"It has been pretty dreadful. Football is at a low point right now."
In general I agree, and I largely put it down to a lack of characters and flair in the game. It's been coached out of players who are encouraged to be model professionals and even the slightest bit of personality is often punished.
Jude grabbing his balls in celebration is being looked at by UEFA, I mean, who gives a feck?
Football isn’t at a low point at all, well not in terms of quality anyway. It’s far higher.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 1 minute ago
Really enjoyed it so far but I do like my football
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Me too. A few smaller nations ruffling a few feathers, some pretty decent goals and close matches.
You have to appreciate the defensive side of things as well as the attacking. Slovenia were excellent last night in the way they kept Portugal out. Even when playing defensively, to do so with such spirit is an enjoyable part of the game to me.
Ive enjoyed it so far, I enjoy the big occasions and how teams and players cope with this and expectation. Its been competitive
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules and if I can’t I’ll sue you (U6374)
posted 2 minutes ago
Football isn’t at a low point at all, well not in terms of quality anyway. It’s far higher.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think we mean in terms of entertainment.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
The big sides have been mostly disappointing so far, but it's mainly been France and England who've stunk the place out, followed by Belgium. Portugal have tried hard to play on the front foot and been involved in some exciting games. Italy a big disappointment, but their games were fun, likewise Croatia. Dutch I am yet to watch, but although they seem to have been somewhat underwhelming, their meeting with Austria was apparently a great watch. Spain and Germany mostly good.
On the flip side, there've been good showings from some of the 'mid-tier' teams like Switzerland and Austria, and nearly all the minnows have exceeded expectations, given an excellent account of themselves and they enthusiasm of their fans has really helped the atmosphere too.
I'd say that up until now it kind of balances out.
Either way, the way we perceive and remember tournaments overall are to some extent linked to how our own/favourite country has done.
I doubt there'd be too many people in England saying this was a poor tournament if England were to go on to win it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this. I've enjoyed most of the non-England games, in particular the guts and quality displayed by most of the perceived minnows. As a United supporter, I want to see us tapping into the Slovenian and Georgian markets from now on.
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 50 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
The big sides have been mostly disappointing so far, but it's mainly been France and England who've stunk the place out, followed by Belgium. Portugal have tried hard to play on the front foot and been involved in some exciting games. Italy a big disappointment, but their games were fun, likewise Croatia. Dutch I am yet to watch, but although they seem to have been somewhat underwhelming, their meeting with Austria was apparently a great watch. Spain and Germany mostly good.
On the flip side, there've been good showings from some of the 'mid-tier' teams like Switzerland and Austria, and nearly all the minnows have exceeded expectations, given an excellent account of themselves and they enthusiasm of their fans has really helped the atmosphere too.
I'd say that up until now it kind of balances out.
Either way, the way we perceive and remember tournaments overall are to some extent linked to how our own/favourite country has done.
I doubt there'd be too many people in England saying this was a poor tournament if England were to go on to win it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this. I've enjoyed most of the non-England games, in particular the guts and quality displayed by most of the perceived minnows. As a United supporter, I want to see us tapping into the Slovenian and Georgian markets from now on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't know about Slovenia but not many capable of playing at United's level from Georgia. In fact I'd say only Mamardashvili and Kvaratskhelia. I like Kakabadze but he's only really good as a wing back and is 29. Kochorashvili had a great tournament but not sure about the step up from the Spanish second division. I'm sure he'll get offers, as well as Mikautadze but not sure they'll be from anyone higher than mid tier PL level.
TOOR, yeah, I didn't literally mean we should be raiding their squads for players. But I think United have been underactive when it comes to looking at eastern European football for young talent. Players from the former Yugoslavia in particular seem to all have a high technical baseline and decent tactical intelligence. Lots of the best talent seems to go into central European leagues for development, and we ought to be competing to tap into that talent pool.
https://x.com/elfayz_/status/1807895835427958794
I saw JT talk about that disgrace but I am shocked BBC put that. Even trolls would find it hard to come up with that.
comment by Posh Mufc Great Hafi Not Arrogant Just Better (U6578)
posted 6 minutes ago
https://x.com/elfayz_/status/1807895835427958794
I saw JT talk about that disgrace but I am shocked BBC put that. Even trolls would find it hard to come up with that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thought it was funny
The Qatar WC wiped the floor with this tournament. Fatigue being a major factor, aswell as international sides looking inferior compared to domestic sides. The final round of group games in Qatar were bonkers good.
I've enjoyed it. A few lower-scoring games of late, and it's not hit the highs of 2018, 2021 and 2022 yet, but still a good tournament.
International football generally hasn't been the pinnacle of the game for about 20 years now. That's the top leagues, CL etc.
The big problem is the lack of quality players and teams. The 'best' in this tournament are miles behind the best in most years gone by.
One of the weakest German sides in history, one of the weakest French teams in a long time, same with Italy, England, Netherlands.
And like i said before, these teams are poorer but yet the rest are worse hence France reaching the QF with two OGs and a pen ffs. England have been quite bluntly an embarrassment. Thats good enough for a QF against a side that couldn't even beat Scotland.
Barely two goals a game so far as well.
Makes me laugh when people think modern footballers aren’t as good.
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
One of the weakest German sides in history, one of the weakest French teams in a long time, same with Italy, England, Netherlands.
----------
Italy, Germany and Netherlands are relatively weak compared to teams they've had. France might not have quite as much flair as the Zidane era etc, but they're a very solid outfit.
But England? This is objectively a better England team than any since 2006, and I'd say it's probably better than that side too. Of course the performances aren't there yet, at least in this tournament.
comment by Cinciwolf-----JA606 NFL fantasy champ 2023 (U11551)
posted 3 minutes ago
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That doesn’t actually mean anything though. It’s not one of the weakest Hermany sides in history, and neither is the French or anything else.
What has happened, is that the quality of football in general, including the weaker sides, has gone up and the disparity in quality between opponents has lessened.
Footballers generally have better technique, technical ability and fitness than ever before, everything else is just antiquated noise.
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Cinciwolf-----JA606 NFL fantasy champ 2023 (U11551)
posted 3 minutes ago
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That doesn’t actually mean anything though. It’s not one of the weakest Hermany sides in history, and neither is the French or anything else.
What has happened, is that the quality of football in general, including the weaker sides, has gone up and the disparity in quality between opponents has lessened.
Footballers generally have better technique, technical ability and fitness than ever before, everything else is just antiquated noise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It means plenty. Who are the genuine stars in this tournament we are licking out lips to watch? Mbappe of course, otherwise? 39 year old Ronaldo? Memphis Depay? Scamacca?
A couple of good youngsters out there, but none of them close to there peaks yet in Jamal, Musiala or Bellingham
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
What?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairly clear comment but we get the usual robb response.
Who are the stars? Maybe you were thinking 38 year old Modric or 41 year old Pepe.
We are living in yesteryear this tourny it seems.
I’d have thought you’d be glad to get a response, most people don’t bother with you.
If you think there is a lack of quality compared to years gone by, which is what you actually wrote before going weirdly off tangent, there’s not a lot I can say is there.
You’re just wrong, and that’s okay.
Sign in if you want to comment
Euro 2024
Page 2 of 2
posted on 2/7/24
"It has been pretty dreadful. Football is at a low point right now."
In general I agree, and I largely put it down to a lack of characters and flair in the game. It's been coached out of players who are encouraged to be model professionals and even the slightest bit of personality is often punished.
Jude grabbing his balls in celebration is being looked at by UEFA, I mean, who gives a feck?
posted on 2/7/24
Football isn’t at a low point at all, well not in terms of quality anyway. It’s far higher.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 1 minute ago
Really enjoyed it so far but I do like my football
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Me too. A few smaller nations ruffling a few feathers, some pretty decent goals and close matches.
You have to appreciate the defensive side of things as well as the attacking. Slovenia were excellent last night in the way they kept Portugal out. Even when playing defensively, to do so with such spirit is an enjoyable part of the game to me.
Ive enjoyed it so far, I enjoy the big occasions and how teams and players cope with this and expectation. Its been competitive
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules and if I can’t I’ll sue you (U6374)
posted 2 minutes ago
Football isn’t at a low point at all, well not in terms of quality anyway. It’s far higher.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think we mean in terms of entertainment.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
The big sides have been mostly disappointing so far, but it's mainly been France and England who've stunk the place out, followed by Belgium. Portugal have tried hard to play on the front foot and been involved in some exciting games. Italy a big disappointment, but their games were fun, likewise Croatia. Dutch I am yet to watch, but although they seem to have been somewhat underwhelming, their meeting with Austria was apparently a great watch. Spain and Germany mostly good.
On the flip side, there've been good showings from some of the 'mid-tier' teams like Switzerland and Austria, and nearly all the minnows have exceeded expectations, given an excellent account of themselves and they enthusiasm of their fans has really helped the atmosphere too.
I'd say that up until now it kind of balances out.
Either way, the way we perceive and remember tournaments overall are to some extent linked to how our own/favourite country has done.
I doubt there'd be too many people in England saying this was a poor tournament if England were to go on to win it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this. I've enjoyed most of the non-England games, in particular the guts and quality displayed by most of the perceived minnows. As a United supporter, I want to see us tapping into the Slovenian and Georgian markets from now on.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 50 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 26 minutes ago
The big sides have been mostly disappointing so far, but it's mainly been France and England who've stunk the place out, followed by Belgium. Portugal have tried hard to play on the front foot and been involved in some exciting games. Italy a big disappointment, but their games were fun, likewise Croatia. Dutch I am yet to watch, but although they seem to have been somewhat underwhelming, their meeting with Austria was apparently a great watch. Spain and Germany mostly good.
On the flip side, there've been good showings from some of the 'mid-tier' teams like Switzerland and Austria, and nearly all the minnows have exceeded expectations, given an excellent account of themselves and they enthusiasm of their fans has really helped the atmosphere too.
I'd say that up until now it kind of balances out.
Either way, the way we perceive and remember tournaments overall are to some extent linked to how our own/favourite country has done.
I doubt there'd be too many people in England saying this was a poor tournament if England were to go on to win it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this. I've enjoyed most of the non-England games, in particular the guts and quality displayed by most of the perceived minnows. As a United supporter, I want to see us tapping into the Slovenian and Georgian markets from now on.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't know about Slovenia but not many capable of playing at United's level from Georgia. In fact I'd say only Mamardashvili and Kvaratskhelia. I like Kakabadze but he's only really good as a wing back and is 29. Kochorashvili had a great tournament but not sure about the step up from the Spanish second division. I'm sure he'll get offers, as well as Mikautadze but not sure they'll be from anyone higher than mid tier PL level.
posted on 2/7/24
TOOR, yeah, I didn't literally mean we should be raiding their squads for players. But I think United have been underactive when it comes to looking at eastern European football for young talent. Players from the former Yugoslavia in particular seem to all have a high technical baseline and decent tactical intelligence. Lots of the best talent seems to go into central European leagues for development, and we ought to be competing to tap into that talent pool.
posted on 2/7/24
https://x.com/elfayz_/status/1807895835427958794
I saw JT talk about that disgrace but I am shocked BBC put that. Even trolls would find it hard to come up with that.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Posh Mufc Great Hafi Not Arrogant Just Better (U6578)
posted 6 minutes ago
https://x.com/elfayz_/status/1807895835427958794
I saw JT talk about that disgrace but I am shocked BBC put that. Even trolls would find it hard to come up with that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thought it was funny
posted on 2/7/24
The Qatar WC wiped the floor with this tournament. Fatigue being a major factor, aswell as international sides looking inferior compared to domestic sides. The final round of group games in Qatar were bonkers good.
posted on 2/7/24
I've enjoyed it. A few lower-scoring games of late, and it's not hit the highs of 2018, 2021 and 2022 yet, but still a good tournament.
International football generally hasn't been the pinnacle of the game for about 20 years now. That's the top leagues, CL etc.
posted on 2/7/24
The big problem is the lack of quality players and teams. The 'best' in this tournament are miles behind the best in most years gone by.
One of the weakest German sides in history, one of the weakest French teams in a long time, same with Italy, England, Netherlands.
And like i said before, these teams are poorer but yet the rest are worse hence France reaching the QF with two OGs and a pen ffs. England have been quite bluntly an embarrassment. Thats good enough for a QF against a side that couldn't even beat Scotland.
Barely two goals a game so far as well.
posted on 2/7/24
Makes me laugh when people think modern footballers aren’t as good.
posted on 2/7/24
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
posted on 2/7/24
One of the weakest German sides in history, one of the weakest French teams in a long time, same with Italy, England, Netherlands.
----------
Italy, Germany and Netherlands are relatively weak compared to teams they've had. France might not have quite as much flair as the Zidane era etc, but they're a very solid outfit.
But England? This is objectively a better England team than any since 2006, and I'd say it's probably better than that side too. Of course the performances aren't there yet, at least in this tournament.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Cinciwolf-----JA606 NFL fantasy champ 2023 (U11551)
posted 3 minutes ago
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That doesn’t actually mean anything though. It’s not one of the weakest Hermany sides in history, and neither is the French or anything else.
What has happened, is that the quality of football in general, including the weaker sides, has gone up and the disparity in quality between opponents has lessened.
Footballers generally have better technique, technical ability and fitness than ever before, everything else is just antiquated noise.
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 4 minutes ago
comment by Cinciwolf-----JA606 NFL fantasy champ 2023 (U11551)
posted 3 minutes ago
Right now there is a dearth of genuine stars, nobody can argue that surely.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That doesn’t actually mean anything though. It’s not one of the weakest Hermany sides in history, and neither is the French or anything else.
What has happened, is that the quality of football in general, including the weaker sides, has gone up and the disparity in quality between opponents has lessened.
Footballers generally have better technique, technical ability and fitness than ever before, everything else is just antiquated noise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It means plenty. Who are the genuine stars in this tournament we are licking out lips to watch? Mbappe of course, otherwise? 39 year old Ronaldo? Memphis Depay? Scamacca?
A couple of good youngsters out there, but none of them close to there peaks yet in Jamal, Musiala or Bellingham
posted on 2/7/24
What?
posted on 2/7/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - I want to play by my own rules... (U6374)
posted 6 minutes ago
What?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairly clear comment but we get the usual robb response.
Who are the stars? Maybe you were thinking 38 year old Modric or 41 year old Pepe.
We are living in yesteryear this tourny it seems.
posted on 2/7/24
I’d have thought you’d be glad to get a response, most people don’t bother with you.
If you think there is a lack of quality compared to years gone by, which is what you actually wrote before going weirdly off tangent, there’s not a lot I can say is there.
You’re just wrong, and that’s okay.
Page 2 of 2