The second set of matches are drawing to a close. Most teams have had two games playing together and are providing a better indication of their true form. Late goals seem to have become a norm at these championships, with several more going in the past couple days.
In this post I recap the action from groups C and D and one
match from Group E (I won’t be able to post tonight, so will cover the other,
previously previewed, group E match in the next post). I will also provide my thoughts
on the upcoming games of groups F and A.
Match Reviews
Group C
Ukraine vs Northern
Ireland - No luck required for the Northern Irish
Both teams were coming off the back of defeats, albeit
against more fancied opponents. This match was expected to be a close fought
affair as both had played well in defeat. The Norther Irish started the game
the livelier team. They were chasing down everything and putting their
opponents under pressure. Ukraine tried to foothold in the game, carving out
some openings, but were a step behind for the most of the game. The Northern
Irish were rewarded early in the second half as Gareth McAuley took his chance.
Their lead was a deserved one. The rest of the second half played out in much the same
fashion as the first. Right at the end, Northern Ireland scored again in the
dying seconds to put a gloss on their victory. A truly historic win for them as
Ukraine are now facing almost certain elimination.
My Prediction:
Ukraine 0-1 Northern Ireland
Final Score: Ukraine
0-2 Northern Ireland
Germany vs Poland - A lot of shadow boxing, but no winner
The World Champions were looking to cement their place in
the next round with a win here. The Poles were looking to get one over on their
traditional rivals. The match lacked quality finishing. Midfielders of both
teams created several chances. The forwards were having a bad day as shot after
shot was being mis-queued or missed completely. Poland had the better chances
to score, as match-winner from their first game, Milik, spurned two great
opportunities. The Germans looked a bit harried in defense despite the return
of Mats Hummels. The best German player on the pitch was Ozil, and he seemed to
be gliding away from opposition defenders. His hard work went to vain though as
Germany failed to get telling touches inside the Polish penalty area. The game ended
in a goalless draw, with Poland the likelier to feel aggrieved with the result.
My Prediction:
Germany 2-1 Poland
Final Score:
Germany 0-0 Poland
Group D
Czech Republic vs
Croatia - The fans steal the limelight in what was an exciting game
The Croats continued from where they left against Turkey.
They controlled the game superbly and did not let Czech Republic settle down.
The Czechs, much like their outing against Spain failed to find answers to a
superior opponent. Croatia’s efforts bore fruit as Perisic headed home in the
later part of the first half. As half-time approached, there seemed to be only
one winner in this game.
For the first part of the second half, it was status quo.
Croatia piled on more pressure and were rewarded again as Rakitic finished
after a sweet touch. The Croats were cruising. Against the run of play, Milan
Skoda gave the Czechs some hope, scoring in the 76th minute. They
started getting into the game as Croatia went into defensive mode. The game was
then brought to a halt for 10 minutes as flares were thrown on to the field.
There was a very scary moment as an explosive burst in the hands of one of the
field-side officials clearing the debris. Ironically, it was the Croatian fans that
were responsible for the menace.
The game got under way and almost immediately Czech Republic
won a penalty because of a handball in the area. Thomas Necid made no mistake
with the spot-kick. The match had turned on its head, which seemed impossible
half an hour before. In injury time, the Czechs were the ones looking for the
win. No more goals went in, and one has to wonder if it was the Croatia fans
themselves that cost their team the victory.
My Prediction: Czech
Republic 1-2 Croatia
Final Score: Czech
Republic 2-2 Croatia
Spain vs Turkey - Spain look to be back to their best
Spain came into this game buoyed by their victory over the
Czechs, although it wasn’t the most convincing performance. One would expect
them to keep hold of possession for large parts of the game, and that’s exactly
what happened. Turkey were run ragged for 90 minutes, and did not seem like
pulling off anything in attack. Their defense was creaking and Spain took
advantage. Morata got on the end of a Nolito cross first up and put Spain
ahead. A couple of minute later, provider turned scorer as Nolito got on the
end of a horrible Turkish clearance and steered past the goalkeeper. The result
seemed settled by now and it was only a question of the score-line. The second
half wasn’t much better for Turkey. Spain added another goal through Morata,
the forward shaking off criticism from the previous game to star here. This was
the most dominating display of the finals so far, and ensured Spain's progress.
My Prediction:
Spain 1-0 Turkey
Final Score: Spain
3-0 Turkey
Group E
Italy vs Sweden - Italy doing it the Italian way
Having outmaneuvered Belgium in their opening encounter,
Italy were now being considered a threat for the championship. Sweden were
coming off the back of a disappointing draw against Ireland. The match itself wasn’t a very lively
spectacle, but the Italians were attacking a little more than they usually do.
They were the better team on the pitch but the breakthrough wasn’t forthcoming.
Mid-way through the second half, the Italians were left with their hearts in
their mouths as Ibrahimovic missed from a yard out, skying his shot over the
post. It wouldn’t have counted, he was flagged for offside, but it was a
shocking miss! The Italians could advantage as Eder scored a superb strike in
the 88th minute. The Italians had ground out another positive
result, and were looking like they could go deep into another tournament.
My Prediction:
Italy 2-1 Sweden
Final Score:
Italy 1-0 Sweden
Match Previews
Group F
Iceland vs Hungary
Two underdogs go head to head. Expect this to be an
attacking affair. Both teams gave a very good account of themselves in their
respective opening fixtures. Hungary would be on Cloud 9 after turning the
tables on their neighbours, the more fancied Austria. They’ll be looking for a
win which would secure their passage to the next round. Not many would’ve
predicted that happening so early in the tournament. Iceland would want to go
one better than their result against Portugal. Having done so well to get a
point from that game, they’ll be extra motivated not to mess things up in this
one. I think the two teams will cancel each other out and split the points.
My Prediction:
Iceland 1-1 Hungary
Portugal vs Austria
Austria have to put up an improved performance if they are
to get anything from this game. A loss here would mean virtual elimination.
They seem to be having a hard time living up to the dark-horses tag. Portugal aren’t
breathing easy either. They played well for most of the game, but the spirit of
the Iceland team took away one point. Portugal played well last game and if
they can repeat the same performance, I think they’ll come out on top in this
one. The world once again awaits Cristiano Ronaldo to put in a good performance
on the international stage. Whether that happens or not, only time will tell.
My Prediction:
Portugal 2-1 Austria
Group A
Romania vs Albania
The minnows Albania in their first ever major tournament
have given a very good account of themselves. It was a cruel blow for them as
France scored two late goals to grab a win in their previous outing. Despite
their good showing, Albania are looking at an early exit from the tournament.
Even if that likely outcome happens, they can go back with their heads held
high. Romania would still be looking to qualify for the next round. The draw
against Switzerland have given them a lifeline. However, I don’t think they’ll
be able to take all three points from this one. Albania will be looking to make
a lasting impression and they might just sneak a goal, putting Romania out of
the tournament.
My Prediction:
Romania 1-1 Albania
Switzerland vs France
Having already qualified, the French will be relaxed ahead
of their game against the Swiss. This match will give Didier Deschamps a chance
to rotate his squad. The Swiss, although almost assured of a place in the next
round have a chance to top the group with a win here. That looks an unlikely
result as the hosts seem to be on a roll. They’ve pulled out two late wins and
will look to play entertaining football for the home fans. A narrow win for
France looks likely, and another late winner is not out of the question.
My Prediction:
Switzerland 0-1 France
The group stages are reaching their climax. Three teams,
the hosts France, Italy and Spain, have booked their place in the next round. The next few days
should give us a clearer picture of how the second round draw will look like. I’ll
be back in a couple of days to review all the action. Till then, let’s hope
only the headlines are the ones from on the pitch.
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