League of Nations

[Gassy]

De Gea had both hands on the ball until Welbeck’s head unintentionally knocked the ball out of his hands. Accidental or not you can’t knock the ball out of the goalkeepers hands.

You can say De Gea’s fortunate to get away with it but technically it’s a foul.

Not a chance - he went into welbeck and hit the ball on his head and he dropped it.

If I’m a goalkeeper and I have 2 hands on a ball, I walk up to you and smash the ball on your face - at the same time it then comes off your face into my goal, then by that logic you fouled me.

 

[Bobbin']

These NL games are a winner for me. In the games I've seen so far, players already look more up for it, football is played at a much higher intensity.

The problem I have is, these games may seem more competitive but if for example, England win the league, that effectively makes the 12 or so qualifying games they still have to play meaningless friendlies.

 

[mistermagic]

You do? Congrats, Gassy. I am still struggling to understand this

Anyway, we played against the new World Champs on Thursday (Old one vs New one ). Was a 0-0 but not from the "dull sort". We could've even won this one in the end. Not much of a new beginning though but a decent start after our worst ever World Cup campaign. You have to be modest nowadays.

So when one team qualifies through this new competition they still have to play the regular qualifiers nonetheless?

Thought the game was quite boring. Areola played a blinder for his first cap. Deserves his star for this performance only.
Things still pretty bad for Germany from what I saw. You know you have problems when you have to play Rüdiger at LB.

 

[Dirk]

Things still pretty bad for Germany from what I saw.

You definitely saw another game than me. Still pretty bad? We drew against the World Champ, got no goal (in fact France only had 1 good chance of Griezmann and 1-2 little one. We had 3 good ones) which didn't happen often in the last times.

The attack still underperformed I'll give you that (only Marco Reus had a big chance to score, Sane again not visible when he came into the match. Gündogan still not comparable to club level performances) but the defence was way better than at the World cup. With this Defence we wouldn't have lost against Mexico and South Korea. Mats Hummels with a very good match, haven't seen him so good for quite some time.
Unusual D# lineup with 4 CB's because Hector injured and Kimmich now in Midfield at #6 position.

You know you have problems when you have to play Rüdiger at LB.

I just mentioned why he played. Löw could've started Süle though. I am no big fan of Rüdiger but he isn't so bad as you make him always look.

 

[mistermagic]

We weren't bothered. Only Areola played decently.

 

[Dirk]

Yeah, not bothered. Of course!

Let's hope that they're bothered today against the bloody Dutch. I would hate it to see them above us after the matchday.

 

[mistermagic]

I don't think we necessarily have to be. Holland are a very poor outfit. Even worse than you.

 

[Dirk]

Worse than me? My playing days are over for quite some time

But I am now nearly tempted to keep my fingers crossed for the Dutch. Nearly

 

[Super_horns]

Wales unlucky to be behind but good strike from Eriksen.

 

[mistermagic]

Won 2-1. Rubbish game.

 

[Gassy]

The problem I have is, these games may seem more competitive but if for example, England win the league, that effectively makes the 12 or so qualifying games they still have to play meaningless friendlies.

But I guess it's only for 4 teams - which sure for them it could be pointless but the other teams have the chance to qualify still so there should still be a good game.

Overall there definitely makes better games to be played. If you qualify you can also have a good chance of tinkering/testing players.

Shame we have no chance of doing that now eh?!

 

[snortingfrogs]

Sweden score, Kiese Thelin placed a rebound from his own header.

 

[SALTIRE]

Scotland have been decent first half; had a goal ruled out correctly for offside, and Naismith heading against the post another good chance. Hoping we can get the breakthrough early in the second.

 

[epic73]

Scotland 1-0.

 

[SALTIRE]

Scotland 1-0.

Got the breakthrough (it was offside), but we are still attacking them. Look so iffy at the back however, a better side would have a field day.

 

[SALTIRE]

Naismith grabs another (unless the first was deemed to be an OG). Should actually win a game tonight for a change!

 

[Super_horns]

Portugal beat Italy whilst Turkey scored 2 late goals to beat Sweden .

 

[Benji]

Italy constantly looked totally off the pace, and their team doesn't have anything near their historical quality either. Sad for proud fractional Italians like myself.

 

[mistermagic]

Italy constantly looked totally off the pace, and their team doesn't have anything near their historical quality either. Sad for proud fractional Italians like myself.

If it makes those fractionals feel any better, Holland look just as shit as before and probably won't make a major tournament for the next decade.

 

[Super_horns]

Well they might just get through with the enlarged Euros and World cup to come.

Spain looking impressive - just the 5 goals up v Croatia!

Poor old San Marino - being hammered by Luxemburg - you must wonder how much their part time players must enjoy being hammered most of the time even by minnows.

 

[blademan89]

Well they might just get through with the enlarged Euros and World cup to come.

Spain looking impressive - just the 5 goals up v Croatia!

Poor old San Marino - being hammered by Luxemburg - you must wonder how much their part time players must enjoy being hammered most of the time even by minnows.

Luxembourg drew with the world champions didn't they about 18 month ago, quality side.

 

[Super_horns]

Fair point - still its like a training game even for them.

 

[Gassy]

That was a training game for Spain last night.

Croatia were absolutely abysmal

 

[Benji]

I hope we kept the receipt for our friendly with Spain. Seems like a terrible idea now.

 

[Super_horns]

ITV guys tried to explain the play-off situation by using Scotland (well they need all the help they can get!!)

Said if Scotland with their section they will go into the play-offs with the other section winners for a place at the Euros.

But they will get a chance to also qualify naturally through the usual qualifying groups which are drawn in December.

 

[Gassy]

ITV guys tried to explain the play-off situation by using Scotland (well they need all the help they can get!!)

Said if Scotland with their section they will go into the play-offs with the other section winners for a place at the Euros.

But they will get a chance to also qualify naturally through the usual qualifying groups which are drawn in December.

Well they have a better chance than us tbf.

I am fully expecting Scotland/Serbia to qualify early for the Euros. If Scotland don't then they're even worse than I thought.

 

[blademan89]

Well they have a better chance than us tbf.

I am fully expecting Scotland/Serbia to qualify early for the Euros. If Scotland don't then they're even worse than I thought.

We're virtually out already after last night's result. Let's be reyt we ain't winning in Spain that is a cert. Bottom with 1 point is my guess.

 

[Gassy]

We're virtually out already after last night's result. Let's be reyt we ain't winning in Spain that is a cert. Bottom with 1 point is my guess.

Pretty much out of it after losing 2-1 tbh. Now it's confirmed though.

I think we'll come ahead of Croatia though

 

[SALTIRE]

I am fully expecting Scotland/Serbia to qualify early for the Euros. If Scotland don't then they're even worse than I thought.

I wouldn't pin any hopes on it mate, we're as floppy as a dead fish. I believe 3 wins for us would do it (1 more in the group and then 2 in the knockouts), but this is Scotland we are talking about - we probably peaked too early the other night!

 

[Gassy]

I wouldn't pin any hopes on it mate, we're as floppy as a dead fish. I believe 3 wins for us would do it (1 more in the group and then 2 in the knockouts), but this is Scotland we are talking about - we probably peaked too early the other night!

Trust me, I'm not hoping at all

In all seriousness - It would be nice to have all the home nations qualify for the Euros. This format definitely helps with that.

You must put all resources into qualifying here though - you could play at home for starters. How frustrating would it be not to be there as Glasgow hosts a few games! I'm also not sure you'll get a better chance than now as 'B Teams' will be relegated making it harder next time for you lot.