itsbeautifuloutside

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(Saint-Etienne) 2pm

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Switzerland 1

• Shaqiri 82'

Poland 1

• Blaszczykowski 39'

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Poland win 5-4 on penalties

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Referee : Mark Clattenburg

Attendance : 38,842

Match Report

IBO Reporter : Spot51

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The knock-out stages of any international football tournament has been unknown territory for both these nations in recent years. This year both came through their groups, scoring few but conceding less. In fact, Poland had yet to concede at all. It was safe to say that neither side had yet set the Euros alight.

It was a sunny, summer afternoon as the players emerged, Switzerland in red and Poland in their preferred white shirts. The Swiss made just one change, bringing back Seferovic in place of Embolo. Poland made 5 changes – one enforced the rest tactical.

Switzerland made an almighty cock up almost immediately. Their defenders managed to present the ball to Milik who should have done much better than shoot over the bar. Switzerland seemed intent on pressing the Poles but, early on, the men in white were dominant. With Lewandowski leading the line they consistently pushed the Swiss back. On 6m Groscki chipped the ball to Milik who forced a save from Sommer.

Switzerland’s first attack on 10m saw a cross from the left find Dzemaili but his shot hit the side netting. Whilst they continued to make rare forays forward the Swiss were mostly camped round their own box. Blaszczykowski, restored to the right side of midfield, was forcing Rodriguez to defend which he clearly dislikes. On 13m he set up his captain with a shooting chance but the #9 scuffed it wide.

In Ryde we had a spectacular thunderstorm. I was hoping the satellite signal would not fail for the umpteenth time this week and had to try to hear the commentary over the barking of our dogs. At least, we didn’t lose the pictures.

Poland continued to dominate with both strikers having chances. Following one corner the ball broke to Maczynski who missed with a truly awful shot. After 20m the Swiss became a little more adventurous without causing the Polish defenders too much distress. The best chance fell to Dzemaili who met a Rodriguez corner but headed over.

Just before the 30m mark Krychowiak should have put the Poles ahead. He was allowed a free-header, met Milik’s corner but headed wide. There was certainly effort but little inspiration and it made for poor entertainment.

The game continued in much the same vein. On 34m another Rodriguez corner found Schar, unmarked, right in front of goal but he headed it right at Fabianski. This at least led to a period of Swiss attacking and on 38m Djemaili left his marker in his wake and hit a crisp shot which Fabianski tipped over. From the resulting corner, Poland scored.

Djourou had 2 attempts to head past Fabianski but the keeper claimed the second. His long throw out sent Grosicki scurrying down the left wing. He was well supported as attackers and defenders flooded back. Cutting in from the wing he might have lost possession twice but rode his luck, stabbing the ball across the box. Milik might have got the ball but seemed to be aware of Blaszczykowski arriving on his right. The ball ran on and Blaszczykowski fired it past Sommer: 1-0 Poland. Switzerland showed a bit more urgency after that without threating to score so Poland reached half time with a precious lead.

It is safe to assume the Swiss players got a rocket at half time as they approached the 2nd half with greater energy and desire. Indeed, Poland hardly got out of their half until, on 49m, another break by Grosicki allowed Lewandowski to force a save from Sommer.

But the balance of the game had changed and Switzerland’s more determined approach led to better chances. A lovely passing move set up Shaqiri who drew a fine save from Fabianski. Poland were never subdued though – on 54m Blaszczykowski drew a good save from Sommer who tipped his shot away.

On 55m Schar might have seen red for a dreadful tackle on Lewandowski. Clattenburg was lenient, producing a yellow. While the big Pole received treatment most players took an unofficial drinks break but almost immediately Jedrzejczyk was also carded for an innocuous tackle on Lichtsteiner. On 58m Dzemaili was withdrawn and Embolo went up front. Seferovic moved out left and, at last, began to impact the game.

This was close to becoming a good game. Both sides were capable of quick passing moves but any end product was sadly missing. On 65m a great run by Rodriguez set up Embolo and Fabianski did well to hold his effort at the second attempt. Switzerland continued to get forward and soon brought on Derdiyok as an extra attacker.

On 73m Rodriguez finally got hold of a free kick which Fabianski did well to turn round the post. From the corner Schar again got his head to the ball but put it wide. Fernandes replaced Behrami and Switzerland continued to seek an equaliser. They almost did on 78m when a free kick to the back post came to Djourou. His shot was blocked but the rebound fell to Seferovic who rattled the cross bar with his effort. Switzerland won corner after corner and Fabianski helped his defence punching the ball away but nothing in the preceding 82 minutes suggested we were about to see the GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT.

Lichtsteiner suddenly turned up on the left wing. Taking the ball from Rodriguez he checked back and hit an inviting cross towards Derdiyok. His marker stuck out a leg and deflected it away. The ball looped out of the box where Shaqiri met it with a splendid overhead kick, beating Fabianski’s dive and in off the post: 1-1. Take that you European Fancy Dans – that is how we do things in Stoke!

For the next few minutes Switzerland looked capable of grabbing a winner but the Poles gradually settled and began to create chances themselves. Both sides kept at it until the 4 added minutes when the game noticably slowed as the prospect of Extra Time loomed large. Milik curled a long range effort over and Fabianski caught Xhaka’s lob from even further out.

EXTRA TIME

The Poles had still made no substitutions while the Swiss had all theirs on. Switzerland remained on the front foot and the tiring Poles struggled to retain the ball. Rodriguez was still the main conduit for getting forward and on 96m set up Shaqiri whose chip went over.

On 99m the first Pole went down with cramp. Within 5 minutes they’d brought on Jodlowiec for Maczynski and Peszkoa for Grosicki. But the game was now being played at walking pace and neither side carved themselves a serious chance before the turn round.

It was a hot afternoon and Clattenburg allowed an extended drinks break before restarting. The final 15 minutes was played with a bit more urgency. On 108m Schar carried the ball all the way up field before shooting over the bar. Switzerland won a series of corners but the Poles survived them.

Lewandoski came deep to collect the ball and won a couple of free kicks which helped relieve the pressure. Pazdan was yellow carded for a foul on Derdiyok and moments later the striker almost broke the deadlock. He got on the end of Shaqiri’s excellent cross but Fabianski turned the header away. On 114m he chose to shoot when Xhaka was fouled some 30 yards out. It sailed horribly wide.

The Swiss continued to attack but on 116m Poland broke away and Djourou was carded for bringing down Peszkoa. As time ran out Poland almost won it when Piszczek broke into the box. He was halted by a terrific block by Seferovic who had tracked his run. And that was that. After 120 minutes we were level at 1-1.

PENALTIES

The spot kicks took place at the “Swiss End” of the ground.

The captains stepped up first with both Lichtsteiner and Lewandowski scoring: 1-1.

Next up was Xhaka who missed – well wide. Milik scored despite Sommer getting gloves on it: 1-2.

Shaqiri and Schar both scored for Switzerland as did Glick and Blaszczykowski: 3-4.

Fabianski had got nowhere near any of Switzerland’s penalties. He was beaten by Rodriguez too: 4-4.

Sommer had guessed right with all of Poland’s penalties but needed to save Krychowiak’s to keep Switzerland in Euro 2016. He could not. Poland had hit 5 great penalties and were heading for the quarter finals.

Switzerland bossed all the stats and probably deserved to win this but their strangely subdued first half performance left them playing catch-up. It took a quite wonderful goal to finally breach Poland’s defence so they will approach the quarter finals with some optimism. After all, with such a solid defence, what might happen should Lewandoski start scoring?

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(Paris) 5pm

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Wales 1

• McAuley 75' og

Northern Ireland 0

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Referee : Martin Atkinson

Attendance : 44,342

Match Report

IBO Reporter : OneBeat

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Here we go, a current Saint against the an ex Saint and a Saints fan.

The early minutes weren't blessed with much good football, the only close ups of Bale were of him challenging for aerial balls. Eventually, the game settled a little and both teams started passing the ball around on the deck, for a little while.

Wales were having the greater possession but it was Northern Ireland who had the first proper shot, Dallas' effort was pushed around the post for a corner by Hennessy.

Ramsey put the ball in the net in the 19th minute after a powerful Sam Vokes header, but he was offside. I'm not sure he needed to touch it as Vokes' header may just have beaten the keeper's dive and crept in at the far post.

Hennessy had to make another good save soon after pushing another well hit shot from Dallas over the bar.

The game became scrappy, Bale was being well marked, but although each team had the odd attack nothing came of it.

Dallas was involved again, getting a booking for sliding in and catching Bale on the halfway line.

And that was it for the first half.

Norther Ireland started the second half on the attack, but their efforts never really came to anything. Wales then went close, a Sam Vokes header went just wide. It turned out to be his last bit of action he was replaced by Robson-Kanu.

On one of Wales' rare attacks Bale won a free kick about 30 yards from goal. His well struck free kick was well pushed away by McGovern. Northern Ireland went right on the attack and won a free kick of their own, but much further out. The kick resulted in a corner which was over hit, the same thing happened to their next corner a few minutes later.

Northern Ireland continued to have most of the ball, but couldn't create a decent chance. Davis got booked for clattering into Bale, that will serve him right for leaving Saints.

On 75 minutes Wales did attack and a great Bale cross was put into his own net by McAuley. If he hadn't got to it Robson-Kanu would have scored anyway. It was hard on Northern Ireland.

Ashley Williams and Jonny Williams collided at speed in the middle of the park and it took several minutes before both were back on their feet. It took Ashley WIlliams longer to get up and he needed help to do it. A couple of minutes later he was sat down again needing to be substituted, but seemingly refusing to go off, even though James Collins was stood ready to go on. Williams was hardly moving his arm and seeing him refuse to come off put the Village People song "Macho Man" in my head, I'm sure Ashley Williams would be pleased with that.

With only two minutes of added on time left Wales hit a long free kick straight to NI keeper Michael McGovern, who launched it forward putting the Irish back on the attack. McGovern came racing forward for the resulting corner, but it didn't reach him, and the straight away the final whistle went.

Northern Ireland were the better team in the second half, but didn't really cause Hennessy too many problems. The one time Bale got free he put in the telling cross for the goal.

Now Stephen Davis can get himself rested for the new season.

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(Lens) 8pm

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Croatia 0

Portugal 1

• Quaresma 117'

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Referee : Carlos Velasco Carballo

Attendance : 33,523

Match Report

IBO Reporter : Batts

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After allowing Hungary to score 3 goals against them in their final group game, Fernando Santos, the Portuguese manager, decided to do something about it and found the answer in Southampton. For the first time in the tournament he gave a start to Saints' captain Jose Fonte, who lined up alongside his club team mate Cedric Soares.

With Ronaldo in the team, Santos must have gone into the competition believing his team would out score most opposition teams, so could afford to persevere with an ageing back line. But, with Ronaldo either profligate or quiet throughout the group games, the Portuguese had only managed to sneak into the knock-out stages with 3 draws.

For Ronaldo, moving into the advanced stages of the competition did not herald a change. This was perhaps his quietest game so far, as Croatia and Ronaldo's club team mate, Luka Modric, dominated. However they were not able to make their possession count and, indeed, it took 90 minutes of normal time and a further 26 minutes of extra time before either team had a meaningful shot on target. With neither team prepared to take a risk, the crowd were treated to no shots on target, no saves and no real invention. And the crowd didn't even get the pay-off of the drama of a penalty shoot-out.

Not that the Portuguese fans will care.

After 2 hours of desperate football, Luka Modric crossed from the right, Ivan Perisic did just enough to beat Pepe in the air, but Rui Patricio produced the first save of the game, from the first attempt on target, tipping the ball onto the post and away. Renato Sanches broke upfield, fed out to Nani on the left, who swung over a cross to Ronaldo, who made his first contribution to the game. His shot came off a Croatian and fell to Ricardo Quaresma, formerly of Barca, Chelsea and Inter, who nodded in from a yard out.

Croatia had time for a brief rally but the truth is they were the architects of their own downfall. They had the possession and quality to have this game wrapped up earlier but were hamstrung by the fear of losing. They had arguably been the best team in the group stages of the competition but the weight of expectation proved too much. Portugal, on the other hand, are a team that know how to win. And this might benefit Southampton when Jose Fonte and Cedric return with confidence to the south coast.

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(Lyon) 2pm

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France 2

• Griezmann 57', 61'

Republic of Ireland 1

• Brady 2' (penalty)

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Referee : Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance : 56,279

Match Report

IBO Reporter : channonite

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Well, that was another plucky underdog eliminated. You can’t help but feel that the French manipulated the schedules to give their side every advantage. This time they had an extra days rest.

To their credit the Irish came out strongly and within two minutes Paul Pogba had sent Saints own Shane Long flying in the French penalty area. Penalty. Robbie Brady stepped up to the spot and scored via the upright.

What a start!

Before the match Shane Long had been asked about Thierry Henry’s outrageous handball that eliminated the Republic in a qualifying play-off in 2009. Although Shane said that his team were not motivated by revenge, it had to be on their mind.

After the wonderful start for the Irish, it might just have got better, but for Daryl Murphy’s shot being tipped over by Hugo Lloris.

Unfortunately that was as good as it got. The French came from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland, who finished the game with ten men as shane Duffy was shown a straight red in the 66th minute for a professional foul on Griezmann.

The Republic’s defence held out for the rest of the first half, but soon after the break Griezmann headed in the equaliser and the Irish were on the ropes.

Griezemann struck again just four minutes later. Duffy was then sent off just after the second goal and that marked the effective end of the Republic’s Euro2016 journey.

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(Lille) 5pm

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Germany 3

• Boateng 8'
• Gomez 43'
• Draxler 63'

Slovakia 0

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Referee : Szymon Marciniak

Attendance : 44,312

Match Report

IBO Reporter : THE BEAST

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if they didn't know the Germans were in this before then this was most definitely a wake-up call to the other teams in the tournament, Germany walked this.

It was 2-0 by the end of the first half and should have been about 5-0, Özil missed a penalty and apart from one good save required from Neuer, Slovakia couldn't touch them.

Saying that, the German fullbacks are still growing into their roles, and, I'm slightly startled to find myself agreeing with the ITV commentators about anything, but I agree with them when they said that Germany can be got at down the wings and that neither full-back is as good defensively as they are going forward. Today it didn't matter really though.

Boateng scored the first goal with a long-distance belter towards the beginning of the first half and Gomez scored from up close and personal as a result of some beautiful work by Draxler just before the end of the half.

Julian Draxler looked ominously good in this game, he has the height of Gomez and that nimbleness of Müller, yet he is growing and learning all the time, truly could be world-class and not that far in the future.

In the 2nd half the Slovakians changed formation and personnel to try and get back in the game, they were much more threatening without really looking like they were ever going to turn the Germans over.

Hamsik was particular disappointing, especially as I think he can be spectacularly good, he certainly wasn't today.

Julian Draxler made it 3-0 by belting in to the roof of the net during a set piece, no more than he deserved for a great performance today.

Germany brought on old piggy to shore up the midfield to close things out and the little prince from Cologne also got an outing.

To be honest, didn't matter about the personnel, they were untouchable, certainly by Slovakia, they are marching on, they are looking hard to beat, they'll be there or thereabouts at the end.

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(Toulouse) 8pm

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Hungary 0

Belgium 4

• Alderweireld 10'
• Batshuayi 78'
• Hazard 79'
• Carrasco 90'+1

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Referee : Milorad Mazic

Attendance : 38,921

Match Report

IBO Reporter : sotonian

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Belgium came into this tournament with very high expectations from everyone, Hungary were rated as one of the worst sides here but as someone once said, football is a funny old game, Hungary surprised everyone and won their group, Belgium lost their opening game but ended going through in second place.

Belgium started the better of the two sides, no surprise after just 10 mins when they went in the lead, De Bruyne crossed, Hungary defenders went missing Alderweireld totally unmarked had to simply head the ball in. Hazard who had a fairly poor season with Chelsea was bossing this game, Hungary didn't really have an answer, chance after chance came, Alderweireld had a shot just go over, Mertens and Lukaku had chances, De Bruyne hit the bar from a free kick but somehow the score remained 1-0, then just before half time Hungary had a couple of chances, both from distance but both very close, it looked like Belgium were going to be punished for not making more of there numerous chances.

Half time Hungary 0 Belgium 1

Hungary made a substitution and changed tactics, this proved immediately effective, we now had an even game, although Hazard was still ripping apart the appalling Hungarian defence there was no end result, Hungary were getting more dangerous going forward, they had many chances to bring the game level, in fact as time went on Hungary had become the better side. This all changed on the 77th minute, with Belgium struggling to hold their lead, they made a substitution, Lukaku came off to make way for West Ham transfer target Batshuayi, this proved immediately effective, as his first touch of the ball ended up in the goal, after superb build up play from Hazard, This goal totally knocked the stuffing out of Hungary, Just 2 minutes later Hazard who'd been superb the whole night, cut in from the left, beat 2 players and put a great shot into the corner of the goal to make it 0-3. Hazard was taken off to a standing ovation from the whole ground, nice to see as he had deserved it, on came Fellaini for the last 8 minutes, just enough time to get his standard elbowing of an opponent in. In injury time Belgium got a 4th goal which was a bit harsh on the Hungarians who for much of the second half were the better side

Full time Hungary 0 Belgium 4

Are Belgium contenders as Euro 16 winners? They certainly have quality individuals but I'm not convinced they are a great side.

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(Saint-Denis) 5pm

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Italy 2

• Chiellini 33'
• Pellè 90'+1

Spain 0

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Referee : Cüneyt Çakir

Attendance : 76,165

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Match Report

IBO Reporter : channonite

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That was such an enjoyable match and that was not just because Graziano Pellè was playing up front for Italy, but the Italians were simply a joy to watch. They were sharp, organised and tactically on a different planet from the Spanish. Make no mistake Spain are a good team, but the Italians were so much better, under the wonderfully, emotional, demonstrative Antonio Conte. It is going to be very entertaining to watch him on Chelsea’s touchline this season.

Looking back at Spot’s preview, they were one of his tips to win the competition outright and I thought that as well, but right from the off the men in the fetching white shirts that somebody had carelessly thrown red and yellow paint on, were outfought and out thought by Italy. If it were not for de Gea’s superb reflexes, they would have been two, or three goals behind, rather than just the one scored by Chiellini, just after the half hour. This came from a free kick that de Gea just managed to keep out, but could not hold. Before he could retrieve the ball, the pack of Italians were on him (what the hell were the Spanish defenders doing?) and Chiellini won the race to get to the ball. 1-0.

After half time the game was a bit more even and Buffon even had to make some saves. You still had the feeling that Italy were playing well within themselves. Graziano Pellè was having an outstanding game for Italy, making a couple of crucial defensive blocks, and generally being involved in all of the Italian attacking moves. He finally got his reward, as the game entered extra time. Spain had been throwing caution to the wind, in a desperate attempt to equalise and eventually they got caught out. The ball was played forward and found it’s way to the right wing. The cross hit a Spanish foot, looping high into the air and falling right in front of Pellè who lashed the ball into the net. 2-0 and the entire Italian team, coaches and fans went mad. Conte was seen trying to climb onto the roof of the dugout. I was just so proud of ‘our’ Graziano.

So, Italy progress to play Germany in the quarter-finals. Spain go home.

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(Nice) 8pm

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England 1

• Rooney 4'

Iceland 2

• Sigurdsson 6'
• Sigthorsson 18'

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Referee : Damir Skomina

Attendance : 33,901

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Match Report

IBO Reporter : ormerdog

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Every tournament needs a plucky underdog and there was a bit of competition this year but Iceland are out in front. A country with a population the size of Lewisham, an assistant manager who moonlights as a dentist, A goalkeeper who once directed the Icelandic eurovision song contest entry, a full back who's auntie is Bjork, and a midfielder who in the record books as the most hirsute man in Scandanavia (only two of them are made up). Nailed on. This was the first competitive meeting between England and Iceland since the cod wars and no-one expected anything other than a comfortable England victory because, well because it's Iceland, they must be shit.

Iceland lined up in a fairly standard looking 4-4-2 to my tactically unaware eyes. F**k knows what formation England were playing though. 4-1-5??

The game started quite frantically and after 3 minutes Alli's ball through finds Sterling who'd curved his run inside the centre half well, Martin Scorcese brings him down – Penalty. No question. Up steps wiggy Wayne and it's 1-0. Great pen. Game over then. Err. 2 minutes later Iceland are level. Long throw from Gunnarson is flicked on and Ragnar Sigurdsson hooks home from close range thanks to a sleeping Kyle Walker letting him run. Blimey. Glenn Hoddle attributes the goal to Chris Smalling and the back 4 not being used to defending long throws. He's obviously been in Spain too long and not watched much British football.

England have a few snapshots from the edge of the box from Alli and Kane but neither trouble Wes Anderson in the Iceland goal (yes I've forgotten his name). Hoddle says "Iceland aren't interested in anything subtle". Right on cue, the nicest passing move of the match results in space in the box for Sightorson and he squeezes a shot under Hart. Again the face of head and shoulders is at fault. 2-1 Iceland. Blimey O Reillyson.

But surely this is just a crazy start to the game right? England's better players will win out. "England have just got to get back to their gameplan" says Clive Tydlsley. I'm sure they would if they knew what it was Clive. England have two more chances before the break. Sturridge crosses deep to Kane and Beavis hooks his volley straight at James Cameron. Then Smalling has a decent chance from a Kane free kick but heads wildly over from 4 yards at the back stick. Half time. Well. That was an interesting one.

Mark Pougatch, perhaps the least charismatic man on TV, says at half time "Do we drop Joe Hart for the quarter final?". Hmmm, probably not a great idea that cloud head.

Just when you thought England couldn't get more unbalanced, Hodgson brings on Jack Wilshere for Eric Dier. England look totally lost and are resorting to playing hopeful balls forward. Harry Kane is still taking free kicks despite shanking pretty much every one into the crowd. It's all a bit depressing actually. I'm almost starting to feel sorry for the 11 men in white, who all look pretty terrified and hoping something will happen. Iceland have a good chance on 54 minutes, a corner falls to Ragnar Sigurdson and his spectacular overhead kick is straight at HArt from 6 yards. Great technique from defender who looks very accomplished throughout.

Sterling, who faded dramatically after the first 90 seconds, comes off for Vardy, his face contorted in a mixture of fear, rage and xenophobia. Delle has a half chance shortly after but he shins the volley over from inside the box. He's been pretty crap in the tournament I'm afraid. The camera cuts to Hodgson and he wears the expression from someone who has just come back from a stag do and has forgotten where he has parked his car at the airport. Total confusion. England are getting worse. It's painful. Vardy gets away but Sigurdsson makes a brilliant tackle to concede a corner. On 83 minutes Gunnarson breaks and hammers straight at Hart from close range. Great chance. Roy rolls the dice again. Rashford on for Rooney. 86 minutes too late.

With a minute to go, Clive Tyldsley perfectly sums up the problem with English football throughout the course of history in one sentence. "Iceland, with names you have never heard of before, are beating England". That's the same Iceland that beat Holland twice in qualifying and the same England that has one major tournament to their name. I'm almost feeling sorry for the England players now, they look so desperate, you can't say they aren't trying but they just look completely weighed down by expectation. Perhaps if the likes of Tyldsley's attitude weren't so prevalant and England actually took stock and tried to work out where they were going wrong and didn't put so much pressure on a team with NO world class players, they wouldn't be so shackled by the chains of an embellished history. By this point Tyldsley is on the verge of a complete mental and physical breakdown. The players in front of him have already had theirs. One more chance, Vardy at the back post but brilliant defending from some geyser (sorry) takes it off his head. That's it. Over. Iceland sink to their knees. England collapse.

The pundits still don't get it. Ian Wright looks completely baffled "Rubbish...we were rubbish". Insightful. Pougatch - "DO WE NEED A TONY ADAMS, A TERRY BUTCHER?!?!". Crouch - "some of these players are PART TIME!" No Peter, no. They are professional footballers. Sack the researcher. Sack the manager. Hold on. He's resigned. A teary Hodgson says goodbye. It's all a bit sad. Even my wife, valleys born and bred, is feeling sorry for England. Just when you think it couldn't get any worse. The odds for the new England manager flash up on screen. Favourite - Gareth Southgate 8/1.