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
posted by The Blue Devil @ 10:58 AM
1 Comments:
I agree that Belgium should run away group winners without much of an effort. My pick for second will be the Danes with the Russians as one of the four best third placed teams. The Belgians chances of winning the tournament will depend upon the fitness of the talismanic KDB. The Finns will be at the first ever major tournament and will it be the memory of a lifetime for the Finnish supporters, the players will be on the losing end with perhaps a draw against the Russians. Bristol Rovers may have finished bottom of L1 , but their keeper, Anssi Jaakola, made it as third choice keeper. Three MLS players made the squad for the Finns , including two from Minnesota United. Cypriot club Pafos, even had two players make it in the squad for the Finns. That's further evidence that the Finns are long shots.Foxes will be represented by Castegne , Tielemans,and Pratt for Belgium with Kasper keeping goal for the Danes. Of interest to bees fans will be Matty Jensen and Chris Norguard for the Danes and, and Marcus Forss for the Finns
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