The Euros

[Cocacolajojo1]

I'm surprised there isn't a thread about it on here. Sweden is cleaving through the tournament like a hot knife through butter, there's no violence on or off the field, there's noone doing any acting a la Ronaldo, the crowds are mixed both agewise and genderwise and the sun is shining. And Platini is nowhere to be seen. All in all, a lot of football quality. I'm quite enjoying the tournament, although I'm still appalled by the lack of quality among the goalkeepers. I can't really understand why there's such a gap in quality between the outfield players and the goalkeeper. Yes I can. I was just joking. But I don't respect the reasons.

Anyone else watching?

[Nigels Tackle]

I'm surprised there isn't a thread about it on here. Sweden is cleaving through the tournament like a hot knife through butter, there's no violence on or off the field, there's noone doing any acting a la Ronaldo, the crowds are mixed both agewise and genderwise and the sun is shining. And Platini is nowhere to be seen. All in all, a lot of football quality. I'm quite enjoying the tournament, although I'm still appalled by the lack of quality among the goalkeepers. I can't really understand why there's such a gap in quality between the outfield players and the goalkeeper.

Anyone else watching?

there was. england v spain

we gave up after that

[Nigels Tackle]

oh....

(and tin hat on)

women's football would be a lot more credible if they a) made the goal smaller or b) had blokes playing between the sticks

[Arjan Van Schotte]

i go against all my anti-sexist principles here. I've tried, I really have, but the levels of skill on display are simply too low for me to take an interest.

[Ted Hughes]

Norway just battered Spain.

Missed it as I was on the beach but will try to catch some. I enjoy watching it very much & England are smetimes good at it, which makes a change.

[dazby]

oh....

(and tin hat on)

women's football would be a lot more credible if they a) made the goal smaller or b) had blokes playing between the sticks

I think they should go with the size 4 ball. What do you think Andie?

[Cocacolajojo1]

i go against all my anti-sexist principles here. I've tried, I really have, but the levels of skill on display are simply too low for me to take an interest.

But would this be a concern for you if there were men playing?

There's quality football, which is what we get served at City on a daily basis with top-notch players, world-class talent on display. Then there's football quality, which is for example watching football not for it's quality but because football is a fun sport or because you cheer for the team and so on. For example, there's a yearly youth-tournament every year where I live in Sweden and I try to catch a few games each year. I'm usually on vacation and it's just fun to watch. There are no harsh tackles, no filming and just fun. Some players still have that youthful enthusiasm. But the quality is atrocious, compared to the current Euros for example. But it's a good watch.

If I remember correctly you like to watch St. Pauli but they are far from for example City qualitywise. Why is that quality becomes an issue because women are playing but it would never be a an issue if someone enjoyed going to watch conference-football?

[Cocacolajojo1]

oh....

(and tin hat on)

women's football would be a lot more credible if they a) made the goal smaller or b) had blokes playing between the sticks

I think they should go with the size 4 ball. What do you think Andie?

Goalkeeping is always an undervalued resource when it comes to football teams. Up until recently it was unusual to pay 8-10 millions for goalkeepers, although a good one was worth several less goals per season and thus, several points. Remember when the Sheik bought us? We bought NDJ for 16 million pounds and I think we paid 8 million pounds for Given. WHen Sunderland paid like... 10? millions for Gordon a few years ago, it was seen as a bit much.

Likewise, when you have a sport like ladies' football where the resources are much scarcer than for men's football, it's understandable that goalkeeping is the least developed aspect of the game. It doesn't make it sensible but it's what it is. I've often thought that Sweden should invest some extra money in a goalkeeping program for ladies' Football. It would make us so much better than the other teams.

[mr_nool]

i go against all my anti-sexist principles here. I've tried, I really have, but the levels of skill on display are simply too low for me to take an interest.

But would this be a concern for you if there were men playing?

There's quality football, which is what we get served at City on a daily basis with top-notch players, world-class talent on display. Then there's football quality, which is for example watching football not for it's quality but because football is a fun sport or because you cheer for the team and so on. For example, there's a yearly youth-tournament every year where I live in Sweden and I try to catch a few games each year. I'm usually on vacation and it's just fun to watch. There are no harsh tackles, no filming and just fun. Some players still have that youthful enthusiasm. But the quality is atrocious, compared to the current Euros for example. But it's a good watch.

If I remember correctly you like to watch St. Pauli but they are far from for example City qualitywise. Why is that quality becomes an issue because women are playing but it would never be a an issue if someone enjoyed going to watch conference-football?

To me there is a difference between watching football live and watching it on the telly. I enjoy watching amateur, youth and women football live. However, on the telly, the lack of quality (or quality difference to express it more neutrally) really gets to me. For that reason I don't really like watching the U19 Euros, the U17 WC, the Swedish league, etc.

I will be watching tonight, and I'm sure i will enjoy because of the atmosphere and it (hopefully) being an exciting game. But in general, the women's football doesn't do it for me. It's not about physical strength, etc. but players making mistakes that my team mates on a very low amateur level would crucify me for, just isn't good TV.

Perhaps music is a good parallel. I like watching amateurs perform live, but if I wouldn't put on their home made demos when i sit down at home to listen to good music.

[Arjan Van Schotte]

But would this be a concern for you if there were men playing?

There's quality football, which is what we get served at City on a daily basis with top-notch players, world-class talent on display. Then there's football quality, which is for example watching football not for it's quality but because football is a fun sport or because you cheer for the team and so on. For example, there's a yearly youth-tournament every year where I live in Sweden and I try to catch a few games each year. I'm usually on vacation and it's just fun to watch. There are no harsh tackles, no filming and just fun. Some players still have that youthful enthusiasm. But the quality is atrocious, compared to the current Euros for example. But it's a good watch.

If I remember correctly you like to watch St. Pauli but they are far from for example City qualitywise. Why is that quality becomes an issue because women are playing but it would never be a an issue if someone enjoyed going to watch conference-football?

Fair point, I guess I go to st Pauli for the camaraderie, atmosphere and ability to drink and smoke on the terrace :)

But I wouldn't necessarily watch 2. Bundesliga on the telly...

[Cocacolajojo1]

But would this be a concern for you if there were men playing?

There's quality football, which is what we get served at City on a daily basis with top-notch players, world-class talent on display. Then there's football quality, which is for example watching football not for it's quality but because football is a fun sport or because you cheer for the team and so on. For example, there's a yearly youth-tournament every year where I live in Sweden and I try to catch a few games each year. I'm usually on vacation and it's just fun to watch. There are no harsh tackles, no filming and just fun. Some players still have that youthful enthusiasm. But the quality is atrocious, compared to the current Euros for example. But it's a good watch.

If I remember correctly you like to watch St. Pauli but they are far from for example City qualitywise. Why is that quality becomes an issue because women are playing but it would never be a an issue if someone enjoyed going to watch conference-football?

Fair point, I guess I go to st Pauli for the camaraderie, atmosphere and ability to drink and smoke on the terrace :)

But I wouldn't necessarily watch 2. Bundesliga on the telly...

i go against all my anti-sexist principles here. I've tried, I really have, but the levels of skill on display are simply too low for me to take an interest.

But would this be a concern for you if there were men playing?

There's quality football, which is what we get served at City on a daily basis with top-notch players, world-class talent on display. Then there's football quality, which is for example watching football not for it's quality but because football is a fun sport or because you cheer for the team and so on. For example, there's a yearly youth-tournament every year where I live in Sweden and I try to catch a few games each year. I'm usually on vacation and it's just fun to watch. There are no harsh tackles, no filming and just fun. Some players still have that youthful enthusiasm. But the quality is atrocious, compared to the current Euros for example. But it's a good watch.

If I remember correctly you like to watch St. Pauli but they are far from for example City qualitywise. Why is that quality becomes an issue because women are playing but it would never be a an issue if someone enjoyed going to watch conference-football?

To me there is a difference between watching football live and watching it on the telly. I enjoy watching amateur, youth and women football live. However, on the telly, the lack of quality (or quality difference to express it more neutrally) really gets to me. For that reason I don't really like watching the U19 Euros, the U17 WC, the Swedish league, etc.

I will be watching tonight, and I'm sure i will enjoy because of the atmosphere and it (hopefully) being an exciting game. But in general, the women's football doesn't do it for me. It's not about physical strength, etc. but players making mistakes that my team mates on a very low amateur level would crucify me for, just isn't good TV.

Perhaps music is a good parallel. I like watching amateurs perform live, but if I wouldn't put on their home made demos when i sit down at home to listen to good music.

Good points, both of you.

[JamieMCFC]

Sweden is cleaving through the tournament like a hot knife through butter,

Not anymore

[Moonchesteri]

Sweden is cleaving through the tournament like a hot knife through butter,

Not anymore

shame, they played well. and I liked that swedish striker, Aslani. that was entertaining game too, even the keepers were decent! that's something which surprised me earlier in the tournament, the quality of keepers when crosses come in etc. keepers trying to punch the ball but miss the ball completely, or try to catch a simple cross but can't just keep hold of it & drops it. many are decent shot stoppers though

[Cocacolajojo1]

Sweden is cleaving through the tournament like a hot knife through butter,

Not anymore

shame, they played well. and I liked that swedish striker, Aslani. that was entertaining game too, even the keepers were decent! that's something which surprised me earlier in the tournament, the quality of keepers when crosses come in etc. keepers trying to punch the ball but miss the ball completely, or try to catch a simple cross but can't just keep hold of it & drops it. many are decent shot stoppers though

It was a bitter loss. It feels many of the players didn't show up mentally yesterday. The communication between the backline and the central midfield was atrocious at times.

It was a shame. I feel this was our tournament. But that's football for you; historical statistical advantages tend to repeat themselves in the present. We can't beat Germany, at least not yet.