Best tournament in over 20 years?

[sonofbunk]

Tempting fate here as a tournament is normally only as good as it’s knockout games (Brazil 2014 turned to shit after a good group stage), but this is possibly the best tournament in over 20 years.

It’s not been high scoring, but that’s more a reflection on teams being evenly matched. There have been lots of interesting games, some cracking goals and possibly because of the last 18 months, it’s been great seeing crowds again.

I was so bored by 2016 I stopped watching the games - I’m hopeful this will be different.

Edit - this post was initially after the Denmark - Russia group game. Bumped for thoughts now the tournament is over.

 

[Main Stand]

I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

I’m sure a few think it’s pish though, modern fitba etc.

 

[Aragorn]

I prefer the Euros to the World Cup to be honest.

 

[Tpol_rfc]

Think it's been great so far. Even my Mrs who usually doesn't care has been getting involved in the excitement when games are on.

 

[GimmeShelter]

It's been very good so far

 

[dt17]

I thought Russia was a brilliant tournament tbh. World Cup 2006 was excellent as well, so many cracking goals scored.

There's been some proper dull games in this tournament.

 

[WinkieWATP]

Not sure about that but it’s been highly enjoyable.

 

[mustn’t grumble]

I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

I’m sure a few think it’s pish though, modern fitba etc.

Same here. Having fans back is making a big difference for this one too I think, proper class having football back.

 

[Coatbridge Chancellor]

World cups 06/14/18 were great, Euro 08 was pretty good. It's up there with them so far.

 

[top_cat]

I love the Euro's and WC, it's football at its purest for me.

 

[Bigbluebear]

Pretty much every game I've watched has been pretty entertaining.

 

[Beer Bear]

The best euros I can remember.

 

[ProspectLoyal]

I was sceptical of the idea of having games in different countries, but it seems to be a really good thing actually, I think they should continue it for all the future ones.

 

[Valley Bluenose]

It’s been good partly because virtually everyone has something to play for going into the third group stage match. On the other hand, it’s ridiculous that it’s harder to not qualify than it is to go through, with only 8 teams out of 24 dropping out.

I also think having full(ish) houses at some of the matches after being starved of that atmosphere helps immensely.

 

[Barry Slimfit]

It’s been ok

 

[willowbankbear]

Euro 2000 was my fav , some wonderful games in it, this ones been good tho
As for world cups Germany 06 was pretty good

 

[mikeymols_10]

I think it’s been pretty good although I’m not a fan of it being spread around different countries. Prefer the original format of it being in the one country.

 

[Graemelins]

Nah, the World Cup in Brazil 2014 was better.

 

[top_cat]

Nah, the World Cup in Brazil 2014 was better.

The Germany 9-0 (or whatever it was) game was phenomenal.

 

[cooprfc]

I don't think it's that great tbh.

Too many teams imo and I'm not a fan of the third place thing.

Don't think the games have been anything special either and the lack of fans kills a lot of it too.

In fact, the fans missing is probably the biggest reason I'm neither here nor there about it.

The German World Cup remains the benchmark for tournaments this century. That semi final between Italy and Germany is the best game I think I've ever seen as a neutral and I'm not even sure why. Drew me right in.

 

[ssblue]

WC 2018 was a brilliant tournament.

This has been a good one.

 

[BrotherMoses]

It's been very enjoyable but I wouldn't say the best. Russia 2018 was phenomenal imo

 

[aghalee_hero]

It has been decent but I am not a fan of the 24 teams at it and 3rd place qualifying. Also it means you also have the likes of Wales finishing 2nd who then play Denmark who finish second next. It needs fixed.

 

[Corkinator]

It’s been good

 

[sonofbunk]

I don't think it's that great tbh.

Too many teams imo and I'm not a fan of the third place thing.

Don't think the games have been anything special either and the lack of fans kills a lot of it too.

In fact, the fans missing is probably the biggest reason I'm neither here nor there about it.

The German World Cup remains the benchmark for tournaments this century. That semi final between Italy and Germany is the best game I think I've ever seen as a neutral and I'm not even sure why. Drew me right in.

Im with you on the Italy - Germany game. Best tournament game I’ve ever seen (ive been viewing since 1990). But apart from that im not sure 2006 was up to that much. Most players seemed to be knackered.

 

[evo14]

I thought Russia was a brilliant tournament tbh. World Cup 2006 was excellent as well, so many cracking goals scored.

There's been some proper dull games in this tournament.

I second the WC 2006 vote. Every goal I remember seeing in that was an absolute screamer.

 

[1872]

It has been very good so far. Brazil ‘14 & Russia’18 were both very good though. IMO obviously.

 

[Crown_Defender]

I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

I’m sure a few think it’s pish though, modern fitba etc.

Friday is the only game I've watched. Just can't get up for it at all. Looking like a mistake as it appears there's been some excellent games.

 

[Main Stand]

I second the WC 2006 vote. Every goal I remember seeing in that was an absolute screamer.

Had this tournament on DVD and watched it religiously.

 

[Herman]

Let’s be honest it’s been watered down teams beat twice still getting through the groups, not to mention the pishy nations league back door into it in the first place

 

[dt17]

I second the WC 2006 vote. Every goal I remember seeing in that was an absolute screamer.

The keepers were moaning about the balls Adidas had brought out for it if I remember right. Flying all over the place.

I don't actually remember too much about World Cup 2002 but for nostalgic reasons it's up there as well. Everything from the ball, the boots (Predator Mania / Nike Vapors), Ronaldo getting his redemption after what happened in 98 etc.

 

[Blueranger45]

it's been a decent tournament for most of it but I really wish it was top 2 that went through, the 3rd place just dilutes it a bit too much

 

[PT98]

Is it just me that can barely remember previous tournaments, apart from the odd game?!

 

[Southside Bear]

Euro 96 will take some beating for me.

 

[Southside Bear]

it's been a decent tournament for most of it but I really wish it was top 2 that went through, the 3rd place just dilutes it a bit too much

It's either that, or have larger groups.

 

[AndyWebsterLoyal]

It's been good, but Germany 06 and Russia 18 were tremendous.

 

[Dofek]

Is it just me that can barely remember previous tournaments, apart from the odd game?!

Nope, I'm the same. Some people must take a note of games from previous tournaments so they can discuss it in 20 years time.

 

[Langland]

I thought Brazil and Russia WC were very good. Best Euros in a long time (so far). The last tournament was let down in the knockouts.

 

[CoopBlue]

I don't think it's that great tbh.

Too many teams imo and I'm not a fan of the third place thing.

Don't think the games have been anything special either and the lack of fans kills a lot of it too.

In fact, the fans missing is probably the biggest reason I'm neither here nor there about it.

The German World Cup remains the benchmark for tournaments this century. That semi final between Italy and Germany is the best game I think I've ever seen as a neutral and I'm not even sure why. Drew me right in.

Agreed.

Not been overly impressed by this tournament so far.

Hoping it improves in the knock out rounds.

And yes, that Italy v Germany semi was absolutely f.ucking sensational. Incredible viewing.

 

[bluetonic]

The best Euros in a long time for sure and 2014 WC was good, maybe because I was living in a host city at the time mind you

 

[nelster]

Its been excellent loving it.

The refereeing and VAR been excellent.

Not sure if the variation of countries and home crowds has changed the feel of it.

 

[HinshieBluenose]

I don't think it's that great tbh.

Too many teams imo and I'm not a fan of the third place thing.

Don't think the games have been anything special either and the lack of fans kills a lot of it too.

In fact, the fans missing is probably the biggest reason I'm neither here nor there about it.

The German World Cup remains the benchmark for tournaments this century. That semi final between Italy and Germany is the best game I think I've ever seen as a neutral and I'm not even sure why. Drew me right in.

I think the 3rd place thing adds to the excitement to be honest. I've found myself being more interested in the other group games given how it can affect our own qualification. It has also meant that teams have something to play for going into the final game.

 

[hunter1rfc]

Euro 2000 was my fav , some wonderful games in it, this ones been good tho
As for world cups Germany 06 was pretty good

Del pieros goal in that game was filthy

the way he curls it right in the top corner

 

[ssblue]

Euro 96 will take some beating for me.

Euro 96 was crap.

Nostalgic now but crap at the time.

The knockout matches were a borefest.

 

[WearsideGallantFew]

I'm not really enjoying this one tbh. I'd normally spend every England game in front of a big screen, no planning required, just decide on the morning. Out in the sun with thousands of people. This whole booking tables in advance bollocks has ruined it. I'll have watched 2 of England's 3 group games in me flat on me own.

 

[Mr_Miscellaneous]

I thought Russia 2018, France 2016 and Brazil 2014 were brilliant tournaments, too.

Tournaments (as a whole) have really picked up since teams figured out Spain.

 

[ICA_86]

I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

I’m sure a few think it’s pish though, modern fitba etc.

Same, been a very good tournament IMO.

 

[Sandy76]

Is it just me that can barely remember previous tournaments, apart from the odd game?!

It's an age thing.
I can remember everything from Mexico 86, and Italia 90 then the rest all role into 1.

 

[CooperBlue]

I prefer the Euros to the World Cup to be honest.

The Euros convenient kickoff times are a bonus when it comes to the two tournaments.

 

[Struths Canary]

It's been a bit meh.

16 out of 24 teams going through doesn't help.

Germany group has been the best by far. Most other groups have been fairly average.