First match in an hour. Germany/Scotland. Going to be a great tourney as always!
Thanks for the heads up. Just a pedestrian soccer follower but I do pay some attention to the WC and Euros when they’re on.First match in an hour. Germany/Scotland. Going to be a great tourney as always!
Same here. Good start though. That hasn’t been the case in recent tournaments.Outside of the US, Germany is the team I root for in these tournaments. When it rains it pours for Scotland in this match.
I don’t watch often outside of the tourneys but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen Germany look this good.Same here. Good start though. That hasn’t been the case in recent tournaments.
They've got real talent. Wirtz. Gundogan. Kroos is still world class. And a guy like Havertz is in great form compared to a year ago. I think it is them, Spain, or England. Darkhorse: Switzerland or Denmark.Germany looking nasty
You knew they'd come to play w/the tourney on their home soil
The only time I'd root for England is if they play Germany (or possibly Brazil)They've got real talent. Wirtz. Gundogan. Kroos is still world class. And a guy like Havertz is in great form compared to a year ago. I think it is them, Spain, or England. Darkhorse: Switzerland or Denmark.
I think they said it’s been 40 years since a host country has won it.They've got real talent. Wirtz. Gundogan. Kroos is still world class. And a guy like Havertz is in great form compared to a year ago. I think it is them, Spain, or England. Darkhorse: Switzerland or Denmark.
I don’t think there is anyone more Italian than you living in the US.After nearly throwing up in my mouth last night watching the CWS, a good night's sleep has turbo charged the smooth one for today's opener for the defending Euro champs vs. Albania
First, a brief stop in Red Bank as Mrs. Smooth competes in her inagural race, aptly named the Red Bank 5k. The little one and I will be draped in the Italian flag, beaming with pride anxiously awaiting 3pm
From there, it's onto our favorite Italian specialty store, Bella Italia in Freehold. Under the previous ownership, they always had Italy flags in there, but the food's still awesome and we've been going there for years (cue the "you sold out you fake Italian Medigan, how can you possibly cater instead of cook"), which I can't argue with
Then it's on to the main event - Italy vs. Albania. Early reports are saying 50k Albanian fans will be in the stadium, which is surprising as there's a ton of Italians living in Germany.
In typical Italy fashion, I expect them to give me a heart attack from the jump. Though severely depleted, with a ton of injuries and other guys out for various misunderstandings, you can never count us out, especially during big tournaments.
And, as always...
Forza Azzurri...
Forza Italia!!
There’s no place like the motherland!I don’t think there is anyone more Italian than you living in the US.
Let's get ready for some boring play and fake injuries!Yeeeesssssssssss
Going to be epic!
Hey now!Let's get ready for some boring play and fake injuries!
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Blasphemy!My daughter in law was born in Albania and her family is very nice and fun to be with. I believe this is the first time they have made the Euro in many years so I will root for them today despite having more Italian heritage in my background. They were telling me the other day how many Albanians were making the trip to Germany for the match.
They said 50k Albanians are making the trip. No one is home.My daughter in law was born in Albania and her family is very nice and fun to be with. I believe this is the first time they have made the Euro in many years so I will root for them today despite having more Italian heritage in my background. They were telling me the other day how many Albanians were making the trip to Germany for the match.
The draw was very unkind to the upstart Albanians. Their grouping with Italy, Spain and Croatia is not conducive to advancing.They said 50k Albanians are making the trip. No one is home.
I think Ireland have a decent shot to qualify for WC 2026 for what it's worth. Depends on the draw. The striker Ferguson is a real player and they've got a few other pieces too.No Ireland, no care.
Enjoy.
Thankfully the wine regulates the nervesTension is building in the Smooth household.
Well they need a manager first.I think Ireland have a decent shot to qualify for WC 2026 for what it's worth. Depends on the draw. The striker Ferguson is a real player and they've got a few other pieces too.
One of the worst throw in in the history of soccer. Lol, luckily they took control. 70% posession. Good start!Thankfully the wine regulates the nerves
There was practically a nuclear meltdown on the first Albanian goal
There is a hilarious video of Albania fans breaking pasta in front of “distraught” Italy fans in Germany pregame.