One thing I've (not) noticed is that there are practically zero shots of fit European birds in the crowds. Did all the pervert cameramen get sensitivity training or is this some sponsor-enforced clampdown?
One thing I've (not) noticed is that there are practically zero shots of fit European birds in the crowds. Did all the pervert cameramen get sensitivity training or is this some sponsor-enforced clampdown?
I noticed that too.
Could've done with some during some of the shite that's been played.
Can someone who watched it explain to me how Hungary beat Austria? The former are one of the worst teams I've ever seen and the latter were meant to be good.
Because a team will always beat 11 individuals. See: Iceland donning Portugal.
Austria were like a shit Belgium.
Albania are the worse I've seen along with NI.
I did see the end of Portugal and Iceland. Ronaldo is a total clown of a bloke.
Essentially, Austria have deteriorated massively ever since the thumping we gave Sweden. Since then we've relied on sporadic good moments, but didn't seem to have a gameplan beyond give it to Alaba/Arnautovic/Junuzovic and attack quickly, and it was the same here. The first ten-fifteen minutes were good with quick attacks, but after that, Hungary were just better. They tackled better, passed better, and found a way to involve their lone striker in counter-attacks, while the Austrians got nervous and messed up simple five-yard passes and unchallenged first touches. Our entire right wing went missing (as was expected, those two players had shit seasons) and our defence seemed caught up in the way they played for their clubs - Fuchs isn't used to play so high so he messed up his positioning, while Hinteregger (centre-back) was eager to challenge and left big gaps behind him, leading to the first goal.
I heard that the Hungarians had an intense six-week preparation program focusing on fitness and strict adherence to specific tactical setups. It didn't look like that was the case for us. As Byron above said, they played really well (within their means) as a team, Austria didn't.
EDIT: To add to this, we have no plan B. The first one didn't work, because the Hungarians man-marked and challenged Alaba/Arnautovic/Junuzovic successfully, but we have no one to replace them. Couple that with Koller's extreme reluctance to change formation, and any chance of adaptability goes out the window. I think the only game in the last years that we've won after going behind was against Montenegro, and that was due to a red card for them and a penalty for us.
The Austrians are famous for their right wing strength.
Also, Sweden suffer from the same problem both Austria and Belgium and a few others seem to do now - basically they are very bad at playing possession football, but do it anyway. Sweden - despite having no real good midfielders, very often keep the ball much more than they should, and shove their fullbacks forward - ending in them letting in counter attack goals a lot despite in fact being the weaker side (exactly how Austria beat us if I remember correctly).
Only very few teams actually manage to keep the ball a lot and wear down the opposition. Spain, maybe Germany. Portugal kind of had the same problem a bit yesterday as well.
Alright, lads. Russia watch is on.
I have a feeling that Slovakia will take this quite comfortably.
I was thinking the same but I have 2-0 Russia in the predictor so they better fucking not.
I hope Russia go far and cause absolute chaos just so UEFA can't say 'we were going to kick them out but they didn't get through so...
is slutski having a heart attack
Easily the worst game.
The Slovaks seem completely unwilling to close the Russian defenders down, who then go on to lump it at a dangerous-looking Dzyuba. I don't think the Slovaks stand a chance here if they don't change their setup. I tipped you to win, you bastards.
Seems pressing is also not that good an idea.
That pitch looks terrible, as well. Did it rain a lot before the match?
Weiss
What a fucking ball in though by Hamsik.
I hope they show another shot of the Russian manager after that goal. I think he might actually die.
The ball by Hamsek was wonderful as was the run and cut back. Star players important in shit games like this. Take note Ronaldo.
When did the Russians turn into a bunch of diving twats?
What a fucking strike that was.
Holy shit.
Potential goal of the tournament so far.
Hamsik is awesome. We weren't as good against Russia as I thought, it is just that they're fucking awful.
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scot..._-Imageandlink
He said: "Ronaldo says we parked the bus?
"He's just a sore loser. He didn't want to lose the game.
"What does he expect? For us to play like Barcelona against him?
"He fannies about and dives around."
Loving this. Wales putting the Russians out would be grand. Providing they don't smash the joint up out of spite.
I'd actually say best case scenario is Russia go out, the fans kick off, and they get the World Cup taken away.
This is quite good in response to Ronaldo being a bellend:
I'm not sure there's any intent for it to be standardised.
Three dreadful games today I think.
Hopefully the French scores early against the Albanians and then play out their A-game. Whatever that is.
2-2?
Flare going off in the Russian end.
Send the bastards home
Looks like the Russians may have stumbled onto a tactic in that England game. Be as shit as possible for eighty minutes then suddenly be quite good, and nobody will know what to do.
Had Shatov taken a sniff Jogi Low would have been proud.
Long ball long ball long ball. Get it fucking in. Big Sam tactics nevermind intricate play.
45 year old Berrezutski bombing down the wing. PEDs at half time?
The Russian mob should burn the stadium down.
Oh and Skrtel is fucking retarded.
Hour gaps between games are too long. Bored as fuck.