scrubbedexpat097

Why are they showing both games at the same time today???

Dan725

Local area problem? No probs at all with it on Fios down here.

Bob

All the final group games are like that. It's so they won't know if they have anything to play for till the end.

Makes it more exciting if you know you are still in with a shot when you win your match without already knowing that you're out because of the other result, sort of thing.

Don't make it easy to watch.



It must be. ESPN1 was without video for about 10 mins there and when you start the online stream, it always starts out really rubbish and low quality, takes a good 5 minutes before it ramps up to really good quality.

Lucky not to have missed anything, but still, tad annoying.

kimilseung

To expand on Bobs reply

The reason they play the games at the same time, goes back to:
World Cup 1982 West Germany v Austria
A narrow win for Germany saw both teams advance, draw or Austrian win and Germany were out, a big win and Austria were out. Germany scored after 10 minutes and then for the next 80 minutes the two teams just passed the ball around.
Both teams knew what they needed because Algeria finished their games and were on four points the day before. Algeria were really stuck with it in the group having beaten Germany in the first game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Ge...ria_%281982%29

scrubbedexpat097

Ah ha....now I understand. Thank you

into_thewild

Anyway, I boldly predict a bore draw tonight, with Rooney's return being a massive let down.
Any thought?

njmackem

I will take a draw, although that would mean playing Spain. Would rather take on Italy to be honest, even though England beat Spain just last year.

To be honest the next round is where it ends for England. Can't see us beating etiher Spain or Italy....

Bob

He needs to be kept in his cave, come on as a sub if must.

We need a win, just because I've got shit to do on Saturday and don't want to have to watch a DVR :/

Spain haven't really looked that great though. Loads of lovely possession and passing, but the defense has been beaten a fair bit and only their keeper keeping them from being battered.

Still, rather face Italy first.

TimberHut

Ukraine are freely available at 3/1 today. A cracking price for a team who are no mugs, are at home & have to win.

Now if only I could easily pop down the bookies...

njmackem

I don't define what Spain do as lovely. I find it to be the single most boring way to play football, call me a heathen but I think I would rather see route 1 football that a million passes to gain 20yds...

cluedweasel

I would love to see Spain play the Leeds side of the Revie era. We'd see how many passes the buggers could put together then

Dan725

More of the same just now - but it certainly seems to be working for them....