Euro 2016

Are arsenal players scared of taking penalties when was the time an arsenal player score one?

What is this new no double jeopardy rule that commentators were talking about in Ireland game, which apparently if penalty is given on last men challenge it is no longer an automatic red card

^ One of 95 rule changes instigated for this tournament. Only a few are particularly important. This article highlights all the main ones: http://uk.businessinsider.com/the-intern...mpionships

Penalty goals (foul play that directly stops an obvious goal to be given as a goal without the need for a penalty) may be coming shortly to apparently.

I disagree with the prospect of a 'penalty goal', purely from an excitement point of view and from a neutral supporter point of view, the action of the penalty kick is a dramatic moment and should remain.

I might feel differently if it was awarded against England of course... but as I'm watching most of the games as a neutral, I feel the penalty kick should remain. Same as the penalty shootout - it's a dramatic moment to watch as a neutral and it remains the best way to settle a stalemate, and by the same token should be a good way to motivate a team to try to win the game therefore avoiding them.

Of course with England, we know we'll lose them all anyway so it doesn't matter.

^ Most definitely; but the idea is, I believe, not to replace penalties completely just those that stop, in the ref's opinion, a very obvious goal (i.e. a handball by a defender on the goal line).

Apologies if my original explanation gave a different impression.

Oddly enough. There was a suggestion that they should have penalties at the start of the game to decide a potential draw should it happen, so that one team at least would be forced to open up.

I can see the logic of the penalty goal it's a bit like the penalty try in Rugby. (I wonder how many of those England have been screwed over with over the years?). I would not like to see it implemented a new law though I think in some ways it creates a disadvantage. If it has to be used then I se it more as a discretionary application of the last man rule by the referee. I'm sure many of us still prefer the straight red option in that situation

France, Germany & Belgium have all played a lot better in the knockout matches.

^^ yes it seems the favourites are beginning to turn on the style after the wobbles in the group phase.

Germany have been excellent all the way through, so professional and a comfortable win today. They don't always play spectacularly but they do always do what's necessary to get the result, and always seem to have more players ready to replace the previous generation.

A difference in class showed against Hungary for Belgium. Hazard was excellent. I'm excited by the prospect of them against Wales. I also hope Poland smash Portugal to bits after the shite that the latter turned out against Croatia. Lewandowski hasn't scored yet so back him to get a couple against Portugal's creaky back line.

And England? Well defeat against Iceland is unthinkable. But somehow I'm still anxious ahead of tomorrow...

I would just like to see us start With Kane and Vardy. I hate it when managers don't pick the obvious team because it does not fit into their master plan. It's a Graham Taylor situation all over again with him being reluctant to start with Barnes and Waddle.