Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

  • Participation within this subforum is only available to members who have had 5+ posts approved elsewhere.

Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

Status
Not open for further replies.
DualityNSNO said:
Or maybe going for someone not bricking it as much as Clarke is as next manager.

No way that the player pool in Scotland is worse than Hungary/Slovenia, etc. - if you don't play to anyone's strengths - you don't win. They have some quite decent players, some of those play in the Prem and do well (or are at least average in the Prem, which is already better than someone in Hungary playing for a local team), who got on the pitch and had no idea what to do somehow.

As @Abertonian said above - they played some good direct footy while qualifying, but forgot all about that in the last few friendlies for literally no reason and went ultra defensive. Scored goals at least in just about any game and any opposition, had shots - went to the tournament proper and that went out the window too. Didn't help that Gunn had a stinker in literally every game too tbh.
Click to expand...
I think bricking it is deeply ingrained in British football culture. Same with England. Quite a lot of conservatism when it comes to how to approach games. A general rejection of anything beyond basic tactics too by the look of it.
 
Billy Dean said:
I think bricking it is deeply ingrained in British football culture. Same with England. Quite a lot of conservatism when it comes to how to approach games. A general rejection of anything beyond basic tactics too by the look of it.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know, but maybe someone with a spine when it mattered (who wouldn't blame the ref for no reason) would be better really.

"We've qualified, back to crapping ourselves", and then they wonder why smaller nations do well - qualifying is just the start, you have to prove yourself after that ffs.

But I guess playing Gibraltar, Cyprus and San Marino 10 times per qualifying (plus friendlies) does that to you.
 
DualityNSNO said:
Yeah, I know, but maybe someone with a spine when it mattered (who wouldn't blame the ref for no reason) would be better really.

"We've qualified, back to crapping ourselves", and then they wonder why smaller nations do well - qualifying is just the start, you have to prove yourself after that ffs.

But I guess playing Gibraltar, Cyprus and San Marino 10 times per qualifying (plus friendlies) does that to you.
Click to expand...
Dykes was important to the way they play but agree they played very badly considering. Maybe playing Germany first was bad for them.
 

JimmyJeffers said:
Dykes was important to the way they play but agree they played very badly considering. Maybe playing Germany first was bad for them.
Click to expand...
I think that's how Clarke saw it - even if it was a loss but you showed intent and play it would've been much better for everyone and for the neutrals to get behind the team too.

Everyone expected tight and combative pragmatic performances (especially vs Germany) and loads of directness/crosses, but there were none of those things.
 
I watched Germany-Switzerland last night. Was good to see some weaknesses exposed in the German team. Gives me hope that they won't win the whole thing.
 


Status
Not open for further replies.

Welcome to GrandOldTeam

Get involved. Registration is simple and free.

Register
Back
Top