Topic: Euro 2016 Thread

My big worry with Germany is our lack of an intense pressing and counter-pressing scheme. We kinda got it going against Italy but we cannot allow France to build up play. Their centre-backs are not as good on the ball as Italy but if Pogba (who I love) is playing deep and we don't press him, we'll be in trouble. If France hit diagonals to isolate Kimmich and Payet, we'll be in serious trouble. I think we have the tactical flexibility to get it right but we've been so slow to get any scheme going this tournament. With home advantage and players out to impress, all the signs point to France, unfortunately. I also don't fully trust Basti over 90 mins (though he did alright against Italy apart from a few oddities). I would love to see Weigl get a game. We can shift to 4-3-3 and push Kroos just a little higher

I'm crushed. We played so well. Just couldn't score. Proud though. May have to take Selke next time. I have a feeling this tournament is set for an upset. Stage set for Ronaldo to upset millions of French fans and add some International gloss to his career. Well done though France

As long as France don't get complacent, they should have this in the bag for me. Portugal have been so, so poor. You've always got a chance with Ronaldo in the team, but France look a real force. Tonight was the final.

@ShadowofSparta: You did play well, you needed to score in that 30 minute period in the first half you dominated.

But as they say. That's football.

I want France to win it. They were my pick prior to the tournament, so I'm hoping they see it through!

France is my preferred pick for tonight too.... I think the semi with Germany was the 'Final'. I don't want Portugal to win - a team that has only won 1 match all tournament (excluding the lottery of Penalties...). It kind of sends out the wrong message as far as I am concerned!!

@TripleGK: I thought the tournament league format with 3rd placed teams going through ruined the league matches. Its come alive through the knockout, hopefully tonight's is a cracking game.

@themcnoisy: I thought the 3rd placed team system was good as it meant that teams were 'playing' on the last match to try and get through. The only thing that made it difficult was predicting who was playing who in the knockout stages. Going into the last day of the group matches, virtually everyone could still qualify and that meant no-one was going through the motions. Without the 'extra' teams, its possible that a number of teams - like Iceland - wouldn't have even made it and you can't say that the 'underdogs' (like NI, Wales) etc underperformed on the big stage - often putting the bigger name players/teams to shame with their approach and team-work.

Thankfully they are keeping the format...

I really hope France win as they have played each match with the right attitude - maybe because they are the 'home' team. Portugal have disappointed - only winning one match. However if you get to the Final that way, you have to think your names on the trophy...

@BAMozzy: That's true, what I meant was but not written well;

The league games bar a couple of matches were too defensive.

Anyways Its 0-0 halftime. I'm going for a 1-0 win for France In extra time.