Judging by the lineups and formations I’m guessing a goal or two will be scored today. 
That didn’t take long
England phoning it in? That looked like grade school defense.
I agree. I’m disappointed Southgate didn’t start Vardy and Rashford.
And judging by lineup and effort Belgium is taking this match very seriously.
From the looks of it, Belgium are trying to win.
England, not so much.
Shows why England fail so regularly at international tournaments. They think themselves too good for lots of international footy. Yeah, no one wants to have to play this game, but 3rd place in the World Cup is a great achievement and comes with a medal. Its like their attitude to “meaningless friendlies” no-take those damn matches seriously like the successful teams do. That’s where you develop the team and the first XI.
ETA: Waste of Sterling moves, for fuck all yet again. Not scored for 3 years for England. Remind me why he is not been reduced to latrine cleaning duties yet? He’s fast? So are two dozen other players.
Actually, it’s correct. That’s why the “goals” scored during the shootouts aren’t counted in the statistics. It’s not part of the game. The correct reporting of the Croatia v. Russia match, for example, was:
Russia 2 - 2 Croatia (a.e.t.)
Croatia advances 4-3 on penalties
Penalty kick shootouts don’t have to be the way that tied matches are resolved. Could be a coin flip. The match was still tied (and gets reported that way in statistics).
I agree.
Geiger is the VAR official. Why is he even allowed in a stadium? He should have been stripped of his refs whistle and sent home after the Col v Eng disaster.
England still can’t find a way to get the ball to Kane. If someone would only whisper in Stirlings ear…‘its ok to pass the ball’.
I don’t understand England’s formation. In their last possession in Belgium’s half they had 4 up front wings and four in the back but no one playing in the middle. The kind of CM Belgium uses to thread those quick passes to their attackers.
Hazard looks like he’s auditioning for a RM move. He’s continued a couple dribbles rather than make a pass that looked better to me.
Come one Lukaku! That’s gotta be 2-0.
I read $150 mil. Wow.
Boreham Wood 0 Arsenal 7
Boreham Wood in the fifth level on English football. Why Arsenal?
Jesus Effing Christ. Dr Bruyne makes passing look so easy. These Belgians are fun to watch.
2-0
Bronze to Belgium.
Yup England really did not deserve to be in the SF.
His through ball that Lukaku had a heavy touch on was great, and he’s absolutely wonderful at longer passes too. Joy to watch.
Hazard did a nice job opening his hips up on that goal to send Pickford the wrong way. He’s also really fun to watch.
Literally, just as I’m reading this, Hazard scores.
Irdning 0 Everton 22
Another goofy friendly
Sokratis first game for Arsenal
https://mobile.twitter.com/CarriIero_/status/1018162446484295681
I’m not trying to be pedantic. I think it’s important. Well, not THAT important, but important enough to make the distinction. I don’t want to take anything away from Croatia (I’m rooting for them tomorrow), but I think it gives them a little bit too much credit and takes away credit from the teams they “beat”. Especially, since the shootout is a pretty crappy way to see who advances (although it still might be the best way).
Penalties require skill from both taker and GK and composure. When weighed against the health risks of the only better way to decide knockout matches, its a great compromise. In 1994 two of the greatest players to play their positions not only missed their PKs but put them over the bar.
PKs require footballing skill.
This. PK shootouts demand the basic footballing skills, to net the ball and to prevent it. There’s just no better way to untie a draw, or would you want to go back to a rescheduled decisive game (unthinkable with today’s schedules) or a coin throw, like in old times?