Scott7

Second half of ET. Both teams playing for the penalty shootout. God, I wish the Swiss could learn a new tune. Yodelling would be better.

The Swiss aren’t very good. Offer nothing up front. Let’s face it, not only could they not beat Scotland, they made Scotland look quite good. If England had a Rooney or a Gascoigne, they’d be two up by now. I expect England to play much better against Spain in the final.

Happened to be at Easter Road when he made his debut as an old fashioned right half. You could tell straight away that he was ready made. He could play inside forward as well and central defence without changing out of his street clothes.

Two very good matches yesterday, even the 0-0. Could have been 3-3. Portugal a bit unlucky, likewise Germany but it wouldn’t have been right if Spain had lost. Portugal must drop Ronaldo. I like Vitinha. Perpetual motion. Proves you don’t have to be a massive bloke to win the ball and take it on.

They don’t even talk it. It’s written for them.

Sir Waistcoat, Sir ‘arry, Sir Dude and whoever else scores in the Final. They’ll get there. Nothing to beat. As for the final itself, Spain might be a bit knackered after seeing off Germany and Portugal so it’s most likely coming home.

A hideous list.

Portugal were disappointing. Some good flashes of play with no finishing. Ronaldo was a passenger and wasted free kicks. His penalty was fine but the save was better. Fernandes busy but not very good. Costa catlike at the end.

If you haven’t read them already try “The Berlin Exchange” or “Leaving Berlin” by Joseph Kanon. Some of the locations mentioned by Idisi are featured. Our Berlin residents may disagree (and natives always know best, no argument) but Kanon seems to portray the city as I imagined it might be at the time of the stories. The author is neither sympathetic to the West nor over critical of the East. To Berlin never have I been but Frau7 has. She’s keen on history and architecture and says Berlin is a great place to visit. Her history teacher was a Marxist.

2-1. An equaliser in the 95th minute and the winner in the 1st minute of extra time. This has got tournament winners written all over it.

I would have allowed Germany’s disallowed goal to stand. Contrary to the laws but morally right. The “scorer” started his run for the header. A Danish defender tried to block the run by getting between the attacker and the anticipated flight of the ball but another German blocked him from so doing and was penalised. The Dane’s intent to commit an offence was thwarted by an actual offender. This is American football. I think they call it interference. A player never has to get out of the way of another player but a player running into the path of an opponent with the ball nowhere near is obstructing, surely. I’m told that grappling and shirt tugging are evidence that football is a man’s game. I disagree. A man’s game is where players going for the ball collide when they and the ball arrive together at the same place. The player who staggers to his feet is a real man but so is the other lying in a crumpled heap waiting the sponge because he didn’t shirk the challenge.

Isn’t it cool or something though for those who have eyes to see? They look like losers to the rest of us.

Jerries coming on to a game Expect England to do the same tomorrow..

Disagree. They’ve been rank bad.

I hope Italy bang in three quick goals and put an end to the awful dirge the Swiss are droning out. Makes Floo’er o’ Scollan’ sound quite cheery. The Belgians do it too. Belgians - Swiss. Is there a common dullness factor here?

Far too kind. It implies a measurable talent.

The stats no doubt confirm but they are good to watch except the last twenty minutes against Georgia. They could have had four by that time.

1, Portugal and 2, Austria.

I wonder if the strategy is concede 55 and probably 56 to celtic and then ourselves surge on to 60. If so, will we stand for the humiliations?

This may help but not a lot. Encroachment onto the playing surface prevents a stand closure solution. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/13024490/rangers-stadium-ibrox-work-unique-drone-footage/

Correct. A decent manager would have got us up the leagues and brought on young talent.

To get the best out of Foden, play him alongside De Bruyne and Haaland. Likewise with Bellingham, pick a couple of Real guys. I suppose the rules don’t allow that.

Portugal are a delight to watch so are Spain at times. Austria are good to watch. France must be upping a gear soon. I’d like either Austria or Portugal to win. England and Germany are grinders. Too often tournament winners are grinders.

Should have watched Austria v Netherlands, chaps. Great game. Haven’t seen France v Poland yet but so far, France have been lethargic.

On balance I think your assessment and conclusion are correct. On the other hand, if it hadn’t been for Westminster we’d have won it.