The final groups stage matches were like scenes from the film Sliding Doors, except in the movie they only alternated between two scenarios. Here, it seemed the possibilities were almost infinite.
Also, 36 games to winnow the European Championship field from 24 to 16? The NBA would be proud. But it was good entertainment. The group stage came to an exciting conclusion and we move on to the knockout phase Saturday.
Also, the Union return to action.
The Undefeated
Three sides - Italy, Belgium, and Netherlands - made it through group stage unscathed. Italy were just about perfect, scoring seven and allowing none in their three matches. Belgium were pretty much the same, scoring seven while yielding just one. If we are grading based on degree of difficulty, Italy's accomplishment easily outpaces the other two countries; they compiled their record in what was arguably the second toughest group while Belgium and Netherlands were blessed with the two easiest groups of the tournament. Does this translate into further success in the competition?
Shifting Sands
The final day of Group F action was a roller coaster ride. As scores changed, Germany, Portugal and Hungary took turns being the odd country out. England's first knockout stage opponent kept changing too, switching among France to Germany to Portugal. France and Portugal battled to a 2-2 draw with three of the goals coming on penalties; at least one might have really been a penalty. A little harsh, since nothing was overturned by VAR but there were three calls (one a no-call) that wouldn't have been overturned by VAR had they been called differently on the field. Germany had to work their keisters off to salvage a draw with Hungary, which was enough for them to grab third.
Speaking of shifting sands, this article from the NYT's Rory Smith highlights how a Finland own goal changed many fates. Also, good stuff in general about the tournament.
Feel Good Story
Denmark entered the last day of group stage with no points yet somehow still had a chance. They had a pair of hard luck losses to Finland (after watching their teammate collapse) and Belgium (late game heroics from De Bruyne). So the scenario required them to beat Russia by at least two and for Finland to lose against Belgium. At one point it looked good, except that Denmark surrendered a penalty while Belgium had a goal ruled out within minutes of each other, leaving Denmark up by one and Belgium level with Finland past the 70 minute mark. Then, also practically concurrently, Belgium got their breakthrough goal and Denmark restored their two goal lead. The goal that mattered can be seen here (should open at around 4:04). Pandemonium! If you watch a little further you'll see that both Denmark and Belgium added insurance goals. Somehow it feels right that the Danes are advancing.
How Many Countries in This Country Made It To the Knockout Stage?
Two. England was spectacularly mediocre in winning their group with just two goals. Not yielding any probably helped. Good to see Grealish in for the last match and setting up Sterling for the lone goal against the Czech Republic with a deft cross.
Wales advance too, largely on the strength of their 2-0 basting besting of Turkey. They also held Italy to one goal despite being down a man for much of the second half. Italy might have been on cruise control at that point but still a notable defensive effort.
Alas, Scotland will not be moving on after falling to Croatia 1-3. That was a nice goal from Luka Modric for the game winner. The lads play with heart but scoring goals would really help - they got just the one over the three matches.
Disappointments?
North Macedonia got no points and had a -6 goal differential but we really can't call that a disappointment since they came in ranked 62nd. Scotland finished 22nd out of 24 with just one point and one goal; to be fair, they came in ranked 44th so they were in for a tough ride. No, I think we have two stronger (weaker?) candidates. We offer Poland, ranked 21st, who ironically finish 21st here with just one point and a -2 goal differential. Or maybe you prefer Turkey, who finish dead last, with no points and a -7 goal differential.
Surprises?
The Czech Republic are a good candidate; a win over Scotland and draw with Croatia got them one of the third place advances. Austria are having a decent run, though their reward is a round of 16 fixture with Italy.
Conversation That Could Have Taken Place But Did Not
Dennis: Did you say Germany are looking exceptionally motivated?
Steve: No, I said they are playing Hungary
Get It Out of Your System
Slovakia's keeper - Newcastle's own Martin Dubravka - had a good start to the tournament when his side beat Poland. Things went downhill from there. In the second match against Sweden, he committed a foul in the box, leading to the only goal of that match. He was saving his worst for last. Against Spain, Dubravka ceded the opening score via a horrendous own goal as seen here. He would see four more go past him before the day was through. All we can say is better you had that day here than, say, against Brentford in the EPL next fall.
Union Keep Dooping Along
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| First time for a full Subaru Park - photo from Jeff H |
Against Columbus, the Union benefited from an early goal courtesy Monteiro - their only shot on target. Stats suggest a territorial advantage for Columbus but they didn't translate it into too many shots. Blake had his usual clutch save late. The 1-0 final flatters the U; that looked like a draw both live and on paper. I checked the newspaper the next day and it still counts as three points.
After 10 matches, Philadelphia sit third in the table. Much work to do if they want to repeat as Supporters Shield winners but they have recovered well from the shaky start.
Taking It Pretty Well
Dennis seems incredibly calm about reports that Jack Grealish is likely to leave Aston Villa for Man City this summer. The $140 million transfer fee might have something to do with it. Also, Villa have a recent history of good acquisitions so maybe his confidence is merited. Still, it seems like a change fraught with danger; though I don't have the numbers at my fingertips, I recall a staggering difference in points per game with and without Grealish.
Similarly, Michael B (to the extent that he still follows the EPL) is relatively calm about the possible departure of Harry Kane, also to City.
My silver lining to this? Maybe Kane and Grealish mean less Sterling. Some day I'll figure out why I don't like Sterling.
The Company You Keep
Knockout Stages
The round of 16 runs from Saturday through Tuesday, two each day, one at noon and one at 3 pm. Arrange your schedules accordingly as there are a pile of intriguing fixtures.
Saturday at 12 - Wales vs Denmark - I like both sides so will be happy whatever the result. Denmark would normally be the favorite but without Erikson, not so clear.
Saturday at 3 - Italy vs Austria - This is an in-form Italian side but Austria have been playing well.
Sunday at 12 - Netherlands vs Czech Republic - On paper this looks good for the Dutch
Sunday at 3 pm - Belgium vs Portugal - Yikes, that sounds like a semi or even a final match up. Belgium have been steady but mostly untested. Portugal have been tested but their grades are all over the place. This is definitely one to watch.
Monday at 12 - Croatia vs Spain - Another interesting one. Both sides have been growing into the tournament.
Monday at 3 pm - France vs Switzerland - Like the Netherlands, France look the better side on paper and really should take care of business here.
Tuesday at noon - England vs Germany - I would much prefer the Three Lions here. Both sides have been hard to figure out so far. England are undefeated but unimpressive. Germany looked great thrashing Portugal but have been ordinary at other times.
Tuesday at 3 pm - Sweden vs Ukraine - The Swedes have a great opportunity to make it to the quarters with the match up.
The Union will also be in action versus the Chicago Fire on Saturday at 8 pm. Chicago are really struggling and this is the kind of match Philadelphia needs to win if they want to stay top tier in the MLS.
Good news at Clearview St - we have new set-top boxes and dvr is working again. It was like the dark ages here for a few weeks.
Thanks for the spotlight photo of me with Giuseppe Rossi. As I told GR when I met him, I felt like the boy and he was the man even though I’m 30 years his senior. He was helping out at his family’s restaurant like a regular guy. Forza Italia!!
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