Euros 2024 — Day 8

Is this Yarmolenko THAT Yarmolenko?
He must be 50 by now??

Czechoslovakia v USSR. Spare a thought for Michael Oliver. With no "Sky" teams on the field he won't know how to call any contentious moments.

What's wrong with Ukraine? They don't look good at all, even with that post shot they just had. Something's off, or maybe they're just crap?

Michael Oliver. That kid at school who was shite at football but kept an exercise book with team line ups, scores and player ratings for the school team. A complete nob.

Mark, Otamendi played for Argentina last night, has to be close to 40.

Chuffed to bits for the Ukrainian win. Now I want Austria to do the the same. Immer wieder, immer wieder, immer wieder Osterreich. Sorry, don't have umlaut on my keyboard.

I didn't get the Ukraine game. Jamie, what US network was carrying that?

Austria looking intense.

I didn't get the Ukraine game. Jamie, what US network was carrying that?

Austria looking intense.

fox stream with your service provider info is good for every game MG as is Peacock.

'Heartbroken' Tierney ruled out for rest of Euro 2024"

Don't worry mate it's only one game.

Dale, we have his cook book here - he's over rated!

Mike @ 7 -

I signed up for a trial version of Fubo. I actually cancelled it right after the Ukraine game. Now watching via Fox sports, logging in to my DirecTV account to do so.

And that is exactly what I do as well, Jamie, but I think that that option is only open for catholics.

Colin - hold down ALT and type 148 on the number pad
ö or 153 for the capital Ö

When your wife's parents lived in Örebro you have to learn these things.

Am so pleased that Ukraine won,now looking forward to the France - Holland game... Germany the best team & still my team to win this but the most entertaining team is still Turkey for me,you never can tell what there'll be like on the day!?

The most overrated...have a wild guess,my fellow Blues!!

Who's that annoying person talking about refereeing decisions? She sounds like an automaton reading from a script. She knows her shit though. If Roy Keane was there I think he'd deck her.

Cheers, Phil.

Paul Hahahaha!

Do have to say I was very impressed with Fubo. I'm not paying near $90/mo for it, but if we ever divorce Directv, that'll prob be my option.

Well done Austria.

Not that I concern myself with religion and football, but two mainly catholic countries.

Austria deserved it.

David Moyes article about being a spectator in Germany on the BBC sounds like something Eugene would have written.

"I am trying to enjoy myself in Germany"

Then on scouting as a manager he says "Act quickly or miss out. I went to watch Joleon Lescott 24 times before I signed him for Everton from Wolves in 2006."

Is that relevant somehow, Danny?

With all his fame and fortune, Rooney still can't string a sentence together.

C'mon the cloggers. Holland 3 France 1

Best anthem ever that, I'm singing along like a proper sansculotte here.

"Albanian footballer Mirlind Daku has issued a statement after being caught leading chants of 'f*** Macedonia and f*** Serbs' with a megaphone at Euro 2024."

Kieran -

As I've mentioned, my pressman is Albanian. I also know his entire family, and his brother in law runs another printing company here in town and we often help one another out. I know Albanians, and I think I have a good handle on their culture.

They fucking hate the Serbs. You'd need to check out the history of Albania in and around the 80s. Catholics were put in concentration camps all over the country. The Serbs, I believe, supported the government of Albania at the time doing this.

If you ever want an instant fight, stick and Albanian and a Serb in a bar and just watch what happens. You will never, ever stop an Albanian voicing their "displeasure" towards Serbia or Bosnia.

Colin that's a bit harsh. That said, I was walking through some woodland the other day, someone shouted in a big booming voice "Timber" I looked around for a falling tree, but all I could see was Wayne Rooney walking 100 yards behind me.

Yes I'll get me coat!

No mention of the Dutch masters coming up against the French renaissance, thank fuck Clive Tyldeley is not commentating on this one.

Yeah but shitbag brain-dead Ian Darke is over here and has got his Dutch masters in already - Landon Donavon laughed along, he's another yawn-fest charisma-nil tit.

Jamie, I hate to introduce either religion or politics onto this forum but your post #22 is a bit confusing as Serbia is mainly (Russian?) orthodox and Albania mainly Muslim. Where do the catholics fit in here.

Anthony fucking Taylor is a crap ref.

Jamie

The Yugoslavian government under Tito severed relations with Albania in 1948. So while the Serbs next door may have thought it was a cool idea to persecute Catholics they weren't involved. The Albanian government repressed all religion. Hoxha wanted it to be the first entirely atheist country in the world.

But anyway, you can't shout "F### this country or that" on a megaphone as a professional footballer. It causes enough upset when people want to wear poppies on 11 November. I didn't see any Ukranian players leading chants about Russia.

Ridiculous mention of religion on this thread on post # 17.

No need to mention it, and yet it opens up a whole new pointless debate.

It really is summer silly season.

Colin -

My only exposure with Albanians is of the Catholic variety? All the Albanians I know are Catholic. The Muslim ones were in charge in the 80s and responsible, under the guise of an "Atheist" state, of imprisoning Albanian Catholics.

The reason the Albanians hate Serbia (the ones I know for the record) is because I believe Serbia backed this internment?

Look, I could be wrong? Pretty sure that's the case? My pressman, Ilia, speaks broken English. I tell everyone we're fluent in Tarzan and Jane. I'll ask him again on Monday because if I have this all wrong I need a lesson.

And I don't think you're bringing religion into anything. It's just history, and it happens to have fallen down religious lines. But we're not talking religion here, simply trying to define "sides" and it just so happens those are the "sides" in this situation.

Muslims make up a little over 60% of the Albanian population Colin; the pope squad are hovering around 38%. Eight-in-ten Serbs are Serbian Orthodox Church; the pope's lads and lasses don't quite make 4%.

Jamie, the Albanians were world class at persecuting and launching pogroms against Albanians.

WTF

The more games I watch in this tournament the more I realise that English football is still in the dark ages.
On a similar note - watch that Rooney Doc - 2004 the world at his feet then watch England games after he had been assimilated under Alex The Borg United.

Kieran -

It is true they wanted an Aethesit state indeed! But they were unusually cruel to the Catholics, and as my pressman tells me, didn't mind Muslims in the least. It was more, listening to Ilia, an anti-Catholic atrocity than a Muslim one? That's my take on it for sure.

Article here interesting from 1983:

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/11/02/Vatican-charges-persecution-in-Albania/4390436597200/

Bottom line? I assure you they do NOT like Serbs. Just don't. Not the ones I know at any rate! And it IS entirely possible I'm transposing my Catholic Albanian exposure across ALL Albanians far too broadly. As I say, I only know the Catholics, and they do NOT like the Serbs.

I stand corrected then.

As Jeff #28, said these pointless “fun facts” can open up a can of worms. I am happy to talk history based on fact though ie Enver Hoxha was an evil little man,

"And it IS entirely possible I'm transposing my Catholic Albanian exposure across ALL Albanians far too broadly. As I say, I only know the Catholics, and they do NOT like the Serbs".

You absolutely are Jamie: six-tenths of Albanians are Muslims. Do you think, possibly, that Albanian catholics might prefer to hang out with well Albanian catholics, remembering also that the classic emigration pattern is people from the same culture - often related - following each other to a particular part of these United States.

Serbians to Des Moines, for instance.

Colin

Some of Enver Hoxha's numerous war bunkers are now available on AirBNB. Apparently they are very durable and the thick concrete keeps them cool in summer. So inadvertently he has posthumously boosted tourism.

Jeff#28.
Agree completely.
Once that subject enters a debate the debate's over for me.

Ya I didn't want to open up a can of poo. I was just responding to Kieran's post about the player talking trash about Serbia.

My first thought was, "The player might have some personal hatred due to persecution?"

Anywho apologies to one and all for taking it all sideways. These things fascinate me.

Back to the footy... this game needs a goal honestly.

Fucking hell, this game is boring. May as well talk about Albanians and Serbs then. I'll get the ball rolling. Kosovo: Serb or Albanian?

Col, you're a very naughty boy.

HAHAHAHA!

Hilarious Colin. I can tell you my pressman plays traditional Kosovo music constantly in our production area! He says Kosovo people are A-ok.

Make of that what you will.

That was genuinely hilarious. Oh man. Well played, so funny.

Do the French and Dutch have any history of political persecution and butchery? Rene Descartes fled France for the then Dutch Republic for more tolerance and freedom and there you have one of Rome's heading off to a Calvinist regime. Incidentally, Descartes died on either his first or second day when he moved from the Dutch Republic to Lutheran Sweden. What should we make of that.

Sorry Brian and Jeff in jest. Couldn't resist. I'm done!

But on more of a football note, apparently Gakpo, Depay and Dumphries lead a Bible study in camp. Some Dutch reporter said "the coaches used to drag whores from the changing room but now there's just Bible's in there."

Oh well.it makes a nice change from that hardy annual..( yawn)
Everton : Catholic or Protestant ?

Jamie,41&43, can I point you in the direction of SNL, Curb,Seinfeld etc for your shits and giggles, it far funnier than football and religion I've heard😜

This game is disappointing in the extreme. The Huguenots are showing some flair but the Flemish masters are holding their own.

I can't stand SNL, a very poor imitation of London's comedy store.

On fucking bagpipes Jamie, the sound of a Hungarian pedlar getting castrated while scratching his nails on a blackboard for dear life, there are two great Jock noises only: The Skids Into Everton Valley or Into the Valley and Big Country, In a Big Country (oh, different sort of thing, Associates, Party Fears II).

I am looking forward to Romania v Belgium. Romanians went undefeated in qualifying and finished above the Swiss.

Billy McKenzie / Stuart Adamson RIP

SNL was good when Eddie Murphy was on it. His Mr Rogers skit is legendary.

Let's have a comedy debate, ( much more entertaining than a religious debate)
Goaaaaaasl

Var English messing up again

Spot on Jeff, both fecking suicide. tragic

why the delay - the goalie couldn't dive?

Stuart Atwell on var. who else?

English VAR showing the world how to fcuk up the game!

Why messing up Colin? It's a very tough call.

Jenas going on about making the call quick when he hasn't even seen the replay.

Any chance to bash VAR.

LOL Stuart Atwell on VAR

Surprise, surprise Taylor the shithouse and his side kick Atwell can't get that decision right. Embarrassing these english officials.

Probably ruled out because it's against an ex Everton manager🤣

Why do us Brits fuck up VAR calls so badly??

What's the right call Kunal?

Similar to the time DCL winner got wiped against Man U. Lads in offside position but goalies never getting there and he didn't impede him

Just noticed the French have a giant cock on their shirts. Shane, every var decision has been really quick up to now until Atwell and Taylor create confusion.

It's a goal Shane. Goalie didn't attempt to dive. Soft decision to over rule it.

Better to be quick and wrong Colin?

Not every VAR decision is clear cut. Offside and to a lesser extent handball are easier to call. I'm still unsure on that one.

Colin is right Shane. Compared to the PL Var times at this tourney have been lightning quick. It was the right decision, but in English time sadly,

Spot on Jeff. Wee Burney has just been substituted

I'd get rid of var, Shane. I think it hurts the game.

PF another tragic one was Scott Hutchinson from Frightened Rabbit, great tribute track by Frank Turner, a wave across a bay

I'm not saying he's wrong Paul. I'm saying that that is probably the toughest decision in the tournament so far. Is it not better to take their time and be sure? You thought it was offside didn't you? The linesman did and I'm still not sure.

He was what 35/36 Jeff?

It was a goal every minute of every day of the week.
Fcuking nonsense and Stuart Atwell should be put in a fcuking institute for the dazed confused and fcuking incompetent.

And by the way, I don't like the Dutch and I don't want them to win this.

Atwell should never be allowed anywhere near to a football match, Mark.

I do, Mark. The Dutch, like us, are perennial underachievers in these tournaments despite having some of the greatest footballers of all time.

That makes a lot of sense Shane.

Wife tells me that there were quite a few Yugoslavs who fled to Sweden. Zlatan's parents being among them.

Not sure who but it was like a Serb and Croatian were hauled before the näbb (Swedish for beak) for causing an affray and the judge said you are both from Yugoslavia, why can't you just be friends.

I bet Atwell or Taylor get our first game against Brighton. Horrendous pair of officials. Throw Oliver into the mix as well. Makes you want to throw up.

Paul@49 Midge Ure is a grand fella, and don't forget Shirley Manson from Garbage, they are still awesome live!.

Hmm Mark...imagine that incident was in a Derby. Gakpo hits it past Jordan but Salah is standing in the offside position. Would you accept it being a legit goal ?

I love the Dutch.

Q - what is the difference between a Dutch Breakfast and a Dutch Lunch?

Yes Alan - I'm not a gobshite. No way was the keeper impeded there.
You agree with VAR then I take it?

If he'd been lying down then it would be offside for sure!

Actually, Jeff/Joe, now I think of it, Waterfront, Speed Your Love, and The American by Simple Minds

Colin, I used to like them. The 74 and 78 teams were wonderful to watch.
But their fans are worse than the English, Van Dyke is a twat and Koeman is garbage. I've gone right off em as they say.

I'm certain you're no gobshite Mark..a Cuthies man are you not !
No I dislike VAR in general
I concede that I'm truly confused by offside these days. Guess I'm a dinosaur..if someone is blatantly offside then to me he is offside. By having this level of subjectivity in decision making it just causes trouble.

And I agree with you 100% about Saint Virgil

Paul, I'll give you Simple Minds, Sparkle in the Rain and New Gold Dream are fab.

On tonight's game, I've gone right off Holland, and Koeman is a dog's arse of a person. Horrible man. I'm with Mark.

Given and Hamann going at it over the offside. Completely polar opposite opinions.

I think by the letter of the law, as they've just shown on the screen, then it's offside.

Sorry I took so long 😅

I am a Cuthies lad Alan, do I know you??

Meanwhile, go on then Phil?

Only on here Mark. You've mentioned it before. I worked for St Helens LEA and used to visit Cuthies a fair bit... a long while back!

Liked going there, there was a member of staff I really fancied... can't recall her name though. Probably just as well.

Shane #92, just as well you are not on the VAR!

Why Neil? Because it'd be the exact same decision that the actual VAR came up with?

3 hours