Cade Posted Thursday at 13:40 Share Posted Thursday at 13:40 GAME ON! Group A's first game, coming from the Stadio Olympico, Rome, Italy. The usual Qualifying round-up is hard to draw any conclusions from, as regular qualifying for this tournament ended almost 18 months ago(!) Some players have retired, some new players have come in, player form is wildly different, some managers have changed......and so on. So, I'll include Nation's League, World Cup Qualifiation and friendly performances too in an attempt to work out who's actually good. Turkey are a team growing in confidence with every game. They're really on to something. (except for in the Nations League, see below) In Qualifying they finished with 23 points from 10 games, ending just 2 points behind group winners France. They only lost 1 game; a 2-1 defeat away to Iceland. They took 4 points off the French during qualifying. In the 20/21 Nations League, though, they ended bottom of their group (Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey) with 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses. Relegated to League C. They also ended bottom of their group in the 18/19 Nations League. But then in World Cup Qualification they've gone back to being good again. Beat Netherlands 4-2. Beat Norway 3-0. Drew 3-3 with mighty Latvia. Friendlies are always hard to draw any conclusion from. Teams can play just for fitness, to avoid injury, to try out new formations and tactics, give young guys a fair go....etc etc They beat Azerbaijan and Moldova, drew to Guinea. If they play like they do in WC and EUROs qualifying, they'll do well. If they pish about like they do in Nations League, they'll not get out the group. Are they a good team that simply don't care about the Nation's League? Or are they just a team that blows hot and cold? Italy are Italy. Solid. In Qualifying they skooshed their group, winning all 10 matches and ending with a GD of +33. It may have been a pish group (Italy, Finland, Greece, Bosnia, Armenia, Liechtenstein) but you still have to put the work in. In the 20/21 Nations League they topped their group (Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia) with 3 wins and 3 draws. The later stages of that tournament haven't taken place yet. In World Cup Qualification they've won all three games so far, beating Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania. As with their EURO 2020 Quali group, they've got an easy ride. Friendlies have seen them beat San Marino and the Czech Republic, both by big margins to nil. They've not lost a game in ages. 10th Sept 2018 was their last defeat, a 1-0 loss to Portugal in the 18/19 Nations League. Portugal would go on to win the entire tournament. Italy may keep getting easy group draws but they do still keep winning. Not having had a proper test may come back to haunt them but confidence is high. With 51 matches in this tournament, nae danger am I doing one thread per game this time around. It'll be 1 thread per day with all that day's matches included and previewed at the start of the day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davemclaren Posted Thursday at 13:44 Share Posted Thursday at 13:44 4 minutes ago, Cade said: GAME ON! Group A's first game, coming from the Stadio Olympico, Rome, Italy. The usual Qualifying round-up is hard to draw any conclusions from, as regular qualifying for this tournament ended almost 18 months ago(!) Some players have retired, some new players have come in, player form is wildly different, some managers have changed......and so on. So, I'll include Nation's League, World Cup Qualifiation and friendly performances too in an attempt to work out who's actually good. Turkey are a team growing in confidence with every game. They're really on to something. (except for in the Nations League, see below) In Qualifying they finished with 23 points from 10 games, ending just 2 points behind group winners France. They only lost 1 game; a 2-1 defeat away to Iceland. They took 4 points off the French during qualifying. In the 20/21 Nations League, though, they ended bottom of their group (Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey) with 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses. Relegated to League C. They also ended bottom of their group in the 18/19 Nations League. But then in World Cup Qualification they've gone back to being good again. Beat Netherlands 4-2. Beat Norway 3-0. Drew 3-3 with mighty Latvia. Friendlies are always hard to draw any conclusion from. Teams can play just for fitness, to avoid injury, to try out new formations and tactics, give young guys a fair go....etc etc They beat Azerbaijan and Moldova, drew to Guinea. If they play like they do in WC and EUROs qualifying, they'll do well. If they pish about like they do in Nations League, they'll not get out the group. Are they a good team that simply don't care about the Nation's League? Or are they just a team that blows hot and cold? Italy are Italy. Solid. In Qualifying they skooshed their group, winning all 10 matches and ending with a GD of +33. It may have been a pish group (Italy, Finland, Greece, Bosnia, Armenia, Liechtenstein) but you still have to put the work in. In the 20/21 Nations League they topped their group (Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia) with 3 wins and 3 draws. The later stages of that tournament haven't taken place yet. In World Cup Qualification they've won all three games so far, beating Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania. As with their EURO 2020 Quali group, they've got an easy ride. Friendlies have seen them beat San Marino and the Czech Republic, both by big margins to nil. They've not lost a game in ages. 10th Sept 2018 was their last defeat, a 1-0 loss to Portugal in the 18/19 Nations League. Portugal would go on to win the entire tournament. Italy may keep getting easy group draws but they do still keep winning. Not having had a proper test may come back to haunt them but confidence is high. With 51 matches in this tournament, nae danger am I doing one thread per game this time around. It'll be 1 thread per day with all that day's matches included and previewed at the start of the day. 👍 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fraggle Posted Thursday at 13:47 Share Posted Thursday at 13:47 8 minutes ago, Cade said: GAME ON! Group A's first game, coming from the Stadio Olympico, Rome, Italy. The usual Qualifying round-up is hard to draw any conclusions from, as regular qualifying for this tournament ended almost 18 months ago(!) Some players have retired, some new players have come in, player form is wildly different, some managers have changed......and so on. So, I'll include Nation's League, World Cup Qualifiation and friendly performances too in an attempt to work out who's actually good. Turkey are a team growing in confidence with every game. They're really on to something. (except for in the Nations League, see below) In Qualifying they finished with 23 points from 10 games, ending just 2 points behind group winners France. They only lost 1 game; a 2-1 defeat away to Iceland. They took 4 points off the French during qualifying. In the 20/21 Nations League, though, they ended bottom of their group (Hungary, Russia, Serbia, Turkey) with 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses. Relegated to League C. They also ended bottom of their group in the 18/19 Nations League. But then in World Cup Qualification they've gone back to being good again. Beat Netherlands 4-2. Beat Norway 3-0. Drew 3-3 with mighty Latvia. Friendlies are always hard to draw any conclusion from. Teams can play just for fitness, to avoid injury, to try out new formations and tactics, give young guys a fair go....etc etc They beat Azerbaijan and Moldova, drew to Guinea. If they play like they do in WC and EUROs qualifying, they'll do well. If they pish about like they do in Nations League, they'll not get out the group. Are they a good team that simply don't care about the Nation's League? Or are they just a team that blows hot and cold? Italy are Italy. Solid. In Qualifying they skooshed their group, winning all 10 matches and ending with a GD of +33. It may have been a pish group (Italy, Finland, Greece, Bosnia, Armenia, Liechtenstein) but you still have to put the work in. In the 20/21 Nations League they topped their group (Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia) with 3 wins and 3 draws. The later stages of that tournament haven't taken place yet. In World Cup Qualification they've won all three games so far, beating Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania. As with their EURO 2020 Quali group, they've got an easy ride. Friendlies have seen them beat San Marino and the Czech Republic, both by big margins to nil. They've not lost a game in ages. 10th Sept 2018 was their last defeat, a 1-0 loss to Portugal in the 18/19 Nations League. Portugal would go on to win the entire tournament. Italy may keep getting easy group draws but they do still keep winning. Not having had a proper test may come back to haunt them but confidence is high. With 51 matches in this tournament, nae danger am I doing one thread per game this time around. It'll be 1 thread per day with all that day's matches included and previewed at the start of the day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Homme Posted Thursday at 13:54 Share Posted Thursday at 13:54 A comfortable 2-0 win for my tip for the tournament, The Azzuri. 28 games unbeaten and that should run into the early 30s at least this Summer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 14:01 Share Posted Thursday at 14:01 I think Turkey might just get a result here. It’s got a Desmond written all over it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tian447 Posted Thursday at 14:01 Share Posted Thursday at 14:01 I fancy Turkey for a wee 1-0 or 2-1 upset tonight. No "one reason" why, but I suspect it will be an interesting game. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TypoonJambo Posted Thursday at 14:02 Share Posted Thursday at 14:02 Bookies have my cash and its on an Italy to win the whole ish. 9/1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hughesie27 Posted Thursday at 14:08 Share Posted Thursday at 14:08 6 minutes ago, tian447 said: I fancy Turkey for a wee 1-0 or 2-1 upset tonight. No "one reason" why, but I suspect it will be an interesting game. Turkey have 0 chance of a win tonight IMO. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cade Posted Thursday at 14:10 Author Share Posted Thursday at 14:10 9 minutes ago, smiler said: I think Turkey might just get a result here. It’s got a Desmond written all over it. Aye I reckon score draw in this one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Last Laff Posted Thursday at 14:12 Share Posted Thursday at 14:12 Draw 2-2. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue Daddy Posted Thursday at 14:14 Share Posted Thursday at 14:14 I've taken Italy to win the tournament... haven't been beaten since 2018 (Portugal 1-0) and since then have played 27, won 22, drawn 5 and conceded only 7 goals. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rogue Daddy Posted Thursday at 14:16 Share Posted Thursday at 14:16 13 minutes ago, TypoonJambo said: Bookies have my cash and its on an Italy to win the whole ish. 9/1 👍 ditto Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neilnunb Posted Thursday at 14:20 Share Posted Thursday at 14:20 Fancy Italy to win the tournament but this could be a slip up as they're often slow starters. Turkey seem decent but they were lucky to beat the Dutch 4-2. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 14:21 Share Posted Thursday at 14:21 18 minutes ago, tian447 said: I fancy Turkey for a wee 1-0 or 2-1 upset tonight. No "one reason" why, but I suspect it will be an interesting game. Cani see it tonight mate. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 14:21 Share Posted Thursday at 14:21 8 minutes ago, Last Laff said: Draw 2-2. Good lad, another for a wee Desmond. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 14:23 Share Posted Thursday at 14:23 11 minutes ago, Cade said: Aye I reckon score draw in this one. Dangerous to write off the Turks, confidence is oozing through them right now mate. Nice one on doing the match threads again 👍 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rave MacPherson Posted Thursday at 14:29 Share Posted Thursday at 14:29 8 minutes ago, smiler said: Cani see it tonight mate. Definitely not happening tonight! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boab Posted Thursday at 14:43 Share Posted Thursday at 14:43 First game is always hard to call. Turks have some very decent players playing for top teams in Europe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boab Posted Thursday at 14:44 Share Posted Thursday at 14:44 So up for this now. Good work, Cade. 👍 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mikey1874 Posted Thursday at 14:45 Share Posted Thursday at 14:45 37 minutes ago, hughesie27 said: Turkey have 0 chance of a win tonight IMO. Neither have Italy to be fair. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Muppetboy Posted Thursday at 14:48 Share Posted Thursday at 14:48 46 minutes ago, smiler said: I think Turkey might just get a result here. It’s got a Desmond written all over it. Agree, turkey are no mugs. Yilmaz the danger man. Go for a close game but home advantage to be key Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rave MacPherson Posted Thursday at 14:50 Share Posted Thursday at 14:50 3 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said: Neither have Italy to be fair. I have enough problems remembering what day it is normally. This has really confused me this afternoon! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boab Posted Thursday at 14:50 Share Posted Thursday at 14:50 2 minutes ago, Muppetboy said: Agree, turkey are no mugs. Yilmaz the danger man. Go for a close game but home advantage to be key Three Lille players in there and we know what they done this season. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davemclaren Posted Thursday at 14:58 Share Posted Thursday at 14:58 First match in a tournament is generally a disappointment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Muppetboy Posted Thursday at 15:06 Share Posted Thursday at 15:06 12 minutes ago, Boab said: Three Lille players in there and we know what they done this season. Could be dark horses. First match likely to be cagey but you’re right about the Lille players. going to be cracking no matter what Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 15:06 Share Posted Thursday at 15:06 6 minutes ago, davemclaren said: First match in a tournament is generally a disappointment. Yeah thanks for your positive contribution. Killjoy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tian447 Posted Thursday at 15:13 Share Posted Thursday at 15:13 1 hour ago, hughesie27 said: Turkey have 0 chance of a win tonight IMO. 51 minutes ago, smiler said: Cani see it tonight mate. Fancy their chances tomorrow though Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest Posted Thursday at 15:14 Share Posted Thursday at 15:14 Maybe I'm being dim, but is this game not being played tomorrow? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davemclaren Posted Thursday at 15:16 Share Posted Thursday at 15:16 10 minutes ago, smiler said: Yeah thanks for your positive contribution. Killjoy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cade Posted Thursday at 15:35 Author Share Posted Thursday at 15:35 20 minutes ago, Forrest said: Maybe I'm being dim, but is this game not being played tomorrow? It is, but I thought I'd start the first match thread a day early to get the hype going. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Boab Posted Thursday at 15:55 Share Posted Thursday at 15:55 19 minutes ago, Cade said: It is, but I thought I'd start the first match thread a day early to get the hype going. More than allowed. Some of us have afternoon drinking tomorrow. No time to digest anything ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest Posted Thursday at 16:03 Share Posted Thursday at 16:03 26 minutes ago, Cade said: It is, but I thought I'd start the first match thread a day early to get the hype going. Fair do's! Some great analysis in the OP - I could have done with that for each team before doing my work predictor comp! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ari Gold Posted Thursday at 16:18 Share Posted Thursday at 16:18 Tight game, 1-1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jumper Posted Thursday at 16:22 Share Posted Thursday at 16:22 Belguim to win it I think. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BelgeJambo Posted Thursday at 16:27 Share Posted Thursday at 16:27 (edited) Living in Belgium, I hope they do well. Last chance for their golden generation. I tip France, but for an outside flutter, Italy. A regenerated team on the rise IMO Edited Thursday at 16:27 by BelgeJambo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ominous Posted Thursday at 16:28 Share Posted Thursday at 16:28 Italy 1-0. Immobile penalty. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tambo_The_Jambo Posted Thursday at 17:15 Share Posted Thursday at 17:15 2 hours ago, davemclaren said: First match in a tournament is generally a disappointment. Sake Dave, pished in everyone’s cornflakes😞 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Treasurer Posted Thursday at 17:15 Share Posted Thursday at 17:15 I always thought that the holders usually kick off the tournament. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cade Posted Thursday at 17:24 Author Share Posted Thursday at 17:24 4 minutes ago, The Treasurer said: I always thought that the holders usually kick off the tournament. In the World Cup aye. Euro 2016 kicked off with France/Romania even though Spain won Euro 2012. Euro 2012 kicked off with Poland/Greece even though Spain won Euro 2008. Euro 2008 kicked off with Switzerland/Czech Republic even though Greece won Euro 2004. Euro 2004 kicked off with Portugal/Greece even though France won Euro 2000. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Maroon Sailor Posted Thursday at 17:35 Share Posted Thursday at 17:35 Depends how the Italians approach this It will either be a cagey game or Turkey will get a good stuffing Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JackLadd Posted Thursday at 17:48 Share Posted Thursday at 17:48 11 minutes ago, Maroon Sailor said: Depends how the Italians approach this It will either be a cagey game or Turkey will get a good stuffing Plus trimmings I hope. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CloustonHMFC Posted Thursday at 17:52 Share Posted Thursday at 17:52 I know Turkey have played some decent football recently but I honestly can't see past the Azzuri for this one. 2-0 Italy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davemclaren Posted Thursday at 17:53 Share Posted Thursday at 17:53 Just now, CloustonHMFC said: I know Turkey have played some decent football recently but I honestly can't see past the Azzuri for this one. 2-0 Italy. Agreed. Italy win. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davemclaren Posted Thursday at 17:54 Share Posted Thursday at 17:54 38 minutes ago, Tambo_The_Jambo said: Sake Dave, pished in everyone’s cornflakes😞 Just sayin’… Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Angel eyes Posted Thursday at 18:22 Share Posted Thursday at 18:22 4 hours ago, tian447 said: I fancy Turkey for a wee 1-0 or 2-1 upset tonight. No "one reason" why, but I suspect it will be an interesting game. Mm Italy havnt lost at home since 1999 50 odd games 39 wins & 11 draws so……… Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tian447 Posted Thursday at 19:02 Share Posted Thursday at 19:02 (edited) 39 minutes ago, Angel eyes said: Mm Italy havnt lost at home since 1999 50 odd games 39 wins & 11 draws so……… Right, and Celtic won the Scottish Premiership 9 times in a row in recent years before spunking it up against the wall, and were also 69 games unbeaten before we pumped them 4-0 at Tynecastle. Track record doesn't always mean anything in football. Turkey have been scoring lots of goals, and took 4 points off France in qualifying. They are no mugs. Edited Thursday at 19:02 by tian447 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smiler Posted Thursday at 19:06 Share Posted Thursday at 19:06 2 hours ago, Jumper said: Belguim to win it I think. When Turkey are playing Italy....that’s some achievement. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Homme Posted Thursday at 20:15 Share Posted Thursday at 20:15 1 hour ago, tian447 said: Right, and Celtic won the Scottish Premiership 9 times in a row in recent years before spunking it up against the wall, and were also 69 games unbeaten before we pumped them 4-0 at Tynecastle. Track record doesn't always mean anything in football. Turkey have been scoring lots of goals, and took 4 points off France in qualifying. They are no mugs. They're no mugs but they're no Italy. Comfortable for the Italians. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
milky_26 Posted Thursday at 20:22 Share Posted Thursday at 20:22 6 minutes ago, Homme said: They're no mugs but they're no Italy. Comfortable for the Italians. agree 3 or 4-0 for mancini's men Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gregzy2k7 Posted Thursday at 20:39 Share Posted Thursday at 20:39 Italy will win this, probably 1-0. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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