On To The Knockout Phase

Multitasking between track & field, the Euros, Copa America, golfing, taking in the Oregon coast and a little bit of work.  Yeah, it's a tough job but someone has to do it.  I did eventually get to see four of the final group stage matches.  

No Premium For Mediocrity

With the expanded format, teams were generally not punished for mediocrity in the Group Stage.  Looking at you Netherlands as the prime example.  They needed a late goal from Wout to edge Poland 2-1, drew 0-0 with France and then surrendered a late goal to lose to Austria 2-3.  But, 3rd in their group with four points was enough to get them to the knockout rounds.  France didn't turn anyone's head with a 1-0 win over Austria, then draws with Netherlands and Poland but they moved on.  

England sleepwalked their way to the knockout rounds with an uninspiring win over Serbia, then draws with Denmark and Slovenia.  Speaking of those two, they both failed to win a group stage match but advanced with three draws.  Belgium looked toothless and likely lead the tournament in goals ruled out by VAR but also made it.

Modric as the Man of Sorrows
Sent along by BFS Art Director Laura O.

Two exceptions to that story line are Croatia and Scotland.  Perennial contenders Croatia put themselves in a hole with an opening 0-3 loss to Spain and made it even deeper when they dropped two points surrendering a late equalizing goal with Albania.  Somewhat incrediby, they were still in position to advance, carrying a 1-0 lead over Italy into stoppage time.  A 90+8 minute goal off a corner gave Italy a 1-1 draw and sent the Croatians packing.  The sad note there is that might have been the major international appearance for Luka Modric.  His goal in the 55th minute, this week's YouTubeableMoment, scored shortly after missing a PK, had given Croatia the lead.

As for Scotland, the opening day loss to Germany was only surprising in its magnitude (5-1).  The 1-1 draw with Switzerland had seemingly set them up for advancement with only Hungary to go.  Alas, they could not muster a goal in that contest and eventually lost 0-1.  Clearly a disappointing effort.

On the positive side, Georgia's 2-0 upset of Portugal was fun to watch, especially since neither Dennis or I are big fans of the Portuguese side.  With the74th ranked team knocking off the 6th rated side, this was the biggest upset in European Championship history.  

Germany and Spain were the only sides that looked close to pre-tournament expectations.  Not that it necessarily means anything for the knockout phase but at least they were businesslike in getting through the group stage.

Can You Get a Red Card In A Debate?

Fortunately, I missed the two ugliest contests of the week - the Presidential debate and Czechia vs Turkiye.  The latter featured 25 fouls, 16 yellow cards and two red cards.  Had those sanctions been available for the debate, we probably would have seen a number of them applied there as well.

Poised For Disappointment

After a solid opener against Bolivia, the USMNT faltered against Panama.  Down a man after Weah got sent off at 18 minutes, they did take the lead but that only lasted for four minutes.  Panama got the game winner in the 88th minute.  Though they sit in 2nd right now, level on points with Panama and a better goal differential, the outlook is not great.  Panama get a weak Bolivian side for their last group stage match while the US must face Uruguay.  Those matches are Monday evening.

You Cannot Lose If You Do Not Play (apologies to Steve Forbert)

Speaking of disappointment, the Union did not do so this week but they also didn't play. They face Montreal on Saturday night on the road. 

Viewing Challenges

As we head to the final two days of the Olympic Trials plus a travel day on Monday, keeping tabs on everything is going to be difficult.  The Euro Championship bracket can be seen here.  Will probably get to see Saturday and Sunday matches either live (they are at 9 and 12 out here) or on DVR.

Busy time to be away.