As the Euro moves to second round, giving us some good high quality matches, here is a review on 8 teams bowed out of tournament after first round.
1. HUNGARY
They have won hearts. First thing comes to mind when I think about Hungary matches are the supporters. . . Omg, that was huge and overwhelming. They look like celebrating and backing their team to bring back the glory of 1950s. It was unfortunate that they were in Death group ,but still they were alive till 84th min of very last game of Round.
Matches -3
Win - 0
Draw -2
Lost - 1
Points 2
GF -3
GA -6
In the first match itself, they have shown their defensive capabilities. Portugal were denied goal till 84th min , and broke deadlock in a lucky deflection. But, Portugal scored 2 more.
When you are in a group with all giants alongside, you wont get a breathing space. After Portugal, it was France, but in that Hungary took lead in 45th min, in a beautiful counter attack. France were dominating, but couldn't score, thanks to the defensive works, and finally found equaliser in 66th min by Griezman. And in the third match, Germany were on the brink of getting eliminated, after Hungary took lead twice, with excellent goals, but Germany's perseverance paid off in the 84th min strike from Goretzka.
Hoping to see Hungary playimg world cup, with better luck, as they are currently second in Qualifying group behind England with 2 wins from 3 matches, where Poland is 4th.
2. TURKEY
In my predictions before tournament, i had put Turkey as group toppers. You can imagine how disappointed I would be when they go back with 0 points. I was hoping to see some good performance from them, as they defeated Holland on March 24 in a World Cup qualifier 4-2 score.
Matches -3
Win - 0
Draw -0
Lost - 3
Points -0
GF -1
GA -8
Italy 3-0 Turkey
Wales 2-0 Turkey
Switzerland 3-1 Turkey
In my opinion, Turkey had only 2 succes in the tournament, stopped Italy from scoring in first half, scored goal against Switzerland. I hoped much better with AC Milan player Calhanoglu playing in the side.
3. RUSSIA
Matches -3
Win - 1
Draw -0
Lost - 2
Points 3
GF -2
GA -7
Russia 1-0 Finland
Russia 0-3 Belgium
Russia 1-4 Denmark
Russia started with a loss to World number one team Belgium, but gave hope with win over Finland. But, Denmark, who found their fire demolished Russia in the final group game. Russian supporters expected much more from their side as the team had reached quarter finals of World cup and there losing to finalists Croatia in penalties.
4. POLAND
Matches -3
Win - 0
Draw -1
Lost - 2
Points 1
GF -4
GA -6
Poland 1-2 Slovakia
Poland 1- Spain 1
Poland 2 - Sweden 3
Poland had scored 4 goals in the tournament and 3 among them by star stricker Robert Lewandowski. Poland had a good tournament, they fought well in all their matches. They held spain for 1-1 draw. But lost to Slovakia after being reduced to 10 men with a red card. In the vital 3rd match, They were level with Sweden with 2 brilliant goals from Lewandowski, but Swedes got away with 94th min goal by Claesson.
This could be last time we see Lewandowski in Euro , bow to him.
5. SLOVAKIA
Matches -3
Win - 1
Draw -0
Lost - 2
Points 3
GF -2
GA -7
Slovakia 2-1 Poland
Slovakia 0- Sweden 1
Slovakia 0- Spain 5
Till their goal keeper Dubravka's howler to concede first goal against Spain, they had chances to progress to the second round. The New Castle keeper was standing in a heroic posture after initial Penalty save to deny Morata, but then team got ripped away by Spain. Before that, Slovakia had conceded just 2, one in the winning match and then collapsed totally.
6. SCOTLAND
Matches -3
Win - 0
Draw -1
Lost - 2
Points 1
GF -1
GA -5
Scotland 0- Czech Republic 2
Scotland 0- England 0
Scotland 1- England 3
Mctominay, Billy Gilmour, Adams, McGinn, Robertson, Armstrong, Tierney - you might have heard these names if you follow football,. Yes, they are big players from English Premier league clubs with experience. But Scotland disappointed in the tournament, by not scoring when they needed. Their success remains holding England for a 0-0 draw, thanks to brilliant play by Chelsea midfielder Gilmour. Scotland scored only 1 goal , that came as equaliser to Croatia in the first half, by Croatia took away the game by goals from Magician Modric, and Perisic. What a goal that was from Modric, we cant see him score everyday, but when he does, that will be beauty, like the one he scored in World cup against Argentina. They missed Gilmour in the final match as he tested Covid +ve .
Scotland had got eliminated in all of their 11 appearances in major tournaments like World cup and Euro.
7. FINLAND
Matches -3
Win - 1
Draw -0
Lost - 2
Points 3
GF -1
GA -3
Finland 1- Denmark 0
Finland 0- Russia 1
Finland 0- Belgium 2
Finland must be going back happily as they scored and won in their very first Euro campaign ever in team history. Even though we saw Eriksen's collapse and hard hearted Denmark continuing match, they were able to mark their name in it. Eventually, they lost to Russia after a good fight and a hoped loss to Belgium. I doubt Pukki would get another chance in Euro.
8. North Macedonia
Matches -3
Win - 0
Draw -0
Lost - 3
Points 0
GF -2
GA -8
Austria 3- N Macedonia 1
Ukraine 2- N Macedonia 1
Holland 3- N Macedonia 0
Even though N Macedonia were freshers in Euro, never seemed like it. Pandev and Leeds United star Alioski lead team well. Their best match was against Ukraine, with 47% ball possession, 400-450 passes, 86-84 pass accuracy, 17-13 shots , 8-5 on target, 5-5 corners. They deserved a point.
Tournament also saw their best player ever Pandev retiring from international colors, in a very emotional moment. Thumps up for N Macedonia.
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