Terrific half. Both sides having their chances. Thoroughly entertaining.
Group C: Germany vs Ukraine - KO 8pm, BBC1/HD
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Perhaps what we are seeing is why Germany have lost so many matches in the past two years - their defence is not all it should be. Ukraine are not renown for their attacking prowess but they are creating mayhem in the German defence. This at least gives hope to other teams, irrespective of how this match ends up.
Originally Posted by InTheLoop:
“What are the chances of NI finishing bottom?”
“What are the chances of NI finishing bottom?”
Well put it this way, they will have trouble scoring a goal if they play that defensive again
I think odds of us finishing bottom are very high, but based on what I've seen of this game so far, both teams have their weaknesses. Just need to actually have a go this time, no more giving respect.
Originally Posted by NiteOwl12:
“I think Neuer has been Germany's best player which says everything about how well Ukraine have played.”
“I think Neuer has been Germany's best player which says everything about how well Ukraine have played.”
Kroos for me, he has controlled the midfield.
Most exciting half of the tournament so far?
I can see Germany coming out to sit tight and suffocate the game for a while before they kill it off.
I can see Germany coming out to sit tight and suffocate the game for a while before they kill it off.
Originally Posted by NiteOwl12:
“Perhaps what we are seeing is why Germany have lost so many matches in the past two years - their defence is not all it should be.”
“Perhaps what we are seeing is why Germany have lost so many matches in the past two years - their defence is not all it should be.”
Mustafi looked the weakest link to me, he was being pulled out of position constantly in that first half.
Originally Posted by ags_rule:
“I think odds of us finishing bottom are very high, but based on what I've seen of this game so far, both teams have their weaknesses. Just need to actually have a go this time, no more giving respect.”
“I think odds of us finishing bottom are very high, but based on what I've seen of this game so far, both teams have their weaknesses. Just need to actually have a go this time, no more giving respect.”
But that means you will definitely lose the next two games
Originally Posted by batdude_uk1:
“Kroos for me, he has controlled the midfield.”
“Kroos for me, he has controlled the midfield.”
Fair shout, but Ukraine have had an awful lot of attacking opportunities while he has been in control.
Originally Posted by Sattrega:
“They are getting closer and closer.”
“They are getting closer and closer.”
I think you'll find Germany have Klose.
Jens Lehmann (radio 5 live) makes Murphy sound like a dummkopf.
Ukraine have done well not to concede another goal this half. Germany certainly applying the pressure again.
Ukraine have done well not to concede another goal this half. Germany certainly applying the pressure again.
Originally Posted by owen10:
“But that means you will definitely lose the next two games”
“But that means you will definitely lose the next two games”
That is a very real possibility, they had their best chance of picking up either a point or three today, the next two matches for the Northern Irish will be very hard, and there is a very high probability of them going him pointless and scoreless, which would be a crying shame really.
Ukraine attack and the German midfield simply melts away. No wonder the German defence looks vulnerable.
I thought Germany might be the first team to properly take their chances, but no, just as bad as all the rest.
Jens Lehmann being very critical, almost scathing aboutf what he is describing as a predictable German attack lacking pace and dribbling skills, need for substitutes, specifically Sané.
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