'Quality'

Netherlands 0 - 0 France

Our first scoreless draw of the competition,  but in my mind quite an enjoyable one. If you listened to Jermaine Jenas though, you'd think it was the worst game played in history.  He solidified my opinion that all commentators should be given a limited ration for the use of the word "quality", as it's really starting to do my nut in. 

Where it started as an occasional sprinkle on top of actual commentary (e.g after 60 minutes of constantly describing good things that De Bruyne does, drop in that he is "just quality"), it has now become a lazy catch-all word used instead of actual description ("they need some quality from this corner", "he's got such quality", "what this team needs now is some quality", "that pass had such quality on it").

What do you even actually mean? Jenas got himself into a real pickle, mistaking the Netherlands very clear strategy (of defend solidly and use their searing pace of Frimpong, Depay and Gakpo) to cause danger on the break, for a negative low block.

Tactically it was a really well executed game plan. France too have an exciting front line, made better imo for having (the 'quality' of) Griezeman as part of it. Both teams I thought played well in a pretty furious match, and we're unlucky not to score.

For Netherlands it's just a matter of if and when the goals start to come. They've plenty of threat going forward and a pretty solid base in defence and midfield. France, with Kante looking very impressive in midfield also have what it takes to go deep in the comp.

The draw suited both teams, guaranteeing qualification (at Poland's expense) and the last games will be a shootout for goals to win the group.

I'm off to spend some quality time with my kids this morning before a quality trio of games later on. Have a quality weekend. Show quality in everything you do. Quality.