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You should further declare that that is your unbiased opinion. It was a great game of football and an interesting tactical battle. Koeman made tactical changes that tightened up the midfield then England made changes to freshen up their attack.The 2nd most undeserving team (after France) is in the final.
Looks like I'm rooting for Spain.
Football is so cruel. The true final was played last round (Germany vs. Spain).
You should further declare that that is your unbiased opinion. It was a great game of football and an interesting tactical battle. Koeman made tactical changes that tightened up the midfield then England made changes to freshen up their attack.
That's football. It is the sense of injustice that makes it so popular, it is very rare for all to agree that the winner of a tournament deserved to win. Greece won it one time didnt they? After the "hand of God" goal in 1986 I will take any win any way.I'm not disagreeing that it was a good game. It most certainly was. A very worthy semi-final. I'm referring to the overall performance in the tournament.
On UK commentary all the commentators agreed that it wasnt a penalty before and after it was awarded. Then they brought in a specialist "VAR expert referee" who said it wasnt a penalty and also wasnt a "clear and obvious error". When the penalty was awarded there were no further comments in the whole match from the "VAR expert referee". Outside of the 18 yard box it is normally a foul, inside normally it isnt a penalty.Het, the penalty is questioned. I'm not sure, it was a small foul and a penalty is harsh, but also not unheard of, I would say.
I feel England was the better team in the first half and we were that in the second. The goal at exactly 90:00 was unfortunate, but that's football.
We just lose because we don't have enough real goal getters. I'm okay with it.
Okay, so I basically England was given this one then. That's a shame. I then agree with Chris that this is another undeserving team going through.On UK commentary all the commentators agreed that it wasnt a penalty before and after it was awarded. Then they brought in a specialist "VAR expert referee" who said it wasnt a penalty and also wasnt a "clear and obvious error". When the penalty was awarded there were no further comments in the whole match from the "VAR expert referee". Outside of the 18 yard box it is normally a foul, inside normally it isnt a penalty.
My point is that it doesnt eliminate controversy at all, it makes the controversy worse. If it wasnt given then it is a different game but England did score, so maybe it would have gone to extra time and penalties.Okay, so I basically England was given this one then. That's a shame. I then agree with Chris that this is another undeserving team going through.
Okay, so I basically England was given this one then. That's a shame. I then agree with Chris that this is another undeserving team going through.
"Undeserving" may be a little harsh. Both sides had good spells throughout the game. I certainly think England had the better first half. Both teams hit the woodwork. The penalty certainly changed the dynamic of the game but the Netherlands had opportunities to win it. Like others, I'm disappointed and frustrated with VAR in general, and this decision was a particular howler. However, I'm not sure that makes England undeserving in a finely balanced game where both teams had good chances.
Undeserving not because of this game, but because of their overall lackluster performance throughout the tournament.
Were the Netherlands that much better? 0-0 against France (the latter being particularly underwhelming in this competition) and beaten by Austria. Apart from the 3-0 win over Romania, all other Netherlands' wins were by a single goal margin.
I entirely agree that England's performance hasn't been exciting but, frankly, so many teams have been similarly uninspiring. I was sad to see Georgia go out, and Turkey had some good games. Some of the bigger names have been woeful (e.g. Italy).
Agreed. No, the Dutch were not better. So England moving to the final from this game is fine, even though they got a free penalty to get there.Were the Netherlands that much better? 0-0 against France (the latter being particularly underwhelming in this competition) and beaten by Austria. Apart from the 3-0 win over Romania, all other Netherlands' wins were by a single goal margin.
I entirely agree that England's performance hasn't been exciting but, frankly, so many teams have been similarly uninspiring. I was sad to see Georgia go out, and Turkey had some good games. Some of the bigger names have been woeful (e.g. Italy).
As I understand it some German fans wanted the Germany Spain match replayed because they should have had a penalty. The great thing about VAR is tht it gets 96% of decisions correct, mainly because whatever decision they make they say it is correct.Agreed. No, the Dutch were not better. So England moving to the final from this game is fine, even though they got a free penalty to get there.