Euros Hot Up
Poland v Portugal (8pm)
This is a very tricky fixture to choose. Poland have been incredibly solid all tournament, conceding just the one goal, a Shaqiri wonder goal, but simultaneously struggling to score goals, with only Blaszczykowski looking like a potent attacking threat. On the other hand, Portugal were woeful for the majority of the group stages, but then managed to turnover a potent Croatia side by showing up defensively and riding the storm. So overall, we're looking at two sides that will probably be reasonably evenly matched. I think that the winner of this game is the one that produces a moment of magic and both teams have players capable of doing that in Ronaldo and Lewandowski. But overall, I just fancy Poland. I think that they're a stronger, better rounded team and if Portugal go at them, then Poland will hurt them on the counter.
Prediction: Poland 1-0 or on penalties
Wales v Belgium (8pm Friday)
This is another close game to call. Belgium finally showed us what they're capable of in this tournament against Hungary, leaving them as the top goal scorers left in the tournament with eight goals. However, Wales are not Hungary. In construction, Wales are much, much closer to Italy, in that they will play five at the back, sit very deep, soak up the pressure and hit Belgium hard on the counter. Not only have Wales showed that they have the propensity to really hurt teams on the counter in this tournament, with seven goals already notched and Belgium's defence looking slightly shaky, but they've also showed that they're a very strong defensive side, and won't roll over as Hungary did. I'm backing Wales for this one, but there's no denying Belgium have the firepower to surprise the Welsh.
Prediction: 2-1 Wales
Germany v Italy (8pm Saturday)
When you reach the quarter final stage of any major tournament, games become difficult to call. But arguably none are harder to call than this one. Italy have proven themselves adept at just this type of fixture, defeating both Spain and Belgium 2-0, both of whom are set up similarly to the Germans. But then the Germans have proven themselves to be adept at breaking down teams, with only Poland holding a Germany team that have looked significantly better balanced since that game. It's also worth noting that the Germans have the best defensive record in the competition, and are yet to concede a single goal.
However, it's no secret that the Germans have my backing, and have done all tournament. Before the Euros began I said that I thought the Germans would win it. They have the best team, the best attack and the best midfield and arguably the best defence (although Italy would disagree). I was surprised that Spain didn't break down Italy, but Germany are a significantly better side than either Spain or Belgium and I think that they'll score early and blow the Italians away.
Prediction: 3-0 Germany
France v Iceland (8pm Sunday)
Depressingly, I can see this game going very, very similarly to the Republic of Ireland game. Overall, I really like Iceland and I definitely think that they'll make a game of it, especially as the French are there for the taking, but ultimately, as much as I would love to see Iceland knock out France, I just don't think that they have enough in them. France are a stronger attacking team than England and we saw how they wore down and eventually broke the Irish. However, there is every chance that France might not turn up, although I can't imagine it being possible for them to play as badly as England did. The thing about France is that they have a never say die attitude. They have scored late winners in two of their four games, and turned out a deficit in another. They have a winning mentality, even if their talent hasn't always shown (or really shown much at all). What their second half against Ireland demonstrated was that if they are able to get two or three of their phenomenal front line firing, then they are very dangerous. But they are vulnerable, and I do see Iceland causing them real problems.
Prediction: 2-1 France
The Hard and Fast Section
- Jason Roy is an absolute monster.
- Marcus Willis is a hero. Federer is a class act.
- Konta through, Watson out.
- And Dan Evans is also through...to face Federer.
No comments:
Post a Comment