UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 11
Group A: Italy (0) 1 – 0 (0) Wales
Goal-scorer: Pessina (39′)
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Group A: Switzerland (2) 3 – 1 (0) Turkey
Goal-scorers: Switzerland – Seferovic (6′), Shaqiri (26′, 68′) Turkey – Kahveci (62′)
Olympic Stadium, Baku
The last round games weren’t the only significant football games going on, as I attended the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final at Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City between Hartlepool United and Torquay United. It was a dramatic finale with Torquay levelling at 1-1 in time added-on with a header from their goalkeeper which sent the game into extra-time. That thirty minutes couldn’t separate the two sides, so it was penalties. More drama ensued as the first four penalties were either missed or saved. However, some semblance f order returned with ‘Pools winning 5-4 from the spot and earning a return to the Football League. Unbelievable Jeff!
The reason for my ramblings about this? Well, by the time I got to Temple Meads station and despite having a lap-top ready to watch the game, the Wi-Fi on board the train just wouldn’t load the action with both fixtures already underway. Therefore it was like the old days (for those of a certain age) watching Ceefax and waiting for the updates on the BBC website. Technology is all well and good if it works, so whilst able to type this up on the train, I was unable to see hide nor hair of the major incidents from the games.
My thoughts though? Pleased for Wales to progress. It was looking a bit sticky at one point with Italy, who had made eight changes leading 1-0 and the Red Dragons down to ten-men, with the Swiss banging in the goals in a 3-1 win over Turkey. Italy through as Group winners, maximum points (9), seven goals scored, none conceded – a massive threat going into the last sixteen. Wales through as runners-up, finishing ahead of the Swiss on goal-difference, as both had four points, with Switzerland having to wait to see if this is enough to make them one of the four best third placed finishers. Turkey finished bottom losing all three games scoring just a single goal. They had been seen as possible dark horses in this tournament but left instead with their tail firmly between their legs.
Monday sees the completion of two more groups, with Group C games featuring North Macedonia v Netherlands and Ukraine v Austria. North Macedonia travel to Amsterdam having already been eliminated and the Dutch guaranteed progression to the knockout phase. The real interest lies in the game in Bucharest, where Ukraine and Austria both have three points. A draw or win sees Ukraine finish second, whilst for Austria to grab that spot, they must win the game, or they will have to rely on being one of the best four third-place finishers. Ukraine have looked a more adventurous side in their two fixtures at the Euros, but the return of striker Marko Arnautovic after his one-match suspension will boost Austria. For me though, Ukraine will take second spot after beating the Austrians.
The evening kick-offs see Group B come to its conclusion with Finland playing Belgium in St Petersburg and Russia travelling to Copenhagen to face the Danes. The Belgians have already secured a last sixteen spot, whilst the Finns could progress with a win, while a draw will be enough if Russia lose to Denmark. Unfortunately for Finland I can’t see them taking anything from the game and will be eliminated. For Denmark and Russia, its all to play for. The Russians will go through to the knockout phase if they win, or if they draw and the Finns don’t overcome the Belgians. Denmark too can progress but need to beat Russia by more than one goal and hope that Finland lose. This is a difficult one to call, but I think Russia will probably do enough with a draw.