The Eurocup QF Thread: Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Vaarwel, Adeus, and...Goodbye to Croatia
- Thread starter Zososoxfan
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Same guys, but very different approach. Last time around they all went and hit the ball decisively. Those were some terrible penalties today - lots of stutter steps and hesitation.
The lineups:
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, Doku, De Bruyne, Lukaku.
Subs: Boyata, Carrasco, Sels, Mertens, Denayer, Dendoncker, Benteke, Chadli, Batshuayi, Trossard, Praet, Kaminski.
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
Subs: Sirigu, Locatelli, Belotti, Berardi, Pessina, Emerson Palmieri, Acerbi, Cristante, Bernardeschi, Bastoni, Toloi, Meret.
Chiesa in for Berardi, which is really just a wonderful luxury for Mancini to have this choice. But I still don’t get Berella over Locatelli. I think the latter’s athleticism and physicality would be a huge help today. But there’s a reason why Mancini wears the finely tailored Italia suit and I shop at Men’s Warehouse.
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, Doku, De Bruyne, Lukaku.
Subs: Boyata, Carrasco, Sels, Mertens, Denayer, Dendoncker, Benteke, Chadli, Batshuayi, Trossard, Praet, Kaminski.
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne.
Subs: Sirigu, Locatelli, Belotti, Berardi, Pessina, Emerson Palmieri, Acerbi, Cristante, Bernardeschi, Bastoni, Toloi, Meret.
Chiesa in for Berardi, which is really just a wonderful luxury for Mancini to have this choice. But I still don’t get Berella over Locatelli. I think the latter’s athleticism and physicality would be a huge help today. But there’s a reason why Mancini wears the finely tailored Italia suit and I shop at Men’s Warehouse.
4 red cards in 9 knockout round games. That’s a lot.
By comparison, there were 2 reds in 36 group stage games.
I’d argue that 2 of the 4 knockout reds were dubious, but the other one didn’t matter (Denmark would’ve beaten Wales anyway).
By comparison, there were 2 reds in 36 group stage games.
I’d argue that 2 of the 4 knockout reds were dubious, but the other one didn’t matter (Denmark would’ve beaten Wales anyway).
Makes me wonder if the coaches thought that Unai Simon was exploitable that way
Although if your players can't really pull it off, best to stick with default strategy of course
Love the Italian guy crumpled in the box, dead.
And then a goal is scored and he's immediately healed! Miracle.
And then a goal is scored and he's immediately healed! Miracle.
*rimshot*
It's what I hate about soccer. I was writhing on the ground as if he got shot in the calf. Then Italy scores and he bounces up and joins the celebration.
Just frigging stop diving please. All of you. Just play the damned game.
Yeah, well, I'm Italian.
And it's not like other teams don't do it. My god. It's all over the world.
Imagine watching that goal and focusing on the guy on the ground and not, you know, the incredible technique on display.
No worries, just ribbing and they fact that they invented and perfected the art form, like Fellini perfected neorealism.
One of my favorite scenes in sport: Italian players pleading with the ref after having a penalty given against them. Nobody does it better.
Terrible defending, but what a strike.
EDIT: Sorry, I was referring to Isigne's goal. Big penalty goal for Belgium here at the end of the half. They suddenly have life.
EDIT: Sorry, I was referring to Isigne's goal. Big penalty goal for Belgium here at the end of the half. They suddenly have life.