European Championships - The Final Preview

Here we are, after a month of football, on the cusp of the decider. The European Championships draw to a close later tonight in Paris. The finalists have been decided after two competitive semi-final matches. The hosts France take on Portugal in the final.

Before I preview the teams and the final, I’d like to re-live some of the best moments from the knockout stage of the competition. Concluding this, my preview and my prediction (without bias), will be presented.

Memorable Moments

Xherdan Shaqiri scores the Goal of the Tournament

Xherdan Shaqiri scored with an outrageous overhead kick from the edge of the penalty box against Poland. Too bad his team went out in the penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time and after extra time.

France have a New Darling

Antoine Griezmann scored two goals in quick succession to overcome the resilient Irish, after the latter had gone ahead early in the game.

'Hazard'ous Warning to Rivals

Eden Hazard was back to his majestic best after a below par showing in the Group Stage. His performance helped Belgium hammer Hungary 4-0 in their second round match.

Conte is the Best Tactician

In what felt like deja vu of their game against Belgium in the group stage, Italy, powered by Conte's brilliant tactics, outsmarted Spain to progress to the Quarter Final.

The Vikings sink the Queen's Fleet

This image of Iceland's post-match celebration after defeating England is the most iconic of the entire tournament. Their win against the fancied English is the biggest shock of the tournament.

Portugal keep Scraping Through

Another round, another draw in regulation time, but Portugal once again found a way past their opponents. Poland were the unfortunate team this time as they fell short in the penalty shootout.

Belgium are Cryuff-ed

Wales came from behind to beat Belgium in one the most accomplished attacking displays of the tournament. This turn from Hal Robson-Kanu, for Wales's second goal of the game, was the outstanding highlight in a match which showed that Wales belong at this level.

Buffon in Tears after Germany Break Jinx

One of the saddest moments of the Championships came with  the tearful exit of Gianluigi Buffon after Germany finally defeated Italy in a major tournament via the penalty shootout.

France put on a Classy Display to Oust Iceland

The much maligned Olivier Giroud put in a Man of the Match performance in France's peerless display against Iceland. Their opponents did themselves no harm with their second half effort, despite already being down by four goals in the first half. Iceland would leave the tournament with their heads held high.

Ronaldo powers Portugal past Wales

A goal (from the header in picture above) and an assist from their captain Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the Final of the Euros following their first win in regulation time in the tournament.

The Little Prince stops the Juggernaut

The picture above perfectly portrays the varying moods of the opponents in the second semi-final. Germany, despite overwhelming France with possession, failed to take advantage. France took their chances, capitalising on uncharacteristic German defensive lapses for both goals. Antoine Griezmann scored both goals and had etched himself into Euro and French folklore.

Match Preview - The Final

The Teams

France

Buoyed by the home support and their win against the World Champions, France will be the favourites going into this game. They have always performed brilliantly in their home tournaments, having won both Euro '84 and the World Cup '98 on home soil. They've had the best attacking force among all teams in the tournament in Griezmann, Payet and Giroud. Add to that the midfield prowess of Pogba and Matuidi and the defensive stability of Koscielny and Sagna, and it's no wonder they've come this far.

Players to watch: Antoine Griezmann, Dmitri Payet, Olivier Giroud

Portugal

Some are saying that Portuguese have been very lucky to have come this far. They only qualified for the knockout rounds because of the newly implemented third place rule. They have not been the best going forward, as is evident from their lack of goals, barring the Hungary and Wales games. Yet, despite all of that, credit must be given where it's due. They've held their nerve on more than one occasion. They don't have the best team, but teamwork has got them this far, Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped up to be counted when it has mattered most. Nani has provided able support, while Raphael Guerrero has been impressive in the wings. Youngster Renato Sanches has been a revelation and is sure to start the final. However, the pressure will once again be on their talisman to come up with the goods on this grandest of occasions.

Players to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Raphael Geurrero

The Match

France are favourites going into this game. They'll be looking to attack Portugal from the start and try to force mistakes. There is little chance of a repeat of their counter-attacking tactic from the game against Germany. Portugal on the other hand, would be looking to do exactly what France did against Germany. They do lack firepower going forward compared to the hosts, and they'd have to compensate it with smart football. Coach Santos has his task cut out in foiling the French attackers. Having said that, Portugal have done an excellent job so far in keeping their opponent's best players quiet all through the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo would have to lead from the front if his country is to get past the French. Will France win on home soil once again, or will Portugal pull another one out of the bag and lift the trophy for the first time? 

All the facts point to France as the favourites. However, given how the tournament has gone for Portugal, it is a very tough call. I'd still go for a narrow French victory here. If Portugal do open the scoring, they'd probably hang on for the win.

My Prediction: Portugal 1-2 France

This concludes the last of my previews for the 2016 European Championships. I hope we get a good game to enjoy tonight. I have the feeling that might not be the case though. Let's hope my feeling is wrong. I'll be back tomorrow with the review of the final. Till then, enjoy the football...