Euros 2024 — Day 2

Crowley's in Georgia (USA, not country) today. Had to sign up for a trial version of FUBO to see the Hungary - Switzerland game.

The wife is second generation Bohunk. We root hard for Hungary (for our sins). Not too good at half-time. Up the, er, Hunks?

One of my co-workers, my pressman who's been with me for 14 years, is Albanian. He emigrated to Italy, waited 10 years for his acceptance to come to America, started working for me when he hit the shores of the Land of the Free for $10/hour back in the day, now owns a house and a car, is paid a livable wage, and came to this country legally and is now an American citizen.

We're also pulling, quite in vein I'm sure, for Albania to pull an upset the likes of which has never been seen against Italy today.

When you're pulling for Hungary and Albania, it's gonna be a long day... 😂

Jamie,

I need to get Fubo too but I am at work during most games so does it come with a mobile app I can surreptitiously keep an eye on in the office?

I thought Hungary might lose here. They seem to get psyched up for the "big teams", eg, Germany, France, Portugal… but against everyone else they pretty much flop.

Let's Gooooo!!! C'mon you Bohunks!

Kieran - they have a free 7-day trial. When I filled out the online info this morning, they did indeed have an app / phone option. Check it out. It's free for 7 days, just cancel if it doesn't work for you.

Cheers, Jamie, will do.

Oh my God – Hungary has a lumberjack playing for them.

Whomever this dude, this absolute beast of a man is with the Zeus beard, I love this guy.

OMG what a horrific mistake there. Terrible by the Hungarian centre-back.

Ahhh. Oh well. Beat Scotland, get a 3rd place spot in the bracket.

I just watched the interview with Rodri (subtitles).

How refreshing for those of us who don't like the current academy system. He spoke of his humble background with a local club and never forgetting the players and coaches who helped him on his path.

No surprise that the Croatian supporters have outnumbered the Spanish.

Germany has always had a significant ex-Yugoslavian population. There were some great Croatian restaurants where we lived. Balkan Platte. What a feast but meat sweats the next day!!

Jamie,

Most of the games are on Fox but I have to confess Fubo gives the best coverage of Sports.

I tried it last year for an England game and then forget to cancel within the free period.

Most expensive England game I've ever watched, and I couldn't get used to Fubo.

I use YouTube TV, Peacock, ESPN and Paramount now which gives me coverage of most competitions.

Going to have to go for Croatia here.

Generally, I favour the underdogs...

Hrvatska enjoying a lot of possession.

I played at Hadjuk Split once. Great experience.

For a country with a population less than Scotland, they don't half create good footballers.

I think most of them end up in Italy or Germany.

So far I've watched two games and the big difference between England is that these teams, bar Scotland, play like teams and not a bunch of talented individuals thrown together by a gormless manager.

Seven years and he's never had a settled team.

So much for possession!

In America, try this one. May or may not be in English.

Link

Bloody hell, England under Southgate haven’t got a snowballs chance against some of these teams.

Well, given that England and France we pre-tournament favourites, and I appreciate it's only Game 1, but I think a few have underestimated Germany and Spain.

For all the great players Spain have produced they haven't had a decent striker since Torres (for a few years) and before that Butragueno.

I feel sorry for Pickford but leaving Branthwaite out will be the undoing of Southgate.

Teams will pull us apart down the left.

The kid coulda shoulda there, surely!

Colin

For some reason they were showing world cup highlights yesterday. England v Iran. Sterling, Rashford, Grealish all scoring. Free flowing attack. Then of course Southgate put a stop to all that with our overly defensive approach to counter the "great" US team. He won't have to worry about tactics this time though. All the talented players are in Mallorca, there is no danger of Mainoo, Gordon and Bowen have the skill to entertain or beat anyone of note.

And at the other end, Croatia coulda shoulda … but can't.

Gotta say, the standard of football being played shows up the Premier League for being a moribund borefest.

Given the score is 3-0, this is a fantastic watch. Croatia on attack is just beautiful.

Moribund, now there's a word you don't see on TW often. 👏

VAR here doing what it should.

Southgate's main undoing will be not securing the services of Elise as he still has the option of choosing to play for France...

As well as not taking young Jarrad!

After seeing the games so far, it's already clear IMHO that England don't have a hope in hell of winning this tourney.

Germany, Spain looking good. I missed the other game. Looking forward to watching Italy next.

I see our Premier League refs are doing well...

Best league in the world... my arse!!

On these early showings England have no one to fear.

Some of the basics of ball control and simple passes from Germany and Spain were every bit as dire as England. We just need to keep our nerve…

Ahh! Did I suggest England could keep their nerve – so sorry.

England's problem could be its defence, Barry.

I personally have no affiliation, so I'm just going to enjoy the football.

Spain and Germany where impressive attacking forces.

LOL

"Germany, Spain looking good."

"Some of the basics of ball control and simple passes from Germany and Spain were every bit as dire as England"!!!!

You sometimes have to wonder if some folks just pop something down on here to get noticed.

Rudimentary Footy Knowledge 'O' Level.

Question 1

Germany v Jocks / England v Iceland. Compare and contrast Germany and England. Your answer must be three pages long.

Germany scored 5 against a team comparable to Iceland. Spain scored 3 against Croatia who are streets ahead of Iceland. England lost to Iceland.

Fill the rest of yer three pages, Rodney, you plonker.

That new Brighton manager looks about 14.

I think people just comment on what they see Paul.

Germany banged 5 in against Scotland and even scored a goal for them.

Spain look a genuine attacking force.

Let us see what England serve up and also France, who are my favourites.

Thought Croatia were unlucky with that penalty follow-up decision because, IMO, the goalie was off his line and moved before the kick was taken.

That preceded the encroachment so the decision should have been to retake it. Attwell on VAR — no surprise there then.

My money is on Portugal, Danny.

Really Paul? Spain and Germany dire? Are you Southgate in disguise?😂😂😂

Now that's how you sing your national anthem!

Chance to see how Broja does

Brilliant, brilliant start for Albania!!!

Colin Glassar 37:

"Really Paul? Spain and Germany dire? Are you Southgate in disguise?😂😂😂"

No Colin, I was quoting someone else. I am of the exact opposite opinion, with 99/100 posters.

I thought you were having a go at me. You know I'm always right! 😉

On your side mate. Sorry to use you as my compare and contrast!!!!

Serving in Italy for two years at an Italian barracks, we always had to stop every morning for their national anthem.

Probably my favourite. Typically Italian.

Ah shite!

Do people ever read posts properly or is missing the point a hobby?

Utter dullards.

We’re all good mate. A misunderstanding.

While you're obviously a shining star among Mensa members Barry. 😉

I’d like to see a Serbia - Albania match. Would be interesting.

Brian 48

Are you clairvoyant?

Sylvinho and Zabaleta, both great defenders but their players can’t defend for toffee.

Like the Italians' title Danny, but not a patch on La Marseillaise, a wonderful rabble-rousing song of praise with real and deep historical roots and lyrics that transcend our miserable dirge which is about a monarch not a country.

Wow, first-time shot, such skill, 2-1 - Goodnight Albania?

Barry. I am mate. 🤣

I predict the first three scorers in the Italy game will all have a surname beginning with B.

Brian, wondered how you knew

LOL, I'm in tears here.

Paul control yourself ffs. 😱

Brian, does the concept of prediction confuse you?

I’m keeping a close eye on Broja just in case Friedkin needs some advice on potential targets.

No mate. Y'see where I am the game doesn't kick off for another half hour or so. 😉

Nowhere near 30 million so far Colin.

Brian, what planet is that?

Lemme check.

30m lira perhaps?

Colin, I don't think we're seriously looking at Broja.

I've not seen an actual competitive game yet. The gulf in class is a killer for the neutral.

Just paper talk, Brian. But rather him than Che Adams.

more like it CG

Jeez Col let's hope it's neither tbf.

International football is very misleading. Very bad place to judge transfer targets.

I prefer watching these tournaments on the beeb, due to the lack of adverts, but Jesus Christ, it’s hard watching/listening to Shearer and Micah fucking Richards. Richards must be the most annoying man on television.

Agreed Brian, couldn't be less interested in either of them. So many people were frustrated we missed out on Broja last summer. We sure did miss the two goals he scored since then.

Colin #70, we've got Jacqui and Warren on Fox Sports, and they're actually quite good.

OK, BW, I will await a translation of that.

Amusing ad on US TV for a car insurance company. Shows two guys in the stands with radios hacked into the referee's earpiece, pretending to be VAR. Ordering pens and red cards and such. Pretty funny the first time. Not so much after 5-6 repetitions.

You know I care Brian mate. Crikey, how close were Albania there - used to love listening to Radio Tirana back in the day on shortwave