Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Round of 16 Update

Hiya, Predictions Game loyalists! With that last gasp, extra time win by Ukraine yesterday evening, we've successfully made it through the Round of 16 of Euro 2020/1, so it's time to take stock of our game standings. With so many big sides - Netherlands, Portugal, France and Germany - dropping out at this stage and so many relative minnows - Czech Republic, Denmark, Switzerland, Ukraine - still left in the tournament, it's a wonder that I had any points at all to add this time. It's been a crazy two weeks. So, hat's off to MUR, who won this round, predicting fully six of the eight teams still in the tournament. 

Frank de Boer won the sack race on Monday, leaving the Dutch national team job, so I've rewarded two points to Red Devil, The Saint and to myself (Blue Devil) for that correct prediction. We're still looking for the First Hat-trick (2 pts) and the First Red Card in the pool (1 pt). 

It all means that Teddy Goalesevelt remains top of the standings, with a six point lead over Yellows. 

So, enjoy the Quarter-finals this weekend and I'll be back on Sunday to take stock again. Here are the current standings: 

1. Teddy Goalesevelt - 52 points

2. Yellows - 46 pts

3. Man Utd Rules - 45 pts

4. The Saint - 42 pts

- Swansong - 42 pts

6. United We Stand

- What's Up Wheaton Simon - 41 pts

8. Red Devil 1FCK - 40 pts

9. Gooner71 - 38 pts

10. Anfield Warriors - 37 pts

- The Bee's Knees - 37 pts

- Red Dragon - 37 pts

13. Blue Devil 34 pts

14. West Ham Rising - 31 pts

 

Come on, England!

It's England time again, chaps! So - England v. Germany. There's no bigger fixture in world football, in my estimation. Gareth Southgate has come in for a lot of stick during this tournament for putting out conservative team selections that have produced boring 1-0 results. Those are valid criticisms, of course, and yet, I'll take a boring 1-0 win over Germany today every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Come on, England! 
 

The Round of 16 Continues

Morning, boys! We're into the third day of Round of 16 knockout matches at Euro 2020. That brings up former champions Spain who have a tough match today against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. Both of these sides had slow starts to the tournament before exploding in their last matches to qualify for this round. 

Later, we've got World champions and presumptive favorites France, who have a relatively easy match with neighboring Switzerland. This would ordinarily be the sort of match that the French would expect to deal with easily; however, we've all seen how Italy, Belgium and especially Netherlands, who crashed out to the Czechs yesterday, have struggled in this round. France have rarely looked convincing in Euro 2020, so we'll see what they're made of today. 
 

Sunday at the Euros

Morning, chaps! We enjoyed a thrilling start to the knock out round at Euro 2020/1 yesterday, with Denmark and Italy booking their places in the Quarterfinals. Today, we're taking a stroll through the Lowlands, starting with the Netherlands taking on the Czech Republic at noon EST. The Dutch breezed through a weak Group C but we saw what that meant for Italy yesterday. Can the Czechs led by three-goal Patrick Schick give the Dutch a scare today? 

That's followed by one of the ties of the round - Belgium v. Portugal. Portugal showed in Group F that they could either be on or off, while Belgium slowly but surely made their way through Group B without too fuss. It should be enthralling - join me here!
 

Euro 2020/1 - The Round of 16 Begins!

Hiya, boys! It's Round of 16 time! This is always my favorite part of a summer tournament, when there are still quite a few teams in the tournament and every game means something, as it's either win or go home. First up this morning are our Home Nation favorites Wales against tournament darlings Denmark. 

Later, we've got Italy v. Austria. The Italians have had a perfect start to this tournament, winning three on the trot without conceding a goal. They were in a relatively weak group, so we'll see if the Austrians can test them a a bit. 

Join me around noon for all of the action. 
 

Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #3

Whew! I hope that all of you enjoyed that thrilling Group F action yesterday as much as I did! With those nailbiters, we ended the group stage of Euro 2020/1 and it's time to take stock of our game standings again before we jump into the Round of 16 matches at the weekend. When everything shook out last evening, all of the major powers - even those in the Group of Death - managed to get through to the next round, which is reflected in our point scores. Some of the predicted dark horses, however, fell at the final hurdle - my prediction of North Macedonia topping their group has put my status as "Nostrabobus" in serious jeopardy! 

We're still looking for the First Red Card in the pool and the First Hat-trick in the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is now streets ahead in the Golden Boot competition, having notched two more penalties against France last night - he's on five goals now. 

So as we look forward to a thrilling Round of 16 - Belgium v. Portugal! England v. Germany! Cor! - here are the standings: 

1. Teddy Goalesevelt - 37 points 

- The Saint - 31 pts

- Yellows - 31 pts

4. Swansong - 30 pts

5. What's Up Wheaton Simon - 29 pts

6. Red Dragon - 28 pts

7. Man Utd Rules - 27 pts

- Red Devil 1FCK - 27 pts

9. Gooner71 - 26 pts

- United We Stand - 26 pts

11. Anfield Warriors - 25 pts

12. The Bee's Knees - 22 pts

13. Blue Devil - 21 pts

14. West Ham Rising - 19 pts

 

Euro 2020/1 - The Group Stages Culminates

Morning, boys! We've reached the climax of the group stage of Euro 2020/1 and we've left the best for last. These two groups - Groups E and F - are both on a knife's edge. In Group E, former European champions Spain are on the precipice needing a win in order to qualify for the next round. The group is so tight that it could go down to disciplinary record to decide it. 

That's followed by the Group of Death, where France meet Portugal in a do or die match-up. Germany meet Hungary in Munich, where Hungary still have an outside chance of qualifying after that creditable draw with France. Anything can happen - join me to see the action. 

Come on, England!

It's England go time again, boys! England have already qualified for the Round of 16 but they'll want to finish the group stage and win Group D by turning over the Czech Republic at Wembley tonight. They'll be without the services of Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell, who are both on Covid isolation, but hopefully that will encourage Gareth Southgate to let his players off the leash a bit. England beat the Czechs at Wembley during qualification. so they will know that they have the quality to do it again tonight. Join me from 2:30pm onward to roar on The Three Lions. Come on, England! 
 

Euro 2020/1 - Day 11

Morning, boys - I'm back in the saddle here at the Cottage for the Group B and Group C action today. We start with the last matches in Group B - Netherlands v. North Macedonia and Ukraine v. Austria. Netherlands will win the group and the Macedonians are headed home but second place is still up for  grabs. 

After that Group C wraps up at 3pm, with Belgium v. Finland and Denmark v. Russia. This group is a bit more interesting, as Belgium are through but the other three sides are still in it. Should be a fascinating day at Euro 2020/1. Join me, won't you? 

Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #2

 

Evening, chaps! With the thrilling Group E and F action today, we wrapped up the second round of group stage matches at Euro 2020/1 this evening, so it's time to check in with our game again. If the first round of matches went basically to form, with the big sides (excepting Spain) winning their opening games, the second round represented a struggle for those sides, with only Italy and Netherlands sailing through the second hurdle. All that means that you'll notice a massive change in the standings tonight. Much of that is due to Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrick Schick, neither of which any of us picked, moving ahead of the pack in the Golden Boot race on three goals. No doubt, order will be restored by the end of round three on Wednesday, but for now our point scores are for the most part suffering. 

There are two categories yet to be sorted from the opening round - the First Red Card in the pool and the First Hat-trick. Referees have been kind with the cards, so that's still outstanding. 

All of this means that our old friend Anfield Warriors is top of the heap at the moment on 28 points. Here are the standings in full: 

1. Anfield Warriors - 28 points

2. Swansong - 23 pts

- Teddy Goalsevelt - 23 pts

4. What's Up Wheaton Simon - 22 pts

5. United We Stand - 20 pts

- Yellows - 20 pts

7. Man Utd Rules - 19 pts

- The Saint - 19 pts

9. West Ham Rising - 18 pts

10. Gooner71 - 15 pts

11. The Bee's Knees - 14 pts

- Blue Devil - 14 pts

- Red Devil - 14 pts

14. Red Dragon - 13 pts

Euro 2020/1 - Day 9

Morning, chaps - this is the last big day at the Euro 2020/1 tournament, with three big matches throughout the day. Starting tomorrow, we have fewer and fewer matches heading toward the final on July 11. So, let's sit back and enjoy it all. We start with the currently World Champions, France, who were underwhelming in victory against Germany the other day. This morning, they've got the weakest member of the Group of Death, Hungary, as opponents. 

That's followed by perhaps the match of the group and the round - Portugal v. Germany. The current European champions took a while to get going against Hungary but then exploded in the last fifteen minutes with three goals, including two for Ronaldo. The Germans lost narrowly to France and can't afford to lose again today. 

Finally, at the end of the day, we've got Spain, former World and European Champions, who stumbled against Sweden in their opener and now need a win against the Poles to get going in this tournament. Join me for all the fun today, eh? 

Euro 2020/1 - Day 8

Happy Friday, everyone! It's England time again. We start off today with a couple of undercard matches from Group D and E to get us prepared for the Home Nations match-up with the Auld Enemy. We start with Slovakia and Sweden. The Swedes got a very serviceable draw against group favorites Spain earlier in the week, while Slovakia did over a weak Polish side. With a win this morning, either side can book their berth in the Round of 16. 

That's followed by the other match-up in England's group, with the Croatian trying to bounce back from that loss to England as they take on a Czech side that, thanks to two-goal Patrick Schick, defeated Scotland in the first match on Monday. 

Then at 3pm, it's the big one. England v. Scotland. England are clearly the superior side but the Scots are always up for a derby match with their neighbors to the south. It should be an absorbing day at Euro 2020/1 - join me.

Euro 2020/1 - Day 7

Morning, chaps! We're wrapping up the first week of this summer's European Championships tournament today. We start out with a duff match-up between the two losers from the first round of matches in Group C - Ukraine and Macedonia. I'll likely be in and out during that one. At noon, we've got the Group B match-up between Belgium and Denmark. Of course, the Danes will still be recovering from Christian Eriksen's traumatic cardiac arrest on the pitch last weekend, so it'll be a poignant moment. I'll be around for that one, for sure. Finally, the late one is the match-up between the two Group C winners, Netherlands and Austria. I'm looking forward to seeing how that one turns out.

Euro 2020/1 - Day 6

 

Morning, chaps! We're on to round two of the group stage matches in Euro 2020/1 this morning. Oddly, we start with a Group B match up - a Baltic Derby between historic rivals Finland and Russia. Tensions should be high this morning as these two sides kick off in St. Petersburg, with Finland just needing a point in order to likely qualify out of this group. 

That's followed by the Group A matches, starting with Wales v. Turkey. Wales pulled off a useful 1-1 draw against the Swiss in their first match, so a win for them would qualify them out of this group, while the feckless Turkey who were turned over 3-0 by Italy will be desperate to get their tournament back on track. 

Finally, it's the Italians fresh off that great start who meet up with Switzerland. The Swiss would love another draw in this one, which would likely put them in pole position to qualify out of this group. Join me for all the action today, won't you? 

Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update #1

Hi there, chaps! As of this evening, we've finished the first round of group stage matches at Euro 2020/1, so it's time to check in with our Predictions Game standings. I've totted up the points based on the group standings after that one match for all of the sides. As a reminder, you'll get two points for each team that you've correctly predicted in the top two spots and an extra point for each one that's in the correct order. In addition, you'll get a point for each of the teams that are currently the third place teams with the best records. That's a bit complicated because there are four sides who drew and are tied for third in their respective groups. Then there is Ukraine who narrow lost to the Netherlands but scored two goals. Then there are several sides who lost 1-0. So, points for all of those sides who are all theoretically in third place. 

In addition, several of you have bagged eight points for guessing that Romelu Lukaku would be Golden Boot, as he started tournament with a brace, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Schick and Mr. Own Goal. Finally, Anfield Warriors, The Bee's Knees, MUR, Red Devil, Teddy Goalsevelt, and Simon all got two points for guessing Italy's Ciro Immobile as the first scorer in the pool (Mr. Own Goal was the actual first goalscorer for Italy last Friday evening). 

All that means that Teddy Goalsevelt is off to a quick start in our game and is at the top of the charts with a bullet. Here are the standings in full: 

1. Teddy Goalsevelt - 32 points

2. The Bee's Knees - 30 pts

-  Red Dragon - 30 pts

- What's Up Wheaton Simon - 30 pts

5. West Ham Rising - 29 pts

6. The Saint - 26 pts

-  Yellows - 26 pts

8. Red Devil 1FCK - 25 pts

9. Man Utd Rules - 24 pts

10. Anfield Warriors - 22 pts

-  Gooner71 - 22 pts

12. Blue Devil - 21 pts

13. Swansong - 19 pts

14. United We Stand - 16 pts

Euro 2020/1 - Day 5

Morning, boys - I missed our usual breakfast with the Euros meet-up this morning; "Morning Joe" is a poor substitute.  But we've got some cracking Group F action to look forward to this afternoon. "The Group of Death" kicks off in a few minutes with Portugal v. Hungary. Portugal are current champions and on paper are a very strong side led by Cristiano Ronaldo and featuring a wealth of stars including ManYoo favorite Bruno and Liverpool striker Diogo Jota. Hungary in contrast are a bit of an unknown quantity, but surely won't stress the Portugeezers out that much. 

That's followed by the match of the round - France v. Germany. France are World Champions and the Germans are not the force they've usually been, but you can never count the Germans out, right? It should be a fascinating 90 minutes. Join me for all the fun this afternoon, won't you? 

Euro 2020/1 - Day 4

Morning, boys! I'm really getting to enjoy this "Morning with the Euros" routine. On Day 4, we start with the other match in England's group, Scotland v. Czech Republic, from Hampden. The Jocks really need a result in this one if they're to progress from this group. 

The tea-time kick-off is, as usual, not exactly a barnburner, with the lesser teams in Group D, Poland and Slovakia, getting their campaigns started. Finally, at the end of the day, Spain get started against Sweden. Will the former European champions get off to a winning start? We'll soon see. Join me for all the action today. 

 

Euro 2020/1 - Day 3

Ding dong - it's time, boys! England start their Euro 2020/1 campaign this morning against Croatia at Wembley.  Tournament favorites Italy and Belgium have gotten off to winning starts in the first two days of the competition, so England will want to follow suit, laying down a marker. I want to see a comfortable, professional win from Gareth Southgate's side this morning. Come on, England! 

The Euros Day 2

After a resounding victory for the Italians in the opener, Wales or Switzerland will want to keep pace in Group A in our first match of the day. Group B starts up at Noon with a Scandinavian battle between the Danes and Finns. The day ends with the favorites of many Belgium play Russia.

Join me

UWS

A Year Late.....BUT IT ALL BEGINS TODAY!!!!

The club season seems to have just ended but we are already ready for the Euros to start. I wish it was all in one country but we are spread around 11 different countries. We start in Rome as the hosts welcome Turkey for the opening game of the tourney. All the games are on the telly(no bloody streaming needed). The games are either on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC. Today we start on ESPN at 2pm with Euro Update show, then a pre-game and then the match. Here is a link to know where to find each match.

The Euros Coverage

To get us in the mood

THREE LIONS

Finally, here is a list of all the venues

·       Wembley Stadium - London, England

·       Allianz Arena - Munich, Germany

·       Stadio Olimpico - Rome, Italy

·       Olympic Stadium - Baku, Azerbaijan

·       Krestovsky Stadium - Saint Petersburg, Russia

·       Arena Nationala - Bucharest, Romania

·       Johan Cruyff Arena - Amsterdam, Holland

·       Estadio de la Cartuja - Sevilla, Spain

·       Puskas Arena - Budapest, Hungary

·       Hampden Park - Glasgow, Scotland

·       Parken Stadium - Copenhagen, Denmark

Join me for all the festivities

UWS

Euro 2020/1 Previews - Group F

It's the last day of my Euro 2020/1 preview series and I’ve saved the best for last - Group F: The Group of Death, which features current world champions France, current European champions Portugal, perennial tournament powerhouses Germany and, oh, Hungary just for good measure. Crikey! 

Prospects: Didier Deschamp's French side come into this summer’s tournament as inevitable favorites, with an embarrassment of riches from back to front. The only possible question mark is the eleventh hour call-up for Karim Benzema, who appears to be set to nudge Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud out of the first eleven. France could probably field three sides who would make it out of this group, but can Deschamps find the side that can win it all again? Portugal could have easily made a good final opponent for France but they’ll meet them in the group stage. Fernando Santos’ team won France 2016 with an organized and tidy effort elevated by the presence of one of the world’s most gifted players, Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet, Ronaldo is in the twilight of his career at the age of 36. Big questions also surround the German squad. It was an ominous sign when World Cup winning manager Joachim Low announced his resignation at the end of the tournament. Still, if we’ve learned anything from watching football over the last half century, it’s to never count out the Germans, who still possess real quality throughout the team. Marco Rossi’s Hungary team are merely here to make up the numbers in this group, as no reasonable observers expect them to place even a strong third in order to make it out. They made it here by defeating Iceland in the playoffs and they’ll be happy just to be sharing the same pitch with the likes of Kylian Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

* One to Watch: Germany’s 21 year-old forward Kai Havertz had a tentative first season at Chelsea, but after scoring the winning goal in the Champions League Final a couple of weeks ago, he’s set to explode on the Euro stage. 

* Most Likely to See Red: Hungary's veteran center back Willi Orban is likely to be overwhelmed in a group like this. 

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Portugal’s Man Utd forward Bruno Fernandez is fond of a hop, skip and jump at pens, but I’m guessing he’s got a Panenka in him as well. 

* Worst haircut in the group: France’s Barcelona striker Antoine Griezmann used to sport a sensible short back and sides; since winning the World Cup in 2018, though, he’s taken to looking like a frat bro on spring break in Jamaica.

* Key Match: Portugal v. France - Wednesday, June 23, 3pm EST, ESPN

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: Watch out for the third round of this group’s matches, as these teams have a habit of starting slowly in tournaments. 

Euro 2021/1 Preview - Group E

I’m now on Day 5 of my Euro 2020/1 previews this week - it’s time for Group E, which features another tournament favorite Spain, along with Sweden, Poland and Slovakia. 

* Prospects: At this point, the tiki taka style is so engrained in Spanish football that it’s less a team and more an idea. The golden generation of Spanish football may have passed but the philosophy remains. Does it matter that Spain doesn’t have a reliable striker? It does not. Poland are Spain's main competition in the group, having finished top of their qualifying group. The Poles are a fairly ordinary side elevated by the presence of one of the world’s great strikers in Robert Lewandowski. If Lewandoski's recent injury problems resurface, the team to benefit will likely be Sweden, who placed second to Spain in their qualifying group. Janne Andersson’s side is experienced but somewhat dull, with the likes of Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof anchoring the defense, the aging journeyman Sebby Larsson skippering the side and the veteran striker Marcus Berg leading the line up front. Slovakia qualified for their second Euro tournament by defeating Northern Ireland in the playofffs. 

* One to Watch: Spain’s 21 year-old forward Ferran Torres had a terrific season at Man City; he’s got an outside chance at the Golden Boot if Spain start clicking.

* Most Likely to See Red: Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen is prone to rushes of blood to 

   the head, as Everton fans will attest. 

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be sorely 

   missed in this department, but Spanish striker Alvaro Morata is likely to pick up the 

   slack.

* Worst haircut in the group: Someone needs to tell Slovakia’s Marek Hamsik that mohawks went out in the 70s. 

* Key Match: Spain v. Poland - Saturday, June 19, 3pm EST, ABC

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: Tiki taka lives to see another day…(sigh)…

Euro 2020/1 Group D Preview

Day 4 of my Euro 2021/2 previews brings up Group D, in which England are faced with a challenging group including Croatia, the Czech Republic and the Auld Enemy Scotland. 

Prospects: Gareth Southgate’s England side reached the semi-finals of Russia 2018 and have added several exciting youngsters such as Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden since then, making them genuine tournament contenders. As always, it will come down to tournament mentality, including the ability to win tight matches and even penalty shoot-outs in the later stages. Ironically, Croatia were the team that knocked England out in that Russia 2018 semi-final before bowing out to France in the final. Since then, however, time has not been a friend to Zlatko Dalic’s side, who typically starts half a side of players the wrong side of 30, including the team’s lightening rod the Real Madrid playmaker Luca Modric, now 35. The Czech Republic is another side well known to England, as they were England’s main opponents in qualifiers, defeating The Three Lions in Prague and finishing second in the group. The Czechs used to play stylish football, but Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side play a bit like Burnley, relying on long balls launched at Burnley striker Matěj Vydra and set pieces launched at West Ham’s Tomáš Souček for their goal threats. It’s obvious what’s coming from them but a lot more difficult figuring out how to stop it. Finally, Scotland Steve Clarke’s Scotland side qualified via the playoffs defeating Serbia in the Byzantine Nations League process. If the Czechs are old-fashioned, the Scots are prehistoric. The England-Scotland clash at Wembley on Friday, June 18 will revive nostalgia for Home Nations tournaments of the past, but don’t expect a lot more from Scotland than that hootenanny. 

* One to Watch: England’s whiz kid Phil Foden is poised to light up Euro 2020/1 as Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney lit up summer tournaments as teenagers. 

* Most Likely to See Red: Scotland’s Norwich City center back Grant Hanley is an aficionado of the agricultural challenge. 

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Croatia’s Inter Milan striker Ivan Perisic has done it before - he’ll do it again.

* Worst haircut in the group: England’s Jack Grealish is a man of a thousand hairstyles - all of them regrettable. 

* Key Match: England v. Croatia - Sunday, June 13, 9am EST, ESPN

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: Come on, England! 

Euro 2020/1 Group C Preview

It’s Day 3 of my Euro 2020/1 previews and I’m on to Group C, an intriguing group that includes Austria, the Netherlands, North Macedonia and Ukraine.

Prospects: Group C has been the most difficult one for me to handicap. On paper The Netherlands have the obvious tournament pedigree, having won the European Championships in 1988 and appeared in three World Cup finals. However, I’m not convinced by Ronald Koeman’s team, after a less than impressive qualifying campaign in which they placed second to a relatively weak German side. Ukraine, in contrast, finished impressively top of their group ahead of the current holders and tournament favorites Portugal. Manager Andriy Shevchenko’s gameplan is built around two creative midfielders: Oleksandr Zinchenko, who plays further forward than he does for his club side Man City and Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi. North Macedonia are the most enigmatic side in the tournament. The most recent splinter from the old Yugoslavia, the North Macedonians qualified for their first Euros via a playoff win over the modest opposition of Georgia. Yet, I suspect that their tightly-knit squad might be a surprise in this group. Austria, on the other hand, will not be a surprise package. Franco Foda’s side is likely to be one of the weakest in the competition. Only Leipzig striker Marcel Sabitzer is worthy of appearing on this stage - the others are journeymen at best.

* One to Watch: North Macedonia’s 21 year-old Napoli midfielder Elif Elmas

* Most Likely to See Red: Austria’s Alexsander Dragovic has learned the dark arts at Red Star Belgrade

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Fancy dan Dutch striker Memphis Depay.

* Worst haircut in the group: Ukrainian midfield Ruslan Malinovskyi appears to have a bad case of “Bieber Fever”

* Key Match: Netherlands v. North Macedonia - Monday, June 21, 12pm EST, ESPN

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: The upstart North Macedonians could well be the dark horse team of the tournament. 

Euro 2020/1 Preview - Group B

I’m on to my second day of Euro 2020/1 previews and Group B, which includes one of the tournament favorites Belgium, alongside Scandinavian neighbors Denmark and Finland and Russia. The top spot seems a foregone conclusion but the struggle for second (and perhaps third) place will be fascinating. 

Prospects: Belgian manager Roberto Martinez is spoiled with a team of enormous riches, which means that there will be weight of expectation on his shoulders to take this golden generation to victory this summer. A lot of that will depend on the fitness of Kevin de Bruyne, arguably the best midfielder on the planet. Denmark finished second to Switzerland but have started their World Cup 2022 campaign impressively with three wins. They’re well organized with Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel in goal and Chelsea’s Andreas Christiansen anchoring the defense but, apart of Inter schemer Christian Eriksen’s set pieces, they lack a goal threat. Russia had to deal with a rampant Belgian side in their qualifying group and, not surprisingly, finished second behind them. Finishing second in this group will be massive challenge to an aging squad and will rely on an experienced and resilient midfield. Finland reached their first international tournament, placing second to Italy in their qualifying group. Their presence at Euro 2020/1 will be largely of interest to Norwich City fans, who’ll enjoy watching their #9 Teemu Pukki on the big stage. 

* One to Watch: 19 year-old Belgian winger phenom Jeremy Doku

* Most Likely to See Red: 37 year-old Russian right back Yuri Zhirkov has lost a step

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” 30 year-old Danish man Renaissance man about town Martin Braithwaite

* Worst haircut in the group: Belgium’s Napoli forward Dreis Martens is fond of the frosted tips. 

* Key Match: Belgium v. Denmark - Thursday, June 17, 12pm EST, ESPN

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: The Belgian Red Devils will be a joy to watch in this group

Euro 2020/1 Preview - Group A

We’re a week away from the start of Euro 2020/1 tournament, so it’s time to start my usual previews. I’m starting today with Group A, which include perennial powerhouses Italy, along with Switzerland, Turkey and Wales.

Prospects: Top seeds Italy come into this summer in terrific form on a 25 game unbeaten run under manager Roberto Mancini. Still, there is the suspicion that, though Mancini’s side are quite solid at the back and in midfield, they lack the dynamism up front to challenge in the latter stages. The Swiss also qualified top of their group, albeit in a relatively weak one. Vladimir Petkovic’s team is organized around the grit of Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka and the creativity of Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri. Turkey enter this summer with arguably their strongest side since 2002, when they finished third in Japanorea. Senol Gunes has a rugged defense anchored by Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu and plenty of goals from Lille striker Burak Yilmaz - they're a potential dark horse. Finally, Ryan Giggs’ Welsh side exceeded all expectations at France 2016, when they reached the semi-final stage before being knocked out by eventual champions Portugal, but they’re unlikely to hit those peaks again this summer with the aging squad that finished second in their group. 

* One to Watch: Turkey’s 24 year-old Lille hot shot Zeki Celik

* Most Likely to See Red: Swiss grafter Xhaka certainly has previous - “Granit” by name; “granite by nature

* Most Likely to Attempt a “Panenka:” Mercurial Italian striker Ciro Immobile

* Worst haircut in the group: Welsh striker Gareth “Monkeyboy” Bale’s man bun in a continued affront

* Key Match: Turkey v. Wales - Wednesday, June 16, 12pm EST, ESPN

* Blue Devil’s Crystal Ball Says: Never bet against the Italians’ tournament mentality

Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game - Call Out!

Hi there, folks - The 2020/2021 season has barely finished but it's already that time again. With merely a week until the opening kick-off of the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament with Italy taking on Turkey in the opening match on Friday, June 10 at 3pm EST, I'm asking you to pull out your crystal balls and come up with some predictions for this summer's tournament. For those new to our predictions games, all you have to do to participate is email me with your predictions in the following categories (please email me without "replying all" to the list of competitors so that we get a variety of entries):

1. The top two teams in each of the six groups (you'll receive two points for each correct team plus an extra point if you get them in the correct order); e.g. "Group A: 1. Wales  2. Switzerland.”

2. The four best third placed teams that also advance to the Round of 16 

(1 point for each team)

3. The winners of each of the eight Round of Sixteen matches (3 points per team)

4. The winners of each of the four Quarterfinal matches (4 points per team) 

5. The winners of each of the two Semifinals (6 points per team) 

6. Champions! (10 points) 

7. The scorer of first goal scored in the tournament (3 points/ 2 points for first in pool)

8. The scorer of the first hat-trick (if there is one!) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

9. The first player sent off (either straight red or two yellows) (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

10. The first player to miss a penalty (either during regular play in a match or in a penalty shoot-out) (2 points/ 1 point for the first in pool)

11. The first match to go to a penalty shoot-out (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool)

12. The player who scores the winning goal in the Final (if there is one) (2 points) 

13. The first manager to be sacked (2 points/ 1 point for first in pool) 

14. The Golden Glove winner (top goalkeeper) (4 points) 

15. The Golden Boot winner (top scorer) (8 points)

16. Tournament MVP (8 points)

For those of you who were with us for France 2016, you'll notice that I've added one element suggested by our friend West Ham Rising to assign points for the first players mentioned by one of us and a bonus point if the player is the actual first. For example, if you correctly guess that Italy's Giorgio Chiellini scores the opening goal of the tournament, you'll be awarded three points; however, if no one guesses Chiellini and your guess of, say, Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu, is the first goal among the group, you'll be awarded two points.

The winner of the Euro 2020/1 Predictions Game will receive the vaunted Lancer Cup, which I'm showing off in the attached image as the current holder - you'll have to work hard to pry this junk shop beauty out of my hands! 

I'll be updating the game on the blog and through email every few days throughout the tournament. We'll be live blogging most games, so definitely jump in on the chatter and feel free to post threads with news and funny bits.

I can't wait for it all to get started.