VS
It’s like
all the stars aligned to make this the fairytale game that everyone is curious
to see unfold. A game between two teams that started qualification for France
in hopes that, maybe, they sneak through to a big competition, after decades of
absence. They both did fantastically and got to the group stage with a clear
thought to try to win a game and qualify, but it would be a herculean task.
Wales was one of the highlights of the tournament, with Coleman setting up a very organized team where, although there’s a clearly better player than the rest, there is absolutely no space for egos, and Bale accepts his role as a team player with naturalism. Ashley Williams commands the backline, with 3 center backs and 2 wing backs that do not stop of thinking of going forward, as proved by Taylor’s goal against Russia. That was the match that confirmed that Wales would win the group, confirming three great exhibitions, where only a very late and desperate goal from Sturridge defeated them.
Wales was one of the highlights of the tournament, with Coleman setting up a very organized team where, although there’s a clearly better player than the rest, there is absolutely no space for egos, and Bale accepts his role as a team player with naturalism. Ashley Williams commands the backline, with 3 center backs and 2 wing backs that do not stop of thinking of going forward, as proved by Taylor’s goal against Russia. That was the match that confirmed that Wales would win the group, confirming three great exhibitions, where only a very late and desperate goal from Sturridge defeated them.
Nor. Ireland’s way to the knockout stage was much
more troubled, but that was to be expected, as they were included in a very
strong group, where everyone thought that they would get destroyed three times
and go home.
They had to endure a lot of pressure in the course of the matches, but O’Neill’s man showed a great ability to soak up Poland and Ukraine’s attacking attempts and counting on Michael McGovern to hold Germany to a single goal. Nor. Ireland could only really try and attack against the Ukrainians, and they were rewarded with two goals and a place in the knockout thanks to it.
They had to endure a lot of pressure in the course of the matches, but O’Neill’s man showed a great ability to soak up Poland and Ukraine’s attacking attempts and counting on Michael McGovern to hold Germany to a single goal. Nor. Ireland could only really try and attack against the Ukrainians, and they were rewarded with two goals and a place in the knockout thanks to it.
Wales and Bale are looking at this tournament
with great expectation. They looked like a contender, a dark horse, with a
strong defense and with a great team unity, they will be very hard to defeat,
and it’s very unlikely that it will be Nor. Ireland that will do that. It will
be interesting, though, to see how Wales reacts to being the favorite, new
experience for them in the competition.
Wales 85%-15% Nor.Ireland
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