Group A: QAT/EC/SN/NL

[Spursh]

The Dutch have a weird side. Playing a back three, with the only CB who plays that formation regularly (De Vrij) on the bench. They’re also playing Blind at wing-back who’s not that athletic, a midfield three that doesn’t look defensively great (despite having the Atalanta pair, Koopmeiners and De Roon on the bench), and amazingly have Janssen up front.

I would have definitely found a spot of Xavi Simons too, who looks a fantastic talent.

 

[Super Pav]

good game this

 

[Johnny J]

Sarr looking predictably fantastic. Giving De Ligt a hell of a time.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Sarr looking predictably fantastic. Giving De Ligt a hell of a time.

Wasn't watching but thought his was our Sarr for a moment...

 

[chrissivad]

Wasn't watching but thought his was our Sarr for a moment...

No, he is no.17 on the bench.

 

[PCozzie]

Early days and everything, some teams get better as the tournament goes on, but I wouldn't be particularly worried about drawing either of these two sides in the knockouts.

 

[Romulus]

England have absolutely nothing to worry about with this group next round.

 

[JCRD]

I was expecting slightly more from Netherlands.

 

[easley91]

Only able to catch from 60ish minutes gone. Has this been a good game? Pape Sarr on the bench?

 

[Crow]

The Dutch happy to see Kouyate go off, they were finding him a real handful...

 

[Frank Blank]

Those Qatari Ultras behind the goal.. Are they the ones shipped in from India?

Only able to catch from 60ish minutes gone. Has this been a good game?

It has been more dreadful the longer it has gone on.

Early days yet in this tournament, but basically we've two fairly average teams here - both of whom have been prone to poor first touches and occasionally abysmal passing.

 

[RuskyM]

Claiming the attendance is 41,721 when the stadium only holds 40,000 and is clearly half full. I assume they're counting the bodies buried underneath in that.

 

[teok]

The Dutch happy to see Kouyate go off, they were finding him a real handful...

 

[SlotBadger]

Good ball and glanced header.

 

[JCRD]

Good header - so when we buying him?

 

[RuskyM]

Dutch love a good header, don't they?

 

[easley91]

It has been more dreadful the longer it has gone on.

Early days yet in this tournament, but basically we've two fairly average teams here - both of whom have been prone to poor first touches and occasionally abysmal passing.

Opening games can sometimes be dull affairs so I'm not surprised.

Great header that!

 

[easley91]

Dutch love a good header, don't they?

Still remember RVP's flying diving header. Great image that was.

 

[tobi]

What happened to Mendy?

His initial start at Chelsea was very good.

 

[BorjeSpurs]

Thought that our Sarr would come in if there was an injury in central midfield this tournament, but seemingly not even first choice on the bench. That’s a shame.