International Football thread

[sussexpob]

Might be a case that he is simply not fit enough to work that hard. I believe that Benteke played out the Prem season final games with Origi and Sturridge unable to continue, so tghe Europa Final was probably the first game in a while he played. He still isnt fit now.

Like Wilshere. Both would be in my starting line up, but neither should be anywhere near full fit.

[Durhamfootman]

I've quite liked what I've seen so far....

Are you watching a different game to me?

I must have been, in the first half.

second half we were definitely watching the same game

That second half was awful and it worries me that we still haven't found a way to break down teams that are solely intent on defending, or down to 10 men

no question in my mind who starts at right back against Russia... everything good that England did came down the right from Walker, and to a lesser extent from Rose down the left

typical that Carlton was the one who *modded* scored. I think he'd nodded off for a moment, got a bit confused, forgot which end of the pitch he was, and was trying to deflect the ball away for a Portugal corner............. it's the only explanation that makes any sense to me

[yuppie]

Watching Sweden taking apart Wales at present.

Judging from this England should not have to much to worry about.

[Gingerfinch]

Watching Sweden taking apart Wales at present.

Judging from this England should not have to much to worry about.

Famous last words!

[yuppie]

Watching Sweden taking apart Wales at present.

Judging from this England should not have to much to worry about.

Famous last words!

[Durhamfootman]

I saw the other day, that Harry Kane said that it was early days for his partnership with Jamie Vardy.

No Harry, it isn't early days

it's too late!

[Gingerfinch]

Messi is quitting international Football at the age of 29. You'd think he would play in one more world cup which is only two years away.

[sussexpob]

Messi is quitting international Football at the age of 29. You'd think he would play in one more world cup which is only two years away.

Missed the penalty though, didnt he. I think after being blamed personally for everything Argentina do (I believe its four losing finals performances with Messi in the team) this is his way of saying "do better without me".

[budgetmeansbudget]

Toys out the pram then!

So he's no different from Ronaldo after all.

[sussexpob]

Toys out the pram then!

Yes and no, budget.

The Argentinian public can be extremely vitriolic to Messi. If he scored a hat-trick and they lose 4-3, he gets the blame.... and we are talking a passionate country that isnt scared to over egg the pudding. Its well known how little respect his own country give him. Some people even call him a poor player on the sole basis he didnt win a world cup. I was certainly suprised last year when I went there and people talked about him..... all of it was negative. Called him over-hyped, lazy, didnt care like Maradona, not a person for the people..... more than a few suggested he wasnt as good as Tevez (who's popularity in Argentina can only be compared to Maradona).

He plays out of his skin for Argentina, and in the last couple of world cup he single handedly dragged them through to final.

But it means a lot in Argentina that he never played there. A great deal in fact. Most Argentinians refer to him as "the little catalan".....

[Gingerfinch]

Messi is quitting international Football at the age of 29. You'd think he would play in one more world cup which is only two years away.

Missed the penalty though, didnt he. I think after being blamed personally for everything Argentina do (I believe its four losing finals performances with Messi in the team) this is his way of saying "do better without me".

He should have bigger balls than that though. He's only 29 and has the brain and talent to play at the highest level for a few years yet. Shame.

[sussexpob]

The Tevez comparison is the one that kind of proves my point. Tevez played for Boca, came back to Argentina and took a huge pay cut to do it when huge European teams still wanted him.... in fact, at Man City I believe the reason he had problems is because he missed Argentina.

That isnt lost on the locals. They love him for that. They want to see their top players play at least a one or two seasons before going abroad. Tevez coming back somewhere near his prime made him like a god.

[budgetmeansbudget]

He should have played for Spain.

Jeepers, how good would they have been if he had.

[Aidan11]

I was surprised at him quitting so early. He'll be a big loss to Argentina.

[dan08]

Very sad. All this heartbreak must be too much for him. But i reckon he'll be back for the World Cup.

Aguero and Mascherano have also retired. A few others are rumoured to quit in the coming days too.