An abundance of goals and excitement was generated by the final group games yesterday. It culminated in Sweden, Spain, France, Portugal and Germany qualifying for the knockout rounds. Spain threw off their goal scoring shackles to thrash Slovakia 5 - 0. Spain played well again but finally their attacking style was rewarded with goals. Slovak Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka got the Spaniards off the mark with a ridiculous own goal. The Newcastle Keeper had been having a good tournament and started this game well saving a 12th minute penalty from Morata. A moment of madness though saw him try and palm the ball over his bar only to slap straight in to his own net. Spain had been a constant threat and ran out clear winners to qualify from their group in second place. Slovakia had been strong and well organised at the back before this game but were simply overran by this exciting young Spanish team. Slovakia are out along with Poland who lost 3 - 2 to Sweden. Sweden surprisingly finish as Group E winners. Midfielder Emil Forsberg took his two goals well to take his tournament tally to three. Although the Poles are out we did get to see the class of Robert Lewandowski. He scored two goals to keep the game interesting the first of which was an absolute belter from outside the box. The final group games came from Group F with the chance of Germany and Portugal going out. It looked like it could be the Germans who would be knocked out, twice going behind to a determined Hungary team. Leon Goretzka's equaliser in front of his own fans was enough to ensure Germany qualify in second place. Hungary are out but have given plenty to the tournament. Their fans have generated amazing support and the team has given two quality sides a real game. It was good to see the travelling fans applaud the Hungarian team after the game. The controversy over Hungary's anti gay laws should not reflect on the performance of the Hungarian football team. Meanwhile the other Group F game saw European Champions Portugal and World Cup Champions France battle out a 2 -2 draw. Neither side were at their best but both showed moments of quality. Lille's Renato Sanches showed strength and good running on the ball from midfield. Ronaldo showed nerves of steel to score twice from the Penalty spot. Those penalties mean Ronaldo is now joint all time international goalscorer with Iran's Ali Daei on 109 goals. You wouldn't bet against him beating that record during this tournament. For France Paul Pogba's passing at times was exquisite. A first half slide rule pass along the ground from his own half, cut through eight Portugal players for Mbappe to run on to. Mbappe should have done better with the chance but shot right at the keeper. Benzema made more of Pogba's passing skills in the second half. The Real Madrid striker timed his run brilliantly to stay onside, latch on to Pogba's through ball and side foot the ball past Patricio. There were some bizarre moments. Lloris flapped from a deep free kick in to the box to give a penalty away. Moments later France were awarded an incredibly soft penalty when Semedo brushed in to Mbappe. The refereeing and use of VAR has been brilliant in this tournament but the officials got that one totally wrong. It was an entertaining game. Both teams are through but know they will need to improve in the knockout rounds.
There are no games now until Saturday. Two days to relax before we get back to it.
Round of 16 fixtures:
Saturday 26 June:
Wales V Denmark - 1700
Italy V Austria - 2000
Sunday 27 June:
Netherlands V Czech Republic - 1700
Belgium V Portugal - 2000
Monday 28 June:
Croatia V Spain - 1700
France V Switzerland - 2000
Tuesday 29 June:
England V Germany
Sweden V Ukraine
You can have a well earned two day break - but we look forward to the nexr instalment !