One week into Euro 2016 and my word has come true– hasn’t this been the most unpredictable Euro ever? From here on, it’s anyone’s bet who takes the big prize in July.
Some of the teams have surprised some and some have done well. The stronger teams are yet to send a warning to all. If week 1 is anything to go by, this year’s tournament will be about the underdogs becoming favorites and favorites struggling to hold on to their form.
Group A
France, is like the emotionally unstable girlfriend you had, that you knew you could never depend on and yet still, admired and craved her.
There was an inspiring winning goal by Payet against Romania (just last night they finally broke down Albania) with a solid pressing performance but their lapses in play have often led to swift counter attacks by the other teams. Romania had a great showing and looked like a well drilled team that could still achieve a lot. Both Switzerland and Albania showed resolution and are both contenders for the 2nd spot. However, I still think Romania will make it to the knockout phase.
Heck of a group, but we’ll be saying that a lot in this tourney!
Who makes it? France and Romania to advance
Group B
Among England, Russia, Wales and Slovakia in Group B, who would have imagined that Wales would be the strongest. Slovakia have shocked the world by going over Russia and now with the clock ticking down, only time will tell which two actually make it.
Everybody is beating everyone in the group and it may as well come down to goal difference when it’s time to decide who actually goes through here.
A lot of close contest and spirited performances by the likes of Hamsik & Bale, but will Vardy step up?
Who makes it? England and Wales to advance
Group C
Germany, is nowhere near dominant as we thought they’d be. Ukraine tested their resolve and created some great openings to reveal the belly of the Deutsche side. However, they recovered and produced ruthlessly-efficient result, something that the champion in this tourney will need.
With Poland getting a 1-0 over N. Ireland, the group might go through a little upheaval if Ukraine beats or comes to a draw with both. And I have a sneaking suspicion that they just might.
Who makes it? Germany and Ukraine (sticking my neck out) to advance
Group D
It’s Croatia who have been the standout team as they grabbed a beautiful winner in Luka Modric’s goal against Turkey. Elsewhere, Spain dragged themselves to a win against the Czech Republic proving that they have become a shell of their golden yesterdays. Look out for Croatia upsetting a few in the knockout phase. They just might finish 3rd in the whole tournament. Their team, experience and overall quality just might take them all the way to the bronze.
Who makes it? Croatia will top the group and Spain will lumber on second to advance
Group E
The old proverb ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is absolutely true. Because Italy produced a breathtaking display of tactical football chess to soak in Belgium’s play and use their midfield playmaker to the fullest for the win. That 2-0 victory over the Belgian side is the hallmark of what champions are made of–patience and perseverance.
Zlatan & co. on the other hand did not find the inspiration to put away the Republic Of Ireland who in all fairness, looked like the better team over the course of 90 minutes. In the 2nd round of the contest here, it will be exciting to see how Italy holds, how does Belgium bounce back and what do we do with Sweden? To be honest, I still see a glimmer of hope for them so I axe the overhyped Belgium for win.
Who makes it? Italy and Sweden to advance
Group F
Iceland froze Ronaldo and Hungary beat Austria– this pretty much sums up Group F. The topsy turvy nature of Euros 2016 is more than clear in this group and one should start imagining a knockout phase without CR7. The message that is being sent through performances of this group (and in other groups as well), is that football is a team sport.
No team can win it on paper with their Chelsea midfielder or their Madrid playmaker alone. Instead, victory will come to those who are willing to give it their all like Hungary beating and frustrating the Austrians. After all, this is the last 16 and on any given day, anybody can be beaten.
Who makes it? Portugal and Hungary to advance
The matches to watch in Week 2
England Vs Wales
Gareth Bale has said ,’No English Player could ever get into the Welsh squad,’. Need I say more? This will have all the inherited bad blood.
Croatia Vs Spain
The Croatians will beat Spain! And I’m not saying that just to make your head turn but you wait and watch, this Croatian team is about to knock a few heavyweights out.
Italy Vs Sweden
As things stand, Sweden might have this match under do or die regulations to see who steps up to perform. Does Zlatan finally back all that talk and do something special?
Week 2 should be a shocking one.
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Also read
UEFA Euro 2016: Why your favourite team won’t win the Euros this season
