Thursday, May 20, 2021

Debutants in Euro 2020

 1. Finland

2. North Macedonia



FINLAND



Image source: 90min.com


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