Euro 2020 Day 10 Review

Wales join Italy in the Round of 16!

Group A

Italy 1 vs. 0 Wales

Italy heavily rotated against Wales and still kept a clean sheet and got three points as Pessina scored in the 39th minute to give them the win. Wales had their full strength team on the pitch but weren’t able to score. Ampadu was sent off for Wales in the 55th minute as well. Italy top the group with 9 points and are one of the favourites now. Wales finish 2nd on goal difference and go into the Round of 16. 

Switzerland 3 vs. 1 Turkey

Seferovic scored in the 6th minute to give Switzerland the lead. Shaqiri scored in the 26th minute to make it 2 for Switzerland. Khaveci finally got a goal for Turkey in the 62nd minute but Shaqiri scored once again in the 68th minute to seal the win. Switzerland finish 3rd in the group on goal difference and still stand a chance of making the Round of 16. It will depend on how well the other 3rd placed teams do. Turkey had a talented squad but the tactics let them down and they bow out of the tournament with losses in all 3 games. Regroup and go again for the Turks before the World Cup. 

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Euro 2020 Day 10 Preview

Who will join Italy?

Group A

Italy vs. Wales

Italy have already qualified for the Round of 16 but they will be looking to win this game so they qualify as group leaders. Wales are all but qualified and a win would see them qualify as group leaders. Wales could finish 3rd but Italy would have to beat them heavily and Switzerland would have to win by a minimum of 2 goals. A good game to watch but no high stakes.

Switzerland vs. Turkey

Switzerland sit 3rd in the group and have to win by at least two goals and hope that Wales lose heavily for them to finish 2nd. Turkey have to win to stand any chance of reaching the next round although they themselves would have to win by around 3 goals to heal their goal difference. A big win is needed for either team but a decent win could see Switzerland go through via a 3rd place finish. That would have to wait until all other teams have played. Mountains to climb for both teams but Switzerland could reach their summit while Turkey will find it difficult. 

Euro 2020 Day 6 Review

Italy are through!

Group A

Turkey 0 vs. 2 Wales

This was a weird game. Highly entertaining in that it was frantic and chaotic totally lacked fluidity or any real quality. It was like watching an inferior league but with famous players. Ramsey had quite a few chances to give Wales the lead but finally managed it after a brilliant pass from Bale in the 42nd minute. Roberts then made it 2 in the 95th minute to secure the victory. Turkey having all that quality have just not been up to the races. Turkey’s goal difference has really taken a hit and with zero points they can still finish 3rd but even then they might not make the play offs. So it seems its curtains on Turkey. Wales sit 2nd with 4 points and 3 ahead of Switzerland. Wales have all but secured 2nd unless there is a massive swing in goal difference in the final games. 

Italy 3 vs. 0 Switzerland

Locatelli gave Italy the lead in the 26th minute as he played a brilliant ball out to Berardi and then ran into the box to finish off the pass. Locatelli then made it two in the 52nd minute as he smashed in a left footed shot from out of the box. Immobile in then made it 3 in the 89th minute as he also smashed a shot from outside the box. It was a dominant performance from Italy and Switzerland had no real chance at winning the game. Italy become the first team to confirm a place in the round of 16 and now they need to ensure they finish 1st in the group. 

Group B

Finland 0 vs. 1 Russia

Miranchuk scored the only goal of the game right before half time to give Russia the lead and eventually the win. Finland played well but couldn’t score the goal. Russia move into 2nd on goal difference while Finland drop into 3rd. It’s still an open group and the other two teams still have to play their game. 

Euro 2020 Day 6 Preview

Round 2 begins!

Group A

Turkey vs. Wales

Wales sit 2nd in the group with a point while Turkey sit bottom of the group. For Turkey it’s a must not lose game as a loss and an Italy win would end their hopes of finishing in the top 2. For Wales a win would take them top of the group and set them up nicely for a top 2 finish if Italy also win. Turkey were not great against Italy but Wales were far from brilliant against Switzerland. This should be a cagey game and it could go either way.

Italy vs. Switzerland

Italy are the only team with 3 points in the group and a win would secure a top 2 finish for them and a place in the Round of 16. Switzerland sit 3rd with a point and its a must not lose game for them. A loss and a win for Wales would all but rule out a place in the top 2. Pressure on the Swiss but Italy will want to book a place in the next round as soon as possible. 

Group B

Finland vs. Russia

Finland sit 2nd in the group and have set themselves up nicely for a chance to qualify for the Round of 16. A draw and a win for Belgium would secure a top 3 finish minimum while a win would almost guarantee a place in the Round of 16. For Russia it’s a must win game as they sit at the bottom of the table. They were poor against Belgium and need to reply back if they want to stand a chance at reaching the Round of 16. A draw would not be as good as a win. It’s a high stakes game but Finland will know that with Belgium up next 3 points in this game is massive. 

Euro 2020 Day 2 Review

Praying for Eriksen’s full recovery.

Group A

Wales 1 vs. 1 Switzerland

This was a game that Switzerland dominated from about the 3rd minute. Kiefer Moore had a good chance in the opening 2 minutes but his header was saved by Sommer. Switzerland had the bulk of the chances in the 1st half but Danny Ward also made saves to keep the Welsh in the game. Switzerland shifted gears in the 2nd half with Breel Embolo in particular taking the initiative. Embolo’s driving runs through the Welsh defence caused several problems and the opening goal came in the 49th minute as he scored to make it 0-1. Switzerland were wasteful though and along with Ward making saves it meant that Wales equalised in the 74th minute via a brilliant header from Moore. Switzerland thought they had the winner late in the game but VAR ruled offside. A better point for Wales while Switzerland will feel they should have left with 3. 

Group B

Denmark 0 vs. 1 Finland

For the opening 40 minutes of this game it was all Denmark. The Danes dominated play and created chances at will while Finland defended well but had nothing going forward. Then in the 43rd minute Christian Eriksen collapsed with no one around him with what now seemed to have been a cardiac arrest. The game was temporarily suspended as both sets of players and fans were visibly shook by what they were witnessing. Thankfully the quick actions of players like Kjaer and referee Anthony Taylor along with the brilliant work of the paramedics. A picture came out of an awake Eriksen leaving the pitch and then it was official that he was at the hospital and stable. The game resumed as the players seemed to have wanted to finish it. Finland got the goal against the run of play though with Pohjanpalo scoring Finland’s first goal at the Euro’s in their history. Hojbjerg missed a penalty late on for Denmark as Finland held on for an historic win. Credit to the Danish players for carrying on and actually returning to the pitch because that would have taken a toll on anyone. Credit to Finland for winning their very first game at the Euros because it is a great achievement for their country. Either way the main thing is that Eriksen survived and is recovering and hopefully he can make a full recovery and has no lasting damage. 

Belgium 3 vs. 0 Russia

Belgium dominated the first 45 minutes of this game. Goals from Lukaku and Meunier set them up for a comfortable 2nd half against Russia. Russia showed more of a fight in the 2nd half and forced Courtois into some good saves. Belgium though got a 3rd late on with Lukaku grabbing his 2nd. A big win for the no 1 ranked team in the world as they look to stamp their mark on the tournament. Russia have more than a chance still and will feel that they have easier games going forward. 

Euro 2020 Day 2 Preview

Cagey games today.

Group A

Wales vs. Switzerland

Wales take on Switzerland in the remaining Group A fixture. The two teams will be encouraged by the fact that Turkey conceded 3 against Italy. This should be an even game between the two teams although on paper Switzerland edge it in terms of squad depth. It’s one thats too close to call but I feel like Switzerland might just win it. Wales played two friendlies in preparation for the Euros losing one and drawing the other. Switzerland played two winning both. 

Group B

Denmark vs. Finland

Group B also kicks off with Denmark taking on Finland. Denmark are one of the favourites to qualify from the group. Finland are making their debut and I don’t expect much from them given their squad. Denmark drew 1 and won 1 of their friendlies while Finland lost both of their friendlies. This should be a comfortable win for Denmark.

Belgium vs. Russia

Group B favourites Belgium take on Russia in their first game of the tournament. Belgium should win this group and go into this game having drawn one and won one of their friendlies. Russia are fighting it out for 2nd in the group and go into the game also having drawn one and won one. On paper you can’t see past a Belgium win but Russia are capable of an upset especially if they channel something similar to 2018.

Euro 2020 Opening Day Review

Italy underdogs no more!

Group A

Turkey 0 vs. 3 Italy

After what was an amazing opening ceremony the Euros finally kicked off as Italy took on Turkey. The first half was a cagey affair although Italy were dominant throughout and created the best chances. There was a possible handball call against Turkey but there was no penalty. Turkey could no longer keep Italy at bay in the 2nd half. An own goal from Demiral in the 53rd minute opened up Italy’s account as goals from Immobile and Insigne followed. Italy go top of the group while Turkey drop to the bottom and conceding 3 goals will have hit their goal difference. 

Euro 2020 Opening Day Preview

So it begins!

Group A

Turkey vs. Italy

The Euros kick off on Friday night as Italy take on Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Turkey are in that bracket with Wales and Switzerland where they stand an equal chance of reaching the knockout stages. Italy are the favourites to win the group. Turkey are a talented team and Yazici, Soyuncu, Calhanoglu, Yilmaz are just some of the stars while Italy have Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne etc. The list goes on. The two teams have a possession based style of play and so we should expect a game with chances. For these two teams it’s probably the toughest game in the group stage. These two teams should be the ones qualify from the group as the top two in my opinion so it’s going to be interesting to see. A big game to start the Euros. 

Euro 2020 Group A Preview

Euro 2020 is here but in 2021

The Euro’s are here after an year of delay. Euro 2020 was supposed to be held last year but due to the Covid pandemic it was delayed to the summer of 2021 but not renamed. So Euro 2020 is going to start on June 11th 2021. A month long tournament consisting the best teams in Europe as they look to become Champions of Europe. It’s being hosted across Europe this time with 11 cities and stadiums selected. Wembley Stadium (London), Stadio Olimpico (Rome), Allianz Arena (Munich), Olympic Stadium (Baku), Krestovsky Stadium (Saint Petersburg), Puskas Arena (Budapest), La Cartuja (Seville), Arena Nationala (Bucharest), Johan Cruyff Arena (Amsterdam), Hampden Park (Glasgow), and Parken Stadium (Copenhagen). The final will be held at Wembley in London on the 11th of July. With the what, when, where, and why out of the way let’s talk about the who!

The tricky group!

Italy

History

Italy are 7th ranked team in the world as they are the favourites in this Group A to reach the next stage. Italy are one of the great teams in world football and have made 9 appearances in the Euros since 1960. Italy’s best finish came in 1968 as they won the Euros. Since then they have fallen short a couple of times. In 2016 they reached the quarter-finals. 

Team 

Goalkeepers – Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)

Defenders – Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (PSG), Leonardo Spinazzola (AS Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta) 

Midfielders – Nicolo Barella (Inter), Jorginho (Chelsea), Bryan Cristante (AS Roma), Lorenzo Pelligrini (AS Roma), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Marco Verratti (PSG), Stefano Sensi (Inter) 

Forwards – Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo) 

Manager – Roberto Mancini

Most Caps – Giorgio Chiellini (106)

Captain – Giorgio Chiellini 

Star Player – Giorgio Chiellini

It’s a young team that’s been selected by Mancini for Italy this summer. Offensively I don’t think there is a talisman that sticks out but defensively the likes of Chiellini, and Bonucci are some of the best centre backs in the world. In the midfield they have Jorginho, Barella and Verratti who are some of the best around as well. In attack Belotti, Immobile and Insigne are veterans of the Serie A and have been lethal in front of goal. Italy finished top of their group in qualification winning all 10 games. I would say Italy are underdogs for the competition. I think they will get out of the group for sure and they could go under the radar. A talented team and a capable manager. 

Switzerland

History

Switzerland are ranked 13th in the world as they enter their 5th Euro’s this summer. Switzerland like their country are neutral. They are a good team that can cause problems in a game but when it comes to challenging I don’t think they really can. Their best finish in the Euro’s has been the Round of 16 which they achieved in 2016. 

Team

Goalkeepers – Yann Sommer (Monchengladbach), Yvon Mvogo (PSV Eindhoven), Jonas Omlin (Montpellier)

Defenders – Kevin Mbabu (Wolfsburg), Silvan Widmer (FC Basel), Nico Elvedi (Monchengladbach), Manuel Akanji (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Loris Benito (Bordeaux), Fabian Schar (Newcastle), Becir Omeragic (FC Zurich), Eray Comert (FC Basel), Jordan Lotomba (Nice)

Midfielders – Denis Zakaria (Monchengladbach), Remo Freuler (Atalanta), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg), Steven Zuber (Eintracht Frankfurt), Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Edmilson Fernandes (Mainz), Xherdan Shaqiri (Liverpool)

Forwards – Breel Embolo (Monchengladbach), Haris Seferovic (Benfica), Admir Mehmedi (Wolfsburg), Mario Gavranovic (Dinamo Zagreb)

Manager – Vladimir Petkovic 

Most Caps – Granit Xhaka (93)

Captain – Granit Xhaka

Star Player – Xherdan Shaqiri

Switzerland have a decent squad throughout the pitch. Sommer is a top goalkeeper. Mbabu, Akanji, and Rodriguez are names that stick out in defence. Zakaria, Xhaka, Fassnacht, Fernandes, and Shaqiri have all been top talents at different times. Embolo leads the line of forwards who have all had decent seasons. I think Switzerland have a chance of getting into the knockout stages for sure. Switzerland finished top of their group in qualification winning 5 drawing 2 and losing 1. It might be a battle for 2nd but beyond the group it’s a tough ask. 

Turkey

History 

This is Turkey’s 5th outing in the Euros as they sit 29th in the world rankings. Turkey haven’t been great since 2008 when they reached the semi-finals of the competition. Their debut came in 1996. In 2016 they failed to get past the group stage. 

Team

Goalkeepers – Altay Bayindir (Fenerbahce), Fehmi Gunok (Istanbul Basaksehir), Ugurcan Cakir (Trabzonspor) 

Defenders – Mehmet Celik (Lille), Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester), Kaan Ayhan (Sassuolo), Merih Demiral (Juventus), Mert Muldur (Sassuolo), Ozan Kabak (Schalke), Ridvan Yilmaz (Besiktas), Umut Meras (Le Havre) 

Midfielders – Yusuf Yazici (Lille), Dorukhan Tokoz (Besiktas), Irfan Kahveci (Fenerbahce), Okay Yokuslu (West Bromwich Albion), Orkun Kokcu (Feyenoord), Ozan Tufan (Fenerbahce), Taylan Antalya (Galatasaray), Hakan Calhanoglu (AC Milan)

Forwards – Burak Yilmaz (Lille), Cengiz Under (Leicester), Enes Unal (Getafe), Efecan Karaca (Alanyaspor), Abdulkadir Omur (Trabzonspor), Muhammed Akturkoglu (Galatasaray), Halil Dervisoglu (Galtasaray), Kenan Karaman (Fortuna Dusseldorf)

Manager – Senol Gunes

Most Caps – Burak Yilmaz (66)

Captain – Burak Yilmaz

Star Player – Hakan Calhanoglu

Looking at the Turkish squad they actually have a decent team available to them. The goalkeeping position might be a straight shootout between the three. Celik, Soyuncu, Demiral and Kabak are all names that standout in the backline. Yazici, Yokuslu, and of course Calhanoglu are all names that I have heard of in the midfield. Calhanoglu and Yazici have had solid seasons with Milan and Lille respectively. Up front Yilmaz should leading the line for Turkey after his great season at Lille. Under and Unal should also start given their talent. For me Turkey have as good a chance as anyone to qualify for the knockout stages. Turkey finished 2nd in their group with 7 wins 2 draws and 1 loss. 

Wales

History

Wales rank 17th in the world as they go into only their 2nd Euro’s ever. Their first came in 2016 where they did extremely well to reach the semi-finals. It’s going to be a tough ask to replicate that for the Welsh. 

Team

Goalkeeper – Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Stoke City)

Defenders – Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Connor Roberts (Swansea), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Tottenham), Neco Williams (Liverpool), Rhys Davies (Sheffield United), Ben Cabango (Swansea)

Midfielders – Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Joe Allen (Stoke City), Jonny Williams (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Liverpool), Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea), Daniel James (Manchester United), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Joe Morrell (Luton Town), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)

Forwards – Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United) 

Manager – Robert Page

Most Caps – Chris Gunter (100)

Captain – Gareth Bale

Star Player – Gareth Bale

Looking at this Wales squad and comparing it to the other teams in this group I feel like it’s going to be a tough ask for them to get out of the group stage let alone reach the semi’s. That team in 2016 was very experienced and tightly knit and while it wasn’t the most talented it fought well. Goalkeeper Hennessey has been around for sometime. Ben Davies, Mepham, Lockyer, Rodon, Neco Williams, and Rhys Davies are all names that stick out in defence. The Midfield are a talented bunch with Ramsey leading the pack. Harry Wilson, and Daniel James are talents while Ampadu is a combative midfielder. Up front Gareth Bale is the star. I have them fighting it for 2nd with Turkey and Switzerland but they will have to fight harder than most. 

World Cup Day 11 Review

Close games and shock results!

Group A

Saudi Arabia 2 vs. 1 Egypt

Saudi Arabia came back from a goal down to win their last game of the tournament against Egypt. Salah gave Egypt the lead with a brilliant finish over the goalkeeper in the 22nd minute, but a stoppage time penalty to Saudi Arabia was converted by Al-Faraj to send the teams into half time level. Egypt were poor during the second half and failed to cease any chances they created and in emphatic fashion Al-Dawsari scored in the 95th minute to give Saudi Arabia all three points. Saudi Arabia go home with a win to their name while Egypt go home having lost all three games and with some political controversy. 

Uruguay 3 vs. 0 Russia

Suarez opened the scoring in the 10th minute, while Cheryshev scored an own goal in the 23rd, Cavani completed the rout in the second half with a goal in the 90th minute. Russia who were down to ten men since the 36th minute seemed like a shadow of their last two games and failed to create any meaningful moments in the game. Uruguay qualify to the round of 16 while Russia also make it but finish second. 

Group B

Iran 1 vs. 1 Portugal

In what was a very close game Quaresma scored a brilliant goal to give Portugal the lead right before half time. The second half was shrouded in controversy as Ronaldo was not given a red card for an elbow while Berianvand saved a Ronaldo penalty in the second half as well. Iran were awarded a controversial penalty in the final minutes of the game after Cedric Soares handled the ball, but replays showed it was headed onto his hand by Azmoun. Ansarifard stepped up and scored the penalty to finish the game on a nervy note. Portugal progressed to the next round in second place while Iran go home with their respect intact after some strong performances in the group. 

Spain 2 vs. 2 Morocco

Boutaib opened the score for Morocco in the 14th minute but their lead was short lived afer Isco finished brilliantly to level the score. Nesyri scored in the 81st minute to send Morocco into raptures as it looked like they would be going home with a win but Aspas poached a goal in stoppage time to end the game in a draw. There was controversy about the Aspas goal as it looked like he was offside but the rule is that if your hand is offside then it does not count as you cannot score with your hand. Morocco go home with a at least a point to their name and some decent performances while Spain go into the next round as group leaders.