England vs Italy.

I’m rooting for England.

They have not won a major trophy since 66.

Plus they speak English

Well, with Novak Djokovic having just beaten the otherwise excellent Italian player, at least one part of the Italian sporting scene has seen a major downturn.

Mrs tac, who is half-English, was rooting for the Serbian and will, naturally, be similarly rooting for the home team tonight.

As I always do, where football is concerned, I might look on with my usual bemused expression, wondering why the necessity of shipping in almost a thousand extra police officers to 'manage the fans' is just par for the course.

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:
As I always do, where football is concerned, I might look on with my usual bemused expression, wondering why the necessity of shipping in almost a thousand extra police officers to 'manage the fans' is just par for the course.

That's my wife's major issue with the sport. I think otherwise she'd probably be a fan. I enjoy football (*), but I don't watch it often. Same with golf--which I actually play.

Other than a brief infatuation with NHL hockey a number of years ago, and some of the Winter Olympics, I've never been much for watching sports on TV.

(*) By "football" I mean what Americans call "soccer," as opposed to throwing eggball , which doesn't really involve much foot/ball contact

I’m disappointed that it won’t be shown on ABC. I’d rather watch this match live than a rebroadcast of Wimbledon men’s final.

I am watching and hope Italy wins.

England fans are assholes.

That's a crazy amount of pressure on a 19-year old...

wow

game was kinda 'meh' but the PK drama was off the chart.

would like to have seen Harry Kane get the trophy. those PK shooters from England need to skip the 'cutesy / fancy' stuff and just bury the ball.

----------------------------

England lost it long before the pk. They played more defensive than anything and Italy dominated possession. I would have thought more red cards would have given instead of the yellows.

England didn't come out to win it in the second half. They were playing not to lose...

PK's are great when you win and suck when you lose.

Congratulations to Italy.

England has literally sucked since the Churchill era. I mean sucked at everything. Like down the shitter sucked. They deserve everything they get. I have no sympathy.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross,

England played most of the game with 3 center backs, 2 full backs, and twin defensive minds. 7 defensive biased players left Sterling and Kane way too isolated. Needed Grealish and Sancho (since Foden was injured) much sooner.

Italy totally deserved the win, congrats to the Azzurri!

I was rooting for UK, but Italy deserved the win. The only UK player I feel badly for is their keeper, who was outstanding.

With the number of games that were settled by PK's, why not just have everyone show up at the center circle next year and get it over with? Ditch the 90" plus the two extra time periods and go directly to kicks.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by ridgerat:
I am watching and hope Italy wins.

England fans are assholes.

Well, Sir, your wish came true.

I assume that now makes you very happy.

And just for the record, my wife is NOT an asshole.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
England has literally sucked since the Churchill era. I mean sucked at everything. Like down the shitter sucked. They deserve everything they get. I have no sympathy.

I get the feeling that you think that England sucked? Or is it just my overworked imagination?

Good to know that you have such a supportive opinion of the best friend that The USA has ever had.

Well, since 1812, that is.

England with a fluke goal but that is the way the game goes. The best team won and with 2 more wins will set the international record of 36 consecutive games without defeat.

Donnarumma, the Italian goalie has been outstanding and should get the credit for the win with 2 consecutive pk saves.