Euro 2016: Group F - Match Previews

The last of the second group game fixtures takes place this evening, as Group F continues with Iceland against Hungary and the two group favourites in Portugal and Austria go head-to-head.

Iceland v Hungary – Saturday, 5pm

Iceland claimed a fabulous point in their opening match against footballing giants, Portugal. After going in one down at the break, the Icelandic’s showed great resilience and incredible spirit to pull them back into the tie. Birkir Bjarnason despatched a well taken volley at the back post, after being picked out by a superb cross. Their defence kept superstar Cristiano Ronaldo quiet for the full 90 minutes, something very few teams have been able do. The minnows grew more and more into the game the longer it went on and, at times, looked like they could steal all three points.

Confidence is extremely high coming into this clash with Hungary, but they know they are up against an organised, physically strong opponent. Captain Aron Gunnarsson put in a fantastic display in the Portugal game, the tough-tackling midfielder needs to put in another big performance. Hungary’s keeper Gabor Kiraly was barely tested against Austria, given that he is now 40-years-old, a shoot on sight mentality may be a decent tactic. Playmaker Gylfi Sigurðsson was a little starved of the ball against Portugal, he could be pivotal to Iceland in this game. An unchanged line-up is anticipated.

Hungary also comes into the match in jubilant spirts, following their shock win over a highly-rated Austria side. Over the last couple of years very few teams have limited a rampant Austrian outfit to such few opportunities. The Hungarian’s executed their game plan perfectly, defend deep and counterattack with devastating effect. A lovely chipped effort from substitute Zoltan Stieber capped of a wonderful performance in the last few minutes.

They are now up against an Iceland team, who play a similar style of play to themselves. Given that their last group game is against Portugal, Hungary has to go into this looking to ensure their place in the knockout rounds. Balázs Dzsudzsák is the create spark of this team, it is paramount that he gets on the ball as often as possible and puts good deliveries into the box. Set-pieces are an area this Hungary side can profit from, as Iceland look a little shaky from dead-ball situations again Portugal. Right-back Attila Fiola is ruled out with injury and striker Zoltan Stieber is pushing for a starting berth.

This is going to be a cagey encounter. Neither side gives much away and is reliant on swift counterattacking play, with a solid defensive setup. This is the game both team would have targeted for a victory, though. In their three previous matches against each other, the pair produced 14 goals, but there is more at stake heading into this one. Expect a fiery midfield battle, with a cautious approach from both teams.

Prediction: Iceland to win 2-0

Portugal v Austria – Saturday, 8pm

The Austrian’s Euro hopes were dealt a major blow with their opening game defeat, a match they fully expected to win. After an unbeaten qualifying campaign, they were left with an unfamiliar feeling following the loss. They had a decent start, but lacked a cutting edge in the final third of the field. Sloppy defending resulted in the Hungarian opener and they were caught out on the counter when pushing for an equaliser, which compounded an all round bad day.

With the Portuguese talent in midfield and the, at times, unstoppable force of Cristiano Ronaldo up front, Austria have to improve. Portugal were heavily scrutinised after their draw with Iceland, so a backlash would not be a surprise. Star players, David Alaba and Marko Arnautović barely turned up against Hungary; they simply have to impose themselves on this game. Main centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic received a yellow card in the opener, so he will likely be replaced by Tottenham’s Kevin Wimmer. Attacking midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is set to miss out, which could mean in a more attacking role for David Alaba.

Portugal was poor against Iceland. A team of their stature and with some real talent in the squad, they should be coming out of a game like that with a comprehensive victory. They dominated the ball for most of the first half, but a disappointing second half display lead to them throwing away the three points. Attacker Nani finished off a nice move to give them the lead, but a major lapse of concentration lead to the Iceland equaliser.

If Portugal is to go on to win the group, there is no two ways about it, they have to win this game. Their players have a huge point to prove, in particular, Cristiano Ronaldo. It is widely known just how much this team relies on him; he didn’t turn up in the group opener. However, just about every time the Real Madrid man got the ball, his team-mates offered little support; he can’t beat a whole team by himself. Young midfield talent Renato Sanches may be called into the starting line-up, he impressed after coming on as a substitute. Ricardo Quaresma may also be drafted in to add more width.

This is a game where both teams have plenty on the line. Austria will fancy their chances against an ageing Portugal defence. Whereas there is massive pressure on this Portuguese side going out there and put on a show. Key men David Alaba and Cristiano Ronaldo could dictate the outcome of this game. The match may start a little cagey, with neither team wanting to give anything away, but the tie should open up the longer it goes on.

Prediction: 2-2

Euro 2016: Group D - Match Previews

Group D continues this evening with holders Spain meeting Turkey, but before that the Czech Republic has the tough challenge of Croatia in this second set of group stage matches.

Czech Republic v Croatia – Friday, 5pm

The Czechs were left devastated following a last-gasp Spain goal in their recent encounter. An inspiring performance from goalkeeper Petr Cech kept his team in the contest, as a usually stubborn defence gifted the Spaniards some big opportunities. One major disappointed from the game was the lack of chances they created, with only three shots registered on target. Just like Spain, Croatia is a very good, technical, ball-playing side, so a change in approach may be warranted for the Czechs.

If the Czech Republic are to claim their first ever win over Croatia they need more from their centre-forward, Tomas Necid’s hold-up play was poor. Attacking midfielder Thomas Rosicky has to get his foot on the ball to allow his team to build attacks and threaten the Croatian defence. Up until the latter part of the game against Spain the Czech defence defended stoutly, they will probably have to ride the storm yet again today. Pavel Vrba acknowledges that changes needed to be made, and given striker Necid’s performance against Spain, his position must be under threat.

Croatia took many people by surprise with how impressive their display against Turkey was. The magnificent Luka Modric proved why he is the catalyst of this Croatian outfit, with a lovely 25-yard volley. Barring a late rally from Turkey, Ante Cacic’s men dominated for large spells. This week the manager highlighted that this Czech team is the side he feared most in their group, given their magnificent run to the finals.

With qualification for the knockout rounds in Croatia sights today, expect them to try and dominate the midfield and take the game to the Czech Republic. They will want to get forward maverick Mario Mandzukic involved as much as possible and push the defence back towards their own goal. There were fears that Captain Darijo Srna wouldn’t make the tie after he returned home to attend his father’s funeral, but fortunately, he has returned and is ready to play. Although Ante Cacic has never named an unchanged team as an international manager, he is expected to name an unchanged line-up.

If Croatia go out and play the same positive way they did against Turkey in such an effective manner, they will cause this defensive-minded Czech side problems. Whereas for the Czech Republic they have to get as much time on the ball as possible and relieve some pressure from their defence. The quality and depth of this Croatian team might just have a bit too much for a Czech outfit still feeling the effects of their defeat against Spain.

Prediction: Croatia to win 2-1

Spain v Turkey – Friday, 8pm

Although Spain may have claimed victory over the Czech Republic, they still didn’t look quite at their best. An unconvincing front line had their blushes spared by a late Gerard Pique goal from a set-piece. Their settled back four did an excellent job of limiting their opponents’ chances on goal. Whereas, at the other end Alvaro Morata was wasteful in front of goal, missing two or three huge chances. However, the win meant that Spain kept up their unbelievable record of remaining unbeaten in the European Championships since 2004.

This Turkey side will pose a different kind of threat from Monday’s match, though. They are much more offensive-minded and like to get their foot on the ball and play. It is highly doubtful that Spain will have as much possession as they did against the Czechs – which was 72%. Sergio Busquests will have the task of combating the excellence of Arda Turan on the game. Even though Morata didn’t have the most fruitful of opening games, he is once again expected to be announced in an unchanged Spain starting eleven.

Turkey will feel that they let themselves and the supporters down in their first game, given that they never really looked like scoring against Croatia. Yes they were up against a very adept team, but these Turkish players are capable of much better. Despite a late push they still only managed two shots on target in the whole match, which is simply not good enough.

The fixture against Spain will be similar to the Croatia game. More spirit, intensity, and composure is required if they are to get anything out of a Spain team which can be rampant and unrelenting on their day. Goal-machine Burak Yilmaz was a shock exclusion from the previous line-up, he is always a threat to the oppositions back line and would maybe be a better option in what could be a tough battle against the robust centre-half, Sergio Ramos. Fatih Terim is expected to ring the changes, in order to claim only the nation’s second triumph over Spain – the last coming in 1954.

This has the prospects of a very good game, as both sides like to play with an expansive, free-flowing style of play. A wounded Turkey has to come out and get something from this game; otherwise they will be going home. With that in mind, Spain may profit on the counter. Opportunities should not be lacking, it just comes down to whether or not these teams can be more ruthless than they were in  their first games.

Prediction: Spain to win 3-1

Euro 2016: Group E - Match Previews

Yesterday’s matches sparked up a phenomenal end to the British derby game between England and Wales, followed by an unlikely Northern Ireland victory over Ukraine.

Moving onto Group E, Italy face Sweden in the Friday early kick-off and a day later, Belgium pit their wits against Republic of Ireland.

Italy v Sweden – Friday, 2pm

The Italians caused a bit of a stir on Monday night after they comfortably swept aside a talented Belgium outfit. Highly unfavoured coming into the tournament, they showed solidity, class and were ruthless up top. A fantastic ball out from defence opened up the Belgium back line and provided Emanuele Giaccherini with a one-on-one opportunity which he smartly tucked away. After that, Italy never looked like losing. Their pragmatic, organised game plan worked to a tee. Maybe this team could be a potential dark horse.

This should be a different kind of contest for them, though. Sweden prefers to sit back and pick their moments. With that in mind, Italy will have to play with purpose and intent and with a slightly more attacking approach. Their superiority in midfield may be vital to this game, the Swedish middle of the park barely compares. At the back the three Italian centre-half’s know all about their opponent’s lavish superstar striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They can afford to use one of them as a man-marker to limit the impact of the three-time Serie A player of the year winner.

Four Italian players are a booking away from a suspension so they will have to be careful. Graziano Pelle is believed to be struggling with an injury, which could result in a start for silky forward, Lorenzo Insigne. Matteo Darmian and Marco Parolo might be replaced by Mattia De Sciglio and the versatile Alessandro Florenzi in the line-up.

There is no question that; Sweden has to be better than they were against Republic of Ireland. For the majority of the game they had very little composure on the ball and failed to put any real pressure on their opponent. Erik Hamren’s side were fortunate that their first enterprising move of the game resulted in an own-goal, which levelled up the contest. They did grow into the match mid-way through the second half, but they need to turn up from the onset in this one. Ireland had several chances, particularly in the first-half – that cannot happen again.

Against Italy they have to provide Zlatan with greater service than they did, he is the only man capable of hurting the concrete Italian defence. Extra legs in midfield wouldn’t go amiss either. Set-pieces is yet another area that has to improve, in a game like this their opportunities may be limited. The coach is forced into one change, with right-back Mikael Lustig ruled out with a groin problem.

Italy can ill-afford to be complacent because of their wonderful victory the other day, and with the demanding Antonio Conte at the helm that is unlikely. It is hard to see Sweden being able to combat the Azzuri midfield; they just have too much for this team. Expect Italy to dictate for large spells and push an unconvincing Swedish defence backwards. The Scandinavians just don’t seem to have enough to trouble this well-drilled team. Even with Zlatan it is hard to see anything other than a straight-forward, convincing win for the Italians.

Prediction: Italy to win 2-0

Belgium v Republic of Ireland – Saturday, 2pm

Well, what you can really say about Belgium’s performance against Italy. They were slow, languid and gutless and had no real idea in the final-third. Frankly, they were second best in every single department. Their formation, tactics and attitude has to change if they are to do anything in this tournament. This Belgium team is ranked second in the FIFA world rankings – now is the time to prove themselves on the big stage. They have to show that the tag of being the so-called “Golden Generation” is not getting the better of them.

Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne didn’t look a patch on the player everyone knows he is capable of being; he needs to get his foot on the ball and play with more composure in the opponents half. Belgium’s central midfielders will be in for a battle, notorious hard man, Radja Nainggolan, has to stamp some authority on the game. The pace of Divock Origi would be a useful asset up front, against a slow, heavy-footed Irish centre-back pairing. Although as Marc Wilmots trusts his players, an unchanged line-up is to be expected.

Ireland may be lacking the skill and talent that Belgium has all over the pitch, but they do have a strong camaraderie and plenty of passion. They also have the belief that they can give anyone a game on their day. The Republic was excellent against Sweden and if it wasn’t for a brief lapse in concentration and a wretched own-goal, they would be sitting pretty right now. Martin O’Neil’s men controlled the entire first half and large portions of the second period, but they failed to kill Sweden off. The Irish players will head into this game with the memories of that superb win over Germany less than a year ago, which will give them confidence.

Tireless striker Shane Long will have a big job. He could spend a lot of the game isolated up front, so it is imperative that he can hold the ball up and allow his team-mates to get up the field and support him. The centre midfield trio of James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Jeff Hendrick will have a huge role to play. The latter made some fantastic bursting runs against Sweden; he was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet. The game of their lives is required from centre-back’s John O’Shea and Ciaran Clark. Following an encouraging showing in the first game there is no need to make changes. However, the coaching staff is sweating on the fitness of the exuberant forward, Jon Walters.

The outcome of this match largely depends on what Belgium side turns up. Ireland are going to go out there with a tough, gritty, organised approach and hope to profit on whatever chances they may get. Since the Italy and Sweden game is the previous day, the Belgians could go into this match facing elimination – if that is the case, expect them to take the game to Ireland. A cagey, slightly nervy start would not be a surprise. Belgium may just have the edge in this encounter, though.

Prediction: Belgium to win 1-0