Euro 2020 Day 12 Review

Croatia with the win!

Group D

Croatia 3 vs. 1 Scotland

This was a must win game for both teams as they went head to head in Hampden Park. Vlasic gave Croatia the lead in the 17th minute but Scotland were able to equalise in the 42nd minute via McGregor. It was an open first half and the same continued in the 2nd but as the game went on it became a bit one sided. Croatia had much of the possession and were creating more chances. Modric finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a brilliant shot from outside of the box with the outside of his right foot. It was pure class. Perisic then scored a header from a Modric cross in the 77th minute to seal the win for Croatia. Croatia finish 2nd in the group while Scotland are knocked out with only a point to their name. Scotland did finally manage to score a first Euro goal though. 

Czech Republic 0 vs. 1 England

All England games seem to boring to watch and this was no different. Sterling scored in the 12th minute but after a decent first 45 minutes the game was bland and boring in the 2nd half. Czech Republic should go through as they have 4 points while England go through as group leaders. 

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Euro 2020 Day 12 Preview

Will anyone join England and Czech Republic?

Group D

Croatia vs. Scotland

This is the big game in this round for Group D as Croatia take on Scotland at Hampden Park. The winner of this game can basically go through as one of the 4 best placed 3rd teams. The winner could possibly finish 2nd but England would have to lose by a few goals for that to happen. Neither team has won a game in this tournament yet so it’s massive. Croatia have the quality on paper and player for player are the better team. Scotland have the home support but will be without Billy Gilmour who was pivotal in the midfield against England. Gilmour has tested positive for Covid and is in isolation. It will be a brilliant game to watch though. 

Czech Republic vs. England

These two teams are basically through even if one of them finish 3rd which is unlikely. This makes it a no stakes game. The winner could face on off France, Germany, or Portugal though so in that situation maybe neither team will prefer to win the group. England though would continue to play at Wembley and since this game is at Wembley there will be pressure to perform especially after that dismal game against Scotland. Czech Republic have played well and Schick is on fire while England have not clicked. Mason Mount might be missing because he has had to self isolate due to precautionary reasons along with Chilwell after talking to Gilmour. Which is farcical because several people including the whole Scotland squad were in close contact with Billy. Mount’s inclusion is yet to be seen but it will be interesting to see whether Southgate gives the likes of Grealish and Sancho a chance with the latter not having played a single minute. Pressure on England to turn up while Czech Republic can take it easy. 

Euro 2020 Day 8 Review

Lacklustre.

Group D

Croatia 1 vs. 1 Czech Republic

Schick scored in the 37th minute via a penalty to give Czech Republic the lead. The decision to give the penalty was wrong since Lovren had not purposely elbowed Schick and it was just a coming together. Croatia equalised in the 47th minute via a brilliant goal by Perisic. Other than those two incidents it was an easy game as both teams had shots but never tested the goalkeeper as much as they should have. Croatia remain 3rd in the group ahead of Scotland on goal difference. They still have a chance to reach the next round which sets up the game against Scotland perfectly. Czech Republic sit top of the group on goal difference and have one foot in the Round of 16. 

England 0 vs. 0 Scotland

This was a snooze fest of a game as neither team was able to break the other down. England hit the post and came close on a couple of occasions while Scotland also managed to force Pickford into some decent saves. The only player that stood was debutant Billy Gilmour who made his first start for Scotland. It was a brilliant performance in the midfield that won him man of the match. Southgate’s tactics were laughable and with all this talent at his disposal to play out a goalless draw against Scotland at Wembley is a joke. England remain 2nd in the group and have one foot in the Round of 16. Scotland are bottom of the group but can still make it if they win on the final day. 

Group E

Sweden 1 vs. 0 Slovakia

This was a must win game for Sweden and win they did as Forsberg scored a penalty in the 77th minute to seal the win for the home team. Sweden played really well in the 2nd half and Isak was a constant threat to Slovakia. Sweden go top of the group and have one foot but until Spain and Poland play there is no real picture of how the group stands. Slovakia are 2nd and in the same situation. 

Euro 2020 Day 8 Preview

England vs. Scotland Derby!

Group D

Croatia vs. Czech Republic

Croatia sit 3rd in the group with 0 points as they play a must win game against the Czech Republic. Croatia were lacklustre against England and provided no real threat. It was surprising given the level of players they have available to them. Czech Republic were very good against Scotland and Schick in particular lit up the game. Czech Republic can secure a place in the Round of 16 with a win and so the pressure is on Croatia to come out fighting. 

England vs. Scotland

A derby of sorts as group leaders England take on bottom of the table Scotland. England did enough to beat Croatia but they were far from brilliant although the selections by Southgate didn’t help. Scotland on the other hand played well against the Czech Republic but just fell short in the end. This should be a feisty encounter and a must watch between the two teams. Similar to the other game the pressure is on Scotland to come out fighting. Expect goals. 

Group E

Sweden vs. Slovakia

Slovakia sit top of the group with 3 points and can seal a place in the Round of 16 with a win. Sweden sit 3rd in the group with a point and they themselves can go top of the group with a win. The race for qualification was always going to be tough in Group E and this game should be as unpredictable. Slovakia showed against Poland that they have the quality and belong in the tournament. Sweden had some great moments against Spain with Isak coming close a few times. 

Euro 2020 Day 4 Review

Good day for Central Europe!

Group D

Scotland 0 vs. 2 Czech Republic

It was a big day for the Scots as their team made a long awaited return to tournament football and that to at Hampden Park. The atmosphere was electric and Scotland started well creating several chances and forcing saves. Czech Republic also replied by having chances of their own and forcing saves. It was a frantic game not one with much fluidity but entertaining none the less. The first goal came in the 42nd minute as Schick scored a brilliant header to give Czech Republic the lead. The 2nd goal came in the 52nd minute and it’s without a doubt going to the goal of the tournament. Schick received the ball a little ahead of the halfway line first time lobbed the keeper who was off his line to score. It was a brilliant goal and with such precision. Scotland had no reply as the Czech Republic stayed strong for the win. Scotland remain winless and goalless in a European competition while Czech Republic get 3 big points ahead of what are now two tough games. They also happen to go top of the table on goal difference. 

Group E

Poland 1 vs. 2 Slovakia

Another upset of sorts as Slovakia were the unlikely winner against Poland. Szczesny scored an own goal in the 18th minute to give Slovakia the lead. Linetty equalised for Poland in the 46th minute to setup a tasty 2nd half. Krychowiak was sent off for Poland in the 62nd minute for a 2nd yellow. Skriniar then turned up in the box and scored a brilliant volley to give Slovakia the lead in the 69th minute. Slovakia held on for the 3 points. The win takes Slovakia to the top of the table and 2 points clear of anyone else. Poland drop to the bottom.

Spain 0 vs. 0 Sweden

A bit of a dead squib of a game. Spain and Sweden could not live up to the Netherlands, Ukraine game. Two teams missed clear chances to score and they both had an equal chance of winning the game. Spain sit 2nd on goal difference while Sweden are right behind them. 

Euro 2020 Day 4 Preview

Hoping for goals!

Group D

Scotland vs. Czech Republic

These two teams are the ones who are up against it in this group as they look to beat the odds and finish in the top 3. England and Croatia are the favourites to qualify from the group so this is a massive head to head game between the two. Scotland drew one and won one of their friendlies while Czech Republic lost one and won one. The two squads have a mixture of experience and talent and some well known names in them. I don’t expect either team to go full throttle and so this might be a cagey affair. This could be a draw or a narrow win but neither team will run away with it. 

Group E

Poland vs. Slovakia

Group E is an open group and bar Spain there are no real favourites. Poland have drawn both of their friendlies while Slovakia have done the same. In terms of squads and quality there is only one real winner in this matchup and that’s Poland who have some serious talent. Slovakia have players like Hamsik but they have been around for a while now and are veterans. Poland are more likely to win this game although we have already seen the minnows provide decent challenges to better sides.

Spain vs. Sweden

Spain might have avoided picking Real Madrid players but they are still the favourites to qualify from the group. Sweden compared to Spain lack the quality but they have a good enough squad to finish 2nd or at the very least challenge Poland for that spot. Spain drew one of their friendlies and won the other while Sweden won all three of their friendlies. This will be a close game and similar to Netherlands and Ukraine this should see plenty of goals as well. 

Euro 2020 Day 3 Review

Started with a murmur but ending with a bang!

Group C

Austria 3 vs. 1 North Macedonia

Stefan Lainer opened the scoring for Austria in the 18th minute after a brilliant ball from Sabitzer was volleyed in at the far post. The lead was short lived though as the one and only Goran Pandev scored in the 28th minute to bring North Macedonia back into the game. It was only fitting that the country’s legend scored their first goal at a Euro. Strength in depth paid off for Austria though as a brilliant ball from Alaba found Gregoritsch in the box and he gave Austria the lead in the 78th minute. Arnautovic made it 3 in the 89th minute as Austria got a solid win. It was an entertaining game and North Macedonia might have lost but they for sure will give it their all in this tournament, some brilliant passages of play from the debutants. 

Netherlands 3 vs. 2 Ukraine

This was the last game of the day but the best so far the tournament has seen. The first half saw an end to end game and both goalkeepers had to make some brilliant saves to keep their teams in the game. The 2nd half saw all the goals as Wijnaldum gave Netherlands the lead in the 52nd minute. Weghorst then made it 2-0 in the 58th minute. Ukraine bounced back as Yarmolenko scored a brilliant goal from outside the box in the 75th minute. Yaremchuk then scored a header to equalise for Ukraine in the 79th minute. Netherlands were not done though and in Amsterdam Dumfries scored in the 85th minute to give his country the 3 points. Netherlands got the win but they have to solve their defensive issues while Ukraine might have lost but they have plenty to fight for in their group. The best game yet. 

Group D

England 1 vs. 0 Croatia

This game didn’t really live up to the hype. The only goal came in the 57th minute as Sterling scored after some brilliant work by Phillips to get England 3 points at Wembley. Croatia were very poor and their players didn’t live up to their reputations. Southgate made some big mistakes with the lineup but got the win. England have relatively easier fixtures now and so do Croatia and I still expect the Croats to progress to the next round. Kalvin Phillips, Rice, and Mount were particularly good in the midfield. 

Euro 2020 Day 3 Preview

Can England start of with a win?

Group C

Austria vs. North Macedonia

Austria are one of the 3 favourites to qualify from the group along with Ukraine and Netherlands. North Macedonia are making their debut at the Euro’s and similar to Finland they can cause an upset but no one really expects it. Austria go into this game having lost one and drawn one of their friendlies while North Macedonia have drawn one and won one. On paper Austria should be winning this game as they have the quality but North Macedonia can take encouragement from Finland’s performance yesterday and will feel that they have a chance. 

Netherlands vs. Ukraine

The favourites from the group take on one of the contenders as Netherlands play Ukraine. Netherlands go into this game having drawn one and won one of their friendlies while Ukraine have drawn one and won two of their friendlies. Netherlands for sure have more quality available to them but Ukraine have been consistent under Shevchenko and have a real unity in their squad. I feel that this will be an open game and both sides will have a good chance of getting 3 points. Netherlands will be favourites though.

Group D

England vs. Croatia

Two top contenders for the tournament go head to head in this game as they play a replay of the World Cup game from 3 years ago. England have a rejuvenated squad from 3 years ago with arguably more quality but maybe not as skilled of a manager. Croatia have the experience and quality on the pitch to cause damage in any game. England won both their friendlies with a solitary goal. Croatia drew one and lost one. With England it’s very much of a situation of what lineup Southgate picks. He can pick a lineup based on merit which would see players like Grealish, Sancho, or Foden start on the wings or he can go with sentiment and pick Rashford or Sterling. Croatia are a much more stable team in that they have worked under Zlatko Dalic and done well. England have the potential to actually play well and do well in these Euro’s whether they are allowed to is a different question while Croatia have a chance of actually winning something with what is arguably a golden generation.

Euro 2020 Group D Preview

Unpredictable group.

Croatia

History

Croatia made their Euro debut in 1996 and managed to reach the quarter-finals then. They will now be going into their 6th Euro’s. Their best finish was reaching the quarter-finals in 1996 and 2008. Croatia did extremely well in the World Cup a couple of years ago and are ranked 11th in the world. They are for sure a team to keep an eye on. 

Team

Goalkeepers – Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split), Simon Sluga (Luton Town)

Defenders – Sime Vrsaljko (Atletico Madrid), Borna Barisic (Rangers), Duje Caleta-Car (Marseille), Dejan Lovren (Zenit), Mile Skoric (Osijek), Domagoj Vida (Besiktas), Josip Juranovic (Legia Warsaw), Josko Gvardiol (Dinamo Zagreb), Domagoj Bradaric (Lille)

Midfielders – Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter), Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moskva), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Milan Badelj (Genoa), Luka Ivanusec (Dinamo Zagreb)

Forwards – Ivan Perisic (Inter), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Ante Rebic (AC Milan), Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb), Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb)

Manager – Zlatko Dalic 

Most Caps – Luka Modric (137)

Captain – Luka Modric

Star Player – Luka Modric

Croatia are a very good team just by looking at that squad. There is quality all around the pitch. Livakovic is a solid goalkeeper. The defence is a solid mix of youth and experience with the likes of Vida, Lovren, Caleta-Car and Barisic. Vrsaljko is a solid full back as well. The midfield is stacked with talent, Kovacic, Modric, Brozovic, Pasalic and Badelj are all players that have experience and in some cases youth on their side. Perisic, Brekalo, and Kramaric are main stays up front but the likes of Rebic can also start having had some very solid seasons at Milan. I think they should reach the quarter’s of the competition and should be one of the favourites in this group. 

Czech Republic

History

The Czech Republic made their debut in the very first Euros in 1960. Back then they were known as Czechoslovakia though and were Czechoslovakia until 1992. They of course won the Euros as Czechoslovkia in 1976. They will be playing in their 10th Euro’s this time out. As the Czech Republic their best finish came in 1996 when they were runners up. Since then they have done pretty well although in 2016 they failed to get past the group stage. The Czech Republic find themselves 42nd in the world rankings. 

Team

Goalkeepers – Tomas Vaclik (Sevilla), Ales Mandous (Sigma Olomouc), Jiri Pavlenka (Werder Bremen)

Defenders – Pavel Kaderabek (Hoffenheim), Ondrej Celustka (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague), Vladimir Coufal (West Ham), Tomas Kalas (Bristol City), Ales Mateju (Brescia), Jan Boril (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Jakub Brabec (Viktoria Plzen)

Midfielders – Antonin Barak (Hellas Verona), Vladimir Darida (Hertha Berlin), Lukas Masopust (Slavia Prague), Petr Sevcik (Slavia Prague), Jakub Jankto (Sampdoria), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Alex Kral (Spartak Moscow), Jakub Pesek (Slovan Liberec), Michal Sadilek (Slovan Liberec)

Forwards – Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen), Tomas Pekhart (Legia Warsaw), Michael Krmencik (PAOK), Matej Vydra (Burnley), Adam Hlozek (Sparta Prague)

Manager – Jaroslav Silhavy

Most Caps – Vladimir Darida (71)

Captain – Vladimir Darida

Star Player – Tomas Soucek

As far as teams go the Czech Republic have a decent side. Gone are the days of Rosicky and Cech but there are some players that can cause damage. Coufal, Kalas, Darida, Jankto, Soucek, Kral and Schick are all players that stand out. I feel like the Czech Republic will find it hard to get past the group stage but they have a chance when it comes to finishing 3rd. A 3rd place finish can still get you into a play off type fixture to advance in the competition. 

England

History

England made their debut in the Euros in 1968 since then they have played in 9 Euros and will be playing their 10th this summer. Their best finish came in that debut tournament as they finished 3rd. Since then in 1996 they managed to reach the semi-finals. England are the 4th ranked team in the world and have a talented squad. In 2016 they only managed to reach the Round of 16 and they should go farther than that this time. 

Team

Goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Man United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom)

Defenders – Kyle Walker (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man United), John Stones (Man City), Harry Maguire (Man United), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea) 

Midfielders – Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Forwards – Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) 

Manager – Gareth Southgate

Most Caps – Jordan Henderson (58)

Captain – Harry Kane

Star Player – Harry Kane

One player remains to be added to the England squad after Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out due to injury. Odds are it is either Ward-Prowse or Lingard. What a team England have. If it wasn’t for the fact that Gareth Southgate was their manager England would be one of the favourites to win the Euro’s for sure. It’s a pretty young squad with plenty of depth. Nick Pope’s injury means that Pickford will probably be number 1 goalkeeper. Henderson could get a chance. In defence it really depends what formation Southgate goes with but a centre back pairing of Stones and Maguire is likely. Reece James should start at right back given his Champions League winning season while at left back it’s a shootout between Chilwell and Shaw although on form Chilwell ended the season the better of the two. In midfield again Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Grealish, Foden, and Sancho should be the ones that start in my eyes with Kane up top. There is plenty of depth available for Southgate then with the likes of Bellingham, Rashford, Phillips, Henderson, and Sterling. Calvert-Lewin is a solid option behind Kane. I have expectations from England and I think they can reach the latter stages it really depends on how attacking Southgate wants to be. The squad is more than capable though. 

Scotland

History

Scotland’s debut in the Euros came in 1992 when they failed to get past the Group Stage. Their only other participation came in 1996 when they also failed to get past the Group Stage. 5 Euros later Scotland will finally manage to make their 3rd appearance in the competition this summer. Scotland is the 48th ranked team in the world. 

Team

Goalkeepers – David Marshall (Derby County), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Jon McLaughlin (Rangers)

Defenders – Stephen O’Donnell (Motherwell), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Kieran Tierney (Arsenal), Greg Taylor (Celtic), Declan Gallagher (Motherwell), Liam Cooper (Leeds), Nathan Patterson (Rangers), Jack Hendry (Oostende), Scott McKenna (Nottingham Forest) 

Midfielders – Scott McTominay (Man United), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Ryan Christie (Celtic), John Fleck (Sheffield United), Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), David Turnbull (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Newcastle), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), James Forrest (Celtic) 

Forwards – Lyndon Dykes (Queens Park Rangers), Che Adams (Southampton), Kevin Nisbet (Hibernian) 

Manager – Steve Clarke

Most Caps – Craig Gordon (57)

Captain – Andrew Robertson

Star Player – Andrew Robertson

Scotland have made it to the Euros and deserve to be there. Their squad is a talented one with some very promising players. Robertson, Tierney, Hanley, and Cooper all stick out in defence. McTominay, McGinn, Fleck, Gilmour, Armstrong, and Fraser are all players that have done well in the Premier League. Up front Dykes and Adams are solid options. I don’t expect Scotland to do anything out of the ordinary but they have a solid chance to get 3rd in this group and potentially move into the knockout stages. 

World Cup Day 12 Review

Argentina make it to the next round.

Group C

Australia 0 vs. 2 Peru

Carrillo and Guerrero scored in each home in what was a dominant performance by the Peruvians. Australia seemed that like they were resigned to go home and did not show up for the game. Peru played well and finally managed to win, both teams now go home one with a sour taste in their mouth while the other goes home with a win to remember. 

Denmark 0 vs. 0 France

The first nil nil draw of this World Cup and as the scoreline suggest their was nothing to talk about. If you are a Chelsea fan then Christensen did play in a defensive midfield role adding another position he can play at for the club.

Group D

Nigeria 1 vs. 2 Argentina

Football is cruel and in several cases the teams that are lucky go through as to the teams that deserved to win. Argentina played poorly in their first two games but thanks to Nigeria they remained in contention for qualification. Argentina used their chance and now go through to the next round while Nigeria go home. Messi scored in the 14th minute to give Argentina the lead, but Moses converted a penalty in the 51st minute to send Nigerian fans into raptures. It seemed that Nigeria would be going through but Rojo scored in the 86th minute to send Argentina into the next round. 

Iceland 1 vs. 2 Croatia

Croatia opened the score in the second half after Badelj gave his team the lead, Sigurdsson converted a penalty to level the score. Iceland had been playing well and a draw seemed like a fair enough result for both teams but Perisić finished in the 90th minute to give Croatia their third win of the group stage and send Iceland home with only a point to their name.