Ukraine – FOOTBALL BOOK REVIEWS (FBR)

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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 20

England (0) 2 – 0 (0) Germany

Goalscorers: Sterling (75′), Kane (86′)

Wembley Stadium, England

For all those dodgy traders making up face masks with ‘Euro2020 Winners – England. It’s Come Home!’ stop right there. Yes, the win over Germany was a joy to witness, but as the 2018 World Cup should have taught us, nothing can be taken for granted. Whilst not being the voice of doom, it was a late afternoon of joy. Raheem Sterling scored for the third successive game with fifteen to go after great work by Shaw out wide and the icing on the Black Forest Gateaux came five minutes from time when substitute Jack Grealish crossed for Harry Kane to seal the 2-0 win. Credit though to Jordan Pickford who has had an up and down season between the sticks for Everton but made vital saves when required in this game and has after four games yet to concede. There were great performances all over the park, but the Germans will look back at the miss by the usually lethal Thomas Muller when the score was just 1-0 as he dragged his shot wide when one-on-one with Pickford. The reality is that the Three Lions have to for the first time this tournament leave their Wembley home to take on Ukraine in Rome. We have to enjoy the result, but ultimately as Gareth Southgate has stated, this result means nothing if England don’t go on to win the competition. All roads lead to Rome…

Sweden (1) 1 – 2 (1) Ukraine AET (1-1 FT)

Goalscorers: Sweden – Forsberg (43′) Ukraine – Zinchenko (27′), Dovbyk (120’+1’)

Hampden Park, Glasgow

Sweden ranked 18^th in the current FIFA table with Ukraine 24^th, so on paper a seemingly evenly matched game, and so it proved to be. It was a pretty cagey opening, but Ukraine got their noses in front after twenty-seven minutes, as a cross-ball fell nicely for Zinchenko whose powerful drive beat Olsen in goal. Sweden though responded with a free-kick from Larsson. With the Ukraine defence and ‘keeper expecting it to be launched into the box, Larsson instead went for goal and Bushchan had to scramble across to make the save. The Swedes though were level two minutes before the break, Isak played in Forsberg, with his shot from outside the box, deflecting off Zabarnyi. All square at half-time, 1-1. Into the second-half and both sides were denied by the woodwork. First Ukraine, as Sydorchuk saw his curled effort strike the outside of the post, whilst Forsberg had two efforts that on another day would have gone in. His first came after a driving Isak run which struck the base of the post, and the second created by Forsberg himself as he collected out wide, jinked across the box, with his shot hitting the crossbar. So to extra-time, with both sides looking tired and the defining moment of the first period. Nine minutes in, Danielson, cleared from a Ukrainian flick-on, but in following through he took out Artem Besedin. Referee Daniele Orsato blew for a free-kick and showed a yellow card to the Swedish player. It was referred to VAR and after consultation it was upgraded to a red. It’s a difficult one. In slow motion this looked a horrible challenge as Besedin’s leg took the full impact of the challenge. But there’s a reason why slow-mo is used in TV and film – impact. Depending on which side you sit, either Danielson should only have received a yellow due to him clearing the ball and then making unintentional contact in the unavoidable momentum he had, or you perceive it as a reckless challenge. I go with the former, as to me there was no intention to foul the player, his aim was to clear the ball, plain and simple. ON the back of this, are we saying a tackle can only be made with no possible contact through momentum afterwards? For those of a certain age please look at the 1970 FA Cup Final for football of a different age and what tackles used to be and considered legal. Despite being down a man Sweden battled on and it looked like they had earned the chance of penalties as the last minute of extra-time was played. However, these dramatic last sixteen games had one last twist for us as the Ukraine swung one last hopeful ball into the box, where Artem Dovbyk headed home to win the game 2-1 and set up a Quarter-Final with England in Rome. Phew! A fitting climax to so simply mad last sixteen games.

So after a truly breathless set of last sixteen games, we have a break now until the Quarter Finals which begin on Friday 02 July and are as follows:

Friday 02 July 2021

Switzerland v Spain (Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg)

Belgium v Italy (Allianz Arena, Munich)

Saturday 03 July 2021

Czech Republic v Denmark (Olympic Stadium, Baku)

Ukraine v England (Stadio Olimpico, Rome)

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

UEFA 2020 Euro Championship – Day 19

Yesterday’s games were just something out of a comic book, you really couldn’t make it up. Watching both I was left exhausted by the twists and turns. Oh for a calmer day today! Some chance with England playing!

Croatia (1) 3 – 5 (1) Spain AET (3-3 at FT)

Goalscorers: Croatia – González (20′ og), Orsic (85′), Pasalic (90’+2’). Spain – Sarabia (38′), Azpilicueta (57′), Torres (77′), Morata (100′), Oyarzabal (103′)

No one could have predicated the drama that unfolded in Copenhagen. It all started with a bizarre OG to add to the list for the tournament. On twenty minutes Pedro Gonzalez from just inside his own-half knocked the ball back to ‘keeper Unai Simon, pretty standard stuff, however the Athletic Bilbao No:1 was unable to control it and watched helplessly as it rolled into the corner to give Croatia the lead. Spain responded and were level seven minutes before the break, Livakovic made an excellent save only for Pablo Sarabia to smash home the rebound to send the teams in at the break at 1-1. The Spanish went on to dominate the early part of the second-half with a header from Azpilicueta twelve minutes after the restart and then Torres with a neat finish scored with just thirteen minutes to go to sent Spain 3-1 up and seemingly on their way to the Quarter-Finals. But as England found in the 2018 World Cup, Croatia just keep coming and with five minutes remaining, after some Modric Magic and a goalmouth scramble, Orsic gave the Croats a life-line. Incredibly they found time for the equaliser two minutes into time-added on as Pasalic rose majestically to head in to take the game into extra-time. It looked like Croatia had the initiative, with another driving attack seeing Andrej Kramaric have a chance in the box which seemed destined for the net until Simon made up for his earlier howler with an outstanding save. It’s significance, was that moments later Spain broke up the other end and Morata with a brilliant piece of control made it 4-3 with five minutes of the first period of extra-time left. It was 5-3 just a few minutes later as Oyarzabal collected a cross, did well to hold off the defenders and finish. This time there was no coming back for Croatia and as the game wound down, Dani Olmo had a chance to make it six for Spain, but his effort struck the post. Spain through but what a game. Surely nothing could top that…

France (0) 3 – 3 (1) Switzerland AET (Switzerland won 5-4 on penalties)

Goalscorers: France – Benzema (57′, 59′), Pogba (75′). Switzerland – Seferovic (15’minutes, 81’minutes), Gavranovic (90’minutes)

Arena Na?ionala, Bucharest

…Well, just a few hours later it was another simply startling game of football in Bucharest. The World Champions France were strangely quiet in the first-half and trailed as early as the fifteenth minute. Lenglet lost his bearings at the heart of the French defence as a cross came in leaving Seferovic to head past Lloris. 1-0 Switzerland at the break. Ten minutes into the second-half the game went into its first phase of crazy mode. After a VAR review of an incident in which Zuber was brought down by Benjamin Pavard a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Ricardo Rodriguez. Lloris guessed right and saved. Two minutes later (57’), Benzema squeezed through with a little bit of fortune to level it at 1-1. Then another two minutes passed, and it was 2-1 France, Griezmann having his chip pushed onto the bar by Sommer, leaving Benzema with an easy header virtually on the goal-line. From having the chance to go 2-0, the Swiss founds themselves 2-1 behind within four minutes. Madness. As in the Spain game, France stretched their lead to 3-1 after a sublime curling effort from Pogba from just outside the box with fifteen minutes remaining. The Swiss like Croatia looked down and out as France held a two-goal cushion with just nine minutes remaining. However, the second phase of craziness was upon us, as Seferovic got his and Switzerland’s second to push the door ajar on eight-one minutes. With the Swiss pouring forward they thought they had levelled minutes later but substitute Mario Gavranovic was clearly offside. However, the door was fully kicked open on ninety-minutes. Pogba lost possession in midfield and a through ball saw Gavranovic slip inside his marker and fire low past Lloris. Another seemingly impossible comeback complete. In extra-time Coman produced the two best moments for France, first his shot skimmed the crossbar in the first-period of extra-time and in the second, he set up a chance for Pavard, which Sommer somehow turned over the bar. The final chance before penalties also fell to the French, but Mbappé who has endured a wretched Finals, screwed wildly past the post when well placed. And it was the unfortunate PSG forward who was to be the fall guy for France. With the Swiss converting all five and France four from four, it was down to Mbappé to keep the World Champions in the competition. Sommer though produced a stunning save and it was au revoir for Les Bleus. A stunning, dramatic match, memorable not just for the unfancied Swiss going through, but for their character, the vital saves from Sommer and for Granit Xhaka who was outstanding and not just because of his dyed blonde hair! The Swiss now take on Spain in St Petersburg and maybe on a roll (sorry couldn’t resist it!).

England v Germany (Wembley Stadium, London)

England Expects! Well, amongst all the hype and frenzy, It’s Coming Home etc. etc. We all know the history with the Germans down the years, and this will be the third meeting at the Euro Finals. The first of course was back in 1996 and the Semi-Final defeat 6-5 on penalties at the ‘old’ Wembley – no need to remind Gareth Southgate about that one! The second was a pretty lacklustre affair at the Finals in 2000 where an Alan Shearer goal was enough to earn a 1-0 win in the group stage.

The Three Lions came through their group top, and were functional rather than spectacular, with 1-0 victories against Croatia and the Czech Republic and a 0-0 draw with Scotland. No goals conceded but only two scored – a worry for tonight’s encounter. The Germans in their final group game against Hungary were six minutes from being eliminated, but an equaliser to make it 2-2 ensured progress as runners-up.

England have been criticised for three pretty uninspiring group games, but have done what was required, i.e. they qualified for the last sixteen. Will Gareth Southgate send his team out to play the same way? The Germans feel like a team in transition especially with coach Joachim Löw stepping down at the end of this competition. Germany are undoubtedly dangerous as they showed in the dismantling of Portugal, but then looked vulnerable against Hungary. Of course I’d love to see England go through, but just can’t see it. It’s the hope that kills us.

Sweden v Ukraine (Hampden Park, Glasgow)

These two last met at Euro 2012, when Ukraine won 2-1 with current boss Andriy Shevchenko getting both goals.

Sweden topped their group and were quietly efficient in wins over Slovakia (1-0) Poland (3-2), having opened their group games with a 0-0 against Spain. The Ukraine grabbed the last of the four best third placed finishers, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Macedonia having lost to Netherlands (3-2) and Austria (1-0).

I’ve liked what I’ve seen of the Swedes, but in a topsy-turvy few days, who knows what will happen. I’ll stick my neck out though and go with Sweden to make it to the last eight.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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…

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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?

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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 24^th 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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT

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.

Category: UEFA 2020 Euro Championship | LEAVE A COMMENT