First Round Analysis of Euro 2016

Euro 2016 kicked off last Friday and the first round of matches has been played. Group F ended the first round of matches with Portugal drawing against an Iceland side brimming with confidence.

Here is an analysis of what has happened in the tournament after the first round.

First Round of Euro 2016 Draws to a Close

GROUP A

France looks like a strong side that can go all the way, but the tournament has seen great team play from all the competing teams. France needed the services of outstanding midfielder, Payet to secure all three points at Stade de France last Friday. The Leicester City rock, N'golo Kante has been exceptional so far in midfield compared to the household names of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi, who need to be more convinving in the upcoming matches.

Switzerland has always qualified for the Euros since 1976 and Shakiri, Xhaka and Gokan Inler have carried the team throughout the competition. The win against Albania proved to be a great step towards advancing them to the next phase of the competition.

Albania would be counting on their stars to make third place but for now they are just pleased to be a part of the competition.

GROUP B

After missing out on several Euro competitions through injury, Gareth Bale and his Welsh companions have displayed spirited performances. A 2-1 win against the Marek Hamsik led Slovakia showed the world that Wales are hungry for success and they would be churning out great performances to stay in the competition.

A cracker of a goal from Marek Hamsik verified his class, but if Slovakia is to qualify, they face either England or Russia, two sides that have not been convincing in ther matches.

The three lions as they are known have a young team that plays well but can be inconsistent. England has started the competition well evident from their display against Russia but the team lacks cohesion and needs their defenders to show leadership. Even though Rooney was criticized prior to the start of the competition, English fans have been surprised at how valuable he has been to the team so far. With strength in the depth of their team, Jamie Vardy can be the hero heading into the next round of games if he receives more playing time by Roy Hodgson.

GROUP C

The winners of the World Cup had a great test against Ukraine on Sunday but Toni Kroos was the difference between the two sides as time and again, many defenders cannot find a way of defending his crosses. 

Ukraine has their goalkeeper to thank for his exceptional saves against Germany. Without him, they would be at the bottom of the table. 

Northern Ireland could not survive even with the Evans Brothers on their team. Poland with stars such as Lewandowski proved too good for them. Poland did not make it far when they co-hosted the tournament with Ukraine. With such a great start made into the competition and three points in the bag, matches against Germany and Ukraine are tests they would relish heading into the dying scenes of the group stage.

Northern Ireland has a huge mountain to climb but they could pull off a surprise if they give 100 percent in the remaining fixtures.

GROUP D

Turkey against Croatia was a masterpiece relying on the equal strengths of the two sides. Turkey has a host of star players that have not gained much playing time, the biggest name being Arda Turan that explains why he was not the Arda we know from the opening game. Turkey’s next fixtures against Spain and Czech Republic would have to be a win-win at all costs in order to see them qualify for the next face of the competition.

Croatia has Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic to thank for lightning up the tournament. They are underdogs and have a great chance of surprising the world at this Euro.

Tournaments favorites Spain are not the same team that won back to back Euros. Their game against Czech Republic proved that they badly need a leader upfront and fans have started cursing Vicente Del Bosque for leaving Fernando Torres at home. Their tiki-taka style of play needs more decisiveness in the final third of the field.

Czech Republic is relying on the experience and strength of Thomas Rosicky whose best days are gone. They also have Petr Cech to thank for putting in great saves and would be relying on him to keep them in the tournament against Croatia and Turkey.

GROUP E

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s intense focus and commitment saved a point for Sweden on Monday afternoon. Although they are a balanced side, The Swedes need to step up their game to give the in-demand forward the support he needs.

Republic of Ireland is relying on the experience of Martin O’Neil. They have shown that any team can win with players that have consistent playing time. 

Belgium has been labeled as the best team of the tournament but they are like the Spain of old. Belgium like Spain, needs a proper finisher as Romelu Lukaku has been poor up front so far. 

Gli Azzuri has been the talk of the tournament with no stand out player but relying on a blend of the old and new style of playing football. Their game against Belgium showed why Italy would always be favorites who are in the shadows. Antonio Conte would continue to impose his image on the team and if the performances of Pelle and Immobile should continue the way it did on Monday night then Italy might be in for a great summer.

GROUP F

Hungary has taken the Euros by storm and with three points in the bag they have made a great step in advancing to the next phase of the competition. They are one of only three teams to have won by a two goal margin the others being Italy and Germany and if they carry on with such performances, they have a chance of getting back Hungarians into believing in the days of Ferenc Puskas.

Austria with Arnautovic and Alaba were beaten by Hungary but with Portugal and Iceland drawing, it leaves GROUP F wide open and any of them can scoop through to the round of 16.

Iceland gave the world a competitive match after coming back in the second half with an equalizer and going on to defend for a point. Sigurdsson showed on Tuesday that he has been on the big stage and with great strength and team effort; qualification might just be in sight.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal could not change the theme of the tournament which has been light on goals. Portugal relies on Ronaldo to score goals and Cristiano is far from his old sprinting days. The whole team should start taken individual responsibilities to be able to steer the team to success.

Euro 2016 has been the tournament that has defined the advancement of football. There are no minnows in football and if the second round of matches goes on with surprises and a greater edge of competitiveness then fans are in for a great competition.