100 replies to this topic

[BSLSteveBirrer]

0-0 at the half. Going to be interesting to see what adjustments Portugal comes out with for the second half. France is keeping their fullbacks a bit back to keep Portugal from getting the wings behind them. But the downside is that France isn't able to quickly build their attack and catch Portugal short in the back.

 

France has controlled the tempo and had the best chance so far. A good header but a superb effort by the keeper to parry the ball over the crossbar to keep the sheet clean. Portugal's best chance came late in extra time. Got the ball wide at the edge of the area and a chip to Nani was a bit long and the ball just went wide.

 

Problem for Portugal is that having already used a sub for CR7's injury their options are limited the second half and they will have to be very judicious on using any, especially early.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Well the second knee to knee on Ronaldo (by Payet) was pretty bad. Late challenge and he turns his knee right at Ronaldo's knee. Not sure there was clear intent but probably should have been a yellow. The #1 duty of the referee is to protect the players safety. He didn't do that there.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Wow right off the back Umtiti steps in from behind and steps right on Nani's foot. That has to be a yellow. Clearly played the player. 

[BSLSteveBirrer]

66th minute and Greizmann gets free for a open header but hits it just over the top. Should have been 1-0 France.  Fatigue is showing on both sides now. They have played a lot of soccer the last three weeks!

[BSLSteveBirrer]

75th minute and Rui Patricio comes up huge for Portugal to keep France off the board.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

78th minute and Gignac is on for Giroud. France uses its second sub. And Portugal uses its third and final sub bringing on Eder for Sanches.

 

Portugal immediately attacks and gets two shots on goal but the French keeper was in good position.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

84th minute and Sissoko with a tremendous drive from 30 yards out but Rui Patricio parries it wide.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Goodness, France gets clear at the six and hits the post. That should have been a 92nd minute winner. Two clear chances for Gignac and he failed to convert either.

[BSLChrisStoner]

That yellow card was odd. Not sure what he was supposed to do there.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Extra time coming. Both teams are clearly very tired and now they have 30 more minutes to go.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

First 15 minutes of extra time still scoreless. Best chance was a corner for Portugal but the keeper was on it pretty easily. Both teams playing very carefully not wanting to give up a stupid mistake. Actually plays into Portugal's hands.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Hand ball just outside the area and Portugal has a very dangerous free kick.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

OMG a great free kick but Raphael hits the cross bar.......

[BSLSteveBirrer]

GOALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Portugal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BSLChrisStoner]

In the 109th minute... 1-0 POR! Wow....

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Eder with a great individual effort and France very slow to defend. Strong shot low and to the corner. No chance for the French keeper. NOW it gets exciting.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Eder with his first EVER goal in a competitive match. Wow that's one for the books.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Not going to hide it. I do not and have never liked French soccer. I am way happy for Portugal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BSLSteveBirrer]

My man of the match - Rui Patricio!!! Keepers rock, rule, and all that stuff!!

[glenn__davis]

But in the end, I think France wins 2-1.

 

Steve Birrer continues his run of excellent predictions.  Maybe I should be the BSL soccer football expert!  

 

Just needling of course.  You highlighted well why soccer is so difficult to predict - your work in this thread was excellent.