Dugout Discussion
2 July 2016 1250 comments
Paul Paul
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The third quarter-final of Euro 2016 gets underway at 8pm this evening as Germany and Italy go head-to-head in Bordeaux.

Having won three and drawn one of their four fixtures, Joachim Low’s side are the favourites for tonight’s encounter and warmed up for this one with a 3-0 hammering of Slovakia last time out.

Delving into the data, Germany certainly carry the greatest threat. The World Champions lead their opponents for attempts on goal by a massive 83 to 36, though have scored just one more time than Antonio Conte’s troops and netted a mere 7.2% of their scoring opportunities. Italy, on the other hand, have been far less wasteful and boast a 13.9% conversion rat,e which is the third highest in the tournament.

At the back, both sides have been hugely impressive. Indeed, Germany are the only side yet to concede and have allowed their opponents a mere seven shots inside the penalty box so far.

The Azzurri, though, have been breached on just one occasion – a 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland where Conte made eight changes to his XI.

Having sent defending champions Spain crashing out in the previous round, a buoyant Italy are more than capable of causing another upset and clinching a place in the last four alongside Portugal and Wales.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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

    Glad to see the anti football team go out

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      lol

    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      ...to iceland

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

        Nah that lot is just anti everything

    3. Zasa
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That'd be England, mate

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

        They don't roll about like they've been shot, scream like girls, constantly time waste and commit cynical fouls on a regular basis

        1. Zasa
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          You can say that about most teams tbf, Italy played well. They entertained, had some good matches & beat Spain fairly. Think it's pretty rash to call Conte an advocate of whatever 'anti-football' is, imo.

          England were by far worse, put on an appalling performance all-around. Maybe that's closer to anti-football, in my view anyway.

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

      lol

      Italy have played the three MOST entertaining matches at the Euros!

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

        I thought Wales vs Belgium was the most entertaining

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

          Italy's all 3 matches were more entertaining for me. Wales vs Belgium was dross in the last 20 minutes.

    5. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      🙄 Defending is football too. They played to their strengths.

    6. AK ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

      Italy were one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament. That formation, you don't see it every week and loved how they turned the defence into attack in a matter of seconds.

      1. Zasa
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah pretty much, did England even show up with a clear system in mind, let alone put on a good match? It's laughable to call Italy anti-football, one of the best performing teams in the tourney.

        1. AK ⭐
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Anti-football for those that think only attacking mentality is football. Narrow mentality that is.

          I expected Italy to be really boring honestly before the tournament started, I was hesitant to even watch the first game, but when I did, I figured how wrong I was. It almost seemed as if they have players everywhere, on the wings, around final third, centre of the park, defence..

          1. Zasa
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Indeed, AK, indeed. It's like the people who called Spain in the Euro '08, '12 & the 2010 WC 'anti-football'.

            Yeah, weren't anywhere near their 2014 WC levels of boring. Conte's system is slow to build-up from the back, & I enjoy watching them meticulously scope out gaps & stretching their midfield when the CB's aren't looking to play long-balls. Maybe if they had better strikers like Conte does with Juve they'd be more entertaining, but they know their limits.

            I love watching tactically-astute manages nullify each other on the pitch, picking part every little weakness over 90 minutes. Can't people appreciate proper, quality football for once?

            1. AK ⭐
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Forget everything, just take a look at the 3 centre backs chipping half the field right into the striker's foot near the goal. How often do you see that?

              1. Zasa
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Yup, it's why Juve's such a great team to watch. The way those three can pressure the midfield & be so calm on the ball whenever they form a triangle, it's a joy.

                To answer your question, Hummels & Boateng are just as good ball-playing CB's. 😉 Practically have two Jr registas playing for your side there. Can't wait to see that duo get some chemistry playing together for Bayern.

                http://mackayanalytics.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Boateng-vs.-Noord-Ierland-LQ.gif

                1. AK ⭐
                  • 14 Years
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  Joy to watch when the ball just goes over the heads of everyone and into the path of the attacker.. 😀

                  1. Zasa
                    • 12 Years
                    10 years, 1 month ago

                    🙂

    7. Why Always Me
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Italy tactical genius. Great to watch

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

      I'm pretty sure Portugal haven't gone out yet.

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

      At least 5 people on FFS haven't watched Italy play at the Euros 😕

  2. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Stepped away to enjoy the penalties without spoilers. Great penalties!

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

      Great shootout , laughable penalties

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yes. From an enjoyment point of view is what I was meaning

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

    When your captain gets a winning goal and an assist but ends on 5 pts. :/

  4. Kun Tozser
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If only Neuer saved Bonucci pen in normal time !!

  5. Pirlø's Pen
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Points for penalty saves???

    1. Thomas M.
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      no, they will be gone

    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      and biscuits

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

      No

  6. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    40 years since Germany lost in a penalty shootout.

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

      And Germany missed as many penalties today as they have in the last 40 years!

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

      Crazy.

  7. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    OK so garbage fantasy euro game week,
    Another match watching scratch N sniff.
    Another day closer to FPL.

  8. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chiellini would have taken a better penalty than Zaza!

    Bad choice by Conte on sending Zaza over Shaarawy!

    1. AK ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Captain Hindsight?

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

      Indeed. El Shaarawy would've been better.

  9. Norman Conquest
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    best comment of the day"mesut ozil giving the keeper the eyes" lol

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

      Hahahaha

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

    What an amazing shootout!
    Any rumoured lineups for France tomorrow? If not the next best is what you guys think it might be!

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lloris - Sagna, Kos, Umtiti, Evra - Pogba, Matuidi, Sissoko - Griezmann, Payet - Giroud

      L'Equipe

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

        Oh no , Pogba playing DM 🙁

        1. JJO
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Dont think so

        2. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          It's reported as a 4231 actually. Sissoko playing in the attacking three.

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

            Still DM but better I guess...

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

        Cheers

  11. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Zaza no more 🙁

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      ?

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        https://youtu.be/0nQKD1l30SA

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Copied Messi

  12. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Michael McGovern would've saved all those penalties

  13. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Really hope france stuff germany..and as for zaza ..well

  14. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bbc news Caroline Ahern tribute watch.

  15. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    5 French players tomorrow to bring the win out of the bag!

  16. Norman Conquest
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    7 players out 3 frenchies to go i need a france win big time

  17. AK ⭐
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What even was Zaza thinking? Weird dance moves..

    1. mad_beer ✅
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      It was fun to watch however.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Definitely, missed a golden chance there.

        And Pelle... If he doesn't mess up, he doesn't get sleep at nights.

    2. Zasa
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Some say he's still dancing his way off the pitch

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

      Has to be one of the worse penalties taken given his run up

    4. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Zaza is the worst striker in an Italian shirt I've ever seen

  18. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sky team done
    😎

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      How's it looking mate?

      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Quick pick really, an awful lot of tinkering to be done.
        Huge changes in TV/Points/(c) awarded, so much to take in-I've a lot more research to do BF so roughly: (placeholders?)
        Butland
        Shawx/Shaw/Williams
        Siggy/Bola/Redmond/Barkley
        Aguero/Kane/Success

        I need to unearth a few cheapies to sort my mids out and Shawx becomes someone else...
        Long way to go but nice to start blowing off the cobwebs!
        🙂

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I hope your team is a..Success 😉 Good luck.

        2. AK ⭐
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Who is Success? Haven't paid attention.

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

      Auto pick ftw 😎

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I closed the browser after seeing that you need a pin as a password 😀

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

          😀
          The whole site is terrible tbh.

      2. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I don't see success as an auto pick 😉

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

    If you have a sub left, why not bring Podolski on?

    1. AK ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Busy sniffing around his own sweat.

    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      😆

  20. mad_beer ✅
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The most fun I have ever had watching penalties. 🙂

    3 out so far. Worse case is 6 out if France lose, best case is 5 out. Not bad.

  21. Dušan Citizen
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Already 6 players out, I am screwed if France is out.

  22. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Pelle telling Neuer he was going to chip him only to roll it wide was hilarious 😆

    1. Frank Black
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      That's what i was about to write, same exact post. It was one of the most embarrassing things in the history of football and the best thing of Euro 2016. Absolutely brilliant.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        😀 Absolutely brilliant. Very silly behaviour

  23. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So which Germans are suspended from the semis?

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hummels

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Just Hummels. I guess Gomez might be injured as well

  24. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Following that Wales vs Belgium game was always gonna be a tough act to follow. At least the pen shoot out was dramatic.

  25. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Are the yellow cards now reset for the semi finals?

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Seems like no

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        They've made a right balls of that ruling. Why now?

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yes

      Need a red to miss final.

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks TM

  26. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Really enjoyed Italy's participation and Conte's style of approach. Can only be good for Chelsea FPL wise 🙂

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

      Triple Chelsea defence

    2. AK ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Don't have the personnel to pull of a 3-5-2 though.

      4-4-2 more likely.

      1. Zasa
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Depends on who they sign imo, with one ball-playing CB & a b2b midfielder like Kante or Naing, they could run a variation of the 334. Ideally it'd be both of them & two ball-playing CB's though to run it properly.

        424 is looking like a real possibility now, not sure if they're still in the hunt for a CB. Looks like they're in for Morata right now

        1. AK ⭐
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I am a fan. 🙂

          The transfer window for us has been really inactive. Only rumours, nothing yet, Conte's participation in Euros probably came into effect.

          Now that Italy are out, we'll know more about who exactly is it that we're looking at.

          I'd take Kante over Radja at the moment. Age, discipline, Cost, PL Experience..

          As for a CB, I do think we need at least 1 more, but haven't seen any good enough rumours around. Just names being thrown off on the table.

          Also, what's your opinion on Batshuayi?

          1. Zasa
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Forgot you're a Chelsea fan 😯

            Aye, good points all-around. Though I will say I think Naing is the better, complete all-around milf of the two. I'd rate them pretty equally in terms of defense, but Naing's contribution in attack is noteworthy. Boasts more key passes per 90, is a better crosser & I think just offers more supporting the attack (not to mention a hell of a shot) which is essential in the 334. Either will do though 🙂

            Long post on Bat incoming 🙂

            1. AK ⭐
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Cheers. You are right on Niang. His work rate is fantastic too!

              When are we expecting the post on Bat? Now? Kind of late, but I am eager to wait if it's not going to take long. 🙂

              1. Zasa
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                For sure, both guys are warriors on both ends of the pitch!

                Ha 😉 Likes 10 minutes or so.

              2. Zasa
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Or you know in 2 & a half hours, either or, really.... 😳

  27. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So much has changed over the last week. Germany winning a penalty shootout restores my faith that things are getting back to normal.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      England losing a knockout should have restored your faith.

    2. AK ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Restored the faith as soon as England went out.

    3. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      England going out early sealed the deal for me

    4. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      As soon as I posted I thought that. Ok tonight was a confirmation that wasn't a one off

    5. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Got to say though, haven't enjoyed this tournament at all. Wales game last night was just about the only highlight

      1. AK ⭐
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I kind of did, mostly because I only tuned into the last 15 minutes of most of the Group Stages and missed the horrible games.

        Hungary-Portugal was pretty good too.

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

          You have been extremely lucky if you have missed Portugals other games. They have been dire

          1. AK ⭐
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I did watch the first game, missed the Austria game and the Poland one too.

            Glad I did, after watching the first game, I wanted them to be eliminated. No inspiration anywhere..

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

        Have to agree with you on that point it has been a very poor tournament and has dragged on for far to long

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

          I'll always remember it as the Brexit tournament. 2016 is truly sucking balls.

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

    So I have 4 Poles, 2 Belgians and 1 Italian.

    Oh France please win...

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      5 Belgians , 2 poles , 2 germans , 2 others knocked our previously. You are doing really well.

  29. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who are these women who pop up on the beeb presenting sports? They are truly crap as opposed to the lovely ladies who read the general news.