UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 24

Czech Republic (0) 1 – 2 (2) Denmark

Goalscorers: Czech Republic – Schick (49′). Denmark – Delaney (5′), Dolberg (42′)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

The Danish adventure continues, although they were made to work for it by a physical Czech Republic team. Who would have guessed after their defeats to Finland and Belgium, that the Danes would be one game away from the Final? Momentum and the emotion from the dreadful Christian Eriksen incident have seen this side go on to beat Russia (4-1) in their final group game, Wales (4-0) in the Round of 16 and now the Czech Republic. Denmark were ahead as early as the fifth minute. There was a bit of fortune about it, as the Danes were awarded a corner, when a goal-kick should have been awarded, and they pounced on the opportunity with poor marking allowing Delaney to head home. With high temperatures in Baku, the game wasn’t played at a great pace with genuine chances at a premium. However, just before the break, Denmark scored their second from a counter-attack. Maehle curled in an exquisite cross and with Braithwaite unable to connect, Dolberg with a side-foot volley from six yards made it 2-0. The Czech Republic knew they had to start fast in the second-half and came out all guns blazing, with Schmeichel having to save from Barak in the opening minutes and it was no surprise when they got a goal back on forty-nine minutes. Coufal crossed from the right and Schick guided his volley home. It was his fifth goal of the tournament, taking him level with Portugal’s Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot. The Czech’s continued to apply pressure in search of an equaliser, but their momentum was broken when Soucek received a cut to the head, which required attention with the break seeming to benefit Denmark more, who saw out the game to clinch their semi-final place.  Hans Christian Andersen couldn’t have written a better story. Is it really going to be 1992 all over again?

 

Ukraine (0) 0 – 4 (1)  England

Goalscorers: Kane (4′, 50′), Maguire (46′), Henderson (63′)

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Wow, wow, wow! Genuinely didn’t see that coming. Did playing away from Wembley help, with the added pressure a home game brings lifted? Was the German victory the game that gave the Three Lions the confidence? Who knows! But whatever it was, the game in Rome was a night to remember, but like the Germany victory, means nothing if England don’t go on to at least make the Final. Harry Kane looked a different player and settled England’s nerves with a goal after four minutes. Raheem Sterling was yet again at the heart of this goal drifting across the Ukraine defence before a delightful through ball saw Kane stretch and toe past the advancing Bushchan. A dream start. With Ukraine packing their defence England had to be patient and had plenty of possession as the half progressed. Ukraine though had their moments coinciding with a change of formation when Kryvtsov had to go off on thirty-five minutes, as Pickford had to save from Yaremchuk and Shaparenko fired wide from distance. 1-0 at the break and work still to do. However, the game was effectively over five minutes into the second-half. Just a minute after the break, a wonderfully delivered free-kick from Luke Shaw was headed home by Harry Maguire and then on fifty minutes, Kane got his second. A lovely backheel by Sterling released Shaw with his cross headed home by the Three Lions skipper. This allowed Gareth Southgate to take off players who had yellow cards and who could have potentially missed the semi-final, as well as rest some of the others. Amongst those was Kane, but before he departed he was denied a hat-trick after a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box was superbly save by Bushchan. With England totally in control, a corner saw substitute Jordan Henderson finally break his goal-scoring duck for his country as he headed home the Three Lions’ fourth on the night. The remainder of the game was a rare thing for England fans, a stress-free watch, as a place in the semi-final was in the bag. Praise for the team and for Gareth Southgate who got his changes right yet again. Special mention to Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko, who showed his class at the end by congratulating the England players. A break now, as we rest until Tuesday and Wednesday, as Wembley hosts the two semi-final games.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 23

Switzerland (0) 1 – 1 (1) Spain (FT: 1-1. Spain won 3-1 on penalties)

Goalscorers: Switzerland – Shaqiri (68′). Spain – Zakaria (8’og)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Really not sure what to make of this Spanish team. They play at times lovely, quick, intricate and incisive football, but yet again in this encounter failed to turn that into goals. In simple terms, pundits seem to agree that they are just a  decent striker away from being a very good side. Thankfully for La Roja, they weren’t punished in this game as they made it through to the semi-finals on penalties, but you have to wonder if Italy will be so forgiving in that clash at Wembley.

The Spaniards got off to the best possible start, when another OG was recorded after Alba’s shot was deflected past Sommer by Zakaria. Chances were few and far between in the opening half, with the best all coming from corners, as Spain had headers from Azpilicueta and Torres go wide, whilst Zakaria for the Swiss was unable to control his header when well placed. One-nil to Spain at the break.

As the Swiss showed in their game against France, they are not a team to bow to the ‘big’ teams and on sixty-eight minutes got their reward. With seemingly no danger as a Swiss attack broke down, Laporte and Torres contrived to give the ball away which fell kindly for Freuler who squared for Shaqiri, to sweep home. However, parity was short-lived and just nine minutes later and Switzerland were a man down. Now depending if you are a Spanish fan or a Swiss fan your view will be decidedly different. If you follow La Roja, you’d say this was a challenge that Freuler was not in control of and his contact with Moreno was dangerous. Flip to the Rossocrociati view and it will be that the player got the ball and that his momentum took him through into the Spanish player and was unavoidable. I’ve watched it a number of times since and can honestly see it both ways. I’m presuming Michael Oliver saw it as a reckless challenge in which the player wasn’t in control of the tackle and therefore had to be a red card. Who’d be a referee?

It meant it was an uphill battle for the Swiss from there on in. However, they made it to extra-time and eventually to penalties, thanks to ‘keeper Sommer who made a number of saves and the poor Spanish finishing, with Moreno particularly guilty. With Spain hitting the post with their first spot-kick you just wondered whether the Swiss were going to pull off another surprise. However, where their penalty takers had been perfect against France, they imploded here, although credit to Simón who saved two penalties, leaving Oyarzabal to seal the win 3-1.

A point of discussion from this game once again as the commentators praised the standard of referees especially with respect to letting games flow. I have to disagree on both counts. In far too many games I have seen the referee get in too close to the action, causing issues to the teams, some of the sending-off decisions have been questionable even with the aid of VAR, and if letting the game flow is when obvious fouls have been committed then count me out.

 

Belgium (1) 1 – 2 (2) Italy

Goalscorers: Belgium – Lukaku (45’+2’ pen). Italy – Barella (31′), Insigne (44′)

Allianz Arena, Munich

This was described in some quarters as a classic, with exhilarating football played by both sides. And to some extent I have to agree. However, what will stick in my mind over all the great football played, will be the playing-acting of Immobile in the build-up to Italy’s first goal. As the ball was played into the Belgian box, the forward went down in a heap, and stayed down (impeding the passage of play in my opinion) allowing Barella to fire in. With the ball in the net, up popped Immobile with a look at the referees assistant and jogged over (no limp) to celebrate with his teammates. There is no other word to apply to the player than CHEAT. The goal should have been struck off for simulation and or his prone body interfering with play. It left a bitter taste in my mouth to be sure.

Of the rest of the game, Insigne’s strike just before the break was one of the goals of the competition and Lukaku’ s penalty was supremely executed to get Belgium back in the game in time added-on at the end of the first-half. After the antics of Immobile in the first period I was willing the Belgians to level, but despite the best efforts of Lukaku, De Bruyne and Doku, they couldn’t find an equaliser and yet again FIFA’s No1 ranked side leave a Finals tournament without a trophy.

You have to think Italy will win the competition overall, they look the most complete side left, but for me the image of Immobile and his actions will be hard to shake-off if the Azzuri go on to lift the European crown.

 

Czech Republic v Denmark (Olympic Stadium, Baku)

This is a repeat of the 2004 Quarter-Final when the Euros were held in Portugal. The game took place at the Estadio do Dragão in Porto and was in the end a conformable 3-0 win for the Czech Republic with goals from Koller (49′) and Baros (63’, 65’).

The Danes are a side riding on the crest of emotion and their fans will hope it is a repeat of their 1992 Euro win against all odds. The Czechs looked very ordinary in the group stages, but then produced one of the performances of the tournament in knocking out the Netherlands 2-0 in their own backyard.

Not an easy one to call, but I’m going for the Danes to continue their incredible run.

 

Ukraine v England (Stadio Olimpico, Rome)

And so to the last of the Quarter-Finals and the no doubt gut-wrenching experience that is watching England.

These two have met in the Euro Finals before, back in 2012 at the  Donbass Arena in Donetsk with the Three Lions winning 1-0. It was the final match of the group stage, with Wayne Rooney scoring three minutes after the break, with a header from a yard out, after Steven Gerrard’s cross was somehow reached Rooney through three Ukrainian defenders and ‘keeper. It was a classically nervy performance from England, and in truth they were lucky to win, as John Terry’s theatrical over-head clearance was shown in replays to have crossed the line but was missed by the officials. VAR would have awarded the goal.

Whilst Ukraine only just made it out of the groups stage as one of the best third placed finishers, they did see off a more than useful Sweden team in the Round of 16. England should not take the Blue and Yellow lightly and will have to do it without home advantage that they have been afforded so far as they play over in Rome. It could be another old stressful evening.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 18

Netherlands (0) 0 – 2 (0) Czech Republic

Goalscorers: Holes (68’minutes), Schick (80’minutes)

Puskas Arena, Budapest

A genuine shock result. I’d not seen anything of the Czech’s in their group games to indicate they had this performance in their locker. It was of course helped by the sending-off of Matthijs de Ligt ten minutes after the break and maybe was assisted by the weight of expectation that the Netherlands felt going into this game. However, that is to take away from a thoroughly professional performance by the Czech Republic. In the first-half they had the better of a tight encounter, with only good Dutch defending preventing a goal for the Czechs. Into the second-half and the dismissal came on fifty-five minutes. Matthijs de Ligt got himself into a mess after a through ball with the dangerous Schick. With both players ending in a heap, De Ligt was shown a yellow card. With VAR having a look, and the handball revealed and denying a goal-scoring opportunity, it was lights-out for De Ligt as his yellow card became a red. It then became a matter of when rather if the Czechs would take advantage. The breakthrough came on sixty-eight minutes, with a deep corner headed back across goal where despite three Dutch defenders on the line, Holes header found the back of the net. With the Netherlands looking to get level, they got caught with ten minutes remaining, as Schick, a surprise candidate for the tournaments leading scorer, fired home to confirm their progress to a Quarter-Final with Denmark.

 

Belgium (1) 1 – 0 (0) Portugal

Goalscorer: T Hazard (42′)

La Cartuja, Seville

FIFA’s No:1 ranked team v the reigning European Champions. Somebody had to go. And in the end it was Ronaldo and his Portugal side that said goodbye to Euro2020. Talk about a game of two-halves. The first, cagey and little to excite the crowd in Seville, with it punctuated three minutes before the break with a stunning swerving strike from Thorgan Hazard. The second-half was simply stirring, with a game that flowed from end-to-end, seemingly like a kids game with players dashing one-way and then back again. As the game went into the last fifteen minutes, Portugal laid siege to the Belgium goal, with crosses and shots fired in at every opportunity, with the best chances a Ruben Dias header punched away by Courtois and a late Raphael Guerreiro drive that struck the post. Belgium though weathered the pressure and Romelu Lukaku was immerse up front holding the ball up and relieving the pressure whenever he could. Belgian are ranked the best team in the world currently, but have yet to turn that into silverware, and the pressure will be on them to break their duck. That will be no easy task as they now have to face Italy in the Quarter-Finals.

 

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (c) Wikepedia

Croatia v Spain (Parken Stadium, Copenhagen)

These two last met in the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League. The first encounter saw Spain demolish Croatia 6-0 in Elche, however the result was reversed in their last meeting as Croatia won 3-2.

Croatia emerged from England’s group in second spot accumulating four points after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic and a win over Scotland 3-1. Spain also finished as runners-up in their group, but with five points, after draws with Sweden (0-0), Poland (1-1) and a win over Slovakia (5-0).

Spain have been criticised for their possession football which bore no fruit in their first two games, but they emerged undefeated and slightly under the radar. Croatia – well World Cup Finalists last time out tells you all you need to know. Dangerous with Modric in their team, although with Perisic out through COVID not as much a threat. After the Czech Republic’s result, how can you call this one?

 

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest (c) Wikepedia

France v Switzerland (Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest)

These two met at the last Finals back in 2016. The fixture which was the last of the games in their group saw both teams go through after a 0-0 in Lille.

France topped I suppose what was the nearest to a ‘group of death’ which contained Germany, Portugal and Hungary and emerging with five points thanks primarily to their 1-0 opening game victory over the Germans. The Swiss were one of the best third placed finishers with four points, with a win (3-1 v Turkey), draw (1-1 v Wales) and a loss (3-0 v Italy).

Who knows what to expect? France as World Champions should be a shoe in for a win and I’m not going against that. Cue some bizarre win for Switzerland!

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 17

Wales (0) 0 – 4 (1) Denmark

Goalscorers: Dolberg (27′, 48′), Maehle (88′), Braithwaite (90’+4’)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

In the opening quarter of an hour the Red Dragon of Wales was on fire, with Gareth Bale buzzing and getting a couple of good shots off. Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand reacted by moving Christensen out of the back line to the space in front and from then on the Danes never looked back and were the better side. Therefore it was no surprise when they went ahead after twenty-seven minutes, with a delightful finish from Dolberg. Denmark one-nil up at the break, with Robert Page no doubt telling his side they were still in the game. However, that was all blown out of the water three minutes after the break. Kieffer Moore appeared to be fouled right in front of referee Daniel Siebert, but he allowed play to continue and from that the Danes and Dolberg had their second. Replays showed it was clearly a foul and despite protests from Gareth Bale the official refused to check VAR for the foul. What is the point of VAR, when this clearly was a wrong decision by the match official? From then on in the Welsh were deflated and the extra 5,000 miles travelled by the side compared to the Danes kicked-in as did their tiredness and frustration with the referee which saw a late booking for Bale for sarcastically clapping Daniel Siebert and Harry Wilson’s red card. Now no one would deny that Denmark were the better team, but that second goal changed the course of the match as it effectively put the game out of the reach. If it had remained 1-0 and Wales found an equaliser who knows what may have happened. We will of course never know, but I’ve sympathy for Wales having to contend with all that travel and of course being on the end of a poor decision, which should have been reviewed. The Danes though from a seemingly impossible position of losing their first two group games now have the pleasure of the look distance travel to Baku and await the winners of Netherland and the Czech Republic

 

Italy (0) 2 – 1 (0) Austria AET (0-0 at FT)

Goalscorers: Italy – Chiesa (95′), Pessina (105′). Austria – Kalajdzic (114′)

Wembley Stadium, London

Not worth watching right? A walk in the park for the Italians who had been so impressive in the group stages? Erm, no. It is why we love the game. That unpredictability when an underdog gives its all and frightens the life out of the ‘big boys’. Austria defended for their lives and made it to half-time with the score at 0-0. In the second-half, the Austrians gained in confidence and thought they had the lead on sixty-five minutes, but a tight VAR decision saw Marko Arnautovic’s effort ruled out for offside. So unbelievably at full-time it was goal-less and extra-time loomed. It began all about the substitutes, with the Italian pair of Chiesa and Pessina scoring in the first period of extra-time. Austria though refused to just roll-over and in the second period Schaub forced Donnarumma into an excellent one-handed save. The young Italian ‘keeper though was slightly at fault for the Austrian goal which gave them hope. Donnarumma expecting an out-swinging corner, left his near post vulnerable which allowed Kalajdzic’s header to beat him. Italy though held on and progress to the last eight. It’s a cliché in football, that when a side is playing below par, the good ones still find a way to win and that is exactly what Roberto Mancini’s players did. The Azzuri through to a date in Munich and await the winners of the Belgium v Portugal encounter.

 

Puskas Arena (c) Wikepedia

Netherlands v Czech Republic (Puskas Arena, Budapest)

These two teams last met in October 2015, when the Dutch were beaten 3-2 in a Euro 2016 qualifier. The Czechs raced into a three goal lead through Kaderabek, Sural and a Van Persie own-goal, with the Dutch getting two late goals through Huntelaar and Van Persie (at the right end of the pitch). It saw the Czech’s qualify as group winners, whilst the Netherland didn’t make it to Euro 2016 after finishing fourth.

The Dutch eased through their group with a 100% record after wins over Ukraine (3-2), Austria (2-0) and North Macedonia (3-0). No one is really talking about them as possible winners of the tournament, but they will have too much for the Czech Republic, who looked very ordinary in finishing third in England’s group after a win over Scotland (2-0), a draw with Croatia (1-1) and of course a 1-0 loss to the Three Lions.

 

La Cartuja, Seville (c) Wikepedia

Belgium v Portugal (La Cartuja, Seville)

These two have never met in the World Cup or European Championship Finals before. It pits Belgium ranked No:1 by FIFA against the reigning European Champions.

The Belgians emerged from their group with a perfect three wins from three, beating Russia (3-0), Denmark (2-1) and Finland (2-0). Portugal as at the 2016 Finals had a rollercoaster of a last group game to progress. Having beaten Hungary with three late goals, they were taken apart by Germany, before a 2-2 draw saw them into the last sixteen.

You would expect Belgium to progress, but how can you write off Portugal when you have Ronaldo in the side, a man capable of dragging his compatriots through singlehandedly. It one of those where your head says the Belgians will surely progress, but your heart says otherwise. Could be a fascinating  watch.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 13

Group D: England (1) 1 – 0 (0) Czech Republic

Goal-scorer: Sterling (12′)

Wembley Stadium, London

Football is a results game and England’s first task was to qualify from the group and on that basis on paper that is what has happened. Top of the group, unbeaten in three games and no goals conceded. This was a decidedly better performance than that against Scotland and particularly in the first-half there was some genuinely positive play from Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and goal-scorer Raheem Sterling. Harry Kane drew another blank but was unlucky with his one genuine opportunity which Tomas Vaclik did well to save. The Czechs had their moments but huffed and puffed without much success and this result combined with the win for Croatia, saw the Czech Republic drop from top position to third but still make the last 16. England back at Wembley next week and await to see who visits the arch once the games conclude tonight. Whoever it is, it will be a proper test, unlike the phoney war of the group games.

 

Group D: Scotland (1) 1 – 3 (1) Croatia

Goal-scorers: Scotland – McGregor (42′) Croatia – Vlasic (17′), Modric (62′), Perisic (77′)

Hampden Park, Glasgow

This was a do or die game for both sides. The equation was a simple one, only a win would be good enough to have a chance of progress to the knockout phase. With my feet-up watching the England game, the biggest cheers of the night from the Wembley crowd  (other than for England’s winner) was when news from Hampden Park filtered through every time Croatia scored. Despite home advantage the Scots maintained their record of never having progressed from the group stages of major finals. Vlasic opened the scoring for Croatia with McGregor getting the leveller to offer some hope for Scotland to set up a vital second period. However, it was Croatia who got the job done. Modric’s goal on sixty-two minutes can only be described as world-class, with a genius finish and fifteen minutes later the final nail in Scotland’s coffin was delivered by a flicked header from Perisic following a corner. 3-1 to Croatia, a result which saw them leapfrog into second spot and a trip to Copenhagen in the last 16.

 

So we reach the last group games and then a couple of days of no action, until the last sixteen games get underway on Saturday (26 June). Group E comes to its conclusion with Slovakia v Spain at La Cartuja in Seville, whilst Sweden take on Poland at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg. Slovakia only need a point against Spain to ensure their place in the last 16, whilst Spain will reach the knockout phase with a win but could also progress if they draw and Poland do not beat Sweden. It has been a strange couple of games so far for Spain, but surely they will win today? Sweden who top the group will maintain that with win over Poland, but a draw and results in the other game could see the drop to second spot. For Poland its all or nothing, with only victory over the Swedes enough to see them through

England will have their eyes on the games in Group F with the runners-up here the Three Lions opponents next week. Germany host Hungary at the Allianz Arena in Munich, whilst over in Budapest World Champions France play European Champions Portugal. Nothing is cut and dried in this group, and this is what each team needs to do to ensure they are not heading for the exits:

  • France will finish first if they win, or if they draw and Germany do not beat Hungary. If France lose and Hungary win, second place will be decided on overall goal difference.
  • Germany will go through if they win, or if they draw and France do not lose. Germany will finish first if they win and France do not. Germany will finish third if they draw and France lose, or if both Germany and Portugal lose.
  • Portugal qualify if they win, or if they draw and Germany lose. Portugal will finish first if they win and Germany do not. Portugal will finish fourth if they lose and Germany also lose.
  • Hungary will go through in second place if they win, and Portugal lose. If they win and France lose, second place will be decided on overall goal difference. Hungary will finish third if they win and the other game is drawn.

After all this I think the two-day break will be a welcome one for all!

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 12

Group B: Russia (0) 1 – 4 (1) Denmark

Goal-scorers: Russia – Dzyuba (70’minutes pen). Denmark – Damsgaard (38′), Poulsen (59′), Christensen (79′), Maehle (82′)

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

Well I didn’t see that result coming. My prediction for Russia to take a point and qualify was truly blown out of the water. Hans Christian Andersen couldn’t have written a better story.  The Danes with just a point going into this fixture and having to deal with the emotional trauma of the Finland game, lived up to their nickname of the Danish Dynamite by simply blowing the Russians away. Denmark knew if they won with a significant swing in goal-difference and Belgium beat Finland, they would be through. And that is exactly what came to pass. The Danes could have been ahead before Mikkel Damsgaard fired them in front seven minutes before the break with a stunning effort. Leading 1-0 at the interval, Denmark were simply irresistible in the second-half with ‘keeper Matvey Safonov making a number of saves to keep Russia in the hunt. However, his own defence handed the Danes a second when Zobnin’s horrendous back-pass gifted Poulsen a second Danish goal on fifty-nine minutes. Russia briefly threatened a comeback when they got a penalty (which looked decidedly soft) on seventy minutes, with Dzyuba smashing it down the middle past Schmeichel. The Danes though didn’t panic and simply put the game to bed with goals from Christensen and Maehle. Christensen’s was an absolute beauty on seventy-nine minutes, as his long-range effort whistled past Safonov. Three minutes later it was game over as Russia desperately looked for a goal to get back into the game, were caught on the break, with Maehle leading the charge before slotting home. Russia out – bottom of the group. The Danes through in second-place and earning a date with Wales in Amsterdam in the last sixteen.

 

Group B: Finland (0) 0 – 2 (0) Belgium

Goal-scorers: Hrádecky (74′ og), Lukaku (81’)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

As expected Belgium saw off Finland to maintain their 100% record in the group, with a third win. Finland kept the Belgians at bay with ‘keeper Lukas Hradecky making a number of decent saves. However, his luck changed on seventy-four minutes. Thomas Vermaelen inside the Finns box headed powerfully goal-ward with his downward header hitting the crossbar and as Hradecky tried to react, he palmed the ball over the line. Another OG to add to the litany so far in this competition. All that remained was for Lukaku to get Belgium’s second with a smart turn in the box, firing in with Hradecky rooted to the spot. Finland left in third place after Denmark’s win and waiting to see if three points is enough to take them into the knockout phase. Belgium cruising and awaiting their opponents for a game in Seville.

 

Group C: North Macedonia (0) 0 – 3 (1) Netherlands

Goal-scorers: Depay (24′), Wijnaldum (51′, 58′)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

The score-line says 3-0 to the Dutch, but things could have been so much different if decisions had gone North Macedonia’s way. Within the opening ten minutes Ivan Trichkovski finished neatly, but was given offside by a very marginal VAR decision and later in the half with the scores at 0-0, Trajkovski smashed one against the post, which on another day would have deflected in. Then to rub salt in the wound, the Dutch broke on twenty-four minutes, from their own penalty area, with them fortunate to play-on after it appeared they gained possession from a foul on a Macedonian player. In a flash the ball was down the other end and the swift counter attack ended with Depay tapping home. A goal to the good at the break, the Netherlands dominated the second-half, with Wijnaldum killing off the game before the hour mark with two goals. The first six minutes into the second period a tap in after a cutback from Memphis Depay and then on fifty-eight minutes, Depay’s shot was saved by Dimitrievski, with the rebound falling nicely for Wijnaldum to slot home. The Oranje through with three wins from three and a last sixteen tie in Budapest, whilst North Macedonia finished bottom without a point, but certainly not disgraced in their first European Championship Finals. A by-line from the game was for Macedonian captain Goran Pandev, who was making his 122nd and final appearance for his country. He left the field on sixty-nine minutes as North Macedonia’s record appearance holder, and record goalscorer, with 38 goals, his parting shot being a goal against Austria in a previous group game at the tournament. Not a bad way to end a fantastic career.

 

Group C: Ukraine (0) 0 – 1 (1) Austria

Goal-scorer: Baumgartner (21′)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

Me and my poor predictions. Pre-match I thought this was in the bag for the Ukrainian’s. It turned out to be a game of two-halves. Austria were the better side in the opening forty-five minutes with Baumgartner stabbing home from a corner on twenty-one minutes, with other decent chances in the half for Laimer and the returning Arnautovic. With Ukraine knowing they needed at a point as a minimum to progress, they were better in the second period. The OG tally for the competition was nearly added to as Lainer deflected a free-kick towards his own-goal only for ‘keeper Bachmann to save his blushes with a good save. He was again called into action to stop and effort from Shaparenko, whilst Yaremchuk saw his effort from an acute angle flash just wide of the Austrian goal. The Austrians through in second spot and a decidedly tricky encounter at Wembley Stadium to come against the Italians. For Ukraine its third place and a case of wait and see.

 

Later today Group D concludes with England taking on the Czech Republic at Wembley, whilst Scotland host Croatia at Hampden Park. With the results from yesterday and the way qualification works, England and the Czechs were guaranteed progression to the last sixteen without kicking a ball. The concern now is who lies in wait depending on the outcome of tonight and the remaining group games. So the result still matters tonight, and it will be interesting to see how both sides play it. For Scotland and Croatia the permutations are as follows:

  • A win for Scotland over Croatia would guarantee one of those third-place spots for them and second is possible if England lose to the Czechs at Wembley and Scotland make up a current goal difference of three.
  • If win Scotland win and England win, the Scots cannot overtake the Czechs since head-to-head is used before goal difference.
  • A Croatia win would guarantee one of those third-place spots for them and second is possible if England lose to the Czechs at Wembley and Croatia make up a current goal difference of three.

Scotland have never progressed beyond the group stage at a major finals which includes, eight World Cups and two European Championships. I’m not even going to try and predict the outcome of this one. All I’ll say is that Scotland haven’t scored a goal yet…

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 9

Group E: Sweden (0) 1 – 0 (0) Slovakia

Goal-scorer: Forsberg (77′ pen)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Given there was so much at stake for both sides, it was incredible to witness an opening half that was so devoid of action. Slovakia seemed content to sit back and take a point whilst the Swedes offered little and looked unlikely to make any sort of breakthrough. As a result I ditched this game at the break. From the highlights in the second period at least both ‘keepers were made to earn their money with Sweden’s Olsen reacting smartly to keep out Kucka’s effort, whilst at the other end as Dubravka produced a superb save to keep out Ludwig Augustinsson’s header. The Slovakian ‘keeper was then called into action again saving at his post as Isak went onto a slaloming run through the Slovakia defence and fires goalward. The defining moment arrived thirteen minutes from time, Isak flicked a ball onto Quaison who touched it on as Dubravka came out and collided with the Swedish player. The referee pointed to the spot. Now I’ve looked at it a few times and I think Dubravka is unlucky as he has to come out and can’t get out of the way of the players as the ‘keeper goes for the ball. However, Forsberg stepped up and coolly placed his kick home. The final round of games will see Slovakia play Spain whilst Sweden will face Poland, with a clearer picture of who needs what emerging after today’s encounter between Spain and Poland.

 

Group D: Croatia (0) 1 – 1 (1) Czech Republic

Goal-scorers: Croatia – Perisic (47′). Czech Republic – Schick (37’pen)

Hampden Park, Glasgow

I’ll be honest and a say I wasn’t fully paying attention to this one, with the England game a nervous distraction. Suffice to say, Croatia put in a better display than they did against England with Perisic’s leveller early in the second-half showing the quality of the Inter Milan striker. The Czech Republic had led through Schick’s third goal of the competition after he earned the Czech’s a penalty eight minutes before the break. With a bloody nose from the foul, he sent Livakovic the wrong way earning himself top spot in the race for leading scorer at this early stage. The Czechs have one foot in the last sixteen with England up next, whilst Croatia know that only a victory against the Scots will give them a chance of progress.

 

Group D: England (0) 0 – 0 (0) Scotland

Wembley Stadium, London

Why are so many people surprised at the result? I said yesterday a point was likely which was exactly as it turned out. Whilst the heavens opened in the Wembley sky, the goals dried up on the pitch. Scotland failed to score for their second group game and England also drew a blank as Harry Kane looking decidedly off the pace was withdrawn for a second successive match. It wasn’t as dour as it could have been with genuine chances on both sides. And what a different game it would have been of any of them had been taken. As ever it was a reality check for England, with their pre-tournament betting as one of the favourites, laughable in the extreme, as they are simply not even amongst the best five teams at this competition. Maybe I’m being too harsh, and this was simply a bad day at the office, with the pressure of the Auld Enemy just too much for the players on the night. Tuesday will be a different game entirely and it will be intriguing to see if there are any changes for the Czech Republic. For now the Scotland game should be confined to the history pages and its onto the next challenge.

 

Today signals the end of the second round of games, which starts with Group F and Hungary hosting France at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and is followed by Germany in Munich who welcome Portugal to the Allianz Arena. Proceedings conclude with Spain hosting Poland in Seville.

Hungary will hope that home advantage has some benefit after the late collapse against Portugal, but it will be no easy task against a French side brimming with confidence after their win over Germany. Can’t see anything other than Les Bleus taking three points and progress to the last sixteen. Could Germany really be heading out of the competition? They will be in real danger if Ronaldo and Co. take all three points in Munich. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility and would be a sad way for Germany coach Joachim Low to end his stint in charge. Finishing up the day is the Spain v Poland clash. And it could be a very interesting one. Spain all possession and no finish against Sweden, with just a point and Poland undone by Slovakia with no points going into this game. Surely if the Spanish have the same possession again they will surely score? Stranger things have happened. A draw between these two would make for an intriguing last round of games. Things are starting to get interesting!

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 8

Group C: Ukraine (2) 2 – 1 (0) North Macedonia

Goal-scorers: Ukraine – Yarmolenko (29′), Yaremchuk (34′). North Macedonia – Alioski (57′)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

This game came as a pleasant surprise as I was unsure whether to tune in or not. As it turned out it was an end-to-end and highly entertaining ninety minutes. Ukraine looked dangerous from the start and Macedonia’s ‘keeper Stole Dimitrievski was called into action on a couple of occasions. He could though do nothing about the first goal on twenty-nine minutes. From a corner, a flick-on seemed to deceive the Macedonian defence and it allowed Yarmolenko to steal in at the back post to guide his effort home from an angle. Just five minutes later it looked game over as scorer Yarmolenko turned provider with a through ball to Yaremchuk who finished with aplomb. But as in their game against Austria, Macedonian fought back, and veteran striker Goran Pandev finished with a lovely dink over the ‘keeper only to see it ruled offside shortly before the break. Into the second-half and Dimitrievski kept his side in the match clawing away a free-kick from Malinovskiy. Macedonia made things interesting after fifty-seven minutes when they were awarded a penalty. It come after Arijan Ademi forced a fine save from Georgiy Bushchan with  Oleksandr Karavaev fouling Pandev as he looked to knock in the rebound. Alioski took the spot-kick only for Bushchan to save it, however, the Leeds United player swept in the rebound to raise hopes of a comeback. Macedonia continued to press but it was Ukraine who had the chance to kill off the game with six minutes remaining, when they were awarded a penalty for handball after a VAR intervention. Malinovskiy couldn’t make it count as Dimitrievski guessed right and parried the spot-kick away to keep alive Macedonia’s search for an equaliser. Ukraine fight to live another day. A mention for referee Fernando Rapallini, who I thought had a good game and it was good to see him book Ukraine’s Shaparenko for simulation in the box.

 

Group B: Denmark (1) 1 – 2 (0) Belgium

Goal-scorers: Denmark – Poulsen (2’). Belgium – T Hazard (54′), De Bruyne (70′)

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

This was always going to be an incredibly emotional occasion given the awful events at the Danish game on Saturday and the outpouring of love and support for Christian Eriksen powered the Danes to an impressive first-half performance. Denmark got the perfect start when after only two minutes Belgium gifted the Danes the ball at the back and Yussuf Poulsen fired in. Belgium simply couldn’t get going and the Danes had decent chances to increase their advantage, through Wass and Damsgaard. Kevin De Bruyne returning from his facial injury came on in the second-half and was instrumental in turning it around for the Red Devils. On fifty-four minutes Lukaku made a storming run down the right into the box and played in De Bruyne, his neat ball onto Thorgan Hazard was swept in for the equalizer. The Belgians were now going through the gears and with twenty minutes left some wonderful interplay released De Bruyne on the left and from just outside the box he crashed home. In a grandstand finish the Danes poured forward at every opportunity. Their best chance fell to Martin Braithwaite who was unfortunate to see his header skim the top of the bar. In time added on, the Danes ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel came up for a corner and was grateful to see the Belgian effort on the break cleared by his defence as he scrambled back to his goal. Belgium through to the last sixteen, whilst the Danes sit bottom with no points.

 

Group C: Netherlands (0) 0 – 0 (0) Austria

Goal-scorers: Depay (11′ pen), Dumfries (67’)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

Statistics are useful, but never tell the whole story. Look at this game for instance. Austria had the greater percentage of possession in both halves of this game yet lost the match 2-0. It simply goes to show that you can have as much ball as you like, but if you don’t create anything with it, then its pointless. The Netherlands were functional rather than impressive. They pressed in phases as required but were at times wasteful in front of goal. The Dutch were ahead after eleven minutes from the penalty spot. Denzel Dumfries was clipped by David Alaba and Memphis Depay did the rest from the spot. He should have had a second after Weghorst choosing to pass rather than shoot himself laid it off to Depay who contrived to blast over from inside the six yard box. Thankfully it didn’t come back to bite the Dutch as on sixty-seven minutes Donyell Malen burst through the Austrian high line and unselfishly squared for Dumfries to seal the win. The Dutch through, whilst Austria have another bite of the cherry in the last round of group games.

Today’s offering sees Group E continue with Sweden taking on Slovakia in Saint Petersburg, and the Group D fixtures of Croatia v Czech Republic in Glasgow, with the Scots travelling to Wembley to face England in the last game of the day.

Slovakia caused the upset of the competition so far with their 2-1 victory over Poland and will face Sweden who took a point against Spain. These two sides have never met in a competitive fixture, and this meeting is a crunch game for both sides if they harbour chances of progression. I’ll take the Swedes to take this one although it will be close.

Interest then switches to Group D and Croatia and the Czech Republic. Croatia need something out of this game if they are to give themselves a shout of making the last sixteen. Were they poor against England, or did the Three Lions play that well? Maybe a bit of both. They are fighters and I can see Croatia storming back in this one with a two-goal win.

Which leaves us with the ‘Battle of Britain’. For this particular Englishman the nerves have already started some 10 hours before kick-off. It will no doubt be a dour old game familiar to anyone who goes to see their team in a ‘derby’ fixture. It’s a game neither side will want to lose, and England would probably be happy with a point having already banked three against Croatia. I’d love to see a free-flowing encounter with the Three Lions cruising to a 3-0 win but fear it will be more about attrition. Watching England for me is always a nervy experience and will be even more so against the ‘Auld Enemy’. Is it over yet?

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 5

Group D: Scotland (0) 0 – 2 (1) Czech Republic

Goal-scorers: Schick (42′, 52’)

Hampden Park, Glasgow

This was a game I would have attended if COVID hadn’t intervened. With a reduced capacity for 2021, UEFA held a ballot and I lost out unfortunately. So it was a day at work and meetings in Manchester. I had my laptop so thought great I’ll be able to watch the game on the way back to Leeds. Of course I had forgotten how poor the Wi-Fi can be as the train has to pass through various tunnels and the area around Marsden Moor. Subsequently it was nigh on impossible to make out much of the game – I resigned myself to the fact I was simply not meant to watch this fixture. By the time I reached home it was just in time to watch the last thirteen minutes, so had to settle for catching up on the highlights. It seems that there were chances on both sides, and the Czechs were simply more clinical. Scoring just before half-time is always a significant time for a side to take the lead and Schick was impressive to get behind his markers and plant his header away from the five of Marshall. If that was quality then his second seven minutes after the break will be one of the goals of the tournament, catching Marshall off his line from just inside the Scotland half. Attention in this group moves to Friday and the England v Scotland battle and an intriguing contest between the Czechs and the Croats.

 

Group E: Poland (0) 1 – 2 (1) Slovakia

Goal-scorers: Poland – Linetty (46′). Slovakia – Szczesny (18’og), Skriniar (69′)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Can this be considered the first shock result of the tournament? Poland ranked 21st in the FIFA list with Slovakia down in 36th position. Yes, I suppose we can. Slovakia were dangerous from the off and it was no surprise when they went ahead, although there was a touch of fortune about their goal on eighteen minutes. Robert Mak ran at the Polish defence and fired low, Wojciech Szczesny in goal got down to his right and pushed the ball onto the post, but it ricocheted off the prone ‘keeper and into the net. Slovakia held the advantage into the break and could have been further ahead. That lead was short-lived as within a minute of the restart Poland were level with a well worked move, and although Linetty didn’t connect cleanly it still found its way in. The game swung Slovakia’s way just after the hour mark after Krychowiak collected a second yellow card for a pretty soft foul leaving the Poles down to ten-men. Within seven minutes Slovakia went ahead, from a corner it was played to Skriniar close to the penalty spot and his sweetly struck finish beat Szczesny nestling in the bottom right corner. A famous victory for Slovakia which put them top of the group.

 

Group E: Spain (0) 0 – 0 (0) Sweden

La Cartuja, Seville

Yes a game that finished 0-0 but not a boring encounter by any means. The stats showed that Spain had 85% possession and had 17 shots to Sweden’s 4. Morata and Olmo had the best chances for Spain which were wasted, but credit must also go to Robin Olsen in the Swedes goal who made some smart saves. As so often in games like this where one side has so little of the ball, they are always dangerous on the break with Alexander Isak unlucky after a charging run into the box that saw his shot deflect off Spanish defender Marcos Llorente onto the post and into the arms of a relieved Unai Simon in the Spanish goal. Isak also created Sweden’s best second-half opportunity as he created a chance for Marcus Berg who wastefully fired wide. Spain will see it as two points dropped and will be desperate to beat Poland in their next game.

 

The first round of group matches concludes today with two games from Group F, with Hungary hosting current European champions at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and Germany welcoming France to the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Hungary and Portugal met in the group stage of the Finals in 2016. It was the last round of fixtures and turned out to be quite a game. Hungary were ahead three time in the game through Zoltan Gera, and a brace from Balazs Dzsudzsak, but each time were pegged back with goals from Nani and two from Ronaldo to ensure a 3-3 draw. It proved to be a vital point for Portugal as it enabled them to qualify to the knockout phase as one of the best third placed sides and of course went on to lift the trophy. This could be a cagey encounter and may well end as a draw.

France and Germany conclude Tuesday’s action in Munich, with their last meeting at Euro 2016 in the Semi-Finals, where Antoine Griezmann got a double to send the hosts through to the Final. Is there discount in the French camp after the recent Giroud and Mbappe spat in public, and will it impact Les Bleus performance? It’ll be a case of wait and see. Whilst this game doesn’t have the friction of a Germany v Netherland encounter, there is bound to be a bit of an edge between these two and for fans of a certain age, Harald Schumacher’s appalling foul (well assault) on Patrick Battiston at the 1982 World Cup which left the Frenchman without two teeth and three cracked ribs necessitating his requiring oxygen on the pitch, is not something easily forgotten. Don’t be surprised if this game ends as the second draw of the day.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 4

Group D: England (0) 1 – 0 (0) Croatia

Goal-scorer: Sterling (57′)

Wembley Stadium, London

When the England team was announced there were more than a few people scratching their heads as to the side Gareth Southgate selected. However, he was totally justified in his selection as England came through without too many nerves to take a 1-0 win through Raheem Sterling who continued his impressive scoring record for the Three Lions. England started brightly with Phil Foden curling an effort onto the post early on, with Sterling also dangerous and Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips impressive in midfield. The Croats settled into the first-half as Modric saw more of the ball, but it was all square at the break. The Three Lions got their breakthrough on fifty-seven minutes as Phillips drove at the Croatian defence and slipped a ball into the box, where Sterling fired in as ‘keeper Livakovic advanced. Chances were at a premium for both sides in the Wembley sunshine, with Harry Kane just not getting onto a cross and a Mason Mount free-kick which just went over bar, the best England had in search of a second goal. A good start for England, with Scotland next up, with Croatia facing the Czech Republic on the same day up at Hampden.

 

Group C: Austria (1) 3 – 1 (1) North Macedonia

Goal-scorers: Austria – Lainer (18’), Gregoritsch (78′), Arnautovic (89′) North Macedonia – Pandev (28′)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

Gave this one a miss after the exertions of watching England. My only observation was on watching the highlights was who put together that shirt and short combination for the Austrians???!!! Black shirts, with light blue shorts and socks…wow. Result wise, no surprise that the Austrians took the three points.

 

Group C: Netherlands (0) 3 – 2 (0) Ukraine

Goal-scorers: Netherlands – Wijnaldum (52′), Weghorst (58′), Dumfries (85′). Ukraine – Yarmolenko (75′), Yaremchuk (79′)

Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam

Will Group C come to be remembered as ‘GoG’, the ‘Group of Goals’ as following on from the earlier game in Bucharest and the four goals served up by Austria and North Macedonia, we were treated to another five in this see-saw encounter. Despite a scoreless first-half there were genuine chances for the Dutch in the opening forty-five minutes. Within thirteen minutes of the restart though the Netherlands were two-up through Wijnaldum and Weghorst and seemingly cruising. Then as the game entered the last fifteen minutes Ukraine hit back with two goals inside four minutes. First, Yarmolenko curled one in from distance (goal of the tournament so far) and then Yaremchuk had a free header as the Dutch switched off at the back. The game though had one last twist, as with five minutes remaining Dumfries jumped highest to head home, although Ukraine ‘keeper Bushchan will look back on it and know he should have done better.

 

Group D continues today with Scotland hosting the Czech Republic at Hampden Park. It’s a game I had a ticket before the capacity was reduced but lost out in the ballot. Gutted. In addition Group E gets underway with Poland against Slovakia at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg and Spain hosting Sweden at La Cartuja in Seville.

Scotland qualified after coming through the Play-Offs, winning ties against Israel and Serbia on penalties, to make it to the Euros for the first time since 1996. The Czech Republic were runners-up to England in the qualifiers and inflicted the Three Lions only defeat in that campaign. The Czechs won only once on the road in the qualifiers in Montenegro, losing against England, Kosovo and Bulgaria, so Scotland with home advantage may fancy their chances to get three points on the board.

Poland were group winners in their qualifiers, losing just the once away to Slovenia and conceded just five goals in their ten group games. Slovakia made it through the Play-Offs, beating both Irish teams. The Republic were seen off on penalties in Bratislava, and then ousted Northern Ireland in Belfast 2-1 AET. Poland will be favourites with the dangerous Robert Lewandowski looking to get amongst the goals early in the tournament.

The last of Monday’s games sees Spain host Sweden in a repeat of the qualifiers. Spain topped the group with 26 points, five ahead of Sweden. The margin created by Spain’s 3-0 win over the Swedes in Madrid and a 1-1 draw in the return game in Solna. Home advantage could be crucial here which might be enough to see the Spanish get off to a winning start.

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