Group F gave us some entertainment last night with Hungary defying Portugal for 84 minutes yet getting battered 3 - 0. Portugal dominated the game, showed their quality and proved they are a better team than they were when winning the competition five years ago. In 2016 they drew their first three games, qualified as one of the best third placed teams then went on to win. A point from the next two games will likely be enough for them to qualify. France beat Germany in an expectedly closed game. Although not as strong as years gone by Germany clearly have a good side and could have got something out of the game. I always felt though that France could break in to another gear if they had to. That's the strength of France under Deschamps. Play well but don't break sweat until you are really on the ropes. Group F remains intriguing because three strong teams are still battling to remain in the competition. Three points goes a long way to qualification and Germany are the team now under most pressure out of the three. If Hungary don't react well all three could possibly go through. Today starts the 2nd round of group games:
Finland V Russia - Group B -Kick off at 1400 from Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg. Live on BBC One and Iplayer.
Finland unexpectedly got a huge win in Denmark at the weekend due, at least in part, to the circumstances with Christian Eriksen. Whatever the reason though they have a good chance of qualifying now. You would expect Belgium to take at least a point off the Danes tomorrow meaning a draw would be an excellent result for the Finns here today.
Russia meanwhile have to win this if they hope to progress after losing their first match to Belgium. There's no shame in losing to Belgium but they were thumped 3 - 0 and are definitely not the side that reached the World Cup Quarter finals three years ago. We'll see if that match knocked the stuffing out of them or whether they can react to win here. On paper the Russians should be confident of beating the Finns. They need to get a little more out of Monaco playmaker Aleksandr Golovin who on his day is a very good player.
Frenchfooty prediction: Finland 0 - Russia 1
Turkey V Wales - Group A - Kick off at 1700 from Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan. Live on BBC on, BBC Iplayer and S4C.
Turkey were so disappointing against Italy in the tournaments opener. They looked so lacklustre and physically exhausted from early on. They simply have to react here if they are to have any chance in this Competition. A.C Milan's attacking Midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu showed great touches and movement in the opening ten minutes only to fade completely like the multitude of his teammates. It will be a shame if the tournament passes a player of his quality by. I felt sorry for Lille striker Burak Yilmaz who made good runs off the shoulders of the Italian defenders but didn't receive any quality of service.
Wales meanwhile had a decent result against the Swiss with a 1 - 1 draw. Both sides really need a win here. If Turkey lose they are probably out and with Wales playing Italy in their final game they will feel they need a win here to be sure of progressing. I would say the Turks have the better squad but Wales look fitter and have a spirit that might just get them through the group. The feedback I’ve had from Wales fans is that the great thing about having Kieffer Moore in your side is that he's a target man so always likely to get you a goal. They've also said that the bad thing about Kieffer Moore is he's a target man so you don't get the best out of passing players like Ramsay, Bale and James. Dan James seemed sharp against the Swiss using his pace to win fouls and corners. Yet he was taken off just after Wales had equalised possibly eliminating the chance of a Welsh win. This is such a hard game to predict. If Turkey don't show more energy than they did against Italy then they'll be going home with a whimper. If they turn up it could be a difficult afternoon for the Welsh.
Frenchfooty prediction: Turkey 1 V Wales 1
Italy V Switzerland - Group A - Kick off at 2000 from the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Live on ITV and ITV Hub.
Italy once again have home advantage with the game taking place in Rome. The Italians were superb in their opening match against Turkey. Under Roberto Mancini they are more attacking than they are traditionally yet they have kept their renowned defensive strength. Giorgio Chiellini in particular looked imperious at the back. The Italian Captain led by example and is everything you'd want from a Centre Half. Composed, strong, vocal, good in the air, great timing in the tackle and a threat at the other end too. What a player and what a performance. They blew Turkey away in the first game with a quick, passing, attacking style of play. Any team that can afford to keep a Striker like Andrea Bellotti on the bench must have attacking strength in depth. The Swiss meanwhile did ok against Wales and probably should have won the game with the chances they had. A draw would be a good result against Italy but Switzerland will be hoping that the groups earlier game will have finished in a draw. Italy should have too much for them and could well be qualified for the next round when the final whistle is blown.
Frenchfooty prediction: Italy 2 - Switzerland 0.
Commentaires