Group A analysis - No big surprises for the hosts

1^st France (=FIL’s Prediction)

 France, as hosts and clearly better team than the other of the group, were expected to top the table and they did that, but some will probably argue that the form they got there wasn’t brilliant. It’s a fact that the French had a lot of troubles to win their games, to break their opponents’ defenses, but the truth is that they got two late wins that made everything work accordingly.

 With Payet looking on form, France is looking in good shape to go far in the tournament, as long as they keep their defense solid. They weren’t really tested so it’s hard to say if Koscielny and Rami are ready for the knockouts.

2^nd Switzerland (=FIL’s prediction)

 In a very similar story to France’s, Switzerland ended up doing what was expected from them, but the way they achieved their second place was certainly underwhelming. They ended up backs against the wall against 10-man Albania, only could scrape out a draw out of Romania, and were never really a threat for France.

 It was the usual style for the Swiss, a great work rate and consistency, but too little flair to create danger, really dependent on Shaqiri. Especially with Petkovic’s insistency on Seferovic, that hasn’t produce any results yet. It must get frustrating with players like Embolo on the bench, but Switzerland as done as they were obliged, in the end.

3^rd Albania (>FIL’s Prediction)

  One of the fairytales of the tournament, must end up in a bit of disappointment for them, as they end up being one of the 3^rd places teams that goes home. They were punished by their own inexperience in the first two games that, with a bit more composure, could’ve resulted in different scenarios.

 Lenjani was one of the good revelations, with Hysaj confirming he is a class above his teammates. Lorik Cana was a big letdown, when he was supposed to see the voice of experience.

4^th Romania (<FIL’s Prediction)

 It was the game against Albania that dictated the disappointment for Romania. Up to that game they were very decent, making France working very hard for the win, and managing a rewarding draw against Switzerland that made them dream.
 It wasn’t to be, as their inability to create decent chances and a defensive mishap defeated them, throwing them to the last place of the group.

 Stancu and Stanciu were two of the good headlines for Romania, but Chiriçes and Tatarusanu weren’t up to par and were on focus in the Albanian goal. 

Group A – Final round preview

How they got here

France

The hosts had two very hard fought games that ended up with massive joy, with both wins coming in the last minutes. It might be arguable if they performed up to the standards expected to one of the main candidates, but the truth is that they have two wins and qualification is guaranteed.

Switzerland

Much like France, Switzerland was able to get the results expected, with the draw against Romania being acceptable due to circumstance, but the quality of their play was up to debate. It was with that draw that Switzerland pretty much took the driving seat for qualification, needing only a draw to assure the second place in the group.

Romania

Two good displays of defensive organization, very hard fought teamwork, but it some lacks of concentration that were enough for Romania to not be in a much better position for the last match. Their quality of play was very interesting and they were one of the good teams of the group stage.

Albania

One of the fairytale stories in France might still end in joy. It’s certain that they lost both games, but against strong opposition as the likes of France and Switzerland, Di Biasi’s team did very well, creating chances – not many, obviously – and holding their opponents attacking forces. They deserved at least a point from one of those games, but their finishing and lack of experience did them.

What they need

France

Expect Deschamps to give a chance to some of the players that weren’t used yet. It’s hard to say how many and which players will Les Bleus’ manager will rotate, but France knows that they only need a draw to win the group so it’s not expected that they’ll get desperate if the win seems in danger.

Switzerland

It wouldn’t be surprising to see a sort of pact of no-aggression between France and Switzerland, as the draw will serve pretty much every expectation that both teams had at the start of that group. More than that, Switzerland knows Romania is coming for them, and if they lose they risk falling to third.

Romania

It’s do or die, against Albania. Romania knows that a win will be a great boost for their qualification, especially if they see Switzerland loses with France. That would guarantee Iordanescu’s team the second place, but the win might be enough, depending on the other groups 3^rd placed team’s points.

Albania

Much like Romania, Albania knows that a win gives them 3^rd place, and with the rules of this competition, they’ll have to wait to see if three points are enough. But more than that, Albania will play this game trying to get their first goal and points of the competition, not necessarily because of qualification, but mostly to national pride. 

Matchday 6 - France qualified as Hamsik roars again.

1-2

Headlines

RUSSIA

·         The Player – Fedor Smolov
 
  Very active, but with problems with his finishing, Smolov ended up being the most resilient man upfront for Russia, even if he wasn’t that productive. Smolov tried, fought a lot, and is in the goal play, with a good pass for Shatov.

·         The Moment – Another late goal.

 At a time that Slovakia already thought the game won, came the best Russian play of the game, a great combination in the right between Smolov and Shatov, with the latter find Gulashkov for the goal. It wasn’t enough.

·         The Team

 It was a good start from Russia, knowing that a win would be vital to qualify in this group. Slutsky entered the match determined in being the first team to score and they had chances. Unfortunately everything went sour when Hamsik sliced up their defense for Weiss goal. And with Napoli’s star great strike, the Russians could never had come back.
 

SLOVAKIA

·         The Player – Marek Hamsik

Much better from the Napoli better, that this time had no great runs denied miraculously, but had much more influence in the result, creating Weiss’ goal, and scoring one himself. He commanded the midfielder, and made sure his team got the win. 

·         The Moment- Goal of the tournament?

 The way how Hamsik takes the opponent out of the way, looks up and, from the edge of the box, makes the ball go away, away from Akinfeev and against the back post, before laying comfortable in the net. The best goal of the tournament so far.

·         The Team

  Now, this is the Slovakia we expected. They started waiting to see how Russia would play, and after the first twenty minutes, Hamsik started controlling the game, with his pinpoint passing that never misses the target. They ended the second half in a high, and tried to kill the game, which they couldn’t
 Ended up suffering, but Slovakia definitely deserved the win.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

A very open and well played match, ended up with the better and most organized team winning fair and square. Russia started the game very well, trying to create chances, something they never did against England. Slovakia opted for a more contained approach, waiting for the Russian to take control.
 When Hamsik started taking the play to his feet though, the game changed. With the space left behind the full backs, Hamsik could play “find the alone winger” and create a goal. And after he decided to present us with a highlight that will stand for long time.

 The Russians accused the two goals, and barely tried to react until the 65 minute. Until then, Slovakia could’ve won the game and ended up suffering a goal, and risking losing points in a game they did not deserve it.

 Slovakia almost guaranteed third spot but they face a tough game versus England, and Russia knows they have to win and that might not be enough. It promises to be an emotional third round. aHaHHhhHaa

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1-1

Headlines

ROMANIA

·         The Player – Alexandru Chipciu
 
  One of Iordanescu’s bets for the game, Chipciu showed he was ready. Playing on the left side, move that implicated Stancu on the middle, Steaua’s winger created constant trouble for Lichsteiner, being involved in the penalty play and confusing the Juventus’ full back with his pace and technique.

·         The Moment – Sapunaru misses the 2-0

Romania’s great first half translated in various chances, none bigger the one Sapunaru missed. After scoring first, the Romanians kept attacking in search of doubling their lead and they almost got it, when Sapunaru got the ball in the 6-yard box and smashed it against the post. And Switzerland would make them pay. 

·         The Team

Good game from Romania. Iordanescu believed that he could get the win against Switzerland and changed things around in order to do so, and the pace of the game proved him right. Only the blaster from Mehmedi could stop Romania from getting an historic win, in the end.


  

SWITZERLAND

·         The Player – Blerim Džemaili

  You could say it’s not necessarily it’s fault that Petkovic wants him to play advanced in the pitch, but every time Dzemaili gets that chance he seems to not enjoy it. He has a hard time with the ball at his feet, and rarely takes the best decision in the shot selection, making him fairly easy to annul by the Romania side.

·         The Moment- Mehmedi, bomb them!

 It was looking exactly like the Albania game, where Switzerland created the chances, but could not take them. Until a badly dealt with corner, from Romania, that came straight to Mehmedi’s left foot, and the Leverkusen player not wasting it and, virtually, qualifying Switzerland for the next stage.

·         The Team

  It was, again, far from pretty, but in the end Switzerland got a result that serves them perfectly. Seferovic was again wasteful, and this time Switzerland did have to run after the result, which resulted in more attacks and more possession, where the Swiss did ok, even though they still need to improve to face bigger opposition.

 

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

A good game where both teams went for the win, and both ended up coming up short. Iordanescu’s changes in the attack messed up the Swiss plans, and Romania ended up scoring in an unquestionable penalty.

 Switzerland was then force to take back control of the game, which they had troubles with in the first half, where Romania could’ve grabbed a second goal and possibly the match, with Sapunaru’s chance being the most flagrant.

 Before the teams could really settle Mehmedi equalized, and the game dropped in intensity. After all, both teams know that 4 points should be enough, and Switzerland got them while Romania believes they can defeat Albania. And it’s not exactly a great imagination exercise that that happens. 

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2-0

Headlines

FRANCE

·         The Player – Kingsley Coman
 
  Started instead of Griezmann in the right side, and the Bayern player should he deserves more time. Always looking for the ball, to play it forward, brave enough to attack far post crosses, Coman only lacked some composure in the final third, something we will put down to nerves, as we’re talking about a 20yr old.

·         The Moment – Déja vu!

 Much like the Romania game, the winning goal came late, very late, in a time where the press was surely testing headlines for such an unthinkable result. With pressure mounting, Albania’s defense ended up opening, and Rami did a great cross for Griezmann to finish it. Deadlock broken, and Albania’s hopes almost shattered.

·         The Team

 It was another exhibition that felt like something was missing, but that in the end guaranteed qualification. That’s France so far, not being brilliant against weaker opponents, but they get the win, and that’s mostly due to their individual quality. A team with Payet, Coman, Pogba, Griezmann, Martial can create so much that’s almost impossible to stop them.
 

ALBANIA

·         The Player – Elseid Hysaj

 Good game from the Napoli right back that had mostly defensive worries, but never tried to help in the attack, as points were needed. With a great physical capacity, Hysaj covered all the ground he could whilst try to stop Coman, Martial and others from creating danger.

·         The Moment- Those last 5 minutes of the 1^st half

  There was also Ledian’s confusing ball to the post, but those five minutes were brilliant. Confident after a good first half, where they had hold France, the Albanians tried their luck and created 2 or 3 half chances that, with more time or composure, could’ve been scored. And, in the end of the 2^nd, France showed how it’s done.
  

·         The Team

It was another valiant performance that ended up in disappointment and no points. But again, you cannot fault Di Biasi or his team, as they played with their strengths, tried to hide their faults, and did a great job at that.
 They have a final against Romania that, with some luck around the groups, might seem them through.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

France guaranteed qualification in a game where, again, they underwhelmed everybody with the production they had. They hardly ever could break the Albanian organized defense, and even ended up the first half in trouble, with Di Biasi’s team forcing for a possible strike from heaven.

 It wasn’t to come, and Lloris still saw a ball hit his left post until Albania’s gas ran out. It was time to try to hold on, and they were doing a fantastic job until they left Griezmann alone in the penalty spot, with the Atletico player not wasting the chance. Payet scored the second and sealed a hard fought win.

 France can rest players against Switzerland, if it pleases Deschamps, but that’s unlikely as he’ll want to top the group. As for Albania, they have to win against Romania, and then pray for the results they’ll need.   

Romania vs Switzerland - preview

                              VS

- Latest events

ROMANIA

·         If Payet hadn’t had that moment of brilliance, all the talk about the opening match would be how greatly Romania stunned France, and how well they played.   

·         Of course they didn’t dominate or deserved to win the game, but they were a major headache for Deschamps’ team and were close to an upset.  

·         Iordanescu knows that his team is capable of beating the other two opponents, and will try that against Switzerland.  

SWITZERLAND

·         They won, but it was the most disappointing win you could’ve thought off, as they played Albania, who had ten man for an hour, and Petkovic’s team ended defending their narrow lead.   

·         Seferovic was null and shouldn’t get the privilege of starting again.

·         The Swiss know a win will qualify them, but this game is going to be harder, as Romania defends a bit better, and is definitely more dangerous that the Albanians.  

- Areas to follow

ROMANIA

·         Defense

It took a bad punching attempt from Tatarusanu and a wonderful strike from Payet to break them down. The Romania back line did a fantastic job in trying to spot the French offensive, with great teamwork and fighting spirit. They ended up getting nothing from the game, but there good promises from the match.

·         Midfield

Hoban and Pintili were monsters, but today it’s going to be required that they also think of going forward, as Romania will commit more man in the attack. Stanciu had an irregular game and will have to step up in an effort to contribute.   

·         Attack

Stancu missed a couple of chances, but he found the right places and with Andone, necessarily, more involved in today’s game, Romania knows they will have opportunities to get in the scoresheet, and they need to take them.

             

SWITZERLAND

·            Defense

 Sommer ended up having to be on point to avoid a draw against Albania, in a game where the Swiss defense wasn’t that tested, but allowed some chances to their rivals, in a match that can only be described as insufficient.  

·             Midfield

 As predicted it was a very combative midfield line, while it was required that would “think” the game better for Switzerland to dominate. Instead we saw a group of players that fought bravely and won many balls, but was then unable to create something with it. And when they lost strength, Switzerland had troubles.  

·             Attack

Seferovic missed several chances that would have given a much more relaxed win to the Swiss. It was a clear missed bet from Petkovic, and he has other solutions that will guarantee, if anything, they will be more dangerous. Embolo and Derdyok are raring to go, while the wings should be occupied by the same players, with Shaqiri needing to be more assertive than in matchday 1

- FIL’S VERDICT

 It’s going to be an entertaining match, as Romania needs to come out and try to get something from the game, and Switzerland will relish that, as they feel much better when they play on quick counters, rather than them controlling possession.

 With that being said, the game against Albania also showed us that Petkovic’s team has troubles defensively, allowing too much space behind their offensive full backs, not covered by one of the defensive midfielders. If Stancu and Popa are as active as against France, Switzerland will have troubles.

 Romania will have to attack, but they’ll try to not have the ball that much themselves, hoping the Swiss will make a mistake they can take advantage of. A draw would possibly fit both teams, but Romania has to try and get the win to make sure they have the doors open for the last match. 

FIL’S PREDICTION

ROMANIA 1-1 SWITZERLAND

France vs Romania - Payet's moment in the sun

2-1




Headlines

FRANCE

·         The Player – Dimitri Payet
 
 It wasn’t just the goal, although that’s the moment that will stay down in the books, but he also made a fantastic cross for Giroud’s goal, and was the player that had the responsibility to create things, coming from the left to the middle.
 And then, of course, that fabulous strike, like so many he had in the Premier League this season. The first headline of the Euro’s is his, and fully deserved.

·         The Moment – 86 minutes and bang!
The stands were getting desperate. After almost 90 minutes, France had only been able to score a goal, in an offering from Tatarusanu, and that was only going to give them a point, with Evra giving away the most soft penalty of his career.
 And then N’Golo Kanté got the ball, and he saw Payet just behind 3 yellow shirts, with a little space. The Premier champion assisted his partner that controlled with his right, turned, and with all France helping, cracked his left foot to the top corner. A brilliant goal.

·         The Team

France started both halves in the same way. Allowing Romania the first opportunity, due to a miscommunication between Koscielny and Rami, see their nerves starting to grow, and then create a chance and the nerves die. In the second half they eventually scored, but Evra’s idiotic penalty – as was his exhibition - almost gave everything away. Deschamps should be disappointed with this first game, which was only rescued by Payet’s genius.


 

ROMANIA

·         The Player – Florin Andone

In a team where the collective matters the most, Florin Andone was chosen over Alibec for the striker position, and the Cordoba player did a fantastic job. It’s Andone that created both Romania’s chances in the first half, being very danegerous running to the near posts in the corners taken by Stanciu. Not only that, but he truly was Romania’s first defender, as he used his tenacity to disturb Koscielny and Rami. Was replaced when France scored, completely exhausted

·         The Moment - Stancu misses. Again!

 After forty-five minutes where Romania started well, creating chances, and limiting France to few chances, the teams came back from half-time and just after one minute, Stanciu got the ball, a rarity in this game. He held his head up high, and saw Stancu’s run, that he time brilliantily. Gençlerbirliği’s striker avoided the offside, controlled brilliantly in his chest and, with all the time in world, threw the chance away.
 It was the kind of chance you have to take, if don’t want to be surprised by someone’s brilliance. And Payet really is brilliant… 

·         The Team

It could have been the perfect start, but Romania was aware, from that Stancu’s chance that they could get something from the game.

Iordanescu’s team did a great game, playing with their line higher up the pitch, but still working all with the same intensity, and deserved much more from this opening match. They frustrated France, limiting the Bleu chances and creating some of their own. It was just impossible to stop that Payet’s screamer.

- FIL’S FINAL THOUGHTS

 France’s worst fears showed up right in the beginning when a miscommunication between Koscielny and Rami gave Romania a corner and a great chance. Lloris saved an impossible ball and the Romanians threatened again in the next set piece. This led to minutes of clear nerves from the French side that were only shaken away by Griezmann head against the post.

 The first half started frenetic, but after the Atletico’s striker chance the game resumed the expected pace, with France having a lot of the ball, but having trouble how to deal with it, and Romania putting their opponents under intense pressure, sometimes still in the French half.

 After half-time it felt like déja-vu, with Romania having a great chance to score by Stancu that missed horribly, and then French coming forward looking for the goal. Giroud got the goal, but Evra had a brain fart and gave away a penalty with no need for it.

 With the teams leveled, the pace of Romania pressing and seeming the more consistent unit, against a nervous and lacking solutions France, seemed to indicate that we’re going to have a surprise in the opening match. And then, out of nowhere, Payet got the ball, turned and BANG! A great goal that destroyed Iordanescu’s team.

 It was far from brilliant, for France, but at least they got the three points. Deschamps has a lot to think about for the next two games, as his team seemed nervous, with lack of fluidity to their play, with a lot of man in the center-left side of the attack, and a hole in the right.

 For Romania, it was a defeat, but the indication they gave were positive. If they can motivate themselves after the dramatic end to this game, they can a word for qualification.