Wales vs Belgium - Quarter-final preview

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Wales

The dream is still alive for the United Kingdom to have representation in the final, but it has been Coleman’s Dragons that have been making the positive headlines, after England’s meltdown against the volcanic Iceland. Bale and his teammates have been brilliant so far in France, topping their group with two incredible wins against Slovakia and Russia, and being defeated in the end of the England’s match.

 This Wales team created a very solid team spirit that doesn’t allow egos, and the mega-star that is Gareth Bale has the same responsibilities as anybody else in terms of commitment and sacrifice for the team. They feel much more comfortable when they give away possession to their opponent and try to break on them, with long balls for the pace of the Real Madrid winger, Robson-Kanu or Ramsay. If they have to take control of the game, they are a bit out of their shape, as proven by the scrappy win against Nor. Ireland. But they got it, and can continue to make history if they can repeat the results they had against Belgium in qualification.

Belgium

 Belgium was seen as one possible dark horse for the competition, mostly due to the deth in quality that their squad has. It’s actually quite remarkable, when you look at the names that Wilmots has at his disposal, that they haven’t really went on to bigger things yet.

 It looked like this could another big disappointment to the Red Devils, with the loss and lack of chances created against Italy. A game that ensured the pressure was on Belgium for the rest of the group matches, pressure that brought out the best of the offensive threat that Hazard, De Bruyne, Mertens and Lukaku provide. Ireland and Sweden were dispatched, and in the last-16 they faced the highly motivated, but out of their area Hungary, that was dismantled when they were trying to get back into the match. It was a solid display, but with the scoreline not reflecting the game play, as Hungary had their chances.

The game

It has all the ingredients to be yet another upset in the Euros, the second quarter-final match. The surprising Wales face off with a Belgium team that, since they lost with Italy, has been very prolific in attack, but still seems a bit shaky in defense.

 Both teams know each other pretty well, as they were also opponents in qualification, and Wales had the upper hand in the H-2-H, being able to nullify the Belgium force, and capitalizing on their disorganized defensive line to win the game in Cardiff. Expect the game play to develop like in those two games, with Belgium trying to break Wales defense, and the Welsh unleashing quick counters with Bale and Robson-Kanu/Vokes as their pacey targets.

Belgium will have a very similar game to the one they had against Ireland, but this time their opponents are more organized in the back and have a world class player in the front. So, if you want to compare Wales with Italy, it wouldn’t be unthinkable. Certain is that Belgium is under pressure and anything but a win will be a massive failure and for Coleman’s squad being in the quarter-final is, surely, more than they ever dreamt. And they know they can beat Belgium, and will fight to get another piece of history in Lille. 

Group E analysis - Italy never dies, while Zlatan said goodbye to his national team

1^st Italy (>FIL’s Prediction)

They were the biggest surprise for us and it was mostly due to their great win in the opening match against Belgium, in a vintage Italy display of hard defending and efficient counter. With that win they scrambled the group up and could play their usual style against the weaker opposition.

 It the Éder late goal they guaranteed the first place of the group of death, but fate has played a trick on them, with Spain loss to Croatia dictating a clash of giants in the 2^nd round.

2^nd Belgium (<FIL’s prediction)

 That first match, where Wilmots did not use his usual team, was enough to determine that Belgium would not get the first place of the group, something they surely are happier about, after seeing the mess of group F.

 After a very worrying game, that showed a very boring Belgium, completely trapped in the Italian style that engulfed them and did not allow Belgium to play. That put them under pressure to both games with Ireland and Sweden, where true Belgium appeared. Their form is going up, and they have to be confident.

3^rd Rep.Ireland (>FIL’s Prediction)

 The best fans in the competition deserved a reward and they got it with just five minutes to go in the group stage, when Brady jumped higher than Sirigu to give Ireland the win against Italy. That win gave Ireland four points and the third place, something that they ended up deserving. Their quality is not grand but their spirit is, and was with that they subdued Sweden for 45 minutes, and Italy for the whole match.

 They were, though, completely outdone by Belgium, showing us that this Ireland can fight, but if their opponent doesn’t back down, the Irish will struggle.

4^th Sweden (<FIL’s Prediction)

 Zlatan was too alone for things to go well for Sweden. The big man is now retired from international football, and he tried to help his team to have one proper final goodbye, but the quality of his teammates was so far away from his, that Ibrahimovic felt he had to be everywhere for his team to stand a chance.

 As good as Zlatan is, he obviously couldn’t be omnipresent, and Sweden was just a big disappointment, never seeming able to go and beat any of their opponents. Something that they didn’t. It’s Zlatan’s goodbye and it seems nobody will remember he was in the Euro.  

Group E - Final round preview

How they got here

Italy

Many people and written them off – us included – because of the lack of talent this squad as, in comparison to other times – and the fact they were in the hardest group possible for them. Or was it? Conte was brilliant tactically against Belgium, getting a fantastic win that set the tone for the group. The win against Sweden, with the other result, made sure first place is secured for Italy.

Belgium

Their defensive problems were completely cut open by Italy, in a game that brought Belgium from contender status back to earth. It’s a very bipolar team, Belgium, though. Because they altered that poor performance against Conte’s squad with a great showing against Ireland. Sure, the Irish weren’t really able to produce any danger, but that was also in part due to the Belgium pressure high up the pitch, something that didn’t work with Italy.

Sweden

Zlatan and his squad have, somewhat, disappointed. More than the result of their performances, that got them kind of where they expected, was the performances as a whole that weren’t up to par. Zlatan was obliged to be everywhere and, as much of a God as he is, he doesn’t have the omnipresence ability. Nothing is lost yet, but the first half against Ireland was very worrying.

Rep. Ireland

After a promising opening match, where they were very close to get an extremely important win, they style of play clashed with the stronger and better Belgium players, in a match Ireland was completely dismantled. The numbers of the defeat, heavy due to the lack of goals in this Euro, might be a problem.     

What they need

Italy

In a magnificent turn of events, that planned would not have worked, Italy was the only team able to secure the first place in just two matches. That means that Conte can use his squad as it pleases him, and the players know that they can play freely, because even if by any chance they lose, the position is theirs.

Belgium

After a horrible opener, Belgium turned things around and got back on track with a good, motivating win. They will face Sweden with the knowledge that a draw is enough, but Wilmots knows that he cannot sit back, or his defense might start leaking again, and Zlatan will make them pay.

Sweden

 The late goal from Éder just confirmed that Sweden has to win against Belgium, if they hope to qualify. They had troubles creating chances, mainly because they need Zlatan to create them, while it’s expected that Zlatan finishes the chances. It’s an impossible equation, but in one game, maybe. And it’s one of Sweden’s few hopes.  

Rep. Ireland

 In their favor will be Italy’s first position. Ireland will have to try and take advantage of any relaxation that might be on the Italian players and try and get a win. It’s Ireland opportunity to go on an all-out attack strategy, because even the win might be enough, especially with their negative goal difference. 

Matchday 9 - Belgium arrives in France, while Ronaldo is getting desperate

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BELGIUM

·         The Player – Romelu Lukaku

 With no goals in 11 competitive games for club and country, Lukaku's place in the Belgium starting XI had come under scrutiny, especially after a lacklustre display against Italy. In the first half against the Republic, he struggled to make an impact once again. The Everton striker did not have a single shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes, nor did he complete any successful dribbles or create a chance. Coach Marc Wilmots resisted the temptation to replace him at half-time with Divock Origi, and it was a decision that paid off. Moments after the second half started, Belgium hit their opponents on the break as De Bruyne fed Lukaku on the edge of the area and he placed the ball beautifully into the corner of the goal. He then showed good composure to pass the ball into the net following excellent work by Hazard for his second and Belgium's third.

If Belgium are to go far in this tournament, they will need Lukaku to perform like he did in the second half of this game on a consistent basis.
 

·         The Moment – The breakthrough

 It was a very important goal, in the perfect time but the man that most needed to score. Belgium was controlling possession, and limiting Ireland to quick and mostly ineffective counters, but the chances weren’t happening with the flow Wilmots would want.
 Origi was warming up in a move that pressured Lukaku, as the Everton man was surely to be replaced, and in a quick counter, him and De Bruyne fabricated the goal that made everything easier for Belgium. 

·         The Team

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots: "Unity is very important. We win and lose together.

"With Romelu Lukaku, we wanted to give him some confidence. I think he scored four goals in four matches but when he missed against Italy everyone was saying it's all different. I just needed to explain things to him and make sure he knew I trusted him. He did what I expected today."

REP.IRELAND

·         The Player – Shane Long

He was left alone for the most of the game, with Ireland’s inability to create some flow of game like they had against Sweden. With that the strategy was playing long to Long, but that strategy needs someone like Walters, that holds the ball as well as any superstar. Without him it was just a tactic easily resolved by the Belgium defense.

·         The Moment- Penalty shout!

It was a very poor game for the Irish, especially in the danger chances creation department. There was, though, a good chance for Ireland to open up the score, when Shane Long was involved in a scuffle in the Begium penalty area, but the ref saw nothing, and four minutes after Lukaku opened up the score and destroyed Ireland’s hearts

·         The Team

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill: "You have to analyse the performance and assess where mistakes are made. The first goal was vitally important and that came from our attack - they broke and got the goal. Then as we started to chase the game we got caught a few times, Belgium are a good side and put the game beyond us.

"We're bit disappointed with our performance considering how well we played against Sweden. We have to win this game against Italy and we feel that, once we've freshened ourselves up again, we'll be ready to go."

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

Belgium boast a wealth of individual talent and had topped the Fifa rankings within the last year, making them one of the favourites to go far in France. However, they looked nothing like a team capable of winning the tournament against Italy, against whom they lost 2-0 on Monday. The Belgians lacked fluidity and a sense of unity. As goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois put it: Tactically, technically and organisationally, they came up short. It was a different story against the Republic. They dominated possession throughout, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne proving much more effective at stretching their opponent's defence than they were against the Italians. Both finished with an assist each. The win means they are in a strong position to finish second in the group and, while they will face opponents much more attack-minded than the Republic, the victory will undoubtedly boost a side that had appeared lacking in confidence at the start of the tournament.




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ICELAND

·         The Player – Gylfi Sigurdsson

The most recognized Iceland player was again essential for his national team to continue to live a dream history. Sigurdsson was his usual, coming back and forth in his style of long ball to try and jump over the construction stage. Never forgetting to defend, he had the penalty to convert and did it cool as a cucumber.

 

·         The Moment – The penalty

 A mistake by Király, Gunnarson was fouled in the area – though he went down fairly easily – and Sigurdsson had a chance to put Iceland, for the first time, ahead of an Euro match. The Swansea man did not waste the chance, and Iceland would lose out on the win in the dying minutes of the match.

·         The Team

Iceland will be a team that will give you the control of the ball, but be ready for them, because they do that so they can charge with their Viking build and will. Some people expected them to come a bit more forward that what they did against Portugal, but it’s not their way. And it almost worked in what they wanted, again.

HUNGARY

·         The Player – Gabor Király

 Gabor Király is one of the leaders of this Hungary team and when he is on form, Hungary knows how difficult it will be for the opponents to beat them. But in the first half against Iceland it seemed that Király was a teenager, looked way to nervous, and basically it was him that created the penalty. In the end, they got the draw, but Király needs to improve, as next game is decisive and against an angry Ronaldo

·         The Moment- The deserved goal

Hungary was the better team in the pitch, in the way that it was them that dominated possession. After the surprising win against Austria, the defeat that was about to come was a big disappointment. But then, a reward! With the overload finally working, Nikolic tried to find a colleague, only found a defender, but he did the job anyway. 1-1 and Hungary still top!

·         The Team

It was an unknown side of Hungary for us, anyway. They were the dominating team, had more possession, but they were very nervous in the first half, maybe because they did not expect that Iceland would have the same strategy they had against Portugal. But that’s Lagerback for you, and Hungary had to take a different approach. After getting behind, the Magyars had to react, and so they did, with the draw coming in the latter stages of the game. Deserved

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

Birkir Saevarsson's late own goal denied Iceland a famous victory as Hungary edged towards the last 16 of the European Championship with a draw. Gyfli Sigurdsson gave Iceland the lead in the first half when he converted a penalty after a foul. Hungary dominated possession from then on but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by the Iceland defence. However, Saevarsson turned Nemanja Nikolic's cross into his own net to hand Hungary a point. The result means the Hungarians are top of Group F with four points and can clinch first place with victory against Portugal in their final group game on Wednesday. The point for Iceland means they are second in the group and remain in the hunt for a place in the last 16, but it will feel like a defeat after they frustrated Hungary for so long.

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PORTUGAL

·         The Player – William Carvalho

It’s certain that Austria did not try to attack that much, but every time they did try, Portugal had a weapon that was missed against Iceland, the quality of William Carvalho. He impressed BBC commentators, as he always does when they see him, with not only his defensive skills but, especially, when he gets the ball he automatically turns to the goal and tries to find the best option. A great game from Sporting’s player, that surely guaranteed his place for the rest of the competition.

 

·         The Moment – The penalty

  After trying again, and again, Ronaldo was pushed in the penalty box, just as he was about to score. But he had the penalty to mark his 128^th cap – Portugal record – with a goal and a win that would, almost, guarantee qualification. Ronaldo did a great job in waiting for Almer to fall down, but still tried to place the ball and ended up missing. And his face after said it all.

·         The Team

Portugal boss Fernando Santos: "Fair or unfair is a moot point, the only difference in the two matches we've played is that against Iceland we scored one and conceded one, here we didn't score but we didn't concede either.

"We had plenty of chances, but we didn't score. Now we have to think about the next match.

"Iceland wasn't great, if we had won it that would have been a major step forward. Today we had another very positive match but what we need now is to play the next one and to win it; that will make the team grow.

"Hungary will be happy to draw against us, they are primed to go through. They will be highly motivated but we will have to break that wall down."

AUSTRIA

·         The Player – Robert Almer

What a game for the Austria keeper! He was everywhere, and when he was beaten there was something else the Portuguese players did wrong – hit the post, offside position. After a poor display against Hungary, where he did not transmit any confidence to his team, Almer was huge in goal, and only was to fault for his foot game, that created some quick transitions to Portugal.

·         The Moment- Go rest Alaba!

In a game where Austria tried to defend the draw, in a game where there was no Junuzovic, in a game that William Carvalho was a giant, Alaba was destined to have a game in suffering. It was just that, with Bayern’s all-around being confined to run after the ball. After 70 minutes Koller sent the definite sign of “Let’s defend, boys” when he took out Alaba off the game, cutting the creative link for good.

·         The Team

Austria coach Marcel Koller: "It was important not to lose this game. Portugal had more chances but we have won a point with a good defensive effort.

"Normally that's not our type of game but you have to be flexible in a tournament and adapt to the teams you are playing.

"We are still in the race. We're in very different place mentally now compared to the last game; now the players are happy and that makes it easier for us. We have a final in the last game, and I hope we can win it."

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty on the night he became his country's record appearance holder as a hugely frustrating match for Portugal and their captain in Paris ended goalless to leave Group F wide open. Ronaldo struck the base of the post with his spot kick after Austria defender Martin Hinteregger had wrestled him to the ground and later headed home only to be denied by the offside flag. But huge credit for Austria's point must go to keeper Robert Almer, who made a string of sensational saves. He stopped a crisp low strike and a header from Ronaldo as well as blocking from Nani, who struck the post with a first-half header as Portugal looked to pick up their first win of the competition. Portugal dominated large swathes of the first competitive meeting between the sides since 1995 but were almost caught out several times, in particular when Stefan Ilsanker forced a good save with a crisp low strike shortly after the restart. The result means that Hungary top Group F with four points, Portugal and Iceland both have two and Austria one - a situation which leaves all four in with a shout of reaching the last 16.

Belgium vs Ireland - preview

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- Latest events

BELGIUM

·         A disappointing start for Belgium that makes every game from now on feel like a knockout game.    

·         The defense was their main problem, there wasn’t any consistency and Italy took advantage to stun Wilmots’ team.

·         They know that their opponents won’t have such a strong attack or hard to break defense, and that’s at least something to build on.  

REP.IRELAND

·         A great game from Ireland ended up in just a draw, a draw conceded in the only chance that Sweden was able to break into the tough Irish back line.   

·         They did impress, though, and if they are able to recreate what they did, they have to believe the quality of Long and Walters might create chaos in the Belgium troubled defense.     

·         With Sweden’s loss, Ireland knows that a win will almost assuredly qualify them    

- Areas to follow

BELGIUM

·         Defense

It’s still a big question why Denayer was not used against Italy, and reports suggest that Wilmots will keep his confidence in Ciman, even though the Montreal Impact player clearly wasn’t up to par. Wilmots’ choices have been questioned by his own players though, in a clear proof of trouble brewing in Belgium.

·         Midfield

If Mertens – or Carrasco, for that matter – isn’t starting this game, then Wilmots’ will again lose that dynamic that can be dizzying for any defense in the world. That’s what happened against Italy, where Belgium had a reinforced midfield, and created nothing for show.  

·         Attack

Lukaku had a frustrating game, without any support and engulfed in the middle of Italian three center backs. It will almost certainly not be that bad against Ireland, as not only his team needs to win, he has been fighting this players in recent seasons, with the known results. Origi was in right areas and might be an option, if in need.

             

REP.IRELAND

·            Defense

They did a wonderful job in trying to stop Zlatan, but they lost focus for just one moment, and were punished with a Clark own goal that was the only reason Ireland wasn’t able to win the game. O’Neill should keep faith in his soldiers, as they showed they’re ready.

·             Midfield

   To win this game, this is where Ireland will have to go the extra mile and fight harder, not allow Belgium to control possession, because if they let that happen they’ll have trouble dealing with the quick transitions that Hazard, De Bruyne and Mertens are capable of. A key battle that will help determine the winner of this game.

·             Attack

Long and his teammates will have to show composure when the chances that they will, almost guaranteed, have fall into their feet. If they can do that and be the usual presence in the beginning of the Irish defensive process, O’Neill’s team has a chance to get a result that will boost their chances of surviving the group of death.

- FIL’S VERDICT

The Republic of Ireland will have been fuming to draw their opening game with Sweden but encouraged by a fine performance. Belgium, after their lacklustre display in defeat to Italy, are simply fuming.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticised head coach Marc Wilmots in a post-match interview, saying Italy had "tactically outclassed us." Midfielder Radja Nainggolan was caught gesturing behind his coach's back after being substituted. Both men were spoken to by Wilmots on their journey back to the northern Bordeaux training base.

Like Wilmots, Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark has found himself under the spotlight after own goal against Sweden last Monday. Yet unlike their rivals, there has been a united front in support of their man in focus.

           FIL’S PREDICTION

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Matchday 4 - Italy showed us wrong!

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SPAIN

·         The Player – Andrés Iniesta

 Iniesta was, once again, in the center of Spain’s fortune. After a game where they dominated the play entirely but had a lot of trouble in the moment to pick a shot, Iniesta himself included, but near the end Iniesta found his Barça teammate Gerard Pique in Cech’s box and assisted him perfectly. 
 

·         The Moment – De Gea saves the day

 Certainly De Gea wasn’t expecting such a calm game at his end. Czech Republic preferred to defend and so they barely threatened the Man.Utd keeper, but when they did he was there. Right after

·         The Team

 A very hard game for Spain. They eventually got the win that they deserved, but there were some weakness that showed, mainly the lack of goal instinct in the team. Like they’ve used us to, Spain was perfectly able to carry the ball dangerously near Cech’s goal, but then they were unable to capitalize.
 They got the breakthrough when Pique and Ramos were trying to help, in a sign of how disappointing were the Czechs, that these two could be up front.



 

CZECH REP.

·         The Player – Petr Cech

 With Vrba abandoning its usual style and using, virtually, a line of six defenders, they gave the control of the ball away to Spain, which Del Bosque’s squad then transformed in innumerous chances to score, that always found Petr Cech on the way for glory. Only in the 87 minute he was beaten, by a close range header from Pique

·         The Moment- Selassie’s chance

 It was a great clearance from Fábregas, but more than the moment, it was proof that if Czech Republic tried to come out a little more they could’ve created chances. As it was only in set pieces they did it, and after the goal conceded, but then was too late, especially against a fantastic and focused De Gea.

·         The Team

 When we were expecting Czech Republic try and battle like equal, Vrba had other ideas and decided to go for a simple draw and let it be resolved in the following matches. With four full backs on the pitch, the Czech almost had a defensive line of six players, had little to no possession and dangerous chances lacked.

 A very poor game from Vrba’s team.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

 A very one-sided game, perhaps the most of the Euro so far, and it was all because Czech Republic decided it wanted to try and draw the game, rather than attacking it. It was a poor display, but one that almost worked, due to having a fantastic goalkeeper in Petr Cech.

 Spain played like always, great quality find space but then, in front of goal, such lack of composure, Morata especially on focus in this chapter. It looked like Spain was going down to a disappointing and undeserved draw, when Pique joined the attack and headed a perfect ball from Iniesta.

 It wasn’t easy but Del Bosque’s team did the job and will face Turkey knowing a win will qualify them. And Czech Republic will have to show what brought them here or they risk being one of the disappointments. 

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REP.IRELAND

·         The Player – Jeff Hendrick

 Great game from the Bolton midfielder. Never forgetting his defensive responsibilities, he was never afraid to be the first creative force of the Irish, pushing them forward in their period of dominance that only ended with the goal. Hendrick was a monster, appearing everywhere, and testing Isaksson several times.
 
 

·         The Moment – Hoolahan’s strike

 Great technique in the shot from the Norwich offensive midfielder, after a good cross from the right, Wes Hoolahan hit the ball with such strength, it was impossible for Isaksson to stop it. A deserved goal at the time, as Ireland was dominanting the play fairly easily.

·         The Team

 A promising game for Martin O’Neill, he’ll certainly will be more worried with the fact that his team wasn’t able to hold on to the lead. Until they scored, Ireland was impressive, always quicker to the ball than Swedish players, and creating good chances.
 With Hoolahan’s goal, the team retracted from attacking, allowing Sweden the draw. It was a good match, though, and Ireland must believe they can upset either Belgium or Italy.    



 

SWEDEN

·         The Player – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The PSG superstar wasn’t at its best. Zlatan didn’t do a bad game, but it was necessary, and expected, that he would bring his team forward, being the big thinker of Sweden’s game, and instead he had less touches than usual, especially on the first half where he really seemed off it, affecting his team.
 With his improvement, the team freed themselves, and was able to get the draw.

·         The Moment- Great play for the draw

  It was the moment where finally Ibra created something decent, and it resulted in Ireland’s defense shaking all over, and Clark’s own goal. After a good play of involvement with two other teammates, Ibra found a good cross that, if Clark wouldn’t, Seb Larsson was ready to finish. He didn’t have to.

·         The Team

  It was enough to draw, but Sweden’s match, especially what they did in the first half, was poor and will mean troubles down the line, should the problem not be sorted. It’s a team that clearly depends too much on Zlatan, and when he’s not at its best, Sweden becomes a docile team, easy to control. That’s what happened until the goal, and then Ibra showed up.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

   An entertaining match, that sometimes lacked quality but compensated in the will the players always put in every single moment. Ireland was fantastic in the first half, always looking to push forward and trouble Sweden’s defenders, which they did regularly.
 They had at least three good chances, and one already in the 2^nd period, before Wes Hoolaan’s goal. After that, a mixture of Zlatan’s anger towards the result, and the Irish midfielders losing gas after all that running, Sweden took back control, and ended up getting the draw.

 It’s a fair result, if you followed the match, but it has to be said, if there was a winner, it was always going to be Republic of Ireland. Sweden needs to try and catch up with Zlatan, or Hamren’s team will be in trouble.

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BELGIUM

·         The Player – Thibaut Courtois

 Surely one of the most furious persons with the exhibition his defense teammates had. It was absolutely appalling and that resulted in Courtois being one of the best players on the pitch, due to the amount of saves he had to made.
 He showed he’s here if Belgium needs him, but he also needs help, as he can’t stop everything
 

·         The Moment – A wasted bet


 It was one of the biggest shocks of the Euro’s so far, not to see Jason Denayer in the starting XI, either at center or right back. Instead, Wilmots went with Laurent Ciman, from Montreal Impact, with catastrophic results, with the first goal being a clear lack of chemistry between him and Alderweireld.

·         The Team

 Horrible display again, leaving a lot of questions that need answer. Wilmots decide to shuffle things again and with horrific results. Against an Italy that was always going to defend, putting Nainggolan, Witsel and Fellaini, that all lack a touch of creativity, Belgium had to rely on Lukaku for central creation, with De Bruyne and Hazard stuck to the respective lines. An awful display that needs correction or surely heads will roll.     


  

ITALY

·         The Player – Graziano Pellé

What a game from the Southampton player. The main reference for Italy’s attack, Pelle was fantastic in doing what’s been doing all year for the Saints, holding the ball and then following his pass, always ready to finish.

He lacks more goalscoring ability, but he never stops trying and got his reward in the end.

·         The Moment- Giacherrini’s goal

 It was bad communication in Belgians defense, sure, but there was the beautiful pass from Bonucci, and Giacherrini’s control and finish were brilliant. Not only that it was a goal that showed that Italy might not have the names, but they surely have a fight in them.

·         The Team

 Conte is a tactical master and it showed. It might be Italy’s weakest generation, but with Chelsea’s new manager in charge, there will be a will and possibly a way to get to European glory. The big test will come when they need to push forward themselves, and not sit to counter. But Pelle showed he wants to shine, and the defense is solid enough to hold anyone.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

   It was a brilliant display of defensive football from the Italian. That does not mean they didn’t create chances, they definitely did and made Courtois shine in defeat.
Counter was on point and with Belgium cracking up completely, Italy dominated the game as they wanted, always seeming more dangerous than Wilmots’ team that only was able to be on top with despair growing.

 Italy shut us all up with a great game. It’s just a little part of the job done, but we can definitely say we were wrong and Italy will be in the knockout stages. As for Belgium, every match is to win or die from now on, but the quality is there, and they have to believe they can do it.