European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 10:11pm On Jun 13, 2016 |
Nobody is talking about Candreva.
That guy was superb on the right for Italy. .. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 6:15pm On Jun 13, 2016 |
Ibime Nihilist
Can you guys just stop already!
Enough of all these immaturity (yes, that's what it has become) please.
Since both of you can never be of the same opinion in a debate, why not stop mentioning one another? Why not ignore indirect remarks when names isn't mentioned?
Haba...I don tire to dey come here only to dey read insults from two supposedly matured men instead of Chelsea transfer news/rumours. Not even Euro 2016 news!
Wetin sef?! |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 6:04pm On Jun 13, 2016 |
sleekdot: I suspect Kante's father is a native doctor somewhere in Africa Lol... But he's worth the hype. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Portugal Vs Iceland : Euro 2016 (1 - 1) On 14th June 2016 by timbros(op): 5:46pm On Jun 13, 2016 |
[img] http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4p4D9KDb3MtjWHPndum5YtTzClQ2KCiX3oIxqSm_hcv80bh1boqDC4JY[/img] [size=16pt]Portugal vs Iceland[/size] [img] http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRF3eMgBIt6LCUeL70x7L3fLVevB06lkJPRDzSFewH--c2RQQJrfE_MGYI[/img] All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo as the two teams from Group F battle it out for top honours. Neither setup have too many marquee players to fall back on and Portugal will be banking on the recently crowned Champions League winner Ronaldo to bail them out against Iceland, who are more than capable of pulling off an upset.
The Real Madrid star scored twice in their 7-0 win over Estonia in a pre-tournament friendly and the Portuguese man will be looking to extend his dominance for his national side. The game will mark his 127th for his country, equalling Luis Figo's record of appearances for his nation.
Meanwhile, this is the first time that Iceland are competing in a major tournament and are serious underdogs coming into the fixture. Coach Lars Lagerback has his work cut out for him but will be hoping for the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, who plays for Premier League side Swansea, to step up to the plate.
PORTUGAL
Star man: Ronaldo
The Real Madrid star's record for Portugal is quite phenomenal. He has 56 goals in 125 games, and will be on a personal crusade to prove he is the best player in Europe. He’s not the biggest team player, but his goals will be key to Portugal’s success here.
One to watch: Renato Sanches
We got a glimpse of Renato Sanches at Wembley last week and it became clear why Manchester United were so keen to sign the midfielder.
The Bayern Munich man, 18, showed great pace and confidence during his 18-minute cameo against England and ensured many will be watching his career with great interest from now on.
ICELAND
Star man: Gylfi Sigurdsson
The Swansea midfielder was their top scorer in qualifying with six goals and gets forward to bolster the attack.
One to watch: Eidur Gudjohnsen
Now 37, the former Chelsea forward won’t feature in the starting line-up but could well make a key impact as a substitute.
Portugal Possible XI: Patricio; Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Gomes, Moutinho, Danilo; Quaresma, Nani, Ronaldo
Iceland Possible XI: Halldorsson; Saevarsson, Arnason, Sigurdsson, Skulason; Gudmundsson, Sigurdsson; Gunnarsson, Bjarnason, Sigthorsson; Bodvarsson. Oops! mukina2 please move to appropriate section. Thank you. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Belgium Vs Italy: Euro 2016 (0 - 2) On 13th June 2016 by timbros(op): 3:52pm On Jun 12, 2016 |
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5BkvpdIEfHsbYHcM2YwdbmwSNjFaP1qX3GvbjWeReJM0BklaDyDdb1o8[/img] [size=16pt]Belgium vs Italy[/size] [img] http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSN7pLGkLeM6bM39y_BiMtAgeAqYn9LBGY4KkBQKE0kiGspJ7dc1po67MU[/img] Eden Hazard and Thomas Vermaelen have survived injury scares for Belgium to be in contention for their Group E clash with Italy on Monday.
The Belgium captain Hazard was forced out of Friday's behind-closed-doors session with a foot injury after he was stood on.
But the Chelsea forward, who discovered form towards the end of a disappointing campaign at Stamford Bridge, is expected to recover to lead his country against Italy at the Stade de Lyon.
"I don't think it is serious, just a knock." Red Devils manager Marc Wilmots told reporters.
Vermaelen, who was considered a doubt earlier in the week, has also recovered and is ready to start against the Azzurri.
"Thomas has done well in training over the last days and is completely ready for the battle. He has no more problems," Wilmots added.
Italy on the other hand, were beset by injury problems before the tournament and travelled to France without the influential Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio.
Manager Antonio Conte, who is thought to favour partnering Southampton striker Graziano Pelle with Inter loanee Eder on Monday, is relying on a Juventus back line of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in front of Gianluigi Buffon in goal to keep out Belgium's attacking riches.
"It's definitely an advantage to be able to rely on four players from Juventus who have played together for a long time in defence, and of course we are building something solid on this basis," Conte told UEFA.com.
"But as I said before, I like to adopt a proactive style of play and for this, balance will be important, both in attacking and defending."
Opta stats
Italy are unbeaten in their three games with Belgium at major tournaments (W2 D1), including two European Championships matches (0-0 in 1980, 2-0 to Italy in 2000).
The last five encounters between Belgium and Italy have produced 18 goals, an average of 3.6 per game.
Belgium have lost five of their last seven games in the European Championships
Italy were one of four teams (alongside Austria, England and Romania) to remain unbeaten in the 2016 qualifying campaign.
Wilmots and Conte were in the starting line up the last time Belgium and Italy faced each other at Euro 2000.
Italy have drawn more games than any other side in Euro history (15). They have also recorded the most goalless draws (8 ).
Possible XI
Belgium (4-2-3-1 formation): Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Ciman; Fellaini, Nainggolan; Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku
Italy (3-5-2 formation): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Candreva, Parolo, Motta, Giaccherini, El Shaarawy; Zaza, Immobile |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Spain Vs Czech Republic: Euro 2016 (1 - 0) On 13th June 2016 by timbros(op): 3:34pm On Jun 12, 2016 |
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnV-DgzV8k5OwoprekuyKXZUSh61wIHlMaOtG7Ft7GlAND-4jXhnXQBgU[/img] [size=16pt]Spain vs Czech Republic[/size] [img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxEkqWn3Sg1fIf9nlDso9EIKEL_gz7fW-sRqUvYkE0nfkCj2Kxy7r6hb8[/img] David de Gea is in contention to start for Spain in their Group D opener against Czech Republic after receiving the backing of manager Vicente Del Bosque.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has been forced to deny allegations about his private life after reports in Spain linked him to a sex scandal.
He denied the allegations as "all lies" and was supported by Del Bosque.
"We are here to support him at all times and to give him all our love," the 65-year-old told Teledeporte. "The boy has explained to us that he had nothing to do with it."
Spain are unbeaten in their last 12 games at the European Championships - winning nine and drawing three, the longest run in the history of the competition - and are going for an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship crown.
Chelsea forward Pedro brushed aside suggestions that the De Gea allegations have upset the mood in the European champions' camp.
"Harmony is very good and we want to start in the best way possible. The first match is very important, we want to win and play well. From there begin to grow as a team to move forward."
Del Bosque has no injury concerns and his major selection headache will be whether to pick De Gea or Spain's most capped player, captain Iker Casillas.
The Czech Republic are playing in their ninth European Championship having won it once, as Czechoslovakia, in 1976.
The tournament sees a return to France for Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, who spent two seasons with Rennes in 2002-04, and he admitted he could not wait to get back.
"The gap between the end of the season and the tournament is too long for me," he told Uefa's website. "I'm always eager to get to a place, to the venues, and to be in the country where you can smell the tournament in the air.
"We have very nice facilities, everything we need. We have had a nice welcome from everybody and a full stadium for training. You can feel that everybody is looking forward to the start of the tournament."
Team news
No injury concerns for Spain, who allowed Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid players a longer post-season break following their Champions League final on 28 May.
For the Czechs, only Basel defender Marek Suchy is unavailable through suspension.
Opta stats
This is Spain and the Czech Republic's first encounter in a major tournament.
Spain's last defeat in the Euros dates back to June 2004 against Portugal (0-1).
Only Lilian Thuram and Edwin van der Sar (16) have played more games at the European Championships than Iker Casillas (14).
The Czech Republic conceded 14 goals in the qualifying campaign, more than any other team to have qualified for teh Euro 2016 finals.
The Czech Republic have won seven of their last 10 games in the group stages (L3).
Line up
Spain
Possible XI: De Gea; Alba, Ramos, Pique, Juanfran; Iniesta, Busquets, Koke; Silva, Nolito, Morata.
Czech Republic
Possible XI: Cech; Limbersky, Kadlec, Sivok, Kaderabek; Darida, Plasil; Krejci, Kolar, Dockal; Necid. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Euro 2016 Group C Germany Vs Ukraine Kick Off 8pm by timbros(op): 3:11pm On Jun 12, 2016 |
[img] http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaTd3Py9pi3i_LVqKOtE976k-XdugPJiDldpCyY51C6QGAk_LWLL-pcOQ[/img] [size=16pt]Germany vs Ukraine[/size] [img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSH2694h3vBj-CaZVd4j1MQLeVlGy1__Ai095fo8gIjaZP5PhfsnD1vMCc[/img] Germany will kick off its challenge to become just the third team to follow up World Cup victory by becoming champions of Europe two years later when taking on Ukraine in Lille on Sunday. While both France and Spain have accomplished the sizable feat, Germany has never managed it, despite winning four World Cups and three European Championships in its illustrious history and holding both titles simultaneously in the mid-1970s.
Now after a new wave of German talent came good to win the World Cup in Brazil two years ago, Joachim Löw’s side enter Euro 2016 as one of the favorites. Yet it has not been all smooth sailing for Germany since Mario Götze’s extra-time goal sunk Argentina at the Maracana.
Qualifying, expected to be a breeze, especially with an expanded format to 24 teams, turned into a far more arduous affair. Defeats to both Poland and the Republic of Ireland meant that Germany went into its final match still not guaranteed of an automatic place in France.
Much of that could be down to a post-World Cup hangover and the difficulty of getting back motivated for Euro qualifiers after just lifting the biggest prize in soccer, but there were other more serious concerns. With the World Cup victory came the retirement of some of the team’s most experienced and important players, notably captain Philipp Lahm and record goalscorer Miroslav Klose.
Their departure saw the squad lose valuable leaders, and perhaps explains why Löw was so keen to name Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski in his squad for Euro 2016. But those two cannot fill the void, made only bigger by Lahm and Klose’s departure from the scene, at full-back and up front.
Adding to Löw’s concerns, he has suffered some big injury blows ahead of the tournament. Borussia Dortmund duo Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus had already been ruled before defender Antonio Rüdiger tore his anterior cruciate ligament in training this week. With fellow defender Mats Hummels also set to miss the opener, Löw has much to ponder.
Yet it is not an unfamiliar story for Germany. There were plenty of injury concerns ahead of the last World Cup, too, and Löw also found a way during the tournament to counter the lack of options at full-back and up front. And, with the likes of Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos and others fit and available, Germany still possesses enough quality to make it the envy of almost every other country at the championships.
Certainly Ukraine would love to have Germany’s problems. Ukraine had to come through a playoff against Slovenia in order to make it to France after finishing below Spain and Slovakia in its group. Mykhaylo Fomenko's team has, though, won nine of its last 12 matches, including its last four. And, in wingers Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka, Ukraine has two players who can do damage to any opponent.
What the team doesn’t have anymore is a striker of the quality of Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko. The former Milan and Chelsea forward scored twice in his international swan song as Ukraine bowed out of Euro 2012, when co-hosts, at the group stage. Now an assistant coach with his country, Shevchenko accepts that Ukraine will have to find ways to overcome its talent discrepancy with Germany.
“Every game is going to be difficult, but in the first one some nervousness might play a part,” he told the tournament’s official website. “We understand what we are up against. Maybe we are a bit weaker individually, so we have to be better collectively. We will try to build on our compactness, movement, tactical nous and fast attacks, which have always been typical for Ukraine. We are going to give Germany a good game.”
Opta stats
Germany are unbeaten against Ukraine (W2 D3). Their last two games have produced 11 goals (7 for Germany, 4 for Ukraine).
This is Germany and Ukraine's first encounter in a major tournament. This is Germany's 12th Euros, more than any other team. They have won it three times (1972, 1980, 1996), the most alongside Spain (1964, 2008, 2012).
Germany have won seven of their last nine games in the European Championships, losing twice (2008 final v Spain & 2012 semi-final v Italy).
Low has taken charge of 11 games as manager at the Euros, the joint-most alongside Berti Vogts. He has led Germany since 2006, the longest current tenure among managers who made it to Euro 2016.
Germany have never lost their opening game at the Euros (W6 D5).
This is the Ukraine's second appearance at the European Championship finals. However, it's the first time they've qualified for the tournament (they were co-hosts in 2012).
Ukraine were knocked out in the group stages in their only previous appearance at the Euros finals (2012). Shevchenko is the only player so far to have scored for Ukraine at the Euros (2 goals).
Ukraine head-coach Mykhaylo Fomenko is taking charge at a major tournament for the first time. He earned 24 caps as a player with the USSR.
TEAM NEWS
Germany
Low's line-up is unlikely to be set in stone, with Mats Hummels facing a late fitness test to discover whether he has recovered from a calf injury.
He could instead call upon Jonathan Tah, who replaced Antonio Rudiger in the squad after the defender tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Tuesday.
Probable line-up: Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Boateng, Hector; Kroos, Khedira; Müller, Ozil, Draxler; Gomez.
Ukraine
The only real question facing Ukraine coach Mykhaylo Fomenko is which of his midfielders he should use in an attacking midfield role.
Fomenko will have to choose between Denys Garmash, Vktor Kovalenko, who has been superb for Shakhtar recently, or Serhiy Sydorchuk, with the rest of his line-up essentially set in stone.
Probable line-up: Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Stepanenko, Garmash, Rotan; Yarmolenko, Konoplyanka; Zozulya. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Turkey Vs Croatia :Euro 2016 (0 - 1) On 12th June 2016 by timbros(op): 8:54am On Jun 12, 2016 |
[img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9laaQmDZ3phKOPy5WFp3QbvvXalYgPseal-LQXzTymUTlw-7TPah4kqg[/img] [size=16pt]Turkey vs Croatia[/size] [img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjzOUIwvF78fDrGKYite9nisgRDpbMGHkMhWbtAM-nYQyy3PIkoCB4hXs[/img] Turkey and Croatia share a group with favourites Spain and Czech Republic, making it a tricky group in which either of them could miss out with one bad performance. The former duo are the dark horses of the group but both teams boast of top quality individual talent.
Spain are likely to go as group winners, but the two-time back-to-back winners are looking shaky coming into the tournament and the allegations surrounding David de Gea are unlikely to help them focus on the task at hand.
Turkey will be looking to qualify as high as possible and with a forward line that involves Arda Turan, Hakan Calhanoglu, Oguzhan Ozyakup and Burak Yilmaz, they can beat any team in their group on their day. Croatia, however, do have an edge when it comes to individual talent, as they boast a Champions League winner, a La Liga winner and a Serie A winner in Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic respectively.
But the latter's coach Ante Cacic, has been inconsistent in terms of formation and it is still unclear with regards to their best formation. If the coach can get them to play as a team and combine their individual talents, they could well be the dark horses of the tournament.
Turkey form
Turkey have played five matches in 2016, winning four of them and only losing away in England at the end of May. Sweden, Austria, Montenegro and Slovenia have all been defeated, but Croatia will provide a sterner test than any of those previously vanquished.
Turkey reached Euro 2016 by finishing third in Group A, behind Czech Republic and Iceland and ahead of the Netherlands.
Croatia form
Croatia most recently beat San Marino 10-0 in their final warm-up friendly before Euro 2016 - hardly a good guide for the coming tournament but a definite morale boost.
They're unbeaten since qualifying, defeating Russia, Israel and Moldova and drawing 1-1 with Hungary in the intervening friendlies.
Croatia reached the finals as runners-up in qualifying Group H, behind Italy.
Past meetings
Croatia and Turkey have met six times at senior level, and it's the Balkan nation that has the edge with two wins to Turkey's one - the pair having shared three draws.
Team News
Turkey
Possible XI: Erkin, Topal, Balta, Gonul – Inan, Tufan – Turan, Ozyakup, Calhanoglu – Yilmaz
Croatia
Possible XI: Subasic – Vrsaljko, Vida, Corluka, Srna – Rakitic, Modric, Badelj – Perisic, Kovacic – Mandzukic. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: England Vs Russia : Euro 2016 (1 - 1) On 11th June 2016 by timbros(op): 10:18pm On Jun 11, 2016 |
Earlier... safarigirl: azzin ehn! Na overhype dey worry England...I don't want them to be beaten now, no, make them win first game dey feel themselves. Na their next game go sweet to lose. Now... safarigirl: Hahahaha.....overrated England. Knew they would draw....group stage exit loading.... Haba...lie small small nah |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 10:01pm On Jun 11, 2016 |
Wilshere for Rooney?
Roy singlehandedly cost England this game... |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: England Vs Russia : Euro 2016 (1 - 1) On 11th June 2016 by timbros(op): 9:46pm On Jun 11, 2016 |
Is it a bomb that just exploded? |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 3:11pm On Jun 11, 2016 |
lekkie073: at least he should come up with something and lets see what's in stock.....pep has shown intent, Jose has followed suit, klopp d same, our dear old wenger has xhaka-ed up.....
is conte counting bridges or bridge-bolts  Are you forgetting he still has a job on hand RIGHT NOW? Is any of those coaches you mentioned handling a National Team right now? Conte has signed for Chelsea, yes. But his undivided attention right now is with Italy. Or don't you think he is in France to win the trophy? Guys chill. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › England Vs Russia : Euro 2016 (1 - 1) On 11th June 2016 by timbros(op): 6:13am On Jun 11, 2016 |
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwHYdOiDXBvp1fwp332pHTxIQx_Yq8-2-W_Kb4BYii2kT9A1NF9_9wbsc[/img] [size=16pt]England vs Russia[/size] [img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxJK8tUpIwoxMcDjmwlXpcLzovX3FEsGCANXZt7JDqs_yqKoYYZBdVPls[/img] England begin their Euro 2016 campaign this weekend and will be looking to lay down a marker against Russia in Group B.
Roy Hodgson's young squad does not represent the finished article but there is significant hope that the Three Lions can do the country proud in France this summer.
Hodgson has spoken of his desire to attack and, with an abundance of attacking options at his disposal, has the tools to inflict damage on any side at the tournament.
But a lack of talent has rarely been the nation's problem in recent years while failing to produce when it matters most certainly has.
Saturday evening would be a good time to start bucking the trend.
Ones to watch
Harry Kane goes into the tournament as the Premier League's top goalscorer.
The 22-year-old found the net for Spurs on 25 occasions last season and will be full of confidence, despite ending the campaign with a bitter taste in his mouth.
Just 12 months ago Kane was leading the line for England's Under-21s but his secret is out and he can expect close attention from plenty of defenders this summer.
He's expected to be given a chance to lead the line in his preferred central role and could be England's main man for years to come.
https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2016/05/31/18/infographic-one-to-watch-euro-2016_-_b_-_kane.jpg
Russia favour a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dzyuba likely to be named as his side's lone striker.
The Zenit St Petersburg forward is not the most mobile, so do not expect him to be haring away from England's defence, but he is an imposing presence.
He knows where the goal is and could punish England if he gets a sniff in the penalty area.
https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2016/05/31/18/infographic-one-to-watch-euro-2016-b-dzyuba.jpg
Team news and probable line ups
The footballing gods have smiled on England in the build-up to the tournament.
Knocks to Ryan Bertrand and Chris Smalling represent the sum of Hodgson's injury worries ahead of the game.
But the manager still has a couple of selection dilemmas to deal with.
One involves Wayne Rooney and how best to utilise his ageing skipper. Midfield seems the most likely bet, which could pave the way for Kane and Jamie Vardy to start as a front two.
The side is expected to contain a strong Spurs contingent with Dele Alli pushing for inclusion regardless of formation and Jack Wilshere hopeful he has pressed his claims well enough to start after an injury-hit season.
Russia have lost Igor Denisov - their sole holding midfielder - to injury. Artur Yusupov has come in an his replacement.
Roman Shirokov and Aleksandr Kokorin are the other key attacking outlets England will want to keep in check as they look to kick-off their campaign with a win.
England XI: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Smalling, Rose; Dier, Alli, Rooney; Lallana, Kane, Sterling.
Russia XI: Akinfeev; Smolnikov, Berezutski, Ignashevich, Schennikov; Shirokov, Yusupov; Golovin, Kokorin, Smolov; Dzyuba. |
Phones › Re: Which App Can Do This? by timbros(m): 2:23pm On Jun 10, 2016 |
grinace: It's either pics art or auto desk, to me auto desk is best for drawing pics art is best for effects like if u want to use cartoon effects, it's not that good using that effects it's best u go to the draw option. Same drawing rules apply with auto desk, all u need do is put in the image in a layer create a new layer then trace out the image, create a new layer for colors, then finally a new layer for shade and extra touches delete the real image layer and you've got a spectacular art here's a few of mine, the last two weren't drawn from pictures. You're good. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: France Vs Romania :Euro 2016 (2 - 1) On 10th June 2016 by timbros(op): 2:05pm On Jun 10, 2016 |
Who will win the opener? |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › France Vs Romania :Euro 2016 (2 - 1) On 10th June 2016 by timbros(op): 1:28pm On Jun 09, 2016 |
[img] http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgoPAAO5D_vL8k2uF7ZYkrxIg05qexinNvSDhYkOXROFsJPLYWZ08afLw[/img] [size=16pt]France vs Romania[/size] [img] http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJ-49IHz8bX4xoJEzL0nnlCswV8X8nVAZhdJCh0mpCUu8okiQ7ZVlbkdM[/img] France’s feast of football is mere hours away and there are high hopes across the host nation that Didier Deschamps can replicate the feats of 1984 and 1998 – guiding Les Bleus to victory on home soil.
The extravagantly talented French squad will have the ideal to prove their worth at the Stade de France when they take on a Romania side playing in only their second major tournament in the last 16 years.
However France have slipped up in a tournament’s opening game before. Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Lilian Thuram were among the stars struck by Senegal in the 2002 World Cup opener, setting the tone for a disastrous tournament.
Though a defeat would not be as disastrous at a tournament where 16 of 24 teams qualify for the knockout round France will be desperate to send out a commanding message to their potential rivals in the later rounds. Can they do so?
Ones to watch
France may be blessed with a host of top names, especially in midfield, but few are as exceptional as Paul Pogba. The Juventus star can play as a number 10 or an anchorman and has already been showing he can replicate his best form in blue.
Tottenham fans may not have fond memories of Vlad Chiriches from his season at White Hart Lane but he remains a key player for Anghel Iordanescu, who has made the 26-year-old his captain.
Team news and probable line ups
The key talking point in France’s warm-up fixtures has been whether Olivier Giroud should lead the line in the absence of Karim Benzema, who Deschamps did not consider due to ongoing legal issues. The Arsenal forward was booed in Monday’s win over Cameroon in Nantes but has hit back at his critics, scoring three in two friendly wins over the Indomitable Lions and Scotland.
West Ham star Dimitri Payet can also expect to feature after scoring a free-kick in the Cameroon win. Antoine Griezmann or Kingsley Coman could also feature in a front three whilst Adil Rami will be drafted into a backline short of injured duo Raphael Varane and Jeremy Mathieu.
France: Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Kante, Matuidi, Coman, Payet, Giroud
Romania ended their preparations for Euro 2016 on a high-note, hammering five past Georgia in Bucharest. Having conceded just two goals in 10 qualifying games Iordanescu’ side have cut loose in their warmup games and also netted three against Ukraine in Turin.
It has come at something of a cost though, with the second and third goals against Ukraine not coming until after Romania had conceded four. Iordanescu will be desperate for his side to recover their discipline before they step out at the Stade de France.
Romania: Tatarusanu, Sapunaru, Chiriches, Grigore, Rat, Pintilii, Hoban, Torje, Stanciu, Stancu, Andone
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Properties › Re: ..... by timbros(op): 3:41pm On Jun 07, 2016*. Modified: 1:33pm On Aug 03, 2019 |
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Properties › ..... by timbros(op): 10:28am On Jun 07, 2016*. Modified: 1:32pm On Aug 03, 2019 |
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Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 7:08pm On Jun 06, 2016 |
SmooshCHN: May be my only submission this week.. Exam 
[color=#000000]Freezing The Motion [/color] This is superb! Wish you success in your exam... |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 7:06pm On Jun 06, 2016 |
My daughter on the move...
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Phones › Re: Check Out This Phone, U Will Not Be Disappointed ( Photos) by timbros(m): 6:50pm On Jun 06, 2016 |
greenhulk: True. Some people just don't want to accept the truth. There was a time I was using Nokia lumia 2520 windows rt tablet. Great tablet, bought it for 80k but it got lots of limitation because it I'd not a full windows tablet. It runs windows rt. I sold it and now I use teclas x16 power.. A Chinese tablet that I bought for about 110k complete with keyboard and pen support. I could have bought a Samsung galaxy tab s2 for 160k but when u check the specs u will see it doesn't worth it. Tab s2 runs on android with 3gb of ram. Teclast x16 power runs both windows 10 home basic, 64 bit with full x86 support and pen input support together with android lollipop, 64gb internal storage and 8gb of ram. That is the closest thing u can have to a surface pro 3 and surface pro 3 is sold for more 300k. The screen is full HD with 8,000mah battery. If I hear Samsung galaxy tab? Samsung Galaxy tab S2 just went up recently. I bought mine 110k last december. Where did you buy this Teclas x16? Online? |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 10:34pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
feldido: Me Apara link road. NTA Nice.
I just pass NTA Road this evening. |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 9:50pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
feldido: YEAH  Amazing! What a small world.
I associate with Orazi Congregation. The Kingdom Hall in Rumuokuta. |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 9:45pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
feldido: Yea. 
Is that Igwuruta Ali? Yes!
Are you in PH? |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 12:53pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
HyDef: This one is a little old, but I'll still drop it here. Nice one. Looks like Lokoja/Abuja express way... |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 12:50pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
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Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 12:49pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
feldido: That's an assembly Ground of JW.
Are u a JW? Yes I am.
Are you? |
Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 12:48pm On Jun 05, 2016 |
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Art, Graphics & Video › Re: Nairaland Weekly Photo Challenge by timbros(m): 9:14am On Jun 05, 2016 |
Hmm mm. ...
I took some photos yesterday hoping that some might interpret this week's challenge and I'm not disappointed!
On the move...
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European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 6:41pm On Jun 03, 2016 |
Pataki: Actually you should be asking Mr. Griffon this question. He was the first person to state 'a dying chelsea' to me. I simply tagged along.  Start counting from next season, Chelsea will still lift EPL trophy before Arsenal.... Don't bet against the above statement. You will lose your money. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 6:37pm On Jun 03, 2016 |
AdeLaNa1: Lol. Small tin wey i talk, see as u come dey flex muscle like Niger Delta Avenger high on cheap weed.
My initial post was made with reference to this season. Nobody(except maybe u sha) cares if he used to score up to 30 goals some three, five years ago. What matters is now. And if he cant do same every season, then what's the point?? Where were his match winning goals against PSG?? Or his match winning goals against Everton in the Cup?? Who cares if he scores 2 goals against Sunderland and Southampton?? How exactly did those goals epp Chelsea's season
Ivanovic played 33 league games for Chelsea this season. And Chelsea had a 33% win rate with him in the team. Where were is match winning goals in the vast majority of the other 67% Chelsea didn't win??
Anyways, na ur team. And its not really my business who plays or starts for Chelsea. So nor vex!! This was your initial post: AdeLaNa1: Uncle how can u put "Ivanovic" and "match winning goals" in d same sentence  Read it again and tell me how it refers to just last season. I made a post citing reasons why I want Iva to stay and you quoted me asking why I mention "Ivanovic" and "match winning goals" in the same sentence. .. How does that refer to just last season? Ok I went ahead to prove to you that I wasn't wrong to mention Ivanovic and match winning goals in the same sentence. I even went further to reference his match winning goal this season. What's this about percentages you are writing up there? Are you forgetting it's a defender we are talking about? Is his primary duty to score goals? You are quick to ask why he didn't score against PSG and Everton but 'who cares if he scores against Sunderland and Southampton'... Really? I no dey flex muscle with you o but some comments are just so silly. It's not everything that enters your brain you speak/type. Advice no be curse. |
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Official Chelsea Fan Thread: Club World Cup Champions 2025-2029 by timbros(m): 8:15am On Jun 03, 2016 |
AdeLaNa1: Lol. Abegi. Ivanovic is not as ruthless as he used to be. All that one u are mentioning is story. Nothing more. All that talk of getting forward to score winning goals will hardly happen again. Used to be.... Meaning he at least was once ruthless. He use to go forward and get winning goals. Can you now see how silly your initial question is? In a season where he has been trasher than trash, he still gets winning goals. So what makes you think it will hardly happen ever again? Did you see his goal just last week in NT? Young man please just crawl back to your thread if you don't know what to say. |