Originally Posted by
Allez Allez Allez
How often, in previous World Cups and Euros, has the media made a big deal about where England are staying for the tournament? They give a run down of the base, the facilities, all sorts. We saw the same with the details of the Wales base in France 2016. Preparation is key, the media coverage of preparation details confirm that. How can Turkey, Switzerland and Wales prepare in the same way that England, Italy and Denmark were able to prepare?
Every tournament has one team that has the advantage of being a host. That's a given. Sometimes it is 2. In 2026 it will be 3. But, this tournament? The following teams had home advantage for all three group games.
Group A - Italy played 3 games in Rome
Group B - Denmark played 3 games in Copenhagen. Russia played 2 in St Petersburg
Group C - The Netherlands played 3 games in Amsterdam.
Group D - Scotland played 2 games in Glasgow. England played 3 in London. The Czechs and the Croatians benefitted from having two venues relatively close together
Group E - Spain played 3 games in Sevilla
Group F - Hungary played 2 games in Budapest. Germany played 3 games in Munich.
I am sure the English FA, players, coaches and media would have happily accepted seeing their team have to travel 5000 miles in a little over a week. I am not using it as an excuse, by the way, but I am pointing out that, unlike other tournaments with 1 host nation, Wales in effect played two host nations in their 4 games. I thought we looked tired mentally. Don't forget that there is a 2 hour time difference between Baku and Rome, and a three hour time difference between Baku and Cardiff. It's not THE reason we went out with a whimper, but it's showing the tournament has lost some integrity as the venues (far from benefitting smaller nations) have been benefitting the major nations.
Why couldn't venues be assigned to groups before the groups were drawn (as used to happen in world cups like 1990) ? Group A is London and Glasgow. Group B is Amsterdam and Munich. Group C is Rome and Sevilla. Group D is Copenhagen and St Petersburg. Group E is Bucharest and Budapest. Group F is Baku and St Petersburg.
Well done Germany, you are in group B, as number 1 seeds all three games are in Munich. Hard luck Italy, you are in group A, you won't be in Rome but will be in London and Glasgow and as number 1 seeds, all your games are in Wembley.
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