WELL, the first shocker of the Euro cup Sweden 1 and Slovakia 0. In a game lacking real goal mouth opportunities and a penalty that was lucky to say the least, Sweden went away with all three points. The draw kings of Europe actually won a match, believe it or not the last time they won was against France (2012 by two goals).
Sweden shock Slovakia
Sweden 1 vs Slovakia 0
18/06/21
Krestovsky Stadium
Slovakia had ten shots on goals and not a single one on target. 606 passes with 59% possession, yet not a decent attempt. Sweden on the other hand had 13 shots at goal with 4 on target. I am still shocked that Sweden won and actually outplayed Slovakia.
Croatia 1 vs Czech Republic 1
18/06/21 12 noon
Hampden park
After the game, the Czech Republic celebrated like if they had won. Jumping and singing for their supporters. Maybe they think at four points they have enough for the second round. It was a game of contrast, not like their first game but they managed a point and almost secured a spot in the second round too.
The match lacked many chances and was even terms of possession. There were 11 shots on goal with only three on target.
Clearly, this was not a very exciting game but the Czechs with a draw will be the happier team.
England vs Scotland
18/06/21 England 0 vs Scotland 0
Wembley Stadium
In the oldest rivalry that started international football matches way back in 1872, it promised to be an exciting encounter.
The Scottish fans celebrated after the game as if they won. England drew with Scotland and shared the points and pints. It was not a classic game and England looked very flat compared to their first game. This leaves the group wide open and it means that the game between the Czech and England becomes critical. If England lose they can face some serious issues and not top the group.
It was a tame draw with England dominating possession with 61% but Scotland had more shots at goal with 11 compared to nine. The accuracy of the shots left much to be desired. Overall it was a poor game and it will lead to interesting final round matches.
Saturday’s games
France vs Hungary
Ferenc Puskas Stadium
19/06/21 9am
Predicted Score 2-1 France
Can this be the first major upset? Hungary has what it takes to put up a good fight. On paper it looks like an easy victory for France but in reality Hungary are a tough team and are capable of an upset. A horrible last ten minutes resulted in three goals in the match against Portugal, hopefully we do not see a repeat in front of the home crowd. So watch this game – you may be surprised.
Portugal vs Germany
Allianz Stadium
19/06/21 12 noon
Predicted score
2-1 Portugal
Germany needs to win this game and not rely on its clash with Hungary for salvation, even a draw will suffice. Portugal will create chances and can hurt the Germans early. This will be an exciting game and not the boring encounter that was France vs Germany.
Spain vs Poland
19/06/21 3pm
Estadio De la Cartuja
Predicted score
2-0 Spain
This is must win game for Spain if they are to prove that they want to be title contenders. Do not write them off just yet, they are a good team with lots of power players. Poland unfortunately will be the whipping boys in this group.
England held by Scotland
By Gerald Lutchman
WELL, the first shocker of the Euro cup Sweden 1 and Slovakia 0. In a game lacking real goal mouth opportunities and a penalty that was lucky to say the least, Sweden went away with all three points. The draw kings of Europe actually won a match, believe it or not the last time they won was against France (2012 by two goals).
Sweden shock Slovakia
Sweden 1 vs Slovakia 0
18/06/21
Krestovsky Stadium
Slovakia had ten shots on goals and not a single one on target. 606 passes with 59% possession, yet not a decent attempt. Sweden on the other hand had 13 shots at goal with 4 on target. I am still shocked that Sweden won and actually outplayed Slovakia.
Croatia 1 vs Czech Republic 1
18/06/21 12 noon
Hampden park
After the game, the Czech Republic celebrated like if they had won. Jumping and singing for their supporters. Maybe they think at four points they have enough for the second round. It was a game of contrast, not like their first game but they managed a point and almost secured a spot in the second round too.
The match lacked many chances and was even terms of possession. There were 11 shots on goal with only three on target.
Clearly, this was not a very exciting game but the Czechs with a draw will be the happier team.
England vs Scotland
18/06/21 England 0 vs Scotland 0
Wembley Stadium
In the oldest rivalry that started international football matches way back in 1872, it promised to be an exciting encounter.
The Scottish fans celebrated after the game as if they won. England drew with Scotland and shared the points and pints. It was not a classic game and England looked very flat compared to their first game. This leaves the group wide open and it means that the game between the Czech and England becomes critical. If England lose they can face some serious issues and not top the group.
It was a tame draw with England dominating possession with 61% but Scotland had more shots at goal with 11 compared to nine. The accuracy of the shots left much to be desired. Overall it was a poor game and it will lead to interesting final round matches.
Saturday’s games
France vs Hungary
Ferenc Puskas Stadium
19/06/21 9am
Predicted Score 2-1 France
Can this be the first major upset? Hungary has what it takes to put up a good fight. On paper it looks like an easy victory for France but in reality Hungary are a tough team and are capable of an upset. A horrible last ten minutes resulted in three goals in the match against Portugal, hopefully we do not see a repeat in front of the home crowd. So watch this game – you may be surprised.
Portugal vs Germany
Allianz Stadium
19/06/21 12 noon
Predicted score
2-1 Portugal
Germany needs to win this game and not rely on its clash with Hungary for salvation, even a draw will suffice. Portugal will create chances and can hurt the Germans early. This will be an exciting game and not the boring encounter that was France vs Germany.
Spain vs Poland
19/06/21 3pm
Estadio De la Cartuja
Predicted score
2-0 Spain
This is must win game for Spain if they are to prove that they want to be title contenders. Do not write them off just yet, they are a good team with lots of power players. Poland unfortunately will be the whipping boys in this group.