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AMADOR - Everyone's football
- Thread starter miguelfcp
- Start date
Currently testing some players and some kits, and... Well, here you see Pizzichini doing the Pizzichini: he receives a killer pass by Giosuè Volpi and slots it past Restuccia with a chipped finish while he shields the ball from the defender:
For the build up to Friday afternoon's release the first Western Federation National Teams Cup will be played out entirely by the AI. 
Games will be 20 mins, extra time, penalties. There will be a preliminary round to get us down to 8 teams
The Draw has been made and the Preliminary round will be as follows
France v Wales
Portugal v Scotland
Switzerland v Belgium
Italy v Northern Ireland
Ireland v England
Spain bye
Germany bye
Netherlands bye
Tournament Odds
Netherlands 8
Germany 10
Spain 10
Portugal 12
Italy 14
Belgium 16
France 16
England 16
Northern Ireland 25
Scotland 25
Ireland 25
Wales 33
Switzerland 40
Games will be 20 mins, extra time, penalties. There will be a preliminary round to get us down to 8 teams
The Draw has been made and the Preliminary round will be as follows
France v Wales
Portugal v Scotland
Switzerland v Belgium
Italy v Northern Ireland
Ireland v England
Spain bye
Germany bye
Netherlands bye
Tournament Odds
Netherlands 8
Germany 10
Spain 10
Portugal 12
Italy 14
Belgium 16
France 16
England 16
Northern Ireland 25
Scotland 25
Ireland 25
Wales 33
Switzerland 40
And these are some screens I captured while testing kits:
Friuli Venezia Giulia's Blè shields the ball from Veneto's Colaci in the North-East derby
Lombardia's Lopez wins the ball from Puglia's Giampà
Veneto's Tilinca scores against Friuli Venezia Giulia with a powerful strike with his left foot
A shot from Pizzichini's earlier goal: a gentle touch with the tip of the right foot, and Restuccia is beaten
Friuli Venezia Giulia's Blè shields the ball from Veneto's Colaci in the North-East derby
Lombardia's Lopez wins the ball from Puglia's Giampà
Veneto's Tilinca scores against Friuli Venezia Giulia with a powerful strike with his left foot
A shot from Pizzichini's earlier goal: a gentle touch with the tip of the right foot, and Restuccia is beaten
sniglet
League 1
- 6 August 2007
Wow, just played (watched) the first game and what a game!
First game was France v Wales
Here it is as it unfolded...
I have to say I wasn't sure whether it would be fun to watch a 20 minute game, but what a game and I can't wait to see the next one now!
First game was France v Wales
Here it is as it unfolded...
4 mins Speculative effort from Texeira but it drifts just wide.
7 mins A good chance created for Fabre, he strikes it well but it just goes past the far post.
France dominate the first 10 minutes
18 mins Wales corner, but Osbourne heads over from a difficult angle
20 mins Texeira looking good in midfield plays a ball through to Andre but he can only hit it at the keeper from a tight angle
22 mins Andre gets another shot in but this time it's blocked as France pile on the pressure
23 mins of Wales is booked for a heavy challenge.
26 mins Wales break with McCreesh but da Costa breaks things up with a great tackle
France boss the first half hour and it looks just a matter of time before they break the deadlock.
31 mins a bad tackle by Rouch and it's a yellow card for France.
32 mins Wales look to get forward but a towering header by Dufour ends any danger.
35 mins France playing some nice stuff but Wales are standing firm.
43 mins da Costa intercepts the ball nicely and plays in Fabre only for of Wales to nip in quickly to stop the threat
45 mins Fabre gets the ball in the Wales half, he takes on his man and unleashes a shot from the edge of the box. It's in! A great strike 1-0 France in stoppage time. It's fair to say it's been coming for a while.
HT France 1-0 Wales. Can Wales react and get themselves back in this so far one-sided game?
7 mins A good chance created for Fabre, he strikes it well but it just goes past the far post.
France dominate the first 10 minutes
18 mins Wales corner, but Osbourne heads over from a difficult angle
20 mins Texeira looking good in midfield plays a ball through to Andre but he can only hit it at the keeper from a tight angle
22 mins Andre gets another shot in but this time it's blocked as France pile on the pressure
23 mins of Wales is booked for a heavy challenge.
26 mins Wales break with McCreesh but da Costa breaks things up with a great tackle
France boss the first half hour and it looks just a matter of time before they break the deadlock.
31 mins a bad tackle by Rouch and it's a yellow card for France.
32 mins Wales look to get forward but a towering header by Dufour ends any danger.
35 mins France playing some nice stuff but Wales are standing firm.
43 mins da Costa intercepts the ball nicely and plays in Fabre only for of Wales to nip in quickly to stop the threat
45 mins Fabre gets the ball in the Wales half, he takes on his man and unleashes a shot from the edge of the box. It's in! A great strike 1-0 France in stoppage time. It's fair to say it's been coming for a while.
HT France 1-0 Wales. Can Wales react and get themselves back in this so far one-sided game?
48 mins A cross from Le Bris looks like causing danger but it's a Welsh head that gets their first to head clear.
50 mins Fabre is brought down and looks for a card but the referee doesn't oblige.
52 mins A good in swinging cross from Osbourne causes some concern in the French defence as it drifts into the six yard box, but Dufour gets his head to it and clears as Wales look to chase the game.
54 mins A hard challenge in midfield from Texeira gives Wales a free kick. That might have earnt him a card from another referee.
57 mins a good run from the left back is ended with a deflected cross that falls to Fabre but he can only hit it wide under challenge. He hobbles away after it. Wales will hope he is going off.
58 mins With Fabre still on he plays in Andre, he checks inside the centre back before hitting a great shot that just goes over the bar. What a goal that would have been.
59 mins And Fabre is now substituted as he limps off. Wales will hope his replacement is less of a problem for their defence. Powell for Wales is also seemingly injured after the earlier Texeira challenge and Wales are getting a sub ready.
60 mins and Wales are still in this but in all truth a second French goal looks more likely than an equaliser at this stage.
61 mins And just as I say that, Powell crosses from the right, it's met by with a header that crashes against the French post! Wales so nearly back in the game there.
70 minutes France playing some lovely stuff now but the Welsh defence just getting a foot in at the vital moment.
75 minutes France bossing the game as Andre gets it to da Costa near the edge of the Welsh box, he looks to find room to shoot but is brought down. It looks like Texeira will take the kick.
76 mins He did, but he put it over the bar.
77 mins Another card for France as Vuillemin takes out Shephard who gets up gingerly.
78 mins The free kick comes in but the Welsh header floats harmlessly to the keeper.
80 mins Wales still in this as the French can't find a way to put the game to bed.
81 mins Nironi, who came on for Fabre, wins the ball just inside his own half and with the Welsh defence pushed right up he breaks free. Holding off two challengers he gets to the edge of the box before striking a shot that beats the keeper but crashes off the bar and out!
84 mins Wales throwing the kitchen sink at France now but the French break on them again. Wales regroup though before Lever, the Welsh left back collects the fourth card of the game as he crudely hacks down Le Bris.
86 Hulse gets room for a shoot for Wales but the keeper makes a routine save.
90 mins The ref adds just 1 minute of stoppage time
91 mins Wales get down the right with Broad. He swings in a great cross. It breaks to Hulse who tries to lift it over the Gormaz, the keeper, from close range. He stands tall though and blocks it back into a crowd scene inside the six yard box. Landry of France and Lewis of Wales both swing at the ball. Both connect and it richochets up into the air landing behind Lewis. He swivels on it with his left foot and it's going in only for Gormaz to react superbly and save, only for it to hit Texeira on the knee and drop into the net! Wales have got a last gasp equaliser from the mother of all scrambles!
Extra Time
94 mins Wales, seemingly now with the bit between their teeth, are taking it to France, who seem to be taking a breather. A loose back pass gives Wales a corner but it's cleared.
96 minutes. Great feet from Nironi who skipes past two challenges before hitting a great shot that is met with an equally great save from Beniamous in the Welsh goal as he pushes it around the post for a corner. It's headed out for another, but that one is cleared.
99 mins Marie, who came on for da Costa gets in down the left side of the box for France and drills a shot at goal that is well caught by Beniamous as France get the initiative back.
HT and it's still 1-1
107 mins And it's the fifth yellow card of the game as Hulse of Wales is booked for a challenge on Rouch in midfield. Will he be ok to continue? All subs have been used by both sides.
108 mins Good work down the left again from Marie and he gets in a dangerous cross that Wales let bounce in the six yard box before Lever manages to get to it first and launch it out for a corner.
109 The corner comes in and somehow goes between Besson and Nironi and neither can make contact with the goal gaping before them.
111 Nironi plays a nice ball out wide to Marie, who is causing Wales all sorts of problems. He gets in another dangerous cross that a Welsh head just gets to first with Nironi about to pounce on it.
124 End to end stuff now as both teams go for it, leacing themselves open to counter attack.
128 Both defences winning key headers. Then the ball falls to Hulse in the French box. He strikes for goal but Vuillemin gets his body in the way and it cannons off his legs for a corner!
130 The ref blows for Full Time!
Stats
(Fra - Wal)
Shots 14(3) - 7 (4)
Corners 3 - 4
Fouls 6 - 8
Yellow Cards 2 - 3
Possession 52 - 48
M.O.M. Fabre (France) 7.0
To penalties we go!
Nironi In off the bar 1-0!
Osbourne 1-1
Besson misses! 1-1
Hulse hits the bar! 1-1
Marie down the middle 2-1
McCreesh hits the bar! 2-1
Lambert in 3-1
Broad scores a pressure penalty! 3-2
Rouch to win it ....
and it's in!
France win 4-2 on penalites!
They'll feel they deserved it but Wales fought doggedly and could have nicked it themselves.
50 mins Fabre is brought down and looks for a card but the referee doesn't oblige.
52 mins A good in swinging cross from Osbourne causes some concern in the French defence as it drifts into the six yard box, but Dufour gets his head to it and clears as Wales look to chase the game.
54 mins A hard challenge in midfield from Texeira gives Wales a free kick. That might have earnt him a card from another referee.
57 mins a good run from the left back is ended with a deflected cross that falls to Fabre but he can only hit it wide under challenge. He hobbles away after it. Wales will hope he is going off.
58 mins With Fabre still on he plays in Andre, he checks inside the centre back before hitting a great shot that just goes over the bar. What a goal that would have been.
59 mins And Fabre is now substituted as he limps off. Wales will hope his replacement is less of a problem for their defence. Powell for Wales is also seemingly injured after the earlier Texeira challenge and Wales are getting a sub ready.
60 mins and Wales are still in this but in all truth a second French goal looks more likely than an equaliser at this stage.
61 mins And just as I say that, Powell crosses from the right, it's met by with a header that crashes against the French post! Wales so nearly back in the game there.
70 minutes France playing some lovely stuff now but the Welsh defence just getting a foot in at the vital moment.
75 minutes France bossing the game as Andre gets it to da Costa near the edge of the Welsh box, he looks to find room to shoot but is brought down. It looks like Texeira will take the kick.
76 mins He did, but he put it over the bar.
77 mins Another card for France as Vuillemin takes out Shephard who gets up gingerly.
78 mins The free kick comes in but the Welsh header floats harmlessly to the keeper.
80 mins Wales still in this as the French can't find a way to put the game to bed.
81 mins Nironi, who came on for Fabre, wins the ball just inside his own half and with the Welsh defence pushed right up he breaks free. Holding off two challengers he gets to the edge of the box before striking a shot that beats the keeper but crashes off the bar and out!
84 mins Wales throwing the kitchen sink at France now but the French break on them again. Wales regroup though before Lever, the Welsh left back collects the fourth card of the game as he crudely hacks down Le Bris.
86 Hulse gets room for a shoot for Wales but the keeper makes a routine save.
90 mins The ref adds just 1 minute of stoppage time
91 mins Wales get down the right with Broad. He swings in a great cross. It breaks to Hulse who tries to lift it over the Gormaz, the keeper, from close range. He stands tall though and blocks it back into a crowd scene inside the six yard box. Landry of France and Lewis of Wales both swing at the ball. Both connect and it richochets up into the air landing behind Lewis. He swivels on it with his left foot and it's going in only for Gormaz to react superbly and save, only for it to hit Texeira on the knee and drop into the net! Wales have got a last gasp equaliser from the mother of all scrambles!
Extra Time
94 mins Wales, seemingly now with the bit between their teeth, are taking it to France, who seem to be taking a breather. A loose back pass gives Wales a corner but it's cleared.
96 minutes. Great feet from Nironi who skipes past two challenges before hitting a great shot that is met with an equally great save from Beniamous in the Welsh goal as he pushes it around the post for a corner. It's headed out for another, but that one is cleared.
99 mins Marie, who came on for da Costa gets in down the left side of the box for France and drills a shot at goal that is well caught by Beniamous as France get the initiative back.
HT and it's still 1-1
107 mins And it's the fifth yellow card of the game as Hulse of Wales is booked for a challenge on Rouch in midfield. Will he be ok to continue? All subs have been used by both sides.
108 mins Good work down the left again from Marie and he gets in a dangerous cross that Wales let bounce in the six yard box before Lever manages to get to it first and launch it out for a corner.
109 The corner comes in and somehow goes between Besson and Nironi and neither can make contact with the goal gaping before them.
111 Nironi plays a nice ball out wide to Marie, who is causing Wales all sorts of problems. He gets in another dangerous cross that a Welsh head just gets to first with Nironi about to pounce on it.
124 End to end stuff now as both teams go for it, leacing themselves open to counter attack.
128 Both defences winning key headers. Then the ball falls to Hulse in the French box. He strikes for goal but Vuillemin gets his body in the way and it cannons off his legs for a corner!
130 The ref blows for Full Time!
Stats
(Fra - Wal)
Shots 14(3) - 7 (4)
Corners 3 - 4
Fouls 6 - 8
Yellow Cards 2 - 3
Possession 52 - 48
M.O.M. Fabre (France) 7.0
To penalties we go!
Nironi In off the bar 1-0!
Osbourne 1-1
Besson misses! 1-1
Hulse hits the bar! 1-1
Marie down the middle 2-1
McCreesh hits the bar! 2-1
Lambert in 3-1
Broad scores a pressure penalty! 3-2
Rouch to win it ....
and it's in!
France win 4-2 on penalites!
They'll feel they deserved it but Wales fought doggedly and could have nicked it themselves.
I have to say I wasn't sure whether it would be fun to watch a 20 minute game, but what a game and I can't wait to see the next one now!
- Thread starter
- #311
The second game is done and dusted and another thoroughly enjoyable 20 minutes of viewing!
Next up
Switzerland v Belgium
8 mins Futre gets on the end of a cross but can only nod it tamely at the keeper
10 mins Futre plays a great 1-2 with Resende and finds himself in the box at an angle. He strikes for goal but the keeper is out quickly to block, the loose ball is scrambled away as Resende looked to get a touch to steer it home.
12 mins Portugal on top early on with Futre already pulling the strings in midfield
14 mins The LB Silveira cut inside and hit what was in all honesty a hopeful punt into the box. However Futre got in front of his defender to flick a back header towards goal. The keeper got a hand to it but couldn't stop it going in! 1-0 Portugal
18 mins Portugal pouring forward again, playing some lovely stuff around Scotland. Another cross comes in but it's headed clear, only for another one to come in that evades everyone. Scotland hanging on here at the moment
22 mins Texeira dances down the wing and swings over another cross that the busy Scottish defence get clear again.
25 mins A frustrated Scotland player hacks down Futre but he gets up, seemingly ok.
26 mins Left back Silveira gets down the wing and plays a ball inside to Resende, he hits it but it's charged down.
31 mins A ball is played into Oliveira, up top for Portugal, he cuts in on his left only to be brought down just outside the area. Up steps Futre, but it drifts over the bar
33 mins Scotland pressuring Portugal but they always seem to have a pass on and Scotland are sturggling to get any meaningful possession.
36 mins Lopez plays a neat ball to Silveira who swings in a curving cross that is just out of Futre's reach.
38 mins RB Dias now, works a position well but wastes the chance by hitting his cross straight at the defender.
41 mins Portuguese keeper, Nunes, is briefly spotted but the Scottish striker is offside
44 mins In a rare foray forward, Scottish L Baxter beats his man, only to be crudely hacked down from behind. A foul that earns Dias a yellow card. The free kick comes to nothing.
HT Portugal 1-0 Scotland. Portugal well on top but much like France, only have one goal to show for it. Will Scotland react like Wales did and get back into the game?
HT Stats
Shots Por 6(4) Sco 0
Fouls 3 - 2
Yellows 1 - 0
Poss 61(!) - 39
10 mins Futre plays a great 1-2 with Resende and finds himself in the box at an angle. He strikes for goal but the keeper is out quickly to block, the loose ball is scrambled away as Resende looked to get a touch to steer it home.
12 mins Portugal on top early on with Futre already pulling the strings in midfield
14 mins The LB Silveira cut inside and hit what was in all honesty a hopeful punt into the box. However Futre got in front of his defender to flick a back header towards goal. The keeper got a hand to it but couldn't stop it going in! 1-0 Portugal
18 mins Portugal pouring forward again, playing some lovely stuff around Scotland. Another cross comes in but it's headed clear, only for another one to come in that evades everyone. Scotland hanging on here at the moment
22 mins Texeira dances down the wing and swings over another cross that the busy Scottish defence get clear again.
25 mins A frustrated Scotland player hacks down Futre but he gets up, seemingly ok.
26 mins Left back Silveira gets down the wing and plays a ball inside to Resende, he hits it but it's charged down.
31 mins A ball is played into Oliveira, up top for Portugal, he cuts in on his left only to be brought down just outside the area. Up steps Futre, but it drifts over the bar
33 mins Scotland pressuring Portugal but they always seem to have a pass on and Scotland are sturggling to get any meaningful possession.
36 mins Lopez plays a neat ball to Silveira who swings in a curving cross that is just out of Futre's reach.
38 mins RB Dias now, works a position well but wastes the chance by hitting his cross straight at the defender.
41 mins Portuguese keeper, Nunes, is briefly spotted but the Scottish striker is offside
44 mins In a rare foray forward, Scottish L Baxter beats his man, only to be crudely hacked down from behind. A foul that earns Dias a yellow card. The free kick comes to nothing.
HT Portugal 1-0 Scotland. Portugal well on top but much like France, only have one goal to show for it. Will Scotland react like Wales did and get back into the game?
HT Stats
Shots Por 6(4) Sco 0
Fouls 3 - 2
Yellows 1 - 0
Poss 61(!) - 39
46 mins Scotland get their first chance of the match but it's headed well over.
47 mins Portugal react immediately as Resende gets down the left and puts in a dangerous low cross. Texeira, coming in from the other wing, gets there first to poke it home and extend the lead! Portugal 2-0. Surely no way back fro Scotland now?
49 mins Resende is booked for a hard tackle in midfield.
50 mins A contentious moment in the Portgual box as a dangerous cross comes in and Scottish striker, , appears to be shoved in the back and goes to ground. Nothing given by the man who matters though.
53 mins A yellow for Scotland now as Fox hacks down Resende.
56 mins The dangerous Resende gets in down the left again but his chipped ball in is claimed by the keeper
63 mins Scotland switch to a 4-2-4 as they search for a way back into the contest.
70 mins Lopez gets a bit too confident trying to dribble out of trouble on the edge of his own box and is dispossessed by Ferguson, but his shot is straight at the keeper.
73 mins Portugal content to play on the break now
75 mins Futre, who has yet to misplace a pass, picks out another fine ball, this time to Resende on the corner of the box. He shoots and the keeper can only palm it out into the six yard box. However it's a Scotland defender who gets there first to hack clear.
78 mins Resende sends in a free kick, Oliveira rises to meet it but despite meeting it well, sends it wide.
83 mins Fidalgo does well to get a cross in for Oliveira and his header is saved by the keeper. Oliveira gets to the resulting corner as well but can only head it over.
86 mins Portugal repelling anything Scotland can come up with and still looking the more dangerous side.
89 mins Porgual almost put a cherry on top as Oliveira holds the ball up well, plays it back to Futre, who steps around his man and plays in Texeira who can only drag his shot wide.
90 mins The board goes up with 2 mins on it.
92 mins It's all over.
Portugal win 2-0 with a fine display that Scotland never really came close to coping with.
Stats
Por 13(5) Scot 3(2)
Fouls 5 - 5
Yellows 2 - 1
Poss 56 - 44
M.O.M Joao Futre
47 mins Portugal react immediately as Resende gets down the left and puts in a dangerous low cross. Texeira, coming in from the other wing, gets there first to poke it home and extend the lead! Portugal 2-0. Surely no way back fro Scotland now?
49 mins Resende is booked for a hard tackle in midfield.
50 mins A contentious moment in the Portgual box as a dangerous cross comes in and Scottish striker, , appears to be shoved in the back and goes to ground. Nothing given by the man who matters though.
53 mins A yellow for Scotland now as Fox hacks down Resende.
56 mins The dangerous Resende gets in down the left again but his chipped ball in is claimed by the keeper
63 mins Scotland switch to a 4-2-4 as they search for a way back into the contest.
70 mins Lopez gets a bit too confident trying to dribble out of trouble on the edge of his own box and is dispossessed by Ferguson, but his shot is straight at the keeper.
73 mins Portugal content to play on the break now
75 mins Futre, who has yet to misplace a pass, picks out another fine ball, this time to Resende on the corner of the box. He shoots and the keeper can only palm it out into the six yard box. However it's a Scotland defender who gets there first to hack clear.
78 mins Resende sends in a free kick, Oliveira rises to meet it but despite meeting it well, sends it wide.
83 mins Fidalgo does well to get a cross in for Oliveira and his header is saved by the keeper. Oliveira gets to the resulting corner as well but can only head it over.
86 mins Portugal repelling anything Scotland can come up with and still looking the more dangerous side.
89 mins Porgual almost put a cherry on top as Oliveira holds the ball up well, plays it back to Futre, who steps around his man and plays in Texeira who can only drag his shot wide.
90 mins The board goes up with 2 mins on it.
92 mins It's all over.
Portugal win 2-0 with a fine display that Scotland never really came close to coping with.
Stats
Por 13(5) Scot 3(2)
Fouls 5 - 5
Yellows 2 - 1
Poss 56 - 44
M.O.M Joao Futre
Next up
Switzerland v Belgium
- Thread starter
- #313
miguelfcp
Premier League
- 27 June 2009
Ahh, the Domingos-Pinto-Syndrome...João Futre is always dangerous when controlled by the CPU, but when I'm in charge he's always discreet...
I'm very confident with Portugal's chances...it seems the manager has picked the best offensive talent they have, which I believe will be enough to challenge any defense out there. I'm more concerned with their defense, I don't think it's as competent as their offense - even if Scotland couldn't threaten it.
I'm very confident with Portugal's chances...it seems the manager has picked the best offensive talent they have, which I believe will be enough to challenge any defense out there. I'm more concerned with their defense, I don't think it's as competent as their offense - even if Scotland couldn't threaten it.
@miguelfcp
The Portuguese squad (apologies for no accents!)
GK
Nunes, Ribeiro, Pestana
DF
Dias, Martins, Gonclaves, Vina, Correia, Curto, Silveira, Ferreira
MF
Silva, Augusto, Lopes, Futre, Fidalgo, Teixeira
CF/WF
Mariz, Resende, Costa, Oliveira, Mesquita, Martins
With so many good AM types I left them in the default attacking 4-5-1 set up they had.
The Portuguese squad
(apologies for no accents!)GK
Nunes, Ribeiro, Pestana
DF
Dias, Martins, Gonclaves, Vina, Correia, Curto, Silveira, Ferreira
MF
Silva, Augusto, Lopes, Futre, Fidalgo, Teixeira
CF/WF
Mariz, Resende, Costa, Oliveira, Mesquita, Martins
With so many good AM types I left them in the default attacking 4-5-1 set up they had.
The third game is done and dusted.
Switzerland v Belgium
I'm typing the updates in notepad as I'm watching the games and I've got to say so much is going on at some points that I have to pause the game to catch up
Next up Italian manager @*aLe puts his job on the line as they face Northern Ireland
Switzerland v Belgium
6 mins The first shot of the games goes to Hodel of Switzerland, which produces a corner as the defender blocks it.
7 mins This is looking like it could be quite an interesting game as Belgium are playing a very attacking 4-3-3 whilst the Swiss are 4-5-1. Beligum have already been exposed at the back on a Sqiss break
9 mins And it's happened again. The Swiss break, Honneger gets to the byline, pulls it back across and Hodel is there ahead of the defender to tap home. 1-0 Switzerland!
17 mins Despite some nice approach play from Belgium, they are struggling to find any room to get behind Switzerland's packed defence.
20 mins Navet gets in down Belgium's left. The ball finds its way to Hodel and he is challenged heavily, but fairly and it's a corner.
23 mins Swaeggers gets down the left but can only find a Swiss head as they crowd out the Belgian strikers.
28 mins Some good play from Belgium as they nicely work an opening for Dereere, who powers a shot into the far corner of the goal leaving the Swiss keeper with no chance! 1-1! The first time they've had a bit of space to strike a clean shot.
32 More good play from Belgium and they are in front! It's that man Dereere again! A lovely ball from Gallain into this path, he strode forward to the edge of the box and rifled in a low shot that the keeper again had no chance with. In the space of four minutes Belgium have turned the game upside down.
36 mins The impressive Navet gets in again down the right for the Swiss but his low cross is cleared for a throw. The cross comes in but Chiaruttini can't connect with it.
40 mins Switzerland having a right go now and Chiartuttini works a chance for the unfortunately named Cunti, who produces a good save from the Belgian keeper.
43 mins Free Kick for Belgium but Swaegers puts it high and wide.
45 mins Belgium in down the right but although they work an opening, Gallain takes a touch rather than shoot first time and the chance is gone.
HT Belgium 2-1 Switzerland, a lively first half.
Stats
Swi 4(2) Bel 3(2)
Fouls 2 - 2
Cards 0 - 0
Poss 53 - 47
The game still very much in the balance I think. Belgium very dangerous if they get any space but the Swiss are also causing a lot of problem as well.
7 mins This is looking like it could be quite an interesting game as Belgium are playing a very attacking 4-3-3 whilst the Swiss are 4-5-1. Beligum have already been exposed at the back on a Sqiss break
9 mins And it's happened again. The Swiss break, Honneger gets to the byline, pulls it back across and Hodel is there ahead of the defender to tap home. 1-0 Switzerland!
17 mins Despite some nice approach play from Belgium, they are struggling to find any room to get behind Switzerland's packed defence.
20 mins Navet gets in down Belgium's left. The ball finds its way to Hodel and he is challenged heavily, but fairly and it's a corner.
23 mins Swaeggers gets down the left but can only find a Swiss head as they crowd out the Belgian strikers.
28 mins Some good play from Belgium as they nicely work an opening for Dereere, who powers a shot into the far corner of the goal leaving the Swiss keeper with no chance! 1-1! The first time they've had a bit of space to strike a clean shot.
32 More good play from Belgium and they are in front! It's that man Dereere again! A lovely ball from Gallain into this path, he strode forward to the edge of the box and rifled in a low shot that the keeper again had no chance with. In the space of four minutes Belgium have turned the game upside down.
36 mins The impressive Navet gets in again down the right for the Swiss but his low cross is cleared for a throw. The cross comes in but Chiaruttini can't connect with it.
40 mins Switzerland having a right go now and Chiartuttini works a chance for the unfortunately named Cunti, who produces a good save from the Belgian keeper.
43 mins Free Kick for Belgium but Swaegers puts it high and wide.
45 mins Belgium in down the right but although they work an opening, Gallain takes a touch rather than shoot first time and the chance is gone.
HT Belgium 2-1 Switzerland, a lively first half.
Stats
Swi 4(2) Bel 3(2)
Fouls 2 - 2
Cards 0 - 0
Poss 53 - 47
The game still very much in the balance I think. Belgium very dangerous if they get any space but the Swiss are also causing a lot of problem as well.
50 mins Honneger finds Chiaruttini, who lets fly from 25yds but it's charged down.
54 mins An awful tackle on Swaegers from results in a yellow card that was fortunate not to be a red! He probably got away with by helping him pick up his scattered body parts.
60 mins Belgium playing defensive now and look happy to play on the break.
62 minis A great ball through to Navet by Chiaruttini,leaving him in on goal. He slides the shot past the keeper, but agonisingly past the post as well! A real chance to level it up there!
65 The Swiss get a corner which is headed over by a well placed Hodel who should have done better. Beligum playing a dangerous game here by sitting back.
67 Chiaruttini flicks a ball over the top of the Belgian defence for Hodel, but he keeper is out quick to get there first.
70 mins gone and Belgium have yet to trouble Switzerland this half
73 mins Another good chance for Hodel but he wastes it by putting it well wide.
75 mins 15 to go and will Switzerland's effort be rewarded?
78 mins Belgian patiently playing it around draw a foul and yellow card for Switzerland
80 mins Dereere heads on a free kick which the keeper fumbles but grabs at the second attempt.
81 mins Hodel has a host charged down as Switzerland continue to knock at the door
83 mins Chiaruttini tries to get Hodel in again but it's over hit.
87 mins Switzerland with the entire team in Belgium's half work a ball into the box but it's a Belgium player first to it to hoof clear.
90 mins It's all over as Belgium see the game out.
FT Switzerland 1-2 Belgium. The Belgians on the whole were a bit disappointing bar that five minute spell when they took the Swiss defence apart. A very negative second half from them could have proved costly but in the end they got the job done. I feel they'll have to produce a bit more than this to get to the business end of the competition.
Stats
Swi 10(5) Bel 5(3)
Fouls 4 - 5
Cards 2 - 0
Poss 53 - 47
M.O.M De Moi (Bel CB)
54 mins An awful tackle on Swaegers from results in a yellow card that was fortunate not to be a red! He probably got away with by helping him pick up his scattered body parts.
60 mins Belgium playing defensive now and look happy to play on the break.
62 minis A great ball through to Navet by Chiaruttini,leaving him in on goal. He slides the shot past the keeper, but agonisingly past the post as well! A real chance to level it up there!
65 The Swiss get a corner which is headed over by a well placed Hodel who should have done better. Beligum playing a dangerous game here by sitting back.
67 Chiaruttini flicks a ball over the top of the Belgian defence for Hodel, but he keeper is out quick to get there first.
70 mins gone and Belgium have yet to trouble Switzerland this half
73 mins Another good chance for Hodel but he wastes it by putting it well wide.
75 mins 15 to go and will Switzerland's effort be rewarded?
78 mins Belgian patiently playing it around draw a foul and yellow card for Switzerland
80 mins Dereere heads on a free kick which the keeper fumbles but grabs at the second attempt.
81 mins Hodel has a host charged down as Switzerland continue to knock at the door
83 mins Chiaruttini tries to get Hodel in again but it's over hit.
87 mins Switzerland with the entire team in Belgium's half work a ball into the box but it's a Belgium player first to it to hoof clear.
90 mins It's all over as Belgium see the game out.
FT Switzerland 1-2 Belgium. The Belgians on the whole were a bit disappointing bar that five minute spell when they took the Swiss defence apart. A very negative second half from them could have proved costly but in the end they got the job done. I feel they'll have to produce a bit more than this to get to the business end of the competition.
Stats
Swi 10(5) Bel 5(3)
Fouls 4 - 5
Cards 2 - 0
Poss 53 - 47
M.O.M De Moi (Bel CB)
I'm typing the updates in notepad as I'm watching the games and I've got to say so much is going on at some points that I have to pause the game to catch up
Next up Italian manager @*aLe puts his job on the line as they face Northern Ireland
While we wait for our wonderful national team to play against Northern Ireland, here you can see another couple of screens of Italian teams:
Piemonte's Mirko Paderni shielding the ball from an opponent
Sicilia's Vavassori ready to fire a volley towards the goal against Valle d'Aosta
Piemonte's Mirko Paderni shielding the ball from an opponent
Sicilia's Vavassori ready to fire a volley towards the goal against Valle d'Aosta
Not sure if you're about @*aLe but here's the first half
Despite rumours of unrest in the Italian camp they are favourites for this clash.
1 min Palmieri does well in midfield and almost finds Oris open in the box but an Irish defender just gets their first.
3 mins And it's the first yellow of the game as Crawford is booked for a rash challenge on Nesi. Nesi's up and ok much to the relief of his manager, *Ale
4 mins A sloppy piece of play from the free kick gives a chance to O'Neill who gets in a nice header that just goes over.
9 mins A great cross in from the left sees Crawford head against the bar!
10 mins As the balls cleared, another cross comes in which Crawford wins again but sends wide.
11 mins Malone tries an ambitious effort that sails wide. All Northern Ireland in the last five minutes.
13 mins Palmieri does well again and gets the ball to Orsani but his first time shot is blocked and the keeper gets to it first.
15 mins N. Ireland get in down the right and again win the header from the cross. This time Millar should really have scored but heads over. Italy all at sea at the back and can't stop these crosses.
19 mins Another Irish shot charged down.
22 mins Palmieri again, the one shining light for Italy so far. This time he finds out wide, his ball comes in and Orsi launches himself for a diving header but the defender just gets there first.
25 mins Good work from Millar down the right earns the Irish a corner but it comes to nothing.
28 mins Another cross in, Sorrentino does well to get to it but can only hit it across the six yard box. It's headed back across and Kirk pokes the ball home! N. Ireland take the lead!
30 mins Screams for a penalty from the Italian dugout but Iacuzo went down too easily.
34 mins A long shot from Kirk goes wide.
36 mins Italy still unable to create anything or even get hold of the ball really as Ireland dictate the play.
39 mins Italy finally get a bit of the ball. A decent cross in but Furlan's shot is blocked.
41 mins Orsi does well and finds Palmieri who lets fly from 25 yards but it goes just wide.
45 mins The first half comes to a close and Northern Ireland go in with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Stats
Ita 3(1) N.Ire 11(1)
Fouls 2 - 3
Cards 0 - 1
Poss 45 - 55
Italy need to get a hold of this game because at this stage there's only one team in it.
/SPOILER]
1 min Palmieri does well in midfield and almost finds Oris open in the box but an Irish defender just gets their first.
3 mins And it's the first yellow of the game as Crawford is booked for a rash challenge on Nesi. Nesi's up and ok much to the relief of his manager, *Ale
4 mins A sloppy piece of play from the free kick gives a chance to O'Neill who gets in a nice header that just goes over.
9 mins A great cross in from the left sees Crawford head against the bar!
10 mins As the balls cleared, another cross comes in which Crawford wins again but sends wide.
11 mins Malone tries an ambitious effort that sails wide. All Northern Ireland in the last five minutes.
13 mins Palmieri does well again and gets the ball to Orsani but his first time shot is blocked and the keeper gets to it first.
15 mins N. Ireland get in down the right and again win the header from the cross. This time Millar should really have scored but heads over. Italy all at sea at the back and can't stop these crosses.
19 mins Another Irish shot charged down.
22 mins Palmieri again, the one shining light for Italy so far. This time he finds out wide, his ball comes in and Orsi launches himself for a diving header but the defender just gets there first.
25 mins Good work from Millar down the right earns the Irish a corner but it comes to nothing.
28 mins Another cross in, Sorrentino does well to get to it but can only hit it across the six yard box. It's headed back across and Kirk pokes the ball home! N. Ireland take the lead!
30 mins Screams for a penalty from the Italian dugout but Iacuzo went down too easily.
34 mins A long shot from Kirk goes wide.
36 mins Italy still unable to create anything or even get hold of the ball really as Ireland dictate the play.
39 mins Italy finally get a bit of the ball. A decent cross in but Furlan's shot is blocked.
41 mins Orsi does well and finds Palmieri who lets fly from 25 yards but it goes just wide.
45 mins The first half comes to a close and Northern Ireland go in with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Stats
Ita 3(1) N.Ire 11(1)
Fouls 2 - 3
Cards 0 - 1
Poss 45 - 55
Italy need to get a hold of this game because at this stage there's only one team in it.
/SPOILER]
Here's the second half.
46 mins AND IT'S A STRAIGHT RED for Northern Ireland!! Furlan is hacked down by Carruthers the left back and the referee (Not even our friend Mr Ito!) decides he has to go. As he pulls his red card out of his pocket an envelope falls out which he hurriedly picks up. Is this the lifeline for Italy?
47 mins Cestaro takes the free kick for Italy and... it goes out for a throw-in!! Seriously!
49 mins. Orsi does well, he knocks it to Palmieri, he chips it through to Furlan, he takes a heavy touch but gets to the rebound to poke the ball home!! It's 1-1 as *Ale sets off down the touchline urging the fans to make more noise.
51 mins The combination of a rocket from their manager at half time and the red card have turned his game on its head. Now Forlan has to go off after the heavy challenge from Carruthers. To a big cheer from the crowd Bobo Fortini is introduced!
52 mins Iacuzo puts in a good free kick but N.Ireland win the header and clear.
53 mins Northern Ireland get a free kick on what is their first attack of the half. McDaid is stretchered off but comes back on. The header from the swung in kick is headed over though.
55 mins Palmieri plays a 1-2 with Cestaro who this time hits a somewhat better shot than his free kick, but it goes just wide.
56 mins Orsi wins the ball, he feeds Bobo, is this his chance? He shoots but it's saved, he gets to the rebound and fires it in again but straight at the keeper and it's hacked clear.
57 mins Italy force a corner which ends with Palmieri hitting a shot against a defender.
60 mins Italy bossing things now with the extra man but can they get that all important goal.
They are starting to knock it around with confidence now though.
62 mins A lunge from Iacuzo earns him a yellow as McDaid is stretchered off for the second time.
65 mins Northern Ireland have left two up front despite being down to ten.
68 mins The Irish just starting to get hold of the ball a bit now as Italy's sustained attacks finally slow down.
70 mins Italy break quickly, Orsi is played in with the defender alongside him. He shoots but drags it wide!
72 mins Kirk plays a long ball up, gets underneath it and misses it but Malone can't capitalise and balloons his header way over.
74 mins *Ale brings Libbi on and his first contribution is to get hacked down.
75 mins Nice play from Italy but N.Ireland repel the threat.
77 mins McCaw is left open down the right, his cross comes in but it's headed away
78 mins Another cross gets in and this one is looped up in the air by Kirk's header, it's dropping wide but is headed away anyway.
81 mins It's the move of the match. Fortini wins the ball, he knocks it back to De Brasi who plays it in to Palmieri. He feeds it out wide to Nesi who fires in a low cross. Orsi gets on the end of it and blasts it past the Irish keeper!! Italy 2-1 !!
82 mins Around 10 minutes for 10 men Northern Ireland to find a way back into this.
84 mins A good ball in leaves Nesi with choice but to head it out for a corner. Corner comes in and is headed but blocked. The Irish still so dangerous in the air.
86 mins Italy trying to keep the ball now
88 mins Fortini, Palmieri, De Brasi, Fortini back to De Brasi and hit first time through to Orsi, he strikes it goalwards, it's heading for the far corner of the net, but it's a great save from Best in goal. What a move by the Italians. Night and day now from the team who played the first half. Is it the 10 men, or was it the wise words of manager *Ale?
90 mins Italy controlling things but they lose the ball on the half way line! Kirk is one on one with Valente. But Valente makes a great last ditch tackle!
94 mins Surely the last chance for Northern Ireland as they get the ball in the corner. It comes in from Harvey. Valente goes to clear under a challenge from Malone but it comes off his shoulder and is headed goalbound! Restucci saves but it comes back off his legs straight out to Malone who knocks it into the net!! It's 2-2!!!
The final whistle blows and it's off to extra time! Incredible stuff here with another final seconds equaliser as 10 men Northern Ireland come from behind to force extra time!
Stats
Ita 13(9) N.Ire 16(3)
Fouls 8 - 8
Cards 1 - 2 (1 red)
Poss 48 - 52
Extra Time
91 A glorious chance for Italy to re take the lead. A great ball from De Brasi finds .. in space. He crosses it low and hard, the keeper gets a hand to it but can only force the ball out in tot he middle of the box. It falls to Fortini but his goalbound shot is saved!
94 mins A header by Fortini but it's well saved.
96 mins Nesi gets in a cross but it's headed clear
97 mins Orsi finds Fortini in the area. He swivels on it and crashes it into the crowd! His manager pulls his hair out.
103 mins Malone is clear on the corner of the box. He hits a low drive. Restucci saves but can't hold it. He just pounces on it before Kirk can reach the rebound!
HT 2-2 Italy on top early on bombarding the Irish goal but almost conceded late in the half.
106 mins A cross shot from Harvey that Restucci makes a meal off pushing the ball out dangerously but it's hacked clear.
107 mins The ball bobbles around in the Irish box but nobody in an Italy shirt is able to get hold of it.
110 mins Corner to Italy. The ball is swung over, Fortini rises majestically and crashes a header against the bar!!
111 mins Libbi plays a ball in but Fortini can only head a difficult chance wide
115 mins Fortini wins the ball in the Irish half and plays it through to Orsi. He wastes the chance though, blasting the ball wide.
118 mins Fortini with a mazy dribble. He goes around the defender but is forced a little wide. That doesn't deter him and he drives in a shot. The keeper just about gets to it and tips it onto the post and out!
119 mins Palmieri plays it into Fortini in the box who looks offside but the linesman keeps his flag down. Fortini though can only drag it wide.
120 mins Palmieri gets the ball he takes it out to the space on the right. He cuts back and delivers a low ball into Fortini who has his back to goal. He peels out to his right with defenders trying to close him down. He keeps going towards the D of the box where he lets fly with his left foot.
ITS IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
In the last minute of extra time a magnificent effort from Bobo Fortini wins it for Italy!
Stats
Ita 23(13) N.Ire 18(4)
Fouls 8 - 8
Cards 2 - 2
Poss 49 - 51
M.O.M Fortini
What an incredible game! Again!
I'll upload the Fortini goal tomorrow
47 mins Cestaro takes the free kick for Italy and... it goes out for a throw-in!! Seriously!
49 mins. Orsi does well, he knocks it to Palmieri, he chips it through to Furlan, he takes a heavy touch but gets to the rebound to poke the ball home!! It's 1-1 as *Ale sets off down the touchline urging the fans to make more noise.
51 mins The combination of a rocket from their manager at half time and the red card have turned his game on its head. Now Forlan has to go off after the heavy challenge from Carruthers. To a big cheer from the crowd Bobo Fortini is introduced!
52 mins Iacuzo puts in a good free kick but N.Ireland win the header and clear.
53 mins Northern Ireland get a free kick on what is their first attack of the half. McDaid is stretchered off but comes back on. The header from the swung in kick is headed over though.
55 mins Palmieri plays a 1-2 with Cestaro who this time hits a somewhat better shot than his free kick, but it goes just wide.
56 mins Orsi wins the ball, he feeds Bobo, is this his chance? He shoots but it's saved, he gets to the rebound and fires it in again but straight at the keeper and it's hacked clear.
57 mins Italy force a corner which ends with Palmieri hitting a shot against a defender.
60 mins Italy bossing things now with the extra man but can they get that all important goal.
They are starting to knock it around with confidence now though.
62 mins A lunge from Iacuzo earns him a yellow as McDaid is stretchered off for the second time.
65 mins Northern Ireland have left two up front despite being down to ten.
68 mins The Irish just starting to get hold of the ball a bit now as Italy's sustained attacks finally slow down.
70 mins Italy break quickly, Orsi is played in with the defender alongside him. He shoots but drags it wide!
72 mins Kirk plays a long ball up, gets underneath it and misses it but Malone can't capitalise and balloons his header way over.
74 mins *Ale brings Libbi on and his first contribution is to get hacked down.
75 mins Nice play from Italy but N.Ireland repel the threat.
77 mins McCaw is left open down the right, his cross comes in but it's headed away
78 mins Another cross gets in and this one is looped up in the air by Kirk's header, it's dropping wide but is headed away anyway.
81 mins It's the move of the match. Fortini wins the ball, he knocks it back to De Brasi who plays it in to Palmieri. He feeds it out wide to Nesi who fires in a low cross. Orsi gets on the end of it and blasts it past the Irish keeper!! Italy 2-1 !!
82 mins Around 10 minutes for 10 men Northern Ireland to find a way back into this.
84 mins A good ball in leaves Nesi with choice but to head it out for a corner. Corner comes in and is headed but blocked. The Irish still so dangerous in the air.
86 mins Italy trying to keep the ball now
88 mins Fortini, Palmieri, De Brasi, Fortini back to De Brasi and hit first time through to Orsi, he strikes it goalwards, it's heading for the far corner of the net, but it's a great save from Best in goal. What a move by the Italians. Night and day now from the team who played the first half. Is it the 10 men, or was it the wise words of manager *Ale?
90 mins Italy controlling things but they lose the ball on the half way line! Kirk is one on one with Valente. But Valente makes a great last ditch tackle!
94 mins Surely the last chance for Northern Ireland as they get the ball in the corner. It comes in from Harvey. Valente goes to clear under a challenge from Malone but it comes off his shoulder and is headed goalbound! Restucci saves but it comes back off his legs straight out to Malone who knocks it into the net!! It's 2-2!!!
The final whistle blows and it's off to extra time! Incredible stuff here with another final seconds equaliser as 10 men Northern Ireland come from behind to force extra time!
Stats
Ita 13(9) N.Ire 16(3)
Fouls 8 - 8
Cards 1 - 2 (1 red)
Poss 48 - 52
Extra Time
91 A glorious chance for Italy to re take the lead. A great ball from De Brasi finds .. in space. He crosses it low and hard, the keeper gets a hand to it but can only force the ball out in tot he middle of the box. It falls to Fortini but his goalbound shot is saved!
94 mins A header by Fortini but it's well saved.
96 mins Nesi gets in a cross but it's headed clear
97 mins Orsi finds Fortini in the area. He swivels on it and crashes it into the crowd! His manager pulls his hair out.
103 mins Malone is clear on the corner of the box. He hits a low drive. Restucci saves but can't hold it. He just pounces on it before Kirk can reach the rebound!
HT 2-2 Italy on top early on bombarding the Irish goal but almost conceded late in the half.
106 mins A cross shot from Harvey that Restucci makes a meal off pushing the ball out dangerously but it's hacked clear.
107 mins The ball bobbles around in the Irish box but nobody in an Italy shirt is able to get hold of it.
110 mins Corner to Italy. The ball is swung over, Fortini rises majestically and crashes a header against the bar!!
111 mins Libbi plays a ball in but Fortini can only head a difficult chance wide
115 mins Fortini wins the ball in the Irish half and plays it through to Orsi. He wastes the chance though, blasting the ball wide.
118 mins Fortini with a mazy dribble. He goes around the defender but is forced a little wide. That doesn't deter him and he drives in a shot. The keeper just about gets to it and tips it onto the post and out!
119 mins Palmieri plays it into Fortini in the box who looks offside but the linesman keeps his flag down. Fortini though can only drag it wide.
120 mins Palmieri gets the ball he takes it out to the space on the right. He cuts back and delivers a low ball into Fortini who has his back to goal. He peels out to his right with defenders trying to close him down. He keeps going towards the D of the box where he lets fly with his left foot.
ITS IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
In the last minute of extra time a magnificent effort from Bobo Fortini wins it for Italy!
Stats
Ita 23(13) N.Ire 18(4)
Fouls 8 - 8
Cards 2 - 2
Poss 49 - 51
M.O.M Fortini
What an incredible game! Again!
I'll upload the Fortini goal tomorrow
I never thought that one day I'd be grateful to have him in the team... Please don't tell anyone that I was about to axe him from the final 23-men squad... 
Oh wait. I just told everyone. OK everyone, just pretend you never saw it.
Oh wait. I just told everyone. OK everyone, just pretend you never saw it.
@*aLe 
Ireland v England
Ireland v England
2 mins A good ball in for Ireland but it's cleared.
6 mins England knocking it around well but not threatening.
8 mins Treacy with a decent run for England, plays it in to kendall who strikes it but it's blocked. He gets onto the rebound but curls it just wide.
9 mins An early sub for Ireland due to injury.
15 mins Largely a midfield battle so far as both defences are on top.
18 mins Kendall does well to go past his man but his shot flies wide.
20 mins Canavan whips in a dangerous cross but it evades everyone as Ireland look to create something.
28 mins Brackstone gets down the right, the ball eventually finds O'Gallaghan who gets the ball in but it's cleared.
32 mins England continue to press but can't breach the Irish defence.
36 mins First booking of the game as Paul is booked for England.
38 mins A good cross from Brackstone but Ball heads over.
45 mins Congreve steals the ball near the Irish box but again the England attack is quickly shut down.
HT 0-0 Both teams lacking creativity so far and both defences have generally coped easily.
Stats
Ire 0 Eng 5(2)
Fouls 2 - 3
Cards 0 - 1
Poss 49 - 51
6 mins England knocking it around well but not threatening.
8 mins Treacy with a decent run for England, plays it in to kendall who strikes it but it's blocked. He gets onto the rebound but curls it just wide.
9 mins An early sub for Ireland due to injury.
15 mins Largely a midfield battle so far as both defences are on top.
18 mins Kendall does well to go past his man but his shot flies wide.
20 mins Canavan whips in a dangerous cross but it evades everyone as Ireland look to create something.
28 mins Brackstone gets down the right, the ball eventually finds O'Gallaghan who gets the ball in but it's cleared.
32 mins England continue to press but can't breach the Irish defence.
36 mins First booking of the game as Paul is booked for England.
38 mins A good cross from Brackstone but Ball heads over.
45 mins Congreve steals the ball near the Irish box but again the England attack is quickly shut down.
HT 0-0 Both teams lacking creativity so far and both defences have generally coped easily.
Stats
Ire 0 Eng 5(2)
Fouls 2 - 3
Cards 0 - 1
Poss 49 - 51
47 mins England work it into the box but yet again it's an Irish defender that gets there first.
53 mins Dunne does well for Ireland to work some space and fires in a shot that is well held by the keeper.
54 mins Ball fouled on the edge of the box but England waste the free kick.
59 mins A free kick for Ireland is sent into the box where Treacy gets his head to it but the keeper is up to it and saves.
62 mins The deadlock is almost broken by Kyle Bond for Ireland who clipped a lovely shot over the keeper but onto the top of the bar.
65 mins McNally dinks a good ball into the box where Gaffney hits a shot but can only put it into the side netting.
75 mins It's a booking for Brackstone that gives Ireland a free kick in a dangerous position.
76 mins Gilligan fires in the free kick but it's a souvenir for someone in the crowd.
78 mins Ireland first to all the loose balls at the moment but neither team look like scoring
81 mins Another shot from Bond but it's straight at the keeper.
83 mins Ireland still shading things but no sign of a goal.
84 mins Ireland work a 2 on 1 and Doran has no choice but to hack down Bond and earns himself a boooking. The free kick breaks to Bond and he drives a shot just wide.
85 mins A goal for either team would surely win the game now.
87 mins Gaffney does well down the right and gets in a cross but as so often in this game it's headed clear.
89 mins Bond puts a good ball in for Dunne but Palling in goal rushes out to get there first.
90 mins A terrible mistake by ... the England right back and Ireland have a three on one! They have it out wide and the ball is crossed into the middle where it somehow eludes the head of Dunne who had an open goal at his mercy had the ball in been that bit better!
Ire 8(3) Eng 8(4)
Fouls 3 - 8
Cards 0 - 3
Poss 50 - 50
Ireland had the more clear cut chances but it seemed destined for Extra time from early on. Both teams playing 4-4-2 and largely cancelling each other out
Extra Time
Both teams have switched to 3-4-3 so this might get interesting as fatigue sets in as well
95 mins England work the ball to Martin who lays it back to Ball. He strikes for goal but it hits a defender.
105 mins Bond gets in another shot but it goes just wide. Despite the extra attackers the defences are still on top
HT 0-0
106 mins Tierney breaks clear but over runs the ball and Palling is able to get there first to hack it away.
107 mins Bond gets some space and hits a decent strike but Palling, whose handling has been excellent so far, grabs it and holds on.
115 mins Will we get another late, late winner here? It doesn't look likely but we shall see
118 mins A good run from Martin for England as he gets into some space in midfield, he drives forward and plays it into Ball. He connects well and fires a shot at goal but the keeper is down well to save it with his legs and the defence clear the loose ball. England's best chance of the entire match there.
120 mins The ball breaks to Kendall on the edge of the area but two Irish defenders are in quickly to smother and get the ball away.
FT and it's 0-0.
Stats
Ire 11(4) Eng 10(5)
Fouls 3 - 9
Cards 0 - 3
Poss 51 - 49
M.O.M Martin (Enge)
Penalties
Ireland will take the first penalty.
Tierney Scores 1-0
Kendall misses!
Bond It's saved!
Garden Tucks it away 1-1
Cawley It's in 2-1
Lyon Great penalty 2-2
Treacy Hits the bar!
Brackstone down the middle 2-3
Gilligan, miss and it's all over...
Tucks away the pressure penalty 3-3
Martin to win it...
Hits the post...
but it's in!!
England win 4-3 on penalties.
53 mins Dunne does well for Ireland to work some space and fires in a shot that is well held by the keeper.
54 mins Ball fouled on the edge of the box but England waste the free kick.
59 mins A free kick for Ireland is sent into the box where Treacy gets his head to it but the keeper is up to it and saves.
62 mins The deadlock is almost broken by Kyle Bond for Ireland who clipped a lovely shot over the keeper but onto the top of the bar.
65 mins McNally dinks a good ball into the box where Gaffney hits a shot but can only put it into the side netting.
75 mins It's a booking for Brackstone that gives Ireland a free kick in a dangerous position.
76 mins Gilligan fires in the free kick but it's a souvenir for someone in the crowd.
78 mins Ireland first to all the loose balls at the moment but neither team look like scoring
81 mins Another shot from Bond but it's straight at the keeper.
83 mins Ireland still shading things but no sign of a goal.
84 mins Ireland work a 2 on 1 and Doran has no choice but to hack down Bond and earns himself a boooking. The free kick breaks to Bond and he drives a shot just wide.
85 mins A goal for either team would surely win the game now.
87 mins Gaffney does well down the right and gets in a cross but as so often in this game it's headed clear.
89 mins Bond puts a good ball in for Dunne but Palling in goal rushes out to get there first.
90 mins A terrible mistake by ... the England right back and Ireland have a three on one! They have it out wide and the ball is crossed into the middle where it somehow eludes the head of Dunne who had an open goal at his mercy had the ball in been that bit better!
Ire 8(3) Eng 8(4)
Fouls 3 - 8
Cards 0 - 3
Poss 50 - 50
Ireland had the more clear cut chances but it seemed destined for Extra time from early on. Both teams playing 4-4-2 and largely cancelling each other out
Extra Time
Both teams have switched to 3-4-3 so this might get interesting as fatigue sets in as well
95 mins England work the ball to Martin who lays it back to Ball. He strikes for goal but it hits a defender.
105 mins Bond gets in another shot but it goes just wide. Despite the extra attackers the defences are still on top
HT 0-0
106 mins Tierney breaks clear but over runs the ball and Palling is able to get there first to hack it away.
107 mins Bond gets some space and hits a decent strike but Palling, whose handling has been excellent so far, grabs it and holds on.
115 mins Will we get another late, late winner here? It doesn't look likely but we shall see
118 mins A good run from Martin for England as he gets into some space in midfield, he drives forward and plays it into Ball. He connects well and fires a shot at goal but the keeper is down well to save it with his legs and the defence clear the loose ball. England's best chance of the entire match there.
120 mins The ball breaks to Kendall on the edge of the area but two Irish defenders are in quickly to smother and get the ball away.
FT and it's 0-0.
Stats
Ire 11(4) Eng 10(5)
Fouls 3 - 9
Cards 0 - 3
Poss 51 - 49
M.O.M Martin (Enge)
Penalties
Ireland will take the first penalty.
Tierney Scores 1-0
Kendall misses!
Bond It's saved!
Garden Tucks it away 1-1
Cawley It's in 2-1
Lyon Great penalty 2-2
Treacy Hits the bar!
Brackstone down the middle 2-3
Gilligan, miss and it's all over...
Tucks away the pressure penalty 3-3
Martin to win it...
Hits the post...
but it's in!!
England win 4-3 on penalties.
FRANCE 1-1 WALES (France win 4-2 on penalties)
PORTUGAL 2-0 SCOTLAND
SWITZERLAND 1-2 BELGIUM
ITALY 3-2 NORTHERN IRELAND (after extra time)
IRELAND 0-0 ENGLAND (England win 4-3 on penalties)
Stats
5 games
12 goals
16 Yellows and 1 Straight Red
Amador - not for the faint of heart. And that's without Ito refereeing any of them!
PORTUGAL 2-0 SCOTLAND
SWITZERLAND 1-2 BELGIUM
ITALY 3-2 NORTHERN IRELAND (after extra time)
IRELAND 0-0 ENGLAND (England win 4-3 on penalties)
Stats
5 games
12 goals
16 Yellows and 1 Straight Red
Amador - not for the faint of heart. And that's without Ito refereeing any of them!
- Thread starter
- #327
Kazuki Ito would've never done what the Italy - N. Ireland referee did. I got a WhatsApp message from Queen Lizzie just minutes ago, she said she saw the content of the envelope... And sent me this:
Italian manager's comment has been this:
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