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.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 11:40 AM
556 Comments:
Welcome, chaps - here's the latest in Group E:
Slovakia need a point to be certain of going through and will top the group if they win and Sweden do not.
Spain will go through if they beat Slovakia. They will also go through if they draw and Poland do not beat Sweden.
If Slovakia, Sweden and Poland all finish on 4 points ... well, let’s wait and see.
The line-ups for the match in Seville:
Slovakia (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Hubocan; Kucka, Hromada; Haraslin, Hamsik, Mak; Duda.
Subs: Valjent, Gregus, Weiss, Suslov, Benes, Kuciak, Hrosovsky, Hancko, Duris, Lobotka, Rodak, Koscelnik.
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Azpilicueta, Garcia, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Pedri; Moreno, Morata, Sarabia.
Subs: De Gea, P Torres, Marcos Llorente, Thiago, F Torres, Sanchez, Gaya, Rodri, Fabian, Olmo, Traore, Oyarzabal.
Good morning, Bob. Here to join you for Group E for effort. Neither match looks exciting. Any one of the four teams can win this group. This is a mathemagical group
If Spain draws and Poland defeats Sweden then Spain will finish bottom without losing a match. I don't think that's ever happened in a Euro or the WC
And the teams for the one in St. Petes:
Sweden (a flat-pack 4-4-2): Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Danielson, Augistinsson, Larsson, Ekdal, Olsson, Forsberg; Quaison, Isak. Subs: Johnsson, Nordfeldt, Bengtsson, Berg, Svensson, Helander, Sema, Krafth, Claesson, Jansson, Kulusevski, Cajuste.
Poland (an unusual 3-2-4-1): Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek; Krychowiak, Klich; Jozwiak, Swiderski, Zielinski, Puchacz; Lewandowski. Subs: Skorupski, Fabianski, Dawidowicz, Kedziora, Kozlowski, Linetty, Rybus, Placheta, Frankowski, Kownacki, Swierczak, Helik.
I have Spain vs Slovakia on the telly and Sweden vs Poland on Plus
Teams in the tunnel in Seville. That's the one I'll have on the big screen while I'll have the other one in the small screen, turning over to watch the goals.
Welcome, David - great to have you on board. I'm still recovering from a rather invasive prostate exam at my annual physical this morning but otherwise okay. How are you?
Morning Boys
I guess I will have the Spain match on the telly just because of the commentators on the other one...even tho Spain bores me to tears!
I would like Spain to not win the group, preferably not qualify, but just keep them away from a date with England in Rome
I'm doing well, thank you for asking. Hope you feel better. I know those exams can be rather unpleasant
Spain's national anthem one of the few without any words
Fans are just humming along!
Yikes Bob...TMI!!
Good Morning, Dave. Neither match thrills me. I'm with you in not wanting Spain to qualify
I'm looking for a new urologist due to the move and only could reach to. They're the Group E of the medical profession. Hope these matches are a welcome getaway
RU of group take on Croatia
Winner take on a 3rd place team next to England's fixture
Morning, Dave - sorry about that. My butt is complaining bitterly. The doc could have at given taken me out for lunch after that abuse!
In a weird scenario there's one possibility where Spain could be undefeated and finish last. Has that ever happened in a Euro or WC?
How far did you move David?
we are off in Sevilla
Oh...Bilbao was supposed to host games
They're off from St. Pete and Sevilla.
And we're away on a very sunny, sweltering day in Seville. Of course, I'm hoping that Slovakia can get something here and send Spain packing.
Hahaahahaha
The non-invasive exams aren't really effective mate. Grit your teeth once a year for 2 minutes and you're done.
I moved 45 miles , which is far to travel for an annual checkup
I think that the Spanish players decline to sing the anthem out of nationalist pride. A lot of them are from Catalonian and Basque backgrounds.
GOAL !!! FOPRSEBREG GIVES SWEDEN AN EARLY L;EAD
GOAL.. Moreno talking about Sweden not attacking
ONE NIL!!!
Good morning, Steve. Watching Spain is like a prostate exam
I thought I heard there are no words to the national anthem
Welcome, Steve - yeah, you're right about that. At least I don't have to endure the colonoscopy prep for another two years at least. I've been doing the mail-in stool sample thing for a couple of years. My doc is nothing but thorough when it comes to the colon.
Afternoon Steve...it is literally just after Noon....for three of us
Nice link up play by Sweden . Nice cross by former Celtic right back, Lustig to Isak, and nice pass to Forsberg as he got past a really pathetic challenge and scored with a nice finish
Nice finish by Forsberg, somewhat reminiscent of the Lineker finish against Germany at WC 90.
The "Marcha Real" (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmaɾtʃa reˈal]; "Royal March") is the national anthem of Spain. It is one of only four national anthems in the world (along with those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino) that have no official lyrics[2] (although it had lyrics in the past, they are no longer used).
Sweden now top with Slovakia second and Spain one of the four best third placed teams as things stand
According to Dave it's Crotia vs Slovakia in the next round as things stand. Not excited
Sweden at the top of the group now.
Were Sweden on top going in?
I'd be happy to meet Sweden in Rome.... another quarter final against them!!
Last one was on my birthday.... England's semi is my birthday this year
VAR check for a penalty now.
VAR checking for a pen for Spain... It is 50-50...ref didn't call it...don't give it
I think he's going to go to the screen
It will be given
Sad to say this , but I think Finland will be one of the third place teams not to qualify due to their inferior goal difference due to scoring only one goal
Sweden were top going in and have now extended their lead.
That will be given...it is
Penalty to Spain
It is a penalty for Spain, indeed! I think that's really soft.
Sorry to say this, But I think it will be given. He kicked the player in the back of the ankle even though I don't think it should
That's why I'm only bothering to watch the Swedes and Poles today. I can't be bothered to watch those Spanish bores, or listen to commentators trying desperately to explain why boring is actually fantastic.
Penalty to Spain. VAR has been giving those
ANOTHER PENALTY SAVED!!!
Spain are 0 for 2!!!
LOVE IT!!!
Morata to take then....
Oh - it's saved - that's my boy Alvaro!
Did you get my Kane vid?
WOW !~ Nice save by Dubravka from Morata . Not the greatest penalty and why have Morata take it when he missed vs Poland
Then you've just missed Alvaro's comedy act, Steve. A really terrible penalty, chipped up at a nice height for Dubravka.
I'm going to watch the vid, but have been dealing with the battle in futility of finding a urologist
What a fake by Busquets.... little girl!
Moreno is really anti Sweden. I don't think they are that negative
I'm sorry Alvaro, I've hexed you, boy. I really didn't mean to.
Now there's an off the ball incident between Kucka and Busquets. VAR thought not a lot in it, but it's been an absorbing start here in Seville.
I didn't see it, Dave - did you text it this morning?
Poor penalty , but great reaction from Dubravka
Nice try Bob, but the Spanish need to do without me watching. They have fluttered their eyelashes at me and banished that complete waster Ramos, but no sale at the Gooner GHQ.
Right now, Spain are third and qualify. They would have three points with 0 GD. The other 3 pointers are negative GD. They would be in England's half and play Netherlands.
Puhleeze - Ian Darke thinks the pen should have been retaken because Dubravka drifted off his line. They all do. Can VAR really do Spain any more favors here?
I saw the text and will watch today. I was on the phone for close to an hour when planning to only be on for five minutes. I'm looking forward to it
I texted it
I just got it from my cousin and shared it
Just a stupid little video..not that big of a deal
OH! Lew had a shot blocked for a corner then a header off the bar from the corner. Nearly 1-1
LOL! I don't blame you, Steve. They really are boring, despite all of the plaudits from the Guardian pundits.
HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN FOR THE POLES!!!!!
I'll have a look at half time.
Close for Lewa with only the crossbar to beat and two bites at it.
Crossbar TWICE...two rebounds misses by Lewy.... from INCHES
Why drinkies in St. Pete . This is Russia not Florida.
Oh - great ball drifted in toward Sarabia but he got nothing on it. Slovakia aren't in this one so far.
Drinkies in St. Pete, but not Seville. it should be the other way around
Oh - this time it's Pedri who ghosts in and fails to get the killer touch. Spain really should be at least 2-0 up by now.
Why can't Wolves' Traore get a minute for the Spanish?
I know...he's too positive and takes on people
First header from Lew unlucky, second a missed sitter. First into the ground off the bar , then the rebound off the bar from two yards out, wide open with an empty net
We're not even half way into the first half - why are they having a break already?!
And the Guardian and Sid Lowe seem to be suggesting that anyone who doesn't enjoy watching them bore the opposition to death are the true ant-football fans and too dim to appreciate it. I put him in the same category that get really enthusiastic about Sean Dyche's approach to tactics and unworthy of my time.
That's a good question. I think his style of play not suited to Tiki Taka even though Traore is what Spain need. He's their only true winger to the best of my knowledge
Sevilla President says that Lopetegui rejected Spurs after an offer.....they can't get anyone thru the door!!
Klinsmann is begging for it tho
If Morata had scored just one of the two penalties Spain would be top of the group. Talk about fine margins
He's a bit rubbish don't you think? Trundles up and down to very little purpose. When everyone's fit, he doesn't even get a match for Wolves.
Traore runs right past all of his teammates and strands himself. He does that in the league when he runs right past all of his Portuguese pals he could pass to if they could keep up.
Spurs desperate if they're going after the likes of Lopetegui and Klinnsman. Steve must be loving this
Decent turn from Morata but his shot was straight at Dubravka rather than in the corner where it needed to be.
Dubravka pushes over a powerful shot from Morata , but it was really close to the keeper
I keep saying that Spurs should hire Bruce Arena.
Morata has a free header off the corner , but heads well wide
They're finally going off for a drinks break now in Seville.
Drinkies in Sevilla. I get that one
LOL, Steve. Spurs could do worse. How about the Toros manager? He's Colombian, but speaks perfect English
If these results hold Spain through and Finns eliminated . Am I correct that these results would mean finished Finns
It would be funnier than anything in that Ted Lasso show.
You're absolutely right about Sid Lowe, Steve. He's become really insufferable, but I still listen for the others.
The Slovakians should lay back and hit those Spanish zombies on the break. Nothing would cheer me more today.
I think Traore should be brought on by Spain . It would bring some unpredictably and could distract Slovakia , who are lined up for Tiki Taka,. not wing play It could throw them off even if he doesn't play well. One moment could make the difference
HOW DID THAT GO IN!!!!!
Owen Goal with another one!!
Did the keeper punch it in!
GOAL! Extraordinary! Serabia with a shot off the bar and then Dubravs punched it into his own net!
That was classic!!
All he needed was a simple volleyball push over the bar and he decided to punch it down instead. He'll have nightmares of that one for some time to come.
I'd like to see a team like Betis throw off the yoke of Tikki-Taka and walk La Liga with positive positive football and then sit back and listen to Lowe sputter excuses.
So, Spain are second in the group now on five points. Sweden are on seven points at the top.
I'll take these two scores
Sweden in England quarter
Spain in France's if they win the group
I keep waiting for that to happen, but tiki taka just seems to persist.
How much did the Spaniards pay the keeper... he forgot about the payoff for the pen...or maybe that was part of the deal to not make it so obvious
I'd take that, too, Dave. Germany in the next round at Wembley and then Sweden in the quarters in Rome.
One of the most bizarre OGs I've ever seen in a comedy of errors. First stupid passing from the back gifted Sarabia the ball then credit to him for a nice shot just outside the box that crashed off the bar, but Dubravka with a howler of howlers gifts SPain a goal by palming the ball in his own net
It was worse than Pickford at Anfield!! At least he let Origi head it in
As thins stand Finns Still finished . Slovakia would be one of the four best third placed teams, pending Group F results
Not sure that Slovakia would qualify as a best third place team on three points.
Slovakia break.... saved or wide... but well offside anyway
Oh - Duda was clean through but offside.
That makes own-goal co-top scorer for Spain.
Slovakia player misses a sitter with just the keeper to beat shot wide. Flagged offside
What are the goal differences with the 3 pointers?
Portugal, if they lose would be on three and will be at least at 0 because they lost
Owen Gola is the leading scorer in the tournament!!!
Slovakia qualifying depends on Group F. They may or may not . As things stand Finns out and Slovakia fourth best third placed team , pending results in Group F. Looking tough for them , but hanging by a thread
Four men down at once!
Ukes and Slovakia have -1 goal differences and Finns -2.
What is their GD?
Portugal would be at best 0
Ukes have scored four goals and Slovakia two, so Fin ns basically out and Slovakia all but out
Damn... we need the French to beat Portugal by 3 goals then!!
That would put them at -2
If they end up on -1 they would have scored more
As things stand it's SPain vs Croatia. Not excited about that one . Kovacic vs Biscuits. BORING
Correct Dave. I guess it's possible to beat Portugal by three goals, but not highly likely
Then hopefully France
I guess the Portuguese are thru
Qualification maths passes Spanish tikki-taka as the most boring thing at the Euros.
Again... I am not scared of them... but I don't want Spain to win the group
COME ON SWEDEN
If Spain, get pegged back. They would have 3 pts and at 0 GD
That would mean Portugal would be out if they lose by two
If not Hungary then I would want England to face Portugal. I think Germany would be up for the match at Wembley due to the rivalry and feel more confident for England if they face Portugal than Germany
Good point but that means Portugal would need something from France
Sweden petering out a bit at the end of the half. They were containing the Poles nicely but the defense and midfield are not any more.
Robin Olsson pushes over a long range effort from Zielinski off ppass from Lew
Spain double their lead!!
Bugger
GOAL !!! SPAIN GOES TWO UP. SLOVAKIA IN REAL TROUBLE
Spain will win the group with a Poland goal
COME ON SWEDEN!!
HT in St Pete
1-0 to the Dahlgren Boys
More poor keeping by Dubravka as he got lost on a cross off a corner . Ball played back in the box and Laporte scored an easy header off a cross from Jerry Moreno after the ball played back in the box
Spain two up at the half with Sweden one up
Here's an update on the Most Boring subjects at this Euros.
1 Qualification Maths
2 Spanish Tikki Taka
3 Caffeinated Taylor Twellman
4 Display of groundskeepers soil aerating tools.
Slovakia still a better third place team than the Finns . Same goal difference, but Slovakia with two goals and the Finns with one goal
Those are the worst half-time highlights I've ever seen from the Spanish-Slovakian match. A bad penalty decision, the most incompetently taken penalty, a goalkeeper punching the pall into his own net, and an uncontested looping header into the net. Good God, that match is dire.
I'm really surprised at Dubravka's howlers. He's been really consistent for the Toon since joining them . I sure didn't see this coming
LOL on the boring subjects, Steve. Number 3 the most hilarious
If Slovakia and the Finn s are the two worst third placed teams, and Portugal finishes third, here's the round of sixteen fixtures for the four best third place teams:
Belgium vs Portugal
Dutch vs Czechs
Sweden vs Ukes
France vs Swiss
also Wales vs Denmark , Italy vs Austria, and Croatia vs Spain other Sweet Sixteen fixtures
Second half underway from St. Pete. Frankowski , of the Chicago Fire , has come on as a sub for Poland
We are off
Looks like Slovakia made a double change As the second half is underway in Seville
Steve, have you been attending DC United matches this season?
I did updates at 1:03 and 1:04. I know the one at 1:04 is primarily a repeat but meant to give a total update
Peter Dreary said England the first team ever at the Euros to win a group scoring only two goals. Sweden could emulate them. Not exactly wanted records despite wining the group
Zielinksi with shot blocked for a corner after Frankowski "fired" in a pass
I'm back for the second half after a bite of lunch. Everything going swimmingly for Sweden and Spain at the moment.
Nice save by Sudio from Robin Quaison then the rebound by Forsberg blocked for a Swedish corner
Thanks for the update on the Third Place Team situation, David - that one was a real mystery to me.
Lewy goes down...whistle goes..for a foul on him
Robin Olsson with a nice save by a lo0ng range shot from Kristkowiak
Cheers, Bob. That's assuming Slovakia and Finland are the worst placed teams, which might change
I guess Belgium vs Portugal the top match involving the third place teams if Portugal finishes third
Matt just texted me
Good sources on Twitter....the Sancho deal is basically done
Way to go United...pick up an England man that plays TWO MINUTES
Swedish change as Dejan Kolosevski on for Robin Quaison
Thanks for the update, Matt. LOL, Dave! That puts things in perspective
Isak with a close range shot blocked for a corner off pass from Kolosevski
GOAL! Serabia adds a third goal for Spain. He deserved one for that one off the bar in the first half.
GOAL !!! SPAIN GOES THREE UP AND AS THINGS TAND SLOVAKIA WILL BE ELIMINATED
Spain still don't scare me
I'm not sure that Sancho is the kind of player that you need. You really need a proper #9 as Cavani can only last so long. You should be in the market for Kane and Haaland.
goal !!! forsberg puts sweden two up with a nice finish off pass from kolosevski
SWEDES DOUBLE THEIR LEAD
Forsberg with a brace now for the Swedes.
Kulesevski is the kind of player United need based on that last Sweden goal
Lewy with a goal back
Everyone is assuming that the French will beat Portugal today, but I'm not sure. I don't really rate France as highly as everyone else. We could see an upset today.
Poland caught on the counter. Shot from Kristkowiak with a shot blocked and the ball was passed to Kolosevski, who went on a 60 yard run down the right then his pass cut back for Forsberg to side foot with a first time shot from the edge of the box
GOAL !!LEW PULLS IT BACK TO 2-1 . NICE SHOT FROM THE EDGE OF THE BOX CURLED IN THE CORNER
I've switched my matches
Poland scored on a similar counter to Sweden's second goal. Shot from Augustinsson blocked in June. Jozwiak, passed to Zielinski , who found Lew all alone with Lindelof. Forced away from goal then cut in to score with curler in the corner
GOAL !!! DESMOND. NO GOAL DFISALLWOED FOR OFFSIDE . Sweden still leads 2-1
I missed it... will it count?
Offside
Ferran Torres on for Morata
Morata is coming off now to a huge ovation. I don't know why he's getting that reception - he's been rubbish.
I think France wants some revenge after the last Euro Final
Swidders with the disallowed goal off a pass fired in by Frankowski
GOAL! Fernan Torres scores with his first touch since coming on and Slovakia are starting to crumble.
BLODDY HELL! SPAIN UP BY AN LOB BLOGGING QUARTET
Four nil Spain.... still don't think they are that bad
The Poles are really giving it a go.
Markus Berg on for Isak and former Celtic defender , lusting replaced Krafth , who really offers grafth if truth be told
Time for drinkies in Seville . Slovakia players probably want vodka
Vlady Weiss on for Robert Mak truck, who in reality has been upended
Biscuits comes off - Alcantana on for him. Garcia also off for Thiago.
THey should at least stop the clock for drinkies!!
I just watched the fourth Spanish goal and Ferran Torres scored seconds after coming on. Came off a short corner and several passes later Ferran Torres diverted in a pass from Sarabia from a couple of yards out
GOAL! The bloke who's just come on gets the final touch. 5-0!
YIKES SPAIN GOES FIVE UP
Five Nil....still don't scare me
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