Euro 2016: Group B - Match Previews

It is day six of the European Championships, which brings about the start of the second group stage matches. Therefore, a preview of said matches will be given for all of the groups over the coming days. Each group will be posted in separate articles based on when the games are taking place.

The second bout of group stage matches begins this afternoon with Russia versus Slovakia in Group B. The other group clash is between two of the British based countries, in England and Wales, but that doesn’t kick-off until tomorrow.

Russia v Slovakia - Wednesday, 2pm

This is a match that has the makings of a close encounter. Russia’s last-gasp equalising goal against England on Saturday has been largely overshadowed due to the behaviour of a section of their so-called supporters. A threat of expulsion has been handed out to the Russian’s, with a suspended disqualification hanging over them. Should their fans cause any further trouble in or around the stadium, they will be removed from the Euros - that has to be on the minds of the Russian players a little. Leonid Slutsky will probably start with the same team, though. They will be hoping main goalscorer, Artyom Dzyuba, can impose himself on the game.

Slovakia, head into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wales. They find themselves in an unwanted position at the bottom of the group; another loss could prove catastrophic to their hopes. Star man, Marek Hamsik, did not get involved in the game as much as his side need him to, and without his offensive prowess, this team lacks a cutting edge. Ondrej Duda came off the bench and scored the leveller against Wales, he could be included in the starting line-up.  Slovakia can take heart from the fact that they have not lost back-to-back games in over two and a half years.

Both sides played out their games at the weekend in a conservative manner and that will likely be seen again in this fixture. Slovakia can, simply, ill-afford to lose and the pressure is really on them. Whereas, Russia were extremely poor for most of their game against England and they don’t seem to have the talent within their squad to change their style. Neither team is a high-scorer, so a drab match is to be expected between these two.

Prediction: 1-1

England v Wales – Thursday, 2pm

This is the 102^nd meeting of the two neighbours, most of which came in the old British Championships – England have won 66 of those encounters, but that counts for nothing. Ever since the two were pitted against one another at the tail end of last year, fans of both sides have been looking forward to this one immensely. There has been some choice words from players of each team about their rivals, but the real battle will take place where it matters, on the field.

Roy Hodgson’s England put in a pleasing performance against Russia, up until injury-time, anyway. A sublime free-kick from Eric Dier was cancelled out by a cruel Russian equaliser. Despite that, it was certainly a performance that this young England side can build on. Should England take the lead, the manager will again have to make the choice of, does he stick or twist – a decision he got wrong at the weekend. Since the team selected for the Russia fixture dominated large spells of the game, Hodgson is expected to stick with the same eleven. Wayne Rooney will be pivotal in this game; he put in a fantastic display before being substituted.

Even with Welsh superstar, Gareth Bale, not at his best against Slovakia, Wales still looked assured throughout the majority of the game. Top players deliver even when they are not at their best and Bale proved he is that, by despatching a dipping free-kick from all of 25 yards. The forward will be looking to take advantage of an unconvincing England defence, who seem to have a lapse every single game. The Welsh defenders will be in for a tough test; Captain, Ashley Williams has to be on top form. It will be an unchanged side; Chris Coleman has no need to change a winning fomula.

There is no two ways about it, England has to go out there and take the game to Wales, in order to get their first win on the board. The Welsh will probably sit back and soak up the pressure, with the hope of hitting England on the counter. Wales heads out there knowing that they only need a point to all but secure a place in the next round of the competition - that could lead to complacency on their part. The quality within England’s ranks may just sneak a win for the Three Lions in this one.

Prediction: England to win 2-1

Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers – Game 5

Folks… We have a series!

The Golden State Warriors, minus the suspended Draymond Green, were denied the opportunity to seal the NBA Championship on their home floor at Game 5 in the Oracle Arena.

Kyrie Irving and LeBron James became the first teammates to at least score 40 point in an NBA finals leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 112-97 victory against the Golden State Warriors to force a Game 6 this Thursday night.

After an underwhelming performance from LeBron James in Game 3, the Cavaliers forward played like a man possessed. With all eyes on him, King James dropped 41 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists whilst shooting 53% from the field and 50% from the 3pt range to keep the Cavaliers alive in their pursuit of their first ever NBA Championship.

Kyrie Irving was just sensational, scoring 41 points whilst playing fearlessly, especially when being guarded by Klay Thompson and the unanimous MVP, Stephen Curry. He rose to the challenge last night, with his unbelievable ball-handling skills helping to get off his own shot.

Clearly, the loss of Draymond Green was a huge blow for the Warriors.

Andre Iguodala started at the power forward spot in Draymond Green’s absence, whilst Iggy has defended LeBron near enough perfectly this series, he had no answer in stopping him last night. Iguodala did finish with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. However, he and Steph Curry turned the ball over seven times at crucial periods of the game, which set the tone for how the game played out. The Cavaliers capitalised from Golden State’s lack of ball protection, scoring 18 fast-break points from Warriors turnovers.

Without Green on the floor, the Cavaliers were able to get into the paint with dribble penetration from Kyrie Irving. Irving looked automatic shooting from mid-range, shooting 70% from the field.  LeBron looked like he demanded the ball much more than he did in Game 4 on Friday, and was aggressive driving into the paint, drawing double-teams and finding the open man, finishing with seven assists along whilst also causing havoc on defence with three steals and three blocks (one of those being THAT statement block from a Steph Curry layup).

The Cavaliers offense was sort of reminiscent to me to that of Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense over the past couple of years. It featured a lot of isolation plays from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. It’s not ideal to play this way, however if the shots are falling, then why not keep jacking them up?

The Warriors struggled to stop the Cavaliers offence and their troubles were exacerbated when center Andrew Bogut picked up a knee injury which forced him to exit the game in the 3^rd quarter, leaving the Warriors without their usual starting frontcourt, a big reason as to why they struggled Cleveland’s interior attacks.

The Golden State Warriors, universally recognised as the greatest jump-shooting team of all-time finished the game shooting 36% from the field and 33% from three. LeBron James guarded Andre Iguodala for the majority of the game, sagging off Iggy daring him to take 3-pointers, converting only once. It was visually obvious Iggy was not confident with his shot, which affected his performance on both ends of the floor. LBJ sagging off Iggy on defence also enabled him to play as the help defender, recording three chase-down blocks, reminiscent of his Miami Heat days.

A mixed night for the Splash Bros. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 62 points, but when they needed to make shots, they simply did not. Steph shot a disappointing 8-21 from the field, whilst Klay Thompson plus/minus of -21.

With Draymond Green back for Game 6 in Cleveland, the Warriors will hope that they will find their offensive flow, which has gained them their 3 victories thus far in this series. The Golden State Warriors will need Green’s defensive presence also, especially if Andrew Bogut is indeed ruled of for the game. Watch for Festus Ezeli or possibly even former Cleveland Cavaliers fan-favourite, Anderson Varejao to start in place of Bogut.  

Cleveland will need Kevin Love to step up in Game 6. Love only scored 2 two points, on one-for-five shooting, last night for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both LeBron and Kyrie didn’t look to get Love in areas he could be a threat to score the basketball. Is there a lack of trust in Kevin Love from the two real Cavaliers superstars? Anyone who knows basketball, knows that Kevin Love is a liability on defence, it’s just that simple. Draymond Green is not worried about Kevin Love defending him one bit, go watch Game 2. Even Andrew Bogut has been effective from the high post when being guarded by Love, able to find the backdoor cutters and even simply laying the ball up over him. 

Of course, an argument could be made that, why should Kevin Love be getting the ball if LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are both shooting over 50% from the field.

The man who replaced Kevin Love for Game 4, Richard Jefferson arguably had more impact on the game in 15 minutes than Kevin Love did in 33 minutes. Should Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue consider starting Richard Jefferson over Kevin Love in Game 6?

One thing is for sure, Kevin Love will not play much worse on Thursday than he did last night and the Cleveland Cavaliers will need him to step up in Game 6, if they are to force a Game 7 back in Oakland, California.

Euro 2016: Guide to Group F

An ill-favoured Italian side last night beat the odds and defeated one of the favourites for the tournament, Belgium. Now, we move onto day five of the tournament with the last set of opening game fixtures. Hungary faces a tough task against Austria, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal takes on Iceland. Let’s have a look at what we can expect from each of those teams.

Group F: Austria, Hungary, Iceland and Portugal

Austria

It is an exciting time to be an Austrian football fan; their national team is excelling for the first time in the country’s history. The Austrian Bundesliga is largely insignificant in terms of European football, so it is marvellous yet, astonishing, that they have blossomed into such a capable squad. In qualifying this team took everyone by surprise, remaining unbeaten, and failing to win on just one occasion – who would have thought it. Austria did the double over Russia and beat a customarily stubborn Sweden by four goals to one. They will be looking to make the most out of only their second ever European Championship’s.

Despite being Swiss, in Austria, manager Marcel Koller has developed a real name for himself since this team’s huge change in fortunes. He sets his side up in an organised yet, flexible manner. A crucial player to that flexible system is holding midfielder, Julian Baumgartlinger. The shaggy-haired, tough guy of the squad, breaks up play and gives license to the men in front of him, a long-distance runner at a young age, he covers ever blade of grass. Captain Christian Fuchs is coming into the Euros on the back of the season of his life – he probably didn’t think leaving Schalke for Leicester City would bring about a Premier League medal.

Young Tottenham Hotspur centre-half, Kevin Wimmer, will be vying for a place in the side with the ball-playing Aleksandar Dragović and the robust Martin Hinteregger – all of which are reliable options. The talented yet, frustrating, Marko Arnautović, has a fiery nature, but is a vital member of this squad when he has his head in gear. His likely position will be just off goal-machine, Marc Janko. The 32-year-old Janko once scored a breathtaking 41 goals in an Austrian Bundesliga season, and has not stopped scoring since.

How will they do?

There is no reason why this team should not make it through; they are very adept in every position. This is a good side, rather than just a set of individuals. Koller’s men will work tirelessly for the cause, in order to get the results they need. Group favourites, Portugal, should be cautious of this team. If Austria makes it out the group stage – they could cause a bit of a stir.

Star man – David Alaba

Every teams needs that extra bit of quality and, in David Alaba, the Austrians certainly have that. For club side Bayern Munich, he is usually employed as a left-back, but Alaba has the skill and physical stature to play anywhere on the field. Central midfield is where he will play for this team. The 23-year-old is pretty much a complete player, he goes on several lung-bursting runs, but also has the capacity to pick a sumptuous pass. The Austrian talisman has a wand of a left foot and is not even remotely shy of using it – that is something you will see at this tournament.

Hungary

If you are looking to view eye-pleasing, three-flowing football, then Hungary is not the team for you – unlike the legendary Hungarian teams of the past, which included one of the all-time greats of the game, Ferenc Puskás. They finished an ordinary third-place in their qualification campaign, behind Northern Ireland and Romania, having failed to beat either of those teams. A commendable two-legged victory over Norway followed in the playoffs, securing their first tournament in 30 years as well as their first Euros appearance since 1972. Over half of Hungary’s 14 goals in qualifying came from set-pieces – an extremely important asset of this team.

Richárd Guzmics is the unsung hero of this side, after an excellent defensive display during qualifying; he will be the lynchpin of the back four at centre-back. He could be partnered by Ádám Lang, the 23-year-old is a little uncoordinated with his feet at times, but his strength is what gets him through. This one may come as a bit of a surprise but, yes, Zoltán Gera is still playing. Up top are two former Premier League youngsters in Tamás Priskin (who played for six English clubs) and former Liverpool youth product, Krisztián Németh. From midfield is the starlet of the squad, Ádám Nagy, recently tracked by Chelsea, he could be a hidden gem.

How will they do?

Keeping it tight and gaining clean sheets is Hungary’s key to success. Unfortunately for them, each of their Group F opponents is capable of finding the net. It is hard to see this squad being able to pick up any points, let alone make it through to the next round. An early exit is probable.

Star man - Balázs Dzsudzsák

The majority of the attacking emphasis lies with the slick, Balázs Dzsudzsák. The left-footed winger usually cuts in from the right with, at times, potential devastating effect. It is the former PSV and Anzhi midfielder that is at the heart of Hungary’s spectacular set-piece stat, he has a superb delivery, as he loves whipping the ball in with plenty of pace. The Hungarians can ill afford Dzsudzsák to go missing in this competition.

Iceland

This is an Iceland team that has captivated a nation. This will not only be their first time at the Euros, but it is their first tournament ever. A country more commonly known for handball, the football team has always been overshadowed. That is another reason why this squad’s meteoric rise to the European Championships is so phenomenal. In the last three years this tiny nation has rose a massive 109 spots in the FIFA world rankings. The Icemen finished just two points behind group winners, Czech Republic, in second-place. They also ended up a huge seven points above European giants, Holland – after doing the double over the Dutch.

Manager, Lars Lagerbäck, believes that nothing comes without hard work, and that is certainly what you get with this high-spirited, forceful Iceland side. There is not one man that epitomizes that more than captain, Aran Gunnarsson. The bearded Cardiff City defensive midfielder has had the armband since the age of 22; he breaks up play and is fond of a full-blooded challenge when the opportunity arises. Central defender, Ragnar Sigurdsson, is a heavy-tacking, boisterous kind of player, there is nothing he enjoys more than a good old physical battle.

Up top is well built centre-forward, Kolbeinn Sigþórsson, he is a highly accomplished player in the air. A further striking option is legendary Icelander, Eiður Guðjohnsen, his experience could be invaluable, but at 37-years-old, his playing time is limited. One man to keep an eye on is young creative spark, Arnór Ingvi Traustason, he has three goals in his six international matches.

How will they do?

This is a team that is certainly not here to just make up the numbers. Iceland operates in an organized style and will be a perilous opposition for any of their group opponents. The Icemen have the potential to really shock some teams in this tournament; a run to the quarter-finals is not out of the question. This could be the tiny nation that grasps the adulation of the footballing community.

Star man - Gylfi Sigurðsson

The Swansea City man is a superb player. A cool, easy-going attacking midfielder, he adds a different dimension to this team. Sigurðsson is usually given a free-roaming role behind the striker, which allows him to play his own game and the hurt the opposition in offensive areas. The smooth, midfield maestro is the star of this squad; his team-mates always look to him when they are in need of something special. It is very dangerous to give away free-kicks around the box with Sigurðsson on the field; he is a demon from dead-ball situations.

 

Portugal
This is an ageing Portugal side, which are lacking in particular positions. A slow decline in Portuguese football started around ten years ago and is now starting to pick up pace. There is very little quality, which Portugal has consistently been blessed with over the years, barring one individual that is, but we will get onto him later. In qualifying they scored just 11 goals, pretty poor, really. They still topped their group, but only over a lacklustre second-placed Albania. England beat them 1-0 at Wembley two weeks ago, the Portuguese put in a dull, uninspiring performance.

Fernando Santos’s side have struggled for an out-and-out striker for several tournaments on the bounce now, and that is no different this time round. Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Ricardo Quaresma have been selected as the attackers – none of which are recognised centre-forwards. Centre-half is another problematic area. Southampton captain José Fonte is the youngest of their four central defenders at 32.

Renato Sanches, 18, is the shining light out this squad. The young central midfielder has just signed for Bayern Munich for around £30m; he is most definitely the future of Portuguese football. João Moutinho often dictates the tempo of games, but has had his injuries fears this season – they need him to be fit and ready. Sporting Lisbon playmaker, João Mário, will have a big impact for this team, Chelsea and Manchester United are believed to be fighting it out for his signature, with £46m the quoted price.

How will they do?

Getting out of the group stage could be harder for this team than people think. They have been largely unconvincing for the last few years. Although Portugal has been listed as group favourites, finishing above opponents Austria will be a tough challenged. Should they make it through, this team relies heavily on certain individuals; you simply need more than that to progress deep into a major tournament.

Star man – Cristiano Ronaldo

Not just a world-class player, but a global superstar. If you haven’t heard of Cristiano Ronaldo, then you must have been living under a rock for the last ten years. Ronaldo’s importance to this team is indescribable. The three-time Ballon d’Or winner is the captain and leader of this team. The Real Madrid man is a fabulous player; he has strength, power, speed and agility. Ronaldo has proved time and time again that he can score from almost anywhere, whether it is a bullet header or a long-range jaw-dropper. But at 31, Ronaldo is not getting any younger, so make the most of him at this European Championships – it could be his last.