Djstu23 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Venue: Manaus England forward Danny Welbeck has been passed fit having overcome the ankle injury he suffered earlier this week. However, the Italy game comes too early for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he continues to build up his fitness following a recent knee injury. Italy may play with three central-backs after full-back Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out with a thigh strain. Mario Balotelli has recovered from a minor hernia problem, while Marco Verratti is fit after flu. BBC preview... Going for a draw, come on England..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Where are matches 5 and 6, mate? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 They have painted the awful pitch well to hide all problems (as happens in some domestic games here): Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason the Yank Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Buffon apparently suffered an ankle sprain in training today. Uncertain if he'll be ready for the match. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOStriker Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 They have painted the awful pitch well to hide all problems (as happens in some domestic games here): I hope more than one man was doing that, it must have took an age! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Are England playing a football match? I hadn't noticed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Remember a few years back Balotelli had some kind of reaction to the paint on the pitch (somewhere in Russia?) ... I hope he breaks out in hives tonight Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Is painting pitches a normal procedure? Never heard of that happening before? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudge7 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Italy will win and England pundits/journalists will moan some more about the pitch. Entirely predictable this one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TalkSport Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Is painting pitches a normal procedure? Never heard of that happening before? Swear they did it last season I think in a UCL game in Russia, or may have been season before that. Or was it when England played Russia away? Can't remember when it was but definitely involved an English side I'm sure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kriss Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 It was CSKA v Man City, last October? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett.spurs Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 0-0 . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 A few songs to get us (England fans) in the mood: [video=youtube_share;Re4aDJL3heA] [video=youtube_share;RJqimlFcJsM] [video=youtube_share;oyoy2_7FegI] [video=youtube_share;q33sNrncVmI] [video=youtube_share;yLph6ePNkGQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLph6ePNkGQ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I'm resigned to Rooney starting behind Sturridge, I'd just like Lallana left and Sterling right if that's the case. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harryseaess Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This game can kiss my ass until the first two games are finished from today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This game is an obvious draw. Both teams will settle for it, each will assume they will beat Costa Rica, and then take their chances vs. Uruguay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This game can kiss my ass until the first two games are finished from today. What this gentleman said. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I've enjoyed the first few games but I'm looking forward to this one the most where we finally see two top teams playing eachother. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 It's days like this that I wish I was one of those weirdos who don't care for football. I'm so anxious and nervous all day so far. Been up since 9, and been cleaning my flat up from top to bottom and mowed the lawn. Even though neither really needed it. Going insane Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 My house needs tidied if you're still looking for something to do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottMac Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Can't see many goals in this group but for this game I'd probably go for a boring 0-0. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This game can kiss my ass until the first two games are finished from today. Exactly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 This game can kiss my ass until the first two games are finished from today. Indeed - but get ready for ITV's build up of Uruguay vs Costa Rica to be all about this game Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringwoodrob Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Its the longest day,please don't lose even worse get a stuffing,hoping for a draw!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or better a win! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cms186 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Is painting pitches a normal procedure? Never heard of that happening before? I remember a few years ago Valencia painted their pitch in the opening league game against Sevilla because the Groundsman had either used the wrong fertilizer or forgot to dilute it or something and essentially killed all the grass a few days before the game, i remember the turf cutting up very easily and i think either Kanoute or Luis Fabiano went off injured because of it and Valencia had to replace the whole pitch before the next game Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hom3r Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Yeah I really hope that England aren't brought up at all in the other matches I really want to hear analysis on how Paulo Wanchope could guide Costa Rica to the next round or Greek comparisons to 2004. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I hate it when England play in a tournament. I know it's completely irrational and silly but I can't help but get really worked up and nervous like Skybluedave. Obviously I love to see England in a World Cup but it's torture at the same time. I really enjoyed the Netherlands v Spain and Chile v Australia games. It was lovely watching as a neutral and seeing some great football. Now bloody England come along to wreck that good feeling. This time I actually have to get anxious and worry about the game. I think that's why I enjoyed USA '94 so much. No worrying about England. Although don't get me wrong, I'm so glad that we're in the tournament. I'd rather we were in it than not but it's just such a horrible feeling watching England play tournament football. I just hope that we actually perform this time around and put in some decent displays. I don't even mind if it's more grit and determination than skill and creativity. Just be nice to feel proud of the team for a change. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dafuge Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Really looking forward to this, even if it is likely to be a nervy 0-0. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Any England fans actually feeling confident? I'd definitely take a draw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dafuge Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I think the two sides are fairly evenly matched, although I'd be happy with a draw. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringwoodrob Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Maybe its because ITV is an English broadcaster,i'm watching a report on SKY now about Italy/England,Vialli(spelling)talking very good,,,,,,,,,times going slow lol PS now decided to watch the Womens Hockey final to fill in some time! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 There is a rumored high chance that Buffon will definitely miss this game. Sirigu has problems with his ribs, but is expected to play. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
av3ry Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 England have never beaten Italy in a tournament game between the two nations. Lets break that tonight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRL88 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Another boring 0-0. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Any England fans actually feeling confident? I'd definitely take a draw. I'm confident we won't lose, think it'll be a draw though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I hate it when England play in a tournament. I know it's completely irrational and silly but I can't help but get really worked up and nervous like Skybluedave. Obviously I love to see England in a World Cup but it's torture at the same time.I really enjoyed the Netherlands v Spain and Chile v Australia games. It was lovely watching as a neutral and seeing some great football. Now bloody England come along to wreck that good feeling. This time I actually have to get anxious and worry about the game. I think that's why I enjoyed USA '94 so much. No worrying about England. Although don't get me wrong, I'm so glad that we're in the tournament. I'd rather we were in it than not but it's just such a horrible feeling watching England play tournament football. I just hope that we actually perform this time around and put in some decent displays. I don't even mind if it's more grit and determination than skill and creativity. Just be nice to feel proud of the team for a change. I did kinda enjoy Euro 2008 in a different way. Just relaxed and enjoyed the games. But I think that was when I become much more invested in England. Took them for granted always being at tournaments. Since then I've turned into a nervous wreck when it comes to England games. I'm going down the pub shortly before watching the game at home. Hopefully alcohol will help. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
av3ry Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Buffon is rumoured to be out. Great news if so. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Don't think Italy will miss Buffon that much in actual quality, maybe more of a psychological thing because Sirigu is a great keeper and I don't believe Buffon is at his best anymore. I'd be much more concerned about the lack of De Sciglio, there are so many question marks in that defence, it's chaos. I typically support Italy and dislike England, and it's going to be hugely enjoyable watching Pirlo and Verratti on the pitch at the same time, but this is such a surprisingly likeable England side and I genuinely think they're better set up for this match today. I can see Italy having lots and lots of problems whenever England go at them with pace on the wings. I also expect Italy to be ridiculously narrow when attacking hence struggling to break England down, despite England not having a single recognisable defensive midfielder on the squad. Danger for England is if Italy dominate possession as expected, in that climate, it could tire England out greatly when chasing the ball all match. Either way my feeling is still a little more positive on England's chances, maybe a 0-0 for most of the match then England to nick a single goal on the counter whenever any of Sterling/Barkley/Lallana/Welbeck are thrown in from the bench to go at them at speed. If it doesn't turn out to be a great match at least it's well poised to be a fascinating tactical battle anyway. Really looking forward to this one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I did kinda enjoy Euro 2008 in a different way. Just relaxed and enjoyed the games. But I think that was when I become much more invested in England. Took them for granted always being at tournaments. Since then I've turned into a nervous wreck when it comes to England games. I'm going down the pub shortly before watching the game at home. Hopefully alcohol will help. I'm also a nervous wreck with England games. I think it gets worse the longer you watch them. Alcohol will no doubt help. I'm watching at home and have the choice of Peroni Nastro Azzurro or Old Speckled Hen. Think I will stick with the latter for tonight! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I've always admired and respected Italy and usually ended up cheering them on in the latter stages of tournaments when England have usually packed up and gone home! Mostly because when I was a kid watching World Cups on the TV, Italy had Roberto Baggio and I just loved watching him play. Undoubtedly one of my favourite players of all time. Italy usually start off slowly at tournaments (almost a cliché to say it) and I'm hoping that's the case tonight. Hopefully England go in with a solid game plan and perform well. I suspect it might not be a thrilling game for the neutral! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybluedave Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I'll be sticking with Amstel. That's gotta bring some luck right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crouchaldinho Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I'll be sticking with Amstel. That's gotta bring some luck right? I still have half a bottle of Rioja but maybe I should lay off that after last night! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
themadsheep2001 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Don't think Italy will miss Buffon that much in actual quality, maybe more of a psychological thing because Sirigu is a great keeper and I don't believe Buffon is at his best anymore. I'd be much more concerned about the lack of De Sciglio, there are so many question marks in that defence, it's chaos. I typically support Italy and dislike England, and it's going to be hugely enjoyable watching Pirlo and Verratti on the pitch at the same time, but this is such a surprisingly likeable England side and I genuinely think they're better set up for this match today. I can see Italy having lots and lots of problems whenever England go at them with pace on the wings. I also expect Italy to be ridiculously narrow when attacking hence struggling to break England down, despite England not having a single recognisable defensive midfielder on the squad.Danger for England is if Italy dominate possession as expected, in that climate, it could tire England out greatly when chasing the ball all match. Either way my feeling is still a little more positive on England's chances, maybe a 0-0 for most of the match then England to nick a single goal on the counter whenever any of Sterling/Barkley/Lallana/Welbeck are thrown in from the bench to go at them at speed. If it doesn't turn out to be a great match at least it's well poised to be a fascinating tactical battle anyway. Really looking forward to this one. We cant forget about Verratti, even though it is important to close out Pirlo. I'd take a draw and take our chances with Uruguay and Costa Rica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 We cant forget about Verratti, even though it is important to close out Pirlo.I'd take a draw and take our chances with Uruguay and Costa Rica. I think England can forget about "taking Pirlo out of the game", because if you mark Pirlo then someone else has to mark Verratti, and if you mark Verratti and Pirlo (with whom? 2 hard-working midfielders playing high up the pitch?? Rooney and ??), someone else still has to mark their perfectly capable ball-playing defenders. Italy's gonna have all the ball and that's it, there's little you guys can do. What you guys can do, however, is make sure they do nothing with that ball because that attack is looking very very narrow and one-dimensional. England can play for the draw sure but it'd be criminal not to try to exploit Italy's big defensive weaknesses. Sit back but don't forget to counter quickly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpillBlood Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Rooneys gonna show his class tonight . Or I can dream anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
themadsheep2001 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I think England can forget about "taking Pirlo out of the game", because if you mark Pirlo then someone else has to mark Verratti, and if you mark Verratti and Pirlo (with whom? 2 hard-working midfielders playing high up the pitch?? Rooney and ??), someone else still has to mark their perfectly capable ball-playing defenders. Italy's gonna have all the ball and that's it, there's little you guys can do. What you guys can do, however, is make sure they do nothing with that ball because that attack is looking very very narrow and one-dimensional.England can play for the draw sure but it'd be criminal not to try to exploit Italy's big defensive weaknesses. Sit back but don't forget to counter quickly. Rooney and Henderson, try and rush Italy's build up. Of course it depends on which Rooney turns up. If he plays like 2012 he needs to be removed. On the other hand, I agree I'm not sure we can press too high when we are not blessed with a pace at the back. Half press maybe? Would put Gerrard under a lot of pressure though. And we certainly have to test that defence, especially if Cheillini goes to left back, play Sterling up against him. I'd certainly make sure the full backs cant play out if they go 4-3-1-2 shaped. Do you think Darmain will play at left back? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
georginho_juventusygr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Italy don't have a ball-playing defender. Bonucci is an overrated one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Do you think Darmain will play at left back? I've no idea man. Italy don't have a ball-playing defender. Bonucci is an overrated one. Might not be Pirlo but sure he can pass a ball reliably enough? Either way fine - mark out Pirlo and Verratti, forget about the defenders, and there's still De Rossi to deal with. Italy are gonna have the ball, period. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmr Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 You can tell this is a football manager forum with some of these posts. Can't wait until this game starts so we can move on past team selection and tactics and pressing and marking etc. Although it'll more than likely commence again for the next game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
themadsheep2001 Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 I've no idea man. Might not be Pirlo but sure he can pass a ball reliably enough? Either way fine - mark out Pirlo and Verratti, forget about the defenders, and there's still De Rossi to deal with. Italy are gonna have the ball, period. Talk of de Rossi being dropped into centre back to be a ball playing outlet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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