Dugout Discussion
18 June 2016 430 comments
Mark Mark
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Saturday brings to a close the second round of group matches, with Groups E and F in focus.

The day’s opening clash features Belgium, widely considered a contender to win the tournament, who now face a fight for survival having suffered a 2-0 reverse at the hands of Italy in their first fixture. They’ll face a determined Republic of Ireland outfit who let slip a one-goal advantage against Sweden to register a draw in their opening tie.

Both must go for the three points this time around, with Marc Wilmot’s men seeking to improve on their conversion of chances, having fired in 18 attempts against the Italians without reward.

Martin O’Neill’s side will struggle to match that threat, although they notched four shots on target against the Swedes, their best total in any previous European Championship tournament outing.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

430 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    KDB is definitely playing in a team worse than his quality. This Belgium team is woeful.

  2. Van Klinkert Delarosa
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Belgium, a bunch of overrated players.

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'd rather say: a bunch of good players with an awful manager

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Can't keep blaming the manager

        Players are the ones out there and they have been woeful

        1. Funkyav
          • 17 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          manager has to take some blame, making hazard captain was not a good move. The guy decides when he wants to play. Plus not playing players in their best positions.

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            True

            Although kdb playing in his preferred position, hazard a big player, lukaku wants cl football. They need to look at themselves

            1. Funkyav
              • 17 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              hazard is a big player when he wants to be.

              Hardly captain material. As a chelsea fan I hope he has a good tournament, starts season well and we can ship him off to Real or PSG for a decent fee.

        2. JÆKS ⭐
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          You can clearly see that tactics are a big influence on the game imo. And this may be a long shot, but isnt motivating your players also part of the job for a manager?

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Yep I agree but he isn't solely to blame is what I'm saying

            It's a combination of both

            1. Funkyav
              • 17 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              defo combination of both but I would argue a top manager would get more out of this team.

            2. JÆKS ⭐
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Hmm yea I agree in some way. But with countries, you just can't transfer a player out. I think the motivational part of a manager is much more important there. Hiring an inexperienced coach with a unique view on modern football wasn't the best decision I think 😀

          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Cant we at least admit that Mourinho is a terrible manager at the same time please?

  3. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    most here would start with Carrasco or mertens
    or
    would have gone with both Benteke and Lukakka upfront
    with Haz and KDB

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who would start with Benteke and Lukaku up front lol 😀

      1. Total Foot 5
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        nothing wrong with trying to go with two #9 Forwards and try to adapt them. been done in the past.

        all comparisons aside, Batistuta and Crespo, both centrl #9, etc

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Weren't Batistuta and Crespo good, though?

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            This.

          2. Total Foot 5
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            wilsh i hear ya. thats why i said all comparison aside. come on lukaka and benteke arent bad, they have potential and are underperforming as of late. or benteke was lucky couple of yrs ago w avl scoring lots. lukaka can go i streaks. issue is wilmots.

            im sure a good coach would squeeze good perf w those 2.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              I personally think Origi is better than both of them. He'd certainly work better in a 2 than both.

              I just don't think the players are very good, tbh, regardless of manager impact.

              1. Total Foot 5
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                fair point. Origi was good during world Cup.
                why do u think he has not prospered with Liverpool?

                think im slightly biased w/ benteke given he used to score lots 2-3 yrs ago. thinking he just underperformed while w/ liverpool but maybe hes just gone down.

                1. Funkyav
                  • 17 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  whatever the reason, he should not be playing in this tournament.

                2. Wilshere Knowledge
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  I think Origi has done well at Liverpool. Took a while for him to get a chance, and then he got that injury. But when he was playing he was good.

                  Was in an out due to natural rotation, and the quality of Sturridge, rather than him failing, imo.

                  That being said, I don't think he's world class or anything, I just really don't like Tekkerz and Lukaku.

                  1. Total Foot 5
                    • 12 Years
                    10 years, 1 month ago

                    well put. lukaka is streaky agreed. but he is just average striker.

                    but tekkers, when he used to score lots 2-3 yrs ago with a limited aston villa team, do u think he was being lucky, or just opportunistic...
                    i thot he was relatively good, maybe i did not see enough of him i guess.

                    1. Wilshere Knowledge
                      • 12 Years
                      10 years, 1 month ago

                      He just played in a team that suited him. They hit him with the long ball with every opportunity.

                      And no matter how good you are at it, it's an ineffective way of playing. Possession and territory are so important nowadays.

                      When you're not hitting him direct, you get a lazy striker, with poor movement, with average technical quality. I said when he moved to Pool that he'd flop, and I think I've been vindicated in almost every second he played. 😛

                      1. Total Foot 5
                        • 12 Years
                        10 years, 1 month ago

                        fair assesment. btw tekers juts came in

        2. JÆKS ⭐
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Way different kind of players than Benteke and Lukaku. Playing both of them is just useless.

        3. Funkyav
          • 17 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          benteke has been awful all season and they are both number 9s who is going to drop off?

  4. puddingbrood
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    It's a contest who can counter slower.

  5. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Get Mirelles on now.....need his team ethic and creativity....

  6. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Highlight of the tournament. 😆

  7. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    #bruisednutsacks

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Plural?!

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Jafooli learnt the hard way, don't run with scissors.

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          This 😮

        2. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          😀

  8. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which to transfer out first this forthcoming MD?
    A ibrahimovic
    B Konoplyanka
    C Cesc
    D Muller
    E Matuidi

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Honestly, all of them.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        No first or last priority. Only one mildly worth keeping is Muller.

        1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Sadly...I agree with you... WC for it is

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B & C priorities.

  9. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    D

  10. d1sable
    • Has Moderation Rights
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Never realised Denayer plays for Man City o.O

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's always been loaned out. Apparently had good spells at Celtic and Galatasaray. He's got potential but I haven't seen it. And if he can't start in this poor defensive backline, doesn't make me feel like this is the "New Kompany".

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Wow

    What a d*ck

  12. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like Carrasco and Hazard switched flanks

  13. puddingbrood
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The only 2 highlights so far have involved 2 balls.

  14. Funkyav
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Belgium - the golden generation

    Maybe they will be as dissappointing as the English one.

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      We will be 😀

      I'm hoping either not going through to the next round, everyone blaming Wilmots and him being fired.

      Or Belgium finally bringing their A game and us going through to the finals and win the Euros.

      1. Funkyav
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        must be frustrating as your golden generation is perhaps even more talented than ours.

        I hope for your sakes that they turn it around. My outlook on England now is so pessimistic as we have been mismanaged for years. And still continue to be.

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Haha indeed, I guess we're in the same boat. Wilmots playing Fellaini ahead of KDB in the hole or Kane taking corners, not sure which decision was wore 😀

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Playing Fellaini has the advantage that Lukaku wouldn't be doing the air battle in the box all alone as he's doing now. 21 crosses, and aside from set pieces, only one man there to receive them.

            1. JÆKS ⭐
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              I'd much rather have KDB in that position. But I don't get why we still play so many crosses without Fellaini. I think I have to blame the same guy for that as I have been blaming for the last 4 years .....

              1. Camp No No
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                I don't get it why you play so many crosses when you don't bring players in the box. Well, I don't get that you don't get players in the box anyway. It's too easy to mark Lukaku when he's there alone and everybody can focus just on him.

                Personally, I found it a good move to play Hazard as 10. When KDB plays 10, he has often tended to drift towards the right flank, and I don't think Verthongen is bad but he often comes too little to help Hazard, while the no. 10 space is occupied somebody else. That results with Hazard being isolated on left, so that he gets less involved and when he gets the ball he's often alone. I recall this was a particular problem in the World Cup. It has become better since. These are two extremely talented players and it would be essential not to choose between them but to get them to play combine as well as possible. This time KDB has not drifted to right but played closer to Hazard, which is good because it allows Hazard to get more involved, but the problem has imo been mostly that particularly Witsel and Dembelé don't make runs to the box, so there are too few players there to receive passes in the box, or to occupy defenders so that Hazard could bring the ball in and shoot. It's too easy to defend against 1 man in the box and three on its borders.

                Well, now Belgium has scored, so maybe things will open up, but the tactic is still way too negative.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I blame Lukaku

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Very harsh. It's very difficult for him when he's constantly left alone to battle against 3 defenders.

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dislike the phrase 'Golden Generation'. Surely it should be kept for the generation that did, or won, something golden?

      Do we still refer to that lot who did almost nothing in tournaments as 'the golden generation'? *sigh*

      1. Funkyav
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I think it signifies when there is a crop of extremely talented players all coming through within a few years of each other. Seems a reasonable enough phrase to use.

        It was a tabloid thing initially but that group of England players will always be known as that. More so for the fact that they DIDNT perform in tournaments, if they had they would be known for their achievements.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Belgium are a fairly small country, so you can understand the excited when so many proven quality players come through in one generation.

          They just don't seem to be performing together as a team. Is that the manager's fault?

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            It is.

          2. Funkyav
            • 17 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            yes

        2. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I understand why it's used, it just seems presumptive. During that time all the media did was tell us how all our players were world beaters. It proved not to be the case. Surely our golden generation was 66-70?

          Belgium should just be called a strong team. Actually now i think about it Portugal's golden generation didn't do that well... It just seems as if the phrase is used at the wrong time to me. It should be saved until after that 'special' team have earned it with play, not by their names alone.

  15. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Dreadful game

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      For a neutral yes

      As an Irish fan I'm happy enough though. Just need on good chance and we're all booking Monday off work

      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Every Irish game is awful to watch tbf

        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          It usually is, but it's nerve wracking when your Irish.

        2. Ayew Serious
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Did you watch the Sweden game?

          1. Give The Todd Some Love
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah fair enough.

            When Wes Hoolahan is your most exciting player you might not be playing the best football though.

            1. Ayew Serious
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              No. He's literally just the best we have.

              It's not tactical, we just lack attacking quality

            2. FPL Blow-In
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Jeesh mate it's not like we have a squad like Belgium. If they play attacking/exciting football then we will be punished for it. You do the best with what you got. I'm happy and proud anyway

              1. Fifa las vegas
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Well said

              2. Give The Todd Some Love
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Don't get me wrong, I love watching Ireland/Northern Ireland, not trying to slight them in any way. That's the nice thing about the euros, mix of brilliant squads and hard working squads like your's that will give any team a tough time.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Almost fallen asleep a couple of times.

  16. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    link to belgium game pls? my link is crashing unfort. thx

    1. Funkyav
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      its on ITV in uk, no links to streams allowed

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      lucky you

  17. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    0-0 deserves 0pts, force teams to attack......

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      -1 for a loss haha I'd like that

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Your name always reminds me of this:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjXgqn-nEfc

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Where it comes from, was the clip I'd watched just before signing up to FFS and being asked for a username 😎

        1. d1sable
          • Has Moderation Rights
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Haha

          Nice!

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I was going to go with Alan Partridge but it was taken 🙁

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Smell my cheese.....

              1. Jafooli
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                That you Joachim Low?

    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      This would actually be quite funny

  18. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Thought the ref could have given us one or two frees for pulling on Long . It's hard to see us holding out for 90 mins

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ireland have been hard done by the ref thus far I thought. Just need to snatch one I reckon.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        In the third min of extra time 🙂 . We are woeful when we go ahead

  19. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Didnt sub on Randolph for Sommer after seeing belgium strong lineup

    wrong decision ?

    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Think Belgium will still win 1-0

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ask again later

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      nah, reckon belgium will win. Ireland havent offered much going forward.

  20. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    People need to stop blaming the Belgium manager for their poor form. That first half squad was decent with most players playing in their preferred position.

    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      But they were still awful. Managers should be doing more than putting players in the positions they usually play.

    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      But when a team is constantly full of great players that aren't delivering doesn't it come down to tactics?

    3. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed with Bowstring and Todd.

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        *agree

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      So you are both saying it was his tactics that made them play poor that first half?

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Belgium were fine in the first half but could have been much better imo. If Belgium keep playing like the first half , they will win imo but against the better sides they wont

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I don't believe they could have been much better due to the manager and his tactics though as ye guys are stating.

          Personally I believe the Irish have just pressured the ball carrier very well.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I advice you to watch the Belgian line ups and games in the last 4 years.

            You'll see who to blame

          2. Eden Hazardous
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Read the Belgium portion on this - http://spielverlagerung.com/2016/05/30/preview-euro-2016/

            It is what I am trying to say.

  21. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Carrasco: is he better than Mertens , enough to start ahead of him? have not seen enough of carrasco w atleti

    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mertens has barely started a game this season.

  22. BENOIT
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If FPL started tomorrow, who would be the first name on your team sheet ?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The vast majority of people will say Aguero

      1. BENOIT
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        And you?

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I'm one of the guys Adam is on about

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero
      (Pep, SUN)

      I wouldn't like not to have him captain GW1.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Gw 1 has not even started and you are already plagiarising my team 😡 😉

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          😀

          Aguero, Kane & the rest 😆

    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsey.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        lol

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Xhaka factor, just you wait. 😉

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Xhaka factor may as well be that Ramsey finds himself on bench.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Do you not think Xhaka and Cazorla fail to compliment each others skill sets?

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        What's the most you would pay for him?

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I'd probably pay 9m, and I reckon he'll be about 8.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Where do you think he'll play? On the wing?

            Xhaka and Santi likely to be in the centre?

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              I think in the pivot.

              I reckon Santi could move to the attacking 3. With Xhaka, we don't need Cazorla in there transitioning the play.

              Ramsey wont have to transition play which he is rubbish at, freeing him up to play b2b getting beyond Ozil and the strikr.

              1. Piggs Boson
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Could be great if you're right. A tad risky though. Wilshere benched then?

                1. Wilshere Knowledge
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  Yeah, Wilsh benched I reckon.

                  It's risky, but I fancy him, and Kun is a boring answer. 😉

    5. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero
      Chelsea defender

      1. BENOIT
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Chelsea defender is a good shout

    6. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero.

    7. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      payet cos hes Payet.

      1. Epic Fail
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Source?

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          The Dimitri Journal

    8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        😀

    9. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero, Sanchez and Chelsea defender.

  23. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Please Kevin. Just one goal.

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    OMG lukaku

  25. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Do we not stop games for head injuries any more?

    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bullsh*t!

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      dont think there was contact....

      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Really!?

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Yup, but would like a replay

      2. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Then the ref should book him for simulation

        The fact he didn't implies the referee didn't see it as a foul, which if a player goes down he has no right to play on if it's a head injury

  26. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    KDB assisttttttt

    1. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      This

  27. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku essential?

  28. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Well done Luka.

  29. El Patron
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Yeeeeees, in your face anti-football

  30. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Finally these KDB points!