1. Finland
2. North Macedonia
FINLAND
UEFA came into existence in 1954 and Finland are member since 1 no957. Still, it is the first time they are qualifying for the tournament. Football Association of Finland controls football in Finland. Their current FIFA ranking is 54, best being 33 in 2007.
In 2008, team came close to qualifying, with last match in a must win situation, settled in a draw with Portugal, ending up second to them (27 points, Finland 24). They have seen many misfortunes over the years and ofcourse lack of quality in team.
In 2019 team secured a spot in Euro for the first time in their history. Eventhough they have participated in 4 Olympics, qualified campaign was first for them. Thanks to Teemu Pukki of Norwich City for his excellent finishing skills and scoring 10 goals in Qualifying campaigns.
They played 3-5-2 in their last match against Switzerland , and 5-3-2 against Ukraine before.
Players to watch in EURO
Pukki (Norwich City England)
Jenson (Augsburg Germany)
Kamara (Rangers FC Skotland)
Tuominen(BK Hacken , Sweden)
Lod (Minnesota FC USA)
Head Coach
Markku Kanerva
Captain
Tim Sparv
North Macedonia
Image source :youngpioneertours.com
Football Federation of Macedonia regulates the game at North Macedonia. Their current FIFA ranking is 62. Ever since their independence from Yugoslavia, their team have played some impressive matches, they have defeated Germany in Germany, draws with England, Holland, Croatia, Italy and Serbia. In their European qualifiers, won 4, lost 4 and 2 went into draw. They finished third behind Poland and Austria, before defeating Georgia 1-0 in play offs.
Eljif Elmas was top scorer in qualifiers with 4 goals.
Players to watch in EURO
Goran Pandev (Genova Italy)
Ezgjan Alioski (Leeds United England)
Eljif Elmas (SSC Napoli Italy)
Enis Bardhi (Levante Spain)
Dimitrieski (Rayo Vallecano Spain)
Head Coach
Igor Angelovski
Captain
Goran Pandev
Goran Pandev has played most matches for the team (117)and also he is the top scorer (37). They play 4-4-2 formation mostly. I am sure they are a full surprise package in EURO 2020, in interesting group C with Austria, Netherland and Ukraine.
Finland plays in Group B and North Macedonia in Group C.
Here are some additional information about the EURO :
Most appearance
Germany 12
Most successful
Germany - 3 (1972,1980,1996)
Spain -3 (1964,2008,2012)
Most Matches played
Christiano Ronaldo (21)
Most Minutes played
Christiano Ronaldo (1793) Portugal
Most matches won
Cesc Fabregas
Iker Casillas (Spain)
Christiano Ronaldo (11)
Youngest Player in Final
Renato Sanches (18 years) 2018
Portugal
Oldest player
Gabor Kiraly (40 years)
Hungary
Most goals scored
Christiano Ronaldo (9 in four Competitions)
Michel Platini (9 in one competition)
France
Most goals scored in Qualifying
Christiano Ronaldo (31)
Most Hatricks
Michel Platini (2 )
France
Biggest final match margin
2012
Spain vs Italy
4-0


No comments:
Post a Comment