UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 15

(c) UEFA

A rest day and a chance to reflect on the group stages. As usual my ability to predict results and outcomes remains as awful as usual – good job I don’t bet! My prediction that England wouldn’t make it out of the group never looked likely after an opening win over Croatia. Germany up next for the Three Lions next and fingers crossed it’s a positive performance with of course a win. Gareth Southgate has insisted that the cautious approach was to ensure progress into the last sixteen, will he now release the handbrake? Is the trouble that once you get into a style of playing is it difficult or even possible to change that mentality?

Who has impressed? Standout for me have been Italy – positive, fluid and solid at the back. They currently are my favourites. But the trouble with knockout football is that a big defensive display from the opposition in ninety minutes and extra-time and then anything can happen in the penalty shoot-out. Spain showed what they can do in their final game,  and you can never write off a side that has Ronaldo in it, although Portugal have a tough tie up against Belgium. World Champions France weren’t at their fluid best, but in a difficult group emerged top and will more than fancy their chances against Switzerland.

Credit must also go to Wales and Denmark who meet in the opening game of the Round of 16, with the Welsh having to deal with the travel to Baku, then to Rome and back, and doing enough with a cracking win over Turkey to get through. Whatever happens in the rest of this competition, the awful on-pitch collapse of Christian Eriksen will always be the abiding memory of Euro2020. The Danes looked like exiting as they played their final group game without a point to their name, but a stunning 4-1 win over Russia propelled them into the knockout phase. It could be a very interesting encounter.

Of those leaving the tournament, the exit of Turkey and Poland must be considered shocks, whilst it was always going to be difficult for debutants Finland and North Macedonia. Scotland will be disappointed that they slipped out of the competition with a whimper rather than a bang, scoring just once and collecting just a solitary point. And Hungary were just six minutes from going through at the expense of Germany.

Other observations. Is it me or are the referees constantly in the way? There have been many occasions when they just seem to be too near the ball in play. I love the game, but I have been genuinely grateful for the two day break before the Round of 16. As I said in my Prologue, the tournament is too big and to have 36 games just to eliminate 8 teams, is just crazy. Given that, so far I’ve not been totally grabbed by the tournament and perhaps the competition will explode into life with the last sixteen.

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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 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 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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Euro ramblings – First Round Review by Jade Craddock

With the first round of group matches now completed, Euro 2020 is shaping up nicely, with plenty to reflect on – the good, the bad and the downright bizarre (Antonio Rudiger nibbling Paul Pogba – that’s not a phrase I thought I’d be writing pre-tournament, but there you have it) – so here’s my first-round review.

Goal of the round: Scotland fans, look away now, but in truth it’s hard to look beyond Patrik Schick’s curling effort from just inside the Scottish half for the Czech Republic. The 25-year-old may not have been a household name before the tournament, but he’s catapulted himself to Euros fame surely with that goal, which will join the likes of Gazza and Van Basten in being wheeled out every four years. Andriy Yarmolenko can count himself unlucky that his goal against the Netherlands was upstaged by Schick.

Standout team performance: Belgium and Italy both looked impressive and untroubled in their first-round matches against Russia and Turkey respectively. Perhaps not the toughest opposition in either case, but as the saying goes, you can only beat what’s in front of you, and the Red Devils and the Azzurri both did so convincingly. Credit, too, to Slovakia – seeming minnows of the tournament who produced a disciplined, effective performance against Poland, to top a group which also includes Spain and Sweden after the first round.

Standout player performance: While Romelu Lukaku and Kalvin Phillips both had strong starts for Belgium and England respectively, there’s one man that continues to dominate on whatever stage he graces – N’Golo Kante. Ask any fan if they’d take Kante in their team and I imagine not one refusal. In fact, it got me wondering, in the way my brain is wont to do, whether I’d prefer a team of Kantes or a team of Ronaldos. The jury is out, but one thing’s for sure, I’d bite your hand off for even one Kante – actually, I wonder if that was what Rudiger was doing to Pogba, but he decided to bite his neck instead of his hand? And when it comes to standout players, it would be impossible not to mention Denmark captain, Simon Kjaer, and his speedy reaction, empathetic response and strong leadership in the face of the most challenging circumstances. If Kante is the Euros general, Kjaer is its absolute commander.

Surprise packages: Whilst Slovakia perhaps brought about the first round’s biggest surprise, Germany may have offered a different kind of surprise in being well below par. Maybe it was just a first-game anomaly, but Joachim Low will need to turn his side around quickly if they’re to progress out of this year’s ‘Group of Death’. As for players, Breel Embolo and Leonardo Spinazzola were both new names to me and impressed in their first outings, but it’s hard to judge either players or teams on one performance and, who knows, they may have peaked (or in Germany’s case dipped) too soon.

Newcomers: North Macedonia played their first ever game in a major tournament, having qualified for the Euros through a play-off against Kosovo. The Lynxes may have lost their first outing 3-1 to Austria, but nevertheless it was a significant moment in the nation’s footballing history, and who other than North Macedonia’s captain, top scorer and top appearance-maker of all time, Goran Pandev, to bag the country’s first ever tournament goal, becoming the second-oldest scorer in the history of the Euros in doing so. North Macedonia face two further tough tests against Ukraine and the Netherlands, but they’ve already made history, so why not once more? Off the pitch, both Nigel de Jong and Emma Hayes have proved to be impressive acquisitions on the media front, as too has Hal Robson Kanu.

VAR: Yes, I’ve said it, those dreaded three letters that have been the plague of the Premier League for the last few months. So imagine my surprise that VAR doesn’t only seem to be working effectively at the Euros, but it’s hardly even been noticeable. Naturally, now that I’ve written this, the second round is bound to be inundated with VAR controversies, but so far so good, and we’ve managed to get through a whole week unscathed, without discussing armpits or waiting an eternity for decisions to be made that can be seen in seconds. This is VAR as it’s intended to be, but, let’s be honest, we’re all still waiting for the first calamity.

England: A nation waited in expectation, or perhaps with pessimism, as England’s campaign got underway against Croatia. But a 1-0 victory was enough to get fans charting England’s route to the final – after all, we’ve never won an opening game at the Euros before, surely, this is fate?! Or perhaps it was just a disciplined England team beating a subpar Croatia team? Either way, England did the job required of them and a three-point first-round haul was all that could be asked of from the first outing in what was generally an untroubled day at the office for the Three Lions. It’s too early to judge just where England stand on the back of this one performance, but, in truth, there was little in the first-round performances across the board that would give Southgate much cause for concern at this stage.

Moment of the round: The defining and most uplifting moment of the first round came out of its darkest moment, when, in the aftermath of Christian Eriksen’s collapse, Danish and Finnish fans united in chanting his name. It was both a remarkably poignant and spontaneous show of the best side of football amongst the grief, despair and disbelief. We love football for goals, for surprises, for standout performances, but we also love it for the power to connect and bring people together.

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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 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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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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