Belgium v Romania - Sat 22nd June, 20:00 | Euro 2024 Group E

[SebastianBlue]

There’s no way Lukaku is better than a large petrified tree trunk stuck in the middle of the 18 yard box.

Now that I think about it, pretty sure Kev could get far more assists linking up with the tree trunk, snooker style.

 

[Gabriel]

Still don’t see it with him. Watched a few Dutch league games here and there…still don’t see it.

Good player but still very young. Just think his decision making is better.

 

[jimharri]

Just how many sponsors have ITV roped in for their coverage?

 

[lasereyes]

Commentators on US TV waxing lyrical about Doku: "every time he gets the ball, magical things are happening"

 

[jimharri]

Kev and Jez playing well.

 

[I'm Blue]

Just how many sponsors have ITV roped in for their coverage?

Hope they're not related party.

 

[SebastianBlue]

Commentators on US TV waxing lyrical about Doku: "every time he gets the ball, magical things are happening"

One of the few times I could listen to that buffoon Alexi Lalas without wanting to throw something at my TV.

 

[jimharri]

Hope they're not related party.

Don't start!

 

[Gabriel]

Bar Doku, Belgium look a little unimaginative up front, with very few players getting close enough in support to Lukaku.

 

[SamBlue]

The overall standard is usually slightly higher than the World Cup, so that often sets it apart, but I think the crowds play a big part.

Each nation’s fans usually only get 10-15k tickets for each match in the World Cup, with the rest going to sponsors, FIFA, and corporate packages.

Whereas 90% of the tickets for each Euros match goes to fans of the nations playing.

Creates a completely different atmosphere.

It also helps that most of the host countries are already setup to put on big tournaments, and are within easy travel distance of the vast majority of participating nations, so although there have been transport and access issues thus far, it has still been far better than Qatar or Brazil (or South Africa) for fans and teams alike.

And that makes a big difference to the quality of play on the pitch.

With 2-3 South American teams offered the place at Euros that would be much better and stronger competition than the WC, and they would bring in shitloads of supporters and would benefit financially.