that piece of grass……
Gerrard falls back to type and tries to draw a foul…..
TV doesn’t feel the need to review or discuss this……
Ed - Monday 18:10
Dive!
Of course England players don’t dive. Stevie Me absolutely did not deliberately fall over an outstretched French leg. Oh no Sir, England players don’t do that. Oh wait. He did….
Jony Ball - Monday 18:08
Payoff
i think Ed it was that or ADMIT the pictures really did show Parker was ‘That’ sort of player!!!!
Jony Ball - Monday 18:07
Corner England….
Comfortable for Lloris…. Poor delivery….
Ed - Monday 18:06
Sacrilege
Tyldsley admits France dominated possession. Shhh. Oi Clive, come here… don’t do that mate, it’ll get you the order of the boot! But the second half has started much as the first ended, with England struggling to keep the ball and France looking to break England down with some good movement and ball retention.
How long can England resist the retention to drop deep? That will dictate the pattern of the second half for sure.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:06
COMMENTARY BIAS….
Tyldsey tells us Parker isn’t that sort of player as he goes down at the slightest brush of the face from Ribbery….
Jony Ball - Monday 18:04
POSSESSION?
It took approximately 29 secs for an england player (this time Parker) plays a ball aimlessly infield in the strikers general direction….
Ed - Monday 18:03
Second half
France ended the first period well on top, with a passing game that was, statistically speaking, almost twice as good as Englands. No subsitutions at half time but will either coach have changed things tactically? Nothing obvious, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Diarra drop on to his centre halves just little to provide a bit of protection, while Malouda may play a little wider to try and pull England’s back four out of position.
Jony Ball - Monday 18:02
SECOND HALF KICKS OFF……
Jony Ball - Monday 17:59
punditry…
Southgate Surprised by how much time we’re allowed on the ball……..
Not surprising if they Know we’re only going to pass it back…. I thinks its more France Know they can let us have the ball at the back…..
See previous…….
Ed - Monday 17:55
Half time
And England in this one, but only just. The pattern is set. France’s superior use of the ball, possession and creativity should tell in the end, even if Laurent Blanc’s men took 30 minutes or so to get into the game.
England’s back four is being pulled around though, while the English midfield gives the ball away too much and tries to hit the front men too early. Don’t expect the half-time pundits to admit that though. Up and at them, etc…
Jony Ball - Monday 17:55
CRINGE…..
I’m honestly in Pain when I here Jamie Carrigher Speak…….
Jony Ball - Monday 17:53
Sol Campbell….
Must admit to a begrudging respect to Sol’s response with saying he’ll give back his caps…….
Fair play to the lad for growing some principles…..
Jony Ball - Monday 17:51
……..Dubbin’………???
Dubbin’ was that Ed?
Ed - Monday 17:50
Football reasons
Yes, Jony Ferdinand’s stats match up very well against any possible alternate English defender. But we all know what the REAL reasons were. Like the boots, Terry doesn’t like b…..
Jony Ball - Monday 17:47
HT: 1-1
so prediction so far so correct….
And Childs calls it inconvenient!!!
He’ll be getting all warm and moist with expectation next!!!
Jony Ball - Monday 17:46
Ed?
Football Reason??
Wasn’t Rio’s Stats for dribbling stops / ball retention/ passes/ long passes ALL better than the current pairing
Jony Ball - Monday 17:44
Corner France….
Terry slices the ball away for a corner….
cleared by Parker…
Moved out to Ribery…
Cross cut out…
Wave after wave as Englands normal failure returns
Unable to Keep Possession™
Ed - Monday 17:42
Gerrard
Up to his old tricks here, wandering away from his core holding position and giving away possession. Stats show that each of the top six passers in the game so far are FRENCH. It’s the English disease.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:42
Best Keeper in the World™
lololololololololololololololol
Jony Ball - Monday 17:40
France Level 1-1………….
Nasri repeats the shot from earlier in the game…. this time firmly planted inside the post……. Englands Defensive Banks breached as no-one can get near Nasri……
Ed - Monday 17:40
Equaliser
Hart beaten at the near post and it’s 1-1. You’ve got to say as cleanly as Nasri strikes that Hart should never be beaten at the near post like that. Best Keeper in the World™ … yeah, right.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:39
Betting….
what’s the odds on ‘The Ox’ getting a second yellow and crucified by the media as the reason for England failing…..
Ed - Monday 17:39
It’s no Italy versus Spain
The technical quality on show is pretty limited. France trying to play neat one-twos in and around the England box, which England is defending well. England, more direct/quicker to try and play the killer ball. There’s a lack of patience and its all a little bit messy at the moment.
Odd that there’s no pressing from England. Bit of old fashioned defending based on ‘shape’ rather than forcing the opposition to make a mistake a la Barcelona.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:37
Save….
Hart parry’s a good header as Terry’s defensive strength fails him and a free header is allowed in the box!!!!
Opps!!
Scrambled the ball away on the rebound…
Surprised Benzema has taken up a left sided position… anyone think the French thinks Johnson-Terry partnership is a weak link!!
Ed - Monday 17:36
Hart
Thumping header from Diarra, really should have got that down or to the side though and it would have been a goal. Big let off for England and a warning…
Jony Ball - Monday 17:34
New Tactic…
31 mins in 1-0 Up…. take ball… go home and leave coach parked in front of Goal…… expect Barry on at some time!!
Ed - Monday 17:34
Poor defending from France
Diarra lost Lescott in the area, and the central defenders were nowhere to be seen. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris beat with a header from about five yards out… but the ball had travelled 40 yards or so, the keeper had to be stronger there. If that had been David de Gea the knives would be out!
Ed - Monday 17:32
Set pieces!
Joleon Lescott! Well that BIG ugly forehead did the business for England. Good delivery in from Steven Gerrard and England go 1-0 up in Donetsk somewhat against the run of play. France has been the better side, but Plan A is now in play. England can sit back, soak up pressure and try and hit France on the break.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:31
GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
England 1-0
Gerrard Free kick and Lescott does whatt he does well – Strong header in the six yd box…..
Cue Media Hysteria……………
Jony Ball - Monday 17:30
Half & Half Scarfs….
Ed Burn them now….. Burn whoever wearing them…… Burn Whoever selling them….. Free the workers forced to make them AND then burn the factories….
I’m not really in the Half/half camp!!!!
Ed - Monday 17:28
Half and half scarves
Don’t get it. Don’t get it at all. Maybe a local, and it’s almost acceptable in the, erm, ‘friendly’ atmosphere at a tournament. But it’s sickening when those City/United or Liverpool/United half and halves go on sale outside Old Trafford.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:25
Formation….
Some great French Movement does seem to be dragging the England defensive Banks out of position…… Worrying for a team that’s going to be based on rigidity…
Ed - Monday 17:25
Face/Off
Who’s uglier Franck Ribery or Joleon Lescott?!
What they don’t have to worry about is employment. Hollywood will be calling once their football careers are over. Plenty of horror films still being made.
Jony Ball - Monday 17:23
Welbec
Posted 11 months ago #
United Rant Live! England v France
(3 posts) (2 voices)-
what fucking thread are we using?
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR "TERRY IS MY WARRIOR" - HODGSON, THREE VINDALOOS AND SIX PINTS A STELLA, HAVE THAT YOU CUNTS, AGINCOURT, BONEPARTE AND YOUR CRUSTY BAGUETTES
OOO LA LA!
Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice - Steven JobsPosted 11 months ago #Dannii – I’d use this one, I guess
Posted 11 months ago #Reply
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