Italy vs Albania

Fastest goal in the Euros scored by Akbania, should be a good match!

 

Not taken very long for Italy to be leading!

 

Yeah come on Akbania.

 

Cheeky

 

I could nae resist it.

 

Yo Ian, did you watch the Swiss v Hungary game.
Neither of them are anywhere near as good as Germany looked, so you've really got to have a go at the Swiss next.

 

Ach Acido Scotland are done for.
Getting to this stage was success for us.
We might get through but it doubtful. I’m amazed we are actually here.
Yeah you are right we have to give it a right go but tbh this is what we should have done v Germany. But Clarke bottled it. Got what we deserved.

 

Was very disappointed in Hungary! They improved second half and probably should have equalised when 2-0 down, but their defence was really all over the shop. They had chances to get back into the game but as soon as it got around the 80 minute mark, they just looked like they stopped trying. Szoboszlai as their captain and best player by a mile, other than the great cross for goal, was extremely poor. Was like the Hungarian version of Bruno fernandes, always moaning, throwing his arms in the air - something doesn't look quite right with him or the squad. I agree Scotland could really have a good at 'em!

 

Yeah Frog I thought both teams looked poor and vulnerable when the other one attacked them, but Hungary especially did. And there was no Callum Styles I noticed.
And Ian, I actually felt sorry for Steve Clarke post match, with the journalists asking stupid obvious questions.
Like how do you and the players feel, how disappointing was that, and what do you think the fans feel now etc!!.

 

Well only himself to blame. He should have set the team up to have a proper go at Germany.

 

At least your not soft soaping it Ian, and your not trying to make excuses mate.
And as for the other match, I thought Spain looked comfortable against a very disappointing Croatia.
Luca Modric has been a top player for them for years now, but maybe he's not up to that anymore, at the age of 38!.
(maybe he just needs a Marathon/Snickers bar).

 

I've enjoyed this one, great save to deny Albania an equaliser!

 

What a let down though from Albania, after making such a good start. They only had a go again on 89+ minutes.
Italy don't look like Champions, not at the moment!.

 

Thought they looked OK for their first game.

 

Me too, I think a lot of people thought they'd get rolled over, but I think they're a very able side! They have some nice passing but definitely need to move the ball a bit quicker around their opposition third

 

I tell you what though, I just can't wait for our game tomorrow now, we're finally coming to the Euros party at last lol.
It's hard having to sit back and wait, while the others get to play first.

 

Just hope our John is playing otherwise I have some proper fear over our defence!

 

Yeah I know this fixture in previous years would have been looked at as easy for Italy. But they didn't finish the game off did they, and I think Albania maybe could have gone for the 2-2 a bit more.

 

John who ? lol.
He should be fit but I think we might actually miss Harry Maguire as well, and I never thought I'd think that.
Apparently Guehi has been doing well, but is he ready now for this step up in Intl tournament quality.

 

Guehi only played in 3 games out of last 15 mate at end of last season. He had knee injuries. I do like him though and I do think he's a good player, I personally just don't think he's of the quality needed yet to be our mainstay. Still only 23 though and been linked with some big clubs. I really like Branthwaite and was a little disappointed he hasn't travelled with us, especially considering Maguire not being there & Stones' injury record. I'd have taken him over Dunk for sure