AS I predicted Ukraine did come out on top. This was an exciting game and even though there were goals the real heroes were the keepers. There were two penalties that were blocked and fortunately for North Macedonia, Alioski (57th) was able to recover and score because the ball came right back to him.
Ukraine vs North Macedonia
17/06/21 9am
Score 2 -1 for Ukraine
National Arena
This was an exciting game with a no-holds-barred attitude form both teams with excellent saves. Up to the last minute North Macedonia were pressing for the equaliser.
Ukraine had 17 shots at goal with eight on target and had two goals from Yarolenko in the 29th and Yaremchuk in the 34th with 53 % possession. Alioski 57th minute penalty was the only goal for North Macedonia but they could have had three if not for the wonderful goal keeping skills of Ukraine. North Macedonia had 13 shots at goal and were were on target.
Unlucky Denmark go down to Belgium
Denmark vs Belgium
17/06/21 12 noon
2-1 Belgium
Parken Stadium
Exactly as I predicted Belgium came out 2-1 winners.
This was an excellent game where we must feel sort for Denmark because they deserved a better result.
At the 10th minute there was a minute tribute to Christian Eriksen where all the 16,000 in attendance including the Belgium team and the officials applauded non-stop. He wears No. 10 for Denmark and was hospitalised in Demark’s first game of the tournament after having a cardiac episode on the field of play.
In the 2nd minute Denmark shocked Belgium with a beautiful goal from Poulsen. Denmark were the more energetic and purposeful team and had Belgium pegged in their own half. Belgium looked very flat in the first half and were below their best.
The second half substitutions changed the course of the game and propelled Belgium to a 2-1 victory despite Denmark’s best efforts. T Hazard in the 54th with a PlayStation-type goal and De Bruyne in the 70th with a beautiful shot from outside the area. Belgium are now in the second round with Denmark all but out and will need a big victory in their last game to qualify.
Holland thump clueless Austria
Holland vs Austria
17/06/21 3pm
Prediction 2-0 Holland
Amsterdam Arena
Holland gained the points for the game but did not need to be at their best against an under par Austria. Lacking creativity in front of the goal Austria could not get it right – nine shots at goal and only one was on target even though they had 54% of the possession and 529 passes compared to Holland’s 480 passes.
Holland sealed the game in the 67th with Dumfries after taking the lead in the 11th minute with a penalty by the impressive Depay. We cannot take much of the encounter because the Dutch were never really tested.
Tomorrow’s games
Sweden vs Slovakia
18/06/21 9am
Krestovsky Stadium
Predicted score 2-0 Slovakia
Sweden has looked the weakest team in the tournament and I expect them to go down to Slovakia. This will guarantee Slovakia a place in the second round. Slovakia may actually top this group.
Croatia vs Czech Republic
18/06/21 12 noon
Predicted score 2-1 Czech
Hampden Park
I think that this Czech team will be too much for Croatia and will win this encounter. Croatia looked flat against England and will be hoping for a better performance but the Czechs are going to make life very difficult.
England vs Scotland
18/06/21 3pm
Predicted score 2-0 for England
Wembley Stadium
This will certainly be a passionate affair as these two old rivals lock horns. This will be a tough bad spirited game and we can expect a red card or two. England looks much improved and will win but it will be a hard fought victory.
Holland, Belgium in Round of 16
By Gerald Lutchman
AS I predicted Ukraine did come out on top. This was an exciting game and even though there were goals the real heroes were the keepers. There were two penalties that were blocked and fortunately for North Macedonia, Alioski (57th) was able to recover and score because the ball came right back to him.
Ukraine vs North Macedonia
17/06/21 9am
Score 2 -1 for Ukraine
National Arena
This was an exciting game with a no-holds-barred attitude form both teams with excellent saves. Up to the last minute North Macedonia were pressing for the equaliser.
Ukraine had 17 shots at goal with eight on target and had two goals from Yarolenko in the 29th and Yaremchuk in the 34th with 53 % possession. Alioski 57th minute penalty was the only goal for North Macedonia but they could have had three if not for the wonderful goal keeping skills of Ukraine. North Macedonia had 13 shots at goal and were were on target.
Unlucky Denmark go down to Belgium
Denmark vs Belgium
17/06/21 12 noon
2-1 Belgium
Parken Stadium
Exactly as I predicted Belgium came out 2-1 winners.
This was an excellent game where we must feel sort for Denmark because they deserved a better result.
At the 10th minute there was a minute tribute to Christian Eriksen where all the 16,000 in attendance including the Belgium team and the officials applauded non-stop. He wears No. 10 for Denmark and was hospitalised in Demark’s first game of the tournament after having a cardiac episode on the field of play.
In the 2nd minute Denmark shocked Belgium with a beautiful goal from Poulsen. Denmark were the more energetic and purposeful team and had Belgium pegged in their own half. Belgium looked very flat in the first half and were below their best.
The second half substitutions changed the course of the game and propelled Belgium to a 2-1 victory despite Denmark’s best efforts. T Hazard in the 54th with a PlayStation-type goal and De Bruyne in the 70th with a beautiful shot from outside the area. Belgium are now in the second round with Denmark all but out and will need a big victory in their last game to qualify.
Holland thump clueless Austria
Holland vs Austria
17/06/21 3pm
Prediction 2-0 Holland
Amsterdam Arena
Holland gained the points for the game but did not need to be at their best against an under par Austria. Lacking creativity in front of the goal Austria could not get it right – nine shots at goal and only one was on target even though they had 54% of the possession and 529 passes compared to Holland’s 480 passes.
Holland sealed the game in the 67th with Dumfries after taking the lead in the 11th minute with a penalty by the impressive Depay. We cannot take much of the encounter because the Dutch were never really tested.
Tomorrow’s games
Sweden vs Slovakia
18/06/21 9am
Krestovsky Stadium
Predicted score 2-0 Slovakia
Sweden has looked the weakest team in the tournament and I expect them to go down to Slovakia. This will guarantee Slovakia a place in the second round. Slovakia may actually top this group.
Croatia vs Czech Republic
18/06/21 12 noon
Predicted score 2-1 Czech
Hampden Park
I think that this Czech team will be too much for Croatia and will win this encounter. Croatia looked flat against England and will be hoping for a better performance but the Czechs are going to make life very difficult.
England vs Scotland
18/06/21 3pm
Predicted score 2-0 for England
Wembley Stadium
This will certainly be a passionate affair as these two old rivals lock horns. This will be a tough bad spirited game and we can expect a red card or two. England looks much improved and will win but it will be a hard fought victory.
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