Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France

[DualityNSNO]

That was 30 years ago though. Bulgaria and Romania has been pretty poor since then too. Poland produced some decent players in that time, the likes of Juskowiak, Kowalcyk, Krychowiak, Nowak, Citko (fleetingly) and a bunch of goalies etc, as with most of them though there was a massive drop off between the decent players and the ones that made up the rest of the squads. Of course back in the day a lot of East European teams were made up from 1 or 2 clubs from their domestic leagues so they tended to play well together.

We're back on the up, slightly, in the last few years. Both Bulgaria and Romania. But when I say slightly I genuinely mean it - our players don't have the mentality to play at the top level, they just want minimum effort and maximum fame/money, so just stick around here and achieve nothing. Gruev and a few others are exceptions to the rule obvs.

It's still the same, but now the foreigner rules are abused so most players aren't native, or get naturalised. We have a certified racist currently as head of the FA so expect as little of that as possible, as we hate success; we have values, you see.

Somewhat on topic but it makes me angry - our national TV coverage had an ex CSKA player Vladimir Manchev, who was a bit part player in France and Spain for a few years, criticise the current generation of Spanish and Italian players last night. You know, from his massive experience of only being good as a player in Bulgaria (failed as manager) and a flop everywhere else, he knew he should criticise players like Yamal and several other youngsters' behaviour and potential and kept bringing up his own They also bring out Bozhinov for literally anything and he just sits there in silence as he has 2 braincells. Does my head in.

 

[BainesontoastNEW]

Greedy Piatek. Frustrating, even as a neutral.

 

[TheBigIguana]

This feels like an elimination game in some respects with a draw just knocking them both out

 

[Sarnia Kevin]

Lovely move and goal

 

[Willie Thorne]

This 'lads banter' commentary is really wearing.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Great goal. A perfect dummy like that is so aesthetically pleasing. Lovely stuff

 

[Rita_Poon]

Been alright this. A lot more energy and willingness to work.

 

[Rita_Poon]

Penalty. lucky no red, that was a clearout.

 

[Rita_Poon]

Well read that flick on. Should be doodling psychic maps how he read that sweet.

 

[daza_1973]

Dive

 

[Rita_Poon]

Here she is, 'the lass from Unkel.'

 

[Rita_Poon]

3-1 Austria lead.

 

[LinekersLegs]

Great pen

 

[Librarian]

Penalty. lucky no red, that was a clearout.

Kicked in the face tbf

 

[GoldenToffee]

Not bothered in the slightest about it but Poland have been terribly disappointing and are out of the Euros now.