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 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.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 7

Group B: Finland (0) 0 – 1 (1) Russia

Goal-scorer: Miranchuk (45’+2’)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

I had this down as a 1-0 for Finland and although I got the score right it was Russia who got the only goal to give themselves a shot at qualification for the knock-out phase. The Finns were quickest out of the blocks, and they thought they had a lead in the opening minutes when Joel Pohjanpalo’s diving header was ruled out by an incredibly tight VAR decision for offside. The deciding goal came in time added on in the first-half and was one of quality. Aleksei Miranchuk played a one-two in a crowded penalty area then curled home over the despairing dive of Hradecky. In the second-half the Finns never got going and they were relieved that Russia were wasteful with the good chances they had to seal the game, with Aleksandr Golovin and Rifat Zhemaletdinov both narrowly off target and Daler Kuzyayev producing an excellent save from Hradecky. Three points for Russia and an interesting last round of games to come, with Russia taking on Denmark and Finland taking on Belgium.

 

Group A: Turkey (0) 0 – 2 (0) Wales

Goal-scorers: Ramsey (42′), Roberts (90’+5’)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

As Ronaldo showed for Portugal against Hungary, big games require big names to show up and produce the goods. Whilst Gareth Bale subsequently missed a penalty after the hour mark, his influence and that of Aaron Ramsey was inspirational on the night. They combined as early as the sixth minute with Ramsey latching onto a Bale through ball only to see Ugurcan Cakir save. Where in the game against the Swiss, Wales were lethargic, here they were lively and again the Ramsey/Bale combo created another first-half chance which the ex-Arsenal star blazed high over the bar. Then just three minutes before the break it was a case of third time lucky, and Bale’s ball was beautifully controlled on his chest by Ramsey and coolly slotted home. Turkey fired on by a large following came out stronger second-half and pressed Wales back. However, the Welsh had a chance to kill the game when they awarded a penalty on sixty-one minutes. Bale was hero turned villain though as he contrived to fire his spot-kick high into the Baku night sky. Cue a more nervous second period with Ward saving well from Demiral’s header with just three minutes left. Then deep into stoppage time Wales had a corner, and rather than just keep it tight, Bale produced a dazzling burst along the goal-line pulling the ball back for Conor Roberts to put the Welsh on the verge of progression to the last sixteen. For the Red Dragons it’s starting to feel like 2016 again!

 

Group A: Italy (0) 0 – 3 (0) Switzerland

Goal-scorers: Locatelli (26′, 52′), Immobile (89′)

Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Italy ominously chalked up another 3-0 win to put themselves through to the last sixteen. Whilst many will claim that the Swiss are amongst Europe’s top nations, the Azzuri did what was required and could have had more than the three goals they scored. Manuel Locatelli got the ball rolling scoring from inside the six-yard box after Domenico Berardi’s surging run and cross on twenty-six minutes and he doubled the lead ironically twenty-six minutes later with a shot from outside the box that Swiss ‘keeper Sommer didn’t move for – perhaps unsighted. However, he was at fault with a minute to go when another long range effort from Immobile skipped off his hands into the net. Nobody will want to face Italy in this form, and Wales will have the dubious pleasure of going to Rome in the final round of group games.

 

Group C opens the day with Ukraine playing North Macedonia in Bucharest, followed by the Group B game in Copenhagen as Denmark host Belgium. Thursday’s games conclude with the Netherlands welcoming Austria to Amsterdam.

Ukraine and North Macedonia both lost their opening game, so realistically a win is needed for either side if they are to progress from the groups. In terms of FIFA rankings, Ukraine sit in 24th spot with North Macedonia down at number 62. Additionally, Ukraine have beaten North Macedonia in both competitive encounters prior to this match, 1-0 at home and 2-0 away, in the qualifiers for Euro 2016, so the stats suggest a Ukraine win. The Ukrainians were unlucky not to get anything out of the five-goal game against the Dutch and they are my tip to take the win here, either 2-0 or 3-1.

Action then switched to Copenhagen where the Danes host Belgium. How will Denmark react after the tragic circumstances surrounding their last game and Christian Eriksen’s awful collapse? These things can often inspire and equally be an immense distraction. It will be very much a feature of the game, as Belgium have stated they intend to kick the ball out of play in the tenth minute to take part in a minute’s applause for Christian Eriksen. Difficult to call, but for me Belgium are one of the favourites for the title so expect them to take the three points and seal their progress.

Last up is a visit to Amsterdam where the Netherland lock horns with Austria. Both have three points on the board. In the FIFA  ranking, the two sides aren’t that far apart with the Netherlands in sixteenth spot and Austria down in twenty-third. The Dutch have won the last six games between the sides and expect them to make it seven tonight.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 6

Group E: Hungary (0) 0 – 3 (0) Portugal

Goal-scorers: Guerreiro (84′), Ronaldo (87’ pen, 90+2’)

Puskas Arena, Budapest

Well as the clock wound and six minutes on the clock I was thinking that my pre-match prediction of a draw was looking pretty good. Portugal had been the better side and throw in a Ronaldo sitter of a miss before the break and you thought Hungary had earned a bit of luck to grab a point. And then it all changed. Eighty-fourth minute. A deflected ball into the box and Guerreiro’s less that convincing shot also took a deflection to wrongfoot ‘keeper Gulacasi and the ball bobbled in. 1-0 Portugal. Three minutes later Rafa Silva bursts into the box  he is fouled by Willi Orban – penalty Portugal, Ronaldo steps up, thank you very much. 2-0 Portugal. Then for good measure in time added on, some magic from the Portuguese skipper, a lovely set of wall-passes, and Ronaldo dummies Gulacasi and slots home. From nowhere the reigning champions win 3-0. Love him or hate him, Ronaldo is one of the world’s best players of all time and the goals in this game made him the European Championship Finals leading scorer. His penalty took him to 10 goals equal with Platini and his 11th puts him clear. Who would bet against Ronaldo scoring even more before the competition ends?

 

Group E: France (0) 1 – 0 (0) Germany

Goal-scorer: Hummels (20’og)

Allianz Arena, Munich

Not sure why but found the game all a bit comedic. Whether it be the Greenpeace protestor who dropped into the stadium or Antonio Rudiger’s nuzzle into the back of Paul Pogba and subsequent grab of the Frenchman’s moobs, to the own-goal from Hummels who wonderfully shinned it into the top corner. There were also two goals to France which were chalked off by VAR in the second-half and then seemingly every effort on goal by Germany kicked into the ground in some form of weird skill competition. Germany weren’t though laughing at the whistle and have Portugal and Ronaldo next up. This is one interesting group.

 

So we hit the start of the Second round of group fixtures. Back to three games today.

The opener in the Krestovsky Stadium sees Russia with home advantage over Finland and hoping to get their first points on the board after their 3-0 loss to Belgium. The Finns won in Denmark 1-0, and it will be interesting to see how they approach this game. Do they look to take a point or go all out for a win, knowing that group favourites Belgium await them in their final fixture. Historically these neighbours have a troubled past, with Russia invading Finland during the Second World War so there could be a bit of spice in the encounter. In football terms, Russia hold the upper hand winning all four games between the countries. I thought Finland would be the weak link in this group but could instead turn out to be one of the surprise packages. I’ll stick my neck out and sat Finland to nick another 1-0 win.

Game two of the day sees Wales play Turkey in Baku, with the media suggesting this will be like a ‘home’ game for the Turks with a large following attending. Wales have that point from the encounter with the Swiss, whilst Turkey lost 3-0 in the opening game of the competition 3-0. I felt the Welsh looked tired for large parts of the match with Switzerland and worry that if they got behind today they could struggle. However, the Red Dragons are not a side to roll-over, and I think this one could end as a draw. Don’t expect a 6-4 game that occurred when these teams last met in a World Cup Qualifier!

Wednesday closes in Rome with Switzerland travelling to take on Italy who were quietly impressive in their win over Turkey. On that basis and the evidence of the Swiss in their draw with Wales, I can’t see anything other than an Italy win.

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UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 3

Group A: Wales (0) 1 – 1 (0) Switzerland

Goal-scorers: Wales – Moore (74’), Switzerland – Embolo (49’)

Olympic Stadium, Baku

I had this down as a draw, but until Wales levelled through Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore with sixteen minutes remaining, it looked like the Swiss would take all three points. Although the game was level 0-0 at half-time, the Welsh had been outplayed and had ‘keeper Danny Ward to thank for keeping the game scoreless. The Swiss will have also felt hard done by as in the closing minutes of the opening forty-five minutes they had what looked like a good penalty shout turned down when Embolo was held back by his shirt.

Into the second-half and just like the opening game in Rome, a goal came quickly after the break. Ward was again at his best to deny Embolo’s strike, but from the resulting corner the tall Borussia Monchengladbach striker outmuscled his marker to head home. From that point the Welsh looked under the cosh and Embolo continued to look dangerous forcing Ward into another save from another corner later in the half. Then with Wales looking out on their feet in the Baku sunshine, up popped the bandaged Moore with a cracking header. Suddenly Wales looked brighter although ultimately they had to survive a rocky last few minutes.

Dinamo Zagreb forward Mario Gavranovic came on for the Swiss with six minutes remaining and proved to be a handful. With his first touch he hooked home from close range, only for VAR to come to Wales’ rescue. The Swiss though weren’t done and in those closing minutes of normal time and the five extra minutes they put the Welsh backline under pressure and looked the more likely winner. Wales though saw it through for a point that they were perhaps fortunate to take in the end.

Massive credit to the 500 Welsh fans who made the trips and themselves heard throughout the match. Wales stay in Baku for their game on Wednesday with Turkey, whilst the Swiss made the trip to Rome to face Italy.

 

Group B: Denmark (0) 0 – 1 (0) Finland

Goal-scorer: Pohjanpalo (59′)

Parken Stadium, Copenhagen

This is a game that will be remembered for the collapse of Danish and Inter Milan player Christian Eriksen shortly before the end of the first-half. Incredibly, the game resumed at the players request at 19:30 (UK time) and it was a strange watch knowing what had happened. Who knows what was going through the players minds as they played out the last five minutes of the first-half and the second forty-five. Were the Danish players affected more than their opponents? We will never know. But you could argue that the two major moments of the game could have been down to the individuals involved not being fully focused. First, just before the hour mark Finland scored through a Joel Pohjanpalo header, an effort than nine times out of ten Kasper Schmeichel would save, but which on this occasion he fumbled over the line. Then with sixteen minutes left, Demark were awarded a fortunate penalty, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s spot-kick lacked power and was easily saved. For Finland it was an historic first win at the Euros but will always be remembered for the traumatic events surrounding Christian Eriksen’s collapse.

 

Group B: Russia (0) 0 – 3 (2) Belgium

Goal-scorers: Lukaku (10′, 88′), Meunier (34′)

Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg

Having watched the end of the delayed Denmark/Finland game, I missed the start of this fixture and in the end didn’t watch it at all. Therefore caught up with just the BBC highlights. Basically, Belgium were too strong for Russia who contributed to the first two goals through poor defensive play. The opener after ten minutes saw a ball into the box be missed by Andrey Semenov allowing Romelu Lukaku time to turn and fire home. The game was effectively over on thirty-four minutes when Russian ‘keeper Anton Shunin failed to hold a cross-ball into the box and substitute Thomas Meunier slotted home. The icing on the cake came with two minutes left, when Lukaku out muscled his marker on a through ball and slotted home. Belgium in cruise control and looking dangerous.

 

 The weekend ends with another three games, starting with England and their Group D opener with Croatia at Wembley and then two games from Group C, with Austria taking on North Macedonia at the Arena Na?ionala in Bucharest and Netherlands hosting Ukraine in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

For whatever reason I just don’t have a good vibe for the Three Lions in this tournament, whether that be concerns over the defence and the associated injuries, or just that England won’t be able to back up the decent run in the last World Cup. Croatia who ended that dream back in 2018 lay in wait once again. These two have been regular opponents in recent years with England’s win in the Nations League in 2018 and World Cup Qualifiers in 2007 and 2008, balanced against the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final defeat and the two losses in the Euros Qualifiers in 2006 and 2007 (the later the infamous, ‘Wally with the brolly’ 3-2 defeat at Wembley). I’ll love to say I can see a comfortable win, but I’d take a point.

Austria and North Macedonia met in the qualifiers for Euro 2020 with the Austrians winning both games. The first in Skopje, saw North Macedonia team take the lead, but Austria struck back to win 4-1. In the return game in Vienna, Austria won 2-1 which saw them secure the runners-up spot and automatic qualification. North Macedonia finished third on head-to head results over Slovenia and had to come through the Play-Offs with wins over Kosovo and Georgia to secure their first ever appearance at the European Finals. Coming into this game, Austria lost 1-0 to England at Wembley and drew 0-0 with Slovakia. North Macedonia drew 1-1 with Slovenia and finished with a 4-0 win over Kazakhstan. The head says that Austria will prevail as North Macedonia adjust to the European stage at a higher level.

Today’s final offering will see the Dutch take on Ukraine. There have been a couple of friendlies between these teams in recent time, with a 1-1 draw in 2010 and a 2008 win for the Netherlands. The Dutch qualified comfortably behind neighbours Germany, whilst Ukraine topped their group, going unbeaten and beating current European holders Portugal 2-1 along the way. The Dutch warmed up for these Finals with a 2-2 draw with Scotland and a 3-0 win over Georgia, whist Ukraine had two victories over Northern Ireland (1-0) and Cyprus (4-0). This will be an intriguing game and could be settled by just a single goal either way.

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