The knockout stage of the European Championships get under
way today with the commencement of the Second Round. Three matches will be
played. In this post, I preview today’s matches, point out the players to watch
and predict the likely outcomes. As such, this post will be a short one.
Match Previews
Switzerland vs Poland
Both teams have not been at their fluent best in this
tournament. Both teams finished second in the group, although Poland did pick
up more points. Poland will be looking to their captain for inspiration.
Lewandowski has not been in good form, and is yet to score in the Euros. The
return to goal-scoring form for Jakub Blaszczykowski is a welcome for Poland.
He scored in their match against Ukraine and maintained the record of always
being on the winning side whenever he’s scored for the national team. The Swiss
have had similar sketchy for. Although, Granit Xhaka has been in good form,
those around him have not. They could only draw against a Romania side in the
group stages, the same team who were later beaten by Albania. Their forwards haven’t
turned up yet and their midfield has been left to do the heavy lifting. Both
teams need their forwards to start scoring. Whoever does that today will
progress. I’m giving the edge to Poland because of their superior fire-power up
front. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if this match goes beyond regular time,
possibly all the way to penalties.
Players to Watch:
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
My Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Poland (Poland to win via penalty
shootout)
Wales vs Northern
Ireland
It’s the Battle of Britain part 2 as Wales take on Northern
Ireland. On paper, Wales are clearly the favourites. They’ve performed well in
all three games, coming up just short against England. They have a very good chance
of making it all the way to the final. Northern Ireland, for their part, won’t
be pushovers. In Michael McGovern, they have the best goalkeeper of the
tournament so far. They’ve defended with aplomb throughout the tournament. The
difference here would be that they would have to attack if they are to break
Wales down. It is here that Wales might find openings. Overall, Wales should
have enough to get past Northern Ireland and move ahead in the tournament.
Players to Watch:
Gareth Bale (Wales), Michael McGovern (Northern Ireland)
My Prediction:
Wales 2-0 Northern Ireland
Croatia vs Portugal
Croatia were very impressive against Spain. To go a goal
down against a Spain side known for keeping possession of the ball and then
come back to win showed character. A repeat of the same performance should see
them comfortably beat Portugal. Ivan Perisic has been in a rich vein of form
throughout the tournament and would be the danger man as far as Portugal are
concerned. The Portuguese struggled through a group they were expected to
steamroll. They qualified after finishing in 3rd place, by virtue of
better goal difference. The good news for them is that Ronaldo seemed to be at
his best against Hungary in their last match. The bad news, and there’s more
than one, is that Ronaldo looked to be carrying an injury despite his heroics.
Further, their defense has not been sturdy and no player other than their
captain has looked to take the initiative. I predict a Croatia victory in this
match. Portugal would have to improve by a huge margin if they are get to the
Quarter Final.
Players to Watch:
Ivan Perisic (Croatia), Cristiano Ronald (Portugal)
My Prediction:
Croatia 2-1 Portugal
A day of evenly balanced contest, apart from Wales being the
favourites in the second game. The big teams play their games from tomorrow.
I'll be back with the reviews of these three matches and will look ahead to
tomorrow's games in my next post. Till then, enjoy the football...
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