EURO 2016: Portugal’s Perfect Ending

What are the odds?

What are the odds you can achieve something no one before you ever has? Something you’ve dreamed about for years. Something that’s easy to fantasize about because it makes it easier to justify the countless hours of stress and exhaustion. Few could stomach it. Most think you’re crazy to live this way, all for the slim chance to one day have this opportunity. You still think I’m talking about what 23 Portuguese footballers accomplished in Paris on Sunday? No. I’m talking about myself.

I don’t know if there are enough words in the English language, let alone in my own vocabulary, to accurately describe the last 72 hours.

As soon as Ricardo Quaresma scored his redeeming, extra-time winner against Croatia, I told myself I would be at the Stade de France on July 10th if Portugal reached the final.

I sent a dozen text messages and emails to friends with friends in high places, terrified by the horror stories I’d read about fake StubHub and Viagogo tickets. One by one, they replied;

“Sorry, can’t help you!”
“Have you tried this person?”
“Great idea but, Portugal aren’t going to make it.”

I went to bed Thursday night convinced I would be watching Portugal lose to France from my sofa, with my sweet smiling German Shepherd next to me for comfort.

But early Friday morning, UEFA released their final batch of tickets at “the host nation are playing in it” premium. And, would ya believe it, two of the six friends across the world I had begged to try for me, had survived the online cue to give me the chance to witness history in person. An hour later the flight was booked, and Saturday night I embarked on the journey of a lifetime.

25 hours in the most romantic city in the world, with two tickets to the biggest sporting event of the year. I felt like Drake.

The idea of watching Portugal in the final of a major tournament always seemed like a pipe dream. Growing up I heard my grandfather’s stories about Eusebio, and the Cinco Violinos. But in my lifetime, Portugal didn’t have a place on football’s map of relevance until Euro 2000.

Four years later on home soil, the golden generation looked destined to deliver what Eusebio couldn’t. Instead Greece wrote the most unthinkable underdog story in the history books.

Fast forward twelve years, witnessing Cristiano Ronaldo become the best player in the world but never deliver what he did for his clubs. And Portugal send arguably the worst team to France that CR7 had ever played on.

Don’t judge a book by its cover. For what they lacked in name recognition and experience, they made up for in cohesion and application. The results didn’t reflect it. Three draws in a group that included the overrated Austrians, previously irrelevant Hungary and the darling debutants from the Land of Fire and Ice, should have sent Portugal packing. But UEFA’s cash driven expansion and flawed elimination format planted the Portuguese on the most favourable path imaginable.

My plane landed in Paris eight hours before kickoff. When I stopped an airport attendant to ask “parlez Anglais?” His reply was, “only enough to tell you that France will win tonight.” The mood across the city was one of anticipation for the massive party that was going to happen later. The French fans were quick to converse and show off their confidence in this rather underwhelming representation of French football that would again deliver the ultimate victory at home. “Because that’s just what the French do,” they said.

Walking through the streets of the 10th arrondissement, one hatchback would fly down the street frantically honking the horn waving a Portuguese flag through the sunroof. And then another. And then another. And then the realization that Paris’s incredibly large Portuguese population had even more invested in this match than I did, sunk in.

The short train ride to Saint-Denis was filled with more smiles than sneers. Everyone was anxious to finally see a champion crowned. At times police uniforms greatly outnumbered Portuguese shirts. Cues to the Fan Zones outside the stadium were calmer than they were long. Security staff was friendly, exceptionally professional and got everyone through far quicker than I expected.

The streets were lined with food vendors and beer stalls, many run by Portuguese-Parisians happier to serve those dressed in red and green. Club music blared from street front restaurants. The exotically dressed super fans were stopped repeatedly for selfies. There wasn’t a person around without a beer in one hand and a smartphone in the other. The Canadian flag and my poor Portuguese accent attracted plenty of attention to our group. I met construction workers from Toronto, retirees from Reading, England, Germans and Welsh that refused to go home, and several people ecstatic to share this experience with their father or grandfather.

There was no rush to enter the stadium. Partly because the party on the street was energizing, and partly because of the fear that I may have come all this way to watch my mother’s homeland lose by three or four goals.

Any Canadian sports fan can relate to that feeling. You’ve endured years of suffering. There are some years your team comes close. You’ve built rivals along the way. And you’ve observed enviously while others, many of whom you feel don’t deserve it, enjoy the pinnacle of success.

When I passed my ticket through the scanner and stepped in to the mammoth stadium, all I was thinking about was enjoying the spectacle. I was disappointed to realise I couldn’t do so with a beer that actually contained alcohol, in my hand. That thought vanished immediately walking up the steps of the entrance to my section to the sight of a stadia prepared to play host to a final watched on TV by hundreds of millions.

I didn’t say a word for about 15 minutes. What was there to say? In mere moments, 22 of the best players in Europe would play the biggest match of their lives.

The crowd came to life with the singing of the national anthems. First the Portuguese, who sounded more like a group of a hundred thousand, rather than ten. I don’t think anyone realised that I didn’t know the words to the entire song. Then the French sung with the pride and confidence of a nation that knows what winning feels like.

The energy was electric at kickoff. Time seemed to evaporate. After two or three unexplained collapses, Cristiano Ronaldo was being carted off in what seemed like complete agony. How was this happening?

Portugal had reached this stage because their captain had done just enough to get them here. And now they were going to play more than an hour without him. It was the worst case scenario and put my heart in my throat for the rest of the night.

France grew with confidence. They peppered Rui Patricio, and were waiting for Portugal’s backline to make a mistake. It never happened. The pressure the French felt to win is what Patricio must have been feeling the entire match. As France’s chances got better, so did the Portuguese keeper’s stops.

Halftime came with a huge sigh of relief for any Portuguese supporter. I witnessed a man propose to his girlfriend in the concourse with the help of a what I assume to be a friend dressed as Napoleon. Can’t help but wonder if he may have delayed the proposal had Portugal been behind.

It felt like a French goal was coming in the second half. João Moutinho was brought on to spring counter attacks. Fernando Santos felt like the intensity was too much for Renato Sanches and Éder came on to a collective sound of disappointment.

Portugal was going to win or lose with those eleven men on the pitch. The idea of a penalty shootout likely featuring Quaresma, Moutinho, Éder, Pepe and Patricio was terrifying.

And then Raphael Guereiro put a perfect looking free kick off the bar. And then, Portugal forced a turnover. Éder didn’t have his back to goal. The blue shirts on the pitch seemed to have as little faith in the Swansea reject as the red ones in the crowd. He cut to the top of the box, took full advantage of the space gifted in front of him, and picked out the far corner leaving Hugo Lloris without a prayer.

Was this really happening? How did Éder score a goal in extra time of a European championship final? How was I there to witness it?

The Portuguese crowd exploded. I jumped like a maniac and nearly leaped over the row of seated, disgruntled French fans in front of me.

The final 11 minutes felt like five. The French desperation was intense. To their credit, the French fans immediately and feverishly cheered their team on. France swung a ball in, and Patricio beat every blue shirt to it. Then they swung another and Pepe nervously headed out for a corner. Oh no. ‘This is it. Portugal will concede on this set piece and we’re going to penalties.’

And then Mark Clattenburg blew the final whistle. Portugal were champions. We had witnessed history.

Against all the odds, Portugal had dished France the pain they endured 12 years ago in Lisbon. And I wasn’t sitting on the couch with the dog watching it in Toronto. I was there, too dehydrated to cry with joy. But there, to experience one of the most incredible night’s of my life. A moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. A moment that has bonded 10,000+ strangers and I for life. A moment I didn’t went to end. And one I still can’t believe was real.

Éder to dream. You never know what can come true.

EURO 2016: Portugal wins, and Bale wants in

Ricardo Quaresma is going to need to get another tear drop tattoo on his cheek.

It doesn’t matter how you get there, as long as you get there. And Portugal have got to the semi-finals without even winning a game in regulation. How hipster of them.

Not to mention this is their fourth semi-final appearance at The Euros since EURO 2000, when Luis Figo and Co. put the country on the footballing map for the first time since the days of Eusebio. Beat England and Germany to top the group. Nobody saw that coming. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.

It will take Poland a little while to get the bitter tastes out of their mouths. Adam Nawalka brought a very talented, cohesive, and entertaining team to France. It was Poland’s best performance at a major competition since reaching the semis of the 1982 World Cup. But they gambled with taking Portugal to penalties, and lost. Did they really think they could win two penalty kick shootouts in a row? Nobody does that.

The shootout is supposed to be 50/50, though it never feels that way when Portugal are involved. There’s always a reason to give Portugal the edge, and more often than not they come out on top. That’s part of what made four years ago in the semi against Spain so hard to stomach. Had the EURO 2004 final gone to penalties, Portugal would have won.

Following in the footsteps of Ricardo and Eduardo, Rui Patricio denied Jakub Blaszczykowski to become a Portuguese goalkeeping legend. Playing the part he has for most of his career, Nani cemented his place in your mind as a “douche” for his cheeky penalty effort.

It really was not Cristiano Ronaldo‘s day, yet they still prevailed. That likely won’t happen on Wednesday if the Real Madrid superstar doesn’t look more like the Real Madrid superstar we’re used to seeing. There were two opportunities CR7 should have buried. For some reason, he’s just a bit off. Is he injured? He’s certainly not 100%. Is it the pressure? The pressure he puts on himself is the greatest of all. When he doesn’t live up to his own standards, he can spiral into a petulant mess.

Thank goodness for Renato Sanches. The 18 year-old wonderkid, plays with the wisdom of a 10 year veteran. And the fearlessness of an 18 year-old that’s just been sold to one of the best team’s in the world for one of the highest transfer fees ever. Fernando Santos was right to trust the former Benfica midfielder. I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted that he would overshadow Ronaldo.

And now the Portuguese can sit back, and enjoy what should be a great spectacle in Friday’s quarterfinal.

Will Gareth Bale be able to carry his success deprived, tiny nation that many people can’t find on a map, in to a European Championship semi-final against the teammate still upset that he was not the  €100 million man?

Describe today’s match however you’d like. But I prefer, “One of the best player’s in the world.  Versus, nearly every one of the best young players in the Premier League.”

Belgium have all the pressure on their shoulders. Wales just have to play. Chris Coleman has admitted his side are quite comfortable with that reality. But don’t expect the Welsh to give their star studded opposition more respect than they deserve.

Wales are a very good team, with one elite player. Belgium have an arsenal of very talented players, that are trying to become a team. And today they should be even more vulnerable at the back than they have been all month. No Jan Vertoghen because of an injury he picked up in training. And Thomas Vermaelen is suspended

Lille is the place where Eden Hazard made his name, and you can bet he’ll be looking to put on another masterful show. Though, Hazard has never played at the Stade Pierre Mauroy. The club moved in to their new stadium the year he left. But it is just 20 km from the Belgian border, so it should at least feel very familiar with plenty of red, black and highlighter yellow in the stands.

This is a tricky match to predict. The head says Belgium. But the heart says Wales. Here’s to hoping it’s just a cracking match we can all enjoy.

EURO 2016: Day 12

Just when you think Euro 2016 is becoming a bit too predictable, we get a day like Tuesday.

Raise your hand if you picked Croatia to top Group D?
You’re a liar.

Drama until the very. Croatia’s 2-1 triumph over Spain was the best match of the tournament so far, and the biggest surprise.

Croatia’s penalty call was 50/50. I didn’t fault Dutch referee Björn Kuipers for not giving it. And to be honest I can’t fault him for giving Spain the penalty opportunity after because David Silva sold it brilliantly.

Kuipers  must have thought he owed the Croatians because he let Danijel Subašić take an Uber off his line, leaving Sergio Ramos with about 18 inches to choose where to place his poor penalty.

Just because you’re wearing the captain’s armband, doesn’t mean you should be taking penalties. You’d think Ramos would have seen his Real Madrid teammate’s miss against Austria and think “well if Ronnie’s missing here, what chance do I have?” Ego trumps logic every single time.

Never thought Ivan Perišić would score from that angle. David de Gea will be haunted by that goal if Spain crash out early. Can’t wait to see Inter Milan drawn with Manchester United in the Europa League in a couple of months.

The only other time Croatia beat Spain, after independence, was 1994. Not to take anything away from Davor Šuker & Co., but this win is more impressive. This Spanish team hadn’t lost since Euro 2004, are one of the best in the world, and looked it until Tuesday. Now Croatia can put their feet up and wait. We saw on Tuesday that they don’t fear anything anyway. And they will not fear their path as this win changed the landscape of the tourney.

Spain, Germany and France, the three pre-tournament favourites, now all find themselves on the same side of the bracket. Yikes.

Croatia get a third place opponent in the last 16, and then have Switzerland or Poland standing in their way of a semi final berth. Spain get Italy next.

There isn’t a team in France this month that won’t be afraid of crossing paths with Croatia now. Repeatedly emphasized in the broadcast, Croatia’s fitness levels are incredible. Their ability to play at pace and with an increasing intensity is a rare strength. Fueled by the adrenaline of competing with the European champions and the chance to top the group helped, I’m sure.

Germany looked for more confident going forward early on. Could have led 2-0 after 10 minutes.

You knew Northern Ireland was going to be all right when Michael McGovern stopped Thomas Müller‘s shot with his nuts.

It was only a matter of time before they found an opening goal. And Mario Gomez did just before the half hour mark. Still shocked they didn’t find another.

Mesut Özil is not doing himself any favours with German supporters who think even less of him than Gooners on a frustrated Saturday afternoon.

Joachim Löw prepared for the glaring TV cameras, and the after party, wearing that rubber shirt. Clever.

Poland should feel very proud of themselves. Through to the knockout stage for the first time. Finished level on points with Germany and only placed second on goal difference. Not to mention, they were the better team against their western neighbours, and given another opportunity may just beat them.

I thought Turkey were dead and buried. But they played the match they needed to and would be a dangerous team to draw in the last 16. Because you simply don’t know which Turkey is going to show up.

Youngster Emre Mor came to France with a ton of hype. Now we can see why.

Someone check the stock price for the world’s largest flare producer. Gut feeling they’re doing very very well this month.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be Hungary to impress today 😉

I expect Portugal to finally reap the rewards of their quality play. But with that team, you never know what you’re going to get on match day.

EURO 2016: What to watch for on Day 12

Did the last couple of days leave you itching for more football? Fear not. Here’s four matches to leave you completely distracted and unproductive at work. Let’s start with the early matches in Group C.

Northern Ireland became one of the ‘feel good’ stories of the summer just by qualifying for this tournament, let alone beating Ukraine 2-0. Could they top that with a win over the World Champions? They have done it before. Twice in fact. During qualifying for Euro 84, but you’ll be reminded of that triumph several times during today’s broadcast.

Judging by the tone and doubt from German media, sounds like they fear Northern Ireland may do it again. I don’t read German, but they seem none to pleased with Die Mannschaft. Despite the lack of a conventional number 9, most thought depth was a strength of this team. After two matches, others snicker that this is simply the 2014 World Cup team a little more tired, and a lot less creative.

But let’s not get carried away. Germany haven’t conceded a goal yet, and even the most passionate Northern Ireland supporter would be hard pressed to throw their hard earned money on the odds that the Green and White Army will be the first to score one.

Can understand where the doubt comes from. To win it all, Germany could play France, Italy and Spain. Not exactly what you’d call “an easy road.” Very much expect them to have an easy time today in Paris, and expect Thomas Muller to put his name on the scoresheet.
Prediction: NIR 0-2 Germany

Easy pep talk for Poland coach Adam Nawalka today. “Don’t lose and we’re through.”

Ukraine are unbeaten in the last five versus their Euro 2012 co-hosts. But at this tournament, Ukraine share the unwanted tag with their Russian neighbours to the east as “the worst teams at Euro 2016.”

Clearly Russell Crowe bet that Poland would do the deed against Germany on matchday 2. Why else would be chirp Arkadiusz Milik for failing to score? Maybe Crowe should start tweeting Robert Lewandowski. Few would have bet the Bayern frontman would have zero goals after two matches in France. But many will bet he nets at least one today. Based on the way Ukraine have played this month, that would be a smart play.
Prediction: Ukraine 1-2 Poland

How early do you think security staff in Bordeaux were asked to come to work today? Gut feeling that Croatian Ultras will have to be a bit more creative to sneak flares and fireworks in to the Stade de Bordeaux. One would certainly hope so.

The protesters made their point to the Croatian FA. And any repeated self sabotage will not win over any new supporters.

With a healthy Luca Modric on the pitch for 90 minutes, Croatia look fully capable of a good result against Spain. The Spanish have been amongst the most impressive through two matches, but Croatia have enhanced their darkhorse label.

The Czech got more than they deserved, and anybody who watched that match or can sympathize with the fear Croatian players would have watching it all “kick off” in the section where their friends and family were sitting, knows that.

Couldn’t blame Croatia for being nervous about today’s opponents either. Spain haven’t conceded at The Euros since the opening match of Poland/Ukraine 2012. Also haven’t lost a European Championship match since Euro 2004, in Portugal.

Alvaro Morata and Nolito have made everyone in Spain forget that their team has traveled north without a “big name frontman” for the first time in two decades. Top to bottom, La Roja have yet to show any weaknesses. A boring opening match doesn’t count. That’s just how this team operates more often than not.

The smart play would be to pick a repeat of Spain’s 1-0 group stage victory over Croatia four years ago. But if you read this blog, you know that I’m not very smart.
Prediction: Croatia 2-2 Spain 

I don’t like watching Fatih Terim suffer. The Turkish master seems all out ideas and his players seem incapable of playing up to their potential. Most teams would have lost to Spain. Few would have looked as overwhelmed.

Arda Turan has taken the brunt of blame the Turkey‘s disappointment. Was a rumour that he would even quit the team. To which he firmly denied with “that’s not me.”

A draw could be enough for the Czech to make it through. They’ll have quite a few bruises to show for it, but I think that fate will come with ease.
Prediction: Czech 0-0 Turkey

Enjoy today’s matches and check the blog daily for recaps, previews and my general EURO 2016 opinions.

EURO 2016: Day 9

You probably hate Cristiano Ronaldo. The football gods do too.

That was the type of game that will haunt the Portuguese captain for days. Sometimes, it’s just not your night. And Saturday in Paris certainly wasn’t his.

I predicted CR7 to treat Austria like Getafe on a Sunday afternoon. Fueled by the frustration of Monday’s draw with Iceland, he was determined to put his team on the scoresheet. Left foot, right foot, soaring header. Ronaldo was unlucky not to have found the back of the net in the first 65 minutes. Thought he would finally have scored from a free kick with that attempt he put just over the bar.

And then from the spot, unfairly perceived as a guarantee by the majority of people watching, the football gods proved they think as little of the self proclaimed “best player in the world,” as all of Iceland.

Penalty kicks aren’t his thing anymore. Ronaldo has missed 4 of his last 5 attempts for club and country. But who would have said, “yea, let someone else take that.” Or free kicks for that matter. But hey, he’s not an asshole. He took a selfie with that idiot.

Portugal set the tone early in the first half and increased the pressure as the match progressed. They failed to capitalize from any of the 10 corner kicks they received. You may have noticed Austria didn’t have one. Portugal made 23 attempts on goal, forced Robert Almer to make six stops. And hit the woodwork twice. Austria only had three attempts, and Rui Patricio had to touch the ball just once.

Fernando Santos wasn’t afraid to make changes, and got them all right. William Carvalho‘s presence was needed to combat Austra’s cagey midfield. Ricardo Quaresma was electric on the ball. Fully deserved the start and 70 minutes he was given. Austria were intimidated by his runs and unpredictability. That’s exactly what Portugal need more of to take the load off Ronaldo.

Taking just two points off Iceland and Austria is not the best way to start a tournament. But Portugal have not played like a team deserving of just two points. A win Wednesday and they’ll likely win Group F.

It’s easy to let frustrations get the best of you, as we see so perfectly from Ronaldo – or as I like to call him in moments like we saw Saturday ‘Petulant Pedro.’ But this group and this tournament, is wide open.

That was the Belgium we expected to see this month.

Kevin De Bruyne is no Ross Barkley, but Romelu Lukaku‘s opening marker was such an Everton goal. Pure class to receive the pass in the box and pick his spot for the second. Lot of strikers at this tourney wouldn’t have had the composure to settle that.

Believe it or not, Belgium’s Premier League trio of strikers, Lukaku, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi combined to score just two goals in all of qualifying. Guess that means we won’t see either of the two Liverpool men again.

Marc Wilmots still won’t play Vertonghen and Alderweireld next to each othern and has no time for Laurent Ciman. I was stunned to see the Montreal Impact fullback have as much time on the ball as he did against Italy.

How Alderweireld stayed on the pitch after kicking Shane Long in the back of the neck is beyond me. Should have been a penalty for the Irish. Instead Belgium took it the other way off a resulting clearance and began their scoring spree.

Belgium should have been up 3-0 on 25 minutes. De Bruyne’s free kick in the 16th minute was one of the best I’ve seen. Clearly none of his teammates thought he could hit the ball like that because no one wanted to get on the end of it. Eden Harzard leaned back and powered his leg through the ball, skying it over the bar. And then Carrasco was unlucky to put his fast paced effort off the bar.

Anyone who bet on the Belgians to have a long tournament, feels much better now.

You could hear Icelandic hearts breaking, worse than Wolf Stansson when he realized Kenan Thompson was the goalie.

Continuing with the tournament theme of late game changing goals, Birkir Már Sævarsson‘s own goal was the 13th goal scored after the 85th minute.

Great to see Eidur Gudhonsson come on and take the arm band for eight minutes. He put Iceland on the football map. Only made sense he get to participate in, what looked set to be a piece of history. Was surprised to learn he made his international debut 20 years ago coming on as a substitute for his father.

Seeing the throngs of Icelandic support, all I can think is, ‘I hope their houses aren’t being burgled!’ Who’s left in Iceland? Everyone is in France!

I couldn’t be happier for the Hungarian fans who grew up hearing about how great their countrymen were in the 1950’s. They now have heroes of their own to tell stories about.

Inspired by Gabor Kiraly, I may just wear sweat pants to work tonight.

Check my blog daily for recaps, previews and my general EURO 2016 opinions.

EURO 2016: Day 8

This is the Spain we thought they were.

Expected Spain to find a fourth, for no other reason than to stop the critics from saying “sure they can suffocate you to death with possession. But they don’t score!”

Underwhelming in their tournament opener, the defending champions never once looked threatened in Nice on Friday. They hardly broke a sweat. It was a textbook Spanish win, and should have you quite nervous if you’ve bet your money on someone else to win it all.

Chelsea bought the wrong attacking Spaniard last summer. Nolito has kept Pedro out of this Spanish side, and Friday you saw exactly why. What a player! Provided the perfect ball in for Morata, who equally as impressive, just steered it in to the corner. Then notched one of his own.

Surprised to see Fatih Terim sub off Hakan Çalhanoğlu for Nuri Şahin at halftime. Çalhanoğlu is one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. But clearly Terim feared Turkey were more likely to concede again then score. He was right. Only took Morata three minutes to find his brace.

What did I say yesterday? Don’t leave early!

Didn’t expect to see a goal between Italy and Sweden after watching 85 rather stale minutes. And I certainly didn’t expect to write about Éder as the hero.

When reading that Antonio Conte had dropped Matteo Darmian, I couldn’t understand why Éder had kept his place. The Sampdoria frontman was one of the worst players on the pitch against Belgium. Friday wasn’t Graziano Pelle‘s day, but when he was taken off instead of Éder, again I thought Conte got it wrong. Sweden’s defense certainly did.

Not to take anything more away from Éder, that was a special goal and stunning finish. But how did he have that opportunity? There were four yellow shirts within striking distance from the moment he received the ball to the moment he unleashed that game winning shot. I’ve seen horrible MLS sides defend better.

Sweden seemed more confident and offensively inspired in the first half than they did in their opener. But again, Zlatan Ibrahimovic failed to take over the way you would expect and the way Sweden need him to. John Guidetti and Durmaz seemed more likely to find the back of the net. Can’t be ‘avin that.

With the injury list the Azzurri racked up in the weeks before the tournament, any Italian supporter would have laughed in your face if you told them Italy would take six points from their opening two matches. This was a team with low expectations. They’ll be over the moon now.

And let me just add that hearing the Italian national anthem still reminds me of hating Sunday mornings when Michael Schumacher would win every single F1 Grand Prix. Hell of a song though.

Croatia absolutely dominated for the better part of 80 minutes. But in the end, looked as bad as Vedran Ćorluka‘s baby hat.

I was corrected on Twitter that it is more than likely one of those Olympic water polo caps. Baby hat just sounds better.

What a strange match. All the heat Joe Hart took for letting in Gareth Bale‘s free kick, and Danijel Subašić gives up that Czech header to swing the entire match. Made me miss seeing Stipe Pletikosa in goal. Mainly because I just love saying his name.

Shame to see the disturbances in the stadium. How flares and fireworks still get in to grounds boggles my mind. Why the ultras would choose that moment in the match to launch projectiles on to the field, I also do not understand. This is a country that has to play their next two World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors. For all their passion, they’re not helping the team to perform without distraction. The interruption only swung the momentum in the Czech’s favour even more. Mark Clattenburg handled it very well. And then made the right decision giving the penalty in the 94th minute on Domagoj Vida‘s panicked handball.

You can tell who Ivan Rakitic spends his time watching in training. I often thought he was quite overrated. But that chip was world class, and it’s clear to see how important he is to Croatia’s success. Not moreso than Luka Modric, as proven by the dip in form as soon as he was subbed off to avoid further aggravation to his strained groin.

Hopefully Tomáš Rosický is fit for the Czech Republic’s final group match against Turkey. Seconds away from booking family holidays for next week, finishing in third place is much more likely now.

EURO 2016: Not all doom and gloom for England

“All hail The Tinkerman: Roy Hodgson!”

Roy left his harsh critics in disbelief with a rare double substitution at halftime. Clearly he’s consulting twitter before making adjustments. Bloody genius. All three subs contributed to that match winning goal. Hodgson may actually sleep worse Thursday night because of the decisions he will now be forced to make ahead of the match with Slovakia.

How quickly the mood can change with one goal. Minutes away from their second 1-1 draw, England can now feel quite confident sitting atop Group B. Thanks entirely to Daniel Sturridge, who steered home the match winner like it was a Saturday afternoon at Stoke. Funny really, because I felt like I was watching Spurs v Palace for much of the first half. If he wasn’t so injury prone, Sturridge would be one of the biggest stars in the world. Such a game changer, he is the ideal super-sub. Although I don’t know if that tag carries the same weight if a guy plays 45 minutes.

Jamie Vardy‘s life is one hell of a party. Thought it a bit unfair at the time to take Harry Kane off. But Vardy’s injection of energy and confidence shook Wales to their core. Wales were so unlucky to concede just 10 minutes into the second half. Ashley Williams was in the right place at the wrong time. If that ball comes off an England player, Vardy is offside.

How Adam Lallana has kept his place for 163 minutes, I do not understand. But I do know I wasn’t the only one that expected Roy to turn to James Milner because the going got rough.

Joe Hart Will be roasted in the papers for conceding Bale’s goal. But at least he won’t have to buy steak dinners for the whole team. Owes Sturridge one at least.

Marcus Rashford is the youngest player at this tournament. Doesn’t even bother to sprint on to the pitch. When one scores two minutes and 18 seconds into their international debut, I guess one can be confident.

You’ll hear former players say all the time “it was so much easier when I was younger. You’re not afraid of anything.” Rashford is fuelled by the fearlessness of his youth. England and Manchester United are better for it. Will José Mourinho be so impressed by that quality that he doesn’t ship Rashford off to Vitesse Arnhem on loan? Sorry. I mean Sunderland.

Eric Dier and Dele Alli have become the first two names on the teamsheet and that’s pretty spectacular. I was impressed to see Alli stay on his feet when shoved in the back in the box in the 16th minute. Sad reality is though, had he made a meal of it and gone to ground, he would have won a penalty. Wayne Rooney would have missed it so, maybe Alli knew that.

Must say though, Rooney hasn’t been too bad. He’s played much better than I expected, and while there’s some plays where he makes the wrong decision, when he gets it right, you never know what can happen.

EURO 2016: What to watch for on Day 7

All the pressure is on England today in Lens. But when is that not the case for The Three Lions?

While so much has been made about this being their first meeting at a major tournament, Thursday’s match will be the 102nd time England and Wales have played each other. Not sure how many of those were worked by a German officiating crew, but expect that factoid to come up on twitter a few times if things aren’t going England’s way.

The gap in quality between these two has never been so tight. England still hold a commanding edge. But while you may not recognize all the Welsh names on the pitch, what you should see early on is how well they compete against their more popularized and considerably better compensated opposition.

One would hope that Roy Hodgson was more disrespected by his side’s inability to finish off the worst team in the group Saturday, than Gareth Bale‘s comments that the Welsh players “have more passion and pride” than their eastern neighbours.

It would be foolish if England’s approach is to simply target to shut down Bale. This side has other options, and England proved against Russia that they do not have enough defensive minded players to deal.

Jamie Vardy deserves to be in England’s starting XI. Adam Lallana does not. But I don’t see Hodgson readjusting to a 4-4-2 to accommodate.

A draw would be just perfect for Wales, not that I expect them to settle for it. But should the match be tied with less than half an hour to play, you couldn’t blame Chris Coleman for instructing his side to play smart, conservative football to guarantee England lose two more points on the pitch and even more at home.

At tournaments like this, successful teams build to their best match. Germany won 2-0 in their opener and were nowhere near as good as they can be. That’s encouraging for Joachim Löw and terrifying for Poland.

The leash on Mario Götze can’t be very long after an uninspiring performance against Ukraine. But I expect Germany to stick with employing a false nine until given reason to do something else.

Poland beat Germany 2-0 in qualifying. But I see the Poles falling by a 2-1 scoreline today in Paris.

Northern Ireland are not expected by anyone to impress this month. But they proved in their opening loss to Poland that they do deserve to be here and can push their opposition. If Ukraine have underestimated their opponents, Pyatov might just be picking ball(s) out of the back of his net.

Enjoy today’s matches and check the blog daily for recaps, previews and my general EURO 2016 opinions.

EURO 2016: Day 6

Didn’t expect France to need 89 minutes and 11 seconds to find a way to score on Albania.

6 points from an available 6, and still there will be thousands of unsold papers piled at newsstands across the country with the French happier to complain to each other about their team.

Heartbreak for the debutants. Super-sub Antoine Griezmann capitalised on the only play Albania’s centrebacks didn’t mark every blue shirt in the box. And Dmitri Payet added to his legend by making a case that HE just might be the best French player at this tournament.

Few coaches would have the balls to bench arguably his two best players in favour of a pair of explosive, but unproven and very inexperienced young stars. In the end it paid off. But I doubt that Didier Deschamps feels it was worth the stress. Though if he’s going to get five minutes of stoppage time every match, how worried can one really be? Somewhere in Chesire Fergie watched France’s fortune with a jealous grin on his face.

If Albania’s pre-match plan was to frustrate the French by giving them all the possession without allowing them the opportunity to move the ball effectively, they succeeded mightily in the first half. And in turn, left the home supporters unsettled and anxious from the get-go. Watching Paul Pogba and Griezmann warm up before the 40 minute mark added to that anxiety, both for the fans and Deschamps.

France really struggled to get the ball forward and threaten in the first half. Olivier Giroud had a couple of opportunities, but not the guaranteed “can’t miss” chances you would expect a side with that much skill to be able to create for him. Though the country seems to have an even lower tolerance level for the Arsenal frontman than Gooners. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Gignac start on Sunday.

France looked a lot like Portugal in the second half. Desperate to find a winner, but unable to move the bus parked in front of them. Albania were unfortunate not to go in front. Spirited effort without their captain though. Albanians should be very proud.

I told you Marek Hamšík would have little trouble exploiting Russia‘s poor excuse for a backline. What a stunning goal from the Napoli man that has somehow remained one of the most underrated goalscorers around. Not a bad way to earn your first win at The Euros.

Quite the different crowd supporting Russia yesterday. Lot of fancy suits and even more expensive handbags in the crowd. Perhaps the upper-class is more tolerant of frustrating and uneventful football? 

Again Russia were fortunate not to have conceded three or four goals. I can’t remember a team of this calibre that has looked so lost. And to think Russia is hosting the World Cup in two years. Might just be as disastrous on the pitch as many feel it will be off it.

1-1 was a fair scoreline for Switzerland and Romania. Would be nice to have those 90 minutes back. But that’s besides the point. 

All the talk about Deschamps changing things so drastically, but Anghel Iordănescu made four changes to the side that was unlucky to lose to France last Friday. Switzerland can be better and are fortunate France are comfortable ahead of their final group game on Sunday.

Check my blog daily for recaps, previews and my general EURO 2016 opinions.

EURO 2016: What to watch for on Day 6

Hello again, you beautiful triple-header of distraction.

L’Equipe first reported that Didier Deschamps would drop Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann for Wednesday’s match against Albania.

I don’t know how he (or anyone really) would think that that’s the right move. Sure France were underwhelming in the tournament opener. But removing the two best players from the starting XI hardly seems like the way to make the side play up to their potential.

Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman are highly talented young players, but I don’t see the urgency to have them in the lineup for the better part of an hour. Their pace and energy make them ideal substitutes.

But such a switch would allow Dmitri Payet to play in the number 10 role. I’m starting to think there isn’t anything he can’t do. Could probably earn a clean sheet in goal. Could have led the San Jose Sharks to win the Stanley Cup.

While Albania may not struggle as much as you would expect without their suspended captain Lorik Cana, I still don’t see how they can leave the Velodrome with anything better than a 2-0 loss.

Something tells me not a single person on the Lille Police Force slept well Tuesday night. Here’s to hoping the early kickoff time, and UEFA’s threat to boot Russia from the tournament leaves us with only the football to talk about come the end of the day. Though we all know they would never do that, not with the World Cup there in 24 months.

It’s understandable why the Russian Ultras would be so angry this month. Their team is awful. Russia deserved a matchday 1 draw as much as I deserve to date Beyoncé.

Marek Hamšík should have little trouble exploiting Russia’s poor excuse for a backline. RUS 1-3 SVK

Can Switzerland get out of neutral today against Romania?

Thank you for continuing to read this piece.

While the Swiss took three points off Albania on matchday 1, they weren’t overly convincing and were fortunate Yann Sommer robbed Colorado Rapids forward Shkëlzen Gashi from point blank range.

Romania had the best defensive record in qualifying conceding just two goals in 10 games. But giving up two to the hosts was probably expecting. Hanging with France for over 85 minutes probably wasn’t.

Switzerland have never won two group matches at a European Championship, and I don’t expect that trend to change today. Today we get goals. ROU 2-2 SUI

Enjoy today’s matches and check the blog daily for recaps, previews and my general EURO 2016 opinions.