We’re into Day 3 of the Euros. Two groups have played their first set of matches. Three more games are scheduled for later today. In today’s post, I’ll recap recap the events of the past two days and provide a preview of matches of Groups C, D and E. My next post will most likely be after Group E matches are completed.
Match Reviews
Group A
France vs Romania –
The hosts ride on Payet’s wonder-goal
The tone of the first half was set with Lloris saving
spectacularly from Bogdan Stancu inside the first five minutes. Griezman hit
the post later on in the half. Although both teams threatened, neither was able
to produce the cutting edge.
France’s sustained pressure at the start of the second half was
rewarded as Giroud got up in front of the goalkeeper to head home from Payet’s
cross. Romania eked out a response, as Patrice Evra fouled Stancu in the box.
The Romanian forward converted the penalty himself. A minute from time, Payet,
the supplier for the first goal, turned scorer, launching a curled effort into
the top corner. The Romanian goalkeeper had no chance. The hosts breathed a
collective sigh of relief.
My Prediction: France 3-1 Romania
Final Score: France 2-1 Romania
Albania vs
Switzerland – The new boys can hold their heads up high
The Xhaka brothers squared off against each other. Albania
got off to a jittery start, with a mistake from goalkeeper Berisha gifting
Switzerland a goal in the 5th minute. From that point, the match was
dominated by the two goalkeepers as they kept out the opposition multiple times
across both halves. Berisha’s performance might have won him Man of the Match
but for his early error. Albania gave a good account of themselves and showed
that they would not be pushovers for the rest of the tournament.
My Prediction: Albania 0-2 Switzerland
Final Score: Albania 0-1 Switzerland
Group B
Wales vs Slovakia –
Wales is not just about Bale, but he’s their absolute superstar
Arguably, the most entertaining match so far as both teams
went for the jugular from the word go. Ben Davies pulled off an incredible goal-line
clearance from Marek Hamsik in the opening minutes. Hamsik had got past four
defenders and was almost wheeling away in celebration, when Davies foiled him. A
few minutes later, Wales were ahead. Gareth Bale produced a customary dipping,
swerving free-kick which fooled the goalkeeper. The scores remained the same
till the half-time whistle, but not because of a dearth of chances.
The second half continued in the same vein. A sustained period of
pressure led to Slovakia’s goal. Robert Mak made an incisive run into the edge
of the Wales box before squaring the ball to Ondrej Duda. Duda, who had just come
on as a substitute, feigned past a couple of defenders before firing into the
net. Wales were looking out on their feet and the momentum was with Slovakia. A
couple of substitutions for Wales freshened things up. They started keeping
possession and suddenly the momentum had shifted. Hal Robson Kanu, on as a substitute,
latched on to Aaron Ramsey’s pass just inside the box, sending a scuffed shot
through the defender’s legs and past the goalkeeper. Wales were in dreamland.
Despite more pressure from Slovakia, they held on, claiming a historic win.
My Prediction: Wales 2-1 Slovakia
Final Score: Wales 2-1 Slovakia
England vs Russia - Another case of "What could've been!"
England’s preparations for the Euros have been dissected by
all and sundry. The big question ahead of this game was whether Jamie Vardy
would start. Unsurprisingly, Hodgson chose not to play two strikers, going for
solidity rather than attacking flair. To be fair, England dominated the match,
in terms of possession and clear-cut opportunities. However, as is often the
case with them, they could not capitalize. Russia were happy to sit back and
break up England attacks. In the second half, Akinfeev pulled off an impossible
save from Rooney, keeping the game level. The breakthrough finally came for
England with a well taken free kick by Eric Dier. The senior players showed
confidence in his ability, stepping away before the kick was taken. Dier curled
it into the far post. This was evidence of the bright young talent that the
team had at their disposal. However, and with a lot of people expecting it,
they let their lead slip in injury time. A looping cross was met by Vasili
Berezutski, who looped his own header over Joe Hart. England’s streak of never
winning the first game of any European Championship remained intact.
My Prediction: England 1-1 Russia
Final Score: England 1-1 Russia
Match Previews
Group C
Poland vs Northern
Ireland
The Poles will be favourites going into this game but
Northern Ireland boast a 12 match unbeaten streak heading into the Euros. It
will be battle between the Polish attacking firepower up against the Northern
Irish solidity.
My Prediction: Poland 2-1 Northern Ireland
Germany vs Ukraine
Even with a handful of injuries, Germany should be too
strong for the sprightly Ukraine team. Never one to get off to a flier in big
tournaments, it would be interesting to see if the underdogs can take advantage
of some early German tentativeness.
My Prediction: Germany 2-1 Ukraine
Group D
Turkey vs Croatia
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Croatia, but
personally I think they’ll fall short here to the Turkish guile. This should be
an open and exciting encounter, and is perhaps the first match where I’m not totally
sure of my own prediction.
My Prediction: Turkey 1-0 Croatia
Spain vs Czech
Republic
After suffering the horrendous loss to Georgia in their last
friendly before the Euros, Spain will be looking to get themselves sorted out
in this match. Although the Czechs are a talented unit, I don’t see them having
enough to get past the defending champions.
My Prediction: Spain 2-0 Czech Republic
Group E
Republic of Ireland
vs Sweden
I think there is only one man who will leave his stamp on
this game and that is the mighty Zlatan. Having missed out on the last World
Cup, he would be itching to make a positive impact in this tournament. At 34,
this could well be his last. The Irish are struggling with their inner demons
ever since they’ve qualified and the outburst from Roy Keane will not have
helped their mental set-up.
My Prediction: Republic of Ireland 0-1 Sweden
Belgium vs Italy
The match of this gameweek could either be an entertaining
spectacle or be reduced to a dull affair. I don’t think there is much of a chance
of this game taking the middle path. Either way, I’m predicting a scoring draw
here. The Belgians have not been gelling well and will find it hard to break
down the sturdy Italian defense.
My Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Italy
That’s it for this post. See you again in a couple of days.
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