Euro 2016 Semi Final Preview

After a pathetic 1 correct correction out of 4 in the quarter finals, things can only get better in the semi finals. Gareth Bale's Wales take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal while Germany meet tournament hosts, France in the glamour tie of the round.

Whether they like it or not the pre-match discussions will be dominated by Real Madrid team mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. So far in the tournament we have seen a different Portuguese side to what we are use to - a more disciplined, defensive side, but also one that can be frustrated by teams deep defending. With Pepe an injury doubt. veteran Brun Alves is likely to step in to add experience to an inexperienced defence. 18 year old Renato Sanches has covered defensive and offensive areas of the park expertly in the time that he has been on the pitch. Now at Bayern, Sanches scored with a stunning strike to equalise against Poland in the previous round. The young protege will be just as vital as Ronaldo if Portugal are to progress.

Wales have thrilled everyone in the tournament this year with their performances. It's particularly refreshing to hear Gareth Bale liken himself to his team mates and and describe the positive atmosphere that shrouds the Welsh camp. In previous match, they were on the ropes in the first 15 minutes with Belgium attacking and the Welsh defence repelling 4 shots within a few moments that were destined for the back of the net. After falling behind thanks to a Radja Nainggolan screamer, Wales regrouped and equalised through Ashley Williams 20 minutes later. Hal Robson-Kanu adopted the persona of Johan Cruyff for the second goal when a smart goal sent several Belgian defenders the wrong way before shooting past Thibaut Courtois. Chris Coleman's side showed all the character that got them to this stage with great defensive commitment before sneaking a third goal on the break thanks to Sam Vokes.

The absence of Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey in the Welsh side due to suspension will be a massive blow. James Collins and Andy King come are the replacements to make their first starts so there will be a bit of rustiness. Attacking wise, Collins has the potential to be a threat from set pieces. It's very tight to call and it is likely that this match will go the distance, I tip the Welsh to make history.

France were very impressive in the first half against Iceland, racing into a 4 goal lead. This allowed Didier Deschamps to haul some of the key players that were on bookings off to prevent them from being suspended for the semi final. The flowing football on display was gripping, with Dmitri Payet, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann all linking up for a combined 4 goals and two assists. Moussa Sissoko replacing the suspended N'Golo Kante. Paul Pogba showed glimpses of what he was capable of in the midfield, but it will be unlikely that he will be afforded the time and space against Germany as he was in the previous round. One concerning issue from a French point of view was the soft goals conceded. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson poked one home at the near post while Birkir Bjarnason grabbed a second with a header. Both were unmarked and Deschamps will surely have to work on this before the match tomorrow night.

The injury to Mario Gomez, the only number nine striker taken to the competition has thrown a massive spanner in the works of Joachim Low's plans. A physical presence in the air, Gomez would have troubled the French defence and could have given Germany an upper hand in the game. Mats Hummels is also ruled out due to suspension, yet Germany are likely to come into this game as favourites. Despite such a prolific goal scoring record at the World Cup, Thomas Muller is yet to get off the mark in the Euros, but an advanced role in the absence of Gomez is likely to make him more of a threat. Mesut Ozil has been a shining light so far in the tournament, summed up with a great goal against Italy. Playing in the number ten position, teams have found him difficult to deal with so far and Germany will be looking to utilise the Arsenal playmaker at every possibility.

It's the best attack in the tournament up against the best defence. Germany will be favourites for the game, particularly with France's inconsistencies throughout the tournament so far. Like most games these days, the midfield will be where it is won. Germany have Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger who both like to sit deep and control the play, while France's Paul Pogba will be likely to cover more ground over the pitch. With Germany's terrific record at penalty kicks, this will play in the back of the French minds. My heart says France but my head says Germany.

Euro 2016 Quarter Final Preview

We've only 7 matches remaining in a thrilling Euro 2016 and the pressure has been cranked up a notch in the quarter finals. We had some shocks in the round of 16 that has set up some very interesting matches that are difficult to predict.

Poland v Portugal

Poland were expected to defeat Switzerland in previous round but did so unconvincingly and needed a penalty shoot out to progress. The strike duo of Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik is yet to find form and with the competition gradually getting tougher, Poland will need their stars at their peak.  Milik has only one goal to his name in the tournament so far, but has had a handful of chances, he has to start converting them if they are to launch any meaningful assault in the tournament. Jakub Blaszczykowski grabbed the goal against Switzerland and has been a threat down the right wing all tournament, linking up well with Lukasz Piscczek. These pair will be critical against Portugal.

While they had no 'big' nations in their group, Portugal struggled to get results, with Cristiano Ronaldo becoming increasingly outspoken. Portugal are the only team left in the tournament yet to win a game within 90 minutes. The introduction of Renato Sanches in the second half against Croatia gave the side a creative outlet, starting off the move which resulted in the goal for Ricardo Quaresma Neither side has been entirely convincing in this year's tournament despite both being potential dark horses. Poland will be favourites for the tie with a lethal strike force up against a suspect Portuguese defence while the Portuguese have largely rode their luck to get to this stage in the tournament but will continue to look to Cristiano Ronaldo for their inspiration. Poland to advance.

Wales v Belgium

The last British team in the tournament, take on Belgium whom they met in qualifying for the tournament. Belgium, largely regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament from the outset were shocked in their opening match against Italy but have pulled themselves together and a 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland and a 1-0 win over Sweden secured a runners up spot. Against Hungary in the previous round, they were exceptional and romped to a 4-0 win. Eden Hazard showed what ihe is capable of as he scored once and created four chances, one of which was an assist for Michy Batshuayi. Belgium are very good on the counter attack, and punished Hungary who gave them too much space, however the loss of Jan Vertonghen will be a major set back for the Red Devils. 

Wales took four points off the Belgians in qualifying, with the victory coming thanks to a winner from Gareth Bale. Wales showed that they can play football in the final group game against Russia in which they won 3-0. Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey were very good on the ball the ball with the former sliding the latter through for the opening goal. Crucially, Wales have showed that they don't totally rely on Gareth Bale, with the aforementioned Allen and Ramsey stepping up to the plate. Against Northern Ireland, they weren't convincing, and it took a wicked ball flashed into the box from Bale to deflect off Gareth McAuley past Michael McGovern in goal. Wales will put up a fight, but with Belgium beginning to reach the heights expected of them, I tip them to progress.

Germany v Italy

Dubbed the glamour tie of the round, Germany are yet to concede a goal in the tournament having defeated Northern Ireland and Ukraine 1-0 and 2-0 in the group stage, goalless draw with Poland and a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Slovakia in the round of 16. Only selecting 1 striker in Mario Gomez could prove a tricky issue particularly against the Italians as Joachim Low has experimented with Mario Gotze up front in a false nine position with minimal success. The introduction of Gomez up top against Northern Ireland gave Germany a cutting edge and the scoreline could have been anything, if it wasn't for the exploits of Michael McGovern in the Northern Irish goal.

Antonio Conte has proved the doubters wrong once again by masterminding a 2-0 victory over the holders, Spain. Another masterplan will need to be conceived if Italy are to defeat the World Champions. Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli have patrolled the backline orchestrated by Juve team mate, Gianluigi Buffon and another top performance will be required if Italy are to win. Italy's siege mentality has produced some memorable games and has neutralised sides who are perceived to play 'attractive football.' The rotations made by Conte in the final group match against Ireland could prove crucial, particularly if the game goes the full distance. The bookies tip Germany however this match has the makings of being settled on penalties, with the Germans coming out on top.

France v Iceland

Despite topping Group A and defeating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in the round of 16, the hosts have not been convincing, but find themselves in a favourable quarter final tie against Iceland. Two goals from Antoine Griezmann overturned a 1-0 deficit in the second half against Ireland and the dismissal of Shane Duffy allowed them to consolidate their lead. Dimitri Payet's creativity has been a major positive, and will play a big part in the match against Iceland. Laurent Koscielny and Adil Rami looked nervy, particularly in the first half against the Irish and this will be highlighted by the Icelandic side as a possible area to exploit. 

Iceland, like Wales, are exceeding all expectations. Armed with Aron Gunnarsson's long throw, they posed plenty of problems for England who didn't have the answers. Many thought the 1-1 draw against Portugal would be the highlight of the trip, but Lars Largerback and Heimer Hallgrimsson have had other ideas, guiding their side to a quarter final in their first tournament. They are very hard to break down, just ask any of their group stage opponents and are adept on the counter. Against England they showed that they can play some football, but have a major strength at the set piece. France are a better side than England so I expect them to learn from the mistakes that England made and expect them to qualify. Iceland can be proud of their achievements of everything that they have achieved and have written a great story in the year of the underdog.

Exciting start to the Euros marred by Marseille violence

Despite being treated four cracking games in the Euros so far, it has not been the football that has grabbed the headlines, but rather the hooliganism in Marseille that has brought the city to its knees.

Dimitri Payet was the man of the moment as he clinched a 2-1 win for France in the opening game while a goalkeeping howler allowed Fabien Schar to head home within 5 minutes of Switzerland's game against Albania. Wales were the first British team in action with Hal Robson-Kanu scoring a late winner while English hearts were dashed with an injury time equaliser for Russia.

France started their campaign with a win, while it may not have been as comfortable as initially anticipated they were up against a very useful Romanian side. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring just before the 60 minute mark, leaping highest to connect with a Dimitri Payet cross. The West Ham creator is showing that he can compete in the Premier League and in the Euros. Bogdan Stancu pinned the hosts back 7 minutes later when Evra clumsily challenged the Romanian forward.

Let's just take a moment to admire that strike from Payet... A sumptuous curling shot found the top left of the goal and sent the Stade de France into raptures. The goal gave France a 2-1 victory, much to the testament of the Romanians who put up a valiant defensive effort.

In the second game of Group A, a defensive howler from the Albanian goal keeper gifted Fabian Schar an easy header. Haris Seferovic had opportunities to double the lead, while Armando Sadiku failed to find the back of the net with several golden opportunites. Lorik Cana's dismissal for a second bookable offence made Albania's life harder and their Swiss counterparts were able to hold on for the victory.

Hal Robson-Kanu scored a late goal for Wales in their first match at a major tournament since the World Cup in Sweden, 1958. Gareth Bale got Chris Coleman's men off to a flyer with a free kick inside 10 minutes before Ondrej Duda worked some space and fired into the back of the net. Robson-Kanu struck after great work in the middle from Aaron Ramsey and the man without a club rolled the ball past the Slovak keeper. The least said about Ramsey's hair the better. Wales looked very good on the counter, and could have increased their scoreline through Bale and Ramsey, this could prove very beneficial later in the tournament. Wales top Group B and will be very confident going into the crunch match against England later in the week.

England were totally dominant in the first half against the Russians but were unable to break the deadlock in the last match on Saturday. Both Danny Rose and Kyle Walker were very influential down the flanks and played well the whole match. It was a powerfully struck free kick from Eric Dier that broke the deadlock after the break, but England were unable to push on and score the vital second goal. 

Russia began to grow more into the game with long balls fired into Artem Dzyuba. Roy Hodgson looked to his bench for impact through the introduction of Jack Wilshere and controversially taking off Wayne Rooney who had a solid game. In stoppage time, a hopeful ball was launched into the area and Vasili Berezutski headed past Joe Hart in nets to earn a crucial point for the Russians. Hodgson has to take some criticism in that match, particularly as a Jamie Vardy could have posed serious questions to the ageing centre backs.

After the match in Marseille, chaos descended upon the Stade Velodrome. Video footage shows Russian fans appearing to charge at the English support striking fear into those fans. Violence continued out onto the street after the game and have forced UEFA to warn both sides that they will be thrown out of the competition if the violence continues, threats that are unlikely to happen regardless of the change in attitudes. Nice wasn't very nice for Poland and Northern Ireland fans who were attacked also, but these disturbances were quickly neutralised by the French police.

Let's hope the football does the talking for the rest of the tournament and the quality lives up to what we saw in the first two days, but people must be considering whether they should attend the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Assessing the Favourites

It's hard to believe that we're less than a month until the tournament commences and with provisional squads beginning to be announced everyone is switching their mindset from the domestic season to what promises to be a special tournament. Having shared my opinions on some of the sides that have the ability to cause a shock on the scale of Greece '04, here are my thoughts on who is likely to lift the the Henri Delaunay Trophy on the 10th July.

France

It would be rude to not start with the hosts, who remain very strong despite the exclusion of Karim Benzema. Antoine Griezmann has been red hot for Atletico Madrid, similarly, Anthony Martial has had a sterling first season in Manchester. With a squad containing key players such as Raphael Varane, Martial, Kingsley Coman and Paul Pogba who are all under the age of 24, the core of this team will be around for the next World Cup and mixed with the experienced heads such as Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Dimitri Payet. Home advantage will certainly play a part in their campaign, with France in a frenzy in the lead up to the start of the tournament. With a group consisting of Romania, Albania and Switzerland it paves the way for strong run in the tournament and don't be put it past them if they lift the trophy on home soil.

Germany

The reigning World Champions will be deserved favourites after such a scintillating show two years ago in Brazil. Despite retirements to Phillip Lahm, Mirosav Klose and Per Mertesacker and questions over the form at the start of the qualifying campaign, the Germans have a plethora of young talent coming through. Bastian Schweinsteiger steps up to replace Phillip Lahm as captain despite an injury plagued season at Old Trafford. Joachim Low has midfield options that would have any other manager dripping with envy, and will surely place a lot of emphasis on this part of the pitch. A lot rests on the shoulders of Mario Gomez, the only typical number nine striker selected, with Low perhaps opting to emulate Spain's success in 2012 with a striker-less formation as a plan 'B' option. They have a very good manager at the helm and they will be disappointed if they don't reach the finals.

Spain

After a shambolic showing in the last World Cup, Spain need a good run in this competition to prove the doubters wrong and defend their crown. Already Vicente del Bosque has omitted some notable luminaries including Fernando Torres, Diego Costa and Juan Mata, all of which would get into most of the other national squads. Similar to Germany, Spain have loads of midfield options with Koke and Saul Niguez in particular having very good seasons. Aritz Aduriz of Bilbao may be 35 years old, but he still knows where the goal is - 36 goals in all competitions this season for the Basque side - and correctly gets ahead of Costa on current form. With Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia completing Group D, Spain will need to be focus or else face a tricky tie against Belgium or Italy in the Round of 16. Particularly after the early exit in the World Cup, Spain have a point to prove and certainly have the players to do so.

Belgium

Having been labelled as dark horses at the last World Cup, many pundits were slightly underwhelmed with their performance after losing in the quarter finals to eventual finalists, Argentina. I believe they gave as good as they got but that experience, in what was the first their first appearance at a tournament since 2002, will serve them well going into Euro 2016. Kevin de Bruyne has been in fine form this season for Manchester City, similarly Spurs pair Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have been stalwarts for their club and helped guide them to a third placed finish in the league and conceded the least amount of goals along with Manchester United. Despite a relatively young squad, only 3 players over the age of 30, they do not lack experience. One notable absentee is Vincent Kompany whose groin injury in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid has ruled him out of the tournament. Even though the Belgians appear the weakest out of the sides mentioned, their attacking prowess and defensive solidity will give them confidence and they will fancy themselves against Europe's elite.

Italy
The Italians always seem to show up for the international competitions. In qualifying, they posted a decent record, winning seven games and drawing three pipping Croatia to the top spot in Group H. Both Italy and Belgium have a difficult group with consisting of Sweden and the Republic of Ireland who will be no pushovers and have the ability to spring a shock. Defensively Italy have been very solid over the years with Leonardo Bonucci continuing his international career at centre back. Stephan El Shaarawy has had such a promising career stunted by injuries, but at only 23, he still has the time to assert himself in the main side. Antonio Conte has called up Lorenzo Insigne and Jorginho off the back of very good domestic campaigns with Napoli. Not many people will bet on Italy doing much in this tournament, particularly with their talisman Marco Verratti injured, but with the know-how and the professionalism that we associate with the Italians, don't bet against them causing a few upsets.

Which of these sides will be lifting the trophy on the 10th July, or will it be someone entirely different? Feel free to leave your opinions as to who you think will win.

Euro 2016 - The Groups

The draw for the Euro 2016 group phase was made last Saturday with 4 home nations competing, the most ever in a single European Championship.

Group B - England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales

I don't see there being too many problems for England, with their stiffest arguably being neighbours Wales. England should almost definitely be topping the group with ease and have the potential to win all three games. As for Wales, they have nothing to fear either. Wales need Gareth Bale fit to progress in my opinion. With the way his life has been going at Real Madrid, jetting off to France with the national side will be something of a relief. Slovakia finished second in their qualifying group with 22 points, 5 behind holders, Spain. Slovakia did record a famous 2-1 victory over the holders in October 2014 when a winner three minutes to go from Bursaspor striker Miroslav Stoch secured the victory after Paco Alcacer equalised a Juraj Kucka goal on 82 minutes.

Final standings in this order are England, Wales, Slovakia, Russia.

Group C - Germany, Northern Ireland, Poland, Ukraine

After qualifying for their first Euro campaign, there will be a buzz in the Northern Ireland camp as they are named in a group with the World Champions. It is going to be very tough for Northern Ireland and I don't expect them to qualify. Northern Ireland will be just happy to be at the tournament and no doubt the fans will also. Northern Ireland will probably line up defensively and look to hit teams on the break. I see the Germans and Poland being too strong for the nation of 1.7m, while Ukraine would represent their best opportunity of picking up some points. While Northern Ireland may finish bottom of their group, I do think they will pick up a point against Ukraine.

Final standings in this order are: Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Northern Ireland.

Group E - Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden

Like their neighbours, the Republic of Ireland having been handed a very tough group. Belgium are widely tipped by many to be one of the tournament favourites next summer, while Italy normally up their game for the tournaments despite not being a great Italian team compared to those over the years. Sweden heavily rely on captain and PSG striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If Ireland are able to mark him out of the game then I expect the side to record a victory.

Final standings in this order are: Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Sweden.

 

Group A - Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland

Looking at the other groups, France have a great opportunity to claim a pole position after being handed a group with Albania, Romania and Switzerland. When Albania last met France in June a free kick form Ergys Kace gave the Eastern European side their first victory over the French in their history. I don't see any of the others offering any competition to prevent France from finishing first in their group.

Final standings in this order are France, Switzerland, Albania and Romania.

 

Group D - Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey

I think Group D is a very interesting affair. Czech Republic toppled Group A - and the Dutch - to secure their 9th outing in the competition. Looking at Croatia, they finished second in Group H behind Italy and possess some very good players. Ivan Rakitic is a very good box to box midfielder and will offer both an attacking threat and security for the defence. Similarly Mario Mandzukic, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic are key individuals and all pose a threat going forwards. We all know the pedigree of Spain and they will be looking to correct a few wrongs after a poor performance in the World Cup. Finally, Turkey always have the potential to shake things up with Arda Turan, Hakan Calhanoglu and Burak Yilmaz.

Final standings in this order are: Spain, Croatia, Turkey, Czech Republic.

Group F - Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal

Many have tipped Austria to be this year's dark horse and I can understand why. David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic are probably their stand out players and will attract the most attention of their opposing sides. Alexander Dragovic is a decent young defender as is Martin Hinteregger and this is coupled with the experience of Leicester City defender, Christian Fuchs. Iceland have qualified for their first ever tournament and included home and away wins over the Netherlands in qualifying. Hungary scraped through finishing 3rd in qualifying group F and beating Norway 3-1 on aggregate in the playoffs. As for Portugal, they rely heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo and this could be their downfall later in the tournament but I see them qualifying from this group.

Final standings in this order: Austria, Portugal, Iceland, Hungary.

Feel free to leave your thoughts on the Home Nations' prospects or any other team for that matter.